Christian's POV

"Are you ready, Christian?"

I nod. I'm excited to start taking action. I couldn't just sit around and wait until I graduate. My time is now. I have been planning all the steps necessary to start my company.

I'm now sitting in the god awful, uncomfortable chair at a coffee shop in a suit from my high school graduation. I've put all of my time and effort, including every penny, to reach my goal so it's all in a saving account. I've talked to potential investors after my parents' disapproval, but I decided that I didn't want to report back to a board or committee after every decision I make. I want to do it on my own and I know that it'll be so much more worth it. I know I can do it without graduating from Harvard - the only person who has faith in me after looking over my plans is Ros, a senior, business student also at Harvard. I've been thinking about making her my COO, but I don't want to make any promises I can't keep.

After listening to Elle Kavanaugh's suggestion, I became increasingly anxious as the day grew closer to finally meeting Anastasia. I took Elle's advice on planning videos, and already had video ideas for the next month with an upload once a week. I was thinking it would be our channel about life at college, classes, and such. Then, when we start making a profit it could be more of a daily routine instead of weekly. At that point, I probably wouldn't have to worry about school anymore and start dedicating my time towards GEH.

Doubt lingers in the back of my mind that this will be a waste of time - this is the only chance I have, a large investment. The biggest issues I see here are that someone has to edit the videos and I don't know Anastasia. If she's not dedicated to this project, she could just leave me hanging. Granted, I most likely could still do it on my own, however Elle said it would be more difficult. With Anastasia's partnership, we could take turns in taking the responsibility of creating video ideas, filming, editing, etc.

In addition, I have done the research on "Youtubers" and a lot of them gain profit from interacting with viewers, promotions, livestreams so there are potential ideas we could do in the future. Viewers are the key to our success so we have to keep them satisfied. Elle mentioned over the past week that the first few months will be rough but we just had to be patient.

"- you and Anastasia will have to pretend to be a couple outside of the making the videos. If anyone- Christian. Are you paying attention?" I snap out of my thoughts and look over to her.

"Sorry, I was thinking."

She snaps her fingers in front of me with an annoyed look on her face. "Snap out of it. You need to focus to make this work. You two must act like a real couple in public. If the channel becomes a big hit, there are potential fans in the area that will expose the facade and everything will be ruined. Also, keep in mind to be aware of what you put on the internet. You don't know what psychos are out there ready to pounce." Elle continued.

I felt uneasy at her last comment. The loud bell for the coffee shop door entrance rung, and I turned my head to the most stunning girl I've ever met. She gave a small smile and started walk towards our table. I noticed she held an elegant atmosphere around her. She stood strong and tall, luscious brown waves, and beautiful blue eyes - nevertheless they looked lost despite all the beauty.

"Ana!" Elle stood up from her chair and gave Anastasia a hug and pecks on the cheek. "This is Christian Grey, the boy I've been telling you about." I raise an eyebrow at her, what has she been saying about me?

I turn to the brunette goddess and hold out my hand to her, "Hi Anastasia, it's nice to finally meet you." She's gorgeous. I give a smirk and a signature wink. It affects the girls I've been with before, but Anastasia doesn't even give a second thought before shaking my hand. I guess business as usual?

"Please, call me Ana," She says shyly.

"That would be a disservice. Anastasia is a beautiful name and its suits you perfectly." I compliment. I can't help myself. She gives a small smile and that's it.

Elle interupts to tell us that she's leaving us alone while we get to know each other and that an official meeting to discuss terms and such will be two days before beginning the channel.

"Okay. Thank you Elle." We wave her off and get comfortable across from each other.

"So Anastasia, Elle told me you're also attending Harvard right?" I ask. She seems soft spoken.

"Yes." She speaks quietly, but clears her throat and continues. "I'm a sophomore now and I'm currently majoring in English literature." She gives a shy smile, showing off her dimples. So fucking adorable. "What about you? What are you majoring in?"

"I'm a junior and I'm currently double majoring in Business and Economics. However, once I have enough money, I plan on dropping out." She nods understandably. I look at her closely, and I don't see an smudge of judgement. It's refreshing to see someone who can accept my goal. "Has Elle told you about why I'm doing this?"

"No, she insisted that we get to know each other on our own so that we can form a friendship. She said quote 'it'll look better on camera'" She lets out a small giggle and tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear. But as quickly as her happiness came, it soon left and she looked stoic again.

"Ahh okay. So clean slate. Well I've been wanting to start my holdings company for awhile now, but I just don't have enough funds for it. That's why I've turned to Elle. And you?" Can I ask her out on a date? Stop it Christian. Be professional. Don't blur the lines.

"Um. It's personal. It's sort of time sensitive. When the time comes, I'll let you know. As for now, I'd like to keep it to myself. Sorry." OK. Christian you need to back off.

"Don't worry about it. We all have things we want to keep for ourselves. I understand."

We continue to talk for the next hour about anything and everything. The conversation is easy and light, and we talk about social life at Harvard and class. I soon realize that Anastasia Rose Steele has caught my interest like no one has ever before. The more I get to know her, the more I want to know her. Everything she does interests me. The way she smiles. The way her eyes shines. The way she keeps her guard up. She's intelligent and genuine and everything I expect my dream girl to be. I don't want to push her. She may not be open to having a real relationship. Although, I want more with her, I just want to spend time with her and protect her from whatever she's suffering from. I'm determined to gain her friendship.

A/N More to come soon! Would you guys rather have short but faster updates or longer updates that take a longer time? I'm just writing as I go along so please let me know if you want something to happen in particular so I can incorporate it. I have an idea of where the story is heading but I'm open to suggestions.

And shout out to kz4valentina for the encouragement and motivation!