Chapter 183: Side by Side

[Chapter 183: Side by Side]

"Ryan, check this out. Here are the company documents from 13 Management," Taylor's father Scott handed a few papers to Ryan.

Ryan glanced over them quickly. Taylor had been right last night; Scott was gearing up to relaunch his own career by leveraging his daughter's success.

This wasn't just about touring; everything related to Taylor, including endorsements, events, and scheduling, was being consolidated under one roof, managed by her dad. Essentially, it meant Taylor was getting her own studio.

This studio was nominally led by Scott, but it also included Taylor and Ryan in the mix.

"From now on, Taylor will operate independently from her current record label and won't be beholden to anyone..." Scott described his grand vision for the future.

In a way, Ryan acquiring Big Machine Records was pushing Scott's plans to materialize years earlier than expected.

Ryan looked up and locked eyes with Taylor.

"Dad, I think... it's better if Ryan handles these matters. You should enjoy life; your health is the priority," Taylor said with a playful grin.

"No, no, no," Scott immediately shook his head.

"The doctor said I'm as healthy as someone in their twenties; retirement is still a long way off for me. Ryan is so busy; how can he take care of these trivial matters? It's more convenient for me to handle it, and it's for both of your benefits," Scott continued.

"Ryan can manage; he has the time. You don't need to worry," Taylor quickly countered.

"Would I even know if he has time? This is how it's going to be decided," Scott said, slamming his hand on the table, visibly frustrated.

At that point, Taylor's mom chimed in: "Your dad and I have discussed this for a while. You and Ryan are both young and shouldn't be distracted. Besides, this will eventually be yours anyway."

"Um..." In front of her parents, Taylor found it hard to push back. She turned to Ryan with a pleading gaze.

"Mom and Dad have a point; we are indeed busy," Ryan encouraged Taylor.

"Ryan's right," Scott nodded immediately. A proud smile lit up his face.

"But..." Ryan swiftly changed the topic: "Mom and Dad aren't getting any younger, and Taylor will eventually have to take on her responsibilities. So, why not let her step up as the leader and steer the ship? All of us -- Mom, Dad, and I -- will support you."

Ryan looked at Taylor.

"Me?" Taylor paused, taken aback. This was quite different from what they had talked about yesterday. In her mind, she believed writing and singing were her primary duties, while everything else was handled by her parents or later by Big Machine Records and now Ryan. She had never considered taking on those responsibilities herself.

"Taylor is still young, and with the heavy touring schedule, how could she manage anything else?" Scott said, frowning slightly.

"The heavy schedule is only because there isn't a capable team or perhaps a lack of management," Ryan pointed out the underlying issue.

In the nightlife scene, some tasks didn't require his direct involvement; Sean always managed that for him. That this tour was falling apart had everything to do with Taylor's father.

"So are you saying that I'm not managing well?" Scott asked Ryan, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course not! You have vast experience, having worked on Wall Street for years; this is a walk in the park for you. But it's not the same for Taylor. You both can shield her from the harsh realities now, and I can in the future. But one day, you both will age. So while you're still in great shape, pass on your experience to Taylor," Ryan said with a warm smile.

Then, Ryan turned to Taylor: "I know this might feel a bit premature for you, but starting early means more room for error. What do you think?"

Taylor opened her mouth. Her mind was still racing, but then she thought back to Ryan's confident performance yesterday.

After all, Ryan was about the same age as her, right? If he could manage just fine, even if she couldn't completely match him, there was no reason she couldn't at least hold her own.

"Let's go with what Ryan suggested!" Taylor nodded firmly.

Why had she been hiding behind Ryan for so long? Why couldn't she walk beside him?

This approach would allow them both to go farther, wouldn't it? Being together was about making each other better.

In that moment, Taylor underwent a transformation, evolving from the pampered girl raised in comfort to a woman ready to stand on her own.

"I'm ready to take this first step!" Taylor glanced at her parents.

Her parents exchanged looks.

"Our daughter has grown up," her mom felt a swell of pride.

"Dad, what do you think?" Taylor turned back to her father.

"Tay, just know you will always be my favorite daughter. As long as you want to do this, I'll help make it happen!" Scott felt a surge of emotion.

The three of them hugged tightly before turning back to look at Ryan with hopeful eyes.

