Returning the favor

Lucas chatted with Paul and Josephine for a while before mentioning, "I was about to audition for a TV series."

Paul perked up, looking at Lucas with interest, "Oh? A TV series, you say?"

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and teased Lucas, "Now that you mention it, wasn't that the TV series I was supposed to audition for but ended up handing over to you? And then it turned out to be a hit?"

Lucas grinned and playfully tapped Paul on the shoulder, "Well, it's your own fault for passing it on to me, haha."

Despite his playful remark, Lucas added, "But honestly, I have to admit, it was thanks to that project and the opportunity you gave me that I managed to sign with an agency and get involved in film projects..."

Paul laughed, noticing Lucas's earnestness, and replied, "I'm just teasing you. But honestly, I still think the role of Dylan in 'Modern Family' wasn't really right for me..."

"Actually, I got an offer for a project called 'The Walking Dead' from AMC Studios. They offered me a role in the series, but I don't feel it's the right fit for me," Lucas shared, glancing at Paul.

He was eager to return Paul's previous kindness, the same way Paul had given him the script for 'Modern Family' and the role of Dylan a year earlier.

Paul's interest was piqued. "Oh? 'The Walking Dead' sounds intriguing... I know you're not supposed to share details of projects offered specifically to you, but could you give me a brief overview of the plot?"

Lucas pondered for a moment then replied, "It revolves around a zombie apocalypse and the survival of the characters." He offered a friendly smile. "That's the gist of it."

Then, surprising both Paul and his girlfriend, Josephine, Lucas suggested, "Paul, I actually think this role suits you more than it does me. What do you think? Interested?"

Paul was visibly shocked. "Really, man? You're offering me the role that was pitched to you? You do realize I was just kidding earlier, right?"

Lucas responded with a grin, "Consider it a thank-you for that 'Modern Family' opportunity. And honestly, my schedule is jam-packed with offers right now; I've even had to turn some down. This one, though, I thought of you."

Exchanging looks of astonishment with his girlfriend, Paul then sincerely said, "Lucas, I can't thank you enough. I'll never forget this."

Lucas just smiled back, "Don't mention it. We're square now; just paying it forward."

Paul and Josephine spent some time chatting with Lucas before Paul shared some news, "Oh, by the way, Lucas, I've been meaning to tell you... I'm moving in with Josephine. I've already spoken to the landlord, so this apartment is all yours now."

Lucas offered a bittersweet smile in response, "Ah, so much for 'bros before... well, you know.' Here you are, leaving your buddy to handle the rent solo to shack up with your lady."

The three shared a laugh, and then Paul teased, "Oh, come off it, Lucas. You can't play the innocent with us. Many were talking about your spreading photos!"

Lucas looked at Paul, feigning shock, "You've heard about that, huh?"

With a playful slap on Lucas's shoulder, Paul couldn't hide his amusement, "As your friend, how could I not keep up? Kissing two stunning actresses? Nicely done, Lucas, very nicely done."

Lucas couldn't help but reply with a wry smile, "You do realize it was just for a scene, right?"

Paul shrugged, half-joking, "A kiss is a kiss..." He leaned in, whispering, "So, what's it like? Kissing such beauties?"

Josephine playfully nudged Paul, prompting him to scratch his head and admit, "Okay, I'm a bit envious, but thankfully, I have my Josephine."

With a hearty laugh, Lucas continued chatting with them for a bit longer before they prepared to leave.

"I'll hand over the script for the project to you tomorrow," Lucas promised Paul, who nodded, then left with Josephine.

Left alone in the apartment, Lucas sighed, contemplating his new solo living arrangement until the landlord introduced a new roommate. The rent would be his burden alone for now, but Paul knew Lucas could handle it. Unbeknownst to Lucas, Paul had stayed in the small apartment longer than he wanted, just to make it affordable for Lucas.

Turning to his computer, Lucas began purchasing bitcoins in bulk, feeling content with his investment. And tomorrow, after delivering the script to Paul, he planned to contact Elena about recording the songs.