I RUN THIS SHOW

"You mean the Family wanted us all exterminated and may still want it, plus we have the Hollow out there playing boogeyman and you don't know which direction the knife is coming from." Diego surmised, giving Mei Lin points if she was aware enough that her past with the Family didn't necessarily make her safe. If - no, when - the Hollow struck again, the others were likely to go scrambling like rats and eventually paranoia would make them jumpy, fingers would be pointed and blame would be thrown around. No one was to be trusted and Diego didn't trust Mei Lin, but some enemies were more predictable than others… and besides, he generally liked her people. "Because you're a business woman. So we continue to make deals that support your financially, for a start." And he assumed there was a guarantee of protection coming somewhere in there, but Diego wasn't about to promise her the moon just in exchange for rumors. He wanted some level of fairness and transparency, but Mei Lin had the opaqueness of smoky glass and Diego wasn't going to get distracted no matter how friendly she was or how many escorts she offered up to him.

"Such a brutal way of putting things, Diego." Mei Lin tutted, as if chiding Diego for misbehaving in some sort of formal setting. Considering that Mei Lin dealt in elegance and Diego in violence, the comparison was apt, but she didn't know if Diego would appreciate it. Finding out what someone appreciated and yearned for was part of her business. Or that used to be her business, now it was mostly the job of the people under her employ to figure out what made someone tick. "But to the point, and I appreciate that. I always appreciate your business and my people would be happy to attend events with yours." They were less likely to be noticed if they had an escort to distract the masses, and it meant her people were seen and could make connections that she could continue to use. A win-win, truly. "That could be dangerous for them, depending on where they have to accompany your organization. So we may require a safety fee depending on just what you need." She didn't want Diego dropping them in the middle of a firefight without warning or promise of repayment.

Chloe couldn’t remember a time she’d walked into her mother’s office without feeling that familiar flutter of nerves in her chest. Maybe when she was a toddler—toddling around, blissfully unaware of anything in the world, chasing after some nanny who could hardly keep up with her boundless curiosity. At least, that’s what her father had told her during one of his rare visits to the U.S. It was always something—her parents’ expectations. They must have been proud of how well they’d instilled that drive in her, the determination to prove she was anything but average. That need to be better. To be the best.

Had her father ever appraised her in a similar sense, Mei Lin wondered as she watched Chloe, assessing as she always did. Someone told her once that America and China thought of time differently, but she would say the same in terms of success. Despite being born in America, Mei Lin knew that she didn't have the same sense of values as everyone else, that cultural backgrounds impacted how you experienced the world around you. Sometimes she was proud of Chloe, other times she felt distanced from her, and perhaps that was universal for being a parent.

@bloodnglorystart @ The Melody Bar

Raising her eyebrows, Mei Lin was surprised that Parker was so strong in his answer not to do something. Perhaps because he realized it was in just since Mei Lin didn't think he actually had the balls to refuse her when she put her foot down. That or he was on something, which she wouldn't put past him. "There's more than one masseuse in the city, you silly boy. And they won't refuse service as long as you have cash." She wondered if getting a massage was code for something, in which case it was pathetic if he couldn't figure out somewhere better to go. "No, I haven't. Is that some sort of new party drug?" She asked, feeling a genuine spark of curiosity for a moment.

"Someone that isn't me." If Mei Lin was hoping for him to get flustered or to make some promise about how her group would be on his hit list, it wouldn't be that easy. Certainly, it would be a risky maneuver and could be seem as the precursor for a gang war, but with the Hollow in play, mysterious deaths were fully possible. Sure, they seemed like the sort that liked to make a spectacle of their killings, and like they would set the record straight and exact revenge if someone tried to pin a killing on them, but one event wasn't enough to accurately predict every detail, and besides, would Mei Lin be smart enough to think of that? "What exactly would you be wanting in return?" Information for information would be fair, but assuming was a dangerous game.

As difficult of a man as Diego was to pin down, Mei Lin couldn't help but feel like he was making some sort of concession by being there with her. Maybe she didn't know what made him tick, didn't know his poison of choice or what type of woman was his vice, but she knew this - he was powerful, and he was deadly, and he was asking her for a favor. God, there was no greater thrill than having a man like that in the palm of your hand, and for the first time since she'd known him, Mei Lin could sense him wandering near. "I'm sure you understand just how delicate the political climate is right now. And with recent revelations, trust is difficult." She believed the Hollow when they said Barone planned on killing them all and Mei Lin wasn't a woman to be slighted. It didn't matter if there was going to be new leadership or not, she hadn't see a single hair of a Family member and she wouldn't forgive the inconsideration when they should have been crawling to beg her forgiveness for Barone's daring. "What I want, more than anything, is for my business to prosper."

