Saturday night, the Regent Hotel was brightly lit, bustling with celebrities.
20th Century Fox had organized a party under the banner of "Titanic," drawing in personalities from both the cultural and entertainment spheres.
"Over there," Robert Lee gestured with his eyes towards the left front as they navigated through the crowd. "The man opposite Leonardo is Salih Zayed. I caught a glimpse of him when my friend met him."
Michael Davenport nodded, handing his glass to Robert before heading towards the small circle near Leonardo DiCaprio.
Approaching directly wasn't the best choice; the evening was just beginning, leaving ample time to find the right opportunity.
In the circle around Salih Zayed, Michael noticed about four or five people. The center of attention was undoubtedly Leonardo DiCaprio, while Salih seemed somewhat sidelined.
Michael's target circle was nearby, surrounding Kate Winslet, engaging in lively conversation.
Hollywood's basic survival rule was clear: flatter the successful, step on the unsuccessful.
Michael observed Salih Zayed. The young Arab, around twenty-five years old, had an aristocratic aura.
Robert's friend had gathered some information about him.
Salih had graduated from Cambridge last summer with dual master's degrees and was a deputy director at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in the U.S., a typical overachiever.
His position wasn't due to his academic prowess but rather his last name, Zayed.
In Western terms, Salih Zayed was a member of Abu Dhabi's royal family.
Though there were many princes in Abu Dhabi, Salih wasn't particularly prominent yet.
Robert found a quiet spot, ordered a champagne, and watched Michael. The recent failure had profoundly changed the young man, stripping away his arrogance and making his actions more methodical.
Would this financing plan succeed?
Robert doubted it, thinking Michael might not even manage to impress the Arab.
If he failed, Robert would have to consider his exit. Accompanying Seagull Entertainment this far was already a tribute to the late John Davenport.
Arabs… Robert shook his head. Arabs had a poor impression of Hollywood, making them difficult to deal with.
As Michael approached Kate Winslet's circle, he adjusted his bow tie and pushed up his rimless glasses. The dark suit and gold-rimmed glasses gave him a more mature appearance.
Taking advantage of a brief lull, Michael stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Hello, Miss Winslet. Congratulations on your Best Actress nomination."
Kate Winslet had recently been nominated for an Oscar for her role in "Titanic."
"Thank you," Kate Winslet said, shaking his hand lightly.
Just as Michael was about to continue the conversation, Leonardo's voice rang out.
"Do they have movies in the Arab world?"
Leonardo's tone was filled with arrogance and mockery. "Can you even watch movies in Abu Dhabi?"
Laughter erupted around them.
Kate Winslet looked towards Leonardo, as did Michael.
A man with black-rimmed glasses chimed in, "It's a cultural desert over there."
Salih Zayed retorted, "The UAE is a free, civilized, and open country with hundreds of cinemas."
Leonardo spread his hands, smiling as he addressed the group. "Who here has heard of a UAE movie? Can anyone name one?"
Salih was about to speak, but Leonardo cut him off. "Name a UAE movie and enlighten us."
The group echoed Leonardo's words.
Michael shook his head slightly. Leonardo was at the height of his fame, a darling of the media and producers.
As for the Arab world, even ten years later, most in Hollywood wouldn't consider it part of the civilized world.
Currently, Leonardo was young and impetuous. He had recently announced he wouldn't attend the Oscars to avoid overshadowing the event.
Michael recalled reading reports where James Cameron privately described Leonardo during this period as "arrogant and spoiled."
Given the current scenario, Cameron's words seemed accurate.
"This is ridiculous," someone scoffed, walking away. "Arabs trying to break into Hollywood? Delusional!"
Salih remained composed, saying, "The UAE's film industry is just starting…"
"So it's still a cultural desert!" Leonardo declared imperiously.
He wasn't the benevolent figure he would later become.
"That's absolutely incorrect!"
