Pujimaki
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Behind The Spotlight
- Thread starter Pujimaki
- Start date
Chapter 48
New
Pujimaki
Yes, My writing sucks .
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2022
- Messages
- 913
- Likes received
- 14,269
Behind The Spotlight Chapter 48
The audition ended after a long and exhaustive process. The production team began finalizing their choices based on performance, screen presence, and chemistry. It had been a tiring day of hard work. They had to sit through one performance after another, which left their bones aching from hours of inactivity. The audition wrapped up in the late afternoon.
After some discussion and a brief round of deliberation, they finally reached a consensus they could all agree on.
Led by Director Summerbelt with renewed purpose, they officially selected Lawrence Terrence as Jacky without any further doubt.
For the female lead, they chose Ellie Bridget as Rosey after narrowing the list down to several finalists. Ellie Bridget was a well-known name in the industry. Considered a B-list actress who had starred in a few films and made numerous TV guest appearances. However, she had never landed a leading role despite years of persistence. This would be her first time as the main actress. An opportunity that could completely change her career trajectory.
The production team had initially wanted to cast Jolyne Robs as Rosey due to her greater fame and box office pull, but the actress was currently too busy promoting her latest film and attending international premieres.
"Since we've got our male lead and female lead locked in, how about I recommend Kayla Martin as the supporting actress? She can play Rosey's younger sister. She's a model, but she can clearly act. She's also amazing at sucking coc-- never mind. Besides, her screen time is short, so there's little risk involved," said Producer Harper, not forgetting his earlier arrangement with Kayla Martin.
Although he failed to secure the female lead for Kayla, she still walked away with a meaningful role and a stepping stone. With the cast heading to a tropical island, Harper saw future "transactions" with Kayla under the warm sheets as not just possible, but likely.
"I'm alright with that, as long as she doesn't disrupt the flow," Director Summerbelt replied with a slight nod. He decided to allow the producer to push through one name as a compromise. As long as it didn't affect the integrity of the story, Thomas was willing to yield in small areas.
"Then let's contact them immediately and have them sign the contracts as soon as possible, preferably this week, so we can begin without delays. As for the actors who didn't make it, don't bother calling them. It's a waste of time and resources," Harper declared coldly and without hesitation.
The production team wrapped up their final tasks for the day, sorting files and contacting agents.
---------
------
---
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. East. I'm Balthazar Harper, producer of Passionate Island and longtime partner of Sonya-Collapse Studio."
"Nice to meet you as well."
The producer of Passionate Island and Lawrence's representative shook hands firmly, a standard gesture in high-stakes business negotiations.
Collin sat down on a leather seat across the desk. The meeting took place inside the headquarters of Sonya-Collapse Studio, in one of their glass-walled negotiation rooms. As the project overseer, Balthazar was in charge of finalizing the contracts for the two lead roles.
As expected, the actor didn't attend these types of meetings, it was always the agent who showed up. That was the industry norm. However, Harper was slightly surprised to discover that Lawrence was represented by someone from ANT, one of the top agencies in Hollywood.
"Let's not drag this out longer than it needs to be. Name your price, and let's move on."
Balthazar Harper had no interest in spending more than fifteen minutes on this negotiation. He considered it a waste of time. Lawrence Terrence was just a rising actor with only one successful film to his name. He didn't yet have the box office appeal to demand a high salary.
Collin understood that clearly. If he misplayed his hand, Lawrence could easily be dropped in favor of another actor with a more flexible salary rate.
Prior to this meeting, Collin had asked Lawrence how much he expected to earn from the movie. They discussed it thoroughly.
In fact, Lawrence was currently sitting in a restaurant near the Sonya-Collapse Studio headquarters, nervously waiting by his phone for a call from Collin, sipping his nth cup of coffee.
Lawrence had said he'd be happy to earn $1 million from this movie. That alone would change his life.
Naturally, Collin aimed to secure that amount or more. Not only to improve his client's standing but also because his own income depended on it. He earns a 15% commission on the deal. With confidence, he raised three fingers.
