Chapter 633: Why Say Again?

[Chapter 633: Why Say Again?]

Los Angeles, in a simple office at Firefly Films' studio.

Cindy Crawford felt that her latest thought was just inviting trouble. Beside her, her agent Jeremy was carefully reading a sponsorship contract for supermodel Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, who were on the same level as her. Across from her was a detestable man who seemed to have too much time on his hands, observing her with a curious look. If his gaze had been filled with obsession or desire like that of other men, she wouldn't have minded; she might have even reveled in it. But this man's look was more reminiscent of admiring a beautiful pet rather than a stunning woman.

There was a gentle knock on the office door. After being granted permission, a staff member entered with Cindy Crawford's clothes.

Cindy Crawford didn't look for a room to change out of her lingerie. Instead, she slipped on a black long dress right there in the office, finally letting out a sigh of relief as she returned to her chair, casting an annoyed glare at Eric.

Eric smiled faintly and remarked, "You look prettier with clothes on."

"Mr. Williams," Cindy Crawford finally couldn't hold back, retorting, "are you comparing me to... a Barbie doll?"

Eric shook his head. "Of course not. You're much prettier than a Barbie doll. But I do know a girl who looks just like a real-life Barbie; it makes you want to pinch her cheeks just looking at her."

Cindy Crawford noticed that when Eric said this, a soft, almost indulgent smile appeared on his lips, sparking a hint of jealousy in her. How could this insufferable man think so fondly of other women in front of someone as beautiful as she? His expression was unfathomable.

Thinking about her recent circumstances, Cindy's resentment and grievance bubbled to the surface again. After hesitating for a moment, she finally couldn't resist showing a slightly sorrowful expression, saying, "Mr. Williams, I'm already twenty-eight years old."

Eric didn't shy away from the typical flattery. "Compared to other supermodels, you've taken great care of yourself. I believe in ten years, you'll still be just as stunning."

Though she couldn't detect too much sincerity in Eric's tone, Cindy felt somewhat more comfortable. However, her tone was more melancholy. "But as a model, I definitely won't be able to compete with the new generation after thirty. It took me six months to barely land a chance in Hollywood, just to prolong my career. Why do you powerful figures have to make it difficult for someone like me?"

Eric chuckled, "Do you think I intentionally sabotaged your role?"

Cindy Crawford didn't answer but gave him a look that clearly conveyed her beliefs.

Eric continued, "This matter is indeed somewhat related to me, but I didn't sabotage your role. The film project encountered problems. If everything had gone according to plan, that movie would have been your starting point in Hollywood and also your endpoint."

Cindy recalled Joel Silver's sullen face that night and immediately understood Eric's words.

However, she quickly seized on another loophole. "But the role that was originally mine ended up going to Claudia Schiffer. How do you explain that? Don't you worry that this film will become Claudia's Hollywood endpoint?"

"That situation was unexpected. Joel Silver wanted to pull me into the mix through Claudia," Eric said, not denying his relationship with her. "I was unaware beforehand and don't plan to interfere now. As for the impact, it would only affect you. Not to mention that Joel Silver would definitely adjust the project; even if Claudia flopped, do you think I would let her face any consequences?"

A sense of helplessness rose within Cindy. She moved her lips but said nothing more.

Jeremy, who had been quietly listening from the side, finally sighed with relief, feeling fortunate that Eric didn't seem to mind Cindy's little provocation.

At that moment, he realized that Cindy Crawford's character was akin to a small insect crushed underfoot by an accidental passerby, and her accusations toward Eric were like a bug's relatives foolishly suing a passerby for murder. This wouldn't earn her any respect, rather, it would seem laughable and absurd.

As the two of them fell silent, Jeremy was about to fulfill his duty as an agent and discuss the contract with Eric. However, after considering the recent events, he suddenly thought it might be more fitting to let Cindy speak for herself. A beautiful woman often received more leniency.

Although Cindy Crawford was more well-known than Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, Jeremy didn't have any complaints about the similar treatment in the contract. He merely pushed the contract toward Cindy, pointing out a clause he deemed necessary to negotiate.

Seeing them gesturing at one another, Eric proactively said, "If you need to discuss this privately, I can step out."

"No need," Cindy quickly lifted her head and said to Eric, "Mr. Williams, we have no objections to this contract. But isn't five years a bit too long?"

Eric replied, "If you think that's long, we can sign for two years."

Cindy and Jeremy exchanged glances, nearly thinking they had misheard him -- this was too generous.

