Lunch with Natalie Zhang

The rooftop restaurant overlooked midtown Manhattan, glass panels cutting the cold January breeze while soft jazz hummed through hidden speakers. The tables were sparsely occupied—the kind of place where the food cost as much as rent.

Lex sat across from Natalie Zhang, watching as she stirred her iced matcha with deliberate slowness. The faintest smirk played on her lips, but her eyes—sharp and unreadable—never left his face.

"So," Natalie said, finally setting her spoon down, "let me guess. You didn't drag me up here just to hear me complain about finals."

Lex smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair. "I figured you'd appreciate the distraction."

Natalie arched a brow. "Flattering, but let's skip the small talk." She crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. "What do you want, Lex?"

Lex sipped his coffee, letting the silence hang just long enough to keep her attention.

"I'm buying favors," Lex said smoothly, setting his cup down with a soft clink. "And I'm selling opportunities."

Natalie leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Opportunities?"

Lex's smirk widened. "Do you want to be a star?"

Natalie laughed under her breath, shaking her head. "I thought you were into finance, not casting."

"I'm flexible," Lex replied. "I've got a film going into production next month. It's already locked in, but there's room for someone like you. Not the lead—but something noticeable."

Natalie's expression shifted subtly. Curiosity.

"You're offering me a role in your movie?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. "Why?"

Lex's gaze didn't waver.

"Because I want something in return," Lex said, lowering his voice just slightly. "I need a seat. On startups. The ones your dad passes on or doesn't have time to oversee. I want in—early."

Natalie leaned back, tapping her nails against the rim of her glass.

"So that's what this is," she murmured, watching him carefully. "You want to ride the wave before it breaks."

Lex smiled faintly. "I prefer to control the wave. I know your dad's firm ignores smaller companies—too much risk, not enough immediate return. But those startups? They're where the future is."

Natalie didn't respond right away. She glanced out over the city skyline, lips pressed together in thought.

"My dad's firm doesn't give away seats to high school interns," she said finally, though her tone was more observant than dismissive.

"I'm not asking your dad," Lex replied calmly. "I'm asking you. He trusts you to scout. I know you've sat in on those pitches."

Natalie's eyes flicked back to him, lingering.

Lex leaned forward slightly. "I don't need to be front row. I'll take a spot in the back. But when something big comes through that your dad isn't chasing, I want the first call."

Natalie swirled the ice in her drink, thinking.

"What's the role?" she asked suddenly, raising her gaze.

Lex chuckled softly. "Supporting role. Screen time's decent, but you're not carrying the plot."

Natalie tilted her head. "And if I say no?"

Lex smirked. "Then you pay for lunch."

Natalie laughed, shaking her head. "I'll think about it. But if I'm getting you startup seats, I expect more than one favor."

That pulled a laugh from her, light and genuine, and for the first time since they'd sat down, the tension in her shoulders eased. She shook her head, her ponytail swaying slightly as she picked up her drink and took a long sip.

"I'll think about it," she said finally, setting the glass down. "But if I'm getting you startup seats, I expect more than one favor."

As they started the meal, the conversation shifted. Talking about mutual acquaintances, even about movie.

By the time they left the restaurant, the deal wasn't sealed, but Lex knew Natalie was already thinking about it. He could see it in the way her gaze lingered on him as they stepped into the elevator, the way her fingers drummed softly against the strap of her bag.

The cold air hit them as they stepped onto the street, sharp and biting against their skin. Natalie pulled her coat tighter around her shoulders, giving Lex one last glance as a black town car pulled up to the curb for her.

"Don't make me regret this," she said lightly, though there was an edge to her voice that made Lex's smirk soften just slightly.

"Trust me," he said, stepping back as the driver opened the door for her. "You won't."Natalie slid into the car without another word, and as it pulled away, Lex turned toward the city, his breath curling in the icy air. It was a good opening.