Chapter 622

In Beverly Hills, Westwood, at the Manne Village Theater, Charles was with Elizabeth Olsen enjoying the movie Black Swan.

Since its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, Black Swan had been released to the public. However, as an art film, Focus Features didn't invest much in its promotion.

Black Swan had been in theaters for about half a month, with only around 600 cinemas showing it in North America. This was Charles' first time watching it in its entirety.

"Martha Marcy May Marlene is expected to release next March or April. Focus Features will have a few preview screenings before it hits theaters," Charles explained to Elizabeth Olsen while holding her.

"I know, getting the film into theaters is already quite an achievement. Many movies don't even qualify for theater release," Elizabeth Olsen said, resting her head against Charles' chest, before lowering it suddenly.

In the dim environment, with only the light from the screen showing Black Swan, Charles was stunned by her sudden action for a few seconds.

Looking around and seeing no one nearby, he leaned back and placed his hand on Elizabeth Olsen's hair, enjoying her attention...

...

After hanging out with Elizabeth Olsen in Los Angeles for a few days, Charles asked her to return to New York to continue her studies and wait for further opportunities.

"US Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission?" At Capet Manor, Charles had just learned that Britney Spears was pregnant when he received a call from Camille.

"Yes, they're investigating whether any fund companies manipulated the market or made unfair profits during the financial crisis."

"Does it have anything to do with me? Just send a fund manager to cooperate. Isn't that how Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley handle these things?" Charles clearly didn't take this matter seriously. At that time, he mainly bet short internationally, which was much cleaner than most Wall Street funds and investment banks.

Camille reminded over the phone, "Of course, it has nothing to do with you, boss. But this will make you more noticed by others. The members of this commission come from various backgrounds, including bankers, real estate insiders, financial regulators, economic and financial researchers, etc. You might have to cooperate with the government more in the future."

Charles laughed, "Isn't that what Bank of America is for? I am now a shareholder and a board member of Bank of America!"

"Got it, boss. Don't worry, our legal team will keep any trouble at bay," Camille assured one last time.

Charles hung up and went to the living room. Evelyn was sitting on the couch with Britney, who looked up at Charles, "It's been two months. The pregnancy symptoms are quite obvious. What are you going to do?"

"Um," Charles scratched his chin, "Just go ahead and have the baby!"

Britney Spears touched her belly and was quite happy, "I can have the baby by next June."

Evelyn gave Charles a stern look, knowing he didn't want to get married but still had to accept the situation. "Let Britney take a break from work and rest at home."

The ranch estate in San Luis Obispo County was a great place; the environment was good and quiet, and it wasn't too far from Los Angeles.

Britney Spears didn't have any objections, and neither did Charles. Evelyn's arrangements were fine.

"By the way, you got pregnant in New York, right?" After Evelyn left, Charles asked Britney while holding her.

"Yes, around that time," Britney didn't care much about the details.

"Better start resting early. You don't want the reporters to find out you're pregnant; that would be a mess." Charles imagined the chaos if Britney's pregnancy got out.

Britney Spears nodded, "But it's still too early. I'll rest at home once my belly starts to show."

"Alright," Charles agreed, as it was only two months in and barely visible.

"Charles," Britney Spears whispered while wrapping her arms around his neck, her eyes full of suggestion.

"No, you know the first three months are off-limits for sex. Didn't you hear what my mom said?" Charles quickly shook his head. Who knew what the baby would turn out like, a boy or a girl? Better not risk it.

Before he knew, he had even dragged Megan Fox into it, unknowingly affecting the baby inside.

"Alright," Britney Spears stopped her thoughts.

"Yeah, read some literature, listen to soft music or piano pieces. Start educating the baby early. That way, they'll have a head start!" Charles began offering advice.

Britney Spears couldn't care less about when she got pregnant. They were healthy people, after all, and getting pregnant was normal. As long as it wasn't intentionally avoided, there wouldn't be any problem.

...

By the time October came around, the biographical film The King's Speech, distributed by MGM, and Black Swan under Capet's Focus Features, were neck and neck.

Both gained traction through good word-of-mouth and gradually expanded their theater count.

Clearly, after Comcast's acquisition of MGM, they had a great start. The King's Speech, costing less than $15 million, even less than Black Swan, raked in nearly $50 million in North America within a month. With its acclaim, it surely was headed for over $100 million in North America.

As for Black Swan, its North American box office had just reached $40 million. MGM's distribution capabilities were not exceptionally strong, but the film's quality played a huge role.

"Charles, what do you think about us at MGM rejoining the MPAA Association as official members?" At the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, Comcast's Chairman Brian Roberts invited Charles for afternoon tea.

"I think it's a good idea. If MGM were official MPAA members, The King's Speech wouldn't have been rated R," Charles smiled. The relationships among the major Hollywood studios were quite nuanced, and Capet Universal indeed needed a strong ally.

Comcast was mainly a television network operator, so its interests were not directly affected by his. Moreover, MGM was no longer a threat.

Supporting MGM's return to the MPAA was something Charles welcomed.

"Steve agrees with you. The King's Speech being rated R reminded him of your Slumdog Millionaire!" Brian Roberts laughed. "We still have to slowly get used to Hollywood's rules..."

*****

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