Chapter 40: Back and Forth

Once again, Niall found himself at the center of attention on TweetTalk.

Currently, he was trending at number three on the platform. All as a result of two posts.

The first was from Feyre Publications.

Having posted a clip from the author panel of the book signing event they’d hosted just yesterday, the publication company had stoked a flame fans of [The Token of Fate] didn’t realize they’d had.

Under the now viral post of 250,000+ views, 12K likes, 7K retweets, and over 200 comments, the message was clear;

-

Certified Biblioklept: So you’re telling me Niall has been gatekeeping a prequel from day one?! Release the darn book, man!

Lego Buster: I don’t even know which to find more insane. The fact that he’s already on the third book, or that he’s doing it all whilst juggling his singing and acting career.

ICraveChaos: If we don’t get that prequel drop in the coming months, we riot.

Accio Hennesy: Y’all should chill. Prequels are better read when a series is completed. That way, we won’t be getting any bullshit retcons.

Book Monger: So, can we realistically hope that we at least get [The Spire of Fate] in a year’s time?

Ariana Grenade: Honestly, with everything Niall seems to be dipping his hands into, it’d be a miracle if we did.

-

As that side of the internet interested in [The Token of Fate] engaged with the post, the other side was more focused on an interaction Niall had with a fan at the event.

Posted by one of the attendees of the event, the viral post that was practically double the metrics of that Feyre Publications posted, had nothing but love and admiration for Niall in its comment section.

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KryptoN’S fINEST: Now I see why Hollywood would have it out for a guy like this.

Mystical Magical: [Polaroid] had me tearing up the very first time I listened to it. Even now, I still get misty-eyed listening to it. Lost my husband last year and though I have no idea who this fan in the video lost, I’m just as grateful as that he was to be able to thank the man who made it. Much love, @Niall Parker.

ThatOneGremlin: That’s just so thoughtful of him. Even from their interaction, you can see the moment he realizes simply accepting the man’s thanks wasn’t enough.

Ed Sheering: I was there when it happened! It was one of the most empathetic things I’ve ever seen a bloke do for another bloke.

Fairy Godfather: Honestly. I want nothing but the best for this man. There’s just something so grounded about him that’s hard to pinpoint. I should know, I also attended the book signing and I got to speak with him for a while.

I’mJustKen: It’s people like these I want to see succeeding in Hollywood! Not these fake, sorry ass, out of touch artists Hollywood keeps putting on a pedestal.

-

As all these was happening though, Niall had arrived at HTA, his vehicle coming to halt at the parking lot.

Currently 8:50 am in the morning, he was dressed in a simple formal attire as he made his way into the building.

Stepping into the elevator a minute later, his phone buzzed in his pockets. Retrieving the device, Niall couldn’t help but grin whilst shaking his head slightly in amusement.

-

Camille: Release [The Hero of Fate] now, cowboy! Or else!?

Niall: Or else what, you shameless businesswoman? Go on. I’m curious. By the way, where’s my big roll of cheese?!

Camille: Hey! You were the one who left early without informing me. I came the day after by evening and voila, you’d up and gone back to LA. So, I gave it to your parents instead.

Niall: Okay. You’re forgiven.

Camille: By the way, how am I just finding out that you can sing too!?

Niall: That’s a really good question.

Camille: Don’t play coy with me, cowboy.

Niall: Whatever do you mean?

Camille: Fine. We’ll relitigate that later. Saw the piece though... are you good?

Niall: Never been better. Thanks for asking, Mademoiselle.

-

Tucking the device into his pocket after reading that, the elevator doors opened in sync, arriving at the floor he’d selected.

Smoothly, he stepped out, making his way to Victor’s office.

By the time he’d arrived at the door, his poker face had slipped into place as he walked in.

Immediately, gun-metal blue met cool-gray irises, both individuals maintaining a brief eye contact.

