The café was a quiet refuge tucked away in the heart of Greenhills, away from the usual rush of the city. The midday sun filtered through the windows, casting a soft golden hue over the rustic wooden tables and the smell of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air. Adrian sat at one of the corner tables, nervously stirring his coffee with a spoon. His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he ignored it. Today wasn't about distractions.
The scout walked in, a few minutes late, wearing a crisp black jacket and a look of casual confidence. Adrian stood up and extended his hand. The scout smiled and shook it firmly before sitting down across from him.
"I wasn't sure if you were going to show up," Adrian said, trying to ease the tension.
The scout chuckled, sliding a small notepad in front of him. "I get it. You've got a lot on your plate right now. A viral video, some big opportunities coming your way… A lot of people don't believe this kind of thing happens overnight, but here we are."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "And you don't think I'm just lucky?"
The scout shook his head, his gaze steady. "Luck is one thing. But talent, creativity, and a unique perspective—that's something else entirely. You've got all of those."
Adrian leaned back in his chair, eyeing the scout carefully. "I appreciate that, but I'm not sure I'm ready for all of this. I didn't even know what I was doing when I made that short film. I was just trying to get something out there."
"Which is exactly what makes it so compelling," the scout responded, his eyes gleaming with recognition. "It wasn't overthought. It wasn't fake. It was raw and real. That's what people connected with. It's why it's been blowing up."
Adrian chuckled nervously. "Yeah, well, I guess I got lucky. I didn't even think it would go viral. And then you came out of nowhere."
The scout smiled knowingly. "Yeah, I did. But I knew you had potential. That's why I approached you in Greenhills that day. I saw something in you. Something others might overlook."
Adrian rubbed the back of his neck. "And yet, when you approached me, I lied. Told you I had a job."
The scout raised an eyebrow. "You lied. Why?"
Adrian's face flushed slightly, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. *I don't want to look like an idiot in front of him,* Adrian thought. He didn't want the scout to know the truth—that he didn't know where his life was going and wasn't sure about accepting any offers. "I guess… I was nervous. I didn't know if I was ready for all of this. I thought maybe you'd just pass me by and I could keep working on my own pace."
The scout laughed, shaking his head. "It's alright, kid. You're not the first one to be nervous about a big break. I get it. But that's exactly why I'm here. I've got the connections, the platform, and I want to help you take it to the next level. I'm offering you a shot to be part of something bigger. Something that could launch your career in a way you've never imagined."
Adrian glanced down at his coffee, tapping his finger against the rim of the cup. *I know I have experience,* he thought to himself. *Not from this life, but I've been there before. I know what it takes to pull off something amazing.* He knew that the experience he'd gained from his previous life—though still jumbled and sometimes confusing—was enough to guide him through this. But right now, he didn't want to depend on someone else's offer. He wanted to do this his way.
"Look, I appreciate the offer," Adrian said, finally meeting the scout's gaze. "But I'm not looking to be just another guy on your roster. I don't want to get swallowed up by an industry that's more interested in quick deals than in actual stories."
The scout's brow furrowed, sensing the change in Adrian's tone. "What do you mean?"
Adrian leaned forward, his voice growing more serious. "I've got a vision, something bigger than just playing a role in someone else's project. I'm not saying your offer isn't great, but I've got my own plans. I'm making my own movie. A **feature film**."
The scout raised his eyebrows, clearly surprised. "A film? Are you serious?"
Adrian nodded confidently. "Yeah. A movie that's not just some indie project—**10 million pesos** worth of production. This will be a story that people talk about. A movie that will hit them in the heart and stay with them long after it's over."
The scout leaned back, processing Adrian's words. "That's a big leap, Adrian. You know the risk involved. Making a film of that size is no small feat."
"I know," Adrian replied without hesitation. "But I've got the resources I need. I've got friends who are loyal, and I've got experience from my past life. I'm not saying I'm going to do it all alone, but I have a vision, and that's something you can't just buy."
The scout tapped his fingers on the table, his expression pensive. "Alright. But what makes you think you can do this? It's a huge undertaking. And you're saying you want to make something that stands out, but a film like that—well, that kind of pressure could break anyone."
Adrian met his gaze firmly. "I'm not asking for your help in making the movie. What I'm asking for is your **connection**. I need someone who knows the industry and can help make sure I get the right people on board. Help me build the foundation, and I'll do the rest."
The scout seemed to think it over. "You want me to be a part of your project, but you want to call the shots."
Adrian nodded. "Exactly. I don't need a partner who's going to control the narrative. I need someone who believes in the story and can help me get it off the ground."
The scout smiled wryly, impressed by Adrian's boldness. "You're a determined one, I'll give you that. And I'll admit, I like the idea of being part of something fresh, something that could truly make waves. Alright, I'll do it. I'll help you get the connections, the resources you need. But you'll have to prove yourself."
Adrian's heart raced, but his face remained calm. "Deal. We're going to make something unforgettable."
The scout stood up, offering Adrian a firm handshake. "We'll see where this goes. Just don't forget, opportunities like this don't come twice."
Adrian smiled as the scout turned to leave. "I'll make sure it's worth it."(End chapter)