"Hello, Mr. Trump..."
"No need to be so formal, just call me Donald."
Duke shook hands with the middle-aged man wearing his signature smile and casually complimented him, "Your inspiring life story is a model for young people to learn from."
"You've done quite well yourself!"
As the rumors suggested, Donald Trump showed no trace of humility. He spoke in an exaggerated manner, saying, "I've always admired you."
Duke gave a subtle smile, refraining from engaging further. Instead, he shifted his gaze to the side.
This was Donald Trump's daughter. Judging by her appearance, she was probably still a teenager, or perhaps it was simply her natural look—her face had a noticeable roundness from baby fat. Her curly golden hair was neatly styled into an updo, and a delicate diamond necklace adorned her smooth neck.
She was a typical white girl: tall, broad-shouldered, and full-chested.
"Hello, Miss Trump."
Duke stood up again, extending his hand. Ivanka Trump lightly shook it. "Hello, Director Rosenberg."
Unlike Donald Trump, she appeared cautious and reserved—at least on the surface.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Duke said again. "You can call me Duke..."
"Alright..." Ivanka nodded and returned to her seat.
"No need to be so formal," Donald suddenly interjected. "We're all old friends here..."
He glanced at his daughter. "Duke, you can call her Ivie."
"Sure."
Duke's gaze briefly lingered on her face before returning to his meal with a faint smile.
From Donald's remarks, Duke gathered that their relationship was purely business-oriented. Someone like Donald Trump, given his personality, was unlikely to form genuine friendships.
Regardless of whether the legendary New York real estate tycoon still had billions in assets, his words were over-the-top. Even if his audience was limited, self-promotion and showmanship seemed to be second nature to him.
"I hope the federal government can bring real change. I merely want my participation in the election to shake up the Republican and Democratic parties for treating politics as a joke."
After just a few sentences, Donald Trump had already shifted the topic to his grand show. "Politics needs reform, not stagnation. I'm not interested in the presidency. Once I see the American public awakening, I believe my purpose in running has been fulfilled, and I can gracefully withdraw."
With Leah socializing elsewhere, Duke became one of the only two listeners left at the table. Not wanting to be impolite, he asked, "Donald, will you run in the next election?"
"Of course, I will!" Donald Trump declared with great righteousness. "When the time is right, I will compete for the presidency to bring the necessary changes America needs."
Suppressing a laugh, Duke took a sip of water. The man before him seemed more suited for an Oscar for Best Actor—or rather, a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor.
Though Duke wasn't sure if Donald Trump would run again in the future, he was certain that his high-profile campaign for the presidency was just a show—a commercial publicity stunt for the entire American public.
Suddenly, Donald leaned closer and lowered his voice. "If you're interested, we could be running mates. Duke, with your influence in the film industry, you'd undoubtedly garner significant support."
"Sorry." Duke shook his head without hesitation. "I've never considered going into politics."
Donald Trump's publicity stunt was a common marketing strategy in this country, but Duke had no interest in being anyone's promotional gimmick or stepping stone.
Realizing that Duke wasn't someone who could be swayed with mere words, Donald Trump offered a parting remark before moving to another table to continue his show.
This left only Duke and Ivanka Trump at the table.
"Your father is quite a humorous man," Duke said as he cut into a small pastry. "He's steady, determined, and resilient. It's no coincidence he managed to overcome difficulties."
Ivanka turned her head to look at Duke. "Do you really think so?"
Duke shrugged. "Anyone who achieves success has qualities worthy of respect and learning."
"Director Rosenberg..."
"Call me Duke."
"Duke..." She looked at him seriously. "Even though I'm only seventeen, I've worked part-time as a model and have plenty of social experience. I won't be flattered by a few sweet words."
Setting down his utensils, Duke picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth. "Ivie, do you think I'm trying to flatter you?"
"Aren't you?" She raised an eyebrow. "Anyone who's followed you in America knows you're a playboy who changes women more often than clothes."
"You think I'm interested in you?"
Duke gently tapped his forehead, feigning disbelief. "There are far more beautiful women in Hollywood. To put it bluntly..."
He raised a finger for emphasis. "With just a beckoning gesture, half of them would come running to me."
With that, he shook his head and resumed his dinner.
Ivanka clearly misunderstood Duke's meaning and asked, "Are you saying I'm not attractive?"
"Of course not."
Looking up, Duke met her gaze. "Ivie, that's not what I meant."
"Then what do you mean?" she pressed.
Setting down his utensils again, Duke decided to be direct. "You simply don't match my aesthetic."
Beauty, appearance, and looks are sensitive topics for all women. Ivanka's expression darkened instantly, clearly displeased.
"So, you're saying I'm not attractive?" She kept her eyes on him. Duke sighed, evidently helpless. But Ivanka wasn't ready to let it go. "Why do you think so?"
"Are you sure?" Duke didn't answer right away.
Ivanka tilted her chin slightly, like a proud princess. "Yes!"
Duke tilted his head and studied her until Ivanka squirmed uncomfortably. Finally, he said, "Your face is too broad, your shoulders are too wide, and your back is too thick. If you weren't nearly six feet tall, you'd look quite bulky."
The last comment hit the hardest. Ivanka's face immediately turned sour. "Are you saying I'm fat?"
Teenage girls at the tail end of their rebellious phase could be the most challenging. Duke closed his mouth, unwilling to argue further.
"You think I'm fat?"
She stood up as she spoke. Thankfully, she moved slowly, so her actions didn't seem abrupt in the bustling room.
Wearing what appeared to be towering heels, Ivanka looked especially tall once she stood—easily around six feet four inches.
Duke quickly gestured for her to sit. "Ivie, do you want us both to cause a scene here?"
Unlike Paris Hilton, Ivanka glared at Duke before reluctantly sitting back down.
Seeing her still looking annoyed, Duke sighed and added, "My comments reflect only my personal opinion. My aesthetic doesn't represent everyone else's."
He left it at that. If she insisted on misinterpreting his words through a rebellious lens, he saw no need to explain further.
"Hi, Ivie."
A voice came from behind Duke. Irene Lauder approached, sitting beside him. "Is Wharton on break?"
"No."
Ivanka smiled immediately. "I came back specifically for this. My dad insisted I attend the banquet..."
She glanced at Duke and asked, "Do you two know each other?"
"We're friends."
Seeing Duke had no intention of answering, Irene smiled and said, "We've known each other for years."
After exchanging pleasantries with Ivanka, Irene quickly turned back to Duke.
"What happened between you two?" she asked curiously.
Duke glanced at Ivanka, who kept sneaking glances at them, and replied in a low voice, "She thought I was pursuing her. I wasn't interested and pointed out a few things that don't align with my aesthetic. The rebellious teenager turned into a prickly cat."
Irene grew more curious. "What did you say?"
"I just said her figure seemed a bit bulky."
Hearing this, Irene lightly touched her forehead and gently patted Duke's arm. "That's a taboo topic for any woman who loves beauty."
Duke nodded in agreement. "Which is why I have no intention of continuing the conversation."
Footsteps approached from the other side. Donald Trump returned, greeting Irene warmly before sitting beside his daughter.
A few minutes later, Leah also returned, and after a brief exchange, Duke left with Irene to expand his social circle.
Attending events like this would be a waste otherwise.
After making a round, particularly among the younger generation of business families—whom Irene introduced as key contacts—Duke met several names he had only heard or read about before, like Nikki and Paris Hilton.
Duke only shook hands briefly with the Hilton sisters. To him and Irene, they were just two girls who knew nothing but partying.
Though the banquet was close to New Year's, Duke didn't leave New York immediately, as his vacation was far from over.
...
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