The disposition

The night turned into day, and it was already the second day. The room remained the same.

On the bed, Eva Green wrapped herself around Lyman like an octopus.

"Yawn..." Eva Green slowly opened her eyes, her gaze fixed on Lyman's face for a few seconds before becoming clear. She slowly sat up, picked up her clothes, and slipped into the bathroom...

In the past year or so, the hardships of work and the anxieties of life had left Lyman physically and mentally exhausted every day. He had been focused on advancing his career and hadn't considered anything else.

But he wasn't the little inexperienced guy that René mocked. In his previous life, he had experienced a lot, so how could he not understand Eva Green's actions? He had seen a lot of this kind of thing.

Perhaps the overall society in many regions tended to be conservative, but that didn't include the entertainment industry. This industry was different from many circles, and it couldn't be judged or regulated by normal social standards.

Sensing the absence of touch and pressure beside him, Lyman also woke up. He first looked around and didn't see Eva's figure, but he didn't think much of it. He stretched lazily, ready to get up. It had been a long time since he had slept so comfortably. His mind and body felt great.

He casually grabbed the clothes thrown at the foot of the bed and quickly put on his pants after picking them up from the floor. Leaving the bedroom, he followed the sound coming from the right and arrived at the entrance of a kitchen.

"Are you making breakfast?" Lyman leaned against the doorframe, looking at Eva's graceful figure, and asked.

Eva turned her head and smiled slightly, "I made caviar sandwiches. I don't know if you'll like them."

"Of course, I'm sure I'll like them." Lyman nodded and asked, "Where is the bathroom?"

"It's in the partition on the right side of the bedroom."

"Then I'll go wash up first and get ready to enjoy the delicious breakfast sandwich." Lyman finished speaking, turned around, and went to find the bathroom.

After breakfast, Eva saw Lyman off from the apartment building.

"This is my contact information. If you have any questions, call me." On a pathway by the roadside, Lyman took out his business card and handed it to Eva Green.

She carefully took it, turned around, and went back to the apartment building. The events of last night had become the past, and both of them were rational. They didn't create any melodramatic plots.

For Lyman, he didn't have much emotional attachment to the girl he met for the first time. The night had happened simply because the moon was beautiful, and midnight was enchanting. As for Eva Green, who knew what she was thinking? It didn't matter; Lyman had never intended to involve any unnecessary emotions.

Looking up, he glanced at the sky. The sunlight shining in his eyes was dazzling.

...

In Hollywood's film industry, talent agents played a very special role. They wouldn't personally participate in any aspect of film production and shooting, but they still controlled the development of movies.

To simplify their intricate and complex work, they were essentially intermediaries.

They would find suitable film projects for actors and also recommend suitable actors to film companies. They would also negotiate for higher pay and better working conditions for their clients.

Although they seemed to be active behind the scenes, their position in the industry was far from mediocre.

Top agents could even have a higher status than seasoned producers and were objects of flattery by countless people.

Take the person who invited Lyman, Kevin Huvane, for example. He had a lot of A-list actor resources under his management. When a film company had a casting requirement, they would negotiate the terms through him. Actors also hoped to find excellent film projects through him. He was like a hub, digesting numerous industry news and information, redistributing them, and becoming the foundation of a film project.

In other words, the higher the level of an agent, the more resources they had, and their status and position would also rise. As one of the high-level executives of CAA, Kevin naturally had exceptional abilities.

Lyman received his invitation because he wanted to hear the other party's conditions. Times had changed, and he indeed needed an agent to help manage his business.

Inside a coffee shop, a melodious and soothing piano tune filled the air, enhancing the tranquility of the place. Kevin Huvane sat by the window, watching Lyman approach step by step.

"Sorry, I'm late. I got delayed on the way."

"No problem, I just arrived myself."

After exchanging pleasantries, Lyman took a seat opposite Kevin.

"I've watched two of your directed films, and they were fantastic!" Kevin spoke up first. It's always a safe bet to compliment a director's abilities when facing one.

