However, although the recording went smoothly, Landon was not very satisfied.
What he craved was a sudden blockbuster success, a "King Bomb" that could instantly ignite the market, a record of several million, or even tens of millions, in sales for a single EP; otherwise, how could he quickly close the gap with Cameron Diaz?
While "Like I Love You" was undoubtedly excellent, in his judgment, the song might allow him to smoothly enter the mainstream spotlight, but it might not create the phenomenal sensation he desired.
Deep down, he still stubbornly believed that only the raw, rhythm-driven energy of Crunk music like "Yeah!" could shoulder the responsibility of being an instant hit.
When he hummed this idea and the simple melodic framework of "Yeah!" to Pharrell and Chad, the two producers were very surprised and showed great interest again, but they were also somewhat confused.
"This sound has a very strong Crunk style." Pharrell stroked his chin. "The rhythm is excellent. Landon, how are you so familiar with this underground style that's just emerging in Atlanta? It's not mainstream on the West Coast." He said candidly.
Landon felt his scalp tingle; how was he supposed to know that Crunk music was only just emerging?
But before he could answer, Pharrell continued:
"This style is not the area that Chad and I specialize in. Its production requires someone who is skilled in Crunk music."
But he didn't deny the song's potential. "If you really want to use this song as your debut, I suggest you find someone more suitable."
Pharrell seriously suggested, "Lil Jon. He's from Atlanta and is currently stirring up a storm with his 'Crunk' music in the underground scene and on the radio.
He knows how to take this rhythm to the extreme, making people unable to resist moving their bodies. He might be the person you need. However, we can help you record a demo first. It doesn't need to be as polished as "Like I Love You," just enough to impress Lil Jon."
Thanks to the rapport established during the recording of "Like I Love You" and Landon's "foreknowledge" of the complete arrangement and performance style of "Yeah!," the recording efficiency that afternoon was astonishingly high.
Landon clearly described the rhythm pattern he wanted: heavy 808 drum machine kicks that felt like beating against the chest, sharp, cracking snare drums, hi-hats rapid as raindrops, and the iconic, cold, repeating electronic synthesizer riff.
He could even hum the rhythm and cadence that Ludacris's rap bridge should have, based on his memory.
Pharrell and his team of engineers were captivated by Landon's precise description and quickly set up a rhythmic skeleton.
Landon stepped into the recording booth, using a completely different singing style than in "Like I Love You," his voice carrying unconcealed swagger. After a few takes, a demo tape that perfectly showcased the core rhythmic charm of "Yeah!" and Landon's unique vocal line was born.
"This feels right," Pharrell said, taking off his headphones, unable to hide his excitement. "It's raw and direct. I believe Lil Jon will definitely like it. I'll have someone send the demo and contact information to his team."
In the evening, Landon and Tracy returned to the villa but did not see Britney; she was attending the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards ceremony.
Upon returning home, Rachel was nestled alone on the sofa in the living room watching television, the screen light reflecting on her focused face. Landon and Tracy sat down beside her.
When the ceremony reached the "Favorite Female Singer" award and the host read out the name "Britney Spears," cheers erupted on the television.
Britney, wearing a sparkling gown and a brilliant smile, walked onto the stage under the spotlights and the screams of fans to accept the trophy.
"Yay! That's amazing!" Rachel instantly sprang up from the sofa, more excited than if she had won an award herself. She turned and pounced into Landon's arms, hugging his neck and giving him a loud kiss, her face radiant with the joy of being proud of her friend.
At night, the swimming pool in the villa's backyard became the place where the three of them expressed their feelings.
Warm water enveloped their bodies, starlight sprinkled the surface, and there were no words, only intimate touches, intertwined breaths, and silent devotion.
The imminent separation transformed into a more intense reluctance and devotion in the present moment.
They were more passionate and proactive than usual, as if trying to pre-store the longing for the coming weeks.
The water rippled, reflecting their inseparable silhouettes, until late into the night when the three, exhausted yet satisfied, fell into a deep sleep, embracing each other.
Just before falling asleep, Landon received good news: due to Princeton University's restrictions on large-scale filming, the crew of "A Beautiful Mind" finally moved the main indoor scenes to the Rose Hill campus of Fordham University in New York.
This was truly good news for Landon. Although it was still far from Los Angeles, transportation was much more convenient than going to Princeton, New Jersey, making weekend round trips between the East and West Coasts possible, and allowing him to continue his music recording.
The next morning, Landon woke up a little later than usual; last night's indulgence and frenzy had taken their toll on Landon.
He looked at the two people beside him, still asleep with tranquil faces, and carefully got out of bed.
While washing up, his phone screen lit up, and a concise text message appeared:
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Presidential Suite 888, 9:30 AM.
He checked the time; it was just past 8:30 AM.
Landon left a note on the refrigerator door, briefly explaining he was going out.
He then drove to the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
After handing the car over to the valet, he walked into the lobby, where Catherine's assistant was already waiting by the exclusive elevator leading to the Presidential Suite.
"Mr. Williams, please come this way." The assistant nodded to him and lit up the elevator button for him, but made no move to enter, politely stepping aside.
The elevator door silently slid open, then quietly closed, and began to ascend.
As the numbers changed, Landon could hear his heart rate slightly accelerating.
The moment the door opened again, a force pulled him inside.
Catherine Zeta-Jones was wearing a silk robe, her hair slightly damp, evidently having just bathed.
She exuded the fragrance of high-end shower gel and her own captivating scent.
As soon as the door closed, she was already on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck, and kissing him with irresistible passion.
Catherine's deep kiss was full of eager demand and possessiveness, as if she wanted to merge all the time they had missed due to their busy schedules into this moment of intertwined lips and teeth.
Landon was infected by her sudden intensity and quickly responded.
Catherine was unusually proactive, her fingertips tracing over his shirt with fiery warmth; every movement was full of suggestion and provocation.
She also knew that Landon was about to join the crew, and she didn't know when she would see him again.
Driven by this sense of urgency, she completely cast aside her reserve, wanting only to indulge fully in this moment.
"I want you to remember..." she whispered breathlessly into his ear during a pause in the kissing, with a hint of willfulness and determination.