Chapter 121
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Behind The Spotlight Chapter 121
"So, Mr. East. We are indeed interested in working with Lawrence Terrence. We believe that his image and status as a superstar actor make him a perfect fit to be an ambassador of Diore. However, he has already signed partnerships with other brands, which could potentially create conflicts if we are not careful."
At the moment, Collin was facing the executives of Diore. He kept his composure as he listened, maintaining the practiced calm of someone who had negotiated countless times before. This was a huge deal, one that could elevate Lawrence to a new level of stardom and further secure Collin's own reputation as an agent capable of closing high-profile contracts.
"Lawrence still hasn't signed any shoe deals with any brand. He's interested in working with Diore as a shoe ambassador. If Diore plans to launch a new shoe line in the United States, Lawrence can represent it. He's even willing to adjust his schedule for major promotional campaigns to ensure its success." Collin explained smoothly.
"That means Lawrence must wear our shoes whenever he's in public."
"Absolutely. He understands the commitment that comes with being an ambassador. He's ready to uphold it in every public appearance, interview, and even casual outings where cameras might catch him."
That was how the industry worked, and Collin knew it well. Many celebrities struggled with such commitments, but Lawrence had the discipline to follow through.
The executives exchanged glances and nodded. One of them, however, remained silent, watching Collin intently.
"If Lawrence is interested in becoming Diore's U.S. Ambassador, we will gladly work with him. His fame is strong, and his image perfectly embodies the bold yet elegant branding we want in America. We have a new shoe product line we're promoting in the U.S., and we hope Lawrence Terrence will be the face of that campaign."
The product line was essentially a single model available in multiple variations, different colors and designs, similar to how iPhones were released with multiple shades/color of the same base model. Lawrence would endorse the entire line, his influence drawing attention from fashion-conscious youth across America.
"I'm glad to hear that. I'll make sure Lawrence lives up to the expectations you're placing on him," Collin replied, elated.
"Unfortunately, we are not interested in working with Axel Gunner and Jennifer Randon. Axel's recent scandal could harm our brand. As for Jennifer, she's not famous enough and doesn't fit the image we're aiming for."
"I see. Though I will say, both of them have tremendous potential if given the right projects." Collin kept his smile even though he was gritting his teeth inside. He didn't appreciate hearing his clients belittled. At this point, he saw them as his own family, and insults toward them felt personal.
"Now, let's discuss Lawrence's salary. We are interested in signing him for two years. How about $500,000 per year?"
"My team would appreciate it if you increased that to $700,000. Lawrence's fame in the United States is undeniable. Even casual moviegoers who rarely pay attention to actors know his name. His face is instantly recognizable across the globe, on magazine covers, gossip headlines, and countless fan-made posters. You've surely heard of his movie Passionate Island. His performance was praised as one of the finest of his career. Furthermore, his most recent film, Trapping the Parents, grossed over $427 million globally last year while also receiving critical acclaim. That level of success speaks for itself."
The executives listened without interruption, occasionally scribbling notes, as though comparing his statements to their internal research. After about an hour of back-and-forth negotiation, they settled at $600,000 per year for two years. It wasn't quite what Collin asked for, but it was still a strong deal and proof of their confidence in Lawrence.
Satisfied, Collin shook hands with them.
As the executives left one by one, Collin found himself alone with a man wearing a thin, fashionable scarf that probably cost more than what an average worker earned in months.
The man approached him.
"So you're an agent now, huh?"
"Yes, Your Great Ericson."
Your Great Ericson was a famous fashion designer and a major shareholder of Diore. With his creative brilliance and financial influence, he wielded considerable power within the company.
He had legally changed his name to "Your Great Ericson" and demanded people address him that way, as though the title itself were part of his brand and identity.
"I see. What a surprise to find you standing in a position of power rather than on a runway."
Your Great Ericson scanned Collin from head to toe, sighing regretfully. His voice was unique, smooth yet sharp, like silk cutting through glass.
"It's such a waste that I never got the chance to fuck your ass. I still want to take you to my bed. Tell me, I'll raise Lawrence's salary if you agree, and I can make sure his career skyrockets beyond your imagination."
Collin stiffened. He and Your Great Ericson had history. Years ago, when Collin worked as a model, Ericson had taken an immediate interest in him. He had offered Collin a chance to become Diore's ambassador in exchange for a one-night stand.
