Chapter 6: The First Income

The woman continued, "Check the identity of the accident victim, call her relatives, and record the interview"

The woman named Carla turned her head back, her eyes once again fixed on the screen. She casually waved her hand in this direction and said, "You go wait in the lounge in the hall for a while, I will have someone bring the money to you."

She turned her head and pointed to the paused image on the screen, "This is not worth one thousand dollars, I will give you three hundred dollars, that is the highest price."

Those who reside in the suburbs are not the working class, but rather a group of truly affluent individuals in this country

Murphy immediately realized, "In other words, the victim is best if they are a wealthy white person, preferably harmed by the poor or minorities"

For a commercial television station, viewership ratings are the primary consideration.

After enduring countless hardships, Murphy finally earned his first sum of money since coming here. The bittersweet experiences were all mixed into this steak, and at one moment, the rich flavors almost brought tears to his eyes

The blonde woman paused, glanced at her watch, and succinctly stated, "For instance, crimes occurring in the city center are of no interest to anyone; this has become the norm rather than news. What the audience wants to see is crime spreading to the suburbs"

She paused for a moment and then said, "First, I would like to warn the audience to watch with caution"

When needed, Murphy never minds lowering his stance, "It means a lot to me"

The unique texture of banknotes was felt by his fingers, and Murphy let out a long breath, as if his life had become a little brighter.

The person next to him asked the woman with long golden-brown hair, pointing at the bloody images on the screen, "When the morning news is broadcast, viewers are usually having breakfast; this is excessively bloody."

Here you go

As a local television station, Fox Los Angeles Channel 6 primarily focuses on the latest developments in the Greater Los Angeles area, and a serious car accident occurring in the renowned Hollywood district undoubtedly attracts the attention of many viewers

She looked at her subordinates around her and said, "You know what to do, go ahead."

There is no doubt that he is asking for a lion's share, but his tone also leaves room for negotiation

Murphy will not easily give up on Hollywood, but he also understands the need to wait for the right moment. He can certainly continue his previous profession, shooting news footage to earn the money necessary for living, and then write scripts or apply for related jobs, seeking opportunities that can truly lead him into Hollywood

I indeed overlooked these. Murphy gently tapped his own head, Thank you for your reminder

This woman has long, curly, golden-brown hair, and her light blue eyes are concealed beneath long eyelashes, sparkling with a glimmer of shrewdness. On her typically Western, strong-featured face, she wears the fashionable professional makeup of this era, further enhancing the aura of a career woman

Yet he still wishes to savor this moment, the moment of tasting the fruits of success after countless trials and tribulations

Only by filling our stomachs and establishing a firm footing can we talk about dreams and aspire to enter Hollywood

Upon hearing this, Murphy couldn't help but slightly roll his eyes; these journalists really go to great lengths to attract attention

It has been more than a year since he arrived in this world from the other side of the Pacific. This is Murphy's first time earning money; although it is only three hundred dollars, it signifies that he has found a way to establish himself in this country. From now on, he will at least be able to fill his stomach through his own efforts.

Murphy knows that what he should do now is to continue breathing, because regardless of anything, the sun will rise again tomorrow, and he must continue to face this real world.

During the meal, Murphy gradually formulated a preliminary plan, especially the words spoken by the woman named Carla, which undoubtedly pointed to a viable path for making a living

He picked up the knife and fork, cut a small piece of steak, and slowly chewed it in his mouth. Murphy closed his eyes in enjoyment; this was undoubtedly the most delicious food he had ever tasted in his life. It was not only related to his financial struggles and hunger, but also contained a flavor known as success.

The woman named Carla wore an expression of indifference, "We should have such reports every day, so that the audience will discuss them at the company, talk about them all day long, and continue to pay attention to our program"

For instance, the bloody car accidents that occur in bustling areas such as Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood

Perhaps she did not expect Murphy to ask so directly, Kara turned around and looked at him with a hint of surprise, saying, "This is just part of it, we enjoy news related to crime, but not all crime."

Sitting in the booth, Murphy kept one hand in his left pocket, gently stroking the three hundred-dollar bills. Those who have never experienced hunger or gone through what he has would not understand the difficulty of making money, nor would they have the complex feelings he was experiencing at that moment

Murphy could sense that this tall and beautiful woman was undoubtedly sharp and capable; otherwise, she would not have become a department head at what appeared to be only twenty-five or twenty-six years old

Murphy immediately recalled the excitement in the other party's eyes when they had previously witnessed the bloody scene, and asked, "Bloody?"

