Kapitel 239: Chapter 239: Elections
As Halloween approached, Galaxy and Orion's sequel, Scream 2, held its premiere at the Wilshire Theater in Los Angeles.
Although it's a horror film, it's Galaxy Films' first sequel!
Director Sam Raimi and actresses Naomi Watts, Drew Barrymore, and Madchen Amick attended the premiere.
Meanwhile, Arthur was at a ranch in Monterey County, central California, meeting with Governor Pete Wilson and Senator Dianne Feinstein.
The ranch is located in Carmel Valley, not too far from Monterey Bay. To the north are San Jose and San Francisco!
In one of the ranch's houses, Arthur threw a few logs into the fireplace. "Ladies and gentlemen, the voting day is in a couple of days. Who do you think will win?"
Dianne Feinstein seemed confident. "Clinton's recent polls look good, and I hear that independent candidate Ross Perot is receiving quite a bit of support."
Pete Wilson shook his head with a smile. As a Republican, he knew Ross Perot was splitting Bush's votes.
This election's most outstanding feature was this independent candidate!
Taking a sip of his drink, Pete Wilson changed the subject, "Arthur, California's economy isn't doing well. This year should see negative growth. There have been riots in Los Angeles, the real estate slump has left banks with bad debts, and agricultural exports are shrinking. Right now, it doesn't matter who becomes President!"
California's economic industries are primarily high-tech, entertainment, and agriculture, with robust manufacturing and tourism sectors.
Pete Wilson was concerned about California's overall development during his term.
"Next, technology and entertainment are going to see significant growth. There's nothing wrong with California's economy. Don't underestimate entertainment globalization," Arthur said, sitting on the sofa and staring at the fireplace, his face difficult to read.
"I think this ranch isn't bad. The valley scenery is beautiful, plenty of wildlife. Once a runway and a few vacation villas are built, it will be a nice retreat," Arthur suddenly said.
"I checked the price: over 9,000 acres for just $8 million, along with the current warehouse and housing facilities."
Dianne Feinstein nodded, "It's indeed a very comforting place, with lovely scenery."
"Wilson, what do you think?"
Pete Wilson, the new governor, and Dianne Feinstein, a newly minted Democratic Senator from California.
Arthur Smith, the rising star of Hollywood and a young American tycoon rooted in Los Angeles.
There was no need to guess why the three were meeting. Pete Wilson knew well that Arthur and Dianne Feinstein were quite close.
Whether it's for political ambitions needing Arthur Smith's support or a perfect safety net for retirement.
People like Arthur Smith are the ones politicians love to partner with!
Pete Wilson smiled, "I like this place. After Arthur's expansion, I'll come here to hunt."
Arthur got up and poured another glass of wine for each. "To the future of California!"
...
With the arrival of November, the 1992 U.S. presidential election proceeded smoothly. Clinton's vote rate of 43% surpassed Bush.
Independent candidate Ross Perot's vote rate was the highest for a third-party candidate since 1912.
Bill Clinton was successfully elected as the 42nd president of the United States with 43% of the popular vote, but without obtaining more than half of the support. This indicates that the Democratic Party did not gain the majority's support, and conservatives still dominated America's social and political landscape.
However, these matters were of no concern to Arthur. All Arthur knew was that he had spent money and effort to support him, so he must give corresponding returns!
In the ranch house in Carmel, Arthur set down the phone. Kristiana Reali walked over and hugged Arthur from behind, "What's wrong?"
Arthur smiled, "Nothing, I bought this ranch a few days ago, and I've instructed people to build a few standalone vacation villas near the river."
Kristiana had come to the U.S. to shoot a Lancome ad after filming Krzysztof Kieslowski's Three Colors: Blue in France.
Then, she went straight to the ranch in Carmel, Monterey.
"Later, we'll go back to Los Angeles, and stay in the U.S. for a few more days with me," Arthur said as he sat down on the sofa, letting her sit on his lap.
Kristiana nodded, "I don't have anything important going on, I can come to accompany you in the U.S. anytime in the future!"
Arthur smiled and started kissing her in his arms, feeling her sexy and passionate body.
