[Chapter 88: Being Your Own Person]
Will Smith felt deeply grateful to Orlando.
From the perspective of this future movie star in the alternate universe, what Orlando had done for him was nothing short of a lifesaver.
Aside from being a superstar singer and gifted songwriter, Orlando had also become a platinum-level producer. The reason for Will's visit wasn't just to express thanks for the past favors -- he also wanted to strengthen their relationship.
Then, unexpectedly, Orlando suddenly asked, "Will, how about making a movie?"
At that moment, they had already left the Terminator 2 set, headed back to Los Angeles.
"You mean... a cameo in Terminator 2? Cameron's a big deal. If he's up for it, I'm totally game. Thanks a lot... If he's giving me a shot, I know it's because of your help again!"
Will Smith's personality -- the younger version, anyway -- really was a lot like the character he played in Men in Black, the same easygoing, talkative vibe as Agent J. He was lively, chatty, and especially so around people he trusted.
"What part would Cameron give me anyway? The good guy who gets blasted by a robot like you? Or just some random bystander or a low-level gangster? Man, I'm already excited just thinking about it!"
"No, Will." Orlando cut off his rambling with a smile. "It's a different movie."
"What?"
"Have you ever heard of the Men in Black comics?"
"What's that? A new superhero comic from Marvel or DC? Or maybe some new thing from Dark Horse?"
In 1990, Marvel and DC totally dominated the American comics scene. Dark Horse Comics had been rising over the last decade. Together with Hasbro, these companies held over 80% of the US comic market.
"No, not DC, Marvel, or Dark Horse. It's a new comic about aliens..."
This was thanks to Orlando's contact, who was already thinking ahead about this alternate universe popular culture that would become huge a few years later.
The Men in Black films ended up doing great at the box office and with the critics. Orlando had mentioned it earlier and had Frank keep tabs on the situation.
Frank told him two days ago that there was movement on this front.
Three months prior, Aircel Comics had released the work of new cartoonist Lowell Cunningham.
The comic titled The Men in Black, told the story of secret agencies dealing with alien encounters on Earth.
Because the concept was fresh, the comic sold well.
Upon hearing this, Orlando immediately had Frank contact Aircel, looking to buy the TV and film rights.
Men in Black comics had only been out for three months, with around 300,000 copies sold, not a blockbuster hit, and Lowell was still a newcomer, so the adaptation rights were affordable; Frank spent $180,000 to secure them for Orlando.
Coincidentally, Will Smith visited the set that day, inspiring Orlando to float the idea of fast-tracking the movie. But it was still early days, so Orlando only casually mentioned it.
---
Meanwhile, Frank's focus was on a more pressing matter: college.
"You mentioned this when we first met -- school."
In the Bel Air mansion Orlando had recently purchased, in the study, Frank looked at Orlando.
"Buddy, time's running out. Have you figured out where you want to go to college?"
"Can I choose anywhere? If I could, I'd definitely pick an Ivy League school! But do I even qualify? Do I meet their standards?"
"Orlando, be realistic. Getting into an Ivy or any top school isn't just about stellar grades or perfect SAT scores -- though you don't even have SAT scores."
The SAT in the US is basically the college entrance exam. Normally, to get into a good university, you need a high SAT score. But Orlando's situation wasn't typical.
Frank continued: "Prestigious schools fight for future leaders who will shape the world. They want to see candidates' potential beyond academics. This shows up in several key areas. If you want an Ivy or other top school, you have to start preparing right now."
He counted off with his fingers:
"First: a portfolio of activities showing leadership, creativity, and social awareness. For example, your recent honorary vice presidency with World Vision North America is a huge plus; top schools love that. Donations, organizing impactful events, and your central role in those matter too.
Second: recommendation letters from top professors, industry leaders, even political figures carry way more weight than from average teachers. Think about it -- who could vouch for you? You got plenty. Ms. Cuomo might not be enough, but George Morgenthau certainly qualifies. Of course, the Clintons do, and so does the CEO of Warner Music. That's an easy win.
Third: a killer personal essay. Don't just list your work -- tell your story. Your musical journey, your business wins, how you're breaking barriers, connecting in your own way... Show your depth, values, and vision. That takes serious work and rewriting."
Frank's tone shifted subtly. "Of course, we can get help writing your application... like someone who graduated from Harvard could write it for you."
Orlando got it immediately. No need to be a mind reader. Besides recommendations, you also need the 'insiders' at your target school on your side.
"Of course," Frank added: "There are other ways, too. Like publishing a short article in a renowned academic journal or art magazine. Or winning awards at international art festivals or competitions. Or strategically donating and partnering with your schools to strengthen ties. All these build 'soft power'."
