"Michael, you're a kind person, but it's often people like you who suffer the most."
"Recently, I visited China, an ancient country with a five-thousand-year history. There's a saying there: 'Do not intend harm, but do not lose vigilance either.' It means we shouldn't hurt others, but we should be prepared for potential attacks from them. If a phrase has lasted for thousands of years, there must be some wisdom in it."
Michael embraced all three of them. "I understand what you mean. I'll be careful. Goodbye, Eric. Goodbye, Gadot. And you, little Elizabeth, don't forget to bring me your sister's CD next time."
The Lamborghini engine roared to life, and Eric drove the two beauties away.
As they left the gates of Neverland, Eric noticed paparazzi hiding nearby. His sharp eye caught sight of them instantly. But it didn't matter. Ever since he publicly supported Michael, there was no longer any point in hiding. The Lamborghini provided good privacy from prying eyes, and the paparazzi couldn't see who was inside.
"Gadot, your earrings are beautiful," Elizabeth remarked from the back seat as they drove.
Smiling, Gadot covered her mouth with her hand. "Really? Eric brought them especially for me from China."
Elizabeth leaned in closer to examine the pattern. "The design is so unique."
"I think so too," Gadot replied. "Their craftsmanship is unlike anything here in America. I really like them."
"Your skin looks amazing. What skincare do you use?"
Eric could follow the conversation at first, but when the girls transitioned to talking about cosmetics, he drifted off into his thoughts about Michael.
He wanted to help him, not just out of admiration and respect, but because Michael was a vital part of his business plans. Michael wasn't just a singer. His influence was enormous.
Michael's album sales broke records. A single album of his sold more than some artists' entire careers. During the '80s and '90s, his concerts were a global sensation. Presidents, premiers, princes, and kings all welcomed him as an honored guest.
Every U.S. President since the '80s had invited Michael to the White House. At the height of his career, Michael could use military equipment for his music videos, just like Jackie Chan did with a submarine.
His concert in Bucharest became a historic event: a stadium holding 70,000 people was packed, and outside, over 400,000 fans gathered. Due to scalpers and counterfeit tickets, many fans couldn't even get into the stadium. The crowd was so large that the Romanian government mobilized over 5,000 soldiers and police officers and 2,000 medics to maintain order.
That concert went down in history. The crowd's excitement was so intense that many people fainted. In the end, around 5,000 people lost consciousness, and 23 died from heart attacks or due to the crush.
This concert gave birth to a joke: there are only two people in the world who can wear underwear over their clothes—Superman and Michael Jackson. That's what it means to be the King of Pop.
For MGM, which operates in the entertainment industry, music was an important avenue. If Michael joined them, it would be a huge advantage. Additionally, Michael held rights to 50% of the songs of many popular U.S. artists.
When YouTube becomes popular, MJ could instantly help establish a music segment. And when MGM launches its online platform, films and series alone won't be enough to attract viewers—reality shows and music competitions would be essential.
In 2001, the UK launched the first music competition show, "Pop Idol," and last year Fox bought the rights and created "American Idol." The show immediately became a hit.
But if MGM launched "The Voice" with Michael Jackson as a guest, how would Fox react?
After driving for over an hour, they returned to Los Angeles. The sun was already setting. Eric first dropped little Elizabeth home. At the gate, they were met by Elizabeth's mother, Jarnette.
"Eric, why don't you join us for dinner? It's just about time," she invited. "Ashley and Mary-Kate are home too."
"Sorry, Jarnette, but I have to take Gadot home, and I have some other things to take care of. Next time, I'll definitely invite all of you for dinner."
Elizabeth watched the car drive away with a look of sadness.
After returning home, Elizabeth washed up and sat down at the dinner table. Jarnette had already set up dinner.
"He didn't come in?" Ashley asked.
"No, Eric had a girl in the car. He drove her home," Elizabeth replied.
"Who's the girl?" Mary-Kate suddenly looked up and asked.
Elizabeth's mom and sisters stared intently at her. Embarrassed, she answered, "Gal Gadot, the one who starred in 'Transformers.'"
Mary-Kate's eyes widened. "Oh, I see! I knew there was something special between them. Otherwise, how could a woman without connections land a role like that? Even getting a small part with a few lines in such a big movie is difficult."
"Damn, I remember the media speculating about them, but then it went quiet. Unbelievable!"
"Mary, why are you so upset?" Jarnette asked, puzzled.
"No, Mom. It's just that these under-the-table deals disgust me. Secret agreements are awful. Don't you think so, Ashley?"
Ashley nodded vigorously. "Yes, secret agreements are terrible!"
Elizabeth sipped her soup gloomily. She had specifically asked her mom to prepare a nice dinner, but Eric had left so easily.
…
After saying goodbye to the Olsen family, Eric headed to a fast-food joint and grabbed some takeout. A long night was ahead, and he needed to recharge.
The car pulled up to Gadot's apartment. It was April 30th, her 18th birthday. After tonight, she would officially be an adult.
