Cinephile hustle

"Do you know what good deeds you have done?" Xavier said through gritted teeth.

"I don't know. So far, all I've done is follow you out and follow you back."

"Follow me out and follow me back? So what happened during this process? What kind of charm did you cast on those stupid pigs in the audience? When you were with me, why didn't I feel that you had such a bewitching ability? "

"If you want to accuse me of anything, please speak up."

Xavier pressed his eyes and cursed very hard in a low voice: "Shit! Shit! Shit!"

"What's the matter?"

"I've already told Shia to keep a low profile when designing clothes for you! I also told him not to let those fools notice you!"

"You and Shia have done a good job."

"We underestimated Joseph Sherman. His vision was unmatched."

"Can you tell me what's going on? Is it related to some so-called feast that you have tried so hard to keep me from being noticed?"

"It seems that your investigation has gone very deep."

"Tell me, Xavier. I want to know the truth."

"Will you believe what I said?" Xavier showed a mocking expression.

"Yes, I believe." There was no wavering in Ian's eyes.

Xavier let out a long breath, avoiding Ian's gaze.

"Did you see the group of stupid pigs outside? There are shipping tycoons, real estate tycoons, and even members of Congress. They have money and power in their hands, and they have already got everything they can get, so they are looking for other more An interesting pastime, that is to use your own power as a bargaining chip to control another person's life, let him be held in your hands like a pet. Today, they want to lift you up to the sky, and you are the star in the sky. Tomorrow , they want to show their control, they will let you fall straight from the heights, into the mud. And all the time, they will not ask for anything from you until you strip away all dignity and lose yourself completely.”

"Do you think there are a lot of people out there waiting to take over me?"

"Yes. So remember... don't accept anyone's invitation, don't make them think that they can meet your needs. I bet that soon Sherman will come and invite you to a place like heaven. Believe me, it was hell."

"Thank you." Ian said softly.

Xavier looked into Ian's eyes with a disappointed expression, "But you will still go, right?"

"Because I'm here to investigate the 'paradise' they talk about."

"You're going to get stuck."

Xavier took half a step back, unlocked the door, and left the bathroom.

Not long after, Sherman came backstage holding a large bunch of white baby's breath.

"Ian, you are still here, but fortunately I am not late."

"Mr. Sherman, I have experienced what you call 'another world', and I want to take a good rest."

"Before that, please accept the flowers I gave you. Actually, you like baby's breath, don't you? Because today is a holiday, and you didn't throw away that bouquet of flowers."

Ian didn't answer the question, just said: "I'm a little tired, if you don't mind, I want to have a good sleep."

"What about tomorrow? There are many interesting activities on the cruise, such as sea fishing. You seem to be a very patient person, and you should like such activities very much."

"I want to stay in my room and finish that book I haven't finished."

Ian was about to leave when Sherman grabbed his wrist.

"Don't worry, I'll take you back."

"I know the way back."

"This has nothing to do with the way back. Here, there are already many beasts staring at you. Just because you don't know it doesn't mean they don't exist."

After speaking, Sherman put the coat hanging on his arm on Ian's shoulder, and followed him out of the backstage.

Along the way, Ian could indeed feel unusual sights.

For example, when he was walking on the deck, a media tycoon whom he had seen in newspapers was hugging a certain young man and talking about love while the sea breeze was blowing.But when Ian passed by, the other party's eyes followed closely.

There was some kind of emotion that disgusted Ian.

Only when they saw the editor-in-chief Sherman following Ian, did they avert their eyes slightly.

Entering the room, Ian said to the editor-in-chief Sherman: "It's getting late, and I won't ask you to stay for coffee anymore."

Sherman said indifferently: "It's okay, drinking coffee so late, wouldn't it make you sleepless all night?"

After Mr. Sherman left, Ian felt hungry.After all, I went to the fashion show without even eating dinner.

He called room service and ordered some pasta.Don't underestimate this aspect, the price is almost Ian's salary for a week.Of course, this noodle is also very delicious.

After eating the noodles, Ian felt sleepy.

He shook his head and sat down on the edge of the bed, suddenly he had a bad feeling.

At this moment, the door was opened.

Ian saw several men in suits walk in.

"Who are you guys?" Ian squinted his eyes, trying hard to keep himself awake, but it was of no use.

He shouldn't be ordering food.

Someone must have put something in the pasta.

The person who came in didn't answer what Ian meant, but just stood quietly, waiting for him to fall asleep.

"Who sent you here?"

"What do you want to do?"

All the questions Ian asked, got no answers.They were like stone statues, looking at Ian indifferently.

Something like this must have happened many times on this cruise ship.

Finally reaching the critical point, Ian couldn't hold on any longer and fell to one side.

In a daze, he could feel himself being lifted, placed on something, and pushed out of this room.

