well this story was created by an original idea followed by reading two different stories one is a chinese novel translated right here in webnovel with the name the legendary actor of shallowman it is very good in my opinion I recommend it and the other that will have a great effect on this series because it gives me a lot of inspiration re:life with karmic gaccha here there is no system but the life of the character among other things inspired me well finally sorry for not uploading a chapter yesterday or today I don't know what time it is hahaha well until next time author out
Chapter 6: Exploring the New Home
Mike entered his new house after saying goodbye to Phil Dunphy. He closed the large dark oak door behind him and took a moment to admire the foyer. The spaciousness of the space was impressive, with an industrial theme reflected in the brown, black and white tones of the decor.
The ground floor housed two bedrooms, an entertainment room and a huge kitchen. The kitchen had an industrial design with state-of-the-art appliances. As he walked through it, he stopped at the central black marble island, imagining all the meals he could prepare there. "A perfect place to experiment with new recipes and cooking techniques," she thought.
"Everything is perfect," he reflected, "although some details are missing like beds and a bit of landscaping."
He moved into the living room, a large double-height space with a rustic chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The driftwood stairs on the left side of the entrance were a modern and elegant detail. She walked up the stairs, enjoying the soft creak of the wood under her feet. "These stairs are a work of art. Every detail in this house is designed to impress," she told herself.
On the first floor, he found three full bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. In the center, a study with a desk that faced the living room and the front door, offering a panoramic view of the house. She paused for a moment in the study, imagining the long hours he would spend there working on his projects. "From here I can control everything. It's the perfect place to plan my future," she thought.
Finally, he went up to the third floor, where his master bedroom was. The entire floor was a complete suite, with a tinted glass wall offering a spectacular view of the front of the house. She left her bag on the bed and took her iPhone 3G out of the inside pocket. She dialed a number and coordinated the delivery of the rest of her belongings accumulated on her short, but intense, trip after the army.
Ending the call, he sat at the desk in the first-floor study, turning on his Sony VAIO laptop. It was 12:40 and, even though it was early, he felt the urgency to start working. "I will live this life to the fullest, and for that, money is necessary. What I have from the army will not be enough. The Stark empire must start soon," he thought, smiling to himself. "It's exciting to think of all the possibilities. Advanced technology, new inventions... The sky is the limit," he told himself.
He mentally reviewed his plan. "Improve communications, create better phones. This is hell for someone who lived in 2024. And most importantly, create an AI to help me. Jarvis was crucial for Tony Stark, but with my knowledge, I can go further. Create an AI like Cortana, but without the bugs that made her go crazy," he thought. "Imagine having an AI that not only assists in everyday tasks, but also learns and grows with me. It could revolutionize the world," she reflected.
His mind was racing at a mile an hour, creating blueprints for a quantum computer and advanced machinery to make chips and other components. "This is abnormal, creating plans and manufacturing processes in such a short time," she thought. "But with my knowledge and skills, anything is possible. I can take technology to levels never seen before," she told herself.
He checked the time. It was 2 in the afternoon. "Thinking so much already made me hungry," she said out loud, getting up from the desk. "Let's go see where to get something to eat."
He went down to the lower floor, left his jacket on a coat rack and left the house. "I could cook, but I would need to go to the supermarket. Or maybe some fast food chain. Although, a roast beef is always welcome. Relaxing in front of a grill is what I need right now," he said to himself, walking towards the sidewalk.
Dunphy family
At the Dunphy house, it was 12:30 pm. Alex walked down the stairs quickly, a shocked expression on his face. As she descended, she muttered to herself with a mixture of disbelief and disapproval.
"Yes, he's completely beautiful. I think he likes me. Who is Dylan? No, no, this is love at first sight. Just imagine, everyone would be envious with him."
Phil, who had just arrived behind her, seemed to be in a state of confusion. Her steps were slow and his shoulders were slumped, reflecting her bewilderment. The expression on her face showed a mix of surprise and concern.
