"I had originally planned for them to attend next year’s Cannes Film Festival," Adrian said in Claude’s office, sounding both explanatory and sowhat complaining.
"Don’t worry about it, Ed. It’s not like we weren’t prepared for this," Claude said, waving his hand dismissively. "I know how you feel, but that’s how things go; not everything will proceed exactly as you wish."
"Yes, I know, it’s just..." Adrian made a gesture, "well, I’m just a bit surprised. I should have expected this situation."
On reflection, it was only natural for Michael Moore to quickly release "Fahrenheit 9/11" and take it to Cannes. In his previous life, the only reason he was forced to attend the Cannes Film Festival in ’04 was due to a sequence of predicants. First, it was difficult to attract investnt for a film attacking the governnt. Secondly, Miramax, the production company, and its parent company, Disney, ca into conflict over it. Eisner even used executive power to order the Weinstein brothers not to participate in producing the film, leaving its distribution hanging in the balance.
All these factors accumulated and sparked debate within certain circles, leading to "Fahrenheit 9/11" being taken to Cannes, where it ultimately won the Pal d’Or for various reasons.
Now, with Miramax under the wing of AC dia, the harmony between the two was much better than it was with Disney in the previous lifeti, which is why Harvey Weinstein had clung to Moore at the Sundance Film Festival to approach Adrian with this proposition.
Adrian, though he hadn’t agreed to Moore’s request, had not only condoned Weinstein’s actions but had also offered a suggestion that could catapult them to the pinnacle. With this in mind, Weinstein would surely go ahead with it, taking care of the investnt, and a situation Michael Moore would be exceedingly enthusiastic and highly motivated about. Plus, being soone who couldn’t stand being in the shadows, why wait until next year to show the public, to unveil the truth, to awaken the people, and to start preparing for Bush’s ousting? Especially with the Oscar for Best Docuntary feature and the final outburst of the Iraq War as catalysts.
All of this had not been anticipated by Adrian, or perhaps he had the slightest notion but then cast it aside, as he had beco accustod to providing a rough plan and then leaving it to others to refine the details and put them into action. Since the plan was already in place for competing in ’04 and he had entrusted Weinstein with the task, all he had to do was wait until next year. More importantly, next year was an election year, and if Moore truly wanted to pull Bush from the presidential throne, releasing "Fahrenheit 9/11" next year would clearly be better.
Therefore, when Moore, with his fearless spirit, finally completed the docuntary in May and sent it to Cannes, Weinstein didn’t notify Adrian since this move had been agreed upon months earlier, ultimately leading to the current... passive situation.
Indeed, even though Adrian had discussed with Weinstein and reported the matter to Claude, planning a series of arrangents around the ’04 release of "Fahrenheit 9/11," the current turn of events ant pushing AC dia, unprepared for such a tide, to the forefront, requiring many of this year’s plans to be revised.
Fortunately, the corresponding plan could be directly implented, and the sudden ascent would quickly dissipate any backlash as well, with the controversy likely being less than in the previous lifeti. As a result, the pressure on AC dia would be reduced. Plus, plans always need to be adjusted, so Claude was not concerned. After all, Miramax could be the scapegoat, even if it was just nominally; thrown out to attract attention, it would divert so of the focus and still serve the purpose of signaling to the Bush Administration.
In this regard, Adrian’s initial judgnt of Moore was correct; the angry young man wasn’t really that angry. Of course, it might also be that he overestimated the impact of his docuntary, thinking that a year of fernting, with a shot at another Oscar nomination, could resonate with more people and thus change the outco of next year’s election.
Unfortunately, regardless of how objective his docuntary might be—a point which had already been analyzed—the control of public discourse wasn’t in the hands of soone like him, so...
"Alright, let’s talk about sothing else. Have you read the opinion on Macrodia’s developnt of Flash Player that I asked Innie to compile?" Adrian changed the subject.
"I’ve seen it, but shouldn’t this be for Victor? He’s the chairman of the network company," Claude raised an eyebrow and said half-jokingly.
"Co on, Crow, I’m talking serious business here," Ed couldn’t help but shake his head with a chuckle, "Don’t tell you can’t see the key point. If this website takes off, the entire internet landscape will once again beco more open and unobstructed. If it can occupy a major part of the market like Facebook, then we will once again hold the initiative in the era of the internet."
"Alright, alright, I get it," Claude laughed, raising both hands, then his expression suddenly turned nostalgic. "Honestly, Ed, I’ve always rembered how you described the future to ... I’m glad to witness all this, to see your predictions co true one by one."
Hearing these heartfelt words, Adrian couldn’t help but let out a sigh, "Without your support, I could never have made these ideas co to life. Without the support from The Godfather and uncle, we couldn’t have reached this point, could we?"
Claude sat up straight with a smile: "So, rember to go to Victor with this kind of thing in the future because I will definitely give him my fullest support."
"You rascal," Adrian imdiately rolled his eyes.
