The studio was quiet except for the low hum of the computer and the soft shuffle of papers. Adrian sat alone, the glow of the monitor illuminating his face. On the screen before him was the system's mission panel. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the status:
> **Main Mission: Create a full-length movie — COMPLETED.**
A chime followed, and the system notified him:
> **Rewards Granted:**
>
> * ₱50 million system deposit (for future use)
> * +5 Creativity, +3 Leadership, +3 Direction
> * New System Feature Unlocked: *Casting Insight*
> * Bonus: 20% System Discount on Crew/Equipment Rentals
Adrian leaned back in his chair, processing the information. ₱50 million—an incredible boost for his next project. The stat upgrades felt validating. His hard work, his vision, and his leadership had been acknowledged by the very system that gave him a second chance.
But just below the rewards panel, another mission sat quietly, waiting:
> **Hidden Mission: Prove your ability to deliver a critically and commercially successful film.**
> **Status: In Progress.**
A colorful Lucky Wheel icon remained grayed out.
"Still locked," Adrian muttered. "So the real reward comes after the world sees *City of Stars*."
He stood and paced a bit, the adrenaline starting to fade, replaced by deeper thoughts. He didn't want to get complacent. He had to push forward.
His phone buzzed. It was Jom.
"Yo, Adrian! You alive? What's the plan now that we're wrapping everything up?"
Adrian smiled. "Yeah. Just been a little busy."
"With what?" Kai chimed in on speaker.
"Just sorting things. Actually... I've made a decision."
He walked over to the window as he spoke. "I'm starting a company. A production studio."
There was a beat of silence. Then Jom shouted, "No freaking way!"
"You're serious?" Kai added.
"Yeah. Chase Productions."
"Chase?" Jom asked. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Adrian smirked. "Just something personal. A reminder to keep chasing dreams."
Neither of them knew the truth—that 'Chase' was his surname in his past life, the one he never got to make it big with. A name that stood for dreams deferred, now given a second chance.
"Well damn," Kai said. "I'm in."
"Same here," Jom said. "Let's build something crazy."
Adrian's heart swelled with gratitude. He wasn't alone on this road.
The next morning, Adrian met with Lance Villarta over breakfast. They sat in a quiet restaurant in Quezon City. Lance, ever the sharp scout, brought paperwork and a few names.
"With that trailer and music getting attention," Lance began, "we've got some distributors interested already. But you need to play this smart. Independent film or partner with a known local distributor?"
Adrian listened, nodding thoughtfully. "I'll review the terms. But I want *City of Stars* to feel like a milestone—not just my debut, but something that resets the standard."
"We'll need a calculated release schedule," Lance added. "I'll set a meeting next week with two major players in the PH distribution scene."
"Perfect."
Later that day, as Adrian returned to his studio, he scrolled through the system again. The ₱50 million sat untouched—for now. He had ideas. And once *City of Stars* was out in the world, the Lucky Wheel would finally be available.
He stared at the spinning wheel icon, imagining its rewards.
"One spin… one game-changer," he whispered. "I'll earn it."
Outside, the sky turned golden as dusk settled in. And with the wind brushing past his window, Adrian sat down once more, ready to prepare for the final push that would determine his future.
The chase had only just begun.(End chapter)