The "strictest training and most brutal elimination system" that Ethan referred to was inspired by K-pop groups from later generations. Through rigorous dance and song training, idol groups were formed, and stars were made for profit. This method had withstood market testing, and the harsh contracts ensured maximum profitability. As long as a few hit songs were produced, quick fanbase growth could be achieved.
As the Korean Wave spread globally, these idol groups even began to perform at the Grammy Awards, showing their undeniable influence.
Of course, there were government forces behind this, as well as the Western fanbase's fascination with this new idol group model.
As a new cultural trend, it always quickly attracted attention at the beginning. Whether it could establish itself in the long term depended on the quality of the work.
However, the environment in America was not yet suitable for copying the full K-pop model. To put it simply, the "version" was still outdated; the Western audience wasn't yet prepared for this kind of model.
But small-scale operations were no problem. Ethan planned to have the customer service ladies regularly participate in training for dance, songs, body shaping, and acting. They would then be grouped into three or five-member teams and launched into the market. Based on market feedback, adjustments would be made accordingly.
Naturally, the quality of the customer service girls varied. Some couldn't carry a tune, so those girls could be arranged to pursue acting, modeling, or become dancers in the team.
Additionally, simple rap with a few lines could work as well—since there's no issue with being off-pitch.
After explaining the training plan, Ethan spoke about the so-called "most effective way to fame."
This was simple: collaboration with a music company. Ethan's group would form the idol groups, while the music company would produce the albums. The two parties would share the music revenue for a win-win situation.
Ethan had considered starting his own music company, but after thinking it over, he abandoned the idea. In the future, training costs would be a major expenditure, and creating a music company would inevitably result in financial loss.
Plus, he didn't have the talent pool to produce great music producers or sound engineers—those were highly prized and carefully guarded by established music companies.
So after careful consideration, Ethan decided to collaborate with his old friend, Giorgio from Republic Records.
The main reason was that their company had very few artists, and many of their recording studios and equipment were underutilized. According to Bardman, Giorgio, the vice president, was currently struggling to sign more artists.
This situation was perfectly aligned with Ethan's requirements, so he contacted Giorgio yesterday and set up a meeting for today.
When the customer service girls heard they could receive professional training and possibly become singers, actors, or models, they were ecstatic. They clasped their hands in front of their chests, shaking them excitedly in high-frequency movements.
"Now that I've explained the training and planning, the company has drafted a new contract for everyone. If you'd like to receive the training, you'll need to sign this contract first."
After Ethan spoke, Kane walked over with the prepared contracts. "I'll carefully explain the details of the contract to everyone. Please listen carefully, and only sign once you're sure."
As Kane began explaining the contract, Ethan and Jimmy entered the office.
Jimmy was puzzled. "Why go through all this contract explanation? Why not just have them sign right away?"
Ethan leaned against the desk. "No need, Jimmy. I'm not a heartless capitalist."
Seeing Jimmy's doubtful expression, Ethan shrugged. "Fine, I admit it. Kane will explain all the useless and complicated terms, and the key clauses will be glossed over."
"Ethan, you're such a bad boy!" Jimmy clicked his tongue. "You want to confuse them, right? And you brought Kaiden back just to get them all worked up, right?"
Exactly. Today, Ethan's reason for having Kaiden return to the company was to stage a little drama for the customer service girls.
"You've gotten smart, Jimmy!" Ethan laughed, showing no sign of embarrassment. "This is for their own good. They'll realize the value of this contract in the future."
Although Ethan employed a few tricks and the contract terms were quite strict, with hefty penalties for breach, he didn't intend to exploit the girls for profit. He knew the consequences would be disastrous if they ever took the company to court, especially in an increasingly politically correct society in America. If any of his girls suddenly identified as LGBTQ+ and sued, the company would face enormous losses.
The biggest benefit that came with being a time traveler, besides opportunities and accumulated knowledge, was the ability to avoid risks.
If a steady profit could be made, there was no need to take huge risks.
The reason why K-pop squeezed its idols so hard was due to intense competition in the industry and because the national consumption capacity wasn't high enough. Their global exports were driven purely by profit motives.
If they could make comfortable money at home, like in the Chinese entertainment industry, who would go to such lengths to develop internationally?
It was exactly because of this that developing idol groups in America was particularly advantageous. America was the center of the world.
As long as their groups became famous in America, they would naturally gain acceptance globally. A tour through Tokyo, Seoul, and London would surely bring in substantial profits.
If Ethan's process gained traction, many companies would likely try to steal his ideas and imitate his methods.
The contracts at Angel Declaration were prepared for this very moment.
Kane spent half an hour explaining the contract, until many of the girls were nearly asleep. He then allowed them to sign on their own, and all of them, already drowsy, signed without a second thought, not even noticing the heavy penalties for breach.
"Great, we're done recording, right?" Ethan turned to Jimmy, who had been filming.
Jimmy nodded. "Don't worry, it's all taken care of."
Ethan patted his shoulder. "Then I'll go find Giorgio. You go look for a venue."
"Got it!"
Twenty minutes later, Ethan arrived at the door of Giorgio's office in New York's 67th Armory, where the Victoria's Secret Show would be held that night.
After handing his invitation to the staff, he entered the venue and arrived at the main runway.
The venue was already set up. At the center was a magnificent marble backdrop, while the runway's edges were lit with orange lights, and black velvet curtains and red-and-white dotted lights adorned the sides.
The space felt both surreal and solemn, and just thinking about the models walking down the runway in sexy lingerie made Ethan eager with anticipation.
But just as he was about to find a seat, his phone suddenly rang.
It was Kaiden, asking Ethan to come backstage because there was something she needed to handle.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, curious about what was going on backstage. But since she asked for help, as the boss, he naturally needed to solve the issue.
He walked to the spot Kaiden had mentioned in her message, weaving through the staff and making his way to the backstage area.
...
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