[Chapter 568: Setting the Stage for the Asian Financial Crisis]
On January 6th, with the exception of Cristiana, Monica, and Sophie Marceau, who stayed behind at the farm to care for the children, Linton returned to Los Angeles with the other women, along with that month's shipment of Vitality Pills and Beauty Pills.
After more than half a year of market testing, the effects of both pills had earned widespread recognition across America and globally. Lines outside specialty stores grew more intense, and every month on the third at midnight, chaos would erupt as eager customers clambered for the best spots. Fortunately, the police precinct right next door ensured that law enforcement and store security were fully armed and ready to maintain order at these times.
As usual, that night's batch of Vitality and Beauty Pills sold out within minutes.
...
In the evening, Linton arrived as scheduled at the Four Seasons Hotel's presidential suite to soothe Jennifer Aniston. At his last concert, he had promised to meet her a week after the event, but the clinginess of his harem at home forced him to postpone. Thankfully, the three beauties understood his busy and explosive popularity, and none held a grudge.
Jennifer, America's sweetheart, and Linton had been seeing each other often enough to be familiar with one another's rhythms and limits -- they knew each other inside out. As soon as he entered the room, a passionate body threw itself into his arms, delivering a sweet kiss. "Honey, you're finally here."
Joyful, sweet singing followed.
Perhaps it had been too long since their last encounter, because Jennifer threw herself into it with full force, desperate to be the victor. Though her passion was fierce, she couldn't match Linton's overwhelming power. It was a heartbreaking mismatch with her heart willing but her body unable, culminating in a deep breath of surrender as her spirit drifted untethered above clouds. What remained was pure ecstasy and a soul utterly devoted.
It wasn't until nearly noon the next day that Jennifer finally exhausted all she had, concluding their last battle.
After freshening up, she happily fed Linton bites of the lunch delivered by the hotel, like a love-smitten girl. Full and satisfied, Linton pulled a bottle of Vitality Pills from his bag. Jennifer had given him unforgettable experiences and great assistance in refining his cultivation over the past six months.
"Sweetheart, here's a bottle of Vitality Pills -- for you."
"Vitality Pills? Honey, is this for real? Wow," Jennifer jumped up, thrilled. Though one of America's highest-grossing stars last year with earnings exceeding $60 million, shelling out $8 million for a single bottle of Vitality Pills was still beyond her usual means -- especially since they were nearly impossible to obtain.
"You like it?"
"I love it! Honey, I adore you," she exclaimed, not caring that her strength wasn't fully restored as she threw herself back into Linton's arms, reigniting passionate flames once more.
...
After their fierce encounter ended, Jennifer lay atop Linton. "Darling, being with you is simply amazing. Can you stay with me tonight?"
"Sorry, I'm already booked this evening."
"Mind telling me who?"
"No. Out of respect for you, I won't mention anyone else when I'm with you."
"I'm guessing Julia or Mariah, right? Don't deny it yet -- I'm okay with joining you guys."
"I'm not sure they'd be willing."
"Can you ask them?"
"No, asking would be disrespectful."
"So it really is them. Fine, I'll ask when I get the chance."
"Don't mess with me," Linton said, startled by her fierce tone.
"Relax, I won't ruin your reputation," Jennifer kissed him.
"How did you know it was them?" Linton asked, curious at her accuracy.
"Darling, despite your many rumors, I know your standards are high -- you usually don't settle for just anyone. Plus, women's intuition. At the concert, I noticed how they looked at you -- it was different."
"Very clever."
"Alright, can we increase how often we meet?"
Holding the fragrant beauty in his arms, Linton reflected on the ongoing games since last night. Her immense popularity visibly boosted his cultivation. "Sure, how about once a month?"
---
Leaving the Four Seasons, Linton had Danny drive him to the office, where Richard from Mangrove Capital was already waiting in the secretary's room. After Li Xiaoran brewed him some tea, he had her escort Richard in.
As Li Xiaoran handed over a coffee, Richard surprised everyone by daring to ask, "Boss, can I try some of your tea?"
"Aren't you a coffee drinker?"
"That was before. I heard your tea is extraordinary. Mind if I see for myself?"
"Alright, Xiaoran, pour him a cup."
Richard eagerly took the tea and after one sip couldn't help but exclaim, "My god, boss, this tea is magical!"
Linton didn't bother elaborating and got straight to the point.
"Richard, I called you here to talk about your ambitions for Mangrove Capital to expand its investments."
"Boss, you're really going to let Mangrove grow?"
"Yes, but investments must align with my directives."
"Please go on."
"I have solid intel that Wall Street is preparing a financial storm targeting Asia, aiming to harvest wealth accumulated during their rapid growth."
"Boss, that's an incredible opportunity! Is the information reliable?" Richard knew from his Goldman Sachs days that America had a long history of orchestrated wealth extractions worldwide.
"Absolutely. After getting the scoop, I analyzed the Asian situation. Many countries -- Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines -- are carrying immense risk."