"Three million dollars."
Balthazar laughed out loud like someone who had just heard the punchline of a great joke. It was the funniest thing he had heard in a while.
"Collin, it seems like you don't understand your situation at all. Lawrence wasn't our first or second pick. If we're going to spend that much, we might as well hire Tommy Yatch, a proven box office name. I'll offer Lawrence $500,000. That's already generous for a new actor."
"$2.5 million would be more appropriate. Mr. Harper, I'm confident in my client's acting skills and the value he brings. I believe the reason you chose him is because Lawrence is the perfect fit for the role."
In truth, Lawrence wasn't just perfect, he transcended the role. He didn't just play Jacky, he became something more.
"Collin, you clearly understand your client's strengths, and I respect that, even if I think you're dreaming. One million. That's my final offer."
"Lawrence will elevate the film in ways no one else can. His casting makes the movie stronger from script to screen. $1.7 million, fair compensation, considering the value he brings."
"…Tch. $1.5 million. Don't be greedy. You're just a parasite in a suit leeching off your clients' blood. Agents like you deserve a place in hell, the deepest one."
Balthazar had been through this kind of negotiation countless times. He could probably write a book about it. He knew that talent agents didn't know their place in this industry.
Sure, Lawrence was talented. But he was still new. Asking for $3 million was overkill. That money could be better spent on post-production.
And yet… despite his irritation, Balthazar didn't want to lose Lawrence. His instincts as a seasoned producer were warning him, he would regret letting this actor go.
It was those instincts that had kept him successful over the years. He had a sixth sense for potential.
'If not for Lawrence's recent success in The Accidental Wedding Crashers, this conversation probably wouldn't even be happening,' Balthazar silently admitted with a grudging sigh.
Collin paused, appearing to consider his options. Then he smiled and extended his hand with calm confidence.
"It's nice doing business with you, Mr. Harper. $1.5 million it is. I'll call Lawrence right now so he can come in and sign. As for specific clauses, my client is allergic to corn, so please avoid food-related accidents."
"We'll add that to the terms and handle it on set."
"He must have his own trailer for privacy and proper preparation."
"Of course. We'll also rent an apartment near the shooting location."
With the salary agreement finalized, they shifted focus to other key contractual terms: accommodations, transportation, and dietary requirements.
Overall, Balthazar was content with the $1.5 million figure, even if he didn't get the final say.
The film's budget was $25 million, with a flexible buffer, and spending $1.5 million on the male lead wasn't a bad investment. Especially if it raised the movie's quality.
Half an hour later, after the revised contract was prepared, Lawrence arrived with a lawyer. They reviewed the paperwork carefully, ensuring all terms were legally sound. Once both parties confirmed the final version, they signed the deal. Officially securing Lawrence's first major film role.
With that, Lawrence earned a $1.5 million salary for the film, his biggest payday yet. He would receive $750,000 upfront at the signing, with the remaining $750,000 to be paid upon completion of filming. This structure was designed to encourage consistent performance throughout the filming.
Naturally, Collin would take his 15% per their agreement, reducing Lawrence's initial take-home amount.
The actor didn't mind at all. In fact, he was overwhelmed and deeply impressed. Collin had managed to negotiate a deal that was 50% higher than what he had originally hoped for.
It felt surreal.
The audition ended after a long and exhaustive process. The production team began finalizing their choices based on performance, screen presence, and chemistry. It had been a tiring day of hard work. They had to sit through one performance after another, which left their bones aching from hours of inactivity. The audition wrapped up in the late afternoon.
After some discussion and a brief round of deliberation, they finally reached a consensus they could all agree on.
Led by Director Summerbelt with renewed purpose, they officially selected Lawrence Terrence as Jacky without any further doubt.
For the female lead, they chose Ellie Bridget as Rosey after narrowing the list down to several finalists. Ellie Bridget was a well-known name in the industry. Considered a B-list actress who had starred in a few films and made numerous TV guest appearances. However, she had never landed a leading role despite years of persistence. This would be her first time as the main actress. An opportunity that could completely change her career trajectory.
