The Wolf of Los Angeles

Chapter 474 - 474: A Man's Debt

[Chapter 474: A Man's Debt]

At the Coastal Building, Hawke had just arrived on the 16th floor when he received a call from Rooney Chasen.

"I'm at Harvard University," the public relations manager said, her time tight and words brisk. "Natalie Portman just finished her speech at Harvard, and the content has shifted a bit."

Hawke assumed something unexpected had occurred. "She changed her speech?"

There was some hesitation on Rooney's side before she replied, "Her speech was even more radical and extreme than the draft we prepared."

Hawke relaxed. "That's good news."

He opened the office door and continued, "Your next task is to keep her holding that firm, extreme stance for as long as possible."

"No problem," Rooney said confidently. "Although I can't quite figure out why, those views genuinely reflect Natalie Portman's real thoughts."

She hesitated, then added, "Honestly, I think she's an extremely intense woman herself."

Hawke pushed those thoughts aside. "Stick to the plan."

"Got it." Rooney quickly ended the call.

...

Hawke put away his cell phone and grabbed the landline to call Caroline. "Did you get the video of the news?"

Caroline answered, "Lareya just forwarded it over. I'm sending it to the team. It's being featured on the news headlines."

Hawke hung up and sat down in front of his computer to work and wait for Natalie Portman's news video.

---

San Francisco. Jennifer Siebel, glowing with recent happiness in love, had completely stepped away from acting. Every day, she was enjoying a wonderful life under the care of Gavin Newsom.

The bright November sunshine lent some warmth to the Bay Area.

Siebel sat by the seaside window with her laptop, scrolling through her Twitter feed full of selfies and a few pictures with Gavin.

People who felt happy often wanted to capture every little moment and share it with the world.

She posted her tweet for the day and suddenly noticed an intriguing news headline.

"Natalie Portman Claims Eating Eggs and Milk Exploits Women!"

Such a headline immediately grabbed her attention.

Eggs and milk are common foods, so how could they be connected to exploiting women?

Curious, Siebel clicked to read the article.

"This morning at a celebration event at her alma mater, Harvard University, Natalie Portman delivered a speech to 10,000 alumni about protecting women's rights. She specifically spoke about combining women's rights with vegetarianism and called for society to go vegetarian to protect women."

Siebel absentmindedly glanced toward a distant cathedral and for some reason imagined that the crucifix at its peak held Natalie Portman, not Jesus.

Forget Jesus -- Even the Virgin Mary should be renamed Saint Natalie.

The news was gripping, so she looked over the comment section, which was nearly overflowing.

"Is Natalie Portman crazy? If according to her, fruits and grains come from female plants and can't be eaten either -- oh my god, I've discovered a shocking truth: humanity shouldn't eat any food and should just vanish!"

"I have a friend who's a vegan like Natalie. Whenever we eat together, she tries to convince me that every piece of meat on my plate carries the cries of animals. I can't help but retort, 'Doesn't cutting plants make them cry?'"

"This woman is nuts. Look at what she's saying -- that men owe women a massive debt from birth?"

"It's as if only women, by themselves, can give birth to offspring."

Arguments erupted wildly with no end in sight.

With each evolving version, this world was about to unfold a completely surreal scene.

After reading, Siebel felt uneasy and instinctively wanted to type a response.

Yet as her hands hovered over the keyboard, not a single word came out.

Having spent nearly a year with Gavin, she noticed things.

...

When Gavin heard this, he felt relieved. If Siebel held the same views as Natalie Portman, he would have had to reconsider their relationship.

The very thought of owing a huge debt from birth was terrifying -- who could handle that?

Siebel closed Twitter and told Gavin, "I think Natalie Portman's remarks will spark heated debates."

Gavin pointed to the laptop. "It's already started."

From her own perspective, Siebel reiterated a boundary: "Natalie Portman is desperate for attention."

"This will bring some trouble," Gavin checked his watch. "I'm making a call and heading out."

Siebel obediently replied, "Go ahead, don't mind me."

...

