Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 220: Premiere]

"What do you want to talk about?" Amber sat as far away from Ryan as possible, casually glancing at Teresa standing nearby.

She was quite pretty.

"Did you change your last name back?" Ryan asked.

"That's none of your business," Amber immediately shook her head, refusing to answer.

"Of course it is. Your situation is unique, involving publicity with white liberal audiences and linked to ratings," Ryan reminded her.

With no choice, Amber opted to speak up, "I've already cut ties with her."

Earlier claims about having a man at home had been lies.

She wanted to provoke Ryan, but he simply didn't care.

"I wanted to talk to you about something important..." Ryan began, discussing the agency, knowing he wouldn't miss any chance to make money.

"You think this show will be a hit, so you're making moves early?" Amber caught on immediately.

Ryan didn't reply.

"What if I don't agree?" Amber pressed on.

Still no response from Ryan.

"You'd have her take my place, right?" Amber laughed lightly, realizing Ryan hadn't left her any other option.

"I already agreed with you." Amber shrugged. Ryan had leverage over her; any pushback could lead to her downfall, and she was aware of his methods.

Then, sitting cross-legged on the sofa, Amber began stripping off her clothes -- short sleeves, shorts, and her lingerie were tossed to the ground one by one.

"Let's go," Amber said, then closed her eyes.

The next moment, she heard Ryan get up and seemed to walk toward her.

Suddenly, the footsteps came to a halt.

Amber opened her eyes to find Ryan taking a picture of her with his phone.

Panicked, she quickly covered herself.

"Remember to wear your clothes more tightly next time," Ryan lowered his phone, having never opened the camera function.

His goal had been achieved, and he left with Teresa.

"Don't think this will change my opinion of you!" Amber shouted at Ryan's back.

But she still received no response.

It wasn't until the door closed that Amber realized she probably meant nothing to Ryan...

"Asshole!" Amber muttered under her breath.

...

After circling the city for a while to ensure they weren't being followed by paparazzi, Ryan returned to Daddario's house again.

Most of the furniture in the living room had already been packed; Daddario was preparing to move.

She had her eyes set on a small house in a secluded part of Palm Beach that was only slightly more expensive than this one. Comparatively, it was half the size.

That was a place Daddario had chosen herself, and clearly, she only wanted to be closer to Ryan.

On the table was a spread of food; Daddario had cooked specifically for Ryan's return.

"I've already eaten at Trey's, but Teresa hasn't had anything yet," Ryan explained.

"Why didn't you say so earlier? Let's go together," Daddario invited Teresa.

Both were actresses around the same age, and they had plenty to talk about.

"Honestly, what kind of roles do you think I'd fit?" Daddario had been thinking about her plans after filming the first season.

"I think... anything would work," Teresa hesitated.

"Come on, just say it. I know I'm not that great at acting," Daddario was aware of her shortcomings.

"What she means is you're perfect for playing the eye candy, especially in horror films as the clueless blonde who always bites the dust first," Ryan candidly chimed in without hesitation.

"Right? I think so too," Daddario slowed her chewing, accepting the fact she wasn't very skilled.

"But there's nothing wrong with doing horror; if it hits, the audience will at least remember you, and I'm no better," Teresa reassured her.

"Either way, when a suitable role comes along, grab it. We just need to make money and find an acting coach in the meantime," Ryan strategized.

Daddario nodded, "I'll follow your lead and work on my skills starting tomorrow!"

"Did you take any stimulants tonight?" Ryan joked with a laugh.

"Honestly, it's just that I saw some news about Taylor, and I feel more and more like I don't measure up against her," Daddario admitted, lowering her eyes.

Taylor had been on an incredible streak lately, with every tour stop completely sold out through to the new singles being nonstop hits.

This made Daddario feel even more overshadowed by Taylor.

"Sometimes I think competing is only temporary, and I know you don't like me comparing myself to Taylor either. I've come to terms with the fact that some things can't be changed; fighting over everything just makes you more impatient with me.

In the past, I thought of it as a boxing match -- if she punches me, I kick her, and whoever is still standing wins. The winner will always be the young and ruthless. I don't want that; I know you don't want that either.

Now, I see it as a track race, where we can only compete on who can run faster and longer, while also following the rules since you're the referee.

I should have a healthy competition with Taylor and Teresa to become better. The track rules are my protection too, as having been here first, it's only fair that I'll win your affection." Daddario gazed at Ryan, sharing her thoughts from the last few days.

"That was beautifully said! I'll go grab a bottle of wine to celebrate," Teresa immediately applauded and got up to fetch a bottle from the wine cabinet.

