The NBA lockout happened after the season ended, so it didn't have a huge impact.
Jordan's return raised the NBA's visibility significantly, and team owners were eagerly waiting for a chance to cash in!
That night, Arthur attended a high-profile gala at the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan.
He ran into Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the biggest billionaires, who were named by Forbes as the world's richest and second-richest people that year.
With Microsoft's stock price rising, Bill Gates became the richest man in the world for the first time!
"Mr. Gates, Windows 95 is about to launch, right?" Arthur asked. With so many launch events, it was normal for Microsoft's stock price to rise; after the official release, it would climb even higher.
Arthur owned over 3.3 million shares of Microsoft, making him a small shareholder, so naturally, he was concerned.
Bill Gates chuckled, "It's set to launch in late August. You seem to own about 0.5% of Microsoft shares, and you don't seem too interested in it!"
Arthur shrugged. "There's a lot going on at Galaxy right now; Hollywood isn't exactly peaceful."
Universal's takeover, Time Warner negotiating to acquire TBS, and Disney was in talks with CBS!
"Microsoft partnered with NBC to create a 24-hour news channel, MSNBC. Galaxy is launching its own cable network, too! I need to learn more from you," Gates patted Arthur on the shoulder.
MSNBC primarily drew on NBC's content, with NBC responsible for the programming and Microsoft managing the network.
Costs and revenue were split evenly, with Microsoft investing $220 million in cash and securing network rights for MSNBC!
"This is a news channel; Galaxy currently manages USA Network, which mainly focuses on movies, television, documentaries, and reality shows."
"And Starz focuses even more on films!"
Arthur shook his head. "News channels are a lot more challenging than entertainment."
"When it comes to television news, it's all about NBC's management skills -- I'm a total novice," Bill Gates said, taking a sip of his drink.
"Oh, Arthur, Bill," Warren Buffett walked over. "You two sure seem to be having a fascinating conversation!"
"Good evening, Mr. Buffett," Arthur shook his hand.
"Arthur, you might want to try a burger with your Coke; it tastes pretty good," Buffett often portrayed himself enjoying KFC burgers and Coke in the media.
Not only did it create a relatable image, but it also served as excellent advertising since he surely brought along some celebrities to KFC.
Arthur smiled, "Since I entered the Hollywood film business, I haven't touched those kinds of foods or drinks again..."
Soon after, Arthur bumped into Princess Diana and young John Kennedy at the gala.
It seemed in a few years, one would be killed in a car accident, while the other would die in a plane crash?
...
During the summer blockbuster season that year, major Hollywood film companies rolled out their big movies, but things were getting bleaker for the second-tier film companies.
New Line and Castle Rock, after being acquired by TBS, struggled to release anything impressive, and Carolco was applying for bankruptcy.
Miramax faced tough times after being acquired by Disney, and Samuel Goldwyn Films was barely hanging on!
With Sony Classics, Fox Searchlight, and major labels under Galaxy actively pushing forward, the importance of the independent film market was becoming more recognized.
The next afternoon, Arthur picked up Joey Wong at the airport as she arrived in America. He took her directly to his vacation home in Long Island. "You're late getting here! When we were in Taiwan, you said you'd only stay for about a week, and now summer is already halfway over."
Joey Wong kissed Arthur on the cheek. "My family was busy with business. I came to America to attend the MTV Movie Awards!"
Arthur leaned back into the sofa with a smile. "Looks like you're gearing up for a comeback?"
The MTV Movie Awards were hosted by MTV, and this would only be the fourth year of the event.
He traced his hand along her thigh. "I heard your pay was quite high when you were in Hong Kong!"
Just two years earlier, Joey Wong's film salary had reached 2 million Hong Kong dollars -- a price for top stars.
"Not really, I think at the MTV Awards they're giving a lifetime achievement award to Jackie Chan. I worked with him before, and there are Hong Kong and Taiwan film companies inviting me to attend," Joey Wong did not decline, since it wasn't about filming; she was just taking courses at the University of Toronto!
"You're all alone in Canada; have you thought about making a comeback?" Arthur moved closer and kissed her neck.
"Hmm, it's alright," she wrapped her arms around him, "It'd be even better if you could come visit me in Canada sometime!"
"I know you don't want to film in Hong Kong, but MGM has a script specifically written for Jackie Chan coming up; you might make a cameo," Arthur suggested, loosening her shirt buttons to feel her softness.
Joey Wong stepped back from the screen, and when Rush Hour came out, her return would definitely attract attention and promote the Asian market!
"Okay, sure. Actually, when I head back to Taiwan, some production companies have invited me to act, but I'm just not interested right now," Joey Wong lay back on the sofa.
"That's fine; just take it easy and go with the flow -- Hong Kong cinema is on the decline anyway," Arthur showed indifference about whether Joey Wong would return to acting.
"Mmm," Joey Wong wrapped her arms around Arthur's neck and kissed him passionately...
*****
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