Chapter 521: God's Arrangement

[Chapter 586: I Am God]

John Kruger's MMT International Media Group was not only selling off assets from movie companies but was also negotiating the sale of several TV stations to a news conglomerate. To catch up with the big three television networks, FOX needed to expand its market by acquiring local stations to enhance its influence. Galaxy's recent aggressive acquisition of film rights was also in line with Arthur's vision to enrich their library, especially with the impending DVD era promising explosive growth in library value. At the same time, Arthur planned to start rebuilding the MGM film library this year.

"Wynona, have you taken on any roles?" Arthur lay on the sofa in his Bel-Air villa, resting his head on the lap of the woman.

Wynona Ryder brushed her fingers through Arthur's hair. "I've received a few scripts; I plan to pick one or two. Right now, I prefer thrillers and crime mysteries."

Arthur chuckled, "Those films tend to have hard-to-find great scripts. Why not consider doing some commercial films?"

Wynona lowered her head and kissed Arthur's face, "I'm not short on money right now. Taking too many commercial films won't be good; artsy films like Little Women are the best."

Currently, Wynona Ryder had quite a few properties even aside from Galaxy's stock, and with Arthur around, she didn't have to worry about money.

"You could focus more on literary adaptations or biographical novels," Arthur suggested, "However, don't neglect commercial films; they are a good way to boost your profile and expand your influence. Once you're famous enough, many great scripts will come looking for you."

Just like Leonardo DiCaprio, after the release of Titanic, all directors would first consider him for leading roles; only after he turned them down would other actors have their shot.

"Okay, got it, now let's go take a shower."

...

By late January, production officially began on Scream 3, directed again by Sam Raimi. In Arthur's office, Sam Raimi came to find him.

"Sam, is there something up?" Arthur thought there might be an issue with the crew.

"Arthur, Marvel Studios was established. Are you preparing for Spider-Man?" Sam's eyes fixed intensely on Arthur.

Arthur rubbed his forehead and smiled, "I heard from Amy that you're really into Spider-Man comics and even made a proposal. I've read it, and it's pretty good."

"Yeah, I could spend time doing a complete script adaptation. Spider-Man is going to be a groundbreaking project," Sam Raimi sincerely wanted to direct Spider-Man.

Arthur nodded, "It was already part of our plans. After Scream 3 wraps up, Marvel Studios will support you in developing the Spider-Man movie. Right now, just focus on filming Scream 3, and you'll be able to dive fully into the Spider-Man project later."

Sam Raimi was thrilled, "Arthur, trust me, I'll deliver a detailed adaptation plan for Spider-Man."

Scream 3 had a budget of $40 million, and Arthur was paying close attention to it.

...

In the afternoon, Arthur arrived at the Ritz-Carlton in Beverly Hills for a press release event. In the hotel bathtub, Naomi Watts lay in Arthur's arms, kissing him. "Arthur, why didn't you reach out for so long?"

Arthur smiled, reaching out and gently squeezing the woman's chest, "Worried you couldn't handle it. Plus, you're often not in Los Angeles."

"Well, we could just call," Naomi sat on his lap, "Anytime."

"Alright," Arthur said, stroking Naomi's back and leaning in to kiss her softly.

Naomi Watts breathed heavily, "Tomorrow is the Golden Globe Awards dinner! The English Patient and Evita have a good chance of winning. Your eye for talent is as good as ever!"

Naomi's own Primal Fear also received a nomination, so she would be attending the Golden Globe dinner tomorrow night.

"I've always been this great. You'll discover more of my qualities. I bought a few houses in the Trousdale Estates community in Beverly Hills," Arthur mentioned. "You can live there."

He had prepared more than one house when buying for Liv Tyler previously.

"Ah, okay," Naomi Watts understood Arthur didn't care much about material things; then she leaned in excitedly to kiss him.

...

The next day was the annual Golden Globe Awards dinner. However, Arthur chose not to attend and went on a date with Charlize Theron instead.

In a Hollywood bar, Arthur embraced Charlize Theron while sitting on the sofa. "You wrapped that low-budget comedy for New Line a while back. That should be done by now, right?"

Charlize smiled, "We finished it last Christmas."

"Yeah, these years, focus on honing your craft. You're still young, and I'll make sure there are good opportunities waiting for you."

As Arthur spoke, he lowered his head to kiss the woman in his arms.

Charlize Theron wrapped her arms around Arthur's neck and responded passionately. After the kiss ended, she seemed to remember something and suddenly asked, "Isn't today the Golden Globe Awards Ceremony? Don't you care at all?"

Arthur chuckled, "With you here, who cares about the Golden Globe?"

"Let's go! I'll take you somewhere." he said, patting the woman on his lap.

Shortly after, Arthur brought Charlize Theron to a villa on the Hollywood Hills. "You'll be living here from now on. North Hollywood isn't great."

Charlize looked around and nodded.

Arthur hugged her from behind. "I know a bit about your story. It's not easy moving from South Africa to the United States. Don't worry; I'll take care of you."

Charlize Theron had once had an alcoholic father who nearly killed her mother and her during a drunken rage a few years back. Her mother had to shoot him in self-defense. Afterward, Charlize had followed her mother away from South Africa, first going to Europe, and finally settling in America.

Charlize beamed, "A few years ago, when I received your help, I was thinking about how I could repay you. Once I learned of your identity, I nearly gave up because you were just too dazzling. Now, I've met you again, and you gave me an opportunity. This must be divine intervention!"

"God?" Arthur reached into her neck collar, feeling the softness and kissing her ear. "How is it God? It's fate; you are destined to be my woman."

Charlize Theron murmured, "No, this is God's arrangement!"

Arthur undressed her and carried her to the bedroom, "Then, I am God..."

*****

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