Volume 4: White Devil Chapter 173: Showing miracles among the enemies and performing miracles in the land of Ham, so that the chosen people can praise the name of God
Merlin Apartment Building, Brooklyn, New York.
Merlin Apartment Building is a small-sized single-family apartment building, suitable for young people who come to the big city of New York with the American dream to temporarily stay.
Vanessa Williams, wearing an apron and cleaning gloves, was kneeling to wipe the floor. Soon, this small apartment, including the windows, was spotlessly clean.
In fact, her home is in New York, or rather, her parents' home is in New York. It is a two-story villa with an instrumental practice room and a gym converted from the basement. Compared with this 40-square-meter old apartment near a subway station, where the tenants of the building can clearly feel the vibration every time the subway passes through the underground tunnel, it is like the difference between heaven and hell.
But now she doesn't want to go back to live with her parents at all. Although her parents have never blamed her for paying nearly one million in compensation for her to avoid forced bankruptcy, she cannot face the look her parents give her.
After mopping the floor, she stood up and took a breath for a moment, then walked to the photo frame hanging on the wall of the living room and carefully admired the photo that made her infamous.
This photo, the culprit that caused her to lose all her honor, actually had a very delicate composition. In the backlight of the setting sun, she stood naked on the top of Mount Kisco, like an angel who had just come to the world for the first time.
The whole composition does not have any obscene flavor. In fact, because of the backlight, she looks more like a black silhouette. If you don't look carefully, you can't tell that she is naked.
It was a part-time job she received when she had just entered college. A photographer named Tommy needed a model to take a set of photos of Mount Kisco, New York to promote the local scenery. She remembered that the photographer said that he hoped to use the mountain top, sunset, free and shackled women to show the freedom of the small town of Mount Kisco, New York.
There were thirteen photos in total. After she signed a model release form, she received a fee of two thousand dollars from the photographer.
Later, she became more and more dazzling in college, participated in beauty pageants, and won all the way. She first became Miss Syracuse, then won the title of Miss New York, and finally won the Miss America beauty pageant and became the first black beauty pageant champion in the United States.
In the winter of 1983, the names of two young people, one male and one female, one black and one white, stood out in newspapers and on television. They told all Americans to believe in miracles and that the American dream would eventually come true.
She is the lucky black girl, the new Miss America in 1984, Vanessa Williams.
But the story that follows seems to have become a nightmare. First of all, many white people cannot accept that this American beauty pageant, which began in 1920, would select a black woman to represent the image of American women. They can tolerate black women signing up for the competition, but they cannot accept black people representing the United States.
As a result, many white radicals and racists mailed bullets to her and sent threatening letters to her family, forcing her to return the championship honor.
She bravely stood on the TV talk show and said that she would never be scared off. She wanted to use herself to change the image of black people in everyone's eyes and tell the world that the women in this country are not only white, but black women can be beautiful too.
Later, what happened was what she heard from others. Some tabloids swore that the bookmakers in Las Vegas opened the odds for the beauty pageant because she, a black person, was elected, which caused many high-rollers to suffer heavy losses. So they opened another odds, betting that she would not be able to complete her one-year term as Miss America and would definitely force her to step down in disgrace.
She thought it was just a rumor that didn't need to be taken seriously, but then she realized that she was too young and too naive, and only saw the beautiful side of the world.
Soon, Penthouse published the set of artistic photos she had taken. If it was just the same artistic silhouettes as before, Vanessa would not care at all, because she was indeed naked during the photo shoot, but because of the light, it was not considered exposed at all, and no important parts were exposed.
Unfortunately, she underestimated the shamelessness of Penthouse magazine, and the magazine increased the exposure of the photo. As a result, what was originally just an artistic silhouette became an unsightly large-scale photo in the magazine, making her body in the photo visible to the readers.
Miss America, who was supposed to be beautiful, perfect and the representative of the image of American women, was revealed to have taken erotic photos which were published in Penthouse magazine. This was unacceptable to everyone.
