"Though, come to think of it, as an ultra-wealthy magnate, why doesn't Mr. Smith simply leverage his fortune to triumph this time?"After ending the call, Evan rose from his bed, settling into a chair, deep in contemplation."Songwriting shouldn't pose any issues.""As for lacking promising new talents...""My sister Bella is exceptional; with her extraordinary qualities, that shouldn't be a problem either."With that thought, Evan entered his room, retrieving a guitar while blank musical scores awaited on the stand.He traced the flame tattoo on his right hand—the Entertainment Godfather Gloves—and began strumming the strings.Amid the intermittent notes, a melody gradually coalesced.After transcribing several dozen measures onto the blank score, the musical composition was complete.Then, Evan closed his eyes, his chest suffused with the emotions of first love.Upon reopening them, he caressed the flame tattoo (Entertainment Godfather Gloves) once more, waving his hand to swiftly p

Such immense influence only deepened the haze of uncertainty.Ava had never disclosed Evan's musical aptitude, for she had remained absent during the film's post-production audio processes. If Ava herself remained unaware, then Bella's ignorance proved inevitable.Perceiving Bella's pensive contemplation, her inability to decipher "that individual's" identity, Adam's lips pursed as Evan's visage materialized, his gaze glinting with exhilarated intrigue:"Mr. Smith is truly remarkable. A veritable renaissance man hardly begins to suffice—this covert mastery is utterly thrilling! If his own sister Bella responds thus, imagine the awe he shall inspire among Lumina City's elite!""Miss Smith, rest assured, this acquaintance harbors no ill intent towards you. No insidious conditions shall arise; we shall only arrange engagements you desire. I vow your contract mirrors Ava's precisely!"Disheartened by Bella's prolonged hesitance, Adam dispelled his reverence to earnestly implore her acquie

Such brazen presumption gave Evan pause, but his voice soon continued."Mr. Connor, we require no alternative candidates. Your sole task is production. Moreover, I've heard this newcomer myself - her voice is full, resonant, with impressive projection. From a vocal standpoint, she should prove more than adequate."Evan's polite yet firm refusal through the receiver creased Connor's brow. "Then am I to understand you are declining my proposal, Mr. Smith?"Before Connor could continue, Evan's laughter echoed from the other end."I fear you misunderstand, Mr. Connor. The $5 million fortune I've paid is solely to secure your production assistance on this album, not for you to recommend replacements for my company's talent.""You would do well to remember - you are my employee, not my superior. Quite the contrary, I am your employer, for you have accepted my commissioning fee.""I neither need nor welcome an employee dictating my decisions! Thus, I must decline your proposal."The chill in

"Here is my proposal - sign a new contract, join Tiktoc and mentor our talents free of charge. Moreover, any future television opportunities shall require your promotion of our artists in turn.""What say you?"Adam's terms exceeded even Evan's - not only must Connor tutor Bella gratis, but nurture any future signees while promoting them relentlessly across every talent competition!Yet there was a certain satisfaction in thoroughly humbling this once-arrogant showman. And imagine, molding a legion of the company's future stars!"Yes, yes, of course!" Connor's frantic nodding reminded one of a ravenous chicken pecking at crumbs. "I accept, gladly! Anything to avoid universal blacklisting. Not only shall I mentor your fresh talents without fee, I shall champion them on every television stage, you have my word!""Very well."Adam nodded once. "Then resume Miss Smith's guidance forthwith. I shall have the contract printed and delivered directly.""Yes, of course. Miss Smith, if you woul

Of course, sour rebukes were never in short supply."Hmph, you're all marveling at his money and prowess, but has nobody questioned the source of his fortune? What if it came from illicit channels? They'll lock him up in the end, hmph!""Precisely! I heard in his freshman and sophomore years he was just a broke loser. Didn't you hear Mr. Johnson mention he was a mere Tiktoc summer intern before this semester? Then suddenly he's rolling in dough? There's definitely something fishy going on!""Yeah, I'm in his class, I can attest - he used to be utterly destitute, depressingly so. No idea where all this money materialized from.""..."Evan paid no heed to the raucous murmurings as he strode toward the stage, Adam deferentially retreating behind him with a hushed "Mr. Smith."Evan cast him a sidelong glance before taking the microphone. "Well, first off, I thank Mr. Johnson for this honor!" "However, I must stress that I've done little to deserve such recognition. I merely interned at