I am Hollywood

Chapter 891: Chapter 893: Ultimately Couldn't Hold Back



[Chapter 893: Ultimately Couldn't Hold Back]

Simon Fuller noticed Eric zoning out again, and he hesitated over whether to leave him alone, but felt a pang of regret. Meeting Eric at this party had been a delightful surprise for him. While the record division of Firefly Group was somewhat of a weak spot for this media conglomerate, Simon saw it as an opportunity. Years of experience taught him that Eric was clearly interested in him; otherwise, they wouldn't have talked for so long. Yet, the young mogul was distracted, as if suddenly recalling something important.

Considering that perhaps his talk about record production processes was not engaging Eric, Simon decided to steer the conversation toward Eric's recent work, Casino Royale. At that moment, Diana made her way through the crowd towards them, followed closely by her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed.

Seeing Simon beside Eric, Diana politely nodded at him before turning to Eric, who had returned to the moment. "Hey, Eric, it's almost showtime. Tina, are you ready?"

Christina shot a glance at Eric, then nodded to Diana. "Of course, ma'am. I'm ready whenever."

"Then," Diana instructed her entourage, "Paul, take Miss Aguilera to get ready."

As Simon watched his assistant lead Christina away, Diana turned to both Eric and Simon, smiling as she asked, "So, what were you two just talking about?"

Not knowing whether Eric had any intention of getting close to Diana, Simon wisely kept quiet.

Eric, noticing Simon's silence, chuckled. "We were discussing some production issues. Simon is a great music producer, and I just happened to be interested, so we were chatting."

Diana perked up with interest but then added, "You know, I've always dreamed of releasing my own album, but I never had the chance."

Eric replied, "If you want, I can help you make that happen."

"Really?" Diana looked at Eric, a smile creeping on her face. "Eric, I'm serious about this."

Eric nodded confidently, studying Diana's youthful face, which showed no signs of aging. "Absolutely, if you want to, we can start preparing something tomorrow."

Dodi already felt overlooked and sensed that Eric was starting to make a move on Diana. He quickly leaned into her, speaking gently, "Darling, Mr. Williams is a very busy man. If you're interested in making an album, I know some music producers as well."

Diana caught a hint of rivalry in Dodi's tone, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she shook her head. "Never mind, I'm actually pretty awful at singing."

...

As they chatted, the party's stage came alive with applause as the host introduced Christina's upcoming performance. The guests watched, many of whom had seen Casino Royale and noticed Christina on stage, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and skepticism about whether the character could embody the essence of "Beautiful."

Eric was unfazed. Although Christina had come from humble beginnings, few in the music industry could match her vocal talent. While she excelled in high notes, her lower register was impressive as well.

As expected, once the slow intro faded, Christina's raspy yet soulful voice filled the hall. The skeptics were quickly silenced, surprise etched on their faces. Some even looked toward Eric, knowing he was there with Christina.

"Oh, this is astonishing! It's simply beautiful, hard to believe!" Diana exclaimed in surprise and turned to glance at Eric, only to refocus on Christina once more.

Eric held a glass of red wine, soaking in Christina's song as thoughts about his earlier conversation with Simon resurfaced.

Despite Firefly Group reaching a saturation point, Eric remained uninterested in expanding into the record business. The industry was poised for decline; although stringent copyright laws ensured that it wouldn't completely vanish, significant investment would ultimately result in financial losses.

Plus, if portable music players like MP3s fully took over, their future value could rival that of the entire record industry. Every effort within the Firefly system related to music was aimed at enhancing the content and function services for MP3 players. The technology behind digital music players wasn't overly complex. Even if established electronic giants broke through Firefly's patent barriers, they could replicate similar products within two years. However, if Firefly developed a comprehensive hardware and software ecosystem around MP3 players, providing users with an experience superior to competitors, it would render any challenges to that dominance nothing but a naive dream.

Since his mind drifted to the Spice Girls and American Idol, Eric knew he couldn't pass on that opportunity.

Earlier in the day, he had spoken with two heads of Firefly Electronics about launching the Fireflyer player in the European market next spring. Creating the Spice Girls could significantly bolster Fireflyer's promotional efforts in Europe, especially if they achieved similar influence as in his original timeline.

