American Peanuts

Chapter 35 The largest Ponzi scheme in history
"Of course, I'm not joking. In fact, Weinstein's problems are worse than Hugh Hefner's." Charlie said bluntly.

He was not afraid that the two people present would leak the news.Because Spielberg was Weinstein's sworn enemy, and the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

"Is there any evidence?" Spielberg's expression became solemn.

"Of course, and there was more than one victim, he faced 20 years in prison."

Spielberg couldn't help but applaud.

"This is the day I've been waiting for. If you need my help, ask anytime. This damn fat guy stole my Academy Award back then!" Even when he recalled the incident a few years later, Spielberg was still so angry that he punched the table.

Well, it's not just the Golden Globes that can be stolen, it may be the Academy Awards.

This is not entirely a throw-down. Weinstein got his start in art-house films and has maintained close relationships over the years with several members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. These people are among the Oscar judges, and Weinstein is extremely good at it. He boasted in the media, dug up dirt on his competitors during the selection period, and even made begging remarks like "Meryl Streep has not won an Academy Award for 35 years."

"Saving Private Ryan" had a high reputation back then, but ultimately lost to "Shakespeare in Love." Spielberg must have felt that he was one of its victims.

To measure an actor, there are nothing more than two standards.

One is box office appeal, and the other is word-of-mouth.

If you can inherit Weinstein's connections, get hold of the Oscar judges, and then find those "good books."To put it more exaggeratedly, I can have my female artists line up to receive the Best Actress Award.

Going a step further, no one can have too many Academy Awards. Didn’t Leonardo DiCaprio dream of getting one? Wouldn’t it be hard to let go of being better than Spielberg?The premise is that they must show sincerity.

"Let's keep talking about the distribution of the Transformers live-action movie." Charlie didn't forget what he was here for.

Spielberg still said he was helpless: "I'm sorry, even if we take down Weinstein, I still can't help you. I'm just a working producer, and Paramount is the one paying."

"You have a relationship with Paramount for more than 30 years, and DreamWorks is also a co-distributor. This is not difficult to handle."

"No, it's very difficult. At least our friendship is not enough for me to offend other friends." Spielberg shook his head.

Now that it's all said and done, Spielberg may have been pushed into a corner.

Charlie thought for a while and decided to show his trump card.

He nodded immediately: "I have to introduce myself. I graduated from the Department of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. I have many friends on Wall Street. One roommate is at Morgan Stanley, one is an investigator at Citron, and one manages hedges at Bear Stearns. fund."

"So, are you going to recommend some financial products to me?" Spielberg smiled.This young man's speaking style is even more out of touch than his subject matter.

"Sorry, I have a fixed way of managing money, and I have no other plans for the time being."

But he heard Charlie suddenly say: "Is it Bernard Madoff? The former chairman of Dastardaq."

This time Spielberg was a little panicked. This matter was extremely secretive, and not even his family knew about it.

"You're actually investigating me!" He sat upright suddenly, his eyes a little ferocious.

"No, no, no, this is just an unexpected gain. I said I have many friends on Wall Street. For 30 years, Madoff's financial management channels have produced an increase of 15.00% to 2000% every year, even including the Internet crisis in [-]. Don't you think Is it strange?"

Charlie was not an accidental discovery. Besides, only regulatory agencies like the SEC are qualified to inquire about fund transactions.

In fact, this was from some news reports he had seen in his previous life. He knew that Spielberg and several other Hollywood bigwigs were victims of the Madoff case.

The whole thing is not complicated at all, it is just an ordinary Ponzi scheme. The difference is that Madoff is the former chairman of Nasdaq and the person who founded the Nasdaq exchange. It was this golden sign that allowed him to raise more than 500 million yuan. Investors include private tycoons, hedge funds, large institutional investors, and European royal families. If he hadn't caught up with the run caused by the financial crisis, he might have continued to defraud.

"If you don't believe it, I can show you an analysis report... on my Apple, just wait." Charlie took out his BlackBerry and then made a call to his old friend on Wall Street.

"Lucius, do you have time? Send the report I asked you to write two months ago to my email. Okay, I'm in New York. We can get together tonight. See you at the same place."

A few minutes later, a document appeared on Spielberg's computer screen.

After reading it, Spielberg leaned on the backrest, sweating all over.

"I was deceived by that old cunning guy for ten whole years." Spielberg felt scared.

"I suggest you call Madoff now and withdraw the money. Maybe in two days, Madoff will be taken away by the prosecutor. Also remember to inform some of your friends in the circle." Charlie said unhurriedly .

"You have to give me a few minutes." Spielberg quickly walked out of the room with his cell phone.

Charlie and Geffen were the only ones left in the house.

The old bald man looked at Charlie, not knowing how to speak for a moment.

Charlie made it very clear on the phone that the report had been completed two months ago. Did he know that he was going to meet with Spielberg two months in advance?
"It's just luck, sir." Charlie smiled at him.

At that moment, Geffen's expression was a little stiff, and he felt shuddering.

Fortunately, I am now in the same boat as him.

It took about 40 minutes before Spielberg returned to the room.

"It's done." He breathed out heavily.

Madoff didn't think much about it, and agreed to his divestment request with just a little effort.

That's a full US$8000 million. It would take ten movies to earn that much.

In addition, he notified six old friends, including an executive from Paramount, who introduced him to Madoff.

I took the opportunity to chat with him about Charlie, and the other party expressed his willingness to help.

"If you give me something in return, I will naturally help you, and I will be responsible for PB's participation in the announcement." Spielberg said the first sentence after he sat down firmly.

"It seems that the friendship between us has taken a further step." Charlie took the cigar handed over by the other party.

·
Behind the long table, the Spielberg family finished taking photos. Logically speaking, the next step would be separate photos with the guests.

The two partners of DreamWorks and their wives stepped forward. Hollywood stars and bigwigs surrounded the camera. Although any one of them would be the target of the spotlight, but at this moment, they are only worthy of being the audience, offering smiles and applause , and prepare to chat with the boss after the group photo is over. Even if they become familiar, it is still worth it.

But I saw the protagonist Spielberg looking around, seeming to be looking for someone.

"Has anyone seen Charlie Rossi?" he asked.

Charlie Rossi?At first, many people even felt unfamiliar with this name, but the next second they realized that it was an Asian young man who has been in the news recently.

Eventually people found Charlie in the corner, clinking wine glasses with DiCaprio.

"Charlie, Spielberg is looking for you." DiCaprio reminded quietly.

"Really?" Charlie put down his wine glass and saw everyone looking at him. Then he stood up and walked over slowly, pulling Artis out of the crowd along the way.

Atis was a little reserved, so much so that her smile was unnatural.

It's magical enough to be able to attend a party of this caliber, but to be the female companion of the most important guest. This is an honor that even top celebrities cannot get.

At the moment when the photo was taken, Artis hugged Charlie intentionally.

Not to mention Artis, even top stars such as Tom Hanks and Will Smith began to reassess Charlie's status in their hearts.

(End of this chapter)