[Chapter 472: Puff Daddy's Party Invitation]
What surprised Linton the most was that at this year's Super Bowl site, apart from himself, there was a large gathering of Hollywood stars. This clearly demonstrated just how influential the Super Bowl had become.
No sooner had Donald Trump and Les Wexner left, did the Hollywood celebrities who learned the news come to visit one after another.
...
The first visitor was a Black star with a distinctive pair of protruding ears -- Will Smith, who had previously worked with Linton on The Man from Nowhere.
Since playing the second male lead in The Man from Nowhere, Will Smith skyrocketed to fame as the movie became a blockbuster. Last year, he starred in the cop action film Bad Boys, which was made on a $20 million budget and grossed $141 million worldwide.
With two major box office hits in a row, although The Man from Nowhere was just a significant supporting role, it propelled Will Smith into the second-tier stars in Hollywood, unquestionably the top tier among Black actors.
In Will's eyes, Linton was the key to his success -- a visionary who saw his potential and cast him directly as the second lead in The Man from Nowhere when he was still a rookie. In his mind, Linton was his lucky patron.
Seeing Linton enter on the big screen today, he naturally rushed over immediately to pay his respects.
Coincidentally, like Linton, he wore a Dallas Cowboys T-shirt, although without the snapback hat. Instead, he had the Cowboys' emblem painted on his face.
Behind him was a tall, handsome Black guy also wearing a Dallas Cowboys T-shirt, but with no face paint.
A big, exaggerated smile lit up Will's face immediately when he saw Linton, his prominent ears wagging as he spread his arms wide. "Linton, long time no see."
"Will, hello." Linton had initially hesitated to hug a man -- after all, he wasn't a beauty -- but could never resist Will's playful grin.
After the embrace, Will introduced the guy behind him, "Linton, meet a new friend, also a singer signed to your company -- Sean Combs, aka Puff Daddy."
"Hello, Sean."
"Boss, just call me Puff Daddy."
"Linton, Puff Daddy's incredible. Last year, his album sold over two million copies."
"I've heard of you, Puff Daddy. Daniel told me you're very talented, a promising artist."
"Thank you for the compliment, boss. You're the real genius."
"No need for formality, come on, let's have a drink." At that moment, assistant Meena brought over two champagne glasses and poured for Will and Puff Daddy.
"Thanks, cheers."
"Boss, are you a Dallas Cowboys fan too?"
"No, I just think the Cowboys have a better chance to win."
"Looks like great minds think alike -- I agree the Cowboys will take the championship," Puff Daddy raised his glass.
"Puff Daddy, you're not really a Cowboys fan?"
"Boss, my real favorite team is the New York Giants, but unfortunately, they've been knocked out."
"Ha ha ha, so it looks like I'm the only true Cowboys fan here. I'm confident they'll win the title," Will boasted.
Using the game as a common ground, with all three rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, their bond quickly grew. The unfamiliarity between Puff Daddy and Linton gradually melted away.
After another round of champagne, Puff Daddy finally mustered up courage.
"Boss, I'm planning to host a big party in New York this April. May I have the honor of inviting you to attend?"
"Linton, Puff Daddy's parties are amazing and lots of fun. I'm looking forward to going with you," Will added enthusiastically.
...
In truth, the real purpose of Puff Daddy's invitation was to bring Linton into his inner circle. Since Linton acquired Universal and ruthlessly purged much of its management, Puff Daddy had been watching him closely.
After analyzing Linton's career path and style, he concluded that Linton was destined to become a major figure. Ever since, he had been seeking an opportunity to connect but hadn't found the right moment until now.
He hadn't planned to attend the Super Bowl but once he heard Linton would be there, he realized it was a golden opportunity.
Of course, just knowing Linton wasn't enough. Puff Daddy's goal was to join his core circle and have Linton as his backing.
Inviting Linton to his party gave him absolute confidence that it would leave a strong impression and win favor.
He was known as a party master, throwing lavish events with every kind of extravagance imaginable, attracting countless eager guests.
Super Bowl tickets were tough to get for the average fan, but money was no object to Puff Daddy. Thanks to his cash power, he quickly secured a luxury box through scalpers.
Next, he needed a proper introducer; otherwise, if he approached Linton directly, he would at best be just an acquaintance.
The ideal introducer was naturally Daniel, but Daniel had been warned by Linton not to get too close to Puff Daddy privately, so he dared not get involved.
So Puff Daddy turned to Will Smith, who had worked with Linton before. Both were hip-hop artists and Black entertainers, so they were long-time acquaintances.
Although Will had shifted to acting, he hadn't abandoned his music contacts and was a Dallas Cowboys fan already.
Puff Daddy was pleased when Will accepted the invitation.
When the stadium's big screen showed Linton's entrance, Puff Daddy asked Will to introduce him. Will didn't hesitate and agreed cheerfully.
...
Just as Will and Puff Daddy expected Linton to accept the invitation, his answer dashed their hopes.
"Thanks, but I won't be attending any parties. You probably don't know, but I never attend private parties hosted by others, and I never throw private parties myself."
"That's too bad," Puff Daddy said in disbelief, reluctantly accepting Linton's refusal.
"Puff Daddy, keep working hard and don't waste your musical talents. Universal will definitely support those with real talent."
"Thanks, boss. We'll take our leave now." Encouraged by Linton's words, Puff Daddy and Will left with mixed feelings -- disappointed but still somewhat satisfied.
...
No sooner had Will and Puff Daddy left, Bruce Willis came in next.
Shortly after, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and his close friend Ben Affleck also arrived one after another.
It wasn't just male stars; beautiful leading ladies Julia Roberts and Jodie Foster, among others, also came by.
The lively scene caught the attention of camera crews roaming the stands. A cameraman boldly approached outside Linton's box and started filming.
In no time, Linton's luxury box became the focal point of the entire stadium, the footage occupying the big screen for a long stretch.
Only when the broadcast announced the event was about to officially start did everyone say their goodbyes and return to their own boxes. Finally, peace and quiet returned to Linton's suite.
*****
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