Behind The Spotlight Chapter 153
"Phew, fuck, I was so nervous." Jennifer exhaled deeply, wiping the sweat off her forehead as she leaned back against her seat. It was not a surprise that she was nervous.
She were talking about The Tonight Show, a famous talk show. From the moment she changed her career to become a host, she had dreamed of hosting a big show, and now she had been given the chance. Her heart was still pounding from the adrenaline rush. She was nervous and excited. So far, it seemed that her hosting had been well-received by the production team, especially with the TV ratings being high.
Jennifer was in a van being driven by Isabella.
To make it clear, the black van was owned by Princess Chantal, and Isabella was driving it. Yes, she had a driver's license. Collin, Princess Chantal, and Jennifer were seated in the back.
The van's windows were tinted black to provide privacy and protection from paparazzi.
"You did a great job, Jennifer," Collin said with a grin, giving her a thumbs-up.
"Thank you." Jennifer returned the gesture with a small smile, her nerves slowly easing.
"You're actually great at being a host. You're so confident and beautiful. As for me, I can't help but slip my French accent once in a while," Princess Chantal said with a bashful chuckle.
"No, no, talking with a French accent actually made you more down-to-earth. It makes the audience feel like you're also a person. When you slipped and talked with your French accent, the audience found you charming," Jennifer corrected and reassured her. Princess Chantal's French accent had actually become an entertaining part of the interview, it made people smile and laugh.
"Really?"
"I'm not lying," Jennifer said, meeting her eyes with a sincere expression.
Collin listened to their conversation quietly, glancing outside as he pondered. Since they were in New York, Collin had rented a place for himself while his two clients already had apartments rented by their respective managements.
Jennifer had to stay in New York for a week, while Princess Chantal had a concert in the city.
'As for me...' Collin thought, adjusting his suit, his mind already shifting to business. 'I have to negotiate with a cellphone brand to sign a contract with Princess Chantal.'
Since he was in New York, he might as well look for opportunities. His other clients already had brand deals, and Collin couldn't find more brands to work with until their current contracts ended.
But Princess Chantal was different, she was still a rising star, and many brands were eager to collaborate with her. In fact, the cellphone brand had already expressed its intention to work with her. Hence, Collin was in New York to negotiate with them.
"I'm going to be busy this whole week. I have to be in New York till Friday, then fly back to California and film the damn quarter-finals of The Singing Voice," Jennifer muttered. She was weary yet determined.
"Jennifer, who do you think will win the show? Is it Gilbert or Joann?" Princess Chantal asked curiously. She had been watching the show every weekend.
"I'm not sure. It depends on who the voters want to win. Although, I think Joann has a higher chance."
"I also think so," Princess Chantal nodded.
Jennifer looked at the young woman who had just turned twenty. She admired how genuine Chantal was despite her fame. Jennifer was satisfied that Collin had listened to her advice. She had once told him that Princess Chantal's talent would be wasted if she competed in The Singing Voice.
Of course, she couldn't say that out loud because she was legally bound not to speak badly about the show.
Now that Princess Chantal was a star, Jennifer knew her opinion carried weight.
...
...
...
Collin successfully closed the deal with the cellphone brand. Princess Chantal earned $2 million from becoming the brand ambassador for their newest product. Her face would soon appear on billboards. Naturally, Collin earned 5% of that amount, which was $100,000.
Furthermore, Jennifer's five episodes hosting The Tonight Show were a massive success. Each episode averaged 6 million viewers. The production team expressed their interest in inviting Jennifer to host again if the opportunity arose. Although Ray Reno expressed disapproval about that decision for a certain reason.
As for the famous actor who took her place afterward... it wasn't bad. The show averaged 2 million viewers over ten episodes before Ray Reno finally returned in good health.
Now, Collin was on the filming set of The Boss Proposal, where he met Lawrence Terrence. The set buzzed with activity as usual, crew members carrying equipment, makeup artists rushing in and out of trailers, and the faint smell of coffee in the air.
"What do you think? My guesting on The Tonight Show helped Jennifer, right?" Lawrence said proudly, reclining in his chair with a smug grin.
"You helped her a lot," Collin replied.
"No need to thank me. Jennifer's a great person, except for having a foul mouth. I have no problem helping her. Besides, guesting on The Tonight Show also helped me. That's free publicity."
Aside from Princess Chantal, Lawrence Terrence had also guested in the fifth episode that Jennifer hosted. That episode had reached a record-breaking 9 million viewers. The audience adored his appearance, which showed just how strong Lawrence's fame was.
Lawrence and Jennifer were not close, but they had a good relationship. Lawrence knew how to apologize whenever he made mistakes. Although, it was true that he had become quite arrogant.
It was obvious based on how he rested in his trailer, a personal assistant fanning him even though the trailer was air-conditioned, while another held a bowl of grapes. Just like last time, the production had signed a contract agreeing to pay Lawrence's feeder and fanner $10,000.
"Lawrence, you're a great person," Collin said genuinely. His voice was earnest, and his eyes showed true appreciation. Out of all his clients, Lawrence was currently the most famous. His willingness to help Jennifer meant a lot.
"...W-Well, haha, don't mind it." Lawrence tried to laugh it off despite blushing. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, caught off guard by the praise. He hadn't expected Collin's sincerity, and now he felt bad for being arrogant.
Suddenly, someone knocked on Lawrence's trailer door. Both men turned their heads.
"Sir, the cake has arrived."
"Really? Then let's go. Collin, come with me, my birthday cake is here. The crew members are going to sing Happy Birthday to me," Lawrence said excitedly.
"Alright...?" Collin replied, confused. He frowned slightly.
'Birthday? Lawrence's birthday passed two months ago. Are they really celebrating it this late?'
"Two months ago, they prepared a party for my birthday and it was great. So I decided that today is also my birthday," Lawrence said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"..." Collin had nothing to say. He pressed his lips together.
'Did you just force the production crew to prepare a birthday party for you even though it's not your birthday... just because you like it?'
Collin was speechless.
That day, the production crew greeted Lawrence with a cheerful Happy Birthday song. Confetti flew, people clapped, and Lawrence stood in the middle, basking in the attention. It was super awkward for Collin. He forced a smile while silently questioning reality.
The production crew turned a blind eye, just to comfort their biggest star.
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