Chapter - 5964

Tawanna's sudden warning immediately alerted the makeup artist to the impending danger.

He had been following Tawanna for many years, but this was the first time he witnessed her display such aggression.

He had no doubt about her words. Everyone knew that Tawanna was the most commercially successful singer in the world.

Her music was licensed for streaming services, films, television shows, and physical albums across the globe. Every day, at least tens of millions of people were listening to her songs—these listeners were generating revenue for Tawanna like fireflies shimmering around the world.

The glow of a single firefly may be small, but consider that there are tens of millions of people involved. When all their contributions accumulate in Tawanna’s bank account, it results in at least millions of dollars in daily income.

This revenue from royalties cannot be siphoned off by any person or organization. Even if the world were to boycott Tawanna due to some statements in the future, as long as her songs continue to be played, those platforms are obligated to pay her royalties.

It’s akin to J.K. Rowling; actors from the Harry Potter franchise may criticize her, but they cannot sever her association with the works, as there are still readers buying her books and adaptations, ensuring she receives the royalties she is entitled to.

If Tawanna chose to take a break at the age of thirty, she could enjoy the most lavish lifestyle imaginable.

For a makeup artist like him, whose livelihood relies on reputation and prestige, qualifications and reputation are everything. A fall in either would completely ruin the social standing he has worked tirelessly to build.

Makeup artists do not enjoy royalty income. If no one hires him, he will be left without funds.

In that moment, he felt timid, fearing that Tawanna might genuinely pursue this conflict to the bitter end, so he quickly adjusted his demeanor, speaking in a flattering and apologetic tone: “Tawanna, I’m sorry, I was confused just now. After all these years of working together, you must know that I’m an idealist. I hope you can reconsider... If you give me another chance, I will devote myself entirely to serving you, putting aside all those positions and beliefs…”

Tawanna replied dismissively, “Forget it, Kevin. I saw your true colors just now. You’re not an idealist; you’re just a self-serving individual. You may seem harmless now, but the moment you realized you couldn’t overpower me, you turned tail. From now on, I hope we’ll have no more contact. If you can keep your mouth shut and refrain from spreading rumors outside, you may tell everyone that our partnership was fruitful, or even that you’ve grown tired of working with me. But if you dare to utter a word against me, I will ensure you lose your place in the entire entertainment industry!”

As she spoke, Tawanna raised her voice a notch, asserting firmly, “Kevin, remember this: if you are a rotten, foul-smelling egg, then I, Tawanna Sweet, am a mountain of gold! The disparity in value and strength between us is immense! If you, a mere rotten egg, attempt to touch a mountain of gold, the result will be nothing but your own destruction! My only loss would be having to endure your stench.”

After delivering this statement, Tawanna disregarded him and turned to her agent, coldly instructing, “Call Eddie and arrange for him to fly to Tokyo tomorrow. He will be my makeup artist from now on!”

The agent, taken aback by Tawanna's fierceness today, quickly replied, “Understood, I’ll call him right away!”

Kevin, pale and filled with regret, fear, and anxiety, was shocked; he had never seen Tawanna so fierce before. Recognizing he couldn't afford to offend her, he retreated alone to the bathroom. Although he had many personal items in the dressing room, he didn't dare tempt fate any further, so he hid in the bathroom, planning to wait until Tawanna left before retrieving his belongings and departing Japan. Initially, he had entertained thoughts of revenge, even imagining using his position as Tawanna’s makeup artist to distort her image, casting her as a hypocritical villain through his words.

He had even considered reaching out to all LGBT groups as a member of the community, claiming that Tawanna didn’t genuinely care for them or their interests, but simply exploited them for her own gain.

Additionally, Tawanna’s silence regarding LGBT issues that night was atypical and had seemed like the perfect opportunity.

But now, he had entirely abandoned that notion.

Tawanna's commanding presence and the lethal tone with which she threatened him had utterly intimidated him. He felt he had no choice but to accept her terms and leave graciously. At the very least, he would retain the title of Tawanna’s former makeup artist.

At that moment, Tawanna instructed her agent, “There’s one more thing. Inform everyone on the team that all vacation plans are to be canceled. I will be performing ten concerts in China over the next month. Everyone can take their vacations only after these ten performances!”

The agent was stunned and blurted out, “Ten concerts in China? Tawanna, why are we only being informed now? Such a large-scale event requires substantial coordination and preparation, and the time is too short… Additionally, everyone thought they would be taking vacations after the concert in Tokyo, and many have already booked tickets to various destinations around the world. This sudden change may be hard for everyone to accept…”

Tawanna replied calmly, “I’m informing you now because this was only confirmed today. As for the time constraints, it’s your job to manage that. China is quite close to Tokyo, and we can have the equipment transported directly to China post-concert. You should begin coordinating with suppliers in China. And regarding the team's vacations, you will later announce that anyone who stays with me to complete all ten concerts will receive five times their normal salary. If we finish the performances without any major issues, I will give each person an extra two months’ salary as a bonus. Furthermore, after the concerts, I will personally pay for first-class tickets to any destination in the world and grant them a 20-day vacation.”

The agent was astonished by what he heard. The prospect of working for one month to earn five months' salary, and potentially seven months' pay for a job well done, was enticing beyond measure. It was comparable to the payoff for half a year of regular work! With such generous salary incentives, he believed most would choose to stay.

“Okay, Tawanna, I will organize a meeting with the entire team later to relay this,” she exclaimed excitedly.

Tawanna nodded, stating with composure, “Please prepare a list before midnight tonight, detailing who is willing to stay and who is not.”

The agent quickly assured her, “No problem, I’ll have the list ready before tonight!”

Tawanna said nothing further and turned to enter her dressing room.

Once inside and alone, Tawanna felt a wave of relief wash over her.

The words she had just spoken weren’t her typical manner, but when faced with Kevin’s shamelessness, she was reminded of Charlie’s confidence during their debates and his commanding presence when he saved her from Mitsui Yoshitaka.

She couldn’t pinpoint where the inspiration had come from, but reflecting on Charlie's actions, she found herself emulating that same assertive and ruthless approach to confrontational situations—an experience that sparked a newfound thrill within her.

Just then, she heard a light knock on the door. Trevor hesitantly asked, “Tavanna, may I come in?”

Without hesitation, Tawanna replied, “Come in!”

Trevor opened the door carefully, quickly ushering himself inside and closing it behind him. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “Tavanna, you handled that so well just now! I thought it would be complicated if Kevin chose to retaliate, but you truly frightened him!”

Tawanna asserted, “I’m not merely trying to frighten him. If he dares to cross me, I will not hesitate to destroy his career myself!”