The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 255

Chapter 255: Chapter 255 The Toad in the Well
She and Logan simultaneously took a deep breath before rising from their chairs. As they exchanged a glance, both sensing each other’s nervousness, a smile slowly spread across their lips. In that shared moment of understanding, they found themselves feeling a bit calmer.

Betty guided them to the recording studio where they found the director of the music department still at work, reviewing CDs from aspiring musicians vying for a contract. Despite the influx of submissions, the director was visibly frustrated and was currently having a headache, a testament to his high standards and because of the company’s prestigious reputation that he did not want to tarnish. He was adamant about not compromising quality for superficial appeal, knowing well that the company’s legacy was at stake.

His current dilemma revolves around the influx of artists who prioritize good looks over talent, flooding them with audition CDs. This exasperates him to no end. Despite not requiring them to compose or write songs, given their competent in-house composer, he has reluctantly lowered his expectations to merely seeking individuals with decent looks who can sing competently.

Luck was not on his side, and he couldn’t find a suitable artist. When Betty arrived at his recording studio with her trending artist, it filled him with a sense of gloom. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Betty was there to flaunt her latest discovery. This thought only added to his growing desperation and frustration. His disheartenment deepened, especially as he aimed to secure music awards at the upcoming event. Adding insult to injury, he had boasted to his former assistant, who had defected to a rival company, about his ambitions—only to be ridiculed for his age and perceived incompetence.

‘God! I’m only in my 30s! Age my ass!’ That thought drove him to pursue this matter.

“Senior,” Betty greeted as she approached the frustrated director, who sat surrounded by his stressed team in the studio. They all looked worn out from days of being nagged by the demanding director, who refused to settle for anything less. The ordeal had dragged on so long that they couldn’t even recall when it began.

“Betty, perhaps we could discuss this another time,” he waved his hand dismissively, but Betty pressed on, walking closer and signaling for Hera to hand over the CD from the young man with her. Despite her confidence in her artist, Betty couldn’t shake her nerves. It was clear Hera hadn’t heard him sing yet. The Director’s favor could pave the way to success, but if not, embarrassment and the Director’s wrath awaited them because of that CD.

Moreover, if Logan turned out to be a capable singer, she could sign him to her management roster, further enhancing her already successful track record. Another talented artist would not only earn her acclaim but also bring prestige and opportunities that could secure her a prosperous future.

The director exasperatedly turned his chair around, his fingers tapping impatiently on its armrest as he scrutinized Betty and the two newcomers in his studio. Despite sensing his impatience, Betty pressed on, driven by her commitment to her artist. She took a deep breath, and when Hera handed her the CD, she promptly passed it to the director.

The director now fixed Betty with a raised eyebrow and a frown that could intimidate anyone. His displeasure was palpable as if he might erupt at any moment.

“Senior, my artist has discovered a talented singer and we’re here to submit his work for screening,” Betty lied without batting an eyelid as if she already made herself believed that what she was telling was the truth, Hera could only laugh in her mind as she saw her collected manager act like a servile puppy in front of the director who was like a dragon spitting fire everywhere.

The Director glanced behind Betty and saw only one man standing there beside her artist, indicating he was the singer she referred to. He snorted dismissively, showing reluctance to give in, leaning back in his chair while fixing his gaze on the trio.

“Senior, why not give it a try? You’ve been busy listening all this time, and one more wouldn’t hurt, right?” Betty suggested, but the Director remained unmoved.

Seeing her manager struggle to convince the Director, Hera decided to step in. Since they were already there, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to let Logan audition. “How about this, Director?” she suggested casually. “If we lose and you really don’t like how my friend sings, I’ll personally allocate a hundred million funds for the music department.”

Only then did the Director take a long look at Hera, young and beautiful, a true gem. He smirked. “Little girl, we’re not talking about play money here. Besides, are you openly bribing me? Me?!” He pointed at himself incredulously, emphasizing that he had never accepted a bribe before and had a clear conscience.

“Director, this isn’t meant as a bribe. We understand everyone’s tired, and we’re just asking you to consider going a bit further. The money would simply be compensation if we end up wasting your time. It would only be bribery if we asked you to accept our submission without scrutiny,” Hera explained with an innocent look, genuinely believing her perspective.

Hearing Hera offer such a large sum made Logan clutch onto her sleeve. He didn’t believe he could make the cut and feared putting Hera in an awkward position. He wanted to stop now and go home, feeling he was pushing his luck by dreaming he could achieve something significant. Back where he lived, no one had ever complimented him, and he often felt like a toad stuck in the bottom of the well.

He began to entertain the thought that maybe they were right; perhaps he was just a dreamer wanting to leave the well and explore beyond its limits with his own abilities. Reality now seemed to slap him in the face, and he worried he was dragging Hera and her manager into his futile aspirations. The Director’s piercing gaze only intensified his sense of intimidation.

Hera could feel Logan’s hesitation and fear in the way he grasped her sleeves, and it pained her to see such a big guy displaying the timidity of a mouse. Clearly, he had been suppressed for a long time.

Hera’s explanation seemed to amuse the Director despite his grumpy and annoyed demeanor since their arrival. He had been trying to intimidate them into leaving him alone, but here was this young girl boldly making bets with him, and over such a large sum at that. He knew that heirs and heiresses often dabbled in the entertainment industry for fun and fame, spending lavishly as they pleased. However, it was the first time someone had offered such a substantial amount without treating it as a bribe, but rather as casually as if it were money for snacks.

The Director smirked amusedly and swiftly snatched the CD from Betty’s outstretched hand, which seemed weary from repeatedly offering it to him.

“Then, young girl, to make this a little more entertaining, how about you starring in one of the music videos I’ll release for an artist if I don’t find this submission good enough? Hmm?” The Director’s question sounded more like a command than a request.