America's Road to Wealth

Drinking hot coffee, eating delicious breakfast, reading the newspaper, and occasionally overlooking the street view of Manhattan outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Abel took a little long to eat breakfast today.

It was almost nine o'clock before he left the summit mansion and went directly to the office downstairs.

The biggest advantage of living directly in the apartment on the top floor of Smith Tower is——

You can go directly to work without using transportation.

The Woolworth Building where the entrance is is also after New Beginning Real Estate Company applied for a name change to the New York authorities and the New York Heritage Conservancy for the third time.

At the end of last month, it was officially approved.

Follow the relevant application documents.

Starting next year, the Woolworth Building, which has a history of more than 70 years, will be renamed the Smith Building.

This notice has been published in major newspapers.

After next year, changes in this regard will have to be made in the newly updated maps and publications about New York.

The traces left by Frank W. Woolworth, the founder of the "Fifty and Dime" small grocery store chain, will also be erased here.

Who told him that his descendants were dishonest and incompetent, and that he lost ownership of the building decades ago?

Abel has a direct elevator from the top mansion to the office building below.

This specially modified top-of-the-line executive elevator. It also allows Abel to reach any floor of the building from the top mansion.

Standing in the elevator, four bodyguards walked in with them, which took about fifty seconds.

The elevator arrives on the first floor of Smith Tower.

Get out of the elevator.

Abel was at the entrance of the building and got into the Cadillac Monster in the middle of the motorcade.

The motorcade then started and headed towards Upper Manhattan.

He was going to talk to Robert Morgenthau about Hudson's Bay Plaza.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office Building, in Upper Manhattan.

Smith Tower in Lower Manhattan.

It is about 7.4 kilometers away from Central Park and about 5.3 kilometers away from Times Square in New York.

It’s about ten kilometers to Upper Manhattan.

With such a small distance, if there are no traffic lights and no traffic jams, and you can drive in a straight line, it will only take about ten minutes at most.

But now it’s rush hour in Manhattan, and almost three months have passed since 9/11.

The traffic in Manhattan gradually became blocked again.

Abel's motorcade took about half an hour.

Only then did we arrive at Times Square, which is only 5.3 kilometers away.

To get to Upper Manhattan, you have to drive at least about five kilometers.

Close to the increasingly crowded Times Square section.

The first thing that caught Abel's eyes outside the car window was the large number of various advertising screens on the glass walls of the surrounding buildings.

Abel, who was bored in the traffic jam, simply looked up at these advertisements.

The motorcade was in such a position that right outside Abel's car window, there happened to be the famous Reuters billboard.

The Thomson Reuters advertising screen is the iconic electronic screen in Times Square.

It is located at the intersection of 43rd and Seventh Avenue, next to the Nasdaq advertising screen, with a view of the entire Times Square.

There are 11 advertising screens of different sizes throughout the Reuters building. Customers can design different advertising content for different advertising screen sizes and play them at the same time.

It caught Abel's attention at this time because the advertisement on it today was an NBA advertisement.

Seeing this advertisement, Abel suddenly thought, ‘Oh, by the way, I also have a basketball team’!

He remembered that he bought the Houston Rockets at this time last year.

Later, it was left to rot for more than half a year. On the draft night this year, I only went to see a talent show.

In the draft show, the Rockets followed their own requirements and selected Dayao, who was still relatively young, as the No. 1 pick.

He remembered that after that, he seemed to have asked Smith Think Group to allocate $200 million to it from his personal account.

I never bothered with it anymore.

After scratching his head, Abel found that he was not only interested in basketball, but also in football.

For Manchester United, there are also several European football teams, which were also bought a few months ago.

Let people fix the management, and after each team invests a sum of money, they no longer care.

Even though he already had the F1, Abel didn't really pay much attention to it.

Now that he was reminded of the ads on the advertising screen, he remembered them.

When Abel thought about it, he seemed to really ignore them.

