America's Road to Wealth

"The main task of Marvel movies next year is the promotion of "Spider-Man" and the filming of new superhero movies."

Inside the MGM Film Group headquarters building.

The heads of other film companies in the group first reported to their bosses on next year's work.

Finally it’s the turn of the head of Marvel, currently under the direct control of Robert Iger.

Naturally, it is Mr. Smith Media Group’s CEO who will report on Marvel’s movie plans for next year.

Smith Media was just established this year.

All of its subsidiaries were basically acquired in a short period of time.

It took more than half a year just to integrate the internal resources of these companies, do internal business actuarial calculations, and mutual authorization of resources.

In such a short period of time, these subsidiaries have not only completed their original plans.

Most of them didn’t launch any big moves this year.

Like DreamWorks movies, the output this year is relatively small, and it will take until next year to really get on track.

The same goes for Marvel movies. This year, Abel snatched back the copyright of Spider-Man for Marvel from Sony.

Marvel itself has also taken action one after another, acquiring most of the copyrights except for the Fantastic Four and X-Men.

Marvel has only made one movie this year, which is Spider-Man with Maguire as Parker and Annie as MJ.

Spider-Man started filming in April and is expected to shoot for four months, which will be completed by the end of August.

Not long after the film was completed, the September 11th incident occurred.

During that time most jobs across the United States came to a standstill.

The same goes for the American literary and art circles. The post-production work of the "Spider-Man" movie had to be suspended for more than a week.

It was only in mid-September that its post-work began.

Before Abel's order came, Robert was keenly aware of the changes in the overall mood of the American audience after September 11.

The CEO, who is mainly responsible for the film business within the group, immediately ordered the post-production department to produce "Spider-Man" as soon as possible.

Robert believes that while the haze of September 11 has not dissipated.

The appearance of one of America's favorite superheroes, Spider-Man Parker, is clearly a draw to movie theaters.

Parker may be able to let everyone feel the thrill of having a superhero stand up and save people from fire and danger when a crisis comes in the imaginary world!

I have to say that Robert's judgment is correct.

In a parallel time and space, Spider-Man's box office success is definitely related to the September 11th incident.

It was September 11th that shattered the self-confidence of Americans and made them realize that it was actually very dangerous at home.

Even in a super urban center like Manhattan, disasters may fall from the sky.

The emergence of the "Spider-Man" movie fits perfectly with Americans' personal heroism in fantasizing about superheroes saving themselves.

This made "Spider-Man", which was essentially similar to the previous X-Men, a box office hit, creating a box office of $825 million for the first film.

The success of many other superhero movies was not only due to the advancement of film CG production technology.

The most important reason is actually September 11th.

It made Americans crave superheroes like never before, which is why superhero movies became so popular with American audiences after that.

"How long will the post-production work on Spider-Man take?"

Abel asked Robert, "I mean, how long will it take for it to be released?"

Abel would have snatched Parker from Sony.

Just because I know that after September 11, it will become particularly valuable.

Now is of course the time to take advantage of the September 11th incident and let Parker come out as soon as possible to soothe the wounded hearts of Americans.

This made it easier for Abel to take out dollar bills from their pockets.

Robert knew what his boss meant, and he was glad that his judgment was right this time.

"All relevant personnel within the group are helping to rush the work."

Robert said confidently: "It will be available in January next year at the earliest."

Abel made a direct decision: "Then it will be released in January next year! Let Parker dispel the haze in the hearts of Americans!"

He spoke in a high-sounding way, as if he was thinking about Americans.

Robert nodded in agreement and started talking about Marvel's plans for next year.

Because I am particularly confident about "Spider-Man", the first one hasn't even been released yet.

The filming of "Spider-Man 2" is already on the schedule.

In addition to "Spider-Man 2", Marvel Movies also plans to shoot two more superhero movies next year.

One was previously planned for "Thor", and the other was originally planned for "Captain America."

Because in addition to Parker, there are also X-Men and Fantastic Four whose copyrights have not been recovered.

As far as the popularity of these two superheroes is concerned, they are relatively popular in the United States.

But last year, Abel suggested that he might shoot Iron Man first.

The Marvel company follows what is good and does not dare to disobey the boss's opinions.

The filming of "Captain America" ​​has been postponed. This year, it is planned to shoot "Thor" and "Iron Man" first.

“We are currently looking for actors to play both films.”

Robert said.

"The actor who plays Thor in "Thor" is tentatively confirmed to be Alexander Skarsgård."

Hearing this actor's name, Abel felt a little strange, but he was not surprised.

Because Abel remembered that the actor who played Thor in his memory seemed to be an Australian actor. He was still very young. At this time, he didn't even know if he had made his debut.

He was not surprised that someone else would be chosen to star.

Most viewers believe that it is the actors who create the characters.

Most actors and film company executives believe that roles make actors.

I believe that if the actor achieves the role, it is just that the actor who played the role did a better job and was accepted by the audience.

After they have a certain psychological impression, they will feel that a certain role must be played by a certain actor.

But if this actor had never gotten this role in the first place, the audience would never have formed this established impression.

Abel waved his hand, "No need to talk about these things. I just know."

