On Thursday, August 28, 2008, Ron Artest, who had been very low-key during the offseason, suddenly filed an application with the local High Court to change his name to "Metta World Peace."
Since Ron Artest was scheduled to appear on a late-night show that evening, the public, who saw the news in the morning, initially thought it was just a joke for show effect.
However, they were surprised to see a personal statement in the afternoon:
"War affects our families. I am a kid who grew up in Queens, and after witnessing all of this, I hope to bring about change!"
"I will fully support Obama, and for this, we have established the World Peace Club. We hope the new name can soothe the pain caused by war."
When New York fans saw this message on Twitter, they were confused, and the public was also full of questions.
What is this all about?
What the hell is he talking about?
Are you running for city council?
The news spread on the internet, and soon, enthusiastic New York fans dug up Ron Artest's offseason activities.
The former DPOY had not been practicing basketball but was actively engaged in politics.
After Obama officially secured the party's nomination, Ron Artest not only personally donated $20,000 to the campaign committee but also continuously participated in electoral district activities with his family and friends.
On Reddit, a Black fan from Queens shared what he had seen, and the content of the post even expressed a sense of "pride":
"Ron Artest is our hero! He has done a lot of work for the community!"
"He is fighting for the rights of Black people. Our entire family and all our neighbors plan to join his club. We will vote for Obama. America needs a Black president."
After seeing the news, the public finally understood that the "World Peace Club" was a political club, mainly for votes.
In response, fans who were not interested in the election quickly expressed dissatisfaction, while others expressed approval.
After all, many NBA players were working for Obama, and LeBron James had donated earlier, also $20,000.
The political environment in New York has changed significantly over the years.
Political clubs had a great influence in the 1990s, but in the 21st century, with the explosion of the internet, some clubs began to decline.
Legitimate political clubs are spread across large and small electoral districts.
Many times, they are not transparent to the public, but they have clear internal statutes.
Each cycle, a complete list of endorsements for competitors is published, from low-profile judicial and district leader candidates to candidates for city, state, or federal elections, all bearing the club's imprint.
Some more influential clubs can even solve local problems.
If one understands Mayor Dinkins in the early 1990s, it is not difficult to find that he had close ties with these clubs.
Currently, there are many old clubs in Brooklyn that still have considerable influence and can sway voters' decisions.
As Lee continued to learn more about Ivanka, he gradually discovered the family network of Donald Trump.
The Madison Democratic Club was one of their allies, and these individuals would serve his interests.
Ron Artest's situation seemed off, as most of his members were family and friends, not well-known political figures.
These people seemed to have a "great momentum," but only they knew what it was ultimately for.
That night, on Conan O'Brien's late-night show, Ron Artest changed his usual appearance.
Not only did he grow out his hair, but he also looked a bit thinner.
Dressed in a black suit, Ron Artest appeared composed.
When he sat on the sofa, applause erupted in the studio.
Conan O'Brien's face showed curiosity.
He was very familiar with the New York Knicks players, having interviewed all of them over the years, but Ron Artest's transformation surprised him:
"What should I call you? Ron? Artest? Metta? Or World Peace?"
Hearing the question, Ron Artest smiled.
Since signing that 4-year, $35.5 million contract, his life had changed again, and he had taken on the responsibility of a "leader":
"Just call me Ron. You know, my name hasn't been officially approved yet. Of course, I don't mind 'World Peace.' I like this name!"
Cheers erupted again in the studio.
Tonight's atmosphere group were also Donkey Party voters.
No one would refuse Ron Artest's support.
"Alright, Mr. World Peace! I think everyone is curious as to why you are so publicly changing your name and forming a political club this year?"
"We all know you are an excellent basketball player, but it's rare for a player like you to get involved in politics. Do the New York Knicks support your decision?"
Perhaps the "brainwashing" of the past two months really worked.
Ron Artest not only completely controlled his irritable emotions but also found peace amidst the praises:
"I have seen the suffering caused by war! Many families have been broken!"
With a pained expression, Ron Artest was fully immersed at this moment.
After saying these two sentences, he sighed before continuing:
"This situation is completely different from what's reported in the news. At that time, I realized I had to do something. As a child who grew up in Queens, as a member of a champion team, I must take on more responsibility!"
"The World Peace Club was created for this purpose. I will fight for more rights for my compatriots. I want to change this world, and for that, I am willing to give everything!"
