King of Hollywood-Chapter 567 - 288: Indeed Noted Down

"After the Millennium, technological development will become even swifter, and the market will be broader, so why not set our sights even further?" Claude, holding his glass of wine, spoke at length to Murdoch. Since Adrian had arrived, as one of the two giants of AC Media, he naturally wouldn’t miss out.

"Don’t you think the IT stocks are a bit overheated right now, Claude?" Murdoch asked, dressed very formally.

"It is somewhat, but we’re far from the point of overheating. We’ve always been bold yet cautious in this regard," Adrian interjected.

Murdoch raised an eyebrow without saying a word, just looking at Claude, who shrugged, "On this matter, Ed and I have always been in agreement."

"True to the spirit of youth," Murdoch laughed, "full of daring. When I was your age, I was just starting my business."

"The environment is different. We live in better times than decades ago, so I truly admire you, Rupert, especially how you’ve brought so many dying newspapers back to life. Just for that, people look up to you," Adrian said, complimenting him.

Murdoch laughed again, and after a few reciprocal compliments, the groom soon excused himself and left.

"He doesn’t seem to think much of our views," Claude said after taking a sip of his wine, "or rather, of the internet."

"After all, he was born in the thirties. Even the most audacious of people become conservative, cautious, and resistant to new things after being washed over by time. In a few decades, we will too," Adrian chuckled softly, "The signs of overheating in IT stocks are just emerging, and that’s enough to make him skeptical."

Just think, once he had denounced internet news as ’thievery,’ which speaks volumes about his attitude, even though much of it was for the growth of News Corporation, but it was also his personal view.

"So the future is ours, right?" Claude smiled, "But I still prefer dealing with Redstone. Though both are old foxes, Redstone isn’t as slick as Murdoch."

"I know, so our main partner is still Viacom," Adrian nodded, "We only need to maintain a good relationship with News Corporation."

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 made significant revisions to the Communications Act of 1934, releasing the last binding constraints on major media conglomerates. By today, the basic landscape had been settled. With AC Media’s foresight advantage, although ranking last among the top groups, they had left Warner and Disney far behind. Now they faced even larger companies like Viacom, News Corporation, Bertelsmann, and General Electric.

General Electric and Bertelsmann could be ignored, as the former’s main focus wasn’t on media, only owning NBC. Bertelsmann’s main business was magazine publishing, broadcasting, and music distribution, and their base wasn’t in North America. Therefore, AC Media’s real competitors were Viacom and News Corporation, both with major film companies in Hollywood. As for Sony, like Bertelsmann, their base was in Japan, and gaming was their main profit driver.

Among these, Viacom had always had a good collaboration with AC Media, even exchanging stock holdings. Although Viacom now had Paramount and CBS under its belt and was competing with AC Media for movie theater chains in Canada, it didn’t mean they had to be adversaries. But News Corporation was different, competing with AC Media in almost all aspects. Adrian had poached Cameron, not to mention that as soon as regulations eased in ’96, News Corporation established the Fox News Channel following CNN’s lead.

Despite major setbacks in the early ’90s, News Corporation had not only escaped difficulty but was now prospering. As the largest transnational media conglomerate, their power was not to be underestimated. Although competition between the top media companies was rare, AC Media, despite its youth, had gathered substantial strength and was not afraid to compete fully. However, should it come to that, it would significantly impact AC Media’s growth, and many opportunities could slip through their fingers, making it necessary to foster goodwill.

What AC Media needed most now was time; Adrian and Claude needed time to solidify their current base, time to seize more opportunities for expansion, and time for News Corporation to make mistakes and decline, just like Sony had. Besides, Adrian had an ace up his sleeve; Murdoch had good relations with several British prime ministers, and some things didn’t need to be verified—just thrown out as topics, and the British government would naturally seek evidence.

"How does it feel?" The groom had returned to the bride’s side, and the ceremony was about to begin—simple but necessary. Thus, Charlize also returned to Adrian’s side.

"Very proper in conversation, a woman with a lot of brains and savvy," Charlize reflected before assessing, "Rarely do you see such a shrewd Asian woman. Mr. Murdoch is clearly looking for a partner, not just a wife."

Her comment had a pointed sharpness to it. Adrian didn’t believe Rupert Murdoch married Wendi Deng out of love, either, or at least not purely for love. As someone who had built his own vast media empire from scratch, the priority of interests was etched into his bones. There had been rumors before that Anna wanted to retire and enjoy life, which caused friction with Murdoch.

The truth of these gossips wasn’t worth pursuing; what was certain was that Wendi Deng’s involvement as a third party was unmistakable. Her means of settling in the United States made it clear that she was very capable, and she wasn’t lacking in ambition, ability, and self-awareness. Naturally, Murdoch would want a younger, more attractive, and more capable woman by his side to help sustain his empire.