Ryan had never imagined Daddario would open up like this, thinking Taylor had set a perfect example.

Looking at the wine glass, Ryan couldn't help but quote, "Life is like a glass of red wine; each sip means you're losing a bit. Life is short, so I don't want you all to live too seriously, especially you two. You've already made sacrifices, and I just hope you can live carefree. It's that simple."

Having lived two lives, Ryan felt that letting the women around him enjoy their lives as they wished was the greatest success.

"But that's the only way for me to be carefree," Daddario insisted, still showing a fierce side.

"And you?" Ryan turned to Teresa.

"I don't think about that much. I just need good food, good things, money to spend, and someone who cares for me," Teresa nodded.

"Then let Ryan spoil you; you're always around him. If you feel overworked, have him hire someone else."

"Those jobs aren't even heavy; I'd rather the boss piles on more work, treating me like a slave," Teresa replied seriously. Daddario had opened up, and Teresa decided to do the same.

"Like last time, seriously, boss, don't feel sorry for me; it's actually more comfortable that way!" Teresa was starting to discover her hidden preferences.

Daddario was speechless.

"Boss, will you satisfy my little request?" Teresa asked hopefully.

"I... I'll try," Ryan chuckled, astonished by Teresa's other side. However, he didn't feel like going too far; it was all light-hearted fun and not involving real harm or body shaming.

Teresa immediately poured herself another drink and downed most of the glass.

Daddario had shared her heart, feeling particularly at ease as they clinked glasses with Ryan.

...

The two women quickly finished a bottle of wine and opened another.

Halfway through the second bottle, the alcohol started to hit, and their gazes at Ryan began to change.

"Ryan, why aren't you drinking? Or do you want me to feed you directly?" Daddario blushed.

"Hey, Boss, how many deep conversations have you had with Taylor in one night? How many times did she open her heart?" Teresa gazed at Ryan, her eyes a bit glazed.

"Do you want to team up with Daddario to break records?"

"No need, I'm good by myself; Daddario's another case."

"Want to take a break tomorrow?"

"Do you have the guts?" Teresa challenged with a laugh.

"There's no need to talk more. Tonight, Teresa and I will be the fiercest women on the West Coast." Daddario declared, standing up confidently.

The two leaned on Ryan as they headed to the bedroom, both carrying a bottle of wine, clearly oblivious to the fact that they might not be the fiercest women on the West Coast, but Ryan was definitely one of the fiercest men.

"Ryan, I was wrong, I really was. Let's just sleep; I've got shooting tomorrow," Daddario started begging.

While Daddario managed to escape a close call, Teresa wasn't so lucky since she had the day off tomorrow.

...

The next morning, an unsteady Daddario appeared on set.

"Ryan is an animal!" With Trey smiling at her, Daddario couldn't help but mutter.

"If Teresa were twenty years older, she might not see the sun today. Trey, when Ryan comes back later, you should join in too." Daddario snickered slightly.

Trey raised her hand as if to hit Daddario, but she dodged.

"Did you memorize your lines? Hurry up and get to work," Trey said with a laugh.

"I did; I started this morning. I think we should play the first scene more exaggeratedly. Do you think it'll work better..." Daddario shared her thoughts, devoting more time to understanding her character.

"That's interesting; let's do it your way," Trey agreed.

"By the way, a new beauty salon opened near the set. I just got a membership card; you should come with me one day."

"Sure," Trey didn't refuse.

"Right, I saw a dress in the mall that would look perfect on you. What size do you wear?" Daddario asked.

"Oh, trying to butter me up? So I'll say nice things to Ryan?"

"No way! If you say anything bad about me, it's probably because of something I didn't do well. You've taken care of Ryan for so long; it's only right for me to show you appreciation. With Taylor away, I'll take care of you for her."

"Taylor sends me plenty of things. I can't even fit all the cosmetics she's sent," Trey shared.

"That's because she makes more money; once I start making money, I'll buy you tons," Daddario declared, already on the "race."

"Alright, alright, let's hit the salon after work tomorrow," Trey finally agreed, unable to resist Daddario's plea.

...

"What are you two talking about that's so amusing?" Amber joined in as she arrived on set.

"Just the next scene," Daddario replied immediately.

"That's right, talking about the next scene, time's almost up, you two should hurry and get your makeup and costumes on," Trey urged.

...

By noon, after wrapping up the shoot, Daddario found a quiet corner, pulled out a box of fruit from a nearby convenience store, which was her lunch. 

But during this little break, Daddario also pulled out a book on acting to read while she ate.

"Daddario, did Ryan tell you he was starting a talent agency?" Amber approached and asked.

