Chapter 392: Unexpected News (8/10)

After breakfast, he accompanied Ivanka to Link Music. In the recording studio, he ran into Ariana Grande, who invited him to listen to her new song.

Link listened and was quite impressed. Ariana's voice was sweet and lively, yet powerful. Her Broadway experience and time in the recording studio had honed her skills. More importantly, she was a talented songwriter.

Link consulted with producers like Graham and suggested releasing an EP for Ariana to test the waters. This would gauge the market's reaction to her style and give her valuable experience. In conversations with Ariana, he sensed her eagerness for success.

Since Justin Bieber's rise to fame at 16, many young singers aspired to stardom. Record companies also sought younger talent. This made talented youngsters like Ariana eager for quick fame.

Link didn't discourage her. He wasn't familiar with the specifics of her future career, but he knew she had potential. Even some setbacks wouldn't matter, as Link Music could afford to take risks.

Another signed artist, Charlie Puth, received similar treatment. He would create songs for evaluation, and if they were good, they could be released.

Ariana and Charlie were excited upon hearing this and worked hard to refine their songs, hoping to receive high praise from the production department.

Link's main purpose at the studio was to discuss his fourth album. Initially, it had 26 songs, but they narrowed it down to 20, 16 of which were his. These songs included "Sorry," "That Girl," "Love Is Gone," "Let Her Go," "Say Something," "Let Me Down Slowly," "Late Night Melancholy," "No Promises," "Remember Me," and more—all classic heartbreak songs.

These songs nearly emptied his inventory. He told the producers this might be his last album and to strive for perfection.

They didn't try to dissuade him. Even if he stopped releasing albums, he would give good songs to his artists and cultivate new talent. The only regret was that he was so famous that any album would sell millions, and he was only 22. Retiring early would be a loss for the music industry and fans.

But they couldn't force him. With a net worth of over two billion, he didn't need to release albums for money.

They decided to release the album around July or August, depending on the distribution schedule.

Link then messaged singers like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Adele, Ke$ha, and Katy Perry, asking about their album release dates to avoid clashes.

He was particularly concerned about Adele's album "21," a masterpiece featuring hit songs like "Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You," and "Set Fire to the Rain." He wasn't confident he could win against her.

Adele replied that her company planned to release her new album early next month, so there wouldn't be a clash. She jokingly asked if he wanted to release his album earlier so they could compete on the charts.

Link said they could still compete even if they weren't releasing at the same time, and the winner could treat the other to a meal. Adele agreed.

Lady Gaga replied that she planned to release her second studio album, "Born This Way," at the end of May, so there wouldn't be a conflict either.

Beyoncé replied that she was preparing to release her fourth album, "4," in late June or early July and asked if he wanted to compete. The loser would have to take the bottom position during their next date. Link agreed.

Katy Perry replied that she had no plans to release a new album this year and asked if his goal for this album was to sell over five million copies. Perry's second album, "Teenage Dream," released last September, had already sold over two million copies in the U.S., making her the most popular female singer at the beginning of this year.

Miley Cyrus and Ke$ha had released new albums last year and had no plans for this year either.

Link thought for a moment and messaged Ms. Andrea, mentioning his plan to release his fourth album in July or August and inquiring about Taylor's new album plans.

Ms. Andrea replied that Taylor was also preparing a new album, aiming for release at the end of the year.

After discussing with Graham and the others, Link decided to release his fourth album around September. This year, Adele, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Taylor, Kanye, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Eminem, and others were all releasing albums, making the market highly competitive. It wouldn't be easy for Link's album to break through and reach the top three.

Ding!

As he left the office, his phone received a message from Ms. Andrea: "The children are fine, don't worry."

Link was stunned for a few seconds, his hands trembling involuntarily. Although he had received news from the detective that the children might be okay, hearing it directly from Ms. Andrea still made him emotional.

He had many questions to ask her but understood her difficult situation. He simply replied, "Thank you."

"Don't mention this to Taylor or ask her. She's in a bad mood now," Ms. Andrea reminded him.

"I understand."

After replying, Link let out a long sigh of relief, releasing much of the pent-up frustration he had been carrying. At the same time, he felt immense hatred for Taylor.

To maintain her single image and personal freedom, she had fabricated a story about a premature birth, deceiving everyone and even claiming to have intentionally terminated the pregnancy.

He had to admit, she was ruthless. He could never say such things.

"What happened? You seem happy," Ivanka asked, approaching him in her high heels.

"The weather is nice today. How about we go to Long Island for a hot spring?" Link smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Don't even think about it. I know what you're up to. It won't work. And my dad wants us to come home for dinner. Are you coming?" Ivanka said, grabbing his wandering hand and linking her arm with his.

"Of course!"

Link smiled and left the company with Ivanka, driving to Mr. Trump's old mansion on the Upper East Side.

Ivanka had rarely been back since Mr. Trump remarried a few years ago and she had moved out. Today, Mr. Trump had personally invited her and Link to dinner, emphasizing it was a family gathering and that Link must come.

The Trump family dinner was lively, with over 40 people attending, including three generations of the immediate family and various relatives.

These people were involved in business, politics, law, and the arts, each with some degree of fame.

But compared to Link, they were far behind. So when they saw him, they were all very friendly, asking him questions left and right.

Link didn't mind. He chatted with those he could connect with and politely smiled at those he couldn't.

When Mr. Trump arrived, he pulled Link into the study for a private chat.

He asked if Link was interested in investing in the Trump family's real estate business, offering to sell him some shares.

Link thought for a moment and declined, citing a lack of funds.

The Trump family's real estate holdings included hotels, casinos, and clubs in major cities, with a total market value of about 10 billion dollars, of which the Trump family owned about 20%.

In this year's Forbes "400 Richest Americans" list, Mr. Trump ranked 128th with a net worth of 2.9 billion.

Link ranked 166th, not too far behind.

Although the Trump family's real estate business was well-known, its profitability was far less than that of international hotel chains like Hilton, Sheraton, and Four Seasons, so the investment potential wasn't great.

Mr. Trump didn't force the issue.

He only mentioned that Link's decision to trade Twitter for NVIDIA was ill-considered and said that if Link had any major investments in the future, he could consult with him. Mr. Trump knew many senior executives on Wall Street and could provide some advice and suggestions.

Link expressed his gratitude.

After the banquet, he accompanied Mr. Trump to meet several figures from New York's business and political circles and played a round of golf with them at the Trump Organization's golf club.

Link's skills were average, so he mainly listened to their conversation while playing.

They were all Republicans, discussing how to seize power.

After listening for a while, Link understood why his father-in-law had brought him here.

In addition to helping him expand his network, Mr. Trump was also using him, a newly wealthy individual, to rally support.

Link didn't mind this. If he married Ivanka in the future, and his father-in-law succeeded, he would also benefit. The two families would share both the glory and the disgrace.

Within his capabilities, he didn't mind helping his father-in-law.

He suggested that Mr. Trump use Twitter and Facebook more often, posting comments on current events and personal opinions to attract attention.

Mr. Trump had been in the television industry and liked to express his views on TV shows to attract public attention.

But now it was the internet age, and speaking out on social media platforms could garner more attention.

Mr. Trump agreed with his suggestion and said he would try using social media platforms. Finally, he said that Link's golf skills were terrible and needed improvement.

This sport was a social tool for the upper class, and playing good golf could earn respect in the circle.

Mr. Trump wanted to teach Link personally, but he pulled a muscle in his lower back after just a few swings. Link had to stop playing and take him to the physiotherapy room for a massage.