Chapter 206: A Gathering of Elites

"Wow, the influence of the New York Observer is quite something. No wonder so many media outlets are asking me if I'll interfere with the newspaper's editorial decisions," Charles Capet chatted with Ariana Huffington at a grand charity dinner hosted by the New York Observer at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.

"Because in the Manhattan area, the New York Observer has always had a good reputation. Its articles being widely reprinted online led to some business shrinkage, but New Yorkers have always been quite sentimental," Ariana Huffington explained with a smile.

"Have you talked to Peter Kaplan?"

Peter Kaplan, the editor-in-chief of the New York Observer, nodded. "Yes, I've talked to him. He's willing to support my reforms!"

Charles's reforms focused on two points: developing digital files to strengthen online news output and enhancing celebrity effects to attract readers.

Ariana Huffington smiled. "Would Peter Kaplan dare not support you?"

Later, Charles entered the banquet hall. Indeed, many big names had shown up. Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch arrived with his wife, Wendi Deng. Hollywood superstars Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt were also present.

Fashion designer Tom Ford and representatives of major fashion brands like Dior's US head were there too.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo were among the politicians in attendance.

Real estate mogul Donald Trump, John Paulson, founder of the Paulson Hedge Fund, and many other entrepreneurs and investors were also present.

It was truly a gathering of elites.

"Charles, are you going into the newspaper industry?" Rupert Murdoch asked with a smile.

Charles shook his head and laughed. "Not really focused on newspapers, just a fan of the New York Observer, that's all."

News Corp owned the New York Post, one of the largest newspapers in the US. Although it had a long history and a significant circulation, its influence couldn't compare to the New York Times, the Washington Post, or the Los Angeles Times.

After all, News Corp was built on sensational news like sex and scandals. Moreover, the parent company of the Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, hadn't yet been acquired by News Corp.

Once News Corp acquired Dow Jones, it would own the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Wall Street Journal, thereby advancing further in the US.

"Moving News Corp from Australia to the US was indeed a smart move. I believe News Corp will keep getting better," Charles praised. Last year, News Corp moved from Adelaide, Australia to Delaware, USA, reaffirming its focus on the American market.

Coupled with Fox Television, News Corp's influence on American media was growing.

"Seventy percent of News Corp's revenue currently comes from the North American market. I need to consider the shareholders," said Rupert Murdoch, looking at Charles. He continued, "20th Century Fox Entertainment is still interested in Capet Entertainment. Feel free to reach out if you ever have any thoughts.

And I'm also a loyal reader of the New York Observer. I'd be happy to share newspaper-related advice if you need it."

After saying that, Rupert Murdoch smiled and walked toward another part of the room.

"Still not giving up on acquiring Capet Entertainment, huh!" Charles shook his head, recalling how News Corp's media bad-mouthed Marvel's Iron Man.

"Charles, good evening!" Brad Pitt, in high spirits as Angelina Jolie was about to give birth, greeted him.

"Good evening! How's Jolie doing? When's the due date?" Charles asked with a smile.

"Jolie is doing well, the due date is next month! I'll be flying to Africa soon to be with her!" Brad Pitt laughed.

Charles offered his best wishes. Going to Africa for childbirth - celebs always had their unique ways.

After chatting with Brad Pitt, Charles talked to Tom Cruise. Brad Pitt's first daughter was about to be born, but Tom Cruise's daughter had already arrived.

"Congratulations, Tom! Best wishes for little Suri's health and happiness," Katie Holmes had given birth to Tom Cruise's daughter, Suri Cruise, but it hadn't been exposed to the media yet.

Wearing a blissful smile, Tom Cruise nodded, "Thank you, Charles. After every promotional event, I just think of my newborn at home!"

Tom Cruise still hadn't recovered from last year's media scandals. This year, it seemed like he was doubling down, hyping his love and his child.

"Mission: Impossible III is about to premiere, so you must be really busy," Charles noted, knowing there was just one week until the release.

After all, The Da Vinci Code was also in the middle of extensive promotion, set to premiere in two weeks.

After talking with Tom Cruise, Charles mingled with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other politicians, taking photos together.

Michael Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg LP and a Forbes billionaire, had been dedicated to revitalizing New York's economy as mayor. His efforts had been very successful, earning him re-election last year.

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo also came from a political family; his father had served three terms as the governor of New York State.

"Hollywood's increased filming in New York has provided many jobs; you can take credit for that," Michael Bloomberg said. Boosting the economy was an important measure, including tax breaks for the entertainment industry.

Attracting big Hollywood productions to New York served similar purposes, as seen with the Tribeca Film Festival.

"It's mainly due to your excellent management of New York, Mr. Bloomberg. Not only have you erased New York's fiscal deficit, but also created surpluses and 600,000 jobs over the years. New Yorkers are grateful!" Charles replied.

Charles was no longer just a Hollywood assistant but had risen to become the youngest billionaire recognized by Forbes.

He became a millionaire at 20 and now, at 24, he wielded considerable influence in Hollywood.

"Donald, the real estate market is shrinking, that's my take..."

"John, that's bull. The real estate market is still booming!"

A man with flowing blond hair pursed his lips, utterly disregarding any decorum.

Charles recognized him instantly but turned his gaze to the departing hedge fund manager. He overheard that the Paulson Fund manager was forming the first billion-dollar short-selling fund targeting subprime loans.

"John Paulson, huh? Got it!" Charles's eyes locked onto the relatively unknown hedge fund manager on Wall Street.

"Good evening, Charles!" Donald Trump suddenly interrupted Charles's deep thought.

"Oh, good evening, Donald!" This guy was going to be the future president of the United States - who would believe that?

*****

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