"Er..." Leander and the others exchanged baffled looks. Mr. Smith expected their confusion, waiting to clarify matters himself at the Clark?Well, if their apparent overseer deemed it so, they may as well convene with this Mr. Smith to voice their myriad concerns directly.And so the bewildered troupe retraced their steps to the illustrious hotel, with Devin chauffeuring - these pampered stars hardly knew Lumina's streets, and catching public transit could prove troublingly complicated, as previous guests like Pony, Geoff Baysos and Jaimie Ionnone had infamously discovered.Yet no sooner had they settled into the Clark's opulent confines than Devin's phone rang - Evan on the line. "Devin, you've arrived? Wonderful, entertain our guests a moment. I'm stuck in traffic, running ten minutes behind.""Of course, Mr. Smith." Devin obligingly ushered the party into a private suite, preparing to explain the delay. His words caught in his throat, however, as over a dozen liveried staff burst
The words detonated like a thunderclap, sending Devin tumbling from his chair in a crumpled heap as the rest could only gape, struck mute and immobile by shock's icy paralysis."Mr. Smith, you cannot possibly be serious?" Caius's gaze betrayed profound incredulity.Doubts pervaded his mind - could this youth and the hapless soul crumpled beneath the table truly be their appointed overseers? Might this be some insidious ruse, conspired between the pair to ensnare them all?For what legitimate authority would conceive such madcappery? They had merely accepted these strangers' summons at face value, convening obediently at the Clark.Yet Evan met Caius's skepticism with unruffled equanimity. "I assure you, I am quite sincere in this."Of course he was assured - filming a cinematic travesty was the entire intent. What did period-appropriate attire or cuisine matter when crafting an unmitigated fiasco? A trifling consideration when professional lighting and acoustics held equal irrelevance
Somewhat dazed, Devin conveyed the artifacts to the assemblage, and all craned in synchronous curiosity to better appraise this mysteriously manifested debacle. Thunder could hardly have struck with more reverberating force - Devin absorbed its destabilizing impact in stricken recoil, crumpling back to the plush safety of his carpeted sanctuary.Yet this time, no urge towards escape from this dire unveiling gripped him. He could only gape, features slackening into drooling, catatonically vacant horror as he chanted the same unbroken litany like an escaped lunatic:"Ruined...all ruined...Splendid Music is utterly ruined..."Even Devin, who had gained partial immunity, was astounded by Evan's capabilities. The directors, actors, and editors were rendered ashen-faced and trembling in awe."How is this possible? He actually pulled it off, and so masterfully – the quality rivals that of professional equipment!""The script for this first scene is impressively ingenious, an extraordinary f
Whenever an actor flagged, Evan immediately called for a break, during which an array of sumptuous delicacies would be served for all to enjoy.Moreover, Evan demonstrated remarkable magnanimity throughout the shoot. In his presence beside Caius, every actor's performance was approved on the first take – not a single instance of having to reshoot!This prompted Caius to wonder: Could a master director like Mr. Smith truly deem those takes acceptable? Had his own directorial skills improved so drastically that he no longer required coaching?Leander, Ophelia and the others were equally perplexed. How had their acting prowess suddenly soared to such heights when previously, under other directors' guidance, their performances had been repeatedly rejected? Yet here, under a master's tutelage, not a single take was called for reshooting!Evan had not neglected Seraphina either, as her script was being written on the fly. Typically, once she had completed a passage, Evan would give it a cur
Splendid Music's skilled post-production team assumed responsibility for the subsequent editing process, absolving Evan of direct involvement; his intervention may well have altered the series' eventual outcome!Yet, an unforeseen circumstance soon arose!At 10:30 PM, Devin received a call from Splendid Music's post-production crew: "Mr. Devin, you must come to the office immediately – a development of profound implications has occurred!"Devin rolled over languidly. "What could warrant such alarm? Our company won't go bankrupt until after tomorrow at the earliest.""Mr. Devin, explanations would prove inadequate over the phone. Just come and see for yourself! It's highly likely that Mr. Smith's 'Game of the Empire' will catapult Splendid Music back into the limelight!""Very well, I'm on my way." Devin turned again in bed.Wait – what did they just say? That Mr. Smith's supposed dreck would revive Splendid Music's fortunes? How could that be possible?Devin jolted upright, suddenly l
Adrian glanced up from his paperwork. "What is it?""Splendid Music's disaster – that 'Game of the Empire' series premieres its first episode tonight on Lumina City Television!"Adrian visibly startled before erupting into raucous laughter. "Well, let's tune in! I'm not going home tonight – I simply must witness the depths of Splendid Music's ineptitude firsthand. Once we've reveled in their humiliation, supplanting them as the paramount entertainment company is inevitable!"Even within the luxurious Riverside Villa, Evan seemed remarkably relaxed, humming a tune as he mused aloud, "Hmm! System, you blessed me with that Fortune Drink, didn't you? My success is now assured – this so-called disaster will start hemorrhaging funds after eight o'clock!"The Super Rich System, however, remained unresponsive."Giving me the silent treatment now that defeat looms?" Evan reclined, sipping juice. "No need for anguish – you've tasted my triumphs before. Don't fret; I shan't gloat over your impen
Some companies, unable to reach Adam or Devin, resorted to contacting Sean instead.Dripping with envy, Sean regretfully explained, "Alas, I'm Sean. If you can't secure ad placements within 'Game of the Empire,' perhaps my 'National Talent Show' could accommodate you – I still have vacant slots.""No, thank you," came the curt rebuttals from the incensed clients.Sean fought the urge to unleash a torrent of profanities.As Elysia feverishly embraced 'Game of the Empire,' the critics who had scoffed mere hours earlier now suffered the consequences of their hubris, their stinging rebukes resounding like thunderous slaps across their smug visages.Yet none could rival Devin and Adam's sheer elation in this moment.Beaming radiantly, Devin exclaimed, "Splendid Music has been granted a temporary reprieve! Haha, regardless of the future, we've at least delayed the inevitable for now!"The burden upon Adam's shoulders dissipated as he reclined, exhaling deeply. "Ah, my reputation on TikTok h
"It's settled then," Evan declared, hauling Adam and Devin back to their feet as he strode toward the set. "I'll arrange the placements presently. Remember, finalize the contracts and wire the funds to Mr. Devin and Mr. Johnson!"Gesturing for the cast and crew's rapt attention, Evan displayed a halting palm. "Let's take a pause. From now on, we must devote ourselves to diligent product integration. Hehe, our gracious sponsors aim to enhance our catering – we'll be adding chicken drumsticks to today's lunch menu!"A hushed silence blanketed the dumbfounded ensemble as incredulous glances ricocheted.Chicken drumsticks for lunch?Mr. Smith, had his perception become so warped that he deemed poultry more luxurious than lobster, king crab, shark's fin, or abalone?He had never stinted on provisions, routinely indulging them with abundant delicacies. To equate paltry chicken drumsticks with extravagance seemed a bridge too far!"Well, that's delightfully settled!" Evan mused aloud. "Now,