Chapter 84: Heidi Klum, Candidate for Charity Ambassador

[Chapter 84: Heidi Klum, Candidate for Charity Ambassador]

With stocks valued at $185 million, two office buildings in Silicon Valley, a luxurious estate, $11 million in cash, plus a new cash inflow of $320 million, and $63.6 million in bank loans, Linton calculated his net assets.

Even after deducting loans, his net worth comfortably surpassed $480 million. Reflecting on his achievements within just a year and a half since his return, he felt proud of himself.

However, with such wealth, future investments had to be carefully managed. For now, long-term investments focused on a few steady stocks and Silicon Valley office properties, but hiring a professional investment assistant was necessary. As his assets grew, diversified investments and forming an investment team would be essential.

Currently, he planned to hire an investment assistant to manage the charity foundation's investments and an investment agent to oversee Skycrest Capital.

Goodman had already registered the offshore company Skycrest Capital in the Virgin Islands and returned to Los Angeles. He had arranged to meet Linton at his home to hand over the company's documents.

Since the charity foundation was established, charitable activities needed to start, requiring a kind and responsible person to operate it -- a reliable individual. Aunt Kelly was perfect for the job, dependable and now the only family Linton had left. He could also use this opportunity to increase her salary and improve their living standards -- if she was willing.

...

Thinking this over, Linton called Aunt Kelly. "Aunt Kelly, this is Linton. Judy is on summer break, right? When can you bring her to stay in Los Angeles for a few days?"

"Next week, July 10. Great, have your whole family come. Let me know when you're about to leave."

He planned to discuss the job with her once she arrived.

...

Not long after, Goodman came to the estate, opened his briefcase, and handed Linton a thick file. "Skycrest Capital is registered, and here are all the documents."

"Good. Help me find a headhunting agency to recruit an investment agent for Skycrest. Also, post two job ads to hire an investment assistant for the charity foundation's investments and a personal assistant," Linton said after reviewing the documents.

Although he had two assistants, Molly was with Universal Music, and Bella managed the fan club. Considering his growing workload, he needed a personal assistant.

"How much capital are you planning to invest in Skycrest? It will help the headhunter find suitable candidates."

"At least $50 million initially," Linton replied, not mentioning his betting profits from the Euro Cup, just giving a number Goodman could accept.

---

Starting July, Universal began an intense promotional campaign for Step Up. TV channels aired trailers, media rumors and articles flooded in, and offline ads and posters spread everywhere.

The main actors actively promoted the film through various channels. Naomi Watts was especially proactive, taking many interviews and sharing fun stories from the shoot.

Halle Berry and Tyra Banks, despite some private tension, showcased sisterly affection for the film promotion, even being spotted shopping together. Their efforts were well received by the African American community.

Snoop Dogg energetically promoted the movie on various black radio stations and music shows. Zack Snyder and Anne Fletcher also actively attended events for Step Up.

However, Linton knew their promotion was minor. Only he could single-handedly carry the box office.

Following Universal's arrangements, Linton and Naomi spent a sweet day at Disneyland, attracting many paparazzi. Later, they appeared on MCA television's talk show, displaying intimate interactions and performing an exciting dance scene from the movie.

The audience erupted with cheers, especially when Linton performed a solo street dance with spectacular moves, igniting excitement.

---

On July 5, following Mira Cecchi's prior agreement with Mercedes-Benz, Linton brought Danny, David Reid, Mira, and Carnes Carter to Stuttgart, Germany, for a commercial shoot promoting the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

The campaign was straightforward: showcasing the G-Class's agile performance in various environments -- city lights, scenic mountains, vast deserts, and torrential rain in wild terrain -- naturally including beautiful women and luxury cars.

Mercedes hired German supermodel Heidi Klum, a stunning blonde beauty. At 5'10" with long legs and a curvy figure distinct from other thin models, Heidi was only 19 years old, in her prime youth.

...

Linton had known about her from his previous life; she was destined to become one of the earliest Victoria's Secret Angels, and he was interested in her.

