Writing Web Novels In America-Chapter 102: The Past

The tiger suddenly stopped eating meat and switched to a vegetarian diet?

That was the thought that flashed through Wang Jian’s mind after he hung up the phone.

Then, he was beset by a vexing issue.

It was that damned party again.

How could the United States, a nouveau riche with only about two hundred years of history, be as pretentious as those old European nobles who should have been buried in the dust?

Wang Jian sighed while pondering over whom to invite as his female companion this time.

Red-haired Lynn? A direct pass.

Lily?

Wasn’t Gene still recovering at home?

The deal with Goldman Sachs had required the series "Prison Break" to pull its weight.

So, Sarah?

Therefore, Wang Jian picked up the phone and dialed her number.

Upon hearing that she was being invited to a high-society event, Sarah was initially startled.

But when Wang Jian said he really needed a female companion, she hesitated only a moment before agreeing.

Next, Wang Jian called Tom into his office to ask what he should do at the party.

Unfortunately, Tom was also a greenhorn.

So, it was basically like asking three questions and getting no answers.

Soon, the afternoon arrived.

Considering the issue of Sarah’s evening dress, Wang Jian decided to leave work early and drove to the front of her apartment.

However, when the talk turned to purchasing an evening dress, Sarah shyly grasped his hand and led him toward her wardrobe.

When the wardrobe doors swung open, Wang Jian was surprised to find not only a blue ladies’ evening dress hanging there but also a set of designer suits.

"Wang, try this on and see if it fits," Sarah said, her voice full of anticipation.

"Uh," Wang Jian carefully weighed his words, "you just..."

"Better save the money instead of spending impulsively like many others do."

"Oh, I see." Sarah glanced at Wang Jian and then lowered her head.

Did I say something wrong?

Wang Jian watched Sarah, a bit confused and questioned himself inwardly.

Forget it, forget it.

Worse comes to worst, he would just write her a check later and give her the money for both garments.

Then, he started looking at the labels on the clothes.

The ladies’ evening dress, 4,000 US dollars.

The men’s suit, 7,000 US dollars?

Okay, in that moment, Wang Jian admitted that he was a bit moved.

"Should I go change in the bathroom?" he said, managing to keep his expression neutral.

"Uh-huh," Sarah nodded happily, "I’ll change in the bedroom."

Ten minutes later, the two of them stood side by side in front of the wardrobe mirror.

In the mirror, the man cut a tall and elegant figure with clear, handsome features,

while the woman’s figure was slender, her face bearing the unique charm of Latin beauties.

"Compared to ten years ago, everything feels like a dream," Sarah murmured.

Wang Jian’s mind was also flooded with a memory that wasn’t his own.

...

It was also December in New York back then.

While other children eagerly anticipated Santa Claus, the two eight-year-olds, hiding their savings from their foster "parents," had scraped together a little money.

Just to wear the clothes they liked at Christmas.

They sneaked into a second-hand store.

"Sarah, I’m short 3 dollars for these basketball shoes."

"But my money is just enough to buy this blue dress."

"Oh, then never mind, I’ll look for something else."

"Uh... here, take it. Since I’m three months older than you, you call me sister."

"Thanks, sister. When I grow up, I’ll make lots of money and buy you all kinds of blue dresses."

"Stop bluffing, let’s head home. Otherwise, we’re going to get scolded again."

...

Wang Jian shook his head and expelled these images from his mind.

Sarah sat on the bed with a smile on her lips, her eyes slightly unfocused.

He quietly left the bedroom and made a call to Tom.

"Hello, Tom, go to the luxury store on Fifth Avenue and buy all the medium-sized blue dresses. Have them delivered to Sarah’s place."

"All of them?"

"Yep."

After that, Wang Jian sat on the sofa, falling into silence.

At that time, Sarah came out of the bedroom and asked Wang Jian, "I’ve never been to this kind of party before. What if I embarrass you?"

Wang Jian lifted his head, looking at Sarah’s big eyes, and smiled.

"The big sister of the host families in Bronx District, and you’re afraid of this?"

Sarah was stunned; this was the first time Wang Jian had mentioned this nickname since she was released.

Then, she felt her hand being held and a voice by her ear that brought comfort.

"Don’t worry, I’m here."

Perhaps it was because of their childhood memories, the two of them didn’t feel awkward even when they were silent together.

And just like that, soon it was 5 p.m.

Wang Jian and Sarah had arrived at the luxury yacht area of New York Port.

"Wang, you look quite handsome in a suit," said Lehman, giving him a big hug as he saw Wang Jian.

"Uh, you are straight, right?" Wang Jian said, holding Sarah’s hand, "I’m here with a date."

"Of course, I’ve even got a daughter," Lehman said with a laugh, pointing towards the deck, "the woman in the red evening gown over there is my girlfriend."

Not married, but with a child...

Alright then, Wang Jian nodded without surprise.

"Help yourself, but don’t leave the upper decks of the cruise ship," Lehman made an inviting gesture to Wang Jian.

On the upper decks of the yacht, most were men and women in luxurious clothing.

Among them, some were also very well-known in New York social circles.

"Hey Hilton, your earrings don’t seem to match."

"Really? Let me see." The woman named Hilton took out a mirror to check, "Thank you, Ivanka."

Then, the woman pulled out her phone.

"Daddy, I’ve taken the wrong earrings, can you have someone bring my earring box? No, no..."

Afterward, about ten minutes later, a helicopter slowly descended from the sky onto the deck.

A man in a suit quickly stepped onto the upper decks of the cruise ship, "Miss, here’s your earring box."

Well...

Wang Jian and Sarah exchanged a look, both with incredulous expressions.

But the others at the party seemed unfazed by such an event.

At that moment, someone tapped a champagne glass, and the venue fell silent instantly.

"Next, we invite a member of the Republican Senate, Mr. Bob Thor, to speak."

An elderly white male with a smile walked up to the podium and began to speak.

His speech included three main points: the first was a criticism that the world’s second-largest economy, Japan, was not liberal enough;

The second was a promise not to increase taxes on the wealthy class;

The last, and most important point, was to encourage everyone to donate to the Republican presidential candidate.

After he finished speaking and everyone clapped, Lehman approached Wang Jian and gestured for him to follow.

Wang Jian followed Lehman to a room, and soon after, the Senator entered as well.

"Senator, this is the bestselling author and famous entrepreneur, Mr. Wang Jian."

"He saw the plight of literary creators and felt an obligation to help them out."

"The Literary Creators Charity Fund, huh? That’s a terrific idea, the United States needs philanthropists like you."

Damn ’philanthropic.’

"You flatter me."

The white-haired gentleman laughed and patted Wang Jian on the shoulder, pointing to a young man behind him, "George is also passionate about charity; you two should talk."

The young man named George came up to Wang Jian, "It’s an honor."

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the Screenwriters Association’s office was filled with smoke.

"The Producer Association still refuses to improve the screenwriters’ conditions; what should we do?"

"What about the congressman from Los Angeles? Which way does he lean?"

"Of course, towards the powerful Producer Association, these politicians!"

"So what do we do?"

At that moment, a young man in the corner softly suggested, "Strike?"

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