Christmas Banquet

Christmas 1995 was Henry's first Christmas and New Year holiday at Stark Studios. As if to celebrate a resounding victory, Tony Stark, the Leader of Stark Group, hosted a unique Christmas party.

Henry, as the CEO of Stark Studios, should have been the star of the party. But as a high-level employee, he was certainly no more dazzling Tony Stark.

Today was a rare occasion; the Stark family, usually surrounded by beautiful women, had the invited female celebrities relegated to the periphery.

One can only look on with longing.

The young master didn't seem annoyed or want to leave despite being surrounded by a bunch of old men. On the contrary, he seemed to enjoy it.

Enjoying the praise from everyone.

Henry's female companion was Charlize Theron, who was not normally qualified to attend such a high-class banquet.

The female celebrities who were invited to attend were either top stars of the era or Nova were attracting much attention.

Actresses such as Nicole Kidman, Sandra Black, Julia Roberts, Demi Moore, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Uma Thurman.

Jodie Volkswagen and Meg Lane, among others.

It's safe to say that anyone who receives an invitation from Stark Studios will attend. After all, Tony Stark is credited.

The situation was the same for male celebrities, and there were even more of them. Some had already flown abroad for vacation and specifically flew back to the United States to attend the banquet. In addition to these celebrities, well-known directors, producers, and agents were all gathered here. Charlize Theron was only able to attend because of Henry.

But these big stars and directors who attended the meeting are not yet qualified to get close to Tony Stark.

Because those around that young master were the CEOs, presidents, and even directors of the parent companies of the eight major Hollywood Big Eight film studios. They were the truly top figures in this industry, in name only.

With Tony around, Henry wasn't even a backup option. Everyone was like concentric circles around Tony Stark, waiting for the moment they could strike up a conversation.

Henry, now practically invisible, was happy to stay on the fringes of the party. Charlize, on the other hand, went out for a stroll with her agent, JJ Harris, and came back to catch her breath.

Pointing with a smile to the heart of the banquet, Henry asked, "Darling, doesn't that look like a child proudly showing off to the adults, while everyone else just meekly agrees?"

Charlize was a little embarrassed. "Um, was it really necessary to say that?"

"I found it amusing. The real Old Money didn't come, so Tony could only show off his presence in front of this bunch of second-rate people. So childish, just spitting it out."

Even the big names in Hollywood are nothing more than butlers and servants in front of Old Money. The Big Eight film studios, for example, usually have parent companies or conglomerates behind them.

The counterpart to these people should be Henry Brown, the CEO of Stark Studios. Tony Stark's involvement is what's known as a "dimensional reduction attack."

So Henry wasn't surprised at all that he, someone with no connections in the top circles, was marginalized.

He doesn't mind such things. Because it allows him to observe the diverse lives of people in this top-tier circle, which he finds endlessly enjoyable.

Tony Stark, on the other hand, flaunts his frivolous and conceited side. He even rejects other people's advances in a rather rude manner.

It is with this attitude that Tony Stark creates weaknesses in the eyes of others, and protects himself.

Or perhaps this is actually his true self? Because in Henry's eyes, this guy doesn't seem to be acting.

Is this a complete letting loose?

Charlize Theron, however, didn't have it as easy as Henry. Before she could catch her breath, her responsible agent, JJ Harris, was already pulling her back into the party to meet some important people.

"Oh, Henry, you're free too? That's great. Come with me." JJ Harris unceremoniously pulled the young man along.

Henry pointed to himself in surprise and asked, "Me too? Are you sure?"

JJ Harris said, "You can control Stark Studios ' investment projects, right? So for those big directors, you're someone they want to curry favor with."

"Come on, this is to help your girl. You don't expect me to be like an old woman, handling everything for you two while you don't have to worry about anything."

Now that things have been said this far, how could Henry possibly be ungrateful? "Okay, okay, coming."

Before Henry could catch up, a Stark Studios employee approached and said, "Mr. Brown, we need to get ready for the presentation."

"Is it that time already?" Henry asked in surprise, glancing at his watch.

Charlize Theron gave her agent a pleading look. Harris understood perfectly well what the girl meant.

He could only say, "Go on with your work, Mr. Brown. Business is more important. I'll take care of your girl."

Henry didn't have the attitude of passing the buck to others. Instead, he said solemnly, "I'm leaving everything to you, ma'am," before leaving with the Stark Studios employees.

When Henry reappeared at the hotel banquet, he was accompanied by a Legion Stark Studios engineers.

These people set up a projector and a large screen in the open space of the banquet hall, and brought in a computer about the size of a small the Fridge, which was connected to the projector.

Apart from the screen, nothing else was a commercially available product. Most of the components were supplied by Stark Industries, and the machine was an experimental model assembled by engineers from Stark Studios.

Henry supervised everyone's movements to prevent any mistakes. Once all the equipment was set up, a black and white film appeared on the projection screen.

<A Bill of Divorcement> is a film starring John Barry and Catherine Hepburn A Bill of Divorcement, released in 1932.

This was also Catherine Hepburn's first film collaboration with Stark Studios. The film's success led Stark Studios to sign a long-term contract with Ms. Hepburn, which also began her complicated relationship with Howard Stark.

Actors in that era didn't have free contracts like they do today; they were like employees of film companies, following the company's arrangements.

As the saying goes, experts see the details, while laymen just watch the spectacle.

Most people here are certainly familiar with this film, and Henry is showing highlights of Catherine Hepburn's performance. Even those who haven't seen the movie will at least recognize the actress.

At first glance, it seems like Stark Studios is simply taking one of their best works from their copyright library and showcasing it at this banquet.

But those most concerned with film technology—directors, producers, and the like—immediately noticed something was wrong.