111 Lexi Lester (1/2)

And while Antigone is being entertained by a plethora of Heinz choices for dinner, the caterers swiftly and professionally set up tents, tables, chairs, and all you can eat buffet until your stomach explodes, Monty Python style.

I do hope that no one eat that much because that would be crazy.

Well, crazy hilarious.

Countless people quickly flood the area, homeless or otherwise. Even the people wandering the street, having plan to head elsewhere decide to converge towards the crowd.

Who could blame them? It is a free and rather lavish buffet that anyone and everyone can enjoy, even people with expensive taste like Lexi.

And for such an outdoor gathering, the more people there are, the better.

To prevent chaos spiraling out of control due to the growing number of people, dozens of Shield Security personnel are there at my request.

Quite a few homeless people, all friends and families of Halle, help out to maintain the order.

As there is plenty of foods and drinks to go around, there is no need to push or anything of the sort. It is still first come, first serve, so everyone must queue up.

The line is incredibly long, but with so many caterers, it is moving rather quickly unlike at the DMV, Department of Motor Vehicles.

Those working there must really hate their jobs.

All this catering and security is costing me more than a couple of million dollars. Quite expensive for a group date. Is that what it is still called even if I am the only male in the group?

Ah, whatever.

It isn't like I haven't got trillions of dollars to splurge.

And sometimes, you have to spend money to make money.

But in this case, it is getting into someone's pant – just like dating.

Honestly, calling a hooker or an escort seems to be more effective than this dating nonsense since you don't really have to take the woman out to lunch or dinner at an expensive restaurant or listen to her blabbering for hours on end about her pointless daily life. All just for a small chance to get intimate?

Makes you think, doesn't it?

And you might even get seconds or thirds with the hooker or escort if you are just really good at what you do in bed. No need for small talks. Get straight to the action!

Of course, it is different if you are trying to build a long-lasting relationship.

Speaking of which…

”Mr. Maxwell.”

Halle Berry calls me on her approach when I am showing my daughter every available choices of Heinz specialized baby food. And since there are too many to choose from, Antigone is having great difficulty making up her little mind, all while drooling.

”Yes, Miss Berry? Shouldn't you enjoy the food and music like everyone else?”

I response while cleaning the drools off Antigone with a napkin.

To most people here at the party, I am just a good friend of Halle. My real identity is overlooked since I do not radiate an aura of absolute wealth, power and prestige, even if I did dress up nicely for a date with 3 beautiful ladies – 4 if you count Antigone in the mix.

”I will, Mr. Maxwell. And thank you… for all of this.”

Halle answers and helps me dispose the dirty napkin before Lexi could. Lexi sticks to me like glue while Sandra spends more time to socialize with other people.

”Why are you thanking me? You're the one who is paying for all of this.”

I response and pick a canned food for Antigone from the table. I also warm up the can with my ability to manipulate thermal energy.

Since no one is paying attention to me aside from Lexi and Halle and maybe Sandra from a distance, I didn't need to be inconspicuous at all.

Even if someone else did take note of the steam rising from the sealed metal container being held in my hand, they will find a logical explanation instead of resorting to wild fantasy.

Halle is shocked at my response.

”That is my attempt as a joke, Miss Berry.”

I chuckle and gesture my hand dismissively.

”This one is on me. The company will throw a proper one with special guests once your movie is finally in theater. The filming is going very well from what I have read.”

I assure Halle with a smile and open the canned food for Antigone. Even though I am not directly being involved with the filming and production of Speed, I do keep track of what is happening alongside with music and gaming.

If something or someone screw up somewhere in Terra Entertainment, I will know about it.

So far, Speed is on schedule.

The three stars – Halle, Keanu and Liam – get along with each other and the filming crew well enough to give me and Terra Production no trouble.

However, I am more interested in how Halle is doing since she is one of my contracted actresses.

I will contract Keanu Reeves and Liam Neeson when it is time to, especially Keanu since I have so many movies for him to star in. The Matrix is not the Matrix without him.

Furthermore, I think Keanu might look really good as a Jedi Master. He does have this mysterious and stoic look. I will have to talk to George Lucas about this. It will be the first I talk to the man in person.

I do hope I don't go all fanboy when that happens.

Hmm….

Honestly, most of my interstellar warships and vessels back during the time when I am the head of a Galactic Empire are designed and based on Star Wars. A lot of questions were asked by the masses due to the similarity, which I answer with the undiluted truth.