"Hmm."

A hint of confusion flashed in Kevin's eyes. Lyman's reaction seemed off. Did he not appreciate the praise at all? His expression was so calm, as if I had just said something meaningless.

"As I mentioned yesterday, we at CAA sincerely invite you to join us."

"Haha, is that so?" Lyman's response remained composed.

In his mind, he thought, what's the use of just talking about sincerity? Show me something tangible.

"CAA is the largest talent agency in Hollywood, occupying a significant share of the high-end actor market. Once you join us, our resources will definitely prioritize you..." While Kevin mentioned their conditions, his gaze remained on Lyman.

The guy just continued to smile, his lips slightly upturned, without making any comments.

Lyman's nonchalant demeanor made Kevin wonder. Was it because Lyman didn't have a clear understanding of his own status, or perhaps he had already made other arrangements with another talent agency? Or maybe he didn't grasp the importance of having an agent and believed he could handle his directorial affairs without one? But in the end, it didn't really matter.

The choice between an agent and a client was a two-way process. Both parties hoped to find a more outstanding partner to pursue greater benefits. So, regardless of the circumstances, it was enough to present their conditions first. As for how they would choose, that was up to them. CAA didn't necessarily need him. Even without him, CAA would still be CAA. This was the confidence of a top-tier talent agency.

"So, what do you think? Are you satisfied with our conditions?"

Lyman didn't immediately respond to the question. Instead, he paused for a moment and said earnestly, "Can I express my own opinion?"

"Please do."

"I'm not very satisfied with your packaging services," Lyman calmly stated. "You mentioned a lot just now, many of which align with my preferences. I truly don't want the tedious negotiation process to further delay my time. However, the most favorable condition you mentioned is precisely the one I dislike the most."

"Oh, why is that? The service we provide can allow you to focus more on your directing career, isn't that what you need?"

"But I really enjoy assembling my own filming team, and this completely clashes with that condition." Indeed, any director with a strong desire for control would be dissatisfied with this.

Based on the way CAA presented their packaging services, the question remained whether the production team belonged to the director or to CAA. Nobody wants to be just a puppet on set, especially Lyman. Even if he hadn't achieved much yet, he wouldn't agree to such demands. Can you imagine the majority of the crew being provided by CAA?

"We can negotiate, and you can also state your own conditions."

Given Lyman's demonstrated abilities and status, CAA was already willing to offer more. Kevin had considered this before coming.

The addition of a director like Lyman to CAA would bring more than just a share of the profits; it also meant a plethora of opportunities in film appearances. With so many roles available, CAA could swiftly handle them, and their prices would be fair. Surely they wouldn't be unwilling. For the actors and clients under CAA, it would generally be seen as a positive development.

And this was something evident and well worth considering for any director. Considering the pros and cons, it was a matter of individual choices.

"First, I don't want the agency to interfere too much with my production team. Second, the agency shouldn't interfere with my personal life."

Kevin smiled and replied, "As a director, we won't meddle in your personal life, nor will we make any demands regarding your partner or any other personal aspects. Aside from the first point, which still raises some concerns, I can fully promise on behalf of CAA to address the second point." Lyman wasn't a celebrity, and CAA didn't need to meticulously maintain his public image.

"Also, what do you mean by interfering with the production team?"

"You can provide actor information, but whether to use them or not will entirely be up to me. You can't force people into the production team. How about it, can you agree to that?"

Kevin hesitated for a moment, not responding immediately. From this perspective, the agency would be limited to a very basic service provider role.

"I need to consider it."

"Alright, let's leave it at that for today."

The two shook hands amicably and parted ways.

For Lyman and Kevin Huvane, these matters couldn't be rushed. Neither party would simply accept a series of initial promises without careful consideration. Just as film companies strictly review projects before giving the green light, this process required mutual examination.

Whether it was CAA or any other talent agency, Lyman wouldn't make a hasty decision. While he needed the services, he also had to fight for his own conditions. Otherwise, he'd prefer not to have an agent to manage his affairs.