The Wolf of Los Angeles.

In the VIP lounge of the Kodak Theatre, many people were focused on Harvey Weinstein.

Harvey has been the most successful Oscar promoter over the past two decades.

However, none of the films he submitted for Best Director, Best Film, or Best Actress at this year's awards ceremony.

This has piqued the curiosity of countless people.

Meryl Streep was among them.

Ever since entering the Kodak Theatre, her gaze had been fixed on Harvey.

Meryl Streep stood in the corner, witnessing everything that was happening.

Harvey had spoken with her before, wanting to invite her to star in a politically charged biographical film.

Similarly, she also received an audition offer for the lead role in Tom Cruise and Eric Ethan's new film.

Both are political themes, and both feature strong-willed female figures. How should one choose?
Harvey's attitude just now has already made the choice for Meryl.

She hadn't quite understood why Harvey had voluntarily withdrawn from the races for Best Director and Best Picture.

Now everything is clear.

In the presence of Hawke Osment, Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein had no choice but to step aside.

Meryl Streep glanced at the Weinstein brothers, then at the crowd centered around Hawke Osment, and made the choice that best served her interests. She told her agent, "Turn down Harvey's offer. Tonight, give Tom Cruise and director Eric a clear answer: I accept their invitation to audition for the female lead."

Before the agent could answer, she spoke up again: "Never mind, I'll just talk to Harvey directly."

Not just because of these reasons.

Meryl also knew one thing: if she wanted to be Harvey's leading lady and have him help her win the Oscar, even someone of her status would have to go to the Four Seasons Hotel to provide Harvey with many special services.

Massage and the like go without saying.

Without needing an agent as a buffer, Meryl, one of Hollywood's smartest women, quietly approached Harvey and said in a low voice, "Thank you for extending the invitation, but I already received an invitation, so I have to apologize."

Harvey, who is quite well-informed about Hollywood news, said, "It's the biopic directed by Eric Ethan."

Meryl smiled and said, "Yes, I might play the female lead."

"Congratulations." Harvey had no other choice and didn't intend to interfere, so he simply said, "I wish you all the best."

Not wanting to offend this guy too much, Meryl added, "Thank you. I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together again in the future."

After she left, Bob Weinstein felt even more frustrated and said, "Our project is gone, and so is the lead actress."

Harvey said in a low voice, "The project is over, what's the point of having a female lead?"

Bob was still somewhat angry: "Isn't Meryl a spokesperson for the left?"

"Is the left or the right the key?" Harvey, having experienced the blow of losing his patron, has broadened his horizons considerably: "What really matters is what benefits one can gain from it."

Even during the 1990s and the turn of the century when California shifted from red to blue, Hollywood still had countless right-wing figures like Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and the old cowboy.

Moreover, California has now basically turned red.

As Hawke's inner circle prepared to head to the theater lobby, Meryl approached them.

She glanced at Hawke, but instead of rushing forward, she said to Eric, "Director Ethan, I've made my decision to accept your audition invitation. I was planning to let you know tomorrow, but I just happened to see you here."

Eric said directly, "Come to the North Hollywood studio next Monday morning."

Meryl said, "I will be there on time."

After leaving the VIP room, the group arrived at the side door of the theater lobby and split into two groups.

Most people went to sit in the front row of the guest seats.

Hawke and Erica went straight up to the second floor.

The two had already booked a private room.

But as soon as Hawke reached the second floor, he spotted a familiar figure standing in the hallway chatting with someone.

Upon seeing Hawke approach, the blond-haired CEO immediately abandoned his conversation and strode over to greet him. He first greeted Erica and then shook hands with Hawke, saying, "I just found out that you booked a private room here and have been waiting for you."

Hawke knew immediately that this guy had been waiting for him, and asked directly, "What do you need?"

President Dong pointed to the private room: "Shall we go in and talk?"

Hawke and Erica were the first to enter the private room.

Mr. Dong followed him in, closed the door to the private room, sat down next to Hawke, and said, "You made another big deal with the Indians recently?"

Hawke, who had extensive business dealings with India, asked, "Which deal are you referring to?"

