Chapter 179: Jessica James

At Kai Tak International Airport in Hong Kong, Vivian Chow picked up Arthur and then they headed to The Peninsula Hotel.

"Arthur, welcome to Hong Kong," Vivian kissed Arthur in the car, with his assistant and bodyguards following in another vehicle.

"Heh, 'the Hollywood of the East,' I had to come and see it. Christmas is in a couple of days, and I'm mainly here for vacation," Arthur smiled. Of course, he was also genuinely interested in buying a few of Jackie Chan's films.

"Vacation?" Zhou pointed to the entourage behind them, implying it was work-related.

Arthur glanced back, "They're working. I'm on vacation!"

The Peninsula Hong Kong, located on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, is the flagship hotel of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels group. As Hong Kong's most luxurious and historic hotel, Arthur had heard of it.

Arthur had boarded the plane in Los Angeles at noon, flying for fifteen to sixteen hours. With nearly a 16-hour time difference, it was after 6 PM local time when he arrived in Hong Kong.

By the time they reached the hotel, it was dark.

"Hmm," that night, in the bedroom of The Peninsula's suite, Arthur lay on top of Vivian Chow. After a while, he rolled over and got off.

"Aren't you tired? You've been on a plane for over ten hours," Vivian stroked Arthur's chest, her face flushed.

"I slept a lot on the plane," Arthur understood some things about 90s Hong Kong, especially how the entertainment industry was rife with triads. At that time, the Union Jack was still everywhere, but the economy had indeed developed well.

"I asked Golden Harvest for you. They're very welcoming and would love you to visit," Zhou explained.

Arthur smiled, "I just want to buy a few films to test the waters. Hollywood is very insular, especially towards Eastern culture. Kung fu films had Bruce Lee breaking the mold, so they have some international reputation."

"Producer Terence Chang and director John Woo of Hard Boiled also hope you can visit the set if you have time," Vivian said, having helped coordinate through Arthur's assistant.

"Maybe. Golden Harvest has some vision. Recently, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series has been the peak of Hong Kong's investment in Hollywood."

"Golden Harvest did make a lot of money with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Which of Jackie Chan's films are you planning to buy?" Zhou asked.

"Last year's Armour of God II: Operation Condor and next year's Police Story 3: Super Cop, probably," Arthur wasn't too concerned since even if he bought them now, they wouldn't be released for another two or three years.

"Got it…"

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Winona Ryder was discussing with her agent Jessica James and Nicole Kidman.

"Did Arthur really say that?" Jessica James was surprised. An unpleasant confrontation with Michael Ovitz?

"Yes, he did. Do you want to leave CAA? If not, I will leave regardless," Winona Ryder unconditionally supported Arthur's decision.

"What about you, Nicole? You've been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for To Die For and Best Supporting Actress for Billy Bathgate, right?"

Nicole Kidman smiled, "I'm definitely with you. Otherwise, I might be replaced as the lead in Arthur's Speed!"

Jessica James sighed, "Of course, I'll listen to Arthur. I mean convincing Tom Hanks' agent. Did Arthur really say a three-film contract could get him an Oscar for Best Actor?"

Winona Ryder nodded, "Arthur is confident. If it doesn't happen, there's a $10 million compensation clause."

Jessica James nodded, "Understood. This shouldn't be a problem. Agencies like ICM and WMA are always poaching each other's clients. Such good terms, Tom Hanks' team won't refuse."

Winona Ryder reminded, "Arthur suggested you join UTA. It's newly established, and with Galaxy's support, you could become a senior partner."

"UTA? Got it," Jessica James valued Arthur's opinion highly. Galaxy was developing several successful films a year. With the current tension between Arthur and Michael Ovitz, CAA's artists would be last on the casting list for future projects. While this might not affect small stars or actors, it would significantly impact top-tier talent leaving the agency.

"And take those young talents Arthur mentioned earlier with you. They're promising," Winona Ryder added.

Jessica James thought for a moment and nodded, "I understand."

After Jessica James left, Winona looked at Nicole Kidman, "Any regrets?"

Nicole Kidman shook her head, "I came from Australia knowing no one in Hollywood. Meeting Arthur was lucky, and he's helped me a lot. I may be a minor player now, but I'll support him."

Nicole Kidman trusted Arthur's abilities, believing following him was the right choice. Besides, it was Tom Cruise who had introduced her to CAA. Given the current situation, staying with CAA would offer her no resources.

Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for To Die For, Nicole Kidman had some competitive edge.

Winona Ryder smiled, "Don't worry. Arthur will develop strong female roles. As our influence grows, we'll have more say."

Winona Ryder was set to star in Galaxy's The Pelican Brief next year, a film with significant female roles.

"I know," Nicole Kidman trusted her judgment.

"Arthur went to Hong Kong? What's he doing there?"

"Exploring the Hong Kong film industry. Galaxy wants to enter the Asian market," Winona shrugged.

"Oh, I see…"

At the same time, with the arrival of Christmas in the West, the Soviet Union officially dissolved, splitting into 15 countries.

*****

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