[Chapter 520: New Projects]

The calendar had turned to the last day of May.

Mission: Impossible had completed three full weeks in the North American market, racking up an impressive $375 million at the box office. It had shattered the previous record held by Independence Day, which stood at $361 million.

However, its box office momentum was tapering off. Yesterday's earnings had dipped below $3 million, and the number of screens showing the film had dropped to fewer than 1,000. Today, seven new movies premiered, including Universal's disaster blockbuster Twister, which had already pulled in $5.31 million from midnight showings, signaling strong box office potential.

Naomi received the exciting midnight box office news at 3 a.m. and immediately dominated Linton's attention during the subsequent party. Considering she had a promotional tour scheduled for that morning, and with Madonna, Cristiana, Sophie Marceau, and Monica well-fed and content, they graciously ceded the rest of their time to her.

Fueled by the positive box office results, Naomi unleashed her full arsenal of charm and talents one after another. Were it not for her morning promotional commitments, she might have willingly kept going all night.

If Twister could really break $200 million in the North American box office, Naomi's status would rise another notch, potentially elevating her to the super A-list like Julia Roberts in the original time and space.

...

Meanwhile, Mission: Impossible's screening count drastically fell below 700 theaters, making a further box office decline inevitable. But with forty days left before it closed, a total gross exceeding $400 million was still well within reach.

Overseas, the film's performance was equally impressive. After two weeks, it had already banked $286 million internationally. Unfortunately, Japan, a major market, wouldn't screen the film for another six months, or else the global total would have easily cracked $300 million by now. Thanks to diligent overseas promotion teams, Mission: Impossible was confirmed for release in over 140 countries and territories, though many launches were scheduled for later dates.

As the film expanded its worldwide reach, there remained significant box office growth potential. Clearing $800 million globally was highly probable, putting the film on track to join the billion-dollar club.

With the movie's global success, Linton's popularity soared to new heights, accelerating his own cultivation.

---

By 9 a.m., Linton, Winnie, and Goodman visited Starstone Aviation to interview newly hired pilots and flight attendants. After confirming their qualifications, Goodman stayed behind to handle their onboarding paperwork.

Next, Linton returned to the office to gather Robert, Harvey, and his team to finalize five projects slated for launch in the second half of the year.

...

The first was Chicago, an adaptation of the classic Broadway musical, produced by Blake Hans and directed by Anne Fletcher, with a $45 million budget.

The female leads were Madonna and Catherine Zeta-Jones, while the male lead was yet to be decided. Linton recommended Pierce Brosnan, the rising star set to become the next James Bond, but the final casting would be up to the producers and director.

...

The second was National Treasure, based on the popular novel of the same name, produced by Kenneth Talley and directed by Jonathan Glazer, with a $55 million investment.

Sherilyn Fenn was cast as the female lead, and Linton suggested the newly crowned Oscar-winning Nicolas Cage for the male lead, though, again, the final choice rested with the casting team.

This was Linton's first published novel, which had already sold over 5 million copies and garnered a large fanbase, ensuring a built-in audience for the film adaptation.

...

Eddie, the ghostwriter who had penned two volumes of National Treasure, four of The Matrix, three of The Da Vinci Code, and five for Pirates of the Caribbean on Linton's behalf, had earned over $2 million and was now quite well-off.

Having made money, Eddie's artistic ambitions reignited; he believed life wasn't only about wealth but also about fame and dreams.

His current goal was to become a legitimate screenwriter.

Linton assigned him to lead a team of four screenwriters to adapt National Treasure into a film script.

He promised that if the script passed his review, Eddie would receive sole screenwriting credit and market-standard pay.

If the film succeeded, Eddie would be the go-to screenwriter for future novel adaptations.

Prompted by this enticing offer, Eddie and his team worked tirelessly for more than two months, revising the screenplay multiple times until Linton gave his approval.

...

The third project was Armageddon, a sci-fi disaster film produced by Frank Slater and directed by Michael Bay, with a $90 million budget.

Kate Winslet was signed as the female lead, and the male lead and supporting cast would be decided by Bay and the producers.

