Chapter 200: Inside the Ultra Music Festival

[Chapter 200: Inside the Ultra Music Festival]

"You left me all alone in Los Angeles. When you needed me, you came around, but when you don't, I'm just thrown aside. I'm a woman too, and I have emotional needs. I kept you company when Taylor wasn't home, and now when she is, I'm just your neighbor. All I'm asking for is this," she said, her eyes glistening.

Honestly, she didn't have much "awareness" and didn't really know how to advance or retreat. But she could express how lonely she felt. Ryan had passed through Los Angeles before without even checking in on her, which amplified her sense of isolation, prompting her to make this visit.

She was still just an aspiring actress, but after the release of 2 Broke Girls, that might change. There was a good chance she would gain some recognition.

Ryan sighed, silent for a moment, then slowly replied, "I can let you stay nearby..." He tapped the table twice. "But don't come here."

"Then I'll only visit when Taylor is home. Satisfied?" Daddario shrugged.

No, just pretend I never said that. 

"Anyway, give me that." Ryan said. What if the neighbors saw? What if a trail was left behind? It was a risky game.

There's no way I'm digging a tunnel between her place and mine.

At that moment, the sound of Taylor barreling down the stairs caught his attention.

Daddario quickly wiped the corners of her eyes.

...

When Taylor came down, she had changed into a fitted dress paired with a knitted cardigan, light makeup on her face, and her hair pulled into a ponytail, draping down over her shoulder. She looked like a classic housewife.

Ryan found his breath caught. This was the first time he saw Taylor dressed this way, and it gave her a youthful charm he hadn't noticed before.

"Why are your eyes red?" Taylor immediately noticed Daddario's change as she took a seat again.

"It's about the set. That Amber keeps taking the spotlight from Daddario because she thinks she's soft. It's been rough for her, so she came to complain to me," Ryan shrugged.

"Let's not even get started on that Amber. I can't stand her," Daddario chimed in, launching into a slew of complaints about Amber's antics. This part wasn't fabricated.

Taylor listened, momentarily stunned. "That woman really is hard to deal with."

"Enough about her; I'm here primarily to look for a place nearby. I've heard this area is one of the best places to live in the whole country," Daddario continued.

Taylor nodded immediately. "You're absolutely right. The weather, the environment, and the ocean view -- aside from the costly real estate, it has no flaws."

Daddario shot Ryan a knowing glance. "You don't have to worry about that; my fiance has got this."

"That's true; any man you consider must be impressive."

"He's okay; he can't compare to your Ryan."

"That's too generous; Ryan just got lucky." Taylor was more pleased when others praised Ryan, kind of like being praised herself.

"Since you have the funds, that real estate agent who helped us last time would be perfect for you and your fiance. I can have Ryan give you their number, and he can join you two to check out some places," Taylor suggested.

"Really? That's amazing! I'll pick the most expensive one!" Daddario nodded enthusiastically.

"Ahem, now that you're not making much as an actress, you'll need your fiance to front the cost. Don't put too much pressure on him, right?" Ryan quickly interjected.

If he didn't say something now, it would just spiral out of control.

"He's loaded; you don't need to worry about it," Daddario raised an eyebrow at Ryan.

...

After breakfast, Ryan began talking with Taylor about promoting his new song at the Ultra Music Festival. They needed to discuss scheduling.

"Are you sure we can set up a side stage at Ultra? If it's confirmed, I'll have Robert Allen, our tour manager, adjust the tour dates to free up two days," Taylor lay on the soft couch, legs bent, popping grapes into her mouth as she spoke.

One moment, she exuded a lady vibe, while the next, she was just a goofy girl at home. It was evidence she still hadn't fully embraced her "housewife" identity.

Daddario, on the other hand, sat up straight and even reached for some of Taylor's grapes while listening to their conversation.

"Even without a side stage, you need to come. Ultra would never not welcome you; you should just inform Allen," Taylor suggested, spitting out the grape skin.

