[Chapter 35: Competitive Cooperation]
Los Angeles didn't really have four seasons; its average temperature hovered around 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 19 degrees Celsius) all year. Even during the cooler evenings, women dressed lightly, flaunting their figures. Of course, that was mostly true for those hired to set the party's vibe, both women and men.
Halle Berry and Alicia, having already made their mark in the scene, showed up in stylish casual wear. They stood in a corner, mingling a bit but not attracting too much attention. A woman in swimwear rushed by, brushing against Alicia. Irritated, Alicia snapped, "Watch it, bitch!"
"Sorry," the woman replied dismissively, clearly unimpressed.
"What kind of attitude is that? You better be sincere!" Alicia wanted to argue more.
Halle stopped her, eyes full of admiration as she looked across the room. "Forget the small stuff. Alicia, let's go talk to the Godfather."
Alicia coldly refused and scoffed.
At the center of the crowd stood Charlie, dressed in a sharp suit, basking in congratulations. Harvey, Locke, Pierza, and Tom Rothman -- the production chief from 20th Century Fox -- gathered around him.
"I've been grinding in this industry for decades to reach this level -- I mean financially. Charlie here made a fortune off just one film," Harvey said, laughing proudly, clearly pleased to have a strong partner, boasting to Rothman, "His moves are ruthless."
It sounded like a jab at Fox, and Rothman's face darkened a bit. "That's because Charlie is the Godfather. We all know that, don't we?" He turned and said, "Man, I think Fox has done a lot to help you. You must appreciate having such a helpful partner. I heard there's still no confirmation on the global distribution rights for Fifty Shades of Grey and your studio's other upcoming projects?"
People gathered here for emotional stakes and fame. They weren't just chasing the success of Fifty Shades of Grey, but the long-term benefits they saw in Charlie.
The earlier praise had gone to Charlie's head for a moment, making him feel like a charming beauty. He didn't mind discussing these things openly with Harvey; their relationship was both cooperative and competitive. Why not use every chance to improve themselves?
Old friend Locke, sitting with Charlie now, made a timely assist. He swirled his drink, cheeks flushed, voice energetic. "The Godfather's also a famous author. Within just a few months, Fifty Shades of Grey hit the bestseller list five times, selling around 400,000 copies."
"Oh really?" Rothman raised his eyebrows.
Book industry numbers weren't easy to verify. He knew it was an impressive figure.
Harvey, changing the subject pointedly, said, "Charlie, I heard you've been having some trouble recently? II can help you solve it. We have at least two or three film projects lined up. Do you have any specific plans?"
Rothman, who joined 20th Century Fox not long ago but had actually been Columbia's executive vice president since '87, in charge of film development and production, wasn't interested in sparring with Harvey. Before joining Fox, he built the Fox Spotlight brand and had a portfolio and track record far beyond Harvey's.
Today, he came more out of producer curiosity and admiration for Charlie.
Harvey tried to cut the conversation short, and Rothman couldn't care less, shrugging. He shrugged nonchalantly and left a sentence before leaving, "If you have any trouble, Fox can help you solve it. I won't interrupt your conversation. I'm going to talk to Robert Shaye."
Charlie waved him off. "Alright. By the way, Tom, I want to schedule some time to discuss the global release of Fifty Shades of Grey."
Harvey's confident smile froze slightly. Unhappy, he draped an arm around Charlie's shoulder and sat down, "You really plan to hand global distribution to Fox?"
"You want it?" Charlie smirked. "Your North American distribution already rides on Disney and Buena Vista. Internationally, it's even worse."
"Damn it, distribution channels require money and connections. International distribution especially -- I built it step by step. It's what makes Miramax independent. Don't underestimate my effort," Harvey said, a hint of pride showing.
God knows how this fat pig could still act so cocky.
Charlie didn't engage Harvey's argument. Both knew a full Miramax worldwide deal wasn't on the table.
"Let's find time to discuss investment for the next two films."
"No problem!" Harvey sounded generous. "You've proved you made money, so you deserve a good share. But you sure you have time lately? That rapper's been active and dropped new tracks."
Charlie joked, "As a Jew, you're into gangster rap?" Then he dropped the smile.
Tupac's diss tracks contained lines like "I'll show you what a real man is" and "Gunshot wounds will be healed by gunshots."
Clearly, the guy was so mad he lost his cool.
But those two idiots fighting? That's none of his business.
Charlie feigned innocence. "He's just a rapper. Unless he sends dozens of guys with guns to ambush me, I'm not scared."
Harvey, acting like a big brother, lit a cigarette and grinned mysteriously. "Ha! Godfather, age is both your strength and weakness. You know too little about many things in America. Tupac's parents were once active Black Panthers."
"What's that?" Charlie looked puzzled. "The Wakanda group from the comics? That's real?"
"No, it was a black political group but disbanded years ago. I'm not too sure," Halle Berry suddenly appeared, apologetic, "Sorry to interrupt, but Alicia's gotten into an argument. Godfather, do you want to check it out?"
Charlie frowned, looking toward the pool where Alicia was splashing wine on a woman.
He remained unmoved, glancing back at Harvey.
Harvey gave a knowing smile, spreading his hands. "That's right. A black political group once. I think you get the implication, even if they're long gone. Alright, if you need help, just ask. Won't disturb your fun night."
Then Harvey's eyes shot a sharp glance at Halle before he left.
...
Halle shrank back, standing still, "Godfather, Alicia..."
Charlie squinted and tilted his head, eyes scanning her boldly, "You've got good hearing, huh?"
"Sorry!"
"Nice timing to interrupt. But you think you helped with a little trouble?"
Halle's little act of kindness looked naive and laughable to guys like Charlie and Harvey. Everyone involved with Fifty Shades of Grey knew how the Godfather felt about Alicia. Her excuse to intervene was lame.
'I can't stand you sneaky bastards. It's exhausting trying to deal with you!'
Halle screamed inside, bowing her head slightly, looking pitiful and apologetic, too scared to answer.
She felt she'd done something stupid.
Charlie never lost ground in his sparring with Harvey so far.
Her rash entrance didn't bring thanks, only annoyance from Harvey.
Luckily, Charlie languidly said, "Let's sit and chat. Otherwise, a bunch of swimsuit girls will swarm me soon."
*****
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