King of Hollywood

Chapter 428: Chapter 150: Let’s Go Then

“White House dinner?” Adrian furrowed his brow slightly, “Do I really have to go?”

“According to the rules, if you want to decline an invitation to a White House state dinner, you can only use one of four reasons…” Claude had only just started speaking when Adrian interrupted him irritably, “Isn’t the fourth reason tailor-made for me?”

“The problem is you used that excuse last year. Do you really plan to tell them you’re traveling abroad on important business again? The current White House Chief of Staff isn’t so easy to dismiss,” Claude responded with a good-natured smile.

“Come on, Claude, has Nick Rockefeller attended a White House dinner? Has Andrew Morgan? Has Soya Mellon? Of course, we can’t compare ourselves to them, but what about Walt Kahn’s cousin? Or when did The Godfather or my uncle ever attend?” Adrian argued vehemently.

“Unfortunately, Ed, both my father and your uncle have attended,” Claude replied with a smile, looking somewhat cunning. Only after Adrian showed a slightly astonished expression did he add, “Though it was 20 years ago.”

“You know it was 20 years ago,” Adrian argued once more, “The real winners are those who hide in the shadows, observing the changes in the world and seizing opportunities that suit them. I’ve already been exposed too much, and I’ve always been perceived as having little business skill—even though half of that is true. It’s better to let them continue under that misunderstanding, so I’d rather you handle this formidable task.”

“Don’t you think that’s a bit like… stealing the bell while covering one’s ears? Even so, it doesn’t change the fact that you are the chairman of AC Media,” Claude shook his head.

“In fact, you know, even though we’re on good terms with Clinton, we’re not seriously qualified to attend, if it weren’t for owning two television stations,” Adrian said, dismissing the matter.

To be invited to a White House dinner generally required one to be a business magnate or a well-known political figure, and only a few Hollywood stars made the cut. Although AC Media was doing well and had begun to show its prominence, it was still too young. If it weren’t for owning popular news networks like CNN and one of the Four Major Broadcast Companies, ABC, and because Adrian, seeing potential in the IT industry, had favored Clinton and donated sizable political contributions during his two campaigns, they would indeed not be considered based on seniority alone.

“Alright, Ed, I know you don’t like politics much, but this isn’t some state banquet; it’s just the annual journalists’ reception. Don’t be so nervous,” Claude said, amused.