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Behind The Spotlight Chapter 186
"I've been having some trouble with our coworkers lately," Arnold admitted, his tone carrying clear exhaustion.
"Let me guess, it's about Mikael?"
"That's right. Some of them are interested in him. They want to sign a contract with him, promising him a brighter future in the film industry."
'Lila already talked to me about that.' Collin nodded, having anticipated the issue.
This only further proved how different Collin was from other agents. Unlike those who couldn't discern Mikael's true talent, Collin had a better plan for the guy.
No wonder Collin had five clients who were thriving. He was doing better than most agents.
"What are you going to do? Mikael still hasn't signed a contract with you. If another executive or someone from a different agency takes an interest in him, you might lose the guy."
"That's why I'm having trouble. I want to sign the band, not just the vocalist alone. But I also admit that the vocalist is the most important aspect of this venture." Arnold sighed. He had been shameless enough to promise the band, including Mikael, that they would reach the Top 10 on the Billboard 100 with their debut album, a reckless promise. He was shameless enough to say it.
"I know a record label that can help you. You can introduce them to Moonrise Music, the label Princess Chantal works with. They can be trusted, I assure you. They'll take good care of the band."
"That's also one of my problems. I can't find a record label I trust. I'm afraid the label might sabotage my team if I choose the wrong one."
"You can trust me. I'm close to the shareholders."
'Closer than you think,' Collin thought.
"That's great to hear. That really eases my worries."
Collin didn't mention that he was actually a shareholder himself, choosing to keep it to himself. With Mikael and Pulse Static's potential, Moonrise Music would likely nurture them well and invest properly. He would explain it to Arnold later, when the timing was right.
"By the way, you're not going to attend our high school reunion? Both our batches are having one this year," Arnold recalled.
"Nah. Do I look like I'm interested in reunions?"
"You do."
"... Arnold, you understand the reason." Collin sighed, his mood turning heavy.
"Come on, that was almost a decade ago. I'm sure they already know the truth by now."
Collin kept his mouth shut, choosing silence over reopening old wounds. He had many friends in high school, but everything changed when he was painted as a bad person.
Even now, Collin was grateful that the engagement never reached marriage. Otherwise, his life might have been far more miserable.
"Well then, I'm heading out," Collin said, ending the topic. He had only stopped by to check on Lawrence. Before leaving, he bid farewell to the actor. He wasn't comfortable discussing the upcoming high school reunion at all.
Today, Collin used the sports car to visit the studio, fulfilling a promise. Princess Chantal had been upset that he never used her gift. To ease the situation, Collin promised to drive it once in a while, even if it attracted attention. He didn't want to disappoint his biggest money-maker or hurt her feelings. So far, Princess Chantal has been his most profitable client.
If he were to rank his clients strictly by profitability, it would be:
1.) Princess Chantal. Collin earned a tremendous amount from her endorsements alone. On top of that, the huge income he gained as a shareholder of Moonrise Music was because of her.
2.) Lawrence Terrence. Second on the list, and Collin's top earner back when Princess Chantal was still a nobody. As the face of romance films in Hollywood, Lawrence had numerous movies, commercial endorsements, and sponsorships that provided steady income.
3.) Wyatt Bray. Wyatt only took on a project every two years, but every negotiation Collin handled for him earned Collin at least six figures. If Wyatt were willing to film one movie a year, Collin would probably love him more, no homo, purely professional.
4.) Axel Gunner. Axel earned around $1 million per year on average, along with several commercials and sponsorships.
5.) Jennifer Randon. If she ever found out that Collin ranked her last based on profitability, she would probably swear at him. Jennifer might have changed, but she would definitely lash out if offended.
As Collin reached his sports car, he heard a soft, pitiful sound.
"Meow."
"Hm?"
His ears perked up as he looked around. The sound undeniably came from a kitten, small and fragile.
"Meow."
He spotted an orange kitten crawling out from under his car. The little cat rubbed itself against his shoes fearlessly, asking for attention.
"... Well, you're cute. But I can't take care of you. I'm busy, I live alone most of the time, and I'm barely ever home."
"Meow~"
The orange kitten replied insistently.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Meow!"
"Alright, alright. I can't take care of you, but my mom and sister can. They live in Beverly Hills. They might like you."
Collin was completely defeated.
"Meow."
As if understanding, the orange kitten turned around and meowed toward the car, more specifically, under it.
Suddenly, another kitten timidly appeared, this one with white fur.
"Oh, you have a sibling? I guess two kittens are better. At least you won't feel lonely."
Then another kitten jumped out, meowing energetically at Collin.
"Three is fine too. I don't have a problem with that. I think my family will be okay with it."
However, two more kittens emerged unexpectedly.
"..." Collin sighed in resignation.
The five kittens meowed at him together, as if saying, "Congratulations, you've been officially chosen by the cat distribution system."
"Let me find a box first."
He found a nearby box and realized it was actually the kittens' home, filled with fur. At least they'd feel comfortable.
That day, Collin visited his mother with a box full of kittens, an unexpected gift. Evelyn and Aida were delighted. The kittens were adorable, and they became attached instantly. Collin also bought cat food and other necessities. Evelyn prepared a nice dinner since her always-busy son had come to visit.
"Mom, I was here on Christmas. That was just two weeks ago. Why are you acting like I never visit?"
"Two weeks is a long time. You should visit us at least once a week."