Daniel called Carson, Zach, Annie, and Linton for a meeting, solemnly emphasizing that the MV for 'Numb' must be completed by May 5th and broadcast on TV at 6 PM in May, with absolutely no delays.
A four-person leadership team for the shoot was re-established. The first task was to determine the female lead for the MV. Zach handed Linton the material of actresses who had passed the first round, indicating that Linton should make the final decision.
Linton looked at the three of them in surprise, but then, considering his current popularity and the success of 'Baby,' he wasn't so surprised anymore.
To put it bluntly, he was the biggest star on the set, and the crew existed because of him; the entire crew was there to serve him. This was the rule of Hollywood.
Flipping through the material, there were a total of five candidates. Since Cameron Diaz had already joined a new production and had no time to participate in this MV recording, a familiar face was unexpectedly found among the five candidates.
It was Naomi Watts, an Oscar-winning actress and A-list star in his previous life, and also a female celebrity he liked very much. He remembered her coming to Hollywood only in '93. Had he misremembered, or was this a change brought about by his little butterfly effect? Never mind, it would be her.
In fact, with Linton's rapid rise to fame, the competition for the MV's female lead this time was much fiercer than before. Big and small agencies used various tactics to lobby the three of them, and even Daniel.
However, Daniel was intent on winning over Linton and didn't take the bait. Zach and the other two had no decision-making power. They initially thought Linton would listen to their suggestions and push for their preferred candidates, but unexpectedly, Linton didn't play by the usual rules and made the decision directly.
Naomi Watts' agent hung up the phone and said ecstatically, "Naomi, it's Linton's MV! We got the role!"
Naomi couldn't quite believe her ears: "What did you say? Say it again..."
"I said, we got the role..."
"Oh my God, that's great! God is finally looking out for us!" The agent made the sign of the cross over her chest.
She was just a newly debuted junior agent, and Naomi Watts was her only client. For Naomi Watts to land a role meant her own career was also about to take off.
As Linton gained popularity, Universal's treatment of him also improved. The company provided him with a private office, assigned a female assistant named Molly, and even two bodyguards.
At 9 AM on May 1st, inside the Universal Studios soundstage, the MV for 'Numb' officially began filming. This song was a rock song, and it expressed that even when feeling helpless and troubled by real life, one would no longer delay, wallow in pain, but rather break free from difficulties and embrace a new self.
Therefore, traditional energetic singing and dancing were not suitable. According to Zach's script, the first half mainly depicted the female protagonist encountering indifference from others in various scenarios, with some emotional release in the middle, and finally facing life positively, with Linton's singing scenes interspersed throughout.
Since it was rock, Universal arranged for its own band to accompany. The setting was simple, and recording was fast. Zach finished shooting all the material in three days and left with the footage without even attending the wrap party. He needed to start editing quickly and had to cut the final product within two days.
Carson organized the remaining people for the wrap party. At the party, everyone centered around Linton, raising toasts to him. Even Carson and Annie did so, making Linton feel that he was indeed completely different from before.
Later, however, everyone got high from drinking and let loose. A few people openly smoked marijuana in a corner, and others publicly embraced and kissed each other.
Linton didn't pay it any mind; this was the norm in Hollywood life. However, he had a rather pleasant conversation with Naomi.
To clarify, nothing happened between the two during the three-day recording process. One reason was the tight schedule, and another was that there was no physical contact between them during the MV shoot. Moreover, Naomi wasn't as unrestrained and proactive as Cameron.
But Linton still appreciated her very much. Naomi's performance, in Linton's eyes, was spot on, conveying the Concept of the song, and her acting was much stronger than Cameron's.
At the same time, her beautiful appearance was also the type Linton liked. Naomi also intentionally approached him, so naturally, they chatted together at the party. Others also consciously gave them space.
When they had drunk enough, the two left early. Since they couldn't drink and drive, Mira had agreed before the party to be the driver. Linton had Mira drive Naomi back to her apartment building first. When Naomi got out of the car, she looked at Mira a little shyly, but still bravely invited Linton:
"Want to come up for a cup of coffee?" Linton hesitated a little, but Mira said,
"It's fine, I've checked carefully, there are no paparazzi behind us. You two go up, you should get some good rest. I'll pick you up tomorrow at 10 AM."
Linton thought, 'I'm not afraid of paparazzi.' Forget it, it's come this far, no need to be coy.
"Alright."
After saying that, he followed Naomi up. There was no elevator, so they had to take the stairs.
Entering the apartment, Naomi changed her clothes, putting on a more fitted and even more sensuous and alluring home outfit.
Naomi brewed a cup of coffee for each of them, and they sat by the window chatting.
The two started by talking about everyday things. Linton was naturally humorous and witty, making Naomi laugh heartily. As they chatted, they moved closer and closer, eventually leaning against each other.
At 1.65 meters tall, without high heels, Naomi appeared delicate and reliant next to the 1.87-meter-tall Linton.
"Hey, Naomi, you're truly charming..." Linton held Naomi's soft waist.
"Call me Naomi." Linton readily agreed, and then they kissed.
Neither of them was a novice. They exchanged a wave of air, and soon the battle erupted.
There's a poem that goes: 'Several cold mountains, the wind low, carving up the Central Plains path.'
Naomi seemed much more petite than Cameron, but her stamina was not bad. The battle continued until dawn before stopping. Afterwards, Naomi lay in Linton's arms and fell into a deep sleep, but Linton remained awake, a strong sense of accomplishment welling up within him.
However, Linton could also confirm that Naomi was also a nobody at the moment, similar to Cameron when filming the 'Baby' MV. Dual Cultivation had virtually no bonus for him.
But now, with Linton's soaring popularity, his Cultivate speed was rapidly increasing, and he no longer particularly cared about the Cultivate bonus from his female companions.
Yes, his dream goddess from before was right in his arms; what more could he ask for? Besides, he could also help boost her popularity.
Just like with this MV's female lead, he believed it could help Naomi quite a bit, just like Cameron Diaz. He could wait for them to become famous before they helped him Cultivate. Linton then closed his eyes as well.
