[Chapter 472: The Dedicated Leonardo]
A Bentley Continental roared down Ocean Avenue, turning sharply into the underground parking garage of Coastal Building, stopping by the private elevator on the 16th floor.
Eric Erson jumped out of the car clutching a form. He ran into the elevator, rode up to the 16th floor, quickly composed himself, and briskly headed to the chairman's office.
Passing by a glass door office, Edward ca out and asked Eric, "What brings you here?"
Eric couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I have good news to report to the boss."
Edward led him into Hawke's office.
Before Hawke could say a word, Eric stepped forward quickly, placing the form on the desk and said, "Los Angeles Fires has been out in North Arica for three days, and the box office is booming! Absolutely booming!"
Edward replied, "We've received the news."
Eric's grin stretched almost to his ears as he grabbed Edward's shoulders, shaking him vigorously, "Both box office and reviews are smashing it, smashing it!"
Hawke handed Eric a bottle of water. "Take a sip and calm down first."
Edward felt like his brain was turning to mush and quickly shook him off, loudly advising, "Buddy, you're an Oscar-winning director; keep your cool."
Eric twisted the bottle cap, took a couple of sips, letting the cold water settle his nerves, then announced, "On opening day in North Arica, Los Angeles Fires brought in $33.02 million, on the second day $26.25 million, plus yesterday's numbers, totaling $82.45 million for the opening weekend!"
He reflected, "That huge fire and the recent series of related news events have greatly boosted the movie's box office."
Hawke patted his shoulder, "Don't overlook your role as director. Without sufficient quality, the box office might peak day one then fuse out because of bad word of mouth."
Edward shook his head at Eric, "I didn't expect that you, a bastard, would beco a top-tier director in Hollywood."
He rembered how a few years ago, Eric was nearly terrified by harassnt from that gay NFL player.
Eric shrugged, "Buddy, I'm not a big-shot director yet, and you're already a millionaire!"
Edward chuckled.
Eric proceeded to give more details about the movie's current reception: Rotten Tomatoes rated it at an impressive 92%, certified fresh; IMDb had over 30,000 user ratings averaging 8.9; taCritic dia score hit 90, earning it a must-watch tag!
Additionally, CinemaScore audience graded it an A.
All signs indicated Los Angeles Fires would sustain a remarkably strong box office run.
CinemaScore predicted the North Arican box office to eventually hit around $350 million.
By Hollywood's accounting rules, the film wouldn't be profitable from the dostic box office alone, aning Tom Cruise's promised donation from those profits would likely co up empty.
Hawke, a man who thought long-term, after consulting Eric, called Tom Cruise.
They just used a different accounting calculation.
After hanging up, Hawke thought to himself, I really am a good guy, worrying myself sick to help the "suffering Arican people."
Soon after, he made another call, instructing operatives embedded in the distressed Arican communities to intensify attacks against the Democrats and radical feminists amidst the chaos.
Eric didn't stay long and left Coastal Building to head to Paramount.
...
It was well-known that in the still-thriving era of Hollywood, a North Arican box office hit would also succeed overseas.
With Los Angeles Fires topping records and its acclaim spreading fast, the wildfire and the movie revealed a harsh lesson to all Arica: radical feminism and the Democrats backing it repeatedly slowed progress in key matters and accomplished little.
Years ago, spreading such a narrative was difficult.
But Twitter's rapid rise as the biggest internet dia platform changed everything.
Now with nearly 80 million active users nationwide, any information Hawke wanted would reach audiences instantly.
Los Angeles and Southern California organized nurous events commorating the wildfire.
Not only California, through Hawke's coordination, the National Association for the Advancent of Colored People Chapters nationwide also mobilized forces to stage more rallies.
Though Democrats and Republicans have increasingly broken norms, the overall rules remain, and public opinion directly shapes social structure.
---
Los Angeles had beco a stronghold for the LGBTQ community and wildfire victims. Feminist groups like the Feminist Majority Foundation faced severe setbacks, as many turned to reopening the wildfire's painful Chapters, seeking reckoning.
Too many suffered huge losses and had vital interests impacted, with the film and dia casting them as villains.
Michelle had to leave Los Angeles temporarily, the feminist movent's bedrock, and head to San Francisco.
Hollywood's support waned because so many stars and producers lost hos in the fire. Those people remained silent or even opposed the Feminist Majority Foundation.
The California Democrats were in retreat, barely able to manage their own affairs and paid little attention to the feminists.
Now the biggest hope lay in San Francisco.
If the Northern California Democrats could suppress Southern California's heavy blows, the Feminist Majority Foundation might turn the tide.
In San Francisco, Michelle went straight to the local Sisterhood office but found it under siege by LGBTQ protesters.
That evening, Fiona took Michelle to a club in the South Bay area, where they t Mayor Gavin Newsom and his assistant Gittens.
Fiona introduced Michelle to Gavin.
