MC Bookstore Chapter 35 Cliff House
Chapter 35 Cliff House
"Another new album?" Tino frowned in surprise. "This 'Once Upon a Time...' is only five months after her last album, right? You guys are pushing her too hard, you're practically treating her like a machine."
Larry shrugged. "There's no other way. We have to deliver the new album to Donna's fans before Christmas. We can't keep them waiting too long. Besides, it's nothing. KISS once released three albums in a single year. Hard work is one of the secrets to Casablanca's success."
After saying that, he looked at Zeke, his eyes filled with anticipation: "So, Zeke, interested in giving it a try?"
Zik hesitated for a moment, then replied casually, "I haven't written any songs from a female perspective before, and I'm not very familiar with Donna Summer's singing style. Let me study it first..."
"No problem!" To everyone's surprise, Larry readily agreed to this perfunctory answer. He turned around, opened the cabinet door, took out a large stack of Donna Summer's vinyl records, and handed them to Zeke.
"These are Donna's previous albums, all signed copies. Take them home and listen to them carefully, find inspiration, and get familiar with her voice and singing style."
Zik took the record, feeling that this was a pleasant surprise, and that it might sell for a lot of money.
He suddenly remembered the autograph his brother Joey wanted: "Larry, do you have any KISS records? My brother really likes them, and I'd also like to try writing a few rock songs to learn more about their music."
"Of course!" Larry nodded with a smile, then pulled out a large stack of autographed KISS CDs and stuffed them into Zeke's hand.
He opened another, even larger cabinet, which was filled with KISS band merchandise: T-shirts, hats, action figures, lunchboxes, comic books, and even co-branded condoms—a dazzling array of items.
Zeke's favorite is a paper jacket with the KISS logo and the four members printed on it, their faces in bright orange and magenta.
"Take all these items, don't be shy," Larry said with a smile. "KISS's merchandise development is known in the industry for its comprehensive reach, covering almost every aspect of life, and sales have always been excellent."
While thanking him, Zeke secretly slipped two boxes of condoms into his pocket. After all, in Los Angeles, the city of desire, it was always good to have more stock.
Moreover, the only thing Rossi ever said to him about sex was that if he got someone pregnant, he would have to take responsibility for it.
Larry looked at the pile of records and merchandise in Zeke's hands, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, Zeke, do you have a place to stay? If not, the company can arrange one for you."
Zeke's eyes lit up instantly. He hadn't expected that they would even provide accommodation. Casablanca's benefits were truly thoughtful!
He nodded quickly: "Really? I just got off the plane and I was wondering where to look for it."
Larry glanced at the clock on the wall and said with a smile, "It's lunchtime. Let's grab something to eat first. After lunch, I'll take you to see the house I lived in before I got married. It's currently vacant, and the company is paying the rent. If you think it's suitable, you can move in right away."
Zick and Tino had no objection to taking advantage of the company's good fortune, and followed Larry out of the company to a roadside fast food restaurant.
Americans typically have very simple lunches, especially busy business people who eat whatever is convenient.
The three of them ordered a few hamburgers and some Cokes and quickly finished their lunch.
Larry led Zik to the parking lot and pointed to the second-to-last dark blue sedan on the right: "That's it, a Mercedes 280E, last year's model, W123 chassis, six-cylinder automatic, leather seats, and power adjustment are all included."
As Zik approached, he saw a boxy Mercedes-Benz with straight, strong lines, classic rectangular double round headlights, a slender chrome grille, and numerous chrome trim strips around the body, giving it a typical 70s German luxury feel.
Tino clicked his tongue in amazement: "This is a proper European luxury car, more prestigious than driving a Cadillac. It costs over 15,000 yuan. Casablanca really treats you like a treasure."
Zik settled into the electrically adjustable seat with a satisfied smile, gripping the equally leather-wrapped steering wheel. The responsive accelerator made him a little nervous. This brand-new Mercedes was as quiet as a cat's gait, a stark contrast to his old Chrysler at home, which roared and shook so violently it felt like stepping from hell into heaven.
(It looks something like this. I couldn't find any street photos with the same color before and after, sorry~ just take a look.)
Larry's former residence was about a 20-minute drive from the company; it was a small two-story, two-bedroom house perched on a cliff near the famous Hollywood sign.