However, Eric didn't let them 'down,' quickly adding, "However, before making a decision, you should look at clause... it should be the seventh page, I don't remember exactly which one. That clause states that the first party will utilize its media resources to assist its endorsers in increasing their personal fame and public influence. However, if you're unwilling to sign a five-year contract, then LTD and Firefly won't be able to allocate too many resources to you. Not only that, we'll start grooming your successor right now, pouring the media resources that originally belonged to you into her, so when your contract expires, she can directly take your place."

Models have very limited channels for establishing and maintaining their fame. Besides those who go the unconventional route by dating movie stars, pop stars, or athletes, the more traditional way is to continuously appear on magazine covers. That's why you often see supermodels' bios include how many prestigious magazines they've graced the cover of.

Jeremy had also noticed the clause Eric mentioned. However, the clause had seemed too vague and did not provide any specific promises, which is why he hadn't paid much attention to it. At that moment, upon hearing Eric specifically refer to this clause and its connection with the five-year contract, both realized the true value hidden within what appeared to be an insignificant agreement.

Firefly, a major media group involved in film and television, possessed media resources that simply couldn't be matched by just print media alone. For example, landing a lead role in a Firefly film could generate an influence that would surpass being featured on a hundred magazine covers. The more fame a model garnered, the higher the endorsement fees she would receive. In Eric's contract, while it mandated that any endorsement related to Victoria's Secret took priority at all times, it did not prohibit her from accepting other product endorsements, except within the industry of lingerie brands. So, if Firefly provided media resources as stipulated, Cindy believed her endorsement rates for any brand in the future would undoubtedly skyrocket compared to before.

Although tempted, Cindy Crawford still smartly pursued, "Mr. Williams, could you elaborate a bit more on that clause?"

"More specifics? For example, movie roles, guest appearances in TV shows, talk show invitations, traditional print media interviews, online media promotions, etc. Even if you decide to publish a beauty and skincare book, as long as it isn't too shabby, Firefly can help you in securing publishing and marketing deals. Since you five main endorsers' popularity also equates to greater exposure for the Victoria's Secret brand, rest assured that Firefly won't skimp on the resources," Eric paused, glancing again at Cindy's stunning face. "Actually, there's an excellent opportunity available right now. If it weren't for time constraints, I could recommend you for the role of the Bond girl in the 17th 007 film. Although previous Bond girls have been pretty faces, this one has a very different character, guaranteed to bring the actress a lot of fame."

Eric was referring to the character played by Famke Janssen in GoldenEye, a fierce and wild Russian femme fatale that left a deep impression on audiences. It opened the door for Famke in Hollywood. Compared to the unfortunate eye candy in a previous film, this villainous Bond girl was a hundred times better. But now Famke had already begun filming the fifth season of The X-Files, and couldn't make it, so Eric had no choice but to let MGM find a suitable candidate themselves.

Cindy was about to try to have Eric clarify his promises within the contract when she heard his last comment. Her eyes lit up, and she said, "Mr. Williams, I can do the show and prepare for the runway at the same time. You've seen my walk; I believe I won't need the long preparation that those rookies require, right?"

As she spoke, she shot Eric a flirty look.

Eric shook his head, unfazed. "Nope, you can only choose one."

"Well, I--"

"And you can only choose the first option."

Cindy froze for a moment, realizing she could only choose the first. Disappointment flickered in her eyes, and she still reluctantly said, "Mr. Williams, you're quite inconsiderate."

The fluidity of her charm once again made Eric think of the desire to tame the wild.

Wait, why did he think that again?

Clearing his throat and pushing aside those scattered thoughts, Eric said, "Unless there are other questions, I'll contact Emily Brighton, and you can sign the contract tomorrow."

Cindy Crawford wanted to say something but was cut off by Eric waving his hand.

"Miss Crawford, I know what you want to say. The media resources clause is indeed rather vague, but you should understand that even if I removed that clause, very few supermodels would refuse this contract. A five-year endorsement fee of ten million dollars, while not the highest and a bit demanding, is still more than most in the modeling world can boast. As long as we can work together harmoniously, I will certainly not hesitate to provide you with greater returns in the future."

Once Eric finished, Cindy Crawford smartly chose to leave well enough alone. "Well then, I have no issues, Mr. Williams."

"Alright, then let's discuss my requirements," Eric scanned Cindy again and asked, "What's your current weight?"

Cindy suddenly felt a bit awkward. In the past six months, while focusing on her Hollywood endeavors, she hadn't been as meticulous about her figure. After hesitating, she answered honestly, "136 pounds."

