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Behind The Spotlight Chapter 144
Aida was staring at the black Porsche in front of her with wide eyes. The sunlight gleamed off the car's sleek surface, reflecting her stunned expression. She looked at Collin, then at the car, then at Collin again, then back at the car.
"This is my Christmas present?"
"Why? You don't like the color? I can contact the dealership if you want."
Collin had no idea why his sister was looking at him and the car back and forth, confused yet amused by her reaction.
"No, Collin, I mean, I said that I don't want a car."
"That's your excuse for three years now. Aida, you're getting older, and you need your own car. You can't rely on buses and taxis to take you everywhere."
"I know that... Thanks." She sighed in defeat, her shoulders slumping as she accepted her brother's insistence with a small smile.
"Why did you have to buy a Porsche though?"
"You don't want a Porsche? Then I'll take you to the dealership, where they have Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Mercedes-Benz. They're more expensive, but I can buy one for you." Collin pulled out his phone to contact the dealership, but Aida stopped him.
"No! You don't have to. I like it. No, I love it."
Aida didn't want her brother to spend more. She already felt guilty. She knew that Collin would buy anything if she asked. Collin was that type of guy.
"Thanks, Collin. Although I don't understand why you have to buy a Porsche. I'm fine with a less expensive car."
"But I don't want others to belittle you."
"No one is belittling me. Why do you think that I'm getting bullied?"
"I heard that the better the car, the more respect you'll get in college."
"... You have a point, but I'm not sure if respect is the right term. Some might just get jealous of me."
"If you want a simple car, then I can buy you one. Is it Toyuta, Hunda, or Furd? Just tell me."
"No, it's alright."
Aida didn't want her brother to spend more. As for this Porsche, it seemed that she had no choice but to use it. Fortunately, Aida knew how to drive and already had a license. Collin told her before that she should learn things that would help her in the long run.
Aida looked at the Toyuta Corrula from a distance, that was Collin's car. The modest car looked humble compared to the luxury Porsche, a clear reflection of Collin's practicality.
'I can't believe that he bought me a luxury car when his own car is plain and simple.'
As much as she wanted to berate her brother, she couldn't do it. Collin wouldn't listen to her anyway. If he wanted to pamper his loved ones, he would do so. That was just who he was, selfless to a fault.
'This is too much for a Christmas present.'
"Alright, let's show it to Mom."
"Wait, Collin... Now that I think about it, we can get a different color. I feel like the black car is too edgy for me. I'd prefer red or blue."
Collin smiled. He was relieved that his sister finally accepted his gift. It seemed that she had no problem with the Christmas present he gave her.
"Of course."
...
...
...
Just like that, 1999 arrived. Fireworks exploded across the midnight sky. People embraced and cheered for a new beginning. They welcomed the new year with a positive outlook on the future. As tough as life could be, they were happy to be alive.
Moonrise Music had a singer who wanted to be a star. Collin was happy that he chose this record label to become Chantal's home. The record label might be small, but all of its resources were focused on his client.
On top of that, Collin had shares in the company, so he wanted it to be successful. If the record label earned money, Collin would also make money. His motivation was both profit and Chantal's stardom.
Vivian also proved that her promises weren't fake. It was true that she had connections to radio stations and music television programs. She said to them that her record label had a promising singer who could catch people's attention.
Furthermore, Niko was the music producer who spent most of his days in the recording studio inhaling the scent of coins... Anyway, this person was talented despite his oddity. The studio often echoed with his eccentric moans as he worked tirelessly on mixes.
After serious planning, the record label decided that Chantal should follow the pop star route for her style. Her target audience would be young people, with catchy pop beats and her charming voice.
Furthermore, the record label felt that her name, Chantal Beaumont, might not be easily accepted by Americans, especially her surname. It might be hard to pronounce.
"From now on, your name will be Princess Chantal," Vivian announced to her and the whole team.
"Princess Chantal?"
"Yes."
"Why the Princess though?" Isabella curiously asked.
"Because she's such a princess, and it perfectly describes her," Vivian answered, and Chantal felt shy about it.
Besides, Chantal's name starts with C and Collin's name also starts with C. The readers of this novel might get confused, so it's better to change her name to Princess Chantal... Ahem.
"I don't have a problem, but I want to keep my curly hair in exchange for that." Chantal was still fighting for her hair. She playfully ran her fingers through her curls, her eyes shining with determination.
"Who said something about your hair?"
"I thought you were going to make my hair straight?"
"Huh? No, we're not going to do that. Besides, I like your curly hair. It makes you look bubbly and sweet," Vivian said her opinion.
"Thank you, Vivian."
"Alright, let's start filming the music video. We must finish within a week since we're just renting the equipment. Chantal, just act natural."
"I will!"
As the filming started, Vivian was impressed with the woman's charisma. Under the bright studio lights, Chantal's confidence glowed. Her smile seemed to reach everyone on set. Now Vivian further realized that Collin had a great eye for signing clients.
'I heard that guy is called the hidden ace. I wonder how true that title is.'
Chantal's first music was a love song, obviously. It was heavily accompanied by piano and acoustic guitar, with rhythmic beats from the drums.
In the music video, Chantal was playing the piano in different locations. Sometimes the background was the beach, sometimes the green pasture, sometimes the bustling city. Each shot captured a different emotion, serenity by the sea, freedom in the open field, and hope amid the city lights.
Her debut single was called Love Everywhere, with lyrics that signified "wherever you are, I will always love you." It was composed and produced by Niko.
Everyone who was part of the creation of this music video was charmed by Chantal's voice. They couldn't forget the rhythm, the lyrics, and her unique tone. Even after the final note faded, her melody lingered in the air.
The song was stuck in their heads.