Daddario nodded, not saying much.

Noticing the ring on her ring finger, Amber asked, "Why hasn't your fiance ever come to the set?"

"He's busy traveling for work. It's normal that you can't see him," Daddario returned to her reading.

Amber nodded, then asked something else, "Is your leg feeling better? You're walking a bit off today."

"It's just residual soreness from leg day at the gym last night; it just happens when you don't exercise regularly," Daddario replied casually.

"Are you working your legs or practicing the moves?" Amber joked.

"Both," Daddario laughed.

"Who are you trying to seduce? Ryan Rivers?"

"Many people want to win my affection; I'm not worried." Daddario tossed her hair over her shoulder and got ready to get back to work.

As she left, Amber couldn't help but ponder.

It doesn't seem like there should be any relation with Ryan...

...

Upon returning from Los Angeles, Ryan granted Teresa two more days off; a single day wasn't enough to decompress.

Ryan got back to his office in the Bad Room, and before long, Diplo showed up with the new recruits, including an eager Hardwell and R3HAB.

"Have you arranged accommodation?" Ryan asked.

"It's arranged -- a three-bedroom house in a nearby neighborhood, accommodating up to six people. They moved their luggage in yesterday," Diplo responded.

"The contract is sorted. You two can sign today," Ryan looked at them both.

"So recording..." Hardwell seemed anxious, eager to get to the Bad Room for recording tomorrow and releasing the track the day after.

"Tomorrow we'll record, but the release has to wait until next week's nightclub event. Which event are we talking about this time?" Ryan inquired.

"NFL cheerleaders! I saw pictures on the official site; they're all stunning," Diplo said excitedly.

Hearing about women, particularly the lively NFL cheerleaders, sent the two younger guys beside Diplo into momentary excitement.

Ryan nodded, planning to confirm with Sean and kick off the promotion thereafter.

"Ryan, I heard your new series is about to premiere? Is that true? You can write screenplays too?" Diplo asked, bringing up fresh news discussed among staff today.

"Just something I wrote casually; I never thought it would catch the attention of the CW Network. They invested, so I thought I might as well shoot something for a chance to earn a little extra," Ryan replied casually.

"Impressive! I didn't know you had that talent in you. When you get established in the entertainment industry, remember to invite more stars over to the Bad Room for guest appearances. From a promotional standpoint, it's a low-cost, high-return strategy. The old nightclub I worked at tried that, but we could never get real stars," Diplo shared.

This reminded Ryan that it was similar to star collaborations -- any place frequented by stars would definitely attract traffic.

As for the branch, Lil Wayne and Usher had a line of friends waiting to get in; Ryan couldn't let his main store lag behind.

"I'll keep an eye on that," Ryan affirmed.

"Also, we've publicly announced a DJ recruitment. We've received over three hundred submissions and resumes so far. I filtered out a quarter of them, and we need these people to come in for an interview. By the way, Ryan, would you mind if it were female DJs?"

"As long as their work meets the standard, whether male or female doesn't matter. A few female DJs wouldn't hurt," Ryan stated, feeling rather indifferent to the matter.

Diplo nodded and led the young men off to familiarize them with the space.

...

By six that evening, the CW Network's entertainment segment had already begun featuring previews for Ryan's new series. Apart from focusing on the show itself, Ryan had become the main star, connecting live from the scene, discussing the past incident with the park tragedy, and even connecting live with the parents of the little girl Ryan had saved.

"Ryan's actions have inspired us deeply, and his show will premiere in the prime time slot shortly..."

At nine that night, Ryan turned on the television.

Simultaneously, the TV in the bar downstairs switched over from a sports program to the series premiere.

...

Far away in Los Angeles, the entire cast gathered at a restaurant where the owner had set up a projector.

...

In New York, Ivanka found herself captivated by Daddario on the screen from her luxury penthouse.

Downstairs from her, Karlie Kloss, who had recently moved into an upscale apartment, also tuned into the broadcast.

...

As for Taylor, she advanced her touring schedule, performing half an hour early at her show in Greensboro, North Carolina.

At that moment, having just wrapped the first part of her performance, Taylor took the stage with her guitar in one hand and a mic in the other, "I'm sorry to say that Ryan couldn't join us as a guest today. I know you all miss him just as much as I do, but tonight he will be making a special appearance in a different way!"

Taylor turned, and the giant screen lit up, showcasing Ryan's premiere series.

"Let's all watch an episode together; this show is going to be fun -- remember, this is my first time seeing it too!" Taylor sat cross-legged on the stage and enjoyed the show alongside the audience.

*****

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