"Even now, you're still a great specimen. You remain one of my deepest regrets. What I can't understand is how someone so poor had the audacity to reject me. Was it because of your dead friend? Your only saving grace is your face, but you're still a lowlife. Funny, you're a perfect specimen but also a pathetic creature. How did it feel when I kicked you off the runway? Bad, right? That's how I felt when you rejected me."
Your Great Ericson chuckled darkly, his words dripping with twisted triumph.
Collin clenched his jaw but kept his smile steady. Just like before, his answer remained the same.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested, and I never will be."
"Well, I shot my shot. If you'd agreed back then, you'd be one of the top male models in the world right now. You'd be living in luxury, commanding respect everywhere. You have what it takes. You're basically perfect. But you're ruined by a lowlife brain that doesn't understand how this industry works."
Ericson sighed, though it sounded more arrogant than regretful.
Collin remained calm. He knew he was blessed with his looks, but he had never regretted choosing dignity over cheap fame. To him, integrity was worth more than any contract.
"Well then, see you later, Collin. We both know our paths will cross again. Heh, perhaps your client Lawrence Terrence will be more… open to a business deal with me." Your Great Ericson grinned and walked away, his smugness making Collin's fists itch.
Collin nearly lost control, his protective instincts toward his clients almost driving him to punch the man, but he held himself back. A single outburst could jeopardize everything. Instead, he patted his chest, where his small voice recorder was hidden in his pocket.
'Just as I expected, that guy still can't control his mouth. And now he's handed me the leverage I needed.'
Collin smirked coldly. He hadn't expected to meet Ericson, but he had prepared a recorder just in case.
"Sorry, but my clients will be ambassadors of Diore, and you're going to help me. You mocked me years ago. Now it's my turn to laugh at you."
Two days later, Diore expressed interest in signing deals with Axel Gunner and Jennifer Randon. The two were shocked but overjoyed.
The entertainment industry thrived on manipulation and blackmail. Everyone knew it, even if no one admitted it openly. Collin was simply playing the same game. And to be honest, it felt good. He had no guilt whatsoever about blackmailing Your Great Ericson.
---
[Author's Note: Today is the first day of the month, a great time to promote my Patreon.]
If you want to read more, you can check out my Patreon. It has:
33 chapters of Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad
51 chapters of Behind The Spotlight
Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki
"So, Mr. East. We are indeed interested in working with Lawrence Terrence. We believe that his image and status as a superstar actor make him a perfect fit to be an ambassador of Diore. However, he has already signed partnerships with other brands, which could potentially create conflicts if we are not careful."
At the moment, Collin was facing the executives of Diore. He kept his composure as he listened, maintaining the practiced calm of someone who had negotiated countless times before. This was a huge deal, one that could elevate Lawrence to a new level of stardom and further secure Collin's own reputation as an agent capable of closing high-profile contracts.
"Lawrence still hasn't signed any shoe deals with any brand. He's interested in working with Diore as a shoe ambassador. If Diore plans to launch a new shoe line in the United States, Lawrence can represent it. He's even willing to adjust his schedule for major promotional campaigns to ensure its success." Collin explained smoothly.
"That means Lawrence must wear our shoes whenever he's in public."
"Absolutely. He understands the commitment that comes with being an ambassador. He's ready to uphold it in every public appearance, interview, and even casual outings where cameras might catch him."
That was how the industry worked, and Collin knew it well. Many celebrities struggled with such commitments, but Lawrence had the discipline to follow through.
The executives exchanged glances and nodded. One of them, however, remained silent, watching Collin intently.
"If Lawrence is interested in becoming Diore's U.S. Ambassador, we will gladly work with him. His fame is strong, and his image perfectly embodies the bold yet elegant branding we want in America. We have a new shoe product line we're promoting in the U.S., and we hope Lawrence Terrence will be the face of that campaign."
The product line was essentially a single model available in multiple variations, different colors and designs, similar to how iPhones were released with multiple shades/color of the same base model. Lawrence would endorse the entire line, his influence drawing attention from fashion-conscious youth across America.
"I'm glad to hear that. I'll make sure Lawrence lives up to the expectations you're placing on him," Collin replied, elated.
"Unfortunately, we are not interested in working with Axel Gunner and Jennifer Randon. Axel's recent scandal could harm our brand. As for Jennifer, she's not famous enough and doesn't fit the image we're aiming for."
"I see. Though I will say, both of them have tremendous potential if given the right projects." Collin kept his smile even though he was gritting his teeth inside. He didn't appreciate hearing his clients belittled. At this point, he saw them as his own family, and insults toward them felt personal.
