While in Hollywood, I used Taoist magic to quell American terrorism.

Under his guidance, several women around him experienced significant career changes this year:

Amanda gained immense popularity among teenagers with "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants".

Now, "V for Vendetta" has opened the door to mainstream commercial films for her, solidifying her position.

Jessica became the dream girl of men all over America thanks to "Fantastic Four", her commercial value skyrocketed, and she was inundated with voice acting contracts.

Rachel proved herself the best; "Wedding Crashers" made her a box office draw and proved her commercial value.

"Walking with Songs" puts her on the Oscars red carpet next year.

Anne Hathaway, with a completely transformed look and aura, is filming "The Devil Wears Prada" in Manhattan, New York, a movie destined to be a global hit.

As for Megan, although Transformers hasn't finished filming yet, her rise to fame is imminent.

Not only that, Scarlett is also filming "Enchanted," and will soon be able to shed the label of a flop leading lady.

Li Fu's "One Night Pregnancy" is destined to be just as good.

Each of these women could be a pillar of Hollywood's future.

After reviewing all of this, Cao Kun's expression became somewhat subtle.

They all became famous and made money.

But for him, his own cash reserves were almost depleted.

"Chris."

Cao Kun called out in a low voice.

A wisp of pink smoke emerged from the phone at his fingertips.

Chris's figure became visible in the moonlight.

He changed into a sophisticated business suit, held a virtual ledger in his hand, and looked somewhat mischievous.

"Master, would you like to see the bill?"

Cao Kun nodded.

"According to current financial statistics, Kunlun Pictures is in the red this year."

Chris traced her finger in the air, and lines of numbers appeared.

"You've invested a lot of cash this year: the acquisition of Marvel shares, the buyout of the rights to several core heroes, which adds up to several hundred million dollars."

"You invested 4000 million in 'The Pursuit of Happyness'."

"Pregnant Overnight" grossed 3000 million.

Enchanted 3500 million.

The initial production budget of $8000 million for "Iron Man" has also been allocated.

Chris looked up at Cao Kun, a carefree smile on her face: "Plus the large amount of Apple and Google stock you bought before, and the annual maintenance fees and property tax advances for this mansion..."

"Master, you now have less than $2000 million left in your liquid assets."

Cao Kun's expression froze for a moment.

He spent over $11 billion in income in less than six months.

Although these investments will be recouped dozens or even hundreds of times in the future.

But that's the future.

The reality is that he's almost out of money.

"Tax season is almost here, isn't it?" Cao Kun asked.

"Yes, Master. It's about to begin."

Chris shrugged: "Although I used overseas companies and various charitable schemes to help you offset most of it."

However, this year you have had huge share transactions and copyright purchases.

We need to prepare at least $2000 million in taxes.

Cao Kun rubbed his temples.

He wields immense influence in Hollywood and is considered by outsiders to be someone who is never short of money.

As the year draws to a close, they are now worried about paying tens of millions of dollars in taxes.

"Sure enough, running a business and making investments are nowhere near as lucrative as exorcising demons and selling medicine," Cao Kun chuckled self-deprecatingly.

With several movies yet to be released, there's naturally no way they have the money.

Marvel is even further behind.

This is a typical expansion period where "expenditure exceeds income".

"Master, do you need me to 'hacker' the bad debt systems of several banks and embezzle some funds for you?"

A dangerous red glint flashed in Chris's eyes; she was eager to try.

"Or, why not just let a few unlucky hedge fund managers go 'accidentally' bankrupt while shorting?"

"No need, we should avoid that kind of trouble if we can."

Cao Kun waved his hand, "I'm not so destitute that I need your illegal intrusion to make a living."

He was thinking.

In Hollywood, it's not actually that difficult to quickly recoup your investment.

All he has to do is let it slip that he's going to sell the rights to Iron Man or Captain America, as well as his shares in Marvel.

A sum of money will be recovered immediately.

But he couldn't bear to part with it.

That's the sickle he'll use to reap global box office profits in the future.

Moreover, selling it now would not only fail to generate profit, but could also result in a loss.

Marvel hasn't really proven its strength yet.

Three days later, a SF Express charter flight that took off from the other side of the strait landed at Los Angeles International Airport.

Cao Kun personally drove to pick up the goods.

There are three specially made refrigerated boxes, sealed with layers of dry ice.

Upon opening, one finds dragon bone grass, earthworm tendons, cold pool lotus root, rootless fire lotus...

These rare medicinal herbs, seldom seen in this degenerate age, exude a refreshing and unique fragrance.

"Mr. Cao, this batch of goods has emptied the savings of three generations of my Wu family."

On the phone, Wu Chen's voice carried a mix of heartache and excitement: "I never expected that I would actually be able to find these medicines."

To be honest, we haven't had time to fully study all the medicinal properties of these herbs yet.

It's not entirely clear what diseases it can cure.

Mr. Cao, since you need it, you must know that, right?

I wonder if you could explain it to us.

There will be an opportunity.

Cao Kun hung up the phone and put the box into his system space.

For more than half a month, Cao Kun turned down all social engagements.

He even answered fewer calls from Amanda and Megan.

He locked himself in the alchemy room, which was set up with a large array, and unleashed his full magical power.

Rebirth Pill, a five-fold elixir.

This has already touched the edge of the rules of this world.

In late December, Los Angeles experienced a rare light drizzle.

When Cao Kun pushed open the door to the alchemy room, a surge of vitality, so rich it was almost tangible, burst forth.

In the back garden, several shrubs that had been somewhat withered suddenly sprouted tender buds about the length of a finger.

Cao Kun opened his palm, revealing a medicine bottle in his hand.

He poured one into his palm.

The pill was a translucent pale gold color.

Five dark red lines were faintly visible flowing across the surface.

The crimson patterns pulsed like breath, containing immense energy powerful enough to reverse life and death.

"This is the Rebirth Pill."

Looking at these priceless treasures, Cao Kun chuckled self-deprecatingly:

"The product is finished, but the cost... is indeed frighteningly high."

The last batch of medicinal herbs that Wu Chen sent was not cheap.

Wu Chen demanded a full 2000 million.

Fortunately, it's in RMB.

He is now so poor that all he has left is medicine.

"Owner."

Chris appeared in the study.

"Mr. Douglas called three times, and he sounded very urgent."

Cao Kun put away the jade bottle and asked as he walked upstairs, "What did you say?"

"One of his business partners, Raymond, was ambushed by a professional assassin on his way home last night."

Chris quickly pulled up a briefing: "He was shot three times, one of which pierced his lung and the other hit his spine."

He is currently in the ICU at Sid Sinai Hospital, and his attending physician has issued a critical condition notice.

Douglas said, "The old man is dying."

Cao Kun paused, turning to look at Chris: "Raymond? He's very rich?"