boxer to hollywood

After receiving Beyoncé's message, Link's daily routine was completely disrupted. Normally, after breakfast, he would take a walk with his cat and spend an hour reading professional books, but with something on his mind, he couldn't settle down.

He called Ivanka and explained the situation, asking for her advice.

"Scott has dirt on you? How do you know?" Ivanka asked, puzzled.

"Someone tipped me off. It's quite reliable."

"What kind of dirt?"

"I don't know."

"Think about the bad things you've done. Do you have any guesses?" Ivanka pressed.

Link thought about it. He was most worried that the dirt involved his relationship with Amy Adams. Amy had just had a baby, and if such news came out, it would be disastrous. However, since it involved Amy's privacy, he couldn't tell Ivanka.

"Taking this long to think? Just how many bad things have you done?" Ivanka asked.

"Don't be silly. I'm just trying to remember if I've done anything wrong."

"Really? Link, this is a critical moment. We're partners, comrades. I need you to be honest with me so I can find a way to deal with this. If we react after the news breaks, it'll be too late."

Ivanka spoke sternly.

"Fine. Last year, on a movie set, I got drunk and had a relationship with a woman. For her privacy, I can't tell you her name."

"Was it assault?" Ivanka asked, curious.

"Of course not. I'd never do such a thing."

"If it was just drunken misconduct, there's no need to panic. This kind of thing is common in the entertainment industry. Even if it comes out, it's no big deal."

"It's not that simple. They're promoting my image as a good man. If a cheating scandal breaks out now, it will definitely damage my image and affect album sales. We must take this seriously."

"Alright, I'll arrange for someone to negotiate with Scott to get that dirt. Assuming it exists."

"How do you plan to get it? They've used many media resources to hype this. That dirt must be significant. They won't give it up easily."

"What do you suggest?"

Link thought for a moment and proposed exchanging the rights to "Baby."

After attending the Grammy Awards, Graham had approached him, saying that "Baby" was similar to a song he wrote in 2008, "Never Say Never." It didn't fit the first album's style, so it was shelved. Later, when Link Music faced poaching from competitors, a production assistant defected to Island Records, which produced Justin's albums. Graham suspected the assistant had taken "Baby" to Island Records.

"Baby" was registered with the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). Ivanka planned to use it against SB Entertainment, possibly to harm them if needed.

Link intended to use "Baby" as a bargaining chip.

In America, copyright infringement is serious, with severe penalties from courts and associations. If Scott had the dirt, he might trade it to protect Justin's future.

"Trade it for copyright? I don't think it's a good idea. If we sue SB Entertainment and Island Records, we'll definitely win and receive no less than $30 million in damages. It would also severely impact SB Entertainment. Trading $30 million for uncertain evidence? Is it worth it?" Ivanka questioned.

"$30 million is just one game's revenue. I don't care. Also, as an idol, maintaining a good public image is worth more than $30 million."

"Alright, you focus on promoting your album and preparing for the game. I'll handle this."

Ivanka mentioned the promotional plan he proposed a few days ago. After consulting with her advisors, they found it highly operable and effective for promoting the album. However, with the current steady sales and high popularity, the plan wasn't immediately necessary. They could wait two or three weeks for the hype to die down before using it.

Link didn't object and left it to her.

On the fifth day of "The Woman I Love" release, Link began a signing tour across various U.S. cities. Previously, he signed over 10,000 copies daily, but now limited it to 3,000, significantly reducing his workload.

Media reports increasingly portrayed him as a perfect boyfriend, an all-around developed man with looks and talent, especially strong in certain areas, the dream lover of nine billion young girls worldwide. This boosted his female fan base.

The signing queues were full of female fans, ranging from a few years old to over thirty. His appearance triggered loud screams from fans.

"Ah~ Link! I love you!"

"Link, I want to have your baby!"

"Link, look here, I'm here!"

On TV, when Link appeared at a Seattle signing event, thousands of fans screamed, both men and women, but mostly women in their twenties and thirties. Some women even lifted their T-shirts to reveal their bodies when he looked their way.

"Fuck! This bastard is too popular now."

50 Cent saw the TV, where many black women were crazy about Link, saying they wanted his baby, and cursed angrily. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and others looked equally displeased.

Last March, they were the top stars in the music world, the kings of rap. Link was just a rookie they trampled on, criticized at the Grammys, leaving in shame. But in just a year, Link had become a top star, with his new album selling over 1.3 million copies in five days, attracting more fans and receiving more adoration than them.

It was infuriating.

Especially knowing that Link had risen by stepping on their faces, Kanye and the others felt even worse.

"Don't be upset. This is Scott's strategy. In a few days, when he reveals Link's dirt, Link will fall from grace. The more proud he is now, the more miserable he'll be later."

Usher said, swirling his wine glass.

"What dirt? Why not reveal it sooner? Link's popularity is already high. Exposing it now would make him fall hard. Just thinking about it is cool."

Beyoncé leaned on the sofa, wearing a white spaghetti strap dress. The thin straps hung on her smooth shoulders, revealing her full curves, with coffee-colored silky legs crossed underneath. Sometimes, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and Drake would sneak a glance, but quickly look away since Jay-Z was present.

"Darling, Scott has his plans. We just need to watch."

Jay-Z said, holding a cigar.

"Jay, have you seen that dirt? If not, how can you be sure it will hit Link hard? I know Scott. He's a pure businessman, strong in marketing but..."

Beyoncé shook her head slightly, showing a dismissive expression.

"Jay, I think Beyoncé has a point. If it's really important dirt, Scott should release it to ruin Link's reputation right away. This build-up feels like a ruse."

Drake said, glancing at Beyoncé.

Jay-Z frowned, picked up the phone, and called Scott, asking when he planned to release Link's dirt.

Scott said the plan was for tonight.

Jay-Z then asked what the dirt was, if he could get a hint.

Scott hesitated before saying it was a video of Link fooling around with another woman in the locker room while dating Taylor.

Beyoncé's heartbeat sped up, her chest trembling and breathing becoming rapid. She bit her lip, recalling that day in the Lakers' locker room when Link pinned her against the locker and went wild. If that scene was filmed and posted online for everyone to see...

Her heartbeat quickened, face flushed, and lips slightly moist. She clamped her knees, sipped wine, hiding her reddened face.

"It's a video of Link messing around with another woman in the locker room."

Jay-Z said, laughing to the group, "Scott's plan is great. Hype Link as a good boyfriend, then release the cheating video. The contrast will ruin his reputation."

"Sounds good!"

"Haha, I knew it. Link isn't a good guy."

"Haha, imagine Link's face when he finds out he was filmed."

"Anyway, Link's doomed."

Even the gloomy Kanye laughed, raising his glass for a toast.

Beyoncé had a drink, then excused herself, citing work at the studio, and left early.

In the car, she quickly took out her phone, preparing to call Link. Thinking he might be busy, she edited a text message instead.

She glanced back at the bar, started the car, and decided to leave town for a while.

(Chapter End)