Mandy had been transferred to prison after no one came to bail her out. She hadn’t even tried calling anyone. There was no one to call. An orphan from the start, she had no connections, no support. Eight years. That was the reality she had accepted.Unless some miracle happened and someone paid the hundred-thousand bail, she was staying here. And miracles like that didn’t happen.She lay on her bed, quietly chewing on a piece of bread she had smuggled in from breakfast. Food wasn’t allowed in the cells, but she had gotten used to sneaking in small things. Bread, mostly. Anything easy to hide. She ate slowly, savoring each bite. She always had. Back in the dining hall, meals were rushed. Too rushed. She never finished in time before they were ordered back. So she adapted, learning how to slip food past the guards and save it for later.“Hey, mouse. Still doing your lousy act?”Her roommate’s voice cut through the silence.Mandy didn’t look up. The nickname stuck because of this exact

Ding!(Secret mission completed: Heart of Gold. Reward: new ability, Directing level 3)“Eh!?” Samuel rubbed his eyes hard, blinking twice as if the words might vanish if he looked away. “Such a thing exists?” The disbelief sat heavy in his voice.If that was true, then raising his Directing level meant he could eventually handle entire movies and shows alone. His fingers twitched slightly at the thought. Was there anything this system couldn’t do?A cold touch brushed against him, snapping his thoughts.“Hm.” He turned.She stood there, fingers still half-extended, her gaze lowered. Her lips parted, then pressed together again, uncertainty written all over her face.“What is it? Go ahead, say what’s on your mind,” he urged, his tone softening.“It’s just that…” she hesitated, clutching the edge of her sleeve. “The first and last time Keisha came to see me, she said the landlord took my things to an orphanage and rented out my apartment.” Her voice dropped. “I… I don’t know if you can

“Oh, I’d like to read it one day. I’m busy today, or I would’ve taken a look,” Alex said, sounding genuinely interested.“Really?” Mandy’s eyes lit up.“But…” She trailed off, her tone dropping. “It’s a bit rough and might not be very good. And it’s written more like a movie script, the way screenwriters do it, not like a normal novel.”“It’s alright. I’ll still read it. Please remind me next time in case I forget,” he said.“Alright, I will.” She smiled.Alex nodded and stepped out of her room.“Alex,” she called.“Hmm?” He turned back.“Once again, thank you for everything,” she said.Alex gave a small nod and left.It could be said he was too soft, but if he had left Mandy in prison, he wouldn’t have found peace. He couldn’t count how many times she had appeared in his dreams, her presence lingering even after he woke. His mind kept telling him that the two of them were somehow fated.He was glad he followed that instinct.*******The next day.Alex sat with his laptop open, scroll

He glanced casually at the small line in front of the cashier and was about to look away when something caught his attention, pulling his gaze back.His eyes lit up with interest as he focused on the figure before him. She seemed to notice him too and lowered her gaze.He took in her outfit. It was from an expensive brand. How had she been able to afford it?She walked straight toward him."Hi, Mandy."She ignored him at first, but he didn’t let it go."Mandy, it’s me, Derek."Mandy turned to him with a forced smile."Oh, Derek. It’s been a long time.""Yes, it has. I thought you were supposed to be in prison for at least eight years. How come you’re already out?" he asked, frowning in confusion."So you’d rather I stay in prison and waste eight years than see me out?""No, no, not like that at all. I’m just surprised," he replied quickly."Well, I was granted bail, so I didn’t have to stay in prison for all those years," she said."I know about that, but let’s be honest. You don’t ha

Jude watched the levels, making a few quick adjustments.When the track stopped, he replayed her section immediately, listening closely.Amber stepped out, calm as ever. “That should be fine.”Jude gave a short nod. “We’ll keep it.”Alex glanced toward Arya. “I know you don’t have lyrics yet, so you can just listen to the beat first,” he said.Amber had been in the studio with them yesterday and today, so she already had her own verse. That was why everything with her had gone smoothly.“I’ll also send you the beat. You can listen to it and come up with your lyrics later,” he added.“No need for all that.” Arya laughed lightly. “You’re really underestimating me. I can come up with the lyrics now, just give me time to listen to the beat.”She spoke with quiet confidence, like it wasn’t even a challenge.“Well, if you insist. I’ll also help you with the lyrics. I helped Amber,” he offered.“Really? That will be great then. You write beautiful lyrics, so I think it’s good if you help me.