**Chapter 129: Party**

More than an hour later, a McLaren sports car slowly stopped in front of the mansion at 740 Park Avenue, Manhattan, New York.

"Let's go, this is the most happening place tonight," Norman said, tossing the keys to the valet.

"Hope it's not a waste of time," Richard shrugged.

"It won't be. With all the beautiful women and drinks, how could it be?" Norman laughed.

"I don't care for women, and I can't drink much. It might be a waste for me," Richard smiled lightly.

"You're really different. Other champions change their cars, homes, and girlfriends immediately after winning. But you haven't changed a thing, not even your Rolls-Royce, which just sits in the garage collecting dust. Are you used to being poor?" Norman said, walking beside him with a chuckle.

"You've got nerve saying that. The Rolls-Royce is for the driver. Should I hire a driver just for the car?" Richard replied.

"You can afford a driver," Norman pointed out.

"No need. Besides, the car isn't just collecting dust. I let a friend use it to make money, and I get a share of the profits," Richard explained.

"Oh, fuck! You earn over two million in three minutes, but you're still stingy?" Norman cursed, laughing.

"I'm used to being poor," Richard shrugged with a smile.

Entering the mansion, they hung up their coats and walked to the central hall. As Norman pushed open the door, brilliant lights, noisy music, lively conversations, and the scents of food, wine, and beautiful women surged towards them in a wave of heat.

Richard straightened his suit and tie and stepped inside.

"Lots of familiar faces," Norman noted, walking ahead with a smile.

Richard glanced around and recognized many faces: James Cameron, Tom Hanks, Nicolas Cage, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Nicole Kidman, Susan Sarandon, Halle Berry, and more. Some were with partners, while others came as someone's date.

"Whose party is this? Why are there so many celebrities?" Richard asked, puzzled.

"It's the party of the boss of 20th Century Fox. Of course, there would be many celebrities," Norman replied.

Richard nodded. The boss of 20th Century Fox was media tycoon Rupert Murdoch. This Australian acquired half of 20th Century Fox in 1983, successfully taking control of the film studio.

In addition to 20th Century Fox, Murdoch owned the New York Post, The Sun, The Times, New York magazine, Fox Broadcasting Company, and several satellite television companies.

"Hey, Norman, what are you doing here?" two young men in their twenties approached.

"Heard many celebrities are here, so I came to check it out. You know I'm now in the entertainment industry, so I need to connect with stars," Norman smiled.

"Haha, I know. Amanda said you started a talent agency for beauties. How many starlets have you hooked up with?" a blond young man laughed.

"None. I invested in the agency to make money and build a business, not for hooking up," Norman said seriously.

"Haha, do you believe that yourself?" a dark-haired young man chuckled.

"Whatever. I'm tired of explaining. Watch my actions. Oh, this is Richard. You should know him. Richard, this is Robert Hearst, Amanda's cousin. And this guy is Ivanka's brother, little Donny," Norman introduced.

"Oh, damn you, Norman. Call me that nickname again, and I'll duel you," Donald Trump Jr. fumed.

"Slip of the tongue. Sorry," Norman chuckled.

Richard smiled and shook hands with the two young men.

"Richard, I heard you're fighting Roy Jones next. When will it be?" Robert Hearst asked.

"The second weekend of March, in Las Vegas," Richard answered.

"Richard, they say your skills are average and you win with tactics. What's your strategy this time?" Donald Jr. asked arrogantly.

Richard smiled lightly. "My strategy is to knock my opponent down with my fists and make sure he can't get up within ten seconds, making him doubt he ever could."

"Haha, good one. Norman, who do you think is better, Richard or Roy Jones?" Donald Jr. laughed.

"Roy. Last time Richard pretended to be injured and tricked Roy. Roy didn't want to hurt an injured opponent, so he didn't go all out," Donald Jr. replied with his arms crossed.

"Really? How about a bet? My car against yours. I drove a McLaren SLR tonight," Norman challenged.

"Alright, I'll bet you," Donald Jr. raised his chin.

"Haha, great. Just don't tell Ivanka. She'll give me trouble," Norman laughed.

After chatting for a bit, the two groups separated.

"Richard, do you know why Donald doesn't like you?" Norman asked with a chuckle.

