King of Hollywood-Chapter 569 - 290: 1, 2, 3, 4?!

MVs are not movies, so no matter how challenging, they typically take just a few days to wrap up. In most cases, if perfection isn’t necessary, three days should be enough. But this MV is different from the rest; it commemorates the 100th episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and also serves as the second lead single from Britney’s second album. Plus, with the TV series’ production team already hyping it up, many fans of the show and the music alike know about this collaboration with Britney, with most quite excited and highly anticipating it. Given such a build-up, a few hastily shot scenes wouldn’t have done it justice.

Therefore, the record company specifically invited John Coran to direct the MV. He has worked with Madonna and Mariah Carey several times and is considered one of the top music video directors in the industry. The story itself is carefully crafted, with Britney portraying someone enduring relationship troubles that merge into the storyline, witnessing Buffy’s various experiences, and finding new strength. Many classic moments from the TV series will be recreated—even if just for a few seconds—and Sarah has quite a few outfit changes, nearly cycling through every look from the 100 episodes. Given such glamor and finesse, I believe it will certainly attract a lot of attention once aired.

As for Adrian playing the male lead, well, by now almost all the main producers of the series are well aware of his relationship with Sarah, so they just overlooked that. Besides, he won’t be showing his full face in the MV.

And indeed, when the MV was released, it sent scores of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fans into a screaming frenzy. They were dissatisfied because the male lead’s true face wasn’t revealed from start to finish. They weren’t sure if it was Angel, the character who had a flirty relationship with Buffy in the first three seasons, because the two were so compatible. Even though Angel left after the third season, fans of Buffy yearned to see them together.

In response to this, the producers eventually clarified that the MV’s male lead was not David Boreanaz, who played Angel, because the plot shown in the MV wasn’t necessarily taken from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" storylines. Many fans were disappointed, but they accepted it. Though Britney wasn’t as beloved as Buffy in their hearts, the fact that the current top-popular idol singer chose to celebrate the 100 episodes in such a manner was still seen as a sincere gesture by the production side.

Of course, all that was in the future. For the time being, Adrian not only had to play his part well in the final portion of the MV but also had to deal with an increasing number of girls.

"Congratulations, Britney, the request rate for ’Oops! I did it again’ is truly impressive. Your new album will surely be even more popular," Christina said to Britney on the open space outside the studio, her face beaming with a brilliant smile in the sunlight that seemed genuinely sincere. However, both Britney and Adrian could see the discontent and unwillingness in her eyes.

"Thanks, just a bit of luck," Britney said smugly. Fortunately, under Adrian’s guidance she had learned to hold her tongue. Yet, the "I just outdid you again" sentiment was very clear.

Given the success of her previous album—sales exceeded 15 million worldwide, and "baby one more time" still hovered on the Billboard top 100—after some thought and analysis, Adrian decided against creating a completely new album for Britney. Instead, he chose to continue with the previous album’s style, hence "Oops! I did it again" remained the lead single, and "far away from home" was selected for the second wave. Of course, the MV for "Oops! I did it again" was brand new because Britney’s eyeshadow in the original was just too hideous.

As expected, this catchy song became immensely popular, shooting up the radio request charts and reaching levels usually only achieved by a few of the most outstanding female singers. Even though Christina overtook Britney at the Grammy Awards and Adrian had contributed two outstanding songs to her last album, which performed well in Europe, she still fell significantly short of Britney’s sales and popularity.

The competition between the two started back in their MMC days and continued under Adrian’s orchestration to the present. Although it hadn’t evolved into a bedroom rivalry yet, both knew they had slept with Adrian. With Britney’s first single receiving rave reviews and the second featuring Adrian in the MV, it was only natural for Christina to show up on set to assert her presence. In fact, if this weren’t a public venue with many other unrelated people around, Britney and Christina would probably already be clinging to him, one on each side.

"It’s not just luck. Without Britney’s consistent hard work, the song wouldn’t be as impressive," Adrian interjected diplomatically, "Christina’s new album is also nearing completion and will be released in a few weeks. I believe, with her vocal talent, she’ll achieve great success too—you have to admit, Britney, Christina does have better vocal skills than you."

"I admit that, but vocals aren’t everything," Britney said with a hmph as she looked at Christina.

"Vocal ability is fundamental, though," Christina retorted without holding back. The two locked eyes in a relentless stare, as if electricity crackled between them in the air.

"What are they doing? It looks so weird," Avril, coming over from Sarah’s side, curiously asked at that moment.

Although this young girl was currently an exchange student taking classes while being trained at her company, as Adrian’s personal pick and someone he had specially gone to Canada to sign, she did enjoy a few privileges in the company. Especially after Britney and Christina’s rapid rise to fame, everyone recognized that Adrian had an excellent eye for talent, so her visiting the set to observe the MV shoot was quite normal.