Having interviewed many celebrities and stars, Conan O'Brien considered himself to have extraordinary self-control, but at this moment, he almost couldn't maintain his composure.
The atmosphere group on set was still cheering for Ron Artest's answer.
Their Black compatriot had awakened another hero, and they would fully support Obama.
No one could prevent the emergence of a Black president!
The show continued, and under guidance, Ron Artest talked about the communities he had helped over the past two months. Conan O'Brien occasionally told appropriate jokes, and the atmosphere on set was very harmonious.
When discussing this year's NBA Finals, Conan O'Brien inadvertently began to guide the conversation toward Clay Lee:
"We witnessed a perfect Olympic Games! The United States Mens National Basketball Team achieved redemption, but Kobe's performance caused a lot of controversy. On the New York Knicks side, how do you evaluate him?"
"I remember Kobe emphasizing more than once that he is the best player, and Lee even gave him a fitting nickname…"
"Mr. BEST!"
The shouts from the atmosphere group brought some of Ron Artest's true nature back.
Compared to reading from a script for official questions, he actually preferred to boast, and at this moment, he exposed himself a bit:
"Kobe? He's just a lucky thief! After helping Shaq steal a championship, he goes around showing off!"
"He's an All-Star player, nothing more. No one fears him. In fact, everyone treats him as a joke. As long as there are enough preconditions, I can also call myself the best player!"
"Lee showed everyone the gap in skill in just four games. He's just a clown!"
Hearing Ron Artest's continuous output, Conan O'Brien feigned surprise, exclaiming "God," but then suddenly launched an unscripted ambush:
"Ron, after you made such a decision, did Lee express support? Many NBA players have voiced their opinions, but until now, Lee has never commented on it."
Ron Artest, however, did not notice anything amiss.
He was already enjoying the conversation, and at this point, it was all subconscious reactions.
He shook his head and said with a proud expression:
"Lee always tells us to fight for the fans. He is more passionate about charity. Every year, he donates to the fire and police departments, and the teachers' union has also received his help."
"I'm not worried that my actions will be opposed. Fighting for peace, I believe everyone will support me!"
"..."
Conan O'Brien felt regret.
It was very difficult for him to invite Lee.
For media outlets leaning towards the Donkey Party, Lee's personal influence was significant, but he was no longer close to them.
The show continued.
Meanwhile, Donnie Walsh received a call from James Dolan in the middle of the night.
The old man was puzzled when he heard the inquiry, but after turning on the TV, he immediately became so angry he couldn't sleep.
Having been in the NBA for so many years, Donnie understood the characteristics of these players very well.
The reason why their professional careers averaged only four years, besides insufficient talent, was also influenced by external temptations.
"As a member of the champions, I am willing to take on heavy responsibilities!"
"..."
The constant sound from the TV made Donnie's face grim.
When he heard Ron Artest introduce the club's structure, he knew that the other party had been deceived by his family and friends, and that contract had become the "culprit."
In the old man's view, all those neighbors, relatives, friends, and hangers-on were deceiving Ron Artest's wallet.
They used the political club as a means to demand more money to satisfy their private desires.
Donnie was unsure what had happened in the past two months, but Ron Artest's transformation did not look good in any way.
After a moment of contemplation, he called back:
"I'll talk to Mike. This won't affect the new season…"
Every championship team begins to collapse from within.
Injuries, statistics, and external temptations can all become stumbling blocks on the path to success.
Donnie was unsure if any other players were affected, but thinking of the contract given under Mark Bartelstein's influence, he could only sigh in the end:
"Perhaps I don't have much time left."
Cleaning out meritorious players would draw protests from fans.
In the future, after helping the team shed large contracts and completing another round of renewal and replacement, Donnie Walsh knew his mission would be over.
Fortunately, by then, he would also be nearing retirement.
Bidding farewell to New York as a dynasty builder might be the best outcome.
On Friday, August 29, the influence of the late-night show began to spread.
Ron Artest, holding high the banner of "fighting for Black compatriots," had truly become a "leader" among NBA players.
Ben Wallace was still in Chicago and came out to support his "bag carrier."
LeBron James, as a new generation, also began to actively speak out, fighting for a Black president.
Not everyone liked to see celebrity players participate in political activities.
Opponents' voices also began to emerge, but more media outlets supported it, and coupled with the Republican Party convention being postponed, the public opinion was entirely one-sided for a time.
