This incident, following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, was the second major attack on U.S. soil that resulted in significant casualties.
President George W. Bush's government received sympathy and support from most countries for their condemnation and firm stance regarding the attack.
In particular, when President Bush addressed the nation from the White House, he spoke with a strong and impassioned tone: "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our largest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These terrorist actions may destroy steel, but they cannot weaken America's steel-like resolve..."
This televised address helped the president regain the public's support, boosting his approval rating to an all-time high of 89.58%, the highest of his eight-year tenure.
The attack drastically changed the daily lives of Americans. The tourism, aviation, and insurance industries suffered immense blows, and flying became much more difficult due to increased security checks.
Of course, these measures didn't impact the wealthy elite much, as many of them owned private jets and didn't need to go through the hassle of security checks.
For example, Martin, although he didn't own a private jet himself, his family owned three. He had rarely used them in the past, but now, his grandfather insisted that he travel by private jet for long trips, or he couldn't go anywhere.
This was out of goodwill, and Martin didn't refuse.
A week after the terrorist attack, Martin boarded his family's Boeing 787 and flew to New Zealand.
"Martin, I heard you were in New York at the time? Oh my god, it was terrifying! Did you see it? The plane crashing into the building?" Peter Jackson asked as soon as he saw Martin.
Martin gave a bitter smile.
He had received too many calls lately: some asking about his safety, some inquiring about the situation, and others crying or furiously vowing revenge against the terrorists — yes, those were from his childhood friends, Mark and John.
Martin really didn't want to answer any more questions about "9/11."
So, he changed the subject. "Peter, shouldn't you be more concerned about the movie's release?"
"Oh, right, crap, what about our movie!?" Peter Jackson replied with a bitter smile.
Martin suggested, "October is definitely not possible, but we can push it to December."
"Can it really be in December?"
"By then, the disaster will have passed, the ruins cleared, but people's fear still needs to be soothed. A movie is a good way to do that. Don't worry, the six major film companies are more eager than us, and they'll report it to the higher-ups."
"By the way, Peter, if there are any farms for sale in Australia or New Zealand, keep an eye out for me."
"No problem, it's a small matter."
"Alright, don't worry, get ready to edit the trailer for 'The Fellowship of the Ring.'"
After chatting with Peter Jackson, Martin received a call from his agent, Jeff.
"Martin, the White House has decided to hold a large charity memorial event on the last day of September in Washington, D.C. The event will commemorate the deceased and raise funds for those who lost their husbands, wives, parents, and children in the disaster. You've been invited."
Martin didn't hesitate. He couldn't refuse such an event. "I'll go."
In the short time it took to say these few words, he had already chosen which songs to sing: Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" and the 2021 League of Legends World Championship theme song, "Burn It All Down."
One song was melancholic, to mourn and remember; the other was fiery, to inspire and motivate. It was a perfect fit.
In front of the Twin Towers' ruins, a large stage had been set up for a grand charity memorial gala, which would begin at 8:00 p.m.
Though it was still daylight, most of the celebrities attending the concert had already arrived.
Any star with a little sense wouldn't try to act like a diva during such a time.
NBC would be broadcasting the entire event live.
At this moment, Martin stood at the edge of the stage, looking at the ruins.
"Quite tragic, isn't it?" A voice came from behind him.
Martin turned around to see a middle-aged white man with blonde hair looking at him with a scrutinizing gaze.
Standing beside the man was a blonde young woman, beautiful and elegant.
Martin recognized them both: Donald Trump and his daughter, Ivanka Trump.
Martin's gaze briefly passed over Donald Trump and lingered a little longer on Ivanka Trump.
The young woman, sensing his gaze, gave him a smile.
Ivanka's face immediately turned red.
"Martin is so handsome, like a god," Ivanka thought to herself.
Seeing Martin only engaging in eye contact with his daughter, Donald Trump felt a little displeased. He cleared his throat loudly.
"Martin, I need to talk to you," Donald Trump said.
Martin turned back and said, "Really, Mr. Trump? What's on your mind?"
Trump's eyes shifted, and he said, "A disaster happened in New York. As a New Yorker, and a wealthy New Yorker, I feel obligated to take responsibility."
"I'm planning to buy up stores and residences near the ruins, spend a large sum to renovate, and bring back the area's prosperity."
"However, during the acquisition process, my people discovered that another force is also acquiring real estate in the area."
"After investigation, my people found out that this force behind it is—"
At this point, Trump paused and carefully observed Martin's expression.
When he saw that Martin showed no sign of panic or embarrassment, he was a little surprised and continued, "It's you — Martin Myers."
"I'm not wrong, am I, Mr. Myers?"
After saying this, Trump crossed his arms and stuck out his chest, adopting an arrogant posture.
However, a sudden gust of wind blew his neatly combed hair to the right, revealing a bald spot in the middle. He tried to fix it but only made it messier.
Don't misunderstand, it wasn't Martin who laughed, but Ivanka couldn't help but giggle.
Martin remained serious and said to Trump, who was struggling with his hair, "Mr. Trump, would you mind if I call you Donald? Hmm, I'm sure you wouldn't mind. You can also call me Martin."
"Pfft!" Ivanka laughed again.
Martin continued in a very serious tone, "You're right, the other group acquiring Manhattan's real estate is my team. As an American, and as a wealthy American, I also want to contribute to my country!"
Finally, Ivanka couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.