Chapter 208: 208
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6PM – Pasadena, California
"Thanks. I'll get another serving please, it was delicious." Tayaw says to the waiter.
"… Sure thing, sir." The waiter can only comply.
Tayaw is currently at a random restaurant in Pasadena, just finishing his nth plate of food. He is still uncomfortable showing strangers how much he can eat so he left the party at Gary's house after talking with some people. The difference with the strangers at Gary's house and the stranger like the waiter is, the waiter does not know who Tayaw is.
*ring* *ring*
"Xiao Song. What's up?" Tayaw picks up his phone as soon as it rang.
/Isaac. Where are you?/ Xiao Song asks.
"Pasadena." Tayaw says.
/Pasa-… wait. When did you leave?" Xiao Song asks.
"Heh. When you were drunkenly talking to Jo. You seem sober now?" Tayaw asks.
/Yeah. I slept it off. Why'd you leave so early?/ Xiao Song asks.
"I left because there's someone who offended me." Tayaw says, still dumbfounded at what he encountered during the party.
/WHAT? Who was it? What did they do?/ Xiao Song asks in panic.
"Nah. I'm just joking. I left early because I'm not a day drinker unlike you f.u.c.kers." Tayaw says.
/Heh. I get it. You're legally not allowed to drink here in America./ Xiao Song chuckles.
"I was gonna drink if I'm not gonna hang out with my brother tonight. And speak of the devil, he's here." Tayaw says as he sees Payew enter the restaurant's entrance.
/Alright. I was gonna ask you something, but it's not that important. I'll just text you./ Xiao Song says.
"Alright then. Bye." Tayaw drops the call.
"Oh. You're early." Payew finally finds Tayaw's table.
"And it's quite… odd that you've started eating without me." Payew notes the empty plates that the waiter is clearing in front of Tayaw.
"Yeah. I'm starving, the lunch earlier wasn't enough to fill me." Tayaw says.
"True. You can eat a whole cow." Payew says.
"Why don't you order first" Tayaw offers.
"Hi. Can I get an appetizer first? Thanks man." Payew orders his food to the waiter.
"Well. You look like you're in a good mood?" Tayaw asks, noticing the faint smile in Payew's face.
"Yeah. I caught the eye of some executives. I don't know. But they gave me some responsibilities today." Payew says.
"Oh? You've only been working there for… two or so weeks, right?" This gets Tayaw's curiosity.
"Yeah. Well. I overheard that Snow White is making a killing in the theaters for Pixie. Their stuff too is selling hot. They were undermanned so, they gave me something to do." Payew says.
Tayaw is happy hearing this; a part of it has to do with his investment starting to grow, and a part of it proud for Payew.
"That's great. Handling it well?" Tayaw asks. "Yeah. The details might bore you but the gist is, they seem satisfied with what I've finished today." Payew nods.
"Cool… But if they don't reward you properly for your work, don't go overboard with doing things you're not supposed to be responsible for." Tayaw says.
"Oh.. Okay." Payew nods.
"Anyways. Did mom and dad tell you anything about when they'll visit?" Tayaw asks.
"Yeah. I was gonna call you about that. They wanted to visit me here in California, maybe go around LA. But I told them not to." Payew says.
"WHY?" Tayaw did not like what he heard and gives Payew a look.
"Come on. Don't look at me like that. I'm the one who's gonna visit them." Payew says.
"?" Tayaw gives a confused look.
"Snow White has sold 2 million tickets dude, but the company is expecting it to slow down next month, and they'll take it off theaters. So their next step is to release it to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Not only that, they'll sell the merchandise of the film there too." Payew reports.
While Tayaw is glad to hear the news, "What does that have anything to do with you not letting mom and dad visit?" Tayaw asks.
"Oh. Teungeb is included too. I'm a part of the team to will go set up the supply line in there. While I'm there, I'll go visit them. Hopefully, the timing's right for Agew's birthday too." Payew explains.
"I see. When do you leave?" Tayaw asks.
"Tomorrow morning. By the time we arrive there, it's Monday, with the time difference and all. I don't know if I get to do something important, but hey, it's still better than being stuck in the office." Payew says.
"Oh… Nice…" Tayaw can only say, pleased with Payew's plans.
"Are you going with Jeremy?" Tayaw asks, referring to his shareholder representative who Payew is supposed to be working for.
"Nope… I'm working under Gregory now, the head of sales. There's nothing much to do with Jeremy anyways. So when this opportunity presented, I submitted a request for transfer. I also told them I have experience selling the merch of Percussive Corrections online, maybe that had something to do with them approving it." Payew says.