The production team had initially wanted to cast Jolyne Robs as Rosey due to her greater fame and box office pull, but the actress was currently too busy promoting her latest film and attending international premieres.
"Since we've got our male lead and female lead locked in, how about I recommend Kayla Martin as the supporting actress? She can play Rosey's younger sister. She's a model, but she can clearly act. She's also amazing at sucking coc-- never mind. Besides, her screen time is short, so there's little risk involved," said Producer Harper, not forgetting his earlier arrangement with Kayla Martin.
Although he failed to secure the female lead for Kayla, she still walked away with a meaningful role and a stepping stone. With the cast heading to a tropical island, Harper saw future "transactions" with Kayla under the warm sheets as not just possible, but likely.
"I'm alright with that, as long as she doesn't disrupt the flow," Director Summerbelt replied with a slight nod. He decided to allow the producer to push through one name as a compromise. As long as it didn't affect the integrity of the story, Thomas was willing to yield in small areas.
"Then let's contact them immediately and have them sign the contracts as soon as possible, preferably this week, so we can begin without delays. As for the actors who didn't make it, don't bother calling them. It's a waste of time and resources," Harper declared coldly and without hesitation.
The production team wrapped up their final tasks for the day, sorting files and contacting agents.
---------
------
---
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. East. I'm Balthazar Harper, producer of Passionate Island and longtime partner of Sonya-Collapse Studio."
"Nice to meet you as well."
The producer of Passionate Island and Lawrence's representative shook hands firmly, a standard gesture in high-stakes business negotiations.
Collin sat down on a leather seat across the desk. The meeting took place inside the headquarters of Sonya-Collapse Studio, in one of their glass-walled negotiation rooms. As the project overseer, Balthazar was in charge of finalizing the contracts for the two lead roles.
As expected, the actor didn't attend these types of meetings, it was always the agent who showed up. That was the industry norm. However, Harper was slightly surprised to discover that Lawrence was represented by someone from ANT, one of the top agencies in Hollywood.
"Let's not drag this out longer than it needs to be. Name your price, and let's move on."
Balthazar Harper had no interest in spending more than fifteen minutes on this negotiation. He considered it a waste of time. Lawrence Terrence was just a rising actor with only one successful film to his name. He didn't yet have the box office appeal to demand a high salary.
Collin understood that clearly. If he misplayed his hand, Lawrence could easily be dropped in favor of another actor with a more flexible salary rate.
Prior to this meeting, Collin had asked Lawrence how much he expected to earn from the movie. They discussed it thoroughly.
In fact, Lawrence was currently sitting in a restaurant near the Sonya-Collapse Studio headquarters, nervously waiting by his phone for a call from Collin, sipping his nth cup of coffee.
Lawrence had said he'd be happy to earn $1 million from this movie. That alone would change his life.
Naturally, Collin aimed to secure that amount or more. Not only to improve his client's standing but also because his own income depended on it. He earns a 15% commission on the deal. With confidence, he raised three fingers.
"Three million dollars."
Balthazar laughed out loud like someone who had just heard the punchline of a great joke. It was the funniest thing he had heard in a while.
"Collin, it seems like you don't understand your situation at all. Lawrence wasn't our first or second pick. If we're going to spend that much, we might as well hire Tommy Yatch, a proven box office name. I'll offer Lawrence $500,000. That's already generous for a new actor."
"$2.5 million would be more appropriate. Mr. Harper, I'm confident in my client's acting skills and the value he brings. I believe the reason you chose him is because Lawrence is the perfect fit for the role."
In truth, Lawrence wasn't just perfect, he transcended the role. He didn't just play Jacky, he became something more.
"Collin, you clearly understand your client's strengths, and I respect that, even if I think you're dreaming. One million. That's my final offer."
"Lawrence will elevate the film in ways no one else can. His casting makes the movie stronger from script to screen. $1.7 million, fair compensation, considering the value he brings."
