[Chapter 626: Going Home to Take Care of the Kids]
The filming pace at Warner Bros. is fast, and the action is just as quick here. Of course, his movie is just a popcorn flick; it can't really be compared to others.
After finishing work here, William White slipped away. Although it wasn't his first time being a dad, it still seemed inappropriate to miss it.
Right now, he actually had a rare bit of downtime. Since business wasn't booming anyway, he might as well go home and spend time with the kids.
Workplace dynamics around the world are pretty similar. When performance is good, the boss isn't too picky. But when things go south, attendance becomes a hot issue.
A boss who gives himself a long vacation at a time like this usually isn't thinking straight. William White's current behavior mirrored his past actions in many ways.
White knew perfectly well that in the entertainment sector, White Films was sweeping everything in its path. The media landscape was tough, but his challenges weren't unique; News Corp could be facing bankruptcy if they didn't sell off some assets.
As for the semiconductor and auto industries, his situation was significantly better than that of his competitors; he really didn't need to worry there. The worst-hit sectors were oil and mining, and unless a world war broke out, there wasn't much to be done about it.
War is terrifying and ruthless, not to mention it consumes resources at an alarming rate. It seems like the powers that be in this world can't stand to see everyone getting along.
Just think about it: so many inventions that changed the world originated from war. Like gunpowder and the Internet.
...
"Don't worry, I'm right outside. Nothing's going to happen, I promise."
"Mm," Michelle Reis managed a forced smile, which counted as her response.
Ultrasound showed that the child was a bit on the big side. Just to be safe, William White planned for a C-section.
As for watching the scene unfold, he opted to skip out on it. There were rumors that about 10% of those who watch end up experiencing erectile dysfunction afterward.
Although William was skeptical, he wasn't about to test it. To put it plainly, he would just be a nuisance; he wouldn't be able to help and might even cause problems.
...
"Hey, what are you doing here? This might make things tense."
"It's okay; my mom said the second baby comes quickly." Maybe it was her age, but Suzuki seemed remarkably calm.
"Sorry I didn't give you another little man."
"What are you talking about? Daughters are just as good! As for those two little ones we've got, Athena doesn't lack for anything. Stop overthinking it."
"Hmph! Those kids don't care; you still need to keep trying harder." This touch of childishness rarely appeared on Suzuki's face, leaving William momentarily dumbfounded.
"Ha, don't worry. I'll work really hard."
"Not sure I believe you; you've been quite disobedient lately."
Before William could respond, he suddenly noticed Suzuki's face turning a bit pale, which made him anxious.
"Hunter! Dr. Hunter, there's a situation here!"
"Mr. White, don't worry. The water has broken; I'll take care of everything."
Wiping the sweat off his forehead, William managed a bitter smile, realizing these two little ones were already competing for attention. Fortunately, he'd arranged for two separate teams; otherwise, it would have been a real circus.
Even with the second child, the two women had been in labor for nearly six hours. Looks like the rumors weren't too reliable after all.
...
"Congratulations, young master."
"Thanks, Fulton. These two little ones are quite sturdy."
"Yes, the girl weighed over seven pounds, and that chubby boy was a hefty eight and a half. That girl really endured quite a lot during this process."
"Yeah, I didn't expect childbirth to be so exhausting."
"That's nothing! You were born after about ten hours of labor." William felt a bit embarrassed; could this trait be hereditary?
...
Hebe was the name of William White's little daughter, and it vaguely meant wishing her health and longevity. In Western mythology, Hebe represented health in many contexts.
In contrast, the billionaire's son had a much simpler name. The twins were called Tommy and Jess -- very common names, really. As for the new baby, he was named Jack.
William White believed that his daughter had to be spoiled. Names needed to sound lofty and impressive; you didn't even need to see the person; just hearing their name should evoke something grand. But for his son, it was better to keep it as ordinary as possible.
A man should be tough on himself. If raised in a honey pot, he would never become a real man.
"Suzuki, yours is bigger; Jack still isn't full."
"Hmph! I have a bigger one right next to me."
William felt a bit awkward, wiped his mouth, and tried to change the subject. "Well, food safety is something that needs constant attention."
"Giggle! Fulton even hired two wet nurses. Want to check them out?"
"Alright, alright, you win. These two little ones really do have great appetites."
Being kicked out of the room, someone started playing the kid wrangler role. Back on Lanai Island, the super yacht Athena could finally be put to good use.
...
The billionaire had two more kids; in the upper crust, this wasn't exactly a secret. That's why he'd decided to give himself a break at this time -- it finally made sense.
The tabloids that also received the news didn't seem interested in gossiping about it. Joking about the billionaire was fine; at most, it would just get a few chuckles. But if anyone dared to make jokes about his kids -- well, they'd be in for serious trouble.
"Dad, this guy really knows how to stir things up."
"Ha! The White family had a thin lineage, but it looks like after this generation, the family will grow strong."
"Isn't that a stretch? Dad, those are illegitimate children."
"Ha! You can't be serious. He's your good friend. George, I remember these kids all have birth certificates. Who do you think is filled in the father's section?"
"Is he doing this on purpose?"
"Unmarried people can't have illegitimate kids. It's like getting on a bus without a ticket; as long as the person involved doesn't deny it, there's no moral blemish. Ha, hasn't everyone been young at some point?"
Bush Sr. knew all too well about the ambiguous matters of the rich. Although he didn't like such behaviors, he held no position to criticize.
"By the way, son, has the release date for that Warner film been set yet?"
"It's set for Christmas. However, it won't exceed five hundred screens at most. We'll have to see how William White's two films do. If they're at the level of Jurassic Park, getting down to three hundred screens would be good enough. By the way, Dad, I think Warner Bros. hasn't crossed us, right?"
"This is politics; there's no right or wrong. You need to get used to this kind of change, kid; there's still a lot you need to learn."
*****
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