Almost instantly, she went from being the envied American darling to being the hated American slut.
Cinderella's American dream turned into an American nightmare.
Those high-quality black compatriots who had previously praised her, rushed to become friends with her, and invited her to various high-class activities, immediately turned hostile after seeing her photo published in Penthouse, accusing her of ruining the reputation of black women, giving white people another excuse to criticize black people for not loving themselves.
The white people, who were already unwilling to let a black woman take away the Miss America title, found even more excuses to mock her as a shameless black person who was not qualified to represent the United States. That would only make the world feel that American women are dissolute and unself-respecting.
Even every time he appeared in public, there were people holding up enlarged nude photos to mock him.
Photographer Tommy made hundreds of thousands of dollars by selling his photos to Penthouse, and Penthouse made 26 million per issue by publishing his photos in the magazine.
The only one who was hurt was herself. She lost her Miss America title, all her advertising endorsements, and the penalty for breach of contract was as high as millions.
The American film and television industry even shut her out . They did not dare to offer her a job, fearing that if they did, her already unhealthy and imperfect image would cause complaints from the audience, thus causing negative impact on their own company.
She tried to sue Penthouse magazine for publishing her photos without her permission, but the magazine produced a model release form, stating that the ownership of the photos did not belong to her as a model. The photographer had the right to buy and sell photos, and Penthouse had the right to publish the photos since it had purchased them.
Before she even started her career in the American entertainment industry, she had already been torn apart and devoured by the industry, and then completely isolated from it.
The doorbell rang at this time. Vanessa took off her gloves, walked over and opened the door. Her agent and good friend Ramon was standing outside the door.
"Seeing you always puts me in a good mood, Ramon, because you bring me work. So, what is the job today? Whatever it is, I'm ready." After seeing the agent, Vanessa showed a gentle and sunny smile and asked.
In the past two years, thanks to his agent and good friend Ramon who constantly helped him find some job opportunities. Although they were all jobs as a makeup artist, backing vocalist or guest-starring as ugly characters in third-rate sitcoms, at least they ensured that he would not be completely unemployed and bankrupt and end up living in the slums.
Of course, I also have to thank my parents for eventually helping me bear a large part of the penalty for breach of contract, so that she did not die in the autumn of 1984 when countless advertisers were pursuing penalty for breach of contract.
"There are two jobs. One is for a black female British artist who is coming from London to perform in a musical at the Broadway Theater. During her time on Broadway in New York, she needs a short-term makeup artist for about two weeks. The weekly salary is three hundred and fifty dollars." Ramon walked in, looked around the clean and tidy room, and said calmly.
Vanessa turned around, walked to the corner of the living room, picked up her makeup box, and shrugged cutely at Ramon: "So, what are you waiting for? I can start working anytime."
"Vanessa, you have to accept reality." Ramon saw that Vanessa looked like she was ready to go at any time, so instead of praising her work attitude, he frowned and spoke in a stern and emotional tone.
"Of course I accept the reality." Vanessa looked at Ramon in confusion: "I won't let the other party hate me, nor will I be jealous of the other party. I won't mention any of my past. I'm just a professional makeup artist. You know, I never say anything. I just do my job well."
Ramon looked at the artistic photo on the wall that eventually brought Vanessa down from grace. "I'm talking about accepting reality... I'm not saying you're willing to look energetic and take on small jobs every day. You have to accept reality, Vanessa. It's unlikely that you'll be considered by major TV stations and film companies. You're no longer likely to be a star that everyone loves."
"Ramon, I can't guarantee that those big companies will give me a chance, but what I should do now is to at least make sure that everyone who sees me doesn't hate me. Before I became Miss America, I was a makeup artist, a harmony artist, and an unknown little actor. Now I am just continuing to do my previous job." Vanessa said to Ramon, "I don't think there is anything wrong with this attitude."