"…" While Tayaw is impressed of Payew's assertiveness, he is skeptical and suspects that Payew having relations with him has contributed to Payew's freedom.
"Well. That's good. Work hard and when you get ideas, just share it with this Gregory. I don't know if it's me being paranoid of my ideas for songs and film being stolen, but I'm just saying, you should be just as careful." Tayaw says.
"Yeah… I've heard some things like that happened in the past in Pixie." Payew nods.
"Talking about Jeremy… I kinda don't like him." Payew says, suddenly.
"Why?" Tayaw asks.
"I know you're friends with him. He's nice to me. He even offered that I move stay with him until my contract is over… It's just." Payew shakes his head.
"What?" Tayaw asks, worried that he has made a mistake hiring the wrong person.
"He's a bit of a pervert. Like, not a predatory, s.e.x.u.a.l harassment pervert, but a perv. The man even offered to pay … for an escort… for me…" Payew says in embarrassment.
"…" Tayaw is surprised at this and at the same time, relieved.
"Was he serious?" Tayaw asks.
"I don't know. If he only asked me one time, I would see it as a joke. But he asked two more times. 'Dude. This is LA' he says." Payew says.
"How dare he do that. If it's a legal p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e like the ones at home, it's okay. But escorts don't have that health clearance card to practice!" Tayaw jokes but internally, 'That f*ckin guy and I need to have a talk…' .
"… ARE YOU F.U.C.KIN' SERIOUS?" Payew is dumbfounded. "You're mad about that?!"
"What? Hahaha. Okay. I'm kidding. But you're right. He shouldn't be talking about that with a minor like you." Tayaw says.
"… What? If he was offering booze, I will drink it! But we're talking about an escort! An escort!" Payew says rather loudly.
Tayaw looks around if other people are listening but realizes that him and his brother is speaking Teungebian.
"Pff. Dude. That's what some rich people, men, AND women, do to get some… action. They have no time to go to a bar and hook-up, man. Besides, you're not clueless either.
"You know how horny the kids are at Okuba High, dude. Most of them are not looking for their future spouses, but for s.e.x. If kids do that, how much more predisposed a.d.u.l.ts are to that?" Tayaw decides to mess with Payew more.
"…" Payew ponders over the matter.
"It makes sense." Payew nods in easy understanding, to Tayaw's surprise.
"If you react like that to escorts, then you should see this." Tayaw pulls out his wallet and takes out a business card from it before handing it to Payew.
"… 'Partizzle tonight. Call me.' …" Payew reads.
"What does this mean?" Payew asks in confusion.
"An ORGY." Tayaw explains simply.
"Ughhhh…" Payew groans in repulsion.
"I'd rather take an escort over a s.e.x party." Tayaw says to add more impact.
"… Ohhh.. f.u.c.k, dude. I can't believe you…" Payew gives Tayaw a weird look.
"What? Show business is full of s.e.x.u.a.l abberants and dirty practices. I was even tempted once by this beautiful actress who offered herself for a role in my next film…" Tayaw says.
Payew's image of Tayaw is collapsing by the moment.
Seeing Payew's face, Tayaw decides to stop.
"Alright. I'm just messing with you. In fact, I haven't got some since… Okay. I'm still a v.i.r.g.i.n. You know how busy I am, I don't have the time." Tayaw says as he grabs the business card from Payew's hand.
"Then why are you keeping that?!" Payew asks in disbelief.
"You wanna keep it? You call the guy?" Tayaw says as he hands Payew the card once again.
"No! Throw it away!" Payew reels from the card.
"Hahahahaha! I'm keeping it because it's a funny conversation piece. Besides, this was given to me last May, so it's probably done." Tayaw puts the card back in his wallet.
"Anyways. I'm not entirely messing with you." Tayaw says.
"What do you mean?" Payew asks.
"What Jeremy did is pretty harmless. But, someday when you're juuuust a bit successful enough to be useful to people, or hold juuust enough power, all sorts of things will be offered to you in exchange for favors. I myself, received many of these odd offers for favors even though I just got famous." Tayaw says.
"So, what you said about that actress was true?" Payew asks.
"Yeah. In fact, that happened just this morning at a director's house. But I'm guessing it's her agency that urged her to do so." Tayaw says.
"Good lord…" Payew shakes his head.
"Yeah. But what if these are traps? What if I accepted that actress' offer? That will bite me in the ass in the future. What if Jeremy was not my friend and you accepted his offer? He might use that against you." Tayaw says, giving Payew goosebumps.
