novelraw After Chapter 60, drink less "ice-cold cola"!
After Chapter 60, drink less "ice-cold cola"!
At the entrance of the Peninsula Hotel in New York, a pair of stone lions with distinctly oriental charm stand on either side of the European-style portico, creating a unique and extraordinary fusion style.
"What is this?"
Natalie asked curiously again, "I've seen this several times today, both in Chinatown and here."
"Stone lions are guardian beasts in Chinese culture. Placing them at the entrance symbolizes warding off evil spirits, attracting wealth, and also represents grandeur," Li Shuo explained simply.
The hotel's Chinese manager was already waiting at the entrance, smiling broadly as he led them into the tranquil and luxurious lobby.
"Mr. Li Shuo, as instructed by your exclusive butler at the Hong Kong Island branch, we have prepared two adjacent Deluxe Suites for you, overlooking the city skyline, and all the facilities are brand new."
"Two rooms?!"
Natalie blurted it out almost immediately.
Recently, she's noticed that her concern for Li Shuo's affairs is becoming more and more like her mother's meticulous care for her doctor father...
I originally booked those two first-class tickets because I saw Li Shuo was quite tired from filming a movie... but I gave up on them!
But now, considering my own reaction, I remembered the Chinese word "housekeeper" that Li Shuo had been joking about recently?
She had secretly looked it up, and it seemed to be a term used in China to refer to one's wife.
"That's...that's such a waste!"
She instinctively tried to stop him, avoiding Li Shuo's questioning gaze, and forced an explanation: "During those two days filming in the forest, we managed to fit all of us, including the actors, into one big tent. The suite is quite large; you... you can sleep on the sofa in the living room!"
She quickly turned to the manager, her tone forceful: "Just one room, thank you."
Li Shuo raised an eyebrow?!
Why should he sleep on the sofa?
But under Natalie's "kind" sidelong glance peeking out from under her mask, he still shrugged.
"Alright, the 'housekeeper' has the final say."
Upon hearing this word, Natalie's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively tugged at her mask.
The experienced hotel manager's gaze swept quickly between Li Shuo and the woman wearing a mask, whose beautiful eyebrows and eyes were the only visible part of her face.
His professionalism allowed him to maintain a perfect smile and silence...
The first rule of the industry, especially in the United States: Don't be curious about the private affairs of the wealthy!
Li Shuo then proposed two arrangements: "First, I need a place where the band can rehearse without disturbing others. Second, later, I need a suitable venue for our meeting."
The manager considered for a moment: "For rehearsal space, we can arrange a separate multi-functional room in the back area. It's well-soundproofed and away from the guest room area. As for meetings, perhaps a private room in our newly opened Salon de Ning lounge on the top floor would be suitable and quiet enough. I'll arrange it right away."
Li Shuo nodded in agreement.
Natalie knew that Li Shuo had important matters to attend to.
"Then I'll take my luggage to my room and settle in. I'll also contact the musicians I found for tomorrow and ask them to come for rehearsal." After saying that, she hurriedly went upstairs.
As she walked toward the elevator, she had something else on her mind that she hadn't told Li Shuo yet!
...Actually, her home is in New York.
Shortly after, in a private suite at the Salon de Ning rooftop lounge.
Attorney Evan Carter from Gang Tyre Law Firm arrived on time.
Li Shuo told him to make himself at home, while he himself ordered a "cold cola" in a down-to-earth manner.
Evan Carter smiled and asked the waiter for a glass of Macallan 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, on the rocks.
He took a sip of his drink and exclaimed, "This view and atmosphere are truly worthy of the newly renovated Peninsula. Li, you certainly know how to enjoy yourself."
After exchanging pleasantries, he got down to business and briefly introduced the law firm's services.
"The structuring negotiations with Time Warner have been successfully completed, and the agency fees have been settled by the client. You are enjoying our two-year basic VIP annual fee service, which covers routine legal consultations. Subsequent individual projects, such as the independent film distribution negotiations you mentioned, will be charged separately on a case-by-case basis."
Li Shuo nodded and outlined his plan: "After signing the contract tomorrow, I will initiate the distribution cooperation for 'The Blair Witch Project.' Specific details and negotiations will be handled by your firm."
