SuperStar!

Ethan sat in the chair, the pen poised over the contract that would bind him to one of the most prestigious record labels in the industry. His heart raced—not with doubt, but with anticipation. He had thought this through, weighed the pros and cons, and now the time had come to take the leap.

"Are you sure about this?" Bill's voice was low, steady, and lined with genuine care.

Ethan looked up at his manager, his friend, and gave a firm nod. "I've never been surer about anything in my life."

With a swift, confident motion, Ethan signed his name. The CEO, Mr. Grainge, extended his hand, a small smile breaking his otherwise stoic demeanor.

"Welcome to the family, Ethan. Now, let's make history."

Ethan shook the man's hand, the weight of the moment settling on his shoulders.

The meeting ended swiftly, and as Ethan stepped out of the conference room, a young woman in her mid-thirties approached. She exuded a mix of professionalism and creative energy, her sharp eyes and easy smile instantly setting Ethan at ease.

"Mr. Jones, I'm Jessica," she introduced herself, offering her hand. "I'll be heading your team here at the label. We'll be working closely to ensure your vision comes to life."

"Jessica," Ethan repeated, shaking her hand. "It's great to meet you."

"Likewise," Jessica said. "We've already started putting together some ideas based on your YouTube tracks, but first, let's get you acquainted with what we're working with here."

Jessica led Ethan and Bill on a tour of the headquarters. The first stop was the recording studios. Ethan's eyes widened as he stepped into the first room, taking in the sleek consoles, vintage microphones, and soundproofed walls.

"This is where the magic happens," Jessica said, gesturing toward the room. "Each studio here is equipped with cutting-edge technology. And you'll have access to the same at our USA branch—that's where you'll primarily be based. Everything you see here, it's mirrored there: state-of-the-art equipment, top-tier producers, and the best sound engineers in the business."

Ethan ran his hand along the edge of a mixing console, his awe apparent. "This is incredible," he said, his voice filled with wonder.

"You'll get used to it," Jessica said with a wink.

The tour continued, showcasing lounges, editing suites, and even a small auditorium for intimate performances. Each area seemed designed with precision and creativity in mind. Jessica made sure to point out how the same resources would be available in the US branch, emphasizing how Ethan would have everything he needed at his fingertips to thrive.

"You're stepping into the big leagues, Ethan," she said. "The support, the tools, the people it's all here to make sure you succeed."

The final stop on the tour was Jessica's office, where she laid out the plan.

"First things first," she began, handing Ethan a folder. "We'll need official releases for the three tracks you posted on YouTube. They've already gained significant traction, and we want to ride that momentum. Of course, we'll polish them in the studio, give them the full production treatment."

Ethan nodded, flipping through the documents.

"Once those are out," Jessica continued, "the CEO wants us to focus on your debut album. We'll need tracks that showcase your range—your raw talent and your ability to craft hits. Think of the singles as a preview, a taste of what's to come. The album will be your grand statement."

Ethan felt the weight of her words but also the thrill of the challenge. "I'm ready," he said.

Jessica smiled. "Good. We'll start tomorrow. Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the studio. This isn't going to be easy, but I have no doubt you're up for it."

As Ethan left the building later that day, his mind buzzed with ideas and possibilities. The world was watching, and he was ready to deliver.