Chapter 844 Where’s Your Sidekick?
After Mr. Lowry was taken into custody, the police officers sealed off the entire building and everyone was evacuated immediately.
A bunch of artists blocked the entrance and refused to leave as they requested for the police to protect their legal interests. “How can you seal off the entire building just like that? What are we going to do then?”
“You should at least get them to release our wages for this week before sealing the place! Otherwise, do you expect us to beg on the streets?”
“Shouldn’t the police be upholding the rights of the people? Your actions are pushing us into desperation!” “Return the money! We want our money!”
A few hours ago, this had been an opulent and flashy high-class office, but in the blink of an eye, it had become a living hell that everyone hurled abuses at.
Elise’s entourage came out from the side entrance and they shook their heads in unison upon seeing the unfolding scene.
Throughout the seven years with the company, most of the people here had the chance to choose a different boss to work for, but unfortunately, there would always be some unrepentant people who thought that they would be able to get away with making money through illegal means for their whole lives.
Suddenly, there was some rhythmic electronic music that rang out from the open square not too far from here. At the same time, a magnetic male voice came up with a short impromptu rap.
“Yo. Check it out. Eyes on me, boys and girls across the road. You got the looks? Rushmore Entertainment’s here for y’all! We got the benefits, some thick cash for you to roll in. It’s all for y’all, all it takes is some hustle. Cha-ching!”
“Uh, take a look, take a peek at this wonderful shot. Listen up, Blitzies, you deserve a second chance. I’m the man that you need, the Chief Manager of your dreams. This is Elliot Howard of Rushmore Entertainment. Skip this chance and you’re a fool. They call me ‘Loaded’ ‘coz I am!”
Most of the crowd, including Elise, was attracted by the mind-drilling rap and went over to take a look. In less than a few minutes, the temporarily erected tents were swarmed by scores of people.
Just as everyone thought that Elliot would have a hard time handling the crowd, he suddenly leaped onto a table and calmly controlled the scene with a megaphone. “Don’t push, guys. Rushmore Entertainment is flushed with money, so as long as you’ve got the talent, we’ll take all of you! Line up, please.”
With the assurances of the boss, the unemployed crowd finally felt at ease as they obediently formed two lines. None of them complained despite the snaking queue.
At that moment, Elliot clapped his hands and leaped off the table. “That’s all sorted.”
Winona stepped forward to greet him, “Mr. Howard, why did you come over personally for this?” She was now an artist under Rushmore Entertainment and Elliot was considered to be her immediate superior.
“I’m the most iconic representative of our company, so obviously, I’d have to turn up! Besides, we’ve always been competing with Blitzy Entertainment. If I don’t turn up today, would these people trust us and accept us? Anyway, I don’t have anything else on and by showing up today, I would be able to increase the efficiency of the work you guys do. That’s why it’s a win-win situation for everyone, isn’t it?” he replied breezily.
After he had spoken, he tilted his head and noticed Elise standing not too far behind Winona. He quickly rushed over to greet her.
“Miss White, nice to meet you. I’m Elliot Howard.” He shook Elise’s hand and revealed a sincere smile. “We owe this to you. Thanks for informing my father about this so that we could arrive at the perfect time.
That’s why Rushmore Entertainment could steal the limelight by taking advantage of the police investigation into Blitzy Entertainment. We’ve managed to save a huge sum on advertising because of this. Now that we’ve taken in these artists without discriminating their history, surely they would put in more effort to work for our company. We’ve benefited greatly!”
Seven years had gone by and Elliot was no longer the young boy in the past. He had trained hard, and was now muscular and well-built. He had a mustache around his lips and his raging hormones were evidently exuded. However, there was a clear look in his eyes which was a stark contrast to his appearance.
Elise shook his hand in return. “I merely provided a simple reminder to you, but I didn’t realize that you would take such bold action and actually come over personally. It looks like I’ve got good judgment.”
“Hahaha! Well, now that you’ve mentioned it, I might not be great at the business side of things, but I’m fortunate to be extremely blessed by lady luck. I’ve ended up succeeding in every single thing that I’ve put my mind into doing so far. Thus, our collaboration will definitely be a success.” Elliot was sincere.
“I must be lucky to have successfully joined forces with you.” Elise cracked a joke with him politely.
“That is way too courteous of you.” He silently took a humble stance. “I’ve watched your live shows, Miss White. You’ve brought honor to our country and you’re a national hero. I’m sincerely impressed and I wonder if you would be willing to give me a chance to treat you to a meal? I would really wish to reward our national hero.”
“How can I say no to that?” She agreed joyfully. “That’s great!” Elliot rubbed his hands excitedly in response. “Winona, come and join us too!”
“I’ve still got another job after this.” Winona shrugged resignedly.
“Is that so?” He considered the situation for a moment before turning around to say to his personal assistant, “Sort out the matter for Winona.”
“Thanks, Mr. Howard.” Subsequently, the group made their way to a popular restaurant. Jamie was already waiting in the private room of the restaurant when they arrived.
“Here’s my idol.” Jamie stood up to greet them. “The wine’s been put aside to rest for a while. Let’s order our meal.”
Following that, he got up and walked over to pull out a chair for Elise. In the midst of his considerate action, he teased the two kids as well.
“Little Irvin, have you missed your godfather here over the past few days?”
Irvin shifted his head and dodged Jamie’s outstretched hand. “You’re not my godfather! You’re too dumb!”
“Hey! You’re such a brat. I can’t believe that you’re repulsed by me!” Jamie smacked his lips and became resigned. Well, he could not do much about the situation since he had lost to Irvin more than once.
After everyone had taken their seats, Jamie was the last one to find a seat next to Elliot. He was just about to take a sip of tea to soothe his throat when the door to the room was kicked open from the outside. Bang!
Everyone turned to look in the direction of the noise and they saw Narissa standing by the door with a furious expression. Jamie turned his head and coincidentally met her eyes. He sputtered as he nearly spat out his tea. “Why are you here?”
He paused for a moment and glanced behind her before asking, “Where’s your sidekick?”
“Since when did I have a sidekick?” Narissa looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Your fiancé. He trails after you wherever you go like a sidekick!” He purposely teased her with a shifty smile.
In response, Narissa raised the baseball bat in her hand and pointed it at him as she rushed in his direction. “I’ll side-kick your head off first!”
Jamie instantly got up and hid behind Elliot. “Bro.” Elliot placed both palms together and humbly pleaded for mercy, “Please just do me a favor and stop this debacle in front of Miss White.”
Narissa scanned the table and took a look at the people present before putting away the baseball bat. “I’m just showing respect for my idol and my godchildren. You’d better behave yourself. Otherwise, I won’t show you any mercy!”
“Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Everyone here has the same thoughts!” Jamie moved his head cunningly and sat on Elliot’s other side.
At that point, the two of them were like cats and dogs around each other. They were seconds away from clashing despite their distance from each other.
As a result, Winona hurriedly lifted her wine glass and tried to ease the tension. “How about a toast?”
“Hold on,” Elliot interrupted Winona. “Hold on for two more minutes. Someone else is coming.”
