Chapter 469: Based on True Events

By the end of January, Charles had returned to the States from London but went straight to Miami.

With Lily Ying handling the shares in Tencent and the European luxury goods group deals, there weren't many issues. Jack Swank took care of the London HSBC building, so Charles had no concerns there. He was in Miami to watch the Super Bowl with Scarlett Johansson and Eva Green.

This year's Super Bowl was held in Tampa, Florida!

Once Scarlett Johansson and Eva Green arrived at the Miami West Palm Beach estate, they all flew to Tampa together.

On February 1st, 2009, at 6:30 PM EST, the 43rd Super Bowl kicked off at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

It was the Pittsburgh Steelers of the AFC against the Arizona Cardinals of the NFC.

Charles, Scarlett Johansson, and Eva Green watched the game from a luxury box with the Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"So many people! It feels even more intense than our French Ligue 1," Eva Green remarked, not particularly interested in the NFL, but loving the atmosphere.

"This is the most important game in America," Scarlett Johansson was very interested.

Charles smirked and said, "The ads are pricey too. A 30-second spot costs $3 million. Iron Man 2 and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen both bought ad space!"

"Charles, when will the Miami Dolphins make it to the Super Bowl?" Scarlett Johansson suddenly asked.

"Uh, soon. The Dolphins haven't done well these past few years," Charles said helplessly, "It's just my first season. Things will get better. Next year's Super Bowl is at the Dolphins' home, the Bank of America Stadium, which will get some renovations this year!"

At the opening, Captain Chesley Sullenberger, honored as the "Hero of the Hudson," appeared on the field with his crew to receive recognition.

"That's the crew of US Airways Flight 1549 that landed on the Hudson River two weeks ago," Scarlett explained, "It's called the Miracle on the Hudson!"

Charles, who had just gone to the UK when the incident happened, sighed, "America's patriotic education is everywhere!"

On January 15th, US Airways Flight 1549, carrying 150 passengers and five crew members, took off from New York's LaGuardia Airport headed for Charlotte, North Carolina, but hit birds shortly after takeoff.

Both engines failed, and Captain Sullenberger requested an immediate return to LaGuardia. The airport directed them to turn back, but Sullenberger realized they couldn't make it.

Attempting to head to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey for an emergency landing, he soon realized the plane couldn't safely make it there either due to its altitude and descent rate.

Ultimately, Captain Sullenberger decided to avoid densely populated areas and made an emergency landing on the Hudson River.

After approaching the river, the plane glided down, its tail touching the water first, then the fuselage, ultimately coming to a halt with the coordination of the entire crew, saving everyone on board.

The five crew members were invited to the Super Bowl for recognition, meeting NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Eva Green noticed Charles staring at Captain Sullenberger and the crew and jokingly asked, "Charles, what are you thinking about?"

Charles's eyes lit up, "I'm thinking Capet Pictures should make a movie about this!"

Eva Green and Scarlett Johansson were stunned, fitting for a movie company boss.

Immediately, Charles called Phyllis Jones and instructed Capet Pictures to contact Captain Sullenberger as soon as possible to adapt this real-life event!

Charles remembered that it indeed would become a movie in the future.

Around 10 p.m., the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals to win the Super Bowl. Charles and his two friends left the stadium and took a private jet back to Miami.

They had no interest in attending the Steelers' Super Bowl celebration. By the time they returned to the villa in West Palm Beach, it was already midnight.

"Sweetie, I'm going to bed," Scarlett Johansson said, kissing Charles on the cheek before heading to her room.

Charles stayed behind with Eva Green. He opened a bottle of wine and poured two glasses. Handing one to Eva, he asked, "Finished shooting Cracks?"

Eva Green nodded. "Jordan needs to film some outdoor scenes in March, but the main shooting is done. My main work this year will be shooting Thor 2 in Atlanta!"

No matter what, with the support of the Thor series, Eva Green had secured her place in Hollywood and didn't need to return to Europe for work.

