Chapter 403

At night, in a beachfront villa in Santa Monica Palisades of Shire, Scarlett Johansson got into the pool with Charles after returning from the Marmont Castle Hotel.

"Pfft," Charles did a dive, popping his head out of the water to spit, then swam towards Scarlett Johansson, who was resting by the pool.

"What's up? Exhausted from filming and promoting your movie?" Charles embraced the curvaceous Scarlett Johansson, who was wearing a sexy red bikini, enjoying their time together.

Scarlett Johansson laughed, "Not really exhausted, but I can't help but feel a bit antsy thinking about the album I released last month.

I also attended the VMA held at the beginning of this month!"

Scarlett Johansson wrapped her legs around Charles' waist and whispered into his ear, "I even ran into Britney Spears at the award ceremony. She asked about you."

Charle's smile disappeared for a moment as he felt a bit awkward. He kissed Scarlett and changed the subject, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona seems to have received good reviews. It seems Penelope Cruz's performance was rated higher than yours."

Vicky Cristina Barcelona was quite an artsy film, featuring a few sexy actresses as highlights, making it difficult for Charles to evaluate it much.

After all, Vicky Cristina Barcelona only grossed $23 million in North America and barely reached $90 million worldwide, just under $100 million!

"Maybe it's because Woody Allen was affected by the accusations from his ex-wife Mia Farrow. Although Mia Farrow eventually faced repercussions, such scandals always have a negative impact," Scarlett Johansson shook her head.

"I wasn't very satisfied with Scoop, which I acted in earlier. I think I'll focus on commercial films from now on."

The high box office of Mamma Mia! indeed helped Scarlett Johansson get out of the shadow of The Island.

Although Meryl Streep was the leading actress of Mamma Mia!, Scarlett Johansson's role in it was somewhat similar to Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada. However, Anne Hathaway's role in The Devil Wears Prada was more significant than Scarlett Johansson's in Mamma Mia!.

"Relax, Black Widow is the role that will make you known worldwide, just like Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man. A character that will make you a global superstar," Charles reassured her, emphasizing that commercial films would boost an actor's fame the most.

Scarlett Johansson nodded, then asked, "Do you know what Eva has been up to lately?"

"Eva Green?" Charles smiled as he undid Scarlett's bikini top. "Are you that close with her now? She should be preparing for an art film in the UK, directed by Ridley Scott's daughter, Jordan Scott."

As Charles started kissing Scarlett, she reminded him, "Weren't you super excited when we all went on a date?"

...

Following the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in mid-September, global financial markets faced massive turbulence, affecting the stock market, forex, and commodity markets alike. The major indices in the US, Europe, and Asia all fell sharply.

The liquidity crisis led to a drop in interbank trust and made interbank loans more difficult, directly causing a global credit market crisis.

This prompted the US government to take several measures to stabilize the financial market, including a $700 billion bailout plan that quickly passed approval. Many other countries and regions, facing accelerated economic downturns, also had to adopt more direct measures to stabilize their financial markets and economies.

"Seven years of Republican rule has led to a sluggish US economy, huge fiscal deficits, and rising prices, compounded by the current subprime mortgage crisis, making people's lives increasingly hard. The number without health insurance has reached 50 million."

"Universal healthcare is urgently needed. We need to store hope and push for change."

"We need change we can believe in!"

Watching Obama's impassioned speech on TV, Charles tapped along with the rhythm, holding the remote.

Campaign slogans, personal videos, celebrity endorsements, and the full support of people of color made the Democratic candidate Obama increasingly advantageous over the Republican candidate John McCain.

Charles picked up the phone and called Arianna Huffington in New York, "When do the two candidates start their TV debates?"

"Oh, at the end of this month, the candidates from both parties will have their first TV debate in Oxford, Mississippi. The Huffington Post will live stream it online," Arianna Huffington sounded excited over the phone.

"Charles, your influence in Hollywood is truly extraordinary. So many celebrities in Hollywood are supporting Obama, and our promotional campaigns are making great strides!"

"Ha, it has little to do with me. It's mainly because of all that's happened in the US these past few years. Obama's timing coincides with the American people's desire for change, and the appeal of having the first African-American president is huge," Charles said modestly, knowing that Hollywood had long been a Democratic stronghold.

After a brief silence, Arianna Huffington said, "Don't worry. Obama truly understands Hollywood's power now. His future policies won't neglect Hollywood.

The Internet Copyright Revision Act and the Cultural Industry Support Act will be key discussions in Congress!"

Charles laughed, "This isn't just about my interests but the entire Hollywood's.

By the way, how are California's Democratic Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer faring with Obama?"

Diane Feinstein was a Senator Charles supported from California, and Barbara Boxer was being pushed to replace Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.

Politics was something Charles couldn't escape from and was willing to invest energy in building networks.

"Don't worry, Nancy Pelosi will be replaced by a California Senator, which is the best scenario. Barbara Boxer's leftist views align with everyone's interests!"

"That's good," Charles hung up and continued watching the speech on TV. The American President, according to the Constitution, could be anyone, even a pig.

What mattered were the Senators in Congress!

*****

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