Chapter 395: This Theme… A Guaranteed Masterpiece
Kal'tsit wasn't joking. The reason Rhodes Island had suddenly become so busy lately was standing right beside her.
Steven.
Ever since that guy showed up, Rhodes Island hadn't had a moment of peace. Just researching the healing potion he brought had nearly caused the entire medical department to break out into a full-on civil war.
And that was saying something—the medical team was already a den of monsters in human form. Not only did it include people like Kal'tsit and Warfarin, but there were also specialists from Rhine Lab, and medical experts from all across Terra. Every single one of them was eyeing Steven's "gift" like hungry predators.
Sure, everyone knew it was all "for the good of mankind," but that didn't stop them from practically clawing each other's eyes out for a chance to study the stuff. After all, there were only a few vials, and even fewer samples to go around.
But Steven's ability to stir up chaos didn't stop there. Not even close.
His little "trip" to Ursus had left a mountain of problems behind—thankfully, Kal'tsit didn't have to personally clean up that mess. But Kazimierz? That was a whole different story.
Just the fact that a band made up of a Feranmut Incarnation had taken an interest in him was enough to give her a migraine. And on top of that, Steven had somehow managed to set up a corporation larger than Rhodes Island itself. Worse still, because of him, that corporation had started taking over the K.G.C.C's industries, forcing Rhodes Island to renegotiate all of their trade deals.
In short, finding enough people for fun side projects—like Nian suggested Yan New Year short film—was simply impossible this year.
"I'm not joking, Nian. At least the elite operators really can't be spared right now. If you've got some regular operators or patients you're close with, feel free to ask them. I won't object," Kal'tsit said firmly.
In past years, Nian had always managed to trade favors with Kal'tsit through these little projects, exchanging some rare treasures or materials for cooperation. But this time, things were different—the things Steven had brought were far more valuable than anything Nian could offer.
As a pragmatic leader, Kal'tsit naturally chose the greater benefit.
"Sigh… how disappointing. I even came up with a brilliant idea this year—a wholesome family movie about dragon knights battling aliens."
Nian flicked open her folding fan, visibly crestfallen. She hadn't expected Kal'tsit's answer to be that firm, but since it came from the old lynx herself, she knew there was no point arguing.
So much for her grand New Year's film… without the elite operators, she didn't have many people she could count on.
"A family movie about dragon knights versus aliens? Why not throw in some romantic-comedy drama while you're at it? I love that kind of stuff. Need a sponsor? I might even help you find some actors—I've got pretty good connections around here."
That voice—of course—belonged to Steven, the man who simply couldn't stay out of trouble.
The moment he heard the words dragon knights vs. aliens, something in his brain just lit up. It was such an absurdly dumb premise that it looped right back around to being amazing.
As someone raised on a lifetime diet of over-the-top, so-bad-it's-good movies, Steven felt an uncontrollable urge to jump aboard.
If it was destined to be a legendary train wreck, then by all means—he was ready to help drive it straight into history.
And truth be told—Steven did have the qualifications to join in.
Say what you will about him, but after wandering around Rhodes Island aimlessly for so many days, he'd somehow managed to befriend quite a few of the regular operators and even some patients.
If all they needed were a few extras to fill background roles, that really wasn't much of a problem. Besides, when Kal'tsit said they "got more than enough on our plate," what she really meant was: the budget's too small.
Raise the pay, and suddenly everyone finds their schedule miraculously open.
Steven could already picture it—if he so much as announced that whoever played the female lead would receive an entire bucket of milk as a bonus, Kal'tsit herself might just show him what true "veteran acting skills" looked like.
"Oh? Little one, you're a kindred spirit too? You're this passionate about filmmaking? I knew it—my instincts never fail! We're clearly two peas in a pod!"
Nian's violet eyes sparkled as she looked at him. She couldn't see a trace of sarcasm on his face—meaning he was seriously offering to help her make this movie.
That realization genuinely moved her.
He hadn't even seen any of her previous works, yet he was willing to trust her, to believe in her dream. That wasn't just support—it was pure, unfiltered faith.
Sniffling, Nian brushed away a tear at the corner of her eye. She didn't say another word, but she reached out and clasped Steven's hand tightly.
That gesture said it all.
She had to make this a great movie—no, a masterpiece!
For this youngling's sake. For the trust of this one fan who believed in her dream without question. How could she ever let him down?
"Alright, that's enough, you two. I'm starting to think you're not trying to shoot a movie—you're trying to blow up Rhodes Island. If you must make a film, fine, but at least promise me you won't turn it into a hazard for our operators and patients, alright?"
Kal'tsit's voice cut through their dramatic little moment like a scalpel.
She looked at the two of them—these ridiculous, over-enthusiastic idiots—and the corner of her mouth twitched. For a long moment, she honestly didn't know what kind of expression was appropriate.
A movie about dragon knights versus aliens already screamed disasterpiece, but with Steven's unpredictable nature thrown into the mix? Who knew what kind of cosmic-level nonsense they'd end up creating.
As Rhodes Island's de facto voice of reason, Kal'tsit couldn't just sit by and watch this storm brew.
"You don't want to help? Fine. But if I'm stepping up as the sponsor, why are you trying to stop me? I'm putting in my money and effort for Miss Nian's dream here. I believe in her—she'll make a masterpiece, I'm sure of it."
Steven fired back without a hint of hesitation—or basic respect.
Kal'tsit responded with a silent, world-weary eye roll.
"I never said you couldn't make your little movie. But before you start… don't you think we should discuss our unfinished business first?"
Pressing a hand to her temple, Kal'tsit sighed deeply.
She'd already lost the will to keep up with their nonsense. The conversation needed to get back on track—because the reason she'd called Steven here in the first place had nothing to do with films or dragons or aliens.
There were far more important matters to deal with.
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Note: Character Illustration is in this Google Drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iuyfwNVFHzIi9H4rWNT_lAm7jTSiah_M
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