At first, Nathan wanted to hold his ground and not give his son any "share" from the potentially large divorce compensation—but in the end, he had to agree. His son had promised him something important.
"If your stupid movie idea doesn't work out, you'll get a part-time job and stop relying on me for allowance. We clear on that?" Nathan wanted confirmation.
Marcus sighed inwardly. He'd had to promise he'd apply for entry-level jobs and stop relying on his dad for money, just to get a share of the compensation. "Yes, yes. If my movie fails, I promise I'll look for work. Maybe even move out on my own."
"Deal." Nathan smirked. "But you don't need to move out. Just get a part-time job like any real growing man."
Marcus stayed quiet. 'This old man is really obsessed with this independence and manhood thing.' He winced internally.
In other countries, working at sixteen wouldn't be legal. But in this state, sixteen-year-olds could work—just not in dangerous jobs. Fast food restaurants and the like were fair game.
Either way, he was happy about the deal. After all, it solved his "funding" problem. He had no idea where else he'd pull fifteen thousand dollars from.
Seeing his son's mood lift, Nathan added like a villain, "We have a deal, but don't get your hopes up yet." He continued, "We don't know how much that bastard William is willing to give. If it's only a ten grand increase, your share won't be much."
It effectively dampened Marcus's mood.
Nathan smirked at that. "I know how much a movie costs, even a low-budget one."
Indeed. Movie projects were expensive—it wasn't just cast and crew you had to consider. There were equipment costs, meals for the team, props, locations. Everything added up if you wanted to make a successful film.
"If you don't mind me asking, how much do you think your so-called movie idea will cost?" Nathan asked curiously. Though he didn't believe his son could make a good movie with zero industry experience, he was curious about the budget.
Marcus looked at the ceiling thoughtfully, as if calculating, to make it convincing. "Maybe around ten to fifteen thousand? I don't think it'll reach eighteen..."
Nathan's brows furrowed. 'That's lower than I thought.' He chuckled inwardly. 'Hmph. This kid really underestimates filmmaking. He thinks he can make a good movie on that budget?'
Still, he showed a reluctant expression. "So you want ten to fifteen thousand from the divorce compensation? That's asking a lot."
Marcus quickly responded, "We have a deal. If William gives you a hundred thousand, I think I deserve that share."
"That's if William's really willing to give that amount." Nathan scoffed. "Better pray he does, because if not, you won't have enough for your movie."
Marcus agreed. But even if his share didn't reach his movie budget, he'd find other ways. "If it comes to that, I'll find another way to make it work."
"And how will you do that?" Nathan probed.
"I don't know yet, but I'll figure it out." Marcus said, his expression earnest but uncertain.
"Really." Nathan shook his head. "Why do you even want to make a movie out of nowhere? This isn't like you."
He gave his son a long look. "Anyway, it's your choice. Whatever you do, make sure you don't regret it." He added, "In life, you can do what you think is best. You can even fail spectacularly. But don't do something you'll regret later—especially not taking action on things you have the power to change. So I'll support your 'out-of-nowhere movie idea.' But don't expect me to fully back your whim financially or let you use my studio resources freely. Just know that if that guy gives me a hundred thousand, I'll give you fifteen. But like I said, don't get your hopes up yet."
After that lengthy speech, he stood and walked away, returning to his work directing the cast and crew.
Watching him work, Marcus smiled faintly. 'This guy might be obnoxious at times, but he gives decent advice sometimes.'
The filming took all day, and before anyone knew it, it was already 6:30 PM. Nathan finished shooting for the day and shared food and beers with the cast and crew before leaving with his son.
"Let me drive, kid—" Nathan's movements were unsteady, clearly having had too much to drink with the others.
Marcus had already settled into the driver's seat and pushed Nathan toward the passenger side. "Sorry, Dad. You're drunk."
"You... you can't drive, kid... It's dangerous..."
Marcus smiled wryly. 'It'd be more dangerous with you driving while reeking of alcohol.'
Just looking at Nathan made it obvious he couldn't drive. His head was drooping, his eyes tired from work and alcohol. His consciousness was probably foggy.
Just as Marcus settled into the driver's seat and was about to close the door, a woman's voice stopped him. "What are you doing?"
He turned to see Amy standing there with keys and a helmet in hand. Beside her was a motorbike—clearly hers, judging by the helmet she was holding.
This was a parking lot with cars and bikes mixed together. She'd apparently been about to head home when she'd stumbled upon this scene.
"I'm gonna drive us back since Dad's drunk." Marcus said bluntly.
Amy gasped and hurried closer. "Are you kidding me? You're sixteen years old. You can't drive."
"I can." Marcus said. In his previous life, he'd known how to drive. He'd even participated in some racing events, though he'd always placed last.
"Whether you can or not isn't the point—you probably don't have a license." Amy said, then added more firmly, "No, I'm sure you don't have one."
Marcus shrugged and gestured at Nathan. "But the old guy's already passed out. No one else can drive us home."
Amy was quick to volunteer without hesitation. "I can drive you back."
"Is that okay?" Marcus asked, his eyes showing genuine surprise. "Won't it be a bother?"
"Not at all." Amy smiled warmly. "Besides, I'm your dad's employee. This is my chance to earn some points with him—or his son."
Marcus chuckled, liking how Amy was trying to be friendly with him. "I like your thinking." He stepped out of the driver's seat and offered it to her with an exaggerated gesture. "Alright, it's all yours, milady."
Amy smiled faintly at the gesture and put her helmet back on the motorbike.
Marcus noticed her bike and had to admit it looked cool. "Nice bike." It was a compact naked bike with sporty tank shrouds, thick tires, and an aggressive stance.
