Re: Life - Business & Technology

(Comment here for anything you want to see on a new YouTube video about this novel and please vote using powerstones and golden tickets to get us within the top 10!)

Announcement: Please check the glossary/characters auxiliary chapter for updated concept art! 

--------------------------

The Mírame restaurant staff promptly provided Vince and his group the best table in the building, naturally, as most people in LA already knew of the young and accomplished businessman from the Time Magazine interview and numerous online articles about his success as a teenager.

Fortunately, Vince's FS operators preserved his privacy even as a pop culture icon.

The place was a popular spot for locals, including Hollywood actors who lived in the neighborhood. But no one was gossiping about them and instead spoke about Vince Dalton and his entourage.

The food was pretty good, and even the Korean boys loved it, much to Hailee and Hecz's relief.

Alice was curious why Vince didn't have his own social media accounts and asked, "Hey Vince, Have you considered starting an Instagram account or something? I'm sure you'd have more followers than any of us within a day if you did."

Vince stopped eating and took a moment to ponder, [I've been concentrating on the corporation's growth that I never really thought about it. Better late than never, I guess.]

"Thanks for the reminder, Alice. I should definitely be more active online to further promote Future Tech." Vince replied while creating an account via his Infinity Watch.

Hailee observed a pause in their conversation and interjected, "Hey, you haven't explained the movie thing from the interview earlier. What's up with that?"

"I pitched an Everlife prequel movie concept to the Russo brothers during my noon meeting, and I just decided to have you play the main character." Vince simply explained.

Hailee knew he wouldn't decide on something as consequential without believing in her and thought, [Vince really does love helping his friends with their careers, and I'm so lucky to receive a share of his big heart.]

She gave Vince a yearning stare which creeped him out a bit, and he reassuringly stated, "Come on, Haiz. You're such a talented actor to be intimidated by a leading role in a movie. I trust you'll do great work with Jennifer and the rest of the cast."

The BTS members agreed in unison with Alice and supportively commented, "You can do it!" "Your Oscar win is just a matter of time." "We believe in you!"

"Alright, alright. I'll have to read the script first before I can be confident enough with a movie project but thanks for the positive vibes." Hailee stated honestly.

The expansion reveal was still on Alice's mind, as a livestreamer who played mostly Everlife and respectfully inquired, "Vince, do you mind if I ask what the Everlife expansion will feature? I'll understand if you can't say."

Vince thought about an answer for a second and replied, "Think Fast and the Furious as the story campaign and functions you'd expect from a racing game. You know what I mean because you stream roleplay content on private servers, right?"

Roleplay Everlife streamers loved to race each other online for cash bets or pink slips but couldn't do it without a janky third-party mod which the expansion should alleviate.

Jaden overheard the conversation and plainly said, "Sweeeeeeeeeet."

Vince and his entourage finished eating dinner a few minutes later, and he naturally paid for all the meals as the host.

The group left the restaurant, and Vince had them pose together for a picture before Hecz had to leave for the night.

[This is going on my new Instagram account.] So Vince thought as he chose the best one out of the few pictures taken.

Vince was glad to spend time with an esports legend and politely said, "Thanks for hanging out with us today, Hecz. The tour was great, and I hope we see each other soon, dude."

Hecz appreciated the level of respect the young CEO didn't have to show him and replied before departing, "It was my pleasure, Vince. You're always welcome at the Prime Alliance facility if you just want to chill while in town. Until next time."

They took the same CAV to the restaurant, so Vince graciously had the LA branch dispatch another one earlier to take Hecz home.

-----------------------

It was a gorgeous evening flying over the glittering downtown LA towards Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club.

Vince wanted to take his friends to an LA nightclub, but it was a hassle considering almost all of them were under 21.

Though it was pretty dark at the marina, the BTS members glimpsed the silhouette of The Longhorn through the windows and were astonished by its sheer size.

The others, like Jaden and Fortis, have spent so much time on the yacht, so they didn't have the same kind of reaction.

