[Chapter 479: The Truth]
As March neared its end, the countdown to the Oscars had just one week left.
Linton gathered all his women out in the gardens of his estate farm. After a night filled with nonstop celebration -- a wild party that lasted until dawn -- he called everyone into his study. There, he brought out two special pills, the Vitality and Beauty pills.
"I've called you all here not just for a group vacation," Linton began, "but also to share something very important. Let me ask you first: do you know why you're becoming more beautiful, your skin growing smoother and fairer, and most importantly, why your physical fitness is improving so much that you feel healthier, free of illness and pain, and even able to reclaim the vitality of your body at age eighteen?"
Madonna was the first to answer. "I know -- surely it's because you cast some kind of magic on us."
"I think you must be a god incarnate who blessed us with incredible powers," someone else said.
"Yeah, I feel like you're a celestial being descended from the heavens. You used some kind of supernatural power on us. Not just our bodies healed, but the necklace you gave us must be a mystical artifact too. It seems to have some unbelievable powers," another chimed in.
"I believe you're the reincarnation of the god..."
The room buzzed with guesses and wild speculations. Although Linton had never explicitly revealed the truth, after so long together and experiencing the unimaginable changes in their bodies, everyone more or less reached the same conclusion.
They were convinced that Linton had obtained some divine, otherworldly powers -- like God, or an alien -- and had shared part of that power with them.
Linton listened with a secret smile. 'You guys have quite the imagination. But that's fine -- it's easier if you explain the source of my powers that way. I wouldn't want to waste time explaining things like 'immortal cultivation' or bizarre 'time travel' that you might not understand.'
He explained, "When I was in college, one night in my dreams, I was blessed by a divine spirit and gained a special ability. This power didn't just make me stronger. It also lets me pass on essential energy to my intimate partners. This energy works miracles on the body: it cleanses the meridians, strengthens the body's core, keeps you youthful and beautiful, boosts vitality, and so much more."
"So you're saying our dramatic transformations are because we've been receiving your essence through prolonged intimate encounters with you?" they asked in disbelief.
"Exactly."
"Wow, that's incredible -- you really have such miraculous power," someone said, eyes wide.
"No wonder when we're with you, you never need to use those pills," another added.
"And I never get tired during those times -- in fact, I feel stronger and more energized, even better than after a good night's sleep."
Heidi Klum, recalling Linton's wild parties with the Victoria's Secret Angels, asked, "You've been with other women too, right? Why don't they show these changes?"
"I control the distribution of my essence," Linton said smoothly. "For others, I usually don't give much -- just enough to maintain their stamina during our encounters. But for you all, I share freely and generously."
"That's perfect! But please keep this essence secret. If word got out, every woman in the world would be after you, and you'd never have a normal life again."
"Dear, you give us so much of this energy. Doesn't it affect your own health?"
"No worries. I control it carefully and don't exceed my limits. Plus, for you, my reserves are more than enough. Though I do have a threshold, of course."
"That's good. So as long as you stay with us, we can remain forever young and beautiful?"
"Yes, you could say that."
Cheers broke out, the room filled with excitement.
Once the mood settled, Linton continued, "Do you know why I'm telling you all this now?"
"Why?" they asked, exchanging looks. A secret this big getting out might not be a good thing.
"Because your unnatural transformations have attracted unwanted attention. Someone's after your secret of reverse aging. You're in great danger."
"Danger? We've drawn people's eyes onto us?"
"Yes. Remember when Madonna was pregnant last year and hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center?"
"Yes, yes! Someone tried to harm me back then," Madonna paled at the memory.
"The truth is, her remarkable reversal attracted a group of powerful older women who established a secret research lab -- known as the X Project -- to capture Madonna and dissect her for the secret of her reverse aging."
Linton's tone darkened. "I got angry and orchestrated an accident that wiped them all out."
"I remember this case caused an uproar across America back then. So this was what really happened?"
"Exactly."
"If those women are dead, why is there still danger?"
"Because women with both massive wealth and power wanting to regain their youthful looks are not just those who were eliminated. Last month, I got news another group of old women formed a faction to do the same thing. And this time, their targets aren't just Madonna, but also Sophie Marceau, Cristiana, Monica, and Nicole Kidman."
"No wonder you brought us here last month and had your bodyguard Danny and his team assigned to protect Nicole."
"That's right. Since you are all my cherished ones, I must ensure your safety."
"But why are only these few targeted?"
"Because the gap between your appearance and your true age is striking. You look much younger and more beautiful than years ago. Others still show some age, so they've escaped notice -- for now. But over time, that may change."
"So what do we do? Live under layers of protection forever?"
"Yes, unless we solve this problem at its root, your safety will always be precarious. Even if I eliminate all current threats, more will emerge. Which brings me to the next important matter."
"Do you already have a solution?"
