Behind The Spotlight Chapter 143
"I'm surprised when you told me that you want to join me exercising in the gym."
Collin tapped Wyatt's shoulder as the fat guy was gasping for air, his cheeks flushed red and sweat trickled down his temples. He had just done a 15-minute "jog" on the treadmill, and that alone made him tired and sweaty. His breathing came out in short, heavy bursts, and his T-shirt clung to his round belly.
"The doctor told me that I have to take care of my health," Wyatt spoke between breaths.
"That's great then. I told you that your health is important, but you didn't listen to me. I guess hearing it from a professional made you understand how important it is."
Collin had reminded Wyatt many times to take care of himself, but Wyatt would always say yes without actually listening. He continued smoking and eating excessively. It was good that Wyatt was finally done with his movie and could rest at last.
"You've earned millions, you don't have to push yourself too hard. Just relax and have fun, but don't drown yourself in food and vices. You need self-control."
"I'll keep that in mind." Wyatt wiped his face with a towel. Just as Collin said, he wanted to take a vacation for at least three months. Perhaps traveling around the world would be a great idea. He had the money to do it anyway. He could meet different people. Besides... he might find a girlfriend in another country.
For some reason, the women he dated in the U.S. mostly wanted him for his money and status as a director. Perhaps he could find an amazing woman who could appreciate him in a foreign country. Another factor was that he was fat...
Well, that depended. If he went to a third-world country, the women there might act demure and proper, but they would still be interested in his money. It just depended on what poison Wyatt wanted to consume. Although women from third-world countries would indeed appreciate him better than Western women, or at least, that's what most people said.
Anyway, after resting and leaning on the cold metallic frame of the chair, Collin encouraged Wyatt to bench press, and the heavy clang of iron echoed softly across the gym.
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At the celebration party hosted by Uni-versus Pictures, Chantal and Isabella were mesmerized by the beauty of a Hollywood event. Their eyes were wide with awe as crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead and the sound of wealthy laughter and clinking glasses filled the air.
The two Frenchwomen had never experienced this kind of extravagance before. The glamour was intoxicating, yet intimidating. They were just simple people.
They saw Collin talking to the executives of Uni-versus Pictures and laughing along with them. His confident posture blended perfectly among them. Collin already knew most of the executives from the studio since this wasn't the first time they had worked together. He was simply strengthening the connections he had already built. Although he admitted that some of the topics they discussed weren't things he liked, the forced laughter on his face sometimes hid a faint grimace. Still, he laughed along.
"You know Shana from the TV Show Bitch You Ugly?"
"Of course, I remember her. She's hot."
"Hehe, I actually cracked her ass two years ago. She begged me to get her into the show and now she visits me once a month. I tell you this, she's a freak, she'll do anything. She do coprophilia."
"Damn, invite me sometime. Maybe I can put her in a movie after I put my dick in her mouth."
This kind of conversation happened most than people expected. At the end of the day, rich people didn't care. Besides, it was consensual.
This party was held to celebrate the success of The Frightening Movie, which had grossed $90 million as of December 22 at the North American box office. The revenue had already surpassed the movie's $40 million production cost, so naturally, Uni-versus Pictures wanted to celebrate.
Chantal and Isabella had watched the parody movie earlier. Some of the jokes didn't land well for them because they couldn't fully understand the references. But there were still bits that made them laugh, especially the scene where the slasher attacked a woman and stabbed her silicone breast. They burst into laughter, covering their mouths in embarrassment as people nearby turned their heads to look.
They also recognized some of the parodied scenes, like Screams and I Know What You Fucking Did Last Summer, which made it even funnier.
"Hey, guys, why are you so quiet? Come over here."
Zara spotted the two in the corner, drinking non-alcoholic beverages. They excitedly approached the French model, with whom they had become close after Zara toured them around Los Angeles. She had shown them beaches and cozy cafés where celebrities sometimes appeared.
"I don't understand why Collin invited you to this party," Zara said, raising an elegant brow as she swirled her champagne glass.
"He said that I must get used to this because I'll experience this kind of party once I become famous," Chantal answered, her accent less noticeable now.
"I guess that can work." Zara smiled and patted Chantal's curly hair.
Actually, Zara was a bit jealous of Chantal. Unlike her, who had to work hard and even resort to dating an actor just to get into this tough industry, Chantal had it easier. Based on what Zara observed, Collin made sure that his young client would be protected at all costs. Zara didn't have that. She knew that one mistake in this industry could lead to the end of her stardom. The thought made her chest tighten.
But Collin was different. This agent had many ways to help Chantal become famous.
'If Chantal failed to be a singer, Collin could help her transition to acting. If that didn't work, he could help her audition for The Singing Voice by using Jennifer Randon.'
Zara didn't know that Collin had no intention of transitioning Chantal to acting, because he believed that Chantal would never fail. She had the talent to make it big, especially when her debut single and album were composed by an amazing music producer, the kind who could turn even mumbling into a hit.
"So when are your songs going to be released? I'm excited to hear them on the radio," Zara teased, hiding the fact that she was jealous, her lips forming a polite smile.
"Next year, the first week of January. The record label also said that I have to film a music video for my debut single," Chantal said shyly.
"That's great. I hope you become famous." No one knew if Zara was being sincere or not. Isabella stayed quiet the whole time, staring at Zara with a knowing smile.
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Just like that, the holidays arrived, and most people took the chance to rest and go on vacation. The streets of Los Angeles glittered with Christmas lights. Collin asked Chantal and Isabella if they were interested in going back to Paris, but they wanted to stay in the U.S. They couldn't return without proving anything.
They agreed that they would only go back once Chantal became a singer, it became an unspoken promise between the two friends. Around this time, Isabella began to change. She started acting like Chantal's personal assistant, making sure her friend wasn't late for practices and taking care of her personal needs.
Even Collin didn't expect Isabella to adapt so quickly. He sometimes caught himself smiling quietly whenever he saw her managing things.
'...At least Isabella is not some kind of freeloader anymore,' he thought, nodding to himself.
Anyway, Collin's clients had a great time during the holidays. They spent the season with their families, except for Wyatt, who went to Japan and spent Christmas alone. He went to Akihabara to buy Gunpla and anime figures, he also visited maid cafés and soaplands...
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[Author's Note: Today's a good day to offer a discount. Both tiers are 50% off. Only the first 10 subscribers will get the discount.]
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