"Anyways, those are just extreme examples of a way for someone to drag you down or ruin your own reputation. There are plenty more and less harmful ones, but harmful nonetheless. You should look out in the future." Tayaw says.
"I-I will." Payew says, overwhelmed.
"And… Another thing I've learned…" Tayaw switches the matter.
"…" Payew waits in interest.
"The world is tough and competitive. People will do ANYTHING to survive and get ahead. That actress earlier? Who knows? Maybe she wasn't urged by anyone, but is just doing what she can to rise above others.
"Other film studios tried to smear my name and my film so people won't see my film and instead see theirs. But do you know what's weird?" Tayaw asks.
"…" Payew shakes his head.
"If I was in their place, I might do the same." Tayaw says.
"…" Payew's eyes widen.
"But why?" Payew asks.
"Do you remember what I told you when we were in New York?" Tayaw asks.
"You said many things." Payew says.
"If my novel didn't work out, if my films were rejected, if my music isn't popular, I'm left with nothing. With the limited talent I have, I'll get killed by my more talented rivals. What do you suppose I do? Roll over and die? I'll do anything to prevent that from happening." Tayaw concludes.
"…" Payew can only stare at Tayaw, with Tayaw's image in his mind changing by the moment, this time, for real.
"I might not step on the heads of my inferiors, and prevent myself from wronging innocent people, but I'll surely drag down my superiors to my level." Tayaw adds.
"*INHALE*… *EXHALE*… But you won't, right? I mean, with how great the shit you've made, you don't have to, right?" Payew asks.
"You're right. I don't have to. And I don't see myself having to." Tayaw smiles, making Payew sigh in relief.
"But there are many people out there who shares my… philosophy. Many of them might even do worse things that the things I'm willing to do. Watch out for them. And if you do sniff them out, don't tell them you know and use that knowledge to your advantage." Tayaw says.
"Yeah…" Payew can only say.
"Oh… I forgot. You're just an intern. HAHAHA! What am I saying?" Tayaw suddenly realizes.
"Heh… haha. Y-yeah…" Payew chuckles but Tayaw's words stuck in his head.
"By the way. You know that song of mine I had you write lyrics to?" Tayaw changes the subject, seeing he has overwhelmed Payew.
"What?..." Payew is distracted from his thoughts.
"Oh.. yeah. That… 'New Beginning', right?" He then remembers.
"Yeah. I put it in the movie I'm consulting on. The makers of the film loved it."
"Really?"
"Yeah." Tayaw says as he pulls out his phone, opens his media player app and shows Payew the end of 'Australia'…
A minute seconds later.
"Huh… it's perfect for the film. Even though I don't exactly know what happened." Payew comments.
"Yeah. Great job." Tayaw says.
"Psh. It's your music that's perfect for it. I'm uncomfortable listening to the lyrics. EUGH." Payew shudders.
"Why? It goes well with the music." Tayaw says.
"I don't know. It feels weird." Payew says.
"Whatever you say. They like it. I like it." Tayaw shrugs.
"…Did they really like it?" Payew asks again, actually feeling proud.
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6PM – Pasadena, California
"Thanks. I'll get another serving please, it was delicious." Tayaw says to the waiter.
"… Sure thing, sir." The waiter can only comply.
Tayaw is currently at a random restaurant in Pasadena, just finishing his nth plate of food. He is still uncomfortable showing strangers how much he can eat so he left the party at Gary's house after talking with some people. The difference with the strangers at Gary's house and the stranger like the waiter is, the waiter does not know who Tayaw is.
*ring* *ring*
"Xiao Song. What's up?" Tayaw picks up his phone as soon as it rang.
/Isaac. Where are you?/ Xiao Song asks.
"Pasadena." Tayaw says.
/Pasa-… wait. When did you leave?" Xiao Song asks.
"Heh. When you were drunkenly talking to Jo. You seem sober now?" Tayaw asks.
/Yeah. I slept it off. Why'd you leave so early?/ Xiao Song asks.
"I left because there's someone who offended me." Tayaw says, still dumbfounded at what he encountered during the party.
/WHAT? Who was it? What did they do?/ Xiao Song asks in panic.
"Nah. I'm just joking. I left early because I'm not a day drinker unlike you f.u.c.kers." Tayaw says.
/Heh. I get it. You're legally not allowed to drink here in America./ Xiao Song chuckles.
