Chapter 632: Chapter 633: Why Say Again?


    ?


    [Chapter 633: Why Say Again?]


    Los Angeles, in a simple office at Firefly Films'' studio.


    Cindy Crawford felt that hertest thought was just inviting trouble. Beside her, her agent Jeremy was carefully reading a sponsorship contract for supermodel Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, who were on the same level as her. Across from her was a detestable man who seemed to have too much time on his hands, observing her with a curious look. If his gaze had been filled with obsession or desire like that of other men, she wouldn''t have minded; she might have even reveled in it. But this man''s look was more reminiscent of admiring a beautiful pet rather than a stunning woman.


    There was a gentle knock on the office door. After being granted permission, a staff member entered with Cindy Crawford''s clothes.


    Cindy Crawford didn''t look for a room to change out of her lingerie. Instead, she slipped on a ck long dress right there in the office, finally letting out a sigh of relief as she returned to her chair, casting an annoyed re at Eric.


    Eric smiled faintly and remarked, "You look prettier with clothes on."


    "Mr. Williams," Cindy Crawford finally couldn''t hold back, retorting, "are youparing me to... a Barbie doll?"


    Eric shook his head. "Of course not. You''re much prettier than a Barbie doll. But I do know a girl who looks just like a real-life Barbie; it makes you want to pinch her cheeks just looking at her."


    Cindy Crawford noticed that when Eric said this, a soft, almost indulgent smile appeared on his lips, sparking a hint of jealousy in her. How could this insufferable man think so fondly of other women in front of someone as beautiful as she? His expression was unfathomable.


    Thinking about her recent circumstances, Cindy''s resentment and grievance bubbled to the surface again. After hesitating for a moment, she finally couldn''t resist showing a slightly sorrowful expression, saying, "Mr. Williams, I''m already twenty-eight years old."


    Eric didn''t shy away from the typical ttery. "Compared to other supermodels, you''ve taken great care of yourself. I believe in ten years, you''ll still be just as stunning."


    Though she couldn''t detect too much sincerity in Eric''s tone, Cindy felt somewhat morefortable. However, her tone was more mncholy. "But as a model, I definitely won''t be able topete with the new generation after thirty. It took me six months to barelynd a chance in Hollywood, just to prolong my career. Why do you powerful figures have to make it difficult for someone like me?"


    Eric chuckled, "Do you think I intentionally sabotaged your role?"


    Cindy Crawford didn''t answer but gave him a look that clearly conveyed her beliefs.


    Eric continued, "This matter is indeed somewhat rted to me, but I didn''t sabotage your role. The film project encountered problems. If everything had gone ording to n, that movie would have been your starting point in Hollywood and also your endpoint."


    Cindy recalled Joel Silver''s sullen face that night and immediately understood Eric''s words. However, she quickly seized on another loophole. "But the role that was originally mine ended up going to udia Schiffer. How do you exin that? Don''t you worry that this film will be udia''s Hollywood endpoint?"


    "That situation was unexpected. Joel Silver wanted to pull me into the mix through udia," Eric said, not denying his rtionship with her. "I was unaware beforehand and don''t n to interfere now. As for the impact, it would only affect you. Not to mention that Joel Silver would definitely adjust the project; even if udia flopped, do you think I would let her face any consequences?"


    A sense of helplessness rose within Cindy. She moved her lips but said nothing more. Jeremy, who had been quietly listening from the side, finally sighed with relief, feeling fortunate that Eric didn''t seem to mind Cindy''s little provocation.


    At that moment, he realized that Cindy Crawford''s character was akin to a small insect crushed underfoot by an idental passerby, and her usations toward Eric were like a bug''s rtives foolishly suing a passerby for murder. This wouldn''t earn her any respect, rather, it would seemughable and absurd.


    As the two of them fell silent, Jeremy was about to fulfill his duty as an agent and discuss the contract with Eric. However, after considering the recent events, he suddenly thought it might be more fitting to let Cindy speak for herself. A beautiful woman often received more leniency.


    Although Cindy Crawford was more well-known than Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, Jeremy didn''t have anyints about the simr treatment in the contract. He merely pushed the contract toward Cindy, pointing out a use he deemed necessary to negotiate.


    Seeing them gesturing at one another, Eric proactively said, "If you need to discuss this privately, I can step out."


    "No need," Cindy quickly lifted her head and said to Eric, "Mr. Williams, we have no objections to this contract. But isn''t five years a bit too long?"


    Eric replied, "If you think that''s long, we can sign for two years."


    Cindy and Jeremy exchanged nces, nearly thinking they had misheard him -- this was too generous.