"Why?"

"Haha, I heard Ivanka likes you. Naturally, her brother won't like you," Norman said.

"Stop joking. I need to meet some movie people," Richard said, shaking his head, taking two champagne glasses from a table, and handing one to Norman.

"OK!"

They walked into the group of movie people and started chatting. Richard first chatted with Matt Damon, who introduced him to Tom Hanks.

Then it was Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicolas Cage, Halle Berry, and several second-tier stars. There were also many producers and directors associated with 20th Century Fox.

For example, truck driver James Cameron, whose big ship project made 20th Century Fox a lot of money two years ago, was also at the party, though surrounded by people, making it hard for Richard to get close.

"Norman, try to get in touch with Cameron. He and Fox TV are planning a TV series called 'Dark Angel'. They need a very sexy and hot female lead. I think Jessica would be perfect. Can you give it a shot?" Richard asked.

"Sure, I'll give it a try," Norman nodded.

After arranging that, Richard walked towards another target.

"Hey, Richard, you're here too!" Richard met a familiar face, Cate Blanchett, wearing a white gown with simple accessories, looking gentle and beautiful.

"Hi, Cate, long time no see," Richard opened his arms for a hug but extended his hand upon seeing the man beside her.

"Mr. Upton, nice to meet you," Richard greeted.

This was Blanchett's husband, Andrew Upton, an Australian director. The two married two years ago.

"Richard, thank you for helping Cate in Sicily," Andrew Upton said.

"No need to thank me," Richard smiled modestly. Last time in Sicily, Blanchett encountered an Italian thief, and Richard couldn't stand by.

"Richard, how's your acting going?" Blanchett asked with a smile.

"Not bad. Thanks to your guidance, I've improved a lot. Cate, I should thank you," Richard replied.

"No need to thank me," Blanchett winked with a smile.

After a few more exchanges, they parted ways. Richard watched Blanchett's departing figure and shrugged. Blanchett turned back, smiled at him, and Richard smirked before continuing to find someone to chat with.

"Hey, Richard, this is a party. Stop being so busy, will you?" After a while, Richard was chatting with another producer, Baz Bus, when Norman, holding a French model, approached, causing Richard to cut his conversation short.

"Norman, why are you still hitting on girls?" Richard frowned. He had asked Norman to connect with Cameron, but he was flirting instead, really unreliable.

"Hehe, Richard, don't worry. I'll figure something out," Norman laughed.

"Really?" Richard smiled lightly, putting an arm around Norman's shoulder and speaking just loud enough, "You should take a break for a while. Your genital warts haven't healed yet."

"What?" Norman was stunned for a moment but quickly covered Richard's mouth, "Fuck, what nonsense are you talking about? That was cured long ago," he turned and found the French model gone.

"Richard, you bastard! If you're not hitting on girls, don't stop me," Norman scolded.

"You really had that disease?" Richard wiped his face with a handkerchief. He needed to disinfect tonight.

"Three or four years ago, from fooling around too much. It's long cured. I'm very careful now," Norman replied angrily.

"Alright, sorry to ruin your good time," Richard chuckled.

"Hmph, what's the point of saying that now that all the girls have run off? Did you get any roles from talking to so many people?"

"No, I just chatted casually to get familiar faces. I didn't bring up any movie stuff," Richard said as he walked.

"That's useless. You need to talk to the real top brass, the ones who have decision-making power."

"I know, but I don't know any top brass. Do you?"

"I do. Look over there!"

Norman pointed to the grand staircase in the hall, where an elderly, balding man was slowly descending with a gorgeously dressed Asian woman on his arm.

The elderly man was none other than media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, aged 68, with a net worth of $10.2 billion, ranked 42nd on last year's Forbes list. After his divorce last year, the woman by his side was his new flame, Wendi Deng. They hadn't married yet, but according to the records, they were set to tie the knot this year.

As the two main stars appeared, the people in the hall seemed magnetically drawn towards them, gradually moving forward and towards the center.

CEOs, directors, big and small stars, models, and people from all circles all moved forward. 

Richard and Norman, who had been standing near the front, found themselves on the outer edge as Murdoch and Wendi arrived in the hall.

"See that? That's a real tycoon!" Norman said enviously, arms crossed.

