章 245: Legend
The music video for "Let Her Go" by Lucas ft. Taylor Swift took the internet by storm, racking up an unprecedented 13 million views in just 24 hours. In 2011, this was a mind-blowing achievement for a debut music video, catapulting both artists into the limelight.
The earth-shattering numbers left even the most influential media outlets speechless. A flabbergasted CNN news anchor gasped, "Lucas Knight, known for his acting prowess, has now set the music world on fire with his debut music video 'Let Her Go' featuring Taylor Swift."
The catchy tune and mesmerizing visuals took the world by storm, sparking heated conversations in the United States, but it didn't stop there. The buzz spread like wildfire, reaching countries as far as the United Kingdom and even capturing the attention of listeners in Europe and parts of Asia.
Social media feeds were flooded with people from all walks of life gushing over the track and its accompanying music video. Fans couldn't stop raving about the unexpected yet perfect duo of Lucas and Taylor Swift.
This unprecedented global attention catapulted "Let Her Go" to unimaginable heights, with the music video shattering records and becoming the talk of the town.
***
In the spacious living room of Lucas's apartment, he sank back on the plush sofa, his manager, Neil, and his two burly security guards, Jack and Simon, gathered around the flat-screen TV.
As the news channel cut to a segment about Lucas's viral music video, Neil pumped his fist in the air, "See that, Lucas? You've gone global, man!"
Simon, unable to contain his pride, added, "I always knew you were famous, but this... Boss, you're on another level now!"
Lucas's lips curled into a faint smile, "Well, now I'll have to be even more careful when I'm out on the streets."
Neil chuckled, "Hey, that's just part of the perks, buddy. You deserve it!"
Lucas's mind drifted back to the day he filmed "Let Her Go" with Taylor Swift. It seemed like a lifetime ago, and he never thought their collaboration would take the world by storm.
The staggering views were due to the power of good music and a bit of luck.
Shaking his head in disbelief, he grabbed a bottle of red wine and poured two glasses, he walked back to the living room. He handed one to Neil, who was scrolling through his phone.
"By the way, you remember those two directors you've been trying to get in touch with? Todd Phillips and Scott Silver? They've agreed to collaborate on your... villain movie script." Neil's eyebrow arched, skeptical but supportive.
Lucas's eyes widened, "Really?"
Neil nodded, "Yep. They're interested in hearing your take."
Lucas's face lit up, "Awesome! When can I meet them? Can they come to New York?"
Neil rubbed his chin, "Let me check their schedules. In the meantime, do you have a draft ready?"
Lucas's eyes sparkled with excitement, "I've been working on it for a while now. I can't wait to discuss it with them!"
Neil's smile was cautiously optimistic, "Alright, give me some time. In the meantime, let's celebrate your MV success."
As Lucas and Neil clinked their glasses, toasting to the future, Neil suddenly remembered something. "Oh, and Shawn is taking a leave."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, concerned "Why?" Shawn was his regular driver, and he wondered who would now drive him around.
"He's not feeling well." Neil responded, "He's been unwell for a while, but he didn't want to worry you."
Lucas nodded, feeling a bit guilty. "I see. I should have given him a break earlier. It's alright, I'll manage."
Neil glanced at Jack and Simon, "I think either of you can drive him for now. You know, so he doesn't overwork himself."
Lucas chuckled and waved it off. "Alright, Neil, I'm not a baby. I can handle myself. Besides, Jack and Simon are my security detail, not my personal drivers." He added with a grin, "And you know what a mess I am with directions. I'd be lost without GPS."
Jack and Simon nodded in agreement, but they were still willing to step up if needed.
After a few seconds of consideration, Lucas said, "You know what? When I need to go somewhere in the city, we can just take the subway. We didn't have to worry about the traffic and paparazzi won't expect it. They know my car, but they wouldn't think to look for us on public transportation."
Neil furrowed his brows, weighing the pros and cons, but ultimately sighed in defeat. "Alright, I guess you have a point. This is New York, after all. We just need to worry about the paparazzi tailing us, not the crowd."
---
Neil quickly got to work, and two days later, he had set up a meeting with Todd Phillips at a cozy restaurant in New York City.
August 7, 2011, Todd Phillips arrived in the bustling city, intrigued to meet the new, viral sensation, "Lucas Knight." After checking into his hotel room, he took some time to freshen up before heading to the agreed upon meeting place.
