[Chapter 509: Caught in the Den of Female Celebrities]
The gala was hosted by Scott, who gave a brief opening speech before inviting Linton to perform the first dance. Naturally, his partner was Heidi Klum, captain of the Victoria's Secret Angels.
"Darling, I've seen so many beautiful women eyeing you hungrily tonight. Don't stand us up later," Heidi whispered, her body pressed closely against Linton's as they moved to the rhythm.
"Don't worry. I promised you all I'd be there, and I always keep my word," Linton assured her. Indeed, he had already committed to spending the evening with these six stunning Angels.
...
Hollywood was an intensely hierarchical world. As the opening dance ended, Linton was invited to the VIP lounge, where only Rupert Murdoch, Sumner Redstone, and Michael Eisner awaited him.
Strictly speaking, Michael Eisner's status didn't quite measure up to the other two -- after all, he was just the helmsman of Disney, not the actual owner.
The moment Linton arrived, the three gentlemen stood to greet him respectfully.
"Linton, Mission: Impossible was truly spectacular. Wishing you big box office success."
"Linton, I envy you so much. Achieving this at such a young age is impressive."
...
After some polite small talk, Sumner Redstone, the eldest, couldn't resist speaking up. "Linton, though we're competitors in the industry, we're all top-tier Hollywood companies and members of the MPAA. I believe our future lies more in cooperation than rivalry. What do you think?"
"You're absolutely right, Mr. Redstone. We should definitely strengthen our collaboration going forward."
"Linton, I have a favor to ask. I hope you'll agree."
"Please, go ahead."
"Your Vitality Pills are in such high demand that my people couldn't even get in the queue the other day. I hope you'll cut some slack and let me preorder a bottle. You can ask for anything in return."
"Yes, yes, please prioritize us. Whatever you want," Murdoch and Eisner chimed in together.
...
After a bit of negotiation, Linton agreed to reserve one bottle of Vitality Pills for each of them, to be sold at market price before the official launch next month.
As a condition, future films produced by Universal and Linton's company would avoid head-on competition, and more importantly, they wouldn't engage in malicious slander or negative campaigns, including supporting each other at film rating boards.
With the Vitality Pills deal settled, the three moguls left satisfied.
...
Linton then greeted other studio heads, producers, and directors one by one.
When it came to Anne Fletcher, she openly wrapped him in a tight embrace, making him acutely aware of her impressive presence. "Linton, it's been so long since we got close. Got time tonight?"
"Maybe another time. Tonight's just not possible."
"Fine, then tomorrow afternoon, I'm coming to your office. No more excuses."
"All right."
"Okay, I'll let you off the hook for now. Bye."
...
When Linton met the stars, the male actors were mostly polite, offering greetings and sincere expressions of interest in collaboration.
But the female stars? He felt like tender prey caught in a lioness's den. One by one, they threw themselves into his arms, not only holding him tight but also planting passionate kisses, their heat overwhelming. By the end, each pressed a room key card into his hand.
Unfortunately, Linton had already promised the Angels his exclusive attention, so the others were all politely but firmly turned down. After all, even the most beautiful couldn't compete with six Victoria's Secret Angels swooping in all at once.
Among the famous were Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone, Brooke Shields, Elizabeth Hurley, Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, and Sherilyn Fenn...
But some were more tactful. Jennifer Aniston, known as America's sweetheart thanks to Friends, was a rare television phenomenon. Although TV stars usually didn't rival film stars in status or box office clout, Jennifer was an exception -- a powerhouse whose commercial value and popularity matched Hollywood's biggest female leads, even rivaling Julia Roberts.
After Linton declined her invitation for a night together, Jennifer held on tight and whispered into his ear, "Linton, I've checked your schedule. You're doing a promotional tour in New York on May 10, right?"
"Yes. Why? Got an idea?"
"I'd like to volunteer to join your team in New York to help with the promotion. I'm sure I still have some fans."
"Great. Thanks."
"Then it's settled. Bye."
Both understood she was moving tonight's planned date to New York on May 10. Linton didn't mind. Jennifer's looks met his tastes, and her immense popularity could only help boost his rising star power.
...
Next up was Mariah Carey. At her peak this time, she was rapidly approaching Madonna's stature in the music world.
She also wrapped him in a tight hug and gave a kiss. After her invitation was turned down, she quickly pivoted.
"Linton, your film's got a promotional tour coming. How about I join you in New York to help with the publicity?"
"Sorry, Jennifer Aniston's already joining me in New York."
"Damn, she's fast. Okay, how about Chicago? I'll meet you there."
"Chicago? That could work."
"I have a lot of fans in Chicago who could help."
"All right."
...
Then came Sherilyn Fenn, less famous but stunningly beautiful -- still one of the most gorgeous women at the event, despite being 31 and slightly past her prime. No doubt, she had probably been taking her share of beauty restoration treatments.
Linton held an irresistible charm for Sherilyn, and after she was rejected for a night together, she made a new proposal.
"Linton, you'll be promoting in Detroit after the film's release, right?"
"Yes." At this time, Detroit wasn't the post-apocalyptic ghost town it would later become. As the heart of America's auto industry, it was populous, prosperous, and ranked among the nation's top ten largest cities -- a crucial box office market.
"Detroit's my hometown, and I have plenty of fans there. What if I meet you there and help with the promotion?"
"Sounds good." What could he do? When beauty beckoned like this, it was almost impossible to say no. Although her popularity was a bit lower, she was still incredibly appealing.
...
The gala lasted until 11 p.m., when Linton finally escaped the reluctant embraces of many longing female stars. As promised, he made his way to the hotel's top floor, the presidential suite.
Heidi Klum, Helena Christensen, Laetitia Casta, Daniela Pestova, Stephanie Seymour, and Tyra Banks -- the six stunningly sexy Angels -- were already waiting.
The party that followed was naturally unforgettable...
During the celebration, the Angels performed a private, sultry lingerie show just for Linton, and he eagerly explored their many mysteries...
Only concluding the next morning, Linton once again silently marveled -- Victoria's Secret Angels truly were deeply enchanting.
As a reward, he left each Angel a bottle of Beauty Pills.
*****
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