Ivy stood still, letting Mei Lin’s words settle like the faint hum of a warning. Praise always came with weight—never freely given, never without consequence. The others would hear of it, of course. Mei would make sure of that. It would spark admiration in some, resentment in most. That would be Ivy’s problem to deal with, but that was nothing new. She adjusted the bracelet on her wrist, more out of habit than need, giving herself a moment before responding. “I’ve always been good at making the right friends in the right places,” she said evenly. “It’s why I’m still here.” Her gaze flicked toward Mei Lin, searching for any unspoken expectations lurking beneath the surface. There was always a bigger game being played, and Ivy had long since learned that survival meant anticipating the next move before it was made.

"The right places… yes, that's what's most important, isn't it?" Such a sharp girl, it truly was a boon that Mei Lin was able to catch her and craft her into such a deft little weapon. She knew exactly what Mei Lin wanted to do, but that didn't mean she knew how or why, only that she would help get The Network there and Mei Lin couldn't ask for more. Well, no, she certainly could, and she just might before the dust settled, but no need to get into the details if they weren't needed for Ivy's job. "I have only one more question for you before I give you a more specific task," Mei Lin promised, straightening up and pausing for just a moment, hoping the answer wouldn't be too disappointing.

Ayla was in a bubble, not aware of the bigger threats within the city or those dangerous people who mingled with her every day. Even at this exact moment she had no idea who this woman was, she only suspected she was someone with too much money to burn or someone trying to prove something. Ayla smiled, accepting the drink the other offered and leaned across the bar to place her order with the bartender on this woman's tab. "I think I may fall off the bar if I attempted dancing up there." Ayla laughed, thinking of how clumsy she was on a daily basis. "I mean, she did leave but not in a bad way. I was her wing woman tonight. I count it as a job well done if she left with some hot guy." Ayla wasn't the least bit upset and had been content to finish her drink before heading home. But who was she to say no to a new adventure. "Do you come to the Melody bar often?" She could be a salesperson for them with the way she was praising it.

"Well, I'm certain that someone in the crowd would catch you and consider themselves lucky to do so," Mei Lin charmed, giving a laugh to accompany the words so that it all seemed like having fun and not feeling her out. "My, where were friends like you when I was younger? You must be quite the good wingwoman." After all, she was pretty, so either she needed to be good at it or her friend was gorgeous for the guy not to be determined to get her number. "This is my favorite bar in the entire city, the music and the energy of it makes me feel alive. That's such a valuable thing at my age when people start wanting to shove you in a rocking chair and feed you toffees." As if anyone would dare try that with her. Shove her in a chair to get in her lap, fine, feed her chocolate covered strawberries, perhaps, but no one was knocking her out of the game that easily. "And you, my dear? Now that you've done your debt to your friend, it means you get to have fun, doesn't it?"

It was business, hidden behind fancy layers of pleasure and fun. Sharon had come to know Los Angeles to work no different than any other place. Still, she had accepted. There was no harm in hearing another out. And who knew, perhaps it could turn into something beneficial. At the end of the day only listening would allow passage to the answers. “Miss Fan, it’s lovely indeed. I was a bit surprised to receive your invitation. Pleasant, but surprised.” She smiled, polite as ever as she grasped the other’s hands in greeting.

who: @networkiing where: some plush hotel

Once you reached a certain age, people started to make assumptions about you and that was especially true if you were a woman, but Mei Lin fan was not the kind to be pushed into a rocking chair like some graying old granny while the next generation made all the decisions. She still had needs, hungers, and they weren't all concerned with flesh.

It wasn't unheard of to go to a bar in LA and come across someone with a little too much money to spend and after a few too many drinks making a grand announcement like this. Ayla did sometimes worry for the person, hoping that they didn't spend all their money on a drunken high. But she wasn't made of stone and enjoyed not spending money on an overpriced drink she could barely afford in the first place. As the woman spoke to her, Ayla smiled since the woman had just bought her a drink she just placed from the special cocktail menu and a conversation was well within an easy way to pay her back. "I did. My friend just left with a guy and I was going to finish up my drink while ordering an uber. But one more drink won't hurt, right? Thanks for the drink by the way."

Ditched by friends, seemingly used to being the wallflower at the bar since she wasn't the designated driver, and without anyone to come pick her up. No other friends, no partner, perfect. Pretty and without a large support system, exactly the sort of young lady that Mei Lin liked to run across. "You're very welcome, dear. And of course not. You're young and full of life, why not make the most of it? It's just one drink, not dancing on the bar." Mei Lin said with a light laugh. "Besides, just because your friend left doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to have fun, does it? I like to think the Melody bar is the sort of spot where you never know just what you may miss if you aren't here." That wasn't even bragging, Mei Lin was proud of the popular faces that came to the Melody Bar just for the sake of being seen. Celebrities of all stripes passed by and in their wake, they drew in new people for the Network to use.

