Everyone in the industry knew me as a washed-up, worthless star, but little did they know that my anonymous works were priceless.
Back then, I founded the largest entertainment company solely to fulfill my girl’s dream of becoming an agent. Ten years after debuting, I proposed to her during a livestream, but she hesitated.
“We can get a marriage certificate, but we can’t have a wedding.”
I thought she was obsessed with her career until she openly confessed her love to her newly signed boyfriend.
“I’m Zachary’s first and last girlfriend fan! I’ll only love him in this life!”
A reporter joked, “What about your fiancé?”
My girlfriend smiled shyly.
“I’ll provide him with resources, but not with my feelings. After all, my heart is completely with my Zachary.”
I smiled and dialed.
“Stanley, I want to promote that new artist from a few days ago.”
The major shareholder on the other end of the line was silent for a few seconds.
“But that new artist is tone-deaf and only has a pretty face. How are you going to promote him, Mr. Nicholson?”
——
My index finger tapped the last note of the music sheet. The tune was so bright and moving that even the staff auditioning for the song couldn’t help but tear their eyes apart. I said calmly, “This song, give it to that newcomer.”
Stanley nearly spat out his tears.
"Are you crazy?! If this song were sold to anyone in the industry, several top stars would beg for resources. It’s a hit among hits and you’re willing to give it to a newcomer?”
I curled my lips.
“In this industry, whoever I say can become famous will become famous. As for songs like this... I have as many as I want.”
I closed the piano cover and stood up.
“Cut back some of my remaining announcements. I don’t want to be seen lately.”
“Yes.”
Stanley agreed respectfully.
I walked out of the recording studio and turned into the company hallway when I saw my girl, held on her lap by her beloved little puppy, forced to touch his abs.
Scarlett screamed excitedly, “I hate it! Enough, enough!”
“Not enough! Scarlett, you haven’t even touched my mermaid line yet…” Zachary said and pulled Scarlett’s hand downwards.
Scarlett covered her face and blushed with shame. But when her lustful eyes turned and saw me, they suddenly cooled, a flicker of impatience in them.
“I heard you didn’t get the audition again? That’s all you can do. Can you please stop wasting my resources?”
I smiled bitterly.
No one knew I was the shadow behind Scarlett.
She said she wanted to break into the entertainment industry, so I started my own company and made her a top-tier agent.
She hated the spotlight, so I stood in front of the camera, singing, writing and smiling.
Unintentionally, my company grew, my music sold like hotcakes, but my girl had fallen for another man.
“Then leave me alone. Find someone else to take care of me.”
Scarlett was stunned, her eyes filled with resignation.
“What nonsense are you talking about? Do you think you’re still popular now? Without me, you’d have been kicked out of the company long ago.”
I didn’t respond and simply touched the spot on my chest.
The burns from the fire had long since scabbed over.
It was Scarlett’s parents who gave me their hope for life. I once swore to heaven that I would take care of her, love her and protect her for the rest of my life.
I kept my word.
For so many years, I had done my best to fulfill her every wish.
And now, her wish was to find another man.
Zachary immediately bowed deeply to me, almost 5 feet 4 inches tall, looking bewildered in front of me.
“Senior Calvin! I’m sorry, I auditioned for the role that originally belonged to you. Please don’t make things difficult for Scarlett!”