The plot centered on two massive asteroids hurtling toward Earth. Humanity had to unite top astronauts from NASA and elite oil drillers for a desperate mission: force-landing a shuttle on one asteroid, drilling to its core, and planting a nuclear bomb to prevent global annihilation.

Though the story was somewhat far-fetched, audiences came primarily for the special effects and heart-pounding suspense.

....

Project four was Final Destination 2, a sequel to the original that had grossed $290 million worldwide. Naturally, plans for the follow-up were underway.

Producer Abella Curie and director Phil Dulin helmed the $30 million production.

The female leads were Charlize Theron and Jennifer Connelly, with Xu Qing as a key supporting role. Other roles would be cast through auditions.

...

The fifth project was My Best Friend's Wedding, an external acquisition.

This classic romantic comedy focused on Julianne's love life. After her best friend announced his engagement, she realized she was in love with him and did everything possible to break up the couple.

Independent producer Ronald Bass had a story outline and hired a screenwriter before approaching Julia Roberts for the lead.

Julia loved the script and agreed to star -- but only if Linton's film company produced the movie, clearly seeking to strengthen her ties to Linton.

At this time, Julia Roberts ruled Hollywood rom-coms, commanding an unmatched $20 million paycheck and a production team revolving entirely around her.

Box office success was key -- she was the queen of chick flicks and guaranteed at least $100 million at the North American box office for any film she headlined.

For example, My Best Friend's Wedding had a melodramatic plot that might only make $30 million if led by another actress, but with Julia attached, expectations soared above $100 million.

Ronald Bass, having no financial stake himself, would never choose another studio unless the terms from Linton's company were unbearable.

Linton's studio was at the peak of its influence in Hollywood, rivaling any powerhouse, with Universal's overseas distribution guaranteed and an excellent reputation.

After over a month of negotiations, Linton's company purchased the My Best Friend's Wedding project from Bass for $1.5 million.

Bass would serve as producer and screenwriter, receiving $300,000 each.

Additionally, as producer, he would earn 5% of the North American box office revenue once the film was released.

Anna Slater would direct, Julia Roberts would star, and the rest of the cast would be decided through auditions hosted by the producer and director.

...

Among these five films, according to the agreement with Universal, Armageddon and National Treasure had budgets exceeding $50 million, with Universal having up to 40% investment rights.

Although Universal now had new management, both companies were Linton's enterprises, and he had no plans to restructure.

Their cooperation had been smooth, and there was no reason to force change.

Universal would certainly exercise its full 40% stake since these were major projects initiated by the top boss himself.

---

That evening, in the executive suite at the Four Seasons Hotel, Linton enjoyed a sweet date with Sherilyn Fenn.

Given Linton's current fame, any public appearance drew crowds and paparazzi invasions.

So his assistant had reserved a room well in advance at the five-star hotel for privacy and quiet.

When Sherilyn entered, she was like a girl experiencing her first love, rushing into Linton's arms and planting a fragrant kiss.

"Darling, I've missed you so much these past few days."

Linton responded in kind; soon, they were lost together in a haze of passion.

...

Two hours later, their playful intimacy paused, and Sherilyn lay softly on Linton's chest.

"Darling, being with you feels so wonderful. I don't want to part."

"Then why don't you move into my estate?"

Sherilyn hesitated but shook her head. "Let's wait a little longer. It all feels too fast, like a dream."

"Alright, that's okay too."

"Darling, you're not mad at me, are you?"

"No, don't overthink it. What's your schedule like for the second half of the year?"

"Not sure, probably nothing big. I'm not a superstar. Why, do you have something for me?"

"Yes. My company is investing $55 million in a big production called National Treasure, and you're the female lead."

"Really? The lead in a $55 million movie? I can't believe it," Sherilyn exclaimed, barely daring to hope.

Previously, landing a substantial supporting role in such films had been nearly impossible for her. Now, dating Linton brought these amazing opportunities.

"Why the shocked look?"

"Darling, I'm just worried I'll mess it up. I've never had such an important role."