Although there was still a gap between her and Oscar winner Marion Cotillard, it couldn't be helped. Eva Green's distinctive, Gothic dark persona didn't suit many roles.

Charles hugged Eva Green, kissed her forehead, and smiled. "I've prepared a villa for you in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles as a gift."

Eva Green nodded, snuggling her cheek against Charles's, and laughed. "You didn't go to France last year. Harvey Weinstein's downfall relieved many actresses."

"Alright, let's go to bed," said Charles, carrying Eva Green into the bedroom.

...

Miami's warm beach was already a great winter vacation spot, and with Eva Green and Scarlett Johansson keeping him company, Charles certainly intended to stay a few more days.

However, Charles couldn't stay still; the folks in Washington D.C. wanted him to participate in the bailout.

"Gavin, no problem. I do have some cash on hand. I can allocate $2 billion to buy stocks of banks on Wall Street. Also, the California State Assembly has been in touch with me. They want me to increase my investment in California. I'll cooperate, but you'll have to help me resolve my issues later," Charles said, speaking to the new California Senator Gavin Newsom.

"$2 billion, excellent. The banks' stock prices have plummeted too much. The $700 billion bailout fund from Congress isn't enough. Your actions will definitely be remembered by Congress," Gavin Newsom said excitedly. "Rest assured, Capet Entertainment's return won't be forgotten!"

After hanging up the phone, Charles's eyes remained calm. He had made a fortune through the subprime crisis and investing in U.S. Treasuries, something Washington, D.C., couldn't ignore.

During the subprime crisis, Charles avoided betting against American banks and investment firms, focusing on European and Japanese banks instead.

Notably, Japanese Nomura Securities, British HSBC, Swiss Credit Suisse, French BNP Paribas, and Deutsche Bank all had substantial American funds.

When Washington D.C. met with the major players during the subprime crisis, Charles wasn't among them; the focus was on hedge funds like John Paulson's.

Charles simply shorted Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, much cleaner than those Jewish hedge funds!

Charles chuckled. What he was doing now was similar to Warren Buffet - Buffet was also buying bank stocks at the bottom.

Charles agreed to Gavin Newsom's request to buy currently undervalued bank stocks on Wall Street not just for the bailout, but because he knew these large banks would recover soon!

Soon, Dona Williams in Manhattan received Charles's instructions: Start purchasing shares of Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and Morgan Stanley!

These banks' stock prices had fallen by about 60% to 80%. Charles planned to buy at the bottom, taking advantage of the inevitable sell-off from many holders.

Moreover, Bank of America was a key target not just for profit but to deepen ties with them!

...

In West Palm Beach, in Charles' bedroom, he slowly awoke, his eyes falling on the lady in his arms, making him lose interest in other matters.

Scarlett Johansson woke up too, kissing Charles on the cheek. "I'm off to swim!"

Watching Scarlett get out of bed, her alluring figure was undoubtedly captivating.

Soon after, Eva Green also woke up and whispered, "Is she off to the gym again?"

"To the swimming pool," Charles said, admiring Scarlett's daily dedication to working out, which was more disciplined than he was.

"Eva, good morning!" Charles playfully pulled Eva on top of him.

Eva's glowing cheeks lately were a result of his "efforts," he thought.

"Good morning, Charles!" Eva replied, feeling the cause immediately.

"Your energy is still so high," Eva smiled, and then kissed Charles actively, soon engaging in their routine morning ritual.

Charles lay back, closing his eyes and enjoying, while thinking about the upcoming stock acquisition actions.

Bank of America was Charles's plan for expanding his influence. The other banks' stocks were more for short-term investments.

After some time, once Charles and Eva finished washing up, Scarlett had already prepared breakfast in the dining room.

Charles, wrapping his arms around both women's shoulders, asked, "So, are we shopping or surfing today?"

"I've got a beauty appointment today; let Eva go surfing with you," Scarlett said, kissing Charles.

"Charles, I want to go diving!" Eva added.

Charles nodded. "Sure!"

After all, it was time to head back to Los Angeles. They had been in Miami for a week, enjoying ultimate fortune.

*****

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