Gavin called Jerry Brown, urging him to check the Twitter news immediately.

This could impact women's rights organizations.

Gavin left and met with assistant Gittens, then drove to a nearby old villa.

Jerry Brown had already watched the news video. His first reaction upon seeing Gavin was: "Is Natalie Portman some kind of undercover operative from the Los Angeles group trying to disrupt our pace and create internal conflict?"

Jerry, a traditional politician, didn't understand: "Isn't she supposed to be a smart Hollywood star? How can she say such ridiculously foolish things?"

Gavin explained briefly: "The so-called intelligence and education are part of the star's image. What matters is her real motives."

Jerry frowned, "She's pushing wild gender conflicts. If she keeps going, supporting groups like that will cost us male voters."

Gavin immediately responded, "I've asked Fiona to issue a statement from the Feminist Majority Foundation criticizing Natalie Portman's remarks..."

"That's not right either," Jerry interrupted. "She definitely has a large group of supporters. If the Feminist Majority Foundation publicly attacks her, it could split the feminist movement, and internal battles would make them ineffective."

He chose a cautious approach: "Let's wait and see how public opinion develops."

Gavin nodded and added: "Michelle, the Feminist Majority Foundation leader, has returned to Los Angeles, preparing to stir things up there. If a crisis erupts, it will actually play into Natalie's extreme positions."

Jerry said, "Then let's wait."

Gavin sensed that with San Francisco starting to officially get involved in the next governor's race, unexpected troubles were upon them.

He said, "I'll meet Fiona and contact Michelle."

"Wait," Jerry stopped him. "Are you single now?"

Gavin replied, "I have a girlfriend -- Jennifer Siebel, you know her."

Jerry thought a moment and said bluntly, "If possible, marry her this year. For mature politicians, marriage is essential."

Gavin was puzzled: "Why suddenly push me to marry?"

Jerry, recently worn out with blood pressure and heart issues, said, "Previously, we put me forward for governor to compete against Arnold Schwarzenegger. For a political novice and traditional governor like Arnold, I was the better choice. But the situation's changed."

He sighed. "Reports from Sacramento confirm Arnold's stepping out to support Brian Ferguson. Our opponent's shifted from the traditional Arnold to the unpredictable Brian and Hawke Osment."

Gavin understood but hoped Jerry would lead and take the heat. "You have the experience. You might not lose."

Jerry knew his limits. "I'm too traditional and conservative, can't adapt quickly enough to the new generation's tactics."

Mayor assistant Gittens glanced at Jerry, knowing his suggestion of strong measures had almost worsened tensions.

Jerry gripped Gavin's arm: "Only the new generation can handle this. I'm too old and don't understand their strategies or why former villains can now win sympathy nationwide."

Gavin thought, neither do I.

He hesitated: "I lack experience."

Jerry stressed, "You switched from business to politics in 2003. Brian did the same. You two are the new generation. California's future depends on you competing."

Gavin couldn't decide immediately.

Jerry said, "I'll officially announce retiring from next year's governor race and recommend you as the candidate."

Gavin hesitated, "I'll think it over."

Jerry nodded, "Reply as soon as possible."

Seeing Gavin resistant, he said, "I will."

Gavin needed to consult his father and the Pacific Electric Company and Getty family - fractured and weaker now, but still significant.

...

Gavin left the North Bay area to return to downtown San Francisco.

Along the way, he saw many feminists taking to the streets in support of Natalie Portman.

He called Fiona.

At the Feminist Majority Foundation's San Francisco branch, Fiona said, "Many are supporting spontaneously."

...

Since the Los Angeles fire, feminists had been heavily suppressed in their California stronghold. Even supporting voices faced harsh criticism.

This was all part of Hawke's orchestration.

The polarization was profitable for both extremes, dividing the society.

Natalie Portman's remarks seemed foolish and extreme but hit a nerve with many.

These people praised her as a vanguard.

Women's media especially exalted her.

The latest issue of Fashion magazine even swapped the cover from Johnny Depp to Natalie Portman.

Feature articles emphasized Natalie's Harvard speech.

