Urban System in America-Chapter 52 - 51: The Verve

It had been a while since he had a proper haircut. A long while.

It was much longer than he felt comfortable with, not quite wild, but definitely overdue for a cut.

It was obvious that his previous self hadn’t been taking care of it much, as strands had begun to fall into his eyes and curl over his ears.

While he could normally pull off the "casually messy" look, this had crossed into "uncared" territory.

So, without thinking much, he decided to get a proper haircut—and from a top hair salon.

Anyway, if he was gonna do this, why not get it from somewhere top-tier?

Having made up his mind, he pulled out his phone and searched for top salons in LA. Within seconds, he locked eyes on a real high-end salon, located in Beverly Hills—a place known not just for its service, but also for its elite clientele.

A-list celebrities, models, influencers, all frequented there.

"There has to be a reason why all the celebrities flock to it. So instead of going somewhere random, why not give it a try," he thought.

Having decided, he started the car with a smooth turn of the key. The engine responded with a deep, satisfying purr.

He eased the car out of the parking spot and headed toward the location. The street outside had settled into a steady weekend rhythm, with sunlight glinting off windshields and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, presenting a classic LA view.

The drive to Beverly Hills was smooth, almost cinematic.

As he cruised down sun-drenched boulevards, the LA skyline stretched out behind him. Palm trees lined the roads like silent sentinels.

His playlist played low in the background, mellow yet upbeat, perfectly matching his laid-back, confident mood.

Soon, he pulled up outside the salon: The Verve, a sleek, modern building with a minimalist black-and-gold exterior and tinted glass windows that screamed exclusivity.

Valet service was stationed outside, and Rex barely had to step out before an attendant approached with a respectful nod, slipping into the driver’s seat to park the beast.

As he stepped inside, the salon was even more luxurious.

A soft scent of expensive products and subtle floral perfume lingered in the air.

The walls were adorned with glossy magazine covers and celebrity portraits, many of whom had clearly sat in the very chairs before him.

The ambiance was warm but elegant, with smooth jazz playing softly in the background.

A stylish receptionist looked up as Rex walked in, momentarily caught off guard by the combination of his casual outfit and striking presence.

"Welcome to Verve," she said with a professional smile. "Do you have an appointment?"

"Nope," he replied smoothly, "but if someone’s available, I’d love to get cleaned up."

She glanced at her screen, her fingers dancing across the keyboard. "You’re in luck. One of our top stylists just became available."

Rex gave her a charming nod. "Perfect."

Moments later, he was led to a private styling suite one of those VIP setups reserved for high-profile clients who wanted privacy.

The stylist, a tall, sharp-eyed man named Marcus, clearly someone with years of experience and a quiet confidence—stepped in and gave Rex a firm handshake.

"So, what are we doing today?" Marcus asked, eyeing the overgrown hair with a knowing smirk.

"Something clean, sharp—but not too uptight," Rex replied. "Something that fits a guy who doesn’t try hard but still ends up turning heads."

Marcus chuckled. "Say no more."

As the scissors began to work their magic, Rex sat back, watching clumps of hair fall in soft waves to the floor.

It was oddly therapeutic, a slow transformation. With every snip, he felt lighter, fresher, more in control.

The stylist worked like an artist...shaping, trimming, blending, until finally, Marcus stepped back with a proud nod. "Please, check it out."

Rex looked in the mirror.

The result was effortlessly sharp. His jawline looked more defined, his features cleaner. The style was modern, with just the right edge—like a man who didn’t need to impress but somehow always did.

"Looks good," he said with a grin.

"You look like you walked out of a GK cover," Marcus replied with a smirk. "Since you’re already putting effort into the hair, why not keep the rest in check too? Honestly, with your looks, it’d be a pity not to take care of your skin properly."

"We’ve got a skincare package we usually reserve for regulars and celebs. It’s subtle but amazingly effective and works like a charm."

Even though Rex knew he was trying to sell him the package, it didn’t feel pushy, it felt more like a friend giving a solid piece of advice. And he also knew he was right. If he was gonna do it, why not go big?

"Okay, since you’re trying so hard to sell, why not give it a try," he smirked with a knowing smile.

Even though he had been exposed, Marcus didn’t mind and chuckled. "I’m just saying, it’d be a damn shame to waste your potential. Honestly, if it was a regular customer, I wouldn’t even bother talking so much."

"Okay, okay, go on and do your magic. Anyway, I’m free the whole day."

"Here, this way."

Soon Marcus led him to another room where a staff member was already waiting with a neat smile.

Lying on a reclined chair, the staff immediately got to work.

The session was quite relaxing. Warm steam, a gentle exfoliant, a hydrating mask, and a soothing facial massage that nearly made him doze off. Honestly, it was his first time experiencing all of this, he wasn’t the type to care too much about skin routines.

Soap, water, and shampoo, he was done.

But if he could look good without trying too hard... why not? Even the pros said it helped.

Soon the process was over. He looked in the mirror. Nothing drastic—it wasn’t flashy or overly done, just enough to refresh his skin and give it that healthy, effortless glow.

Just like someone who spends hours taking care of his skin daily.

"Damn," he muttered. "Didn’t know it would have such an effect."

"Told you. "Said Marcus, who had been by his side the whole time, looking quite pleased as he nodded.

"Thanks, man," Rex said sincerely, touched by his professionalism.

"It’s okay. Just remember to occasionally drop by to take care of yourself."

"Definitely." I mean there’s no reason not to come back, styling was great, vibe was good, and service was even better.

After a few finishing touches, he stood up, adjusted his shirt, and slipped his sunglasses back on.

The receptionist handed him the bill, which he paid without flinching. Like before, he left a generous tip, not for show, just because good work deserved recognition.

Stepping outside into the bright LA sun, he felt refreshed, like a new Chapter had quietly begun.

Sliding back into his car, he ran a hand through his freshly cut hair and let out a satisfied sigh.

Sharp haircut, clean skin, relaxed body.

Looking at himself in the rearview mirror, he knew exactly what he needed next.

So, he started the engine and drove toward his next destination, something he had been wanting to do for ages.

(End of Chapter)