Showbiz 9- The Pitch Black

Tedo and Rowi, who were in the dining room, chose not to interfere. Marbella snorted in annoyance, this was not the answer from the handsome man in front of her who was starting to be annoying. Gian, who is used to dealing with many people from various types of circles, can see changes in a person's expression. In fact, he could see the lie from the face, gesture and voice. Gian felt, although misfortune was on his side in his previous life, but it brought blessings in Luna's world in the figure of Lux.

While in the entertainment company, he was trusted by Joseph as a mentor of four men who were promised to debut with him to star in a feature film. Thanks to him, Gian succeeded in making the four men who used to have a big 0 value in the acting world, finally recognized. However, he who had been betrayed, was not willing to feel that pain again. With Lux's figure, he would change his fate.

"Are all the complaints from the clients on that tablet of yours? If so, give it to me. I want to study it first. We'll talk about it in the car on the way to the mayor's office," Lux replied calmly as he ate his breakfast.

Marbella sighed softly and handed him her tablet. Gian read those complaints carefully. He found out that Lux was not only a businessman, but it could be said that he was also a model of those products.

'Oh, Lux turned out to be the brand ambassador of a shampoo, facial care product, beauty soap, and health supplement. It's just that, there are so many products that have contracts with him, why don't I see his face on the streets? It's really strange,' Gian thought suspiciously.

"How is it? Have you understood the situation, Young Master Lux?" asked Marbella looking at him closely.

Lux nodded slowly and wiped his lips with a napkin. "We are leaving."

Marbella nodded and followed Lux to the car. Gian recognized the waiter who drove them both today. It was Yoga, the waiter with glasses. During the trip, Gian was silent because he was seriously thinking. Marbella looked at Lux intently as if investigating something.

"I'm not a psychic who can read your mind. If you want to say something, speak now," Lux said suddenly which made Marbella gasped because she didn't expect that Lux knew that he was being watched. In fact, Lux looked serious while staring at the tablet screen.

"Are you alright? Honestly, your dramatic change has made some people worried, including your father, Mr. Maximo," Marbella said, making Gian immediately turn off the tablet screen and hand it back. The woman accepted it nervously.

However, again, Marbella found Lux silent without answering her question. She was confused in her attitude. Honestly, she was a little afraid of Lux's change because this was the first time it happened since she had been his manager for 10 years.

Until finally, the luxurious black sedan arrived at a beautiful area filled with shady trees. Lux's eyes were spoiled by the green grass and the smell of fresh soil because it had been watered. The car stopped in front of a building that had big pillars like ancient European architecture. Marbella invited Lux to come with her to the mayor's room. Gian saw the employees in that place bowing their faces when they met him. Gian could see that their faces were tense because they were afraid, not because they were respected or revered.

"Good morning," he greeted as he passed by one of the male employees. Suddenly, Lux's remark made several employees who heard it surprised. "Hello, have a nice day," he continued with a smile as he walked in front of two other employees towards the elevator.

"Good morning, Yo-young master Lux," replied some of the clerks awkwardly.

Marbella stared intently at Lux who was standing beside her with a smile still on his face. "Would you like to be greeted as well? Hello, Marbella. You're beautiful as always."

Marbella's eyes were wide open. She immediately looked away. Between nervousness and blushing, now mixed in her heart. Gian held back a smile because he knew that the woman next to him was blushing because of his teasing.

"Mm, Young master Lux. You said that we would talk about some things during the trip. However, you said nothing. I just want to cooperate because the decisions that happen later, will affect the whole range," Marbella said as the elevator took them to the third floor.

"I'm sorry if I made you anxious. It's just that I want to settle my affairs with father first. What happened between me and him, you know enough. I hope you won't interfere. Focus on being my manager, not my stepmother."

Lux's words made Marbella stunned again for the umpteenth time. She held her chest which felt tight. Her breathing became irregular, but she could not reply to that.

"Let's go," Lux invited as he stepped out of the elevator first.

Marbella followed and this time, she was completely silent. For some reason, she seemed reluctant to argue with Lux who was in front of her right now.

Maximo Osiris's office.

The door opened automatically as the sensors identified the figures of Lux Osiris and Marbella. Gian's heart was beating fast. His eyes locked onto a large, gray-haired man with a mustache and sideburns. He looked fierce, stern and powerful.

'Maximo Osiris'.

[You were right, Gian. He is the father of Lux Osiris, as well as the mayor of the city of Imperium, the city you live in. Your conversation with Maximo will give you many clues. You must be observant and not let your guard down. My advice is to control your temper. Start drinking garlic water decoction so that you won't get hypertension]

Z's words made Lux's forehead frown instantly. Did Lux have some kind of high blood pressure? Was that the reason he got angry easily? Or... Gian who is now easily angered because he is fed up with being fooled? The big question began to disturb his concentration.