She is undoubtedly a very thoughtful woman, "Moreover, adding the other accidents that occurred on Sunset Boulevard this year, one could say it is a deadly road"

Murphy's polite demeanor at the very least would not provoke any resentment. The blonde woman across from him was clearly in a good mood, leaning against the back of the bench, and said, "You have a good eye; the angle for shooting the video is well chosen. It would be even better if you could interview the paramedics on site."

Murphy glanced at her again; from a psychological perspective, what is often referred to as caution tends to provoke curiosity even more

Kara did not respond, merely shrugging her shoulders. Seeing Murphy appear to understand, she then said, "If you want to capture the essence we need, you can imagine our news as a woman shouting, running naked down the street, her throat slit..."

While speaking, he discreetly observed the other party.

This is his first time coming to this television station, and the other party is unlikely to offer a high price, especially since this is merely a recording of a car accident

I understand. Murphy nodded firmly and said, "We will meet again."

After a moment of contemplation, Murphy tentatively stated, "I believe this video can sell for one thousand dollars"

With three hundred dollars and a sudden realization as if awakened, Murphy left the television station, but instead of going home, he first drove to a twenty-four-hour diner, ordered a plate of macaroni and a grilled steak. Since noon yesterday, he had not eaten anything and felt so hungry that he could devour an entire cow

Kara, are you sure

Kara retracted her hand and asked directly, "How much do you want to sell it for?"

She took out a business card and handed it over, "If you can bring over some valuable items, it would also be a favor to me. Just contact me after you take some pictures."

Standing at the side and back of these individuals, Murphy was carefully observing. Upon hearing these words, he immediately captured some useful information and also formed a preliminary impression of the woman named Carla

As Carla mentioned, crime has spread from the city center to the suburbs

Not only do freelance journalists need television stations, but television stations also require freelance journalists to provide a wealth of material. Kara's current attitude is clearly more enthusiastic than before. "Murphy, right? The video you shot is very professional."

It seems that Murphy has been completely forgotten. Kara disregarded the objections of her subordinates and commanded in an authoritative tone, "As the morning headline, I require a breakdown of the shots, a live surround setup, and a large-font title..."

Murphy glanced at her back facing him, said nothing, turned around and walked out of the office. He soon arrived at the lounge area at the entrance of the hall, patiently sitting on the bench and waiting. The other party did not keep him waiting for too long; in about less than half an hour, three hundred dollars was sent over.

"No!" The woman across shook her head and said bluntly, "The price you are asking for is outrageous."

Yes, Kara nodded while walking.

The other individuals stood up and successively exited the office

The woman named Carla, although she did not admit it, provided enough hints. Coupled with her previous experiences of witnessing various forms of hype, Murphy understood that in order to obtain news footage that could be sold for a high price, one must first consider whether the public would be interested.

I have just entered the industry, and to receive praise from someone like you...

What Murphy did not expect was that the one who came was that woman

The other party's offer was very low, Murphy stood there, considered for only a second, and then nodded in agreement

Hello, Murphy Stanton. Murphy stepped forward two paces and gently shook the woman's hand, saying, "I am a freelance journalist"

At this moment, the woman's gaze returned to Murphy, and she did not rise but sat there extending her right hand, "Hello, I am Carla Fess, the head of the evening and morning news department at Channel 6"

Isn't it true that ordinary people enjoy seeing elites and the wealthy face misfortune

Macaroni and the fragrant grilled steak were served at the table in succession. Murphy could hardly remember how long it had been since he had enjoyed such delicacies. The food in prison goes without saying, and after his release, he had always lived below the poverty line. The little over 200 dollars he had was still from Ross's sponsorship. Coupled with the difficulties in finding a job, he had been in a situation where he wished he could split a penny in two to make ends meet. His meals consisted of the cheapest fast food, and he had never had the chance to savor the taste of steak.

Seeing Murphy put away the business card, she turned and walked towards the break area outside, and Murphy immediately followed her, "Is this kind of video?"

Following closely behind Carla, Murphy was not in the mood to appreciate her tall and graceful silhouette, and asked, "Could you elaborate on that?"

Establishing oneself in Hollywood is not easy, and Murphy is well aware of this today, focusing more on careers that can provide a livelihood

At a very slow pace, without wasting a single bite, Murphy finished off the steak and pasta, and ordered another cup of coffee, considering it a reward for himself, as starting tomorrow, he must once again strive and fight for the future

Seeing the cash that Carla handed over, Murphy stood up to receive it and said politely, "Thank you, this has been a pleasant collaboration"

Kara unconsciously revealed a smile and reminded, "If there is a next time, please come earlier, and it would be best to make a phone call in advance"