"You promise today's delivery, why hasn't it arrived yet?"
"Bro, you only ask for two samples at first, but then you suddenly add fifty more pieces. The workers need some time to rush the order," Patrick Anchor's exasperated voice comes through the phone. An hour is not enough to handle an extra fifty pieces – the factory workers are going nuts.
"Just tell them if they dawdle any longer, we'll switch to their rivals," Sebastian replies coldly. "If they can't handle such a simple request, they don't deserve our money."
"Don't worry; they're loading up the truck in three minutes."
Patrick sounds somewhat resigned, not understanding what kind of whim Sebastian is on. He remembers that Sebastian used to have a rather steady temperament. But now that high school is over, he seems like a changed person—less composed and much more brazen.
Sebastian doesn't care about Patrick's thoughts; all he feels is exhilaration. He hasn't forgotten how in his past life he had been at the mercy of demanding clients. Now...he is the client!
"But..." Patrick's concern seeps through his words: "You demand such low-quality products from the factory; are you sure these can actually sell?" The surprised look on the faces of the factory workers when hearing his requirements still vividly lingers in Patrick's mind.
"You wouldn't understand even if I explained."
"Try me!"
"I can't say just yet."
"Why not?" asks a puzzled Patrick.
"When you succeed, your words become wisdom; when you fail, they're nothing but hot air," Sebastian says with finality before hanging up.
Patrick stands there with a twitching smile as though buffeted by winds strong enough to give him back pain.
Twenty minutes later. In the studio...
Jessica Levandov has returned. This time she harbors no underestimation because of Sebastian's age but instead adjusts her mood to treat him fully as someone worthy of respect—a boss figure.
However, she soon encounters another dilemma.
"Alright, everything is ready—you can go change in makeup now," instructs Sebastian nonchalantly. Jessica stands her ground, a bit indecisive. She looks at Sebastian Vanderbilt, then at Patrick Anchor beside him, her face showing a hint of a dilemma.
Jessica is aware that this is part of her job. But the thought of changing into suggestive attire in a more intimate setting, in front of two men at her age... No matter how she thinks about it, it feels somewhat embarrassing.
"It seems I must seriously question the dedication of artists from S Entertainment." Sebastian says sternly, "If you hesitate over just a normal outfit, how will you handle it on stage, under the gaze of countless eyes? Will you mess it up?"
Jessica's delicate body trembles slightly, her grip on the clothes bag tightening. Public settings would be easier. Private ones, on the other hand, require more courage.
"Ah, does it take you this long to get mentally prepared?" Sebastian's tone is filled with impatience, and soon, his expression carries a faint contempt as he says, "Or do you really think you have such a great figure that any man would have indecent thoughts about you?"
His words hang in the air. Jessica lifts her head, her starry eyes showing a bit of disbelief.
"What are you hesitating for when you are already in show business? Do you really see yourself as a once-in-a-lifetime kind of beauty?" Sebastian sneers, "You need to be taught even the most basic charm. And congratulations, because of you, my impression of S Entertainment has hit rock bottom. Just now, I've had at least three moments where I wanted to replace someone."
Jessica's beautiful eyes tremble, and soon, a sense of grievance wells up inside her.
"What's there to be grieved about? Only those with ability have the right to feel wronged; losers don't have the right to cry," Sebastian looks directly into Jessica's eyes and says earnestly, "If you have the ability, then surprise me enough later, which would be far more powerful than your current teary-eyed look."
He speaks with increasing impatience, "What are you looking at? I'm putting it out there, if you, Jessica, have the ability to charm me to the point of sleepless nights today, I'll gladly hand over another ten million as signing bonus."
"But..."
Sebastian's eyes are full of disdain as he says dismissively, "Do you have what it takes to earn it?"
Jessica takes one last, deep look at Sebastian and turns towards the direction of the dressing room. She doesn't answer, her teeth almost grinding in frustration.
Ten million, huh... I'll claim it!
...
...
Sebastian watches as she enters the dressing room. Next to him, Patrick's expression is as if he is witnessing a deity!
"Too impressive,"
"Huh??"
"I mean, look at that pretty face, you were just lashing out with such a harsh tone and expression..." Patrick can't help but give a thumbs up, "That's truly impressive."
Is being harsh impressive? "..." Sebastian's gaze gradually becomes strange, suspecting that this guy might have some peculiar preferences. If he remembers correctly, this guy ended up marrying a well-known violent girl from their college class. After marriage, they were very happy together.
It's just that their communication mechanism needed more work; they frequently end up in the hospital checking injuries due to "family accidents".
However, to avoid being misunderstood as a fellow enthusiast, Sebastian explains, "You don't get it, it's called humiliation to motivation technique."
"What does that mean?" Patrick asks, puzzled.
"It means, when someone is being indecisive, you use this kind of humiliation to stimulate their self-esteem, making it easier to achieve your goal quickly,"
"So, the talk about replacing someone just now was all a bluff?" Patrick's expression changes instantly, showing a bit of contempt. A guy who talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk, hypocritical!
"Hey, who said it was all fake?" Sebastian chuckles, "My time is valuable too, you know. If she had delayed another five minutes, I would definitely have demanded a replacement."
"How could you become so ruthless?" Patrick clicks his tongue in surprise.
How did he not realize before that his best buddy was so ruthless, even when facing outstanding girl like Jessica?
Looking at Jessica's just now pitiful, tearful appearance, Patrick feels heartbroken just watching from the side.
"Ruthless?" Sebastian snorts, "I'm just urging her to complete the work that an artist is supposed to do in the first place, is that ruthless?"
He says with a light laugh, "Come on, we're here to do business, not to coddle ancestors."
"Ruthless monster, but typical boss!" Patrick gives a thumbs up, "Although the reasoning is indeed sound, I admit that I definitely couldn't reach your level."
What level am I at? Sebastian smiles but says nothing. How could a mere teen understand the power of a heart sealed with concrete!
"So, that ten million contract..." Patrick seems to realize something and looks at the person next to him.
"Didn't I say, if she can charm me, it will happen," Sebastian shrugs and laughs, "You know, I don't really have a concept of money, it's all about achieving the goal."
His words fall. And Patrick is left completely stunned.