Chapter 58: Armani and Timex Endorsement Signing
[Chapter 58: Armani and Timex Endorsement Signing]
On the way back to the estate, Shania seemed to have calmed down from her excitement. Since she wasn't very familiar with Linton yet, she grew a bit shy and fell into a quiet mood.
Linton took the initiative to start a conversation, asking her what her dream was.
Unexpectedly, Shania said her dream was to make money through music, to help her younger siblings attend good universities, receive better education, and have a brighter future.
She shared that her parents had passed away early, and as the eldest sibling, she took on the responsibility of raising her brothers and sisters at a young age.
Linton was deeply moved. He never expected Shania to be so loving and responsible. Despite her small frame carrying such heavy burdens, she maintained her passion and persistence for music. No wonder she was destined to soar beyond limits in the future.
Now with Daniel and himself supporting her, she would definitely achieve better results than before. He believed she would become an outstanding artist.
He took her hand and said, "Your dream will come true soon. Sing these songs well, and you will become popular quickly. You'll earn a lot of money. Everything will get better."
"Yeah, it all feels like a dream. A few days ago, I was still wandering around, looking for opportunities. I never thought I'd get to collaborate with a superstar like you. It feels like God is watching over me."
"Opportunities and luck are important, but your own talent matters even more. You have an amazing voice and musical gift. Work hard, and you'll definitely succeed."
That heartfelt encouragement deeply touched Shania, and she threw herself into Linton's arms.
"Linton, thank you. You're the first person to believe in and encourage me like this. I'll work hard, learn from you, and let my voice be heard all across America and the world, loved by everyone."
...
When they approached the estate, Mira called, happily reporting: "Linton, we've finalized all terms with Armani Men's Wear and Timex Watches today. We're ready to sign the contracts tomorrow. Carnes and I will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. and take you to the Armani Los Angeles branch."
"Okay, I'll wait for you guys."
...
Ignoring the paparazzi waiting at the gate, Danny drove straight into the estate.
The luxury of the estate astonished Shania -- it was beyond all her imagination and gave her a clear goal to strive for.
...
After dinner, they practiced singing duets seriously in the studio. Linton realized that Shania's voice, range, and singing skills were superb, fully qualifying her as a top-tier singer.
Though she started late and was a bit older than usual, that wasn't a problem for a singer.
He couldn't help admiring Daniel's eye for talent and incredible luck; they had truly found a goldmine.
..
After practice, Linton took her to the terrace garden outside the master bedroom on the third floor. They opened a bottle of red wine.
Under the starry sky, savoring fine wine and admiring the Beverly Hills night view, they talked about their musical insights and dreams.
Gradually, their figures grew closer until they embraced.
"Not here. Take me inside the room," she said.
Then their passionate encounter began. Although Shania wasn't very famous yet and couldn't help Linton's training directly, her skill was impressive -- always attentive, using various moves and positions, her melodious cries lasted for a long time.
...
The next morning, Linton pressed the call button by the bed.
The housekeeper Amy brought in two bags and left. Each bag contained a brand-new Dior outfit, including lingerie and suits.
Shania asked in surprise, "I was worried about clothes, but you considered everything so thoughtfully. How did Amy know my size?"
"When you arrived last night, I instructed Amy. She's an experienced housekeeper, very accurate with sizes. She notified the Dior store to send two sets tailored to your measurements."
Her smooth and professional approach convinced Shania that the rumors about Linton being a playboy had some truth. She now understood him better.
After years of hardships, Shania deeply recognized the importance of seizing opportunities and support from influential people. That's why she had cast aside her pride to get into Linton's car the previous day.
...
After freshening up, Linton asked, "I'm busy today. Will you practice singing here or go back to the company?"
"I'd rather go back to the company. I'm not used to being here alone without you."
"Alright, I'll have someone drive you then."
"Can I still come here later?"
"Of course. Just call me whenever you want."
After breakfast, Linton instructed his security guard Hayden Coleman to drive his old Cadillac to send Shania back to the city, telling him to lose the paparazzi.
---
At 8:30 a.m., Mira and Carnes arrived at Linton's estate with Armani stylists, makeup artists, and clothing.
With their help, Linton changed into the latest Armani suit, looking even more handsome, strong, and extraordinary.
Armani's Los Angeles branch attached great importance to this signing, organizing a small signing ceremony.
The contract's most important points were: first, Armani hired Linton to be their suit spokesperson, paying $3.8 million annually for two years.
Linton would cooperate with Armani to shoot related advertisements (both print and film) and attend one promotional event per year. After the ads were completed and approved, payment was made in full.
Second, in public, Linton could only wear Armani suits. Wearing other brands would breach the contract with a $6 million penalty.
Before many media witnesses, Linton signed the endorsement contract with Armani.
In a live interview, Armani executives praised Linton's impeccable image and temperament, calling him an ideal partner. The signing would mark a new chapter of cooperation.
Linton thanked Armani for their trust, highly praising the brand as a high-end company with heritage and wide influence.
Due to the generous bonus, reporters politely completed the contract interview.
Then they eagerly asked about Linton's movies, but Linton firmly replied: "This is the Armani endorsement signing ceremony. Please don't stray from the topic. For movie updates, Linton Studio will inform everyone promptly when there's news."
---
That afternoon, under Mira's arrangement, Linton visited a Los Angeles children's welfare center to see the kids.
He sang for the children on site and personally made cakes for them. He also donated a $500,000 check to the center.
Of course, several media outlets including American Music Magazine covered the event live.
---
Unexpectedly, on the way back to the estate, Linton received a call from Shania asking if it was convenient to come to the estate for singing practice at night.
Linton thought she wanted more than just practice and immediately instructed Hayden Coleman to pick her up.
That evening was a repeat of the previous night -- singing, wine tasting, enjoying the view, doing various exercises. Both enjoyed releasing their passion to the fullest.
...
The next morning, after breakfast, Linton again had Hayden Coleman drive the Cadillac to evade paparazzi and take Shania back to the city. He told her he would be going to Connecticut to sign a watch endorsement with Timex.
---
The signing with Timex went smoothly, with similar procedures and contract terms as with Armani.
The endorsement fee was also $3.8 million per year for two years.
After signing, Timex gave Linton four watches to wear at public occasions.
Goodman returned to Los Angeles alone, while others stayed in Connecticut to continue filming the Timex watch commercials.
...
That evening, Mira and Carnes came to Linton's room, turned on the TV, and switched to a movie talk show.
The guests were Hollywood insiders, including MiraMax's president Harvey Weinstein.
The host asked guests about their views on Linton's investment and directing of movies. Opinions were mixed -- some pessimistic, some supportive.
When it was Harvey's turn, he clearly expressed optimism and publicly invited Linton to collaborate with MiraMax.
Linton's movie investment had sparked wide discussion, even attracting TV attention.
Interestingly, unlike the media's collective doubt, Hollywood insiders and audiences were divided, which pleased Linton and his team.
"Linton, Harvey publicly invited you to work with him. Shall we meet him?"
"Harvey only wants my money. We've already found a distributor. No need for extra complications," Linton replied calmly.
Since the watch commercials were simple to shoot and Timex's crew reliable, all footage was completed within a day.
On the 4th evening, everyone returned to Los Angeles.
*****
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