In 2004, the Republican Party convention was held at Madison Square Garden.
At that time, Lee was invited but ultimately declined to speak.
To host that convention, the Coast Guard and New York police were dispatched en masse, as there were simply too many people protesting, assembling, and demonstrating.
At that time, Madison Square Garden was surrounded by fences, and when Giants players spoke, they were quickly scorned by fans.
This year's convention was held on Labor Day, September 1st, which was also the last day of the Minnesota State Fair.
However, due to Hurricane Gustav, the convention might be postponed again.
Affected by voters, and with the Wall Street crisis not yet over, the atmosphere in Manhattan also began to grow anxious.
More and more people started discussing "change" and expressing their dissatisfaction with their wallets.
Located at 1 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, on the southeast corner of Central Park, the Metropolitan Club was still as busy as ever.
In fact, it was even busier today because Lee was hosting a party for a friend.
This ancient club is known for its long history, magnificent architecture, and distinguished members.
In the early 1990s, Lee, despite his wealth, couldn't join, but now it had completely opened its arms.
Of course, for clubs like the Union Club and the Knickerbocker Club, which prioritize old money over new money, even if Lee were ten times richer, they would not extend an invitation.
They are exclusively for "nobles."
Formal banquets usually have strict schedules and etiquette, but this time it was a celebration for the short sellers, so the dress code was relaxed.
At 6:30 PM, young people arriving in sports cars, accompanied by somewhat "revealingly" dressed female companions, continuously appeared at the entrance, as the building overlooking Central Park was enveloped by the night.
Elon Musk, who arrived in Manhattan yesterday, was in a black suit with a bow tie, and his girlfriend, Talulah Riley, wore a backless, low-cut red dress.
When they appeared, both noticed something was off.
They were greeted by scantily clad girls, which didn't seem like a "proper" investor gathering.
Silicon Valley also has some parties, but they don't emphasize formality.
They can party in the office, and they also attract young girls.
Subconsciously tightening his girlfriend's arm, Elon Musk, with dark circles under his eyes, seemed very unconfident.
He had gone all-in with 30 million on rockets, but the funding was still insufficient.
If he failed again, the money would be completely gone.
Tesla was already struggling.
They couldn't even deliver orders on time.
Elon Musk, who had been sleepless for over a month, looked at his beautifully dressed girlfriend and whispered again:
"Let's go back, my dear, this isn't where we should be."
Talulah Riley, with her blonde hair pinned up, looked a bit more mature.
She firmly pulled her boyfriend through the reception area and even encouraged him:
"I know what you need. They will definitely invest in you!"
Upon reaching the main banquet hall, both of them simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.
There were many Wall Street individuals present, mostly management from several funds and investment banks, and their female companions' attire was more conservative.
Before 7 PM was cocktail hour, where everyone could mingle freely.
Many people were joking about the CEO of Lehman Brothers, and occasional low laughter could be heard.
Elon Musk, holding a drink, received no attention.
Some recognized him, but most had no interest in interacting.
Everyone loves to add to success, because that means substantial returns.
Being kicked out, successive failures of Falcon test flights, and being labeled an electric sports car scammer—these were Elon Musk's current tags.
Anyone who read the news knew that this guy was running out of money chasing his dreams.
At 7:30 PM, everyone was seated. With music playing, the exquisite multi-course service began.
It was Italian cuisine tonight.
Elon Musk, at a table near the end, had no appetite for the food and no interest in joining the discussion, until applause erupted in the banquet hall as Ken Griffin appeared with his wife, Anne Dias.
At the very front, Clay Lee and Bobby Axelrod warmly embraced the two.
There was still a short period before the official start of the banquet.
As the applause gradually subsided, Ken Griffin thanked everyone, then pointed to his graying hair and casually joked:
"Seven times leverage, losing hundreds of millions of dollars every week—that's the price! Like everyone else, I felt fear when I saw the numbers for a while!"
"But we won! I know stopping investors from withdrawing funds was the worst choice, but in the end, some people still believed in me, believed in Citadel."
"Axe Capital gave me great support, those arrogant investment banks paid the price, and those who called us a cancer lost everything!"
"..."
Elon Musk listened intently.
When he heard Ken Griffin announce that the foundation would rebound with over 60% returns next year, he, like everyone else present, gasped.
But the "surprise" wasn't over.
Bobby Axelrod, in a formal suit, had a calm expression.
