22: Chapter 22 The Taste of Core Influence

The 89-second concept short film "Echo: Prologue" had been out for three days.

On the surface, Alex was as calm as a cucumber, going about his business as usual, but deep down, that string inside him had been pulled taut all along.

That was until Allison's email landed in his inbox with a ding.

He opened it, quickly scanning through the polite professional phrasing, his gaze locking onto the key sentence: "Goal achieved, and it exceeded expectations... Taylor's team gave the evaluation of 'Impressive, looking forward to seeing the complete interpretation.'"

It was a success!

A solid, burning sense of achievement rushed from the bottom of his heart straight to the top of his head, more intense than any previous viral video.

This wasn't the cheering of fans; it was a nod of approval for his work from the most discerning ears and eyes at the pinnacle of the industry.

This kind of recognition was worth its weight in gold.

Almost the same second his lips curled up, deep in his mind, the system notification sound that had been silent for days rang out with a different, deeper, and more pleasant hum than before:

【Detected that the host's work has triggered 'High Appreciation' and 'Clear Intention to Advance Cooperation' from a specific high-value target.】

【'Core Influence' converting...】

【Obtained 'Core Influence': 25 points.】

【Current Core Influence: 43 points.】

On the dark golden system interface, the lonely "18" jumped to "43".

The numerical increase wasn't large, but Alex clearly felt that something more essential had been ignited.

If the previous "popularity" was a mist drifting in the air, then this "Core Influence" was the first heavy, solid grain of gold sand condensed from that mist.

It no longer pointed to "how many people know you," but rather "who is taking you seriously, and how much weight they place on you."

The difficulty of obtaining it had soared, but its value was clearly worlds apart.

Those once unattainable, vaguely described ultimate options in the mall seemed to have become a little clearer because of this—they required this kind of "gold sand," not just the drifting mist.

"Now this is interesting," Alex whispered to himself, closing the system interface.

The challenge had leveled up, making the game even more fun.

In high spirits, he decided to temporarily put the subsequent contract details behind him and go out for some fresh air.

Just as he reached the apartment lobby, he ran into Sarah and her two best friends.

The three girls looked like they were about to head out, and seeing him, their eyes lit up.

"Alex! Perfect!" Sarah greeted with a smile, her expression natural. Compared to the subtle probing from before, it was now more of a neighborly cheerfulness. "My best friends, Rachel and Jolene, they are your fans! It's Jolene's birthday today, and we're just heading to the 'Lighthouse Bar' for a drink. Want to join?"

Rachel was a fashion magazine editor, capable and free-spirited; Jolene was an elementary school teacher, lively and cheerful.

Both of them curiously sized him up, their gazes filled with undisguised admiration.

Alex was in a great mood today, and given Sarah's straightforward attitude, he readily nodded: "Sure, I'd love to share in the birthday girl's joy. Give me two minutes to change."

Ten minutes later, the four of them were sitting in a booth with soft lighting at the "Lighthouse Bar."

After a few drinks, the atmosphere quickly warmed up.

Rachel talked about the eccentric clients in the fashion industry, Jolene shared hilarious quotes from her bratty students, and Alex recounted some harmless, embarrassing stories from filming, such as almost getting kicked out by security for being a suspicious person while filming the dancing sculpture.

Laughter erupted one after another.

Sarah drank on the side, watching Alex—relaxed and chatting in front of friends, well-mannered, and carrying his own radiance. The last bit of unwillingness in her heart dissipated, replaced by a clear realization: some people are born to fly in a broader sky.

Being able to be friends and admire his radiance from afar was already good enough.

Midway through, Alex went to the bar to refill their drinks. A hot blonde woman sitting alone on a high stool turned sideways as if inadvertently when he passed by, her exposed knee lightly brushing against him. She looked up, her eyes shimmering, as her fingertips pushed a coaster with a number written on it toward his hand.

Alex didn't even pause for half a beat; he just gave a fleeting, almost polite nod and smile, as if it were just an accidental touch. His gaze didn't linger on the coaster at all, and he walked straight back to his seat with the drinks.

This scene was caught by the sharp-eyed Rachel, who leaned into Sarah's ear and whispered with a laugh: "Look at that, he's a walking hormone emitter wherever he goes. But your neighbor, for someone so young, has quite the self-control."

Sarah smiled and didn't say anything, simply raising her cup to clink it against Alex's: "To... a good neighbor, and a future great director?"

"To a good neighbor, and today's birthday girl," Alex followed suit, steering the conversation back to a relaxed atmosphere.

The party ended in a state of tipsy laughter.

In the taxi on the way back, Sarah looked at the passing neon lights outside the window and suddenly said very calmly: "Alex, let's just be content with being neighbors and friends from now on. You focus on your career, and when you need quiet, I promise not to disturb you."

Alex heard her sincerity and relief, and nodded: "Thanks, Sarah. Let me know if you need anything anytime."

He knew that this little neighborhood interlude could be considered properly turned over.

This kind of refreshing, non-clingy relationship was good for both of them.

Back home, the night was already deep.

But the excitement brought about by professional recognition and the system upgrade was still there.

He opened his computer, but didn't work immediately, browsing casually instead.

On a whim, he typed "Taylor Swift recent news" into the search box.

A few news items popped up: rumors about her preparing for a new album, reports about a charity performance, and blurry candid photos taken by fans.

The girl in the photos was wearing sunglasses, looking hurried, surrounded by staff and security. She was like a different person from the radiant superstar he saw in the MV, yet somehow, she felt more real.

He watched for a few minutes and then closed the webpage.

The city outside the window was still brightly lit, but that 43-point dark golden "Core Influence," in his perception, was clearer than any light.

It was like a medal that had just taken shape, still somewhat rough, yet it heralded a more difficult and more glorious path.

The door to the music project had already been pushed open, and the core rules of the system had revealed a corner to him.

Next, it was time to use the strength proven by that 90-second "Prologue" to truly conquer that 3 to 5-minute complete stage.

He turned off the light, and darkness enveloped him.

But new ambition and strength were already quietly growing in the darkness.

Tomorrow would be the first day of a new stage.