Ramon shifted his gaze from the photo to Vanessa's face and remained silent for a few seconds before speaking again:
"Another job. There is a well-established adult film company in California that wants you to star in a movie. They are willing to pay you $500,000 for your debut movie."
Vanessa looked at Ramon in astonishment, not believing what her friend said: "You, suggested that I make those adult movies?"
"There's nothing wrong with changing your industry and making more money. I haven't received your commission for a long time, and I don't even know if there is still a chance to get a commission. I have been your agent for so long, and what have I gained? Nothing. You have persisted for so long, and what have you gained? Nothing. So give up your fantasies and be realistic. It's time to make some money. If you agree, I guarantee that in the first year, with your fame, you can make at least three million in this industry. If you are willing to work harder and add some performances in Las Vegas nightclubs, five million is not impossible..." Ramon persuaded Vanessa sincerely.
"So, they humiliated me as a slut, so I have to do what they want and really become a shameless slut?" Vanessa stared at her agent blankly: "Let those who laugh at me really get what they want?"
Ramon lowered his head. "If you continue to insist on being just a makeup artist, all I can say is, goodbye, Vanessa, I need another job. There is a black actress who needs an agent. Her assistant contacted me and hoped that I could help her. Goodbye."
After he finished speaking, agent Ramon turned around and tried to walk out of the room. Vanessa spoke from behind him: "Ramon."
Ramon turned around and looked at Vanessa. Vanessa tried to smile brightly, but her eyes were already full of tears. She tried to smile and asked her agent:
"At least tell me how much commission I owe you. I will work hard to make money and compensate you. "
"Forget it, Vanessa. Just assume that I am crazy and have been dreaming with you for several years. But dreams always have to end. You can continue to dream, but I have to accept reality." Ramon bowed slightly to Vanessa:
"Goodbye, Miss Vanessa Williams."
"Ramon~There is one more thing. Can you leave me the contact information for that makeup artist job before we say goodbye?" Vanessa wiped away her tears and said to Ramon with a smile.
Ramon nodded, took out a business card from his suit pocket and placed it on the cabinet at the door: "I once...thought of saving you and letting you return to the spotlight, but..."
"Goodbye, Ramon." Vanessa interrupted Ramon, took a few steps forward and closed the door. Before the door closed, she spoke with a smile.
As the door closed, she leaned her back against it, sat on the floor with her knees bent, and burst into tears.
She finally lost her last friend, and now she was left alone to continue fighting against this damn country.
"I'm not going to let those people succeed, I'm not going to be what they want me to be... Vanessa Williams, you're right, you have to believe it."
She stopped crying, went to the bathroom to touch up her makeup, and prepared to go out to start her job as a makeup artist with a weekly salary of $350. At this moment, the phone rang.
The automatic answering function of the phone started working, and the person on the other end of the phone said softly: "Hello? This is Vanessa Williams, a professional makeup artist, backing vocalist, model, actress, and singer. How can I help you? Please leave a message after the beep, and I will call you back as soon as possible."
"This is BT TV. I'm Vice President Sean Ray, Miss Vanessa Williams. We want to sign you to star in a medium-cost black TV series. If your schedule allows and you are interested in the TV series, you or your agent are welcome to call me and we can discuss cooperation matters in person in Los Angeles." A gentle male voice sounded from the other side of the TV.
Vanessa, who was putting on makeup, was stunned at first, and then big tears welled up in her eyes again, ruining her makeup.
…
BT TV headquarters, Los Angeles.
"Have you talked to Sean and Rick? How do you feel?" Tommy took the initiative to extend his hand to Vanessa and greeted her with a smile: "Tommy Hawke, the puppet boss of BT TV."
Tommy felt that there was a reason why Vanessa won the title of Miss America. In addition to her tall and graceful figure, she also had very delicate facial features and a pair of blue eyes as clear as the Caribbean water.
And her skin color is not pure black, but more like a lustrous and attractive honey color. It is obvious that she is a mixed-race product born after a white and black person formed a family.