When he greeted the elderly Paul Pellegrini, everyone in the banquet hall involuntarily held their breath.
Before he could even ask a question, Bobby's deep voice came from beside Elon Musk:
"ISDA, the official approval from the International Swaps and Derivatives Association. We were almost ruined by this complex CDS contract business document!"
"Paul's arrival saved the company!"
"Lee has said more than once that at Axe Capital, we are all family. Now we have completed the final sale of CDS."
"$185 million, that's what Paul should have received last year. 45 million is my and Lee's personal return..."
The enormous figures made everyone in the banquet hall gasp for breath, and many even flushed.
In just one year, the Italian old man, Paul Pellegrini, had completely turned his life around.
Facing everyone's congratulations, Pellegrini wept sorrowfully, as he had almost committed suicide from depression due to the massive losses in 2006.
As the oldest in the company, if the investment failed, he would be completely ruined.
This was an investment that put his entire latter half of his life on the line.
"When I invested in Axe Capital, we encountered 9/11. That attack almost destroyed the entire company!"
"I am not God, but I felt I had to step forward at that time, so I decided to be responsible for the future of the children. Now we have overcome another difficulty, the little ones have grown up, and everything is on track!"
Lee brought a young girl who had just entered high school to the front of everyone to recount history.
Some shareholders' family members also shed tears.
After a full 8 years, they had regained a prosperous life.
In the "family culture," when funds were first raised, everyone contributed their own money, and now everyone had received a return.
"I like to share wealth. I hope all the little ones can get into prestigious schools. I have prepared everything for them, and I hope they continue to work hard as always!"
"Wealth only makes our lives better; don't let wealth erode your dreams!"
"We are family. As long as we stick together, we can overcome all difficulties."
These words made the little girl throw herself into Lee's arms and cry, and the family members also proudly applauded.
Perhaps for ordinary taxpayers, 2008 was a disaster, but for those who profited, it was the beginning of happiness.
At 8 PM, everyone began to eat.
Bobby and Ken Griffin started moving among the important investors.
A hearing might be held in November, and they still needed to stick together.
Lee, on the other hand, represented Axe Capital in "spending money."
Although it wasn't time to withdraw funds yet, they would need a large sum of money when the year-end profits matured, so they had to persuade the other party to continue investing.
Until 9:30 PM, when the post-dinner activities began, Elon Musk still hadn't managed to speak with any of them.
Those who looked like management were all circling Lee and the others, while the rest laughed and enjoyed the banquet.
His girlfriend not attracting any unwanted attention made Elon Musk breathe a sigh of relief.
He felt he had overthought it initially.
Those rumors were indeed false.
"Darling, there's a dance party later, rumored to extend until midnight."
Talulah Riley, who had just returned from her female companion, whispered to her boyfriend.
Elon Musk, with his empty wallet, felt the sensation of "standing like a nobody".
No one here cared about him.
In the early days of SpaceX, he had hosted Silicon Valley investors in his garage.
Back then, he still had friends supporting him.
The current situation was completely different.
They hadn't noticed that as time passed, more young faces appeared, and at 11 PM, more and more young girls also began to appear in the luxurious ballroom.
High ceilings, golden ornate chandeliers, shimmering decorations, and elegantly dressed guests dancing gracefully, with the orchestra playing beautiful classical music live.
The night outside the window reminded Elon Musk that time was running out, but he couldn't find an opportunity until Talulah Riley helped her boyfriend make a move.
At this moment, Lee was pulled to the second floor by the Olsen Sisters.
The two petite women were embraced on either side, occasionally letting out soft giggles.
As Talulah Riley bravely walked towards the second floor and stepped onto the red carpet, she felt a sense of unease.
Climbing the "X-shaped" staircase allowed her to look down.
Unbeknownst to her, young girls had already occupied this space.
"Lee, may I invite you for a dance? Natalie and I are good friends..."
Talulah Riley was a little breathless.
The banquet was nearing its end, but her boyfriend still hadn't secured an investment, making all her efforts futile.
This might be the last chance.
Lee interrupted her, patting the two beside him.
They curiously glanced at the slender blonde girl:
"Sorry, too many people came tonight, I almost forgot to entertain you. Darling, invite Mr. Musk to the bar. I think that's what he needs."
Mary-Kate Olsen in a white fitted dress and Ashley Olsen in a black dress exchanged glances.
Both had drunk some champagne and their faces were slightly flushed.