"I was gonna drink if I'm not gonna hang out with my brother tonight. And speak of the devil, he's here." Tayaw says as he sees Payew enter the restaurant's entrance.
/Alright. I was gonna ask you something, but it's not that important. I'll just text you./ Xiao Song says.
"Alright then. Bye." Tayaw drops the call.
"Oh. You're early." Payew finally finds Tayaw's table.
"And it's quite… odd that you've started eating without me." Payew notes the empty plates that the waiter is clearing in front of Tayaw.
"Yeah. I'm starving, the lunch earlier wasn't enough to fill me." Tayaw says.
"True. You can eat a whole cow." Payew says.
"Why don't you order first" Tayaw offers.
"Hi. Can I get an appetizer first? Thanks man." Payew orders his food to the waiter.
"Well. You look like you're in a good mood?" Tayaw asks, noticing the faint smile in Payew's face.
"Yeah. I caught the eye of some executives. I don't know. But they gave me some responsibilities today." Payew says.
"Oh? You've only been working there for… two or so weeks, right?" This gets Tayaw's curiosity.
"Yeah. Well. I overheard that Snow White is making a killing in the theaters for Pixie. Their stuff too is selling hot. They were undermanned so, they gave me something to do." Payew says.
Tayaw is happy hearing this; a part of it has to do with his investment starting to grow, and a part of it proud for Payew.
"That's great. Handling it well?" Tayaw asks. "Yeah. The details might bore you but the gist is, they seem satisfied with what I've finished today." Payew nods.
"Cool… But if they don't reward you properly for your work, don't go overboard with doing things you're not supposed to be responsible for." Tayaw says.
"Oh.. Okay." Payew nods.
"Anyways. Did mom and dad tell you anything about when they'll visit?" Tayaw asks.
"Yeah. I was gonna call you about that. They wanted to visit me here in California, maybe go around LA. But I told them not to." Payew says.
"WHY?" Tayaw did not like what he heard and gives Payew a look.
"Come on. Don't look at me like that. I'm the one who's gonna visit them." Payew says.
"?" Tayaw gives a confused look.
"Snow White has sold 2 million tickets dude, but the company is expecting it to slow down next month, and they'll take it off theaters. So their next step is to release it to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Not only that, they'll sell the merchandise of the film there too." Payew reports.
While Tayaw is glad to hear the news, "What does that have anything to do with you not letting mom and dad visit?" Tayaw asks.
"Oh. Teungeb is included too. I'm a part of the team to will go set up the supply line in there. While I'm there, I'll go visit them. Hopefully, the timing's right for Agew's birthday too." Payew explains.
"I see. When do you leave?" Tayaw asks.
"Tomorrow morning. By the time we arrive there, it's Monday, with the time difference and all. I don't know if I get to do something important, but hey, it's still better than being stuck in the office." Payew says.
"Oh… Nice…" Tayaw can only say, pleased with Payew's plans.
"Are you going with Jeremy?" Tayaw asks, referring to his shareholder representative who Payew is supposed to be working for.
"Nope… I'm working under Gregory now, the head of sales. There's nothing much to do with Jeremy anyways. So when this opportunity presented, I submitted a request for transfer. I also told them I have experience selling the merch of Percussive Corrections online, maybe that had something to do with them approving it." Payew says.
"…" While Tayaw is impressed of Payew's assertiveness, he is skeptical and suspects that Payew having relations with him has contributed to Payew's freedom.
"Well. That's good. Work hard and when you get ideas, just share it with this Gregory. I don't know if it's me being paranoid of my ideas for songs and film being stolen, but I'm just saying, you should be just as careful." Tayaw says.
"Yeah… I've heard some things like that happened in the past in Pixie." Payew nods.
"Talking about Jeremy… I kinda don't like him." Payew says, suddenly.
"Why?" Tayaw asks.
"I know you're friends with him. He's nice to me. He even offered that I move stay with him until my contract is over… It's just." Payew shakes his head.
"What?" Tayaw asks, worried that he has made a mistake hiring the wrong person.
"He's a bit of a pervert. Like, not a predatory, s.e.x.u.a.l harassment pervert, but a perv. The man even offered to pay … for an escort… for me…" Payew says in embarrassment.
"…" Tayaw is surprised at this and at the same time, relieved.
"Was he serious?" Tayaw asks.
"I don't know. If he only asked me one time, I would see it as a joke. But he asked two more times. 'Dude. This is LA' he says." Payew says.
"How dare he do that. If it's a legal p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e like the ones at home, it's okay. But escorts don't have that health clearance card to practice!" Tayaw jokes but internally, 'That f*ckin guy and I need to have a talk…' .
