Of course, this wasn't a short-term process. It could be a struggle lasting more than ten years or even decades.
Right now, there was a turning point: the faint early signs of an approaching financial crisis. Originally, Gilbert had planned to take just a small bite this time, so as not to attract attention.
But since they had already noticed him, he simply stopped pretending and decided to go all in.
The power of the Fruit Group alone wasn't enough. Gilbert also needed allies. So he called Steve Jobs to ask whether he was interested.
He didn't contact Bill Gates yet. It wasn't clear which side Mr. Gates was on, but he definitely wasn't on Gilbert's.
Steve Jobs was a reliable ally. He supported Gilbert even more firmly than Gilbert's Hollywood friends—utterly devoted.
"Gilbert, the most urgent matter now is your personal safety. Can you guarantee your security team is trustworthy?" Jobs asked.
"Of course," Gilbert said. "I have my own security company dedicated solely to me. The personnel all come from the military or the Secret Service—I poached them with high salaries."
"Good. That's excellent. But you must ensure their loyalty. If—and I mean if—someone offers a huge sum of money for your head, no one can guarantee someone won't take the risk."
"I'll pay attention to that," Gilbert replied. "Naomi is overseeing internal security audits. We focus on family status.
Anyone without a family is immediately disqualified from security duty, because that means no ties, no burdens. People with families are much easier to manage.
I also have a dedicated fund under my name to support them. Their families are taken care of by me."
Jobs offered another suggestion. "Very good. Besides that, you should consider an escape route. If worst comes to worst, you can prepare to flee to Moscow. I believe they would protect you."
It was a good suggestion, but Gilbert had an even better escape route in mind.
Jobs agreed to work with Gilbert to raise funds. Even though his analysts believed an economic crisis was unlikely, Jobs trusted Gilbert's judgment.
Aside from the North American consortiums, wealthy people existed all over the world. At this time, the medical center jointly created by Gilbert and Jobs became very useful.
What people thought was merely a luxury medical center for the rich was, in reality, a massive global network of contacts.
Perhaps it was exactly because this medical center had grown so influential that the consortiums decided to strike now. If they didn't kill him now, it would be impossible later.
There had been rumors that Jobs had only a few years left to live, but now Jobs looked more energetic by the day—living another decade or two seemed entirely possible.
The combination of two Silicon Valley entrepreneurial geniuses was definitely a grave threat to the old financial families.
The actual operations were handled through the Fruit Fund. Gilbert's manager, David, and Jobs's representative handled the work, while Ivanka and Jobs's trusted aides acted as overseers.
The plan was to raise around 500 billion dollars in the future and use that capital to play the economic-crisis game, profiting massively from it.
Additionally, Gilbert agreed to Prince Abdul's proposal and planned to meet with "those people who build weapons."
Those weapon manufacturers had deeper ties with the old consortiums, Wall Street financial capital, and medical capital. But fortunately, they were more independent.
And because of issues related to firearms, they also had internal contradictions—giving Gilbert some room to maneuver.
Weapon makers didn't actually want to make weapons. At their core, they cared only about profit. If greater benefits could be gained, why couldn't everyone join forces? Why not split Wall Street together? Split the consortiums' overseas assets?
As for unleashing this monster and potentially destroying the land—Gilbert simply didn't care. After all, this wasn't his country…
Of course, entrenched consortiums wouldn't collapse from a single financial crisis. This was destined to be a long-term war.
To ensure he had no future worries, Gilbert picked up a long-unused phone and called across the ocean.
"Hello, Old Tian? Can we talk? I need a favor…"
After arranging everything in Los Angeles, Gilbert returned to the EdgeRunner crew to continue filming, acting as if nothing had happened—as though he had given up resisting.
Scarlett had heard about the situation from Naomi Watts. When Gilbert returned, she anxiously asked, "We're going to be okay, right?"
"We'll definitely be fine," Gilbert said, holding Scarlett's hand. "We'll come out safe. Trust me."
"Mm!" Scarlett nodded, then added, "Even if something happens, I'm not afraid. As long as I'm with you, anywhere is home."
Gilbert pulled Scarlett into his arms with a smile. "Relax. It's not that serious. We're not the ones who'll be moving. They are.
I'm afraid they'll have to flee the planet or else I'll chase them down wherever they go."
Scarlett beamed, happy he still had the mood to joke.
She joked along with him. "No way. Even if they run to outer space, you still can't let them off. Aren't you working with Elon on Space Exploration Technologies? Chase them!"
"Fine, I'll chase them."
Gilbert gave Scarlett's perky little backside a light pat. Noticing Andrew Garfield glance over, he said, "All right, we've wasted enough time. Let's get back to work."
"Okay!" Scarlett hopped away cheerfully to get ready.
Andrew Garfield hesitated for a moment before finally walking over and saying, "Director, there's something… I'm not sure if I should tell you."
"What is it? Just say it."
Andrew Garfield clenched his teeth and finally spoke. "It's like this, Director, you know I worked with Megan Fox on Transformers."
"Yes. Isn't she David Ellison's girlfriend?"
"She is, but Megan said David Ellison ordered her to attend those kinds of parties. When she refused, he beat her badly… and… it seems he even took some photos of her."
'???' Gilbert was speechless. "So she told you to ask me for help?"
Andrew Garfield said, "I know it's an inappropriate request, but I really couldn't stand watching it happen."
"I get it—you felt sorry for her." Gilbert nodded. "All right, I understand."
Andrew Garfield didn't say anything more and left the director's lounge.
He had no idea that Gilbert was currently facing a massive crisis. If he knew, he might not even dare speak to Gilbert.
But from Andrew Garfield's words, it was clear that David Ellison intended to side with the Blue Group.
Which was perfectly normal—Larry Ellison supported the Blue Group as well. Many Silicon Valley tech companies that rose in the '80s and '90s supported the Blues almost without exception.
Only the emerging tech capital disliked the Blues. Gilbert happened to be an unusual figure—someone who founded a Silicon Valley tech empire in the '90s but did not belong to either major faction.
He had no ties to the Reds, and not much to the Blues either. If anything, he was most closely aligned with the liberal "Squid" group—perhaps even their leader.
This, in fact, could become a useful breakthrough point. Gilbert did not believe anyone was born to be a dogs.
If Gilbert could show that he was willing to protect Hollywood's workers at the bottom—the actors and crew and allow their careers to develop freely…
If he could ensure they would never again be forced into doing what they didn't want to do…
Then Gilbert would gain a powerful force.
Usually this force seemed silent only because they had no chance to speak. But what if they were given that chance?
The lower ranks of Hollywood already had no way to fall any lower. They would absolutely try to support Gilbert. Therefore, the Hollywood revolution had to come not just from the top, but also from the bottom.
With a rough plan taking shape in his mind, Gilbert immediately called Sheena Boone. "Sheena, go find an actress named Megan Fox—the one from Transformers.
Yes, recruit her immediately…"
...
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