Chapter 316

In the White House, Washington D.C., with Ben Bernanke, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, and the then 46-year-old, rising star New York Federal Reserve Bank President Timothy Geithner at the helm, formed the team to tackle the financial crisis in the United States.

Federal Reserve System, the central bank of the United States, with power derived from Congress, consists of the Board of Governors located in Washington D.C., and 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks distributed across major cities nationwide.

The New York Federal Reserve Bank was the most significant and influential among them, responsible for the Second Federal Reserve District and holding a pivotal position in the U.S. financial sector.

In addition, the New York Fed was distinct from the other 11 regional banks as it was situated in the financial capital of the U.S., directly executing central government monetary policies, conducting extensive foreign exchange transactions, and managing a substantial portion of the U.S. Treasury's debt.

Two years ago, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson was the CEO of Goldman Sachs, the most powerful investment bank on Wall Street. Leading the effort alongside Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and New York Fed President Timothy Geithner to address this economic crisis demonstrated the gravity of the situation.

However, for Hollywood, the party never stopped, the galas were never absent, and the red carpet fashion remained just as dazzling.

Dona Williams invested the 35 million dollars she raised through AC Capital into Lululemon, which had just completed its IPO, buying 1.45 million shares at an opening price of 24 dollars per share.

Nevertheless, AC Capital was engaging in short-term investments primarily for profit, and they planned to sell once Lululemon's stock price surged.

Charles was fully aware that as the subprime crisis unfolded, the global financial tsunami that followed would sweep away everything, regardless of whether it was real economy or not.

Though it was August, and summer still lingered in New York, Wall Street felt a noticeable chill.

...

On Route 27 in Long Island, a white Lamborghini Murcielago convertible sped towards the Montauk Point lighthouse.

The driver was none other than Charles, with the currently on-fire Megan Fox from Transformers, enjoying the sunshine, beaches, sports cars, and beauty.

"This place is way more peaceful compared to crowded Manhattan," said Megan Fox, wearing denim shorts and a white T-shirt, as she stepped out of the car, took off her sunglasses, and embraced the Atlantic breeze near the Montauk Point Lighthouse.

Charles, in a black T-shirt and black casual trousers, leaned against the car, his eyes hidden behind sunglasses watching the waves crashing against the shore one after another.

"Charles, now Transformers has crossed 300 million dollars at the North American box office, and the overseas market is the same, over 300 million dollars. Aren't you happy?" Megan Fox wrapped her arms around Charles, unable to contain her excitement, having tasted stardom this year.

Men's Health, Empire, GQ - all these prestigious fashion magazines' August issues featured her on the cover, calling her the "America's Nerd Dream Girl" and "The Sexiest Woman Alive"!

Just with one movie, Transformers, Megan Fox showcased her unparalleled sexiness and beauty.

"Of course, I'm happy. Many media are saying you're the next Angelina Jolie. But I think Angelina Jolie is no match for you!"

"Oh, but Angelina Jolie is the dream girl of countless men, isn't she?" Megan Fox, although reluctant to compare with other women, acknowledged Angelina Jolie's worldwide sex appeal.

"Charles, I will soon be going to Miami to shoot an ad. But Mrs. Capet said I've been overexposed lately, so she got me a few European ads."

"Europe is fine too. But you have indeed been in the American news a lot these past months," Charles had no objections to stars doing ads, but it should be a consideration when choosing film roles.

Actresses typically do ads and endorsements, but it's different for Hollywood actors. Once they make it big, they rarely do ads.

Because playing ads too frequently diminishes an actor's mystique. Big names like Tom Cruise, Nicolas Cage, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Johnny Depp wouldn't consider it.

Doing ads is for stars and idols; real actors remain mindful of this.

Many actors who do take on ads sign contracts sharply limiting their use, including bans on airing them in the U.S.

At least nowadays, the top Hollywood male stars mentioned are Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Will Smith.

"Listen to my mom. She knows the ins and outs of managing ETA. Besides, the hype for Transformers won't fade that quickly," Charles, far from such considerations himself, detested being snapped by photographers.

Megan Fox snuggled closer to Charles, "Mrs. Capet also said I need to improve my acting skills and not just rely on Transformers to maintain my fame. What should I do? I already signed up for acting classes at your suggestion; isn't that enough?"

Charles glanced at Megan Fox, considering that a movie like Transformers didn't require much acting prowess and was essentially comedic.

"Alright, I'll see if I can find a decent art film script where you can hone your acting skills," Charles pondered. Megan Fox, who had been honing her craft in various films while staying by his side for years, might well be ready to lead in some drama films.

"That's good," Megan Fox smiled and then whispered seductively into Charles's ear: "Let's try the ice and fire when we get back tonight!"

"Mmm," Charles leaned in and kissed Megan Fox. Indeed, who doesn't like a sensuous and enchanting beauty like Megan Fox?

*****

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