"… ARE YOU F.U.C.KIN' SERIOUS?" Payew is dumbfounded. "You're mad about that?!"
"What? Hahaha. Okay. I'm kidding. But you're right. He shouldn't be talking about that with a minor like you." Tayaw says.
"… What? If he was offering booze, I will drink it! But we're talking about an escort! An escort!" Payew says rather loudly.
Tayaw looks around if other people are listening but realizes that him and his brother is speaking Teungebian.
"Pff. Dude. That's what some rich people, men, AND women, do to get some… action. They have no time to go to a bar and hook-up, man. Besides, you're not clueless either.
"You know how horny the kids are at Okuba High, dude. Most of them are not looking for their future spouses, but for s.e.x. If kids do that, how much more predisposed a.d.u.l.ts are to that?" Tayaw decides to mess with Payew more.
"…" Payew ponders over the matter.
"It makes sense." Payew nods in easy understanding, to Tayaw's surprise.
"If you react like that to escorts, then you should see this." Tayaw pulls out his wallet and takes out a business card from it before handing it to Payew.
"… 'Partizzle tonight. Call me.' …" Payew reads.
"What does this mean?" Payew asks in confusion.
"An ORGY." Tayaw explains simply.
"Ughhhh…" Payew groans in repulsion.
"I'd rather take an escort over a s.e.x party." Tayaw says to add more impact.
"… Ohhh.. f.u.c.k, dude. I can't believe you…" Payew gives Tayaw a weird look.
"What? Show business is full of s.e.x.u.a.l abberants and dirty practices. I was even tempted once by this beautiful actress who offered herself for a role in my next film…" Tayaw says.
Payew's image of Tayaw is collapsing by the moment.
Seeing Payew's face, Tayaw decides to stop.
"Alright. I'm just messing with you. In fact, I haven't got some since… Okay. I'm still a v.i.r.g.i.n. You know how busy I am, I don't have the time." Tayaw says as he grabs the business card from Payew's hand.
"Then why are you keeping that?!" Payew asks in disbelief.
"You wanna keep it? You call the guy?" Tayaw says as he hands Payew the card once again.
"No! Throw it away!" Payew reels from the card.
"Hahahahaha! I'm keeping it because it's a funny conversation piece. Besides, this was given to me last May, so it's probably done." Tayaw puts the card back in his wallet.
"Anyways. I'm not entirely messing with you." Tayaw says.
"What do you mean?" Payew asks.
"What Jeremy did is pretty harmless. But, someday when you're juuuust a bit successful enough to be useful to people, or hold juuust enough power, all sorts of things will be offered to you in exchange for favors. I myself, received many of these odd offers for favors even though I just got famous." Tayaw says.
"So, what you said about that actress was true?" Payew asks.
"Yeah. In fact, that happened just this morning at a director's house. But I'm guessing it's her agency that urged her to do so." Tayaw says.
"Good lord…" Payew shakes his head.
"Yeah. But what if these are traps? What if I accepted that actress' offer? That will bite me in the ass in the future. What if Jeremy was not my friend and you accepted his offer? He might use that against you." Tayaw says, giving Payew goosebumps.
"Anyways, those are just extreme examples of a way for someone to drag you down or ruin your own reputation. There are plenty more and less harmful ones, but harmful nonetheless. You should look out in the future." Tayaw says.
"I-I will." Payew says, overwhelmed.
"And… Another thing I've learned…" Tayaw switches the matter.
"…" Payew waits in interest.
"The world is tough and competitive. People will do ANYTHING to survive and get ahead. That actress earlier? Who knows? Maybe she wasn't urged by anyone, but is just doing what she can to rise above others.
"Other film studios tried to smear my name and my film so people won't see my film and instead see theirs. But do you know what's weird?" Tayaw asks.
"…" Payew shakes his head.
"If I was in their place, I might do the same." Tayaw says.
"…" Payew's eyes widen.
"But why?" Payew asks.
"Do you remember what I told you when we were in New York?" Tayaw asks.
"You said many things." Payew says.
"If my novel didn't work out, if my films were rejected, if my music isn't popular, I'm left with nothing. With the limited talent I have, I'll get killed by my more talented rivals. What do you suppose I do? Roll over and die? I'll do anything to prevent that from happening." Tayaw concludes.
"…" Payew can only stare at Tayaw, with Tayaw's image in his mind changing by the moment, this time, for real.
