King of Hollywood
Chapter 469 - 190 Another One

Chapter 469: Chapter 190 Another One

According to Dennis’ description, the scene was that three women woke up together and, after the initial panic and shock that many violated women in movies exhibit, they all fell silent. They looked at each other without saying a word, even though the embarrassed Dennis summoned the courage to try and lighten the mood.

After about ten minutes, Courtney and Lisa, now dressed, left his house one after the other. Then, Jennifer, with tears in her eyes, asked Dennis what had happened. Naturally, Dennis couldn’t explain, so they just looked at each other in silence until Jennifer said she needed some time apart to cool down and also left the villa.

Honestly, the situation was tricky, and even if Adrian had been in Dennis’ position, it’s doubtful he would have been able to resolve things so quickly and easily, considering he never resorted to these tactics. If he played the field, he would ensure the women were completely under his control first. Having drunken, inadequately communicated group sex with women would perhaps be satisfying in the moment, but incredibly troublesome to deal with afterward.

Moreover, Dennis and Jennifer’s relationship was nothing like Adrian’s with his women. After all, Jennifer was the one who pursued Dennis aggressively and nearly got labeled as the homewrecker. Now that she had finally won the battle and even got engaged, to have this happen on the night of the engagement—especially involving her best friends—in a foursome was sure to be a huge blow to Jennifer.

"Taking some time apart to cool down is right, but don’t lose contact with Jenny. You should see her and talk to her at least once a day; be persistent, just like she was when she pursued you—if you truly love her and want to make it right," Adrian advised Dennis in the end. "Also, remember to look pitiful, but not too pitiful. You’ll have to figure out just the right amount of it yourself."

No matter how you slice it, the engagement night foursome was an accident. If Jennifer really loved Dennis—and she did—this approach might soften her. After hearing this, Dennis thought it over and realized there wasn’t a better option. He begrudgingly left after asking Adrian to put in a good word for him when he had the chance.

Although Adrian had agreed to Dennis’ request, he quickly put it out of his mind and focused elsewhere. It was already generous not to harshly criticize Dennis for the mess he had caused, let alone console him and give him advice. So, if Dennis wanted to win Jennifer back, he had better start working on it earnestly.

The big mess wasn’t of course about Dennis’ salacious foursome with his fiancée and her friends, but rather the messy situation with the three female leads of "Friends"! "Friends" had brought its main cast of six very close together, and Adrian always emphasized unity among them. Now, one of the female leads had gotten engaged and, after getting drunk, ended up in bed with two other female leads and her fiancé! You can imagine the impact this would have on the TV show’s production, especially since the fourth season had just ended and the new one was about to premiere on ABC.

The only saving grace was that they had only filmed four seasons so far and, thanks to Adrian’s intervention, they had managed to keep the power to negotiate pay raises in their hands, thus avoiding a strike from the six main actors—Lisa had conspired with Jennifer and Courtney to demand increases, thereby solidifying the bond among the three women.

Psychologists tell us that if one day you betray your most beloved person, cause, ideal, or class, then your attack against the former will also be the fiercest. Therefore, their relationship, which had not yet become rock solid, became somewhat of a lifeline, as long as they could cool down and avoid each other for a while. Even if they couldn’t return to their old relationship after this awkward period, there would at least not be too much impact on the TV production.

Moreover, thankfully, the three male leads weren’t involved—if they were, it would only be a joke. Anyway, the best course of action for now was to...do nothing. Dennis came to Adrian and asked for his help because of their close relationship, but how was Adrian supposed to address this with others? Should he find Jennifer and tell her that her fiancé sleeping with her and her friends wasn’t a big deal? Or should he tell the TV producers to keep an eye on the three leading ladies because they might be out of sorts? That would only make things worse.

So even if action was warranted, it would have to wait until the production team noticed something off about Jennifer and the others. As for now, it was business as usual, such as approving the production of certain movies, or... reaping the fruits!

