Chapter 316

To the east of Hyde Park, Arthur and Catherine Zeta-Jones attended a Christmas party at a bar on Bond Street in the Mayfair area.

The freezing temperature outside did not affect the lively atmosphere inside the bar. Groups of young men and women celebrated the upcoming Christmas in various ways.

"There are more and more Russian billionaires in London these past few years," said Catherine Zeta-Jones, suddenly wrapping her arms around Arthur.

Arthur smiled, "Nowadays, Russia's oligarch economy has produced a batch of magnates!"

The economic freedom in Britain is much more practical than in the United States, making it natural to attract Russian wealthy people. These Russian tycoons fly around in private jets, accompanied by fashion models, and surrounded by personal bodyguards.

London has always been a safe haven for international billionaires. In the '70s, it attracted a large number of Arab oil sheikhs; in the '80s, it drew in many Japanese; and now, it's only natural that it attracts Eastern European and Russian magnates.

"Was it because you encountered a group of Russians when we first came into the bar?" Arthur kissed Catherine Zeta-Jones in his arms.

Catherine nodded, "Something like that, but they are indeed wealthy."

"Alright, let's take a break," Arthur said as he pulled Catherine Zeta-Jones to a nearby sofa.

Arthur took a sip of his drink and looked at the Christmas tree in the hall, where it seemed a commotion was occurring between two groups.

"London is really quite peaceful," Arthur remarked, observing the farce, with both sides arguing and shoving but not escalating to a fight.

Catherine Zeta-Jones laid in Arthur's arms and laughed, "Arthur, how do you know that?"

"Uh, heard it from someone."

"From whom? Grant or Hurley?"

"Oh, it's over, that was boring," Arthur replied, touching the woman's face, "No need to hear from others when you can see it firsthand now."

Both parties involved in the argument dispersed; wasn't this a sign of peace?

Arthur stood up and lit a cigarette, "I'm going to the restroom!"

When Arthur returned, he seemed to spot British actor Daniel Day-Lewis and his girlfriend Isabelle Adjani.

"Catherine, does Daniel Day-Lewis have a new movie released recently?" Arthur inquired.

"Daniel Day-Lewis? Yes, he just starred in a gangster film In the Name of the Father directed by Irish filmmaker Jim Sheridan, alongside Emma Thompson. It's received great reviews!" said Catherine Zeta-Jones, being in the entertainment industry herself was quite familiar with the current prominent British actors like Anthony Hopkins, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Michael Caine.

Especially Anthony Hopkins and Daniel Day-Lewis; both have won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

"No wonder, I just saw Daniel Day-Lewis and Isabelle Adjani when I returned," Arthur remarked, having not paid much attention to In the Name of the Father, but remembered Jim Sheridan's earlier collaboration with Daniel Day-Lewis on My Left Foot.

My Left Foot was Sheridan's directorial debut, which directly earned Daniel Day-Lewis the Oscar for Best Actor!

"Looks like there will be new contenders at this year's Oscars," Arthur laughed. He wondered if Redemption, The Piano, or Philadelphia could win the Best Picture Oscar this time.

Forrest Gump will be released next year, and Arthur had set aside several million dollars for public relations to promote Redemption.

The Piano being directed by a woman would be good enough just to get a nomination; winning would be impossible.

Philadelphia, due to its subject matter, might be too ahead of its time to secure a Best Picture win, given the strong conservative forces at the current Oscars.

"Arthur, should we head back? It's getting late," Catherine Zeta-Jones, never having attended the Oscars, naturally did not understand.

"Yes, let's go!" Arthur had previously visited Oxford and spent the last few days handling business in Buckingham, feeling quite exhausted.

He initially planned to visit Cambridge to see the differences between it and Oxford, and also visit ARM, a company he had invested in Cambridge. However, the unbearable winter in the UK made him reluctant to go out and he planned to head directly to his yacht on Corsica for a vacation in a couple of days.

Soon, the two arrived at the luxurious Savoy Hotel on Riverbank Street, Westminster. As one of London's oldest luxury hotels, the Savoy not only offered impeccable service but also a great view of the Thames!

In the hot spring pool in their room, Arthur held Catherine Zeta-Jones while sipping champagne and enjoying the night view outside. "Soaking like this really reduces fatigue. We should go to Japan to enjoy their hot springs if we get the time!"

Catherine Zeta-Jones, originally kissing Arthur's chest, lifted her head and smiled, "If you have time, I can accompany you to Japan for a vacation."

"Of course, I'll find the time," Arthur said, putting down his glass and hugging the woman in his arms. "No wonder British tycoons leave in the winter; who would want to stay with this kind of weather!"

Catherine Zeta-Jones, feeling Arthur's strong chest, sighed, "Yes, wealthy people go to Australia, the Caribbean, to enjoy the sun and sand. Close ones go near Spain's Mediterranean. Not many people stay in the UK to play in the snow."

"True," Arthur laughed, then embraced the woman and kissed her. In no time, he was lying on top of Catherine Zeta-Jones, creating ripples in the surrounding water.

"Arthur, when I go to Hollywood in the future, I shouldn't have to worry about anything unpleasant with Jon Peters, right?" Catherine Zeta-Jones asked breathlessly.

"Mm, of course not. That old guy wouldn't dare mess with me. I told you in the afternoon, now that Sony Pictures Entertainment is a mess, he needs to worry about explaining himself to Sony headquarters!"

Sony America's losses were significant, with Columbia TriStar Pictures being the primary contributor to the decline.

After speaking, Arthur got up from Catherine Zeta-Jones and sat at the poolside, enjoying her services while running his hand over the smooth skin of her back.

As for Sony, without the heavyweight IP of Spider-Man, Arthur wondered how they would keep the Columbia TriStar movie group afloat.

*****

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