Chapter 404

Most women were like this. Although they had already surrendered in their hearts, they would still resist a few times verbally and physically. To put it nicely, it was called being reserved, but to put it bluntly, it was called not wanting to take responsibility.

It was like picking up a woman at a party. Even if you had completely attracted her, even if she was willing to go out to bed with you, you would always be the one to say things like, "I have a lot of beautiful tropical fish at home, maybe you'd like to see them," or "If you don't mind, maybe we can find a quiet room to talk."

It was not that there were no maverick women, but most women always tried to avoid those casual words and deeds in daily contact. They tried to make the whole thing look like the man had initiated and guided it. The higher the position on the pyramid, the more it was so. Therefore, a considerate man should know when to be a gentleman and when to be a villain.

Of course, there were differences. For example, Richel, who was also forced, was more obsessed and entangled with Adriaan because of the sadomasochistic love knot in her heart. But Nicole was different …

Adriaan was not completely sure what she was thinking, but he more or less guessed it. However, he did not do anything specific. Sometimes, watching the prey constantly struggling in one's hands, yet being firmly grasped for various reasons, was even more fun. Otherwise, why would people say that the unobtainable was the best?

"Congratulations, boy. Eric said you've grown up well." Coming out of the artistic director's office, Adriaan said to Silver Phoenix, who was waiting outside.

"So …" Silver suddenly looked at him with a hopeful face.

"Not yet. I have to continue training. Don't think it's easy to make a record." Adriaan laughed and said, "Besides, you have other careers. You know, after 'The Sixth Sense,' you're already second to none."

Silver wanted to say something, but after thinking about it, he closed his mouth and showed a smile that was somewhat "against his will."

"I know what you're thinking, Silver." Adriaan sighed as he walked. "But wasting your talent is unforgivable. I've already agreed to let you participate in the company's training and promised you that as long as you meet the requirements, I'll let you make a record. How much more concessions do you want me to make?"

According to the feedback from Revan and Joaquin, and what he learned from various sources, Silver's desire to make a name for himself in singing was very strong. In this case, Adriaan chose the second plan and handed it to Eric. Even if Eric did not agree, Silver could still go to another record company to try, right?

"Alright, Ed, just say that I'm greedy and insatiable." Silver shrugged, looking a little old-fashioned. He was more open in front of Adriaan than in front of his two brothers.

"No, no, no, Silver. Greed is good, as long as you know how to control it." Adriaan laughed again, then glanced at the corner not far away. "Work hard, Silver. Passion doesn't mean everything. The two young singers I think most highly of in the company are extremely talented, but they're still in training. Isn't that right, Christine?"

This last sentence was said directly to the corner. Then, Christina walked out a little embarrassedly and greeted Adriaan and Silver with a forced smile.

"You must be Christina Aguilera. Eide often talks about you and Britney Spears. He always says that you're the two girls with the most potential he's ever seen. He also told me that unless I can work twice as hard as you, I might not be able to achieve half of what you've achieved in the future. That's really annoying." Silver shook Christina's hand casually. He was a typical familiar face.

Obviously, Christina's mood improved a lot. Although there was a flash of disgust in her eyes when she heard Britney's name, her smile became softer. "Not necessarily. I've been training for almost three years, and Eide said that I still need another three years before I can officially become a singer. I don't think I can't make an album after 12 years of training alone."

Although she was talking to Silver, her eyes kept glancing at Adriaan.

"Of course, I'm judging you by the standard of the most popular singer, Christine." Adriaan interrupted with a smile. He then raised his hand to look at the time. "You have an audition in the afternoon, right, Silver?"

"It's okay. Jekun should be here to pick me up. Even if he doesn't come, I can go by myself," Silver said, waving his hand. He sharply sensed that Adriaan still had something to do.

"Alright. See you in a few days." Adriaan nodded with a smile. After Silver left, he turned to Christina. "What's the matter, Christine?"

Seeing that he maintained his smile, Christina seemed to heave a sigh of relief. She bit her lip lightly and said, "Can we talk in your office, Ed?"

"Hmm … I'm leaving soon. Why don't we just find a room to relax? You seem to have something on your mind," Adriaan said after thinking for a while.

Christina did not refuse. The two of them found an empty room and sat down on the sofa. First, they talked for a while. It was similar to before. Then, Adriaan asked about the current situation. After Christina briefly described it, Adriaan went straight to the point. "Are you dissatisfied with the current situation, Christine?"

