[Chapter 191: Returning Empty-Handed]
Previously, Sukāto Matsushita was grounded by her family because of his actions. Now that he was in Japan, it made sense to visit Masaharu Matsushita and see if the situation could be properly resolved.
After hosting the fan meet-and-greet in the afternoon, Linton, carrying a valuable oil painting from an auction house in the US, went to visit Masaharu Matsushita at his home.
When they met, there was an awkwardness between them. They used to have a simple boss-employee relationship but now neither knew how to define their connection.
...
Masaharu Matsushita looked at Linton with mixed feelings. He remembered inviting Linton to his party last time and introducing his beloved daughter to him. Unexpectedly, this guy had ill intentions and seduced the young woman he had raised for over twenty years.
What made him angrier was that this guy was a total playboy. He had many girlfriends in the US, and in Japan, besides Sukāto Matsushita, he was involved with two female singers ambiguously.
It was easy to hide these things from the general public, but as a behind-the-scenes boss of Universal, it was simple for Masaharu Matsushita to find out about Linton's chaotic love life.
What made him even more heartbroken was that his precious daughter seemed bewitched by Linton and was determined to go to America to be with him, even if it meant having no status or recognition.
How could he bear that? If it really happened, the Matsushita family would lose all respect, and the ancestors would be shamed.
Besides, in Japan, women from big families were marriage tools; Sukāto Matsushita was no exception. Even though she was the best of her generation, the outcome was the same -- only the marriage partner would be stronger and from a more powerful family.
It had been two months since Sukāto Matsushita was grounded, and her attitude still hadn't changed. Masaharu Matsushita was both frustrated and thinking about the feasibility of a marriage alliance with Linton.
After all, he had witnessed Linton's rise from a poor student to a renowned director and superstar in just two or three years -- a true genius.
He was now a confirmed billionaire with limitless potential and a strong chance to become an influential power in America.
If Linton married Sukāto Matsushita, it would benefit the Matsushita family greatly -- no less than marrying into any powerful Japanese family. He also believed it was a rare opportunity for Linton.
The premise was that Linton must marry Sukāto Matsushita openly and honorably.
...
After sipping his tea, Linton spoke up, "Mr. Matsushita, Sukāto and I are good friends. I'm here in Japan, and I'd like to meet her if possible."
"Just good friends?" Masaharu Matsushita was slightly provoked.
"Oh, rather close friends."
"But she's willing to leave everything behind in Japan, including her family, to come to America to join you. You see her as just a somewhat close friend?" His temper flared.
"Mr. Matsushita, please don't be angry. Can I at least see her?"
"Of course, she can see you and even go back to America with you."
"Really?"
"But I have one condition."
"What's the condition?" Linton thought it wouldn't be that simple.
"Simple. You marry her. Then all problems are solved. The Matsushita family will become your strong support."
Linton never expected to be pressured into marriage. "Mr. Matsushita, you can't be serious?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
"But I'm young and have no intention to marry now."
"I remember you were born in '71, so you're already 22. When I was your age, I already had kids."
"But I don't want to marry yet."
"So you just want to fool her into coming to America for some fun?" his voice raised.
"Mr. Matsushita, that's not what I mean. I told you, we're just friends. Please let me meet her."
"If you don't want to marry her, then there's no reason to meet. Please leave."
The old man grew angrier. His precious daughter had so many advantages and the support of the Matsushita family, yet this guy was still making excuses. If not for the fact that he was American, he might have reacted violently.
"Mr. Matsushita, even if marriage is on the table, we can't decide it just by talking briefly. Can't we date for a while and see if we're compatible?" Linton proposed a delay.
"Then will you promise to cut ties with all those messy women around you?"
"Mr. Matsushita, I don't have any messy women."
"Madonna, Sophie Marceau, Cameron Diaz, Naomi Watts, Winona Ryder, Cristiana Reali, Jennifer Connelly, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Izumi Sakai, Noriko Sakai -- should I keep going?"
"Yeah, they're all good friends just like Sukāto."
"So, you have more than ten girlfriends, and she's just one of them that you toy with?"
"I don't toy with her or anyone else. We're normally dating friends."
"You're a morally corrupt scoundrel. Don't waste my time. Leave now. I'll never allow her to meet or continue seeing you." Seeing Linton's playboy appearance, Masaharu Matsushita lost all patience and directly kicked him out.
Despite Linton's powers, he had no choice but to leave, and the gift he brought was thrown out by Masaharu Matsushita.
Of course, if Linton tried forcefully or sneaked in, no security system of the Matsushita family could stop him.
But what's the point? Even if they met, the conditions were clear, and there was no way he would agree.
From Masaharu Matsushita's perspective, his approach was understandable.
If anyone treated his daughter that way, he'd probably cripple them.
His restraint was considerable, given the Matsushita family's prominence in Japan.
But Linton was unique -- a destined legendary figure who would stand atop the world, wielding immense power and wealth, experiencing the finest beauties.
How could he give up his entire forest for one damn tree from the Matsushita family?
If he did, would he still be the superstar he was?
Could his fans accept that? They might all stop following his story!
*****
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