Due to the brother-sister relationship, Avril wasn’t very fond of Britney. Although she initially asked for an autograph at once, that was just due to the sibling connection. On the flip side, she got along quite well with Christina after getting to know her. However, after spending more time together, Avril came to see Britney as a very naive girl despite her seemingly negative emotional intelligence, and slowly they became friends with whom she could somewhat converse.

Avril spent most of her time at school and practicing, and Britney and Christina had their own jobs and had to travel everywhere, so she wasn’t very clear about the conflict between the two.

"It’s nothing, they’re friends but also competitors, so it’s inevitable," Adrian explained quietly, making gestures with his hands.

"It’s quite interesting," Avril said thoughtfully, pinching her chin as she watched the two still going toe-to-toe. Being a relatively innocent and simple girl, she couldn’t see much behind it, and naturally, she wasn’t going to make any further assumptions.

"You’re making rapid progress. Maybe next year you could consider releasing a single to test the waters. Perhaps you should find a friend-cum-rival?" Adrian half-joked.

"I don’t need that, Uncle Ed," Avril immediately made a face.

"Alright then, even if there isn’t one in the company, there are other competitors out there, Vini," Adrian chuckled.

Avril couldn’t help but roll her eyes and looked frustratedly at him but also a bit helpless. Since she could call Adrian ’Uncle’ and used ’Ed’ - which she only found out later was the wrong short form, as ’Ad’ was the correct one - and more importantly, ’Ed’ also had another layer of profound meaning if both letters were capitalized. After she found this out, many people in the record company joked about the boss behind his back.

By the time Avril realized this, it was too late. Even Adrian had heard about it, so he also started calling her "Vini." So "Uncle Ed" became her regular name for him in the daily exchange, which had turned into a spectacle at the record company.

"Okay, Uncle Ed, you’re going to keep the promise you made to me, right?" Avril asked confidently, changing the subject.

"Of course, I know. You’ve started your summer vacation, so when do you and your family want to come over?" Adrian, of course, knew what she was referring to.

"Do I have to come with my family?" Avril pouted.

"That’s for sure. Otherwise, your parents might think I’ve kidnapped and sold you, Vini," Adrian replied with a laugh.

"Save those stories for three or four-year-olds," Avril rolled her eyes, then became wistful again, "I wonder if New Zealand is as beautiful as you say."

Adrian didn’t respond, just smiled and patted her head.

"I have a question, Ed," Sarah suddenly said after finishing the music video shoot, sending away Britney and Christina, and taking Avril back to Jules’s place.

"I’m happy to answer any of your questions," Adrian smiled as he drove.

"Really?" Sarah raised an eyebrow, and although she sensed a bit of malice in his smile, Adrian still nodded, "Of course."

"Well, then—" Sarah’s voice drew out playfully, "did you start having designs on me after you saw me at the restaurant?"

Even with mental preparation, Adrian was still caught off guard by the question, but who was he now? He recovered after a few seconds and then asked with a smile, "That’s not an easy question to answer, Sarah. What made you suddenly think to ask it?"

"It’s because you signed Britney and Christina when MMC disbanded, and then last year, you specifically went to Canada to sign Avril," Sarah replied leisurely, "There are many more examples like this."

"It sounds like I’m some kind of demon who goes around luring little girls," Adrian said, shrugging his shoulders.

"That’s exactly what you are." Sarah hummed lightly, but her eyes were filled with laughter, without a hint of any other expression.

Adrian shook his head with a light chuckle and continued to watch the traffic while he responded, "Well, to be honest, indeed I did, but at that time, it was only because I found you interesting, without any other thoughts. I even admired you somewhat, knowing what you had been through—it really wasn’t easy for you."

Sarah didn’t interrupt, sitting in the passenger seat quietly looking at him with a soft smile.

"What really made me think about it was when you came to my office looking for me that day," Adrian continued, Sarah’s cheeks reddened, but she kept listening, "I can’t deny that I felt somewhat dismissive at first, but after truly understanding you, that feeling vanished instantly. Then I told myself, this outstanding girl should be mine."

He spoke calmly, but there was an indisputable certainty in his tone.

"She’s not only outstanding and kind but also willing to give everything for the person she loves. Where else could you find such a wonderful girl? So I didn’t hesitate to agree to her request; it’s my duty to protect her from getting hurt," he went on.

Then, there was silence in the car, only the low sound of their breathing, until after a moment, Adrian’s voice broke the silence, "Are you satisfied with this answer?"

