Chapter 59: Dual Version

[Chapter 59: Dual Version]

'After all, they have sent me the roster, so I have to check it out of courtesy, right?' He scanned through the names and quickly realized there wasn't anyone who caught his interest; he had always preferred those with long legs. As for Mary, he thought there was no need to delete her contact -- it could come in handy later.

Next, Ryan logged into the backstage of his paid music platform to take a look. He noticed that all the versions of his latest electronic dance tracks had their covers reset, and the descriptions featured SCHOOLBOY Records. While he hadn't made a splash on Beatport, at least the sales figures were looking much better compared to before signing. In fact, the versions released by SCHOOLBOY had significantly outpaced the older ones from Deadmau5's Mau5trap label.

The DJ who had once taken Ryan to the Ultra Music Festival was still touring nightclubs across various cities in the U.S., while Ryan's value had significantly increased recently. According to Marvin, his booking fees had surpassed those of Deadmau5, and even more clubs were interested in having him perform. However, Ryan was just getting started on his radio tour, so he needed to keep his focus on promotion.

...

Before shutting his computer, Ryan remembered to check in with the leggy girl. With a time difference of fourteen hours, it was afternoon there -- perfect for a chat.

[I heard your music last night at a nightclub! The crowd loved it; you really should record a live set]

[You still go to nightclubs?] Ryan found the key question. Although his music often played in those venues, he always kept his distance, only performing there.

[I went to support a friend. Is that a problem?]

[Did you drink?]

[Are you worried I might lose my virginity?]

[Just concerned for my fans.]

[I never said I was your fan.]

[Then how did you end up adding me in the first place?]

After that, there was a pause of a few minutes before she replied.

[I was just curious about you.]

Ryan quickly closed Facebook and switched to Skype for a video call, but Elizabeth Debicki didn't answer.

[What are you up to?]

He tried calling again, and this time she picked up, although the image was a bit blurry, and the video lagged, not synchronized with the audio. The current internet speed could only manage this level of transcontinental video calling.

Elizabeth looked a bit flustered as she fixed her hair, and after a moment, she managed to say something.

"What do you want?"

"Nothing much. Just checking in on you," Ryan said, intrigued by her look.

It had been nearly two months since they had last met in Florida, and back then, it had already been dusk, so he hadn't seen her face clearly.

Although he had seen photos of her, a video call had its perks; he could see her expressions and reactions more vividly.

"I'm not wearing any makeup," she said shyly, her eyes cast down.

"You don't look bad," he assured her.

The video call quality was poor, and after a bit more small talk, Elizabeth ended the call abruptly.

[It's time for you to go to sleep. Only by sleeping more can you grow taller and be obedient.]

Now that she knew Ryan was still in high school, the college student from the Rhode Island School of Design took on a big sister role, even though they were about the same age.

[Why do I need to grow tall?]

[I'm just a little too tall, and I'm always treated like an outlier.] She was more than six foot two, clearly the tallest in her group.

[But being tall has its perks] Ryan comforted her. [Like reaching high shelves.]

...

After the chat with Elizabeth, Ryan returned to his room and spent half an hour on the phone with Abigail.

Just as he hung up, Taylor called.

"What did you and Abigail talk about?" she asked curiously.

"Not much -- just a simple goodnight," he replied.

"Liar! I tried calling you several times and it was busy." Taylor pouted.

Time management was often tricky, especially when dealing with young girls who could be clingy.

"You have to stay on the line with me until I fall asleep, then you can hang up," Taylor insisted.

"I have to wake up early for that radio program you set me up for," he replied.

"That doesn't matter; you need to stay," he heard her voice lingering.

"Hello?"

"..."

"Okay, okay. I didn't realize you were so tired. Let's leave it at that. I'll be sure to listen to the Nashville channel in the morning."

...