These words made Mr. Dong extremely envious. His family had worked themselves to the bone to get a real estate project, and it was the kind that required a large investment with bank loans.

He said, "Satellite, the Venus-Jupiter incident that made Indians a laughing stock all over the world."

The other party has invested heavily in India, so Hawke took the initiative to defend the Indian side: "The facts are not as exaggerated as the media reports. The area where the Indian military discovered the luminous object is located on a plateau with thin air. They sent the photos and videos to our experts, who also believed it might be a high-altitude aircraft."

Mr. Dong asked, "So you specifically launched a survey satellite?"

Hawke specifically emphasized: "Indians are very rich and willing to spend money. This satellite still belongs to the West Coast Starlink project, and the Indians have spent as much as $3.2 million on it."

Mr. Dong's eyes nearly popped out with envy: "You're right. Indians these days are just like the Japanese back then, wanting nothing more than to buy up the whole world."

Hawke chimed in, “That’s right. I had doubts about the Indians’ financial strength when they delayed paying the final payment for several shipments to the West Coast before, but it turns out those doubts were unnecessary. This year, the Indians have been making final payments to the West Coast company in a row and have even taken the initiative to cover the interest accrued during that period.”

Erica suddenly interjected, "The Indians even gifted me a set of top-quality emerald jewelry for this."

Mr. Dong said, "It seems that India is famous for its emeralds."

Hawke had seen that set of emeralds; the piece on the pendant was enormous—he wouldn't even dare buy such a large bottle of Tiger Balm.

However, emeralds have been cultivated artificially for a long time. Given the character and style of the Indian brother, it's not impossible that he might send some artificially cultivated products.

This thing belongs to poor people and they wear it; it's real or fake.

Even the artificially cultivated ones used by the wealthy are of the flawless type.

Hawke offered a haphazard suggestion: "When you invest in the World One building, you can build a special 'Golden Suite' or 'Golden Floor,' one of a kind in the world. With a little media coverage, it's sure to attract the attention of the world's richest people." As a veteran real estate tycoon, Mr. Dong was quite knowledgeable about the industry. Gimmicks like "Golden Suite" had already been thoroughly exploited by Middle Eastern princes.

The most luxurious gemstone floors or suites might be a new selling point.

"Great idea!" Mr. Dong thought to himself, no wonder this guy always makes so much money.

But he wasn't stupid; he immediately lifted Hawke up and said, "Are you interested in ordering one? I can design one specifically to meet your requirements."

Hawke cursed inwardly, calling him an old fox.

Erica easily dismantled the shelf: "Hawk and I are building a similar luxury home in Los Angeles, constructed from marble, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and jade."

She smiled and said, "That's my dream manor."

Mr. Dong, unable to continue promoting the product, said, "I'll look for partners in India later. India is rich in all kinds of gemstones. It seems that many of the gemstones in the British Crown Jewels come from India."

Hawke's idea was to foster more cooperation between Dong Zong and the Indians, saying, "India's gems are indeed the brightest in the British crown."

The more the two talked about India, the more Mr. Dong could feel Hawke's admiration for India, and the more confident he became in India.

There's nothing else to it; Hawke's companies have partnerships with Indians worth tens of billions of dollars.

Based on this multi-billion dollar contract, Hawke will definitely dig up all the Indians' secrets.

The Oscars ceremony then began. Hawke didn't pay much attention to the awards being presented and continued chatting with Mr. Dong.

Gradually, their conversation shifted back to North America, inevitably touching on politics and business.

"Next year is an election year, but the situation within the party is very complicated." Dong Zong said with a worried expression, "The Washington authorities have suddenly set their sights on the Walker and Cheney families' businesses. The FBI, the IRS, the federal courts, and the trade commission are all investigating the two companies and have uncovered many illegal businesses."

Hawke was also watching closely. As things stood, Tom Emer, who had been prepared, had temporarily suppressed the Walker family with the power that came with being the president.

He said, "The power of the Oval Office cannot be ignored. It is a real headache when a president and his loyal staff are determined to deal with a power."

Dong Zong has always coveted that position, and his multiple changes of party affiliation over the years are also attempts to seek more political benefits for his own party.

