Los Angeles, Beverly Hills. In Will Smith's newly renovated mansion, a mysterious man in a suit came to meet with Will and Jada Smith.
"Very impressive, you two are quite sensible," the suited man said with satisfaction.
He pulled a document and a business card from his briefcase and handed them to Will Smith.
"This is an invitation from our club. There will be an important gathering next month, attended by many influential figures. We hope you can attend."
Will Smith had been waiting for this moment and immediately agreed. "Don't worry, Commissioner Smith. We'll make sure everything is handled properly."
"Excellent," Commissioner Smith said, clearly pleased, and sighed: "If only Gilbert were as sensible as you two."
After the commissioner left, Will Smith excitedly told Jada Smith, "Although you've been a bit slighted, this is worth it for us."
Jada Smith didn't feel slighted at all. "Darling, this is enough to help us enter high society."
The couple was thrilled, imagining what it would be like to move up in Hollywood. They had no thought that Gilbert would resist. This time, several old, established financial groups, influential figures supporting the Blue Faction, were taking action. And California was traditionally a Blue state, with Hollywood firmly in the hands of the Blue faction.
With such overwhelming force, Gilbert would surely have to submit.
Jada Smith was already fantasizing about what she could seize from Gilbert's vast assets, while Will Smith had long been coveting the beautiful women around Gilbert.
Back at the Melon Estate, Gilbert needed to determine who his allies were, who his enemies were, and who remained neutral.
This was crucial, as it would affect his strategy.
From the current situation, Warner and Disney would remain neutral until the final outcome. Not taking advantage of his trouble was already generous, as both companies couldn't entirely forgo Gilbert's wealth-generating abilities.
Additionally, perhaps Robert Eger might think to retain Gilbert, a talented director, even after stripping him of power and wealth, so he could continue making films.
Of course, at that time, to ensure Gilbert didn't escape control, he might have to attend some island parties, indulge in relationships with underage girls, or participate in parties with people of different races and genders.
Videos and photos would be recorded, and disobedience could lead to ruin.
Although it's often said to be a free and open society, it generally leaned conservative. Once a scandal or crime became widely exposed, it would be over.
Gilbert first called James Cameron. Even the truck driver seemed to have heard some rumors.
"Gilbert, this is indeed troublesome," James Cameron said. "You can either surrender or resist, but neither choice is favorable."
Gilbert replied, "Given the current situation, I might be in a bad spot, but I won't back down."
James Cameron paused for a moment before saying, "Good luck. I'll ensure that as long as there's no legally binding document, your investment in Avatar remains yours."
"Thank you…"
Gilbert knew Cameron was loyal enough, but couldn't do more to help him.
Next, Gilbert called Spielberg. On the phone, Spielberg said, "They won't allow me to plead for you, Gilbert. This one is up to you."
"Teacher, were you also…" Gilbert didn't finish his question.
Spielberg sighed, "In this circle, some things you have to compromise on. Even I, a vested interest, can only pray to God for your children's safety…"
So even the teacher-student relationship wasn't entirely reliable.
But Gilbert and Spielberg's relationship was mostly nominal—they each got what they needed.
Continuing his calls, Gilbert next contacted George Lucas, who unexpectedly helped him.
"Jada Smith's accusation? I'll have Malady handle it, don't worry. But the other troubles—you'll have to deal with yourself."
Gilbert was delighted. "George, I thought you'd at least remain neutral!"
George Lucas said, "I'm old now, Gilbert. I have no personal ambitions left. My only wish is that my works continue to exist. Entrusting them to you, I feel at ease."
This was the simple reason George Lucas supported Gilbert. But as he said, major issues still had to be handled by Gilbert himself.
Martin Scorsese's influence wasn't as great as the other three directors, but this old director with a Western cowboy spirit couldn't tolerate dirty tricks.
Old Martin declared he would speak up with loyalty.
However, Gilbert advised him to stay calm: "After I win, it won't be too late for you to step forward. If I fail, I hope you can protect my family and children."
Martin Scorsese pounded his chest. "Don't worry, Gilbert. With me around, no one dares touch them. I've got a gun."
The last of the four great directors, Francis Ford Coppola, had already expressed his stance through Sophia.
Others were coveting Gilbert, but Coppola saw this as Hollywood settling accounts with the Italian faction, so naturally supported Gilbert.
Additionally, an unexpected call came from Clint Eastwood.
"This bunch of sissies," the old cowboy turned director bellowed, "only know how to scheme. Hollywood has been ruined by them. Don't worry, Gilbert. When the time comes, we'll each grab a gun and fight."
Gilbert was inspired by the old cowboy's boldness. "All right, no problem."
They both laughed heartily. Gilbert added, "But don't worry, old man. Things won't get that bad. Rest assured."
Another unexpected ally was Prince Abdul.
Prince Abdul called Gilbert and said, "We can join forces. Even if we fail, we can still provide you with political asylum."
"Thank you, Your Highness. But I think, rather than fleeing, I'd rather divide Hollywood alongside my allies."
Prince Abdul smiled slightly. "I knew you'd say that. Very well, we fully support you. You can freely utilize the resources of MGM United.
Also, I can help you contact the people who manufacture weapons. We just completed a military purchase, so we have a good relationship."
Gilbert didn't refuse. "Perfect. This is exactly what I need."
When someone contributes, of course they expect returns. But Hollywood is so vast, and combined with global assets, there's more than enough for everyone.
An ambition began to grow wildly in Gilbert's heart. He didn't just want to protect himself; he wanted to transform Hollywood.
This Hollywood had been under the Blue faction's control for too long. From now on, it should bear the name Gilbert Landrini.
And beyond Hollywood, he should perhaps participate more actively in other arenas.
This was all forced upon him. If he didn't get involved, he would always be an outsider, treated like a lamb to the slaughter, ready to be taken down whenever someone pleased.
A line from House of Cards perfectly described Gilbert's current situation: "Power is like real estate. Location is everything.
The closer you are to the center, the more valuable your property becomes."
Where the center is—does that even need saying?
...
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