Meanwhile, Scream 2 was released in 2,250 theaters in North America, earning $26.2 million in its opening weekend, proving the impact of this sequel.
Moreover, the box office for Schindler's List also surpassed $55 million.
In Glendale, Los Angeles, Arthur stood on a highland looking at a plot of land. Beside him was the new mayor-elect of Los Angeles, James Hahn.
"In time, I want to make this place one of the most important production bases in Hollywood, and Galaxy Studios the brightest gem in Hollywood.
For the first phase, we'll invest $100 million, focusing on the Galaxy headquarters building, ancillary studio buildings, large-scale sound stages, warehouses, and post-production facilities.
Subsequently, we will also build streets, theaters, shopping malls, and movie sets of various periods and styles!"
Arthur looked exuberant, and James Hahn couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, as such an investment would help revive Los Angeles' economy.
"Arthur, I believe you'll become the brightest star in Hollywood. No one else at your age could achieve such success."
Hearing James Hahn's words, Arthur just smiled, "Actually, I'm thinking of buying a Los Angeles sports club, whether it's the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers or Los Angeles Clippers, the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, or the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers.
Besides, in the downtown area, whether it's the Lakers' Forum or the Clippers' Memorial Sports Arena, I think they're too old to serve as home courts.
If I own a club, I'll definitely build a new multi-purpose arena in downtown Los Angeles for the team!"
James Hahn was taken aback, "Arthur, the city government currently doesn't have the funds to support you in building a new multi-purpose arena."
Alright, stadiums these days were mostly funded by the city government, attracting additional capital for construction.
Rarely did teams build their own stadiums, most used leasing contracts.
Arthur waved his hand, "Relying on the city government to raise funds would take forever. I'll fund the new arena myself. All I need is for you to convince the city council as quickly as possible to finalize the land and tax breaks for me!"
"Self-funding?" James Hahn was indeed shocked, impressed by Arthur's dominance, "Don't worry, I'll definitely handle this seriously. But can you really buy the Lakers or the Clippers?"
"The Lakers would be very difficult, but I can try for the Clippers," Arthur said, shaking his head.
"When the time comes, I'll talk to Donald Sterling about pricing!"
Los Angeles does have quite a few teams. The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers - all based in Los Angeles.
In Anaheim, there are the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and MLB's Anaheim Angels. The Rams hadn't moved to St. Louis yet.
Moreover, Disney had formed a new ice hockey team, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, which would officially play next year using the Anaheim Honda Center.
At the same time, Disney was also a shareholder of MLB's Anaheim Angels. Disney operated a Disneyland in Anaheim, making it incredibly important to the area.
Next year, it seemed the Los Angeles Clippers would also move to the Honda Center, sharing the arena with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks to save costs.
James Hahn smiled, "I definitely hope you succeed!"
"Alright, there's a party tonight at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Don't be late," Arthur patted James Hahn on the shoulder. Arthur was never stingy when it came to letting politicians enjoy themselves.
Five-star luxury hotels, luxurious private yacht outings, or overseas trips - he had it all!
After James Hahn left, Arthur lit a cigarette. His bodyguard head, Carl Anderson, suddenly reminded him, "Boss, our people caught a sneaky guy near the Bel-Air estate."
"Oh, is it a reporter?" Arthur asked.
Carl Anderson shook his head, "Though he had a camera, he doesn't seem like a reporter. The police were called and he has been taken away."
"Not a reporter?" Arthur frowned, giving a direct order, "Have someone go to the police station to inquire, and find out what that guy's deal is. Bel-Air Estate is quite secluded. He must be up to something!"
Carl Anderson nodded, "Looks like he's scouting the place. It's strange he managed to avoid the patrol police and security guards outside the community. Boss, do you want us to interrogate him ourselves?"
Arthur looked at Carl Anderson, "Have you done this before in Delta Force?"
Carl Anderson nodded, "I've participated in many operations. You know that I became a bodyguard after retiring!"
"Let's first hear what the police have to say. They wouldn't dare ignore such matters," Arthur had no complaints about his safety. Even if it was a petty thief, he had to take it seriously.
*****
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