America's Road to Wealth

New York.

Hilton Hotel in the business center of Bensenhalle, Brooklyn.

In the golden banquet hall on the 32nd floor.

Ya was surrounded by the three giants in the world music circle, the CEOs of Sony, Warner, and Universal Music Group, namely Tommy Mottola, Rune Landfern and Edgar Bronfman Jr. Bo.

He doesn't have much mood swings.

Strictly speaking, these three are all super boss figures in any music industry.

It really was nothing in front of him.

Let alone these three people.

Even the immediate bosses of these three people, such as the CEO of Time Warner, the CEO of Vivendi Universal, and the CEO of Sony Columbia Group.

Even these people were nothing to Abel.

This is like the guild leader in the max-level area in the game, in front of the three guild leaders in the novice village.

Of course, there was no special feeling, but Abel felt a little bored.

If it weren't for DreamWorks Music tonight.

And make David Geffen and Michael Levine's jobs easier.

Abel wouldn't even come.

For a cocktail party of this level, a Robert Iger or Michael Levine would be enough.

But they all came to Brooklyn, and Abel stayed.

That's why tonight, he appeared at this cocktail party with the highest level of music circles in the United States and even Europe and the United States.

The only people surrounding him at this moment were Tommy Mottola, Rune Landfern and Little Edgar Bronff.

There’s also DreamWorks Music’s David Geffen, and Smith Media president Michael Levine.

The conversations with the CEOs of the three music groups were mainly handled by David and Michael.

Abel only smiled occasionally and didn't talk much.

It can be said that his presence itself is elevating the tone of this cocktail party.

Didn’t you see the one or two hundred European and American music superstars in the audience, all looking this way?

At this moment, these people all want to enter this circle.

But this small circle exists that even the world's top kings like Michael Jackson are not qualified to join at this time.

These people can only look around and see if they can get a chance to come over and become familiar with each other.

"Tommy, you know. Bryony and Michael came on their own accord, and we didn't steal them."

Tommy Mottola listens to David Geffen.

He had a good relationship with David Geffen and wanted to throw the red wine in his hand at David's face.

But this kind of thing is just a thought.

Even Mr. Howard Stringer, the CEO of the headquarters group, was helpless when facing Abel.

Even Sony Columbia Pictures Group could only compromise with Abel.

Of course Tommy Mottola, the CEO of Sony Music Group, a subsidiary of Sony Group, would not do anything outrageous in front of Abel.

He couldn't bear the consequences.

"Okay. Okay. David, I understand what you mean." Tommy Mottola said with a fake smile:

"Sony Music and DreamWorks Music can cooperate in the future if there is an opportunity. I think Mr. Smith, you must also want to see this scene, right?!"

Abel's sight and attention were actually never in this small circle.

He had been looking among the people attending the reception to see if he could find any singers or celebrities he was familiar with, knew or had seen.

Like Michael Jackson and Britney Spears, he's already found them.

The two of them noticed his gaze and nodded and smiled in response.

In the eyes of others, the style of these two people at tonight's cocktail party has improved a lot.

The richest man in the world ignores no one but just these two people. Isn't this not enough face?

Many people took the initiative to approach these two people, ostensibly wanting to talk to them.

In fact, most of them were thinking about how they could get some sight from Abel through these two people.

If possible, many people would actually like to be favored by Smith like these two.

Like MJ, after getting Smith's favor.

Even the most difficult trouble in the industry, Sony Music, can be easily resolved.

If you are attracted by this gentleman, there is no doubt that you will most likely be able to move around in the American entertainment industry in the future!

At this moment, Tommy Mottola took the initiative to bring the topic to Abel.

He is also the CEO of Sony Music and wants to chat more with Abel.

Tommy Mottola wanted to look as familiar as possible to increase his connections.

Tommy Mottola has been having a hard time at Sony Music lately.

He has served as CEO of Sony Music Group for more than thirteen years.

In the past three years, Sony Music has suffered losses for three consecutive years, with losses totaling more than US$400 million.

As CEO, Tommy Mottola can hardly be blamed.

The head office already had a lot of dissatisfaction with Tommy.

Tommy Mottola is worried that if he doesn't make changes, it will be a question whether he can stay at Sony next year.

If only he could find a new owner before Sony kicked him out.

Tommy Mottola feels that he doesn't mind licking Smith's leather shoes!

Therefore, throughout the night, Tommy Mottola's tone towards Abel was very flattering.

Not to mention the CEOs of the other two music companies.

Even Michael and David couldn't stand it anymore.

It's too direct and obvious.

It was because Abel was absent-minded, otherwise he would have noticed Tommy Mottola's little thoughts.

Michael and David saw that their boss had little reaction to Tommy Mottola's words.

Michael immediately responded with a smile: "Of course, of course. DreamWorks Music is still a newcomer, so of course I hope everyone will take care of me."

