16. Good Image

RISING STAR MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024 by STEVE Jo - 88 Corp.

Almost all over the campus, there was a poster with a large size. The poster also enlivened the advertising space on the side of the Manhattan City street. Children, youth, and the elderly also gathered in every part of the poster.

They whispered to each other because this was a big enough talent search event to give birth to new global musicians. What's more, this event was carried directly by the famous agency and the greatest music producer, Steve Jo. Apart from being in control of 88 Studio under 88 Corp, Steve is also a musician. He studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Three students, who had just come out of class, were seen joking while hugging a stack of books in front of their chests. Suddenly, their laughter was stopped by the crowd in the lobby of the campus. The three of them were curious, so they took them to the front of the wall magazine to see the cause of the crowd.

Unfortunately, Olivia, Elina, and Anzel were at the very back. That made it difficult for them to read the poster. In the next minute, many people chose to move away from the crowd after reading the announcement. Olivia and her friends got closer to the poster.

"This is crazy!" Anzel cheered.

"What the f... fire!" Elina was equally excited. The brown-haired woman's eyes went wide. "I'm a Steve Jo fan!"

Not following in the footsteps of her two friends, who were very excited about the announcement, Olivia was staring at the posters and billboards in silence.

"88 Studios?" Olivia, the short blonde-haired girl was wondering to herself in a very hoarse voice, like there was something implied there. Her heart trembled.

"Hey!" Anzel nudged her shoulder. "Aren't you good at playing the piano, Oliv?" Anzel asked for confirmation.

"A-ah." Olivia, the girl with the round glasses nodded slowly with all the doubts.

"Just enter this contest, in case you get lucky. You know, it's a big record label that holds it." Anzel patted Olivia's shoulder hard as if to motivate her.

"That's right. You'll meet the charismatic-cool guy, Alex Matthew," Elina added excitedly.

"Alex Matthew?" Olivia frowned. "What does that have to do with him?"

"88 Studio is also a subsidiary of the most influential young billionaire in the world! Every Gen Z aspires to work for one of his companies."

"Ah, you're right." Olivia scratched her forehead.

"Hey! You too!"

"What?" Olivia was suddenly confused.

"You have the same aspirations as the other Gen Zs. Did you forget? You want to work at one of Alex Matthew's companies!"

Olivia smiled awkwardly. "Yeah."

"This is your chance!" Elina added. "You could have been part of 88 Corp without even finishing college."

"If I could play an instrument or at least sing, I'd apply for the competition," Elina continued.

"Besides, if you win, not only will you be accepted as a trainee, but you'll also get extra money for your tuition."

"Come on, Oliv, we'll always support you. You have tremendous potential. Who knows, you might become a great musician who will work with 88 Corp. Elina and Anzel clenched their fists as a sign of encouragement for their friend.

Olivia took one slow breath. Then, her eyes returned to staring at the poster as she considered things.

"88 Studio? 88 Corp? Alex Matthew? If I participate the event, will he remember me?"

+++

Alex Matthew's presence was welcomed by the 88 Studio staff. The man with a slender height did not show his smile even a little. He looked cold but still charming. Not only the staff but some of his musicians also cheered his arrival.

Alex Matthew is respected by many people. Besides being cool, he was also good at managing his business. He even takes the time to manage his business, which is engaged in every sector.

"Alex!" shouted Steve as he pulled him into a hug, making him flinch.

Steve patted Alex's back firmly, leaving her with a blissful moment. Alex just winced at the pain. Perhaps it was their different personalities that kept the friendship intact. Next, Steve elaborated on the hug as he took Alex upstairs to meet the reporters, who were waiting for him.

"Pay your respects to our lord!"

"Welcome, Mr. Alex!"

Alex's face lit up like a star in the dark of night. He hadn't expected so many people to greet him. Sometimes Alex wondered, had it been so long since his last visit? Or was this Steve's over-the-top idea?

Alex waved to all the staff on the second-floor balcony before entering the elevator. Each of them was carrying a paraphernalia.

Yeah, this was most likely the result of point number two. It's Steve's doing. Alex was sure of it.

When they reached the third floor, the reporters enthusiastically saluted the source. Alex smiled modestly. This man could not expand his smile. Many people say that he is always forced to smile. But this was the reality. Alex was too flat and cold.

Alex settled on the red cushioned sofa, followed by a female reporter beside him. The two shook hands. Alex was preparing to conduct an interview related to the annual competition.

"Are you ready, sir?" reporter Melanie asked for confirmation.

Alex positioned his seat to be more comfortable. "Ah... already."

"Alex Matthew, go!" cheered Steve behind the cameraman. giving him energy before the show started.

The cocky man smiled briefly before finally starting his interview. He also looked very relaxed during the session, answering the reporter's brief questions thoughtfully.

"What are 88 Studio's plans for the near future?"

"We'll be holding the annual music competition as usual. Steve is also still in charge of my trust," Alex replied calmly.

"I'm sure the annual competition is eagerly awaited by the talented people in the music world," the reporter continued. "There will be a lot of excitement out there."

"Besides being good at the music business, Mr. Alex Matthew is also good at other businesses. So, can you give some advice to the youth out there to keep their spirits up no matter what their aspirations are?"

Alex didn't answer right away. He just leaned back and grinned. Then, his eyes fixed firmly on the camera. "To hell with marks. You have to take bold steps to succeed."