Sherry Lansing's resignation and handover took about a week.
After officially leaving her old company, she formally accepted Lin BaoCheng's employment. But instead of immediately beginning the acquisition of a film company, she attended a birthday party.
The party was Isabella's birthday celebration, held at Lin BaoCheng's Beverly Hills villa.
Isabella's family home wasn't in Los Angeles, and she didn't plan to return home for her birthday. Lin lent her the villa for the party. After declining a few times, Isabella eventually accepted.
She had little choice. Her current residence was rented and too small for a party. Hosting at a hotel or borrowing her boss's villa were the two options. She chose the latter.
For the party, Isabella invited Eric Davis from Starlight Company, Aiden Sherlan and Peter Roslin from New Century Software, as well as Phil Smith and Wade Thomas.
Sherry Lansing was also invited. Though she and Isabella weren't yet close, they now worked for the same boss, so building rapport was important.
Naturally, Lin BaoCheng himself would attend, along with his secretary Qin Lan.
On the personal side, Isabella invited Fay Kelly, plus two close college friends and a respected professor.
She didn't invite more distant acquaintances. She knew the party was at her boss's villa, and bringing too many guests would be inappropriate.
Lin assigned the butler, Dorchy, to handle preparations. Since Isabella had told him who was invited, he didn't hire models or entertainers. This wasn't a corporate celebration — no need for extravagance.
That evening, the guests arrived one by one.
Phil Smith and Wade Thomas attended out of respect. They knew Isabella was Lin's assistant and had dealt with her before.
"Boss!"
Sherry Lansing greeted Lin upon arrival.
"Lansing, you're here," Lin nodded.
Wade Thomas, noticing her, asked: "Allen, she called you Boss. She's your employee? Why haven't I seen her before?" Ordinary staff wouldn't be at such a party.
"This is Sherry Lansing. She worked in Hollywood. I recruited her to lead my film company," Lin explained, then introduced her to the others.
Phil Smith asked: "So your film company is newly established?"
"You could say that," Lin admitted. "She's the president I recruited. The company isn't formed yet — she'll handle the acquisition."
Sherry Lansing added: "Boss, tomorrow I'll begin acquisitions with Assistant Isabella. I already have a target."
"Good," Lin said simply. He wouldn't interfere. He had entrusted Lansing with the task.
"Allen, your ventures are really everywhere," Wade Thomas remarked. He was baffled. Lin wanted to enter Hollywood — a notoriously difficult industry. Worse, Lin was from Hong Kong. Wade doubted he could produce films appealing to American audiences. Cultural differences made the company's prospects uncertain.
In Wade's view, Lin should focus on games, which were profitable, instead of scattering efforts across unrelated industries. Lin already had New Century Software for office software, plus the game company and now a film company. With no synergy, risk was higher.
Lin didn't know Wade's thoughts. Even if he did, he wouldn't bother explaining.
"Boss!"
Soon Isabella returned with her friends and professor.
"Mr. Allen, long time no see," Fay Kelly greeted, shaking Lin's hand.
"Long time no see, Miss Fay," Lin replied, then greeted the others as Isabella introduced them.
Her two college friends and professor felt honored to meet the young tycoon. In this capitalist country, no one cared about Lin's race or background — he was wealthy, and that was what mattered.
"Thank you all for coming to my birthday party tonight. Thank you!" Isabella said warmly.
Soon, the cake was brought in. She made a wish and blew out the candles as everyone sang.
After cake was shared, the party became a social gathering, with guests chatting in groups.
Though it was Isabella's birthday, Lin was also a central figure. His status made him a focus. Many guests were his employees, and they naturally gravitated toward him in conversation.
For Sherry Lansing, the party was fruitful. She met several of Lin's American business leaders — future colleagues. Even if she wouldn't interact with them often, knowing them was useful.
She also grew closer to Isabella. As Lin's assistant, Isabella was a valuable ally.
Finally, she met Qin Lan, Lin's secretary from Hong Kong. Future communications with Lin would likely go through her.
The party lasted until after eleven. Since everyone had drunk, Lin arranged for bodyguards to escort each guest home safely.
That night, Isabella felt conflicted. Spurred by Mouri Seiko's example, she considered making a move herself. But in the end, she refrained. It wasn't what she truly wanted. She believed that with her knowledge and ability, she would earn recognition without resorting to that path.