"…Tch. $1.5 million. Don't be greedy. You're just a parasite in a suit leeching off your clients' blood. Agents like you deserve a place in hell, the deepest one."
Balthazar had been through this kind of negotiation countless times. He could probably write a book about it. He knew that talent agents didn't know their place in this industry.
Sure, Lawrence was talented. But he was still new. Asking for $3 million was overkill. That money could be better spent on post-production.
And yet… despite his irritation, Balthazar didn't want to lose Lawrence. His instincts as a seasoned producer were warning him, he would regret letting this actor go.
It was those instincts that had kept him successful over the years. He had a sixth sense for potential.
'If not for Lawrence's recent success in The Accidental Wedding Crashers, this conversation probably wouldn't even be happening,' Balthazar silently admitted with a grudging sigh.
Collin paused, appearing to consider his options. Then he smiled and extended his hand with calm confidence.
"It's nice doing business with you, Mr. Harper. $1.5 million it is. I'll call Lawrence right now so he can come in and sign. As for specific clauses, my client is allergic to corn, so please avoid food-related accidents."
"We'll add that to the terms and handle it on set."
"He must have his own trailer for privacy and proper preparation."
"Of course. We'll also rent an apartment near the shooting location."
With the salary agreement finalized, they shifted focus to other key contractual terms: accommodations, transportation, and dietary requirements.
Overall, Balthazar was content with the $1.5 million figure, even if he didn't get the final say.
The film's budget was $25 million, with a flexible buffer, and spending $1.5 million on the male lead wasn't a bad investment. Especially if it raised the movie's quality.
Half an hour later, after the revised contract was prepared, Lawrence arrived with a lawyer. They reviewed the paperwork carefully, ensuring all terms were legally sound. Once both parties confirmed the final version, they signed the deal. Officially securing Lawrence's first major film role.
With that, Lawrence earned a $1.5 million salary for the film, his biggest payday yet. He would receive $750,000 upfront at the signing, with the remaining $750,000 to be paid upon completion of filming. This structure was designed to encourage consistent performance throughout the filming.
Naturally, Collin would take his 15% per their agreement, reducing Lawrence's initial take-home amount.
The actor didn't mind at all. In fact, he was overwhelmed and deeply impressed. Collin had managed to negotiate a deal that was 50% higher than what he had originally hoped for.
It felt surreal.
Chapter 49
New
Pujimaki
Yes, My writing sucks .
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2022
- Messages
- 913
- Likes received
- 14,269
Behind The Spotlight Chapter 49
Lawrence was officially cast in the romance movie Passionate Island after a nerve-wracking audition and an emotionally charged performance.
His salary was $1.5 million, a number that still didn't feel real to him. However, he only received half of that amount upfront, as part of the standard payment structure for a new actor like him, who lacked strong industry credibility.
The remaining half would be paid upon completion of his work and after filming wrapped up. This clause was added to ensure that Lawrence wouldn't abandon the project midway or vanish during production.
Furthermore, if Lawrence seriously violated the contract, such as missing scheduled shoots without valid reasons or causing major conflicts on set, he could forfeit the remaining balance entirely. He might even be fired from the project, though that kind of action was typically reserved for extreme situations where no other choice remained.
Lawrence and Collin stepped out of the Sonya-Collapse building with light steps and lifted spirits. They were in a good mood, and for good reason. They had just secured a career-defining deal.
Just a few months ago, neither of them could land big projects or earn real money like most top-tier talents in the industry.
But everything changed when The Accidental Wedding Crashers was released and became a hit. Suddenly, they weren't nobodies anymore.
As they headed to the parking lot under the blazing sun, Lawrence glanced at Collin with admiration. At that moment, he fully realized just how good a decision it had been to sign with him. He chuckled at the memory of how he initially thought Collin only wanted to sign him to use him for shady deals. Specifically, to seduce wealthy old hags as a boy toy in superficial business arrangements.
"Collin, thank you for helping me through everything. You've changed my life more than you probably know. I mean it. If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be flipping pizzas at my old job. Thank you for believing in me when no one else did."
