A fishing rod arced gracefully, and the hook splashed into the calm lake, creating ripples. Duke placed the rod handle into a slot on the boat's side, specially designed to hold it in place, and patiently waited for a fish to bite. Nearby, Ivanka Trump also baited her hook and did the same.
After securing her fishing rod, Ivanka put on a pair of sunglasses and reached for a paper bag. Like performing a magic trick, she pulled out the DV camcorder she had used yesterday, adjusted it briefly, and began filming the scenery on both sides of the lake.
Clearly, Ivanka was more interested in the picturesque surroundings than the quiet patience required for fishing.
"You're well-prepared," Duke shifted his gaze from the fishing rod to her. Ivanka gestured with the DV camcorder in her hand, "Want me to include you in the footage?"
Duke shook his head. Ivanka, mindful of his preference, avoided pointing the camera in his direction as she filmed.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Duke couldn't help but ask, "You're not that into movies, are you? Why the sudden interest in photography?"
Turning off the DV camcorder, Ivanka looked toward the mountains by the lake. "I'm captivated by the beauty of New Zealand."
Her gaze slowly returned, finally landing on Duke. "I'm about to start school. In a week, I'll leave New Zealand. I need to keep some memories. Chances are, I won't have many opportunities to visit again."
Duke nodded gently, not knowing what to say.
Compared to Tina Fey, Ivanka Trump had far less experience, but she had left a strong impression on him in the workplace. Not only was she intelligent and perceptive, but she was also diligent. Though proud, she wasn't arrogant. She clearly understood her capabilities and had a rare quality for someone her age—she knew what she wanted and worked tirelessly toward it.
Among her peers, Ivanka wasn't the most capable person Duke had met, but her determination and willpower were unmatched.
The world is unfair. For example, Ivanka was born with advantages most people can only dream of. But in some ways, the world is fair; no matter how privileged someone is, without effort, they will never achieve true success.
Duke knew very well that Ivanka, like Sofia Coppola before her, wasn't content with being someone's assistant. Her time with him was purely to hone herself. Someone like her was bound to have grand ambitions.
"God truly favors New Zealand."
Seemingly enchanted by the scenery, Ivanka sighed softly. "Glaciers and snow-capped mountains, grasslands and forests, lakes and seas, sunrises and sunsets, and starry skies. Experiencing all of this once in a lifetime is enough. But here in New Zealand, I've seen it countless times."
Hearing her words, Duke also turned his eyes toward the horizon.
The small lake was so still it looked like a mirror, lush and vibrant. To the east stood towering snow-covered mountains, while to the west stretched verdant grasslands like a green carpet. The oil-paint-like colors combined to create an exquisite and priceless masterpiece.
As a director, Duke had traversed New Zealand's North and South Islands while scouting locations. In this nation, where heavy industry was nearly nonexistent, it seemed as if God had truly shown favoritism.
Here, one could look up to see deep blue skies and cotton-candy clouds. Crystal-clear streams wound quietly through villages, and mist-shrouded glaciers and emerald-clear lakes were as plentiful as Hollywood stars on the streets of Los Angeles.
No matter how breathtaking the scenery, it only captivated Duke for a moment. He shifted the topic to something more practical, "What's your next plan? I remember Wharton puts a lot of emphasis on hands-on experience."
Ivanka put away the DV camcorder and suddenly smiled. "I do have an idea, and it was inspired by you."
"Inspired by me?" Duke was taken aback. He didn't recall offering any advice. "Are you thinking of venturing into the film industry?"
"Not at all." Ivanka shook her head and got straight to the point. "Yesterday, I asked you why you took selfies, and you said it was to share them online with others."
Duke frowned, unable to recall, but Ivanka's serious expression confirmed it. He had probably made a casual remark, not expecting her sharp mind to pick up on it.
Feigning composure, he asked, "What's your idea?"
"It's not fully formed yet, just some vague concepts."
