Today is March 30th. Although it has been five days since the Oscars night, as soon as the car carrying the two of them left the house, several cars and motorcycles immediately followed. Without looking, Ryan knew that the paparazzi waiting outside the villa had tagged along.
Strictly speaking, today's charity banquet had a lot to do with him. It was the orphan topic that exploded two days ago that prompted the entertainment and media industries to take unified action. Led by Time Warner, this donation event for orphans across the United States was organized.
As night fell, Ryan and Nicole arrived at the banquet venue, the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Like all public charity banquets, there was a short red carpet before entering the hotel, but Ryan and Nicole did not linger too long. After allowing the reporters to take a few photos, they followed a waiter into the grand ballroom.
This was an ultra-large banquet hall spanning hundreds of square feet. It was said that the Golden Globe Awards were sometimes held here. Not only was there a spacious stage, but there were also many separate lounges on both sides.
Because the event was being covered by the media, the banquet was very formal. Listening to the soothing music played by the band on stage, Ryan followed the waiter to their assigned table. The location wasn't great—somewhat off to the side—but it was fitting for their current status in Hollywood.
Everywhere he looked, he saw unfamiliar faces. Even when he spotted the occasional acquaintance, Ryan only waved briefly. The media presence turned the event into a serious public occasion rather than a lighthearted charity party.
"A bit boring," Ryan shrugged and could only make small talk with Nicole.
"Alright, darling, don't be like that. You're a big star now," Nicole chuckled and happened to see Kinsley walk into the banquet hall. She quickly stood up and waved to her.
Ryan glanced at the several large cameras set up and thought to himself, Is this being broadcast live? Is this about charity or just a show?
Well, he actually understood very well. For the vast majority of people in this circle, charity was nothing more than a performance. After all, people like Michael Jackson—who truly wanted to help others—were very rare.
Not to speak of others, just considering himself and Nicole, they were definitely not the kind of people who genuinely engaged in charity. However, donating some money to gain a bit of glory was something no sane person would reject.
"Have you prepared your donation items?" Kinsley asked after sitting down.
The event wasn't about directly donating money. That wouldn't have any performative value. Instead, after a small show organized by the hosts, a charity auction would be held. As for the auction items, they would depend on what the attending celebrities donated.
"This is mine." Nicole took out a jewelry box—it was a pair of emerald earrings.
"The original manuscript of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." Ryan took a document folder from Nicole's handbag and handed it directly to Kinsley. Things like this were better left to her to handle.
"Ryan, you're really willing to part with it," Kinsley said, her eyes twitching slightly. In her view, the manuscript might not look like much now, but as Harry Potter gained in popularity, it would inevitably become a treasure.
"It's fine. In my conception, Harry Potter will have many volumes. Besides, I can always buy it back," Ryan said indifferently with a wave of his hand.
After Kinsley left, Ryan's attention was quickly drawn by someone at a neighboring table. Unlike other men in suits and formal attire, this person was wearing a black turtleneck pullover, blue Levi's jeans, and sneakers. In such a formal setting, he looked out of place—unique, or perhaps just inappropriate.
Especially the round glasses he wore made him look like a classic icon worshipped by countless people in Ryan's previous life.
"The future will inevitably be the information age. The IT industry won't remain sluggish for long. Within two to three years at most, it will enter a new growth phase, just like..."
The founder of Apple was passionately giving his gospel-style speech to those around him, speaking fervently and emotionally. Fortunately, he still knew where he was and kept his voice low.
"Who is that? He seems a bit crazy," Nicole Kidman asked curiously.
"Steve Jobs! The founder of Apple Computer." Ryan was quite interested and leaned in to listen for a bit.
It had to be said—Jobs, despite being arrogant, obsessive, irritable, and having a questionable reputation (with constant scandals involving an illegitimate daughter), was undoubtedly a remarkable individual. Even though he had been kicked out of Apple and was now at the lowest point of his life, he never gave up.
"Apple is mired in losses, Microsoft is lukewarm, and Intel and Texas Instruments haven't made any major breakthroughs in chip technology. I don't believe the IT industry will thrive." Someone at the table clearly disagreed with Jobs and began to argue.
