[Chapter 134: AMA Favorite Pop/Rock Album, Speed Wraps Up Filming]
Linton focused on filming on set, while in the music market, under the joint promotion of Universal and Pepsi, Taste the Feeling unsurprisingly took over the top spot on the Billboard Singles Chart in its second week, with sales climbing steadily.
Surprisingly, Shania's Surrender rose to second place, while I Swear dropped to third, maintaining Universal Records' monopoly over the top three positions.
What was even more hard for other companies and artists to accept was that after Taste the Feeling claimed the Billboard singles crown, it continued to dominate the charts just like I Swear, holding onto number one without giving way.
By the end of January, I Swear's global sales had already surpassed 26 million copies, though the sales potential was largely exhausted.
Taste the Feeling's single sales also exceeded 9 million copies globally, with Universal Records estimating total sales would not be less than 20 million.
Shania's Surrender also started overseas sales with decent results, selling nearly 1 million copies abroad within two weeks, and total sales surpassed 5 million copies.
---
On the evening of January 26, the AMA Awards ceremony was held at the Los Angeles Music Hall. Linton received two prestigious nominations: Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Album.
The organizers wanted him to perform, but he was busy filming and had no time to rehearse, so he had to politely decline.
That night, he attended the awards with Shania Twain and won the Favorite Pop/Rock Album.
Shania also received a New Artist of the Year nomination but unfortunately did not win. She wasn't upset, though, knowing that 1992 was just her starting year and she believed she would definitely earn her honors by next year.
...
After the ceremony, Shania stayed close to Linton, insisting on celebrating his big win together that night. Linton, seeing her determination, truthfully told her he was going to a party with Madonna.
Shania wasn't surprised and generously said they could celebrate together.
After checking with Madonna and considering the paparazzi risk, Linton decided to take Shania back to the estate and had David drive a rarely used Mercedes from the estate to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to pick up Madonna. They all then returned to the estate.
That night, things got wild and passionate.
With Madonna and Shania teaming up, they barely held off the big boss's advance.
It was Madonna's first time at the estate, and she was excited, exploring every spot on the third floor: the living room, balcony, garden terrace, restroom, bathtub...
With the help of Madonna and Shania, Linton naturally broke through to Radiant Core level 5.
Thanks to the huge hit Step Up and its global release, as well as two hit singles going viral worldwide, coupled with his new company shooting three movies at once, his popularity remained high and his cultivation speed accelerated rapidly.
With the constant support of several girlfriends, especially super-popular stars like Madonna and Nicole Kidman, this breakthrough was inevitable.
To thank them and maintain their stamina, Linton gifted them plenty of Starlight Spark Essence.
...
During a break from their passionate moments, Madonna requested to stay at the estate for two days of vacation and insisted Linton stay with her at night. Shania said she had time too.
Linton agreed to both and even asked Madonna if she wanted to pick a room on the second floor. ...
His bodyguard team was about to finish training, and he planned to assign a female bodyguard to any girlfriend who needed one.
...
The next morning before heading to the set, Madonna had already chosen her room on the second floor, and Linton asked Amy to decorate it per her requests.
Following Madonna's choice, Linton ordered David to buy a Cadillac to serve as her estate vehicle. Of course, Madonna was treated differently and didn't go with David and the others to buy the car.
...
Back on set, during lunch, Robert held a small party for everyone, providing extra food to celebrate Linton's Favorite Pop/Rock Album award.
To liven the mood, Linton sang Sold Out live, while Catherine boldly danced beside him, earning enthusiastic applause from everyone.
These moments were all captured on camera and would be used as behind-the-scenes footage for the Speed video montage.
...
Unexpectedly, when Linton returned to the estate in the evening, the tension he worried about between Madonna and Shania did not happen; instead, they had become close friends.
Hearing them talk about swimming, working out, and playing ball together during the day, and seeing their radiant smiles, Linton felt very pleased. Carrying one in each arm, he went straight to the third floor.
Such understanding deserved a big reward, and he went all out that night.
The experience was wonderful, and the greatest reward was naturally his generous gifting of Starlight Spark Essence.
---
Filming progressed smoothly and time flew to mid-February. When Michael directed the explosion of a bus, turning it into scrap metal, the filming of Speed also approached its end.
On February 19, exactly two months after shooting started, the last shot was filmed at Venice Beach under the sunset, where Linton and Catherine embraced tightly and shared a passionate kiss.
Both on and off-screen, they are a couple, and the scene was very natural and perfect.
After the thrilling life-or-death race, the lead actors shared a deep, heartfelt kiss, giving the audience some sweet relief and leaving more room for imagination -- a classic Hollywood action movie trope that never gets old.
...
After reviewing the scene, Linton proudly announced, "Speed wrapped up filming, tonight's party -- no one leaves sober."
The crew returned to Universal Studios, sealed the film reels in storage, packed up props and equipment, changed into glamorous outfits, and headed straight to the nightclub booked for their wrap party.
Typically, these parties included three essentials: fine wine, drugs, and male and female models. But due to Linton's insistence, the party strictly prohibited drugs. As for the rest, he didn't interfere.
Following Hollywood tradition, Robert brought in 40 models from outside -- 20 men and 20 women. The male models were handsome and strong, female models delicate and beautiful, catering to everyone's preferences.
Of course, the female models deliberately flirted with Linton, but Catherine stayed right by his side all night, not leaving him for a moment.
Sensing their looks weren't comparable to Catherine's and that Linton wasn't interested, the models left reluctantly and accepted invitations from other crew members.
Robert and Tim greeted Linton and then each embraced a beautiful model, joining the party crowd.
Linton didn't bother with them but sat quietly in a corner chatting with Catherine.
...
"Honey, what are your plans next?"
"I plan to go back to England to rest for a while and spend time with my family. I didn't get to go home for Christmas, so I want to make it up this time."
"That's good, very good. You should spend more time with family."
"Darling, when is our movie coming out? I can't wait."
"Don't rush, it should premiere in early July. Get ready to become a big star."
...
At that moment, Michael and Ryan approached holding glasses.
"Linton, thank you for teaching us so much."
"You're welcome. Both of you are great and have potential to be movie directors. I'm rooting for you."
"Thanks. Can we participate in post-production? We want to learn the full filmmaking process."
"No problem. I'll have my assistant inform you of the schedule." Seeing their talent, Linton intended to train them to direct company films independently.
"Thank you so much." The two toasted and left to find female models to join the lively crowd.
*****
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