[Chapter 31: Arriving in Paris]
On the afternoon of December 15, Linton and his team left London for Paris. Bella stayed behind to continue organizing the fan club, even skipping lunch with Linton at the hotel.
Before they departed, Stephen, an executive from Universal Music's UK branch, expressed his satisfaction with the promotional results. He shared with Linton that the sales of his album had significantly increased over the past few days, assuring him that this week's chart position for You're Beautiful was solid as a number one.
He also mentioned that Natural and That's the Way Love Goes were likely to break into the top ten.
...
On their way to the airport, Linton managed to have a quick phone call with Bella.
"How are things going?" he asked.
"Very smoothly! We've already chosen the president for the fan club -- a junior media student at Westminster University named Kane Angar. He's a huge fan and is very enthusiastic about you. We've also selected some core fans, all young people. I'm currently training them in the operation model of the fan club. Don't worry, Boss, everything will be on track soon and will start making an impact," she reassured him.
"Good luck with it all, then. See you in Paris tomorrow," Linton said before hanging up.
...
On the plane, Linton received the itinerary for the French branch from Duke, planning to stay for four days.
French TV Channel 6 would document his promotional activities in France and edit a promotional documentary of his first trip there for future marketing endeavors.
Tonight, they had arranged for two newspaper interviews.
On the 16th, he scheduled a morning recording for a talk show at French TV Channel 6, would participate in a recording for a late-night talk show in the afternoon, and spend the evening as a guest at Paris First Radio, interacting with audiences to promote his album songs.
The 17th included a signing event at a record store in La Defense in the morning, attending a Ligue 1 soccer match at Prince Park Stadium in the afternoon to perform Natural during halftime. That evening, the French branch arranged a party, inviting local entertainment personalities.
The 18th consisted of a guided tour of some famous landmarks in Paris with company representatives in the morning, filming for the short documentary, and an afternoon interview with the music magazine, French Music Monthly. In the evening, he would hold a fan meeting.
On the 19th, they would fly to Rome, Italy.
The schedule was incredibly tight, but it felt more organized and reasonable than the one in London.
...
"Why is there a party on the evening of the 17th? Is there something special about it?" Linton asked Duke.
"Haven't you heard? Paris is the city of romance and encounters! It's just meant to create romantic opportunities for you. Plus, we can't come to Paris without making the most of it!" Duke replied with a smirk.
"Got it! Can I suggest some guest invitees?" Linton asked.
"I suppose you can. Who do you have in mind?"
"Sophie Marceau and Elodie Bouchez," Linton enthusiastically suggested.
"Wow, both enormous stars! You're aiming high, my friend. But don't get your hopes up too much. I'll check with Thomas Aig at the French branch, but it might be a long shot," Duke replied, his expression darkening.
---
At the airport, Thomas Aig, president of the Universal Music France branch, welcomed them with a small welcoming party. There were slightly more fans, around fifty or so, and a little girl offered flowers to Linton, creating a lively atmosphere. However, it seemed most were hired services.
"Welcome, Linton!" a reporter from French TV Channel 6 approached to greet him, while a photographer began capturing moments.
"Hello," Linton shook hands with him.
They didn't linger at the airport and headed straight to the hotel. "How do you like Paris so far, Linton?" the reporter started the accompanying interview.
"It's great, full of history and culture!" Linton replied, choosing his words carefully.
...
Thomas Aig arranged for Linton and his team to stay at the Hilton. That night, some fans gathered outside the hotel, cheering for him.
Just like in London, Linton followed the script, interacting with the fans and reporters below. He still needed this engagement to boost his publicity since his popularity was not quite there yet.
Maybe the communication from the French branch to the media was better, or perhaps the French media didn't act as irresponsibly as the UK's.
The subsequent newspaper interviews, TV interviews, late-night talk shows, and radio interactions all took place without any absurd scenarios. Linton cooperated fully, showcasing his talents, knowing that he also needed to be funny when required for promotional purposes.
However, the reputation of Paris being the city of romance wasn't a joke. During a TV interview, the host jokingly asked him, "Have you encountered any pretty girls for a night of passion?"
This caught Linton off-guard, and he replied awkwardly, "Though Parisian girls are beautiful, I haven't met anyone special yet."
The host quipped, "Haven't you heard that there is no romance without Paris? You can't just visit Paris for nothing. Do you want me to introduce a couple?"
Linton could only shake his head, feeling that everyone in Paris had a peculiar openness towards relationships and encounters.
---
Later that evening, Bella arrived from London to update Linton on the fan club developments.
"Boss, I've set up the framework for your London fan club, I've trained them, detailing the operations model from North America. We've figured out an action plan and transferred the checks for their subsequent event budget. They'll start making progress quickly!
I've promised them that if they achieve results, you'll meet them in Los Angeles. That got them super excited, and I believe they will deliver results soon," Bella reported enthusiastically.
Linton was very pleased and instructed her to do the same in Paris -- get them moving as soon as possible.
---
On the morning of the 17th, Linton arrived at a record store in La Defense for a live signing event. To his surprise, it was bustling with energy. The signing area was packed, with queues stretching out of sight.
Everyone held copies of the Grow Up album, with many even buying multiple copies decorated with a poster exclusive to this signing event.
When he appeared on site, a deafening cheer erupted as the spectators raised their voices. The mall security crews began tightening their grip to maintain order.
"Linton! Linton!" the crowd shifted from chaotic shouts to organized chants, making Linton feel incredibly happy.
This was the kind of treatment an international superstar deserved! He smiled throughout, signing for fans and accommodating requests for photos, signing for over an hour before finally wrapping up.
He took a group photo with all the record store staff, leaving a positive and lasting impression on the fans and employees, hopefully giving his popularity a boost.
---
In the afternoon at Prince Park Stadium, he performed during Ligue 1 soccer league between Paris Saint-Germain and Brest.
During half-time, Linton sang Natural, igniting the fans' excitement as they stood up in rhythm.
The live footage broadcast to Ligue 1 fans would create excellent exposure for him.
*****
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