Looking at the reserved girl in front of them, they said sweetly:
"Have fun..."
Elon Musk's mind went blank when the twins pulled him.
He wanted to say something when he saw everyone cheering for Lee and Talulah Riley's arrival, but in the end, he saw his girlfriend's "reassuring" look.
Lively music began to play, and the dance party seemed to enter another phase.
Elon Musk came to his senses when he heard the two calling him.
The twins' makeup was very fresh, making them look even younger:
"Can we pre-order two electric sports cars?"
"It should be three. Elizabeth's birthday is coming soon. Why aren't you saying anything?"
The Olsen Sisters' voices made Elon Musk freeze again.
He remembered the gossip he had seen in the Los Angeles Times.
When the twins came of age, they appeared at a Hamptons party, and they had already "hooked up."
From this, it was inferred that Lee liked innocent girls.
"Sorry, uh... we might not be able to deliver orders on time recently."
Elon Musk felt uneasy saying this, but fortunately, the twin sisters didn't embarrass him.
They weren't as rebellious as reported in the newspapers and seemed very different from their on-screen personas.
Bobby and Kenneth Griffin were still having a drink at the bar.
They were still discussing the hearing.
The Federal Government's requirements needed to be met, but their own interests should not be harmed either.
There were still many issues to resolve regarding the specific method of cooperation.
After the Olsen Sisters greeted him, they left, which left Elon Musk at a loss for words.
Looking at the two sitting near the bar, he felt awkward for a moment.
"You had a chance to introduce my investment, but you chose Valor Equity Partners. How is your former colleague? I hope he wasn't involved in this crisis."
Also in Chicago, Kenneth Griffin knew that private equity firm.
At the time, the Chicago Tribune had reported relevant news, and he remembered it vividly.
"I just don't like your way of cooperation. Sorry, I don't mean to condemn you, but many companies ended up disappearing."
"Goldman Sachs played me. I know why this happened."
Elon Musk threw his hands up in frustration.
He felt he had messed up.
Obviously, the other party didn't like his former colleague, Gracia.
He had indeed deliberately avoided these hedge funds during the Series B funding round.
"Buddy, let's talk about your rockets and cars. Maybe you should have a drink!"
Bobby, who had taken off his suit jacket, ordered a drink and motioned for Elon Musk.
The latter sat between them, downed his drink, and then, as if giving up, started complaining about investors while introducing his company.
As midnight struck, in the huge ballroom, the heavy black curtains had somehow fallen, the music began to soften, and the lights gradually dimmed.
In Los Angeles, some tabloid newspapers described Lee as a "reaper," also gossiping that he didn't train daily and attended parties every day, implying his physical condition would decline sooner or later.
Such reports were meant for Los Angeles Lakers fans and had been very popular over the years.
Some well-written fan fiction even gained recognition from some curious onlookers.
Talulah Riley was a little nervous at first, but quickly relaxed.
Lee was very gentlemanly, and with his guidance, her dance steps became lighter, gradually immersing herself in the atmosphere of the venue.
However, as time passed, the blonde woman quickly became dazed.
Unknowingly, some young women's clothes disappeared, and the band was replaced by naked women.
All sorts of blush-inducing sounds began to emerge, clearly indicating that the party had entered another phase.
Talulah Riley, who had turned around, watched a young woman's clothes slip off.
The other party even ambiguously licked her lips at her, then began a new dance with her young partner.
The warmth from the large hand on her waist made Talulah Riley twist her body involuntarily.
Lee seemed not to notice the situation on the scene, his eyes still clear, and he even considerately asked,
"Do you want to rest for a while?"
"..."
The blonde woman took several deep breaths.
The chaotic scene around her made her heart race.
She didn't know if this was an invitation, but her restless body still made her nod involuntarily.
Some people were sucking freely, some were being besieged.
Talulah Riley, whose mind was blank, was led upstairs, and her body trembled slightly as she looked down.
Upon entering the room, Talulah Riley sat blankly on the sofa.
Before Lee could speak, she subconsciously said,
"I want to take a shower first..."
Lee showed a teasing smile on his face, seemingly seeing through the blonde woman's thoughts, and joked with a smile,
"That's just a lifestyle. Perhaps you've read too many boring Los Angeles newspapers. Get some good rest. Your boyfriend is excellent, and he can make me a lot of money, so the difficulties will pass quickly."
"..."
