[Chapter 497: Divine Dreams]
On April 22nd, Police Story 4: First Strike officially premiered across North America. The film opened midnight screenings on Thursday night in 1,000 theaters, pulling in $740,000 in box office receipts. This was quite a respectable start, considering it had no major stars and was a foreign import. The buzz was largely thanks to Vivian Chow's rising popularity and the loyalty of Jackie Chan's fan base.
By Friday morning, Jackie Chan and Vivian Chow, under the distribution department's coordination, kicked off a ten-day promotional tour. It was an off-season release, with most competing films like Celtic Pride, The Pallbearer, and Mrs. Winterbourne being small-budget productions with little star appeal or marketing muscle. As a result, Police Story 4: First Strike secured 2,500 screens for its wide opening.
That day's box office performed well, racking up $4.73 million, combined with midnight showings totaling $5.47 million on the first day. Although not blockbuster level, for a foreign film it was impressive, even earning the top spot in daily box office during a quiet release window. This success reinforced Linton's earlier prediction of a possible $50 million gross in North America. Everyone involved -- from Linton's film company, Golden Harvest, Jackie Chan, to Vivian Chow -- felt highly satisfied.
Vivian Chow even called Linton, affectionately promising a surprise once the North American box office surpassed $50 million.
Police Story 4: First Strike continued its strong momentum, pulling $6.07 million on Saturday and $5.11 million on Sunday. The film's first weekend total hit $16.65 million, securing the weekend number one spot.
Starting Monday, theaters added more showings, expanding to 2,700 screens.
---
Saturday afternoon, Linton arrived at the UPN television studio with Catherine Zeta-Jones, ready to address questions about the Beauty and Vitality Pills. This was also a strategic promotion for the new specialty store's grand opening. With Mission: Impossible set to release on May 10th, it was the perfect time to build buzz.
This was Linton's first official interview since revealing the development of the Beauty and Vitality Pills, so the anticipation was high -- and he wasn't about to waste the opportunity.
Following news of Linton's interview, advertisers flooded UPN, which selectively signed over $20 million in ad contracts.
The host opened, "Linton, celebrities like Miss Zeta-Jones, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, and Sophie Marceau have publicly acknowledged taking your Beauty and Vitality Pills regularly to maintain their youthful vitality and stunning appearance. Is this true?"
"Yes," Linton affirmed. "Actually, starting back in '92, I stumbled upon the initial research of these elixirs. After nearly two years of effort, I finally developed a semi-finished formula. At the time, the effects weren't fully verified. I'm grateful to Catherine, Madonna, Sophie, Cristiana, Monica, Nicole, and other close friends who trusted me enough to take the unfinished product. Over those two years of observation, I confirmed the elixirs' efficacy with no side effects. More importantly, I honored their trust by helping each of them regain their best looks and youthful vigor."
The host continued, "Linton, I've been following your background. From elementary school through college, you never displayed medical talent. Most notably, you studied film production at the University of Southern California, a field completely unrelated to medicine. How did you manage to create these revolutionary elixirs on your own?"
This had been the media's hottest topic recently -- the idea that someone with Linton's background could develop such advanced elixirs seemed unbelievable.
Linton was ready for this question, viewing it as a chance to elevate both himself and the elixirs.
"I've heard a lot of curiosity around this question," Linton began. "Honestly, even I don't fully understand why I was able to develop these elixirs. I can only say I was blessed by divine grace."
"A blessing from above? That's unexpected. Can you elaborate?" the host pressed.
"Well, in early '92, just after releasing my first album--"
"The one that sold over 27 million copies worldwide, Grow Up?" the host interjected.
"Exactly. After the album's massive success, one night I fell asleep and suddenly found myself in a strange place filled with pure white light, walking on clouds. Angels were flying all around."
"Was that heaven?" the host asked, voice tinged with excitement.
"I don't know. I was confused and couldn't move freely or control the clouds beneath me."
"So what happened next?" the host urged.
"As I panicked, a figure appeared -- an indescribable being with a radiant halo glowing behind him, exuding holiness."
"Was this the omnipotent God?" the host pressed.
"I can't say for sure," Linton replied.
"Didn't you ask who he was?" the host probed.
"I did, but he didn't answer."
"And then?"
"He reached out and gently touched my head, and that's when I woke up."
"Oh, so it was a dream?"
"Yes, it was a strange dream. But the key is that when I woke up, the formulas for the Beauty Elixir and Vitality Elixir formed clearly in my mind."
"Wait -- these elixirs were given to you by this 'god'?"
"I'm not sure if it was a god, but calling him 'divine' feels right."
"Let's pay homage to the divine. So you're saying you were chosen by a higher power to bring these elixirs to America?"
"I can't say for certain, and I still don't fully understand what happened that night. All I know is that I can only respectfully call him God. No doubt that was God, watching over America."