"This is too much for me. I'm almost over Dylan and now there's another guy. Let's talk," he muttered to himself, as he closed the front door with a soft clang. His tone was heavy with disbelief.
Claire, who had been busy in the kitchen, approached the entrance upon hearing Phil's murmur. She wiped her hands with a rag and her gaze settled on her husband with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Phil, what's wrong, honey? How are the rounds going today? Why do you have that face?" she asked, with a slight frown on her brow.
Claire, after listening to Phil and noticing the tension in the air, quickly turned to Haley, who was still on the phone. Her stance was firm, her hands kept at her sides as her eyes narrowed in determination.
"Wow, Haley has two boyfriends. Wow, completely immoral! You should punish them, mom." Alex shouted from the dining room.
"No one has two boyfriends here," Claire responded, her tone firm and somewhat bewildered.
At that moment, Luke came down too, running with childish energy. His face showed a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Why can Haley have two boyfriends and I can't have two bikes?" Luke asked, with an expression of genuine shock and disappointment.
Claire, looking at her children with a mix of exhaustion and exasperation, sighed before turning to Haley, who was on the phone in the entryway.
Haley, excited and still talking on the phone, did not notice her mother's presence until Claire interrupted her. With a warning look, Claire quickly approached her.
"Miss, hang up that phone right now and tell me why your father is talking about a new boy in your life."
Haley, with an expression of surprise and slight frustration, responded as her gaze drifted to the phone. "I'll call you later," she said quickly before hanging up the phone abruptly. Her gestures were nervous and hurried, trying to change the subject quickly.
"He's the most handsome boy ever, mom. You know, I'll marry him and we'll have the most beautiful children in the world." His tone was full of excitement and determination, as a dreamy smile lit up his face.
Claire, her eyes wide in surprise, exclaimed, "What are you saying? You're 15 years old! And most importantly, you have a boyfriend, miss!" Her disbelief was evident, and her hands waved as she tried to assimilate the information.
Phil, still processing the situation, chimed in with a smile after remembering the bet. "It's Mr. Stark, well, young Stark, the owner of the new mansion downstairs. Hahaha, you owe me 20 dollars, Claire, and tell Mitch and Cam that they owe me 20 each too. Hahaha." His tone was relieved and amused, trying to lighten the mood.
Claire, still in shock, frowned and asked, "A young man? But it's a million-dollar house? How?"
Haley, with her eyes shining with excitement, responded: "His name is Michael Anthony Stark, he is 17, emancipated and rich from his inheritance. He likes music and is an inventor. He has beautiful blue eyes." The excitement in his voice was palpable, and his gestures were animated.
Alex, who had been listening from the corner of the room, interjected with a tone of curiosity and skepticism. "Is he an inventor? And what has he invented? Does he know about mechanics or physics?"
Haley gave him a warning look, clearly defensive. "Stay away, shorty. It's all mine." Her tone was firm and protective, as if she were marking her territory.
Luke, who had been listening intently, interjected with a hopeful smile. "Will he like candy and video games?"
Haley, with a determined expression, replied, "I don't know, but I'll find out all about him soon." Her voice was full of determination, and her gaze was focused.
Claire, still processing the news, muttered to herself, "A young emancipated millionaire..." (This is incredible. What kind of life has this young man led?) Her eyes drifted into the distance as she tried to absorb the information. .
Phil, regaining his spirits and with an optimistic smile, commented, "Well, it looks like we have an interesting neighbor. Let's see how this plays out." His tone was lighter, and his posture relaxed, reflecting his relief.
Alex, with a skeptical expression and crossing his arms, commented: "Are you sure it's not some kind of fraud? How can someone so young have so much money? Maybe he's the son of some trafficker or something?"
Haley, sounding annoyed, replied, "Don't be a party pooper, Alex. Michael is amazing. You'll feel it when you meet him!" Her eyes narrowed in irritation, and her posture was defiant.
Luke, smiling wide and full of enthusiasm, exclaimed, "Maybe you could teach me how to build robots! Or how to fly drones like in the Terminator movies!" His gestures were animated and his expression reflected great emotion.