Watching Lee wave his hand and leave, Talulah Riley didn't recover for a long time, with mixed emotions in her heart.
Thinking of what her boyfriend had gone through in the past few months, all her emotions finally turned into gratitude:
"Thank you, Lee! I don't know how to express my gratitude."
The blonde woman's thanks did not make Lee stop.
Pure desire could no longer control him.
To some extent, he was indeed not lying.
This could be considered a golden opportunity to make money.
Elon Musk, who was wildly drawing big plans, was even talking about Mars colonization at the bar, and the three of them even discussed the plot of a certain science fiction movie.
Seeing Lee pull off his tie and sit down, Elon Musk remembered his girlfriend, but before he could speak, he was quickly captivated again:
"I can give you 50 million or 100 million. We can even help you get a spot in the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program that the Federal Government is about to implement."
"Elon, what can you bring us by getting so much?"
Lee casually took a glass of whiskey, leaned against the bar, and stated his conditions.
Elon Musk opened his mouth, but "you will make a fortune" couldn't come out.
After the "money-sharing" meeting, all his confidence disappeared.
Making money during the financial crisis, the other party was completely different from the investors he had previously dealt with.
"...I don't know. I think a space program that lowers costs is the future trend, and so are electric cars..."
Saying this dryly, Elon Musk lowered his head somewhat awkwardly.
He himself didn't know if this plan could be realized, and he still had many competitors.
He didn't even know that the Federal Government had loan subsidies.
Bobby saw Lee's signal and quickly added cooperatively:
"The ATVM loan program will be launched by Congress in the fall. It will be supervised by the Department of Energy, and relevant terms usually pass within 36 months. You should be aware of their efficiency."
"If you choose to stand with us, we will make this plan pass quickly within 180 days, and you will receive this low-interest loan within 36 days after it passes."
"Before Christmas, you might get this money, and besides that, there's our investment, which is enough for you to fail two or even three more times."
Ken Griffin's face showed a strange smile.
Seeing Elon Musk looking very interested, he whispered the final condition:
"We want you to support a batch of parts suppliers after you get the loan."
Elon Musk completely understood.
These people in front of him wanted to use taxpayers' money to save his company, and they also wanted to use taxpayers' money to bribe certain congressmen...
Seeing the other party's hesitation, Lee didn't care if Elon Musk was faking it.
Anyway, they had done too much insider trading, and they didn't care about certain bottom lines:
"If you feel bad about it, you can repay the loan early. At the same time, our personal investment is still valid, and you can use our money to realize your dreams!"
"This is a win-win deal, isn't it? You should be aware that over 100 car companies across the US will apply for subsidies, and many of them are just trying to defraud money."
"If you really have confidence in Tesla, after getting the loan, use the money where it should be used."
When he heard about the subsidies, Elon Musk knew that even if he wanted to apply, he would have to compete with some established car companies.
Those old guys would definitely lobby Congress frantically, just like how he got orders from NASA.
"If it's 100 million, I want to invest a portion of the money into SpaceX. Our fourth launch will definitely succeed, and it will be at the end of September."
Elon Musk let go of the discomfort in his heart.
With so much money, he didn't want to burn his own wallet anymore.
He also had to think about his girlfriend and couldn't live a hard life.
"Let's have a drink to celebrate a great beginning!"
"Cheers to dreams!"
Lee and Bobby smiled and raised their glasses, and Ken Griffin also smiled.
At this moment, 37-year-old Elon Musk felt completely relaxed and excitedly raised his glass:
"Thank you, Lee! Thank you for your support, I swear, we will succeed!"
"Fuck Goldman Sachs!"
Elon Musk, who kept raising his glass, became happier and happier as he drank.
He could see that Lee seemed to have a lot of confidence in him.
Suddenly remembering his girlfriend, he subtly excused himself.
Seeing the other party's stumbling back, Bobby shook his head.
In his opinion, this investment was not about making money, but about building more connections:
"Will he succeed? If a company like this electric sports car company goes public and its financial report has problems, I believe many people would be willing to short them."
"Dreams are priceless!"
Lee said with a smile, which made Ken Griffin laugh out loud.
He didn't believe in dreams and couldn't help but tease,
"What the hell is a dream? I thought that blonde girl had something to do with it!"
When Elon Musk arrived in the huge ballroom, he was completely stunned by the scene before him.
The release of the star traders' primal desires, an indescribable chaos, set against the luxurious hall, made him stand frozen on the stairs for several seconds.
