June 5, 2010, Los Angeles. Ethan Kane stood in the Apex Pictures boardroom, a sleek space with a view of the Hollywood Hills, though the chipped conference table and flickering fluorescent lights betrayed the studio's struggles. The *Master Filmmaking* skill buzzed in his mind, feeding him ideas as he faced the Apex team—CEO James Harrow and a handful of skeptical producers, all wondering how a 17-year-old had bought their sinking ship. The Daily Sign-In System had made it possible: yesterday's $5 million budget reward was already in Apex's account, and this morning's sign-in had delivered another game-changer.
Ethan checked his phone as the team shuffled papers. The system's holographic panel had appeared at dawn, its chime now familiar. **Sign-In Successful! Reward: Advanced Scriptwriting Software (Proprietary, AI-Enhanced). Additional Reward: $2,000,000 Marketing Fund for Apex Pictures.** The software, downloaded instantly to his laptop, could generate polished scripts in hours, tailored to audience trends. Ethan had spent the morning drafting a thriller pitch: *Second Chance*, a story about a man reborn with mysterious powers, racing to uncover a global conspiracy. It was meta, sure, but the system's data predicted it would resonate with 2010's obsession with mind-bending films like *Inception*.
"Alright, let's get to it," Ethan said, his *Charisma Boost* skill smoothing his voice as he stood at the head of the table. "Apex is bleeding, but we're not dead. I'm greenlighting *Second Chance*, a thriller with a $10 million budget—$5 million for production, $2 million for marketing, and the rest for talent. We shoot in six weeks, aim for Sundance 2011."
James Harrow leaned forward, his skepticism softening. "$10 million? That's more than our last three films combined. You've got the cash, kid, but what about a director? Actors? A script?"
Ethan tapped his laptop, the scriptwriting software already open. "The script's done by next week. I'll direct—don't worry, I've got the skills." The *Master Filmmaking* knowledge made that true, even if his age raised eyebrows. "For talent, we're going bold. I'm reaching out to rising stars, and I've got a lead on a soundtrack with Taylor Swift."
A producer, a middle-aged woman named Carla, snorted. "Taylor Swift? She's a country-pop kid, not a film star. You think she'll say yes?"
"She's interested," Ethan said, recalling their diner conversation two nights ago. Taylor's smile, the way her fingers brushed his napkin, lingered in his mind. "Her *Speak Now* album drops in October. A soundtrack tie-in will pull her fans to theaters."
Harrow nodded slowly. "Sundance is ambitious, but if you've got Swift and the funds, I'm listening. What's next?"
"Location scouting starts tomorrow," Ethan said. "We'll use LA's urban grit—think Downtown, mixed with Malibu for contrast. Carla, you're on casting. Find me a lead who can carry paranoia, someone like a young Leo DiCaprio." The team scribbled notes, their doubts fading as Ethan's confidence filled the room. The system was his edge, but he felt something else—a fire to prove himself, not just to them but to the world.
As the meeting ended, the system chimed: *Bonus Reward: Invitation to Project Runway Charity Event, June 6, 2010. Network with industry elites.* Ethan's pulse quickened. The event, tied to *Project Runway*'s eighth season airing this summer, was hosted by Heidi Klum. A fashion icon, supermodel, and TV star, she was a perfect ally for Apex's branding. And, if he was honest, the thought of meeting her sparked a different kind of excitement.
---
The next evening, Ethan stepped into the SLS Hotel's ballroom, transformed for the *Project Runway* charity event supporting amfAR, the AIDS research foundation. The room glittered with 2010's elite—designers, models, and celebrities mingling under crystal chandeliers, the buzz of Lady Gaga's *The Fame Monster* (still dominating charts) in the background. Ethan's tailored Armani suit, another system purchase, made him blend in, though his 17-year-old face drew curious glances. The *Charisma Boost* kept his nerves at bay as he scanned the crowd for Heidi Klum.
