[Chapter 161: Considerations for the Second Album]
For seven consecutive days, everyone threw themselves into the fun and excitement, naturally having a fantastic time. To keep everyone energized for the long haul, Linton generously provided his vitality essence. Despite the nonstop, high-energy parties and activities over those seven days, nobody showed signs of exhaustion. Instead, each person seemed radiant and full of life.
Of course, Linton benefited even more. With continuous, intense sessions, absorbing the popularity from the women around him, his abilities advanced rapidly, nearing the peak of level 6 of the second stage. He anticipated breaking through to level 7 within about a month.
...
Happy times were always short-lived. Seven days soon passed by, and with reluctance, the group ended the party and began their journey back home. On the last evening, under the cover of night, their yacht returned to the marina at Santa Monica. Everyone disembarked in groups and quietly traveled to Linton's estate under the dark sky.
...
Back at the familiar and warm estate, except for Sophie and Cristiana who planned to rest a few more days, everyone else's schedules were packed, with departures set for the next day. Naturally, the evening entertainment was left to Madonna, Heidi, Naomi, Winona, Shania, Jennifer, and Catherine.
...
The next day, after bidding farewell to the reluctant seven ladies, Linton took Sophie and Cristiana to his study. He pulled out the scripts for The Rock and Happy Death Day, handing them over to the two.
Sophie had already decided to fully shift her career to Hollywood this year. The distance was simply too inconvenient. Even though she missed Linton, due to work and distance, she could only visit Los Angeles about once every two months, which she found hard to bear. Besides, she had long planned to develop her career in Hollywood.
Cristiana followed Linton's plan; she had just finished filming a TV series called Perfect Match in which she played the female third lead, and she was eagerly waiting for Linton's movie projects.
"These are two films my company is launching in the second half of the year, and you two will be the female leads. Study the roles carefully."
"Muah, dear, you're the best!" The two took the scripts happily and blew kisses.
"Sophie, your film The Rock is a big-budget movie with an investment exceeding $50 million. However, it mainly features male leads. Although you're the female lead, your screen time is somewhat limited. But as your first Hollywood breakthrough film, it's quite suitable."
"Thanks, muah! I love you so much!" Sophie kissed Linton and tightly clutched the script.
"Cristiana, Happy Death Day is a low-budget film but a rare female-led story, much like The Shallows. You're absolutely the star, and if you perform well, it will be very impressive."
"Dear, you're amazing! I'll reward you properly!" Cristiana excitedly crawled under the desk.
"Sweetheart, I'm going to reward you, too." With that, Sophie transformed into a fierce cow girl, and launched an attack on Linton from above.
Soon, the study was filled with lively and cheerful voices.
---
Afterwards, Linton returned to his company and found everything impeccably managed by Robert. Aside from the gradual promotion of Speed, there didn't seem to be much requiring his attention. He was happy to relax and planned to work on his upcoming second album at home during the day and enjoy fun games with Sophie and Cristiana at night.
The album had 13 songs. Counting the three hit singles previously released -- I Swear, Sold Out, and Taste the Feeling -- he needed 10 more songs. Typically, the theme song from his previous album B What You Wanna B could be included, but Linton was confident in sourcing fresh hits himself and saw no reason to reuse old songs.
He spent two days pulling 10 new songs from his mind.
1. Makes No Difference
2. High Hopes
3. Hall of Fame
4. Never Keeping Secrets
5. You Are Not Alone
6. Someday
7. Back at One
8. I'll Make Love to You
9. All of Me
10. Just in Case
They consisted of 3 rock songs and 7 blues love ballads, perfectly aligning with recent musical trends.
...
After having Mira register the copyrights with BMI, Linton brought the 10 new tracks to Universal Music, a place he hadn't visited in a while.
"Boss, you finally came," said his assistant Molly, who was sorting through fan mail. As Linton's assistant, she enjoyed a comfortable position at Universal with a high status, little work, and a good salary. But since she hadn't seen Linton for a long time and wasn't truly close to him, she was uncertain when this good situation might change. Seeing Linton now made her very happy.
"Yeah, it's been a while. How have you been?"
"Great, just missed having you around and help you share the workload. I sometimes feel like I'm not doing my job well as your assistant," Molly said quickly, preparing coffee for Linton.
"You've done great. You've kept the fan mail and gifts managed excellently. I'm very satisfied."
"Thanks, boss. But maybe I can help you with more tasks to feel more accomplished," Molly said boldly.
"How about, when you have time, helping Bella manage the fan club?" Linton had always known Molly was ambitious, but since she was an employee of Universal, he hadn't assigned her extra duties. However, seeing her continued eagerness, he decided to give her a chance.
"Thanks, boss! I'll do my best. And I won't neglect the fan mail and gifts here either," Molly said excitedly.
"You get to work first. I'm going to find Daniel." Walking around the office and seeing everything neat and tidy under Molly's care, Linton felt very satisfied.
...
"A rare visitor! What wind blew you here today?" Daniel joked when he saw Linton.
"Rare visitor? I'm still a Universal artist, aren't I?"
"Do you remember signing with Universal? How long has it been since you last came to the office?" Daniel said with mock grievance.
"I've been busy before. Now that I'm free, I came over."
"You came just in time. I was about to look for you."
"Is it about something?"
"To discuss the second album. You've signed a three-year contract for two albums with Universal. This year is the last. You have to release the album, and it can't be worse than the first."
"We're on the same page. I already have the 10 new songs for the second album. Here you go." Linton handed over the data.
"Great, let me check them first. But I have to say, if the songs don't meet the quality standards, I won't approve it," Daniel said, diving into the tracks.
"You check them first. I'll head out. After you finish, pass them to Lisa. Let her produce the album, get the arrangements ready, and prepare for recording."
"Okay, also, I'm preparing your second payment for the three singles and the first payment for The Shallows soundtrack. You should have the accountant review the books," Daniel added.
*****
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