"Brother Chen, how's your team doing? Busy?"
Back in his dorm, Luke reached out to the former contacts of his body's original owner. These seniors, graduated a few years back, had formed a small film crew. As a sophomore, Luke had worked with them as a logistics assistant and writer, maintaining good ties.
Emma Rose had her own group, but it consisted of current students, which could slow down production. Luke preferred a professional team to delegate tasks. Still, he was touched by Emma's sincere invitation.
She loves to perform. Maybe a role for her in a future film? he thought.
On the phone, Chen Renqun's cheerful voice boomed:
"Little Luke? We're bored out of our minds! The team's on the verge of bankruptcy, barely scraping by. What's up?"
Luke smiled: "I've got a project. Can we meet to discuss?"
He set a meeting with Chen and his crew. Luke needed a skilled team, and hiring seniors was faster than building one from scratch. Plus, they were reliable and experienced.
That evening, after sorting some details, Luke got a call from a delivery service. He went downstairs to pick up an interregional package: Vanessa's signed contract, sent back by Tony. Without returning to his room, he headed straight to the restaurant where the seniors awaited.
"Luke's here!"
"Still a heartthrob, this guy. I'm jealous!"
"After you graduate, join us. With that face, you could be a star!"
"He's treating us here; looks like he's saving our broke team!"
In a casual vibe, over beers, skewers, and crawfish, the seniors teased. Luke sat down, feeling oddly close to them, perhaps due to the original Luke's memories.
"You're right, I'm here to save you," he laughed. "I'm making a film and need your help."
The seniors, initially amused, froze. Chen, a bit embarrassed, replied:
"Filming's fine, but we're broke. We take side gigs, which could delay your project."
Another added: "We can help, but we're short-staffed. Gotta eat, you know."
A third sighed: "I've got ads to handle, but I can pitch in for editing."
Luke felt warmth in his heart. Despite their struggles, they were willing to help.
"No worries, I'm not asking for free work. I want to hire your team for my film."
The seniors stared, incredulous. Luke, a student, could afford to hire them?
He clarified: "I made some money in stocks. I've already signed the lead actors, Americans, including an Oscar nominee."
The seniors' jaws dropped.
American actors? An Oscar nominee? Is he messing with us?
Luke, amused by their faces, opened the package with Vanessa's contract and showed his phone:
- Transfer to Tony: 50,000 BlueCoins.
- Transfer to Vanessa: 20,000 BlueCoins.
Silence. Then:
"Holy shit!"
"Are you for real?!"
"Since when are you a tycoon?!"
"Boss, take us with you!"
The seniors, eyes gleaming, looked at him like he was a god of wealth.
The sugar daddy was among us!