"Are you and Ryan performing at the festival?" Daddario asked suddenly.

Taylor looked up at Daddario, "Yeah, how long are you staying in Florida? You should have your fiance come see it."

"He'll probably be away for work. As for me... the pilot episode hasn't aired yet. I do have a lot of free time, and I really want to check out the festival. I've never been to one before," Daddario said, munching on a grape while glancing over at Ryan.

"Just one piece of advice: absolutely do not drink anything a stranger hands you, especially anything with GHB," Taylor warned.

"With GHB?" Daddario asked. "What's GHB?"

"It's a substance that knocks you out cold; you wake up later with no memory of what happened."

"Yeah, I might have had that in a drink last time," Taylor nodded vigorously.

They continued to share stories as Taylor spoke without a hint of reserve. She engaged easily in conversation.

...

Ryan watched their exchange for a moment, and seeing how smooth things were, he excused himself and headed to his study upstairs.

He first dialed Marvin to get the contact info for the festival's organizer, then he placed the call.

"Ryan! My dear Ryan! You're the most exciting guest at Ultra this year! Is there something you need? Just ask and I'll do my best to fulfill it," the voice on the other end cheered as soon as he recognized Ryan's voice.

"What should I call you?" Ryan asked.

"Russell Faibisch. You can call me Russell."

Ryan got straight to the point. "If possible, I'd like to set up a side stage at this year's Ultra."

"You're asking about that? Ryan, this could add significant expenses to the festival... I don't doubt your appeal, but Ultra only sells general admission tickets. It seems like a lot of attendees, but the box office isn't as strong," Russell replied hesitantly.

"I have a few artists under my wing who can perform on the side stage; they'd just take a nominal fee," Ryan explained, planning to give Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, and the two singers he had introduced Taylor to some exposure. The more popular they became, the more revenue they could generate.

In other words, Ryan viewed his opportunity to make money as a bargaining chip.

Russell quickly caught onto his strategy. "Oh, of course, bringing in a few newcomers is absolutely fine, but there's no need for an additional stage."

He thought Ryan's request was a bit excessive.

"What about Taylor Swift?"

"Hmm..."

"I'll be debuting my latest single at the festival, which isn't part of our previous contracts."

"..."

"I'll be performing alongside Taylor just like at the Grammys."

"..."

"Taylor will also perform a new song -- brand new material that's never been exposed before!"

"That sounds good, but you know about the cost issue... If you can cover some of the expenses, that would be ideal," Russell chuckled over the phone.

"No problem," Ryan readily agreed.

"You're quite generous."

"I can shoulder some of the costs, but I'll also need a share of the ticket sales from that stage."

"The tickets will be general admission."

"Not an issue." Ryan had the resources, and when it came to making money, he was more than willing to jump in. The festival was different from other projects -- it was his "main gig." His DJ skills would shine there, just like at a nightclub.

"Impressive, it's no wonder you're a star partnered with Dior! Since you're interested in participating, I'm certainly welcoming it. The festival side is no problem, but we do have a point to discuss... the Miami city council needs to approve this. You know how large-scale festivals can introduce many uncertainties, and we have to file for the performance venue in advance.

There's also another matter: since revenue sharing is involved, I must inform my partners. I'll handle the communication, and you won't need to be on the front line," Russell added.

"You have partners?" Ryan asked, surprised.

He had believed Ultra was solely under Russell's jurisdiction all along.

"Yes, it's some leftover complication from the early days. Let me put it this way: I have some disputes with my partner regarding revenue distribution. He feels undercompensated, but you should know he's hardly involved. We also have differing opinions on the future direction of Ultra. He might try to hinder your side stage plans, so follow my guidance on this, and we can make it happen," Russell reiterated.

He seemed to not want Ryan to have any connection with the other Ultra Music Festival co-founder.

*****

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