Chapter 130 - Jupiter Records

Everyone was feeling nervous even if Orita told them that it was merely a formality to get to know the studio and the team. Jenna was escorting the band to Jupiter records after they agreed to sign the contract with Lin Lin who also received an exclusive contract to work as Britannia's composer.

"I'm so excited!" Lin Lin squealed but she was the only feeling this way.

Alex was sick to the stomach from nervousness. She didn't know if they would ask her to play the guitar but Alex really wasn't ready for that. Scarlet was only worried about getting rejected about the masquerade image idea. The band had agreed that they didn't want their faces to be known and if the company couldn't agree to it, they would not give them the signed contract.

Jasper was conflicted. On one hand, he knew that being part of the band would earn him the capital he required. However, Jasper didn't know what to expect from the entertainment industry. He heard many bad things about it from Lin Lin and wondered how Alex would handle such hurting remarks especially if their fame increased with time. Scarlet was the one who was under the most pressure as the vocalist of the band and Jasper worried for the girls to the point of being nauseous. Maybe agreeing to form a band was a bad idea.

When they arrived at Jupiter Records, Alex forgot all about her initial nervousness. The interior of the building was beautiful. Alex thought that the small rooms were wonderful for someone like Lin Lin. Although they were small, the studio rooms had just about every instrument that Lin Lin would ever need to compose songs. Scarlet shared her sister's sentiments but she also thought that those rooms were very good for practising. Usually, whenever they practised in the penthouse, the noise would travel. Whenever Jasper played the drums, Scarlet and Alex could hardly hear themselves.

"Good afternoon! Thank you for coming, I am Pamela Ong, the band artist manager. Welcome to Jupiter Records, Britannia!"

The lady who greeted them had dyed light brown hair that was pulled into a ponytail. She was rather young and gave off the vibes of a friendly big sister. The round glasses that she wore covered half her face and the bookish look didn't match her fashionable outfit.

Still, the children didn't dislike her. Alex was the first to warm up to Pamela followed by Lin Lin. Scarlet and Jasper remained reserved, both deep in their own thoughts. While Jupiter Records looked reliable, they were still uncertain about how well the company could take care of them as artistes. Would they change attitudes later on or break their agreement?

Pamela smiled and served the children some hot drinks with biscuits. Jenna took a seat with the children who made themselves comfortable in the meeting room, admiring the posters on the walls. The posters were official photoshoot materials of the popular artistes working with the company. Lin Lin recognised many of them and was in Heaven but Scarlet had hardly any clue who they were. She only knew that they looked good and wondered if they could be as successful with a mask instead.

Jenna started the talks and thanked Pamela for receiving them. Jasper listened carefully to what their future manager said. So far, the company sounded reliable and the manager, though young, was experienced.

When the lady butler brought up the subject of having a particular image for the band, Pamela paused.

"Masks? But why? They look very good like this, it's such a waste..."

Scarlet shook her head. "We prefer to remain a mystery so that we can enjoy our private lives. If Jupiter Records cannot agree to this condition then we will not sign the agreement."

Her firm declaration shook Pamela's initial image of the children. For some reason, she felt as if she was dealing with mature teenagers instead of a group of ten-year-olds who didn't know what they wanted. Lin Lin was famous in the music industry for being a violin prodigy from a young age so Pamela wouldn't be very surprised if the composer said anything. However, she didn't think that the three other children who made up Britannia would be equally interesting.

"I understand. Please give us some time to amend the contract. Are there any other concerns that you might have?"

This time, Jasper spoke up. "How will Jupiter Records handle Britannia's public image in the future? As we are still students, it would be inconvenient if work-related matters were to affect our studies. I'm talking about a possible backlash and internet wars. Social media, in particular, can be a very damaging thing if not handled correctly. I personally do not wish to have a social media account to manage as part of Britannia."

Pamela smiled. Indeed, Lin Lin's friends were not simple people. "Understood. Naturally, all marketing work will be done by Jupiter Records. Promotional schedules will be advised in advance and the artistes have the right to bring their concerns to the management. I will attempt to schedule only the necessary promotional activities so as not to disrupt your studies. As students, the company wishes that you will take studying as your first priority as well. I'm sure your guardian and parents would not like it if we distract you from your studies."

Once that concern was clarified, Pamela asked if anyone else had concerns. Immediately, Lin Lin's hand shot up into the air.

"I have a question!"

Pamela smiled. She wouldn't be surprised that there would be even more now that the can of worms had been opened. 

"Yes, Lin Lin?"

The musician grinned. "Would I be able to have access to a studio at Jupiter Records all by myself? I'm looking at a permanent one for as long as I work here. Also, who is the director that I will be working with for recording and stage?"

Jenna observed how Pamela dealt with the questions professionally and mentally approved of this lady. If she was the manager of Britannia, the butler can feel more reassured even if Claire was still going to be escorting them whenever they had to come for jamming and recording sessions. That was a private agreement between Orita and the company. The Wildes would provide their own security measures on top of the ones that Jupiter Records had. Of course, none of the kids knew that certain measures had already been taken into consideration.

After all the questions lin Lin had were settled, Pamela glanced over to Alex who was the quietest of all. "Any other questions?" Pamela asked, expecting the last girl to have a go but Alex didn't respond.

"In that case, can I take it as good news? Will Britannia work with Jupiter Records?" the manager smiled and Scarlet returned the gesture.

"It will be our pleasure, Pamela. I think we will leave the discussion of the contract terms to be amended to you and Jenna here. For now, we have no other concerns."

The butler nodded and took over discussing the terms and conditions that needed amendments while Pamela called another colleague of hers to give the children a tour of the building that will soon become their second home.

Once Pamela and Jenna were left alone, the butler turned to the manager. "I believe your higher-ups have informed you about the special background of these children."

The manager bowed slightly and smiled. "Of course. My father has specifically sent me to manage Britannia because he didn't trust anyone else. As for security details, we would need to meet the security chief in-charge form the Wilde Family to design a rotating schedule especially if they are going on concert tours."

Jenna nodded. "I trust that you will be able to do a good job and guide them along if they need it. They might be capable kids but they are still children who need to be protected."

Pamela stood up and shook Jenna's hand. "Naturally. Thank you for approaching us, we look forward to working together more frequently in future."

As the manager escorted the butler out, she informed Jenna that the new contract would be mailed to them in a few days. On the other hand, the children looked very satisfied with their soon-to-be working environment. Lin Lin, in particular, had fallen in love with one particular unoccupied studio so Pamela made sure to reserve that for the musical prodigy.