Suits: A Lawyer Surviving TV Chaos

Half an hour later, Martin returned to the party with the group of founders and the hastily organized business event finally resumed its normal rhythm. 

Billionaires clustered in small groups, discussing topics like the Yankees' recent loss or whether Tesla's CEO deserved to be the real-life inspiration for Iron Man. 

Their glamorous female companions lingered nearby, feigning interest in these conversations, nodding and smiling to earn the men's approval. 

Martin, meanwhile, stood alone on the balcony with a glass of champagne, leaning against the railing as he gazed at Manhattan's glittering skyline. 

After some time, Rachel joined him. 

"Congratulations. By tomorrow, you'll be the legal world's newest legend." 

She raised her glass with a smile. 

Martin clinked his glass against hers, sipping his drink while watching the river of taillights below. 

Finally, Rachel broke the silence. "Why?" 

"Why what?" 

"You know." She gestured vaguely. "You could've achieved so much more—become the youngest billionaire. I don't even know what I'm saying… Why aren't you *one of them*?" 

Martin squinted. "Do you know why people suffer?" 

"Unfulfilled desires?" 

"Bingo!" He smirked. "Chasing wealth drives societal progress, but most can't control their greed. They end up slaves to money." 

He glanced back at the crowd inside. "I don't want to wake up every day checking if the company account can cover payroll or scheming against a board for power. I've been there. Now… I get a second chance. No repeats." 

Though his last line sounded cryptic, Rachel nodded in understanding. 

"Fair enough. You could still make millions easily—that Chevy of yours proves it." 

She shrugged. "Next question: Why did you become a lawyer?" 

"Law is society's universal rulebook." Martin kept his eyes on the view as Rachel studied his sharp profile. "A fool recently stole my friend's $19 IKEA blanket. Because of that, he nearly owed me $3,000 in legal fees. It would've ruined him." 

"*That's* the power of mastering the rules." 

Rachel sighed. "My dad's motto: 'Always be the smartest at the table.'" 

Martin raised his glass. "Your father's a wise man. To his health!" 

The party ended late so Martin crashed at the hotel. 

The next morning, he returned to his apartment to change—only to find the front door wide open. 

"...You're insane! Do you realize how *terrifying* this is?!" 

Penny's furious voice echoed down the hall. 

"...We debated it all night," Leonard mumbled meekly. 

"In *my* apartment! While I was *sleeping*—" 

Sheldon interrupted her rage. "Also snoring. You might have sinus issues or sleep apnea. A nasal specialist could help—" 

Martin stepped in before Penny shoved a slipper up Sheldon's ass. 

"Someone explain. Right now." 

"These lunatics broke into my place last night!" Penny jabbed a finger at Leonard and Sheldon. "Make them understand how *deranged* that is!" 

Martin frowned at his roommates. 

"We… just tidied it up a bit" Leonard stammered, fidgeting. "Sheldon couldn't sleep knowing her apartment was a mess. So we used her spare key…" 

As Leonard faltered and Sheldon matter-of-factly filled in gaps, Martin pieced it together: 

Penny's new furniture arrived yesterday. When the duo helped move it in, they found her apartment in chaos—clothes strewn everywhere, a plant in the toilet, and an open pizza box on the couch inviting roaches (or Jerry the mouse) to feast. 

Sheldon's OCD kept him awake. So at 2 AM, he dragged Leonard over to secretly organize her space. 

Penny, waking to a spotless apartment, stormed over in a mix of gratitude and horror. 

Martin pinched his brow. "You're lucky Penny doesn't keep a gun under her pillow. Legally, she could've shot you both dead last night." 

He turned to Penny. "Though if you ever do, fire a warning shot first. Otherwise, it's excessive self-defense. But watch for ricochets—" 

"*Martin!*" 

"Okay, okay!" He raised his hands. "New rule: *I'll* hold Penny's spare key. Sheldon, Leonard—apologize. *Sincerely*." 

After mediating the truce, Martin showered and changed. By the time he reemerged, the apartment was empty—except for Penny's open door across the hall. 

Inside, Howard and Raj had joined Sheldon and Leonard, all four nerds huddled over blueprints. 

"What now?" Martin asked, sidestepping packing materials to join Penny, who was assembling a shelf. 

"These geniuses are 'upgrading' my cheap TV stand into a NASA shuttle… which will be bound for the moon," Penny deadpanned. 

Martin called to the group "Need help?" 

"Martin, you're a *lawyer* " Howard retorted. "This is engineering *I'm* the expert here!" 

He turned back to Raj. "This design lacks imagination. No wonder Sweden gave up on space." 

Penny muttered "It looked nice in the store…" 

The nerds ignored her: 

" Penny should get an LCD TV, this back panel's wasted space." 

"Also add some speakers?" 

"But how will they be Controlled ?" 

"Infrared relay, but we'll also need cooling." 

"How about Liquid coolant? Install a pump with ¼-inch PVC tubing…" 

Suddenly, they cheered and scattered, leaving Penny and Martin bewildered. 

Penny sighed. "You'll help me finish this, right?" 

Martin grinned. "Always."