[Chapter 404: Xu Jinglei's Ambitions and Actions]
It wasn't just Li Xiaoran and the girls who found it hard to believe; even Lin Hao, who had been quietly observing, found it incredible.
During their lunch alone together, he asked the same question.
"Linton, I just don't get it. Why do you treat these girls so well? Why don't you just have these beautiful girls work as attendants in your garden? Instead, you're willing to pay for them to learn acting and join the film industry? What's your angle?"
Linton's real goal, of course, was to use this chance to cultivate more talented stars who could support his long-term ascent in the industry -- but that was his biggest secret and not something he could openly share.
Facing Lin Hao's question, he knew he needed a reasonable explanation to avoid raising doubts.
"Lin, hiring young women as attendants in my garden is great. But honestly, being a garden attendant is a low-level job. If a girl is really talented, having her do this job actually deprives her of a better future."
"So you believe all those girls have better futures ahead, maybe way better than working in your garden?"
"Hey, I am a director. Maybe I can't spot talent in other areas, but I can see raw talent in dance and acting. These girls have excellent potential. I can't help but feel a genuine love for talent. Of course, success isn't just about talent. How far they go and what they achieve depends on their own choices and efforts."
"Still, giving them an extra $2,000 each as a stipend? You're really generous."
"Consider it a goodwill gesture. After all, they spent over two months just preparing for this recruitment."
"Linton, you're amazing. I truly admire your heart."
---
In the afternoon, after Lin Hao returned to work, Linton instructed Miguel to arrange for him to personally handle the interviews, so he stayed in the stadium's meeting room ready to answer the girls' questions.
The first to enter was Xu Jinglei. Ambitious and determined, after hearing Linton's words that morning, it seemed as if a new door had opened for her -- a new world.
Especially when Linton used Vivian Chow's example and talked about hopes of breaking into Hollywood, it sparked a fire of desire and ambition in her.
Unlike most present, she had already studied at the Beijing Film Academy for two years and even acted in last year's TV drama My Old Classmate. Immersed in that environment, she deeply understood the industry's ecosystem and the crucial importance of opportunity.
She knew how rare it was to have a chance to connect with an international director and superstars -- especially when this director recognized her potential. This could very well be her only shot to break into Hollywood.
Of course, today's one meeting didn't guarantee anything. Maybe after a year or so, he'd completely forget about her -- after all, he owed her nothing. Plus, she'd get a $2,000 stipend if she quit.
How to make him remember her and add a strong guarantee for her future -- that she had already decided at lunch. Her youth and beauty were her only real assets.
Considering most of her classmates were no longer innocent and that she'd sooner give herself to some random guy, why not to this young, handsome director? A cross-cultural connection like that could only benefit her.
With these thoughts, she lingered at the stadium, and when Linton entered the meeting room, she quickly followed him in and carefully shut the door, locking it from the inside.
The gesture surprised Linton. But he didn't care. Nothing would happen here anyway -- her body held limited allure for him, this wasn't the proper place, and with her lack of fame, she couldn't benefit him. What he valued was her future popularity.
"Xu Jinglei, hello. What questions do you have?"
"Director, I want to perform for you privately, so you can fully understand me. Is that okay?"
"Sure, go ahead."
Xu Jinglei took a cassette from her bag and placed it in the recorder on the table. As the classic Blue Danube Waltz began, she didn't start immediately but walked slowly toward Linton.
Linton was a bit puzzled as she gently unzipped her dress and then removed her bra and underwear, revealing a youthful, attractive figure.
Although her figure wasn't extraordinarily curvy, her curves were well-defined, with a slender waist that was impressively delicate.
For Linton, who had seen many beauties, the temptation wasn't overwhelming, but he didn't look away or stop her -- he openly admired her form.
At first, Xu Jinglei was shy, covering her intimate parts with her hands, but seeing no reaction from Linton, she let go.
She began a sensuous dance to the music, her body moving gracefully, performing a mesmerizing dance.
In the first part, she showcased her body's beauty and flexibility, executing difficult moves right in front of Linton.
In the latter part, she turned up the heat, seductively teasing him by dancing around him, spinning using his body for leverage, pulling his hand across her body, and finally jumping into his arms.
The music ended, but she stayed curled in his embrace, even initiating a passionate kiss. Linton didn't resist and kissed her back intensely.
After the kiss, Linton remained calm, but Xu Jinglei melted completely into his arms, burying her head there. She was still innocent, after all.
What puzzled her was that Linton made no further moves. According to her plan, this was when he should have turned beastly.
Was she not attractive enough? She clearly felt his warmth and hardness.
Feeling confused and a bit resentful, she lifted her head and shyly kissed him again, asking softly, "Mr. Anderson, don't you like me? This is my first time."
"What? Your first time?" Linton's interest was piqued -- this was quite different from the wild Xu he'd imagined.
"Yes, I hope you'll be gentle and kind."
Hearing this, Linton gave her a kiss and playfully squeezed her breast.
"I don't do relationships." Though he felt his heart stir, he had to make this clear.
"I don't mind, as long as you remember me."
"Alright, Xu Jinglei, this is a public place and not the right setting. Put your clothes back on. I'll have my assistant take you to a room at the hotel to wait for me. I'll come back when I'm done."
"Really? You're the greatest gentleman in the world."
"Get up and get dressed. Whether I'm a gentleman or not, you'll find out tonight."
After tidying up, Xu Jinglei happily hugged Linton and kissed him hard. "Darling, I'm heading there now. Come back soon -- I'll be waiting, all clean and ready for you..."
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
https://discord.gg/eKByGBSw.