As for American Idol, this reality show could bring high ratings for their TV channel. Furthermore, by creating a co-branded production model with Fireflyer, they could promote the player worldwide. However, Fireflyer's current production capacity was inadequate for global expansion, leading Eric to postpone the American Idol project. This hiatus would provide the time needed to develop the Spice Girls.

Of course, implementing these ideas required leadership, and Simon Fuller seemed like a perfect fit.

...

With that in mind, Eric turned to Simon and asked, "Simon, did you say you own a record company?"

Simon, who had been enjoying Christina's performance, perked up at Eric's remark. "Yes, Eric, my company is called 19 Entertainment."

Having a record company within Firefly was useful, and Eric knew Simon's company functioned similarly to the multitude of independent film companies in Hollywood. These smaller firms often partnered with major labels, sometimes selling shares to collaborate and promote various artists. If Eric intended to task Simon with developing the Spice Girls and American Idol, he needed to ensure he had control over Simon's record company. He continued, "Is the ownership still yours?"

"Absolutely," Simon nodded earnestly, explaining that he founded 19 Entertainment back in 1985. Despite struggling to stay afloat for years, he had failed to produce any breakout artists, meaning major labels had never expressed interest in buying out his small company.

Eric, hearing Simon's confirmation, pulled out a business card from his pocket and handed it to him. "Then, I'm looking to form a band and need someone to make it happen. Think about it. If you're interested, Firefly will acquire your company, and you can lead the project." Simon respectfully accepted the card but felt a twinge of anxiety at the thought of going from boss to employee. Still, with hope, he asked, "Eric, could I retain some equity?" "Equity is not an option, but I'll offer you enough options." Eric shook his head. Although he remembered Simon's vital roles in forming the Spice Girls and American Idol, he had let the Spice Girls move on, while Simon gradually faded from future productions. It was clear Simon had creativity, but lacked execution; since Eric didn't know him well, he was cautious about granting him equity from the start.

Simon internally resolved not to let this opportunity slip by; after all, it was Eric Williams! How many people had the chance to work directly with him? Who had collaborated with him and not found enormous success? Passing up this chance would be madness. Yet, since his request to retain equity was refused, he didn't want to seem too eager. "Okay, Eric, I'll think it over and get back to you tomorrow."

Eric nodded. "No problem, I'll be waiting for your good news."

...

The two continued their conversation, and when Christina eventually concluded her performance, the applause was far more enthusiastic than it had been in the beginning. As the lights brightened again, Simon glanced at Christina, who was approaching him, and then at Diana still standing on Eric's other side. Not wishing to linger, Simon raised his glass to Eric and walked away.

For Christina, glowing with post-performance praise, walked up to Eric, her cheeks flushed with excitement. However, before she could hear Eric's compliments, Diana clasped her hand and pulled her aside. "Tina, I had no idea you were this amazing."

Eric watched as Diana cozied up to Christina, leaving him to himself. He didn't mind it and took a glass of wine from a passing waiter, ready to chat with other guests when Dodi Fayed

approached.

Not bothering to hide his scrutiny of Christina's petite figure, Dodi said to Eric, "She's a great

girl, isn't she?"

Eric raised an eyebrow and responded, "Absolutely."

"Then," Dodi lowered his voice slightly. "Eric, you shouldn't get too close to Diana

anymore."

Eric glanced at the duo entwined together, then turned toward a quieter spot near the buffet

table. Sensing Eric's disinterest, Dodi reluctantly followed him, mimicking Eric's actions as

he grabbed a plate of food.

Eric snagged a small piece of cake for himself and, sensing Dodi was about to speak again,

took the initiative. "So, is it serious with her?"

"Of course," Dodi replied without hesitation. "I'm planning to propose."

"Ha," Eric chuckled lightly. "So you grew up in the UK, right?" Dodi looked skeptical, asking defensively, "Is there a problem with that?"

With London being home to many billionaires due to its open finance markets and unique tax

laws, countless Middle Eastern and Russian wealthy families spent significant time there, often raising their children in the British culture. Many of these affluent kids grew up

believing they were British. Eric guessed Dodi fell into this category based on his accent.