He spotted her near the stage, radiant in a silver gown that caught the light like liquid metal. At 37, Heidi was a global icon—*Project Runway* host, Victoria's Secret legend, and a businesswoman with a sharp mind. She was laughing with a designer, her blonde hair cascading in waves, her energy magnetic. Ethan took a deep breath, clutching the event's program, which listed Apex Pictures as a new sponsor—thanks to a quick $50,000 donation from his marketing fund.
He approached as Heidi stepped away from her group, offering a polite smile. "Ms. Klum? Ethan Kane, Apex Pictures. I'm a huge fan of your work, and I wanted to thank you for hosting this. It's an incredible cause."
Heidi turned, her green eyes assessing him with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Ethan Kane, the mystery sponsor?" Her German accent was warm, playful. "You're young to be throwing around studio money. What's your story?"
Ethan grinned, the system's confidence steadying him. "I'm an investor with a passion for storytelling. Apex is my new venture, and we're producing a thriller. I thought *Project Runway*'s style could inspire our costumes—maybe even a cross-promotion."
Heidi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A film studio at your age? That's bold. Tell me about this thriller."
They moved to a quieter corner backstage, where racks of designer dresses lined the walls, prepped for a runway show. Ethan pitched *Second Chance*, weaving in themes of redemption and mystery, tying it to amfAR's mission of second chances for those affected by AIDS. Heidi listened, her gaze sharp but warm, nodding as he spoke.
"That's ambitious," she said, leaning against a rack, her gown shimmering. "I like it. Fashion's all about storytelling, too. What kind of costumes are you thinking?"
"Urban chic with a futuristic edge," Ethan said, the *Master Filmmaking* skill guiding his vision. "Think leather jackets, sleek lines, but with a nod to LA's glamour. Your designers could set the tone."
She smiled, stepping closer to adjust a scarf on a nearby mannequin. "You've got vision, Ethan. Most guys here just want to pitch themselves, not ideas." Her fingers brushed his sleeve as she turned, a fleeting touch that sent a spark through him. "Come to the after-party. We can talk more about this collaboration."
Ethan's heart skipped, her closeness stirring something he hadn't expected. "I'd love that," he said, his voice steady despite the butterflies. "Maybe we can make Apex and *Project Runway* the talk of 2010."
Heidi laughed, her eyes crinkling. "Deal. But you'd better bring your A-game, Ethan Kane." She handed him a pass to the after-party, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary.
---
The after-party was at a rooftop lounge overlooking LA's skyline, the city sparkling like a dream. Ethan found Heidi by the bar, now in a sleek black dress, sipping a martini. The music shifted to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies," a nod to her 2009 dominance, and the crowd buzzed with post-show energy. Heidi waved him over, her smile as inviting as the city below.
"You survived the runway chaos," she teased, clinking her glass against his soda—he was still underage, after all. "So, tell me more about Apex. You're not just here for charity, are you?"
Ethan leaned against the railing, the warm June air mixing with her perfume—something crisp, like citrus and jasmine. "Charity's part of it," he said. "But I'm building something bigger. Apex is my first step to changing Hollywood. I want stories that hit hard, like *Project Runway* does with design."
She tilted her head, studying him. "You remind me of me at your age—hungry, a little crazy. I was modeling in Paris, thinking I could conquer the world." She paused, her gaze softening. "What's driving you, Ethan?"
He hesitated, the truth about his death and the system too wild to share. Instead, he said, "I got a second chance at life. I'm not wasting it."
Her eyes held his, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "I get that," she said softly. "Second chances are rare." Her hand brushed his as she adjusted her drink, the contact brief but electric. For a moment, the rooftop faded, and it was just them, the city's pulse syncing with their own.
A designer interrupted, pulling Heidi away for photos, but she glanced back. "Find me later, Ethan. We're not done talking."
As she walked away, the system chimed: *Bonus Reward: Costume Design Partnership with Top LA Atelier. Elevate Second Chance's aesthetic.* Ethan smiled, the night air alive with possibility. Taylor Swift, Heidi Klum, Apex Pictures—the pieces of his empire were falling into place, and so was something else, something warmer, deeper.