[Chapter 586: Welcoming Meena]
After the Golden Globe Awards ceremony, Chicago and Run Lola Run emerged as the big winners, gaining massive exposure. That very night, Linton Films' distribution department urgently contacted major theater chains.
Starting February 1st, Chicago expanded its screening reach from 500 theaters to 2,400 theaters, covering 5,000 screens. Run Lola Run had been playing for eight weeks since its November 27th release, grossing $121 million across North America by January 24th. Normally, it would have been pulled from most theaters by then, moving fully into the rights management phase. But given its ongoing push through awards season, the studio kept it in limited release for long-tail revenue.
Riding the momentum of the Golden Globe wins, both films expanded their theater counts again -- Chicago to 1,200 screens -- aiming to harvest another wave of box office revenue. The results were clear: on Saturday, February 1st, Chicago pulled in $7.41 million, while Run Lola Run brought in $2.97 million. The next day, Chicago made $6.81 million and Run Lola Run $2.73 million.
...
On February 3rd, the 69th Academy Awards nomination luncheon was held at the Beverly Hills Regent Hotel. Chicago was the clear winner of the event with 15 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Art Direction. Run Lola Run also snagged three nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Editing.
Following the Academy Award nominations, media attention for both films surged further, bringing even more coverage. Though it was a Monday, the box office dropped less than 20% for both movies, raking in $5.73 million for Chicago and $2.33 million for Run Lola Run.
Seizing the opportunity, the distribution team negotiated with theaters to further expand Chicago's screenings to 2,800 screens. Run Lola Run's run was largely over -- it had already seen a broad release and was now just in its final phase of box office harvesting.
Universal Studios took the chance to ramp up overseas promotion for both films, highlighting their Golden Globe wins and Oscar nominations. They planned to release them simultaneously overseas that weekend.
...
With the Oscar campaign heating up, Harvey's PR team switched to more covert operations, ceasing any overt activities that might arouse suspicion. After over a month of relentless campaigning, Madonna, Catherine, and Charlize finally got some well-earned rest.
Considering how exhausted they'd all been, Linton decided to reward and compensate them. Plus, it was almost time to deliver the new batches of Vitality and Beauty Pills. On March 4th, Linton flew them all back to the estate for a vacation on a private jet.
Besides those three women and little Lina, only three others joined: Cristiana Reali, Sophie Marceau, Monica Bellucci, all with their children, and Sherilyn Fenn. Everyone else had to get back to work after the break. Sherilyn's presence was simply because she had no major projects lined up.
Another person with few commitments was Xu Qing, who was heading back to China to celebrate the New Year with her family. Before she left, Linton granted Li Xiaoran a long leave to accompany Xu Qing and gifted each of them a bottle of Vitality Pills and two bottles of Beauty Pills -- the maximum allowed by customs. They were also allowed to take home ten cases of Linton's own red wine as holiday gifts, with a private jet sending Xu Qing back.
...
Once settled on the estate, Linton received a call from Meena, who said she wanted to report on the production status of the Beauty Pills.
When Linton arrived at the health company, Meena was already waiting by the factory entrance. Instead of the usual factory tour, she directly led him into her office, where the heater was turned up comfortably.
Meena gently helped Linton take off and hang up his coat, then removed her own jacket and turned slowly in front of him with a trace of shyness and nervousness.
"Boss, do you think I am pretty?" she asked softly.
It struck Linton immediately that Meena looked quite different today. Though she had always been attractive -- definitely an 85-plus beauty out of 100 -- she still lagged behind the stunning stars in his harem.
Since becoming his assistant, Meena had been influenced by Linton and his women's style -- her wardrobe, figure, and makeup had improved dramatically, quickly evolving into a confident professional beauty. Especially after last year when Linton appointed her as general manager of the health company and provided plenty of Beauty Pills, she had blossomed more.
Today, she clearly made a special effort. Wearing subtle nude makeup with her golden hair draping over her shoulders like fiery silk, she looked like a different woman. Gone was her usual serious manager attire. She wore a classic white Chanel blouse that hugged her full chest, showcasing a deep, irresistible cleavage. Her lower half was a super-short, tight pencil skirt, paired with sheer black stockings and classic black high heels.
Damn, this was pure office seduction. And somehow, it felt so familiar -- as if...
Before Linton could respond, Meena suddenly wrapped her arms around him and jumped into his embrace, pressing a passionate kiss to his lips.
"Boss, don't you like it?" she whispered.
"Meena, what's going on with you?" Linton asked, surprised.
"Boss, I've liked you for years, and now I'm hopelessly in love with you," she confessed, her voice trembling. "When you're not around, I think about you every day, waiting for you."
"Meena, you know my situation. I can't marry anyone."
"I know. I never wanted to possess you alone. I just want to be your woman."
"Meena, did Li Xiaoran say something to you?"
"Not much. It's really me who's fallen for you. But yes, she gave me the courage. Besides, since you've taken Li Xiaoran in, you shouldn't leave me behind. I'm well-behaved, and this is my first time."
"Wait, your first time?" Linton asked with a raised brow.
"Yeah. Back in school, I was always busy juggling work and studies -- no time for boyfriends. Since becoming your assistant in '92, all my time revolved around you. With you as the standard, no other man even compares. Boss, I'm 26 and never had a boyfriend or any intimate experience. You won't think less of me, will you?"
Linton chuckled, scooped Meena up in his arms, and headed toward the private lounge.
"No way. That just means you're proud, self-respecting, and have remained pure. That might be a joke to some, but with me, it's a huge plus. I love it."