"Good morning, everyone! Welcome to Coffee, Country & Cody at 7:30 AM. I'm Bill Cody, broadcasting live from the music capital, Nashville. Today, we have a special guest -- a rising DJ and electronic music producer hailing from Nashville, Ryan Rivers!"

"Nashville listeners, what's up? I'm Ray!" Ryan greeted the nationwide audience through the microphone.

While local channels were common, Nashville Channel was something special. It was a network of over twenty local channels under Cumulus Media, the second-largest commercial radio station company in the U.S., dedicated to country music. Ryan was set to be featured on a program broadcast across all twenty channels. Taylor had previously garnered great attention on this morning show, and the producers were eager to have her back, which led to Taylor recommending Ryan.

"Electronic music seems to be a trendy thing among young people, like MySpace. Can you tell us about it, Ray?"

"It originated in the U.S. and later became popular in Europe, but now it's making a comeback in North America..." Ryan began explaining. After appearing on multiple programs over the past few weeks, he felt quite confident handling the questions now.

This was likely one of the highest-rated radio shows Ryan had ever been on, so he naturally took it seriously. However, the host, Bill Cody, while not dismissive of Ryan, didn't seem to express much interest in electronic music at all. He asked routine questions, and the whole program felt rather flat.

Ryan figured that had to do with the radio audience; country music typically attracted an older crowd, and electronic music hadn't yet gone mainstream. Not many were interested.

Ryan suddenly had an idea -- couldn't there exist a fusion of country and electronic music? If there were such a song, it could open the door to the massive country music market and allow him to break into the mainstream.

If Joel heard that, he would probably seriously reply, "Only true artists like Deadmau5 have the capacity to do that."

...

After wrapping up that radio segment, Ryan hurried off to school. With finals approaching, he had to attend multiple exams and secure good grades; otherwise, he'd feel like his school year was wasted.

Upon arriving in the classroom, there was still an hour left to the exam.

The teacher didn't comment and simply handed him the test paper. Ryan was already a star, and in some ways, he enjoyed certain privileges -- like skipping classes whenever he wanted.

Ryan returned to his desk, and with his pen racing across the paper, he tackled the questions easily due to the prep he had completed with the tutoring sessions. He was down to the last essay prompt: "Please write an essay titled The Meaning of Growth: Finding Direction Amid Confusion."

Reflecting on his recent experiences, Ryan began to write. Just as he started, he suddenly felt an exhilarating rush as if his hands were moving of their own accord.

♫

Feeling my way through the darkness

Guided by a beating heart

I can't tell where the journey will end

But I know where to start

They tell me I'm too young to understand

They say I'm caught up in a dream

Well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes

Well that's fine by me

So wake me up when it's all over

When I'm wiser and I'm older

All this time I was finding myself

And I didn't know I was lost

♫

Ryan suddenly heard the strumming of an acoustic guitar and the swaying of a mandolin, and a cool feeling of folk songs came over him.

♫

I tried carrying the weight of the world

But I only have two hands

I hope I get the chance to travel the world

But I don't have any plans

I wish that I could stay forever this young

Not afraid to close my eyes

Life's a game made for everyone

And love is the prize

♫

So wake me up when it's all over

When I'm wiser and I'm older

All this time I was finding myself

And I didn't know I was lost

♫

A cool and simple male voice with a gorgeous soul music voice reverberated repeatedly until... a series of electronic synthesizers resonated in Ryan's mind. This was another sound Ryan had never heard before.

It sounded similar to the previous sawtooth wave at first glance, but it was completely different when you looked closely. It sounded like a mixture of electric piano and organ, with a full and rich layering, as if it came from Gatsby's gorgeous party, giving people a magnificent and elegant and pleasant listening experience.

Of course, it also includes general information such as the MV, song title, and producer.

Wake Me Up by Avicii By Avicii.

Ryan opened his eyes and found that everyone in the classroom was looking at him.

He picked up the test paper, handed it to the teacher quickly, and then left the classroom without looking back.

*****

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