By the time they reached Greenhills, the afternoon sun was casting long shadows on the tiled floor, and Adrian felt every pair of eyes they passed brushing against him like static. At 6'3" with a face sharpened by quiet intensity and foreign features, he stood out—especially here, where most people barely hit shoulder height and the mall crowds moved like shoals of fish.
Adrian felt the glances. Saw the heads turn. Heard the murmurs as he and Joms passed through the electronics wing. One group of college girls openly gawked. A few older women slowed their steps, whispering things like *"model siguro 'yan"* and *"artista ba 'yan?"*
"What the hell, are you famous already?" Joms muttered, laughing under his breath.
Adrian kept his eyes on a shelf of camera lenses. "Maybe in another life."
Across the concourse, a man in a fitted black jacket with slicked hair and sharp eyes watched them carefully. He didn't approach—just raised his phone to his ear, gaze locked on Adrian.
---
**Somewhere Else in the Mall**
The scout stood at a quiet balcony corner, speaking in hushed tones. His name was Lance Villarta — one of the veteran "spotters" for a talent management firm known for turning nobodies into leading men.
"I saw someone," he said quickly. "Tall, clean cut, half-Filipino maybe? Looks like he walked off a Calvin Klein ad. Has something... can't explain it."
The voice on the other end paused. Then: "You think he's Star Magic level?"
"Higher," Lance replied. "Give me the green light."
"Do what you have to do. Just get his name."
---
**Later That Afternoon**
Back in the mall's underground parking lot, Adrian and Joms were loading bags into the back of the Tamaraw FX when a voice called out behind them.
"Excuse me?"
Adrian turned. The man in the black jacket was walking toward them with a confident but non-threatening smile.
"Sorry to bother you," he said. "Are you in the industry?"
Adrian blinked. "What?"
"Entertainment. Modeling. Acting." The man reached into his blazer and pulled out a sleek card, embossed in black and gold. "My name's Lance. I'm a scout for Valor Agency. We represent talent for major networks, commercials, and streaming productions. I saw you upstairs and thought—you've got the look. Tall, expressive eyes, good posture—very rare to see naturally."
Joms was already grinning like a lunatic behind Adrian.
Adrian forced a polite smile. "Appreciate it, but... I've already got something lined up."
Lance tilted his head slightly. "Work?"
"Yeah," Adrian said, lying through his teeth. "Freelance directing gig."
Lance nodded, clearly used to being brushed off. "Totally understand. Just in case you change your mind..." He handed the card over. "That number goes straight to me. No pressure. Think of it as... fate planting a flag."
Adrian took the card, slipping it into his back pocket. "Thanks."
With a knowing look and a professional smile, Lance gave them a nod and disappeared back into the maze of parked cars.
As soon as he was out of sight, Joms let out a low whistle. "Daaaaamn. You just blew off a scout. An *actual* scout."
"I have bigger things to do," Adrian said, opening the passenger door.
"Bro, that was basically showbiz sliding into your DMs."
Adrian just smirked. "Let it wait."
But even as they pulled out of the parking lot, Lance's card burned against his leg like a secret waiting to be opened.
---
**\[SYSTEM UPDATE – SIDE QUEST RECEIVED]**
→ *"The Spotlight Beckons"*
→ *You've drawn the attention of a high-level talent scout. You declined for now. You may return to this opportunity anytime.*
**Reward on Acceptance:** Access to Entertainment Industry Tier 1, +10 Charisma, +5 Publicity
---
Back at the condo, Adrian set the bags down like treasure. Lights, camera, audio gear — all ready. But he was more focused than ever now. The world was knocking, but he wasn't going to answer until the short film was finished.
This wasn't about being famous.
This was about being *heard*.(End chapter)