[Chapter 210: Three Versus One]
By the time Linton got back to the estate, it was already dark. But the three heroines didn't even give him a chance to eat and regain his strength. Instead, they immediately started the three vs. one game. The battle turned into an intense physical contest between them, fiercer and more passionate than before.
Loud, spirited singing filled the air...
...
After two hours of fighting and resting in turns, the four finally came downstairs for dinner, giving Linton a moment to catch up with the three women about work.
"Darling, how long are you staying in Los Angeles this time?" Cristiana asked, speaking for everyone.
"I'm leaving tomorrow, heading to the farm in Montana. There's an urgent matter there."
"Then you are not allowed to rest later."
"No problem. Who's afraid? I'll make sure you're satisfied."
"Honey, I've already finished recording my songs, and the music videos are done, but the official release will be in October. Since you're busy lately, I'll be going back to Japan tomorrow. Lots of events are waiting for me there. I'll come back later -- does that work?" Izumi Sakai, hopeful to spend more time with Linton, gently spoke, seeing how busy his schedule was.
"Alright, then I have to take good care of you now and feed you well." Linton joked, seeing Izumi's gentle and virtuous demeanor.
"Bring it on. Who's afraid? I'm waiting," Izumi boldly replied, surprising Linton since she usually appeared shy and sweet. It seemed the change of environment really transformed her -- the saying "You are who you surround yourself with" was true.
"Do you want the bodyguard Taya to accompany you back to Japan?"
"No need. My safety in Japan is well ensured. Besides, Taya wouldn't be used to life there. Nor did Noriko Sakai bring a bodyguard."
"Okay, anyway, Taya is only responsible for you. When you're away, she doesn't get other assignments. If you need her in Japan, just call her. She'll come immediately. Also, next time you come to Los Angeles, let her drive you to the airport."
"You're too good to me, muah." Izumi playfully blew Linton a kiss.
"Cristiana, Monica, the post-production for Happy Death Day is complete. This afternoon, we had an internal screening. The movie is fantastic. You both need to cooperate fully with the promotion these days, and I guarantee the movie will be a blockbuster."
"Really? That's great! I can't wait."
"The movie is set to release on October 29, just over a month away. The promotion will gradually intensify, and the distribution department will manufacture rumors about me and you two. You must be mentally prepared."
"Are you going to make it public with us?"
"Not public exactly. It's just for movie promotion. First, with Cristiana, then Monica, then we stir up a love triangle. Finally, we'll add Noriko Sakai into the mix, making it a love quadrangle. The distribution department has detailed plans."
"You can do that? Aren't you afraid of the backlash? Won't your fans object?" The three women looked stunned -- this was pretty daring.
"It's fine. My image is that of a playboy. My fans are used to my rumors. You all good with that?"
"Of course! Stirring up rumors with you will help us a lot," they said.
"Oh, and one more good news: the company will make a batch of dolls based on your characters in the movie for merchandise sales."
"Like the dolls of you and Catherine from Speed?"
"Exactly. Sales royalties will be paid to you at 20% of the sales revenue."
"How many do you expect to sell?"
"The first batch is valued at $8 million for Cristiana's character dolls, $5 million for Monica's. After the release, depending on sales, more will be produced."
"Wow! So besides my salary, I can earn 1.6 million from merchandise alone? That's too much!" Cristiana exclaimed excitedly.
"That's just the start. I predict your doll sales could be as hot as Jennifer's in Step Up 2, possibly reaching $15 million. Your cut could hit $3 million."
"That's amazing!"
"And that's just North America. Overseas markets will yield the same income."
"So I might make $6 million from that alone," Cristiana said, unbelieving. Her film salary was only $300,000.
"Exactly."
"Honey, you're amazing. I have to thank you properly." Cristiana was so moved she changed her pet name for Linton and playfully crawled under the table.
"What about me?" Monica also asked happily.
"Being the second lead, your share is less, but you're beautiful, so your doll sales won't be bad. I'd estimate at least 60% of Cristiana's sales."
"That's great! I need to reward you too!" Monica excitedly joined Cristiana under the table.
"Of course. But the final sales depend on the movie's box office. So you both need to cooperate fully with promotion." Linton skillfully gestured with both hands.
"Ok."
"We'll all listen to you."
Maybe because they were about to separate tomorrow, Izumi got bolder and finished her glass of red wine in one go. "Darling, I want to thank you too." Then she transformed into a lady knight and launched an attack on Linton from above.
Sweet and joyful singing sounded...
...
Thanks to Speed's explosive release and the hit album Flying, Linton's popularity had soared again recently, and his training sped up. With help from his girlfriends, his progress was astounding.
His power advanced greatly to middle of level 8 of the second stage.
---
The next morning, after finally escaping the three women's entanglements and ending the continuous battles, Linton was anxious about the Thunderstorm Protection Array to be set up on the farm. He bade a reluctant farewell to the three ladies and, accompanied by assistant Meena, bodyguards Danny and Carter, picked up Winnie.
Since Winnie had to stay at the farm during the entire setup of the array, her two female bodyguards also followed.
The group of seven took a business jet arranged by the assistant and flew straight to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana.
David personally greeted Linton's arrival at the airport with three Thunder Guards, driving three Hummers and a business car. After the rendezvous, Linton and Winnie rode in the middle business car, escorted by the vehicles in front and behind, heading to the Anderson Farm in Park County.
*****
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