The street robbery incident in Miami gave Linton a great warning. He used to see shootings on TV and didn't feel much about them, but today, it happened live right before his eyes, which was too shocking. Moreover, he could feel that if the three people who were robbed had resisted, the Cuban robbers would definitely have shot them.
It seems that the saying, 'Free America, gunfights every day,' is not a joke. Although he is a Cultivator, before his Cultivation Technique reaches Major Achievement, guns still pose a considerable threat to him. It seems that in addition to the work bodyguards provided by Universal, he will also have to hire 24-hour private bodyguards at his own expense. Oh, he'll take care of it as soon as he gets back.
In the evening, everyone arrived in Houston. Duke, the head of publicity, took a call, turned on the TV, and after some operations, tuned to a channel. On the TV, Linton's ex-girlfriend, Connie, was talking extensively about her relationship with Linton and explicitly described Linton's incredibly powerful sexual function. Linton's Face darkened, while the others burst into laughter.
Ever since 'Baby' became a hit, especially as Linton became more and more popular, several 'ex-girlfriends' of Linton suddenly appeared, all claiming to be the inspiration for Linton's 'Baby.' Linton didn't even know some of them.
Don't even mention it, the media loves to sensationalize this kind of gossip. These people all got a lot of exposure and earned a lot of appearance fees, truly riding the wave of popularity. Today was even worse; Connie was simply shameless.
"This is too much! Is there no shame? If she doesn't care about her Face, I do, Duke, what should we do now?"
Duke looked at Linton with a strange expression, "Are you really that powerful?" After he finished speaking, everyone started laughing.
"Let's get serious, what should we do now?"
"Actually, it's nothing. This isn't bad for you; on the contrary, it's publicity for you, making more people discuss you and like you."
"So?"
"My point is to ignore her."
"Then, during subsequent media interviews, they will definitely bring this up. How should I answer?"
"It doesn't matter. As long as you don't deny it, you can answer however you want. If you really don't want to answer, just say 'no comment.'"
Linton didn't actually care much. Although it wasn't good for his Face, it didn't harm him and could even bring him popularity, helping him speed up his Cultivation. So, it didn't matter.
Indeed, in subsequent promotions, wherever Linton went, he became the media's focus. However, the question reporters were most concerned about was whether Linton's 'function' was truly as powerful as his ex-girlfriend claimed on TV. This made Linton extremely embarrassed, but he remembered Duke's words: neither admit nor deny, and deflect the topic with evasive answers.
Although these unscrupulous media's baseless hype made Linton very unhappy, it was undeniable that it brought him a lot of attention.
When Linton returned to Los Angeles, it was already June 25th. On the latest Billboard chart, 'Believer' remained at number one, 'Numb' continued at number two, Mariah Carey's 'I Don't Wanna Cry' was third, and 'Baby' was fourth.
'Believer' sold 1.1 million copies that week, 'Numb' sold 600,000 copies, and 'Baby' sold 400,000 copies.
Seeing these results, Universal went completely crazy. Daniel went crazy, Lisa went crazy, Al and Dick also went crazy. At the same time, Mira from the agency WMA went crazy, and Logan Donovan also went crazy.
How long had it been? 'Baby' had already sold over 5 million copies, 'Numb' had sold over 4 million copies, and 'Believer' had also sold over 3 million copies. This was simply a walking ATM!
And they, Daniel as Linton's manager, Lisa as the songwriter/producer, Al and Dick as the sound engineers and musicians during recording, could all take a commission from this. Logan and Mira, of course, even more so.
On the evening of June 26th, the Hilton Hotel was brightly lit. Universal's celebration party was held in the first-floor ballroom. When Mira and Linton arrived, Daniel and his team were already waiting outside, showing great sincerity.
Daniel led the two into the ballroom. At this time, there were quite a few people in the ballroom. Universal Records' management and signed singers had basically all come, as well as mid-to-high-level managers from Universal Pictures. Since it was a banquet hosted by Universal, it naturally attracted handsome men and beautiful women from the entertainment industry looking to network and find opportunities.
Everyone smiled happily and were very enthusiastic when they saw Linton. Daniel first introduced Linton to John Smith, the president of Universal Records. Then he took Linton around to socialize and network.
"This is Loisel, President of Universal Pictures."
Daniel introduced Loisel to Linton. At this time, Universal Records was actually a subsidiary of Universal Pictures, and Daniel was the Vice President of Universal Records, but Universal Records' profitability was incredibly strong.
"You are indeed a young Genius, Linton. I heard you graduated from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. With your looks, you should have studied acting and become a star. You could consider making movies and venturing into film stardom in the future."
Loisel said with a smile.
"Perhaps, I actually majored in film directing at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with you."
At the party, Linton also met other mid-to-high-level executives from Universal Pictures, such as Levitt Gore, the head of distribution, expanding his network significantly.
After greeting all the company's singers one by one, he also met several film actors.
For example, Will Smith (who was already transitioning to film acting at this time), Matt Damon, Jonny Lee Miller, Ethan Hawke, Veronica Reid, and so on.
Except for Veronica Reid, who had gained considerable fame from starring in 'Edward Scissorhands' last year, the others had not yet become very famous.
When Mira introduced Veronica Reid, Veronica gently tickled Linton's palm with her fingertips as they shook hands. Linton's heart warmed. Veronica Reid had deep brown hair, a well-proportioned and tall figure, and fair, moisturized skin. She was truly beautiful.
"The Handmaiden Reid, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Thank you, Linton, congratulations."
The first half of the party revolved around Linton. Everyone toasted him, congratulating him on his single's success and becoming a popular star. After more than an hour of this, people gradually dispersed and began their own socializing.
Linton looked left and right, saw Veronica Reid had just finished dealing with a middle-aged fat man, and quickly walked over. He took two drinks from a waiter's hand and handed one to Veronica Reid.
"Winona, you're really beautiful. Let's have a drink."
Veronica took the glass.
"Alright, let's find a place to sit and chat."
The two took their glasses and found a corner to sit down. Linton looked for a topic.
"I've seen 'Edward Scissorhands,' which you starred in with Johnny Depp."
Veronica Reid waved her hand and said,
"Don't mention him. He and I have already broken up."
"Ah, you dated Johnny Depp?"
"That's all in the past. Let's drink."
...
"Hey, are you really as amazing as your ex-girlfriend said on TV?"
"What's wrong? Don't believe me? Want to try?"
"Try it, then."
"Then let's go, to the Room upstairs in the hotel."
Linton hadn't expected Connie's big-mouthed hype to bring him this benefit.
The two quietly left early, took the elevator to the 26th floor, and went to the Room Mira had booked earlier.
As soon as they entered the Room, the two embraced. The 1.63-meter tall Veronica Reid seemed delicate and exceptionally soft and charming in front of the 1.87-meter tall Linton.
"Hey, Winona, you're truly captivating..."
Linton held Veronica Reid's soft waist.
Neither of them was a novice. They exchanged a wave of Qi, panting.
Then, the two eagerly stripped down to meet each other.