[Chapter 198: Explosive Midnight Screening, Izumi Sakai Arrives in America]
At 3 a.m., their intense session paused briefly. Linton received a cheerful call from Levitt: "Linton, great news! The midnight showing of Step Up 2 hit an 86% occupancy rate, with 2,800 theaters and 3,500 big screens, raking in $1.86 million in midnight box office."
"That's fantastic! Looks like we've hit another success, haha."
"Absolutely amazing. Such a booming start, even surpassing Speed's midnight numbers. I have a hunch that the North American box office could easily top $100 million -- maybe even reach $150 million."
"Don't get your hopes too high. The midnight crowd is strong because of the first film's huge fanbase; it's not entirely a reliable predictor. Still, success is assured."
"You're right -- the director and the two leads we picked are outstanding, far exceeding expectations. Our earlier worries seem unfounded."
"Mainly because everyone worked hard and was talented, which brought this great result. But to achieve high box office returns, the upcoming marketing and distribution need to be solid."
"Don't worry. Our goals and interests align. Anne and her team will head out at 9 a.m. tomorrow to kick off the nationwide promotional tour. Get some rest and have sweet dreams. Bye!"
...
Linton hung up and embraced Jennifer, who was leaning close by his ear. "Baby, we did it! Step Up 2 pulled in $1.86 million at the midnight showings."
Jennifer, already thrilled, returned a loving kiss and exclaimed, "Darling, you're amazing. I'll make it up to you properly."
The new round of passion reignited...
...
After breakfast, Jennifer reluctantly said goodbye to Linton and headed off to Universal Studios, energized, to join Anne and Leonardo for the nationwide city tour.
Linton continued working with the crew shooting his latest music video.
...
According to plan, Izumi Sakai was arriving in Los Angeles today.
Since Izumi had already touched his heart deeply and Noriko Sakai had attended his estate party, he didn't bother arranging a hotel for her. Instead, his assistant Meena and bodyguard Carter picked her up from the airport and brought her directly to the estate.
He let her choose her own room on the second floor.
That evening, after wrapping up shooting, Linton returned to the estate where Izumi greeted him like a loving wife awaiting her husband. She helped with his bag, took off his jacket, and made tea -- a warm, delicate contrast to the American women he knew.
He hugged her tightly and carried her upstairs.
Izumi whispered shyly into his ear, "Darling, let's eat first."
"No, I want to savor you first."
...
Two hours later, freshened up, they went downstairs for dinner.
Linton was surprised to find the dining room set for a candlelight dinner. This wasn't Amy, the housekeeper's, doing; his eyes met Izumi's.
"Darling, do you like this atmosphere?"
Sure enough, it was her thoughtful touch -- gentle, romantic.
"Sweetheart, it's perfect. Thank you for the effort."
"After all, it's my first day here. It feels special; I want to cherish it."
"Alright, tonight we open a bottle of red wine to celebrate. Let's go pick one from the wine cellar."
The wine cellar had grown richly stocked over two years with various brands and vintages of reds, whites, and champagnes.
They chose a 1980 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.
Under candlelight with red wine and a beauty like Izumi, everything felt unique.
"Izumi, from now on, consider this place home."
"Okay, darling, thank you."
"Izumi, you're stunning." Under the lights, she radiated a special glow.
"Darling, you're handsome too." Izumi climbed into Linton's arms.
"Let's toast together..."
Sweet, joyful music filled the room again.
...
The next morning after breakfast, Linton arranged a female bodyguard for Izumi and provided a Mercedes G-Wagon. She could choose her own car later at the dealership.
They headed to Universal Records to meet with Goodman and Mira before going to Daniel's office.
Under the watchful eyes of their lawyers, they signed a licensing agreement for the song Complicated, granting Izumi Sakai, a Universal female artist, the singing rights.
The copyright of the lyrics and music of the song was divided according to the old rules, 6% each, totaling 12%.
Given Linton's influence, he could have negotiated higher royalties for songs performed by others -- often demands he didn't even need to make.
But since Universal had helped a lot during Izumi's contract renegotiations in the West and sacrificed much, he maintained the original terms.
Daniel promised to quickly produce Izumi's single and music video. Yet, with Linton's new album, Flying, set to release at the end of August, releasing Izumi's single now wasn't ideal.
To maximize impact, Daniel planned to launch Complicated in mid-October.
Linton agreed after consulting Izumi.
...
"Linton, who should produce Izumi's single?"
"Lisa, as usual. She's familiar and very capable."
"Sounds good." Daniel called Lisa over, introduced her to Izumi, and assigned her to the single's production.
Grateful, Lisa happily took Izumi to the studio for vocal tests and began scheduling production.
...
"Linton, when will your music video finish?"
"The crew's still waiting for me; it should wrap up tomorrow. After that, it's up to Jack for post-production."
"There's enough time. We plan to release Flying officially on August 26. From August 24, you need to dedicate at least 30 days to promotion. Can you manage?"
"No, I can only promote until September 7. I have plans booked for the week starting September 9."
"What could be more important than your album promotion? Can't you reschedule?" Daniel urged anxiously.
"No. It's long scheduled and can't be changed," Linton firmly refused.
"Linton, this album took two years and is high quality. With proper promotion, sales will blow up. I'm confident it'll outsell your first album. You've got to prioritize," Daniel nearly shouted.
"No means no. The other events matter just as much. I told you before." Linton extinguished any hope.
"Alright, okay, as you wish. But after that week, can you continue promoting?" Daniel pleaded, nearly exasperated.
"Yes. From September 16 to October 5, I'm available. On October 6, I have to attend the USC School of Cinema and Television alumni meeting."
"Good. No more changes. I'll make the plan accordingly."
"No problem. Mira and my assistant Meena will handle specifics."
"By the way, your recording contract expires next February. Should we start thinking about renewal?"
"No problem. I'll coordinate with Mira. You guys can negotiate the terms with her."
"Rest assured, Universal will offer their best."
*****
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