"Mr. Edward, could the company advance my salary for two weeks? I'm already two months behind on rent," Monroe whispered, her eyes pleading.
Edward had just seen Monroe's modest apartment, and he could tell she was struggling. The place was sparsely furnished, a clear sign of her financial difficulties.
"It's a bit complicated to process a salary advance through the company. Instead, I'll personally lend you $200 now. You can repay me once you get your salary," Edward offered, pulling out the money from his wallet and handing it to Monroe.
Monroe accepted the money with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Mr. Edward. I'll make sure to pay you back as soon as I can."
Edward nodded, said his goodbyes, and headed back to his car. He reviewed the contract in his hand, reflecting on his role. Although he was the president of HD Film Company, his primary job was to follow the boss's directives. Today's task was to secure Monroe, who, despite her modest talent, had caught the boss's eye.
Edward's background as a manager in a brokerage firm made him adept at handling contracts. The boss had given clear instructions: sign Monroe with a standard C-level contract. This would ensure Monroe's commitment without offering overly generous terms, allowing the boss room to maneuver later if necessary.
There was also a more personal reason for Edward's visit. With the possibility that Monroe might become involved with the boss, it was beneficial for him to establish a good rapport with her early on. Monroe's beauty and charm were evident, and if she gained prominence, it could be advantageous for Edward to have a favorable relationship with her.
Back at ABC TV, the Super Idol show continued to captivate the audience. Viewership numbers soared, with more than 90% of Americans tuning in nightly. The show's success was unprecedented, surpassing even the popular "Family Wife" series.
The competition was fierce. The other TV stations, unable to rival ABC's innovative format, were left scrambling. Their attempts to develop similar shows were hindered by high costs and ABC's registered copyrights. This placed them in a difficult position, unsure of how to compete effectively.
As the show progressed, contestants' life stories were featured. Elvis Presley, a junior high school student, charmed viewers with his lively personality and his family's humble background. Shania Dunn, from a privileged family, showcased her musical talent and aspirations. In contrast, Percy Klein's poignant story of struggle and perseverance as a single mother resonated deeply with the audience.
The segment on Monroe revealed her simple yet poignant life. Despite her struggles, she maintained a positive outlook. Her work as a model, though modestly paid, provided her with a glimmer of hope. The camera captured her everyday life, from working on photo shoots to her simple meals. Her sweet yet melancholic smile conveyed a sense of vulnerability that endeared her to viewers.
Hardy, after watching Monroe's segment, was impressed. He decided to call Edward with further instructions.
"Edward, the show is well done. Focus on training Monroe. Her persona fits the sexy image we want to project. Make her a leading figure in that niche," Hardy directed.
"Do you want her to win the competition?" Edward asked.
"No, her performance alone doesn't warrant the top spot. While it's our show, we must maintain fairness. The top positions should go to those with outstanding talent," Hardy replied. "However, we can create a special title for her, like 'Audience's Favorite Female Singer.'"
Edward's eyes lit up. "That's a brilliant idea. It maintains fairness while still giving Monroe recognition. We can also introduce other awards like 'Best Stage Performance Singer' and 'Best Beautiful Voice Singer.'"
"Exactly. You handle the details," Hardy said, satisfied.
As the call ended, Hardy reflected on Monroe's future. Her potential was clear, and with the right support, she could become a significant figure. For now, there was no immediate need to contact her directly. The plans were in motion, and time would tell how they would unfold.