"You don't have to thank me so dramatically. I'm just doing my job like any decent agent would," Collin waved off the praise nonchalantly and entered the car as though compliments didn't affect him.
He was still driving the same bumpy, smoke-belching car that looked and sounded like it could explode at any second. He had been meaning to buy a better one, but his hectic schedule hadn't allowed it.
Lately, he'd been swamped with meetings and press events, especially while collaborating with Uni-Versus Pictures to promote The Accidental Wedding Crashers in multiple cities.
He would've settled for a second-hand upgrade, anything that wasn't embarrassing to drive. A car that didn't spew black smoke like an industrial chimney.
"Also, you and Axel will attend a show tomorrow to promote the movie. I already confirmed your schedule. Don't forget."
"Of course," Lawrence replied without hesitation. He'd signed a contract requiring him to promote The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and he was being paid for it too. Promotion was included in Uni-Versus' PR budget.
"You just need to trust me a little more. I recognized your talent the moment I saw you. You've got to start believing in yourself the way I believe in you. We're not small players anymore, we're climbing up. So how about we swing by the bank and settle my commission? Don't think I forgot that easily."
"Let's go," Lawrence said with a bright laugh. He had no intention of cheating his agent or withholding his dues. That was the last thing he'd do. Especially to someone who had believed in him and helped him secure such a big payday.
Fifteen percent of $1.5 million amounted to $225,000. After deducting ANT's agency fee of $67,000, Collin earned a clean $158,000 in commission.
It was a great day, perhaps the best in his career so far. Collin had just made a six-figure income from a single business deal, and without even breaking a sweat. He could clearly see the road ahead to success. He smirked in satisfaction.
Even if he wanted to, Collin couldn't hide the $1.5 million deal from ANT. He was required to report the full transaction and wire the $67,000 owed to the company immediately.
There had been instances of agents vanishing after pocketing large commissions, disappearing without a trace. But those agents were swiftly blacklisted in Hollywood permanently.
Worse still, ANT was notorious for its top-tier search team. Rumor had it they hired ex-detectives or intelligence officers. They could track down rogue agents and bring them to justice with legal force. Some agents even went to jail after being found and tried in court.
Collin also heard that ANT was trying to tighten this aspect of business even further. They wanted talent fees to go through the agency first, with agents being paid only after reports and performance evaluations. But this system hadn't been implemented yet, facing resistance from long-term agents who valued their independence.
So, under the current setup, Collin and Lawrence had to process the transaction the old-fashioned way.
They arrived at the bank under the scorching heat and completed the process with smooth paperwork. Collin received his share with a grin on his face, then immediately wired ANT's share to their official bank account. He confirmed the transfer by contacting the company's accounting office through his phone.
Afterward, Collin and Lawrence went their separate ways with casual waves. They each had their own lives and responsibilities to attend to.
Lawrence wasn't bitter that his $750,000 payout had dropped to $525,000 after deductions. He owed Collin far too much to complain. The fact that Collin had signed a nobody like him still meant the world to Lawrence and he never forgot it.
Under the shade of a nearby tree, Lawrence smiled as he stared at his passbook. Money, fame, and art. Those were the three pillars that drove him. They were the biggest reasons he pursued this career despite all its hardships. And now, he had proof that dreams were achievable through talent and perseverance.
This first $1.5 million salary would forever remain in his memory as the symbol of his turning point. His heart pounded like a drum in his chest.
He spotted a phone booth on the street corner and used it to call his parents back home. They had been hesitant about his career choice at first, but they had supported him quietly in their own way. Lawrence gently wiped his tears with his sleeve, realizing only then that he was crying. Tears fell onto his T-shirt like soft raindrops.
"Hehe, I'm getting emotional like an idiot."
.........
......
...
Elsewhere in the city, Collin was driving monotonously with one hand on the wheel. He glanced at the broken radio in his car, almost wishing it would magically start working.
It didn't.