Other magazines like Hello Girls and Pink swiftly crowned her a new symbol of modern womanhood.

After battles in the LGBTQ movement, feminists sought a leader figure like Steven Nutt, a true spiritual icon.

Natalie's Harvard speech perfectly answered that need.

...

Rooney Chasen, following Natalie closely and heading media operations, kept delivering good news.

"Natalie, the largest West Coast feminist group, the Feminist Majority Foundation, has invited you to be their honorary president." Rooney cheerfully shared, "Five women's product companies also want you as spokesperson. You should have your agent contact them. Even if you refuse, it'll make a good impression."

Natalie asked, "Is it really having that effect?"

Rooney replied seriously, "Yes. New women see you as an idol." She handed over a pile of women's magazines. "Look at the headlines, they're all praising you. Your reputation is soaring."

Natalie quickly flipped through the papers, brightening with each page. Seeing so much praise naturally thrilled her.

Rooney dutifully noted, "Of course, there are critics, but they're not our audience and can be ignored."

Natalie said, "Thanks for your efforts."

Rooney suggested, "The Feminist Majority Foundation invitation means we should head back to Los Angeles."

Natalie agreed.

This Hollywood star descended on her loyal Los Angeles as a feminist hero.

Naturally, some were stirring things to boost her rise.

The banner Hawke had created was now being hoisted to establish her as a 'goddess.'

Her news was everywhere on Twitter.

---

At the Coastal Building, Frank, dressed in a floral shirt and sandals, entered Hawke's office, amazed. "From a small company to a major corporation."

Hawke teased, "I guess I can finally enjoy the view at the top?"

Frank waved his hand, unusually genuine without pretending: "The position you hold was beyond my reach."

He admitted, "I used to be one of Hollywood's top producers but never made it to the very peak."

Edward couldn't help mockingly remark, "So you admit your limits?"

"Limits? Never!" Frank snapped back, back in boastful mode, "Ask the beach lifeguard girls. How many can I charm in one night!"

Hawke cut the banter, asking Frank, "How do you have time to drop by today?"

Frank didn't answer directly but asked, "You staged the Natalie Portman thing, right? It's blown way up."

Hawke asked, "What's that got to do with anything?"

Frank elaborated, "I told you the beach lifeguard girls are all members of feminist groups. Since it's off-season at Venice Beach, they've all taken the day off to join Feminist Majority Foundation protests."

He shook his head. "Maybe I'm just old. I don't get your methods. Online, so many curse Natalie Portman, but the media supports her, especially women, almost worshipping her."

Hawke said bluntly, "Because I'm a fan. I want her to be huge."

Frank didn't buy it. "She's going to make things harder for men. This morning, one girl told me I owe her a debt!"

Edward, who'd known Hawke the longest and understood these movements, quickly added, "You're doomed, old man! If you don't pay up, they'll accuse you of harassment."

Frank slumped on the sofa, frustrated. "How am I supposed to enjoy life now?"

Hawke shrugged. "On the bright side, it'll boost America's GDP."

Frank caught that vibe: "Drugs and smuggling count toward GDP; men's debts to women should too."

He returned to the key issue: "You created this mess. Surely you have a purpose?"

Hawke said, "The more the feminists protest, the more men distance themselves. We might lose some support next year in California elections but gain more from men."

Frank offered a blunt truth: "Politics is essentially a men's game." He'd also seen America's societal shifts.

Hawke was prepared: "Don't forget, we also have extreme allies."

Frank surrendered, "Even the demons you want to use... Hawke, you're the real devil."

"Impossible," Hawke claimed, convinced of his righteousness. "I'm just helping marginalized groups rejoin mainstream society."

Frank and Edward fell silent.

Can normal reintegration require such extremes?

Hawke activated the big screen, showing Twitter live streams split between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Large numbers of activists marched the streets in support of Natalie.

Since the Los Angeles fire, feminists had been heavily repressed in their California base, their actions widely criticized.

Hawke told Edward, "Tell Steve: our extreme measures can now begin."

*****

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