"Indeed!" Richard squinted.

"Richard, aren't you good at chatting? How about chatting with Murdoch?" Norman teased.

"I will in a bit!"

"You serious?"

"Yes!"

Richard held his champagne glass, had a servant pour him another glass, and after a while, seeing Murdoch engrossed in conversation with others and Wendi Deng alone, he approached her.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Norman grabbed him.

"I'm just going to talk to Wendi."

"Just talk? Don't get any funny ideas. Murdoch is very fond of her. He divorced his ex-wife for her and registered this mansion under her name. They plan to marry once the divorce settlement takes effect. Don't become a homewrecker."

Richard twitched his mouth, pushed Norman's hand away, and walked straight to Wendi Deng.

"Ms. Deng, hello, I'm Richard Brad, nice to meet you!"

"This guy!" Norman shook his head helplessly. Approaching someone without an introduction could easily backfire.

Hmm~

Watching closely, Norman was surprised. He didn't know what Richard said, but Wendi Deng smiled and chatted happily with him.

"Is this guy really going to steal Murdoch's woman?" Norman, curious, stepped closer to eavesdrop, but though he saw them talking, he couldn't understand a word. Norman was frustrated.

After a while, Richard returned with a neutral expression.

"What were you talking about? In what language?"

Norman immediately asked.

"Chinese!"

"You know Chinese? I've heard it's very hard to learn."

Norman was astonished.

"I speak seven languages. Do you believe it?"

Richard smiled lightly.

"I-"

Norman was about to say he didn't believe it, but then he thought, since this guy could speak Chinese, maybe other languages weren't a challenge for him either.

"Okay, what were you talking about?"

"Nothing much. I complimented her qipao, talked about fashion, and Chinese language and culture."

"That's it?"

Norman was surprised.

"Yes, Ms. Deng just arrived in New York and doesn't know many people. I approached her, so why would she refuse?"

Richard smiled lightly.

"Hi, Richard!"

While they were chatting, Wendi Deng approached them. "What you said earlier was interesting. Can we chat more later?"

"Sure, Ms. Deng."

Richard smiled, introduced Norman, and followed Wendi to the front.

"⊙o⊙"

Norman was stunned. Did he really hook up with her?

"Hey, Norman, did Richard know Wendi Deng before?" Robert Hurst walked over and asked. Tonight, Murdoch and his new partner Wendi Deng were the center of attention. Seeing Wendi actively chatting with Richard and introducing him to Murdoch aroused everyone's curiosity.

"I don't know. Richard is good at making friends," Norman shrugged.

"He's interesting. We should invite him to our next party," Robert said, eyeing Richard chatting with Murdoch.

"No need. This guy doesn't like fooling around, can't drink, doesn't like drugs, and doesn't smoke. Our parties don't appeal to him at all."

Norman spread his hands.

"Are there still people like that?"

Robert was surprised.

"Yes, now let's go pick up some girls!" Norman downed his wine and pulled Robert towards the crowd.

Seeing the group of beauties, he smiled wickedly, determined to hook up with at least three girls tonight.

——

Half an hour later, as the party wound down, Richard found Norman in a secluded corner, smelling of alcohol and looking dejected, sitting on a sofa like a castrated man.

"Norman, what's wrong? Why the long face?"

Richard asked, puzzled.

Norman slowly raised his head, his eyes suddenly red, and grabbed Richard's collar.

"Richard, you bastard, I'm going to kill you!"

"Hey, are you drunk? Why hit me?"

Richard grabbed his fist and asked.

"Because of you, you jerk! Now all the girls think I have herpes. They run away as soon as they see me. How am I supposed to pick up girls now?" Norman wailed.

"Uh, sorry, I didn't know it would turn out this way. If I had known, I wouldn't have joked about it. It's all my fault," Richard said regretfully.

"Apologizing is useless. The girls are avoiding me," Norman wiped his eyes.

"It's okay, not picking up girls can be good. You can focus on working out. Once you get stronger, no woman will doubt you're sick," Richard said, holding back his laughter.

"No need. I'm going to Los Angeles in a few days. I don't think the news will spread to the West Coast."

"OK, up to you!"

Richard smiled, helping him leave the party.

——

(End of the chapter)