[Chapter 437: Media Tycoon, Idol Capitalist]
After leaving the premiere, the stunning Jennifer and Akina Nakamori naturally climbed aboard Linton's RV.
Just as they settled in, Jennifer, barely containing her excitement, asked, "Darling, do you think the North American box office for Scream will really hit $100 million?"
"Absolutely. You don't think I'm just bragging for publicity, do you?"
"Well, that kind of hype is pretty common, though."
"Don't worry. When have I ever exaggerated about box office predictions? This movie is solid, with the perfect release timing and solid marketing. Plus, with today's premiere buzz, hitting $100 million in North America shouldn't be a problem. Your performance in the film was great too. Once this movie hits big, you'll officially be a top-tier Hollywood star."
"Really? Darling, you're amazing, muah..."
Ignoring Akina and the assistant in the RV, Jennifer suddenly threw herself into Linton's arms, planting a passionate kiss. Being a top Hollywood leading lady was such a sweet spot. After all, there were barely five or six women who could claim that status.
And if Scream's North American box office really broke $100 million, it would mark Jennifer's third blockbuster over $100 million in just three years (after Step Up 2 and Happy Death Day). So, her rise to the very top was only natural.
Akina was equally thrilled. It was her first Hollywood film and a major secondary female role, with the potential for massive box office success -- a dream debut. She also threw herself into Linton's arms on the other side, giving him a kiss in return.
Seeing their excitement and passion, Linton, knowing they still had over 40 minutes to reach the estate, pressed a button. The partition between the driver's cabin and the living space rose slowly, separating the driver and assistant, and simultaneously activating a soundproof barrier.
Jennifer and Akina were at opposite sides of the large RV...
Fortunately, there was enough room.
...
When they finally reached the estate, Jennifer and Akina were completely exhausted, panting heavily as they gathered themselves before stepping out.
The women waiting outside couldn't help but tease and make a scene.
But with the boost of anticipated box office success, Jennifer and Akina didn't care at all about their teasing. Considering the upcoming two-day promotion tour, the party that evening, and a live drama performance, their energy was only soaring higher, fully committed...
---
On the morning of the 31st, Linton arrived at UPN TV as scheduled for an interview.
In fact, UPN had been warming up for his feature on their network since noon the day before, with a prime-time slot at 8 PM that evening.
What surprised Linton was that Chris had arranged not an entertainment interview but a financial news segment for him.
When Linton expressed his doubts, Chris explained, "Boss, ever since you acquired Universal, your identity isn't just a top Hollywood director and star anymore. You're now the respected head of a major corporation -- a true businessman. Your influence has expanded beyond entertainment into finance. Doing an entertainment interview would be a waste. The financial news slot just launched recently, and your fame is perfect for giving the program a big promotional boost."
"You're pretty clever, even leveraging my star power for yourself."
Linton patted Chris on the shoulder, feeling pleased with him. UPN was undergoing a radical transformation, rapidly catching up with the big four networks.
Although much credit went to Linton for shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Teletubbies, and ER, Chris's excellent management and ambitious growth plans were crucial, with many rolling out smoothly.
Linton saw it all clearly. With UPN's new initiatives, within a year it would surely rival Fox, if not the other three major networks.
"Thanks for understanding, boss. The show just started recently, and while viewership is good, we need a big breakthrough. You're just the perfect catalyst. Thanks to your interview announcement, the ad sales jumped -- this episode will bring in well over $10 million."
Thanks to Linton and the buzz around Universal's acquisition, advertisers flocked quickly, turning a previously overlooked program into a hot commodity.
"The financial interview segment attracts plenty of attention. Any challenges?"
"The key is guests. We need influential and popular business leaders to draw viewers' interest. Boss, can you help with that?"
Hearing this, Linton immediately thought of Winnie, the young and beautiful Harvard grad who, within just three years post-graduation, became head of an investment firm managing billions of dollars.
Her streak of successful stock picks and high-profile tech venture investments, especially the Netscape boom, made for excellent buzz. With some savvy promotion, she'd become the next big name in finance -- a perfect American Dream story.
Her youth and charm gave her an edge, and with the right PR, she might soon rival Hollywood's leading ladies in fame and fanbase, adding another powerful figure to Linton's growing circle.
It would also be a great chance to promote Skycrest Capital, helping it become the go-to for startups.
If this episode performed well, ratings and revenue would soar -- a win-win on all fronts.
"Sure, I'll send you a list. Next episode, bring up Winnie from the 15th floor."
"Ms. Gesso's perfect, absolutely. Thanks, boss."
...
Just then, a stunning blonde woman host approached, eyes sparkling as she greeted Linton enthusiastically.
"Hello, boss, I'm Stephanie Egger, the financial show's host. Can I give you a hug?"
Opening his arms for a polite hug, Linton was caught off guard when Stephanie hugged him tightly and warmly instead. He felt her firm softness and a pleasant scent -- Chanel No. 5 mixed with natural allure.
