[Chapter 549: Hillary's Wish Fulfilled, Black Mask]
At a rare moment of leisure for Linton, Hillary arrived again in Los Angeles to claim the child she desired from him.
In the presidential suite of the Four Seasons Hotel, two figures were drenched in sweat, engaged in countless rounds of intense workouts and passionate encounters. After a long while, Hillary lay limp and tender in Linton's arms.
"Master," she whispered, "this time, you must grant your slave a child."
"Have you talked it over with Bill?"
"Yes, Master. I have discussed it with him, and he fully supports it."
"Fully supports it?" Linton sounded a little skeptical.
"Yeah. At first, he was reluctant. But thinking of the family's long-term plan, despite his inner hesitation, he agreed. Then when he found out it would be using your genes, he didn't just have no objections; he was genuinely happy and full-heartedly supportive."
"So, you both wanted my genes, huh?"
"Of course, Master. You're the strongest man in the world with the finest genes. I'm confident a child born from you and me will be exceptionally gifted."
"Alright. Since you've both made up your minds, I'll grant your wish. But on one condition -- I want to be the godfather. And that child must spend at least three months every year living on my farm."
"Master, anything you say. Please favor me...."
A joyful, sweet song drifted softly through the suite.
For the sake of conceiving successfully, Hillary stayed in Los Angeles for a full five days. Each night, she clung to Linton, battling together through the night.
Given her agreement to bear his child, Hillary's status in Linton's heart naturally rose significantly.
Before parting, Linton personally placed a protective quartz bracelet on Hillary's wrist and instructed her never to take it off under any circumstances.
A quartz bracelet isn't like a quartz pendant. Its structure isn't ideal for carving multiple formations inside -- at Linton's current cultivation level, he could barely inscribe even one formation.
Considering both Aunt Kelly's and Hillary's most pressing demand was protection, he chose the Diamond Formation. With its safeguard inside the bracelet, Hillary's safety could be assured.
Unexpectedly, Hillary misunderstood: "Master, is this quartz bracelet like the quartz necklace, a symbol of status or your recognition?"
"You could say that. After all, you're preparing to become the mother of my child."
"That's wonderful! Master, rest assured, no matter what, this bracelet will never leave my wrist."
"Also, you don't have to call me 'Master' anymore."
"Can I call you 'Darling' then?"
"When no one else is around, sure."
"Darling, I'm so happy -- I want you to love me even more."
---
Afterward, Linton returned to the farm, spending serene, joyful days with Cristiana, Sophie Marceau, Monica Bellucci, and their three newborn children. Of course, there was also little Lina, already talking and toddling around happily.
Although Cristiana, Sophie, and Monica were all above 30 -- considered high-risk mothers -- they were in excellent health thanks to long-term nourishment from Linton's essence. They were healthier than many women in their twenties. Living in a land saturated with spiritual energy helped them recover swiftly after childbirth.
When they hosted their evening parties, the three women joined forces to keep up with Linton in their energetic, flirtatious duels.
At the wellness factory managed by Meena, all operations were orderly with stable output. Linton occasionally entered the elixir refining room to create Vitality Pills, replenishing the stock.
---
Unnoticed, September edged in.
Linton's new album had been out for three weeks. Sales soared from the start, smashing records and topping the Billboard charts for two consecutive weeks.
So far, North American sales had totaled 26.82 million copies, with daily sales still holding at around 400,000. Video cassette sales reached 2.81 million units.
Overseas markets had accumulated 25.65 million copies sold, sustaining daily sales of approximately 500,000. Video cassettes shipped hit 2.86 million units.
Universal Music's marketing department forecasted worldwide sales to reach about 62 million copies, with video cassette sales surpassing 6 million. Total revenue would easily exceed $1.4 billion.
This album truly showcased Linton as the ultimate pop icon, a titan of fan devotion and musical influence.
It also filled Universal's pockets. Daniel predicted just this album alone would net the label over $400 million in profit, easily exceeding yearly targets ahead of schedule.
Linton's personal earnings were no small sum either. By the contract's terms, he would walk away with no less than $400 million.
...
September signaled a post-summer lull at the box office.
Hollywood blockbusters usually ignored this window, making it prime time for low- or mid-budget indie films and overseas imports to hit theaters.
Linton's promise to Jet Li -- Black Mask -- was set to open on September 27 in the U.S.
The film had already premiered in July across Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore.
Unfortunately, this urban superhero movie had been tailored too much for Western tastes.
Its thematic core, cultural vibe, and style diverged sharply from traditional Asian action fare, leading to poor reception in Asia.
Box office returns were disappointing: HK$13.28 million in Hong Kong, RMB 14 million in China, and NT$50 million in Taiwan.
Total Asian box office failed to reach HK$100 million (about $12.8 million), while the production budget was HK$60 ($7.7 million). The film was a solid flop in Asia.
Though North American rights sold for $2.5 million, the film still faced losses.
The box office failure dealt a heavy blow to Jet Li, raising greater hopes for its U.S. box office performance.
If Black Mask managed strong sales in North America, it could earn spots at the Berlin Film Festival by year's end and secure high-priced deals for European distribution, potentially pushing the film into profitability.
Jet Li arrived in America two weeks early to support promotional efforts.
Rosamund Kwan also came to Los Angeles, joyfully spending three perfect days with Linton. Still, she hadn't yet won his full trust.
Though, she gained something: through Linton's spiritual imprint method, he confirmed no other men had gotten close to her during that time, softening his heart toward her. When she left, Linton gifted her a bottle of Beauty Elixir.
...
Since May, Linton had arranged for MCA TV and UPN channels to broadcast Jet Li's classic films weekly, building his image among North American audiences.
By September, nearly all of Jet Li's martial arts movies had aired on both networks, embedding his reputation as a visually spectacular fight star.
Marketing allocated $3 million for publicity -- not huge, but enough to do quite a bit: media coverage through Linton's affiliated channels, spot TV appearances, and movie theater posters.
Harvey went further; channeling 1970s nostalgia, when Bruce Lee reigned as a martial arts superstar in North America, he branded Jet Li as Lee's spiritual successor in promotional materials.
Surprisingly effective, this identity helped Jet Li's name gain rapid recognition and growing popularity stateside.
Because it was off-peak season, the publicity team secured about 1,500 theaters and 2,200 screens to open Black Mask.
Though no premiere was held, promotion was solid.
...
On September 27, Black Mask officially hit North American cinemas.
Opening day ticket sales reached $2.57 million.
Saturday saw $2.81 million.
Sunday brought $2.35 million.
The first weekend's total was $7.73 million.
Though not blockbuster level, it was solid for an imported film set in Hong Kong, starring a still-emerging Jet Li.
The following four weekdays added $4.59 million.
The full first week's gross topped $12.32 million.
Marketing predicted the final North American revenue wouldn't drop below $25 million.
This categorized Black Mask as a hit import and marked Jet Li's initial breakthrough into the North American market, starting to carve out space in Hollywood.
*****
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