Then, in relaxed yet confident strides, Niall made his way over, taking his seat from across the man as Victor whom had been adjacently seated introduced;

"Niall, meet Henry Hall. CEO of the Visionary Representation for Artists in Entertainment and Legacy Productions. Vrael Productions for short,"

"He’s interested in producing [Silver Comets]." the agent explained and then pivoted;

"Henry, meet Niall Parker. A multi-talented artist, and equally, my newest talent."

As both individuals exchanged a handshake, Henry casually stated, a cryptic smile on his features;

"I’ve heard a lot about you from Victor, and obviously, the internet."

"And what’d you figure?" Niall reciprocated, a polite yet equally reserved smile tracing his lips.

"That you’ve got some serious guts." Henry simply said, leaning back into his chair.

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing in your books?" Niall followed up without skipping a beat, earning an arched brow from the man who replied;

"Depends,"

"Would it be in my best interests or not?" the man demanded in kind.

"Depends. What are your best interests?" Niall played along, not giving the man a single inch.

"To make a hit movie with minimal investment," Henry grinned, clearly enjoying their back and forth.

"Well then you’re in luck. [Silver Comets] can do that." Niall reciprocated, the confidence he exuded unmatched.

"And how are you so certain of that?" Henry demanded.

"I wrote a hit book in a little over three months while filming for [The Promised Queen], and a hit song in a single night, both of which exceeded expectations by a mile with just the right amount of promotion,"

"I’m pretty certain I can pull it off again with enough resources and even more time on my hands." Niall replied, not a single hint of arrogance in his tone.

From his viewpoint, he was just stating an objective fact that left no room for doubts.

Henry however was pretty surprised, his expression intrigued;

"You wrote [Polaroid] in a single night?"

"Yeah, I did." Niall replied simply.

"Then the songs in [Silver Comets]?" Henry followed up, clearly curious.

"Months." Niall replied curtly.

"Vic. Kindly bring out the contracts." Henry suddenly turned to the agent whom had tactfully remained quiet all along, his expression indifferent as he sipped on his tea.

Casually, he placed his cup down, moved to his desk, retrieved the documents and then placed them on the glass table between the CEO and his talent... all whilst taking his seat once more.

Gesturing to Niall to have a look, Henry watched as he obliged, picking up one of the two contracts and perusing through it with a laser-sharp focus.

Then he glanced over to Victor who let a thin smile slip out, almost as if to say;

Told ya.

Reciprocating the smile with one of his own that implied; That you did; Henry returned his attention to Niall.

Victor was right. The man before him truly was the kind whom would have made [Silver Comets] a success, even without the backing of anyone in due time.

There was an unflinching resolve and bottomless well of confidence from Niall that came off as charismatic, rather than cocky.

The kind that was sure to get what he wanted and equally win over even the cagiest set of people while doing it.

It made perfect sense to him then, why his friend had come to him first before contacting every other producer he knew.

Afterall, solely off of interaction they’d had these past couple minutes, Henry was a hundred percent certain any other producer with enough gumption and foresight would be equally flying at the chance of taking Niall up on his offer.

In any case, having read through the terms and conditions of both contracts, one he was more than satisfied with even if he wouldn’t be getting anything upfront, Niall penned his signature down.

Then, offering Henry a cordial smile, he slid over a copy whilst saying;

"I look forward to working with you, Mr. Hall."

"As do I, Mr. Parker," Henry reciprocated with a curt nod.

Then he gestured in both Niall and Victor’s direction;

"So, will we be having a casting audition or what?"

"I have a pretty good director in mind I can contact, if that’s fine by you all but uh, the main cast..." he paused, gesturing specifically in Niall’s direction this time, "...asides you, of course, needs to be sorted out."

In response, Niall gave an understanding nod, aware of Henry’s concern.

Thankfully,

"That won’t be a problem," Victor casually stated.

"If its fine by both of you, we can hold one here at the agency. There are a lot of unknown but talented names here." he offered, looking to both individuals who reciprocated with approving nods.

"Alright, then. I guess that’s sorted out." Henry clasped his palms together, ready to end the meeting.

However, just before he could, Niall spoke, drawing the attention of the duo;

"I have a couple suggestions I’d like to make."

Advance Chapters are available on Patreon!

/Caer07