A_nobody
patreon
Chapter 61: Double Weekly
🕑 Added 2024-10-08 20:48:20 +0000 UTCIn just a few days, Avril's new song reached the top of the Billboard charts and quickly claimed the number one spot in just a week! Compared to her previous life where her song only reached second place, this achievement undoubtedly owed a lot to Ethan's efforts.
At the same time, the latest music review was published in Nylon magazine, catching everyone’s attention. As usual, Jack and Tony, the regular critics, shared their views, but this time, another reviewer joined them—a mysterious figure.
Nylon magazine kept the identity of this mysterious reviewer under wraps, only revealing that they were a seasoned music industry veteran with an impressive track record of hit songs. They invited readers to tear off the last page of the magazine, write down their thoughts on the latest music, and send it to the company. Once they received enough responses, the magazine promised to reveal the reviewer’s identity in a future issue.
This mysterious critic certainly had a keen sense of music analysis, breaking down the top songs on the Billboard chart with great depth, covering aspects like melody, composition, and lyrics that resonated with dedicated music fans.
After discussing the top ten songs, they turned to Avril's new song, saying, “If I could go back half a year, I’d definitely have signed Avril to my current label. She’s full of energy and embodies the modern punk spirit that today’s youth love! Her music can instantly draw in any young person walking past a record store. I can already imagine this song being played on repeat across school campuses.
“While her song is still a bit raw, whether it’s in terms of instrumentation or composition, it doesn't matter. The most important thing about music is its ability to evoke emotion, and I feel joy from her music. Especially in the music video—with skateboards, graffiti, and causing a ruckus in a mall—it’s all about capturing the essence of today’s young generation.
“They're unique and they’re willing to be rebels! Speaking up for themselves! I love this idea so much that I’m even thinking of hiring this director to shoot a music video for me.
“So, in my opinion, her place at the top of the Billboard chart is well-deserved. Of course, how long she can maintain that position will depend on the continued efforts behind her.”
He wasn’t wrong. Avril's music label was going all out, with ads plastered everywhere, hoping to keep the song’s momentum going. And as they wished, her song eventually stayed at the top for two consecutive weeks, until a new track finally replaced it.
Even so, Avril’s popularity surged, and she became busier than ever. Now, she barely had time to talk on the phone with Ethan or even practice her guitar.
Meanwhile, Raymond and Badman finally returned to New York after earning all they could and invited Ethan to meet them at Faith Music Company. However, Ethan declined, citing a busy schedule, as he’d vowed never to set foot in that neighborhood again. Instead, he invited Raymond and Badman to meet at a bar in an outer district the next day.
At the company, Ethan and Jimmy began recruiting new staff. They had the advertising agency create a new, simple ad with text edited to advertise openings for sales and agents. The ad was already running on screens in office buildings across New York. Ethan figured it wouldn’t be long before resumes started pouring in, at which point he’d review and interview candidates.
At the moment, though, his main focus was on a photoshoot with Kaiden and Cindy at the rented villa.
“Yes, that’s it! Lift your shoulder strap just a bit, perfect!” Ethan stood by the pool, directing Cindy as she posed in her pink bikini, accentuating her figure. She adjusted her strap, letting the sun cast shadows over her bikini. It was incredibly alluring.
Ethan clicked the shutter, capturing the moment. “Alright, Cindy, let’s try a different pose.”
Unlike his usual temperamental demeanor, Ethan was gentle today, as Cindy’s cooperation was impeccable. She was a natural model, with both the comprehension and the poise needed for the job. Kaiden, on the other hand, was a bit less adept—not for lack of trying, but her understanding wasn’t quite on par with Cindy’s.
But she had potential, and Ethan could see it. She just needed a couple more years of experience, and she’d be able to shine like a true star.
“Alright, you two, face each other and get close! Yes, undo the strap in the back, let them press together!”
“No, Kaiden, lift your hair! You need to look more seductive! Right now, you look a bit like a monkey!”
“Ha ha ha!” Both girls burst out laughing. Kaiden adjusted her pose but still couldn’t quite match Ethan’s vision.
Cindy lent a hand, but they momentarily forgot they were unstrapped in the front, and as they moved, the tops slipped off, exposing themselves in the sunlight.
“Wow, this is great!”
Ethan instinctively raised his camera and took the shot, capturing Cindy’s flushed face and Kaiden’s confident look as she leaned toward the camera.
“Classic…” Ethan mused, as the girls hurriedly put their bikinis back on. Although the photo turned out beautifully in terms of lighting, angle, and expression, it would remain a personal keepsake.
What a joy, Ethan thought with a smile. This is why he chose photography—there’s a timeless appeal to the beauty of youth.
As Kaiden noticed Ethan’s admiration for the photos, she teased Cindy, “Look, we’ve captivated the boss.”
Cindy, tying her straps, glanced at Kaiden’s playful expression. “It’s your fault, Kaiden, now he’s got it on camera. What now?”
“What now? Doesn’t this just prove our charm is irresistible, even to the boss?” Kaiden swept her hair back with a smile.
“You were so shy earlier, but now you’re full of confidence after the shoot?”
“I proved my appeal.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. You talk about the boss all the time—do you like him?” Cindy whispered.
“Of course. Who wouldn’t? He’s handsome, rich, and has charisma. Where can you find a guy like that?” Kaiden didn’t hide her feelings toward Ethan.
“But you know company policy doesn’t allow dating.”
“Who said anything about dating?”
