[Chapter 522: Falling Into the Same Trap Again]
On the way back to the estate, Linton's first action was to call Leon Panetta, the White House Chief of Staff. He detailed the security risks present in Los Angeles and then made his request.
"To ensure the safe transport of the Vitality Pills from the airport to the specialty store, I want to prepare two armored vehicles and four military-grade Hummers, all equipped with heavy weaponry. They must have permits to drive on public roads and be parked at my estate when not in use."
"Is that really necessary? You know armored vehicles on city streets are a privilege reserved for the military and the FBI. Even local police don't have that right."
"It's truly necessary. I've learned that four waves of gangs ambushed the route last night from the airport to the store, all heavily armed."
"Well, this Vitality Pill of yours really grabs the wrong kind of attention, huh? High price, easy to resell -- it's a prime target for gangs. But can't the LAPD handle it?"
"I'm not sure they can. I'm not willing to take that risk, nor leave my security in others' hands."
"Alright, I'll find a solution. Wait for my call."
...
After hanging up, Linton turned to Danny, who was driving ahead. "Danny, get the extra bodyguards in place as soon as possible. Until they arrive, hire a reliable security company to provide temporary protection. Each of the ladies should have two bodyguards watching their backs."
"Got it, boss. I'll get on it right away. But if we bring in a large number of guards, the estate doesn't have enough housing."
"That's easy. You and Amy figure out how to build two more housings nearby."
"Will do."
"Also, check if we need more heavy weapons around the estate. Make a list and have David handle procurement."
---
This month's Vitality Pills sold out in under an hour again, stirring up even more urgency. Those who hadn't managed to get in touch with Linton or secure a spot in the queue before grew desperate.
Assistant Li Xiaoran compiled a long list of visitors requesting meetings.
Knowing that filming for the music video would begin in mid-June and he had some free time, Linton selected ten of the more important people to meet with.
The list included GE CEO Jack Welch, Cisco CEO John Chambers, Boeing chairman Jeffrey, Pepsi CEO Randall, and the governor of New York Howard, among others.
These were prominent figures across America. Linton didn't want to appear dismissive but maintained a firm level of professional distance, meeting them all in his office.
When they requested priority access to Vitality Pills, Linton readily granted each one a bottle next month. Given their influential positions, cultivating goodwill was worth it.
However, if they wanted to secure more than one bottle, there was a price to pay.
For example, Jack Welch agreed to a long-term partnership between NBC, a GE subsidiary, Universal Pictures, and Linton Films. Future movies from both studios would receive prime promotional placement on NBC at discounted rates.
This arrangement was quite practical for Linton, so he happily approved Welch's request for two priority bottles annually.
Similarly, Randall offered Linton a custom-tailored Pepsi endorsement contract, boosting Linton's pay to $20 million per year.
That was a serious commitment, definitely worth the privilege of two priority Vitality Pills.
...
The last name on the meeting list was more unexpected: Panasonic Electronics' Matsushita Masaharu.
Frankly, Matsushita Masaharu didn't quite deserve priority -- yet Linton considered their previous interactions and the fact he had been intimate with his beloved youngest daughter.
Recalling that, he decided to include Masaharu after all.
Matsushita Masaharu himself felt a complicated mix of emotions.
His precious daughter, Matsushita Sukato, had gotten close to Linton once, but Masaharu had used ruthless means to tear them apart.
Who would have guessed that Linton, once dismissed and overlooked, would soar like a rocket, snatching Panasonic's assets and pioneering a revolutionary treatment with the Vitality and Beauty Pills?
The Beauty Pills were somewhat accessible with enough money, though limited in quantity. But the Vitality Pills? Nearly impossible to buy.
Whenever Masaharu thought about it, regret consumed him.
He blamed his own shortsightedness for not seeing Linton as the true rising star he was.
Otherwise, his standing would be very different today, instead of desperately trying to cozy up to Linton for priority access.
...
What surprised Linton was that Masaharu wasn't alone. Accompanying him was a stunning, alluring young woman -- none other than Matsushita Sukato, the very same who had once been his girlfriend, then had an extra-marital affair with him.
Upon their meeting, Linton offered Masaharu a friendly handshake.
But when he extended his right hand to Sukato, she ignored it and instead wrapped him in an intimate embrace, playfully twisting her fingers at his waist.
"You bad boy, you haven't contacted me in so long."
Linton pretended not to hear, keeping his composure, and led them into the reception room.
Sukato, receiving no reciprocal warmth in return, sighed inwardly and quietly made a decision.
Considering their past and Sukato's reputation, Linton gladly granted the priority request for two Vitality Pills, scheduling delivery for early next month.
Masaharu was more than satisfied, fully aware that many American power players could only secure one bottle through Linton.
With formalities settled, Linton declined Masaharu's invitation to dine.
But just as Masaharu was about to leave, Sukato unexpectedly asked to stay behind for a private catch-up.
The moment she said this, Masaharu's expression shifted several times.
He knew perfectly well this wasn't just a friendly reunion; it was clearly a matter of lingering feelings.
But thinking of Sukato's troubled marriage and the recent windfall from Linton, Masaharu found himself unable to argue.
He sighed heavily and left alone, his mood desolate.
...
Once Masaharu had gone, Sukato shed her composed, graceful demeanor.
With a rushing pounce, she threw herself into Linton's arms, pressing a passionate kiss on him while deftly helping him disrobe.
"You bad boy, I've missed you so much. Love me."
Though Linton initially wanted to resist, he couldn't bring himself not to do it.
...
Perhaps it had been too long since their last wild time together.
Sukato unleashed her full might, her sensual seduction flowing like a spectacular arsenal.
Her prowess surprised even Linton, but he was no disappointment -- if she was strong, he was stronger.
Their passionate encounters left traces everywhere: the office, conference room, private screening room, gym, pool, and the sprawling penthouse.
Sukato marveled at Linton's extravagance.
She never imagined a single person's office could be so vast, so lavish.
In the fiercely competitive Burbank business district, owning an entire floor over 3,000 square feet was pure decadence.
From 4 PM until 7 PM, their battles raged unabated, finally pausing for breath.
Linton considered taking her to the Hilton, but Sukato had other ideas.
She preferred to stay right there -- after all, the place was huge, fully equipped, and comfortable.
More importantly, resting here meant she could have uninhibited moments with Linton at night.
Even in the daytime, whenever Linton had breaks at the office, he could come join her anytime.
And if she felt inspired, she could swing by his office to for a play or two.
With only three days in America, this arrangement allowed them to enjoy each other's company at all hours.
...
For the next three days, Sukato barely set foot outside.
Linton put most of his other affairs on hold, staying with her on the penthouse floor for three full days and nights.
Until finally, the time to part came.
Exhausted beyond measure, Sukato collapsed into Linton's arms, tears streaming down her face.
"Dear, will we be able to see each other often from now on?"
Linton had no words, only held her tightly.
"My time's almost up. I'm leaving now. I'll find another chance to come back -- you can't ignore me."
Without responding, Linton pulled out a bottle of Beauty Pills and handed it to her as a silent promise.
"The Beauty Pills -- thank you, darling. They're my favorite gift." Sukato pressed a farewell kiss on him once more.
*****
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