Reluctantly, Ryan stood up, and they all embraced.

"Ryan, I owe you a thank you. If it weren't for you, Taylor wouldn't have ventured to take this step anytime soon!" Scott said, gripping Ryan's hand.

...

"Is this good enough?" Taylor signed a legal document related to 13 Management, though her grip on the pen still looked a little awkward.

"From now on, 13 Management is your company," Scott nodded with approval.

"No, it's mine and Ryan's company," Taylor shook her head. While they all understood that family matters would usually be handled together, Taylor knew they would split the earnings.

"Even if we're not legally married yet, this is as good as marital property, especially since Ryan has invested in it; he deserves a major share," Taylor explained.

Ryan held half the shares in 13 Management, besides being the nominal president. The initial investment would turn into company debt, which would be paid back to Ryan, while Taylor, of course, would be the chairman.

...

After everything settled, Ryan briefed Taylor on a few key things, advising her to stay on top of the final stage of the set design. He then had to fly to Jonesborough to oversee the construction of the second concert stage.

"This time, no one's going to cover for you. You have to face the consequences on your own," Ryan reminded her.

Taylor nodded, but then hesitated, uncertainty creeping in. "What if I encounter a problem? Can I call you?"

"Of course, but try not to bother me with minor issues."

"Selfish! I'm just trying to help you make money," Taylor shot back.

They had discussed all this the night before but hesitated, fearing Taylor's parents wouldn't approve.

"Yours is mine, and mine is yours. So, let's not nitpick," Ryan said, smiling.

"Give me a kiss," Taylor shut her eyes.

Ryan leaned in, and they shared a passionate kiss right there on the construction site, surrounded by a handful of crew members.

"Call me when you get there," Taylor said reluctantly.

"We'll see each other in a few days," Ryan ruffled her hair.

"After the big screen, sound and lighting tests are completed, ask the people in these links to come over as soon as possible," Ryan added as a final instruction.

"Got it," Taylor waved to Ryan.

...

Once Ryan had left, Taylor turned around and realized many workers were watching her.

"Uh, ahem, let's get back to work," Taylor cleared her throat and felt a bit shy, even if she kept a straight face.

She mimicked Ryan and confirmed the progress of several segments again. After hanging out on site for a bit longer, she gathered the band and dancers for a final rehearsal on the newly constructed stage.

"Liz, you're stepping on the beat."

"And you, Grant. You're supposed to play rhythm guitar, not lead. Tone it down a bit."

"Paul, if I heard correctly, you messed up a few notes. Didn't sleep well last night?"

Taylor was exceptionally serious, pointing out issues the band members had.

"If something goes wrong during the performance, watch out for your paychecks!" Taylor aimed a stern look at the grinning Grant, her expression hardening.

Seeing that Taylor meant business this time, the musicians exchanged glances and smirked.

"Let's go again!" Taylor turned around for the second round of practice.

...

A few days later, at 7:30 p.m., in the ladies' dressing room.

Dressed in her school band uniform, Taylor had just finished her makeup and was helping the dancers with theirs.

Due to budget constraints, the stylist and makeup artist only designed the final makeup. The performers were responsible for their own makeup and styling for each tour, including Taylor.

"Almost done," Taylor nodded and stepped out of the dressing room, where chaos reigned backstage.

She gathered the already prepped band and dancers together.

"Now that we're at this point, I hope all of you let go of your stress and enjoy the next two hours," Taylor stretched out her hand, and everyone stacked their hands on top of hers. She herself felt some nerves because Ryan wasn't there.

"1, 2, 3, let's do this!" they all shouted in unison.

"Oh, you go back to the dressing room..." Taylor suddenly remembered something and instructed the person next to her.

Moments later, they brought back a box of blue paint.

With her right hand dipped in the paint, Taylor drew a "13" on her left hand's back. She considered it her protective charm.

At that moment, the charm and the ring on her finger symmetrically complemented each other.

...

"Artists and band, please take your positions! Taylor, it's time to hit the stage!" a voice came through the earpiece.

As the familiar live accompaniment of You Belong With Me flooded in, Taylor stood on the hydraulic lift, slowly rising...

Before her, she saw the packed arena, countless fans holding glowsticks!

Tonight's attendance rate was -- 100%.

*****

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