Capítulo 73: Chapter 73: Lilly Selling Stars
Driving through the streets of Marietta, the sleek black BMW blended seamlessly into the surroundings. As Martin approached the activity center, he spotted an empty parking spot along the roadside.
Lily, seated in the passenger seat, was busy organizing her belongings.
Martin inquired, "Are you ready for this?"
Lily nodded enthusiastically, getting straight to the point this time, "I handpicked the client for my first gig."
She retrieved a photo from her bag and placed it on the dashboard, pointing at it. The photo featured a African Americans teenager. Lily explained, "His name is Cam. We attended the same public middle school. A year ago, his parents passed away due to addiction. A wealthy white family adopted him and helped him transfer to a private middle school."
Martin couldn't help but comment, "That kid is quite fortunate."
Lily shared the backstory, "It's because he's exceptionally talented in rugby. He might make it to the NFL in a few years."
Martin cautioned her, "Don't just mechanically apply the lines I've taught you; use them with flexibility. And remember, no racial discrimination."
Lily nodded firmly, "I haven't lost my mind."
Martin reassured her, "Go ahead. I'll be here to back you up. If you run into any trouble, just call me."
With her handbag in hand, Lily made her way to the activity center. She stood beneath a tree's shade and made a phone call. Soon, a tall young man with a medium complexion hurried over.
Cam inquired, "Lily, what brings you here all of a sudden?"
Lily responded warmly, "You helped me back when you were still at our previous school. I've come to ask you to repay that favor. Milly, her birthday is just a week away, and I've heard she's planning a backyard party to celebrate."
Cam scratched his head, a little concerned, "I'm not sure what to get her as a birthday gift."
Lily continued with a smile, "That's why I'm here to assist you." She laid out the items she had prepared on the back of a nearby car, revealing several beautifully wrapped gift boxes.
"I don't like being indebted to others, so please consider this repayment." Lily opened one of the packages like a greeting card, revealing a stunning star map with one particular star shining brightly. She explained, "This star is located in the Andromeda M31 galaxy."
Observing Cam's puzzled expression, Lily got straight to the point, "The Atlantic Astronomical Association offers naming rights for this star. You can name it after someone or anything else you'd like. Emily is a member of the school's astronomy club. By giving her a star, you'll win her heart..."
Lily coughed discreetly as someone walked by. She then presented certificates, documents, and information from the Atlantic Astronomical Association to Cam, emphasizing, "This is the Atlantic Astronomical Association, one of the largest astronomical organizations in the United States! Cam, consider this carefully, what could be more stylish and sophisticated than gifting a star? A diamond? Stars outshine diamonds, don't you think?"
Cam was deeply moved, understanding that naming a star after Emily would undoubtedly touch her heart.
Lily pressed on, "I'm volunteering at the Atlantic Astronomical Society this summer. When I stumbled upon this fantastic opportunity, I immediately thought of you. If you're not interested, I can give it to Emily myself."
"I want it, I want it!" Cam eagerly replied. "How much?"
Lily responded, "Just give me $200, and I'll make sure to keep an eye on the association and have them promptly mail you the certificate and star map."
Cam, although well cared for by his adoptive parents, only had a few dollars in his pocket. He hurried back to the activity center to borrow the needed money.
Lily accepted the money, noted Cam's adoptive parents' mailbox address, and left the area, returning to the waiting BMW.
Martin inquired, "Is it done?"
Lily retrieved the money from her pocket and slapped it into her hand, saying, "200 US dollars."
Martin remarked casually, "The price you're charging is quite high. I recall someone bought the certificate for just over 2 dollars."
Lily stressed, "Hey, think about it! What we're selling here is a star! A star!"
Martin asked, "Who's our next target?"
Lily opened her book and glanced at it, saying, "We're heading to the son of the Gretel Memorial Hall's administrator. He used to have tutoring sessions with Harris and is an astronomy enthusiast. I'm betting he'd be willing to pay for the naming rights of a star." She continued flipping the pages, "The other one is the daughter of a Methodist Church member, Elena. She used to volunteer at the Methodist Church, and I've heard her talk about it many times..."
Martin grasped the situation, "You're using all the resources you've built up."
Lily smiled, "No need to waste them."
In the middle of the afternoon, Andrew called Martin. Since Martin was in West City, he decided to visit the Freedom Association and have Andrew fetch the social investigator materials.
Before leaving, Martin advised Lily, "Watch your language and don't get agitated easily."
Lily replied, "Okay."
Martin added, still concerned, "It might be better if you don't say much."
Upon arriving at the social investigator's office, only Andrew was present.
Andrew handed over the materials to Martin and then adopted a mysterious tone, lowering his voice, "I've prepared a gift for Kelly's assistant, Ella."
As he spoke, he revealed a handbag with the Atlantic Astronomical Society logo on it. He took out beautifully packaged star maps, glass stars, certificates, and documents, saying, "I wanted to give Ella some gifts for a while, but ordinary presents felt too mundane. So, I bought her a star, named after Ella. A star."
Martin immediately recognized the item in Andrew's hand as the same one Lily had placed in the car.
Lily was about to speak, but Martin understood the situation, it was about Harris.
Andrew looked rather proud, "What do you think of this move? It comes with professional certification from the Atlantic Astronomical Association!"
All Martin could say was that he was impressed, "Very high-end indeed."
Afterward, Lily conducted another transaction, and as the sun began to set, Martin drove her back to Clayton.
On their way, as they passed the northern side of the neighborhood, they spotted Scott standing by the roadside.
Scott noticed Martin and Lily through the open window and waved to them.
Lily remarked, "I don't want to talk to him."
Martin pulled the car over on the opposite side of the road, got out, and approached Scott, asking, "What's going on?"
Scott flicked away his cigarette butt and stomped it out, "A few weeks ago, you mentioned that Harris applied to college?"
Martin nodded, "Yes, he got accepted to Georgia State University."
Scott didn't pursue the topic, instead, he glanced at Lily inside the car and warned, "Kid, try to control yourself..."
"Enough," Martin pointed at himself, "I have principles and boundaries."
There was no need for further discussion, so Martin returned to the car.
Scott raised his middle finger in his direction.
Martin responded with his own middle finger.
The car turned at the intersection, and as Martin glanced back, he saw a black business car parked next to Scott. Scott lowered his head and entered the vehicle.
...
At night, in an apartment in Midtown, Sophia was dressed in a tank top and shorts, showcasing her muscular physique.
Sitting across from her, Scott was awkwardly wriggling, removing his clothes and tossing them aside.
Compared to the strong and fit Sophia, his slender and less muscular body seemed frail.
As Scott shed his clothes, he was left in just his shorts, and Sophia gestured for him to come closer.
Sophia rolled up a dozen $20 bills and slipped them into Scott's shorts.
"You old rascal, you should take lessons at the strip club and learn how to dance!" Sophia wiped her mouth and asked, "Where's the wine you poured? Bring it over." Scott fetched the wine, and Sophia, looking equally heroic, downed it in one gulp.
Sophia gestured for him to follow her, and Scott put on a playful smile, "I've learned some new tricks and want to earn more tips."
Sophia, intrigued, sat down and said, "Let's see."
Who was Scott? He simply lay down on the floor, opened his mouth, and barked like a dog, "Woof! Woof..."
Sophia took out a dozen more $20 bills and tossed them on the floor, instructing, "Now, pick them up using only your mouth!"
With a comical display of Scott picking up dollar bills, the two enjoyed a lively time.
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