"Lux," called the mayor who was sitting tall in his seat of power.

"Mr. Maximo Osiris. Good morning. Nice to meet you on this sunny day," Lux replied which made Marbella and Maximo's foreheads furrowed.

"The news is true. You've changed. Doctor Bone said that you are depressed," said Maximo which made Lux smile slightly.

"Excuse me, may I sit down? Or... will you let me stand like this until our talk is over?"

Marbella's face tensed up instantly. Usually, Lux called Mr. Maximo as father. However, this time he called him Mr.? Moreover, he dared to speak casually. Where before, Lux would just stay silent and listen to every word that came out of his father's mouth, then leave with a nod. Would... it end up the same? That was what Marbella was thinking right now.

"Sit down. You too, Marbella," said the big-voiced man even though he only said it softly.

Gian sat down casually, but still politely. He looked at Maximo's figure closely. Honestly, he was a little nervous because the aura emanating from the big man in front of him was enough to give him goosebumps.

'I can feel the radiance of her power. Maybe if depicted in an anime movie, there are flames all over his body. He's creepy,' Gian thought trying to cover his nervousness.

[Your assessment of Maximo Osiris is correct. He is that kind of man. Charismatic, powerful, idealistic, decisive, and almost every word he says cannot be denied. You have to be careful in your behavior and speech even in Lux's figure]

'Good advice, Z. If you were human, I'd buy you a cheeseburger'.

[Your favorite fast food is what makes your body skinny, but has a high cholesterol level. That habit of yours should not be applied to Lux's body or you will destroy it]

Gian gulped. Honestly, he just realized that. There was silence and just staring at each other. Boring, but thrilling.

"You calling me must have some important business to discuss. Yes, considering that you are a very busy person. So, how many minutes are left for us in this room, Mr. Maximo?" asked Lux politely.

"It's over."

"Excuse me?" asked Lux confused.

"I know that you still have business with your clients. Get it done. This time, I won't help."

Gian glanced at Marbella and she just sat there, staring at her great lord.

'Who told her? Looking at Marbella's behavior, it wasn't her. You know, Z?'

[Yes, I know, but I won't tell you. You find out for yourself. It's your life, not mine]

Gian smiled wryly. Z's words really tickled his heart.

"Do you consider the complaints from the clients as a funny thing, Lux Osiris?" asked Maximo suddenly.

"Oh, no. It's a very serious thing. It's just that... well," Lux replied and stood up as he straightened his clothes. "Thank you for your time. We're leaving."

When Lux and Marbella walked near the door, the wooden object was still closed. Marbella and Lux looked at each other, confused by this. Gian turned his head and saw the intimidating expression of his father who was still sitting in his chair.

'Just being silent already looks creepy. He's a monster!' Gian screamed in his heart.

"What are you laughing at from our conversation earlier?" asked Maximo who was apparently not satisfied with Lux's answer. Lux exhaled slowly.

"I was just hoping that we could chat casually, talking about unimportant things just to strengthen the relationship between father and son. However, as you said earlier. I have important things to do. I'll take responsibility because it's my fault, so let us go," Lux replied, looking at Maximo intently.

Marbella looked nervous. She hugged her tab tightly to cover her panic. Until finally, the door that locked them in opened.

"Thank you," Lux said and walked away followed by Marbella.

Gian could see Marbella making her hand like a fan. The corridor was quite cold because of the air conditioner, but she felt like she was in the Sahara desert.

"Oh, I need an iced coffee," said the beautiful woman as if she had a panic attack.

"Hem, good idea. I need it too," Lux replied as he followed Marbella. Until suddenly, he tapped his forehead. "I forgot to ask father to make Tedo my personal assistant! Idiot!"

Marbella stared at Lux intently. Gian realized that and smiled faintly. "I'm not replacing you. Sometimes, there are some things that can only be done between men. Like... you can't possibly accompany me to the men's restroom, right?" Marbella immediately lowered her face. She nodded her understanding and then took another step. "Should I go back? Ah, never mind," he grumbled, abandoning the idea of asking his father.

Who would have thought that a coffee shop on the floor would be packed. Many employees were queuing up. Lux was astonished. How delicious the coffee was that it was loved by so many people.

However, there was something strange. The faces of the prospective buyers who wanted the pitch black were like zombies. Their hair was messy, their work clothes were in tatters, their eyes were like pandas, and some of them yawned more than three times, some even seemed to sleep standing up.

"Why those people?" muttered Lux curiously.