"So you suggest we join this wealth harvest?"
"Of course. Would you pass up a chance like this?"
"Boss, I'm all in. How can I miss this?"
"Good. I authorize you to form a hedge fund immediately and assemble your team."
"I will start on it right away."
"Also, start gathering detailed info on Southeast Asian economies: their financial structures, forex policies, trade surpluses, reserves, foreign debts -- evaluate their risk potentials. Begin financial war simulations. Keep a close eye on the Quantum Fund led by George Soros. From what I know, he's spearheading the operation. But remember, all this is strictly confidential."
"With your intel, boss, we're primed to quietly make a fortune. So, how much are we investing?"
"How much does Mangrove Capital have now?"
Richard handed him a report: "After over four years: Mangrove holds 7% in Cisco, 2.1% in Microsoft, 5% in Yahoo, 1.9% in Oracle... Valued over $12 billion at last month's prices. We owe $1.7 billion in bank loans, but net assets exceed $10 billion."
"Alright, I'll put in $2 billion this round, again using stocks as loan collateral. Coordinate with the banks. When ready, bring Goodman and me to sign loan authorizations. I expect real moves around May."
"Got it. I'll get started immediately."
"One more thing -- register the hedge fund offshore, preferably with Swiss banking. This avoids regulatory scrutiny, hides us from Wall Street sharks, prevents hostile takeovers, and dodges those damn taxes."
...
After business, Richard hesitated before shamelessly asking, "Boss, your tea really is something. Could I get a little as a reward?"
"You wish. I barely have enough for myself."
"Come on, boss, I'm loyal and hardworking. Show some mercy, please."
"How about this: if you can pull off Asia's financial crisis play and hit strategic targets, I'll reward you with not just tea, but a bottle of Vitality Pills."
"Deal! Wait and watch me, boss." Energized, Richard left like he'd been injected with pure adrenaline.
---
Over the next two days, Linton attended two Oscar parties Harvey organized, promoting Chicago and Run Lola Run. Madonna, Catherine, and Charlize proudly stood behind the films.
Though most PR events didn't need him, Linton's presence boosted impact, especially at the USC Film & TV Alumni meet.
Run Lola Run, after a full five weeks in North America, hit $95.48 million, inching toward $100 million. Daily weekday box office still topped $400,000, and the closing box office should reach $110 million. Critics praised Charlize's performance unanimously.
From current PR, Oscar nods for Best Picture and Best Actress seemed guaranteed.
Chicago's release followed a limited sneak preview strategy to build award buzz, keeping theaters under 300. Sharp marketing kept attendance high, single-theater receipts above tens of thousands. After 25 days, $47.92 million was a delightful haul.
Critics loved it, IMDb rating steady above 8.4. Paid reviews amplified positive hype.
With intense PR and major funding, Chicago was expected to score nominations for Best Picture, Director, Actor, and Supporting Actress.
But competition loomed in The English Patient.
Adapted from Michael Ondaatje's novel, set against war and desert backdrops, the film told a cross-time tragic romance. Frankly, it moved at a glacial pace with many intimate soul scenes that bored some viewers to near sleep.
Still, it was tailor-made for Oscar appeal, focusing on storytelling style, values, and deep emotional mining that resonated with critics and traditional Academy voters.
Linton recalled The English Patient's original Oscar sweep -- nine awards including Best Picture, Director, and Supporting Actress. Back then, Miramax led the campaign, investing heavily in PR to boost both awards and film revenues.
Now, Miramax was under Linton's control, Harvey worked as Linton's distribution manager, handling commercial blockbusters. He had little patience for introspective art films.
Still, The English Patient had strong backing. Producer Saul Zaentz convinced New Line Cinema to finance it.
The film premiered a week earlier than Chicago, also with limited screenings for awards. Attendance was low but targeted art film fans, winning critical acclaim but disappointing box office with $16 million after 32 days.
What really decided Oscars? Quality? Artistry? Thoughtful themes?
None of those were the key; PR was king. Years of evidence confirmed that campaigns shaped award results most.
New Line's PR, though sincere, lagged far behind Miramax's expert efforts, and especially Chicago's current surge.
So while The English Patient posed a threat, Harvey was confident it would grab a few nods but not outright wins.
...
In the evening, Linton visited Julia Roberts and Mariah Carey separately at the Hilton and the Platinum hotels, each for one night. Like Jennifer, both gave their all on their dates -- desperate to exhaust him.
Yet, limited by their own abilities, they ultimately bowed in submission.
Of course, Linton gifted each with a bottle of Vitality Pills, filling them with ecstatic energy. They pulled him into another fierce, exhausting battle.
The outcome? Both walked away fulfilled, pleading for mercy with tears.
Linton's own gains were enormous -- each woman's colossal popularity visibly advanced his cultivation.
Before parting, he promised to meet each of them monthly going forward.
*****
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