Claire, watching her children begin a lively discussion about the new neighbor, was lost in thought. (Wait, emancipated and his parents...? Is he fighting with them, is he an orphan? Well, he's rich, he must have a family. I don't think he earned it himself. Now he's alone in a big house... but oh well , he's a better match than Dylan. Maybe he could... no, no, she's 15 and he's 17... he still has a lot of hormones running around.) His eyes were worried, and his hands were wringing nervously as he sank into his worries. of Mother.
Phil, noticing Claire's tension, walked over and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, honey. He's just a new millionaire kid on the block. We'll keep an eye on him." His tone was calming, and his eyes showed understanding.
Haley, with a dreamy smile, murmured, "It'll be like a fairy tale. He's my prince charming." Her eyes were shining with excitement, and her posture was relaxed.
Alex, with a sarcastic tone, replied: "More like a science fiction story if he's an inventor. What's next, butler robots?"
Luke, laughing, said, "That would be cool! A butler robot to do my chores!" His eyes lit up, and his laugh was contagious.
Haley, turning to Alex, responded firmly, "He's real, Alex. And he's perfect." Her tone was challenging, and her gaze showed unwavering determination.
Claire, sighing, said another day at the Dunphy family.
As the bus moved forward, the group at the back continued their jokes and conversations. Beck was relaxing at the window, enjoying the ride while Jade, sitting next to him, cast sarcastic glances at the others. Tori was in the seat next to Jade, and Cat was in the opposite window, completely excited. André was on the barrier near the door, and Robbie, standing near Cat's window, was holding Rex, who was making scathing comments.
"I never imagined that traveling by bus could be so entertaining!" Beck commented, smiling as he looked out the window.
Jade, with a cynical expression, looked at Tori and said, "It would be more entertaining and enjoyable if fat Tori wasn't taking up my space. Don't you realize you're invading my zone?"
Tori turned around, offended. "I occupy the same space as you! Also, Cat is moving the seat because she is so excited."
Cat, with her characteristic energy, chimed in enthusiastically: "I'm just super excited! I've never had so many people with me on a bus trip. It's great!"
Rex, with his characteristic sarcasm, did not miss the opportunity. "And you thought this was exciting, Robbie? Wait until I tell you how many shirts little Rob tried on before he went out."
Robbie felt visibly uncomfortable, trying to defend himself while covering Rex's mouth. "Hey, Rex, shut up! It's not like you have to tell everyone what I do."
"Sure, sure," Jade said with a sly smile. "Little Robbie thought Cat only invited him on a date, and he was excited when he got home. I'm dying of laughter!"
"Come on, Jade, don't be so harsh," Beck interjected in a relaxed tone. "At least Robbie is having fun."
Robbie, nervous and not knowing how to respond, simply muttered: "Yes, well, the important thing is that we are here and enjoying the trip."
Cat, ignoring the tension, looked at everyone with a big smile. "Thanks for coming with me, guys! "This is going much better than I expected."
Jade gave a dry laugh and said, "Yeah, sure. How could she not be like that? With all of us here, there are sure to be stories to tell."
"Definitely!" André added from the barrier near the door. "This is just what I needed to clear my head."
"Ha ha ha!" laughed Jade with malicious amusement. "Little Robbie thought he could get to first base." She looked at Robbie and Rex with a satisfied smile, clearly amused by the situation.
"Leave it, love. Can't you see you're airing it," Jade commented, looking at the rocker boy with a sly smile. (A shame that the rocker boy is the goth girl's boyfriend. How lucky he is.)
As the group calmed down and looked for a seat, they discovered that there were none available, so they would have to stand. "Well, another item for the list: buy a car," Mike thought as he looked around.
"Don't you think it's all too quiet all of a sudden?" André mentioned, breaking the silence.
"It's because of the beautiful boy who came up and is in front of us. We should say hello," Cat suggested with a beaming smile.
