Back in Hollywood, Laila was surrounded by a large group of reporters even before she entered the company. She had expected this situation and had some messages she wanted the reporters to convey, so she stepped out of the car and faced the press.
"Yes, I'm aware of her challenge," Laila nodded calmly when asked if she knew about Faiza's challenge.
"So, how do you plan to respond?" a reporter inquired.
Laila glanced at the questioning reporter and replied, "Why should I respond to her?"
"Are you afraid? Can't you do it anymore?" Reporters were known for their provocative questions, and this one was eager to push her buttons. If he could get a good reaction from her, he'd have a story that many other reporters would envy!
Seeing the glint in the reporter's eyes that seemed to say, "Come on, hit me, don't hold back!" Laila simply smiled faintly. "If someone questions me, and I choose to do as she says, what else can I do? From the moment I directed my first film, there has never been a shortage of doubts surrounding me. Do you think I need to explain myself for every doubt?"
The reporter was momentarily stunned because he knew she was speaking the truth. When The Blair Witch first appeared, many had predicted she would become a pitiful "one-hit wonder" director. Even when Laila directed other films, there were occasional criticisms and disparaging remarks. So, while he understood what she was saying, the media still needed something to write about.
Immediately, another reporter chimed in, "You've already defended your films against those who doubted you. So, when your song is being questioned now, don't you plan to respond with your song as well?"
This reporter's tone was relatively mild, but his words carried a deeper meaning.
Yes, your films are impressive, and you've effectively silenced your critics with your powerful movies. So, when someone doubts your song, why aren't you responding now? Upon closer examination, it was hard not to see something secretive in her actions.
Laila lowered her eyelids and playfully curved her lips. "When did I say I wouldn't respond with a song?"
The reporters were collectively taken aback. What was she talking about? Hadn't she just said she wouldn't respond? Why did it sound like she would respond after all?
Without waiting for more questions, Laila continued, "I will create another outstanding song, but not to specifically address someone's doubts. I'm doing it because I want to. Don't you think it would be interesting to see a film director like me stepping into the Grammy arena?"
The reporters were excited. This was practically an announcement that she was going to challenge the Grammy Awards! A film director boldly proclaiming that she would compete in music categories was a sensational news story worth covering!
Roy, concerned, looked at Laila as they entered the company building. "Are you really that confident?"
"When have I not been confident?" Laila replied with a self-assured smile.
Roy rolled his eyes. "Stop with that fake smile. Well, I know you're confident. But it's the Grammy Awards we're talking about. What are we, a film director and an actor, going to do there?"
"Just as I said earlier, don't you think it would be interesting for people like us to secure a place at the Grammys?" Laila replied with a meaningful smile.
"I admit it would be interesting, but we're not professionals, and we only have one song. The chances of winning are minuscule," Roy, who had some basic knowledge, pointed out. He couldn't help but feel that her confidence was a bit too much.
"Don't worry; that's not your concern." Laila smiled mysteriously at him. "And how do you know we only have one song?"
Roy was momentarily stunned. "Are we releasing a single?"
"It depends on my mood," Laila gave him an ambiguous answer, leaving him unable to speak. Why did she have to tease people like this?
Meanwhile, the reporters wasted no time in conveying Laila's responses to Faiza. They knew she'd be furious about it, and sure enough, Faiza, hidden under her black veil, screamed into the camera, "Arrogance will bring her from heaven to hell! I'm eagerly awaiting that day, and I believe it's not far off!"
Thankfully, she had her entire face covered, or her twisted, hate-filled expression might become a nightmare for countless children.
As for the doubters and haters, Laila didn't pay them any mind. She was currently with Michael Giacchino, and they were composing the song using the same method as before. Thanks to their previous experience, it didn't take as long this time, and after just a day, she was satisfied with the lyrics and composition she had in her hands.
"Boss, I really want to know what's going on in your head," Michael looked at her in frustration, feeling deeply wounded once again. From now on, if anyone called him a music genius, he would drag them in front of the boss to show them what true genius was.
Laila patted his shoulder with a smile. "I'm just a bit luckier."
"Can good luck make great songs?" Michael stared blankly at the departing Laila and mumbled to himself, "It actually makes sense? But the problem is, when will I ever have such good luck?"