Chapter 78: Days of Thunder

Evening, Northridge, Los Angeles.

"You're back?" Winona Ryder, dressed in a sexy camisole, opened the door for Arthur. "Did Miramax want to buy the script?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes, they said they wanted to create a new genre label called Dimension Films. They also wanted me to join. I don't know what they're thinking."

"The Weinstein brothers got a little carried away after their success with Sex, Lies, and Videotape last year!"

"Yeah," Winona Ryder said, pulling Arthur to sit on the sofa. "They made quite a bit from the $24 million box office, and My Left Foot also had over $10 million in ticket sales."

"And the cost?" Arthur rubbed his eyes. "Look at New Line. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles grossed $100 million in North America. That's truly incredible, especially since they bought the North American rights from 20th Century Fox for just $3 million. Even after sharing some of the North American profits with Hong Kong's Golden Harvest Company per their contract, this film catapulted New Line's reputation and wealth."

Moreover, the North American box office for Sleepless in Seattle was also $100 million. Although successful, it still couldn't match the live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in profits.

Winona Ryder wrapped her arms around Arthur's neck and sat on his lap. "It's good you didn't sell. Didn't you say you wanted to develop it yourself?"

"Yeah, I need to think it over carefully," Arthur said, as he placed his hand on Winona Ryder's thigh and kissed her neck.

"Arthur, how about taking a bath first?" Winona Ryder suggested while unbuttoning Arthur's shirt.

"Let's bathe later," Arthur said, pushing Winona Ryder onto the sofa and showering her with passionate kisses.

Winona Ryder cooperated by slipping off her camisole. "Arthur, take me to the bedroom!"

Arthur lifted his head from Winona Ryder's chest and smiled. "Can't wait?"

She ran her hand over Arthur's chest, licked her lips, and whispered seductively in his ear, "Don't you want me to take the lead?"

"An offer I can't refuse!" Arthur said, kissing her before carrying her to the bedroom.

Winona Ryder lay on Arthur, feeling his chiseled chest muscles. "Is this the result of daily workouts, darling?"

"Pretty much," Arthur replied. With his improved physical condition, he found himself more adept at handling challenges, which he considered a form of training.

Feeling the kisses on his abdomen, Arthur soon found his hand moving through Winona Ryder's hair...

***

Hollywood Arts Center, Los Angeles.

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise attended a media event together. Due to the promotional activities for Days of Thunder this month, Nicole Kidman's exposure had significantly increased.

Appearing alongside Tom Cruise, even though the media paid little attention to her name and referred to her as Tom Cruise's new flame or the woman by Tom Cruise's side.

But, thanks to Tom Cruise's immense influence, Nicole Kidman had appeared in more newspapers this month than in her entire previous life.

"Nicole, what's wrong?" Tom Cruise asked, noticing Nicole Kidman spacing out.

"Just saw Bruce Willis and Demi Moore," Nicole Kidman pointed out. "We worked together on Billy Bathgate, although he had just a cameo."

"Let's go say hi," Tom Cruise suggested, leading her over.

Bruce Willis's Die Hard 2 had grossed $80 million in North America within half a month of its mid-July release.

In comparison, Days of Thunder had only just hit $70 million after a month, and Ghost, which had been out for a month and a half, had already surpassed $100 million in North America.

Nicole Kidman followed Tom Cruise over to chat with Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.

However, she felt a pang of jealousy. Arthur had directly called Ghost a phenomenon-level love story, surpassing Sleepless in Seattle within a month and a half.

Demi Moore's fame had skyrocketed, and Nicole Kidman was envious beyond words.

"Arthur also said that Disney's Pretty Woman would surpass Sleepless in Seattle later this year," Nicole Kidman thought. She already knew Arthur wasn't an ordinary person; otherwise, she wouldn't have gotten involved with him.

She had initially thought it would be great if Ghost and Pretty Woman reached the level of Sleepless in Seattle, but never imagined this outcome.

With Ghost's momentum, it was sure to surpass $200 million in North America, not to mention the international earnings. It was mind-boggling.

Demi Moore and Bruce Willis were now the talk of Hollywood, their fame spreading far and wide.

Nicole Kidman thought, "I really can't ignore Arthur's words anymore. I need to push To Die For forward faster!"

Before the release of Days of Thunder, she had been keen on the To Die For project. However, the possibility of becoming Tom Cruise's official girlfriend had distracted her.

Now, with Billy Bathgate wrapped up and Days of Thunder promotions almost over, Nicole Kidman refocused on To Die For.

At the Miramax headquarters, Harvey Weinstein was reading the papers, almost all praising Ghost.

Los Angeles Times: "The film's special effects are excellent, and the theme of 'love beyond death' is very moving, with a tear-jerking ending."

Hollywood Reporter: "This is a wonderful film, sincere and inspiring. The performances by the four main actors are outstanding, and the story is captivating. It possesses the gentle, noble qualities of a fairy tale, with a heartening message."

Newsweek: "Ghost is an inventive blend of comedy, romance, and supernatural thriller. Even though the plot is predictable, it still feels fresh and innovative."

"Impressive," Harvey Weinstein mused, envying the film's success.

"Harvey, you in here?" Bob Weinstein knocked and entered. "Arthur refused to sell, and he was incredibly arrogant!"

*****

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