At this time, in Mr. Gubler's room, Hailey was lazily shaking his whiskey glass, staring at the liquid in it.

Gubler's wheelchair came in front of him, took his wine glass and put it aside, and then put a delicate mask on Haili's face.

"Oh...what's this?" Haley asked.

"Are you asking what the texture of the mask is, or what it does?"

"Well, I took a look just now, and it seems that there are platinum, diamonds and sapphires. It's too extravagant."

"The texture is not wrong, so what about the use?" Gubler asked with a smile.

"At a masquerade? The idea is still boring."

"No, it's a ticket to a feast. Wear it and you're a predator at the top of the pyramid, not food. Let's go, kid."

Hailey got up and pushed Gubler out of the room. "It sounds interesting now."

They entered the elevator, and Gubler reached out and pressed his finger on the bottom floor of the cruise ship.

When the elevator door opened, there were two waiters in straight tuxedos outside the door. Their faces also wore masks, but they were not as luxurious as Haley's.

"Good evening, Mr. Gubler." The waiters all bowed down to salute.

Haley looked down and asked, "Why aren't you wearing a mask?"

"I'm sitting on this thing, even if I'm wearing a mask, don't people know who I am?"

Gubler patted the armrest of the wheelchair.

"That's true."

Haili pushed Gu Bole through the long and gloomy corridor. When a heavy door was opened, in front of them was a circular place like an opera house, but there was no stage here, only the central part was made of tempered glass. square display stand.

"Is this an auction?" Haley asked amusedly.

Gubler chuckled, "It's an auction. If you fancy any of these items, please let me know."

"Oh, will you buy it and give it to me?"

"No, I will destroy him." Gubler's tone was joking, but no one would suspect that it was a joke.

Their location is the highest and most spacious part of the entire venue, with a separate terrace.

Guests were constantly being seated. Like Hailey, they were wearing black suits and masks.Everyone's mask is different.And the backs of their seats are all printed with the suits of playing cards, which should be their identities in the feast.

Hailey suddenly laughed.

"what happened?"

"See that bald man with a big belly over there, it seems to be Cao Hua6? Isn't he the chairman of some real estate company? Even with a mask on, people can still recognize him."

Gubler also smiled: "I didn't expect you to have such a good memory."

"Then what is your identity? King?" Haley looked at where they were, but found no pattern.

"The king is not I."

The waiter on the side poured red wine for them.Hailey raised his glass, sniffed it, and let out a sigh of admiration: "Ah, this is the reason why I gave up the weekend and came here."

"Believe me, there are better reasons than this."

A man in a white suit walked up to the glass box and bowed to everyone.

Gubler waved to Hailey, and Hailey leaned over.He puts a bluetooth headset on Hailey's ear.

"Welcome all distinguished guests to the feast tonight, I am the king tonight."

After special processing, this person's voice is noble and light.

"I heard that some new guests have joined us tonight, so as the king who maintains order, I must reiterate the rules of the feast here."

Haili blinked, "The so-called new guest, is it me?"

Gubler replied with a smile: "My child, you are the only new guest here."

"Oh, that's really an incredible VIP-level treatment!"

"In this glass box, very delicious dinners will be displayed." The king, wearing white gloves, caressed the spotless glass ambiguously. He reminded him to listen clearly, "But not everyone can get the dinner they want most. Yes, every dinner needs to be auctioned. In addition to money, the chips also include various conditions. Hitting For example, if Mr. Gubler takes a fancy to a dinner and offers 100 million US dollars. And Mr. Gubler's friend also likes this dinner, you can offer a higher price than Mr. Gubler. You can name a condition that Mr. Gubler is willing to give up. For example, you will give him another delicious 'dinner'. For example, you know who he is having an affair with. If he refuses to give up the dinner, you Will make public about his affair, and let's say you know of a way to get Mr Gubler back on his feet again."

"Oh, so this condition can be a threat or some kind of help?"

Gubler nodded.

"If conditions are used to make the other party give up, then at least one must guess who is behind the mask?"

"Yes. This makes the game a lot more variable, doesn't it?"

"Hmm—" Haili rubbed his chin, "It's really interesting."

The king continued to explain: "And the next guest, if he is interested in the same dinner, he must either offer at least 200 million US dollars, or issue a more tempting condition to Mr. Gubler's friend. Below, The feast begins. Please allow us to present the first course to all distinguished guests."

At this time, the base of the glass box was opened, and a person lying on the carefully arranged long sofa slowly rose up.

"He seems to be... a model in Shia Pace's fashion show?"

"Don't worry, for his own future, he let himself appear here voluntarily." Gubler smiled.

Soon, some people began to bid, some bids had an amount, and some bids had certain conditions.

And Haili could hear all this clearly through his earphones.

"Can all these conditions be made public?" Haley asked curiously.