"Very satisfied," Sarah immediately replied. She had been gazing at him with tender eyes the whole time, her wholehearted demeanor as if nothing else in the world could capture her attention aside from the man in front of her.

Adrian smiled slightly and deliberately leaned his head toward her. Following that, Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a firm kiss on his face.

"Wait, I’m driving..." freёnovelkiss-com

She was just that kind of girl, bold and passionate like Kate and Charlize, which is why the three of them got along so well and often exhibited great understanding of each other. If it weren’t for acting early and investing so much emotion, it would be hard to say if she would have become so attached to her. Of course, they each had their unique qualities, and there were things that only she would propose without hesitation, but if the time and place weren’t right...

"Can I not eat this please, Mrs. Galen?" Lily sat in the chair, pouting and continuously poking the fried egg on her plate with a fork.

"Certainly not, darling, this is good for you," Mrs. Galen, who was in charge of taking care of her, said with a smile as she shook her head.

"Even grownups shouldn’t eat too greasy," Lily tried hard to express her point.

"Not just kids, adults too, but dear, this is the first time you’re having fried eggs for breakfast this month," Mrs. Galen overruled her proposal, "so the issue you’re talking about doesn’t exist. Even your father would give the same answer."

"...Okay then." The little one replied sullenly, starting to push around the fried eggs on her plate.

The white egg whites surrounded the puffy yolk in the middle, perfectly fried and appetizing at first glance. Lily had an ulterior motive for what she said.

"Can I go see Dad after I finish?" The little one, half a glass of milk down, asked again.

"Um... no, dear, your dad... he’s still resting, along with your mom," Mrs. Galen said, wearing a somewhat troubled expression, like a mother unable to stop her child’s mischief. "He’ll be up soon; please don’t disturb him, okay?"

"But I just promised you something..." Lily puffed out her cheeks, bargaining.

"I know what you’re up to, you mischievous little thing," Mrs. Galen said with a smile, pinching her small cheek, "We’ve agreed before that if you promise me something, I’ll promise you something in return, but this time it really isn’t possible."

"You can’t lie to kids!" The little one protested loudly, to no avail.

"Don’t try to haggle, dear," Mrs. Galen shook her head, not giving her any chance.

Lily huffed in annoyance and continued to confront the fried eggs on her plate. Her little brain was smart, but devising such a tactic was already pushing her limits. However, this didn’t mean she had no other methods. After deliberately eating her fried eggs for several minutes and making sure Mrs. Galen wouldn’t be cross with her for any further fuss, she left the kitchen temporarily. The little one quickly slipped off her chair, tiptoed to the door, peeked around, then dashed towards the stairs. Her movements were agile and light, like a cat, making not a sound.

Only after she scampered up the stairs did she let out a giggle of excitement and pride. Mrs. Galen might be formidable, but she had managed to escape successfully. At this thought, Lily couldn’t help but want to stick out her chest and snort with her nostrils flared... Okay, better not snort. Dad said that would make her look like a proud little pig. Even though guinea pigs are cute, the bigger ones aren’t quite as endearing.

Shaking her head, Lily cast aside these messy thoughts and concentrated on identifying the doors in the corridor. She had long wanted to try waking up Mom and Dad, like climbing onto the bed and jumping around on Dad or lifting Mom’s quilt and tossing ice packs inside, like they did on TV. As for how they’d react? Ah, that wasn’t for her to worry about.

After wandering back and forth several times, the little one still wasn’t sure which bedroom Dad would be sleeping in. Bedrooms were generally fixed, but sometimes someone else would sleep in them, like the time she blundered into what should have been Dad’s room and found Aunt Yukie there, or when Aunt Charli and Aunt Sarah shared Mom’s room. It wouldn’t have the same surprise effect if she snuck in to find someone else there.

Several minutes later, Lily finally grasped the handle of the third door on the left side of the hallway. Dad often said the view from this bedroom was great—if he wasn’t in his own room, he would generally be here.

Softly pulling down on the handle, she opened a door crack silently and poked her head in. Her eyes lit up—she could see Mom lying on the bed.

Lily couldn’t help but chuckle quietly but covered her mouth just in time. After pausing for a few seconds and seeing no movement from Mom on the bed, she breathed a sigh of relief. Quietly, she entered the room, closed the door just as quietly, then covered her mouth and squinted joyfully as she tiptoed to the foot of the bed. Perfect, Dad was still sound asleep. So, how should she start?

The little one tiptoed and surveyed the entire bed. Then, her eyes widened, and her mouth involuntarily formed an O—round enough to fit an egg. One, two, three, four? She rubbed her eyes. One, two, three, four?! (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian.com to vote for it and give monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