Thinking about it carefully, Abel thought about the reason why he was like this.

The reason is actually very simple, because they are "not valuable".

Of course, this worthlessness is in relation to Abel's wealth and his ability to make money.

Acquire five football teams, plus a basketball team.

Abel remembers that he spent less than $1.2 billion. Including the subsequent funds invested in their development, the total is only about 2 billion US dollars.

Two billion US dollars is already an astonishing astronomical sum for most billionaires.

But for Abel, this money can only buy less than 5% of the shares of Express Company.

Abel did the math in his mind and found that it was at most about 4.2%.

The money he spent on 50.4% of American Express's shares exceeded more than 20 billion US dollars.

With this kind of money, all the teams in the current NBA league can be packaged several times.

This is like a senior white-collar worker with a monthly salary of hundreds of thousands. He bought some toys worth hundreds or thousands of dollars because of a whim or childhood sentiment.

After playing with these toys a few times, they threw them into the room.

When he remembered, he would take them out to play with, killing time and reminiscing at the same time.

Another example is a top white-collar worker with a monthly income of more than 100,000 yuan. He must buy every new game on Steam. He has bought dozens or hundreds of games in a year or two.

There may only be one or two among them that he really knows how to play and really plays regularly.

The rest are all gathering dust.

This principle applies to Abel.

After he bought these things, he would fiddle with them when he remembered them, and then he would forget them due to business or work, and then he would really forget them.

Even F1, which is worth almost two billion US dollars, is the same to him.

Fortunately, even if he doesn't care, Abel also knows that the Smith Intelligence Group serves as the "attendance room" and "military aircraft department" and will help him keep an eye on them.

Thinking of this, Abel called David who was sitting in the passenger seat in front.

"David. Looking at the billboard, it seems like my basketball team will come to New York to play a game tonight?"

At this moment, the convoy was stuck in traffic and could not move.

Abel asked, pointing to the billboard above the Thomson Reuters Building outside the car window.

David Jones also glanced out the window, and then he smiled:

"Yes. At seven o'clock tonight, the Houston Rockets will play against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden."

David didn’t need to talk about this, Abel knew it.

The billboard next to it is not only an advertisement for the NBA, but also an advertisement for tonight's basketball game.

"Oh, tell me about the Houston Rockets."

Abel's indifferent way.

He also saw the billboard and remembered that he had brought Dayao over in advance and thrown him into the Rockets.

It's been more than half a year now, and I don't know if it has any chemical effects.

Abel only remembered that he wrote a check for $200 million to Rockets general manager George Postellos.

Ask him to build a powerful Houston Rockets around Dayao.

After that, he didn't care much.

In addition, Abel never cared about entertainment content, not even Hollywood ones.

Therefore, the newspapers prepared by the maids for him contained little news about commercial sports.

If he hadn't seen the billboard just now, he would have subconsciously forgotten this.

David was indeed Abel’s best snake oil. He smiled and responded:

"George Postellos did a pretty good job. The Rockets are currently ranked first in the Midwest Division of the Western Conference. I don't know the specific victory or defeat. Do you need me to call George Postellos? ?”

Abel didn't pay enough attention to the big toys he bought, which was reflected in David. Even he only knew a rough idea.

Abel shook his head, "Forget it. I'll go and watch tonight's game. Please inform David Stern and ask him to leave a ticket for me."

David nodded in agreement, and after getting Abel's permission, he dialed the number of NBA President David Stern directly in front of his boss.

The traffic jam was severe, and Abel felt bored, so he simply listened to the conversation between his David in front and David over there in the NBA.

"Mr. Stern?"

"Oh, it's Mr. Jones! Hello, it's me, I'm Stern."

The two have the same name, and Stern obviously won't call David by his first name, just as David won't call him by his first name.

Because that's like they're calling themselves.

"Hello, Mr. Stern. I'm calling you because my boss wants to watch a game at Madison Square Garden tonight. Is there any room left?"

