[Chapter 218: Akina Nakamori and Shizuka Kudo]
Akina Nakamori, deservedly known as the last shimmering moonlight of the Showa era, had long flowing hair cascading over her shoulders, blazing red lips, and amber-colored eyes like fogged glass. Her eyelids drooped slightly, reminiscent of tear-soaked iris petals, with thick eyelashes casting shadows like distant blue mountains.
Shizuka Kudo was equally captivating. With long, flowing hair and a face delicate as porcelain, she looked like an artisan's perfect creation. Her sharp brows swept gracefully toward her temples, and a few rebellious strands at the brow's edge added a wild streak that intensified her allure.
The two were truly among Japan's hottest young stars, their beauty rivaling that of Izumi Sakai and Noriko Sakai.
At this moment, Akina Nakamori and Shizuka Kudo were both dressed exceptionally beautifully. They had booked rooms in the Hilton Hotel and had been anxiously waiting for over two hours, frequently checking their phones so as not to miss any calls.
It was already past 11 PM, and the phone still hadn't rung. Could it be that Linton wasn't interested in them? Just as both were lost in such thoughts, the phone finally rang.
Excited beyond measure, they quickly checked their makeup and hurried to the hotel's top floor to the largest presidential suite.
When they saw each other at the door, there was a brief awkwardness, but it quickly eased — after all, both had come seeking a way to ease their tensions, so their goals aligned. Still, a slight wariness lingered between them.
...
After ringing the doorbell, the door soon opened from the inside, and there stood Izumi Sakai wrapped in a towel, welcoming them.
"You've arrived. Linton is inside. Let's see your performance soon."
The two walked through the living room into the room and immediately blushed deeply as they saw Noriko Sakai lying on Linton's lap, actively engaged in an intimate moment.
"Linton, let me introduce you: this is my good friend Akina Nakamori, and this is Noriko's close friend, Shizuka Kudo."
Linton patted Noriko's head and adjusted her position from lying down to sitting against the bed's headboard, then smiled and waved a greeting to the newcomers.
Noriko Sakai greeted them before adjusting her position with Linton and continuing their passionate moment. Izumi Sakai joined in after introductions. The fiery scenes unfolded before Akina Nakamori and Shizuka Kudo.
Seeing this, the two felt ashamed but also had to close their eyes tightly. Just when the awkward yet enjoyable moment was underway, Linton waved them over.
"Akina Nakamori, Shizuka Kudo, come join us."
When Linton invited them, the two, as if enchanted, slowly let down their guards and joined the group.
A lively small chorus began.
...
For the next few days, during the day, Linton and the four women promoted his album together. At night, the five engaged in lively games at the Hilton, enjoying comfortable, leisurely days.
Izumi Sakai and Noriko Sakai treasured these rare reunions, always fighting with Linton until dawn, making Akina Nakamori and Shizuka Kudo very envious.
Akina Nakamori and Shizuka Kudo experienced such exhilarating, passionate moments for the first time — and naturally found it addictive. Without the nourishment of Linton's essence, their energy often depleted quickly, falling asleep too late.
Most importantly, during the seven days of daytime promotion, Linton, Izumi Sakai, and Noriko Sakai showed no signs of fatigue, making the two feel even more envious.
Despite repeated questioning, Izumi Sakai and Noriko Sakai kept silent, only stating that their stamina was poor, revealing no secrets.
Akina Nakamori and Shizuka Kudo secretly set personal goals to improve their stamina and endurance. The next time Linton came to Japan, they would match his all-night stamina.
...
The initial two days of album promotion naturally involved only the two young women, but this eventually evolved to include all four, attracting more and more media attention.
The media spun stories of friendship, talent, and cross-cultural collaboration. Rumors swirled about Akina Nakamori and Shizuka Kudo possibly heading to Hollywood — but there was no confirmed news.
Surprisingly, the two women's popularity soared in the following days — on par with Izumi and Noriko.
Three days spent playing alongside the four young women helped improve Linton's power just as the album began boosting popularity. His power reached nearly the top of Level 8.
...
Even with minimal promotion, as media outlets reported, Linton's album Flying saw steadily rising sales.
By the time of his arrival, album sales in Japan hovered around 800,000. Upon his departure three days later to Seoul, they had surged to 1.5 million.
...
Although Sukāto Matsushita was still under restrictions, since he had come to Tokyo, Linton brought gifts to visit Masaharu Matsushita.
Disappointment was expected. Naturally, there was no chance for a meeting with her. Yet like last time, Masaharu Matsushita hadn't tossed out the gift but had politely escorted him out of the estate.
Still, Linton, being older, joked about the engagement with Sukāto.
Seeing Linton's meteoric career growth — not only as a singer, movie star, and young director, but also running a modestly successful film company — Masaharu Matsushita was agreeable. He also mentioned the engagement between Linton and Sukāto, easing conditions — they couldn't marry yet but required an engagement first.
They agreed not to actively promote their relationship within the industry, to protect her private life through Linton's fame.
*****
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