"I might not step on the heads of my inferiors, and prevent myself from wronging innocent people, but I'll surely drag down my superiors to my level." Tayaw adds.
"*INHALE*… *EXHALE*… But you won't, right? I mean, with how great the shit you've made, you don't have to, right?" Payew asks.
"You're right. I don't have to. And I don't see myself having to." Tayaw smiles, making Payew sigh in relief.
"But there are many people out there who shares my… philosophy. Many of them might even do worse things that the things I'm willing to do. Watch out for them. And if you do sniff them out, don't tell them you know and use that knowledge to your advantage." Tayaw says.
"Yeah…" Payew can only say.
"Oh… I forgot. You're just an intern. HAHAHA! What am I saying?" Tayaw suddenly realizes.
"Heh… haha. Y-yeah…" Payew chuckles but Tayaw's words stuck in his head.
"By the way. You know that song of mine I had you write lyrics to?" Tayaw changes the subject, seeing he has overwhelmed Payew.
"What?..." Payew is distracted from his thoughts.
"Oh.. yeah. That… 'New Beginning', right?" He then remembers.
"Yeah. I put it in the movie I'm consulting on. The makers of the film loved it."
"Really?"
"Yeah." Tayaw says as he pulls out his phone, opens his media player app and shows Payew the end of 'Australia'…
A minute seconds later.
"Huh… it's perfect for the film. Even though I don't exactly know what happened." Payew comments.
"Yeah. Great job." Tayaw says.
"Psh. It's your music that's perfect for it. I'm uncomfortable listening to the lyrics. EUGH." Payew shudders.
"Why? It goes well with the music." Tayaw says.
"I don't know. It feels weird." Payew says.
"Whatever you say. They like it. I like it." Tayaw shrugs.
"…Did they really like it?" Payew asks again, actually feeling proud.
6PM Pasadena, California "Thanks. I'll get another serving please, it was delicious." Tayaw says to the waiter. " Sure thing, sir." The waiter can only comply. Tayaw is currently at a random restaurant in Pasadena, just finishing his nth plate of food. He is still uncomfortable showing strangers how much he can eat so he left the party at Gary's house after talking with some people. The difference with the strangers at Gary's house and the stranger like the waiter is, the waiter does not know who Tayaw is. *ring* *ring* "Xiao Song. What's up?" Tayaw picks up his phone as soon as it rang. /Isaac. Where are you?/ Xiao Song asks. "Pasadena." Tayaw says. /Pasa- wait. When did you leave?" Xiao Song asks. "Heh. When you were drunkenly talking to Jo. You seem sober now?" Tayaw asks. /Yeah. I slept it off. Why'd you leave so early?/ Xiao Song asks. "I left because there's someone who offended me." Tayaw says, still dumbfounded at what he encountered during the party. /WHAT? Who was it? What did they do?/ Xiao Song asks in panic. "Nah. I'm just joking. I left early because I'm not a day drinker unlike you f.u.c.kers." Tayaw says. /Heh. I get it. You're legally not allowed to drink here in America./ Xiao Song chuckles. "I was gonna drink if I'm not gonna hang out with my brother tonight. And speak of the devil, he's here." Tayaw says as he sees Payew enter the restaurant's entrance. /Alright. I was gonna ask you something, but it's not that important. I'll just text you./ Xiao Song says. "Alright then. Bye." Tayaw drops the call. "Oh. You're early." Payew finally finds Tayaw's table. "And it's quite odd that you've started eating without me." Payew notes the empty plates that the waiter is clearing in front of Tayaw. "Yeah. I'm starving, the lunch earlier wasn't enough to fill me." Tayaw says. "True. You can eat a whole cow." Payew says. "Why don't you order first" Tayaw offers. "Hi. Can I get an appetizer first? Thanks man." Payew orders his food to the waiter. "Well. You look like you're in a good mood?" Tayaw asks, noticing the faint smile in Payew's face. "Yeah. I caught the eye of some executives. I don't know. But they gave me some responsibilities today." Payew says. "Oh? You've only been working there for two or so weeks, right?" This gets Tayaw's curiosity. "Yeah. Well. I overheard that Snow White is making a killing in the theaters for Pixie. Their stuff too is selling hot. They were undermanned so, they gave me something to do." Payew says. Tayaw is happy hearing this; a part of it has to do with his investment starting to grow, and a part of it proud for Payew. "That's great. Handling it well?" Tayaw asks. "Yeah. The details might bore you but the gist is, they seem satisfied with what I've finished today." Payew nods. "Cool But if they don't reward you properly for your work, don't go overboard with doing things you're not supposed to be responsible for." Tayaw says. "Oh.. Okay." Payew nods. "Anyways. Did mom and dad tell you