[Chapter 190: Izumi Sakai's Tortuous Experience]
By the time they came downstairs for dinner, the housekeeper had already reheated the dishes for the fourth time. Luckily, the assistant and bodyguard were dining elsewhere; otherwise, they might've starved just from staring at a table full of food they couldn't eat.
After lunch, the two went to the study.
"Winnie, besides increasing our shares in Microsoft, I have two other things for you to handle."
"Okay, what are they?"
"First, help me choose a private jet. The last nationwide promo tour was arranged by Universal, providing a business jet for the entire trip. That convenience made me want to own a private plane."
"Honey, you definitely should buy a private jet. Do you have any specific requirements?"
"The space needs to be as big as possible since every time I travel, I bring my bodyguards, assistant, and other staff. We never travel light."
"Anything else?"
"The range must be long enough to cross the Pacific or the Atlantic since I plan to do promos worldwide frequently."
"And the budget?"
"Including interior customization, about $25 million."
"Got it. I'll bring you some options soon. Should it be purchased under the charity foundation's name?"
"No, buy it under the film company's name. That way, it can be written off as a tax expense for the company, which is more cost-effective."
"Okay, what's the second task?"
"I want to acquire an entertainment newspaper. Help me find potential targets."
"An entertainment newspaper? The one in Los Angeles?"
"Right, after all, L.A. is the entertainment capital."
"Any other requirements, like size or circulation?"
"Obviously, the larger the better, and the wider the circulation, but no specific limits."
"Anything else?"
"No, just those two. Thanks for your hard work."
"Sweetheart, can you stay here tonight?"
"I'm afraid not, several people are waiting at the estate."
"Then what are you waiting for? Let's keep doing what we love."
"Baby, here I come." Linton scooped Winnie into his arms and headed to the master bedroom.
Sweet and cheerful singing filled the air...
---
After dinner, Linton bid a reluctant farewell to Winnie and returned to the estate with his bodyguard and assistant. The 'fairies' had already set the scene, including Cristiana Reali, Monica Bellucci, and Noriko Sakai who had come back early.
Another night full of joy and indulgence...
---
At 9 a.m. the next morning, after the party ended, Linton called Winona and Heidi into the study and handed them photocopies of the Pulp Fiction script.
"This is the film our company is preparing, shooting scheduled for October. Two roles here are perfect for you. You're both free, right?"
"We are." The two answered happily in unison.
"Good, Winona, the female lead Mia is yours."
"Thanks, darling, muah..." Winona happily blew a kiss.
"Heidi, the supporting role of Fabienne goes to you. Though a minor role, performing it well will make you stand out. Even though your main career is modeling, a dazzling film image will help your modeling career too."
"Thanks, darling, muah..." Heidi also happily sent a kiss.
"Also, if you have time, find a coach to help improve your acting skills."
"Okay, I'll follow your advice."
After bidding a reluctant farewell to everyone, just before leaving, Sophie Marceau and Heidi mysteriously hinted that surprises awaited him later.
---
Linton, along with bodyguards Danny and Carter, and assistants Meena and Bella, went to Universal to meet the promotion staff Jason. They took a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Tokyo, starting the Speed overseas promotion tour.
The Japanese roadshow routine was basically the same: media interviews, theater interactions with audiences, and fan meetings.
On the first night in Tokyo, after attending a cinema event and returning to the Hilton, Linton found Izumi Sakai waiting in the hotel room, who emotionally threw herself into his arms.
"Darling, you're finally here. I missed you so much."
...
Although they had been apart for only a bit over two months, it felt like forever to Izumi. These past months had been full of unforeseen challenges for her.
First, her overseas singer contract for the European and American markets was controversially denied by her management.
As is well known, Japanese agencies notoriously exploit their artists harshly, and without sufficient profit, even if they can't develop Western markets themselves, they won't give outsiders a good deal.
Though Izumi was already a top singer in Japan and Asia, she had no say in her agency.
She had hoped to seek help from Sukāto Matsushita as previously promised but found her sidelined by her own family, with communications cut off -- completely unreachable.
In the end, she had to turn to Linton for help. Linton contacted Universal's Japan branch, which, after significant cost, transferred her Western contract to Universal a few days ago.
Her Western management contract was also signed under WMA with Mira's team through Linton's introduction.
Universal wasn't losing out either; if Linton could help Izumi produce a hit song, they would profit greatly.
These events had drained her, making her miss Linton all the more. Seeing him now, she couldn't hold back her emotions.
...
"Izumi, it's all over now. Though the process was tough, the outcome is good. After my overseas tour, you'll come to L.A. I'll arrange a single for you soon."
"Darling, thank you. Without you, I know this couldn't have been done."
"Baby, no need to say thanks between us."
"You're so sweet, please love me well." Izumi gave him a passionate kiss.
Sweet and joyful singing filled the air...
To Linton's surprise, in previous gatherings, they had played the games in groups of three or four; he thought Izumi was gentle and obedient.
But alone together, he found her passionate and fiery, with impressive stamina and a powerful, rock-style singing voice.
...
The next morning, after their intimacy, Linton gave Izumi the song Complicated, a famous hit by Canadian pop queen Avril Lavigne.
It had topped the U.S. Billboard singles chart for 16 consecutive weeks -- the longest for any song at that time.
Of course, Linton had registered the song with BMI beforehand; he gave it to Izumi to practice, but she'd still need to sign a formal licensing agreement with Universal Records back in L.A. to legally perform it.
As a music expert, Izumi quickly appreciated the song's value and was moved, immediately insisting on extra morning practice with Linton...
*****
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