A new life(Marvel&DC)

"So what's the matter, Alexandra?" Sir Maxwell asked.

"Yesterday I went to see Norwood," the woman began her story. "He is the owner and director of the record label "Metropolis Music Group" - one of the five leading labels on the world music market," she clarified for me who they were talking about. "His main company is located in Metropolis, but he stopped in Gotham for a short time. I wanted him to evaluate the composition of young Alex," she said to her husband.

"And what was his opinion?" asked Maxwell. "Of course, he was delighted! So much so that it seemed to affect the state of his mind. He said that he would definitely get this young talent, and told me to give him his contact information."

"I knew, of course, that he was a rather difficult person, but this time he behaved too rudely," Madame Alexandra said in an offended tone. "I told him that I would first ask Alex's opinion. Norwood did not even try to listen to me, but simply demanded. Again, in a rude manner! I did not want to talk to him anymore and simply left."

"You wanted Alex to work with this label?"

"It's one of the five largest record companies in the world! I thought that if Alex wanted to release an album, it would be a great opportunity for him. After all... William wanted it too."

William? Their dead son? He was also a musician, and he wanted to work with Metropolis Music Group? Now it's clear to me why this kind woman is so eager to help me. I remind her of her son…

"I didn't think Norwood was such a disgusting person. When I returned, I found out that he uploaded a video to YouTube. I called him to find out why he did it. According to him, he wants you, Alex, to become popular on the Internet. And when a lot of people find out about you, everyone will certainly expect new compositions from you, and you will not be able to ignore their wishes. And then, his label will be able to sign a contract with you. You see, he is absolutely convinced that you will never dare to refuse his offer of cooperation. I'm sure he'll use all his connections to make sure no other recording studio accepts you, Alex," she looked at me, her face expressing genuine guilt. "I'm sorry this happened. I'm afraid that now your path into the music industry will be complicated. If you refuse to cooperate with him, he may well use dirty methods. He has extensive connections, and he's not afraid of anything."

"Don't worry, Madame Alexandra. I have good friends, and they won't let anyone hurt me," I said in a calm tone, making it clear that I wasn't afraid of this Norwood at all. Seriously, what can he do to me? I have countless masterpieces in my head. I'm like a walking treasure.

I can achieve everything myself, I don't need the support of some alien label. And the fact that he has extensive connections... He can go to anyone he wants!

Bruce Wayne himself is among my buddies! I wonder who has better connections: one of the most influential tycoons in the world, whose company produces cutting-edge technology and supplies it to governments around the world.

Or the director of one of the largest record labels? Considering that the music industry in this world is not very developed, the answer is obvious. That's why I even want this Norwood to try to spite me.

I wonder what his face will be like when he finds out how much support I have behind me.

"What do you do, Alex? Sorry for asking such a direct question, of course, but you have a pretty expensive car, and you bought so many expensive musical instruments today... Apparently, you don't lack money," Alexandra's husband asked.

"I own a small game company. True, I founded it not so long ago, so for now my main income comes from selling books."

"Books? Wait... Alex Reath is the name of the author of the recently sensational books. Are you saying that you wrote them?"

"Yes."

"My husband's main hobbies are music and literature," the woman said with a soft smile. "He read all your works, and since then, he has been looking forward to you releasing new ones."

Maxwell Harris nodded affirmatively. "And now it turns out that you not only write wonderful books, but also magnificent compositions. You really are very talented."

"Thank you for the praise …"

"So what will you do, Alex? Will you accept Norwood's offer of cooperation?" Maxwell asked the main question.

"No," I answered without a shadow of a doubt. "In fact, I never wanted to cooperate with any label. I plan to open my own recording studio."

"Really?" The elderly couple was surprised. "And when do you want to start your studio? I can help you find all the necessary equipment and at a significantly lower price."

"Thank you, sir Maxwell. Soon my company will release its first game, and my capital should increase significantly. Then I will think about the studio."

Hearing about my intentions, Madame Alexandra fell into deep thought.

"Max," she turned to her husband. "Maybe we should offer him our studio?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes... I think that would be right."

Um, what are they talking about?

"Alex, we have a small building suitable for a recording studio. We built it 10 years ago for our son, but since he left this world, the building has been empty. We could sell it to you, if, of course, you are interested," the man voiced a tempting offer.

"Of course I am! I would like to consider buying this building in about a month. Is that possible?"

"Of course. We are in no hurry to get rid of it... After all, we have owned it for 10 years already."

"Great! And I would like to discuss something else with you. Since this video has surfaced on the Internet, I think it is worth making a better music video. It will be a great advertisement for my future album. And the composition "River Flows in You" can be considered its single. I won't come up with an intricate plot for the video. We'll just repeat on the screen that very evening when I performed the piece at your restaurant. Can I rent the restaurant hall from you for half a day tomorrow?"

The elderly couple exchanged glances and came to a unanimous decision. "We agree, and for free. Besides, this video will be a good advertisement for our restaurant. Moreover, I'll find extras for your video who will portray visitors. I really feel very bad about this incident…"

"In that case, Madame Alexandra, would you agree to star in the video?"

"Me? In the video?" the woman asked, surprised by my request. She thought for about five seconds before agreeing.

"Okay. I'm still quite young, right?" She blinked her eyes coquettishly. "Right?!"

"Yes! Darling, you will be forever young!" Sir Maxwell hastily declared.

"Well, I still have to record the composition. And for clearer sound, I need good equipment. Do you know of any good places?"

"Our recording studio, which we offered you, has everything you need. True, a lot of it is outdated, but we will only record the sound of the piano, so there shouldn't be any problems. I'll also present you with the building of your future studio."

