Arthur Smith's Hollywood Odyssey

[Chapter 593: Reaping the Wealth of Asia]

It was morning at the villa in West Hollywood.

"Is the Thai baht's exchange rate really at its lowest point in a decade? Is the Quantum Fund's probe over?"

Arthur lay in bed as he answered a call from Wall Street regarding whether West Pacific Investment Company would follow other international investors and begin shorting the baht.

"It can be done. If major funds start shorting the baht, West Pacific Investment Company won't have to think too much; just follow their lead," Arthur said, stroking Monica Bellucci's hair. "The baht and the dollar are pegged, and once Thailand can't hold on anymore, they will abandon the fixed rate and shift to a floating rate."

After hanging up, Arthur's expression changed slightly. A moment later, Monica Bellucci emerged from the covers and lay on his chest.

Arthur smiled, rubbing against her curves. "You're getting more impressive by the day."

Monica licked her lips. "As long as you like it."

"Hmm, I have to go to New York now," Arthur said, sounding somewhat melancholic. "This year has been quite something..."

...

In New York, banks and investment firms on Wall Street were watching the far-eastern financial market closely;

the financial crisis in Southeast Asia was escalating, spreading from Indonesia to Thailand.

At the Galaxy Tower in Times Square, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel was situated within, and CBS had recently moved in from Rockefeller Center.

Inside the luxurious office on the top floor, Arthur Smith sat in a chair, watching Jim Colt leave the office, and he raised a glass from his desk to drink. The Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department, the Securities Exchange, along with Wall Street's investment banks and arbitrage funds, were indeed orchestrating a grand scheme to reap Asia's wealth.

...

With the new Galaxy film The Truman Show prepped and ready, Jim Carrey finally officially joined the cast after filming Dumb and Dumber 2.

At the same time, Cate Blanchett had flown in from Australia to the United States.

That evening, Arthur took Cate to the MGM Tower in downtown Manhattan, and the two quickly embraced after not seeing each other for some time.

"Hmm," Cate said, leaning against the wall as she responded to Arthur's passionate kiss, wrapping her legs around his waist.

As their clothes fell away, Arthur passionately kissed her soft skin.

"Arthur, let's head to the bedroom," Cate suggested, unable to resist.

"Alright." Arthur scooped her up and carried her into the bedroom...

"It's so wonderful," Cate said, blushing as she lay in Arthur's arms, feeling his strong chest.

As she spoke, she leaned down and kissed his chest.

Arthur smiled, caressing her smooth, fair body. "Darling, you should stay in Hollywood and develop your career here; there are far more opportunities than in Australia."

Cate lifted her head, her expression suggesting she agreed. "You really don't plan to let me go, do you?"

Arthur stroked her softness and leaned in close to her ear. "Well, isn't it great to be with me?"

"Hmm," Cate placed her lips onto Arthur's, stopping him. "With all these women, can you really handle it?"

"What do you think?" Arthur flipped her onto her back.

"Alright, alright," Cate laughed, playfully tapping Arthur. "Let me catch my breath first."

Cate ran her fingers through Arthur's hair before continuing, "Next, I have to head to Florida to shoot The Truman Show, and it will take about eight to ten weeks. When the time comes, if you have free time, you can come find me anytime."

The Truman Show was filming in Coastal City, located in Northwestern Florida.

"This time around, I'm also planning to settle down in Hollywood," Cate said as she rubbed her leg against Arthur's.

"Don't worry, with me around, you'll quickly find your footing in Hollywood," Arthur laughed. "Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts both came from Australia."

Even if Naomi Watts was originally British, she had indeed started her career in Australia.

Cate kissed Arthur's earlobe, jokingly saying, "Nicole, she is truly a premium product from Australia. And your connection to her growth is non-trivial."

...

After spending a few days in New York, Cate headed to Florida to join The Truman Show crew. At the same time, during the New York Fall/Winter Fashion Week being held in Midtown Manhattan, Arthur encountered Nicole Kidman while enjoying a Gucci runway show.

"So, how's The Peacemaker? It should be wrapped up by now, right?"

In the car, Arthur held Nicole close, steadying her thigh.

"It's finished, and I'm already preparing to head back to Los Angeles," Nicole Kidman replied, straddling Arthur's lap and wrapping her arms around his neck, feeling a bit fatigued. The cleavage of her open blouse displayed a seductive view for Arthur.

"Hmm, with the Oscars coming up, you should go back to Los Angeles and prepare thoroughly," Arthur smiled, kissing her chest.

Nicole's breath quickened. "So, does this mean you're not planning to go back?"

"What's the point of going back?" Arthur reclined in his seat, casually touching Nicole in his arms.

"There are still many important things waiting for me to do."

Nicole reflected, "Could it be about the current financial situation in Southeast Asia?"

"Exactly. Isn't it reminiscent of what happened in England years ago?"

The situation in Thailand was just a low-tier version of what had happened in Britain.

Nicole nibbled on Arthur's neck. "In the next couple of years, I want to reduce the number of projects I take on and spend more time with you."

Arthur smiled. "Don't worry, getting pregnant is a relatively easy task."

Nicole shook her head. "It's not that simple for my body; you need to put in the effort."

"Uh," Arthur let out a helpless sigh, rubbing her body. "It depends on you; you know I'm pretty capable."

Nicole pressed her lips together. "I'm not concerned about you with other women; just be cautious, that's all. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Winona Ryder, and Jennifer Aniston; none of them want kids at this stage."

Arthur raised his eyebrows. "How do you know all this?"

"Don't worry about my sources," Nicole whispered in his ear. "Sophie Marceau, she probably wouldn't mind having kids; just look at her age."

Arthur stuck out his tongue. "Alright, you make some sense."

"Let's head back," Arthur said, patting Nicole on the thigh.

"Okay," Nicole got off Arthur and settled into the passenger seat.

Arthur started the car and drove towards the Upper East Side.

*****

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