Behind The Spotlight Chapter 145
Dylan pushed the pushcart to buy groceries. The metallic wheels squeaked softly against the polished floor. It had been years since he graduated from college, and his life was just average at best.
He found a cozy job that earned him $120 thousand every year, but even then, he didn't feel any fulfillment. There was always that dull emptiness that money couldn't fill. He came from a middle-class family, his family wasn't struggling, and he even had properties in his name that he inherited from his grandparents.
Overall, Dylan had a safety net even if he failed in his career.
"Should I choose Captain Crunch or Cheerios?" he muttered under his breath.
While choosing a cereal brand in the grocery store, Dylan recalled the reunion he had with his friends. Two months ago, back in November, Dylan, Bob, and their friends went together to watch The Frightening Movie, and it was hilarious. He could still remember the tears in his eyes from laughing too hard, the popcorn spilling from his lap, and the echoes of their laughter in the theater. They had fun watching the parody movie.
Ever since Director Wyatt Bray filmed his debut film The Accidental Wedding Crashers, Dylan and his friends had become fans of his filmography. His movies had that special charm, absurd yet clever, the kind that reminded Dylan of simpler, more carefree days. Whenever Wyatt Bray released a new movie, their friend group would set up a date to watch it together.
It became one of the few fun things Dylan experienced now that he had become an adult and a member of society, a tiny escape from the monotony of daily life. He realized that being an adult wasn't that simple. It was actually tough.
He missed being a young, dumb guy who watched movies with his friends every weekend. That was an important part of his college days.
While buying groceries, his ears caught a song playing from the store's radio. It was the first time he had heard it.
The piano and acoustic guitar were so melodious, soft yet rhythmic, but the thing that caught his attention the most was the voice. The singer had a soothing tone that made him feel relaxed despite being surrounded by busy shoppers. He felt like he was flying. The song was about love, and its rhythm made his head bob even though it wasn't a lively beat.
He looked around and suddenly felt like the world wasn't that bad. The harsh white lights of the store somehow felt warmer, the people less hurried. Living was amazing. He even noticed other customers listening to the song with smiles on their faces, a shared, quiet joy. The song affected everyone's emotions in a good way.
No matter where you are, I will love you~
Even if you're not around, I will love you~
My love is yours truly~
"Excuse me, do you know the name of this song?"
Once Dylan reached the cash register, he asked the female cashier about the title of the song playing in the background.
"I'm sorry, I also don't know. This is the first time I've heard this song. I have no idea who the singer is."
"Probably a new singer…" Dylan said. He was actually interested in the song. Maybe he could buy the album or something. He found himself tapping his fingers on the counter, still lost in the tune.
"Perhaps, but it's a nice song though."
"Yeah, it's amazing."
Dylan smiled and paid with his card, his thoughts still half-drifting in the melody.
Back in his car, Dylan couldn't help but sing the chorus.
"No matter where you are, I will love you~"
He was offbeat, but it didn't matter since he was alone in his car and no one was listening. Even when he reached his house, the song was still stuck in his head.
"… Damn, I feel like I'll go crazy if I can't hear the song again."
Fortunately, he had a radio he could listen to. He didn't know which station had played the song, so he just searched for one with no static noise, hoping they'd play the song, the song whose title he still didn't know.
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Vivian had worked in a huge record label in the 80s before the company's catalog was bought by Sonya Music, one of the biggest record labels in the world. Sonya was a company from Japan, but its influence was massive, from technology to music and movies, their logo alone symbolized dominance and prestige in the industry.
The record label dissolved after Sonya Music acquired the catalog, and Vivian had to look for another job. She worked at a radio station and later became one of the executives of Music Television, a famous TV network focused on music.
After accumulating years of experience, she decided to build her own record label, Moonrise Music. The name reflected her vision: a rise from the dark, like the moon. She also partnered with Niko, a man in his 40s who had a strange habit of inhaling the scent of coins, a quirk that most found disturbing, but Vivian had learned to laugh off. She'd known Niko a decade earlier, the guy had created some of the best songs of the era.
Despite being a talented music producer, Niko was blacklisted in the industry because of his strangeness. Rumors spread like wildfire, and in the music business, reputation often mattered more than genius.
The two gradually built their studio, but they were looking for investors. Vivian decided to talk to her young friend who was currently the CEO of Apex Network Talent. Vivian first met Lila at a formal event hosted by the billionaire Elijah Edward. She was surprised that the young woman would become one of the leaders of Hollywood.
Anyway, Vivian successfully secured an investment from Lila in exchange for company shares.
Moonrise Music later formed a boy band consisting of young, handsome men, but they broke their contract and signed with Velvet Harmony instead. Velvet offered them more money and a higher profit share, but it led them nowhere. The betrayal left Vivian bitter for months, despite the boy band's failure.
Moonrise Music tried to debut two more artists, but they were also obstructed.
Vivian knew the reason this was happening, it was related to Niko's situation. Niko, being the guy who loved smelling coins, had offended a rich man with wide connections.
But this time was different. Collin had talked to many record labels, and he didn't like any of them, signing to Moonrise Music instead.
When those record labels heard that Chantal had signed a contract with Moonrise Music, they contacted Collin, hoping to convince him to change his decision. They were ready to pay the damages as long as Chantal broke her contract with Moonrise Music, bribes disguised as business proposals.
Unfortunately, Collin didn't agree. Simply because he didn't like any of those record labels. Furthermore, he was a shareholder of Moonrise Music, and he wanted the company to succeed.
Vivian was happy when she found out about Collin's decision. It reignited her passion, someone believed in her vision. Since then, she promised that Chantal, no, Princess Chantal, would become a star.
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[Author's Note: You can read more on my Pat reon, the 50% discount is still ongoing.]