"… No, no, I'm just …" Christina, who did not expect this, stuttered.

"Don't lie to me, Christine. We've been together for so long. I know what you're thinking." Adriaan said with a smile. "You've always been honest with me. Why don't you continue to be honest with me? I've always been your best listener. Since you can tell me about the painful past when I was young, why can't you tell me what's on my mind now? "

"No, Eide, I … I'm really not dissatisfied …" Christina hurriedly explained. "I'm not dissatisfied. After all, you've done so much for me … I'm just … I'm just a little jealous and uneasy …"

She lowered her head as she spoke. Her hands were fidgeting with the corner of her clothes. Her expression was not visible. Her cheeks were slightly puffed up as if she was gritting her teeth. Adriaan, who knew what was going on, chuckled as if he had seen through her.

"Well, I can understand how you feel, Christine." He said as he sat beside the girl. "But in my opinion, you don't have to be jealous of Silver at all."

"I …" Christina looked up abruptly. She opened her mouth but did not say a word. She just looked at Adriaan with a responsible expression.

"Your position is completely different from Silver's." Adriaan continued as if he did not see it. "Although I've repeated it many times before, I don't mind repeating it. You and Britney are the most promising girls I've ever seen, especially your singing. If you weren't so young, I wouldn't have asked Celine Dion to sing the theme song for the recent big production. Although Silver has a bit of talent in singing, it's far from being able to act in movies. Even if he works hard, he'll at most be an ordinary A-list singer. You're different. From the beginning, I've measured you as the most popular singer. I never thought I was wrong, and I believe that you won't disappoint me. So, you really don't have to think too much now. Just train yourself as hard as you always have. "

Speaking of this, he put his hand on her thigh and gently pressed it. "If you still can't rest assured, then I can also reveal that this time next year, you'll be preparing to release an official album!"

Christina did not say anything. She just stared at Adriaan for a long time with her eyes wide open. Then, she smiled. "I will."

"That's it then." Adriaan patted her thigh again. "Go back and continue to work hard to maintain your form."

The girl stood up and thought of something. She tilted her head and looked at Adriaan. "Eide, can I?"

"What?" Adriaan pretended to be puzzled. Then, Christina leaned over and kissed the corner of his mouth. She then put on a mischievous smile that was rarely seen before. "I've been wanting to do this for a long time."

Well, at least there was progress. After Christina left, Adriaan touched the place where she kissed and smiled. Of course, he knew who Christina was really jealous of. After Britney occasionally went to his villa for "lessons", she inevitably became more and more proud and intimate with Adriaan.

As a competitor, Christina naturally felt threatened, but she did not know what the problem was. Of course, Britney would not say it. It was the most important secret between her and Adriaan.

Moreover, Christina was different from Britney. She thought more. If she thought too much, she would not be able to discern what was unnecessary and what was useful, and naturally could not make the right judgment. Even if Adriaan's attitude towards her did not change, Christina could not help but struggle to outshine Britney.

That was because she never knew what to do, which was why she had been struggling until now. It was only after Adriaan's words and recalling everything that happened before that she came to a realization. Christina was no fool. Moreover, women were naturally sharp when it came to certain things. Regardless of what Adriaan was thinking, she did not care as long as she could outshine Britney. It was just that she always thought too much, which was why she appeared a little deliberate just now.

It was fine. It was just the beginning. Adriaan did not mind. One would get used to it after a few times. He had spent years brainwashing her step by step, such as repeatedly telling her that he was the only one who could make her succeed, making slapping her thighs a habit and making her reveal many secrets. Under such circumstances, Christina would choose not to care even if she understood.

Still, she was a little too late. While the other was clumsy in certain aspects, he was bolder and simpler than her, which was why overthinking was not a good thing. Of course, it was thanks to Adriaan, who had planned from the start. If it were anyone else, they would not have accepted it so unscrupulously.

"Eide, I've been waiting for you …" Just as the door closed, a petite figure leaped into Adriaan's arms. One had to admit, those moist and tender cherry lips were sweet.

That was why Adriaan did not bring Christina back to his office. Britney was already waiting for him there.

"You look happy. What's the matter?" Adriaan locked the door and sat down with the girl in his arms.

Britney chattered away at once, her excitement evident in her words. She looked adorable as she climbed on top of him.

"By the way, Bob, I'm sorry to inform you that next Wednesday's class will be canceled," Adriaan suddenly said.