    However, Eric didn''t let them ''down,'' quickly adding, "However, before making a decision, you should look at use... it should be the seventh page, I don''t remember exactly which one. That use states that the first party will utilize its media resources to assist its endorsers in increasing their personal fame and public influence. However, if you''re unwilling to sign a five-year contract, then LTD and Firefly won''t be able to allocate too many resources to you. Not only that, we''ll start grooming your sessor right now, pouring the media resources that originally belonged to you into her, so when your contract expires, she can directly take your ce."


    Models have very limited channels for establishing and maintaining their fame. Besides those who go the unconventional route by dating movie stars, pop stars, or athletes, the more traditional way is to continuously appear on magazine covers. That''s why you often see supermodels'' bios include how many prestigious magazines they''ve graced the cover of. Jeremy had also noticed the use Eric mentioned. However, the use had seemed too vague and did not provide any specific promises, which is why he hadn''t paid much attention to it. At that moment, upon hearing Eric specifically refer to this use and its connection with the five-year contract, both realized the true value hidden within what appeared to be an insignificant agreement.


    Firefly, a major media group involved in film and television, possessed media resources that simply couldn''t be matched by just print media alone. For example,nding a lead role in a Firefly film could generate an influence that would surpass being featured on a hundred magazine covers. The more fame a model garnered, the higher the endorsement fees she would receive. In Eric''s contract, while it mandated that any endorsement rted to Victoria''s Secret took priority at all times, it did not prohibit her from epting other product endorsements, except within the industry of lingerie brands. So, if Firefly provided media resources as stipted, Cindy believed her endorsement rates for any brand in the future would undoubtedly skyrocketpared to before.


    Although tempted, Cindy Crawford still smartly pursued, "Mr. Williams, could you borate a bit more on that use?"


    "More specifics? For example, movie roles, guest appearances in TV shows, talk show invitations, traditional print media interviews, online media promotions, etc. Even if you decide to publish a beauty and skincare book, as long as it isn''t too shabby, Firefly can help you in securing publishing and marketing deals. Since you five main endorsers'' poprity also equates to greater exposure for the Victoria''s Secret brand, rest assured that Firefly won''t skimp on the resources," Eric paused, ncing again at Cindy''s stunning face. "Actually, there''s an excellent opportunity avable right now. If it weren''t for time constraints, I could rmend you for the role of the Bond girl in the 17th 007 film. Although previous Bond girls have been pretty faces, this one has a very different character, guaranteed to bring the actress


    a lot of fame."


    Eric was referring to the character yed by Famke Janssen in GoldenEye, a fierce and wild Russian femme fatale that left a deep impression on audiences. It opened the door for Famke in Hollywood. Compared to the unfortunate eye candy in a previous film, this viinous Bond girl was a hundred times better. But now Famke had already begun filming the fifth season of The X-Files, and couldn''t make it, so Eric had no choice but to let MGM find a suitable candidate themselves.


    Cindy was about to try to have Eric rify his promises within the contract when she heard hisstment. Her eyes lit up, and she said, "Mr. Williams, I can do the show and prepare for the runway at the same time. You''ve seen my walk; I believe I won''t need the long preparation


    that those rookies require, right?"


    As she spoke, she shot Eric a flirty look.


    Eric shook his head, unfazed. "Nope, you can only choose one."


    "Well, I--"


    "And you can only choose the first option."


    Cindy froze for a moment, realizing she could only choose the first. Disappointment flickered


    in her eyes, and she still reluctantly said, "Mr. Williams, you''re quite inconsiderate."


    The fluidity of her charm once again made Eric think of the desire to tame the wild.


    Wait, why did he think that again?


    Clearing his throat and pushing aside those scattered thoughts, Eric said, "Unless there are other questions, I''ll contact Emily Brighton, and you can sign the contract tomorrow."


    Cindy Crawford wanted to say something but was cut off by Eric waving his hand. "Miss Crawford, I know what you want to say. The media resources use is indeed rather vague, but you should understand that even if I removed that use, very few supermodels would refuse this contract. A five-year endorsement fee of ten million dors, while not the highest and a bit demanding, is still more than most in the modeling world can boast. As long as we can work together harmoniously, I will certainly not hesitate to provide you with greater returns in the future."


    Once Eric finished, Cindy Crawford smartly chose to leave well enough alone. "Well then, I


    have no issues, Mr. Williams."


    "Alright, then let''s discuss my requirements," Eric scanned Cindy again and asked, "What''s


    your current weight?"


    Cindy suddenly felt a bit awkward. In the past six months, while focusing on her Hollywood endeavors, she hadn''t been as meticulous about her figure. After hesitating, she answered


    honestly, "136 pounds."


    136 pounds is not overweight for someone nearly six feet tall like Cindy Crawford.


