"Mr. Mike, I'm sorry, I also didn't know those gossip tabloids would create sensational news about you and Kate just because of a few words I said..."
On the phone, Director Cameron kept apologizing.
The reason was the inside information he had taken it upon himself to reveal a while ago to promote his new movie.
Paper can't wrap fire, and the news of Mike becoming the sole investor in the new Titanic movie was quickly learned by various newspapers.
Enterprising newspapers even dug up Mike's identity as a MIB and the boss of King Investment Group.
At this point, Mike and Titanic were a win-win.
However, it wasn't long before the media's attention focused on Mike and the movie's female lead, Kate, because sensational news that goes for the low blow is more eye-catching.
Thus, Mike's public image gradually transformed from a young, wealthy entrepreneur to a powerful playboy.
Although Director Cameron, who caused all of this, had good intentions, things had clearly gotten a bit out of control now.
So, before things got worse, he felt he should apologize to Mike in advance.
"Playboy?"
Looking down at the four girls actively moving in front of him, Mike had no objection to the media's moniker for him.
Whether it was boss or playboy, as long as it could generate buzz and increase his visibility, it was fine.
Then, Mike caressed Kate's upturned face, doting on her alone for a moment, before saying into the phone, "My relationship with Kate is completely innocent; there's nothing that can't be said."
The relationship between a patron and a kept woman is indeed completely innocent.
I believe you, my foot! Director Cameron couldn't help but grumble in his heart on the other end of the phone, but on his lips, he "honestly" said, "I believe you, Mr. Mike, but the media outside might intentionally tarnish your and Kate's reputation."
"So, I was thinking, why don't we temporarily organize a press conference to clarify your relationship with Ms. Kate to our media friends?"
Now that Mike and the new Titanic movie were showing signs of gaining momentum, organizing a press conference in this situation would definitely create a hot topic.
As for the content of the press conference, that was secondary; didn't Director Cameron say that all the "friends" from the media would be there?
"OK, you arrange the press conference, and the company will cover the funds and venue."
Mike thought for a moment and agreed to Cameron's suggestion.
It has to be said that when it comes to stirring things up, you need an old hand like Director Cameron.
Jessie's promotion team wasn't strong enough yet, so Mike could only rely on Cameron for now.
"Understood, boss. The press conference will definitely satisfy you!" Meeting such a straightforward investor as Mike, Director Cameron's tone on the phone became a few shades lighter.
...
Hanging up the phone, Mike once again looked down at the four people beneath him. He hadn't forgotten that while he was on the phone, the four girls had been misbehaving.
Seeing Mike's "unfriendly" gaze, Regina and the others, who had taken advantage, wanted to leave.
"Trying to run now? Too late." Mike's face showed an evil smile as he reached out and grabbed Regina, who was bouncing the most.
...
Although buying a villa in the suburbs had many inconveniences, one advantage was the spacious grounds, perfect for a grand display of power.
More than an hour later, except for Mike who was still standing by the French window admiring the beautiful scenery, the four well-fed girls were all exhausted and fast asleep.
The girls' behavior could be summarized as: unskilled, yet loved to play.
It was then that Mike's phone, left on the sofa, rang again.
"MJ, is something wrong?" Mike answered the call.
"I've thought it through. I want to join your agency. But if possible, I'd like to partner with the company by taking a stake," MJ's voice came from the other end of the phone.
From his past operations, MJ actually possessed considerable business acumen.
Three years ago, after leaving Motown Records, he invested fifty million himself to establish EP Studio, and during that time, with forward-thinking vision, he spent a huge sum to acquire all of Elvis Presley's music copyrights.
Coupled with his own several hit records, MJ now earns a substantial amount each year from royalties alone.
"Taking a stake? No problem. I'll convert your EP Studio into cash for you. As for how many shares of King Agency it can be exchanged for, we'll discuss it in person on the signing day," Mike agreed to MJ's request.
King Agency needed mature channels and a team to grow rapidly in a short period of time.
And just like that, Mike got what he needed.
While MJ's EP private studio might not be great at public relations, it was definitely top-notch in terms of promotion and sales.
Having such a ready-made team available was truly a godsend for King Agency.
And MJ had no objection to Mike's proposal to exchange the studio for shares.
"By the way, I'm very curious, how did you suddenly come to your senses and decide to join my agency? I heard that Sony offered quite generous terms to win you over," Mike asked, expressing his confusion after some small talk.
There are no secrets in the entertainment industry, and it was no longer a secret that Sony was trying to win over MJ.
Moreover, Sony Music dared to make such a big splash, clearly coming prepared and determined to succeed.
But from the looks of it, they had failed.
"Why did I choose you? Didn't you already say it before? We're friends," MJ said jokingly, "And with your current status and assets, I believe you wouldn't be interested in my small fortune. So, I feel very secure working with you."
It must be said that MJ's personality carried a touch of innocence, sometimes resembling a big child, and being considered his friend was a good thing.
"Alright, seeing as you trust me so much, I'll give you some preferential treatment when we sign the contract," Mike responded with a smile.
It proved that emotions are contagious.
Good emotions always unconsciously make those around feel relaxed and happy.
And with King Agency being very short on resources, Mike's business cooperation with MJ was quickly put on the agenda.
Ultimately, all of MJ's studio resources were valued and he received twelve percent of King Agency's one billion assets.
From then on, MJ happily became Mike's business partner.
And a superstar like MJ switching agencies was definitely big news, the kind that warranted a press conference.
So, not long after, the press conference for MJ's move to the agency and the press conference for the new Titanic movie were brought together through the intentional efforts of King Agency.
This press conference, backed by MJ and the great Director Cameron, instantly ignited the enthusiasm of numerous media outlets.
Reporters from all sizes of newspapers and radio stations were all captivated.
And on the day of the press conference, as the leader of both teams, Mike, without surprise, took the center seat.
Beside him were Kate and The Plastics.
Yes, the three girls of The Plastics, as MJ's company seniors, also made an appearance at the press conference.
Commonly known as: riding the coattails of popularity.
During the subsequent press conference, MJ and Director Cameron, the two "parties involved," took on the important task and skillfully handled questions from reporters from all sides.
Throughout the entire press conference, both of them put in a lot of effort, and of course, they both achieved their goals.
And as the big boss, Mike, although he didn't speak much throughout the press conference, his appearance and status undoubtedly made him one of the hot topics of the event.
As soon as the press conference ended, King Agency also took advantage of the buzz to begin the official promotion of the new movie.
The Plastics, who had already been itching to make a comeback, was also arranged by the company to start performing their new song "eternal love" on various television stations.