"Thank you. Then tomorrow, as soon as we record the video, we'll work on the music video. Having discussed a few more details, I went to my company. I asked Heather to hire the people who were filming the video for tomorrow.

Although my request was a bit unexpected for her, she assured me that she would do it. Of course, I still had to invite Vikki Vale to play in my video. I dialed her number.

"Hi, Alex."

"Hi, Vikki.How are things at work?" Our telephone conversation lasted for about 30 minutes. We discussed the video that had surfaced on the Internet. I also told her about Norwood. Her indignation knew no bounds.

She promised to find out as much as possible about this, according to her, disgusting person. And so I smoothly approached the main question of this dialogue.

"This may sound quite unexpected: um, Vikki, would you agree to star in my video tomorrow?"

"What? What video?"

I explained to her that I wanted to repeat a moment from our date in this video.

"This video would be incomplete without you. So, do you agree? The filming will only last half a day."

"You... Eh, how can I refuse you here. Okay, I agree. What time does it start?"

"At 8 am. I can pick you up."

"No need, I'll come in my car…"

Okay, now all the actors are ready! Heather said that she had made arrangements with a small film crew called "Platinum". They mainly shoot commercials, but they also had quite a lot of experience in directing music videos.

*****************************

The next morning, I woke up, as always, with severely aching muscles. Damn, why did I get a defective system?! If I had the "Gamer's Body", my life would be easier. I tore all my muscles, slept and again, as fit as a fiddle. And what about me? Yesterday I almost said goodbye to life!

I was so tired that I almost fell into the ravine inside the cave. Well, there's no point in complaining. We're not looking for the easy way out. If everything is easy, then we're not doing it right.

As soon as I finished my morning workout, the musical instruments I bought yesterday at Uncle Maxwell's store were delivered to me. After the delivery guys left, I put them in my Inventory. After I got myself ready and dressed exactly as I was on the day of my date with Vikki, I went to the restaurant.

The work was already in full swing here. The crowd that Madame Alexandra found seemed to consist entirely of Gotham aristocrats.

"I simply told them that at that time that young man who distinguished himself with his wonderful piano playing would be filming a video here, and they would have another chance to listen to his live performance. In the end, everyone came here to enjoy your performance once again. Don't disappoint them," the woman said with a slight laugh.

Hmm... You wanted everything to be like that evening? Please! Even the extras are almost the same! Rejoice! Oh well, it's not that bad. Despite the fact that we were only filming a music video and all the action would take place in one room, there were quite a few people working on the film crew: a director, a cameraman, an assistant cameraman, an editor, a lighting operator, an assistant lighting operator, a make-up artist, a production designer... Heather invited a pretty serious group to make the video.

Well, I don't mind. It doesn't matter how much money we have to spend, the main thing is that everything is done to the highest standard. I met the director of the film crew, with whom I had a friendly chat.

Everyone was already ready, waiting for the arrival of the lead actress. Victoria arrived five minutes later. She was wearing the same bright purple dress. As soon as she greeted everyone, the intense filming began.

The video began with a silent conversation between me and my companion, after which I asked the owner of the restaurant for permission to play the white piano. Having received permission, I sit down at the musical instrument, while the camera focuses on the reactions of the customers.

Madame Alexandra informs everyone that her good friend is going to perform a composition of his own composition. I greet the guests of the restaurant and announce the title of my music, after which the melody begins to play.

I had to play the piano for over forty minutes before we were able to film all the necessary footage. Filming continued until one o'clock in the afternoon, the cameramen took their job very seriously. Especially after they heard the composition to which this video was being shot. After filming, they edited a "draft" on their computer in half an hour.

A "draft" meant a filmed but not yet edited video without dubbing, musical accompaniment and the necessary effects. In fact, it was a semi-finished product. I was satisfied with the initial version of the filmed footage. If nothing unexpected happens, I will record the composition tonight and give it to the "Platinum" film crew so that they can begin the final editing.

It was already approaching two o'clock, and I sat down at the white piano again. "I sincerely want to thank everyone present. Today we filmed a music video, and you had to listen to the same composition for quite a long time."

The esteemed people who played the role of extras today had been sitting in this restaurant for almost half a day. For them, all the food today was on the house, but for rich people like them, this was not so important. They were only here to listen to the piano. It would be embarrassing if they only heard one piece all day.

"So I want to play another composition for you, which is also my original composition. Those present here will be its first listeners. This is my gratitude for your patience today and great support. The melody is called "Corazon De Niño."

A deep silence fell in the restaurant, everyone assumed a serious look, and Victoria, Madame Alexandra, and Sir Maxwell reflected excitement and shock on their faces.

They, more than anyone else, hoped that I would be able to create several more outstanding pieces. They wanted to believe it. Because if I have a few outstanding compositions in my collection, I can become popular even without the help of a powerful label. And then, I can give Norwood a run for his money.

Well, I'm not going to disappoint them. The composition "Corazon De Niño" ("Heart of Child") was written and performed by the famous Argentine pianist - Raul Di Blasio. I decided to leave the original title in Spanish, in tribute to this composer.

I began to play the prelude to the new composition, even in an alien world this melody is still able to emit a blinding light! The listeners closed their eyes and tried to feel all the emotions contained in this symphony: experiences, love, memories ... Until the very end, no one spoke.

I pressed the last key, symbolizing that the performance was over. There was silence everywhere, and time, as if by magic, stopped at that moment. All eyes were focused on me. No one said anything, no one was disdainful, and no one ignored.

Here, on this stage, I conquered everyone present with my new composition! The next moment, the restaurant erupted in loud applause. It was like a summer night rain, and it grew louder as time went on. Soon, the restaurant quickly became quiet again.

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