136 pounds is not overweight for someone nearly six feet tall like Cindy Crawford.

However, Eric remembered Cindy's figure when she had been in her lingerie and shook his head. "In two months, I want to see a nice set of abs, okay?"

Cindy thought to herself, could I say no? Yet that fleeting thought was quickly brushed aside as she posed seductively, showcasing her curves, and replied, "Of course, Mr. Williams, but I already have abs; you might not have noticed earlier."

Eric, with a playful smile, nodded. "No worries, there will be more opportunities next time."

Eric wasn't deaf to the hints in her tone; he was simply more accustomed to the hunt than being the prey.

Cindy realized that her obvious hints had failed to elicit a date invitation from Eric. Abruptly, feeling awkward, she continued to politely exchange a few words, agreed on a signing time, and then left with her agent.

...

At four o'clock that afternoon, Kelly Haynes walked into Eric's office in the studio, only to find a black piano had appeared in the room. Eric was seated at the piano, engrossed in playing a somewhat unfamiliar tune.

Though Eric's fingers seemed slightly clumsy on the keys, the sad and languid melody still exuded a poignant appeal, evoking a sense of despair that almost brought tears.

Holding several thick files, Kelly leaned against the doorframe, gazing dreamily at his focused silhouette.

"Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?"

Suddenly, the piano melody came to a halt as Eric picked up a pencil, ready to add something to his unfinished score. Sensing the presence behind him, he turned and found Kelly standing there with tears glimmering in her eyes, her expression filled with maternal compassion.

Eric quickly rose and approached Kelly, taking the stack of files from her and tossing them aside, wrapping the woman in his embrace as he softly asked, "Why are you crying?"

Nestled against Eric, Kelly suddenly felt a childlike shyness wash over her. "I'm not crying; I just... brought you the report you wanted, along with a letter from Mr. Buffett."

Eric reflected on Kelly's recent expression and suddenly laughed. "Have you been here for a while?"

Kelly nodded. "I knocked, but you didn't hear me."

Eric understood the situation and shook his head. "Looks like I'm really a failure."

Kelly was a bit puzzled by what Eric meant, but he had already taken her small hand, leading her to the long bench at the piano. "Come see my new song. Can you play the piano?"

"Uh-huh."

Kelly nodded, taking a glance at the small fraction of the score Eric had completed. Her delicate fingers, unable to resist, danced along the keys, and the earlier melody flowed seamlessly back into the air.

Eric instantly recognized that Kelly's piano skills vastly outshone his own. "I should have called you over sooner; I wouldn't have to write this so painfully."

Kelly picked up a pencil and corrected a few minor errors in Eric's composition. "Why are you writing such a sad song?"

"It's a background song for the show. However, your reaction isn't what I was aiming for, which is why I just said it was a failure," Eric said, his fingers gliding lightly over the keys. "This song is meant to convey not sadness but a sense of disillusionment after realizing shattered dreams. In the story, a once idealistic young man chases his illusory dream for half his life, achieving great success, only to look back and find that both people and things have changed. The lavish life isn't what he desires, and the girl from back then is no longer an angel in his imagination, yet he refuses to wake up, sinking deeper into the vanity until he perishes."

Kelly gazed dreamily at Eric's profile, murmuring, "The Great Gatsby?"

"Exactly," Eric smiled, leaning in to gently kiss Kelly's lips, half-jokingly saying, "Could you not be so smart? It puts a lot of pressure on me."

With adoring and worshipful eyes, Kelly replied, "Who could be as smart as you? I've studied piano for so many years, yet I could never write anything like this."

"Please don't idolize me; it makes me feel like a fraud."

"You've already stolen everything from me," Kelly blurted out, then immediately regretted it. Her face flushed, avoiding his gaze, she stammered, "So, what's the name of this song?"

"It's called Youthful Glory."

Eric placed the half-completed score on the stand and said, "You play; I'll sing for you."

Once again, the gentle melody began to play as Eric took a moment to prepare and began to sing softly. Though his slightly hoarse voice couldn't compare to Lana Del Rey's innocence and melancholy, it carried its own unique sense of despondency.

"I've seen the world, done it all, had my cake nowDiamonds, brilliant, and Bel Air nowHot summer nights, mid-JulyWhen you and I were forever wildThe crazy days, city lightsThe way you'd play with me like a childWill you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful?Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?I know you will, I know you will, I know that you willWill you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?

..."

[T/N: Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey]

*****

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