Gavin cut to the chase, "The situation isn't good. The opposition keeps attacking; we're on the defensive now, and this can't continue."
Fiona added, "We originally had a stronghold in San Francisco but no one expected an incident like Philip's."
Gavin sighed quietly; the city's favorable stance was ruined by Philip's ss.
Michelle suggested, "Couldn't we offer compensation to settle out of court, ease pressure from the families?"
Their eyes locked on her, and she imdiately stopped, sensing she had said too much.
Gittens explained, knowing Michelle was the FMF's leader, "The city attributes Philip's mishap to forr officer Williams' personal fault. He will face criminal and civil charges, but if the city backs down, responsibility shifts to the San Francisco governnt and ruling party, breaking our critical defense and causing public opinion to collapse."
Michelle was brilliant at feminist slogans and symbolic actions but proved unfit for high-level political battles, similar to her ti as deputy fire chief.
Gavin was disappointed; this leader clearly lacked operational savvy.
Fiona said, "Only defending is too passive; we must fight back. All these troubles originate from the Los Angeles group. Without their backing, public opinion will dissipate naturally."
Gavin agreed, "Right, that's why I called this eting to strategize a counterattack."
Michelle glanced at Fiona and Gavin, suddenly feeling overlooked.
Fiona deferred gracefully, "Michelle has so plans to share."
From previous calls, Fiona had offered Michelle ideas, which she found useful and would now present as her own leadership contribution.
Like the LGBTQ community fronting for the Los Angeles faction, Gavin needed a social team to take point.
Environntal groups were off-limits, being used by both parties.
Feminists were purer and, as Jerry Brown said, these child-free cat-loving fanatics are their most useful pawns.
Gavin asked, "What's the plan? Be specific."
Michelle, feeling confident again, said, "The Feminist Majority Foundation has developed for years in Los Angeles with a broad base across many sectors. Many look ordinary but are strong online and in public opinion, staunch supporters."
Gavin understood; his girlfriend Jennifer Siebel was just like that.
Michelle continued, "We can find supporters within the Los Angeles group's key personnel's companies and partners. With necessary funding, they will dare to speak out."
Gittens imdiately recognized the aning and cautioned, "Don't target Hawke Osnt; a similar attempt years ago ended poorly."
"No, we're not going after Hawke; he's tricky," Michelle said, pulling out a newspaper about the Los Angeles Fires premiere.
Pointing at a photo of important figures including Brian Ferguson, she said, "Many here are core to the Los Angeles faction, especially Brian Ferguson."
Gittens nodded, "Worth trying."
Gavin told Michelle, "Return to Los Angeles and start imdiately."
Michelle felt the opportunity and replied, "Leave it to ."
They discussed for a long ti before Michelle and Fiona left together.
...
Gavin looked out the window toward a boat lit up on the sea. "No response from Hillary yet?"
"Not yet," Gittens said in detail. "Azhar is in charge out there. He says he's inford Hillary, but Los Angeles is calm and there's no sign of Satanic cult activity, like nothing happened."
Gavin hoped Hillary would act against Los Angeles to ease his pressure. "Tell Azhar to try again. Jerry Brown said the person in the video was Bill Clinton."
Gittens noted that but warned, "Jerry tends to be cautious. If he hadn't recomnded a strong approach for Philip..."
Gavin cut him off, "Jerry's experienced; sotis a steady hand is best."
Though not very effective at handling affairs, Gavin knew internal issues must be avoided at all costs right now.
...
On the ride back, Fiona looked very stressed, "Los Angeles is on you. I'll stay here to fend off the Mattachine Society, Compton Foundation, NAACP, and those Philip sympathizers."
This suited Michelle, who had felt forgotten by the FMF lately, even suspected Fiona was truly in charge.
Most funding issues after the wildfire crisis were solved by Fiona.
Michelle knew many resented her cooperation with forr LA mayor Antonio, blaming her for the crisis.
If she didn't step up soon, she'd be forgotten.
Grasping Fiona's arm with sisterly affection, Michelle encouraged, "Hold on; I'll open the path in Los Angeles."
A key trait of feminists is complete lack of self-awareness; Michelle embodied this perfectly. "I'll knock them all down in Los Angeles."
Fiona still took the deputy role. "I'll hold on until you win."
Midway, Michelle returned to her hotel to book flights back to Los Angeles.
Fiona went back to the SF office, pulling out an encrypted phone to call Los Angeles.
The Feminist Majority Foundation's expansion north was planned by Hawke himself.
---
Los Angeles, Beverly Hills.
A screening of The Departed was underway atop the Ritz-Carlton.
Director Martin Scorsese was the most animated among the crowd.
Chasing his first Oscar Best Director statuette in thirty years, one of the '80s big four directors invited three old friends: Spielberg, Coppola, and George Lucas to support him.
Matt Damon, one of the film's leads, looked at these heavyweights and said to Leonardo, "This year's Oscar winner has to be us."