Stopping Robert who wanted to explain in detail, Abel ended today's work conversation.

"Everyone has done a good job with their work plans. I am very satisfied."

Abel smiled and looked at everyone, "MGM's movies have been relatively quiet this year. Everyone knows the reason, but starting next year, I hope you can make a sound throughout Hollywood."

"I hope you can let Hollywood and Americans know about my investment in you and my investment in movies. People are not stupid and have too much money."

"I hope you can let everyone know that no matter what field I invest in, it is worth the money and profitable."

"If you can do it. Believe me, you will get a lot of money! I am a person who has always been very generous to my own people."

"I think you all believe this."

In the afternoon, Abel stayed at the MGM Film Group and didn't leave until about three o'clock.

Because there won't be traffic jams at the intersection after three o'clock here.

Sitting in the trunk, Abel suddenly asked in a confused manner - "What's the current situation?"

David on the passenger side has been working for him for a full year.

David knows his boss better than all of Abel's men.

The general manager of the Smith Family Office replied almost without thinking:

"The stock price of American Express has regained $40. The other party acted very decisively, supporting the downward trend at the most critical moment. The upward trend was very obvious, and it also produced a lot of major good news."

Among all the talents under Abel, David was not the most proficient in any one.

But he basically knows a little bit about everything, and is more comprehensive than Allen from Smith Brain Group.

With such a versatile talent, it may not be feasible for him to act alone.

But as the big butler next to the big boss, it would be perfect.

"Haha, it seems they are trying their best to make me look good!"

Abel smiled and mocked himself, "Just Soros? I believe that Old George is not the only one who wants to cause trouble for me. Are there any other abnormal financial forces entering the market?"

Abel also knew his own affairs.

It has been more than a year since he showed his hand to Wall Street and started his own business.

There are too many financial institutions, banks, private equity firms and companies that he has cheated.

The reputation of Smith Capital, which is now the sixth largest investment bank on Wall Street, was not created by speculation.

It was because other Wall Street institutions suffered too much that they internally gave Smith Capital the title.

Everyone has a temper, not to mention that the elites on Wall Street are basically the pride of heaven.

Those who can reach the top level are both geniuses. These guys didn't study finance when they were young. If they had studied science, I guess many of them would have become scientists.

Abel felt that at least in terms of IQ, he could not compare with most of them.

He relied on his talent to stay on top of these people.

Since these people are all elites and the pride of heaven, they have always been successful.

Then they naturally have greater self-confidence and greater temper than ordinary people.

And they all suffered from Abel before, more or less.

Finally got a chance to snipe him, a chance for revenge.

Even if the sniper attack fails, there is still a chance to make a huge profit.

Abel believed that he had wanted revenge for a long time, and the forces seeking revenge against him would not miss it.

"At present, only the power of Soros Fund Management Company has been traced, and George Soros did not even try to cover up."

David said directly:

"There may be others, but we can't trace them. However, it has become increasingly difficult for us to attract funds, and American Express's stock price is being pushed up by many parties. It will be easy to break through $40."

David's face was solemn and he reported the report with concern.

If it exceeds 40 US dollars, then if the boss wants to acquire American Express, he must continue to increase the acquisition price in order to stabilize the shareholders of all parties.

"Haha, then let it rise!"

A relaxed smile appeared on Abel's face.

He looked out the window and said, "Add more fire! Let it continue to rise!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Abel's voice suddenly stopped, and he pointed out the window - "Look over there, Fuck, it seems like it's really on fire?!"

It turned out that on the left side of the convoy's advance, due north, a fire broke out on the hilltop in the distance.

David looked in the direction, shrugged and said, "You know, this is a feature of California every year, the famous California wildfires."

"Uh" Abel was speechless for a while after hearing this.

Well, wildfires are indeed one of California’s specialties.

California is a place with open plains, rich products, fertile land, suitable rainfall, and even rich oil and gas resources. The sunshine and climate are just right, especially suitable for humans.

It can be said that no matter where it is, it is a place particularly suitable for human habitation.

The only problem is that the special climate and geographical conditions of this place make it too easy for large-scale wildfires to form.

Since the founding of the United States, more than 10 wildfires have occurred in this ghost place almost every year, burning an area of ​​more than ten square kilometers.

"It won't burn to Beverly Hills, right?" Abel couldn't help but ask.

David smiled: "That's not the case. First of all, the wind is not blowing this way this time. In addition, the California authorities cannot let Beverly be burned."

That's true.

Beverly Hills, like Silicon Valley, is one of the symbols of California.

There are so many wealthy people living in Beverly Hills. For the sake of these people, it is impossible for the California authorities to let the fire burn to Beverly Hills.

"Then leave it alone."

Ordinary Californians are worried about wildfires.

Rich people in California don’t have to worry about wildfires.

Even if there is a wildfire burning towards their homes, rich people can hire fire brigade to stop it.

If the fire is too big to stop, the villas of rich people also have corresponding insurance.

Even after the villa is burned down, you can just take the compensation and build a new one, or buy a new villa.

David saw that his boss no longer cared about the "inconsequential" wildfires.

