Chapter 326: Avex Trax

"Emily, is there any good news about the downtown Los Angeles property?" Arthur asked his assistant Emily Shead in the car.

Arthur had not forgotten about the new stadium project for the Los Angeles Clippers!

Emily nodded, "They are persuading the council, and the progress seems smooth."

"Good. Otherwise, we might have to send Carl over. If Donald Brynn and his crew don't follow through after taking benefits, they can't bear the consequences," Arthur wasn't exactly a nice guy, but he expected everyone to play by the rules.

If not, Arthur's Seraphim Company would step in, and Carl Anderson's colleagues were itching for something to do.

"Uh, don't worry, boss. They hold a certain status and reputation, and they wouldn't want to ruin that," Emily Heed reassured.

"Reputation?" Arthur sneered, "The way those Jewish folks chase money is like how certain people chase pleasure - it's in their bones. I'm not worried about the property but about the subsequent construction process, the nearby residents, or some random protesters!"

Emily Shead said nothing more; with projects of this scale, protesters were inevitable. Once the area's economy developed, rising property prices and living costs would be their reasons for protest.

...

This trip to Japan wasn't just for a vacation anymore. The yen had recently strengthened, with the exchange rate of USD to JPY dropping from 115 during Arthur's last visit to 105. Arthur still had over 1 billion yen in cash, and there was also an investment in Kazuo Okada's pachinko machines to consider.

In a nightclub in Ginza, Arthur met with Kazuo Okada. With Arthur's financial support, Okada's Pachinko venture had expanded.

Additionally, Japan's recovering economy was helping the business trend positively.

After Okada left, Arthur asked Emily Shead about the business in Japan.

"How is the investment in Avex Trax Music coming along?"

Arthur's Galaxy Records aimed to enter the Asian music market and chose to invest in a modern music company in Japan.

"I've met with Masato Matsuura, Avex's founder and music director, as well as their chairman, Tatsumi Yoda," Emily Seed responded.

"Galaxy Records is negotiating the equity price with Avex," she added.

Avex was a new music production company established by the then 30-year-old Masato Matsuura in 1988.

Shortly after Emily left the room, Yasuko Sawaguchi entered.

"How have you been lately?" Arthur affectionately held Yasuko Sawaguchi.

"I am good," she said, sitting on Arthur's lap and giving him a kiss.

"It's been a long time since I last saw you. Are you not mad at me?" Arthur asked, sliding his hand to feel her softness.

"No, I'm just happy you're here now," Yasuko wrapped her arms around his neck.

Arthur smiled, "Actually, you could visit the U.S. too, for shopping or something. That way, you can see me there."

"Can I?" Yasuko smiled.

"Of course," Arthur said, kissing her lips.

In the evening, when Yasuko followed Arthur out of the nightclub in Ginza, she noticed a large poster for Jackie Chan's new movie Rumble in the Bronx. "The news says it's a big collaboration with Hollywood's Galaxy Entertainment, which is your company, right?"

Arthur glanced at it and nodded, "Releases next month. Jackie Chan is really popular in Japan!"

"Yes, Jackie Chan's popularity here surpasses that of Hollywood stars," Yasuko agreed.

"Hollywood action movies seem to do well at the box office in Japan," Arthur remarked. Last year, Jurassic Park made 8.3 billion yen in Japan. After that came Speed, which earned 4.5 billion yen, and Cliffhanger with 4 billion yen.

Earlier films like The Bodyguard had 4.1 billion yen, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day totaled 5.7 billion yen. Both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone were incredibly popular in Japan. This year's sci-fi blockbuster from 20th Century Fox, True Lies, was also highly anticipated.

Later, at the Tokyo Imperial Hotel.

Arthur held Yasuko Sawaguchi while they admired the Tokyo night view. Fresh from her bath, Yasuko exuded an enticing fragrance.

"Beautiful, isn't it," Arthur said, embracing her from behind, her loose nightgown failing to conceal her allure.

He slid his hands under her nightgown, caressing her soft skin.

"Hmm," Yasuko moaned softly, pressing herself closer to Arthur. Turning around, they started kissing again.

*****

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