Chapter 394: Leaving Las Vegas

Arthur Smith's private investment company, California Pacific Investment Company, had its office located in downtown Los Angeles' financial district, just a few blocks away from the under-construction Galaxy Center sports arena!

In the office, Arthur sat in his chair, looking at the streets of Los Angeles through the floor-to-ceiling window. Without turning his head, he asked, "The economy in Southeast Asia is getting a bit overheated, isn't it?"

Emily Shead thought for a moment and then replied, "It should be. In recent years, countries like Thailand and Malaysia have experienced rapid economic growth. However, because their industries don't add much value and they focus on exporting agricultural and mineral products, as well as labor-intensive industries...

But since the 1990s, these countries have also started to take on debt for development. Recently, the Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates, and the dollar has been appreciating. Their domestic dollar reserves are too high compared to their debt.

When problems arise, foreign capital will immediately flee, worsening their domestic economy, similar to what happened in Mexico!"

Arthur turned his chair, "You must have made some money in the Southeast Asian stock market, right?"

Emily nodded, "Due to the appreciation of the yen, we made some foreign exchange profits and invested in the Thai and Malaysian stock markets. The stock markets in these two countries are good, and many foreign investors have made money!"

Arthur smiled. This time, the yen's appreciation was indeed quite fierce, with the exchange rate against the dollar almost breaking 90.

Thinking about it, he realized he had invested quite a bit in Japan, with 20% stakes in Uniqlo and Avex Music, the pachinko business, and Freak Entertainment!

Arthur reminded, "Southeast Asia might not cool down that quickly. But you should pay more attention to the financial market in Mexico."

The Southeast Asian economic crisis was still heating up, waiting for the quantum funds to strike and short-sell everything.

Arthur just loved to follow these big players and grab a piece of the action!

...

In the evening, Arthur and Madchen Amick, who had returned to Los Angeles, went to a club on Vine Street in Hollywood to unwind.

"The X-Files Season 2 is already on the air. If only we could broadcast a show with such ratings on the USA Network," Arthur said as he took a sip of his drink, feeling a bit regretful.

Madchen Amick became well-known this year with Forrest Gump, and her fame was further boosted by The X-Files.

Madchen Amick smiled, "ER is also really good. Galaxy had a great start after acquiring USA Network."

Arthur was noncommittal. When The X-Files was produced, they hadn't yet acquired USA Network. Moreover, Galaxy entered into a partnership agreement with ABC after acquiring 20% of ESPN.

"By the way, I just took on a low-budget indie film that will be shot in Las Vegas soon. The director said it's being distributed by MGM," Madchen Amick, a native of Nevada, was quite happy about filming in Las Vegas.

Arthur couldn't know all the movies. Many independent films had low budgets and wouldn't waste Arthur's time.

Arthur shook his head and rubbed Madchen Amick's thigh, "I am now managing the entire Galaxy Group. MGM, Galaxy, Orion, and United Artists are all our movie labels. How could projects that don't meet the budget requirements end up on my desk?"

"Oh, right," Madchen Amick wrapped her arms around Arthur's neck and kissed him, "The film is based on John O'Brien's semi-autobiographical novel, Leaving Las Vegas. The budget is really low, just $3.5 million. But the story is tragic. John O'Brien committed suicide less than two weeks after selling the film rights to his novel in April."

Arthur was taken aback, "Leaving Las Vegas?"

"Yes, have you read it? It's about a hopeless alcoholic who meets an emotionally numb prostitute in Las Vegas. Two broken souls finding each other in the glitzy, greedy streets of Las Vegas, with a glimmer of light in the darkness bringing only deeper despair..."

Madchen Amick played the fallen Las Vegas prostitute, and the male lead was the artistic actor Nicolas Cage!

"I've heard of it. The story is indeed despairing," Arthur guessed correctly that this was the film for which Nicolas Cage won the Oscar for Best Actor.

Afterward, Nicolas Cage started transitioning in his film career, expanding into commercial and action movies, becoming a superstar of his generation.

"Interesting," Arthur smiled and began passionately kissing Madchen Amick.

Michael Bay had just helped Galaxy MGM shoot Bad Boys this year.

Next, Arthur could already have someone start adapting the script for his next project, The Rock.

Madchen Amick responded for a while, then licked her lips and hugged Arthur seductively, "Let's go back, Arthur?"

"Let's go," Arthur stood up, ready to leave with Madchen Amick.

"Ah, sorry," Arthur inadvertently bumped into a young man while leaving with Madchen Amick in his arms.

"It's okay," Arthur waved it off but noticed the other man staring at him for a moment, "Hey, you're Mr. Arthur Smith. I'm Lachlan Murdoch. We met at a party before!"

"Lachlan Murdoch?" Arthur didn't recognize the newly graduated college student, even though he was Rupert Murdoch's eldest son.

However, Arthur still greeted him warmly, "Oh, good evening. We're about the same age, so just call me Arthur."

Lachlan Murdoch smiled, "Alright, you can just call me Lachlan. It's such a coincidence running into you here."

"Yeah, really a coincidence," Arthur pointed to Madchen Amick beside him, "This is Ms. Madchen Amick, Jenny from Forrest Gump!"

"Good evening, Mr. Murdoch," Madchen Amick greeted with a smile.

"Good evening. Ms. Amick, Forrest Gump this year was really something, received great reviews all over America," Lachlan Murdoch said, glancing again at Arthur Smith.

"Arthur, I'm heading back to Australia soon to take charge of Queensland News Group. When you have the time, come to Australia for a vacation. I'll be a generous host!"

"Haha, sure," Arthur patted his shoulder, "Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, and the seasons are opposite to America's. It's perfect to vacation in Sydney during the winter. I'll definitely go. We might even have some collaborations to discuss."

Lachlan Murdoch nodded, "Always welcome!"

*****

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