PNB Chapter 36 Farewell to Tino
Chapter 36 Farewell to Tino
"Let's go, I'll go with you to the nearby supermarket to buy some things, otherwise you won't even have dinner tonight."
Tino went back to the kitchen, rummaged through the empty refrigerator and cupboards, and offered his suggestion.
Zik readily agreed. Los Angeles was no cheaper than New York, so he was happy to save money. He picked up the Mercedes keys and went out with Tino.
Along the way, Zeke increasingly realized the difference between Los Angeles and New York. The city was expanding wildly like a pancake, public transportation was almost non-existent, and without a car, it was practically impossible to get around.
It took them another 20 minutes just to get to the nearest supermarket.
Throughout the journey, Tino kept nagging, his tone full of worry: "Zick, you have to be careful while you're working in Casablanca. Don't eat or drink anything that strangers offer you, especially cigarettes and other things—absolutely not."
"You don't know, the Casablanca gang doesn't have a good reputation in the industry. Promiscuity and drug use are commonplace. You mustn't let them corrupt you; if you get involved with hard drugs, your life will be ruined."
As Zik listened to his rambling, he chuckled inwardly. He might genuinely be worried about him, but his greater concern was clearly that if he relied on Casablanca as a powerful figure, he would no longer need Zik as his agent. So he was deliberately saying these things to scare Zik and make him more dependent on him.
After all, when he saw that large expanse of Western leaves earlier, he didn't shout or fight. Instead, he seemed quite used to it. He was also very adept at stuffing contraband into the DJs' hands in the King's Lounge.
Although he knew what Tino was thinking, Zik didn't point it out, and nodded in agreement from time to time.
Upon entering the supermarket, Tino switched into butler mode, taking care of Zik almost like a parent.
He skillfully moved between the shelves, helping to select food such as milk, bread, and fruit, and also carefully selected daily necessities such as bed sheets and pillows.
Tino always manages to accurately select brands that offer good quality at reasonable prices, avoiding those flashy but overpriced items. Every time she picks up an item, she subconsciously glances at the price tag, comparing it repeatedly before deciding whether to put it in her shopping cart.
Qi Ke followed silently behind him, feeling a mix of emotions.
He could tell that Tino had really fallen on hard times over the years and had long been used to living frugally; this kind of thrift that was ingrained in his bones could not be faked.
Considering the amount of time and money he invested in the Siren band before, whether it was promotion and packaging or bribing various people in the industry, that investment is definitely not a small amount for him now.
His willingness to risk everything he has left to be his agent makes this trust and dedication all the more precious at this moment.
After shopping, the two returned to their car carrying various shopping bags.
He then drove his brand-new Mercedes to take Tino to Los Angeles International Airport.
Not only does Tino have to keep his promise to cooperate with Herbert to help Zeke establish a new company that holds his own copyrights, but he also has to manage all the affairs of the Sirens, including wrapping up the final performances, preparing the album, and coordinating with Casablanca. There are so many things to do, and he has to fly back to New York today.
At the airport, when they parted, Ziklatino reassured him, "Don't worry, go back home. I can handle things here. I'll contact you as soon as I have new work. I won't forget you."
Tino stepped forward and hugged Zeke tightly: "Zeke, I'm moving my office to Los Angeles in a while. After all, you and Siren have both signed with Casablanca, and this will be our business center from now on. I can't be of much help staying in New York."
Zick understood that Tino was probably very insecure right now. He had staked everything on himself and the Sirens, fearing any changes and being abandoned, which was why he was in a hurry to move to Los Angeles to keep a close eye on things.
He paused for a moment, then said solemnly, "Tino, there's something I feel I need to tell you."
"What is it?" Tino asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.
"I actually know that your previous name was Dante Bazzottini, and I also know that you have a criminal record." Zik's tone was calm, without accusation or disdain.
Tino's face turned deathly pale, his body trembled slightly, and he hurriedly explained, "Zick, listen to me, that's all in the past, I've changed a long time ago, I..."
"Don't rush, let me finish." Zike gently patted his shoulder, interrupting him. "But I still chose you as my agent, and I won't fire you for that. I didn't do that in the New York court, and I won't in the future. I know you desperately need a chance to make a comeback, and I'm willing to give you that chance, and I believe you can do it."
Tino froze, her voice choked with emotion: "Thank you, Zeke, thank you so much. This really means a lot to me."
"Tino, do you remember what we said at the casino that day?"
"Of course I remember, but which sentence are you referring to?"
“I’m part of the Mafia too,” Zeke said in a low voice. “I’m very law-abiding. As long as you don’t betray me, I’ll never stab you in the back. So Tino, your family is in New York. There’s no need for you to rush to Los Angeles like I am. Spend time with your family, and we’ll stay in touch.”
Tino rubbed his eyes and laughed, scolding, "Damn it, where did you learn that sweet talk from? It almost made me cry."
"I learned it from you," Zik said with a smile. "Remember? It's all a gamble. I hope we can win together, get out of the past, and live a good life together."
Looking into Zik's sincere eyes, Tino's unease and worries completely dissipated, and he revealed a relieved smile.
He patted Zeke on the shoulder forcefully and said, "Okay, let's win together! I'll be waiting for your good news in New York."
After saying that, he turned and walked into the boarding gate, then turned back and waved to Zik.
As Tino's figure disappeared into the crowd, Zeke was overjoyed.
He didn't want Tino spending all his time in Los Angeles, urging him to write songs.
Now he has a car, a house, a decent job, and all the benefits of Casablanca. There should still be some time before he goes back to school, so he can enjoy life in Los Angeles without being pressured to catch up.
You could also try to trigger a new apocalypse in places like discos.
Zik whistled as he drove his Mercedes toward the cliffside cabin.
As he passed a musical instrument store, he instinctively stepped on the brakes.
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, he could see the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster hanging on the wall, their lacquered surfaces gleaming alluringly under the spotlight.
"I need to learn a musical instrument." Zike stroked his chin. Since he planned to make a living in music, it wouldn't be enough to just rely on the melodies he had in his head. He needed tools to bring them to life.
Upon entering the music store, Zike was stunned when he saw the prices.
"Damn it, are they robbing me?"
The musical instruments here are ridiculously expensive; a basic Martin D-28 costs over 500 yuan.
He hesitated for a long time, clutching his wallet, but ultimately couldn't bring himself to take out the money.
On second thought, I decided to follow Casablanca's corporate culture and take advantage of the company's resources!
As a contracted songwriter, isn't it perfectly normal for me to ask the company for musical instruments to aid in the creative process?
Moreover, the private school that Neil Bogart found for him might have music rooms, so he could practice some instruments for free, which would give him even less reason to spend his own money.
"How can you call it freeloading if you get resources by your own skill?" He smiled to himself, then turned and left the music store.