After hearing Frank's advice, Orlando just shrugged.
"Maybe I should call Mrs. Clinton?"
Frank blinked, then sighed helplessly. His client had worked nonstop for ten days straight at Madonna's Beverly Hills mansion. After all that effort, surely there'd be some results, right?
"Better make that call."
"Maybe then... the first leg of the new single's promo tour could be Arkansas?"
"No problem!"
---
August 20, 1990.
This year's superstar, breakout king, talented songwriter, and soon-to-be platinum producer Orlando Keller officially dropped his second single --
Counting Stars.
At the same time, the single's promotional tour kicked off.
What surprised many was that instead of Los Angeles or New York City, the first stop on his idol tour and official debut was actually Arkansas -- a remote Southern state.
"I love Arkansas so much!"
"I know this is the land of opportunity, where anyone can hopefully find their break."
"I hope to find new fans who enjoy my music -- you folks in Arkansas!"
Arkansas, located in the south-central US, is a small state with just under two million people, no major metropolitan city, and an economy near the bottom in the nation.
In such small places, Orlando's star power was the same as before whenever he landed in smaller cities.
Thousands showed up at the airport to welcome the big-name star.
After quick interviews with local media and entertainment reporters, Orlando waved and smiled at his fans amid cheers before leaving the airport.
...
An hour later.
At a villa near the governor's mansion in Little Rock, the state capital.
Instead of Hillary, Orlando saw someone who took him by surprise.
"Orlando! You sang so well! Counting Stars was especially amazing. Congrats! Music lovers across America are talking about you now!"
The Governor of Arkansas, Bill Clinton, greeted Orlando with genuine warmth and opened his arms for a big hug.
Honestly, Orlando was worried about bodyguards lying in ambush nearby. Were Bill and Hillary trying to do something drastic to ensure their baby only recognized Bill as the father?
Thankfully, Orlando didn't pick up on any of that. So he stayed calm and returned the hug.
"Thanks for the kind words and hospitality, Bill. I really appreciate it!"
Orlando's composed demeanor surprised Clinton.
"Haha, no need to be formal. Sit down. Coffee? Whiskey?"
"Coffee, thanks."
Orlando sat down and got straight to the point.
"Bill, where's Diane? She asked me to come by. Wanted to talk about something."
"Oh, Diane asked me to come." Bill smiled. "She thought I should chat with you first."
Seeing Orlando ready to speak, Bill said, "But before that, why don't we talk about the topic you'd bring up with Diane?"
Orlando paused, read Bill's mind briefly, and nodded.
"Alright."
Bill's assistant brought a cup of steaming black coffee.
Bill's tone turned serious and professional. "Are you feeling a little uncertain about the future? I'm sure you realize college isn't your endgame -- it's a springboard. One that will get you deeper and faster into the real power networks."
Orlando quietly nodded.
He knew exactly what Bill meant.
College wasn't about skills to learn; with his background, a degree from the right university -- Harvard, Yale, or another Ivy -- would make him shine.
In this world, corporate powers align in factions; government officials form factions; and academic cliques are a major force too.
As Bill said, college was a crucial stepping stone.
Maybe because of Hillary, or what's happening with her pregnancy, Bill's tone grew serious.
"In today's America, three types of schools grant the political capital you want.
First: Harvard and Yale. They've produced the most White House alumni and represent 'global prestige' and 'traditional legitimacy.' But honestly, not really the best fit for you -- too slow to leverage their networks.
Second: Princeton or Georgetown. Princeton's academic and theoretical -- more for thinkers than doers -- and far from Wall Street and the UN. Georgetown excels in international relations and is close to DC, but its undergrad resources don't match the Ivies, and you'd lose some of your foundation.
Before you came, Diane and I talked. We both agreed that Columbia University is the ideal choice for you."
Orlando picked up his coffee, gently blew on it, and asked, focused, "Columbia? Tell me more."
"Certainly," Bill smiled. "For starters, location matters. Columbia's in New York. New York's irreplaceable for us. Even if Washington DC didn't exist, we couldn't do without New York. That's the real hub of global power: Wall Street, media, Broadway, plus the core of the United Nations headquarters. Studying at Columbia means immersing yourself in that ecosystem."
Bill drummed his fingers on the table, speaking softer and more sincerely. "Besides all that, more importantly... Diane and I want you at Columbia. "
"For New York, and the true heart of the East Coast influence that only New York can offer."
A gleam of appreciation flashed in Bill's eyes. Orlando's insight made him proud. "Yes! Diane and I need real... people of our own in New York!"
*****
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