money player

After Sin Yiu-man got a feel for Pa-jie's movements, he began to study her masterpiece, "Levitating".

First, the song's musical style is too avant-garde and doesn't fit the mainstream of big band jazz and swing music. Second, for the song to stand out, it needs synthesizer electronic effects, which current acoustic instruments can't perfectly achieve.

Furthermore, the lyrics...

Well, it seems there's no need to analyze it. A straightforward expression of desire would be seen as frivolous by mainstream society. Romance dominated by women would be criticized as inappropriate and could even cause moral controversy. If the lyrics contain sexual innuendo, Hays Code's moral censorship would completely change the lyrics. Even if the lyrics were changed, they would most likely be banned from radio broadcasts.

For a song to become a hit these days, it absolutely needs radio broadcasting. Blocking this avenue means there's no chance of it becoming a hit.

While the songs can't be used, Pa Jie's stage presence can be learned. Her stage presence is an improvement on the jazz stage presence of the 1920s and 30s. The seemingly casual and lazy feeling is actually carefully designed. Every movement, expression, and interaction has been professionally choreographed and repeatedly practiced, making it a natural performance.

As Xian Yaowen pondered this, his hand, which had been strumming the guitar strings, stopped. "Rebecca, stop for a moment."

Pan Dihua stopped and looked at his face.

"When I am not present, do not try to think about or control me. Just adopt the standing posture that your body finds most comfortable."

"My body feels most comfortable?" Pan Dihua asked, somewhat confused.

"It's like when you're lying in bed reading. When you get tired of one position, you don't need to think about it and you naturally switch to another position. Or it's like when you come home, close the door, and are all alone. You have no inhibitions, so you can kick off your shoes, take off your jewelry, and take off your clothes wherever you go. That kind of state is one of absolute relaxation."

Pan Dihua nodded, then shook his head. "I understand what you mean, but I can't do it with outsiders present."

“There is an actors’ studio in New York, run by Lee Strasberg, who localized the Stanislavski system into a method approach, which is very effective in liberating one’s natural instincts.”

If you want to reach higher levels, you can't just do radio shows; you also need to perform in theaters. Simply standing in front of a microphone and singing is too stiff. You need to convey emotions to the audience, interacting with them through micro-expressions, spontaneous body movements, and gestures.

Sin Yiu-man put down his guitar, wrapped his arms around Poon Pik-wah's waist from behind, and swayed her body gently.

"Oh, my love, my darying, I've hungry for your touch, A long, lonely time, And time goes by so slowly."

He hummed a song in his deep voice, and then asked softly, "Do you feel anything?"

"Hmm." Pan Dihua said, her cheeks flushed. "The song is very nice. Is it your new song?"

"Don't worry about the song for now. Remember the feeling you just got. When you're performing on stage, you need to manage your facial expressions well and strike a balance between a smile and a cool demeanor. Don't think of yourself as a performer, but rather as the host of the party."

Sin Yiu-man released Poon Pik-wah, walked a meter away from her to face her, his eyes became lazy, his lips relaxed, revealing a slightly tipsy smile, his left hand made a microphone gesture, his right hand naturally raised, and he hummed: "Little rascal, what are you doing, acting like an idiot."

While humming, she touched Pan Dihua with her right hand in a delicate gesture, gave him a flirtatious wink with her left eye, and then flipped her right hand, shaking her wrist and making a beckoning motion.

"I asked you a question, why didn't you answer?"

Pan Di Hua fully understood Sin Yiu Man's intention to have her sing. She smiled and spontaneously hummed, "I don't understand. If you want to ask, what should I ask you?"

"You old hag, speak clearly, stop pretending to be clueless!"

Pan Dihua couldn't continue, so he put his left hand on his hip and laughed heartily.

Once she had calmed down a bit, Sin Yiu-man said slowly, "Music knows no borders, but people are divided into those who are close and those who are distant, those who are near and those who are far. In America, you are an outsider, and from an enemy country at that. This kind of consciousness is latent in every listener of yours. Once it is intentionally brought out, the achievements you have made today will vanish in an instant."

Firm pride and subservient flattery won't earn you friendship. In a party-style equality, you are the host, the audience are your invited guests. Take good care of your guests, let them have a great time, and you yourself can enjoy the music to the fullest.

Do you enjoy the music?

“You like singing, don’t you?” Sin Yiu-man patted Poon Pik-wah’s shoulder. “Sing your heart out on stage.”

Pan Dihua raised his head slightly, a half-formed smile on his lips, and gently patted Xian Yaowen's eyes with his gaze, as if to say, "You understand me."

Sin Yiu-man chuckled and said, "To put it simply, you've made some money for the company in the US. To motivate the other artists in the company, I'm planning to give you an Alfa Romeo convertible as a reward. Once the car arrives in Hong Kong in a few days, go back there and the company will throw you a celebration banquet."

"Aren't Alfa Romeos very expensive?"

"The convertible version costs around $1."

Pan Dihua chuckled and asked, "Can I get cash for it?"

