Chapter 262: Becoming Acquainted

Matthew was reading through a script when Peter and Mina walked into his office. Just like at the charity event, she was stunning, even in business attire.

Mina's blouse was a little oversized, her slacks were fitted, and her blazer perfectly accentuated her curves, but the most important thing was that she looked the part. Matthew knew that she would bring him a ton of investors based on her appearance alone.

It had been two nights since the last time he had seen Mina, but Mathew could still picture how she looked in that gorgeous gown. He had wanted to convince her to leave early and accompany him to another banquet, but he was unable to locate her in time. Thus, he left without getting a picture with her or saying goodnight

Still, as attracted to Mina as he was, Matthew was not lying when he said he was encouraged by her not being afraid of him. He wouldn't mind cuddling up with her, but in reality, he needed someone who could and would tell him the truth no matter the consequences and for right now, he was looking for Mina to be that person.

Peter was a good assistant and an excellent co-director, but the man lacked backbone. Even in his relationships, Peter was passive. In the beginning, their hot and cold personalities worked well for Matthew, but now that he was taking on more work, Peter was becoming less and less reliable.

Director Porter hoped that Mina would help the man in the sense that he would be able to shift some of the more political decisions on to the girl whenever Peter was unable to choose.

"You're early," Matthew said to Mina, but he knew she would be.

"Figured you'd want to give me a tour of your suite before we started work," Mina said.

"Nope, but I do want you and Peter to become acquainted. As much as you are my assistant, you are his." Mina looked at Peter and smiled. She extended her hand to the man who shook it lightly.

"What are we working on today?" Mina asked, she made sure to address Peter, who she could tell did not like her.

"We are going to a set today," Peter said, without emotion.

"Are you filming?" Mina asked. Once again, she addressed Peter.

"I am going to show you what to look for in a potential studio location." Mina nodded her head. She had almost forgotten that Director Porter asked her to attend the grand opening ceremony of Miss Lisa's film studio.

----

Although Mina had done nothing, Director Porter was so far pleased with her. He especially appreciated the way she addressed his assistant and not him, thus allowing Peter to maintain superiority.

"Mr. Peter sir, is there anything I can do before we leave?" Mina asked and Peter nodded.

"Go through this budget and tell me what is wrong with it," he said while handing Mina the file that he had been holding. Mina took the folder, opened it, and shook her head.

"I don't know what I am looking for," Mina admitted, and Peter nodded, causing Mina to make an 'O' shape with her mouth. She knew the man was trying to tell her to familiarize herself with past budgets to get an overall idea of what she should and should not be looking for.

Peter Pointed to a section of Director Porter's office and Mina intuitively knew it was where she needed to work, but before she walked away she realized that she did not know how to properly address her boss's assistant.

"Mr. Peter, before I start. How should I address you in the future?" Mina asked.

"Mr. Peter is fine, but in a more formal setting you should address me as Director Twan." Mina committed the information to memory and moved to start reviewing the files she was shown.

Peter was put off by training Mina. She was essentially taking his job, and although it would allow him to stretch his wings; if he did not gain success in his own right, he could potentially face unemployment. At the same time, Peter was amused by Mina. He had been in the industry long enough to know when he was being flattered or manipulated and Mina was doing exactly that. Except she was doing it so subtly, that he could not tell if she was doing it on purpose.

----

It took all of twenty minutes for Mina to decide that she did not understand the need to spend $15,000 on fresh roses, when she knew for a fact that there were convincing imitations that could slice that amount in four. She also hated the way the men managed their records.

The files were not in any sort of rational order that Mina could grasp and much of the time she was supposed to be reviewing; she spent reorganizing, but she did manage to pull a few figures as she did.

From what Mina could tell, aside from the physical location and robotics, animals and floristry were the top movie prop expense; with some animals 'earning' more than human extras.

Mina shook her head at the new knowledge. She had always been fond of watching movies, no matter the genre, but Mina now had a feeling she would no longer be able to enjoy them.

"Mr. Peter, sir," Mina called out. "Can you please explain something to me?" The man nodded and made his way over to Mina who he could see had reorganized his boss's files. Director Porter only kept them for tax purposes and cared little about how they were arranged.

"What is it that you need to know?" Peter asked.

"Why spend $15,000 on flowers?" She asked Peter, but Director Porter answered.

"Because that particular movie required live roses. Also, you must consider storage fees. If I had ordered synthetic, then I would have also had to store them. If you factor in the money I am saving on storage, then it's an even break." Mina shook her head.

"Director Porter, I can almost guarantee that imitation flowers have a decent resale value. Especially if they have been used in an actual production." Director Porter narrowed his eyes at Mina, he liked that she was challenging him, but he was also annoyed.

"Do you agree with her Peter?" Matthew asked.

"Don't do that," Mina said. "He isn't involved, but even if he were, I am sure he would agree with me." Peter looked back and forth between his boss and Mina and felt like he was about to melt.

"To be honest, you both have a point," Peter finally mustered the courage to say.

"How so?" Mina asked. She was not being combative, but she needed to understand. Her job literally depended on it.

"Some directors are picky and don't want to use secondhand props," Peter said.

"Myself included," Matthew added, and Mina nodded.

"So, it's a pride thing?" Mina asked, and Peter shook his head.

"Not always, sometimes movie critics can be very…"

"Critical?" Mina asked sarcastically.

"Well, yes," Peter said while rubbing the back of his head.

"Then why not turn the false flowers into arrangements that can be pandered to the fans of your actors?" Mina questioned, and Peter raised his eyebrows.

"You mean like a fan giveaway?"

"Or raffle," Mina added. "One of my university mates told me about a girl who spent thousands on a belt that her favorite singer supposedly left behind at a hotel. There was no proof the man ever wore it, except a picture of him wearing a belt with a similar buckle. Why not sell the flowers?" Director Porter raised his eyebrows at the woman.