Chapter 137: Protest

At the Long Beach Pier in Los Angeles, on the set of The Bodyguard, Arthur was in a discussion with director Mick Jackson and producer and lead actor Kevin Costner.

Mick Jackson held the schedule, "In two weeks, we will go to South Lake Tahoe for filming, then we'll head to Miami. The shooting is expected to last until late October or early November!"

Arthur nodded, "How is Whitney Houston performing?"

Kevin Costner shrugged, "It's her first time acting, she seems quite inexperienced. However, she has been very cooperative with us, so it's not a big issue."

"That's good," Arthur smiled, "From here on, it's mostly up to you. Galaxy has a lot of projects underway right now."

"Don't worry, Arthur," Kevin Costner patted Arthur on the shoulder, "The Bodyguard will definitely be completed on time!"

Kevin Costner's Dances with Wolves had gained fame at the Oscars, grossing over $400 million worldwide and making a huge splash. This summer's release of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves continued the trend, becoming a box office hit with over $100 million domestically and also surpassing $100 million overseas, quickly approaching the $200 million mark.

Kevin Costner's popularity was currently unmatched.

After leaving the set of The Bodyguard, Arthur drove his Acura NSX, taking Sophie Marceau to her residence in Culver City.

"Sophie, I've got a house arranged for you, near Kenneth Hahn Park. It's in a quiet location, not far from the Columbia TriStar production lot, a standalone two-story apartment." Arthur explained while driving.

"I'm only staying for a short while, just set it up as you see fit," Sophie Marceau smiled, "You should know by now that I am quite easygoing when it comes to living arrangements. If it weren't for work, I wouldn't bother wearing gowns or wasting time on makeup!"

"Being beautiful does come with its privileges," Arthur replied helplessly.

As the car passed through Compton, Sophie Marceau pointed to the neighboring street where a large crowd had gathered. "That big group of people, what are they doing?"

Arthur glanced over and could hear the music coming from that direction. "Well, Compton is the hub of Los Angeles' African American gangs. It's not surprising to see so many people gathered here."

"They might be making demands, venting frustrations, causing violence, who knows."

Arthur had previously paid attention to a West Coast rap group that had disbanded after releasing their second studio album this year. The members fell apart due to unequal distribution of profits, attacking each other until they split.

"They seem to be protesting, right?" Sophie Marceau observed and then spoke.

"Protesting?" Arthur stopped the car at the intersection, slightly interested, "It looks like it, yeah!"

As he spoke, Arthur began to caress Sophie Marceau's thigh. "Such things are common in France too, right?"

"Not as serious as in America. I've heard and seen quite a bit about racial discrimination and excessive force here," Sophie Marceau said as she cupped Arthur's face.

"Recently, wasn't there a video broadcast showing an African American being beaten by four white police officers, causing a huge uproar?"

In March this year, a young African American named Rodney King was pulled over for drunk driving. He resisted and provoked the police, and was subsequently beaten by four white officers until he begged for mercy. The beating was filmed and given to a TV station, which broadcasted it, sparking outrage among the African American community. As a result, the four officers were arrested.

"The matter isn't over yet. That footage was edited intentionally," Arthur explained with a smile.

"The four officers are being prosecuted, and the court's verdict will be crucial!"

Only Arthur knew that next year, the four officers would be acquitted, leading to a large-scale riot spearheaded by Compton's gang members. 

"Alright, let's leave. I've always hated places filled with violence, drugs, and sex," Arthur kissed Sophie Marceau on the lips before starting the car and driving away.

It didn't matter to Arthur how many people would die next year, be they African American, white, or of any other race. 

After arriving at the residence in Culver City prepared for Sophie Marceau, Arthur arranged for her luggage to be delivered.

"How is it, do you like this place?" Arthur asked, holding Sophie Marceau.

"It's very nice," Sophie Marceau kissed Arthur proactively, "Thank you. But I've already received a notice to shoot a few ads and magazine covers!"

"It's alright, work comes first. After all, you'll be staying in Los Angeles for several months," Arthur said as he unbuttoned Sophie Marceau's shirt, kissing her soft skin.

Arthur then sat on the sofa with Sophie Marceau in his arms.

"Although UTA isn't that famous yet, it's doing alright. Big agencies like CAA and ICM have too many people; newcomers like you won't get good opportunities."

"Joining a mid-sized agency isn't necessarily a bad thing!"

Leaning in Arthur's arms and feeling his touch on her chest, Sophie Marceau smiled, "Do you really want me to develop my career in Hollywood?"

"Of course. Hollywood caters to the global entertainment market, unlike Europe," Arthur whispered into Sophie Marceau's ear, "Don't worry, with me here, you'll definitely establish yourself in Hollywood!"

Feeling passionate, Sophie Marceau unbuckled Arthur's belt and said, "Next time you come to Paris, I'll treat you well."

"Is that so?" Arthur smiled, "The enthusiasm of French girls will make me lose myself!"

Saying this, Arthur removed Sophie Marceau's clothes, "Darling, you have such a great figure!"

"What are you waiting for? I'm waiting for your excessive force," Sophie Marceau turned around and kissed Arthur.

"Don't regret it," Arthur embraced her tightly and responded, as the two quickly entered a state of heated engagement on the sofa...

*****

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