[Chapter 585: The Golden Globe Awards]
This round of partying lasted even longer -- six full days and six nights straight. It wasn't until the morning of January 28th that Linton emerged from the seventh courtyard accompanied by his harem of radiant, glowing women, each more breathtaking and alluring than the last. Tomorrow was the day of the Golden Globe Awards ceremony.
Fortunately, nine full days had passed since the "Divine Judgment" incident, and the media frenzy surrounding the event had cooled significantly. Otherwise, the Golden Globes might have been pushed back.
This year, two films under Linton's banner -- Run Lola Run and Chicago -- garnered multiple nominations, making them front-runners for the awards. Among his women, Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Charlize Theron each secured major individual nominations and were strong contenders for Golden Globe wins.
Additionally, Vivian Chow starred in ER, which earned a nomination for Best Drama Series (TV), and Vivian herself was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Movie. However, as an Asian actress whose role wasn't especially standout, her nomination alone was a major victory; winning was never really expected.
She had ended her partying three days earlier and flown to Los Angeles for preparations. All the big brands she endorsed -- jewelers, fashion lines, watches, handbags, shoes -- were eagerly awaiting her appearance at the ceremony, every detail meticulously arranged.
Among Linton's harem, besides Winnie, the rest were industry insiders. While not nominated, no female star would dare miss such a glamorous event. After all, who doesn't dream of a Golden Globe Best Actress title? She couldn't risk offending the judging panel by skipping when invited.
Moreover, with so many brand endorsements backing each of them, these opportunities for publicity were priceless and never passed up.
Thanks to daily parties and pampering with essence treatments, the women were all confident in their looks and bodies. Even Cristiana, Sophie Marceau, and Monica Bellucci -- three stunning stars who had each given birth just five months ago -- had already fully regained their peak physiques and radiant charm.
There was no need for painful crash diets or exhausting beauty regimens like other actresses. They only had to return to Los Angeles that afternoon for fittings with their brand sponsors' latest gowns, jewelry, bags, and heels, letting stylists finalize the ultimate looks.
Linton himself was not attending the ceremony. That was by choice. He had the luxury of being willful -- and frankly, he valued awards less. Whether Golden Globes or Oscars, he never chased honors by making pretentious art films.
...
At noon, after enjoying meticulously prepared cuisine by the chef Suarez Shijie, paired with their own vintage wine, the group boarded two private jets back to Los Angeles.
This time, the little ones Nina, Alexander, Michelle, and Bruce went along. The three five-month-old babies naturally slept soundly in their mothers' arms.
But one-and-a-half-year-old Nina was quite the little sprite. Unlike usual, she didn't cling to Linton but sat beside him with a pouty expression.
Linton knew she was sulking, upset that he'd spent so little time with her since returning to the estate. Feeling guilty, he scooped her into his arms. "My precious little Nina, what's wrong? Who's made you so unhappy?"
"It's you, bad daddy," Nina twisted her head, looking away.
"Oh? How did daddy offend you?"
"You've been back so long and still haven't played with me. I think about you every day, waiting for you."
Linton felt a pang. The past ten days had been wild parties and endless carnal escapades -- so wild there wasn't even a moment to stroll and watch the snow, let alone spend time with the kids.
As his children grew, he realized he'd need to balance parties with family.
He kissed Nina's rosy cheeks. "My little darling, daddy's sorry. Will you forgive me?"
Nina giggled under his kiss. "Okay, I forgive you. But today, you have to play with me all afternoon."
"From now on, daddy will stay with you. How's that?"
...
Back in warm, spring-like Los Angeles, the women hustled to prep for the Golden Globes red carpet the next day.
True to his promise, Linton spent the afternoon with Winnie and Li Xiaoran, who weren't attending the Golden Globes, playing with the four children and regaining Nina's affection.
...
On Friday, January 29th, at 5 p.m., the Golden Globe Awards took place as scheduled.
With Nina cradled in his arms, Linton joined Winnie and Li Xiaoran in the dining room, savoring dishes prepared by the staff and sipping the estate's own wine, all while watching the ceremony broadcast live on TV.
As the Golden Globes grew in influence, nearly every Hollywood star attended, especially the female celebrities -- barely anyone missed such a glittering occasion.
However, in Linton's eyes, among the dazzle of stars competing on the red carpet, it was his beautiful angels that truly stole the spotlight.
Whether it was the nominated trio Madonna, Catherine, Charlize, and Vivian, or new mothers Cristiana, Sophie, and Monica, along with others like Nicole Kidman and others -- their radiance completely outshone the rest and added tremendous prestige to the event.
Nina, nestled in Linton's arms, squealed excitedly as she watched her angelic mother and aunts grace the red carpet, her tiny hands clapping until red. "Daddy, look! That's Mommy! She's so beautiful."
"Daddy, that's Auntie! Auntie's beautiful, too..."
...
Harvey's PR campaign had paid off brilliantly. Although Linton didn't attend, he emerged as the biggest winner of the night.
Run Lola Run claimed Best Drama, and Chicago snagged Best Musical/Comedy. Anne Fletcher won Best Director for Chicago. Madonna took Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy for her role as Roxie. Charlize Theron won Best Actress in a Drama for Run Lola Run. Catherine took Best Supporting Actress for her role in Chicago.
