[Chapter 308: Kate Winslet]
It took Linton a full ten days to get all the farm's construction work organized. By the time he was done, it was September 15th.
Considering Universal Music had been calling him three times a day, urging him to come back and record his singles, Linton didn't linger on the farm.
He left the bodyguard Carter behind to assist David with managing the farm's various projects. Linton, along with Winnie and Michelle Reis, headed back to Los Angeles.
He originally planned for Winnie to stay behind and supervise the farm's operations, but with the rapid growth of the internet, Winnie's internet venture capital fund had exploded with business recently. She was swamped with work. Additionally, the farm's poor communication facilities made it impossible for her to juggle both.
Fortunately, the farm's work had already been sorted out. All cooperating parties just needed to strictly follow their contracts. With David and Carter on site, there wouldn't be major problems.
...
This trip to the farm also brought something Linton was particularly happy about.
Perhaps the quiet rural environment or the limited living conditions helped Winnie overcome her mental barriers. Every night, she and Michelle Reis challenged Linton with some exciting three-player games...
Even on this remote farm, Linton was enjoying the joys of companionship.
However, once back in Los Angeles, Winnie became more reserved again. When she found out Vivian Chow was also staying at the estate, she firmly refused to spend the night there, killing Linton's hopes for a four-player game night.
...
After more than ten days apart, Vivian Chow was particularly affectionate and energetic during their rendezvous. Teaming up with Michelle Reis, she matched Linton's moves blow for blow.
The manor was filled all night with cheerful and sweet singing sounds.
After some rest, Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis flanked Linton on either side, their faces bearing a lazy blush.
"Honey, how is your song recording going?"
"Dear, the single Faded has been recorded already, and the music videos are already in production," Vivian Chow said excitedly when mentioning the song.
"Also, after Faded was recorded, Universal Music did a preliminary evaluation and believe the song has the potential to break into the Billboard Hot 100. They already raised the distribution standards and increased the promotional budget to $1.5 million."
"That's fantastic! Work hard and aim for a smash hit," Linton thought. Faded was more than just Billboard Hot 100 material -- in the previous life, it had stayed at number one for two weeks straight. Although Vivian Chow was a newcomer, with strong Universal promotion, the song would easily reach the Billboard Top 30, if not Top 10.
"Thank you, darling, for giving me such a great song to sing. I want to thank you properly," she said, slipping into the blanket.
Linton pulled Michelle Reis in his arms. "Sweetheart, have you rested enough? Let's continue."
The strange sounds and joyful singing resumed...
---
On September 16th, Linton arrived at Universal Music, ready to record the songs. Just as he entered the company, Daniel intercepted him.
"Thank God, Linton! You finally came back. If not, I would have had to go to Montana and drag you back."
"There's just too much going on there. I couldn't get away. But as soon as I got some headway, I hurried back. Don't worry, I'll record the songs quickly and won't delay the release schedule."
"The song recordings can wait. The priority now is choosing the female lead for the video and starting dance rehearsals. That way, once your recordings are done, shooting the video can start immediately to save time."
"Alright, Carson and the team have done the first round of auditions, right?"
"That's done and dusted. The second round finished last week too. Now, the final round is waiting on your decision."
"Okay, I'll go meet Carson to discuss the auditions."
...
The music video crew was the same as for the previous album's videos -- producer Carson, director Jack, and choreographer Axe.
Preparations were already in place. The first two rounds of auditions for female leads were complete. Given Linton's popularity, the exposure these actresses would get from starring in his videos would rival that of TV heroines. All actresses who had previously starred in Linton's videos had developed well.
With examples like Cameron Diaz, Naomi Watts, Cristiana Reali, Heidi Klum, Monica Bellucci, and Charlize Theron paving the way, being selected was a coveted opportunity for many agencies and young actresses.
Because of fierce competition and Linton's absence, Carson, Jack, and Axe hesitated to make decisions alone. So, over ten actresses who passed the second round remained for each song.
"So many?" Linton chuckled, staring at the thick stack of files. It was more intense than movie casting.
"That's because your videos are so popular. Competition is fierce, and each candidate is excellent. We've eliminated over 80% in the first two rounds," Carson explained.
Linton examined the files. Each actress was stunning and statuesque -- no wonder Carson couldn't let many go.
Unexpectedly, he found a familiar name: Kate Winslet.
Another beautiful British rose.
In the previous timeline, she had achieved great success in Hollywood, skyrocketing to fame with Titanic as Rose. That movie set box office records and earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress -- the true breakout she was. She and Leonardo DiCaprio were global superstars, and by 1998, her recognition was unrivaled among female stars.
Unfortunately, at the height of her fame and commercial value, she decided to pursue artistry over commercial films, choosing indie and art films with an eye on winning the Best Actress Oscar.
Though she eventually won both the Golden Globe and Oscar for Best Actress due to her superb acting, her commercial value and public appeal diminished due to staying away from blockbusters.
In hindsight, she had chosen the wrong path or was misled by critics.
Her resume showed she was born in October 1975 -- just turned eighteen.
Exactly Linton's type.
No question, she was the one.
As for the rest, no familiar names surfaced. Probably no big breaks in their past lives.
No matter. Finding one Kate Winslet was a huge win.