The CEOs of the other two music giants smiled and gave a few words of courtesy.

"Hey Michael."

Suddenly everyone heard Abel, who had been silent for the most part, finally spoke.

He was speaking to Michael Levine.

"Look over there. Is that Draven?"

Michael Levine quickly looked over.

Sure enough, in the banquet hall, I saw Delevingne walking over with Avril Lavigne.

One of the presidents of Smith Media understood it, and Michael immediately smiled and said: "Yes. It's Delevingne."

"I remember he is your good friend. And Miss Lavigne, let them come over." Abel smiled.

Michael nodded quickly, then waved to Delevingne, "Here, Delevingne. Mr. Smith called you over, oh, and Miss Lavigne."

Avril Lavigne, who had been secretly sizing up Abel's handsome face, suddenly found that all the eyes of the audience were focused on her.

The young girl was startled. Even though she was confident, she also lost confidence in this situation.

Delevingne suddenly laughed.

The agent smiled happily and led Avril over there.

After walking to the small circle, the senior partner of CAA greeted everyone one by one.

After deleving his greetings, he looked back at Avril Lavigne, who was as obedient as a quail.

"Lavigne, Lavigne, Miss Lavigne. At this time, you should greet all gentlemen."

Looking at Avril who dared not say a word, Delevingne reminded her in a low voice.

Avril was really nervous at this time.

Even if she is really naturally confident, courageous, and has a heroic spirit in her bones.

But suddenly, she was placed in front of the top giant in this industry.

There were several at once, and she had never experienced such a big scene.

And she was stared at like this by any of the hundreds of senior stars in the audience who were more famous and more popular than her.

Even with her confident personality, she became nervous and scared at this time.

She opened her mouth, wanting to introduce herself or say hello to the big guys.

The little mouth opened, but no sound came out - she was too nervous and her vocal cords forgot to activate.

Fortunately, the musician David Geffen likes her, and he is also a very thoughtful gay guy.

David smiled and came to her rescue: "Oh, our Miss Lavigne is too nervous. Let me introduce her."

Before Avril could react, David Geffen already said with a smile:

"This is Miss Avril Lavigne. She is a signed singer of our DreamWorks Music. She will release her first album at the end of this year. By the way, I would like to mention to everyone that she is actively discovered by our Mr. Smith as a talent scout. a singer."

David Geffen's introduction to Avril Lavigne. It did not elicit any particular reaction from the CEOs of the three music giants.

In terms of appearance alone, Avril Lavigne does look pretty good, very young and pretty.

But in the music circle.

There are many people who are more beautiful than her, and even more with better figure than her.

These are the ones who have become famous. If you include those new singers who have not become famous, then her appearance alone is nothing.

As for inner talents and abilities, they are not shown or have the opportunity to be shown.

Who cares?

But later David Geffen said that she was a singer who was discovered by Abel himself as a talent scout.

The CEOs of the three major music giants suddenly took her seriously.

Being able to be targeted by a big shot like Abel was not only lucky.

They all feel that they should have some ability - at least sometimes being lucky is the strongest strength in itself.

The CEOs of the three major music giants all immediately focused on Avril Lavigne.

This made the latter even more nervous.

Her little body seemed to be shaking.

Fortunately, at this time, Abel, who had been looking at Avril just now, finally spoke.

As the core of the cocktail party tonight, Abel said with a smile:

"Yes, I think Miss Lavigne can become a music star. Miss Lavigne, you look nervous, how about you stand next to me?"

Avril's head was dizzy at this time, and she almost didn't know where she was at this time.

She was confused, but Draven was not confused.

With a gentle push from her agent, Avril Lavigne involuntarily took two steps forward and stopped next to Abel.

Avril Lavigne's heart beat like a drum for a moment, and her little face felt incredibly hot.

Fortunately, at this time, everyone's attention was drawn to another topic by Abel's words.

Abel said directly to CAA's senior partner Delevingne in front of the CEOs of the three major music giants:

"Dlevin, can I trust you to take on any job at CAA?"

Draven, who sent Avril Lavigne to Abel, was stunned, and then a surge of ecstasy emerged deep in his heart.

One of the senior partners of CAA suppressed his almost uncontrollable joy.

Delevingne trembled in his heart and said in a very soft voice: "I think I can. Sir, as long as you trust me!"

"Of course I trust you."

Abel said with a smile.

"Soon. I will step down as chairman of the innovative elite culture company."

Innovative Elite Culture Company is the full name of CAA, the number one entertainment agency in the United States.

"This position will be filled by Mr David Jones."

The name David Jones sounds a bit strange to the CEOs of the three major music giants and to Avril Lavigne.

But these subordinates of Abel naturally knew that this was the general manager of the Smith Family Office.

