Since that visit with Ezekiel's mother and after doing that "thing," I decided to focus on my life again. What I did might not have been enough to repay him, at least not compared to what he did for me, but I figured I could start paying my debt in small installments. Starting with that.
Finals were coming, and I'd been swamped with studying. I grinded like a maniac, going over past lectures, reviewing notes, and solving practice exams until my brain nearly fried. I stayed up late, powered by instant noodles and way too much coffee.
Then the results came out.
"Yepiee!"
I passed with flying colors! Second-highest score in the entire year level! Okay, it wasn't the top spot, but still, I was proud. I worked for it.
This called for a celebration.
I had planned to treat myself to a full-course meal at my favorite restaurant and eat to my heart's content. Maybe even splurge a little, get dessert too. But just as I stepped out of school, with thoughts of sizzling steak and creamy cheesecake dancing in my head...
"Crap."
I remembered that "thing" I did.
And right now, my bank account was emptier than my fridge back home.
I sighed and dragged my feet, walking like a zombie who had been drained of both strength and money. Still, I didn't regret it. Not even for a second. Compared to what Ezekiel was going through, this was nothing.
So I kept walking, slumped and starving, when a man suddenly approached me on the street.
He looked to be in his late thirties, maybe early forties, dressed sharply in a light blue suit with polished shoes that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. His features were soft, a little feminine even, with stylish glasses perched on his nose.
"Hello there, dear!"
he said cheerfully.
"You look absolutely lovely. Are you interested in being an artist?"
I blinked.
Wait, what?
Was this guy trying to scout me?
"You might be uncomfortable with my sudden approach, and I apologize for that,"
he continued quickly.
"It's just that I noticed you when you passed by a moment ago. You have great potential. If you ever considered joining the entertainment industry, I think you'd be a perfect fit with that look of yours."
I stood frozen. Was he serious? Me? An entertainer? I mean, I never even imagined myself in that kind of world.
Wait a minute. Was this what they call human trafficking? The kind where shady people pretend to scout girls into modeling or idol agencies and then scam them?
"I-I don't think I'm suited for that kind of thing,"
I said carefully, trying to stay polite.
"I'm sorry, but I don't really have any talent or experience."
He gave me a small smile and nodded understandingly.
"That's alright. But here, take my card. If you ever change your mind, don't hesitate to reach out."
He handed me a sleek business card and then turned, disappearing into the crowd with surprising grace for someone in shiny leather shoes.
I stared at the card in my hand, not expecting much. Probably some no-name agency. But then I read it.
My eyes widened. If they could have popped out, they would have fallen right onto the pavement.
JQ Entertainment?!
And the name printed under the logo?
Jhon Renon?!!!!
The John Renon. The legendary talent manager who helped launch half the top idols and actors in the country. I had read interviews of him online. He was known to be picky, freakishly picky, when it came to scouting talent. Rumor had it he hadn't signed a newcomer in over two years.
I stared at the card again, making sure my eyes weren't deceiving me.
Did this really just happen?
Was I scouted… by him?
I stood frozen on the street, not even noticing the people brushing past me.
A strange feeling welled up in my chest.
Excitement.
Confusion.
Fear.
Because deep down, I knew this moment, this ridiculous, out-of-nowhere moment, might lead to something big.
And part of me wanted to chase it.
Something that might change my life. A chance to be seen, heard, and, above all, gain power in this accursed world.