Expectations

Lucas went to his apartment and saw that his roommate still hadn't returned, so he ate instant ramen and slept in the lower bunk bed.

As he lay on the bed, his mind constantly pondered whether he would be cast as 'Dylan Marshall' in the Modern Family casting.

The casting could significantly benefit Lucas in the entertainment industry and might lead to recommendations for other projects.

While thinking about this, his mind became hazy as he drifted into slumber.

---

In the morning, sunlight streamed across Lucas's face through the apartment window.

"Hng..." Lucas stretched his arms, yawning as he awoke. Then, he stood up lazily and went to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

Afterward, he had breakfast before heading to the restaurant where he had applied.

Upon reaching the restaurant, the female manager, Liza, instructed him to change into the waiter attire. "You shouldn't be wearing casual clothes now, should you?"

Feeling awkward, Lucas responded, "Er..."

Liza smiled and said, "Go to the changing room. There's already a waiter attire waiting for you."

Lucas immediately nodded and headed to the changing room. Upon arrival, he noticed another guy already changing.

"Oh, you must be the new guy." The man, with red hair and a shining earring, was still shirtless, wearing only the formal black waiter pants.

Lucas nodded, searching for his attire. The guy remarked, "If you're looking for your working uniform, you don't have one."

Confused, Lucas furrowed his brows, "But the manager said I have one here..."

The guy chuckled, "Maybe she just wanted you to borrow a uniform from me."

Lucas considered this possibility, "I see..." Awkwardly, he asked, "Can I borrow one?"

The guy chuckled, "Hehe, you're quite an interesting fellow." Opening his locker, he tossed an arranged waiter uniform to Lucas.

"By the way, I'm Leonard Martin, nice to meet you," the red-haired guy introduced himself.

Lucas nodded, greeting, "Nice to meet you, Leonard. I'm Lucas Knight."

Leonard, upon hearing Lucas's last name, smiled, "Oh, so you're a Knight..."

Lucas, while getting dressed, furrowed his brows, "Is there something wrong?"

Leonard shook his head, adjusting his uniform, "Nothing..."

After putting on the waiter attire, Lucas and Leonard went out to work, serving customers and receiving tips.

Initially surprised by the tips, Lucas soon realized he was in the USA, unlike his home country.

So, he actually earned more with the tips from customers and the hourly wages.

The job finally concluded as the restaurant closed for the day. Liza smiled charmingly, looking at Lucas as she handed him his salary.

With a charming smile, Liza said to Lucas, "You did great. Maybe it's your newcomer's luck, but the restaurant received more customers than average. Good job."

Lucas responded with a smile, saying, "Thank you, Manager."

Liza pouted at Lucas's response, correcting him, "Don't call me 'Manager,' Lucas. Just call me Liza."

Though reluctant, Lucas smiled when he heard that. Liza saw his hesitation and encouraged, "Come on, I'm fine with it."

Lucas nodded, smiling, and said, "Alright, Li-Liza..."

Liza smiled upon hearing it, patting Lucas on the shoulder, "That's right. No need to be uncomfortable with me, Lucas. I am not stuttering while saying your name... well, you'll probably get used to it..."

While Lucas and Liza were interacting with smiles, Leonard, still waiting for his salary, kept observing with a frown.

"What is this, manager? Are you playing favorites right now?" Leonard couldn't help but exclaim.

When Liza heard this from Leonard, she looked over at him and snorted.

"I saw you glued to your Nokia phone all the time while you're working. You're not as serious as Mr. Lucas..." She said with furrowed brows. Then she added, "Maybe you'll become my favorite as well if I confiscate your phone during your shift..."

Upon hearing this, Leonard surrendered, raising his hand and saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Please don't confiscate my phone, cousin."

"Hmph, get your things together. You will get your money a week later."

"Eh? How could that be? Lucas will receive his today, but I'll receive my money in a week? That's unfair, you bitc—"

"I change my mind. You'll receive your money in two weeks."

"No! Please! I beg you! I need that money for my date!"

"Seems like no date for you then... At least about two weeks before you get your money from me..."

"I'll sue you!"

"If you can!"

Lucas smiled as he observed their banter. Honestly, he didn't expect the red-haired man to be a relative of his boss.

After that, Lucas returned to his apartment, lying in the lower bunk bed, and looked at his flip phone screen. He awaited a call from the 'Modern Family' production, whether he was cast for the role or not.

Lucas truly desired to be cast; it was a significant opportunity for him. He closed his flip phone and went back to sleep.

*A few days later.*

Lucas groggily woke up, rubbing his eyes to see the surroundings clearly. He stood up, went to pour himself some water.

The morning sun's rays pierced through the window, gracing Lucas's face.

Lucas drank and gulped the water, saying, "Ah, I guess it's time for breakfast and then off to work."

Before he could take any actions, his phone rang, and the Nokia ringtone sounded.

Taken aback at first, Lucas took his phone, wondering who could be calling him right now. Looking at the phone, it was an unfamiliar number, so Lucas answered.

"Hello, who is this?" Lucas asked.

"This is Mr. Knight?"

A female voice sounded on his phone.

Lucas answered, "Yeah, I am Lucas Knight..."

Confused about who could be calling him so early in the morning, he suddenly remembered that he was supposed to be contacted by the "Modern Family" production, right?

As he thought about it, Lucas became visibly excited.

"Mr. Knight, I am from the 'Modern Family' production..."