Urban System in America
Chapter 231 - 230: Pinky Promise

Chapter 231: Chapter 230: Pinky Promise

Rex also nodded his head in understanding, because even though LA seems to glitter with all its celebrities and glamour, it’s also a city that seems to attract some of the most unhinged personalities. "You know, those members of the ABCD community," he muttered, leaning a little closer.

"In other places, you’d find a few scattered around, but LA? It’s like a full-blown convention. Here, you can see people claiming thousands of genders, and the variety is astonishing. It’s not even surprising anymore to find folks impersonating as cats, dogs, or other creatures—it’s almost become part of the local charm.

And other than that, every street corner has someone either screaming into the void, dancing with invisible ghosts, or passionately arguing with a fire hydrant."

He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Sometimes I wonder if it’s the open, anything-goes culture that nurtures all that... or maybe it’s like moths to a flame—LA draws them in, promising acceptance and fame, and then lets them spiral. Either way, if someone opened a mental institution here, I doubt they’d ever go bankrupt." He gave a dry chuckle. "Heck, they might even make millions with the sheer number of potential patients."

Lena let out a snort, elbowing him lightly. "You’re terrible. But... not entirely wrong."

And honestly, there’s no need to look further—just take a peek at the party ahead. More than half the people here probably have some sort of mental problem, diagnosed or not. It’s like a fashion show where the dress code is silent breakdowns and perfectly styled delusions. Everyone’s either talking to themselves, filming dramatic monologues for imaginary followers, or pitching the next blockbuster to a stranger who just wanted a drink. It’s borderline theatrical—tragedy dressed as glamor.

And surviving in Hollywood without your personal psychiatrist? That’s nothing short of a miracle. There’s a reason people wait months just to get an appointment with a decent one in LA. The demand isn’t just high—it’s astronomical. Therapists here are booked out like Grammy-winning artists. At this point, therapy isn’t a luxury or a trendy lifestyle choice—it’s an essential survival tool, right up there with water, Wi-Fi, and Botox. Ironically, the saner you are, the more out of place you feel.

After finally returning to what appeared to be her usual self—though one could never be entirely sure—Ellie looked over and caught Rex and Lena huddled together, whispering.

"What are you two whispering about so intimately? Are you by chance talking about me?" she asked dramatically, her tone laced with faux suspicion and theatrical flair.

Rex and Lena both coughed and immediately separated, feigning innocence, their eyes avoiding hers like guilty children caught mid-prank.

Ellie narrowed her eyes at them, arms crossed, clearly not buying their performance. She squinted playfully, studying their faces as they both tried a little too hard to appear nonchalant.

"Mhm... very suspicious behavior," she said slowly, dragging out the words for emphasis. "Well, just so you know, if you were talking about me—make sure it’s only the good stuff. Otherwise, I might have to unleash the full force of my chaotic charm."

She gave them a wink and an impish smile that made it impossible to tell whether she was joking or dead serious.

After a long, lingering pause, Ellie suddenly beamed and pounced toward Lena, hooking her arm with an almost exaggerated intimacy. "Let’s go! I’ll take you to meet my father—and a few fascinating people I’ve met tonight," she declared. Her voice sparkled with excitement. "They’re famous actresses. You’ll definitely love them. They’re like... living drama queens, in the best way possible."

Just then, Ellie tilted her head, catching their quiet exchange. "What are you two whispering about now? I invited both of you, you know. You too, Rex! Let’s go—I’ll introduce you to my father. He may act like a silly goose sometimes, but don’t let that fool you. He’s a big-shot banker here in LA, and people are practically lining up just to get five seconds of his time."

Even though Rex was curious about Ellie’s father—especially considering the kind of party he’d managed to get them invited to—he still shook his head.

"Next time. You guys go ahead," he said calmly. "I have to meet a few important people tonight."

Even though she felt a bit reluctant, Lena didn’t protest. Hearing that it was important, she simply nodded and smiled softly. "Okay, I’ll let you go this time. But don’t forget—I have your number now. We’re definitely meeting again. A lot."

Rex grinned and gave her a half-bow, his voice laced with mock chivalry. "Just hit me up. I’ll be at your service, my lady."

Ellie giggled at his exaggerated politeness. "Okay, pinky promise," she said, extending her pinky finger toward him like a child sealing a sacred pact.

Rex chuckled at her childishness but played along, extending his pinky to hook hers.

Pinky swear, forever true, Tell a lie, and you’re a shoe. Break the bond, become a frog, Or maybe just a barking dog! Anyways, trip on air, fall in glue, Turn your hair bright neon blue! Forget to text, become a snail, wriggle in slime, and leave a gooey trail!" Ellie sang in a sing-song voice, her eyes gleaming with playful mischief.

With that, she gave a satisfied smile, before turning back to Lena with a wink. "C’mon, let’s go steal the spotlight." waved her small hand in farewell, and dragged her forward through the crowd.

Lena looked over her shoulder, still slightly dazed from the exchange. She offered Rex a helpless, amused smile and waved as she was swept away.

Watching all of this childish drama unfold, she couldn’t help but smile helplessly, both amused and affectionately exasperated by Ellie’s theatrical antics. She offered Rex a helpless, amused smile and waved as she was practically dragged forward.

Rex returned the wave, a faint grin tugging at his lips as he watched the two disappear into the crowd. Then he shook his head with a quiet laugh, already imagining what kind of chaos Ellie was about to drag Lena into.

(End Of Chapter)