Chapter 107: Speed, Surrender
[Chapter 107: Speed, Surrender]
Good times always flew by quickly. In a blink, seven days were about to pass, and the three of them reluctantly said goodbye to the resort that had brought so much joy.
They flew from Honolulu International Airport, leaving Hawaii and returning to Los Angeles.
...
Back in Los Angeles, it meant that Shania and Winona's vacation was also coming to an end.
On the last night, after dinner, Linton didn't go straight to bed with the two women. Instead, he took them to the study and handed each a folder.
...
"A movie script, Speed," Winona asked in surprise, "Are you shooting a new movie again?"
"Yes, the script is finished. We'll start prepping next month and plan to begin filming in December. I want you to play the female lead, so keep your schedule open."
"Thank you! I love you so much," Winona kissed him warmly.
"But before I came here on vacation, I already accepted an invitation from Martin Scorsese's production for The Age of Innocence. I play the lead, and I've signed the contract. Filming starts late November. The schedules clash -- what should I do?" she said, worried.
Indeed, Hollywood actors faced fierce competition, but once you gained fame and became at least a second-tier star, work opportunities flowed. Hollywood studios always chased successful stars. The characters you played before would lead to similar role offers.
For them, roles and job offers were never lacking -- it was good resources that were scarce.
Winona, as a rising star, had starred in several hit movies with solid box office and reviews. Naturally, major studios chased after her.
The movie The Age of Innocence, directed by legendary Martin Scorsese, was prime Hollywood material.
She couldn't miss the female lead invitation and naturally accepted it first and quickly signed the contract.
"I'm not familiar with The Age of Innocence project, but since it's Martin Scorsese, it won't be bad. Since you already signed, just perform well," Linton assured her.
"What about your movie? I really want to star alongside you," Winona said reluctantly. Acting in Linton's film would be great -- shooting by day and spending nights passionately together, it would be perfect.
More importantly, Linton was incredibly talented. His first film was a huge success, and the second was clearly going to be as well. Starring in his films would greatly boost her career, but the timing was unfortunate.
"I'll just recast. Hollywood is never short of actors. As for starring alongside me, there will be chances."
"Alright, but tonight, you better make it up to me emotionally."
"No problem. Tonight, we'll do things your way."
...
"Shania, what do you think of this song?" After talking with Winona, Linton turned to Shania.
"Surrender, a blues track -- is this your song? You want me to sing it?"
Shania was so excited she stumbled over her words. Being a top singer, she immediately recognized the quality -- it had hit potential.
"Of course. I think this song fits your voice perfectly and hope it helps you advance further," Linton smiled with confidence.
"Thank you, darling, you're too good to me. How can I ever thank you?" She threw herself into Linton's arms, kissing him passionately.
Winona rolled her eyes and said, "Shania, how about we show our thanks with a little passionate wrestling match right here?"
"Sounds good. Tonight, we're taking charge," Shania said, crawling under the desk as Winona, the cow girl, launched an attack from above...
With tomorrow's departure looming, the three were fired up and passionate. From the second floor to the third, from the study to the bedroom, from the bedroom to the balcony, their passion left its traces everywhere.
Luckily, the assistant had learned her lesson and moved voluntarily to the staff quarters, or else she'd be waking up with dark circles again.
---
The next morning, after breakfast, Winona, teary-eyed and reluctant, got into a Mercedes S300, driven by David, headed back to her apartment to meet with her manager and start her new job.
Linton took Shania to Universal Music, where they met with manager Mira, then headed to Daniel's office.
"Linton, did you write a new blues song for Shania?" Daniel asked happily.
"Yeah, I got inspired recently and wrote Surrender. I think Shania's voice suits it well and want her to sing it," Linton said, signaling Shania to hand the song to Daniel.
As a top executive in the music industry, Daniel's professional judgment was impeccable. He quickly recognized Surrender's quality and got excited.
...
Since Shania's songs from the Step Up soundtrack became a hit, Sunshine Music had been planning an album for her.
The album had many songs but lacked a strong lead single.
Now that Shania just returned from vacation, Linton created such a high-quality song -- the timing was perfect, like a timely rain or life-saving help.
Linton truly was a genius -- not only could he create songs tailored to himself, direct films, but also craft songs perfectly suited for female singers.
Luckily he was on their side. Daniel had already considered Linton one of them.
Shania wasn't simple either. During the week off, these two must have had an exciting time, earning her Linton's affection.
This was beneficial -- her album sales rising meant greater profits for Sunshine Music, and she benefited too.
...
"Great, this song can definitely be the lead single for Shania's debut album. Can we sign the licensing agreement now? You'll license it to Sunshine Music for Shania to perform. We'll split song rights 6% for lyrics, 6% for composition, totaling 12% as usual."
"Sure, I've already informed my lawyer Goodman. He's on his way. Prepare the contract quickly. But keep in mind, I'm signed with Universal. Giving my song to Sunshine is causing some internal pressure you have to handle."
"No problem, I'll take care of it. But we must stay on message: say that while working on the Step Up soundtrack, you admired Shania, and Surrender suits her voice perfectly."
"Alright, if anyone at the company asks, that's what I'll say. The rest you handle."
"But be prepared -- going forward, the company's female singers might line up to approach you, hoping to be noticed, hoping for an unspoken favor, hoping you'll write songs for them too."
"They can try, but good songs aren't that easy to write," Linton said with a wave, making Shania, who had looked worried, smile happily.
Daniel picked up the phone to call Sunshine Music, urging them to send their lawyers to draft the contract and arrange signing.
*****
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