Yes, it really was "hanging". It was so close to the cliff that it made Zeke a little scared. He didn't know where Larry found this kind of house.
Zik opened the car door, leaned out to look at the cliff so close at hand, and couldn't help but gasp:
"You used to live here? It's terrifying to look at."
"Hehe, I was scared when I first moved here. I was always worried that I would accidentally fall from the balcony into the abyss below after taking drugs one night. But it also has its advantages. Despite being in a big city, this house is very quiet and peaceful. I find this relative isolation to be very relaxing."
"This house has been empty all this time? You and Candy have been married for over three years, haven't you?" Tino asked.
"I still come over occasionally to stay for a few days and enjoy some time alone." Larry winked.
'Tsk, Larry's got a Zen-like air about him,' Zeke thought.
The group pushed open the door and entered the house. The decoration of the house was very eclectic. There were messy posters hanging on the walls of the corridor and some old records piled up in the corner. It was the style of a tasteless bachelor, simple and casual.
The entrance to the house is upstairs. Pushing open the door, you'll find a small kitchen. The kitchen and living room are separated by a long bar counter, on which are placed several empty wine bottles and glasses.
Surprisingly, this floor was completely empty, without even a chair, making it seem exceptionally desolate.
Fortunately, the kitchen also has a microwave and a 27-inch TV in addition to the refrigerator.
Larry said these two few household appliances were sent to him by the Zamosky Company in Baltimore in exchange for some records.
"The people at Zamosky are really cool; they're willing to trade anything from carpets to electronics for vinyl records—it's the epitome of barter. Casablanca often orders competition prizes or gifts for artists and DJs from Zamosky."
When Zik saw Tino, he immediately jotted down the name in his notebook, most likely intending to buy some goods from them.
The group went down the stairs to the master bedroom, which was also sparsely furnished. A huge waterbed occupied most of the room and stood out prominently.
After walking around for a while, Tino clicked his tongue in amazement: "Larry, how come there isn't even a place to sit here?"
Zeke also felt it was a bit too simple. Larry walked over and sat down on the waterbed, patted the soft surface, and winked at Zeke: "I like it this way because when I'm home, I just want to go to bed and relax. I'm not home often, so it doesn't matter if there's furniture or not. Besides..."
He lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "If there are female visitors, I hope there's nowhere else for her to sit except on my bed, so it'll be easier to get her."
"Wow, this house is amazing." Zeke immediately switched sides, thinking that although Larry was a bit old, he was definitely a wonderful person.
"Haha, I'm glad you like it." Larry laughed as he stood up, tossing the keys to Zeke. "Then this house is yours. Get some rest, and call me anytime if you need anything. Oh, and I left some personal belongings on the terrace, so please keep an eye on them for me."
After Larry left, Zeke walked around the house again, feeling increasingly satisfied.
The entire back of this house is made of huge glass, allowing you to overlook the magnificent scenery of the valley below. During the day, you can see blue skies, white clouds, and distant mountains, and at night you can see the city lights. Apart from being a bit remote, it's practically a paradise.
The second bedroom also has an unfolded leopard-print sofa bed, which is quite flashy, but can be used as Marco's room.
Remembering Larry's instructions, he went to the terrace and didn't see any personal belongings, but there was a row of large flower pots filled with some green plants with unusual leaf shapes.
Upon closer inspection, he was instantly stunned – this was none other than the famous Western leaf!
These are Larry's personal belongings?! What kind of record company executive grows this stuff on their balcony?!
He quickly turned to Tino and asked, "Tino, isn't it illegal to grow this stuff?"
His life had finally gotten back on track, and he didn't want to be taken away by the police in his sleep one day.
"I'm afraid of getting arrested by the police in New York, and if I still have to worry about it in Los Angeles, then what's the point of coming to Los Angeles?"
Tino glanced at the plant in the flowerpot and waved his hand dismissively: "Don't worry, it's fine. This kind of thing is very common in Hollywood and the music industry. It's almost a symbol of rebellion and a source of creative inspiration, as well as a kind of identity for people in the industry."
Larry's small-scale, non-commercial farming is perfectly fine; the police usually turn a blind eye and won't specifically come to investigate. Besides, it's very easy to grow; you just need to water it every day.