NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 29: Swift: We Are Already Friends.
Xu Can didn't expect to run into Taylor Swift at Sony's annual meeting.
'Isn't she signed to Universal Music?' he thought.
In his previous life, he had only listened to her songs without delving into her career. If anyone had asked him who his favorite European or American female pop singer was, his answer would undoubtedly have been Taylor Swift. Her songs had been a staple of his playlist since his school days.
He never imagined that in this parallel world, he would meet a 17-year-old Taylor Swift like this.
"Can we take a photo together?"
"Certainly," Swift replied with a bright smile.
Xu Can took out his Nokia N95. The phone's front camera had a small frame, so they had to get very close to fit in the picture. Xu Can could feel Swift's soft cheek almost brushing against his own, the faint fragrance of her Chanel shampoo lingering in the air.
"Okay, let's add each other on Facebook. I'll send it to you later," Xu Can suggested.
"Sounds great!" Swift beamed, her excitement radiating like any ordinary teenage girl's.
"By the way," Xu Can asked, "are you signed to Sony Records? What brings you here on New Year's Eve?"
"Not exactly," Swift said awkwardly. "I'm not signed to a major record label yet. My manager brought me here to network."
As they chatted, Xu Can learned that Swift had recently signed with Big Machine Records, a smaller label that allowed her creative freedom. Unlike major record labels, which often interfered with artists' work, Big Machine promised to respect her vision. Swift's father had even invested in the company, becoming one of its shareholders.
"So that's how it is..." Xu Can murmured, remembering the copyright disputes Swift would face in his original timeline.
In that world, Scott Borchetta, the boss of Big Machine Records, had sold Swift's album rights to Scooter Braun without her knowledge. This betrayal stripped her of the ability to sing her own songs and led to a barrage of online harassment, plunging her into one of the darkest periods of her life.
"Taylor," Xu Can began carefully, "if you don't mind, can I call you that?"
"Of course! We're friends now," she said with a dazzling smile.
"Well, Taylor, I have a suggestion. It may not sound very pleasant, but hear me out."
"Sure, go ahead," Swift said, her eyes glinting with curiosity.
"I've heard rumors about Scott Borchetta. Be cautious with him. He might prioritize profits over your career in the future," Xu Can warned.
Swift's smile faltered slightly, and she covered her mouth in surprise. She had expected lighthearted chatter, not such a serious conversation from someone she had just met. But Xu Can's sincerity shone through, and she found herself trusting him.
"Honestly, I've noticed some things about Scott that seem... off," she admitted. "I've had some disagreements with him, but I thought it was normal."
"It might be nothing, but it's worth staying alert," Xu Can said reassuringly.
"Thank you, Xu," she said warmly. "I'll keep this in mind. Your concern means a lot to me."
"If you ever feel something's wrong, let me know. I can help you connect with Sony Records," Xu Can offered.
Swift's eyes sparkled. "You're very kind. I'll keep that in mind."
Just then, her manager called her over. "I have to go. It was so nice meeting you, Xu. I'm glad we're friends now."
"Same here. Take care," Xu Can replied.
As Swift walked away, Xu Can couldn't help but smile. 'Who would've thought I'd meet Taylor Swift like this?'
The next day, Xu Can resumed filming for John Wick.
It was already 2007, and while his compatriots in China were celebrating the New Year's holiday, Xu Can was immersed in his work.
Director David Leitch's original plan involved rigorous training for Xu Can, including combat techniques, firearms handling, and CQB tactics. Keanu Reeves had undergone similar training for the role, even mastering competition-level shooting accuracy.
But Xu Can was different. With his system, he could instantly embody the legendary assassin John Wick, skipping months of preparation.
As a result, the filming progressed swiftly. Within days, Xu Can had completed scenes involving the gang boss's son provoking John Wick. The production was now moving into the revenge arc.
On Set.
"John, I'm sorry to hear about your wife," the gang boss said, his voice oozing false sympathy. "My condolences. Perhaps it's fate that we meet under such circumstances."
John Wick remained silent, his expression unreadable.
"John," the boss continued, "let's not act on impulse. We can resolve this matter rationally, like civilized men."
Without a word, Wick ended the call.
In the dimly lit room, his eyes burned with quiet fury. The air was thick with tension as he prepared for war.
"Get your men ready," the gang boss barked.
"How many?" his subordinate asked.
"How many do you think?"
Meanwhile, John Wick, clad in a black suit, stared into the mirror. His reflection revealed not a man but a harbinger of death.
Behind the Scenes.
"Cut!" Director David Leitch exclaimed, visibly impressed. "Perfect shot!"
Leitch had heard rumors of Xu Can's flawless performances but hadn't fully believed them until now. Watching Xu Can work was like seeing a master painter bring a masterpiece to life.
"Take five, everyone!" Leitch called out. "Xu, grab a bite if you're hungry—uh, Xu?"
Leitch noticed Xu Can still standing before the mirror, unmoving. Curious, he approached, only to freeze mid-step.
The air around Xu Can seemed to change, and his eyes glinted with palpable menace. For a moment, it felt as though Xu Can wasn't acting but was truly a deadly assassin.
The sensation passed as quickly as it came. Xu Can turned around, his eyes warm and friendly again. "What's up, Director? Is dinner ready? I'm starving."
Leitch blinked, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Y-yeah, there's a buffet over there."
As Xu Can walked away with a cheerful smile, Leitch muttered under his breath, "This guy is unbelievably deep... Is he even human?"
_____________________________________________________________
Thank you to our amazing Patrons for your incredible support and contributions to our work. You're all legends.
[Sweaty Gamer]: The GODLY FAN - $50 pledged
[Gabriel Andersen]: The GODLY FAN - $50 Pledged
[Richárd Főző]: The GODLY FAN - $50 Pledged
[Wolfpack Studios]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[Kuroko]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[Shonen Zero]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[Tikaru Shiro]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[Justin Coulter]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[James Murphy]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Hunter212]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Yann Schurmans]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Zekram]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Game Boy]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[The Book Nerd]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Evil_Bob]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Jessie Swann]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Avacus]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[David Lagos]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Sakai_Yt]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Luis]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[James Fleming]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Mozart 111]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Robert]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Nick]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[YesNoMaybeSo]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Pedro Ignacio Faúndez Amurrio]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Ivy]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Zeren]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Joshua Babineau]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Wes Ferrell]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
🎉 Join the Club! 🎉
Want to see your name up here and get exclusive perks, more advanced chapters, and arts?
Join our Patreon family and be part of something special. Your support helps us create awesome content and brings you closer to the action.
Don't miss out on the fun—become a SuperFan today!
You can join us at patreon.com/UchihaRemant.
Thank you, everyone, for making this journey amazing! Let's keep rocking together! 🚀💥
________________________________________________________________________