Without a doubt, YouTube needed to be added to the agenda. Compared to Facebook, which only proved its value after reaching a certain number of users, YouTube could expand AC dia’s business much faster. Not to ntion anything else, just a viral marketing movie trailer alone could have an effect far surpassing other forms of dia. It could be said that only after the ergence of YouTube did the era of viral marketing on the internet truly establish itself and reach its peak.
Therefore, Adrian had insisted on acquiring Macrodia early on and had even bought shares of Adobe through a mix-up. Now that Facebook was operating very well, it was definitely the right ti to reach out, and then Adrian consulted with the programrs from Macrodia and discussed with them, confirming that the latest version of flash player t the requirents. He then exchanged views with Victor.
Victor’s talent had now been fully realized. Not to ntion anything else, the fact that he chose Blair Warden, who looked unprepossessing but was quite passionate and energetic, as his deputy over Andy Oermann, the ambitious one from the trio that had created Facebook and whom Adrian had recomnded, without Andy Oermann showing a single sign of complaint, spoke volus.
So the only thing left was to secure Crow’s full support, and now this last piece was also settled. Thus only one of the three key websites remained, and there weren’t any technical issues; after YouTube launched and stabilized its developnt, it could start. It should definitely be before the end of next year at the latest.
Ti slipped into June, and the weather in Los Angeles was getting hotter, but that didn’t stop the critics from engaging in heated discussions about a certain docuntary in the dia. In a sense, Fahrenheit 9/11 winning the Pal d’Or was like France giving the United States a slap in the face. Of course, compared to the previous ti when Fahrenheit 9/11 won the Pal d’Or after a long period of distribution difficulties, this slap was a bit lighter.
But nevertheless, a slap was a slap. Even though there weren’t many French people in this year’s jury, everyone knew what was going on. As a result, those in the United States who supported the Republican Party and were Conservatives began to vehently criticize Moore and his Fahrenheit 9/11 on various occasions, denouncing it utterly. The situation had occurred once before. Moore wasn’t exactly a low-profile person, despite the need to work overti to finish in ti for Cannes Film Festival in May; he still managed to make his latest work widely known after winning the Oscar for Best Docuntary.
Although there were many supporters of his at that ti, the enthusiasm wasn’t very high; after all, using 9/11 was a sensitive topic. For Arican people, this was a massive wound. It was better to reserve judgnt without seeing the specific content. Therefore, from April to the first half of May, voices in his support were very faint.
But now things were different. Fahrenheit 9/11 had won the Pal d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and according to those who had seen it, the docuntary was basically attacking the Bush Administration without touching too many sensitive areas. Naturally, those who supported the Democratic Party also ca out to debate with Republican supporters, so the number of people cheering for Fahrenheit 9/11 increased.
In any case, it didn’t harm national interests. The docuntary was rely aid at the governnt and so Republicans. Moreover, its reputation had been made; if the governnt clamped down too hard, it would only draw public skepticism. Therefore, they would definitely observe from the sidelines for a while, showcasing the democracy and freedom of the United States. If they didn’t speak out at this ti, then when should they?
As for AC dia, the originators, they maintained a façade of neutrality, but rumors claid that the two bosses were completely unaware of Miramax’s actions and were quite upset about it in private. Of course, not everyone believed it; many who enjoyed watching the drama sneered at the notion. They didn’t know? Impossible! They probably had it all planned, ready to embarrass the Bush Administration, with Miramax rely set up as the scapegoat.
They did have their motives. Let’s not forget that AC dia’s acquisition of AT&T Broadband faced obstacles until Junior Bush took office when the deal went through. Considering ABC’s performance in the latter part of the year 2000, claiming there were no shenanigans involved is clearly impossible. But over these two years, the Bush Administration was getting cozy with News Corporation, who received many special treatnts, and since News Corporation and AC dia were competitors in many areas, it was very possible that AC dia was using this opportunity to express their discontent.
However, there then erged reports that the Weinstein brothers had an unpleasant eting with AC dia’s CEO, Claude, and they seed to be in a bad mood after returning to Miramax. This piece of information had more evidence; at least, Harvey Weinstein when asked about this at various gatherings, would imdiately frown and grumble a few words of dissatisfaction before steering the conversation away.
But what was interesting was that AC dia did not punish Miramax. Although they thought privately producing and distributing "Fahrenheit 9/11" were terrible moves, they didn’t order them to give up the docuntary, nor did they have any intention of removing the Weinstein brothers to take control of Miramax. In short, they acted quite ambiguously.
So, when all these pieces of information were combined, it suggested that AC dia truly didn’t know, was very dissatisfied with the Weinstein brothers, but Miramax was ultimately their subsidiary, and they took this opportunity to showcase their stance of neutrality—that is, expressing dissatisfaction—so in the end, they tacitly approved the deed. It has to be said, this essentially fit Adrian’s plan.
"I need compensation, Ed. You have no idea how miserable I’ve been, always having to put on an unhappy face in public as if I had a deep grudge against you guys, unlike Bob who can just hide out in his office all day. I’m just a producer, Ed, not an actor," complained Harvey Weinstein’s voice from the phone to Adrian’s ear.