Talking with such a beautiful, intelligent woman lifted Linton's spirits. Her refined charm was rare.
After a happy embrace, he said, "Stephanie, the next two hours are yours."
"Got it, boss. Here's the interview outline. Take a look and let me know if there's anything off-limits."
Linton glanced at the outline. The headline read: [Linton, the 24-year-old Media Tycoon, Writing a New Legend.]
The questions all guided him to describe how, since graduating college, his talent had propelled him to success after success -- creating one legend after another.
- "How would you evaluate your school performance?"
- "How did you write songs that became hits across America and the world?"
- "When your singing career took off, why did you shift toward making films?"
- "Could you tell us about your charity foundation? How many people do you help annually?"
- "While other singers and actors indulge after fame, how do you keep your drive and creativity strong?"
- "Besides huge success as a singer, actor, and director, you've also published bestsellers like The Fault in Our Stars, National Treasure, The Matrix, Twilight, and more. How did you manage that?"
- "Your own film studio has flourished too. How did you achieve that?"
- "UPN was once a minor player but transformed rapidly after your acquisition. How did you pull that off?"
- "Before acquiring Universal, you already had a film company, TV network, publishing house, newspapers, and even a gaming firm -- your own media empire, right? What motivated you to buy Universal?"
- "What's your plan for integrating your media companies?"
- "What's your future vision for your media empire?"
- "What are your ultimate hopes and dreams for your business empire?"
...and of course, a few gossip questions at the end:
- "What's your attitude toward marriage and love?"
- "Rumor has it you and Madonna have a child -- Is that true? Any plans to marry?"
- "How many close female confidantes do you have?"
Reading that, Linton's first thought was, 'Wow, you're setting me up to be some kind of god. This interview completely shows off my meteoric rise -- except for the "harem" stuff, it's full exposure for all America to see. How could viewers not go wild?'
...
"Are these questions a bit too much? Trying to paint me as an idol capitalist?"
"Boss, aren't you America's sweetheart? You were an entertainment idol, and now you've stepped up as a major capitalist. Put together, that's an idol capitalist."
"But I'm just starting out in finance. Isn't this a stretch?"
"Boss, you're seriously underselling yourself. Acquiring Universal has already put you among America's most powerful elite. You are a top capitalist now. Trust me, your fans won't just be music and movie lovers -- they'll soon include business elites and mainstream audiences."
"Alright, just cut the last couple of gossip questions, please."
"Can we keep one or two?"
"This is a financial show."
"Financial viewers have a bit of gossip curiosity too."
"Fine, keep the first part of the second question."
"You mean -- did you really have a child with Madonna?"
"Yes, let's take this chance to officially share the joy."
"Wow, boss, your honesty will make tonight's show explode."
"That's perfect. Consider it my support for the show."
"But aren't you worried about losing fans?"
"My fans know I'm a bit of a playboy. They also know I have a child, and I'm honest about it. They should be happy and wish me well."
"Boss, that's so manly. I didn't expect such responsibility. So, are you and Madonna getting married?"
"Cut that question."
"Okay."
---
Stephanie conducted the interview professionally, with warmth and skillful pacing.
It went smoothly. After all, it was all Linton's real-life story -- no exaggeration needed.
Afterward, Stephanie felt a bit dazed, overwhelmed by his remarkable journey and charisma. Spending over two hours face-to-face, smelling his unmistakable pheromones, she couldn't help but feel her heart flutter, her legs occasionally brushing against each other in excitement.
She was confident the show's ratings were going to skyrocket, and her career was about to take off.
She boldly invited Linton to lunch, but he declined, saying his afternoon schedule was packed.
Though Stephanie was gorgeous, she wasn't quite an A-list beauty yet. Her show was new and her fame low, so he doubted spending time with her would benefit him much.
Still, being a skilled host, her warm and proactive approach earned her Linton's private phone number.
Linton left a small but clear impression: "When your ratings hit 3.0, I'll take you out."
"Really? The show airs tonight. You'll hear good news tomorrow."
"This episode doesn't count. When I'm the featured guest, I'm sure it'll hit 3.0. The key is maintaining that momentum. Once you consistently break 3.0, I'll make good on it."
"Okay, I believe we'll get there soon. Can I make a request?"
"Oh? What's that?"
"Can I choose the time and place?"
Linton studied her meaningfully from head to toe. She noticed, unbothered, even standing a little taller to flaunt her assets confidently.
Not bad. While her face wasn't perfect, her body was a knockout: full bust, slender waist, curvy hips, long legs, and 5'9" tall, paired with a rare blend of sophistication and allure often missing from many beauties -- both innocent and seductive.
If her show broke 3.0 in ratings, she'd be well on her way to stardom -- and at least qualified to be a casual lover.
"Alright, I'll wait to hear your 3.0 news."
*****
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