While the meeting at Luminara Media had concluded, Viktor found himself as busy as ever. Despite the satisfaction that came with the current achievements, his mind was elsewhere, engrossed in the projects that demanded his full attention.
Viktor sat at his desk in his workshop, his fingers absently tracing the edges of a blueprint. The soft glow of the overhead lamp bathed the room in a dim light, creating an almost ethereal ambiance.
Papers were strewn across the desk, blueprints with detailed annotations for camera components, drawn up with such precision that they almost seemed like pieces of art.
These designs were the result of countless hours of deduction and problem-solving, much of it thanks to the information the system had provided him. Still, even with the system's help, the work had required a level of focus and effort that left him feeling drained.
Prototype parts cluttered the workspace, and half-assembled gadgets littered every surface, each one a testament to Viktor's tireless pursuit of perfection. Yet, despite the physical signs of progress, Viktor found himself in a daze.
Maybe it was because he had worked harder than usual in the past few days, or maybe his ADHD was acting up again, but his mind was wandering.
"If someone had told me in my past life that I'd become a scientist, I would've laughed," Viktor thought to himself, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He recalled his previous disdain for numbers and anything remotely mathematical.
Numbers had always made him feel dizzy, a sensation that had followed him throughout his schooling.
In fact, it was the reason he had chosen to study law—anything to avoid the calculations that now consumed his life. But here he was, spending his days surrounded by complex equations, blueprints, and mechanical components, things he had once despised.
The irony wasn't lost on him. The very things he had hated were now integral to his daily routine. It was almost astonishing to think about how far he had come, how much his life had changed.
He had transformed into someone he never thought he would become—someone deeply involved in the scientific and technical aspects of his work. It was as if his past self and his present self were two entirely different people, with only his name tying them together.
Viktor leaned back in his chair, staring at the half-assembled gadgets scattered across the workshop.
This month had been full of activity—more than he could have ever imagined. If he wasn't immersed in his invention, he was preoccupied with the formation of his band, or subtly influencing Lisandra's decisions to ensure her loyalty. Then, of course, there was his upcoming movie project, an endeavor that also demanded much of his time. There was barely a moment to rest.
But, paradoxically, Viktor felt fulfilled. He wasn't exhausted from aimlessness, as he had often felt in his past life. Every hour of his day had purpose, and while it was physically and mentally taxing, the sense of accomplishment outweighed the fatigue.
This life, with its relentless pace and endless demands, was exactly what he had been seeking—fulfillment through action.
His hard work was already starting to bear fruit. He had successfully formed the band, and now the other members would undergo professional training for nearly nine months to a year.
That would give him just enough time to finish his invention and complete the first phase of his film project, allowing him to have enough points to buy skills for the band.
It was a delicate balancing act, switching between his technical projects and his creative endeavors.
It was mentally exhausting, requiring him to compartmentalize his tasks, but Viktor had adapted to the challenge. His brain now thrived on this constant juggling of responsibilities, even if his body struggled to keep up at times.
As he sat, deep in thought, Viktor instinctively adjusted a lens assembly prototype on his desk. He was so absorbed in the task that he didn't even notice the soft knock on the door until it opened. His mother, Emma, entered the room with a look of concern etched on her face.
"Viktor, you've been at this for a month now," she said, her tone a mixture of worry and determination. "I think it's time for you to take a rest."
Viktor looked up, blinking as if snapping out of a trance. He was indeed tired, but the drive to finish his project was stronger than his exhaustion. Still, seeing the worry in his mother's eyes made him pause. He knew she had every reason to be concerned—his sleepless nights, his relentless pace, it was all taking a toll on him, even if he hadn't fully realized it yet.
Although reluctant to take a break, Viktor sighed. He had a meeting with Rebecca later today, and perhaps some rest beforehand wouldn't hurt. Plus, his mother had always been supportive of him, and he didn't want to add to her stress.
"Okay, Mom," he said, offering her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I know what I'm capable of. I'll take a break. Speaking of which, I have a meeting later today with Rebecca Lane, the Talent Acquisition Director at Dad's company. Do you know her?"
Emma nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Rebecca? Yes, I know her. She's a good girl, and although not as capable as you, being a director at Luminara Media at 28 says something. Don't worry, she's meticulous and professional. I think you two will have a good discussion."
Viktor chuckled, shaking his head. If Rebecca had been six or seven years younger, he had no doubt his mother would have tried to set them up.
Even now, he suspected that if he showed the slightest interest, his mother would work her magic to arrange a rapid engagement, if not a marriage. But Viktor understood where she was coming from.
His father was often absent, and now Viktor himself was becoming more and more unavailable, always consumed by his projects. It wasn't surprising that she would want a grandchild to keep her company.
About two hours later, Viktor had prepared himself for the meeting. It was set to take place at a café, a more relaxed setting than a boardroom, but still formal enough than his house to discuss important matters. This wasn't just a casual script meeting, after all.
As he walked into the café, Viktor wondered if he would have to wait long for Rebecca. To his surprise, she was already there, sitting at the table they had agreed upon.
He recognized her immediately—a striking woman with jet-black hair, dressed in a sleek black suit that only emphasized her commanding presence. Her figure, though not something Viktor was particularly focused on, was undeniably attractive, and it was clear she took care of herself.
Rebecca was already aware of who Viktor was. That much was obvious. After all, even though some details about him were kept hidden by his father, his name had become somewhat known within Luminara Media's upper echelons.
Viktor wasn't just an ordinary person—he was the key to the company's plan to challenge Hollywood's dominance. In some ways, he was their secret weapon.
As Viktor observed Rebecca, scrutinizing her every detail, she wasn't idle either. She was doing the same to him, her eyes analyzing him carefully.
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Rebecca's POV:
Sitting at the table, I couldn't help but glance around the café Viktor had chosen for our meeting. It was a curious choice—quiet, unassuming, yet with an air of elegance.
I wondered if his selection of this place hinted at the kind of person he was. Did he prefer understated sophistication over ostentatious displays of wealth? Or was this simply a convenient location for him? Either way, I was intrigued.
I had heard plenty about Viktor before this meeting. The official documents said he was only eighteen, but he already had two PhDs. That alone was enough to pique anyone's interest.
Then there was his invention—the camera everyone at Luminara Media had been buzzing about at the last meeting. Add to that the fact that the chairman had explicitly told us not to investigate his background—it was like a puzzle, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of envy.
Viktor had everything. Youth, intelligence, a powerful family, and soon, a level of fame that most people could only dream of achieving.
As I sat there, lost in thought, the door to the café swung open, and Viktor walked in. I recognized him immediately. The photographs in the files didn't quite do him justice—there was something about him in person that commanded attention. He exuded a quiet confidence, the kind that came from someone who knew they were destined for great things.
END OF THE CHAPTER