Chapter 513: The Rap Conflict

[Chapter 578: The Rap Conflict]

The English Patient, while a small release for an art film, garnered a tremendous reputation and received widespread acclaim:

"It featured epic visuals, but the touching story became the most unforgettable part of this great film." -- San Francisco Chronicle

"The film's triumph lay not only in the strength and range of the performances but also in director Anthony Minghella's creation of an intimate epic, weaving together vast landscapes with the subtle details of desire in an astonishing blend." -- The New York Times

"Every scene in The English Patient was stunningly beautiful, especially the aerial shots that left viewers in awe; these images would truly stand the test of cinematic time." -- Los Angeles Times

...

One week after Thanksgiving, with three weeks to go before Christmas, a famous African American rapper, The Notorious B.I.G., whose real name was Christopher Wallace, was shot and killed while leaving a rally in South Los Angeles. The following evening in Harlem, New York, Puff Daddy, the East Coast rap mogul who founded Bad Boy Records, was also fatally wounded in front of a strip club after being hit by seven bullets.

The deaths of 2Pac and Puff Daddy, shining stars in the history of rap, within just six months, left the rap community in deep lament and shock. Despite the sorrow, there was a silver lining; the rap scene gradually lost its tolerance for gun violence and murder. The glorification of gang conflict and street battles that characterized "gangsta rap" was increasingly being rejected, and a growing number of voices called for an end to the turmoil.

...

In Santa Monica, at a Pacific Palisades beachfront villa.

"Hmm," Arthur reclined on the bed, holding Jennifer Aniston in his arms. After kissing her gently on the chest, he lay back.

Jennifer Aniston, breathing heavily, sprawled weakly on him. "Madonna's performance in Evita was pretty impressive. It's her best role to date."

Arthur chuckled, rubbing her smooth back a few times, "Madonna prepared for this role for a long time, filming it in so many locations in Argentina, Evita turned out to be a success."

"However, I heard that Madonna faced a lot of protests from the Argentinian people while filming there," Jennifer Aniston giggled.

Arthur's mouth twitched -- he had suspected this would happen. Before filming began, he had doubts; Eva Peron held a significant place in Argentina's history and was fondly remembered by the public. What about Madonna Ciccone? With her history of scandal and sensationalism, how could she play such a beloved "First Lady" without drawing ire from the people?

"Now that the movie has been released, let's see if it can salvage its reputation based on word of mouth, and honestly, Madonna's performance might just convince people," Arthur mentioned.

He had also seen Evita; biopics were often golden for awards, and Madonna sought to revamp her image with this role. After all, previous roles starring Madonna had hardly received great reviews.

Arthur yawned and gently patted the woman in his arms. "Alright, let's get some sleep..."

...

The next morning.

"Puff Daddy is dead?" Upon seeing the news on the sofa, Arthur wasn't particularly shocked -- dying was part of life. CBS was calling for a reduction in violence and gun incidents; gang culture was unacceptable.

At that moment, Jennifer Aniston emerged from the bedroom and sat on his lap, planting a tender kiss on him. "You're up early."

"Yeah," Arthur stroked her sexy figure. "You're getting ready to shoot Friends, but I'm not busy at all right now."

Jennifer glanced at the newspaper on the coffee table. "It really is chaotic. Didn't the LAPD crack down on gang members some time back?"

Hollywood producers Arnon Milchan and his wife were killed by gang gunfire during a crackdown on organized crime in Los Angeles.

"These folks are nothing but a group of misfits seeking a gang lifestyle," Arthur mused, hoping the situation would improve beofre deteriorating further.

...

Back at Galaxy's headquarters, Emily Shead informed Arthur that Western Oil intended to hold a shareholder meeting in Houston. This year, Western Oil had successfully moved its headquarters from California to Texas.

Naturally, Arthur was pleased to attend, especially since Western Oil had benefited significantly from the oilfield exploitation in Indonesia's Java Island, and he was a crucial player.

At the Ritz-Carlton in Houston, Arthur sat on the couch with Jim Colt. "The economic situation in Southeast Asia is getting worse, right?"

Jim nodded. "Influenced by Indonesia, foreign investments are pulling out of Thailand and Malaysia."

"International hedge funds have dispersed Indonesia; it seems Thailand will be next. Your oil companies have been signing land exploration agreements with Indonesia's state-owned oil company," Jim continued. "Some locals are protesting, accusing the government of selling out national interests."

Arthur chuckled. "Indonesia has about 200 million people, right? There are bound to be some sensible ones. The Suharto family's domestic assets are around $30 billion; isn't that enough to silence some critics?"

Jim gestured, "But that money won't reach the public?"

"Still, it doesn't matter!"

Arthur took a sip of champagne. "What about that $2 billion in funding? Where is it now?"

"Scattered across Cyprus, London, Switzerland, New Zealand, Japan, and other regions," Jim said, looking at Arthur. "Once the Southeast Asia situation passes, that money could double at least, but trying to bring it back home? It would incur huge losses!"

Arthur shook his head. "No need, just let it stay overseas. Even that $1 billion in cash doesn't need to come back; all that money will serve as ammunition for my plans against Korea."

"Understood," Jim nodded. "TPG's Newbridge Capital is willing to cooperate with West Pacific Investment Company. David Bonderman trusts your vision, especially since TPG isn't primarily a hedge fund but an investment firm."

Arthur stood. "When you have the fish, why worry about having no cat?"

*****

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