The Nature of Social Banquets

Howard Stark's funeral news dominated for days, with all talk shows, stand-up comedy, print and television media focusing on the topic, making it seem like this news story would be used until the end of next year.

But in reality, just a few days later, another, bigger and more important international news story quickly replaced Howard Stark's death as the headline that dominated the entire page.

On December 25, 1991, the president of the Red Empire announced his resignation. The following day, the 26th, the Red Empire collapsed!

Those capable players are all plundering the interests of those who have lost control in this grand feast of imperial collapse.

Before the remnants of the empire could re-establish domestic order, this place was a playground for capital.

In comparison, Stark Industries ' sheer size makes it seem like a double-edged sword—uninteresting to keep but too valuable to discard.

Those qualified to interfere in Stark Industries find themselves with an even bigger and easier piece of the pie to grab. Even those unqualified can find opportunities to fish in troubled waters with that pie.

Naturally, everyone's attention shifted from Stark Industries to the disintegrating Red Empire.

News of Stark Industries vanished as if into silence, disappearing from newspapers and media without a trace. Even if Henry wanted to know, he had no way of knowing the actual situation.

Henry wondered what would have become of Stark Industries What If...? the Red Empire hadn't served as a shield.

However, such hypothetical questions are not of practical significance.

Those who wanted to use Howard Stark's death to attack Stark Industries are probably crying in their bathrooms now.

Who knew the Red Empire would be so unreliable, that its leadership was actually fooled into disbanding itself? No one could possibly give up such a lucrative prize Red Empire and continue to keep an eye on Stark Industries.

Henry had thought that with these two major events, Audrey Hepburn's fundraising banquet would quiet down a bit. But to his surprise, it became even more lively!

One evening, after a party, while driving back to his hotel to rest, Robert Wolders complained about the incident in his car.

He said, "Hey, you know what? The people who come to the banquets lately are absolutely crazy, constantly talking about the Red Empire."

"And they're even discussing how to profit from it. Everyone's probing each other's thoughts, asking who's interested in participating, their own strengths, the other side's weaknesses, how much profit they can make, and what the risks are."

Robert's complaints were certainly not primarily directed at Audrey Hepburn. While the retired actress didn't reject such topics, she also disliked gossiping behind people's backs.

The only one who could join Robert in complaining was Henry, who was sitting in the driver's seat.

Robert loved parties and the feeling of moving among important people, as if he were one of them.

If anything can compare to this feeling, it's showing off in front of others. So the new assistant became a great listener, and besides, Henry was quite interested in these kinds of things.

Henry's interest wasn't because he wanted to be like Robert, to participate and eventually become a member of that class. He simply viewed it as watching a reality movie, observing the lifestyles of these wealthy people, and broadening his horizons.

The attitude of those who enjoy watching the drama unfold has never changed.

So, upon hearing Robert's complaint, Henry chimed in, "Yes, I think their behavior is really over the top. I was starting to think this was some kind of pre-war mobilization, not UNICEF's fundraiser."

"Henry, don't be surprised. This is the original purpose of social gatherings."

"Oh. Aren't these banquets just for a bunch of bored, rich tycoons to gather together, eat, drink, chat, and joke around?"

"Haha. According to you, they make hundreds of thousands every minute, why would they waste time on meaningless things? Even the ladies of upper-class families don't just dress up beautifully and display their feathers like peacocks. That's all just appearances."

"Oh, Robert, tell me. Let me learn something new."

Having an audience is more exciting than anything else. Audrey Hepburn, who was in the same car, couldn't stop the two enthusiastic young men, so she could only remain as a background figure.

Robert, however, said excitedly, "To put it bluntly, every public banquet is the best opportunity for these big shots to collude, network, and make connections. Because the banquet's theme provides cover, it conceals their private purposes."

"Moreover, with so many people at the banquet, it's easy to recruit other helpers to join in the festivities. Even those with some spare money..."

They also use these occasions to look for suitable business opportunities.

"Conversely, if every single issue has to be discussed in a meeting, and it's captured by the news media even once, just by looking at the lineup of attendees, it's easy for discerning people to see the purpose of the meeting, which is actually detrimental to the progress of the matter."

Even the ladies might act as messengers, guests, and so on, conveying messages between people who couldn't stand together.

"Women who try to drag rich men into a private room are just decorative vases at these kinds of banquets. They can't even be a microphone; they're not worth mentioning."

Henry looked at the silent Ms. Hepburn and asked, "Boss, are you aware of these things? I see you enthusiastically welcoming every guest and constantly urging them to donate more to United Nations Children's Fund. Shouldn't you change your approach?"

This shrewd and experienced woman was no naive or innocent fool. With a wise smile, she said, "Child, of course I know what those people's real purpose is in attending the banquet."

"I even know the meaning behind the questions they ask when I'm talking to them. If I wanted, I could easily become a go-between, introducing people with similar goals to each other."

"But I don't need to do that, nor is it appropriate. Our main purpose is to raise funds for the UNICEF. Whatever those people come for, they can't just leave empty-handed. They'll at least offer an 'entrance ticket'."

Isn't that right?

Henry thought for a moment and then said with a sigh of relief, "That's true. There are quite a few people who attend almost every banquet. You'd think they're incredibly fond of children. But when you look at the amounts they donate, it's just a respectable sum."

Simply put, Audrey Hepburn meant that everyone got what they wanted. Since they wouldn't interfere with each other and the other party wasn't plotting a crime, why not turn a blind eye?

That's how many things are; once you understand them, they seem insignificant. Since it doesn't conflict with your interests, why bother worrying about it?

One more source of amusement for a fun-loving person. It turns out that rich people really do have a lot more creative ways to entertain themselves.