Chapter 44: A Symbol Of Freedom

While Atlanta's summer typically offers respite from intense heat, Peachtree Street sweltered today. Alot of people donned matching attire and marched determinedly toward the Georgia State Building.

En route, vigilant APD officers stood watch.

The sight stirred the excitement of hundreds of media reporters.

TV stations privy to the early morning news rushed over with their broadcast trucks.

The crowd's chant echoed - "My Body My Choice!"

Yet, more alluring than the chant was the pink water bottle they held.

With its lifelike design, playful charisma, exaggerated size, and unique purpose, it created a sensation.

CNN, headquartered in Atlanta, conducted a live news broadcast, disseminating the footage nationwide.

When seven to eight thousand people, under the leadership of Congresswoman Erica, collectively sipped from their bottles, then lifted them high while exclaiming, "My Body My Choice," it left not only the media reporters and the conservative crowd at the scene stunned but also viewers across the United States in disbelief. Laughter filled the TV audience.

Georgia's audacity knew no bounds.

Congresswomen Erica ascended to the elevated platform, clutching the pink water bottle with unwavering determination. Her voice boomed across the crowd as she proclaimed, "What we hold in our hands is not merely a water bottle, but a symbol of freedom!"

With a straw between her lips, she took a sip and continued, "What we're sipping is not water; it's the sweet taste of natural freedom!"

Perhaps there was an incident the previous night; maybe the straw hadn't been securely fastened and had fallen to the ground. Interestingly, the bottles's shape without the straw seemed even more captivating.

All cameras pivoted towards Congresswoman Erica, capturing her in a lingering close-up.

Erica was convinced that she was making waves across the United States today. She cradled the kettle like a cherished lover in one hand while flashing a victory sign with the other.

As long as it amplified their visibility and influence, why sweat the details?

Kelly Gray, standing just behind Congressman Erica, was accompanying Chairman Julia at a grand event in Georgia for the very first time.

Congresswoman Erica stepped away from the forefront, positioning herself next to Julia. She nodded approvingly at Kelly Gray and remarked, "You've done an excellent job."

Kelly responded promptly, "I did my utmost."

Viewed from above, it was clear that media reporters were working frenziedly. Erica was content with the event's impact and stated, "Julia, the mastermind behind this plan deserves recognition in the name of the Women Association." In a society driven by finances, monetary incentives carried immense weight.

Julia nodded and said softly, "Kelly, you will be responsible for drafting the list and the plan."

Traditionally, this task fell within the vice chairman's purview. Kelly Gray was elated and assured, "Once the event concludes, I will immediately draft the plan."

She scanned the crowd, craning her neck to locate someone. Although numerous men participated, Martin remained elusive. Amidst the bustling throngs, the Hulk Mansion command attention, overshadowed entirely by the kettle.

Hart, holding the kettle, pushed it up and down while voicing his disdain. "Who on earth designed such a shabby Bottle? It looks incredibly tacky."

Turning to Martin, he inquired, "Martin, did the fool who created this model base it on himself? It's excessively over-the-top. I can't fathom it."

Martin issued a warning, "Son, if you continue making unfounded claims, I might consider sending you to Thailand."

The festivities continued until noon, with the crowd gradually dispersing. The streets now featured people holding pink water bottles, creating a picturesque scene. Should anyone question them, a swift response was readily available: "What we're holding is not merely a water bottle; it's a symbol of freedom!"

The streets bustled with people clutching their pink water bottles, creating a picturesque scene.

If anyone dared to question this spectacle, swift responses were at the ready: "We're not holding mere water bottle; we're cradling symbols of freedom!"

---

In Los Angeles, at the LA Freedom Association headquarters, Chairman Caroline watched CNN conclude its live news broadcast in Atlanta. She promptly made a phone call to Louise, inquiring, "Louise, did the Georgians organize this event themselves?"

Louise responded, "Yes, it's quite intriguing and fun."

Caroline, perplexed by the unexpected creativity from typically conservative Georgians, mused, "It seems they've outdone us in terms of avant-garde ideas; I can't quite grasp it."