"No, you own the car, but the company has the right to use it. The company will use your car for some of its productions, and the company will pay you a rental fee each time you use it, until the money you receive exceeds 1.5 times the car's price, at which point the ownership of the car will revert to the company."

"It's still the same as giving money, just in installments?"

Sin Yiu-man nodded. "Your interpretation is fine too. Regarding the car rental, you'll cooperate by acting out a scene at the celebration banquet."

"I'm OK."

Sin Yiu-man glanced at his watch and said, "You can arrange your own time when you go to New York to study, but you have to hurry. The company here will be making a big move soon, and they may be going to hold a nationwide tour in a few months. Don't let yourself miss it."

Also, take some time to learn about choreographers, pick one you like, and the company will hire them as your full-time choreographer.

"Ok."

After finishing his conversation with Poon Pik-wah, Sin Yiu-man left the music room and ran into Simpson, who had just returned, in the main office.

"Klay, 134 minutes and 26 seconds have passed."

“Boss, an hour is not enough time, and I have completed the task successfully.” Simpson handed the contract to Xian Yaowen. “Lana Turner was in a great hurry. She didn’t call a lawyer, nor did she read the contract carefully. She just signed it, handed over the land deed, and took the check.”

Xian Yaowen flipped through the contract. "This is probably the fastest real estate transaction record in the United States this year, saving at least 30 days of processing time. Did the lawyer take the land title to the county office for filing?"

He said he'd go tomorrow.

Sin Yiu-man flicked the contract. “Now we can probably conclude that Lana Turner is in arrears on property taxes. Her cleverness is foolish. Did she even look at the house carefully? Don’t wait until you move in, there will be a bunch of problems like termites, an aging roof, and rusty pipes.”

Simpson laughed and said, "I have experience inspecting houses, there will definitely be no problem."

"Okay, when can you move in?"

“Lana Turner has vacated the house, and I can move in anytime.”

"The house is sorted out, but what about my girlfriend? You said arriving early would give me options, but where is she?"

The two walked into Simpson's office while talking.

"Boss, the company..."

"Don't continue," Sin Yiu-man waved his hand to interrupt. "It can't be someone from the company. Call a club you're familiar with and hire someone."

Simpson hesitated and said, "Boss, there aren't many secrets in Hollywood. Everyone knows the women who work in clubs. If Mr. Chaplin knew that your female companion was hired from a club, he might have a problem with you."

"Damn it, this is such a hassle." Sin Yiu-man spat. "Female celebrities, any suggestions?"

"Joan Crawford, having rekindled her romance with Clark Gable and maintaining relationships with several young actors, if the boss were to extend an invitation to her, I think she would accept, that's it..."

"what?"

Simpson suppressed a laugh and said, "She'd probably say to the boss, 'Want to get a room?'"

"You mean before going to the party, I need to drink and mess around with her, just to give her a good time first?"

"possible."

“Fine.” Sin Yiu-man shrugged. “Throw your humor in the trash. I don’t want to see my fur hanging on that damn wall like a trophy. Give me another name.”

Upon hearing this, Simpson's smile faded. "What about Elizabeth Taylor? She hasn't recovered from the divorce rumors yet, and now she's involved in an affair with Stanley Donen. MGM might consider putting her on hiatus; she needs career support right now."

"Is there anyone else?"

"Bette Davis, whose film 'The Years of the Wolf and Tiger' was a box office flop, newspapers said she was past her prime, and her independent production company was in financial trouble."

Rita Hayworth, who recently divorced Prince Ali Khan and is embroiled in alimony disputes, has been criticized by newspapers for toying with the prince's feelings, her image shifting from goddess to gold digger. Columbia Pictures has threatened to blacklist her because she refused low-paying films.

Vivien Leigh's marriage to Laurence Olivier was on the verge of collapse, and she was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

And Lana Turner, the boss already knows about her situation.

"What is Ma Long doing? Outside of work."

"Did the boss see the rumors about him and Vivien Leigh?"

"uh-huh."

“As far as I know, they don’t have a romantic relationship; it’s just a publicity stunt for the movie, but…” Simpson drawled, “Marlon is dating a Puerto Rican actress named Rita Moreno, and they’re having a secret affair. He’s also dating Marilyn.”

"Marilyn Monroe?"

"Yes."

"Anything else?"

“Crawford hinted to May that she could provide resources if Malone was willing to be with her,” Simpson shrugged. “Malone refused, saying that Crawford wasn’t his type.”

Sin Yiu-man nodded slightly. "You and Marilyn?"

“Marilyn and I are a thing of the past.” Simpson glanced at Sin Yiu-man. “Last time in Paris, Marilyn expressed a strong interest in the boss.”

“She’s dreaming.” Sin Yiu-man sneered. “Tell the stylist and Audrey to come to the company tomorrow morning. Also, keep an eye on that idiot Audrey. Her strength is her elegant demeanor. Don’t let her act like a headless fly, climbing into every bed she sees. If she ruins that elegance, she’ll become worthless.”

Simpson hesitated for a moment, "Boss, you and Audrey..."

Sin Yiu-man raised his hand to interrupt Simpson, "This is a company, we only talk about input and return. I have already invested a lot of resources in Audrey, and I must get a return."