"Not at all," Eric shook his head, grinning. "But while you may consider yourself fully British,

some people won't see it that way."

Dodi shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't care what others think."

Eric eyed him pityingly. "Well, you may not care, but if you're planning to marry Princess Diana, plenty of people will be very concerned."

Dodi paused, turning to shoot Eric a penetrating look. "Are you implying something?"

Eric brushed off Dodi's gaze and casually selected a fruit salad. He glanced at Dodi with a

feigned look of surprise, muttering to himself, "Incredible. You figured out I was implying

something."

With that, Eric turned and walked towards Christina, thinking he couldn't resist jumping into

the fray. He wondered if Dodi would arrive at any realization.

...

Watching Eric walk away, Dodi's expression shifted as he processed the earlier implications. Eric had practically worn "you're so clueless you noticed my hint" on his face. Filled with indignation, he still wrestled with the underlying tension of Eric's words.

After deliberating for some time, Dodi ditched his plate and left the ballroom, stepping into

the garden outside. He took a look around before pulling out his phone and dialing his father, Mohamed Al-Fayed. Eric's remarks fostered an inexplicable sense of urgency in him, and his random comments left him wanting clarity. Instinctively, he thought it best to inform hisn/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

father.

...

Having said all that, Eric lost interest in sticking around the party. After saying goodbye to Diana, he took Christina and left early.

The next morning, Eric was sitting on the back lawn with Christina, enjoying breakfast when

the doorbell rang insistently.

"Eric, I'll get it," Christina sprang up from her seat, eager to answer the door.

Assuming it was Peter Rich, he didn't pay it much mind.

However, moments later, Christina returned with Diana in tow, who appeared exhausted, her eyes red-rimmed and fierce. "Eric, did you say something to Dodi?"

Eric sensed something brewing but merely raised his hands innocently. "I don't know what

you're talking about."

Diana's anger surged at his denial. Her eyes widened with fury. "You bastard! You're all bastards!"

Eric thought if not for her long-standing upbringing, she might've clawed at him. Though she didn't act, he instinctively took a step back. "Diana, I genuinely don't know what you mean."

Diana's anger wasn't abating. "Dodi broke up with me last night. He's on a flight back to Egypt now. Are you satisfied?"

Eric felt an unexpected sense of relief; he hadn't anticipated Dodi would take such decisive action and perhaps underestimated him.

However, seeing Diana's fierce demeanor, Eric knew he had to address the immediate issue.

He spoke firmly, "Ms. Spencer, I'm not interested in your relationship troubles. If there's nothing else, please leave."

"Ha! You hypocritical jerk," Diana scoffed, glaring at Eric. "You didn't push Dodi away just to

get close to me? Now you want me to leave? How absurd! I'm not going anywhere, and I want you to know you'll never succeed. I hate you, you bastard."

Eric couldn't help but chuckle to himself at Diana's hysterical outburst. He hadn't realized she

had such a volatile side. Staring at her with that frantic energy made him want to keep his composure. "As I said, Ms. Spencer, I have no understanding of what transpired. Your breakup with your boyfriend has nothing to do with me. Now, please leave, or I'll call security." Diana seemed past caring. She raised her voice. "Go ahead! Make a scene. Let everyone see

what you've done!"

Eric groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose, realizing this woman was getting too far.

Although he could never overtly admit it, he considered himself somewhat of a savior in this situation, yet here they were.

After locking eyes with Diana for a moment, Eric lost patience. He tossed his forgotten coffee

cup onto the nearby table, stepped forward two paces, and before she could react, he hoisted her up and headed for the door.

"Ah! You bastard! What are you doing? Put me down! Help!" Diana shouted, feeling the world

spin as she realized her predicament. She thrashed around violently while yelling for help and pounding on Eric's back.

But the petite woman couldn't possibly match Eric's strength, and in no time, they had crossed the villa and reached the front yard.

To the astonishment of Diana's driver, who rushed in upon hearing the commotion, Eric stepped outside and set Diana down on the grass while casually tossing her outside. Ignoring the woman's crazed protests, he shoved the driver out too, shut the door, and turned

to Christina who had followed him outside. "Call security and tell them not to let this woman

in again."

*****

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