C 2

"CAA will soon sign a formal contract with me to help me create a complete career plan." Lifting the coffee cup in his hand, Rick didn't bother to hide his pride as he showed off, "Lovett also got me a supporting role in CAA's packaging project, 'Alien 3'. Success isn't far from me now."

He looked Luke up and down with a smirk, "And you, Luke Rosenberg—Lovett told me you've been hanging around movie sets since you were five and even landed a small role when you were sixteen. And where are you now? Seventeen roles, but no lines, no close-ups, not even a mention in the credits. You're a total loser!"

Luke sat at the table with his hands folded, his expression calm, though occasionally his eyes flickered as if watching a circus clown perform.

Perhaps agitated by Luke's indifference, Rick raised his voice, "What are you even proud of? Do you think you'll be a director? Wake up from your dream! Let me tell you, the only reason Lovett signed you is because your family has ties to George Lucas. It's pure nepotism!"

Luke finally spoke, his voice low but cutting, "If I'm not mistaken, Robert Solomon is your father, right? Executive Vice President at Warner Bros.? So, by your logic, CAA signed you because…?"

Rick, realizing his mistake, quickly changed the subject. "That's because I have talent, unlike you!"

He then launched into another tirade. "And let's not forget how you stole my position as the starting quarterback back in high school. Where did that get you? Are you in the NFL? Did you make it to the Super Bowl? Oh, and by the way, Anne agreed to be my girlfriend."

Luke tilted his head, his voice mockingly curious. "Anne Bennett? Who's that?"

Rick's eyes widened. "You don't remember? The blonde cheerleader? "

"Ah, We spent two nights together before I dumped her. I didn't realize you'd pick up the leftovers."

At this, Rick jumped to his feet, enraged. "You bastard! I'm going to be a big star! I'll be at the Oscars one day, and my name will be known worldwide!"

Luke remained calm. "I might believe the first half of that."

Without waiting for Rick to respond, Luke got up and walked toward the door. There was no point arguing with someone like Rick. In his past life, Rick Solomon had indeed become famous—just not for the reasons he was bragging about. His claim to fame was starring in a notorious sex tape. Still, it made him well-known, in a way.

As Luke left the café, he could faintly hear Rick's parting shot, "Don't think making a couple of experimental films makes you a director!"

It was the most accurate thing Rick had said all day, Luke mused. If becoming a director was that simple, he wouldn't have struggled for so long.

The meeting hadn't gone well, but Luke's mind was already on more important matters. Driving his second-hand Chevrolet back to his apartment, he considered his options. Without strong support, CAA had no reason to back him. What was his next move? Should he seek out a production crew to gain experience? Or take a different approach?

Back at his apartment, he started packing. Hundreds of worn-out books, stacks of videotapes, dozens of rolls of film, and his trusty 16mm camera—all his years of study and practice. He carefully packed them into several boxes, ready to ship out tomorrow.

Early the next morning, Luke settled the lease transfer with his landlord. When the moving company arrived, he loaded all his things onto the truck and followed it out of Valencia, heading straight for Santa Monica, a coastal city west of Los Angeles.

Santa Monica was not just a tourist destination; it was where the wealthy lived. The Rosenberg family's villa was well-situated, close to the marina, with a small front yard and a garden. The French-inspired architecture gave it a refined, elegant feel.

Arriving around noon, Luke parked the Chevrolet in the garage and directed the movers to store his things in the room next to the house. After settling the bill, he walked to the front entrance. The off-white building looked exactly as he remembered it. Though it had been a while since he'd been home, there was no sense of unfamiliarity.

Crossing the marble floor, he found his mother, Leah, waiting in the living room. She was a tall woman, with the same hair and eye colour as Luke, and her Jewish features gave her a striking beauty, even in her middle age. Despite the Western tendency toward larger builds, she still maintained an elegance that made her appear much younger.

"Mom, I'm back," Luke said.

Leah looked up, nodded, and said, "Let's eat."

She set down her fashion magazine and headed for the dining room, with Luke falling into step beside her.

Luke was used to his mother's reserved nature. Leah was shrewd, capable, and strict, but she rarely expressed her emotions. Despite that, Luke knew she loved him. She wouldn't have gone out of her way to prepare lunch if she didn't care.

After washing up, Luke joined his mother in the dining room, taking his usual seat on her left. Lunch was simple—salad, barley bread, roasted potatoes with beef, and oatmeal. One bite told him that his mother had cooked it herself.

"You've officially graduated now," Leah began after a few bites. "Have you changed your mind about the future?"

"No, Mom," Luke replied seriously. "I want to be a film director. A successful one."

Leah was silent for a moment before responding. "You know how difficult that path is, don't you? Are you prepared?"

"I've been preparing for a long time," Luke said firmly. "You know better than anyone how much time and effort I've put into this."

Leah nodded, but her expression remained sceptical. "Tell me your plan."

"In the next few weeks, I'm going to turn an idea I've had into a script," Luke explained. "Then I'll start looking for investors and directing opportunities."

Leah listened, but Luke could sense her doubt. "Mom, I know I've only made two experimental films, and I lack experience, but don't forget—Hollywood has young directors. John Singleton was only 22 when Columbia Pictures bought his script for 'Boyz n the Hood' and made him a director. He's even a black man!"

"Hollywood is overflowing with scripts," Leah replied calmly. "John Singleton is the exception, not the rule."

Luke thought for a moment. "By Hollywood standards, I should probably start by joining a TV or advertising crew, working my way up from an assistant director. But, Mom, I have so many ideas. I can't wait forever."

"Luke," Leah said, her voice firm, "right now, your chances of success are close to zero."

"I know, Mom. But if I try, the chance is close to zero. If I don't, it's zero."

Years of practical experience in his previous life and a decade of learning in this one had given Luke the confidence to believe in himself. He knew the odds were stacked against him, but he was ready to take that risk.

First, he needed to finish the script. Even if his mother disapproved, he wouldn't regret his decision until he had given it everything he had.