Tori, stunned, couldn't take her eyes off Mike. "Cat, you can't just talk to a stranger just because he's handsome, dresses well, or has beautiful blonde hair and sky-blue eyes," Tori commented, almost entranced by Mike's presence.
"Easy, Tori. Don't splash your slime on me, and then I'll let you play with the pretty man." Jade looked at her with disdain, as if she were talking to a dog.
"Shut up, I don't even have my mouth open!" Tori exclaimed, approaching Jade to whisper. "Also, don't think I didn't notice that you also looked at him like he was a nice steak."
Jade just watched her seriously, while Beck, to the side, looked at Mike without taking his eyes off Jade. Cat got up from her window seat to approach Mike.
"Excuse me, handsome guy in a suit, do you also travel by bus?" Cat asked, as she approached Mike with a charming smile. Unaware of the murmurs, she stumbled and fell. Mike moved forward to help her, but unexpectedly, they both ended up on the floor, their lips inches apart. They looked into each other's eyes with surprise.
"Cat!" they all shouted at the same time.
"Cat, are you okay?" Robbie asked, rushing to help her up without paying attention to Mike.
Tori and Beck also came over to help, while André joined in to assist. "Everything's fine, buddy. It was a big blow. Sorry for our friend's enthusiasm, she's always been hyperactive," Mike explained, trying to downplay the incident.
"Yeah, like Beck says, everything okay?" André asked, worried.
"It's okay, guys, thanks for the help. Besides, I would never turn down this kind of first meeting with such a beautiful girl," Mike said, adjusting his suit and taking Cat's hand. "Oh, me and my bad manners." "
"Michael Anthony Stark, genius, philanthropist, inventor, musician, bachelor," he added, winking at Cat as he kissed her hand. Cat was completely ecstatic, imagining the encounter as a fairy tale.
Mike's Thought: "Wow, what a strong playboy presence I have. I almost unconsciously flirted with anyone. Nothing I'm complaining about, it's always been interesting to see those multiple couples in anime and I've always wanted a big family. Maybe Call me sick, but it's my life, so shut up, hahaha."
"Nice to meet you all, a pleasure to meet new people this way. If it were like this every day, I wouldn't mind a few bruises," Mike said, with a confident smile.
"Nice to meet you, buddy. I'm Beck. This is my girlfriend Jade. The girl next to her is Tori. This one here is André. The stranger over there is Robbie," Beck introduced everyone, extending his hand to Mike. Robbie just watched somewhat strangely, detecting jealousy.
"Isn't it a little pretentious to say that you are a genius along with a musician?" Robbie commented, with a jealous gesture, trying to break the eye contact between Mike and Cat.
"Well, I've heard it before, but time and skill confirm my words. I can make up a song at any time. Give me three words and I'll sing it for you," Mike said, confidently, as he prepared for the challenge.
"Oh, that seems like a challenge. You know, even though it may not seem like it, we are some of the most talented people in Hollywood. So you have musicians, singers, pure artists in front of you," André and Beck said, puffing out their chests.
"Perfect. Then give me three words," Mike asked, preparing for the challenge.
"Ocean," André said.
"Cake," Cat added enthusiastically.
"Funeral," Jade finished with a dark smile and an enigmatic gesture.
"Well, well, it seems complicated, totally different things. Hmm. Could you lend me your guitar?" Mike requested, while Beck handed him his guitar and he tuned some strings for the tone he required.
"Yeah, yeah, a little here and a little there. Then we crossed," Mike muttered to himself as he readied the guitar.
"I don't think I'll make it. Nobody's that good," Beck commented, with a defiant smile.
"Calm down, buddy, let him try. I don't think he'll make it either. Nobody's that good," André said, supporting Mike.
"Ok, ready guys, here it goes," Mike announced, preparing to demonstrate his skill.
"And remember, if I don't make it, I'll take you to dinner wherever you want. And if I do, you owe me a favor," Mike added with a confident smile, accepting the challenge with a defiant attitude.
Jade, with a questioning look, was thinking about the dilemma of why she liked Mike despite having Beck by her side. She wondered how such a different boy could attract her like that.