He grabbed a pen and circled her file. "She's automatically qualified -- no audition needed. Decide the other two yourself."
"Aren't you joining the final audition?"
"I don't have time. You decide quickly. They're all similar anyway, but they must pass dance rehearsals."
"Got it. We'll finish by tomorrow," Carson said gleefully, surprised at Linton's generosity -- taking only one spot and handing the rest to his team. Seeing all the photos of these lovely women, his spirits lifted. Tonight wouldn't be lonely. But he wouldn't keep both spots for himself. He'd take one and leave the last decision to Jack and Axe.
---
Despite her youth, Kate Winslet had starred in a British stage play and a TV series, earning modest fame as an actress in England.
But like Catherine Zeta-Jones and many other aspiring British actresses, she dreamed of the Hollywood spotlight.
She had recently arrived in Los Angeles seeking opportunities and happened to coincide with Linton's music video casting.
Her agent, Athena, could hardly believe it when the production informed her that Kate was directly accepted without a final audition.
When she heard Linton personally handpicked her, Athena went wild. The actresses Linton endorsed always soared in their careers.
With this chance, could Kate take off? They were both thrilled and decided to seize the moment, clinging to Linton's star power to boost Kate's career.
Soon Linton unexpectedly received a dinner invitation call from Kate Winslet.
...
Since reaching the Celestial Presence stage, Linton had mastered every muscle, even controlling his vocal cords and tone effortlessly.
His singing was transcendent -- unmatched by any singer; even the famed Mariah Carey, known for breaking high notes, paled in comparison.
During recording, Lisa, the producer, planned for Linton to record one song every two days -- three songs done in six days.
But shockingly, Linton recorded everything perfectly in one take, never needing to choose the best performance from multiple takes.
In less than a day, all three songs -- You Are Not Alone, Water Runs Dry, and I Know -- were done.
His vocal skills and recording speed stunned everyone at Universal Music. Daniel pulled Linton aside to suggest a concert.
"Linton, it's a waste not to hold a concert with your vocal skills. What about a nationwide tour at the end of this year?"
"No time this year. Maybe next year."
"Deal. I'll start planning now. No backing out."
"Okay, go ahead," Linton replied as Daniel eagerly accepted.
...
That evening, Linton went to the Green Forest -- an upscale, private 3-star Michelin restaurant popular among Hollywood stars.
Following the waiter's directions, he entered the reserved private room and met Kate Winslet.
Selected by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful Women Worldwide, she was truly stunning in person -- more beautiful than photos.
Her flawless features, sparkling eyes like a starry sky, elegantly shaped lips, shoulder-length brown hair, tall and slender figure in a knee-length blue dress with black heels accentuating her graceful curves.
Seeing Linton, Kate excitedly embraced him warmly.
"Mr. Anderson, I'm so happy to see you -- I feel like I'm dreaming."
"Kate, please just call me Linton."
"Thank you, Linton. I've received notice I'm the female lead for the You Are Not Alone video."
"No thanks needed. From your file, you're the perfect fit."
"But you didn't audition me. How do you know?"
"I trust my judgment. Seeing you now confirms it."
"I meant, I want to audition just for you, show my talents fully so you get the full picture," Kate said shyly, boldly making the request.
"Oh, seems you're talented."
"So, can you give me a chance?"
"Alright, come with me after dinner."
"Great, I'm all yours. Here's to you," Kate raised her glass of red wine happily.
"Cheers."
...
After dinner, Kate quietly got into Linton's car. Danny managed to shake off paparazzi and drove straight into the Hilton Hotel underground parking.
Linton and Kate took a private elevator directly to the penthouse, where an assistant had prepared the presidential suite earlier.
As soon as they entered, Kate threw herself into Linton's arms, tilting her slender neck up to deliver a fragrant kiss.
Not holding back, Linton wrapped his arms around her, kissing her soft lips.
Emboldened, Kate responded more passionately, even helping Linton remove his gear.
They kissed passionately from the entrance, through the living room, and into the bedroom, discarding clothes all along the way.
Kate's figure was enviably perfect -- slim where needed, and curvy where it counted.
More importantly, she was enthusiastic and fully engaged from the start.
Sweet, joyful singing filled the presidential suite through the night.
As Kate promised, she was truly multi-talented, excellent at vocalizations, dance, and more.
...
The night's passion continued until breakfast the next morning. After freshening up, Linton ordered breakfast to be delivered to the suite.
While eating, Kate lingered wistfully.
"Darling, you're so strong. Being with you is an amazing experience -- I hardly want to part."
"Baby, you're incredible too."
"So, can we continue tonight?"
"Here's the keycard. Spend today practicing dance at the studio. Come to me tonight."
"You're too kind, muah..."
...
Since Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis were still at the estate, Linton only stayed at the hotel with Kate for two days.
Michelle Reis had already been notified that preparations for Rumble in the Bronx were progressing smoothly. She needed to return soon for training.
The movie had quite a few action scenes, including car chases. Though stunt doubles could be used, at least the poses had to look good.
Vivian Chow would start a North American promotional tour on September 23rd, arranged by Universal Music.
As their farewell approached, no matter how hard Linton played his games, he made sure to spend quality time with them.
In those final days, the two women clung to Linton with special affection, and their passion was at an all-time high...
*****
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