He is the boss's number one butler.

Letting David Jones hold this position is no different from Abel becoming the chairman of CAA.

The only difference is that it doesn't look so conspicuous.

After all, Abel is the chairman of Smith Media and the chairman of caa.

This will have some negative impact on CAA's business.

CAA can't just serve Smith Media.

As the largest intermediary in the entertainment industry, it still exerts its long-term ability to dance, which is more in line with Abel's interests and needs.

Therefore, Abel thought about stripping his position of chairman of caa and letting David Jones take it.

At that time, David will be removed from all positions in Smith Media.

So on the surface, caa and Smith Media don't seem so close.

Abel said softly: "Then Michael Ovitz. Ovitz will resign as CEO of CAA. I think Delevingne has the ability to take over this position, and I will recommend you to the board of directors to become the new chief executive." Executive Officer.”

"Is there any problem? Draven."

"no problem."

Draven suppressed the urge to jump.

He felt that he had finally managed to keep the clouds clear and see the moonlight.

Finally came out.

"I believe that I will be able to lead CAA well and satisfy the shareholders and the board of directors!"

"Yes." Abel nodded with satisfaction, reached out and patted Draven's shoulder gently.

This scene.

David Geffen feels nothing.

The richest gay man in history has a special status in Smith's system.

Rather than being Abel's subordinates, it is better to say that he was Abel's guest.

David's status was relatively independent, so he didn't pay much attention to Abel's preferences and habits.

The same cannot be said for Delevingne's good friend Michael.

Just through the action of Abel tapping Draven on the shoulder.

Michael Levine knew that his friend had gained the boss's initial trust.

At this time, Abel stopped talking again, and the CEOs of the other three major music giants congratulated Delevingne one after another.

CAA company's revenue capacity is not very strong, nor is its energy very great.

But as the number one entertainment agency, its influence in the entertainment industry is sufficient.

It is like a spider, weaving a network of intermediaries that spreads throughout the entertainment circles of the European and American world.

Sometimes this kind of company is of no use at all, and sometimes it is of great use.

Giants as powerful as Hollywood value it, and so do music giants who also need intermediary services.

In other words, in the eyes of these people, Delevingne, who will definitely become the CEO of CAA, is already considered a big shot.

As for Michael Ovitz, the original CEO of CAA, Abel gave him a new task.

Half an hour later.

Hilton Hotel, in the living room of an executive suite.

"Miss Lavigne. I heard you were looking for me?"

"Ah I……"

Avril's whole body was stiff, she was highly nervous, and her heartbeat was beating like a drum.

She looked at the hotel suite door that had just been closed, and then at Abel's feet, not daring to raise her head.

"Sit down and talk!"

She sat down stiffly.

"Tell me, you have to let Draven bring you in, and you have to see me. What do you want to say?"

"Ah I……"

She could barely open her mouth and her mind went blank. What do I want?

No! The agent didn’t tell me what to ask him for!

But I can’t say that I’m here to hug your thick legs, right?

Or just say, can I sleep with you? ! Do I accept your unspoken rules?

She was extremely anxious.

The more anxious I am, the more speechless I am.

"Are you usually like this? Speechless?"

The Avril, who was as nervous as a little quail, felt strange to Abel.

In his impression, Avril should be full of energy, look petite, but have a high-pitched voice.

"Ah I……"

Avril was about to cry, "I, I, we are here, I... I, I want to say thank you to you."

This was the excuse Draven came up with for her.

The excuse when talking to Abel was to thank Abel for digging her out.

In order to discover her, DreamWorks Music even purchased her record company.

Avril thought this reason was very good, but at the moment she was so nervous that she couldn't say it out loud.

After finishing speaking, he quickly explained, "I'm usually, usually...not like this!"

After she finished speaking, she realized that she had stuttered.

Abel smiled, leaned completely against the back of the sofa, crossed his legs, and looked very relaxed, "Are you afraid of me?"

"me……"

"What are you afraid of? Are you afraid of me XXXing you?"

"Uh... no, it's not... I..."

Abel suddenly sighed, "I probably know what you want from me. Actually, it doesn't have to be like this. It was Delevingne or Michael who hinted something to you, right?"

After a pause, he said: "You are a signed singer of DreamWorks Music. You also have talent, and David likes you very much. As long as you perform well and create well, you will definitely become popular. I believe this."

"However, I can give you some advice, my personal advice. You are very beautiful, and at the same time you have a rare temperament. You are confident, energetic, and have a punk flavor. There are currently no such female singers on the market. No. Work hard on your first album and I think you will definitely become popular.”

Avril was speechless at all.

But she listened very seriously, and surprisingly, when Abel talked to her so seriously and even gave suggestions, she felt that she had calmed down a lot.

It felt like I heard every word of what he said.