Heidi already had her eye on Linton, especially as she planned to develop her career in America.

They hit it off immediately, filming the Mercedes ads during the day and enjoying passionate nights together.

As a future legendary Victoria's Secret Angel, Heidi was highly trained with remarkable flexibility and handled various demanding moves, captivating Linton with her stamina and grace.

She was incredibly cooperative, resulting in intense and lasting encounters. 

In just a few days, they built beautiful memories, exchanged contact information, and promised future rendezvous.

Three days after finishing the Mercedes shoot and bidding farewell to the reluctant Heidi Klum, Linton and company returned to Los Angeles and continued the Step Up promotion.

---

On July 10, Linton welcomed Aunt Kelly and her family to his estate. They were stunned by the grandeur, truly understanding the magnitude of Linton's success.

After touring the estate, their nerves settled. Judy joyfully ran around, leaving a trail of silver laughter.

Linton served lunch with Italian dishes that Aunt Kelly's family highly praised. Judy ate heartily and gleefully.

After lunch, Linton invited them to the study to catch up on Judy's studies.

Since last summer, with Linton sponsoring Judy's tuition, Aunt Kelly had enrolled Judy in a top boarding private high school in San Francisco.

Judy was 16, two years away from college, and feedback from teachers showed she excelled academically and actively participated in social activities, making Ivy League universities a realistic hope.

"Judy, you're so smart. Study well, and when you get into college, I will have a big gift ready for you," Linton said, ruffling Judy's hair.

"Cousin, you're amazing, so I won't fall behind. Don't worry; I'll definitely get into a good college," Judy confidently said, causing everyone to laugh.

"Aunt Kelly, I recently established a charity foundation with a significant scale, investing no less than $5 million annually. But to manage the funds properly, we need a kind and responsible person. I want to ask if you would take the job?"

"I'd love to help, but since Judy is still studying, I'm hesitant to leave San Francisco. Also, I don't have experience in finance or management, so I'm worried I might not handle this large sum well," Aunt Kelly hesitated.

"You won't have to worry about fund management. Your job will be to distribute the charitable funds each year responsibly. You don't need to come to Los Angeles regularly since charity work doesn't require a 9-to-5 schedule. The key is to carefully select the projects and people needing help and ensure proper follow-up and supervision, including on-site visits," Linton explained.

"Mom, I'm grown up now and at a boarding school, only coming home on weekends. This job is noble and loving. I think you should accept," Judy encouraged.

Before Aunt Kelly could answer, Judy spoke first.

"Regarding salary, I'm ready to pay $200,000 annually," Linton added.

"That's a lot. Wouldn't that violate any regulations or cause problems?" Aunt Kelly was surprised. Currently, their annual household income was less than $80,000 combined. Hearing $200,000 annually seemed unbelievable.

"Don't worry. Aunt Kelly, this is all legitimate and compliant spending without any issues. Plus, you always wanted to visit Grandma's hometown. Once our charity is established, we can do charity work there, helping the place Grandma loved. I'm sure she would be happy," Linton said, pulling out a trump card.

"Alright, I'll discuss with Jeff and Judy and get back to you tonight."

Aunt Kelly sounded tempted but wanted to respect her husband's and daughter's opinions. Linton believed they would make the right choice.

...

As expected, after dinner, Aunt Kelly told Linton that after family discussion, she decided to take the job, making Linton happy. The four toasted in celebration.

"Cheers, to a beautiful life and to spreading love worldwide!" Linton declared.

He immediately informed Goodman and Henry Zhou to come the next day to formalize Aunt Kelly Clayt's employment as charity ambassador of Linton Charity Foundation, responsible for managing the annual charity funds.

Linton gave Aunt Kelly foundation documents, explaining that the charity focused on medicine, poverty-stricken areas, and education globally.

Now Aunt Kelly had to consider specific charity projects.

Linton told her this year's budget was set at $5 million, with a possibility of increase. He advised starting with small projects under $500,000 to gain experience.

*****

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