[Chapter 23: Taking Him Down]
Due to the invitation from the Austin SXSW Music Festival, Orlando's original promotional schedule was changed.
After finishing his show in Austin, the buzz around him was so intense that Warner decided to adjust his itinerary once again.
He stayed three days in Austin, then two days in Houston, and then headed straight to Los Angeles, the City of Angels.
When the plane landed in Los Angeles, compared to other cities and previous visits, Orlando was met with frenzied fans waiting to pick him up.
He smiled as he walked over to greet fans, signing autographs and openly enjoying the star treatment.
After dealing with the fans, it was straight to the media.
The moment Orlando appeared, reporters across the street started taking pictures from afar, shutters clicking non-stop.
"Orlando, how do you respond to Evan Dando's comments last night on the Rock Star Show, calling you nothing but a publicity stunt?"
"What..."
Someone was trash-talking him?
Thanks to Old Town Road, the country music conservatives, mainly redneck fans, had been dogging him for a while. But since it kept him in the spotlight and only made Old Town Road hotter, Orlando rarely responded.
This was the first time he heard of anyone outside the country music scene throwing shade.
He really had no idea about this.
At that moment, Frank quickly tugged on Orlando's shirt, signaling him to let him handle it.
"We're aware of Mr. Evan Dando's remarks," Frank said. "But when it comes to music, we believe the best response is through music or record sales. Old Town Road has been number one on the Billboard singles chart for two consecutive weeks. We believe that speaks for itself. Next, we can address any questions related to Orlando personally, one by one."
Frank stepped in front of Orlando and started handling the reporters.
"When will Orlando's next song be released?"
"The new single will be released later, but the music video for Old Town Road will be released soon."
"What's the style of the new single?"
Frank winked and Orlando took over to answer: "Breakbeat R&B and pop."
"Wow, another mashup! Maybe you're going to create a new genre, Orlando!"
"Thanks, I just thought it would be a cool thing to do, so I did it!"
"Do you prefer Los Angeles or New York?"
"I feel more at home in New York, as I was born there. But Los Angeles is also great; it's a 'city of dreams'! I love it too."
"You spent three days in Austin and two days in Houston. During that time, many media outlets photographed you having lunch and dinner with Madonna several times. Orlando, are you really dating the Queen of Pop?"
"Come on, if you just look up Madonna's schedule, you'll know why she's in Austin and Houston! She has two tour dates there!"
"Have you decided on your next promotional schedule?"
"You know, I'm still a senior, and I haven't been back to school for a long time. I'm afraid I won't be able to graduate!" Orlando showed a frightened expression.
"They won't do that!" The reporters all laughed.
---
After letting the reporters fire all their questions, Orlando coolly waved and got into the Dodge car that Warner had sent to pick him up.
Actually, Warner had originally prepared a more comfortable limo or a luxury car for Orlando to choose from. With his current fame and Old Town Road sales, he could easily afford such treatment.
But Frank recommended Orlando take the Dodge car when appearing in public. He was now the spokesperson for Dodge Shadow, earning $500,000 a year for the endorsement.
Although that seemed a bit low now, the offer came just two days after the single was released.
It was a high price and a sincere deal at the time, signed for just one year.
Orlando agreed and let Warner use the Dodge to pick him up.
---
"You've got to get used to this," Frank advised. "They're great at pushing your buttons to make you talk. That's how many celebrities say things without thinking. Ignore questions that are irrelevant to you or that you don't want to answer. Only answer questions that are beneficial to you. After a while, they will know what to ask."
"I'll keep that in mind. Frank, what's up with that Evan Dando?"
"Don't pay him any mind. He's just some wannabe riding your wave."
"Okay, I'm with you. Let's go."
---
The Warner convoy slowly drove through Los Angeles, bypassing the hotel, going past the Hollywood Hills and heading toward Beverly Hills.
Inside the car, Frank discussed Orlando's security concerns.
"You're getting more famous. Besides Warner's staff accompanying you, it's time to hire your own driver, bodyguards, and assistants."
"That's definitely an issue." Orlando had envied Madonna's team for a while.
And he remembered the environment was pretty dangerous.
It didn't matter when he was poor, but now that he was rich and a star, security naturally became a priority.
"Any suggestions?"
"For assistants, Seymour can help with official record company recruitment."
Frank added, "But for bodyguards and drivers, it's best to hire people you trust. Do you have any childhood friends or close people?"
"Childhood friends..."
Orlando fell silent.
His original circle included some, but could he really trust them?
Most were members or affiliates of a Bronx street gang.
He wasn't truly Black and didn't have a large entourage of family and close friends like many Black stars who keep them around for security and status.
"Then it's either public recruitment or hiring a professional security company." Frank noticed his hesitation and said, "Let Seymour assist with recruitment. I can interview them myself when I'm back in New York."
"No problem. I'll call Seymour right away."
"..."
The Warner convoy left LAX, passed downtown, drove past the Hollywood Hills, and climbed into Beverly Hills.
Finally, they pulled through the black steel gates of a Florentine-style standalone mansion.
----
"Honey, you finally made it."
As the Dodge door opened, a sultry, passionate voice greeted him.
Thirty-two-year-old Madonna was wrapped in a scarlet corset, black lace stockings hugging her long legs.
Her honey-colored skin glistened under the strong lights as if radiating gold rays.
Platinum curls poured wildly over her shoulders.
Her red lips curled into a provocative smile, and her hips swayed as she walked.
Every inch of this woman seemed to exude a fiery power that could captivate souls.
Orlando pulled out a small gift he had casually bought at the Houston airport duty-free shop.
"Wow, so beautiful! Is this for me?" Madonna gleefully accepted the small box. "Darling, can I open it now?"
"Of course."
Madonna leaned in to kiss him, happily opened the beautifully wrapped box.
Then... the mood instantly cooled off a bit.
Inside the box were not necklaces, rings, or jewelry.
Instead, a thick, colorful stack -- at least dozens -- of large Trojans!
Madonna: "..."
On the other side, Frank was getting out of his car, halfway walking over, and saw the scene.
He immediately turned around and went to talk to Madonna's manager.
The two ignored the scene and walked into the pop queen's mansion.
"Fuck you!"
Madonna slammed the box shut. "I am totally gonna fuck you right now! And no way am I using these! If I did, I wouldn't feel your electricity anymore. Fuck you. Come on, let's go to my bedroom!"
Back in Los Angeles early to rest for a day, Madonna was full of confidence.
She was sure she could take down the big bad guy today.
*****
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