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Chapter 79: Celebrity Party
🕑 Added 2024-11-11 09:40:17 +0000 UTCSince Avril's song was released, Ethan hasn't had a moment's peace. Numerous well-known and lesser-known singers have been calling CAA, with their record labels hoping Ethan could direct their new music videos. They were even willing to pay more than usual for the package.
Clearly, when Avril's music video caused a sensation in the music industry and skyrocketed to the top of the charts, everyone realized that music videos were no longer just gimmicks or supplementary products. They should have their own artistry and visual appeal that fans would gladly pay for.
So recently, Carl has frequently been traveling back and forth between the CAA building and Ethan's home, showing him numerous offers from record labels. Of course, Ethan couldn't refuse the opportunity to make money, so he accepted two of the highest-paying music video projects and spent the next week busy with their filming.
Meanwhile, IPG and notable ad agencies in New York recently received a proposal from the famous New York cereal brand, Oakly. The price offered was a tempting $300,000 for a three-year contract. As a result, IPG immediately held a meeting, and Ross, who oversees the food industry, along with salesperson Figgs, was called into Sieg's office once again.
"Ross, how's it looking? Do you feel confident about this project?" Sieg, seated with his hands clasped on the desk, looked serious.
Ross swallowed nervously and nodded, "I'm about sixty percent confident."
"That's nonsense!" Sieg barked, his patience recently as empty as a squeezed-out ketchup bottle. After hearing the scolding, Ross stayed silent, fearing more reprimands.
"If you can't hold this position, then just leave! You must secure this project, Ross. If you fail, there's no reason for the company to keep you on!"
Sieg was increasingly anxious about the company's performance, even though he had made the board aware that their competitors were no ordinary players—they were part of the world's largest media conglomerate, Helmer. But if results didn't improve, or even stabilize, his position as director wouldn't be as secure.
So, he had to ensure that the company didn't lose any existing projects while aggressively pursuing new ads, no matter how challenging. Ross broke out in a cold sweat but had no choice but to grit his teeth and promise, "I'll secure the new project!"
"That's more like it! Ross, I promoted you, and I don't want to see you kicked out of the company... So, Figgs, what progress have you made?" Sieg turned to the company's sales representative.
"Of course, Sieg. I've already bribed a customer service agent through a consulting company," Figgs responded with a smile.
Sieg raised an eyebrow, "Tell me, what's the situation?"
Figgs drew his finger across the table, "The consulting company found a customer service agent named Liliana. She lives in Queens, and we know her family background—they're an ordinary working-class family, not even middle-class. The consulting company has been paying her a consulting fee and has already gathered quite a bit of information about Supreme Creative."
"Like what?" Sieg leaned forward, listening intently.
"For example, the boss of Supreme Creative isn't actually Ethan," Figgs said, his expression turning excited. "Liliana said there was a mysterious man, very handsome, who showed up only once after the company was founded. Both Ethan and Jimmy were very respectful toward him, so he's likely the silent investor."
"Very handsome?" Sieg thought for a moment, tapping the table hard. "That matches David Deon, the president of Helmer Advertising, whom I met at a banquet. He's indeed quite good-looking."
David might not be an outstandingly handsome man, but compared to others in the advertising industry, he stood out.
"Anything else?" Sieg continued asking Figgs.
"Of course. Liliana also shared some details about their staff and the current state of the company. But, honestly, Supreme Creative is quite unique. According to Liliana, all their ads are completed by just Ethan and Jimmy. They work in the innermost office, and when they come out, they announce their new ideas. It's almost as if that office is some kind of magic wish-fulfillment room."
"That's exactly what I suspected!" Sieg, feeling validated, was even more convinced of his theory: "They're clearly working inside to communicate with Helmer. The so-called 'top-tier creativity' is just secretly handed to them by Helmer!"
"Exactly, Sieg. Mr. Deon is hiding his tracks quite well," Figgs agreed.
Whether or not Helmer's president could outmaneuver his rivals, he could secure an unassailable position by funneling Helmer's business to Supreme Creative. What Deon hadn't anticipated, however, was that IPG had inserted itself and discovered this truth in advance.