Leonardo replied, "Los Angeles Fires is the hot topic now, can't be underestimated."
Matt had no links to that circle and asked, "Who's behind that film?"
"Not insiders," Leonardo spoke candidly in public, showing poor relations, "The bastards from Twitter."
All were public Democrats supporters, naturally disliked by Republicans.
ntion of Twitter made Matt quiet.
He heard from Harvey Weinstein: avoid Twitter folks or don't co crying to Weinstein Co.
Leonardo changed the subject, "Did you check LA Fires' box office?"
"Broke several North Arican October records," Matt said, glancing at recent numbers, "Nearly $47 million second weekend, $175 million total dostically."
He praised, "Sotis, you gotta admire a topical film with soone like Tom Cruise backing it -- comrcial powerhouse."
Leonardo spotted Puff Daddy coming with a shorter blonde woman.
Puff Daddy noticed Leonardo and walked right over with the woman.
Leonardo left Matt and went to a nearby empty vantage point.
...
Puff Daddy caught up, embraced Leonardo, and grabbed at his butt.
Leonardo sniffed the overpowering cologne, shook off the hand, "Cut the childish crap."
Puff Daddy, supplying goods to many Democratic big shots and acting as a white glove in Hollywood, smirked, "You've gotten fatter."
Leonardo ignored that, gestured toward the short blonde: "Would you like to introduce her?"
Puff Daddy pulled the woman over, "This is Stefani Germanotta, a rising singer with a new album under my label, stage na Lady Gaga, she's my big push in coming years."
Gaga politely shook Leonardo's hand, "Glad to et you."
Leonardo just nodded.
...
Once Gaga left, Puff Daddy asked, "Interested? She'd love to keep you company for a few nights."
Leonardo assessed her silhouette and bluntly said, "Short legs, bad chest, diocre face, just dyed blonde -- none fit my taste."
A dedicated man, apart from beautiful models under 25, he only tolerated high-quality food; he declined outright, "Don't ever bring that kind of stuff near ."
"Want the good stuff at the party?" Puff Daddy pressed; "Next month I'm throwing a Malibu bash for three days, many friends invited for wild fun."
"The usual spot?" Leonardo asked.
"Just finished renovating my new Malibu villa, should be better out there."
Leonardo pointed at the large The Departed poster at the screening, "The film will soon go overseas. I'll be doing European press. Might not make it back."
Puff Daddy lanted, noticing foreign release dates in France and UK, "Without you, the party feels soulless."
Leonardo shuddered inside; was this old cronie thinking sothing?
Puff Daddy continued, "No problem, when you're free, I'll throw a party just for you, a full week of nonstop fun."
Leonardo ambiguously replied, "We'll see."
Gaga waved from nearby, signaling Puff Daddy with a look like she had business.
Leonardo shooed him off, "Go handle it."
"We'll stay in touch," Puff Daddy said reluctantly as he left the platform.
Leo suddenly felt fully relaxed.
...
As Puff Daddy walked away, he glanced back at Leonardo.
Though the superstar had gained weight -- his face broader, belly protruded, and butt larger -- his poise still shined like the brightest star in the night.
Puff Daddy thought, "Leo, my favorite!"
Gaga looked between them, sensing so secret between Leo and Puff Daddy.
When Anton LaVey sent her out, he instructed her to gather info on Hillary's inner circle.
Gaga was smart, knew the cult leader was held in check by Hillary, and hoped to get secrets for more balanced cooperation.
...
Leonardo knew staying with Hillary ant not only licking old snatch but also may eat black sausages.
Using baby oil on others was fun; having a man, especially an older black man, do it to him was terrifying.
Thinking this, Leonardo wobbled and bent.
A hand steadied him -- it was Tom Hanks from their previous collaboration Catch If You Can.
Hanks' trademark friendly smile made anyone perceive him as a genuinely good guy.
Looking around quietly, Hanks asked Leonardo, "Leo, when's the next island party? Have you been notified?"
Leo shook his head, acting normal, "Not yet. What, can't wait?"
Hanks smiled warmly, "Daddy misses his good girls."
Leo gestured toward Steven nearby, "You should ask Steven; he's more in the loop."
Hanks joked, "Grandpa Steven's good girls haven't contacted him; he's heartbroken."
Leo shrugged, "No luck, nobody contacts either."
Hanks' smile fell to disappointnt, sighing, "Epstein's a flaky guy."
Leo said, "You can go to Puff Daddy's party."
Hanks had noticed Puff Daddy and said, "I'll ask if he's got any good stuff."
Once he left, Leo relaxed slightly -- Tom Hanks wasn't a bad guy but unlike Puff Daddy, he didn't constantly keep tabs on him.
...
The screening party was a huge success with Martin Scorsese handing out gifts worth hundreds of thousands.
Leonardo left and returned ho in Brentwood, took out an encrypted phone, called Hawke, and detailed the news about Puff Daddy's upcoming party.
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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