Those who are successful have the privilege of avoiding criticism. Adrian bore no ill will towards her, and initially wanted to tease her with a poem by Su Shi, but it seemed out of place considering that aside from him and Wendi Deng, probably no one else present would understand the reference. In the end, he decided against it. Besides, even though he had only exchanged a few words with that woman, Adrian was still certain that even if he teased her with "a tree of pear blossoms overtaking the begonias," she could shift the topic without batting an eyelid.

"How do I compare?" Adrian suddenly asked.

Charlize turned to look him up and down, then asking with a half-smile, "Are you proposing to me?"

Adrian immediately coughed twice, then looked forward without saying anything else.

Murdoch’s wedding was simple, so it didn’t last long. Although the attendees were all prominent figures, after the ceremony and luncheon, it pretty much ended. Since the purpose of attending the wedding was achieved, Adrian had no reason to stay any longer. He greeted Claude and then started strolling around Manhattan with Charlize.

"You seem to be in a good mood today?" Charlize said as she walked ahead of him, having come out from a fashion boutique. She brushed the hair by her ears and had a charming smile.

"As long as you’re in a good mood, I’m in a good mood," Adrian said in a relaxed tone from behind, his appearance laden with bags completely unlike the famed Miracle Director, media mogul, and Playboy.

"Really?" Charlize turned her head and looked at him with a light laugh, seemingly about to say something, but after thinking for a moment, she shook her head, speaking in a tone that was somewhat "letting him off the hook": "Never mind, I won’t put you down."

"Oh?" Adrian raised an eyebrow but also did not pursue the matter further. He knew what Charlize meant; as his personal secretary, she was well-aware of many things.

"Alright, it’s getting late; let’s head back to the apartment first. There’s a reception to attend tonight," he said then, "We need to head back to Los Angeles tomorrow."

"Your schedule is really full," Charlize teased, "You know you could have declined."

"That was arranged by you—why would I decline?"

"I could have planned it more loosely for you, but you wouldn’t have accepted."

"Of course, how you arrange it is your business, and whether I accept or not is mine."

The two continued their exchange as they returned to Adrian’s luxurious apartment on the Upper East Side. After getting ready and eating something once the sun had set, they headed out together again.

The reception was held at Donald Trump’s house; this was why Adrian refused to decline. Charlize, in a black backless evening gown, was both elegant and alluring, attracting many gazes at the event. Many men showed envy toward Adrian, and many women looked hostile towards Charlize, with one particular young lady being especially so.

"Hello, Mr. Adrian, it’s a pleasure to see you again," Ivanka approached Adrian with a formal and calm demeanor. She maintained her composure well; without knowing the details, one wouldn’t be able to detect the hate in her eyes.

"I feel the same way, Miss Ivanka, you’re even more enchanting than before," Adrian said with a smile, then without giving her a chance to respond, he turned his attention to the young man beside her, who was about her age, "And who might this be?"

"Edie, Edie Jeffrey," the young man immediately extended his hand, "Pleased to meet you, Adrian, very pleased."

"Likewise," Adrian’s smile was still fittingly gracious, "I remember that the general manager of Pulaida Hedge Fund, Hammer Jeffrey, has a child named Edie..."

"Yes, Hammer is my father, Mr. Adrian. I’m surprised you remember him," the young man was both surprised and taken aback.

"Although we’ve only spoken a few times, your father left a deep impression on me," Adrian said with a reminiscent look, "and since your father graduated from Stanford, we are alumni. We’ve often had entertaining conversations about Stanford."

"I used to listen to his stories about Stanford all the time, so I’m planning to apply there after I graduate this year." Led by Adrian’s question, the young man named Edie Jeffrey started an enthusiastic conversation with Adrian. They chatted about everything from Stanford to Silicon Valley and the application of computer technology in movies, hitting it off splendidly and utterly ignoring what was going on around them, leaving Ivanka to stare blankly on the side.

"That’s just how he is; you’ll never be able to take the initiative with him." Just when she was feeling anxious and unsure whether to leave or stay, a somewhat languid voice spoke up beside her.

Ivanka turned to look at Charlize, whose golden hair fell like silk; her features were refined and just right. Unlike herself who still had a touch of baby fat, and with that appropriately stunning evening gown, she was breathtakingly beautiful - indeed possessing qualities that could make any woman in the room envious.

"Is that so?" She responded noncommittally, while snorting disdainfully in her heart.

"Of course, you should be aware of that," Charlize replied with a slight smile, which added a layer of chill to her demeanor.

With that one sentence, Ivanka realized that Charlize not only knew she had slept with Adrian but also knew her situation very well. Ivanka, after all, was quite an intelligent girl, and an uncomfortable anger suddenly surged inside her. Although she controlled her emotions instantly, a blush still flashed across her face.