David Stern seemed to be silent for a moment.

Then the league president asked David Jones in an uncertain voice.

"Mr. Jones, you mean Mr. Smith, coming to watch the game tonight?"

"Yes. Is there still room? If not, I will notify my boss."

"Yes! Of course there is, Mr. Jones! Of course there is a seat! The owner of an NBA basketball team wants to come to watch his team's game. How can he not have a seat!!"

David Stern's voice was a little excited.

Just kidding, NBA commissioners and executives. After the draft show with record ratings, I have been looking forward to Abe Smith appearing in the NBA audience.

It would be best if he brings his super boss friends with him!

That will make what the NBA wants most is also the middle class with the most spending power in this country, mainly the wealthier white people.

It will divert some of these people's attention to the NBA.

They will be curious as to why these top tycoons also go to see the rubber ball that black people like to play.

The white people, black people and black people at the bottom will also be happy that the world's richest man comes to watch the NBA.

They like their favorite programs, competitions, or sports, and being liked by the richest man in the world will also give these people at the bottom a sense of honor.

To take a step back, as the first-generation super traffic king, he rarely appears on live TV screens.

Just the appearance of Abel himself can attract many viewers in front of the TV and use the remote control to switch the TV program to the NBA.

But this is what the NBA president and executives want to see the most. After draft night, it never happened.

He bought the Rockets, and for the first time, he selected a Chinese-American basketball champion. At the same time, he was also super heroic. He gave $200 million to the Rockets' Abel with a wave of his hand.

After that night, he never appeared in an NBA audience again.

David Stern only knew that a little accident happened when the big guys were leaving Madison Square Garden.

They didn't know what the accident was. The NBA can only hope that this little accident will make the world's richest man dislike coming to the NBA again.

It's not that he's tired of the NBA.

In the case of the former, there is still some hope of remedy.

If it is the latter, the possible losses will be relatively large.

Now after waiting for more than half a year, David Stern finally heard about Abe Smith and wanted to watch the game live.

At this moment, the president of the alliance almost burst into tears.

Compared to the excited David Stern, David on Abel's side didn't feel anything special.

He said softly: "Then it's settled. Please leave enough room, Mr. Smith will show up later."

"I understand." David Stern suppressed his excitement and kept his tone normal: "I guarantee that Mr. Smith will have the best viewing experience when the time comes!"

"Thank you in advance. That's all, Mr. Stern. I'll see you tonight."

"Okay, okay. I'll see you tonight." David Stern responded cheerfully.

Watching David hang up the phone, Abel, who was in the back seat of the car, asked casually: "Who is in New York now?"

Abel's lackluster question, if it were anyone else, he might not know what he was asking.

Even Edward may be stunned for a moment, and may not be able to answer later.

Fortunately, the person sitting in the passenger seat now is David Jones.

The family steward, who was best at observing Abel, smiled and said:

"Miss Lavigne is at the top. Miss Bunchen has been injured and has been back in New York to recuperate for a week. She is at No. 1 Thirteenth Road, Royal Point. Miss Spears is across the street in New Jersey."

David answered that he was related to women who were related to Abel and were now in New York or near New York.

Abel was asking this too.

"Then inform them and I'll invite them to watch the football game tonight." Abel said with a smile.

David smiled and nodded.

Abel thought about it again and realized that he would be engaged at the end of the month.

It doesn't seem to be okay to be so unscrupulous.

Even if the media can be suppressed from reporting indiscriminately, there still needs to be some cover-up.

He gave David another question, "How many stars are there in Smith Media now in New York? I mean the bigger ones."

Abel's idea was to take the three of them there at night.

At the same time, he will bring along two or three big-name celebrities who have cooperated with his media company.

At that time, a large number of big stars will accompany the world's richest man to watch the game together.

Even if it is reported by the media, it won't look so annoying.

There are also plenty of excuses to cover up.

David couldn't answer this question right away.

