Chapter 186: Music Director

[Chapter 186: Music Director]

[This is all the information we have.]

[Can you get into Mar-a-Lago?]

[Not a chance. It's not just the membership fee; the people allowed in have to have extensive prestige, like Bill Koch or at the very least, Bill Belichick's (NFL coach) level.]

The investigation seemed to have hit a dead end.

[However, if you're interested in continuing the investigation, I have another angle... but it comes at a high cost.]

Ryan tapped on the keyboard.

[The cost? If you want money, just say it, but I have a new condition you might find interesting.]

[What condition?]

[Don't you think the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is missing something?]

[Don't tell me it's male models, I've already moved on from that.]

[Having you as a male model would be a bit of a waste. I mean music -- a music director. Electronic pop is a new trend that aligns perfectly with the broad entertainment theme of the Victoria's Secret Show.]

Ryan remembered she had mentioned last time how she felt she lacked control over the show. This could not only boost the show but also help Sharon place one of her own in it, making it easier for Ryan to continue his investigation too. Quite the triple win.

[Aren't you already preparing new songs? You could use this new song as a trial. What do you think?]

[I think I'll pass.] Ryan rejected the idea immediately. He didn't want to get caught up in this mess, and besides, becoming a music director would only provide him with a little extra income, without significantly benefiting his career.

And this money wouldn't come free -- he'd have to produce a single for Victoria's Secret, conveniently labeled as a "promotional song."

[Are you really not considering it?] Sharon asked again.

[Not interested.] Ryan was resolute.

Since her offer didn't sway Ryan, he wouldn't offer her help on the side either.

[Fine, I'll pursue other channels.] Sharon ended the conversation.

Ryan was just one of her backup options, and she certainly wouldn't put all her hopes on him. She didn't forget to donate a sum to Ryan on the fan forum, the amount was a bit more than usual but still not much. A few phone calls were worth that, bringing her total contributions over the threshold of "3."

Within just a few hours, that "3" suddenly struck back, reclaiming the top spot.

...

Paris, Le Ritz Hotel.

"Hey, Ryan! I finally found you!" Kanye squeezed through the crowd, a few friends in quirky outfits trailing behind him, looking like they stepped from another dimension.

"Are those plastic straws?" Ryan noticed one of the decorations on a person's shoulder.

"We were outside for the media for about ten minutes." Kanye sported his signature white shutter shades, a hit from last year's music video.

Kanye then introduced his friends.

"This is Virgil Abloh, a design graduate working on graphic design related to me." Kanye pointed to one of his friends.

"Virgil really admires you; he's a DJ and is obsessed with your music. In his mind, you stand alongside Daft Punk." Kanye continued with the introductions.

Ryan embraced Virgil and sensed he wanted to say something.

"Let me handle this; Virgil dreams of performing at your nightclub. He worked at one near campus back in school, trust me, he's very professional. You're going to appreciate him." Kanye bragged.

"Here... here are some of my demos. I posted a few electronic tracks online; honestly, they were inspired by your work." Virgil said, slipping a USB drive into Ryan's jacket pocket.

"Then head to the New Orleans branch." Ryan casually suggested.

That place was about to have its grand opening, and both nightclubs had performances at the same time, so staff was definitely needed.

He took it as a simple arrangement without knowing that this unassuming designer might achieve great success in the future.

...

"Hi, Lydia, long time no see. You look gorgeous today." Ryan greeted Lydia Hearst, who just arrived. As soon as she made her entrance, a small wave of excitement rippled through the venue, as many attendees came up to greet her.

"Thanks for the invite, Ryan." Lydia smiled without any pretension.

The Hearst family was quite well-known in fashion and media. Hearst Corporation published numerous magazines, including major fashion publications like Harper's Bazaar and Elle, spanning over forty titles from male and female fashion to home decor and technology.

They also owned dozens of local newspapers, a complete television network with 29 local affiliates, and co-founded A+E Networks with Disney, even holding a 20% stake in ESPN, not to mention numerous online ventures related to various industries.

But the family preferred to maintain a low profile. Lydia was one of only two family members to publically appear, the other being her cousin Amanda. Lydia rose to fame quickly, featuring on countless covers and collaborating with many photographers while rejecting numerous endorsements along the way.

"I'm looking forward to your designs later..." Lydia smiled.

Looking forward? Sorry, that had nothing to do with me.

"After the event, give me your private address." Ryan said suddenly.

"Uh?" Lydia looked momentarily surprised.

"I'm going to send you some clothes." Ryan shrugged. That's how this industry worked; sending clothes to celebrities was just part of the deal. If they appeared in just one snapshot wearing them, that was a win.

"Oh, sure, that works."

"Also, about that cameo in the sitcom." Ryan didn't forget this matter.

"We'll discuss it later; I need to confirm the timing with you." Lydia nodded, also interested in pursuing television and film.

...

During their conversation, Ryan's peripheral vision caught sight of a man he didn't recognize. He wondered if he was a friend of the Olsen sisters.

As the man saw Lydia, he approached quickly, revealing his slicked-back hair and wearing a striking blue suit, standing tall and slender.

Lydia turned, her expression shifting to one of mild embarrassment.

"Chasing after celebrities? I just got word that you were at Le Ritz." The man with a goatee said, not bothering to greet Ryan.

"His design concepts are quite unique, aren't they?" Lydia smiled.

The man smirked but didn't reply.

"Ryan, let me introduce you. This is Antoine Arnault." Lydia stated.

Heir of LVMH?

Ryan quickly recalled the details. This man currently worked alongside his sister at LV, serving as the communications director.

"Hello, big star." He nodded, neither dismissive nor really respectful.

"How do you know him?" Antoine inquired.

"From a party -- Paris's party." Lydia replied.

"I knew it; you shouldn't be getting close to those people." Antoine frowned.

That seemed to include Ryan too.

Ryan reflected on how a celebrity would hardly hold weight against the heir to such a large luxury goods empire.

"I'm going to take a seat." Lydia nodded, seizing the chance to leave.

"You've been making quite a name for yourself lately." Only then did Antoine look at Ryan seriously.

"But if you walk too much at night, there is also the risk of capsizing in the ditch." He chuckled lightly, feeling that this overnight star was being reckless. There were many like him in the U.S. who shot to fame only to vanish just as quickly in a few years.

"Do you have an invitation?" Ryan asked at that moment.

"Ha, of course; I know the Olsen sisters." He nodded and walked straight inside.

Just as that happened, the commotion at the entrance signaled someone's arrival.

Anna Wintour had arrived.

Antoine looked surprised by Anna's entrance.

*****

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