America's Top Player

Chapter 14 Tool Man T-ray
Phil's words did touch Leon's heart. In some ways, he and Phil did have something in common.

He stared at the other person and said in a deep voice, "This matter may not be a big deal to you. If something happens, you can just hide in Brooklyn Heights. The police here are still very efficient."

Betrayal is a small matter. What Leon is really worried about is that the person standing behind T-ray is George from the Blood Gang.

This guy has nothing but violence in his head, and he has established his foothold in Brownsville entirely by relying on his ruthless style of doing things.

In the 90s, when the fledgling BIG didn't know P. Diddy and JAY-Z, his biggest source of confidence in the community was George.

You offended this crazy Nico and still expect to have a good life in Brooklyn?
Unexpectedly, Phil burst out laughing when he heard this.

Li Ang asked in confusion: "Is it so funny?"

"That's ridiculous. Times are different now than they were in the past. How come you still don't understand that?"

"Niggas in the ghetto kill each other and the police don't care, but if a guy in a suit in Manhattan loses even a part, it's big news."

"As long as you have money and fame, no one can do anything to you."

What Phil said makes sense. JAY-Z, the top entertainment tycoon in New York, is actually a drug dealer.

According to what he said in an interview program, he trafficked a lot of drugs and had killed people.

However, this frank statement, which was almost a confession, did not cause him any trouble. Neither the DEA nor the New York Police Department had any trouble with him.

It’s just because JAY-Z was already a wealthy businessman spanning multiple industries at that time, and he could do whatever he wanted with money.

After a brief silence, Li Ang said, "I have another question for you."

"Ask me, and I will tell you everything I know without reservation."

“Why would you give up your position at Epic Records at the peak of your career?”

Li Ang's way of asking the question was already very tactful, implying how did you end up in this mess?

This is also the biggest question in his mind. He really doesn't feel comfortable leaving his future in the hands of such a down-and-out professional manager.

Phil stood up silently and took out a half bottle of Jack Daniels from his desk drawer. "Want a drink?"

"No, I'm not used to drinking during the day."

Hearing this, Phil didn't try to persuade him too much. He poured himself a full glass of whiskey and took a big gulp.

"I told you before that I'm divorced."

It turned out to be the case.

Divorce and bankruptcy are inextricably linked in this country.

Millions of homeless people are mostly losers in divorce lawsuits. Not only do they lose most of their property because of the divorce, but they also have to pay monthly child support that is seriously disproportionate to their income.

Since the new millennium, due to the rise of feminist ideas, white left tendencies have become increasingly apparent in American society.

After the Democratic Party came to power, the balance of judgment in divorce cases tilted infinitely towards women.

Many men have to pay high monthly child support while also servicing their mortgages.

And living in that "love nest" were his ex-wife and his gigolo.

But even though Phil had said this, Li Ang still felt that things were not that simple. Ordinary people might go bankrupt directly because of divorce, but Phil might not.

This guy earns millions of dollars a year at Epic Records. As long as nothing goes wrong at work and the alimony doesn't make him go bankrupt.

"Are you sure it's just because of the divorce?" Phil stared at Leon for a long time, as if admiring the sharpness of the young man in front of him.

Although he is young, he has more ideas than the air in Lay's potato chips.

In desperation, he could only confide his true feelings: "I told you before that my career is highly tied to Miss Avril."

"If she's done, I'm done too."

Li Ang was a little confused. Avril is out of favor?

I do not know how?
Although Avril Lavigne reached the peak of her career in 2007 with two hit singles, "Girlfriend" and "Innocence", her career quickly declined.

Times are changing too fast. Under the strong impact of the new generation of Divas such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga, Avril, who transformed into a dark gothic style, was coldly received in the market.

But it has always maintained its first-tier position and has nothing to do with the word "obscure".

Thinking of this, Li Ang said, "I don't understand."

Phil smiled contemptuously and paced back and forth in the office, glass in hand. "What can you, an outsider, know?"

"I can honestly tell you that Avril has been a little mentally unstable since her divorce from Derek."

mentally ill?
To put it bluntly, isn't it just mental illness?
Phil took out a yellowed old photo from the drawer. It was a photo of him and Avril taken in 2000.

At that time, Avril Lavigne, who had just debuted, was as youthful as an angel descended to the earth. Her every frown and smile showed her childishness, which formed a sharp contrast with her later image of a gothic little witch.

Phil's eyes were red. "She made me who I am. I also made her who I am."

"You have to understand that at her peak, Avril's position at Epic Records was even higher than that of the CEO. It's no exaggeration to say that the entire company depended on her for support."

"I swear I've tried everything, but I can't save her."

"In 2009, her mood was on the verge of collapse at any time, and she showed very obvious bipolar tendencies."

"Professional managers are merely an appendage of an artist. As you can see, the company has completely blamed me for Avril's decline."

According to Phil, shortly after he left, a disheartened Avril Lavigne switched from Epic Records to RCA Records.

After losing Avril Lavigne, its cash cow, Epic Records quickly announced that it was being acquired by Sony Music, an industry giant.

"To be honest with you, kid, I've always been holding my breath."

"In this chaotic year, I interviewed countless new people, but they were all garbage who could only copy and imitate."

"But the appearance of you and Cardi B made me see a turning point in my life."

"We can definitely use this opportunity to achieve mutual success!"

Leon didn't take these toxic chicken soups filled with grand narratives to heart at all. He quickly unraveled Phil's true intentions in his mind.

Phil has the ability to discover new talents and has extensive connections in the entertainment industry, but he doesn't have the money to produce an album for the singer he's chosen!
Therefore, Li Ang, who had not yet signed any contract and was about to release an album, became his number one prey!

T-ray has completely become a tool in this complicated relationship. As long as Leon can become famous, Phil will try his best to kick him out quickly!

This is equivalent to your child, whom you spent a lot of money and energy to cultivate, being admitted to a prestigious school and then turning around and calling the neighbor Mr. Wang "Dad."

And Lao Wang did not forget to mercilessly mock him, "Stupid Cuckold."

(End of this chapter)