[Chapter 452: The Angels]
Linton was very pleased with the six Victoria's Secret Angels selected by Les Wexner.
"Not bad, the choices are excellent."
"Looks like we're on the same page. Our Victoria's Secret Angels are all about boundless seductive charm. On the runway, they have to make the women in the audience jealous and the men stand up on their feet. Looks like these candidates passed your test with flying colors."
"I have no objections, let's get the contracts signed as soon as possible."
"Here's a little secret for you: these women are top-notch in their skills, and they're pretty open-minded too. With a super handsome guy like you around, they'd probably be up for a group party with both of us. Want to give it a try?"
Linton's expression changed immediately. "You've already tried with them?"
"No, no, don't get me wrong. I know Heidi's with you. No one here would dare mess with her, and she's never one for chaotic parties."
"Good to know."
"Besides, Heidi's hotter than ever. Her figure and skin are flawless, and with your backing, the company treats her like a treasure. Don't worry, no one's got their eyes on her. I'm even planning to make her captain of the Angels."
"That's up to you, as long as it helps the company grow, I won't interfere."
"I meant the other five. They're truly skilled. Want to try tonight?"
At first, Linton had some thoughts about them, but after Les Wexner's comment, all desire vanished.
"Forget it. Have fun yourselves. I'll stick with Heidi Klum tonight."
"Alright, didn't expect you to be such a romantic. Then I won't bother you tonight -- just pick two Angels and have your own little party, haha."
"Enough about that. After forming the Victoria's Secret Angels, what's your next plan?"
"Well, basically the plan you brought up last time. It's already mid-December. My plan is to collaborate with the Super Bowl next year to stage a Victoria's Secret lingerie fashion show during the halftime. Riding the Super Bowl's hype, we'll boost the fame of the Angels and Victoria's Secret lingerie.
Starting next year, every year, we'll hold a grand Victoria's Secret Fashion Show with global TV broadcasts. We want to create an exclusive Victoria's Secret fashion brand and spread its fashion culture.
Of course, the Angels will regularly walk shows in stores across America's major cities and overseas to help promote Victoria's Secret lingerie."
"Sounds good, but I have a suggestion. Our marketing strategy for Victoria's Secret isn't about being a high-end luxury brand. Instead, we aim to be the world's most recognized and popular sexy lingerie brand.
So, during shows, the Angels don't need to look cold and aloof like European runway models. They should actively blow kisses, smile, wink, and wave, interacting frequently with the audience and cameras."
"That's a great idea. I'll discuss this with the event planners and designers. By the way, will your next movie advertise during the Super Bowl halftime?"
"Of course. My next movie is Mission: Impossible, scheduled for release in May next year. We've already secured a 30-second commercial slot during the Super Bowl."
"I was thinking, maybe we could launch a joint promotion using the Super Bowl platform. Your film company could capitalize on the buzz generated by the Victoria's Secret show to hype up Mission: Impossible. And Victoria's Secret can link up with the hottest Hollywood director and superstar, playing one of the biggest blockbuster films to create more buzz and increase influence."
"Not a bad idea. Do you have a detailed plan?"
"Not yet, but if we both agree, I can ask an advertising agency to come up with a comprehensive plan."
"No problem. This benefits both parties greatly. I'll assign someone from the film company to coordinate."
---
That evening, Les Wexner hosted an intimate cocktail party at the Hilton Hotel where Linton was staying. Attendees included several Victoria's Secret executives and the six Angels.
At the party, Les Wexner announced that all six Angels had passed company tests and would officially sign contracts the next day, becoming true Victoria's Secret Angels.
The Angels cheered enthusiastically. Considering how strict Victoria's Secret was with choosing Angels, with all sorts of tests, the signing fees offered were well above market rates, so everyone was thrilled to hear it was finalized.
Soon, Linton and Les Wexner were surrounded by the Angels, each holding a glass of champagne. They frequently clinked glasses, flirted, and cozied up, even touching occasionally.
It irritated Linton a little, though Heidi Klum stayed by his side from the start, she couldn't hold back the others' enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Les Wexner had evidently had enough -- without saying goodbye, he left with Helena Christensen and Laetitia Casta.
The other Victoria's Secret executives tactfully left early, leaving only Linton, Heidi Klum, Daniela Pestova, Stephanie Seymour, and Tyra Banks with the waitstaff.
Seeing this, Linton put his arm around Heidi. "Shall we go back to the room?"
"Just the two of us?"
"Who else would you want to invite?"
"What about those other three? Aren't you going to check on them?"
"Why should I be responsible for them?"
At that moment, Tyra Banks -- someone who had shared wonderful memories with Linton -- affectionately grabbed his arm from the side.
...
Tyra's career had been going strong these past two years. Since starring in Linton's 1992 movie Step Up, she had broken into Hollywood. Unlike Halle Berry, who left modeling for acting, Tyra combined both.
Thanks to the growing support for African American rights, Hollywood was opening more opportunities to black performers.
Besides modeling steadily, she had acted in multiple films, now ranking alongside Halle Berry as a mixed-race superstar.
She was forever grateful to Linton and missed him. Unfortunately, they hadn't found a chance to reconnect since their last film collaboration.
Tonight, with such a rare opportunity, she wasn't going to miss it. She kissed Linton on the cheek and said, "Linton, you haven't contacted me in so long. You can't leave me out tonight."
"Tyra, maybe another day. Heidi and I already made plans."
"Why another day? We can all hang out, just like before."
"But..."
"No buts. I'm sticking with you tonight, and I don't think Heidi will mind."
At that moment, Daniela Pestova and Stephanie Seymour chimed in together, "Linton, take us with you! We want to join too."
Linton hesitated while Heidi Klum took the initiative to persuade him.
"Dear, it wouldn't be right to ignore them tonight. I'm their captain, after all. Besides, they've told me how much they admire and look up to you. Why not have a small party in your room? Your place is big enough, and you're strong enough."
"Alright, if everyone's on board, let's change locations to my room. There's a little bar there."
"Yay..."
The moonlight over New York was beautiful that night, and the Victoria's Secret Angels looked incredibly radiant. The party promised to be even more lively...
Only the two small assistants, Meena and Xiaoran, silently stewed with jealousy...
*****
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