"Is there anything else you would like to add to the situation as it stands?" Eric Norton, the Creative Director, asked after going through the details.

"I think we can push the timeline back by a few days, and in that time, we can start a promotional campaign for Britney," an assistant immediately suggested.

"There’s no need for that. Britney is a newcomer, she needs the efficient accumulation of popularity, which is why we’ve steered clear of big name release periods. Naturally, we can’t start depleting it before it has built up," Norton dismissed the suggestion, though the excuse seemed a bit forced. No one said anything in response.

Norton was aware of this point too, but he had discussed the promotional aspect with Adrian, and he quite agreed with some of the suggestions the latter had made. Among them, the most important was to wait and see how the album’s release unfolded. If it went well, Britney could very well soar to become a popular teenage singer overnight. For a music producer, what could be more exciting to look forward to?

Despite the high risks involved, the rewards of success were equally high. No wonder he had become a new magnate of the media industry within just a few short years! That’s how Norton evaluated Adrian. Since it was a secret, he could not speak of it now and had to gloss over it for the time being.

After this proposal, no one else spoke, and Norton waited another moment before speaking, "Alright then—that’s settled. Britney, you have to start a nationwide tour by the beginning of next month at the latest. Don’t let us down."

"No problem!" The girl sitting to his left instantly agreed, her eyes flickering with excitement. She had been looking forward to this day for a long time.

"When I get back to Louisiana, I’ll grab a big box of albums, sign my name on them, and distribute them for free." Britney chattered to her mother who had accompanied her, as soon as they left the meeting room.

"Alright, dear, everyone will surely be thrilled," Lynn Spears said somewhat perfunctorily, although she knew that the record company had invested a lot of effort in her daughter. Whether the albums would be popular, and whether Britney would become a star, were still unknown.

"That’s for sure..." Britney, oblivious, continued speaking. But when someone walked by, she closed her mouth and proudly puffed up her chest, unabashedly showing off with a lifted eyebrow.

Christina, who was talking to her own friend, immediately noticed Britney’s expression and frowned, her teeth lightly grazing her lip. But she didn’t say anything, just huffed softly as she brushed past Britney.

So what if you sang a movie theme song? I am the one releasing an album first! Britney thought triumphantly, her face showing traces of smug satisfaction. Then she became vaguely excited upon thinking of something else.

"By the way, Mom, I’m thinking of visiting a friend’s place, could you head back first?" They arrived at the parking lot, and Britney suddenly said this.

"Which friend’s place?" Lynn was startled and then immediately asked.

"Anna, Emily, Sonaya—I haven’t decided. I just want to go out alone for a walk," Britney shrugged.

"Alone?" Lynn’s brow furrowed deeply, clearly, this was not the first time such a request had been made.

"Mom! I’m not a child!" Britney called out, dissatisfied, "Besides, when have I not come home on time?"

On the surface, she seemed very angry, but her heart was full of satisfaction. Indeed, just as he had said, gradually rebelling from the simplest things would slowly bring control of life into her own hands. Oh, this feeling was too wonderful, I love you!

"Alright, just don’t come back too late," Lynn relented. After all, it was not the first time she had compromised.

"Thank you, Mom," Britney leapt up with joy, hugged her mother, kissed her on the cheek, and then grabbed her backpack and hurried out the door.

On the street, the girl hailed a taxi, bid farewell to her mother, and got in. About ten minutes later, she arrived at a secluded villa neighborhood, got out, and entered one of the houses.

"Why do you always have to stop by my place first?" A girl about Britney’s age asked this question, peering out the window.

"Because you’re my friend, Miranda." Britney, too, glanced outside as she cheerfully said, "You know, I’m finally going to release my record. How about I send you ten limited editions when it’s out?"

"Let’s talk about it when you release it," Miranda rolled her eyes.

"Alright, I should get going," Britney, completely unfazed by the impatience in Miranda’s tone—or perhaps not even noticing it—patted her backpack and stood up.