"Actually, yes. The fundamental way to solve this is by offering those women a way to restore their youth and beauty."
"But your essence is limited, right? And you don't exactly want to share it with those women."
"Of course. The essence is an absolute secret between us. We have to rely on another method."
"Oh--pills!" Winnie, Madonna, Cristiana, Sophie, and Monica quickly grasped the idea.
"That's right. I've been researching two special pills: the Beauty and the Vitality Pills. The Beauty Pill eliminates wrinkles, leaving skin smoother, more radiant, and making the face more beautiful. The Vitality Pill strengthens the body's core, boosts vitality, and with long-term use, restores vigor, health, youthfulness, and even extends lifespan."
"Are these pills really that miraculous?"
"They must be some kind of miracle medicine!"
"Wow, to extend life -- this is unbelievable!"
When the excitement settled, Linton pointed to the pills on the table. "These two are right here. The green ones are the Beauty Pills, and the yellow are the Vitality Pills. If you haven't tried them yet, each of you can take one pill of each, but just one at a time. See what effects you feel."
Besides Winnie, Madonna, Cristiana, Monica, and Sophie, everyone eagerly took the pills.
An hour later, after everyone had finished both pills, they were surprised: none could sense any change.
"Dear, I feel nothing," one said.
"Me too, no effect at all."
Linton smiled. "It's normal you don't feel anything. Because you've been nourished constantly by my essence, which is far more potent than these pills combined. Your bodies are already at the best possible condition. Naturally, these pills won't add much. But to ordinary people, these pills are wildly effective."
"I see. So if you release these pills to the market, then everyone can buy them and their secret research becomes pointless. They won't bother us anymore, and our safety is secured," Madonna realized.
"Exactly. That's why you all have to keep a consistent story: your transformations are due to long-term use of these two pills that I provide."
"That's smart -- it's good advertising for the pills too."
"When will you launch these pills?"
"Probably in about two months. The factory is still under construction, though I've already fine-tuned the production line. It should be ready by the end of next month. Also, we have yet to secure storefronts for our exclusive shops."
"Darling, finding retail space in Los Angeles shouldn't be hard. There are plenty of shopping centers."
"It's not easy, because these pills are difficult to manufacture and will be priced high. The Beauty Capsule holds 18 pills per bottle, enough for six months, priced at $100,000. The Vitality one has 12 pills per bottle, lasting one year, priced at $6 million. Who do you think the customers will be?"
"The rich and famous from around the world, for sure."
"And how do you think the world will regard these pills?"
"They'll see them as miracle drugs -- beyond imagination. I guarantee once they're released, wealthy people everywhere will swarm to buy."
"Then our shops must be in the highest-end malls in Los Angeles. The stores have to look luxurious to match the miracle pills. It'll help gain customer trust and willingness to pay from the start."
"That narrows it down to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills or the Santa Monica Shopping Center," someone said. Even major stars naturally knew the top shopping areas.
"Yes, but those property managers won't clear major clients to make room for us just on faith that these pills will sell."
"So, what's your plan? Run early ads?"
"Never. Advertising like that is too low-class for these pills."
"Then what? A big publicity stunt?" Winnie -- who had a keen business sense -- quickly guessed Linton's intention.
"Yes, the Oscars are coming up soon. I have a plan, and I'll need your cooperation."
"No problem, we'll follow your lead."
"Are you going to publicly admit your relationship with all of us?"
"Not exactly. When asked, you can give vague answers -- not totally denying -- but say we're the closest of friends. Let the audience read into it themselves."
"Fair enough." As major celebrities, openly revealing such a collective relationship with Linton was still delicate.
"Finally, two last things. First: I'll arrange for my health products company to sign endorsement deals with each of you. The fees won't reflect your actual commercial value, but will be a flat $10 million per year per person -- including Winnie."
"Wow, honey, you're amazing."
"You're rolling out a massive perk for all of us."
Everyone cheered. Even for a mega-star like Madonna, $10 million annually was impressive. The highest among the others were Sophie Marceau and Naomi, at $5 million each per year. The rest were less.
"Second, are you satisfied with the female personal assistants we hired before?"
"Very satisfied."
"They're wonderful -- attentive and hardworking."
"The pill factory is still under construction. I've appointed Meena as factory head. Now we must recruit and train workers. We need 30 workers. The work is simple and largely easy; female employees will do fine. After careful thought, given the factory's security, confidentiality, and special nature, we won't hire externally. Instead, we'll choose from among our female estate staff.
I previously recruited 117 female employees from Hong Kong, most of whom joined the inner estate. Some of you chose personal assistants from them.
This time, I'll open registration to all female estate staff willing to apply. Meena and I will select the best candidates. For any staffing shortfalls, recruitment will continue, with full staffing expected within four months. Then, you can make your picks. For now, please support this plan."
"No problem, I support it," several voices replied enthusiastically.
*****
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