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
Hmph, seeing that look, Connor suddenly felt the fool. He had fancied Tiktoc a mere serpent, when in truth this Lumina City viper dwarfed even dragons! Else how could they have overnight acquired the companies of juggernauts Rachel and Parker? How else could Lumina City's termination arrive within a minute?Just what manner of behemoth was this Tiktoc, and who was the young man behind its veil? Despite his renown, before them he was but a gnat fruitlessly assailing a tree - blacklisted on a whim. Nay, his feeble buzzing likely could not even sway its branches!He dared not contemplate the true extent of their might across Lumina City."Darling Connor, how did your negotiations go? When do I sign the contract?" Oblivious Kylie inquired of the sweat-drenched Connor. Instantly, Connor channeled every ounce of fury into his right hand as it struck her viciously across the face."Wretched woman, you've ruined me! You'll be the death of me yet!"Meanwhile, upon receiving the phone, Adam a
"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
"Understood."Adam nodded his comprehension before raising another point. "One more matter - now that Bella's debut single is complete, shall we utilize Parker and Rachel's former companies' distribution channels for its release?""Traditional distribution is too sluggish. And if the single proves a hit, we'd need a full album's worth of additional tracks, an unnecessary hassle." Evan contemplated briefly before responding."Instead, since Tiktoc specializes in livestreaming, have all our hosts begin using this song as background music from tonight onwards.""Then instruct Connor to heavily promote it during his upcoming television appearances." "Lastly, forge partnerships with popular short video platforms and pour substantial funds into cross-promotion across their channels. Connor's $5 million fee can finance this initiative - and if more is required, I shall supplement you this afternoon.""Very good, understood!"Adam checked his watch, noting the late hour. "Mr. Smith, I'll se
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
"Indeed, I knew the $50 million, privileges, and lovely hosts would prove immensely alluring!" Evan gave a faint nod. "From this moment, mobilize all personnel from Tiktoc, YouClub, and our entertainment branches. Embark on an acquisition blitz across Lumina City's enterprises - scale and capital are no objects. We're firing the opening salvo to secure commercial dominance over this city!""Now?" Adam gaped."Yes, time is short - fund it all through my accounts!"A roguish grin played across Evan's lips. "Once your acquisitions are underway, we shall thoroughly vanquish any remaining holdouts unwilling to join our fold! Ah, but Clark Group's assets in Lumina are to be left untouched for now.""Um, very well. But shouldn't we at least notify Lumina's mayor? Such a massive takeover is bound to raise governmental alarms!"Evan's gaze drifted into the distance as he murmured, "No need. I suspect they'll be coming to me before long."The afternoon hour struck three.Adam hastened back to T
The balding man scoffed derisively. "And which arrogant enterprise boasts such brazen folly – employees neglecting their duties to pursue acquisitions? Is your employer a tycoon of mythical wealth?"This naive little girl amused him far more than any mobile game. Toying with her simple mind would provide ample entertainment.Entertaining such thoughts, the balding owner swiveled his phone upon the counter, squinting as he continued, "Might I inquire, young lady, where you attend university and who your employer is? You seek to acquire my establishment, yet I sense you lack the authority to broker such a deal. Allow me to propose an equitable solution – I am the proprietor here, and your superior is a proprietor as well. A dialogue between equals would be fitting.""You wish to converse with my employer? Does this imply a willingness to sell?" Hailey, naive in worldly affairs, failed to detect his mocking tone. "Yet I know not my employer's number, only Mr. Matthew's contact."The bald
"Certainly. Matthew is quite amiable.""Was that Matthew's voice earlier? He sounds remarkably young.""No, they mentioned Mr. Smith, though I'm unfamiliar with him. Yet the voice seemed so familiar...""..."Tucking the contract safely into her bag, Hailey forwarded the balding man's bank details to the finance department. Less than three minutes later, his phone alerted him to a $700,000 deposit.Then, within a minute, another message arrived from Tiktoc's official number: "Mr. Smith acknowledges your struggles. As a gesture of goodwill, an additional $100,000."The shopkeeper gaped at this message, awestruck."Tiktoc truly is affluent!"Simultaneously, a flicker of trepidation stirred within his pupils. "If Tiktoc acquires even insignificant establishments like mine, what are their ultimate intentions?"Matthew's intern Hailey made swift progress, securing Tiktoc's auspicious first acquisition.After all, her assigned southwestern district belonged to Lumina City's older quarters,