Starlight Company specialized in retail channels, purchasing storefronts to sell toys and related merchandise.
By now, Starlight had over 200 stores and more than a thousand employees, with four to five staff per store on average.
The company hadn't brought Lin BaoCheng much profit yet. With US$50 million invested, it was unclear how many years it would take to recover costs.
But it had yielded unexpected benefits. Because of its large workforce, both the Democratic and Republican parties in Los Angeles and California extended invitations to Lin. He ultimately aligned with the Republicans.
A company with many employees could influence votes, and politicians needed votes. Without Starlight, Lin would have had no leverage with legislators. Even spending money wouldn't guarantee respect.
As a foreigner, Lin wouldn't participate directly in U.S. politics. But maintaining friendly ties with one party was useful. Such relationships weren't always reliable, but better than having no connections when needed.
His choice of Republicans had nothing to do with ideology. He simply knew that the next president, Ronald Reagan, would be Republican. That was his only reason.
Lin maintained good relations with Republican legislators in Los Angeles and California, even donating political contributions. Isabella accompanied him to meetings, and lawmakers knew she worked for him.
After New Century Software's office suite was developed, beyond the Apple partnership, Isabella personally lobbied city and state agencies. Through Republican channels, she secured government contracts.
The software's retail price was US$199 per set. Though not cheap, it was acceptable for enterprises, schools, and agencies.
For government agencies, the effective price was US$149 per set — the remaining US$50 was a "benefit fee."
This fee wasn't openly given. Officially, agencies paid US$199 per set. But US$50 per copy was funneled through other channels into private accounts or political contributions for Republican legislators.
Specialized firms handled the financial operations. It was an established industry chain, laundering the money until it appeared clean. Everyone benefited.
Through this high‑level route, Isabella easily secured 30,000 orders — over US$4 million in revenue. She had expected 10,000 at most, doubting agencies had that many computers. But when offered 30,000, she didn't refuse or worry about waste.
Profit was all that mattered. Whether the purchases wasted taxpayer money wasn't her concern.
New Century Software's strong start delighted Lin. Though only US$4 million, and profits far less, conquering the U.S. market could yield hundreds of millions.
Such profits were significant. While Lin had earned hundreds of millions from Hutchison Whampoa and expected billions from gold futures, in normal business, US$100 million over two or three years was already excellent.
Lin left New Century's management to Isabella, without interfering.
One day, he summoned Isabella, Eric Davis, and Sherry Lansing to his Beverly Hills villa.
"Bella, Eric, Lansing — I'm preparing to return to Hong Kong. I'll leave the companies here in your hands."
Lin had stayed in Los Angeles to oversee office software development. Now that it was complete, he no longer needed to remain.
"Boss, we'll manage the companies well," the three replied.
Lin told Eric: "Your task is to expand Starlight's stores. I've invested US$50 million. I want you to build a nationwide retail channel. Once the funds are spent, use profits to buy new stores. Until the channel is complete, I won't withdraw a cent."
"Boss, I'll strive to cover half the U.S. market this year," Eric promised. Training staff slowed expansion, but he was confident.
"I look forward to your good news," Lin said, then turned to Lansing: "Lansing, I've already outlined Morning Star Pictures' direction. Just remember: any film costing over US$10 million requires my approval. Major decisions must be reported to me. And don't forget — find the right child actor for Home Alone."
"Boss, finding the right boy won't be easy, but I'll do my best," Lansing replied.
Finally, Lin addressed Isabella: "Bella, at New Century, besides selling the office software, supervise Aiden and Peter's new projects. Also, check in on Apple and Microsoft. Keep an eye on Starlight and Morning Star too.
"And have the headhunters find me a secretary here in the U.S. You'll need assistance."
Lin wanted another secretary in America, both to ease Isabella's workload and to provide oversight.
"Yes, Boss," Isabella answered. She disliked the idea but couldn't refuse.
With instructions given, Lin left Los Angeles the next day, returning to Hong Kong.
He brought with him the team developing Tank Battle, as well as his two white bodyguards, Cliff Cooper and Brian Owen. He wanted them at his side.