She is not one of those uneducated black people from the lower class. This beautiful girl comes from a middle-class black family. Her parents are music teachers in a private elementary school in New York. She has received elite education since childhood, and her speech and behavior show her good upbringing.
"Vanessa Williams, thank you for the valuable job opportunity provided by your TV station." Vanessa took off her sunglasses, shook hands with Tommy Hawke, and said to Tommy with a smile: "Actually, before today, I have seen your appearance and heard your name, Mr. Hawke, countless times."
"Really?" Tommy looked at the tall black girl with some confusion and asked curiously, "I... I just started working in the television industry this year. We shouldn't have had any intersection before."
"In the winter of 1983, at that time... the newspaper said that two young people realized the American dream that year, a man and a woman. The woman was called Vanessa Williams, and she became the first black Miss America. The man was called Tommy Hawke, and in order to help many low-income people, he fought against the big software companies and won." Vanessa sat opposite Tommy and talked about her impression of him.
Tommy stared at Vanessa for a few seconds, then smiled and said, "It was a few years ago, and I don't read social digests that often, so I may not have noticed it. But no matter what, this is also a wonderful fate. Nice to meet you, Miss Williams."
"You can call me Vanessa, friend...everyone calls me that." Vanessa said to Tommy.
"Sean told me that you came to Los Angeles in person without even an agent, which shocked me."
"Five minutes before I received the call from Mr. Sean Ray, I just parted ways with my agent friend." Vanessa lowered her head and sighed, but then shook her long hair and looked up at Tommy: "I need to hire an agent before I can start talking about work, or..."
"No, no, no. When Sean told me that you didn't have an agent, we discussed this issue internally. This is a black TV station. We are here to help black people, not exploit them. Frankly speaking, it's more beneficial for us to talk to you. We have legal and public relations staff who are responsible for communication and negotiation. You can't take advantage of them, but we're not going to do that. So, you do need an agent. This is California, and there are agencies everywhere. Having an agent to help you get more benefits is the best solution." Tommy picked up a stack of documents on the table:
"Here is the information about some California brokerage companies that I had someone help sort out before you came. You can pick one that you think is good. Then I will ask my assistant Sophia to accompany you to find a professional broker first. Only then can he open his mouth and negotiate business with us."
Vanessa looked at Tommy, who was handing her the agency information, as if she was looking at an alien. To be honest, she had dealt with film companies, TV stations and even Broadway before, and met all kinds of partners, but those partners all wanted to exploit her, pay her less and get more benefits.
The white young man in front of him was just the opposite. When he learned that he didn't have an agent, his first reaction was to help provide information about the agency so that he could find a strong enough agent to negotiate business with him and ensure that he could get more income.
Tommy's reaction made Vanessa a little confused. She had never experienced such a scene and she had never seen such a kind and generous TV station owner.
"I...I met a photographer named Tommy last time, and the name Tommy...left a bad impression on me. But today, on the contrary, the other Tommy in front of me is so good that it is unbelievable." Vanessa did not look through the information, but looked at the office environment and said with a smile.
Tommy observed Vanessa's expression and said, "It sounds like the name Tommy didn't appeal to you before today?"
"I used to know a photographer named Tommy. He was... a jerk." Vanessa looked at Tommy, smiled and nodded: "He took the photos that caused me trouble."
"My friends who know me also call me that. Maybe those named Tommy are all bastards." After hearing this, Tommy Hawke said with deep feeling: "That should be the case, because I also know a guy named Tommy Westy, who is also a bad guy."
Vanessa looked at the white young man in front of her who seemed to be about the same age as her and called himself a jerk. She lowered her head and smiled, "Being called a jerk by friends and being called a jerk by collaborators are two different things, Mr. Hawke. Friends are more likely to tease you in a friendly manner, but collaborators often say it from the bottom of their hearts."
