Chapter 440 - 438: Making Money, Making Money

"I told the friends I was on the show with to come to the set and audition. There are still some roles that haven’t been cast, so I thought they might have a chance."

"The ones who were in your group?" Keith Coleman asked.

Melody Monroe nodded.

"If they pass the audition, why don’t we sign them directly to our studio?"

"Sign them to our studio? Where would I get that kind of money!" ’It’s already a struggle just to support myself,’ Melody Monroe thought. ’Rent and salaries are already a massive expense.’

"Your new endorsements are worth over thirty million, and half of that has already been deposited into the company account." Keith Coleman couldn’t help but smile.

"What did you say? I... I’ve made that much money?" Melody Monroe was in disbelief.

Keith Coleman had always managed her finances; she had no idea how much money she actually had!

"Your salary for *Rise and Fall* is fifty million. How could you not afford to sign a few newcomers? I think that no matter how good your relationship is, it’s better to have a formal agreement. If we sign them, we can keep providing them with opportunities, and they’ll give us the appropriate return. That’s a normal business relationship."

"Yeah, Melody, I think Keith Coleman has a point." Talia Mercer agreed.

"Let’s see what they want. If they’re willing, then let’s sign them. Keith Coleman, I’ll have to trouble you with this."

"It’s no trouble. This kind of work gives me drive." When Rose Shaw was around, Keith Coleman was just an errand boy following Melody Monroe. Now, he could finally show what he was capable of.

"It’s about time. Should we head to the cultural center now?"

"Okay." Melody Monroe nodded. Suddenly remembering something important, she quickly asked Talia Mercer, "There’s nothing scheduled for next Wednesday, is there?"

Talia Mercer checked her schedule. "Nothing’s scheduled. Isn’t next Wednesday Rose’s engagement party?"

"That’s right. I was afraid you’d forget. We have to clear the day for it, no matter what. I already promised Director Hughes I’d attend their engagement party."

"We can go together then. Winter Kane and I are going too."

Melody Monroe looked over at Keith Coleman. "Do you want to come with us?"

"Yeah! Of course I’m going!" Keith Coleman replied, then fell silent.

...

The friends came to audition, and all of them caught Director Walsh’s eye. Shaun Owen was cast as the general, and Jenson Yates was confirmed to play Emperor Javian, the younger brother of the Princess of Solara.

The roles for the three women hadn’t been finalized, but it was confirmed they would get parts. They just had to wait for Director Walsh’s final decision.

Keith Coleman had all of their contact information and invited them to the studio.

Walking into the studio, they were immediately captivated by the decor. Melody Monroe preferred a more traditional Chinese style, and Keith Coleman had also instructed someone to tidy up the reception area, creating a retro yet fashionable vibe.

Behind the reception desk, a light-up sign had been installed.

It was named, simply, Melody Monroe Studio.

Melody Monroe was terrible at naming things; after thinking it over and over, she couldn’t come up with anything better.

The studio was filled with potted plants and greenery, as well as flowers and gifts sent by fans. Every day they worked there, they were surrounded by flowers.

The group walked in and sat down at the conference table on the first floor.

Keith Coleman took out the documents he had prepared. "I’ve asked you all here today to discuss a potential partnership. I was wondering if any of you would be interested in signing with Melody’s studio and becoming our contracted artists."

"I’m currently under contract, but I’d really love to sign with the Captain. I’ll probably have to deal with contract termination and breach penalties," Shaun Owen spoke up first.