"No, no! Lady, don't do that."
In his chaotic thoughts, Elon Musk instinctively looked for his girlfriend.
Some girls wanted to invite him to join, but they were all rejected.
The smell of perfume mixed with other odors made his heart race involuntarily.
It wasn't until a naked young female attendant led him back to the room that Elon Musk saw his girlfriend.
He was first stunned, then excitedly called out to God:
"OMG, Riley!..."
Elon Musk, hugging his girlfriend, almost shed tears.
A strange feeling of having lost and found something reappeared in his heart.
Hearing Talulah Riley say that Lee left after they danced one dance, Elon Musk subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief, then stammered about what he had seen.
"The ballroom? I purposely said I was a bit tired then, and I've been in the room ever since, my dear, what's wrong?"
Seeing his girlfriend's curious expression, Elon Musk also told a white lie, shook his head, and pretended to be relaxed:
"A bunch of drunkards are partying. I succeeded, even more successfully than I imagined. I no longer have to worry about funding issues!"
"..."
Talulah Riley, whose heart was racing, watched Elon Musk nervously change the subject, and a smile also appeared on her face, but she also had some doubts in her heart.
Her boyfriend came back a bit too late.
It was already past 1 AM.
Talulah Riley, whose body was restless, originally wanted to have an intense match with her boyfriend, but he fell asleep as soon as he lay on the bed.
Recalling the night's events, the blonde woman couldn't help but recall Lee's clear eyes and light dancing, which made a strange feeling surge in her heart:
"Will it really be that easy to succeed?"
On Saturday, August 30th, the front page of the Wall Street Journal featured a photo of Lee, Elon Musk, Bobby Axelrod, and Ken Griffin raising their glasses:
"The Continuation of the Mars Dream — Elon Musk."
In the photo, Elon Musk was very different from his usual self.
Gone was his past exuberance.
Bis smile looked somewhat fawning.
Among the four, he was the second oldest, but he looked more like a "junior."
Actively accepting interviews with reporters, Elon Musk talked about the difficulties he had encountered recently.
No longer confused, he seemed to have regained his confidence:
"I want to thank Lee. I almost thought I couldn't persuade them until Lee expressed his support."
"This is so important to me. Now I just want to express my gratitude. Lee allows me to continue pursuing my dreams..."
In a terrible economic environment, this investment changed Elon Musk, and at the same time, it gave hope to more struggling companies, perhaps they too could overcome their difficulties.
Elon Musk was not the only one expressing gratitude.
The Miami Herald also released an exclusive interview early in the morning.
After the United States Mens National Basketball Team returned home, Wade, who performed the best, also spoke out in the interview:
"The gold medal is a redemption for me! I won't make excuses for the failures of the past few years. The fact is, I am stronger now than I was then!"
"My physical condition is excellent now. In some ways, I must thank Clay Lee. It is my honor to be his opponent. He really taught me a lot."
"Great players need an opponent, and I think I can take on that task. I am very much looking forward to the new season, and I will continue to challenge as always."
The photo of Wade biting his gold medal was also on the front page, and after returning to Cleveland, LeBron James, like his good friend, also shared his Olympic feelings in an interview, making it to the front page headline.
"I even felt relaxed during the Olympic Games. We became more and more confident in the game, and our Defense limited teams all over the world!"
"I must thank Clay Lee. It is he who keeps me improving and chasing. They changed modern basketball and put us at the forefront of the world."
"..."
Bystanders suddenly realized that the returning United States Mens National Basketball Team were all thanking Lee, and no one mentioned their paper captain, Kobe Bryant.
This phenomenon made many people confused.
Kobe, who had returned home, watched the ESPN program early in the morning again.
When he heard Stephen A. Smith praise his "arch-enemy" hoarsely, his face immediately became very long.
It wasn't until Fisher's call came in that Kobe's attention shifted.
Hearing his teammate's excited introduction, a satisfied smile appeared on his face:
"Kobe, you really should see Matt's current state. We've been consistently training during the off-season!"
"Just like I said, Matt is a tough guy. Although you two had some grudges in the past, I guarantee he genuinely supports you."
"..."
Kobe listened to Old Fish's introduction and found that the Lakers' team morale squad hadn't relaxed during the off-season.
Thinking of Ron Artest, who had already "entered politics," he felt even better:
"God saw my efforts!"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)