CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34: A FEELING OF RESPECT

Talent agency meeting room.

The company’s board of directors engaged in intense discussions regarding Savannah Lowell.

"Recently, the popularity of our company’s artists remains high; we occupied five of the top ten trending searches, with three of those coming from Savannah Lowell. It’s worth applauding, everyone give her a round of applause.

The company report director pointed to the screen, feeling triumphant during a PPT presentation.

Thunderous applause erupted around, while Quinn Lockwood remained silent.

The company’s previous handling had already left her disheartened, so such situations were not surprising anymore.

After the applause ended, the directors began allocating and summarizing the subsequent work for each artist.

Since Quinn Lockwood and Dylan Quinn are now the company’s stars, their workload and popularity are naturally somewhat more complex, hence they were addressed last.

"Xiao Meng, next week you have an ad shoot..."

As the directors discussed the work of others, Quinn Lockwood and Dylan Quinn exchanged glances, with Dylan shrugging helplessly.

Clearly, being a celebrity is not as easy as it seems; outsiders only see their glamorous facade, unaware of the hardships they endure behind the scenes.

Being exploited by the company is one thing, but often they’re forced to do things they don’t want to.

Dylan once recorded a reality show with a fever of 39 degrees. The company, prioritizing profit and popularity, didn’t allow him to rest, threatening him with breach of contract liabilities if he quit the show.

It was eventually the show director who couldn’t bear it, postponing the shoot for half a day to take him to the hospital.

To be honest, the entertainment industry really lacks any human warmth.

But for them, it’s nothing new.

"Alright. Now, let’s discuss Savannah Lowell and Dylan’s work, starting with Savannah Lowell."

The executive director first addressed the other directors, then turned to Quinn Lockwood, "Savannah, you currently have the highest popularity in the company, which is a great opportunity for your development. Therefore, the company has decided to get you several more roles; you shouldn’t rest for now, what do you think?"

It seemed like a consultation, but it was merely an announcement.

Quinn Lockwood snapped back to reality, chuckling, "Is the company planning to not explain again this time?"

Though knowing the answer, Quinn could not hold back from voicing it; not all talent agencies in the industry are like this, it’s just that they weren’t very fortunate.

"Savannah, I think you misunderstood. For the company’s artists, the company naturally provides protection. Concerning your news, the company isn’t refusing to explain; instead, considering your future, we decided to clarify when the time is ripe. You know, the company’s development isn’t easy, and your growth is all thanks to the company."

The executive director had a wrongly accused expression, putting on the usual act of self-pity.

"So, you’re planning to wait until the hype dies down to clarify, and then stir up the topic again, just like this time?"

Quinn Lockwood idly twirled the pen in her hand, unable to hide the anger in her eyes.

Despite myriad grievances against the company, she had just landed a rare opportunity to act opposite Ariana Lynch; she didn’t want to lose it over her momentary displeasure.

Moreover, she wanted people to see that she was no longer the same Savannah Lowell as before.

With that thought, Quinn Lockwood could only suppress her inner frustration, keeping it to herself.

"You must understand, with topics and popularity, you can get roles and earn a living."

The executive director was not one to be easily persuaded; her implying was for Quinn Lockwood to adjust her attitude.

Those around shifted their eyes, adopting an observing stance.

Dylan Quinn took everything in, his gaze fixed on Quinn Lockwood, unsure of what he was thinking.

Quinn Lockwood did not speak; despite her discontent, now was not the time to vent.

Seeing Quinn Lockwood rarely not opposing, the executive director struck while the iron was hot, smoothly arranging her subsequent schedule, merely adding a few more ads.

It’s still primarily for the company’s interests.

"Hmm... concerning Dylan, the company doesn’t worry about your situation much, so we’ll follow the previous procedure. However, the contract with Graceful Harmony Inc. regarding the face mask is nearing its end; the company plans to extend it for another quarter. What do you think?"

The executive director paused slightly, clearly feeling a bit guilty.

Dylan’s trending topic this time stemmed from a rumored affair with a Graceful Harmony Inc. female model, which was merely an ad shoot; they barely spoke to each other.

The company not only refrained from clarifying but deliberately fueled the rumors, ambiguously responding to the media, claiming it to be the artist’s private matter, letting the media exploit it even further.

Everyone in the entertainment industry knows that the contract explicitly states an artist must not conceal romantic relationships from the company; otherwise, it’s a breach.

Such an attitude from the company is truly disheartening.

"Not good."

Dylan raised an eyebrow; since the company entrusted him with the decision, he had the right to refuse.

He was somewhat surprised by Quinn Lockwood’s reaction earlier, thinking she’d just walk out as she did before.

"Reason."

The executive director frowned; though Dylan usually wouldn’t overly concern himself with the company’s arrangements, once he opposed, it meant it was truly irreversible.

Dylan stood up, hands pressed on the table, staring straight at the directors present.

"Everyone knows why I’m trending. Renewing the contract will only further drive the media to take advantage of it. The company’s willingness to exploit artists for popularity, even tarnishing their reputation, is truly disappointing."

As soon as he finished speaking, the room fell silent, the atmosphere turned awkward, with the air growing subtly tense, seeming only to hear each other’s breathing.

Facing the company’s flaws head-on, Dylan was the first.

Everyone lowered their heads in silence; only Quinn Lockwood watched Dylan in admiration, feeling respect.

At least he spoke the words she wanted to but couldn’t say.

After a moment, the directors nodded toward the executive director, who then said, "The company will consider the issues Dylan mentioned earlier, meeting adjourned."

The directors left one after another, Quinn Lockwood shook her head, feeling there still wasn’t a proper explanation, appearing to result in nothing.

Dylan glanced at Quinn Lockwood and then left.

Meanwhile, Elias Sinclair also left early in the morning, as today is the day his sister Nina Sinclair returns home from school during her holiday.

Grandpa Sinclair had long been looking forward to his lively and smart granddaughter returning, urging Elias Sinclair to pick her up early.

"Brother!"

Nina Sinclair saw Elias Sinclair waiting by the car as soon as she exited the school gates and immediately ran over.

"Wow, so handsome."

Passing female classmates cast admiring glances at Elias Sinclair.

Spending prolonged periods at school, they rarely encountered such a handsome man, his suit exuding a masculine allure.