"Don't worry. Trust yourself and my judgment. The script is adapted from my novel -- I know exactly what the role requires. It suits your temperament perfectly. You'll do great."

"Darling, you're too good to me. I don't know how to thank you."

"Baby, aren't you my girlfriend? We're on a date -- no need for thanks."

"Right. Then I'll thank you the girlfriend way..."

---

The next morning, after breakfast, Linton handed Sherilyn the National Treasure script to start preparing.

Then he returned to the estate, flying with Sophie Marceau, Cristiana Reali, Monica Bellucci, and Madonna with her daughter on the new plane, heading to the farm.

June had arrived, and the crops were thriving. The farm was bursting with life, everything competing to grow.

In the smaller farm sections, the vitality was even more apparent. The young fruit trees were blooming profusely, creating a multicolored tapestry of blossoms.

...

Back in the gardens, Linton asked housekeeper Erica to assist Madonna and the others with settling in.

He inspected the health product factory himself to check on production.

Meena had transitioned remarkably well into the role, running the factory efficiently. The production of the Beauty and Vitality Pills was going smoothly.

...

According to Linton's plan, the second phase of the maternity artistic photo shoot would take place entirely in the estate's expansive backyard garden.

The garden covered some 80 acres, featuring hills, streams, rock formations, pavilions, winding corridors, exotic flowers, and rare trees -- every corner was breathtaking.

Most importantly, it was a private garden, so they could do whatever they liked behind closed doors -- even using the sky as a cover and the earth as a bed -- without disturbance.

Though the backyard was filled with scenery, its layout had considered vehicle access, making moving equipment convenient.

...

In the afternoon, Cristiana, Sophie, and Monica arrived with their complete uniforms.

Linton personally drove a luxury van to the garden, ferrying them along with a determined Madonna who insisted on tagging along.

Upon entering the garden, they were greeted by vibrant spring colors -- neatly trimmed lawns interspersed with waves of blooming flowers.

They chose a spot to park, and the three women changed into their flight attendant uniforms.

The three beauties looked strikingly different than when they were in the study.

In the vast garden, they could fully showcase themselves -- lounging on the lush grass or nestled among the flowers.

They were lovelier than the blooms themselves, their beauty enhanced by the vibrant background, radiantly seductive.

During the shoot, all three deliberately enhanced their interactions with Linton, occasionally throwing teasing gestures that stirred his desire.

...

After the first outfit shoot, lacking a dressing room and with only five people present, they had to change clothes right on the grass.

Monica's eyes sparkled as she purred, "Darling, I think my dress button came undone. Can you help me?"

When Linton moved over to fix it, she suddenly embraced him and planted a kiss.

"Darling, I can tell you're feeling hot. How about you let me play here wearing this outfit? You can tear it off during the play."

"Sounds good."

Linton didn't hesitate. He grabbed Monica, and their playful wrestling began.

Cristiana and Sophie, who were preparing to change nearby, eagerly joined in.

Only Madonna pouted on the sidelines; since she was only allowed to observe during the shoot, she settled for acting as impromptu photographer, snapping plenty of shots of their passionate play.

...

They switched scenes and outfits repeatedly: second flight attendant set, first nurse uniform, second nurse uniform.

By a rock formation, the four of them plunged into another playful battle.

Then first and second female officer uniforms came next.

In a pavilion, they played again.

By then, dusk was approaching, so the shoot was winding down.

Madonna finally joined in as well, making the games even livelier.

...

The following two days continued similarly: business attire, police uniforms, elegant gowns, swimsuits.

Among rare trees, fresh lawns, colorful flower fields, winding corridors, pavilions, and even on boats in the garden's lake, they left behind countless beautiful, seductive images and intense scenes.

At first, Cristiana and the others eagerly wanted to shoot water scenes in the crystal-clear lake, even imagining having a water play match with Linton.

But he considered the cooler temperatures and the fact that the three women were pregnant. For safety, he vetoed any reckless ideas.

After all, it was his private garden, and there would be plenty more opportunities in the future.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.