***
Outside the apartment complex where Lucas lived, the paparazzi were in full force, their high-quality cameras ready to pounce on any sign of the new sensation. Some of them were engrossed in a lively discussion about the likelihood of him appearing that day.
"I bet he won't come out today," one said, sipping on his overpriced coffee.
"Yeah, he's probably too busy basking in his newfound glory," another added, lounging against the neighboring wall.
"Well, if it weren't for this viral music video, I wouldn't even be here," a third photographer chimed in, adjusting his hat to shield his eyes from the sun.
A fourth photographer sighed, impatiently tapping his foot on the sidewalk. "I wish he would just come out already."
The emergency exit of "The Copper" apartment complex, which was once swarmed by paparazzi, now lay deserted. Thanks to the agreement between Neil and the building manager, the area was now off-limits to the prying eyes of the press.
Lucas, along with Jack and Simon, exited through the emergency exit, dressed in a hoodie that strategically concealed his face. They walked briskly, blending in with the other pedestrians on the street.
One of the paparazzi, carelessly scrolling through his phone, glanced up for a split second before returning to his screen.
Lucas's recent hair color change to a darker shade for an indie film he'd wrapped up days ago, coupled with his low-key attire, threw the photographer off.
Lucas and his security team made their way to the subway station unscathed.
Lucas, Jack, and Simon boarded the train without much fanfare, save for a few double-takes from the other passengers. New Yorkers were used to celebrity sightings, and with Lucas's new dark hair, they weren't entirely sure if it was him or just a lookalike.
After a brief moment of curiosity, they returned to their commute, minding their own business.
Lucas couldn't help but grin as he took a seat between Jack and Simon. "See? I told you, the subway was the way to go. No one even batted an eye. Also, no paparazzi in sight."
Simon chuckled, "I'll give it to them, paparazzi have patience. They've been camping outside the building for two days straight!"
Jack scoffed, "Yeah, well, that's their job, isn't it? Invading people's privacy."
"I wouldn't usually mind a few paparazzi, but when there's dozens of them, it's hard to have a proper conversation without being bombarded with questions," Lucas explained with a chuckle. "I guess I can't complain, though. It comes with the territory."
As the train filled with more people, Lucas, Jack, and Simon fell silent, blending in with the crowd. However, as they stood there, Lucas couldn't help but do a double-take as he spotted someone familiar boarding the train.
Keanu Reeves, the renowned actor, found an empty seat near them, looking as humble and down-to-earth as ever. Some people recognized him, but most of the New Yorkers, true to their nonchalant nature, minded their own business.
Lucas couldn't help but stare in awe. If even a megastar like Keanu Reeves could use public transportation without a fuss, then he could do it too.
Lucas couldn't help but smirk as he saw a few people discreetly recording Keanu Reeves's every move. 'I guess even normal civilians can be paparazzi,' he thought to himself. Jack and Simon were starstruck too, whispering about how they'd love an autograph but didn't want to intrude on Keanu's peace.
The other passengers felt the same way, waiting for someone else to make the first move. Lucas couldn't blame them. Keanu looked so at peace, lost in his thoughts, that no one wanted to disturb him.
As the train continued on its route, the tension in the air was palpable. Everyone knew they were sharing a space with greatness, but the unspoken rule of the New York subway prevailed: mind your own business.
Lucas admired Keanu's ability to fly under the radar, even when everyone around him was secretly gawking.
The train continued on its route, stopping at the next station. New passengers poured in, and a woman who had just boarded, struggling to find a seat, caught Keanu's attention. Without a second thought, he rose from his seat and offered it to her with a warm smile. The woman gratefully accepted, and the entire train car couldn't help but admire Keanu Reeves even more.
Simon, moved by Keanu's kindness, turned to Lucas, "Is it okay if I offer him my seat?"
Lucas chuckled, "Sure, go ahead."
Simon cleared his throat, "Um, Mr. Reeves, if you don't mind, you could take my seat..."
Keanu Reeves turned towards Simon, surprise written all over his face. "Haha, no, it's alright..."
But before he could decline any further, Simon was already standing up. "Please, I insist."
Keanu looked around at the standing commuters before giving in with a smile. "Alright, thank you." He patted Simon on the back before taking the vacated seat next to Lucas.
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