Hugh Hefner built the multi-million dollar "Playboy Empire" on the back of a borderline-pornographic magazine.
Even nearing ninety, this billionaire still maintained ample stamina, walking among the Bunnies in the Playboy Mansion every day, living out every man's fantasy.
This just goes to show how much potential lies in the "edge-skirting" industry.
"Leon... Leon? What are you thinking about?"
Robbie waved her fair hand in front of Leon's face, snapping him out of his business reverie.
"Nothing... Speaking of which, why are you buying so much lingerie if you're only staying in New York for two days?"
"These are all styles recommended by my best friend, Miranda Kerr. Nobody knows Victoria's Secret better than her."
"Miranda Kerr?" Leon felt like he had heard the name somewhere, but couldn't place it immediately.
"You haven't heard of her? She's a very popular VS Angel right now~" Robbie flashed her signature mischievous grin and leaned into Leon's ear. "And she is a super hottie."
Leon finally remembered where he had heard of Miranda Kerr.
TV stations often broadcast racy programs during the graveyard shift when viewership is low, providing solace for lonely losers late at night.
In a midnight runway show, a beauty with an elven face and an angelic, smoking-hot body left a deep impression on Leon.
Well over 5'9", with killer long legs and glowing white skin...
Leon had specifically noted her name back then: Miranda Kerr.
Seeing Leon's expression getting a bit out of control, Robbie smiled. "Do you want to meet this beauty? I can introduce you. We're both from Australia, besties who talk about everything."
"Really? I'd be very interested."
"Keep dreaming~"
Seeing Leon's awkward expression, Robbie clutched her stomach and laughed out loud.
Next, they wandered aimlessly along Fifth Avenue, had afternoon tea...
Robbie continued her endless roast of the ridiculous things she'd seen in Hollywood.
According to her, Leonardo DiCaprio was even dirtier than the nrs in the ghetto who only thought about psy.
Leon couldn't really work up much interest in this gossip. Later, he still had to discuss the details of tomorrow's MV shoot with Director Mike from Roc Nation.
Under Robbie's reluctant gaze, Leon quickly found an excuse to slip away.
---
Early the next morning, inside the makeup room at the Roc Nation building, Leon and the camera crew, armed with their "long guns and short cannons," were ready to go.
They were just waiting for Robbie to arrive. Once hair and makeup were done, they would head straight to the shooting location.
According to the plan Leon and Old Mike made last night, most shots would be done against a green screen in the studio and handed over to CGI later.
This was a reluctant decision. CGI meant spending more money and adding time costs.
The music video would feature massive fire and explosion scenes, with backgrounds mostly being iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Met.
Even if Jay-Z was called the King of New York, the city government would never allow a film crew to use explosives and combustibles on Fifth Avenue.
After 9/11, the authorities were extremely sensitive about this issue.
"Where the hell is Robbie?" Leon checked the time on his phone. The girl was nearly half an hour late.
Just as he was about to call her, Robbie's voice came from the door.
She was panting heavily, looking like she had just done intense exercise. "So-sorry, I'm late."
"I drank too much at the hotel last night..."
"It's okay, come get your makeup done quickly. The shooting schedule is very tight!" Leon held Robbie by the shoulders and pressed her into the makeup chair, facing countless bottles and jars.
The makeup artist quickly swept various brushes across her face.
Leon sat down in the seat next to Robbie. He didn't usually like heavy makeup, especially theatrical makeup, but sacrifices had to be made for the effect of this music video.
About twenty minutes later, Robbie transformed from a typical blonde sweetheart into a rebellious cyber-punk girl.
Thick foundation, exaggerated colors, and smoky eye makeup even heavier than Avril Lavigne's.
Her charming blonde hair was tied into girlish pigtails, dyed blue and pink respectively with hair spray.
Robbie didn't know beforehand that her look would be this bold. When it was done, she admired herself in the mirror from every angle.
"Whose idea was this? This style suits me surprisingly well."
The makeup artist smiled and pointed at Leon.
"Leon, I didn't expect you to have talent in fashion besides music."
"Le—"
When she saw Leon's current look, Robbie was shocked speechless.
Leon had even thicker foundation on his face than Robbie, his eyes were also done in rebellious smoky makeup, and his hair was dyed dark green.
Most striking of all was the lipstick that extended all the way to his ears.
Even Leon's makeup artist paused for a moment upon seeing his own "masterpiece."
The evil vibe Leon gave off wasn't just from the makeup; it was his aura.
He looked like Satan's favorite child existing in the real world.
Recovering from her shock, Robbie teased, "You look like the Joker from the Batman comics."
Robbie's casual remark actually woke Leon up. He quickly signaled the makeup artist to add more variations to his look.
Like adding some tattoo patterns, or changing the hair color if necessary...
He was so paranoid because DC Comics, the copyright holder of Batman, had a formidable legal department. He didn't want to get sued over this.
After that, Leon and Robbie changed into their prepared costumes and took the company van to the outdoor location on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
Their novel looks immediately attracted the attention of passersby, who pulled out their phones to take pictures.
Robbie held Leon's arm, her eyes shining. "You look amazing."
"Thanks, you too."
"We look like a match made in heaven right now."
"Quite the contrast, right? I'm okay with it; the media calls me the crazy Street Jesus anyway... But with your look right now, no one will associate you with your real life self."
"It doesn't matter. I can turn myself into this if you like it."
Leon was momentarily speechless. After holding it in for a while, he responded, "Better not..."
Although Robbie's makeup was memorable, Leon genuinely felt she looked better normally.
"Camera ready! Lighting, keep up!"
"Where's the props master? Bring the prop gun and baseball bat!"
"Leon, the first shot is yours alone. Are you ready?"
Under Old Mike's precise coordination, the shoot proceeded in an orderly manner.
"Ready, director."
"Good~ Action!"