anything about when they'll visit?" Tayaw asks. "Yeah. I was gonna call you about that. They wanted to visit me here in California, maybe go around LA. But I told them not to." Payew says. "WHY?" Tayaw did not like what he heard and gives Payew a look. "Come on. Don't look at me like that. I'm the one who's gonna visit them." Payew says. "?" Tayaw gives a confused look. "Snow White has sold 2 million tickets dude, but the company is expecting it to slow down next month, and they'll take it off theaters. So their next step is to release it to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Not only that, they'll sell the merchandise of the film there too." Payew reports. While Tayaw is glad to hear the news, "What does that have anything to do with you not letting mom and dad visit?" Tayaw asks. "Oh. Teungeb is included too. I'm a part of the team to will go set up the supply line in there. While I'm there, I'll go visit them. Hopefully, the timing's right for Agew's birthday too." Payew explains. "I see. When do you leave?" Tayaw asks. "Tomorrow morning. By the time we arrive there, it's Monday, with the time difference and all. I don't know if I get to do something important, but hey, it's still better than being stuck in the office." Payew says. "Oh Nice" Tayaw can only say, pleased with Payew's plans. "Are you going with Jeremy?" Tayaw asks, referring to his shareholder representative who Payew is supposed to be working for. "Nope I'm working under Gregory now, the head of sales. There's nothing much to do with Jeremy anyways. So when this opportunity presented, I submitted a request for transfer. I also told them I have experience selling the merch of Percussive Corrections online, maybe that had something to do with them approving it." Payew says. "" While Tayaw is impressed of Payew's assertiveness, he is skeptical and suspects that Payew having relations with him has contributed to Payew's freedom. "Well. That's good. Work hard and when you get ideas, just share it with this Gregory. I don't know if it's me being paranoid of my ideas for songs and film being stolen, but I'm just saying, you should be just as careful." Tayaw says. "Yeah I've heard some things like that happened in the past in Pixie." Payew nods. "Talking about Jeremy I kinda don't like him." Payew says, suddenly. "Why?" Tayaw asks. "I know you're friends with him. He's nice to me. He even offered that I move stay with him until my contract is over It's just." Payew shakes his head. "What?" Tayaw asks, worried that he has made a mistake hiring the wrong person. "He's a bit of a pervert. Like, not a predatory, s.e.x.u.a.l harassment pervert, but a perv. The man even offered to pay for an escort for me" Payew says in embarrassment. "" Tayaw is surprised at this and at the same time, relieved. "Was he serious?" Tayaw asks. "I don't know. If he only asked me one time, I would see it as a joke. But he asked two more times. 'Dude. This is LA' he says." Payew says. "How dare he do that. If it's a legal p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e like the ones at home, it's okay. But escorts don't have that health clearance card to practice!" Tayaw jokes but internally, 'That f*ckin guy and I need to have a talk' . " ARE YOU F.U.C.KIN' SERIOUS?" Payew is dumbfounded. "You're mad about that?!" "What? Hahaha. Okay. I'm kidding. But you're right. He shouldn't be talking about that with a minor like you." Tayaw says. " What? If he was offering booze, I will drink it! But we're talking about an escort! An escort!" Payew says rather loudly. Tayaw looks around if other people are listening but realizes that him and his brother is speaking Teungebian. "Pff. Dude. That's what some rich people, men, AND women, do to get some action. They have no time to go to a bar and hook-up, man. Besides, you're not clueless either. "You know how horny the kids are at Okuba High, dude. Most of them are not looking for their future spouses, but for s.e.x. If kids do that, how much more predisposed a.d.u.l.ts are to that?" Tayaw decides to mess with Payew more. "" Payew ponders over the matter. "It makes sense." Payew nods in easy understanding, to Tayaw's surprise. "If you react like that to escorts, then you should see this." Tayaw pulls out his wallet and takes out a business card from it before handing it to Payew. " 'Partizzle tonight. Call me.' " Payew reads. "What does this mean?" Payew asks in confusion. "An ORGY." Tayaw explains simply. "Ughhhh" Payew groans in repulsion. "I'd rather take an escort over a s.e.x party." Tayaw says to add more impact. " Ohhh.. f.u.c.k, dude. I can't believe you" Payew gives Tayaw a weird look. "What? Show business is full of s.e.x.u.a.l abberants and dirty practices. I was even tempted once by this