He then looked at the rearview mirror and saw the thick black smoke trailing from his car like a moving pollution machine.
"…No wonder the guards at the apartment complex look at me like I'm some kind of criminal," he muttered under his breath.
Still, he had closed a great deal today, reason enough to celebrate. There was no excuse now to keep driving a car that looked and sounded like a dying steam engine.
'Maybe buying a brand-new car is better than getting a second-hand one. A Toyuta or Hunda will do, something cheap to maintain, but long-lasting and smoke-free.'
He decided he would reward himself as soon as his schedule cleared up a bit. He was still the producer of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and that job wasn't over yet.
"Hey, you fucking bastard! Your car's gonna cause lung cancer! Take that thing to a scrapyard!"
Collin heard a voice full of fury and looked out his window. A homeless man was shouting at him from the side of the road while his car chugged along, belching black smoke like a malfunctioning industrial engine.
"..."
Collin cringed so hard that his face twitched.
While driving, he noticed a car dealership just a block ahead. Without a second thought, he pulled over.
His decision was firm and irreversible now. This old, embarrassing car was ruining his image as a professional talent agent.
That day, Collin finally rewarded himself with a new vehicle. He bought a Toyuta Corulla for $10,000 after a brief chat with the dealer.
He cherished that car ever since.
Lawrence was officially cast in the romance movie Passionate Island after a nerve-wracking audition and an emotionally charged performance.
His salary was $1.5 million, a number that still didn't feel real to him. However, he only received half of that amount upfront, as part of the standard payment structure for a new actor like him, who lacked strong industry credibility.
The remaining half would be paid upon completion of his work and after filming wrapped up. This clause was added to ensure that Lawrence wouldn't abandon the project midway or vanish during production.
Furthermore, if Lawrence seriously violated the contract, such as missing scheduled shoots without valid reasons or causing major conflicts on set, he could forfeit the remaining balance entirely. He might even be fired from the project, though that kind of action was typically reserved for extreme situations where no other choice remained.
Lawrence and Collin stepped out of the Sonya-Collapse building with light steps and lifted spirits. They were in a good mood, and for good reason. They had just secured a career-defining deal.
Just a few months ago, neither of them could land big projects or earn real money like most top-tier talents in the industry.
But everything changed when The Accidental Wedding Crashers was released and became a hit. Suddenly, they weren't nobodies anymore.
As they headed to the parking lot under the blazing sun, Lawrence glanced at Collin with admiration. At that moment, he fully realized just how good a decision it had been to sign with him. He chuckled at the memory of how he initially thought Collin only wanted to sign him to use him for shady deals. Specifically, to seduce wealthy old hags as a boy toy in superficial business arrangements.
"Collin, thank you for helping me through everything. You've changed my life more than you probably know. I mean it. If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be flipping pizzas at my old job. Thank you for believing in me when no one else did."
"You don't have to thank me so dramatically. I'm just doing my job like any decent agent would," Collin waved off the praise nonchalantly and entered the car as though compliments didn't affect him.
He was still driving the same bumpy, smoke-belching car that looked and sounded like it could explode at any second. He had been meaning to buy a better one, but his hectic schedule hadn't allowed it.
Lately, he'd been swamped with meetings and press events, especially while collaborating with Uni-Versus Pictures to promote The Accidental Wedding Crashers in multiple cities.
He would've settled for a second-hand upgrade, anything that wasn't embarrassing to drive. A car that didn't spew black smoke like an industrial chimney.
"Also, you and Axel will attend a show tomorrow to promote the movie. I already confirmed your schedule. Don't forget."
"Of course," Lawrence replied without hesitation. He'd signed a contract requiring him to promote The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and he was being paid for it too. Promotion was included in Uni-Versus' PR budget.
"You just need to trust me a little more. I recognized your talent the moment I saw you. You've got to start believing in yourself the way I believe in you. We're not small players anymore, we're climbing up. So how about we swing by the bank and settle my commission? Don't think I forgot that easily."