"Then...that's it? I think tonight's cocktail party is boring. I won't go out. If you want, you can continue to go out and participate. There are so many cocktail parties for kings, superstars, and queens, which will be a great influence on your career in music in the future. There are benefits to being in a circle. You can get in touch and let Delevingne or Michael take you."

After hearing what he said, Avril suddenly raised her head.

He had already stood up, intending to see off the guests.

He is really tall.

So handsome

What does he mean by this? I obviously took the initiative to deliver it to him.

Everyone entered the room and showed no defense.

For Avril Lavigne.

With such a handsome guy in front of me, let alone a super rich man or a super media tycoon.

Simply because of him, once he stands in front of any young woman, his charm is irresistible.

Avril just peeked at him, looking a little bit crazy.

But this time, I felt that he seemed more handsome.

His appearance and aura seemed to carry a strong hormonal aura, which was strong, domineering, and compelling, and could take away all Avril's attention in one fell swoop.

As bright and dazzling as the sun in the sky, like Apollo, women can't help but feel their heart beat faster and their breathing quicken in front of him.

"If it weren't for you, my agent and Mr. Levine. Even Mr. David Geffen, none of them would take me seriously."

This sentence suddenly blurted out.

Abel stopped and looked at her.

She stood up and said, "I, I..." After gathering enough courage, it was only enough for her to say one sentence.

Before she could say the next words, her face turned red.

His eyes just touched Abel's, and he seemed to be burned, and he quickly lowered his head again.

His eyes were bright and shining.

Captured light.

As if he really was Apollo.

Although she was too nervous to speak, she was always paying attention to him from the corner of her eyes.

I seemed to hear him sighing, raising his wrist to look at his watch, and then walked away.

Avril's heart couldn't help but sink.

Screwed up.

Definitely messed up.

The agent told her.

You need to hug your thighs, and don’t be shameless.

But...my damn self-confidence and petty temper! !

Avril Lavigne!

Where has your courage gone? How do you look confident?

You should be brave, take off your clothes and hug him!

It’s just xxx, what’s the big deal! What will eventually happen in the future!

Rather than being with other people, it’s better to be with him!

Even with this face and figure, I am not at a disadvantage at all!

When I feel sorry for myself.

There was a sound of opening the door at the door of the hotel suite.

"Huh? Is there someone? Is it a little girl?"

A mature woman's voice came, and Avril quickly looked up.

She saw at the door, Abel holding a beautiful girl who walked in from the outside, and it was the girl who said the words.

"Not too young anymore."

Avril saw Abel reaching out to hug her and kissed her as if no one else was watching.

A passionate kiss.

Miss Lavigne blushed instantly.

Suddenly, another girl walked in from outside the door, looking at Abel and the girl in front with a smile.

Avril Lavigne's eyes immediately widened.

Wow!

Is it so direct? !

At this time, Avril felt that these two people looked very familiar, and both were very beautiful.

The moment Avril saw the girl, the girl had already seen Avril.

The girl who came in from behind seemed to be stunned for a moment, and the smile on her face was slightly stiff.

But the next moment, Abel had let go of the one in front of him and stretched out his hand to her.

Her eyes flickered to Avril, she smiled at Abel, walked over meekly, was held in his arms, and kissed passionately for more than ten seconds.

Avril was stunned.

I have long heard that Abe Smith was surrounded by many passionate individuals.

But she still didn't expect that there would be two at the same time...

Standing behind the three men and women hugging each other, Avril felt that her outlook on life was completely shattered.

My mind is buzzing.

In the next scene, she only saw Abel reaching out and patting the buttocks of two beautiful women and saying:

"Let's go back to the room first."

Then he let them go and stepped past the stunned Avril towards the master bedroom of the hotel suite.

The two beautiful girls did not hesitate and also crossed Avril.

Just before entering the room, the two beautiful girls looked back almost at the same time with great tacit understanding.

Avril was completely frozen in place.

Don't dare to look at each other.

At the same time, she also recognized their identities.

They are two European female stars who are quite famous in Hollywood.

They had previously been reported in some entertainment newspapers, Sophie Marceau, who had already started an affair with Abel Smith, and Penelope Cruz, a Spanish national treasure goddess.

Looking at the three people disappearing into the room.

Avril, who was still in the living room, was completely dizzy.

At this time, she no longer knew whether she should leave or stay here.

If she left, Avril always felt that all her previous mental preparations were in vain.

That would give her the feeling of a complete loss on sunk costs.

go in

Just thinking about it made her legs and feet weak and her whole body weak.

Ten minutes later, Avril Lavigne finished the battle between heaven and man.

She gritted her teeth and stood up.

Still walked to the master bedroom of the hotel.

Hold the door handle and open the door. There is only a gap. .

The beautiful chant of life came out instantly, and Avril's face turned redder.