The merchandise store had opened at nine in the morning and closed before noon. Not because anyone planned it that way, but simply because everything had sold out. Alex had clearly underestimated the appetite of these anime fans. It wasn't just the Zanpakutō replicas or the Soul Reaper uniforms, the truly coveted items; even the smallest keychains, necklaces, and charms disappeared almost instantly.
Even the celebrities who had come to support the event were stunned. Products that cost mere dollars were priced outrageously high - and yet, they vanished from the shelves. Alex shook his head, slightly amused. These real-world folks really have no perspective. Chanel, LV, things that cost the same or more, and nobody complains. This is the value of an IP, my friends.
After the "opening ceremony," Alex wasn't foolish enough to chase away the celebrities who had come to show their support. Mark had cleared out his own restaurant, inviting everyone to a casual dinner. It wasn't extravagant, but it was enough to gather the crowd and give Alex a moment of respite from the chaos outside.
At the table, Alex naturally drew all the attention. Hélio Barsi, ever ambitious, leaned in with a glass of red wine. "Director Alex, do you think Baby would be suitable for a role in your series…?"
Alex pressed his lips together, forcing a restrained smile, the kind that said: I see what you're trying, and no, it won't happen. Honestly, Hélio's wife wasn't exactly a secret. And even though Alex had roped in a bunch of ex-girlfriends for the cast to save money, he demanded real skill. Emily, with all her baggage, had only been given a minor, ornamental role - something like Orihime from Bleach. The big, flashy roles were reserved for those who could handle the complexity of the series, and no ex could skate by on looks alone.
Alex had no illusions: even if "Big Baby" leaned over his desk and whispered, he would hesitate. Women like that had a reputation for being high-maintenance; caution was necessary. Watching Hélio try to push a role for his wife, Alex almost felt a pang of sympathy. Marrying someone so demanding and still having to endure public scrutiny wasn't easy, especially with everyone watching.
Hélio, oblivious to subtle cues, persisted. "And what about me, Director Alex? What do you think?" he asked, half-joking, half-hopeful. Unlike Emily, Hélio actually had acting chops, though inconsistent, and his attention-grabbing personality often overshadowed his better work. Alex weighed his options carefully.
"If a suitable role comes up, I'll let you know," he finally said, leaving his response vague enough to keep Hélio guessing without outright rejection.
But Hélio wasn't the only challenge that night. Across the table sat Alex's younger sister, Rebeca Verne, daughter of Renata Verne - a woman who had left a lasting impression on Alex during the filming of The Legend of Last Knight. Mrs. Verne had a habit of shielding her daughter from every male actor on set, and Alex had been the primary target. She wasn't overbearing in a cruel way; she was just intense, methodical, and occasionally a little theatrical.
"Long time no see, Beca… Mrs. Verne," Alex greeted warmly. There was no hidden agenda, no thoughts of revenge or superiority. Rebeca hadn't broken any engagement, and there was no reason to act otherwise.
"Y-yes… long time, Big… uh, Director Alex," Rebeca replied, correcting herself just in time. Rebeca had almost called him "Big Brother," her old habit, but awareness of her mother's presence made her adjust quickly.
Alex raised an eyebrow at his sister's meekness. Twenty-five years old and still so attached to her mother? Really? At this rate, she'd end up stuck - with her mother scrutinizing every man like a hunting dog, it was impossible for anyone to get close.
"I heard Beca recently starred in a new film. You should come to the premiere sometime," Renata added, hesitating slightly but still refusing to use a more formal address. Age and hierarchy clearly mattered here. Alex didn't mind; it was just a minor detail.
But the word "film" almost made him laugh aloud. Auntie, your daughter has no business in the movie industry. She couldn't handle it if her life depended on it - every project would flop. Of course, Alex kept the thought to himself, responding politely with vague, neutral comments, the kind that sounded engaged but revealed nothing.
After a while, Mrs. Verne's intentions became clear. She was fishing, trying to see if Alex had any lead roles in upcoming projects for her daughter. Alex smirked inwardly. Ambitious, right out of the gate, aiming for the lead. Keep in mind, even Emily had to settle for secondary characters.
Still, in his mind, Alex admitted she did have the qualifications. Rebeca's skills could sustain a career for years, and she was at the peak of her appearance. Alex considered this for a moment, letting a subtle, knowing smile cross his face, while thinking he might try to be a little less cruel - after all, being nasty wasn't good for the skin.
"There's a role… but it involves a kiss scene," he said, letting the words hang in the air, observing reactions carefully.
Even in this casual dinner setting, the way Alex delivered the line carried weight. It wasn't a direct rejection, nor a simple offer - it was a test, a moment to gauge ambition, nerves, and subtlety all at once. Rebeca's mother froze slightly, processing both the implication and the audacity. The room felt charged; the playful tension of a kiss scene in a high-profile series suddenly changed the dynamics at the table.
Alex leaned back, expression unreadable. Some lessons couldn't be taught in rehearsal. Some risks couldn't be avoided through skill alone. He had no doubt that Rebeca had the capability - perhaps he could polish her into something more, but the real test would be confidence under pressure, subtlety, and presence. And that night, under the curious gaze of the guests and the ever-watchful eyes of industry sharks like Hélio Barsi, everyone was about to find out what she was really made of.
The banquet, lively as it was, had become more than a social gathering - it was a stage. Every smile, glance, and hesitant reaction was a rehearsal for what was to come. And Alex, quietly amused and fully in control, watched as the evening set the tone for the drama that would unfold both on and off the screen.