1RomanceEB Chapter 49 Winning Over Parents
Chapter 49 Winning Over Parents
Pointing out the name Holmby Hill is a social skill that Zeke learned while working with Dinoble and TJ on PR campaigns:
In Los Angeles social circles, saying you live in Homeby Hills is far more understated and luxurious than simply saying "Beverly Hills." It subtly hints at the owner's social standing, because only true industry leaders would choose such a top-tier, most private residence, rather than a high-profile affluent area like Beverly Hills.
Homeby Hill is renowned for its expansive, highly private detached mansions, making it a top choice for Hollywood stars, business tycoons, and celebrities. Together with Beverly Hills and Bel Air, it forms Los Angeles' famous "Platinum Triangle," and owning a property in Homeby Hill is itself a symbol of status and power.
Upon hearing "Holmby Hills," Judy's expectant expression suddenly froze, and a look that Zeke had never seen before flashed in her eyes.
There was no envy, no longing, but rather a sense of indescribable emotion, like a little bird soaked by the rain, fragile and lonely.
Although Zeke was so sleepy his eyelids were practically glued shut and his head was spinning, he still keenly noticed her unusual behavior: "What's wrong? You look so pale. Is something wrong with Holmby Hill?"
But this strangeness disappeared almost instantly, so quickly that Zeke thought it was his imagination.
Judy quickly smiled, shook her head, and said in a light tone, "It's nothing, I was probably just thinking too much. I'll go make a call."
Qi Ke didn't think much of it, assuming she was just too nervous. He leaned back and fell heavily onto the waterbed, wanting to catch up on sleep as soon as possible.
A moment later, Judy's exasperated voice came from the living room: "Zick, my mom wants you to answer the phone."
Zeke opened his eyes and looked at Judy, his face full of disgust:
"You can't even handle this? It's just asking if I can go to the party."
Judy pursed her lips, shrugged innocently, and gestured for him to come over quickly.
Zik sighed helplessly, dragged his weary steps to the living room, picked up the phone receiver, and tried to sound polite:
"Mrs. Foster, hello, I'm Zeke Rossi, Judy's classmate."
A woman's cold laugh immediately came through the receiver: "Listen, kid. If you're thinking of using this as an excuse to ask Judy to go to the beach to see the stars or go for a drive, forget it. She doesn't have time for your teenage tricks."
Zeke rolled his eyes inwardly, thinking to himself that Mrs. Foster was too narcissistic. No boy at school would even give her a second glance.
He patiently explained, "No, madam, you misunderstand. Mr. Neil Bogart is hosting a party next week at Homeby Hill. I just wanted to introduce Judy to the world."
The woman's tone changed instantly, and she spoke faster: "Holmby Hill? Neil Bogart's private residence? Are you sure that's a place where you can bring people in? Don't think I don't know what you high school kids are thinking. You're still too green to fool me with this kind of lie."
"Madam, I am the songwriter of 'YMCA,' and also a signed artist with Casablanca. This party is to celebrate the success of this song I wrote. Mr. Peter Cooper will also be attending; he is the chairman of the board of Casablanca."
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by the sound of papers turning over, accompanied by a woman's low muttering. After a moment, her tone changed, carrying a hint of surprise and probing.
"Zek Rossi...you're that little genius who's been all over the radio lately, the one who wrote 'YMCA'?"
"Absolutely genuine, madam."
The woman's tone softened completely, replaced by a resolute decisiveness:
"Okay, I believe you. But I'll go with you. This is an event for adults. If I don't go, who will protect Judy from those drunk A&R guys or directors who want to take advantage of the situation? I need to speak to Mr. Peter Cooper myself. Judy can't miss this opportunity."
"What a domineering and snobbish woman," Zeke thought to himself, glancing out of the corner of his eye at Judy in the living room doorway, who was frantically shaking her head and mouthing "Don't!" with her eyes full of pleading.
Zik understood immediately and quickly tried to find a way to handle the situation: "I'm sorry, madam. This party is for invited guests only, and each person can only bring one partner. I can only bring one person as well."
The woman's voice suddenly turned cold, her icy tone carrying a threat: "You mean you'd rather watch Judy risk her life in a place like that alone than let her mother come along to look after her? If something happens to her, can you take responsibility?"
"That's a company party, madam. If I break the rules, not only will I be fired, but Judy will be kept out. I have to follow the rules so that Judy can get in smoothly."
He could almost hear the woman on the other end of the line gritting her teeth; she was clearly speechless at his words, but she knew they were true.
Zik secretly rejoiced; it seemed this trick had worked.
"Hmph, at least you have some brains. Fine, you come pick her up then. Zeke, I'm warning you—keep a close eye on her. If Judy gets drunk by some arrogant bastard, or if he takes any photos she shouldn't… I won't go after Neil Bogart, I won't go after Peter Cooper, I'll come straight to you. Got it?"
"Understood, madam."
The phone slammed down with a "click," even faster than when it was connected, clearly indicating that the woman was still angry.
Zeke put down the receiver, inwardly scoffing: He still wants to settle scores with Neil and Cooper? He probably won't even get a chance to see them.
Judging from how much the other party valued this opportunity, yet couldn't directly contact Neil and Cooper, Zeke deduced that Judy's mother didn't seem to be anyone important.
He turned around and waved to Judy, who was looking at him expectantly. "It's all settled. Your mom agreed, but she asked me to pick you up and entrusted you to her care. Let me get some sleep, I'm so tired."
Judy's face beamed with an undisguised smile as she skipped over to him, but she tried to act nonchalant, keeping her hands in her jeans pockets.
"Wow! I knew it would work. Hey, seriously, my closet is full of T-shirts and jeans. Am I really going to wear one of those suffocating tutu skirts? Is there an option where I don't have to wear a skirt?"
Zik yawned and pointed listlessly at the phone: "Do you think you have a choice? Just wait, she'll definitely put three layers of lace on you."
"By the way, Peter Cooper and Neil Bogart, do they have any quirks? Like hating being late, or not liking being stared at? I want to appear... at least professional, and not mess things up."
Zik yawned widely: "You don't need to prepare too much. Just prepare that French song about the Champs-Élysées that you practiced before. It might come in handy."
"Neil is an interesting guy, easygoing, and like you, he enjoys playing little pranks. I haven't met Mr. Cooper either, but he's Neil's friend, so he shouldn't be difficult to deal with either. Anyway, don't be too nervous."
"And then there's..."
"For God's sake, Judy!" Zeke pleaded, clutching his hair. "Let me get some sleep. I really can't go on anymore. I worked all night, and my head is about to explode. Can't we talk about the problems after I've had a good sleep?"
"Alright, alright, I'm going back now. I'll tutor you again in a couple of days, you lazybones."