there had been no denying the appraisal of him. as he stood just shy of her desk, hands tucked comfortably within the pockets of his custom fitted slacks. every outfit was chosen with precise care, every morning afforded to how dominic presented himself to the world. while no, he was not for sale; he knew how dressing well benefited him. from the moments spent within her office, to those spent over drinks with another client. someone eager to know precisely what it was that the network dabbled in. " i could say the same for yourself, but then again ... you always do . " his words were spoken with a cheeky lilt. as he stepped forward, settled himself into the chair across from her. his hands slipped from his pockets, only to rest within his lap. every the picture of calm and collected. " i couldn't agree more , " he mused, with that ever present smirk that hung at the edge of his lips. " and not simply those that wish to drown their sorrows. but those that would do anything to ensure their appearances were well kept . " and when the wealthy wished to keep such images, the network could often benefit .

"Behave, Dominic." She said without any heat, a chiding school teacher not particularly concerned about her pupil's behavior. If he was on a lower rung, perhaps then she would actually do something, but those that managed to accomplish something worthwhile for her received more breathing room, if you cared to term it that. It took only a moment to show why he was able to be so cheeky, his insight and understanding of their role displayed in a single sentence and prompting Mei Lin to nod her head. "Precisely. No wounded beast wants to be seen as vulnerable. They'll either hide or distract and we can make both routes far more pleasant." Arm candy for a distraction, and an array of pills and powders to keep one company while they hid. As long as they had the means to pay for it, then Mei Lin thought that a deal could be made with anyone because money all spent the same, no matter where it came from. And she did prefer money, not quite trusting when it came to the mere word of others. Although… "And you know, I've always found the pillow talks to be the most satisfying when it's with those who have something to hide."

Ivy absorbed the praise without letting it show too much—just the faintest straightening of her posture, the smallest shift of her chin upward. Mei’s approval meant something, whether Ivy liked to admit it or not. But she didn’t preen too much. That would be unprofessional. “Of course,” she replied smoothly, her tone giving nothing away. “I’m glad I met expectations.” She didn’t ask too many questions—never did. Mei would tell her what she needed to know, nothing more, nothing less. But still, examining options meant the waters were murkier than she’d like. Their allies were in chaos, and Ivy had little patience for instability. "I trust you have a plan in place." The Network was influential, with deep ties, but if war did begin, Ivy wasn't confident who fearsome they would be compared to the other organizations. Who knew what the future held when the Family was crumbling, and their enemies were circling like vultures? But Mei Lin—Mei—was steady. Calculating. And Ivy trusted her to lead. “Whatever needs to be done,” she said, gaze level, her words carrying weight without unnecessary flourish. “Just say the word.”

"Met expectations and set the bar for everyone else. Good girl, always make them eat their hearts out." Mei Lin had been so disappointed by the performance of her other gems at the gala and while she would praise Ivy for her appearance, Mei Lin also planned on making sure the others knew that Ivy was the standard that failed to meet. it could spark admiration, but also resentment, which would be Ivy's problem. "The more debts people owe us, the more protection we have - as long as they're good for it." Now that the Castros were written out of the will, would the money be sent away to some far off cousin, leaving them broke? Useless for Mei Lin. There was about to be a reordering of the totem pole, she could feel the shifting of the currents, and Mei Lin wasn't stupid enough to think they could make a serious try for the head. But what they could do was become the power behind the throne. One of her employees had once introduced her to the charming saying that the neck turned the head and it appealed to Mei Lin, the reminder that those viewed to hold the power weren't necessarily the ones in control. "Make sure to make a lot of new friends in the coming days, we may need them."

"Not for my taste," Diego muttered, giving Mei Lin a horribly unimpressed look because if he ever wanted a matchmaker, he would go to one of his aunties and not to this snake oil salesman. It wasn't that he judged the job any of them would be performing, but he would rather pick up someone loitering on the street corner than hand Mei Lin that particular feather for her cap. "Consider this a check in. You have ties with the Family, stronger than most, so it makes sense for you to be looking over your shoulder. All I'm asking for is information if you happen to spot anything lurking." He didn't plan on mentioning his chat with Aydem, or that he'd already reached out to speak to some of her employees.

"Someone that isn't you, you mean?" Mei Lin asked with false innocence. Even if Mei Lin prided herself on having good relationships with everyone (that was what the network was, after all, a group of people meant to be adored and desired by the masses, with personalities as intoxicating as the addictive substances they offered), that didn't change the fact that Diego Sanchez had earned his place at the table by being a merchant of death. Try as she might, Diego always seemed a tricky one to get a good hold on and having him come for a favor was something she adored. "It's so kind of you to be concerned about us." He wasn't, Mei Lin would bet that Diego's only motivation was self preservation, but oh, wouldn't it be sweet to hold something over him? "Would this little exchange be reciprocal?"