"Come on, Mike. I hope you have fun with the challenge," Jade said, trying to hide her genuine interest.
Cat, still entranced by Mike's flirtation, was lost in fantasies about a possible life with him, imagining what they would name their children and a lifetime together.
Mike began his performance quickly
Nah, nah, yeah
(Cake by the ocean)
Oh, no
See you walkin' 'round like it's a funeral
Not so serious, girl, why those feet cold?
We just gettin' started, don't you tiptoe, tiptoe (ah)
Waste time with a masterpiece, don't waste time with a masterpiece (huh)
You should be rollin' with me, you should be rollin' with me (ah-ah-ah)
You're a real-life fantasy, you're a real-life fantasy (huh)
But you're movin' so carefully, let's start livin' dangerously.
Talk to me, baby
I'm goin' blind from this sweet-sweet cravin', whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fuckin' crazy
I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hopin' we'll eat cake by the ocean (uh)
Walk for me, baby
I'll be Diddy, you'll be Naomi, whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fuckin' crazy
I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hopin' we'll eat cake by the ocean (uh)
Goddamn
See you lickin' frostin' from your own hands
Want another taste, I'm beggin', "Yes, ma'am"
I'm tired of all this candy on the dry land, dry land, ooh.
Waste time with a masterpiece, don't waste time with a masterpiece (huh)
You should be rollin' with me, you should be rollin' with me (ah-ah-ah)
You're a real-life fantasy, you're a real-life fantasy (huh)
But you're movin' so carefully, let's start livin' dangerously (whoa-oh)
Andre and Beck joined me playing with their hands on the walls Andre making the melody to the strings with his voice
Tori joined in chanting with me.
Cat moved back and forth humming the tune.
Rex still moved from side to side with his head and Robby only had a look of unfriendliness looking at them all.
Lastly, Jade just watched calmly with her eyes shining and a look of desire on her face.
Talk to me, baby
I'm goin' blind from this sweet-sweet cravin', whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fuckin' crazy (ah)
I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hopin' we'll eat cake by the ocean (uh)
Walk for me, baby (walk for me now)
I'll be Diddy, you'll be Naomi, whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fuckin' crazy
I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hopin' we'll eat cake by the ocean
Ooh, ah-ah
I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hopin' we'll eat cake by the ocean (uh)
Ooh, ah-ah
I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hopin' we'll eat cake by the ocean (uh)
Hey, you're fuckin' delicious
Talk to me, girl!
Talk to me, baby (talk to me, baby)
I'm goin' blind from this sweet-sweet cravin', whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fuckin' crazy
I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hopin' we'll eat cake by the ocean (hey) (uh)
Walk for me, baby (walk for me now)
I'll be Diddy, you'll be Naomi, whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go (and go what?), fuckin' crazy (that's right)
I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hopin' (I'm ready), we'll eat cake by the ocean (ah, yeah)
Red velvet, vanilla, chocolate in my life
Funfetti, I'm ready, I need it every night
Red velvet, vanilla, chocolate in my life
I-I-I-I-I-I keep on hopin' we'll eat cake by the ocean (uh)
Suddenly, the entire bus was filled with applause. Everyone turned and saw the crowd and the driver applauding. They had arrived at a station and the bus stopped to listen to the last part of the song.
André, ecstatic, hugged Mike with his right arm. "Hahaha, you're crazy, bro! How did you achieve that song? It took me more than a week to create a short song of less than a minute, and you achieved one of more than four minutes like that, out of nowhere."
Beck, equally excited, gave both thumbs up. "It's true, you are very talented, Mike."
Tori, looking directly at Mike, murmured in a low tone, "True, very talented."
"Down, bitch, down!" Jade said to Tori again, with a wry smile on her lips.
"Hahaha, it's so fun," Cat exclaimed. "I told you guys it would be fun to ride the bus."
Robby, with a skeptical tone, commented, "Beginner's luck. I think you had already written it before."