beautiful actress who offered herself for a role in my next film" Tayaw says. Payew's image of Tayaw is collapsing by the moment. Seeing Payew's face, Tayaw decides to stop. "Alright. I'm just messing with you. In fact, I haven't got some since Okay. I'm still a v.i.r.g.i.n. You know how busy I am, I don't have the time." Tayaw says as he grabs the business card from Payew's hand. "Then why are you keeping that?!" Payew asks in disbelief. "You wanna keep it? You call the guy?" Tayaw says as he hands Payew the card once again. "No! Throw it away!" Payew reels from the card. "Hahahahaha! I'm keeping it because it's a funny conversation piece. Besides, this was given to me last May, so it's probably done." Tayaw puts the card back in his wallet. "Anyways. I'm not entirely messing with you." Tayaw says. "What do you mean?" Payew asks. "What Jeremy did is pretty harmless. But, someday when you're juuuust a bit successful enough to be useful to people, or hold juuust enough power, all sorts of things will be offered to you in exchange for favors. I myself, received many of these odd offers for favors even though I just got famous." Tayaw says. "So, what you said about that actress was true?" Payew asks. "Yeah. In fact, that happened just this morning at a director's house. But I'm guessing it's her agency that urged her to do so." Tayaw says. "Good lord" Payew shakes his head. "Yeah. But what if these are traps? What if I accepted that actress' offer? That will bite me in the ass in the future. What if Jeremy was not my friend and you accepted his offer? He might use that against you." Tayaw says, giving Payew goosebumps. "Anyways, those are just extreme examples of a way for someone to drag you down or ruin your own reputation. There are plenty more and less harmful ones, but harmful nonetheless. You should look out in the future." Tayaw says. "I-I will." Payew says, overwhelmed. "And Another thing I've learned" Tayaw switches the matter. "" Payew waits in interest. "The world is tough and competitive. People will do ANYTHING to survive and get ahead. That actress earlier? Who knows? Maybe she wasn't urged by anyone, but is just doing what she can to rise above others. "Other film studios tried to smear my name and my film so people won't see my film and instead see theirs. But do you know what's weird?" Tayaw asks. "" Payew shakes his head. "If I was in their place, I might do the same." Tayaw says. "" Payew's eyes widen. "But why?" Payew asks. "Do you remember what I told you when we were in New York?" Tayaw asks. "You said many things." Payew says. "If my novel didn't work out, if my films were rejected, if my music isn't popular, I'm left with nothing. With the limited talent I have, I'll get killed by my more talented rivals. What do you suppose I do? Roll over and die? I'll do anything to prevent that from happening." Tayaw concludes. "" Payew can only stare at Tayaw, with Tayaw's image in his mind changing by the moment, this time, for real. "I might not step on the heads of my inferiors, and prevent myself from wronging innocent people, but I'll surely drag down my superiors to my level." Tayaw adds. "*INHALE* *EXHALE* But you won't, right? I mean, with how great the shit you've made, you don't have to, right?" Payew asks. "You're right. I don't have to. And I don't see myself having to." Tayaw smiles, making Payew sigh in relief. "But there are many people out there who shares my philosophy. Many of them might even do worse things that the things I'm willing to do. Watch out for them. And if you do sniff them out, don't tell them you know and use that knowledge to your advantage." Tayaw says. "Yeah" Payew can only say. "Oh I forgot. You're just an intern. HAHAHA! What am I saying?" Tayaw suddenly realizes. "Heh haha. Y-yeah" Payew chuckles but Tayaw's words stuck in his head. "By the way. You know that song of mine I had you write lyrics to?" Tayaw changes the subject, seeing he has overwhelmed Payew. "What?..." Payew is distracted from his thoughts. "Oh.. yeah. That 'New Beginning', right?" He then remembers. "Yeah. I put it in the movie I'm consulting on. The makers of the film loved it." "Really?" "Yeah." Tayaw says as he pulls out his phone, opens his media player app and shows Payew the end of 'Australia' A minute seconds later. "Huh it's perfect for the film. Even though I don't exactly know what happened." Payew comments. "Yeah. Great job." Tayaw says. "Psh. It's your music that's perfect for it. I'm uncomfortable listening to the lyrics. EUGH." Payew shudders. "Why? It goes well with the music." Tayaw says. "I don't know. It feels weird." Payew says. "Whatever you say. They like it. I like it." Tayaw shrugs. "Did they really like it?" Payew asks again, actually feeling proud.