"Sean told me about your situation. You seem to have had a hard time in the past two years. You don't have any stage work, only backing vocals and makeup. I mean, maybe your agent should have left a long time ago. He's not qualified." Tommy took a sip of coffee and said to Vanessa:
"So, don't rush to start, Vanessa. We can take our time. We plan to shoot a pilot episode first and see the feedback. So you can sign a short contract with us for one episode. At the same time, you can use the information we provide to contact the agency during this time . Of course, you can also use that information to find a job on your own. In short, take your time. There is no shortage of work here."
"Do you always negotiate with actors, Mr. Hawke? I mean, you might be called a fool if you do that."
"Just call me Tommy." Tommy shook his head seriously. "No, Vanessa, a fool can't earn 700 million. I just don't make money from poor people. If you don't work hard enough, you will see the other side of Tommy the fool. He is stingy, mean, irritable and even racist. He has the KKK and the cross. In short, all kinds of shocking scenes will appear..."
Seeing Tommy's serious nonsense, Vanessa laughed. "Okay, these threats don't sound very strong, but I will seriously consider your suggestion and find an agent."
"Do you have a place to stay in Los Angeles?" Tommy continued .
Vanessa shook her head in confusion: "No, but I can stay in a hotel and it won't affect my work."
"There is a villa in Beverly Hills, which is the staff dormitory of BT TV station. Currently, there is only a black employee named Martin Hart living there. If you don't mind living with him, I think you can save some hotel fees. Besides, the scenery of the hotel is probably not as beautiful as the scenery of Beverly Hills." Tommy looked at Vanessa: "Sophia, you have met my assistant, she also lives nearby. If you don't mind, she can take you to see the residence."
"You're going to use the villa in Beverly Hills as a dormitory for the TV station employees?" Vanessa had never heard of Tommy asking for a huge sum of money when he advised her to find an agent first. Now Tommy told her that the dormitory for BT TV station employees was located in Beverly Hills.
The mansion that 90% of Hollywood stars cannot afford or buy is used by the young man in front of him as a staff dormitory.
The benefits of this black TV station are a bit exaggerated.
"Yes, and I live not far away, in another building about five minutes' walk away," Tommy said to Vanessa.
"Why? I..." Vanessa looked at Tommy. "Why are you helping me? I really don't understand, Tommy. In the past two years, I have seen all kinds of evil in human nature. The kindness shown by BT TV makes me feel touched and warm, but also uneasy, because I don't understand why all this happened."
"Maybe it's because you and I were both lucky enough to realize the American dream, or maybe it's because you're beautiful enough that I fell in love with you at first sight? Who knows, maybe I never thought of helping you at all, or maybe it's just your wishful thinking." Tommy looked at Vanessa with a half-smile and spread his hands:
"I want to prove to those TV stations that ignore the lower-class black people what scale of audience they have abandoned. What they ignore is what I cherish. No one in this industry cares what TV shows black people want to watch, but I, an outsider, care. And you have to prove to those who have hurt you that they will not destroy you, but will only make you stronger. You will stand on a more dazzling stage and hurt those people's eyes and hearts. I think this is the American dream that we all want to achieve. I am not helping you. I am just telling you that we are fellow travelers in this dream."
"Do you often say this kind of thing to... people around you?" Vanessa rolled her eyes and looked away. This girl, who just turned 24 this year, seemed to have not heard such comforting words for a long time.
Tommy shook his head. "Often, but the people around me are lawyers or political scientists with a background in politics. They are incredibly rational. They don't react much after listening to me, or they just get annoyed by my nagging."
"I think what you said is very touching, Tommy. I haven't heard such words for a long time. They are full of warmth and strength." Vanessa shook her long hair, looked away and smiled calmly, then looked at Tommy: "Can you say a few more words? No one has encouraged me for a long time. Before I came to Los Angeles, my agent had already persuaded me to make a small movie."
"Nothing can make those who have hurt you more painful than returning to the top, or even surpassing your past glory." Tommy picked up a small Bible on the table, opened it casually, and recited:
"This Bible tells us that only by showing miracles among the enemies and performing powerful works in the land of Ham can the chosen people praise the name of God."
