"Who is this author?" Zeno muttered, glaring at the 'about author' section.
"Fu K. Yu," he said, shaking his head. It was a quick, light read, but Zeno wondered if it had really helped.
[+1 Talent and skills. Acting knowledge improved]
[TALENTS]
Acting: C-
[Mediocre meter: 93%]
His eyebrows raised. "Well, well," he said.
At first, he thought he was lying—especially when the first step was merely 'Don't.'
He nodded in satisfaction before shutting the book close. He will implement these steps tomorrow during his shoot. With that, he walked back to the front of the shop.
Zeno placed it back on the display, making sure it looked brand new. Meanwhile, Bea watched him, appearing like she wanted to say something.
Zeno turned around and bowed his head before quickly making his way out of the bookshop.
"Wait!" Bea exclaimed; however, he was already out of the door.
"What's your name?" she muttered, shaking her head in disappointment since she was unable to talk to him once more.
***
Zeno had arrived in his apartment at the same time as Minji. She appeared tired, with her usual upturned lips cast downward. However, when she saw Zeno, her eyes instantly brightened up.
"Oh, Zeno," she smiled. "You're home late."
"I had to do some… research," he said.
Minji chuckled. "That sounds sketchy!"
"It is not," Zeno deadpanned.
Minji continued to chuckle. "Since when did you sound so proper? Anyway, I heard Eli's preparing some food. Come join us at his place after you get dressed, alright?"
Zeno merely nodded and went inside his apartment. There, he saw the demon sleeping on his bed again. He sighed and didn't bother reprimanding her. He had tried plenty of times, but she never listened.
He gave her some food and watched as she gobbled it with a slight smile. "You're only happy when I feed you, huh?" he muttered. "Honestly, that makes a lot of sense."
At that moment, her head looked so fluffy that Zeno had the urge to touch it. However, he quickly stood when he realized it.
"Odd," he muttered.
As he got dressed, he saw the script lying on his bed. He had read it twice when it was just given to him and had already memorized it all. Having lived centuries, his learning prowess and memory had been a force to be reckoned with.
Just then, his thoughts were cut off when the door suddenly opened, revealing Doha wearing a white and pink apron.
"Zeno! It's time to eat. Come, come. We shall celebrate your employment."
Zeno nodded. Meanwhile, Doha picked up Maxie so she could join them in Eli's unit. As soon as the brown dog was placed down, she went to Eli and started wagging her tail.
Zeno merely shook his head as he sat with his friends. They started eating, with Zeno's employment as their new topic.
"I can't believe it's Zeno's first day tomorrow!" Doha exclaimed. "He's going to be the biggest star in the universe."
"That will not happen," Zeno said. "I am merely an extra with a few lines and a minor appearance. I would be as noticeable as the friend of the main character's friend. This is an ordinary job that pays minimum wage, so it isn't special at all."
Eli nearly dropped his utensils. "You're being paid minimum wage for this? Why didn't you ask for more?"
Zeno continued eating as he spoke. "The minimum wage is enough to pay rent for this kind of place. Besides, you are feeding me every day. If I get my paycheck by next week, I shall give you some excess so that you can also pay for your rent. I heard you guys are struggling to pay."
His friends turned to each other with wide eyes.
Meanwhile, Zeno continued eating. After he finished his mission, the money he earned would be rendered useless. It wasn't like he could bring it back to Avalis. Moreover, everything was free there—food, land, and all utilities.
Aside from the Ascendants who overworked him, Avalis was truly a great place to live in.
"Zeno has such a kind heart," Doha suddenly exclaimed, giving him a hug.
Zeno frowned, wondering what he was talking about.
"Have you practiced your lines?" Minji suddenly asked, leaning against the table.
"Not yet," Zeno said.
Minji's eyes brightened up. "Do you need someone to practice with?"
"As if you would be a good help," Eli scoffed, earning a slap from Minji. "Don't even bother him. You'd make him regress in skills."
Zeno nodded in agreement, making Minji speechless. "It's alright," he said. "I already have someone to practice with."
"Who?" Minji asked with a small frown.
For that particular scene, he was going to be speaking with Beom Kang—and his disposition would be that of suspicion. Beom would think of him as a person who couldn't be trusted.
He had the perfect entity to practice with.
Zeno's eyes went to Maxie, who was looking at him like he was the dog and she was the human.
The three of them looked at him in anticipation. Zeno never had other friends aside from them, so it was surprising he had an acting partner.
"Maxie."