Viktor didn't hide the surprise on his face, his brow furrowed as he leaned forward slightly. He was always direct, and his curiosity got the better of him as he asked, "Without any work? That's rather surprising. So, what's the reason?"
Rebecca paused, her expression thoughtful, as though she was carefully selecting her words before speaking.
"He's exceptionally talented, without question," she began, her tone measured. "But he's also known for being... difficult. He's gained a bit of a reputation for clashing with artists who aren't willing to push boundaries or who prefer to play it safe. In some circles, he's considered too aggressive in his approach. He demands a lot, and not everyone can handle that. But if you look at his results, there's no denying his success."
Viktor's eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued. This was the kind of personality he was looking for—a driven individual who didn't allow themselves to be limited by conventional thinking.
"If his attitude were just a little softer, he wouldn't have any problems, would he?" Rebecca continued. "But he's tough, and because of that, the artists working under him tend to leave once they achieve some success. As celebrities, they don't want to be bossed around. They want control over their own careers, and they won't tolerate someone dictating their direction."
Viktor leaned back in his chair, his interest deepening. This sounded like exactly the kind of person he wanted—someone unafraid to push limits, even if it meant dealing with some friction.
He was seeking someone who didn't believe in setting boundaries, especially not when it came to music.
He had an entire world of music genres backing him up, and if he encountered someone overly conservative, it would inevitably lead to conflict sooner or later. But this man, with his reputation for being difficult, might just be the perfect fit.
A glint of enthusiasm flickered in Viktor's eyes as he replied, "Alright, send me his file along with the manager you recommend for us later."
He knew that while he had influence over the final decision, it was important for the band members to have some autonomy.
Giving them the opportunity to choose their manager, rather than imposing one on them, would foster trust and cooperation. Even though Viktor doubted any of the band members would object to his recommendation, it was always better to give them a say in the process.
Rebecca, though slightly taken aback by Viktor's direct approach, maintained her professionalism. There was an odd feeling of being a subordinate receiving instructions from a superior, but she quickly pushed the thought aside. She nodded, taking note of Viktor's request.
"I'll have his file sent over as soon as possible, along with a few other candidates I believe would align with your vision. It's always good to have a couple of options, just in case."
Viktor appreciated her quick response and foresight. It wasn't by chance that she held her current position.
Lesser individuals would likely have taken offense at being spoken to in such a way by someone technically lower in the hierarchy. Viktor had often noticed how successful people, unlike the characters in the Chinese novels he enjoyed, didn't easily create enemies or display their emotions openly, even if they were angry. They only acted when they were sure of their power.
"Thank you," Viktor said, shifting the conversation slightly. "Now, let's move on to the subject of the movie. I won't interfere too much since I'm a beginner in the industry, but you've already seen the descriptions of the characters. I hope they won't be changed, so the selected actors meet those criteria. And as for the plot, it's important that it stays as it is. Those are my two main requests."
Rebecca nodded thoughtfully, absorbing Viktor's words. "I understand your concerns, and we'll do our best to adhere to your vision for the characters and plot."
She hesitated briefly, clearly weighing how to phrase her next point. "However," she began again, her tone cautious, "in this industry, some adjustments are often necessary, especially if we want the movie to succeed commercially. We might need to be a bit flexible with certain aspects. For instance, if a talented actor doesn't quite fit the physical description but captures the essence of the character, we might want to consider them."
Viktor raised an eyebrow but remained composed. He understood that compromises might be inevitable, but he was determined to keep the movie as close to his original world as possible.
"I understand that some changes might be needed, but the core of the story has to stay intact. The characters, their motivations, and the overall plot—those are non-negotiable for me. That's what makes this project special, and if we compromise too much, we risk losing that uniqueness."
He paused, then added, "I forgot to mention—our band will be composing and performing the movie's theme music."
Rebecca smiled, though it was clear she had expected Viktor's firm stance. She had only been testing the waters, after all. The president had already made it clear that Viktor's requests should be met.
There wasn't much room for negotiation on her part. "You're right," she agreed. "It's crucial to protect the heart of the story. I'll make sure that any changes we suggest are minor and don't stray from the core message or the characters you've so carefully crafted. As for the theme music, that's fantastic. It'll give the movie a more cohesive and personal touch."
The discussion between the two continued for the next hour and a half, revolving around the details of the two projects.
Viktor laid out his expectations clearly, while Rebecca, in turn, offered professional insights and suggestions to ensure both the movie and the music were aligned with his vision.
As the meeting finally drew to a close, Viktor stretched in his seat, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"That was productive," he remarked, a slight grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'm looking forward to seeing how everything comes together. Let's make sure to stay in touch about both projects, and if anything comes up, don't hesitate to reach out. I want to stay involved."
Rebecca nodded as she gathered her things, her professionalism never wavering. "Absolutely, Mr Viktor. We'll keep you updated on every step. I'll send over the files later today, and we'll get moving on casting and coordinating the music. You've got a solid vision, and I'm confident this is going to turn out great."
There was a sense of familiarity between them after the long meeting, and as they stood to leave, Viktor extended his hand once more. "Thanks, Ms Rebecca. I appreciate your cooperation. I'll talk to you soon."
She shook his hand warmly. "Take care, Viktor. We'll be in touch soon."
After Viktor made his way out of the building, he couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief. Since obtaining the system, he found himself with less time and fewer distractions.
His projects seemed to be progressing smoothly, albeit slowly. He glanced at his watch, realizing that in the next two months, he would have the time and focus to dedicate fully to the camera project without worrying about other commitments.
For the first time in a while, Viktor felt the calm assurance that everything was falling into place. The band was moving forward, the movie was on track, and his other ventures were lining up as expected. With a clear plan ahead of him, he knew the coming months would be pivotal for his success.