    However, Eric remembered Cindy''s figure when she had been in her lingerie and shook his head. "In two months, I want to see a nice set of abs, okay?"


    Cindy thought to herself, could I say no? Yet that fleeting thought was quickly brushed aside as she posed seductively, showcasing her curves, and replied, "Of course, Mr. Williams, but I already have abs; you might not have noticed earlier."


    Eric, with a yful smile, nodded. "No worries, there will be more opportunities next time."


    Eric wasn''t deaf to the hints in her tone; he was simply more ustomed to the hunt than


    being the prey.


    Cindy realized that her obvious hints had failed to elicit a date invitation from Eric. Abruptly, feeling awkward, she continued to politely exchange a few words, agreed on a signing time, and then left with her agent.


    ...


    At four o''clock that afternoon, Kelly Haynes walked into Eric''s office in the studio, only to


    find a ck piano had appeared in the room. Eric was seated at the piano, engrossed in


    ying a somewhat unfamiliar tune.


    Though Eric''s fingers seemed slightly clumsy on the keys, the sad andnguid melody still exuded a poignant appeal, evoking a sense of despair that almost brought tears. Holding several thick files, Kelly leaned against the doorframe, gazing dreamily at his


    focused silhouette.


    "Will you still love me when I''m no longer young and beautiful? Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?"


    Suddenly, the piano melody came to a halt as Eric picked up a pencil, ready to add something


    to his unfinished score. Sensing the presence behind him, he turned and found Kelly standing there with tears glimmering in her eyes, her expression filled with maternalpassion. Eric quickly rose and approached Kelly, taking the stack of files from her and tossing them aside, wrapping the woman in his embrace as he softly asked, "Why are you crying?" Nestled against Eric, Kelly suddenly felt a childlike shyness wash over her. "I''m not crying; I just... brought you the report you wanted, along with a letter from Mr. Buffett."


    Eric reflected on Kelly''s recent expression and suddenlyughed. "Have you been here for a


    while?"


    Kelly nodded. "I knocked, but you didn''t hear me."


    Eric understood the situation and shook his head. "Looks like I''m really a failure." Kelly was a bit puzzled by what Eric meant, but he had already taken her small hand, leading


    her to the long bench at the piano. "Come see my new song. Can you y the piano?"


    "Uh-huh."


    Kelly nodded, taking a nce at the small fraction of the score Eric hadpleted. Her


    delicate fingers, unable to resist, danced along the keys, and the earlier melody flowed seamlessly back into the air.


    Eric instantly recognized that Kelly''s piano skills vastly outshone his own. "I should have called you over sooner; I wouldn''t have to write this so painfully."


    Kelly picked up a pencil and corrected a few minor errors in Eric''sposition. "Why are you


    writing such a sad song?"


    "It''s a background song for the show. However, your reaction isn''t what I was aiming for,


    whichn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    is why I just said it was a failure," Eric said, his fingers gliding lightly over the keys. "This song is meant to convey not sadness but a sense of disillusionment after realizing shattered dreams. In the story, a once idealistic young man chases his illusory dream for half


    his life, achieving great sess, only to look back and find that both people and things have


    changed. Thevish life isn''t what he desires, and the girl from back then is no longer an angel


    in his imagination, yet he refuses to wake up, sinking deeper into the vanity until he


    perishes." Kelly gazed dreamily at Eric''s profile, murmuring, "The Great Gatsby?" "Exactly," Eric smiled, leaning in to gently kiss Kelly''s lips, half-jokingly saying, "Could you


    not be so smart? It puts a lot of pressure on me."


    With adoring and worshipful eyes, Kelly replied, "Who could be as smart as you? I''ve studied


    piano for so many years, yet I could never write anything like this." "Please don''t idolize me; it makes me feel like a fraud."


    "You''ve already stolen everything from me," Kelly blurted out, then immediately regretted


    it. Her face flushed, avoiding his gaze, she stammered, "So, what''s the name of this song?"


    "It''s called Youthful Glory."


    Eric ced the halfpleted score on the stand and said, "You y; I''ll sing for you."


    Once again, the gentle melody began to y as Eric took a moment to prepare and began to


    sing softly. Though his slightly hoarse voice couldn''tpare to Lana Del Rey''s innocence and mncholy, it carried its own unique sense of despondency. "I''ve seen the world, done it all, had my cake nowDiamonds, brilliant, and Bel Air nowHot summer nights, mid-JulyWhen you and I were forever wildThe crazy days, city lightsThe way you''d y with me like a childWill you still love me when I''m no longer young and beautiful? Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul?I know you will, I know you will, I know that you willWill you


    still love me when I''m no longer beautiful?


    "


    [T/N: Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey]


    *****


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