Louise explained, "The ATL Women Association boasts a genius who excels at innovative ideas. He's the mastermind behind the kettle and slogan."

Caroline considered for a moment, then remarked, "Perhaps he should come to Los Angeles; we're at the forefront of innovation."

After Louise hung up, the car door swung open, and Kelly Gray entered the vehicle, head lowered.

She eagerly clutched Louise's arm, her voice trembling with excitement as she announced, "Member Erica and Chairman Julia are considering nominating me as vice chairman."

Louise, lounging in her seat, asked, "What's got you so thrilled?"

Kelly let go, revealing, "My family is quite rich, but they're all invested in my two brothers. I am left to run a small company that doesn't even dare venture into making theatrical films." Louise prodded, "So, how do you plan to thank that person? Martin?"

Kelly chuckled, "He aspires to be an actor and is looking for a way out of his struggles. I've given him an opportunity, of course, with the condition that I benefit as well." Louise playfully raised an eyebrow, "I thought you two were getting intimate."

Kelly elaborated, "He's handsome, personable, sensible, and versatile. He outshines many of his wealthy peers." As women often do when chatting privately, they elaborated further. Kelly picked up the pink kettle and sipped her drink, adding, "From what I've heard, he designed this based on himself."

Louise couldn't help but laugh, "What an intriguing individual!" She grabbed the kettle with both hands, asking, "Have you ever used it? Is it user-friendly? Is it a genuine product? Is it really as extravagant as they claim?"

Kelly disregarded the playful banter and sighed, "It's a shame he comes from such a humble background. Among those less fortunate, it's rare to find someone as gifted as him."

Louise, reminiscing about the previous day, noted, "Well, he does have impressive acting skills. His performance yesterday was top-notch."

Kelly mentioned, "Actually, his true talent lies beyond acting."

Louise concurred, "I know." She picked up the water bottle and playfully tapped Kelly on the nose, remarking, "This."

Kelly reclaimed the kettle, saying, "I'm not joking. His real talent is bartending. Remember the paper airplane I mentioned?"

Initially, Louise found the concept intriguing. However, when she learned of the unique cocktail, her interest piqued. She leaned forward and urged, "Call him immediately!"

She added, "Never mind, I have important tasks this afternoon. I can't afford to get intoxicated during work; it's better not to drink at all."

Kelly teased, "You're quite the alcohol enthusiast!"

When the alcohol bug bit, it was challenging to resist. Louise suggested, "You call him and inquire about his availability tonight. I'll pay by the hour."

---

In the afternoon, Martin received a call from Kelly and headed to the Women Association headquarters.

During a small meeting, the Women Association's Board of Directors lauded Martin and others for their outstanding performance at the event. They awarded him a special certificate of honor and a $5,000 reward.

For Martin, the cash incentive was particularly invigorating.

Accompanying Kelly Gray into her office, Martin inquired, "You seem to be in high spirits. Has something good happened?"

Kelly Gray's eyebrows nearly touched the sky as she enthusiastically revealed, "Vice Chairman, it's practically confirmed!"

Martin offered his congratulations, saying, "That's fantastic news!"

With the camaraderie of old friends, Martin suggested, "Kelly, you must allow me to treat you."

Kelly Gray proposed, "How about tonight? Louise has a penchant for alcohol and is eager to hear about paper airplanes. Do you have time tonight? Her suite even has a wine cabinet; you can request any wine you desire."

She reminded him, "If you aspire to become a star, Louise can assist you."

Martin's smile radiated warmth as he replied, "Kelly, I'm truly at a loss for words."

Kelly playfully quipped, "When you become a big star, consider casting me in one of your plays."

The two chatted for a while, primarily about the nuances of wine.

Upon leaving theWomrn Association, Martin returned to his club to retrieve the wine he had prepared. He also contemplated the possibility of leaving his part-time job at the Strip Club, now that he had achieved financial stability in his life. However, he wondered what his boss, Vincent, would think about this decision in the long run.