"You’re doing great, Harvey, really great. I’m pleased, so keep it up, at least until after ’Fahrenheit 9/11’ is released," Adrian said on the phone, lounging by the poolside, with one hand on the waist of Lin Xilei in a bikini, who was rhythmically moving up and down on top of him.
"What? You’ve got to be kidding. You know the release is at least..." Harvey Weinstein didn’t get to finish his sentence, as Adrian hung up and began to breathe heavily with his lower half now becoming more engaged.
Lin Xilei twisted even more fiercely, moaning and running her hands through her hair. Although her bikini was still in place, the lively movents stoked greater desire than if it weren’t there at all. Finally, with a long moan, she tensed her body, held that position for several seconds, and then collapsed softly on Adrian.
"Sorry, boss." After a tender kiss, Lin Xilei said this with half-closed seductive eyes.
"It’s alright; you’ll have plenty of chances for compensation," Adrian said nonchalantly, his gaze then shifted to the two won frolicking in the pool.
Lin Zhiling and Gao Yuanyuan, also in bikinis, were giggling and splashing water at each other. They seed oblivious to Adrian and Lin Xilei on the lounge chair, but in reality, they occasionally glanced over. The difference was, Lin Zhiling was used to it, while Gao Yuanyuan still blushed slightly.
After things cald down, Adrian straightened up, put on his swim trunks, and dived into the pool, swimming over to the two won.
"Yuanyuan, feeling much better, right?" He asked them with a laugh, wrapping an arm around each, "I always said, in the sumr, swimming is one of the best ways to soothe the heart."
"Mmm..." Gao Yuanyuan lowered her head, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Not at all," Lin Zhiling pouted, interrupting her, "Yuanyuan is in a good mood because she spoke with her family earlier. n always like to take all the credit for themselves."
"Is that so?" Adrian raised an eyebrow at Gao Yuanyuan.
"Not exactly," Gao Yuanyuan explained, her gaze shifting, "What Zhiling said is only one aspect. Hearing that my parents are safe and sound really makes happy, but swimming also feels very refreshing."
"Playing both sides won’t work, Yuanyuan." Lin Xilei, who had also finished getting ready, plunged into the pool with a splash and ca over, took hold of Gao Yuanyuan’s arm with a giggly smile, and said.
"That’s right, I was just speaking up for you, Yuanyuan." Lin Zhiling also laughed, grabbing her other arm, "So you must be punished."
Gao Yuanyuan sensed sothing was wrong, but before she could react, the two Lins had already lifted her out of the water between them, facing Adrian, and then spread her legs apart as if presenting a gift. Gao Yuanyuan struggled feebly for a mont, but could only look timidly at Adrian.
"It’s not right to bully Yuanyuan like this." Adrian said, but without any hesitation, he pressed himself against Gao Yuanyuan, silencing her mouth. Having been unsatisfied earlier, he quickly beca aroused again upon close contact, and imdiately engaged in a more profound exchange with Gao Yuanyuan.
Afterward, naturally, it was the three won’s turn to take shifts, from grappling in the pool to the shore, then back to the water again. This kind of four-way had happened more than once or twice before.
Learning bad habits is always easy. Gao Yuanyuan was on her own in Los Angeles, and with the pandemic preventing her from returning ho, she could only keep up with her family over the phone. Moreover, the pressure from acting training was intense—she didn’t have formal acting education, and her skills were just average. The acting requirents in China and Hollywood were two different things. Although she was handpicked by Adrian to play a role in "Battlestar Galactica," upon coming to the United States, Lin Xilei, who lived with her, would often impart the idea that, "Even if you’re chosen by the Miracle Director, if you can’t handle the role, you have to give it up."
Moreover, even though she tried hard to integrate into Arican society, her social circle was relatively limited, which easily accumulated negative emotions and made her feel depressed. So, under Adrian’s seduction, she found a perfect outlet—sex.
After being ecstatically brought to the clouds in bed ti and ti again, Gao Yuanyuan continuously reassured herself that "there’s nothing here I can’t handle" and gradually let loose. From only being willing in the bedroom to the living room, to outside, to under the sun—it didn’t matter anymore, from only with Adrian to not caring even if Lin Xilei or Lin Zhiling saw her.
Besides, she was staying at Lin Xilei’s villa, and Lin Xilei didn’t hide her relationship with Adrian. Gao Yuanyuan had witnessed Adrian and Lin Xilei together in the villa more than once, so threesos just naturally happened.
Then, well, front and back fell as well. Aside from a few "friendly matches," most won were thoroughly explored by Adrian, and how could Gao Yuanyuan be an exception? This greatly stimulated her, and whether it was a case of ’might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb’ or sothing else, she started to beco even more unrestrained. Playing gas like uniform roleplay, taking photos for mories, and quickly joining Lin Zhiling for a four-way were no longer a problem.
Of course, such a scenario didn’t co about without significant effort from Lin Zhiling. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian) to vote for it with recomndation tickets or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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