No matter how powerful the family butler is, he is not a super intelligent AI.

He could only pick some important things to remember.

Abel's last question is obviously not very important.

"I can call Mr. Levine." David smiled and responded to the boss: "I think he will arrange it well."

Abel nodded with satisfaction.

then.

December 2nd.

West Coast, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles.

DreamWorks music star Michael Jackson was filming his new album MV on the beach. During the filming, he answered a phone call.

After answering the phone, MJ left the filming team behind without hesitation and rushed to Los Angeles International Airport.

Same time.

Not the same location.

South Los Angeles, West Adams District.

The filming location of the Hollywood classic movie "Forrest Gump" is at the University of Southern California.

Tom Hanks, who was filming Spielberg's new film "Cat and Mouse" here, also took a call midway.

After receiving the call, under the curious eyes of his co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, he ran to the great director to ask for leave.

"You want to take leave? Why?" Spielberg looked at Tom Hanks dissatisfied.

As one of the two most famous Toms in Hollywood currently.

Tom Hanks smiled gently, not afraid of Spielberg's somewhat dissatisfied look.

He spoke softly:

"Steven, Mr. Levine from Smith Media. He invited me to go to the NBA to watch a basketball game. I will only go for one night, and I promise to be back tomorrow afternoon. Steven, please."

Spielberg was finally not so angry when he heard that the invitation was from Michael Levine, one of the presidents of Smith Media.

Otherwise, what this great director hates most is someone interfering with his shooting cycle.

"Then go. But remember what you said, you have to come back tomorrow afternoon."

Spielberg said.

"Of course. Thank you! Steven!" Tom Hanks said happily.

Spielberg called over to Leonardo DiCaprio, who was now moving toward the A-list but not yet one.

The great director is thinking about Tom Hanks taking a leave of absence.

Then let’s shoot some of Leonardo DiCaprio’s scenes first, since we can’t let the crew idle anyway.

But before Tom left, Spielberg asked curiously:

"Tom, I remember that you and Mr. Levine don't seem to like basketball, right? Why do you suddenly want to watch the NBA?"

At this time, Leonardo DiCaprio also came to the director, wanting to see what the director asked him to do.

Spielberg was talking to Tom Hanks at this time, and he was watching the conversation between A-list celebrities and super directors.

Tom Hanks smiled when he heard Spielberg's question.

The big star didn't want to tell the truth. But he thought that Spielberg seemed to have a good relationship with that big shot, and he was a well-spoken person in Smith Media.

After thinking about it, Tom Hanks still whispered:

"It's true that I'm not interested in basketball. Mr. Levine doesn't watch football either. But this time is an exception."

"Why?" Spielberg became even more curious.

Even the well-behaved little Li Zi next to him looked at Tom Hanks curiously.

Tom Hanks shrugged, "Because Mr. Levine told me that Mr. Smith wanted to find some Hollywood actors to accompany him to watch the basketball game in New York tonight. He approached me, and I have to rush to the airport now." No more talking, that’s it. See you tomorrow, Steven. Oh, and Leonardo, you too."

Spielberg and DiCaprio waved goodbye to Tom Hanks.

After Tom walked away, Leonardo DiCaprio finally couldn't help but whispered:

"Mr. Spielberg, the Mr. Smith that Hanks mentioned, is he Abe Smith?"

Spielberg didn't want to answer this kind of question.

But the first male lead has left, and he will be starring in the second male lead's scene next. He thought about it and said:

"Probably so. There are too many Smiths in the Federation. But there is only one Mr. Smith."

After getting the affirmative answer, Leonardo immediately began to envy the departed Tom Hanks.

To be able to appear in front of the world's richest man, a super media tycoon.

This is very attractive to Tom Hanks.

It even allowed him to immediately put aside his work and take a special leave.

What's more, Li Zizi, who is not yet full on the first line and at the peak of the second line.

In his envy of Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio couldn't help but whisper:

"Why would Mr. Smith invite Tom to watch a basketball game with him? I haven't seen any news in the newspaper about how good the relationship between Tom and him is."

"I don't know about that." Spielberg shook his head, "But Leonardo, please let us film together now, Okay?"

"Okay okay." Young Leonardo DiCaprio responded quickly.

At this time, if anyone has a God's perspective.

You can find that from California, on the same day, many Hollywood superstars who have good relations with Smith Media hurried to New York.

Among them are MJ, the pop music emperor, Tom Hanks, the "Forrest Gump", and Madonna, the singing queen who has a good relationship with CAA.

There were men and women, with men accounting for the majority, five or six in total.

When these people either took their own private planes or took air flights, they rushed to New York.

Here in New York, it's almost five o'clock in the evening, almost six o'clock.

Fortunately, the game at Madison Square Garden does not officially start until seven o'clock.

When these people are thankful that it is still too late.

A piece of news came that stunned them.

That's the gentleman who invited them to come over here to watch the game together tonight.

He had left New York just now.

Got on his Boeing 747 and flew away.

"what's the situation?"

I just came from JFK International Airport and ran all the way to Michael Jackson in Manhattan.

Somewhat dissatisfied but afraid to vent, he looked at his assistant.

The assistant was sweating profusely as he contacted CAA CEO Delevingne.

Michael Jackson's former manager has now been promoted to a higher position.

After making contact, the assistant quickly handed the phone to Michael.

"Dlevin." Michael said softly: "I heard that Mr. Smith left New York? What happened? Can you watch the game?"

"Well, I'm sorry, Michael. I just called Mr. Levine. Mr. Levine told me that Mr. Smith has something urgent. He has to go to Hanguo in Asia. The matter is urgent. I can't watch tonight's game. .Mr. Smith said, I’ll invite you next time to watch a basketball game together.”

Delevingne's voice was heard on the phone.

Michael Jackson's little psychological discomfort disappeared.

Not to mention the respect for Abel, it was just that Abel helped him get rid of Sony's entanglement.

MJ has always been grateful to him, not to mention the special relationship between Abel and his good friend Ted Lerner.

Besides, as Abel, let them go.

Michael knew that there was nothing he could do, at best he could be helpless and furious.

Is there any way to take revenge and go back?

Ants also want to shake up giant elephants?

"Okay." Michael Jackson replied: "That's a shame. What's the emergency, Mr. Smith? Do you need my help?"

Delevingne was thinking, Mr. Smith's urgent matter, how can you help?

I can't even help.

The only people who can help are probably people like Buffett.

"That's not clear."

Draven replied.

"Oh, then."

After chatting for a few more words, MJ took the initiative to hang up the phone.

The assistant next to him asked in a low voice: "So MJ, should we go to Madison Square Garden?"

Michael hesitated.

"Go, why not go. Let's go."

Even though I was a bit unhappy about being let go.

Michael also knows that tonight’s game is between Abel’s Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks.

Although Abel was not here, Michael thought about himself, since he had already rushed over.

Then just help Abel and cheer for the Rockets.

Maybe after Abel finds out about this, he can deepen his impression and favor of himself because of this kind of thing?

"Go buy Rockets uniforms right away! Let's wear Rockets uniforms outside and wear Rockets uniforms!"

There should be reporters filming at the scene. MJ wanted to leave a good impression, so he just did the whole scene!

Well done to the Houston Rockets fans who made a temporary guest appearance!

With this idea in mind, Michael Jackson went to Madison Square Garden after all.

After arriving at the NBA league and arena, and in the specially reserved auditorium.

MJ discovered that there seemed to be many people who had the same idea as him.

Tom Hanks, Madonna, Britney, Gisele Bündchen and several other Hollywood and Grammy stars.

Except for Britney and three other young women.

Other Hollywood or Grammy people came wearing Rockets uniforms.

MJ thought to himself, this is really Fakshet's coincidence!

To be honest, it's a bit confusing.