Charlie Lee was deep in thought when Hans's voice on the phone broke through his musings.
"Bob, calm, capable, cautious, and alert," Hans said decisively when Charlie inquired about a suitable candidate for a challenging mission.
"Another recommendation?" Charlie pressed.
"Barnett. He's had secret training, operates under the radar, and is incredibly skilled—frankly, better than I am."
It was clear Barnett was Dwight's man, someone carefully positioned to keep an eye on matters for his superior. Charlie chuckled softly to himself at their choice.
"Alright, Hans. Let Bob and Barnett know they'll be picked up tomorrow. Tell them to pack light," Charlie instructed, ending the call before dialing another number to inform Wang Dagou of the decision.
"You know, Charlie, Lao Huang got injured," Wang Dagou began as soon as he picked up.
"What happened?" Charlie's tone grew sharp, his posture stiffening as his thoughts raced.
As Wang explained, Charlie's tension eased. "So Lao Huang is planning to get married again?" he asked with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
"That's the plan. He says it'll be simple—just a dinner with the neighbors."
"Let him decide. When's the big day?"
"Not settled yet. They just cleared the air about their feelings, and Lao Huang's taking time to recover from his injury. It'll take a couple of weeks at least," Wang replied.
Charlie nodded to himself. Time to prepare a proper gift, he thought. But what would be appropriate—a check or something meaningful? Unsure, he decided to consult Garbo, who was lounging nearby.
"A good friend of mine is remarrying. They're skipping the formalities of a certificate. Should I give a check or a gift?" he asked her.
"If it were me, I'd choose something with monetary value," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact.
"Vulgar," Charlie muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Elegance doesn't pay the bills, Charlie. Money solves problems, not sentimentality," Garbo countered, unruffled.
Charlie smirked but relented. "Fine, a check it is—$100,000 should be sufficient."
Her eyes gleamed with approval. "Good choice. Practical and meaningful."
Charlie admitted to himself that Garbo had a point. After all, Lao Huang and his fiancée might want to build a new home together, and money would help make that happen.
The next morning, Charlie turned his focus to other pressing matters. One in particular gnawed at him—the situation with DreamWorks and its rising star, Katherine. He called Garbo over for an update.
"Has the Lewis situation been resolved?"
"Yes," Garbo confirmed. "Aimo and MGM reached an agreement. In exchange for DreamWorks actors prioritizing MGM contracts, they've dropped their objections to your plans. My own contract with MGM is also complete now."
Charlie nodded. "MGM knows what they're doing. They see DreamWorks' potential but were too slow to act. Now, we've cornered the market."
DreamWorks was thriving under Charlie's leadership. With its cutting-edge strategies and star-studded roster, it had carved a unique space in Hollywood. He reflected on Katherine's rise to fame.
Her recent public appearances—like the one at the Star Awards where she donned a striking suit—had turned heads and sparked conversations. Some critics labeled her rebellious, while her growing fanbase praised her as a feminist icon.
"Katherine's popularity is skyrocketing," Charlie mused aloud. "We need to start her next film project soon to capitalize on this momentum."
Later that day, Charlie had lunch planned with Jennie Gaino, the acclaimed actress and a key figure in his network. As he dressed for the meeting, Garbo teased him.
"Are you really just having lunch with her?"
"Do you want me to confirm that over dinner?" Charlie retorted, smirking.
Garbo's laughter followed him out the door.
At the restaurant, Charlie was greeted warmly by the manager, who seemed almost starstruck. Gaino was already seated, her elegant attire drawing admiring glances from nearby patrons.
"Mr. Lee," she greeted him with a smile that bordered on adoration.
"Gaino," Charlie replied, taking his seat across from her.
Their conversation flowed smoothly, Gaino using every opportunity to charm him. Her soft laughter and admiring glances were calculated, and Charlie was keenly aware of her intent.
"What do you like to eat?" he asked, noticing the untouched coffee in front of her.
"A simple vegetable salad," she replied, her tone modest.
Charlie signaled for the waiter, noting how Gaino's demure demeanor only added to her allure. She was playing her part well.
By the time their lunch ended, Gaino's gaze had turned unmistakably inviting. "Perhaps we could continue this conversation in a more private setting," she suggested, her voice barely above a whisper.
Charlie raised an eyebrow, but her intent was clear. Without a word, he led the way to the elevator, where the hotel manager discreetly handed her a keycard.
That afternoon, Gaino revealed a more daring side. She came prepared, wearing a bold outfit that left little to the imagination. Her confidence and poise captivated Charlie, who found himself both amused and intrigued by her audacity.
Her playful flirtation turned into a heady game, one that left both participants basking in their mutual attraction.
As night fell, the city lights illuminated their room, where laughter and conversation gave way to quieter moments of connection. Gaino, ever the performer, ensured that her time with Charlie left a lasting impression.
The next morning, as Charlie sipped his coffee, he reflected on the evening. Gaino's wit and charm had been as intoxicating as the Margaux wine they'd shared, leaving him both entertained and contemplative.
For Charlie Lee, life was a series of calculated risks and bold moves. From Hollywood's glitz and glamour to the high-stakes world of international business, every decision carried weight.