André, with a hint of annoyance, responded, "Robby, calm down. How could he have written a song about cake, ocean and funeral before? Dude, relax."
The bus resumed its journey towards the next station, which was in Beverly Hills.
Mike, looking around, asked, "So, guys, did my interpretation seem enough to you?"
André fidgeted nervously at the end of his comment, "Of course, buddy. Why haven't we seen you before? With your talent and bearing, you could be famous on social media. Didn't you apply to go to Hollywood Art? There it would help you develop better. I don't want to say that you don't have enough talent, but you know what I mean..."
"Yes, I understand, André," Mike said. "But I haven't applied to any schools around here. At the moment, I come from a long trip abroad, so I haven't had time to settle in properly."
"You can apply at Hollywood Art with us. "So we could see you more there," Jade suggested, cutting Cat off before she could speak.
Beck, surprised, looked at her. Jade had never shown initiative to talk to someone, unless she was defending herself or attacking someone.
"Well, I'll think about it, guys," Mike said, "but first, the part of the deal…"
"Sure, what do you need?" Tori asked, showing interest.
Mike scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. "As I already said, I just arrived in Los Angeles and I don't know everything very well. So, could you help me with shopping today? I would like to buy some things and take them home. My car is delivered in a few days and I can't drive it all the way back alone. Hahaha."
"Of course my friend. Do not worry. "Where are we going shopping?" André asked.
"Well, let's go to Costco. There I will buy everything I need. You can get anything there," Mike explained, with a smile.
After agreeing to accompany him, they talked for a while longer. Cat stood up from her seat, giving it to André to be closer to Mike. While they were talking, Cat was hugging Mike's arm as he couldn't reach the upper supports of the bus. Mike noticed the jealous looks from Jade and Tori. He could expect jealousy from Tori, but not from Jade, the beautiful goth girl, whose boyfriend, he claimed, was Beck. The boys, good conversationalists, asked about Mike's travels, chatting happily, except for Robby, who looked at him with an air of disdain. If looks could kill, Mike would be twenty feet under.
After a half-hour drive and a bus transfer, they arrived at a Costco. For Mike, seeing stores or places that he had observed in the future was very refreshing, knowing that he could still have things under control. He went to the counter and the boys waited outside while he processed his membership.
"Okay, guys, let's each grab a cart and let's go inside," Mike said as he left for everyone to enter.
"Each one a cart? "It's not much," Robby commented as he grabbed one and sat Rex on it.
"I don't believe it. My house is almost empty, apart from the furniture. So I need several things. Don't worry, buddy, you're not paying," Mike said, almost cheekily, as he walked over to Cat's cart and stood behind her.
"Hi gorgeous. "I'll take you," Mike said, making Cat blush. She put her feet in the cart and Mike pushed her along with a smile.
"Come on, guys, follow me," Mike invited, leading the others.
After buying too many things, some not completely necessary, and receiving shocked expressions from everyone, they moved on to the checkouts. The employees informed Mike that, for an extra cost, they could ship everything to his home, which he agreed to do. "Well, it's easier now. Spend a favor on it. Hahaha."
"Mike, how can you buy all this in one exhibition? Is your family rich or what?" Beck asked, curious.
"Something like that, Beck, something like that," Mike replied, as everyone showed surprised expressions. The men looked at Mike with some money envy, although they quickly calmed down, except for Robby, who was still frowning strangely. The girls, especially Cat, watched in amazement at everything that was happening.
"Well, guys, after so much work, I'm already hungry. How about we stop by for some hot dogs? I invite you to my house and I prepare a barbecue to celebrate my arrival in Los Angeles. "Are you guys in?" Mike proposed enthusiastically.
"Of course my friend! It will be fun. "I'm in," said André.
"And me too," said Beck, Tori, Cat, and Jade, one after the other.
Robby, in a less enthusiastic tone, only said, "I guess."
"Well, then, let's go!" Mike concluded, happy with the group's response.
(All the way and shopping, Mike couldn't shake the recurring thought that he felt like he'd known everyone before.)