"No, only you and I, and a few people I trust most, can hear these terms."

"Aren't you afraid that I will say these conditions?"

"Oh boy, I let you hear that in the hope that these terms will help you get more clients. You'll be the brightest manager on Wall Street."

Haley looked down, the corners of his lips sunken.

"Mr. Gubler, do you want me to become a blood-sucking devil?"

"Don't be afraid, child. With me here, you will have a steady stream of wealth and a sense of accomplishment, and as long as I live, you don't need to worry about falling from the clouds."

The "dinner" in the glass box has been changed countless times, and Haili has also heard a lot of news that ordinary people feel unbelievable.

"I have to admire you, Mr. Gubler."

"What do you admire about me?"

"In this feast, whoever gets the 'dinner' in the end, you are the biggest winner. So many exciting 'conditions' will become your capital. These people are showing off their wealth and At the same time as your ability, you have also handed over your most important weight to you. No wonder you can become an unmatched giant in a certain field."

Gubler smiled, "The wonderful things are yet to come."

Time passed little by little, and many "dinners" had been delivered to the VIPs.

The king clapped his hands and said enthusiastically: "Next, I will introduce you to the last dish of tonight. No matter what kind of delicious food you distinguished guests got before, if you miss the next one, I bet you will regret it for the rest of your life."

Everyone leaned forward slightly in unison.

When the couch in the glass box was slowly raised, one could faintly hear the sound of breathing from the surroundings.

There was a man sitting on the couch. Unlike the previous "dinner", he looked eye-catching.

Unlike the blurred expressions of those handsome men and women before, he has already sat up.Although he looked distracted, his expression was inexplicably determined.

His face was flushed and he was trying to catch his breath.The hair on the forehead hangs down, as he breathes, does it brush the tip of his nose.

He didn't try to sit up, nor did he try to pose any exciting poses, he just raised his face coldly and looked at all the distinguished guests wearing masks.

It seems that here, he is not a "dinner" to be enjoyed, but a hunter ready to attack at any time, dormant, never yielding, waiting for his opportunity.

Everyone's gaze passed over his face, his neck, and his back inch by inch.

Haley tilted his head.

"You amaze me, Mr. Gubler. How did you convince Ian to dedicate himself to this feast?"

"It's my old friend Sherman."

"I don't think it's to persuade him, but to use some inappropriate means." Haili shook the red wine, his eyes glanced over the edge of the glass and landed on Ian's neck.

"Your friend is so stubborn, so it's understandable that Sherman used some drastic means. He's not the first to refuse to be 'dinner,' but I bet he'll be as thankful tonight as anyone else. In Here are people with great wealth and power, any one of them can make your friend's dream come true."

Hailey lowered his head with a charming mocking smile on his lips.

At this moment, the king spread his hands and said in a high and provocative tone: "Guys, I can hear your hearts beating! Your blood is boiling! You want him! No giving no return! Tell me— - Your chips!"

Hailey changed his standing posture, with his left hand resting on his right elbow, and he heard someone shouting "100 million dollars" clearly in his ears.

Then he chuckled.

"what are you laughing at?"

"100 million, these people are really stingy."

"This is just the beginning. Don't you want to know how much your friends are really worth?"

At this time, someone shouted "200 million" in the headset.

The price continued to rise, and it reached 1 million in less than a minute.

"Ah, it's been a long time since I've heard such an aggressive bid."

"I haven't heard it for a long time, so it used to be?"

"It's Shia Pace. At that time, he was still an unknown model." Gubler showed a nostalgic expression, "The eyes are full of fear and curiosity about the unknown world."

Hailey smiled and said nothing.

When the price was as high as 2000 million, Gubler smiled, "I like to see how crazy they are about to win. Guess who will have your friend in the end?"

"I don't think it's funny."

"Don't worry, Haley. I can assure you that nothing will hurt your friend in the end."

Haley looked at Ian, and Ian looked up in his direction.

His sharp eyes seemed to cut the air open.

"Oh... your friend seems to have spotted you. Looks like your friendship is being challenged."

"Mr. Gubler, you said two things wrong." Haili said calmly.

Like the silent sea in the dark, there is an endless abyss under the sea.

Gubler turned around subconsciously, "You are the first person to point out my mistakes, let alone two mistakes. Can you tell me what these two mistakes are?"

"Number one, there is no friendship between Ian and I."

"Oh, I feel sorry for Ian."

"Second, it is not your guarantee, Mr. Gubler, that Ian will not be harmed."

"Are you challenging my authority?"

"We might as well keep watching," Haley said with a smile.

The price tag is still rising, even reaching 3000 million.

"If it's just to compare who has more money, it's too boring." Haili yawned.

"When the money war is over, what's left is the most interesting part." Gubler chuckled lightly.

At this moment, a somewhat familiar voice sounded in Haili's ear.

