The Manhattan Lingerie Exhibition was officially known as the Victoria's Secret 1999 New York Manhattan Financial District Autumn/Winter Lingerie Exhibition.
This lingerie exhibition was, in fact, a preview for Victoria's Secret's grand year-end celebration in 1999.
To host this exhibition, Victoria's Secret planned a grand runway show and naturally invited prominent figures from all walks of life to attend.
As a distinguished Hollywood media mogul and a billionaire with a net worth exceeding ten billion dollars, Kyle naturally received an invitation.
During the car ride to their destination, "Lima, are you just watching this runway show, not participating?" Kyle curiously asked his female companion.
"Please, I've been a professional model for many years and am quite well-known. All the models participating in this Manhattan Lingerie Exhibition's runway show are young and new to the industry. Why would I go up there?" Adriana Lima said.
"I see."
Although Kyle's girlfriend, Lima, was a model, Kyle's understanding of the industry was truly limited, or rather, very superficial.
"I'm not Leonardo DiCaprio, exclusively targeting models," Kyle thought to himself.
A few seconds later, Kyle asked again, "Have you truly decided?"
At this moment, Kyle's expression became extremely serious.
"Yes!"
Lima nodded heavily and said, "I've thought about it for a long time. After participating in the 1999 Victoria's Secret year-end celebration, I'll retire. But... do we really not need to consider my contract with Victoria's Secret?"
Hearing this, Kyle laughed heartily, "Don't worry, they'll give me face."
Having Victoria's Secret terminate Lima's contract early.
For Kyle, was it a problem?
Kyle added, "Even if they don't give me face, at worst, I'll pay the penalty. Am I someone without money?"
Lima immediately kissed Kyle's cheek with delight.
Globally, when young girls start runway training at a young age, is it really because of a dream?
No!
Many are driven by necessity.
In the original timeline, Adriana Lima was an undisputed top supermodel, one of the highest-paid models, and one of the few female models without scandals, maintaining a good reputation and achieving immense global recognition.
However... now, having just achieved fame and not yet reached her peak, she was about to retire at the end of this year, leaving the runway forever.
Do I even need to explain why?
Naturally, Kyle didn't like his girlfriend being in the modeling industry, which is a notorious cesspool. After all, the chaos in the modeling industry is even worse and more infamous than the entertainment industry.
Although Kyle was thick-skinned and ruthless, he was also a man who cared about his reputation!
"Oh, and after you retire, whether you continue in the fashion industry, do something else, or even study film production, I'll support you!" Kyle added.
Lima nodded, "Okay. But I need to think about it carefully."
...Soon after, Kyle and his companions arrived at their destination.
The massive banner for the "Victoria's Secret 1999 New York Manhattan Financial District Autumn/Winter Lingerie Exhibition," along with countless colorful ribbons, fluttered in the breeze.
"Oh? Mr.Kyle~!"
As soon as Kyle arrived, someone behind him called his name.
He turned around.
Well, it truly was an acquaintance.
Kyle watched the blond young man approaching him and playfully scolded, "I should have known; how could a runway show like this be without you?!"
—Leonardo DiCaprio.
That's right, the person who came was none other than "model-obsessed" Leo, whom Kyle had just mentioned!
"Don't say that, buddy. The reason I'm here today isn't specifically to watch the runway show; I'm here on a mission," Leo said with a smile.
"What's the situation?" Kyle asked curiously.
After the release of "Titanic" in 1997, Leo transitioned from a well-known child star to the globally renowned "Jack," successfully making a fortune worldwide and receiving an overwhelming number of brand endorsements.
Logically, he should have capitalized on his success, taken on more commercial blockbusters, and solidified his reputation as the "hottest" and "most popular" actor.
But... he didn't.
He chose to take two years to reflect and enrich himself.
It wasn't until February 1999 that he accepted 20th Century Fox's invitation to join the production of the 50-million-dollar film "The Beach" as the male lead. As of September, "The Beach" had already completed production and was currently undergoing promotional activities.
And this Manhattan Lingerie Exhibition was undoubtedly one of the promotional points for "The Beach" crew.
"Haha~"
Kyle smiled, "Mission is mission, and flirting is flirting. I believe you won't leave empty-handed this time."
"Oh? How are you so sure I'll meet a female model who catches my eye today?" Leo questioned.
"Then let's wait and see," Kyle patted Leo's shoulder.
Although Leo's reputation as a "model-obsessed" person was very well-known, he was also very picky, and not every female model could catch his eye.
However... Kyle was confident in his words!
—Gisele Bündchen!
That's right, among the female models participating in this runway show was the famous model Gisele Bündchen, who would "be entangled with Leo for several years" in the future. Kyle didn't know this initially; he only found out through the list provided by the waiter.
"Just watch," Kyle said with a mysterious smile to Leo.
Kyle, Lima, and Leo walked into the venue together.
At the Manhattan Financial District Lingerie Exhibition, the invited high-ranking social elites naturally included a group of people from Wall Street.
For example: Henry Eugenberger and Andy Chenop from Gale Capital.
"Hi, boss, long time no see." The two stood up and greeted Kyle.
Kyle shook hands with each of them and said with a smile, "Don't call me boss anymore; don't forget that you two are also owners of Gale Capital. The company isn't solely mine."
Although Gale Capital was founded by Kyle, starting last year, Kyle had gifted 35% of the shares to Henry, Andy, and 10 other elites.
Financial speculation on Wall Street sometimes couldn't be managed just with money; it largely depended on suitable talent. Therefore, Kyle was extremely generous in giving them shares, making them partners in Gale Capital.
Of course, Kyle was also very proud of this decision!
Last year alone, Kyle received dividends of up to 160 million dollars from Gale Capital.
"Mr. Wall Street, rest assured, when the dividends are settled at the end of the year, your personal income will definitely exceed 200 million dollars," Henry Eugenberger said proudly.
"Exactly!"
Analyst Andy Chenop added, "Looking at the entire Wall Street, even though our Gale Capital is far from the five major investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, we are definitely a leader among small and medium-sized investment banks. The external funds we've attracted this year alone amount to 4 billion dollars!"
Hearing this, even Kyle was startled.
"Could it be heavy investment in the internet?"
"The dot-com bubble is not far off!"
"If that's truly the case, then I might lose a lot in the future!"
Kyle couldn't help but take this issue seriously.