[Chapter 504: Preparations for Opening]

After bidding farewell to Xu Qing, Linton didn't return to the estate right away. Instead, he headed straight to the store.

The grand opening was scheduled for the next day, and every preparation except product stocking was complete.

...

Stepping into the bright, spacious first-floor lobby, Linton was greeted by an atmosphere that was inviting yet elegant and sophisticated. The decor was simple but tastefully done.

To the left stood five fully glass-covered display counters, their lighting illuminating every fine detail, waiting for the arrival of the Beauty Pills. Behind each counter was a secure safe; after all, Beauty Pills were incredibly valuable and couldn't just sit in the glass cases. The counters held only empty bottles as placeholders.

Nearby stood a smiling blonde beauty -- an attractive Caucasian model with long legs, ample curves, and an impeccable figure. All the young women wore matching, tailored pencil skirts paired with sheer black stockings and sleek black stilettos, emphasizing their alluring physiques and instantly lifting the mood.

At the center of the lobby was a service desk island, staffed by two equally beautiful young ladies ready to assist any visitors. On the right, a few plush sofas provided a resting spot.

What caught the eye the most was the series of 21 enormous, perfectly spaced posters decorating the walls, next to the transparent glass facing outside. Each poster featured a breathtaking beauty donning the latest designer gowns, all posing with their right hands extended, holding a gleaming teal quartz bottle. Boldly printed in one corner was the phrase "Beautiful Angel."

Jonathan Glazer's photography was truly exceptional -- each woman radiated stunning beauty, and the quartz bottles sparkled as if lit from within. Each poster was nothing short of a captivating masterpiece.

By the stairs leading to the second floor, a bright, friendly sign reminded visitors: "Vitality Pills -- Please proceed upstairs."

...

The second floor's layout was quite different from the first. Nearly half of the space was occupied by the security department, including a surveillance room, duty offices, and a lounge. Security chief Guli and six guards, all in uniform and fully equipped, were on high alert. Though they mainly stayed confined to their offices, they stood ready to respond instantly.

About 1,200 square feet were devoted to a single unified shopping hall. Like downstairs, its walls displayed 21 "Beautiful Angel" posters. However, here the women held black quartz bottles instead.

The hall consisted of a lounge area, shopping zone, store manager's office, and three customer counters, unlike the single-level setup below. Each counter faced the customer with a clear glass case, behind which sat a secure safe and a computer desk equipped with the latest IBM machines. The three computers formed a small local network, strictly isolated from the internet.

Due to White House regulations -- and to elevate Vitality Pills' prestige -- every purchaser required eligibility screening. Each qualified customer could buy only one bottle per year, and their purchase history was digitally recorded. A 12-month wait was mandatory before they could buy again.

At each counter stood a beautifully uniformed young woman, ready to help.

In a private corner at the back right of the second floor sat the store manager's desk, next to the largest, most secure safe for storing inventory of both Beauty Pills and Vitality Pills.

...

As soon as Linton arrived, the staff erupted into enthusiastic applause, the younger women's eyes shining with excitement.

After transferring the Beauty and Vitality Pills, Manager Alexis Carlson walked him through the shopping process, and Security Chief Guli Goethe detailed the protective measures in place.

Notably, the Los Angeles Police Department had set up a substation just 65 feet away from the store, heavily staffed to ensure at least ten officers were always on duty nearby, significantly boosting security.

Manager Alexis had suggested throwing an opening celebration, but Linton immediately declined.

His Beauty and Vitality Pills were unique products whose effects far surpassed anything imaginable.

Besides, after his recent interview on the UPN TV Network, news of the grand opening was already a media sensation, widely known everywhere.

Outside the store, several reporters and paparazzi were camped out, clearly anticipating a big story that night.

Rich customers from across the U.S. and the world had already flown into Los Angeles, eagerly awaiting the opening to be among the first to buy the coveted pills.

With such a crowd expected, luxury hotels in the city were already nearly full.

The real concern wasn't promoting the store but ensuring sufficient stock.

...

To prevent dangerous overcrowding, the LAPD had devised tactical plans, including deploying a large anti-riot unit on Rodeo Drive tomorrow to maintain order.

Linton declined invitations to formal opening ceremonies and visits from state and city officials.

"It's fine if government representatives want to show support, but unnecessary events and activities are out of the question," he explained firmly.

...

As the opening neared, except for Xu Qing who had left, all the other women in his harem had returned to the estate. Their business activities were scheduled around Los Angeles.

During this busy period, everyone except Cristiana, Sophie Marceau, and Monica Bellucci -- who were all pregnant -- was completely swamped with various promotional events and lucrative endorsements.

Even though the pregnant women couldn't attend as many events, they still secured numerous high-paying endorsements.

Top stars such as Madonna, Naomi Watts, and Nicole Kidman hardly needed mentioning. Even newcomer Akina Nakamori was raking in over $20 million in earnings during this time.

They all eagerly anticipated the store's opening, longing to witness this historical moment -- and especially since they were designated "Beautiful Angels" for the launch.

They had all agreed to accompany Linton to the grand opening the next day, both to add star power and generate their own buzz.

...

That evening, when Linton returned to the estate, he was warmly welcomed by the women.

The party was wildly entertaining. The ladies eagerly took turns with Linton, only to be repeatedly overcome -- but always coming back for more, their cries filling the night.

Vivian Chow, in particular, was vibrant and uninhibited, fueled by the success of Police Story 4: First Strike skyrocketing her fame and status.

She held nothing back, fulfilling her promise to give Linton a "big surprise." During their encounters, she unleashed an arsenal of skills and talents that left Linton breathless, pushing him to new heights and the rare achievement of Triple Mastery.

Catherine Zeta-Jones also matched this intensity. Her current collaboration with Linton on Mission: Impossible was already a blockbuster hit in the making, guaranteeing her place among Hollywood's A-listers.

She, too, matched Vivian Chow's full-throttle approach, leading Linton to another Triple Mastery milestone that night.

*****

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