Vince's entourage was eager to enjoy The Longhorn's amenities such as the jacuzzis, swimming pools, wellness spa, and the LAN center as they disembarked from the CAV.

Vince walked towards the front of the ship, arms locked together with Hailee, and he surprisingly said, "Look who's here. I shouldn't have expected nothing less from you, Elon."

He was in the primary jacuzzi while smoking a pre-rolled OG Kush joint and bantered, "Come on, Vince. Can't I enjoy myself after the successful Starship test run earlier today?"

Vince was unimpressed and bantered back, "I bet you're just hiding from your wife and kids at home."

Elon thought about Vince's comment and agreed, "Yeah, that too. You're quite attentive sometimes, but my family loves me for who I am."

[Says the man who divorced and remarried the same woman three times.] Vince pondered as he shook his head.

Hailee and Vince left him alone and checked how the others were settling in The Longhorn.

"Beware, everyone, we've got a stowaway on board. Elon's hogging the jacuzzi on the top deck, so be careful if you don't want to see an image you'll never forget." Vince explained in a joking manner.

Even though the Bangtan Boys lived in South Korea, they still recognized the name of the man who ran Tesla and SpaceX and was surprised how casual Elon was with Vince and his property.

Pdogg was a bit worried and said, "We'll use a different jacuzzi instead. We wouldn't want to disturb Mr. Musk."

Vince chuckled for a moment and replied, "Disturb him all you want. That loner will probably appreciate your company. He's harmless and quite fun to be around. But don't get too high with him, or we may have to fish you guys out of the sea."

Fortis, Jaden, Alice, and Hailee started laughing at Vince's joke while the young Korean artists were perplexed to hear about drugs.

"Oh yeah, I remember weed is very illegal in South Korea, so I couldn't smoke while I was there for the APL Finals," Fortis explained to the Bangtan Boys.

Jaden heard Fortis' comment, shaking his head, and said, "Cuz, I've already told you to stop getting high before an event like the Grand Finals."

"Dude, I was the NA Season MVP and was high the entire way. Our loss at Daegu was because of my impatience. Nothing else." Fortis said to defend himself.

The quarreling cousins amused Vince, and he thought, [How did this guy manage to win two APL Finals?]

"Wait, do you also smoke weed, Vince?" Jungkook inquired as the youngest and least experienced in the group.

Hailee chose to answer for her boyfriend, saying in jest, "Vince doesn't smoke as often as he drinks, but he's a chimney when he does."

"Alright, let's not discuss my bad habits. Everyone enjoy yourselves for the rest of the night." Vince declared as he led Hailee towards the yacht's bar.

------------------

The yacht's lounge was as exquisite, befitting the most luxurious sea vessel. Vince ordered the bartender to make him two Mojitos as they each took a seat. 

It was a busy day for the young man, so he took a moment to unwind in privacy with Hailee.

They spoke about how each other's day went after they had brunch earlier, and Vince mentioned, "You were wonderful on stage today, Haiz. I'm so happy and proud of you."

Hailee felt her heart skip like during the performance as she heard Vince's praise and responded, "Do you know why I did so well?"

"Why?" Vince inquired, following along.

Hailee chuckled at Vince's scripted response before replying, "You, dummy! Because I knew you were watching, Vince. But I want to say something, so be quiet for a second."

Vince was curious about what was so important and stayed silent before Hailee said, "I've decided I want to live in Austin. With you, Vince."

[Okay, I think it might be the hormones talking.] Vince pondered as he searched for a response.

"Are you sure, Haiz? How about Alice, your family, and your career?" Vince asked softly.

Hailee took a second and collected herself before explaining, "I want to be with you. I can visit LA; they can hang out in Austin. It's no big deal, and I already told my parents about finishing the studio album. Are you not happy? Don't you want me by your side every night instead of just a week here and there?"

Vince didn't want to argue and reassuringly said, "I do, Haiz. I want you to be happy, like everyone I care for in life."

She quickly placed her Mojito down on the table, gazed at him for a moment, and went for a sensual kiss.

THIS CHAPTER UPLOAD FIRST AT NOVELBIN.COM