Meena's excitement bubbled over as she kissed him again.
"Boss, I'm so happy. Please cherish me."
Inwardly, Meena thought that making friends with Li Xiaoran hadn't been for nothing. Her hands-on guidance earlier had paid off. Her recent intel proved accurate: their boss not only loved the allure of seductive office women but was uniquely obsessed with innocent women differently than most men.
Soon, the lounge was filled with soft, sweet music emanating from the speakers...
Luckily, Linton reacted quickly, recalling they were at the health company. He discreetly activated a sound-dampening barrier, preventing any gossip-prone employees from overhearing.
...
Two hours later, their intense passion finally subsided. Meena was limp and nestled against Linton's chest.
"Darling, I never knew this could feel so amazing," she murmured.
Linton gently patted her shapely behind.
"Sweetheart, you came to talk about Beauty Pill production, didn't you?"
"Darling, the production is perfectly fine. I just missed you so much I used that as an excuse to call you over. I hope you're not mad," she whispered, burying her head in his chest.
Linton looked at the plum blossom pattern on the bedsheets, affectionately stroking Meena's hair.
Thinking it over, he decided to take her in for good -- making the health company easier to manage.
"Sweetheart, just like Li Xiaoran, you'll be my woman from now on."
"Really, darling?"
"Absolutely. After this, you'll move into the inner courtyard. Your treatment will be the same as Li Xiaoran's."
"Darling, you're too good to me. I'm so lucky." Meena kissed him again. "Darling, love me."
The sweet, joyful music began again.
...
By 6 p.m., they packed up and returned to the inner quarters. Amid the envious gazes of the staff, Linton introduced Meena to Madonna and the other women, as well as the housekeeper, Erica.
Of course, choosing her villa, personal assistant, and apartment within the seven-section compound would have to wait until tomorrow.
That evening, Madonna took on the big sister role fully, organizing a welcome party for the newcomer. The lively event amazed Meena, opening her eyes to a whole new world. With the guidance of the sisters, she easily blended into the festivities, enjoying all the pleasures and excitement.
...
The next day, March 5th, it was time for the government to receive shipments of Vitality and Beauty Pills again.
Unexpectedly, just after breakfast, Linton got a call from the President.
"Mr. Anderson, I have good news for you."
"Oh, what good news?"
"Your appointment as White House Chief Honorary Advisor has been finalized. You can assume office anytime."
Linton was nonplussed. What good news was that? It seemed rather meaningless -- especially since the Commander himself was already under Linton's secret 'slave mark.' He replied coolly.
"Advisor? I don't have to go to Washington, right?"
"Mr. Anderson, technically, you don't need to work in Washington regularly. But for the official swearing-in, you must come to complete the formalities. We also need to set up your own team and office space per your wishes. And since you'll hold office there, housing arrangements will be provided."
"Is all this necessary?"
"Absolutely. This position is your direct point of influence within the federal government. It can't be taken lightly."
"Fine, I'll see about my schedule and aim for next Monday."
"Mr. Anderson, could you come sooner? Preferably today or tomorrow?"
"It's just an advisor. Besides, I'm tied up these days," Linton thought about his promise to spend quality time with Madonna, Catherine, Charlize, and the newly acquired Meena.
Bill Clinton was speechless. It was only Wednesday, yet the man treated the White House Chief Advisor role like a trivial matter. Not wanting to push further, he conceded, "Alright, then. We'll prepare your induction for next Monday."
...
As expected, Leon Panetta arrived later that day with Linton's official appointment paperwork as White House Chief Honorary Advisor. The news shocked California Governor Pete, Los Angeles Mayor Richard, and Montana Governor Marc. They speculated if Linton was about to enter the political arena in earnest.
Though Linton himself remained indifferent about the title, Madonna and the harem ladies saw huge benefits. Despite knowing Linton's formidable power that had made Washington bend the knee to him and created a media sensation dubbed the 'Divine Retribution,' joining the highest federal institution was still a major advantage.
In America, top politicians controlled enormous power and resources. Now that Linton was inside, it meant access to greater influence and wealth -- not only for himself and his family but also for all the women. The benefits were obvious.
...
That evening, at Madonna's insistence, the estate was decorated with festive lights. Chef Suarez Shijie prepared a lavish dinner celebrating Linton's new official status. Persuaded by Madonna, Linton also handed out generous bonuses to all garden staff. Not forgetting the Los Angeles estate, he had Winnie distribute generous gifts to the staff there too.
After several strategic strikes against rivals and complete cooperation from FBI and local police in Los Angeles, no one dared mess with the Vitality and Beauty Pills anymore.
Tomorrow, Linton planned to delegate the delivery of Vitality and Beauty Pills to the Los Angeles estate to the farm's security chief Carter and his personal bodyguard Danny. That way, he'd have more time to spend at the estate with Madonna, Catherine, Charlize, and the others -- especially Meena, who was still deeply caught in the thrill of new love. Naturally, he wanted to comfort and accompany her.
Since, Li Xiaoran had already gone back to China to spend the New Year with her family. Since the upcoming Washington appointment required an assistant, Linton needed someone suitable.
Originally, Meena seemed perfect -- willing to travel and work closely with him. But as the health company's general manager, her position was sensitive, making it unsuitable for her to serve as his temporary assistant.
Among the rest, only Winnie fit the bill. Not only was she a trusted insider with solid abilities, but she also managed Linton's investments and could build more contacts in Washington, benefiting their future endeavors.
So Winnie would fly back tomorrow afternoon, accompanied by Danny and Carter.
*****
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