"Perhaps, but at least I won’t submit to him just because I want favors from him!" she said in a low voice, biting her lip.

Charlize simply smiled noncommittally, still with that cool expression, making Ivanka even more displeased. Her response grew increasingly impolite, "I reckon, Miss Charlize— you must have gotten quite a lot from him, right?"

"Yes, he has given me many things that children from wealthy families like yours will never care about," Charlize spoke softly, her gray-green eyes deepening.

Ivanka was taken aback, at a loss for words, and then Charlize lifted her chin and smiled meaningfully, "You’ll understand eventually, Ivanka."

The young girl naturally grasped the insinuation in her words. The anger that had just subsided flared up again when at that moment, Adrian finally finished his chat with Edie.

"Let’s leave it at that for now. Once Stanford accepts your application, feel free to visit Hollywood whenever you have the time," Adrian said, then bent his arm, and Charlize promptly understood to link hers through it.

"Sorry, Ivanka, it seems I’ve neglected you again." He turned his head toward Ivanka, and that smile appeared utterly detestable to her.

"It’s okay. I’m glad you two had a good chat," Ivanka forced a smile, and similarly to Charlize, tried to link arms with Edie. However, it took several pulls before Edie caught on.

Adrian watched the somewhat awkward pair and cracked a slight smile, "So, you two..."

"We’re on a date." Ivanka finally seized the opportunity to say this line, but alas, what she wanted to see was destined not to appear.

"Is that so? Well done, Edie. Ivanka is not the kind of girl that’s easy to chase," Adrian said as he patted Ed on the shoulder.

Ed hadn’t fully reacted and could only mumble in agreement until Adrian left. Then he came to his senses and, looking at Ivanka who was still holding onto him, his mind began to race, "Um... Ivanka, if you’re willing..."

"It’s none of your business now." Ivanka, who had been watching Adrian’s retreating figure, said without turning her head, then shook off his arm as if discarding an unwanted toy.

"What... what?" Ed’s eyes widened, as if he were hurt, "But didn’t you just say..."

"Bringing you along and saying those things was to prevent that playboy from hitting on me, and he’s done it several times already," Ivanka huffed irritably.

"Hitting on you? Mr. Adrian is not that kind of person," Ed frowned. Then he whispered, "And he has such a beautiful companion with him."

Ivanka turned around and glared at him fiercely before striding away from the banquet hall. Ed shrugged and casually started to chat with other people.

Damn you, Adrian! Damn you, bastard! One day I will get my revenge! Ivanka cursed inwardly, fuming as she stormed through several corridors to an empty balcony upstairs. Facing the shimmering New York night scene and cooled by the breeze, she finally calmed down.

I shouldn’t let him get the better of me, Innie, nor be impatient. Patience is crucial, he’s no ordinary jerk. She repeated to herself over and over again. To get her revenge, she mustn’t be hasty, or else she would only give him an advantage!

Repeating this self-mantra several times, she managed to suppress the displeasure that had been stirred earlier. Taking a deep breath and rubbing her cheeks, Ivanka turned around and slowly headed back. Even so, she couldn’t stop recalling Charlize’s appearance. Although she was clad in a light-colored bodycon dress with a goose-yellow coat over it and 5-inch heels, perfectly showcasing her figure and adding a touch of sexiness with her bare legs, she wondered why she seemed to lack something when compared to her.

She was utterly unaware of the basis upon which she made such comparisons.

Crossing a long corridor and about to head downstairs back to the hall, the door beside Ivanka suddenly opened, and a silhouette swiftly wrapped an arm around her waist from behind, lifting her up while covering her mouth.

"Mmmph!" Panicked by the surprise attack, Ivanka screamed and reflexively began to squirm and struggle, but to no use – the assailant easily dragged her into the room.

It was dark inside, and after the door slammed shut, Ivanka was thrown onto a couch. A man’s low chuckle followed, with an indescribable delight, as if excited about his captured prey.

"Let me go, Adrian, you bastard!" As soon as the hand from her mouth was removed, Ivanka shouted furiously.

"Hm?" The man sounded slightly surprised, "You recognized me so quickly."

"Familiar with my house’s layout and dare to do this to me, who else could it be but you, bastard!" Ivanka retorted as she kicked her legs toward Adrian, her heartbeat accelerating slightly.

Due to the dim light, only she knew that her cheeks were burning hot. The fact she could tell the person forcibly holding her was Adrian wasn’t because of what was said earlier, but mainly because she recognized his scent – it seemed somewhat mysterious to speak of, and although they had been intimate only a handful of times, she had indeed remembered his fragrance... (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to support the author with recommendation tickets and monthly votes on Qidian.com. Your support is my biggest motivation.)

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