Facing someone as accomplished as Duke, Ivanka, though confident, wasn't overbearing. After a brief pause to organize her thoughts, she began, "It's about the internet. I believe the internet has significantly shortened distances between people and made information flow freer and faster."
While Ivanka spoke about various internet-related concepts, Duke, despite not being an expert, had enough experience to understand.
"My idea…" Ivanka transitioned to her main point. "What if we create a platform for instant sharing? Not just forums or blogs but a more dynamic and free platform where people can share photos and videos!"
It didn't surprise Duke that Ivanka was interested in the internet. Anyone with a keen business sense could see its vast potential. But her leap from his casual comment to envisioning a video-sharing website...
Looking at Ivanka Trump, Duke thought to himself: no wonder this girl achieved such immense success later in life. It wasn't just her family background.
"What do you think?" Ivanka now resembled a student eager for her teacher's approval.
"Your idea is quite good."
Fishing was entirely forgotten as the two delved into the topic. After some thought, Duke said, "In my opinion, video-sharing platforms might become as significant as portal websites in the future. But I specialize in filmmaking, so I might not be entirely correct."
"I think it's worth a try," Ivanka said, her resolve seeming to strengthen. Her quick-thinking mind presented new ideas. "What if I start small, like at Wharton? Build a campus network, maybe focus on photos first, since video-sharing might be too challenging right now. Once it gains traction, expand it to the University of Pennsylvania, and if it succeeds, move on to the Ivy League schools."
Although it was the roughest of plans, it was a cautious and practical approach. After all, jumping into a large-scale operation without preparation would involve significant risks.
Duke nodded silently.
Ivanka's thoughts grew more refined. "Students are one of the main drivers of the internet. When they graduate, they can influence many others. Using schools as a starting point might increase the chances of success."
"And the technical aspect?" Duke reminded her.
"The University of Pennsylvania has no shortage of tech talent." Ivanka thought for a moment and added, "If necessary, we could hire talent from Silicon Valley with high salaries."
Her passionate tone suddenly softened. "But this is just an idea for now. After all, I'm only eighteen."
"Age isn't a barrier to success," Duke said, offering rare encouragement.
"Thank you," Ivanka replied with a smile. "Thank you, Duke. You've always encouraged me."
"You're welcome," Duke said, steering the conversation back. "Ivanka, don't you want to turn this idea into reality?"
"Of course, I do. But I lack resources," Ivanka admitted candidly. "I don't have the technical skills or the capital."
Duke was aware of the potential of video-sharing platforms but knew it wasn't guaranteed success. However, it was a chance worth exploring.
"I think your idea is excellent," Duke said directly. "When you return to school, draft a detailed plan. If it passes my investment team's evaluation, I'm willing to invest in your project."
Ivanka was momentarily stunned. She had considered using her own limited funds but hadn't expected Duke's implicit support.
"Prepare a thorough plan," Duke added.
If the plan didn't meet his team's criteria, he wouldn't invest. After all, even with foreknowledge, turning potential into reality wasn't a guarantee.
For the rest of the outing, Ivanka was visibly distracted. She eventually set her fishing rod aside and stared into the distance. In contrast, Duke remained relaxed, as the outcome wasn't crucial to him. He immersed himself in fishing, reeling in a sizable haul, including over ten New Zealand trout recommended by Billy Boyd.
Time flew by. After packing up the gear, Ivanka rowed the boat back to the dock, where Billy Boyd and Ian McKellen were waiting. They compared catches and, as before, split into two SUVs to return to the production base.
In the following week, Duke wrapped up filming the Minas Tirith battle scenes. The crew returned to Wellington to shoot studio scenes. By mid-February, it was time for Ivanka Trump to leave New Zealand and return to the University of Pennsylvania.
"I'll come up with a comprehensive plan!"
Standing on a private airstrip, Ivanka, after much reflection, seemed more confident. "Duke, I won't let you down."