William White's good days were finally disrupted. This guy really drew people's ire. His software was selling like hotcakes, yet he didn't allow others to imitate it. His movies broke nearly every record, and his novel had been dominating the bestseller lists for a while. A figure like this was bound to attract some skepticism.
Plagiarism seemed unsupported by evidence, but questioning it was fair game, right? What if the original author showed up? In those days, there were plenty of fearless individuals.
Being doubted was actually quite normal. First of all, his age was inappropriate. The life experiences in Forrest Gump were too vast for an 18-year-old to comprehend.
"You're just a kid. Understanding this book isn't easy, and you claim you wrote it? Can you provide any proof?"
William White was very aware that there were forces behind the scenes. If he chose to avoid the issue, even bigger waves would come. It wouldn't be too hard to find a shameless person to pose as the author.
Evidence?
Couldn't it be fabricated?
How did Michael Jackson die?
Wasn't he hounded to death by those kids?
Ha ha! That's really hilarious. Even if he had such inclinations, why hadn't we heard of it before? Would a billionaire really need to force anyone?
But the mainstream media believed that, regardless of the court's verdict, this guy's character was utterly destroyed.
Once he was gone, attempts to clear his name began. Those who framed him came forward with a casual apology, and it seemed nobody was intent on pursuing it further.
Such defamation was almost equivalent to murder, yet the matter was quietly dropped. Was the Justice Department owned by your family?
...
"Fulton, arrange a press conference, get the legal team involved, and go through every word for issues. We have to bankrupt these newspapers, no matter the cost."
Seeing his young master explode in anger, Fulton couldn't say much. Since the young master chose to face it head-on, there was nothing more to be said.
Six newspapers were taken to court, with a claim for damages exceeding a hundred million dollars. This news instantly stirred up the entire media industry.
At the same time, three newspapers faced hostile takeovers, their main advertisers received friendly warnings, and some key positions at the papers were poached.
Honestly, his reckless and forceful approach caused many headaches.
In such cases, people usually negotiate, right? Who had ever seen someone go all out from the get-go? Rumor had it that editors and some journalists ended up on a blacklist, indicating that employing them would make that newspaper an enemy.
Plagiarism is a lethal blow to writers. If your credibility collapses, you won't be able to survive in the literary world.
...
The atmosphere at the press conference was strange, but there was no need to describe it.
These reporters were certainly feeling sorry for themselves, each one deeply concerned. They clearly understood these were just some people's tactics; reporters and editors were merely scapegoats.
Scanning the reporters below, William White cleared his throat. "First, I want to refute a rumor. The claim that I'm out to ruin some editors and journalists is untrue. Neither I nor anyone from my company is involved. These are vicious rumors spread by people with ulterior motives. My lawyers have already reported it to the police, and I hope the mastermind will be found soon."
As soon as he finished, there was an uproar below. This matter was indeed deep, and it was best to be cautious. Getting caught up in someone else's mess could make life difficult at home too.
The newspapers were frightened. In such a dismal economic environment, what would a family eat if they lost their jobs?
The chief editor had stressed before leaving to follow the crowd and not get involved in such matters.
"Mr. White, I'm a reporter from the Washington Post. What is your response to this incident?"
William White was very satisfied, as the reporters didn't even dare to mention the word 'plagiarism'. His method of making an example was indeed effective.
"The so-called ghostwriting accusations are ridiculous. If you have such skills, then just head to the publisher. Does the publisher not know whether a book will sell? When this manuscript was submitted to the publisher, lawyers were involved throughout. There's documentation from the Writers' Guild, and even postmarks from the mail. With today's technology, if you're planning to find someone to impersonate the author, make sure to fabricate it well, or else I'll sue you into bankruptcy."
Below, the reporters wanted to curse. It seemed the man had come prepared. The rich do operate differently, and there must be many more pitfalls lurking.
Subsequent questions from reporters were rather lackluster. The man had laid his cards on the table, and they didn't want to get dragged in.
"Ahem, finally, here's some news for everyone. I've written another book, initially planned for release next year, titled The Shawshank Redemption. It's a story about prison life. Since people plan to question and impersonate, that's great. If you have the skill, bring it out ahead of time. There's enough time now, and I plan to release it before Christmas. I've told you the title and its content, and the protagonist's name is Andy. If you can make something up, go ahead."
The reporters were starting to feel bitter. They had to help this guy promote his new book too. Is there no justice?
"Finally, let me advise you, through inappropriate means, you will never obtain the film adaptation rights. If I don't agree, they'll go to the grave with me."
William White left without a care. The scene below once again spiraled out of control. This almost pointed out the mastermind directly, making it a nationwide sensation.
Were Hollywood giants the culprits?
Frankly, William White didn't care. He was just shifting the blame. Whether they wanted to take it or not, they had to, unless they could uncover the mastermind, or they'd be the scapegoats.
Watching a group of bodyguards escorting William White away, those unaware truly thought he was in danger.
...
The reports caused uproar all around. Newspapers suspected of defamation and Hollywood giants quickly became public targets, with an overwhelming amount of public criticism.
For the big Hollywood players, this accusation was terrifying. Initially, they were leisurely watching the drama unfold, only to end up unexpectedly burdened with blame.
Oh, come on! Which moron decided to provoke this lunatic?
You fucker! Go stir up trouble on your own! Why drag us down with you? We better investigate -- if something happens to that guy, we couldn't clear our names even if we jumped into the Pacific.
...
After firing a broadside, someone continued making movies. Production wasn't under pressure. There were still three days of school a week, thankfully just half-days, with the rest of the time spent on set.
With the incident having brewed, there was actually less doubt now. The new book's details were exposed, giving sufficient time. If it were truly ghostwritten or plagiarized, it would have surfaced by now.
More people were now looking forward to the book. Announcing it early was one thing, maintaining the quality was another. If he stood by the new book so confidently, the quality was likely consistent. Otherwise, he'd just be slapping himself in the face. With no vacation money at hand, buying a book seemed like a good choice.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.