Here's the translation, ensuring the terminology aligns with existing phrases:
Chapter 109. Birthday (Part 1)
When they entered, the apartment lights were off, and Bar Refaeli wasn't home. Not that it mattered—here in America, it was normal for students to bring their partners into dorms.
"Darling, go take a shower, and I'll get something ready."
"Alright."
Eric undressed and headed to the bathroom, quickly filling up the large bathtub with water, adding foam and aromatic salts. He couldn't help but smile. "Perfect!"
When he first chose this apartment, he didn't realize the bathtub was so spacious. Now, it was a pleasant surprise.
Gadot walked in with a tray holding food and drinks.
"Come here, baby. Right now, I just want you. Oh, what's this? Did we buy pickles?"
"Bar probably bought them. They go well with fried chicken," Gadot said, slipping out of her clothes. When the last piece fell to the floor, her stunning figure stood before him.
"Wow," Eric whistled. "I've seen you so many times, yet you still mesmerize me."
"Really? And what do you feel like doing?" Gadot asked with a smile.
"I feel like having some meat."
"What?"
"The one on your chest."
"Hehe."
In the bath, Eric held her from behind, gently nibbling her shoulder.
"Why does it seem like they're bigger? Baby, are you still growing?"
"Silly, you know I've gained 18 pounds since coming to America," Gadot said, breathing heavily.
"No, it's just that you were so thin before. Now, your figure is more balanced. Your legs are longer, and you look even better."
Indeed, Gadot's figure had changed in the past six months. To fit her role in Transformers, she had put on some weight and worked out intensely, as per Eric's request. Now, her physique was close to what she'd have in Fast & Furious.
Her chest had grown fuller, and defined muscles appeared on her abdomen. The most attractive feature, however, was her toned, slender legs—enough to drive anyone crazy. The only difference from her future Wonder Woman look was her still softer facial features.
Under Eric's careful guidance, she was becoming more and more suited for the big screen.
"Mmm, that tickles, honey."
"Where does it tickle?"
"In my heart. I missed you."
"And how can I ease your pain?"
"Like this." Gadot submerged into the water. After a few seconds, bubbles rose to the surface, and Eric groaned in pleasure.
Her long hair flew up, spraying water across the bath and over Eric's chest.
Then, she wrapped her legs around his back like a koala and kissed him. The water around them began to rise and splash.
"Eric, here?"
Eric whispered softly, "I heard water can lessen the pain. That's why I picked this spot."
"How do you know all that?"
"A doctor told me."
"Really? You seriously asked a doctor about this? You must have… Ah!"
A long time later, their kiss finally ended. Eric kissed the tip of her nose. "So, do you still have a lot of questions?"
Gadot frowned and hugged him tightly as if trying to merge with him, so her chest was almost completely compressed. "Of course, I do! Even more now. Which idiot of a doctor told you this? It hurt terribly! I'd kill him!"
It was unclear how much time passed before they fell asleep.
Then, they heard someone clearing their throat and opened their eyes.
In the bathroom doorway stood Judy and Bar Refaeli, each on one side, with smiles on their faces.
"Great job!"
Judy gave two big thumbs up, expressing her admiration with a mysterious smile.
Eric barely opened his eyes, pushing Gadot's hair from her face as the light slightly blinded him.
"Judy, Refaeli, why are you back?"
Judy pointed at her wrist. "Boss, it's already two in the morning. Why do you think we're back?"
"It's that late? No wonder we fell asleep."
"Wow, looks like you two had quite the time," Bar Refaeli commented, pointing to the water splashes on the floor.
Embarrassed by her friend's comment, Gadot pressed herself against Eric's chest.
Eric waved a hand. "Don't you think you should leave?"
"Why? Are you planning to dress up and go home?" Judy asked.
"Even if I'm not, at least let us have some privacy in our room first."
"Alright, alright, you're the boss. It's your call. Come on, Refaeli, let's head to your room."
Once they left, Eric climbed out of the tub and picked up Gadot, carrying her to the bedroom.
"Wow, that's big!"
Suddenly, Judy's head popped into the doorway, and she winked. It was unclear what exactly she was referring to.
Rolling his eyes, Eric carried Gadot to his room.
After drying off and covering up with a cozy blanket, he sighed, "I don't have any clean clothes. I'll have to ask Chen Xin to bring me some tomorrow morning. I hate wearing dirty clothes after a shower."
Gadot wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder. "Tomorrow, I'll go buy you some clothes. Keep a few sets here so it'll be easy to change."
"Yeah, that'd be easier. Thanks for being so thoughtful."
She snuggled closer to him. "It's so comfortable to sleep with you. I think I've fallen in love with this feeling."
"Well, it's only natural. After all, I'm such a wonderful man—talented and handsome. Look at this beautiful face. Few in Hollywood can compare."
Gadot laughed, listening to his self-praise. "You forgot one more thing."
"What's that?"
"Your chattiness!"
"Is that a bad thing? Don't you like my tongue?"
"Stop it!"
"Shall we go again?"
"No, that hurts!"
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