Chapter 156: Sandra Bullock

With the arrival of Halloween in 1991, Los Angeles held grand Halloween celebrations, and Hollywood stars certainly didn't miss out. The awards season brought even more Hollywood-style parties.

At the Hilton Garden Hotel on North Highland Avenue in Hollywood, Arthur attended a party hosted by Ted Turner's Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), which had acquired Hanna-Barbera Productions.

Hanna-Barbera was a famous Hollywood animation studio, founded by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. It was the only animation company that could rival Disney, producing classics like Scooby-Doo. The iconic Tom and Jerry was also created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera during their time at MGM.

"Arthur, Mr. Turner seems to share your ideas," Castle Rock Entertainment CEO Alan Horn said as he approached Arthur, clinking glasses.

Arthur smiled. "I heard TBS acquired Hanna-Barbera to prepare for the launch of their Cartoon Network. As for my acquisition of Pixar, there's no TV network backing it."

Moreover, Pixar's focus was on animated films, while Hanna-Barbera mainly produced animated TV shows.

TBS's CNN had made a name for itself with its coverage of the Gulf War this year, becoming the top-rated news channel. They had CNN for news, TBS for entertainment, and TNT for sports. Now, they were developing Cartoon Network for the children's market.

"Mr. Turner is not only interested in animation studios but also in live-action film companies," Alan Horn said, giving Arthur a meaningful look.

Arthur understood immediately. Alan Horn must have known about TBS's interest in acquiring Galaxy. Arthur had no doubt that TBS was also interested in Castle Rock and New Line. Before meeting Alan Horn, Arthur had run into Robert Shaye, the founder and president of New Line Cinema.

It was clear that TBS had big plans to enter the Hollywood content market.

Arthur also remembered that TBS would successfully acquire Castle Rock and New Line two years later, and then TBS itself would be acquired by Time Warner two years after that.

Arthur took a sip of his drink and smiled at Alan Horn. "Is Castle Rock considering giving in?"

"It's not the right time yet," Alan Horn patted Arthur on the shoulder. "Galaxy is thriving under your leadership. We at Castle Rock can't fall too far behind."

Castle Rock produced many films each year, but they didn't have blockbusters like Galaxy's. Scream grossed $80 million in North America and $70 million overseas, making it a $150 million global hit.

After Alan Horn left, Arthur guessed the reason. Neither Castle Rock nor New Line would be easy to acquire quickly. TBS's ambition wasn't as large as Viacom's; it mainly targeted independent film companies in Hollywood.

"Hi, Mr. Smith. Good evening," Arthur suddenly encountered Sandra Bullock at the party.

"Sandra, it's you," Arthur said, slightly surprised. The success of Scream had given Sandra Bullock some visibility, although she was still on the fringes of Hollywood.

"Can I have this dance?" Sandra Bullock asked, full of warmth.

Arthur nodded, extending his hand.

"Scream was a big success. Orion has another hit, and they're developing a sequel," Sandra Bullock said, placing her hand on Arthur's shoulder.

Arthur smiled. "We'll see the result when the sequel comes out."

"The sequel's box office won't disappoint. It's a classic high school horror movie," Sandra Bullock said, leaning closer to Arthur.

"Really?" Arthur said with a half-smile, his hand caressing her waist. "How about we go to the bar next door for a drink?"

"Sure, I heard they have the best vodka in Los Angeles," Sandra Bullock readily agreed.

Soon, they were at the hotel bar.

On the bar's sofa, a few drinks in, Sandra Bullock leaned into Arthur's arms. She couldn't help but brush against him, blowing into his ear. "How's the vodka here?"

Arthur looked down at Sandra Bullock in his arms, his right hand moved, encountering no resistance from her low-cut dress. He touched her chest and leaned in for a kiss.

Sandra Bullock responded to Arthur's kiss, her hands moving to unzip his pants. Arthur stopped her, "I don't like doing this here. Let's go."

"Okay," Sandra Bullock agreed and followed Arthur to a room at the Hilton Garden Hotel.

Their passion didn't require words as they embraced, moving from the living room to the bedroom, and finally to the bathroom.

Leaning against the bathroom wall, Arthur's expression shifted continuously. Sandra Bullock, kneeling on the floor, looked up, and suddenly Arthur's hands were in her hair.

A little while later, they lay comfortably in the bathtub. Arthur, holding Sandra Bullock, suggested, "You have a very approachable image and a cheerful personality. You should consider doing romantic comedies."

They were both adults, and this was just a one-night stand. However, Arthur understood Sandra Bullock's intentions. If Galaxy had a suitable role in the future, he would consider her.

Sandra Bullock nodded. "I think I have a knack for comedy," she said, kissing Arthur's chest.

Then she asked, laughing, "How did you feel just now?"

"Pretty good," Arthur said, brushing his fingers across Sandra Bullock's lips. Hollywood did love big-mouthed beauties. Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Sandra Bullock, and Angelina Jolie were all future Hollywood stars with big, beautiful smiles.

*****

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