Chapter 149: Pixar

The next afternoon, Arthur flew with Vivian from New York's LaGuardia Airport to San Francisco International Airport.

The flight took over six hours, taking them from the East Coast to the West Coast, where they checked into the JW Marriott Hotel in San Francisco.

"The view is beautiful!" Vivian exclaimed, looking at the San Francisco Bay nightscape from the hotel suite window.

Arthur walked over, hugged Vivian from behind, and kissed her on the cheek. "Aren't you tired? You have to start shooting tomorrow. Shouldn't you rest?"

"I'm fine," Vivian smiled. "You have business here, don't you? You don't have to keep me company all the time. Yeah, tomorrow I have to acquire an animation studio. Once you're done with the shoot, I'll show you around San Francisco," Arthur said, then kissed Vivian on the lips.

"Mmm," Vivian responded, wrapping her arms around Arthur's neck.

"I've been in the U.S. for a while now. I might need to go back to Hong Kong soon," Vivian said as they sat on the bed.

"Vivian, you're so beautiful," Arthur said, lying on top of her, admiring her face.

"Arthur," Vivian responded emotionally, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.

Arthur's hand moved gently on her chest as he kissed her neck and collarbone, finally stopping at her chest.

Arthur smiled and kissed her again, their lips and tongues entwined.

The night in the Bay Area was indeed beautiful and full of romance.

...

In Richmond, a city in the East Bay of San Francisco, near the San Pablo Bay and north of Oakland, Pixar had moved its operations to a single-story office building last year.

While Vivian Chow was busy with her magazine cover shoot, Arthur met Steve Jobs there.

Along with Pixar's top executives, Ed Catmull and John Lasseter, and about fifty Pixar employees, Arthur gained a comprehensive understanding of the company.

At 36, Steve Jobs still looked energetic. He was quite willing to let go of Pixar. "Arthur, I've always been optimistic about the future of 3D computer animation."

Arthur nodded, "The animation market is dominated by Disney. For Galactic to achieve anything in this field, we need a different approach. Who dares to compete with Disney in 2D hand-drawn animation?"

"$40 million, how about that? But I hope you won't lay off Pixar employees," Steve Jobs indeed wanted to get rid of the unprofitable Pixar, which relied solely on its advertising business due to the lack of orders for its special effects services.

Arthur looked at Steve Jobs and smiled slightly, "I think $30 million is a reasonable price, especially since I'll be funding Pixar's first animated feature.

I won't lay off employees. In fact, once we start producing 3D animations, the company will expand. The tech department will stay in the Bay Area, but Pixar will eventually move to Los Angeles.

Steve, you understand that if the price is any higher, I could just start a new animation company."

Steve Jobs' NeXT Computer company took up most of his time, and he really wanted to offload the money-losing Pixar.

"Arthur, Disney is in talks with us about a potential collaboration. They want Pixar to produce 3D animated features for them," Steve Jobs reminded him.

Arthur shook his head, "Since Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, Disney has been the undisputed leader in animation, creating classic after classic. Disney's focus is hand-drawn animation.

To them, Pixar's computer animation is almost an affront. Even if Disney collaborates with Pixar...

I suspect Jeffrey Katzenberg, who runs Disney's animation division, has set very stringent conditions!"

Steve Jobs nodded, "The conditions are indeed stringent. Alright, $32 million, and Pixar is yours."

Arthur thought for a moment, then stood up and shook Steve Jobs' hand, "Deal. Looking forward to working with you!"

That afternoon, Steve Jobs announced the sale of Pixar to Galaxy Studios for $32 million.

To avoid any complications, Arthur immediately had Galaxy Studios sign the acquisition agreement with Pixar.

In just three days, Arthur Smith became the new owner of Pixar!

In Pixar's office, Arthur discussed plans with Ed Catmull. "First, immediately halt the collaboration talks with Disney. Galaxy will fund Pixar's animated feature.

Second, continue developing new computer animation techniques. I won't change Pixar's internal structure.

For now, continue working out of San Francisco. When Galactic's new headquarters is built, Pixar's creative and content departments will move there, while the tech department stays here."

Ed Catmull had no objections. Compared to Steve Jobs, Arthur Smith seemed more suited to lead Pixar Animation Studios.

With Galactic's support, Pixar didn't need to collaborate with Disney anymore. Pixar could produce its own animations and have Galactic distribute them.

That night, in the bedroom of their suite at the JW Marriott in San Francisco, Arthur held Vivian Chow in his arms, leisurely lighting a cigarette.

Vivian, her face flushed and breathing heavily, spoke tiredly, "The cover shoot is done."

Arthur nodded and passed the cigarette to Vivian, kissing her on the chest. "Are you heading back to Hong Kong?"

Vivian exhaled a puff of smoke, "Yeah, it's time to go back. I've been away for a while and have a lot of scripts to film."

"I know Hong Kong films are made quickly, but you don't need to overwork yourself," Arthur already knew Vivian had many scripts lined up, which meant she could have up to seven films released next year.

She also had to shoot a TV series, which was just too much!

Vivian shook her head, "But some scripts are hard to refuse!"

Arthur took the cigarette from her, had a puff, then put it in the ashtray. "I know the Hong Kong entertainment industry is a bit chaotic now. Don't worry, I talked to PolyGram, and they'll look after you.

Actually, I don't want you to go back now," Arthur said, holding her hand tightly. "You don't need to work so hard. Spend more time doing what you love. Travel around Europe or America. By the way, I heard your boyfriend in Hong Kong was rough with you this year. Want me to teach him a lesson?"

This year, Vivian had broken up with her boyfriend after he hit her.

"No need, it's over," Vivian said, kissing Arthur. "If I'm unhappy in Hong Kong, I'll come to America."

*****

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