Chapter 68: Microsoft Minority Shareholder, Passionate Rehearsal
[Chapter 68: Microsoft Minority Shareholder, Passionate Rehearsal]
After wrapping the script reading session and resolving the conflict between Halle Berry and Tyra Banks, the production team started running efficiently. Linton then threw himself into recording the songs with peace of mind.
In the meantime, he received good news from Henry. After discussions with the Bill Gates family's office, the latter was indeed interested in selling part of their Microsoft shares. Both sides quickly reached an agreement, with the Gates family agreeing to transfer $100 million worth of stock.
However, the price was still under negotiation. The family wanted to transfer the shares at 5% above the closing price one day before the contract signing, arguing that Microsoft's stock was continuously climbing and had great growth potential.
Henry proposed the opposite, asking for a 5% discount from the closing price the day before the contract, reasoning that such a large-scale divestment might cause a sharp drop in stock price if sold on the open market, which could harm Microsoft's interests.
Both sides negotiated the price. Linton set his bottom line: preferably at the closing price the day before the contract signing, but if necessary, he could accept a 1% premium.
This was already much better than Linton expected. Originally, he thought buying at 5% above market price would be a bargain -- a pleasant surprise indeed.
---
By March 4th, Linton had finished recording all the songs. Lisa presented the preliminary version for on-set accompaniment.
However, Shania's female vocals would be further recorded to reach perfection before the final version was cut for post-production and the official soundtrack release.
Linton's strong singing skills impressed Shania immensely. While she devoted herself fully to recording songs, after a whole month she still hadn't achieved satisfaction and needed ongoing recordings.
Meanwhile, Linton managed to record perfect tracks within half a month, only fitting it into his busy schedule.
Shania couldn't help but be deeply captivated by him. Taking advantage of Linton's smooth completion that day, she voluntarily got into his car, suggesting they go to the estate to celebrate.
Linton thought, 'You're not celebrating, you're just craving more,' imagining she was eager for another round. But seeing how diligently she had been practicing and recording every day without rest in the last month, he felt she deserved a reward.
That night, the two of them naturally shared an intimate night filled with passion and their voices echoing through the room.
---
The next day, arranged by Mira Cecchi, Linton rushed to participate in a Los Angeles Red Cross fundraiser for African refugees' food aid.
He donated $1.5 million, and several press releases followed, gaining considerable media coverage.
---
In the afternoon, Henry came to the estate to update Linton on the latest news about acquiring Microsoft shares.
Now, the seller had lowered the asking price to just 1% above the closing price prior to contract signing. The two sides were expected to finalize the deal within a couple of days, with hopes to agree exactly on the closing price that day.
Linton didn't have $100 million in his account but only $92.6 million. He suggested pledging his current stocks as collateral to loan $20 million, maintaining liquidity.
"How much loan can I get if I pledge all my stocks?"
"Bank inquiries show your stocks' current market value is $52 million. They can lend up to 75%, totaling $39 million."
"Then pledge everything and get the $39 million loan."
"What about the extra $20 million?"
"Two choices: $10 million to continue buying office buildings in Silicon Valley, and $10 million to buy stocks in Cisco, Compaq, and Dell computers -- $5 million in Cisco, and $2.5 million each in the others."
"Boss, you're still investing like this? Why not diversify into other fields to manage risks?"
"No worries, just do as I say."
"Okay, I'll contact the bank now and aim to complete the procedures by tomorrow afternoon. You'll need to sign on-site."
"Fine, notify me when ready," Linton said, handing over the signed stock pledge authorization.
---
The next afternoon, Linton, Goodman Depp, and Henry Zhou arrived at a California bank as scheduled.
For a superstar like Linton, the bank's vice president, Ilant Hamas, personally greeted them. Hollywood stars were always preferred clients for banks.
After signing multiple documents and considering the ample collateral and Linton's good credit rating, Ilant promised the funds would be in Linton's account no later than the next day.
---
Good news kept arriving. On March 7th, Henry Zhou and the Bill Gates family office reached their final agreement.
The Gates family office would transfer $100 million worth of Microsoft stock to Linton, priced at the closing market price on March 7th.
On March 8th, Linton and Goodman flew to Seattle to meet Henry. The parties wanted to keep things low-key and completed the transaction swiftly without media disturbance.
Now, Linton owned Microsoft stocks valued at $133 million. Based on Microsoft's $18.6 billion market cap that day, he held 0.715% of the company and became a minority shareholder.
Unfortunately, he didn't meet Bill Gates in Seattle.
---
After hurrying through the last matters, Linton fully committed himself to the film crew on March 9th.
Anne had been eagerly waiting for this. If Linton weren't the investor or director, she'd probably have lost her patience, as she had been calling relentlessly.
Luckily, Linton finally was on set.
Robert joked, "Never seen such a crew -- filming is about to start, yet the director and lead actor haven't even joined. Good thing you invested your own money, or the crew would have dispersed by now."
"Isn't that thanks to you guys in production? Zack and Anne have been really diligent and capable; otherwise, how could I be so relaxed?"
After meeting with the production, directing, lighting, wardrobe, props, and makeup teams to check progress, Linton returned to the rented dance studio and began rehearsals as per Anne's request.
To control costs, the crew planned to film the largest group dance scenes early in the shoot, wrapping up most dancers' parts quickly.
Though busy, Linton almost never missed nightly dance practice under Anne's guidance.
...
Thanks to his foundation strength, his performances were impressive and mesmerizing, leaving the crew dazzled. Anne was especially anxious to have him rehearse with the dance group.
There were three major dance scenes.
At the movie's opening night party, he danced closely with Tyra Banks, playing the girlfriend of a gang member, to Universal's recorded track Ain't Cha.
In the middle, at a school prom with lead Naomi Watts, they had a large-scale dance battle with the group.
At the ending, during Naomi's recital performance on a packed theater stage, they performed to 'Bout It.
...
"Tyra, how have you been these days?"
"Linton, haven't seen you around!" To Linton's surprise, Tyra hugged him right away.
"Ok, let's get started," Anne, the choreographer, called out.
They both removed their jackets and stood ready.
Tyra wore a sexy camisole dress, showing off her tall, curvy figure, unlike the usual slim models.
As the music started, the two began moving. Linton followed the choreography and showcased his skills.
A highlight was a move where he ducked and passed between Tyra's legs, then smoothly stood behind her, pressing closely.
Tyra seemed unable to resist and collapsed softly into his arms.
"Ms. Banks, can you please be serious?" Anne sternly said amid teasing cheers.
The music resumed, and the pair danced again, slowly getting into the groove.
Dancing so closely with such a gorgeous woman, especially with Tyra deliberately teasing, Linton was finding it hard to keep his cool.
...
Finally rehearsals ended. "Your body's really strong," she whispered laughing near his ear.
Her camisole was soaked with sweat, clinging to her alluring form. "I'm heading to take a shower. Want to join?"
"Oh, the men's shower is over there," Linton kept his composure.
"Then I'll come with you, okay?" Tyra naturally linked arms and leaned close, whispering.
"Alright, let's go together."
Though Tyra wasn't usually Linton's type, this time he couldn't resist. They locked the door to the set's other shower, turned on the water, and let the battle begin.
After the shower, both eager for more, they headed to Linton's private makeup room to continue. Unexpectedly, Halle Berry slipped in before the door closed.
With things heating up, Linton invited her to join. It was astonishing how these two once-hostile women became so close.
Afterward, Linton asked Robert to prepare a rest trailer urgently. The bathroom and makeup room on set lacked soundproofing badly.
*****
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