"Is it going to be canceled?" Britney looked disappointed.

"Yes, I have something else to deal with. Don't worry, I'll find time to make up for it." Adriaan reached out and pinched her smooth cheeks.

"Sure." Britney took the initiative to kiss him. She didn't look reluctant at all, as if she would do whatever he said.

With a negative EQ and Adriaan's methods, she was the most successful in being brainwashed. She was even more docile than Sarah. However, Adriaan did not devour her completely. Even though he had conducted many special classes in the mansion, it was limited to hugs and kisses. He did not even go as far as Kirsten. From a profit perspective, now was not the best time. Moreover, he would only gain more if he did not let go of certain things.

It was just like how he couldn't be more familiar with Kirsten's body, but he still hadn't taken that last step.

"Do you not like me anymore?" Kirsten asked, pretending to be pitiful again.

"Why would I? I've always wanted to devour you, little vixen, but it's not time yet," Adriaan replied.

It was not because he was comforted. He had tasted the banana several times. It did not matter if he did not take the last step or not. It was not that Adriaan did not want to devour her. Although he had already devoured Natalie, and although he would take some time to visit New York, they did not want to have sex as soon as they met. They mostly played together, enjoyed the scenery, and chatted.

This was actually not bad, especially when Natalie curled up into a ball in his arms and argued excitedly about a certain topic. It was a wonderful feeling. However, the girl's unique temptation was more attractive. How could he not want to devour Kirsten? But he also needed to take this opportunity to tell her that he knew what she was thinking and who was in control.

Kirsten more or less understood this. Besides, the two were close enough, so she did not force it. However, if she knew that Adriaan had already taken Natalie to bed, she would not be so calm.

After Halloween, the film's off-season also passed. The schedule from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year's was in front of them. During this period, there were not many films under AC Media that could occupy a place in the box office. In addition to "Mr. Sweet," there was only "Zorro's Mask." If "Titanic" could be released, it would naturally sweep everything. But according to the news from Cameron on the second day of Halloween, Adriaan completely gave up on this idea.

It did not matter. Any film company had a low point. This was also in line with Adriaan's policy of keeping a low profile when DreamWorks rose. Besides, there were several good movies that had already started filming.

The first was "The End of the World," which Adriaan had claimed to surprise Liv. Naturally, Bruce Willis did not hesitate to agree to Adriaan's invitation. After Michael Ovitz took over the agency, his agent was quickly poached. The other roles were pretty much the same, but the role of supporting actor was given to Joaquin Phoenix. Since his brother Rui Fan was still alive, Joaquin began to try to take the commercial route. In order to convince Liv, Adriaan spent a lot of effort.

"A few inexperienced oil workers go into space to drill a hole in a comet and explode it to save the world. Is there a more ridiculous story than this?" This was Liv's first reaction after reading the script.

"Of course there is. For example, an air force pilot and a mathematician take a UFO that landed on Earth decades ago and go to the alien headquarters to implant a virus in their computer. This shows how important it is to have a good anti-virus software." Adriaan said seriously, "Even if there is no anti-virus software, there should be a good firewall, right? Even if there is no firewall, there should be an independent server, right? "

"I don't think it's interesting." Liv, who could not refute him, pouted.

In short, Adriaan used all his tricks to coax and deceive her. In the end, he brought up the surprise that he had given her before to get her to agree. "I went through so much trouble to prepare a surprise for you. Are you going to let all my efforts go to waste? This is so sad! "

Of course, whether this was effective or if Adriaan's "if you don't agree, I'll throw you on the bed and teach you a lesson" attitude worked, no one knew.

The director was still Michael Bay. Due to Adriaan's invitation and the fact that the producer was Bruckheimer, who had worked well with him before, he immediately gave up a movie that was about to be agreed upon with Universal and turned to Adriaan. His uncle, who played the role of a middleman, was so angry that he scolded him.

"It doesn't matter. When he's done scolding me, he'll naturally calm down." Michael Bay laughed nonchalantly.

As for the joint investment company, Adriaan handed it over to Miramax. The huge sales of Independence Day made them naturally aware of the prospects of sci-fi movies with special effects packaging. Moreover, with Adriaan's brand, New Line would not be able to monopolize the market.

As for New Line, Adriaan had also made arrangements. In addition to Doomsday, there were two other movies — Prison in the Sky and LA Confidential.