"No, no, no," Ryan suddenly leaned forward and interjected. "I assume everyone has used a computer? How are today's computers compared to those ten years ago? And as time goes on, computer technology will only advance faster. One day in the not-so-distant future—within ten years, tops—computers will become essential to our work and lives."
"But many companies are in trouble right now. Take Apple for example—it's running at a loss," the man said, surprised that a child would challenge him. While stunned, he was mostly amused.
"That's true. Apple is indeed struggling," Ryan nodded. Just as the man smiled smugly, Ryan added, "Because Apple has run into major issues with technological innovation. They're just living off their past glory now. But I think solving their problems is very simple."
"Very simple?" The man scoffed, clearly dismissing the words of a kid.
"Of course," Ryan looked toward Steve Jobs. "All Apple has to do is bring back its founder, and everything will be resolved."
As if to coordinate with him, Jobs slightly raised his chin, but Ryan knew it was just a habitual gesture.
The man wasn't about to seriously argue with a kid, so he simply snorted and left the table.
"Hello, Mr. Jobs." Ryan didn't approach but gave a small bow. "I'm Ryan Jenkins. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Steve Jobs only nodded at him. Although he appreciated what Ryan said, he had no interest in dealing with a child of ten or so.
Though the sources Ryan had seen in his previous life might not all be accurate, they reflected enough of Jobs' personality. Ryan didn't mind. If he were five years older, he would definitely have gone over to strike up a conversation about the future. But right now? Forget it. Who would care about an eleven-year-old kid?
"I don't like him—too arrogant," Nicole said with a subtle glare in that direction once Ryan turned back.
"Not many people do," Ryan shook his head. If Jobs hadn't offended so many people, how else would he have been kicked out of the company he founded?
He was sitting on a gold mine! However, with Apple currently in a state of loss, he was probably bleeding internally. Rumor had it he was even considering selling off.
The banquet soon officially began. A few celebrities gave brief speeches, and then the song and dance performances kicked off. Several popular singers performed, and Ryan even recognized a few familiar faces—like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion.
After the short performance, the charity auction began. The host wasn't a professional auctioneer, but Whoopi Goldberg.
Honestly, her style didn't suit such an occasion. Ryan looked at the several Time Warner board members up front and thought, Did they lose their minds?
Here, it was rare to see actual bidding wars. Even if someone did go head-to-head, it was usually just for show. But that was about to change, and for a simple reason.
"Wow, the next item is truly one of a kind in the world," Whoopi Goldberg said with wide eyes. "If I could, could I take it home with me?"
"Alright, no kidding. The next item is from Ryan Jenkins—the original manuscript of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."
It was indeed unique. Especially for those with children, their eyes lit up.
There was no reserve price for this auction. Soon, a paddle was raised.
"$20,000!"
More paddles followed.
"$50,000!"
"$100,000!"
"$150,000."
Without hesitation, Nicole raised her paddle. "$200,000!"
Whether a now-popular novel's manuscript was worth $200,000 was unclear. But at the event, there weren't just adults—there were minors too.
At the front table, belonging to the Hilton family, a little girl whispered something to her father and then raised a paddle. "$250,000!"
Nicole Kidman certainly wouldn't let Ryan's manuscript fall into someone else's hands. She bid again, "$300,000!"
The little girl whispered to her father again, but he firmly shook his head. She then turned her head and glared fiercely at Nicole, her pouty look surprisingly adorable.
The original manuscript of Harry Potter was indeed valuable, but compared to the artwork donated by other celebrities and wealthy people, it couldn't compete in raw value. Maybe in ten or twenty years, Ryan's manuscript would flip the script.
Besides, in other people's eyes, he was only eleven—and so prolific. Who knew how many manuscripts he'd produce in the future?
Likewise, Ryan wouldn't let Nicole's personal item fall into others' hands. After a round of bidding, he claimed the emerald earrings.
With two checks handed over, their task could be considered complete. Ryan whispered something in Nicole's ear and walked toward the restroom—only to find, upon exiting, that a little girl was waiting by the sink.