Chapter 349

Arthur came to the Galaxy Building in Lower Manhattan.

"Boss, there have been quite a few negative articles about Galaxy in the newspapers recently. Some criticize The Mask for being lazy and boring, saying it has no plot."

"And others accuse Galaxy of unfair competition at the Oscars..."

Anna Walker explained that outlets like The New York Times, Newsweek, and the Chicago Tribune had all participated.

Arthur leaned back in his chair. "As long as it doesn't affect Galaxy's movie promotions, there's nothing to worry about. However, Galaxy has Forrest Gump coming out soon. Make sure the marketing team is prepared to counter any negative press affecting the box office!"

"Got it," Anna Walker said, moving on to another matter. "Twentieth Century Fox and Paramount both want to sign long-term stable video distribution contracts with Galaxy. Especially Paramount, which now owns Blockbuster and wants an exclusive VHS distribution deal with us."

Arthur's tone was calm, "Galaxy's own home entertainment division is being set up, and we're acquiring MGM next. We'll have a complete home entertainment business division then. They want Galaxy's video distribution rights? They're dreaming."

Arthur noted that Paramount and Twentieth Century Fox were getting more arrogant due to their global strategies.

"Be sure to tell Tom Rothman and Amy Pascal that after we acquire MGM, they need to complete the international distribution network quickly. In specific countries and regions, we can opt to form joint venture distribution companies, whether with other Hollywood companies or local film companies," Arthur planned to develop MGM as the flagship studio under Galaxy.

"Has Quentin Tarantino taken the Pulp Fiction crew to Cannes yet?"

Anna Walker shook her head. "Not yet. The Cannes Film Festival just had its opening ceremony a couple of days ago. The Pulp Fiction crew will head to Cannes three days before the closing ceremony."

"Alright, arrange my Paris trip for a few days from now. Once the deal is done, I will announce Galaxy's acquisition of MGM," Arthur wasn't too concerned about Credit Lyonnais having any objections. The main issue was how much cash Galaxy needed to provide.

No matter what, Galaxy couldn't shell out more than $1 billion in cash, which meant Credit Lyonnais would have to assume some of Galaxy's debt.

Even with additional loans from other banks and Arthur's own $500 million investment, it wouldn't be enough.

Galaxy needed to maintain some cash flow for operations!

...

In the evening, Arthur and Nicole Kidman enjoyed dinner and then specifically took a stroll through Central Park in New York!

On a bench by the lawn, Nicole propped her chin and looked at the walking crowd with surprise, "Building such a large city park in the heart of New York where land is so valuable is truly a genius idea."

Arthur nodded, "This place attracts over 30 million tourists every year and provides a great place for New Yorkers to go. It's worth it!"

"Come on, let's go to a nearby bar and experience Manhattan's nightlife!"

Soon after, a Ferrari F40 parked a few blocks south of Central Park at the entrance of Covet, a high-end club in Midtown. Arthur and Nicole Kidman headed straight inside.

The two of them went directly to the booth area on the second floor of the club, where they had a better view of the stage performers.

"Have you been busy lately? I saw in the newspapers that Galaxy is acquiring MGM," Nicole said as she hugged Arthur and kissed his face.

"Not too bad. I'll be heading to France in a few days," Arthur said while his hand stroked her thigh and he kissed her earlobe.

...

Meanwhile, not far from Arthur, some members of a film crew were celebrating. It was the crew of the Miramax art film Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle.

Producer Harvey Weinstein sat next to the leading actress, Gwyneth Paltrow.

"Gwyneth, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle has been nominated for the Cannes Palme d'Or. We'll be going to the Cannes Film Festival soon to promote our work," Harvey Weinstein said, holding a wine glass with one hand while his other hand rested on Gwyneth Paltrow's knee.

The 22-year-old Gwyneth Paltrow was slim and sexy, and thanks to her Hollywood connections, she had landed a leading role at 20.

"Mr. Weinstein, I think it's getting a bit late. Should we leave now?" Gwyneth Paltrow responded with a smile, trying subtly to move her knee away but was unable to escape Weinstein's hand.

"How could it be late? It's still early," Harvey Weinstein laughed and began to move his hand up her knee.

Gwyneth Paltrow frowned. She came from a notable background, with Steven Spielberg as her godfather, so she understood Hollywood's unspoken rules. But did Harvey Weinstein think he could take advantage of her with just one film?

Last year, during the filming of this movie, Weinstein had tried various ways to get close to her. Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle was only nominated for the Palme d'Or. The test screening's effect was average; it wasn't a commercial film expected to have good box office returns.

"Mr. Weinstein, excuse me, I need to use the restroom," Gwyneth Paltrow said as she stood up. She had her pride and wouldn't let Weinstein treat her like an ordinary Hollywood girl.

Gwyneth Paltrow then went straight to the restroom. She wasn't too worried about offending Harvey Weinstein at this point.

Miramax was close to bankruptcy last year and was luckily acquired by Disney. Plus, Harvey Weinstein wasn't the king of indie films yet.

Harvey Weinstein watched as Gwyneth Paltrow left and his smile faded. Facing someone like her with a background, he had to be more careful for now. But he firmly believed that once Miramax made a name for itself, Hollywood women would be his for the taking.

In the restroom, Gwyneth Paltrow called Matthew Perry, whom she had recently met.

Matthew Perry was preparing for the filming of Friends, a series produced by Galaxy Television, and he and Gwyneth Paltrow had met at a party in Los Angeles a few days ago.

The two hit it off and had a quick makeout session in a storage room at that party!

"Matthew, are you in New York?"

"Oh, I'm over on Long Island."

"I'm heading to Cannes the day after tomorrow. Can you come pick me up at the Columbus Circle in Central Park?"

"Sure..."

Gwyneth Paltrow exited the restroom and returned to the booth area.

...

After leaving the bar, as soon as they got into the car, they embraced again. Arthur nuzzled into Nicole's bosom, savoring the softness.

"Arthur, let's get back," Nicole reminded the man despite her excitement.

Arthur smiled and started the car, ready to leave, when he suddenly saw two familiar faces not far ahead. It was Harvey Weinstein and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Harvey Weinstein seemed to be trying hard to persuade Gwyneth Paltrow to stay, while she was eagerly trying to hail a cab.

Arthur drove up to them, rolled down the window, and smiled, "Oh, Harvey, Gwyn!"

"Uh, Arthur Smith?" Both of them looked surprised to see the man in the car.

Arthur laughed, one hand still caressing Nicole's thigh, "Good to see you both, goodbye!"

They watched as Arthur's car drove off. Gwyneth Paltrow, still in surprise, finally got into a cab when it arrived.

"Mr. Weinstein, I'll meet you at Cannes. Bye bye!"

*****

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