America 1982-Chapter 296 - 15: Reveal miracles among the enemies, manifest special abilities in the land of Han, so that the elect may praise the name of God_2
Even every time she made an appearance, someone would hold up enlarged nude photos to mock her.
Photographer Tommy, by selling the photos to Penthouse magazine, earned a few hundred thousand dollars, and Penthouse, by publishing her photos in the magazine, made twenty-six million in a single issue.
Only she herself was injured, her Miss United State America title revoked, all her endorsement deals lost, with damages amounting to millions.
And the American film and television industry shut her out, they didn’t dare offer her work, fearing that her unhealthy, imperfect image would provoke audience complaints and negatively affect their companies.
She tried to sue Penthouse, for publishing the photos without her permission, but the other party presented a model release form, the ownership of the photos did not belong to her, the model, and the photographer had the right to sell them. Penthouse had purchased the photos and also had the right to publish them.
Before her American entertainment career even started, it was already chewed up and spat out by the American entertainment industry, completely ostracizing her.
At that moment, the doorbell rang, Vanessa took off her gloves and walked over to open the door—her agent and good friend Ramon stood outside.
"Seeing you always brightens my mood, Ramon, because you bring me work. So, what is it today? Whatever it is, I’m ready," Vanessa said with a warm, sunny smile upon seeing her agent, inquiring thus.
In the past two years, thanks to her agent and friend Ramon, she had been offered some jobs, albeit as a makeup artist, backup singer, or playing unflattering roles in third-rate sitcoms, but at least it ensured she didn’t end up completely unemployed and bankrupt, living in the slums.
Of course, she also had to thank her parents for ultimately covering a large part of the damages, saving her from dying in the fall of 1984, chased by countless advertisers for breach of contract penalties.
"There are two jobs. One is for an English black female artist who has come to Broadway from London to perform in a musical. She needs a makeup artist in New York for about two weeks, offering a weekly wage of three hundred and fifty dollars," Ramon said as he stepped in, looking around the neat room, speaking in a calm voice.
Vanessa turned around, walked to the corner of the living room, picked up her makeup box, and shrugged cutely at Ramon: "So, what are we waiting for? I can start anytime."
"Vanessa, you need to face reality," Ramon, seeing Vanessa all ready to go, did not praise her work ethic but frowned and spoke with a tone that was stern and somewhat emotional.
"Of course, I face reality," Vanessa looked puzzled at Ramon, "I won’t make them dislike me, I won’t be jealous of them, I’ll mention nothing of my past, I’m just a professional makeup artist, you know I never say anything, I just do the job I’m supposed to do."
Ramon looked at the photo on the wall that was full of artistry and had ultimately caused Vanessa to tumble from her pedestal, "The reality I’m talking about isn’t about you being willing to take on these small, fragmentary jobs every day. Vanessa, you need to accept it—it’s unlikely you’ll ever be considered by those major TV networks and film companies. You’re no longer likely to be the beloved star."
"Ramon, I can’t promise if those big companies will give me a chance, but what I should be doing now is to at least make everyone who sees me not hate me. Before I was Miss United State America, I was a makeup artist, a backup singer, an unknown actress. It’s just continuing the work I did before." Vanessa told Ramon, "I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that attitude."
Ramon shifted his gaze from the photo to Vanessa’s face, silent for a few seconds before speaking again:
"The other job... there’s an established adult film company in California that wants you to star in a movie. They are willing to pay five hundred thousand for your first appearance in a small film."
Vanessa looked at Ramon in astonishment, unable to believe the words that her friend had just said, "You, are suggesting I act in those adult films?"
"Switch to a different industry, make more money; there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s been a long time since I’ve received any commission from you, I don’t even know if there’s a chance to draw commission anymore. I’ve been your agent for so long, what have I gained? Nothing. You’ve held on for so long, what have you gained? Nothing. So give up on your illusions, be practical; it’s time to make some money. If you agree, I promise, with your reputation, you could make at least three million in the first year in this line of work. If you’re willing to work harder, including some Las Vegas nightclub shows, five million isn’t out of the question..."Ramón persuaded Vanessa with earnestness.
"So, they insult me by calling me a slut, and I’m supposed to fulfill their wishes, actually become a shameless slut?" Vanessa stared blankly at her agent, "Let all those who laugh at me have the last laugh?"
Ramon lowered his head, "If you insist on just being a makeup artist, all I have left to say is, goodbye, Vanessa. I need another job. There’s a black female actress who needs an agent. Her assistant approached me, hoping I could help her. Goodbye."
After finishing, agent Ramon turned to leave through the front door, and Vanessa called out from behind him, "Ramon."
