Chapter 464: Handling Bonds

Pacific Time, USA, on the evening of January 11, 2009, the 66th Golden Globe Awards took place at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel.

The most nominated and highly anticipated film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button went home empty-handed. British director Danny Boyle's film Slumdog Millionaire swept four awards: Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score, making it the biggest winner of the night.

Actress Kate Winslet won Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama for Revolutionary Road and Best Supporting Actress for The Reader.

Mickey Rourke won Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for The Wrestler.

Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona won Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.

Capet Television's Mad Men also won Best Television Series - Drama!

On this night, Capet Pictures was undoubtedly the real big winner, sweeping almost all the major awards including Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Director, Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Television Series - Drama.

This year's Golden Globe Awards caused quite a stir and, as one of the key indicators for the Oscars, made the upcoming Oscars next month even more highly anticipated.

Charles did not attend the awards ceremony but generously had Capet arrange a grand celebration banquet at the Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Since Charles was leaving for the U.K. the next day, he didn't stay long at the celebratory party.

...

During most of the winter, London had continuous rain, with a gray sky and cold climate making many people uncomfortable.

Wealthy Londoners usually headed to the Iberian Peninsula in Europe for vacations, enjoying its pleasant climate, abundant sunshine, beaches, tasty Mediterranean food, and beautiful sea views.

In London, at Knightsbridge, in Charles' luxurious villa.

Charles was all smiles as he sat in a chair by the fireplace, chatting happily with Lily Ying, who was sipping coffee opposite him.

"Those bonds are worth 13.3 billion dollars. After taxes, it's about 10.5 billion dollars. Right now, the pound to dollar exchange rate is 1:1.4, so paying the 1 billion-pound debt only requires 1.4 billion dollars. The euro to dollar rate is even lower!"

Charles sighed, "I can't believe I'm this rich now. Stay in Europe for a while and handle the debts with HSBC, Lloyds TSB Group, and Barclays Bank. After that, buy stocks of luxury brands like the LV Group, Hermes, Richemont, and PPR in the European markets. Split the remaining funds in half and invest them in the Chinese and American markets. I'm very interested in Tencent and Alibaba in China!"

Lily Ying nodded, "The financial sector in the UK has suffered a lot this time. The most serious one is the Royal Bank of Scotland, which is on the brink of bankruptcy. The Bank of England has injected funds, but there's news that the Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds TSB Group are considering nationalization!"

Charles shrugged, "I don't care about the situation. I borrowed pounds, so I'll repay pounds. It's normal."

"Got it. But I need at least until next month to finish dealing with these U.S. debts," Lily Ying explained.

"No rush, take your time to handle it," Charles waved his hand.

There was no winter break in the Premier League, and Arsenal Club, which Charles owned, was ranked second behind Manchester United after 21 rounds.

For the UEFA Champions League group stage, Arsenal advanced as the group winner.

However, Arsenal made no big moves this winter, signing a few young players and loaning some out for training.

During the current winter transfer window, Manchester City announced on their official website, "Manchester City has terminated the transfer negotiations with AC Milan regarding Kaka. After today's negotiations in Milan, Manchester City believes both sides can't reach an agreement!"

The Daily Telegraph: The Sheikh of Abu Dhabi wielded over 100 million pounds in transfer fees hoping to get Kaka, but ultimately failed.

At night, at the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel in London, after the premiere of The Reader, a post-premiere party was held there.

Director Stephen Daldry, starring Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, and many British celebrities attended.

"Kate, congratulations. The Reader has already won Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globe Awards and has been nominated for Best Actress at the BAFTA Awards. I'm sure when the Oscars nominations are announced at the end of the month, your name will be on the Best Actress list!"

Charles hugged the now fuller Kate Winslet, who played Rose and has since aged.

The BAFTA Awards took place at the beginning of February.

"Oh, thank you, Charles," Kate Winslet really wanted to win an Oscar. It had been more than a decade since Titanic.

After the deaths of The Reader's two producers, Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack, last year, Kate had thought the movie's release would be delayed. Luckily, it made it on time.

"Your performance is excellent; the Oscar judges will recognize that," Charles smiled. The Reader was, after all, the final work of directors Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack and had significant promotional efforts.

"Almost got nominated for Best Supporting Actress, but luckily it was changed to Best Actress," Kate Winslet said, patting her chest in relief.

After chatting with Kate Winslet for a while, Charles was ready to talk with director Stephen Daldry but then ran into a familiar face.

"Mr. Capet, you're in London too!" It was Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts' niece, who had approached Charles.

"Emma, good evening," Charles examined the woman in an off-the-shoulder dress, finding her intriguing.

"I've been here a few days. How about you? Are you here for a movie shoot?"

Emma Roberts nodded, "Yes, a thriller called 4.3.2.1."

"Mr. Capet, won't you invite me for a dance?"

"Oh, beautiful Miss Emma Roberts, may I have the honor of a dance?" Charles extended his hand very gentlemanly.

"Gladly," Emma Roberts smiled and placed her hand in his, and the two moved to the dance floor.

*****

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