You are the manager, and Audrey is an employee. You can discipline her if she is disobedient. Remember, no one has special privileges in the company. If someone is disobedient and cannot make money for the company, they should be fired.

Did you understand?

"clear."

Sin Yiu-man rubbed his temples. "Who do you think my real female companion will be tonight?"

Simpson understood what Xian Yaowen meant and glanced at him with a slightly sympathetic look. "I guess it's Oona Chaplin."

“Motherfucker, damn Chaplin.” Sin Yiu-man cursed as he glanced at his watch. “We still have some time. Let’s go to a coffee shop and find a young newcomer. It’s fucking damn bad. I hate perverts.”

"Boss, if we want shares in Stanley Kramer, we need Chaplin's approval."

"Thanks for reminding me, please shut up."

Sin Yiu-man stood up and walked out of the office. Simpson shrugged and followed behind.

Schwab Pharmacy, located on Sunset Boulevard, is a pharmacy that, like other pharmacies in the United States, also sells ice cream, coffee, and light meals.

It is said that Lana Turner was discovered by director Mervyn LeRoy while selling soda here, and thus this place became a mecca for Hollywood newcomers, who would desperately try to find work here, or squeeze out 25 cents from their meager income to come here for a coffee, hoping to bump into a talent scout.

"Lana Turner wasn't discovered here, but at the Top Hat Cafe in McCadden Square. And it wasn't Mervyn Leroy who discovered her, but William Wilkerson, the owner of The Hollywood Reporter."

After entering the store and ordering coffee, Simpson began to give Sin Yiu-man a science lesson.

"So, the owner here paid for it?" Sin Yiu-man listened to Simpson's words, but his eyes roamed around, taking in the handsome men and beautiful women around him.

A very strange phenomenon occurred: he was sitting next to Simpson, that fat bastard, but the beautiful women around him completely ignored him, focusing all their attention on Simpson and showering him with flirtatious glances.

"It doesn't necessarily involve spending money."

"Hmm, how many of the newcomers working here will eventually get a contract with a film studio?"

"About one in a thousand, the proportion of those who can become stars is about one in thirty thousand."

“The proportion is not small.” Xian Yaowen’s gaze locked onto a woman’s face. “At three o’clock, doesn’t she look like little Charles’s mother?”

Charles Chaplin Jr. is Charlie Chaplin's eldest son, Charles Chaplin II, who is already making his way in Hollywood.

Simpson looked over upon hearing this, "She does indeed resemble Rita Grey somewhat."

"Sure?"

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Xian Yaowen waved to the woman, then pointed to the pharmacy door, indicating that he wanted to go outside and chat for a bit.

The woman pointed incredulously at her nose and opened her mouth to say, "Me?"

Sin Yiu-man nodded and pointed to the door again.

The woman stood up reflexively, a surge of joy coursing through her body. "My God, thank the Virgin Mary for blessing believer Margarita Jurado."

With cheerful little steps, Margarita caught up with Sin Yiu-man amidst the envious gazes of others.

Fifteen seconds later, she and Sin Yiu-man stood facing each other.

"Adam."

“Margarita Jurado, from Sinaloa.”

"Oh, that's a beautiful place," Xian Yaowen praised, but inwardly he thought the poisonous flowers there bloomed most brightly. "One question, please answer me truthfully, how old are you?"

"Twenty-two years old."

Sin Yiu-man breathed a sigh of relief; Margarita looked much younger than her actual age.

Do you know Charlie Chaplin?

“Yeah.”

Do you know about the Chaplin Party?

Margarita hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

From her hesitation, Sin Yiu-man could tell that she had heard rumors, so he said directly, "I want to make a deal with you. You will be my date and accompany me to Mr. Chaplin's party. In return, I can help you rent a nice house and pay a year's rent, and I will also give you a contract for a B-movie, the lead role. You have one minute to think about it."

Margarita blurted out, "No need to think about it, I agree."

“Very good, come with me.” Sin Yiu-man walked ahead on his own, saying, “From now on, you are my girlfriend. I’ll take you to JW Robinson’s to buy clothes.”

I'm not sure if Chaplin would ask you about details of you and me during that time, so when we get to the dressing room, I'll take off my clothes so you can observe me and remember my physical characteristics.

How you apply it is up to you; when the opportunity presents itself, seize it.

I'm not sure if Chaplin had any particular fetishes. If you find it unacceptable and feel your life is threatened, please shout it out.

Xian Yaowen pointed at Xie Tingyun, "She will be responsible for protecting you tonight."

Margarita glanced at Xie Tingyun subconsciously.

"Do you understand?"

“Yeah.”

"I am the owner of Flower Society, which is also the owner of Jorge Guinno Brokerage Company. I am from Hong Kong. This is all the information you have about me. Don't try to be clever and exaggerate."

Okay, that's all you need to know. I'm a person of my word, and I will definitely give you the payment I promised, so please don't worry.

As soon as he finished speaking, Sin Yiu-man put his arm around Margarita's waist. (End of Chapter)