Chapter 78: Groundhog Day
"This kid is truly mature"
Old Gun found relief as he watched Christian speak in front of him.
He and Christian had met over three years ago. At the time, Old Gun had recently divorced, and he often drowned his sorrows in alcohol.
Once, he ended up passed out in the alley behind a bar, during a frigid winter night when dripping water turned into ice. Without intervention, he might have frozen to death by morning and ended up on the police station's autopsy table.
Luckily, Christian, who had also had a bit too much to drink and vomited in the same alley, stumbled upon him.
Their friendship had its roots in that chance encounter.
At the time, Christian had a somewhat frivolous personality, a stark contrast to Old Gun's old-school demeanor. However, perhaps due to gratitude or some innate connection, they got along surprisingly well.
In the past six months, they had not only given up alcohol but had also become dedicated to their work. Besides working together on the same film crew, they had truly become close friends.
Old Gun was initially driven by a sense of repaying gratitude when he supported Christian in his filmmaking endeavors. However, after collaborating on a film, he realized that Christian had genuinely acquired a substantial knowledge of filmmaking. With this newfound insight, continuing to work with him seemed like a wise choice.
Old Gun had previously stated that he had limited ambitions in the film industry at this stage. Yet, this didn't mean he was averse to making more money or creating films that he could be proud of in his retirement.
So, when Christian proposed starting his studio, Old Gun felt a profound sense of relief.
"Hey, Old Gun, what do you mean by 'the son finally turned his head' look in your eyes?" Christian noticed.
Old Gun scratched his beard awkwardly. "Well, it's fine to follow you. But are you confident in your plan, especially given that it hinges on the successful launch of your script and the interest of production companies?"
"Didn't you read the first draft of the script? Why the doubt?" Christian replied, slightly displeased.
Old Gun averted his friend's gaze.
The reason Old Gun had momentarily forgotten his feelings about Christian's new script was an embarrassing incident that happened before he had a chance to review it.
Christian had visited him on a Wednesday morning, red-eyed from staying up all night writing the script.
At the time, Annika was with Old Gun. Both had awoken early that day and were about to engage in another "event."
Though Old Gun answered the door promptly when Christian knocked, Christian, being a visitor, had deduced the situation from the scattered clothes and the tousled hair of Old Gun and Annika. This unwelcome interruption caused some awkwardness between them, especially since Christian cheekily suggested, "Why don't you continue? I can go find something to eat nearby." This remark infuriated Old Gun, who was already feeling agitated by the interruption.
What followed was a rather awkward breakfast with Christian, during which Old Gun, out of curiosity, read the first draft and outline of Christian's new script. He was thoroughly impressed with the script and believed it had the potential to become a great film.
"Speaking of your new script, it's inspired by the 'infinite loop' concept from 'Groundhog Day,' right?" Old Gun asked, recollecting his initial impressions of the script.
"Yes," Christian nodded. "I got the idea after watching 'Groundhog Day' with Sally on Sunday..."
While this was true, Christian omitted many details of the story, such as their ghost-hunting adventures, heartfelt conversations, and intense activities that followed when he and Charlize returned to the apartment that night. They had already been quite exhausted by then.
They had to rest quickly, which was why they didn't get around to watching "Groundhog Day" until Sunday.
As they watched the videotape, Christian initially had no thoughts about a new script. He was preoccupied with how to manage the tremendous vitality that remained after Wei Changhui's complete elimination.
First and foremost, he couldn't absorb vitality that didn't belong to him. In reality, vitality, unless it came from a monstrous source, was of limited use even when absorbed. In life, unlike in a game, having a longer health bar wouldn't enable you to endure more injuries. A knife to the throat, a gunshot, or any fatal blow would still be swift and ruthless.
Moreover, he couldn't transfer this vitality to others. At one point, he had considered passing it on to Alexis. She was essentially a ghost, but she could absorb such vitality, especially as Christian had promised to help her live like a living person. Fulfilling this promise required a significant amount of vitality, a point he had discussed with Charlize and Alexis previously.
The issue lay in the method of transferring this vitality. Christian had initially gained it by consuming Wei Changhui's remaining ghostly power with the assistance of the Ghost King's power. However, he couldn't simply allow Alexis to absorb it directly; he was still young and hadn't experienced enough of life.
While Christian could attempt to pass on this vitality, Alexis wouldn't be able to absorb it and it would simply overflow. This approach was as impractical as losing such precious vitality altogether.
The Old Ghost had mentioned a method of dual cultivation that could effectively transfer vitality, but it involved spells and techniques that Christian wasn't familiar with. Even if he knew these methods, Alexis was an intangible ghost. How could they engage in dual cultivation? It felt like he'd be facing thin air.
Out of moral considerations, Christian thought it best to cease pondering this dilemma.
On the other hand, Charlize, seated beside him, remained oblivious to Christian's musings. Perhaps because she had shed her inner turmoil, she was thoroughly engrossed in the film "Groundhog Day."
"Living, dying, and living again, without an infinite loop, how powerful must one's vitality be?"
As they watched the movie, the character Phil, trapped in an infinite time loop, repeatedly attempts suicide only to wake up again on February 2nd, leaving Christian feeling a sense of hopelessness.
"Infinite loop and vitality?"
The girl's words flashed in Christian's mind like a lightning bolt.
"I've got an idea"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Dark_Symphony
Dark_Symphony Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone