[Chapter 21: Scared of a Headshot?]
"Let go of 2Pac, you bastard!" 2Pac's crew cursed loudly.
Kevin got a little nervous, Etto's ferocity was triggered, and he stared fixedly at the enemies.
Will, on the other hand, carried the aura of a big star, probably confident he wouldn't get caught in the crossfire.
He remembered his manager and friends like Spike Lee advising him to keep a friendly attitude towards Charlie, so he waved his hand and said, "Hey guys, calm down, we're just talking, okay?"
No one responded; only Charlie maintained a steady expression throughout, giving Will a grateful glance amidst the chaos, followed by an eerie smile.
"Don't get worked up, man. We ain't enemies. We're all grown-ups here. I figure you must've been stirred up by 20th Century Fox, right?"
Tupac waved his crew to calm down and looked up, "What're you trying to say? You paralyzed Jada and sent her to jail. Her trial's coming up soon."
Charlie sneered, "Oh, I know that. But I guess a smart guy like you's figured it out. We're all pawns for Fox; they want to hype up their movie. Better if we fight now."
"Damn! Shit!" Tupac spat thickly on the ground, his face darkening with anger and shame.
Charlie relaxed slightly and squinted with a smile, "I think we'd better not get played by Fox. But if you wanna act the fool, go ahead. Your crew, these street guys..."
While speaking, Charlie subtly nudged Tupac with something at his waist. As Tupac grimaced, clutching himself, Charlie continued immediately, "I've had professional military training. I bet you've seen Jada's gunshot wound and know how accurate it was! I practiced long-range shooting in California! When facing life-or-death enemies, I like headshots and ripping through hearts. Plus, I have a crew trained the same way."
"You threatening me?" Tupac faltered for a moment, then exploded with anger, but was still pinned down by Charlie.
"No, no, no. Of course not," Charlie smiled sweetly. "See, I got black brothers -- I get where you're coming from. Jada's your friend. Not reacting to her trouble would cost you respect, support, and cash."
"Don't talk nonsense, I'm doing this for my friend," Tupac felt his scalp tingle as Charlie continuously controlled the conversation's rhythm.
He felt the guy in front of him was a major boss, easily seeing through every thought.
"I love your music; I'm bros with black folks!" Charlie lied shamelessly, not even blinking. "That's why I praised you in the media for loyalty. Later you could even punch a 20th Century Fox exec to show your anger. Say in public it's all these damn capitalists hyping the movie."
Tupac frowned but said nothing.
Seeing this, Charlie mocked him inwardly but pretended to give good advice, "Fox is just dying for that. They won't mess with you and might even forgive generously, praising your loyalty. Because that too is marketing."
Tupac's face twisted in disgust.
Damn these shameless capitalists -- you're so gross.
"No problem, brother. See, I fixed everything for you. We're all victims. I even suspect Jada's been swayed by Fox," Charlie smiled and launched another verbal attack.
Tupac glanced at his men and said stubbornly, "But Jada is my friend."
Charlie sneered openly, "Man, you're a big star; it's all about business. Your gang's rap rivalry hype will get your fans more fired up. You once slept with Will's girl, Jada. So what? She's not your mama. I slept with Will's... um, fiancee too, and now I gotta sacrifice everything for her?"
"Oh, c'mon!" Will rolled his eyes and gestured wildly. "What does that have to do with me?"
Tupac couldn't help but laugh and explained a bit to Will, both being black his attitude softened.
Then he glared fiercely at Charlie with hate and shame, muttering, "You bastard, I wanna take you out."
Charlie's smile froze momentarily and he said lowly, "Go to hell with your business! We aren't enemies. If you want to be, I'll end street fools like you with a single headshot."
"Fuck off, you slick-mouthed piece of shit!" Tupac yelled fiercely, charging with his crew toward the Fox executives.
Still couldn't hold back -- talking to these street idiots was exhausting!
After being a boss so long, dealing with this kinda crap, feeling like a greasy pushover -- it never felt right.
...
"Boss, no more questions?" Etto and Lamont asked.
Sweaty Kevin exhaled, "My God, Boss. I can't believe how sharply you read people in such a short time. Not only did you avoid escalating the situation, but you handled it with style."
"Haha, it's all good. Fox tried to stir shit up, teasing me like a kid. Now they're in for a show!" Charlie laughed cheerfully.
The crowd dispersed; outside the barriers, clueless reporters and spectators looked at each other in disbelief.
Just as reporters were about to interview Charlie for a big scoop, someone shouted, "They're fighting!"
The scene erupted.
...
Tupac punched Benjamin, 20th Century Fox's Distribution Manager and Senior Vice President hard.
He shouted loud enough for all to hear, "Damn it, Jada's mess all because of you damned capitalists hyping the movie."
With one punch, the act ended. Security and crew pulled Tupac away.
Benjamin wiped blood from his mouth, with a small scraped lip, barely hurt.
Smart as he was, he felt like he'd swallowed shit, exchanged a look with Charlie, then composed himself to face reporters, saying, "Unfortunately, Mr. 2Pac's sincere loyalty caused some misunderstanding between us. I think I'll forgive him..."
...
Watching this, Etto pumped a fist to Charlie in excitement, "Oh God, unbelievable. Boss, you foresaw everything like they're your puppets!"
"Haha, I knew the Boss ain't like no fist-and-gun punk! He's the real Godfather!"
"Amazing!" Kevin Feige marveled.
The Boss had effortlessly neutralized Fox's little prank, without making 2Pac an enemy, subtly punished Fox, and also gave them a marketing push.
It all came together quickly and stunned everyone.
...
The public spectacle soon died down.
Will and Alicia's scenes had already been filmed earlier.
Reporters, distributors, creators, and onlookers were satisfied. Even 2Pac achieved his goal by coming.
Everyone had reason to be happy.
...
In theaters, the movie was playing. Benjamin, nursing his minor injury, couldn't really be mad. He felt like a whiny chick but was also impressed and sarcastically said, "Godfather, you never cease to amaze me."
Charlie laughed dumbly and joked, "Are you going to help me? Do you want to increase the Fifty Shades of Grey's investment or take over the distribution?"
Fox had been keeping a close eye on the Fifty Shades of Grey project.
Charlie's entry was too spectacular.
His fame made opportunities easier despite equal ability.
The recent 2Pac incident strengthened that further.
Benjamin seriously said, "We'll consider that if the book sales feedback is strong. You'll officially enter our radar!"
*****
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