We sat down and discussed terms. Lou had suggested that I signed a contract at one point which basically stated that he would own a percentage of whatever song made. I wouldn't mind if the backstreet boys themselves got a very small percentage for all the help they had given me, but I did not see a reason to give a percentage of anything to Lou. I simply told him that my lawyers (that didn't really exist yet) would take a look at the contract and it could be a week or two before they got back to him, but that I would for sure be willing to give him a percentage. Lies obviously.
Lou seemed a little upset to hear my words, but eventually put on a fake business smile that grossed me out. "I understand our time is tight right now because the show is only in a couple of days, sure we can put it off for a bit. No biggie. All of my talent see's me as a friend mostly because I am so easy to work with. I'll leave and let you guys get to work, I know you have a lot to do in such a short time".
Lou then walked away for a bit taking A.J. with him as he said something that he thought only they could hear. "Make sure you tell him about all the lavish parties I always take you guys to at some point".
A.J only nodded and then walked back to me. "Aeric, sorry about that. He's just doing his job, why don't we go practice your choreography some more, I'm sure you still have a lot to learn. I'll walk you through some of the steps if you need help".
I stood up from the seat I was sitting in. "i have already memorized the chirography as well as my singing parts, I think it's time you and the other bandmates memorize the choreography and learn to sing my song now".
A.J. thought he had heard wrong. "I just sent that choreography last night and you already learned it? Am I hearing this right? Do you mind showing me?"
A.J called up his band mates and they all started to head our way as we went to the training room they had set up where they typically practiced. A.J. started playing each song after the other as I performed in front of him showing that I had learned everything he wanted me to learn. After every song had played, he just stood there for a second before speaking. "How? How did you learn all of this so fast? Even the genius of genius talents would not be able to do such a thing in one night. Hell did you even sleep?"
"So what you are saying is that you approve? Good, when your band mates get here we should start working on my song then. I just want you to promise me that the only people to see the lyrics and choreography to this song are your band mates for now, I don't want even your manager Lou to know about it. I'll put some faith in you and trust that you won't break this promise".
A.J. laughed. "Approve? Of course I approve, heck I'm somewhat embarrassed to practice in front of you now. We may not be up to your practice standards. As for the promise, sure I can keep that promise and I'll make sure my band mates keep it as well. Any particular reason for the secrecy?" asked A.J.
"I have my reasons, but for now just think of it as I don't want my song being leaked by anyone before it's release when we perform". I replied as the rest of the backstreet boys started to walk in. It was a good thing A.J. had been recording my earlier dancing because when the other band mates arrived, they also didn't believe I had already learned everything. After A.J. showed them, we all got to work on the new song.
Pop groups like the backstreet boys, bts, and so on all have a certain type of dance moves for their music. I could buy choreography from my system for any song I wanted, so I purchased the small bit of choreography that was used in the song I had chosen to perform, wanting to put my own spin on it, I changed up a couple parts starting with the songs intro.
For the rest of the day, the backstreet boys and myself practiced the new song together as well as the choreography. By doing so, I got to know the other band mates better. At one point in time Nick Carters brother Aaron Carter came over and watched his brother practice. I could tell he really looked up to his older brother and wanted to be like him in some ways. Seeing this, I thought I should try my hand at growing and managing my own bands in the future. It is common for artist to eventually want to manage their own record label, but that would have to be later. I couldn't afford to do it currently.
Thinking about this must have been a trigger for the system because I got a couple new tasks.
...
New Task: Manage a singer or band.
Reward: 200,000c
Unlocks music apprentice perks
Deadline: None
Secondary Task: Direct a movie that earns over one million usd
Reward: 200,000c
Unlocks movie director perk
Deadline: None
...
Looking at the rewards I wished I could get started on both now, but I need to make money before I could spend it. Making a movie and managing a singer or band needed more money than I currently had. I really needed to start saving. I may have told the kids I was wealthy as an excuse, but I really wasn't. I haven't made much money till now. The VIP tickets were free for me because I was performing with the band in question. I just couldn't say that.
Hell, if I didn't have the house provided by my domain perk, I would probably still be sleeping in blimps.