He thought about what Tom Emer had done and suddenly had an idea.

If I could be in that position, I would first short the stock market, then release bad news such as impending tariff increases...

Even if Buffett came, I would still have to acknowledge myself as the stock market guru!

Mr. Dong became even more obsessed with that position.

Making money in business is too hard, nothing beats being a stock market guru who can multiply your fortune several times over.

It's not surprising that Mr. Dong thinks this way, because the person sitting next to him is a typical example of this.

Hawke reaped so many benefits from Los Angeles, California, and the U.S. federal government that his various companies took off immediately.

Mr. Dong added, “The Walker family will definitely retaliate. These two forces are essentially divided, which will inevitably affect next year’s election.”

He had always believed he was well-hidden, and asked, "Hawk, I've always followed you. Given the situation with the Elephant Party, which side should we support?"

Hawke thought for a moment and said, "Both sides are connected to me. I should contact Tom Emmer next month to give him a chance to meet face-to-face with George Walker of the Walker family. I hope we can break the deadlock and get back to normal."

Mr. Dong shook his head: "It's too difficult. The Walker family's interests have been severely damaged. If Tom Emer doesn't take them down, he'll have to worry about retaliation later."

He looked at Hawke: "Would you vouch for both sides?"

Hawke said, "I don't have that kind of strength, nor that kind of seniority."

Mr. Dong wanted to profit from the conflict between the two, but dared not intervene rashly. He came here this time to test Hawke's words so that he could follow behind and pick up the bargains.

But to his surprise, Hawke's idea was completely different from what he expected.

Fortunately, we gained quite a bit on the topic of India, so this trip to Los Angeles was not in vain.

Everyone has the right to dream, and Mr. Dong's dream of becoming the president has never ceased.

Hawke and Mr. Dong chatted for a long time, and by the time they returned their attention to the awards ceremony, the event was already in its later stages.

Erica briefly explained, "Sugar Baby has won quite a few technical awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Editing, but Best Original Screenplay went to The King's Speech."

Hawke reviewed the nominations and Harvey withdrew the nominations for Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Actress.

However, he still received nominations for awards such as Best Actor.

At this moment, Kathryn Bigelow, the previous year's Best Director and the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Director, took to the stage and announced the nominees: "Darren Aronofsky - Black Swan, the Coen brothers - True Grit, Christopher Nolan - Inception, Eric Ethan - Sugar Piece, David O. Russell - The Fighter."

The ex-wife, who is even more imposing than James Cameron, opened the envelope and announced the results: "The Best Director at this year's Oscars is Eric Ethan!"

Applause immediately erupted.

In the lobby on the first floor, someone jumped up and pumped their fist in celebration; it was Zuckerberg, who was extremely excited.

"Tangbao" won Best Director, the film will become even more famous, and the Tangbao website will also become more famous.

Putting everything else aside, the stock price continuing to rise is inevitable.

Eric strode onto the stage and accepted his second Academy Award for Best Director from Kathryn Bigelow.

Erica asked Hawke, "Was his last award for 'Los Angeles Fire'?"

“That’s right,” Hawke said simply. “Given the style of the Oscars, with Eric already having two Best Director Oscars, it will be very difficult for him to get a third one.”

Mr. Dong directly criticized: "The film academy is full of hypocritical old men."

The Best Actor award, presented later, went to Harvey Dublin's production, "The King's Speech," making Colin Firth the Best Actor of the night.

Natalie Portman, sporting a large pregnant belly, hopes to become the first actress born in the 1980s to win a Best Actress award.

But she wasn't the only one who used her pregnancy to gain public and peer support; Jacqueline was another example.

Last year's Best Actor winner, Jeff Bridges, announced the Best Actress winner: "The Best Actress award goes to Jacqueline Firth!"

Jacqueline covered her face and wept. Unlike many people who feign excitement, she was genuinely overwhelmed with emotion, as if she were living in a dream.

Tonight, "Sugar Baby" is destined to be the biggest winner.

When Spielberg appeared as the presenter, the Best Picture Oscar went to Tom Cruise and Kathryn Graham. (End of Chapter)