Michael interjected, stepping into the circle. "The UAE has a very open film policy, regularly screening Hollywood blockbusters and Bollywood musicals, with cinemas often packed."
Leonardo and the others turned to look at Michael.
Michael smiled politely and continued, "Every film industry starts somewhere. Hollywood itself took nearly a century to become what it is today."
Leonardo frowned, clearly displeased with the rebuttal.
Salih nodded to Michael and said, "To develop our film industry, Abu Dhabi is keen on international cooperation, including with Hollywood."
Leonardo chuckled and turned to Michael, "I remember you now. You're that screw-up!"
Kate Winslet tugged at Leonardo, seemingly reminding him to watch his words.
Michael noted their enduring friendship, recalling how Kate had once publicly declared her love for Leonardo: "I'm so glad I can stand here and tell you how much I love you. I've loved you for 13 years with all my heart, truly."
It was a testament to their friendship.
Maybe Rose always held Jack in her heart, but Jack clearly wasn't interested in that way.
Leonardo didn't care, addressing the group. "Everyone, meet Michael Davenport. You might have heard of his father, John Davenport."
"John Davenport from Seagull Entertainment?" someone responded.
Leonardo continued, irked by Michael's earlier retort. "When I was filming 'Growing Pains,' John was an associate producer. Very capable. Unfortunately, his son squandered the company in one night."
A man with black-rimmed glasses whispered to Leonardo, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Leo, didn't you hear? That screw-up is planning another movie."
Michael remained silent, glancing subtly at Salih, silently inviting more ridicule.
These taunts were playing into his hands.
Knowing Leonardo's arrogance, why would Michael confront him?
Leonardo smiled brightly but spoke harshly. "Not everyone has self-awareness."
Kate Winslet pulled Leonardo away, who continued grumbling. "Kate, he disrespected me first! People like him, I…"
"Just say less," Kate interrupted.
The others quickly dispersed.
Only Michael and Salih remained.
"Hello," Salih stepped forward, "thank you for defending me."
Michael waved it off. "No problem, I was just speaking the truth."
"They were too much," Salih said seriously.
"It's nothing. I get mocked often," Michael smiled wryly. "I'm an outcast in their eyes."
He shook his head. "These people, thinking they're so noble, but lacking basic respect."
"It's fine," Salih echoed Michael's words, "I've gotten used to it lately."
Michael deliberately glanced at Salih, then lowered his voice. "To succeed in Hollywood, you need to adapt. The Jewish community holds significant influence here."
Salih nodded in agreement. "Yes, in the two months I've been in Los Angeles, I've faced constant ridicule and attacks. You're different from the others."
Michael appeared genuinely earnest. "That's how this industry is. With certain forces at play, fairness in representation is lacking, both in films and reality."
"True." Salih felt this young man was worth befriending. "I'm Salih Zayed from Abu Dhabi."
Michael shook his hand. "I'm Michael Davenport. I run a small film company and am a new producer."
The two exchanged pleasantries, quickly getting acquainted due to their shared stance earlier.
After a while, Salih recalled Leonardo's words and asked, "From what they said, it seems you're facing some troubles?"
Michael shook his head and smiled bitterly. "I messed up a film project and lost a lot of money, so they call me a screw-up. Seeing my new project struggling, they mock me."
Salih inquired, "Troubles?"
Michael shrugged. "Nothing major. Those Jewish financiers…" he ruffled his hair, "there I go, speaking out of turn again."
"You're just being honest," Salih said, finding Michael truly different from others who seemed to grovel before the Jewish community.
"I just don't like those financiers," Michael grumbled. "Always playing the victim while exploiting others, acting like the world owes them."
Salih nodded, sharing the sentiment. "Exactly."
Michael sighed, "In Hollywood, you have to compromise. They control distribution and publicity. It's easy for them to ruin someone's reputation."
He spoke mostly undeniable truths. "And those financiers control a lot of funds. Like my new project, they won't give a loan, leaving me stuck."