"Are you leaving again, Britney?" Miranda’s mother emerged from inside the house.

"Sorry, ma’am, for always disturbing you like this. I really feel bad about it," Britney stuck out her tongue but didn’t stop moving.

After making sure no one was following her, the girl went back to the street corner, hailed another taxi, and this time, headed towards Beverly Hills.

Watching the passing streetscape, the thought of what she was about to do made Britney tremble with excitement. Oh, her lover, that man of unparalleled charm, was waiting for her.

No one had ever been as kind to her, as gentle, as passionate and humorous, no one had encouraged and protected her in the same way... Britney could still recall the intense, almost uncontrollable sensation when he carefully wiped her soles as she had taken off her shoes to practice dancing.

He had taught her how to enjoy life, to taste life. He had taught her so much; he was irreplaceable! Britney mused dreamily, her heart thoroughly taken by a man.

"Hello, Britney," a young girl dressed in a maid’s outfit greeted at the door with a slight bow.

"Hello, Yukie," Britney greeted back with a cheerful, slight bow. She had seen this Japanese girl many times, and every encounter was exceptionally polite. Although Britney might occasionally grumble, she never truly minded, especially since Yukie was much more agreeable than that cool and distant secretary assistant.

Frankly, the secretary assistant was very beautiful and had quite the presence, but she often appeared cold and dismissive. Britney didn’t like her much, but she didn’t make a fuss about it either, because he had told her to always maintain the proper etiquette, and he was always right.

"Is Ed waiting for me?" Britney immediately asked.

"Yes," Yukie nodded. "Please go upstairs yourself."

"Alright." The girl duly headed upstairs, her breathing quickening with each step, her smile growing wider on her cheeks.

But she didn’t go to the study first; instead, she entered a room that was her own personal space in this house. When she reemerged, Britney had changed into a school uniform and slung a square backpack over her shoulder. Straightening her clothes, she hurried to the study door, lightly coughed, and then knocked, "May I come in, sir?"

"Come in." A low, magnetic voice came through, making her smile even more enchanting.

Pushing the door open, a tall male figure stood by the window, in black shoes, trousers, a white shirt, and a gray vest, exuding an air of courteous refinement. The winter sun poured in from behind, casting the imposing figure in an extraordinary light. Especially those deep black eyes, like the depths of a lake, drew the girl in the moment their gazes met.

"I’m here, sir," she said, as always, in that sweet voice laced with a hint of shyness, bowing her head as if she were a timid and innocent high school student.

"Very well, then let’s begin the exam," he said, smiling and nodding as he walked to a table that had been prepared, on which stood three long-stemmed glasses filled with a red liquid.

"The first question, describe the differences between each one," he gestured her to proceed. Britney giggled and stepped forward, taking a glass and carefully observing it as he had taught her, swirled it gently, sniffed the aroma, and then, with her eyes closed, took a delicate sip.

An unconventional exam began immediately, with a series of curious and bizarre questions making their debut. Tasting the differences in wine was just the start; there were tasks like distinguishing features of golf clubs, preparing black tea, and the simplest being to read a novel excerpt in a British accent. However, the content of the novel was so risqué that by the end, after moaning through it, Britney’s cheeks were flushed red.

Although the questions were perplexing, the man seriously noted her score for each one. Finally, he spread his hands, "I’m sorry, my dear Britney, but you scored a C-, which means you cannot graduate."

"Why?" Britney, playing along, showed a look of anxiety. Under his tutelage, she had come to relish this role-playing game.

"I’m sorry, Britney, but you didn’t pass the exam," he shrugged his shoulders.

"Is there... is there any other way?" asked the girl, biting her lip.

"Rules are rules," the man said with a helpless expression.

The girl was momentarily confused; this didn’t seem to match what they had agreed on earlier. But she quickly came to her senses, took a deep breath as if making up her mind, stepped forward, and wrapped her arm around his.

(To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to support it by casting your recommendation and monthly votes at Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)