"Why America?" the host questioned.
"Why else? Why would God reveal the dream to me instead of someone from England, Germany, or France? It's clear that America is the place He favors most."
"That makes sense," the host smiled.
"So then, did you immediately create the elixirs from the formulas?"
"Not that simple. The ingredients listed were very different from anything in the real world -- some names didn't even exist here, and some materials could not be found. I spent two years carefully researching and experimenting until in '94, I produced the first Beauty Elixir pill. After taking it myself, I experienced incredible effects."
"And then?"
"Shortly after, I developed the Vitality Elixir, also personally tested."
"And what next?"
"I shared these elixirs with my closest beautiful friends, observing effects and checking for side effects."
"So you approached Catherine, Madonna, Sophie, Cristiana, Naomi, Winona, Nicole, and 20 other stunning women?"
"Right. You know a beauty elixir's appeal is strongest with beautiful women."
"So you used the elixirs to seduce and keep them as your long-term companions?"
"That's not quite it. I'm also a pretty charismatic guy -- handsome, talented, songwriter, author, director, and star. Don't you think I have appeal?"
"Indeed. You were recently voted the world's most handsome man by People magazine, ranked 51st richest globally by Forbes, and named Hollywood's most powerful figure. Recognition from such professional media is undeniable. But having 20 gorgeous women as your girlfriends -- that's beyond imagination."
"I'd say it's the combination of factors. I don't deny those elixirs played a role, but they're also my own creation."
"How do you handle a relationship with 20 beautiful women? Can your body keep up?" the host couldn't resist the most juicy question on everyone's mind.
"Of course. Our intimate life is very harmonious. If I couldn't keep up, someone would have left already. I don't restrict them; each one is free."
"Wow, how do you manage that?"
"I was just born with strong abilities."
"Alright, back to the point. You developed these elixirs in '94 -- why didn't you commercialize them then, creating wealth for the people and yourself?"
"It wasn't that I didn't want to. I needed long-term observation to ensure their genuine effects and rule out side effects."
"Why not conduct clinical trials in hospitals?"
"Who would believe me before proof? Plus, I had many trusting girlfriends to help test. Why involve hospitals? And more importantly, if I leaked these secrets then, the formulas wouldn't have stayed safe."
This sensitive question prompted the host to shift topics. "Okay, back to basics -- have you confirmed the elixirs' effects now?"
"Absolutely. After two years of tracking, I'm confident in their efficacy and total lack of side effects. Just look at Madonna, Sophie, and Monica's transformations today -- they're proof."
"Are the elixirs in mass production now?"
"Mass production presented another major challenge. The divine formulas relied on purely handcrafted methods, incompatible with modern manufacturing. Fortunately, I have some talent. After two years of study, I developed a way to produce the elixirs using contemporary machinery."
"What's the annual production volume?"
"Due to current technology and ingredient limits, both remain very limited. Vitality Elixir: 4,000 bottles per year, each lasting a year. Beauty Elixir: 120,000 bottles annually, each lasting half a year."
"That's so few! So only 4,000 people can take Vitality Elixir, and 60,000 can use Beauty Elixir? Can production be expanded?"
"Unfortunately, it's impossible given all the constraints. I hope everyone understands."
"Are there any restrictions on who can take the elixirs?"
"Not really. Children can start from age five."
"Children too? Isn't that a waste?"
"Beauty Elixir isn't necessary for kids, but Vitality Elixir works for them."
"Anything else?"
"No, except a tip: when taking it the first time, it's best to be somewhere with a bath."
"Why?"
"Because the first dose helps your body purge a lot of impurities. If they stick to you, it's uncomfortable. Taking a bath afterward maximizes the effect."
"Is this the case for both elixirs on first use?"
"Yes."
"Everyone in America is curious -- when will these elixirs be available on the market?"
"Set for May 6th, with the specialty store located at Beverly Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles."
"Just one store?"
"Yes, one is enough."
"Didn't you consider opening branches in New York, Paris, or London?"
"No need. As I said, production limits mean one store suffices."
...
"Linton, finally, any message for your fans?"
"Thank you all for your support. Catherine and I's film, Mission: Impossible, releases May 10th. Please support it -- I guarantee you won't be disappointed."
"I have one question. You're already a Universal Group magnate, worth billions, and now you've developed these elixirs. Why keep acting and singing?"
"Let me say, singing and acting are my original passions, my childhood dreams. No matter how wealthy I become, as long as my dreams, passion, and enthusiasm remain alive, and as long as people enjoy my music and films, I will continue to create great songs and movies for everyone."
"Thank you, Linton. That's truly inspiring -- it reminds us to never forget our origins and to keep moving forward. We hope everyone will always support him."
[T/N: Completed the pending chapters. Fron now onwards, I will update weekely once, all chapters for the week.]
*****
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