"Now, let's discuss Lawrence's salary. We are interested in signing him for two years. How about $500,000 per year?"
"My team would appreciate it if you increased that to $700,000. Lawrence's fame in the United States is undeniable. Even casual moviegoers who rarely pay attention to actors know his name. His face is instantly recognizable across the globe, on magazine covers, gossip headlines, and countless fan-made posters. You've surely heard of his movie Passionate Island. His performance was praised as one of the finest of his career. Furthermore, his most recent film, Trapping the Parents, grossed over $427 million globally last year while also receiving critical acclaim. That level of success speaks for itself."
The executives listened without interruption, occasionally scribbling notes, as though comparing his statements to their internal research. After about an hour of back-and-forth negotiation, they settled at $600,000 per year for two years. It wasn't quite what Collin asked for, but it was still a strong deal and proof of their confidence in Lawrence.
Satisfied, Collin shook hands with them.
As the executives left one by one, Collin found himself alone with a man wearing a thin, fashionable scarf that probably cost more than what an average worker earned in months.
The man approached him.
"So you're an agent now, huh?"
"Yes, Your Great Ericson."
Your Great Ericson was a famous fashion designer and a major shareholder of Diore. With his creative brilliance and financial influence, he wielded considerable power within the company.
He had legally changed his name to "Your Great Ericson" and demanded people address him that way, as though the title itself were part of his brand and identity.
"I see. What a surprise to find you standing in a position of power rather than on a runway."
Your Great Ericson scanned Collin from head to toe, sighing regretfully. His voice was unique, smooth yet sharp, like silk cutting through glass.
"It's such a waste that I never got the chance to fuck your ass. I still want to take you to my bed. Tell me, I'll raise Lawrence's salary if you agree, and I can make sure his career skyrockets beyond your imagination."
Collin stiffened. He and Your Great Ericson had history. Years ago, when Collin worked as a model, Ericson had taken an immediate interest in him. He had offered Collin a chance to become Diore's ambassador in exchange for a one-night stand.
"Even now, you're still a great specimen. You remain one of my deepest regrets. What I can't understand is how someone so poor had the audacity to reject me. Was it because of your dead friend? Your only saving grace is your face, but you're still a lowlife. Funny, you're a perfect specimen but also a pathetic creature. How did it feel when I kicked you off the runway? Bad, right? That's how I felt when you rejected me."
Your Great Ericson chuckled darkly, his words dripping with twisted triumph.
Collin clenched his jaw but kept his smile steady. Just like before, his answer remained the same.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested, and I never will be."
"Well, I shot my shot. If you'd agreed back then, you'd be one of the top male models in the world right now. You'd be living in luxury, commanding respect everywhere. You have what it takes. You're basically perfect. But you're ruined by a lowlife brain that doesn't understand how this industry works."
Ericson sighed, though it sounded more arrogant than regretful.
Collin remained calm. He knew he was blessed with his looks, but he had never regretted choosing dignity over cheap fame. To him, integrity was worth more than any contract.
"Well then, see you later, Collin. We both know our paths will cross again. Heh, perhaps your client Lawrence Terrence will be more… open to a business deal with me." Your Great Ericson grinned and walked away, his smugness making Collin's fists itch.
Collin nearly lost control, his protective instincts toward his clients almost driving him to punch the man, but he held himself back. A single outburst could jeopardize everything. Instead, he patted his chest, where his small voice recorder was hidden in his pocket.
'Just as I expected, that guy still can't control his mouth. And now he's handed me the leverage I needed.'
Collin smirked coldly. He hadn't expected to meet Ericson, but he had prepared a recorder just in case.
"Sorry, but my clients will be ambassadors of Diore, and you're going to help me. You mocked me years ago. Now it's my turn to laugh at you."
Two days later, Diore expressed interest in signing deals with Axel Gunner and Jennifer Randon. The two were shocked but overjoyed.
The entertainment industry thrived on manipulation and blackmail. Everyone knew it, even if no one admitted it openly. Collin was simply playing the same game. And to be honest, it felt good. He had no guilt whatsoever about blackmailing Your Great Ericson.
---
[Author's Note: Today is the first day of the month, a great time to promote my Patreon.]
If you want to read more, you can check out my Patreon. It has:
33 chapters of Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad
51 chapters of Behind The Spotlight
Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki