King of Hollywood
Chapter 635 - 43 Uncle

Chapter 635: Chapter 43 Uncle

This was a reward for Britney, as she had given herself completely and thoroughly to Adrian, since Adrian had become an indispensable part of her life—based on her behavior, it was uncertain whether she would commit suicide if she were to go through a breakup like in her past life—Adrian naturally would not be stingy, and the record for number one sales in a single week was just the beginning.

"Don’t worry, there are more surprising records to come, my little pet," Adrian said with a smile, pinching Britney’s chin.

"I will always be your little pet, Master," Britney murmured in his ear, her body slowly rubbing up and down against his chest. _{\n(o)v.e\l.com}

While enjoying the intoxicating sensation of their close encounter, Adrian turned his ear to the side, as if he could still hear the screams of the frenzied fans outside the hotel. If they discovered that their idolized star was being intimate with a man at this very moment, he wondered what their reaction would be. Yes, he and she were currently in her hotel in New York, and Adrian really wanted to take Britney back to his luxury apartment, but now there were too many reporters watching her. It was just a few short blocks from Times Square back here, and there were fervent fans following them along the way; it was safer not to take the risk.

Such a huge crowd of reporters, such a huge fan base, plus record-breaking first-week album sales, all proved that Adrian’s strategy was correct. While maintaining the innocence of her previous two albums, she began to transition towards a more sensual direction—a subtle, slow, but irreversible change—and coupled with the new classic songs, her already high popularity became even more frenzied.

Of course, that wasn’t all; many tactics were employed, such as crafting a sincere image through teamwork. A transition from innocence to sensuality was inevitable, as was the inevitable loss of some popularity during this process, so it was necessary to look for ways to stabilize it from other angles. Although Britney had become much more articulate under Adrian’s tutelage compared to her past life, and would communicate with celebrities on many shows, there would always be some hosts who would occasionally pose tricky questions that could lead to unguarded responses.

Actually, being indiscreet on talk shows wasn’t such a big deal; the hosts had to be somewhat considerate and couldn’t be too obvious. But in front of reporters, it was a severe issue. Those who took pleasure in digging into celebrities’ privacies would love nothing more than for the stars to spout topics worth elaborating on, where a three-part topic could be stretched to a seven by them.

Britney had been attacked more than once for slip-ups in her speech, but sometimes this was also a good thing. After such incidents accumulated, her team deliberately planned a counterattack opportunity. It was on an ABC talk show where the host brought up the issue, and she clarified it sincerely.

"I’m not very smart," Britney had said on TV at the time, "The achievements I have today are not only due to my hard work but also because I’ve met good teachers, good agents, and good producers. With their support and help, I was able to shine so brightly. In fact, I tend to think about problems too simply, and my friends have told me more than once that I’m not very emotionally intelligent. So when faced with many questions, I can’t realize they have ulterior motives. I know that’s my problem, and I’ll try my best to improve myself, but I hope everyone can be a little more forgiving. Many things published in the newspapers are not what I really want to say. I’ve never wanted to hurt anyone; I’m just a simple girl who wants to sing for those who enjoy my music, and that’s all."

Her emotional performance, along with Adrian’s gentle push from behind, not only raised the talk show’s viewership but also garnered strong support from many fans, and some die-hard fans even launched a "Protect our Little Sweet" campaign—yes, Britney still won this nickname, and it was precisely Adrian who had spread it in secret. In her past life, this nickname had echoed around the world; there was no reason to give it up, right?

Faced with this overwhelming momentum, many entertainment reporters had to restrain themselves somewhat, and Britney’s sincere demeanor also won her even higher popularity.

Then, the adorable "Little Sweet" became the first celebrity to officially open a blog. This new medium, completely different from previous message boards and other forms of communication, immediately gained widespread adoration from her fans. Just hours after it was launched at the beginning of the year, the blog’s hit count had already broken through one hundred thousand, which was a considerable achievement for a blog in its infancy.

Although the embryonic form of blogging had existed since the early 1990s and had been largely refined by the late 1990s, its development was still slow for various reasons, such as the coalition of major newspapers launching news websites. However, judging by the timeline, the spring of blogging was soon to arrive, so Adrian had Britney open a blog. It was not only to help her better accumulate popularity but also convenient for him to get involved in the blogging industry, for which he had long been prepared.

This move was very effective. Fans wouldn’t miss any opportunity to interact with their idols, previously only through activities, concerts, or signing events. Now with this additional method, how could they not be overjoyed? Although separated by the internet, as long as the idol could see their messages and share various personal updates, it was enough to satisfy them.

With her leading the way as a super popular singer, many celebrities also opened their own blogs, and the blogging gradually entered the media industry’s field of vision. In fact, just when the major newspapers sought to monopolize online news with their news websites, some had noticed blogs, but no one had taken the initiative to break the monopoly nor anticipated the rapid arrival of the blogging era.

So this time, AC Media had once again outstripped them. Most of the celebrities who opened blogs were hosted on Yahoo. Although Adrian had sold all his Yahoo shares, AC Media still retained theirs, and had repurchased some after the shares hit the bottom, still holding significant sway on Yahoo’s board of directors. Also, with the dot-com bubble’s burst and Jerry Yang’s resignation, Yahoo was in need of invigorating performance. Therefore, at the suggestion of the directors representing AC Media, the blogging business came into full swing, just as Adrian had said, he had been prepared for a long time.

In short, through various initiatives, Britney’s popularity soared to new heights, suggesting she might even surpass Madonna to become the next pop queen. That’s why Adrian was so confident when he told Britney that selling two million copies in the first week was just the beginning. Of course, overtaking Madonna was an impossible feat. Despite the media hype, the twilight of the record industry was looming, and Britney still relied too much on electronic music without the strong personal brand that Madonna had. From the get-go, Adrian had set the right expectations for her—to leave a strong personal mark in the music world, and the unbreakable records were part of that.

With so many reporters outside the hotel, Adrian never got the chance to go out with Britney, since maintaining her image was crucial at that moment. Thankfully, although Britney was reluctant, she was obedient and spent two passionate days with him in the hotel. After that, Adrian left for New York. Asides from secretly supporting Britney’s signing event, he had other matters to attend to—there were more than just one woman for him in New York.

"What are you reading?" Adrian asked with curiosity after setting the plates on the table.

"’Totem and Taboo,’" Natalie mentioned emotionlessly, lifting the book in her hand as though she didn’t feel like talking much.

"Is it from the guy who links everything to sex?" Adrian teased nonchalantly.

"If you had seriously read Freud’s work on psychology, you wouldn’t come to that conclusion," Natalie replied indifferently.

"No matter what he wants to say, it’s dinner time now, so come over here," Adrian patted the chair in front of the small table and pulled it out slightly, "I specially ordered this from Ruth’s Restaurant."

Silently, Natalie put down the book and sat down. Although she frowned at the food in her plate—especially the French fried pork rolls—she started eating under Adrian’s care. Dinner was a solemn affair, from start to finish Natalie didn’t speak, but Adrian didn’t mind at all; he occasionally swirled the wine in his glass and smiled as he scrutinized her, seemingly pleased with her behavior.

"Looks like you’ve filled out a bit," Adrian said after dinner was over, cleaning up and then moving behind Natalie, who was enjoying the view from the balcony, and embracing her.

"Are you satisfied?" asked Natalie in a low voice, letting his hands roam over her body as she brushed her tousled hair back from her ears.

"Of course," Adrian said, still with that indifferent demeanor, "you’re much more enchanting now than you were a few months ago."

With that, he bent down to kiss her on the cheek and then changed the subject, "By the way, try to make time to come to Los Angeles at the end of this month or early next month."

"Is there a reason?" Natalie maintained her disinterested tone.

"Oh, of course, I’d like to see you in Los Angeles. And you shouldn’t always stay home; you should go out to improve your mood now and then," Adrian chuckled.

"I already had plans to go to Virginia with a classmate, but I have to cancel to be with you," Natalie huffed lightly.

"Alright, my fault," Adrian didn’t argue with her, "rest assured, I’m heading to Canada tomorrow, so feel free to chase after your classmate. Just remember what I said earlier: it’s not just that I want to see you, but ’Winter’s Bone’ is about halfway through editing and needs your voiceover work for some parts."

He paused, and an inscrutable smile flitted across his face, "Also, you might want to visit Keira, she is currently in Los Angeles shooting an American film, and she mentioned she’s been in touch with you."

"What are you up to now?" Natalie finally turned around, biting her lip with a hint of well-hidden dissatisfaction and abomination in her fearful gaze, "You want me to make connections for you? That’s not your style."

"Hey, what kind of person do you think I am?" Adrian put on an aggrieved look, "I have absolutely no relationship with Keira."

"Are you saying that wolves don’t eat meat?" Natalie couldn’t help but retort sarcastically.

"On that note, you could ask Keira herself. I’m sure with your intelligence, you’ll manage to inquire without raising any suspicions, right?" Adrian chuckled, then, caressing her cheek in an admiring tone, he said, "Speaking of which, you really do look alike. With just a little more makeup, the resemblance would be even stronger. Just imagine, it would be quite thrilling to have Amidala and her handmaiden in bed together."

Natalie’s complexion finally changed. She fiercely shook off Adrian’s hand and stormed into the room. Adrian shrugged his shoulders and let out a light laugh before following her in, "Alright, I was just joking..."

He always had ways to provoke her anger, just as he could always arouse her sexual desire in bed. No matter how much Natalie seemed to keep him at arm’s length, the seed of fear had been planted deep in her heart, making it impossible for her to resist. What Adrian needed to do was to continue teasing her gently and persistently, rendering her unable to cope, and eventually...

It was a pity, really. Holding Natalie in his arms, admiring her absent-minded state after reaching the heights of pleasure, Adrian couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. If he had just taken Keira that day and used some tricks, he might have been able to get both of them in bed together, but due to certain considerations, he had to give up that plan, of course, letting go now was for future gains.

I left Keira for you, Nata. What kind of performance will you put on when the time comes? Stroking the body of the girl lost in ecstasy on top of him, Adrian thought to himself.

After leaving New York, Adrian immediately went to Canada, where he planned to spend a pleasant weekend with Lin Zhiling. It was there he originally won her over, and revisiting the place now seemed meaningful. However, before that, he had to visit a family, and going there as a single man was preferable.

"I came to Canada for a vacation, and thinking that Avril should be at home, I decided to stop by for a visit," Adrian said, while handing a new album signed by Britney over to the beaming Matthew Lavigne and Michelle Lavigne, "I haven’t disturbed you, have I?"

"Of course not, you’re always welcome to stay with us, Ed," John Lavigne said with a warm smile.

"Is that so, that’s great. I’ll stay here tonight then," Adrian declared unabashedly, while glancing at Avril, who was pouting because her brother and sister were too eager to play Britney’s songs.

"You really have thick skin, Uncle Ed," Avril snuck away to find Adrian after Judi showed him to the guest room, and upon entering, she poked him indignantly, "My dad was clearly just being polite."

"Are you saying that you don’t welcome me staying at your place? Is that it?" Adrian asked with a grin.

Avril momentarily fell silent, unable to match Adrian in this aspect.

"Alright, let’s not talk about that," Adrian didn’t press further, smiling as he messed up her hair a bit, "Why bother, Vini? When you release your own new album, Matthew and Michelle will surely be the first to listen."

"But that won’t be until September," Avril said, somewhat reluctantly.

"Well, if you want to do it earlier, it’s not impossible..."

"Stop!"

Adrian hadn’t finished speaking when he was interrupted by the girl’s scream. She looked sullen, with a touch of indescribable awkwardness. After all, he had said before that the first single would be released on her birthday, and even if she wanted to take pride in front of her family, she wouldn’t want to give up this opportunity, which would be very meaningful.

"Then you’ll just have to wait," Adrian then said. If he had spoken nicely, Avril might not have minded anymore, but he had a mischievous smile on his face that inexplicably made the girl somewhat dissatisfied.

At that moment, her mother, Judi, came over, "Avril, are you bothering Ed again?"

"I am not," Avril replied, unhappily. Her eyes darted around, and suddenly an idea popped up, "I’m just inviting Ed to our event."

"Event?" Adrian asked curiously. "What event?"

"A skateboarding-themed event." Avril grinned, showing off her bright little canines, which were quite cute. But no matter how you looked at it, there seemed to be something hidden behind that smile, "Everyone gets together to compete in skateboarding,"

"Are you organizing a skateboarding event again? How many times have I told you, Avril," Judi sighed, "We don’t oppose you skateboarding, but you have to be careful. You guys always play so wildly, what if something happens? I heard that last year some kids were skateboarding on the streets, knocked someone over, and just ran away without a care. How can we have such irresponsible children in our town?"

Avril was about to retort, but upon hearing the latter part, she involuntarily turned her head away, and when she noticed Adrian’s meaningful smile, her cheeks turned even redder.

"Don’t say that, Judi. I believe these kids still have their limits," Adrian intervened diplomatically, "I think it would be nice to check it out, at least to get a side view of this little town’s scenery, right?"

So the invitation was accepted. He was curious about why Avril was so eager to have him come.

Soon, Adrian found out what the welcome meant when he arrived at the agreed location with Avril. A boy about the girl’s age asked with a grin, "Avril, is this the Uncle you were talking about?"

"Of course, this Uncle is a very outstanding producer," Avril said with a smirk as she introduced him to a bunch of boys and girls who were no older than 18 and no younger than 14. Then the greetings of "Uncle" came continuously.

Although, considering the youngest age present, being called "Uncle" by these kids was quite normal, being surrounded and called that by everyone, each with a teasing expression, inevitably made Adrian feel a bit gloomy, especially when one of the young boys provocatively asked, "Can you still play skateboard at your age, Uncle?"

Seeing his expression, Avril was incredibly happy on the outskirts. (To be Continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes, your support is my greatest motivation.)