By 9:30 p.m., the ceremony ended. Nina had fallen asleep in Linton's arms.
He entrusted the nanny to carry Nina to bed and instructed the butler to prepare a lavish dinner to celebrate Madonna, Catherine, and Charlize's wins.
Though the Golden Globes could never compare to the Oscars, their prestige and global impact were undeniable, and their effect on commercial value only grew more apparent in recent years.
Naturally, Madonna, Catherine, and Charlize were thrilled by their triumphs. Upon returning home, each one took turns wrapping themselves around Linton, planting kisses on his lips.
If not for the already set celebration dinner, they might have dragged him to the bedroom for more intimate "celebrations."
...
"To Madonna, Catherine, and Charlize's Golden Globe wins! Here's to their continued success at the Oscars!" Linton raised his glass, joined by his harem.
Last year had been a breakout year for Linton, his numerous ventures skyrocketing, music and film careers hitting new highs.
Aside from newest members Li Xiaoran and the post-baby Cristiana, Sophie, and Monica, the careers of the others were booming.
Nicole Kidman, thanks to her blockbuster female-led spy thriller The Long Kiss Goodnight, surpassed $300 million worldwide. Naomi Watts' sci-fi disaster film Twister grossed over $500 million, pushing both to near A-list status.
The Madonna-Catherine-led Chicago earned rave reviews and box office success, still showing on 500 screens in North America and nearing $100 million. With the Golden Globe boost, its theatrical run would expand, guaranteeing even more revenue.
Having now won major Golden Globes, if they could snag Oscars next, their star power would climb further.
Madonna's status, however, was already legendary -- arguably the most commercially valuable star ever. Winning the Golden Globe or Oscar just added more luster to her halo.
Catherine's situation was different. An Oscar win combined with strong global box office for Chicago could push her into the A-list ranks.
Charlize, anchored by Run Lola Run's $120 million box office and now a Golden Globe winner, had cemented her spot among Hollywood's elite female stars.
Others fared well, too: Cristiana, Sophie, Winona Ryder, and Cameron Diaz were established A-listers. Monica, Jennifer Aniston, and Kate Winslet hovered just below. Shania Twain led the music scene as a major new icon with multiple Grammy and AMA awards.
Heidi Klum was top-tier supermodel and chief Victoria's Secret Angel. Izumi Sakai won AMA for Best Pop Female. Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis remained strong second-tier stars.
Sherilyn Fenn and Xu Qing were lower-tier Hollywood talents, their budding careers tentatively growing thanks to their status as Linton's beauties. Next year's releases -- National Treasure and Final Destination 2 -- promised to boost their visibility.
With solid projects planned, closing the gap with the main group was attainable.
Overall, everyone's fortunes had transformed dramatically since joining Linton, achieving far better success than in past lives.
Monica and Jennifer, though, still needed stronger breaks. Linton planned to find them prime projects this year to push them up, aiming for solid A-list status if not higher.
Kate Winslet required no such push. With Titanic, she would effortlessly ascend from solid A-list to near A-plus status.
Oscar and Golden Globe bias against Asians remained strong, and competition was fierce. Vivian Chow, Michelle Reis, and Noriko Sakai stood little chance at awards, nomination itself was a feat.
The music scene was more promising, with more categories available. Next steps included campaigning for music awards for Izumi Sakai, Vivian Chow, Noriko Sakai, and Akina Nakamori -- a wiser path.
...
Linton looked around at his stunning, beloved harem of women, each prolific and adored, fueling his pride.
In high spirits, he raised his glass again. "Let's drink tonight till we're drunk! Then we'll sing, and finally throw another party -- just to celebrate ourselves!"
His harem were surprised but delighted. Usually, despite Linton's perfection and kindness, his cool, imposing demeanor rarely broke into such joy -- unless in private games or parties.
Seeing him so relaxed and eager to share fun lifted their spirits immensely.
After Madonna, Catherine, and Charlize's wins, some of the other sisters nursed ambitions, their eyes gleaming. If Linton's power was anything to go by, and considering past years when Sophie, Winona, Cristiana, and Monica swept combined Golden Globe and Oscar female star awards, any win seemed within reach -- if Linton willed it.
'Could next year be my turn?'
For a Hollywood star, what could be more enticing?
The women's eyes sparkled as they sought his gaze, each secretly longing.
Madonna was first to rise, balanced her glass, and sat boldly in his lap. Pouring from the wine decanter, she filled both their glasses.
"Darling, thank God I met you. Thank you for giving me a different life -- especially for fulfilling my dream with this Golden Globe. Let's drink a toast together."
"Cheers," the other sisters cheered in unison.
Linton accepted without hesitation, clinking glasses and finishing the wine.
But unexpectedly, after swallowing, Madonna didn't rise; instead, she leaned in and kissed him deeply.
Only then did he realize she was passing a large sip of wine from her mouth into his with the kiss.
Amid laughter and teasing, Linton happily finished the shared toast.
Nicole Kidman followed suit, carrying her glass over...
...
The party moved on to their private karaoke room, a spacious suite designed like a luxurious nightclub lounge, equipped with top-tier sound systems and the latest song selection tech.
After belting out a few songs, the music shifted into playlist mode, and the women gathered around Linton, drinking and playing games into the night.
*****
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