Chapter 30: Universal Music

Someone once did a statistical analysis and found that performing on the New York subway can earn nearly $10 every ten seconds. Of course, this doesn't mean that performing is a comfortable or consistently profitable endeavor, but it does suggest that if you have talent and passion, you won't starve.

In Boston, the money earned from performing isn't as much as in New York, but after a day of performing, you can still make two or three hundred dollars.

Today, after lunch, the three friends were in a bit of a slump. They had originally planned to head back around four or five o'clock, but when they ran into Evan Bell who had returned earlier than expected, they decided to finish the performance and head back to school together, even though it was only three o'clock.

"Is making movies fun? Did you meet any big stars?" Jacob Tibo asked, his curiosity piqued, though the other two seemed less interested.

"It's definitely fresh and exciting," Evan replied casually. "I didn't meet any huge stars, but I did see Drew Barrymore." The mention of Drew Barrymore, still riding the wave of Charlie's Angels' popularity, sparked some excitement in Jacob, and even Gillen Haas perked up.

The topic of Drew Barrymore got the young men buzzing for a while, clearly envious of Evan's opportunity. Noticing their reactions, Evan frowned playfully. "Guess I'll have to make more movies, meet more beauties, and give you guys even more to be jealous of," he joked, his words dripping with mischief.

The conversation took a sharp turn when Evan asked, "Any word from the record companies?" His question immediately dampened the mood.

Evan knew it was too soon to expect replies from the big record labels. He didn't know how these companies dealt with unsolicited master tapes, but he was sure it wasn't fast.

The idea of a top agent immediately spotting talent, like in the movies, was rare. Fairy tales don't happen every day.

"Don't worry, it's been less than a month," he added with a laugh. "If record companies responded that quickly, Linkin Park wouldn't have hit so many roadblocks.

If they hadn't put 'One Step Closer' online and gained massive popularity, they might still be searching for a deal."

School life is always something to be missed, especially after you've entered the real world. The days back then were relatively simple: classes, band practice, parties, and more classes. This was youth—even the diligent students at Harvard knew how to enjoy life.

Boston's summers are pleasant, but its winters are brutal. Snow had already started before November this year, a bit early even for the Northeast.

The city was hit with cold winds and icy precipitation, but Evan Bell was used to it, having grown up between London and New York, where winter wasn't much kinder.

Evan's first semester of junior year was packed. He'd completed all his credits for the Department of Architecture and was now preparing his graduation project.

Although he hadn't yet finished all his Psychology credits, his work with Professor Mueller-Lance over the past two semesters had gained him enough recognition to start his thesis research early. It was enough to keep him busy.

In his dorm room, Evan was prepping for his social psychology class. He had taken Mueller-Lance's class last semester, but he signed up again since Mueller-Lance was his thesis advisor.

This semester, he was also serving as a teaching assistant, which meant helping Mueller-Lance prepare for classes—something he found manageable since he'd already mastered the materials last year.

Suddenly, loud knocks echoed through the quiet hallway. It was only three in the afternoon, and most people were either napping or in class, making the dorm unusually silent.

Evan looked up from his desk, slightly annoyed, and stood to answer the door. Eden Hudson, his roommate, glanced up from the book he was reading, a slight frown on his face. Though his expression didn't change much, Evan knew that Eden was irritated by the disturbance.

When Evan opened the door, he was immediately tackled by Jacob Tibo, who practically leaped at him. Startled, Evan stepped back, avoiding the full impact.

Behind Jacob, Gillen Haas stood with a grin, clearly pleased with himself. Even Bruce Stewart, who was usually reserved, looked unusually happy.

"Evan, you'll never believe it!" Jacob exclaimed, all traces of his usual calm gone. The excitement radiating from him was infectious like he'd just won a $50 million jackpot.

Before Jacob could spill the details, he froze, noticing Eden Hudson standing in the doorway, his cold gaze fixed on the group. The excitement in the room cooled slightly under Eden's piercing stare.

Evan couldn't help but chuckle. Eden had a way of making everyone feel like they were under a microscope, even his friends.

"Don't worry about him," Evan reassured them, knowing full well that Eden was likely eavesdropping from behind the door. "He's just keeping an ear out."

With Eden's presence momentarily forgotten, Jacob's excitement rekindled. "Evan, Evan, you'll never guess! Universal Music called us. Universal Music!"

The news made Evan's eyes widen in surprise, his clear blue eyes shining with excitement. He looked over at Gillen and Bruce, who both nodded in confirmation.

Evan let out a loud "Yeah!" and jumped up, his feet hitting the floor with a thud. The noise startled Jacob and the others, who instinctively glanced at the closed door, half expecting Eden to reappear. But this time, the door stayed shut.

Evan's voice was filled with joy. "Tell me everything! What happened?"

Jacob quickly filled him in. Universal Music had first called Evan's cell, but it was off because he was prepping for class. Then they called Gillen's dorm room and delivered the news.

"They want to sign the entire band!" Gillen exclaimed. He had been worried they might only want Evan, so he'd double-checked with the label.

But it made sense—Universal had listened to the band's demo, not just Evan's solo work. They were scheduled to meet with the label in Boston at 3 PM the next day to discuss the details.

Universal Music, along with Warner Records, was one of the top five record labels in the world. After missing out on Warner, this opportunity with Universal felt like a dream come true.

It was the perfect pick-me-up for their previously dampened spirits, and even Bruce Stewart, usually stoic, couldn't hide his happiness.

"We have to seize this opportunity," Evan said firmly, his words reigniting the excitement in his bandmates. But before they could start celebrating again, their enthusiasm was once again dampened as they glanced nervously at Evan's room, half-expecting Eden to emerge.

Evan couldn't help but laugh. "Who knew Eden had the power to keep things under control like that?"