Today, all the members of the film crew gathered to celebrate the end of filming.
Standing with a glass of juice in her hand, Lily looked around at everyone and said sincerely:
"I want to thank you all for putting in so much effort to help me realize my dream. And even if we don't win the competition, I hope this experience remains a pleasant memory for each of us."
"Most of all, I want to thank my beloved Ray. Not only did he bring light back into my life and do everything possible to help me fulfill my dream, but thanks to him, so many wonderful people have come into my life. I hope that no matter how our lives turn out, everyone here today will remain friends."
After Lily's toast, Tony stood up, walked over to Michelle, and knelt before her:
"You were with me during one of the worst times in my life. I want us to walk hand in hand for the rest of our days. Michelle Belmont, will you marry me?"
The girl truly hadn't expected such a turn of events, but she quickly composed herself, hugged her beloved, and gave him a passionate kiss.
After a while, Tony approached Ray and quietly asked:
"Let's step outside, need to talk."
Leaving the cafe, the guys slowly walked along the evening street. After a minute of silence, Tony spoke seriously:
"Does this film have a chance to take off?"
"We have a beautiful lead actress and a promising MBA player. So if we play our cards right, it definitely does," Ray replied after a short pause.
"Are you thinking of leaving basketball?"
"Yes. The doctors say if I keep playing at a high level, I could end up in a wheelchair one not-so-fine day. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm sure even if that happens, Michelle will stay by my side. But I don't want to take the risk. The problem is, playing basketball is the only thing I'm good at, and it's my only chance at a decent life."
"Tell me... do I have a chance at becoming a good actor?"
Carefully examining his friend, Ray thought again, and after a few seconds replied:
"You already have some recognition, that could work in your favor. I have an idea how to use our film as a springboard for your career. If it works out, you'll have two paths."
"The first is to simply play tough guys. For that, you'll need to stay in shape and have an impeccable reputation. You put in a lot of effort to make it. People love that kind of story. But if you stumble once, it could all collapse in an instant."
"With your type, you just need to choose your roles carefully. But from now on—no more bad guys. If they ask why you took a particular role, just tell the truth."
"The second path is essentially the same, but if you want to do more than just trade on your looks, you'll need to get an acting education or at least take some courses."
"Our film could be a springboard so you don't have to bust your ass too hard. But first, we need to discuss it with the others. Plus, we'll need serious money."
"Money's not a problem. You've always been the brains of our duo, so try to make sure my ass suffers as little as possible on the way to the Hollywood Olympus," Tony chuckled.
Noticing his friend wanted to ask something but hesitated, he clapped him on the shoulder:
"I don't know what's eating at you, but you can tell me anything."
"I need two hundred thousand dollars to buy a house in Los Angeles. I know I'm asking for a lot. If you can't help, I'll understand, and it won't affect our relationship."
"Right now I have eight hundred thousand in the bank. Most of that money is earmarked for Lily's sister's operation."
"The school Lily will attend is in Los Angeles."
"I understand you. But don't you think you're rushing? She might not get in. And where did you get that kind of money?"
"Lately I've been busting my ass at three jobs. Most of the sum came from selling a kidney."
Hearing this, Tony literally froze in place, his jaw slowly dropping.
"Wait... is that serious? I thought you were just joking then."
"Yes, it wasn't a joke. As for getting in... even if she doesn't make it this time, she can always try again."
"Honestly, it was hard working at that pace. At some point I wanted to give up on the idea, but seeing how she lit up working on the film, it strengthened my resolve."
"Besides, if I buy a house and move everyone there, she can focus on her studies. Even if she doesn't make it the first time and even if we have a child, she can continue studying."
"I'll give you the money," Tony clapped his friend on the shoulder. "But if nothing comes of the film, you'll support my family."
"Thanks. But you understand there's a chance I won't be able to pay you back?"
"In that case, I'll just have to pray you live long enough to repay the debt."
"Now confess: what's wrong with you? I know how proud you are. If things were going well or even tolerably, you'd never have asked me for money."
Ray sighed:
"The headaches have become more frequent, and I'm starting to lose my vision."
"How bad is it?" Tony's voice rang with alarm.
"I don't know."
"Do your mother and Lily know?"
"No. If I tell Lily, the first thing she'll do is try to drag me into bed to have a child."