"What should we do, Sieg? Should we inform Helmer?" Figgs, reluctant to watch their clients be snatched away, suggested.
But Sieg rejected it, "No. Now that we know this, we have a negotiating chip. Is Supreme Creative participating in the current ad bidding?"
"Yes. Liliana said the company has already received the contract, and the two bosses are eager to win the client."
"Good. Have the consulting firm persuade Liliana to show us Supreme Creative's ad proposal."
"She might not agree. It would expose her."
"No, no, Figgs. Are you expecting her to stay as an undercover spy at Supreme Creative? We're not the American government. Don't you have other names? Bribe the rest." Sieg dismissed Figgs' slow approach. "If she refuses, offer more money. No one says no to dollars!"
Even if Sieg had the patience, the board didn't. He needed to produce immediate results to give everyone peace of mind.
"Understood," Figgs nodded.
"Also, arrange a meeting with Oakly Cereal and have them put us at the forefront," Sieg added before turning to Ross,"If we get the ad proposal, I want you to refine it," Sieg said. "Make it look original but similar. Just don't let anyone notice the connection!"
"Got it!" Ross felt more confident now. With Supreme Creative's slogan, the chances of securing the project would greatly increase. After all, Supreme Creative—or rather, Helmer Advertising's ideas—had proven to be top-notch recently.
While they were strategizing against Supreme Creative, Ethan received an unexpected invitation from Kelly Rowland. She called to invite him to a party, and although Ethan initially thought of declining to get some rest, he changed his mind when he heard the host's name: Jennifer Lopez.
Yes, the Jennifer Lopez, who in the future would become a judge on American Idol, the famous singer-actress with a career spanning music, film, and business. Besides her multiple Grammy awards, she was also an actress, producer, and entrepreneur. In 2001, she had already launched her fashion line and co-founded a film production company. Jennifer was well-connected in New York's celebrity circle and often hosted parties with star-studded guest lists.
When Ethan arrived from the Bronx to the Manhattan address Kelly had given him, it was already 7 p.m. He looked up to see soft lights coming from the pool area and could faintly hear relaxing music. However, a security guard blocked his way since he wasn't a regular guest here.
Just as Ethan was about to call Kelly, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Ethan?"
He turned and saw Nelly approaching, dressed in a loose black hoodie, baseball cap tilted, and walking with a casual swagger.
"Hey, Nelly, long time no see," Ethan greeted him with a smile, and they bumped fists.
Even though they'd had some minor conflicts on set during past shoots, they'd both moved on, especially now that Ethan had proven his worth with several successful music videos.
"I've watched your latest videos—super cool. I love the comic book style," Nelly said as he led Ethan past the security guard and into Jennifer's villa.
"Well, maybe we can try it for your next video. Eminem has done some comic book themes too," Ethan replied.
"You're right, but I don't want to follow anyone else's lead."
"Following? If you do it better, then you're setting the standard, not following it."
"Absolutely, man! You're spot on!"
They chatted as they reached the pool, where Jennifer Lopez, who'd received word of Ethan's arrival, was waiting by the villa. As soon as she saw Ethan, the blonde beauty greeted him with a warm hug.
"Hey! You're Ethan, right?"
"Yes, good evening, Jennifer."
Jennifer, dressed in a glittering, deep-V short dress with long, toned legs and a confident, warm smile, opened the conversation, "I've watched your music videos several times—they're incredible. I'd never thought of shooting videos that way. It's so cool."
"Thanks for the compliment," Ethan said with a smile. "It's just my job."
Jennifer playfully covered her mouth in feigned shock, "Oh, don't say that, Ethan! If everyone worked like you, America might as well plan to colonize Mars tomorrow."
They both burst into laughter. Jennifer was indeed approachable, easy-going, and her words left Ethan feeling very appreciated.
After a brief introduction, Jennifer led Ethan to the pool party, introducing him to the other guests, and soon he was surrounded by a chorus of admiration and compliments.