"Understood. We will ensure your rights." Evan Carter readily agreed.
After finishing their business, the two chatted for a few more minutes before Li Shuo got up and left.
Evan Carter remained alone in the private room, downing the amber liquid in his glass in one gulp, a slightly amused expression on his face.
He took the initiative to meet with me today, not only to hand over business, but also out of curiosity!
While conducting a routine background check on Li, he inadvertently discovered a cross-border commission made by a key shareholder of another major law firm client, Steven Spielberg, when he founded DreamWorks in 1994!
The name "Li Shuo" appeared in its associated files.
Of course, he would never bring it up on his own initiative.
The confidentiality requirement of legal ethics is paramount.
The boy was clearly unaware of this, and even if Li knew and wanted to find out, he wouldn't tell.
"Unless... more money." He muttered to himself with a smile.
---
Back in the hotel suite.
When Li Shuo returned to his room, he found that Natalie had already taken a shower and was sitting cross-legged on the sofa in the outer hall, smelling wonderful, and applying body lotion.
When he returned, she subtly pulled her legs back and sat cross-legged.
"Are you done talking?"
She asked, and then added important information.
"By the way, my friend confirmed that Goldenvoice's show is at CBGB in New York the day after tomorrow. It's a mecca for punk music, and Paul Toretto will definitely be there."
"Okay." Li Shuo nodded, his gaze casually sweeping over the surroundings.
This so-called luxury suite indeed only had one spacious bed in the bedroom.
It seems that European and American hotels focus more on the spaciousness of social and entertainment spaces when it comes to "suites," which is indeed different from the concept of Asian hotels that emphasize functional separation and privacy.
The design logic of having such a large living room and a built-in bar is so simple and straightforward, it doesn't save or utilize space at all.
Natalie followed his gaze, a hint of embarrassment flashing across her face, and quickly looked away.
"I'm going to rest now. I still need to help you with those musicians' auditions tomorrow... You should get some sleep too!"
She finished speaking quickly, then turned and went into the bedroom, gently closing the door behind her, but no sound of the lock being put on was heard.
Li Shuo could faintly hear her speaking in a low voice on the phone inside, seemingly letting her family know she was safe.
After a quick wash, Li Shuo lay down on the large sofa.
As soon as you put your head on the pillow, a light and pleasant fragrance wafts over you, similar to the delicate scent of lily of the valley.
Oh... this is where Natalie was sitting cross-legged just now.
I wanted to turn around and avoid the annoying fragrance, but my body just didn't want to move.
"Never mind," he said to himself, closing his eyes.
late at night.
The bedroom door was pushed open a crack very gently.
Natalie, wearing her own oversized T-shirt and with her bare, straight legs, crouched silently like a cat next to the sleeping Li Shuo.
The faint city light outside the window outlined Li Shuo's peaceful sleeping face, his eyelashes trembling slightly. Was he... uncomfortable sleeping on the sofa? He still looked quite pleasing to the eye.
Natalie's deep eyes watched quietly in the dim light, her expression somewhat conflicted.
But actually, Li Shuo is internally complaining right now!
I told you I'd book two rooms! What are you doing, miss?! Just do what you're doing already!
My... my iced cola from last night is really bothering me now!
This is insane! I'm not sure if I'm awake or not, it's going to explode!
Just as Li Shuo felt his patience was about to reach its limit, Natalie, who was squatting down, finally sighed softly, turned around, and slipped back into the bedroom like a cat.
Hearing the soft sound of the door closing, Li Shuo felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He sprang up from the sofa and rushed into the bathroom.
Almost simultaneously, Natalie in her bedroom also heard a noise outside the door. The quiet room was filled with the sound of running water.
"Ah!" she gasped, her cheeks flushing red. She immediately slammed the door shut with a "click"!
Then she threw herself onto the soft, big bed and covered herself tightly with the blanket!
Outside the door, Li Shuo, finally feeling refreshed, walked out of the bathroom and couldn't help but chuckle when he saw the closed bedroom door in front of him.
He lay back on the sofa, and after a moment, turned around and put his head back in the spot where the faint fragrance lingered.
In the darkness, a slight smile unconsciously crept onto the corners of his mouth.
"I should drink less iced cola from now on!"
Then I fell asleep peacefully.