"Mr. Cade, your real estate company is in a high-end residential area in the east of New York. It seems that there is a pollution problem. If this news is published in the newspapers, not only will this piece of housing be unsold, even your real estate group will also face serious problems. Huge prosecution."

"I give up."

When this conversation ended, the king who presided over the feast clapped his hands and said: "Congratulations to the distinguished guest, Mr. A of Spades, for persuading Mr. K of Hearts, who bid 3000 million US dollars, to give up this delicacy automatically. To get this dinner, you must either pay a higher price than 3000 million, or persuade Mr. Ace of Spades to give up."

Haili looked at Gubler, "So Mr. K of Heart, who bid 3000 million US dollars, is the chairman of CapitaLand? Is there something wrong with his property?"

Gubler put his fingers to his lips. "It's not surprising."

"So the transaction between Mr. A of Spades and Mr. K of Hearts, are we the only ones who heard about it?"

"Yes."

"Interesting." Haley blinked.

At this moment, the 4 of squares raised his hand and offered 100 million yuan.

The king clapped his hands and said, "Then Mr. Ace of Spades, are you willing to bid more than 100 million US dollars, or are you willing to persuade Mr. 4 of Diamonds to give up the dinner?"

The ace of spades raised the corners of his lips slightly, and said unhurriedly: "Mr. House, your wife died of illness last month, right? But it seems that she has always wanted to divorce you. Once the divorce is successful, the rich man in New York will A rich woman is about to appear on the leaderboard."

"She's got cancer, what's wrong with that?" said 4 of squares.

"You put a small piece of radioactive stone bought from a laboratory in the sea on the back of her chair. After she sat on that chair for three months, she got a malignant tumor. That chair, are you sure Is it done?"

"...I give up." Reluctant, but had to agree.

"Thank you."

The king clapped his hands and said in a very provocative voice: "Congratulations to Mr. A of Spades for persuading Mr. 4 of Diamonds to give up the last dinner tonight. And the bidding has reached 100 million! Is there any VIP who is willing to bid?" A higher price?"

Haili stood on tiptoe, showing a childish expression: "It turns out that these business giants also have so many shady little secrets."

"What about you? Do you have any interesting little secrets?" Gubler looked at Haili with probing eyes, and there was a bit of unfathomable meaning in his smile.

"You want to know?" Haley asked back.

"Would you like to say it?"

At this time, Grass Flower 3 raised his hand and asked for a price of 200 million.

"Oh, it's just a spring breeze, and it can be lifted to 200 million. I want to try it instead of Ian." Haili said playfully, "As far as I know Ian, he has a great understanding of life. Pursuit and need, there is nothing more than 200 million. This business seems not so cost-effective for Ian."

"For me, you are far more than 200 million. It is an insult to the creator to have you appear in that glass box." Gubler raised his hand and wrapped Haili's waist.

Such compliments did not move Haley's heart.

"I just want to know now, is there any other way for the ace of spades to convince the three of clubs."

Sure enough, the ace of spades spoke again, with the same calm tone as the previous two times, as if everything was under control, and he was bound to win this dinner.

"Mr. Cavendish, if I remember correctly, last month you did not load potatoes on a freighter bound for Venezuela, but missiles, right? Be careful, don't let the Interpol and the Central Intelligence Agency Keep an eye on you, then life will be difficult."

"You have no proof, it's slander."

"I have a video, do you want to see it?"

"……I give up."

Haili showed a surprised expression and shook his head, "I didn't expect that even the Cavendish shipping has so many shady scenes. I'm really disappointed in this world."

The king clapped his hands and encouraged the distinguished guests to continue bidding.

But three people in succession were convinced by the ace of spades, and everyone was guessing who the ace of spades was and whether they had mastered their secrets. No one dared to test the ace of spades' bottom line.So the whole space fell silent.

The king started the countdown, the ace of spades showed a smile, lowered his gaze, and looked at Ian in the glass box.

And Ian also looked at him, his penetrating gaze showed that he had already figured out who the ace of spades was.

"The ace of spades is the editor-in-chief of Sherman, right?" Hailey leaned down and asked in Gubler's ear.

"How did you tell? Because of his voice?"

"Not only because of his voice, but also because of his size and temperament. How, I guess right?" Haley asked.

"Assuming your guess is correct, how did Sherman get the big news? Although his worth is definitely considered a predator in the fashion industry, he is actually nothing in the face of these business leaders. .” Gubler looked at Haili with great interest.

"Aren't the 'dinners' at the annual feast all edited by you and Sherman? When these bigwigs are with their 'dinners', they will inevitably be distracted and tell some secrets. Then, these secrets It will reach Sherman's ears. All that remains is to spend a little effort to find the evidence. Then, these all-powerful figures will be in your hands."

"You're smart. Much smarter than I thought."