"That cost a few thousand dollars." Amy seemed a bit proud. "Actually, my dad gave it to me. He's a biker enthusiast."
Marcus nodded. They got into the car, with him settling in the passenger seat right next to the driver's side, so he was beside Amy.
She started the car and pulled out of the lot.
While driving, she struck up a conversation. "So how was your day with your dad?"
Marcus released an exhausted breath. "Honestly? Pretty tiring just hanging out with him. Watching him work was exhausting in itself. But overall, I learned a lot of new stuff, and I can't say I regret going. In fact, I'm glad I went to his studio today."
He wasn't lying. After all, if he hadn't gone, he probably wouldn't have triggered the Major Quest and Milestone Quest—quests that would reward him with valuable points.
"Sounds like it went well." Amy smiled. She seemed genuinely happy for the father and son.
"Not only that, I also got to know some people. And I'm especially happy I got to know you, Amy." Marcus looked at her with a smile.
Amy hadn't expected that comment and felt slightly flustered, though she didn't show it. "We just met at reception with a quick greeting. That's it. You're making it sound deeper than it is."
"Well, aren't we talking and getting to know each other right now?" Marcus countered quickly.
Amy couldn't argue with that. She rolled her eyes and sighed. "Alright, I see what you're trying to do here."
"Trying to do? I don't know what you mean." Marcus played dumb.
Amy chuckled. "I'm not a fool, you know. I can see your boyish attempts at flirting."
Marcus decided to have a little more fun. "Flirting, huh? Is it working?"
Amy felt her cheeks warm but said firmly, "Stop it. You're way too young, for Christ's sake." She added, "Don't have thoughts like that about someone older than you."
Marcus smiled, knowing when to stop. Besides, she was right. "Alright." Though he added, "But I honestly would like to learn more about you. As a friend."
Amy was fine with that, so they had a genuine conversation. At the same time, Marcus gave her directions to his house, but intentionally made them a bit roundabout so the drive would last longer and they could keep talking.
By the time they reached the house, Amy had become comfortable around Marcus. She even helped him walk Nathan inside and get him into bed.
After finishing, Amy prepared to leave.
"Thank you for everything." Marcus said sincerely.
"No problem. Just glad I could help." Amy smiled. "Besides, I honestly enjoyed talking with you. You're fun to be around."
"That's just who I am." Marcus grinned. They talked a bit more before Amy waved and headed out to catch a taxi back to the parking lot where her motorbike was.
Watching her walk away, Marcus winced. 'Damn. Why did I have to transmigrate into a sixteen-year-old body? Two years younger than what I'd want.' It was a frustrating limitation—he couldn't pursue any real relationships until he turned eighteen.
---
The next morning, Marcus woke up. It was Sunday, and he had plenty of time for quests. He started grinding immediately—making his bed, cleaning his room, cooking breakfast in the kitchen, eating, showering, then doing light exercise. He jogged outside, passing other joggers along the way.
His chest heaved up and down when he returned home. Nathan was already awake, eating the breakfast Marcus had prepared.
"You just came back from exercise?" Nathan looked surprised as he studied Marcus. "This is quite a change. You made breakfast for me and you're exercising now. I'm starting to like this version of you." He took another bite of his sandwich.
Nathan was pleased his son was pursuing self-improvement.
Marcus was doing this for quest points, not for the reasons Nathan thought. If he had a choice, he'd rather just chill.
He sat at the table. "Today's your meeting with William, right? You mentioned it yesterday when you were drinking with the cast and crew."
Nathan nodded, remembering. "Yeah. After I eat and get ready, I'm heading out."
"Keep a calm head when you meet him." Marcus reminded him. "Don't provoke him. You can say whatever you want after you get the money."
"Of course. I'm not that dumb." Nathan scoffed.
After their talk, Nathan finished breakfast and took a shower. Then he got in his car and drove off.
Marcus watched him leave with hopeful eyes, silently praying the negotiation would succeed.
While waiting, Marcus focused on completing quests. After two hours of grinding, he'd managed to earn 2.5 points. Not a lot, but that was typical for the low-reward Misc. Quests.
The rewards were small, but at least he could complete them whenever he wanted and earn points quickly through hard work.
Then Nathan returned.
Marcus saw Nathan enter with an unreadable expression. He sat at the dining table and poured himself water. He was quiet—Marcus couldn't tell if he was happy or sad.
Marcus's heart thumped nervously. He couldn't tell if the negotiation had succeeded or failed. He sat down and asked, "So... how'd it go? Did you get the deal?"
Nathan remained silent. He drank his water and swallowed.
Still no answer.
Marcus's brow furrowed, his expression darkening. "That damn William didn't—"
"Pfft!"
Marcus stopped mid-sentence as he watched Nathan struggle not to laugh. His face was twitching, and he couldn't hold it in anymore as he looked at his son's worried expression.
"Hahahaha!" His loud laughter echoed through the dining room.
Marcus stared at him, his eyes filling with annoyance. He'd just realized—he'd been played. "Really. You're so obnoxious."
Nathan held his stomach and wiped a tear from his eye. "It was just too funny. You should've seen the look on your face!"
"Yeah, yeah." Marcus rolled his eyes. "So did you get the money or not?"
Nathan's smile widened as he pulled out a thick envelope and dropped it on the table with a satisfying thud.
"This..." Marcus stared at the thick envelope, his eyes widening.
"Yep. This is a hundred thousand dollars." Nathan crowed triumphantly. "This is what a hundred grand looks like, baby!" He opened the envelope, revealing thick stacks of bills.