Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 84: A New Position]

"Usually, you would just do some basic work, at least it's a stable income," Ryan said. He had figured out Daddario's situation a while ago: struggling financially and a background actor with little recognition, possibly earning less than an assistant.

Daddario didn't think much and immediately shook her head.

Ryan could tell she was reluctant. How personal could this personal assistant position actually be?

"It's just a personal assistant role, not involving anything else," Ryan quickly clarified with a smile.

Daddario couldn't help but doubt that a hundred times over.

"I have to go to an audition, and it would be really inconvenient if it's in another city. Sorry, but I can introduce you to someone else..."

"What are you going to audition with? A pear? Or a melon? We're all adults here -- some things don't need to be said out loud. What good can a music video do for you? It's just going to turn you from being an assistant to being under the casting director's thumb," Ryan bluntly stated.

"But being with me could make all the difference; you'd have plenty of opportunities. Look at Irina, she's a great example. I won't shortchange anyone around me," Ryan continued analyzing the pros and cons.

"You guys are just the same type," Daddario shook her head.

'That was a typical line from a guy; get them on board first, and later it wouldn't matter to them.

You don't even want to pay more, only want to spend on hiring an assistant, and expect me to tag along? No way was I going to let you take advantage of me,' she thought bitterly.

"Maybe you'll change your mind soon," Ryan said, not pressing too hard -- he had his own methods.

Daddario silently turned around and had just opened the door when she saw a blonde figure standing at the entrance.

"I was just about to knock," Paris Hilton said with a light smile.

Daddario stepped aside to let her in and then left.

...

"Why are you here?" Ryan said, leaning back with his hands clasped behind his head.

"So, were you turned down?" Paris plopped down casually in a chair.

Ryan ignored her and asked why she was there.

"I just came to see you. Is that a problem?" Paris raised her hand, twirling a strand of hair around her fingers, showing off her extravagant long nails, encrusted with diamonds and designs.

"Seeing is fine, but let's skip the rest," Ryan replied.

"Why pretend to be a good guy? A young girl just walked out of your room, and she's the star of your music video. It's hilarious," Paris giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.

Then Paris thanked Ryan and mentioned that she hoped to invite him to important parties in the future.

"As long as the appearance fee is good," Ryan shrugged.

During this time, he had already made nearly $200,000 from various sources, including paid downloads from two songs, YouTube revenue from Harlem Shake, and performance earnings. According to AEB data, the average personal income in the U.S. was around $40,801, while Census Bureau statistics showed that the average annual income without dividends or rents was $27,589. Either way you sliced it, Ryan had earned in a few months what most Americans would make in several years.

This didn't even count his summer touring schedule and the extra income from his viral Harlem Shake song.

Feeling that Ryan truly wasn't interested in her, Paris didn't linger too long and engaged him in a short chat about music before choosing to leave.

...

"You live here?" Taylor walked into the room and was startled by the various mounted fish specimens hanging on the walls.

This was Trey's ancestral home. Ryan had officially moved to Florida three days earlier, and Taylor had come to see him this weekend.

The air had a strange odor, and the furniture looked like it was decades old, giving the house a somewhat decaying vibe.

"There's an alligator in the pond outside," Ryan reminded her.

"Why don't we go buy a cleaner apartment in downtown Orlando?" Taylor suggested, clearly not wanting to stay here.

"The housing market has been stagnant for the last six months; it's a good time to invest. If I move, I could sell it for a profit later. What do you think?" Taylor became interested when it came to buying a house.

As a future "real estate mogul," her enthusiasm for acquiring property far outweighed any other investment strategies. She thought she was getting a good deal when, in reality, it was buying at the peak.

Ryan thought about it but didn't outright refuse. Although he didn't need to worry about real estate management with his current finances, having his own house in Florida would provide some peace of mind for the future.

...

Ryan called Diplo, who was thrilled to hear about Ryan moving to Florida and immediately introduced him to two local real estate agents in Orlando.

After a brief phone consultation, Ryan quickly confirmed his interest. The market was indeed hot, and he could start viewing houses that afternoon. "I hope I won't be recognized," Taylor said, standing in front of the mirror, already decked out.

News of her and Ryan "purchasing a love nest" would disrupt their promotional schedule, not to mention her parents wouldn't approve, so Taylor chose to be cautious.

...

"I must remind you, if you want to buy a house, do it soon; this property has already been viewed by several people and could be taken at any moment," the real estate agent said with a smile.

During the house tour, the agent was extremely busy, answering calls nonstop, with viewings already booked for that evening.

"Weren't two-bedroom homes already crashing?" Ryan casually remarked.

"That was just typical market fluctuation. Loan approval is still very lenient, and subprime loans are being approved just like last year; the market isn't reacting as dramatically," the real estate agent explained with a smile.

Subprime loans are for individuals unable to get a regular loan for various reasons, and their interest rates are generally higher.

"If you're looking to invest, now is the time. You could buy one, finance another, and use rent to cover interest. It's not that costly," the agent noticed the exquisitely dressed girl next to Ryan and realized he wasn't a poor person, proposing a bolder investment strategy.

He even pulled out a calculator to crunch the numbers in front of Ryan.

"Never mind, I just need a place to live, not an investment," Ryan shook his head.

The real estate agent persisted, even hinting that he had ways to secure loans -- even in a dog's name.

After parting ways with the real estate agent, Ryan received calls from several others, all indicating that the housing market was indeed very hot.

...

"Taylor, ask your dad later if he has any financial products that bet against housing prices falling," Ryan suggested slowly.

"Prices falling? Are you kidding? They've been rising for thirty years," Taylor replied, puzzled.

"It's just a hedge against risk, I'm not planning on buying much more," Ryan explained, though he couldn't be certain. But he felt that laying groundwork in advance was wise.

As they chatted, Ryan glanced at his phone and suddenly told Taylor to wait as he stepped away to make a call.

...

"Who are you calling?" Taylor asked suspiciously after Ryan returned.

"Scooter."

"Seriously? Let me see," Taylor said, raising her hand, wanting Ryan to hand over his phone.

Ryan complied.

"Why is your call history deleted?" Taylor noticed something off right away.

"I just tapped and cleared it out, it's a habit," Ryan shrugged.

Taylor's eyes rolled, clearly deep in thought.

"Ryan, I think you need an assistant," Taylor said, looking at him suddenly.

...

A few days later, in Nashville's suburbs, inside a makeup trailer in front of Gwen's castle.

"What do you think of her?" Taylor asked, looking back at Ryan through the mirror while getting her makeup done.

On Ryan's side stood Daddario.

"She doesn't have anything going on right now, so I invited her to be your assistant. The payment will come from you!"

"Is it really necessary to have someone watching me?" Ryan draped his arm over Taylor's shoulder.

"Is that a problem? Are you feeling guilty?" Taylor retorted.

"Sure, why not? I'm worried I can't prove my innocence," Ryan acknowledged, nodding thoughtfully before turning to Daddario.

Daddario looked a bit embarrassed and slowly raised her hand to greet Ryan.

*****

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