He couldn't help but ask in a low voice - "BOSS, will the skyrocketing stock price of Express Company add some variables to your plan?"

"There will definitely be variables, but we don't have to worry. The skyrocketing share price of American Express is not all bad."

Abel smiled and said: "Don't forget that our average cost of opening a position is only about US$20. The current stock price has already made me almost US$9 billion."

Abel now holds more than 32% of American Express.

But only a small part of this share was purchased at prices of $25 and $35 during this stock price turmoil.

More of his stocks were taken from Buffett at that time and slowly acquired by himself in the stock market.

If the comprehensive takeover offer had not ended yet, he could even have taken the lead in selling American Express shares, triggering a plunge.

"The initiative has always been in our hands. Whether to close or release, we have the final say. We can play with them slowly."

"Haha, old George and the other guys are now targeting me because of the comprehensive acquisition offer. They cannot reduce their holdings during the offer period. Otherwise, you will see if they dare to end it!"

"But 32.69% of the shares have ensured my status as the largest shareholder. Part of these guys want to earn a vote from me, and the other part want to use me as a raft to trick Lik into the market and kill them."

Abel actually doesn't care. At worst, he can just maintain this part of the shares for now.

It's just that he is unhappy with Soros and others using him as a raft.

"Let the New York Observer publish a report in my name." Abel said to David:

"The report directly tells everyone that investing in American Express is risky and you need to be cautious when investing in shares."

"Understood. I will notify Mr. Dilan immediately."

This is Abel’s warning to the leeks, and it is also Abel’s warning to George Soros and others.

Back at 812 North Bedford Road, Annie was out of work again today.

This girl is actually very lazy. In the parallel time and space, she got married and semi-retired when she was relatively famous and still very young.

In comparison, Jessica is really much more diligent.

After filming "007", she is now looking for two new movies to shoot, one is invested by MGM and the other is from Disney.

With the relationship between Smith Media and Abel, she is not afraid that she will fall into a trap outside.

After all, CAA is not a vegetarian, and Jessica has more than a dozen attendants, assistants, and bodyguards around her at any time.

When Abel arrived home, Annie and Lulana were applying facial masks.

Anne seemed very fond of the Korshunova family.

Jinna works as her bodyguard, Lulana works as her maid, and Lulana's mother is her personal cook.

Seeing Abel appear, Lulana's little face under the mask was a little red and hot, but it was hidden by the mask and couldn't be seen.

Looking at Annie, who was lying on the sofa with a facial mask, Abel said speechlessly:

"After the filming of "Spider-Man" is completed, it seems that you will have no more work. Aren't you going to make movies? My dear."

"Who said that?" Anne said softly, "I have already made two movies since I came back from Europe!"

She did film two movies, but they were only supporting roles. One of them only showed her face for more than ten seconds, and she couldn't be more pure as a supporting role.

Fortunately, Abel didn't force her. It didn't matter if she liked it or not.

Abel could afford to raise him anyway, and he could afford to raise a few more.

"Then you just stay in the villa all day?"

Abel smiled and sat next to her, and Lulana quickly moved his position so that he could sit right between the two of them.

Smelling his scent, Lulana felt her face getting hotter.

"That's not true. I also have a social life. I'm going to a salon tonight! Don't worry, they are all women, and Jinna will follow me."

"Whose salon?"

"Wendy Deng Murdoch! Murdoch's Chinese wife, she has invited me many times. It is always bad to refuse all the time, so I agreed to her once."

Wendy Deng’s invitation?

Abel had long heard of this woman who was quite capable and scheming.

Of course, the main reason is that I listened to it more in my previous life.

At this time in her life, Wendy Deng had not yet become active and not well-known. The outside world only knew her as Murdoch's wife.

Abel thought about it and found that in addition to being more realistic and powerful, Wendy Deng didn't have any bad rumors.

Even raising a pretty boy would only happen after she divorced Murdoch.

In parallel time and space, this woman became Ikana's "good friend".

He did not stop Anne from interacting with the other party. No matter what, if it was Wendy Deng, he could suppress it through Murdoch.

Rather than making Annie's social interactions uncontrollable, it is better to control them in areas that she can control.

After all, you can't really lock her up and use her as a canary, that would be too boring.

What's more, even if Wendy Deng has evil intentions, so many people around Anne are not vegetarians.

A former defector Yanzi Jinna is enough to deal with any conspiracy from Wendy Deng.

In this regard, Jin Na is the professional.

He just warned Anne - "This woman is very scheming. When you are dealing with her, be more careful and don't fall into her trap."

"I understand. If I hadn't known this, I wouldn't have kept rejecting her before."

Annie said confidently: "I am a top student at New York University! Can you trust my IQ?"

Abel shook his head in amusement, turned around and went to the outdoor swimming pool.

It's as hot as ever in Los Angeles today, and it's already mid-November.

Abel planned to go play in the water.

Watching him walk out, I found that he had gone to the outdoor swimming pool.

Anne stood up and said to Lulana Korshunova: "Lulana, let's go swimming!"

Lulana, who had not dared to speak during the entire process, hesitated for a moment and then nodded timidly.