"Let's go," Lawrence said with a bright laugh. He had no intention of cheating his agent or withholding his dues. That was the last thing he'd do. Especially to someone who had believed in him and helped him secure such a big payday.
Fifteen percent of $1.5 million amounted to $225,000. After deducting ANT's agency fee of $67,000, Collin earned a clean $158,000 in commission.
It was a great day, perhaps the best in his career so far. Collin had just made a six-figure income from a single business deal, and without even breaking a sweat. He could clearly see the road ahead to success. He smirked in satisfaction.
Even if he wanted to, Collin couldn't hide the $1.5 million deal from ANT. He was required to report the full transaction and wire the $67,000 owed to the company immediately.
There had been instances of agents vanishing after pocketing large commissions, disappearing without a trace. But those agents were swiftly blacklisted in Hollywood permanently.
Worse still, ANT was notorious for its top-tier search team. Rumor had it they hired ex-detectives or intelligence officers. They could track down rogue agents and bring them to justice with legal force. Some agents even went to jail after being found and tried in court.
Collin also heard that ANT was trying to tighten this aspect of business even further. They wanted talent fees to go through the agency first, with agents being paid only after reports and performance evaluations. But this system hadn't been implemented yet, facing resistance from long-term agents who valued their independence.
So, under the current setup, Collin and Lawrence had to process the transaction the old-fashioned way.
They arrived at the bank under the scorching heat and completed the process with smooth paperwork. Collin received his share with a grin on his face, then immediately wired ANT's share to their official bank account. He confirmed the transfer by contacting the company's accounting office through his phone.
Afterward, Collin and Lawrence went their separate ways with casual waves. They each had their own lives and responsibilities to attend to.
Lawrence wasn't bitter that his $750,000 payout had dropped to $525,000 after deductions. He owed Collin far too much to complain. The fact that Collin had signed a nobody like him still meant the world to Lawrence and he never forgot it.
Under the shade of a nearby tree, Lawrence smiled as he stared at his passbook. Money, fame, and art. Those were the three pillars that drove him. They were the biggest reasons he pursued this career despite all its hardships. And now, he had proof that dreams were achievable through talent and perseverance.
This first $1.5 million salary would forever remain in his memory as the symbol of his turning point. His heart pounded like a drum in his chest.
He spotted a phone booth on the street corner and used it to call his parents back home. They had been hesitant about his career choice at first, but they had supported him quietly in their own way. Lawrence gently wiped his tears with his sleeve, realizing only then that he was crying. Tears fell onto his T-shirt like soft raindrops.
"Hehe, I'm getting emotional like an idiot."
.........
......
...
Elsewhere in the city, Collin was driving monotonously with one hand on the wheel. He glanced at the broken radio in his car, almost wishing it would magically start working.
It didn't.
He then looked at the rearview mirror and saw the thick black smoke trailing from his car like a moving pollution machine.
"…No wonder the guards at the apartment complex look at me like I'm some kind of criminal," he muttered under his breath.
Still, he had closed a great deal today, reason enough to celebrate. There was no excuse now to keep driving a car that looked and sounded like a dying steam engine.
'Maybe buying a brand-new car is better than getting a second-hand one. A Toyuta or Hunda will do, something cheap to maintain, but long-lasting and smoke-free.'
He decided he would reward himself as soon as his schedule cleared up a bit. He was still the producer of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and that job wasn't over yet.
"Hey, you fucking bastard! Your car's gonna cause lung cancer! Take that thing to a scrapyard!"
Collin heard a voice full of fury and looked out his window. A homeless man was shouting at him from the side of the road while his car chugged along, belching black smoke like a malfunctioning industrial engine.
"..."
Collin cringed so hard that his face twitched.
While driving, he noticed a car dealership just a block ahead. Without a second thought, he pulled over.
His decision was firm and irreversible now. This old, embarrassing car was ruining his image as a professional talent agent.
That day, Collin finally rewarded himself with a new vehicle. He bought a Toyuta Corulla for $10,000 after a brief chat with the dealer.
He cherished that car ever since.