[Chapter 96: Romantic Paris, Sophie Marceau Helps Promote]
Due to the time difference, Linton and his group were scheduled to arrive in Paris at 2 PM on August 26. On the plane, he took the itinerary arranged by the French branch from Jason's hands.
On August 26, they would check into the Hilton Hotel. At 3:30 PM, Linton would begin interviews with TV and newspaper media at the hotel. At 8:30 PM, he would head to the Grand Rex Cinema in Paris for an audience interaction session.
On August 27, in the morning, there would be a fan meeting at the La Défense business district. In the afternoon, they would go to shoot a variety show on France 6 TV. At night, the French office would arrange a party inviting local entertainment figures. Discover more novels at novèlfire.net
On August 28, they would go to Marseille in the morning, hold another fan meeting at the Marseille Port Terrace business district in the afternoon, followed by an interactive movie session with the audience at a local cinema. They would stay overnight in Marseille.
On August 29, they would take a flight from Marseille to Berlin, Germany.
At 2 PM, the plane arrived on time at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, where Thomas Aig, president of Universal France, welcomed them.
Just like in Japan, fans welcomed the stars at the airport, media coverage was extensive, and there were hotel-fan interactions.
Linton didn't use a translator and communicated entirely in French, which won enthusiastic responses from fans and reporters.
At 3:30 PM, he started interviews with 14 selected TV and newspaper media outlets in the hotel conference room arranged by Universal.
Throughout the interviews, Linton communicated fluently in French.
Bella, accompanied by David, took fan materials to meet the core fan club members at a popular gathering spot in Paris to discuss upcoming fan screenings.
The media interviews were much like those in Tokyo, mostly similar questions, all handled with ease by Linton, who always steered the conversation back to the movie Step Up.
That evening, some media began reporting on Linton's promotional tour for Step Up in France. The reports mentioned the film's blockbuster success in the U.S. and highlighted Linton's fluent French, praising him as a true friend of the French people.
At 9 PM, Linton arrived at the Grand Rex Cinema to interact with the audience.
This cinema is one of the most splendid historic theaters in Paris and among the most advanced cinemas worldwide.
It boasts the largest screening hall in Europe, with 2,800 seats. That night, the hall featured a golden showing of Step Up.
Entering the backstage lounge, Linton greeted and shook hands with the cinema agent and took photos.
He signed posters and small gifts prepared for the theater to use in ongoing promotions and giveaways.
He accepted solo interviews and photographs from on-site media.
At 9:40 PM, after the movie screening, accompanied by the event host, Linton went on stage to engage with the audience.
Possibly because the cinema anticipated Linton's promotional appearance, the 2,800-seat hall was packed to capacity. Cheers and screams filled the air as Linton appeared, creating a heated atmosphere.
During the Q&A, the audience eagerly asked questions about the plot, Linton's personal life, and how he learned to perform the film's cool dance moves.
More intriguingly, some asked which French actress Linton liked, if he had an ideal one-night stand, and whether he had a romantic encounter with Sophie Marceau during his last visit -- a reminder why Paris was known as the city of love.
Linton returned to the hotel by 10:30 PM, unsurprisingly greeted by Sophie Marceau waiting in his room.
That night, Sophie was clearly dressed to impress, wearing a red evening gown that emphasized her seductive curves, her golden wavy hair resting gracefully over her full shoulders, radiating glamour.
As soon as she saw Linton, she threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and planting a fragrant kiss while whispering, "You little rascal, I've missed you so much."
After two months apart, both deeply missed each other and eagerly helped disarm each other's defenses. They soon became completely intimate, beginning a passionate session that lasted through the night until dawn.
"Darling, I have a full day of events today and will be busy until late. What about your schedule?"
"I'm free for the next three days to keep you company. What exactly are your plans today? Do you want me to join you?"
"In the morning, I have a fan meeting at La Defense business district in Paris, then in the afternoon, I'll film a variety show for France 6 TV. At night, the French branch arranged a party at the hotel. Tomorrow, we head to Marseille."
Linton handed Sophie the itinerary.
"I can accompany you to the morning fan meeting. I'll rest at the hotel in the afternoon. I already have the invite for tonight's party."
"Is it okay for you to participate in the fan meeting with me? After all, I'm here promoting the movie Step Up. Hopefully, your agency doesn't mind?"
"It shouldn't be a problem. I don't have any movie releases right now, so it can count as helping a friend promote a film, and hopefully boost Step Up's buzz. The movie is really good -- I watched it twice and was deeply moved both times. I heard it's already made over $100 million at the North American box office."
"Thank you for the compliment. I think we did a good job too. As of yesterday, the North American box office totaled about $102.13 million."
"You're amazing -- your first film, where you wrote, directed, and starred, is such a success. No wonder you're the man I admire."
Sophie expressed pride warmly, "Next time, if you have a role suited for me, be sure to let me know. I'm looking forward to collaborating with you on screen."
"Of course. I'll notify you when the right role comes up. By the way, what do you think about going to Hollywood?"
"Maybe next year. I recently accepted a lead role in a movie called La fille de d'Artagnan (Revenge of the Musketeers). Filming starts in late September and continues into October. After that, I'll prepare for Hollywood. You'll have to help me out then."
"No problem, just call me before you come."
"The ending song of the film is really well composed and elevates the theme beautifully. Do you have a copy of the soundtrack? I want to practice now so we can sing together at the event tonight."
Linton asked Meena to bring a Walkman and a soundtrack CD. The song was simple and catchy; Sophie learned it quickly.
In the morning, arranged by Universal's local publicity team, Linton and Sophie Marceau arrived at the La Defense business district for a media and fan meet-and-greet.
As Linton held Sophie's hand walking onto the temporary stage, the crowd and media erupted in excitement. Fans screamed with such volume and passion that their cheers seemed to echo all the way across the Atlantic Ocean.
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