Chapitre 48: Considerations
Leaving the hustle of the Modern Family set behind, Lucas settled into his airplane seat, New York City beckoning on the horizon. His thoughts turned to the future, the hum of the engines a fitting backdrop for his ambitions. He envisioned a high-end computer, its whirring fans singing the sweet song of Bitcoin mining.
Truth be told, if a million dollars lay in his bank account, a spacious warehouse filled with gleaming rigs would be his playground. The potential profit, a future glittering with golden coins, almost drowned out the sensible voice whispering about caution. But reality, like the cramped legroom, was inescapable. His post-"127 Hours" and "Modern Family" paychecks, a respectable $185,000, wouldn't stretch that far.
Successfully mining Bitcoin hinges on three key factors: the processing power of a computer, the efficiency of a mining software, and the cost of electricity in a location.
Currently, the profitability of Bitcoin mining can be questionable. High electricity costs can quickly eat into any potential gains, particularly for less powerful rigs. Additionally, poorly optimized software can significantly reduce the hash rate, further diminishing the chances of earning rewards.
Mining Bitcoin involves electricity costs, but he wasn't overly concerned. Accumulating Bitcoin seemed advantageous to him, and he saw the potential to sell or trade them to individuals using Bitcoin casually, perhaps undervaluing its significance. Reflecting on a previous life's incident from 2010 when someone exchanged 10,000 Bitcoin for a pizza, Lucas considered purchasing Bitcoin as a sensible alternative to mining.
---
Sunlight streamed through LaGuardia's grime-coated windows as Lucas disembarked. Trolleys clattered, announcements crackled, and a tide of weary travelers surged past, pulling suitcases and dragging jet lag. Lucas wove through the chaos, hailing a taxi with a practiced flick of his wrist.
The yellow cab dropped Lucas at his apartment building. He lugged his suitcase inside and found Paul sprawled on the small new couch, a half-eaten pizza abandoned on the coffee table.
"Yo," Lucas called out, dropping the bag with a thud. "Didn't expect you back yet."
Paul, startled, looked up with a grin. "Hey, man! Flight got in early?" He gestured to the pizza. "Want a slice? Warning, it's cold and possibly haunted by the ghost of pepperoni past."
Lucas chuckled. "Nah, I'm good. Just flew back from LA, feeling a bit jet-lagged. How'd the "The Loser" shoot go with Chris Evans?"
Paul's grin widened. "Dude, it was epic! Evans is even funnier in person, and the director's got a real vision for this thing. I think it's gonna be huge."
"Nice! You must be thrilled," Lucas refrained from bursting Paul's bubble, given the movie's lackluster performance in his previous life.
"Yeah, all things considered, it wasn't bad," Paul conceded, nodding. "But enough about me, superstar. You're the one killing it! Leading role in a movie? I'm still stuck in the supporting actor purgatory." He gave Lucas a playful nudge, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
Paul couldn't help but notice a change in Lucas. He seemed more confident, his eyes sparkling with a newfound energy. Maybe it was the success, or maybe something else that had simmered during his time away. Whatever it was, it was a good look on his friend.
They chatted for a while, catching up on lost time, before Lucas suggested, "You know what? I'm starving. Let's hit up a restaurant for some old-school comfort food. My treat."
As they walked into the familiar diner, Liza and Leonard erupted in cheers. "Lucas! Back in the flesh!" they boomed, engulfing him in warm hugs. They bombarded him with questions about his career, his eyes twinkling with genuine pride.
After a moment, they noticed Paul standing beside him, a bit sheepish. "Hey, everyone," he said, "This is Paul, my friend and roommate."
Liza and Leonard instantly extended their arms, welcoming him with open smiles.
Lucas regaled Liza and the gang with stories from his trip, and of course, Modern Family was a hot topic. They peppered him with questions about his return, eyes wide with excitement. Lucas grinned, "It's just a quick pop-in," Lucas chuckled, "but hey, catch me on TV this October!"
---
Lucas stepped into the glass lobby of the Innovative Artists building, sunlight slicing through the morning sky. Vincent's office held a welcoming warmth this time, a stark contrast to their last tense meeting. He chuckled as Lucas slid into the leather chair.
Vincent greeted Lucas with a genuine warmth that surprised him. "Lucas, good to see you again! Congratulations on landing the lead in '127 Hours.' I have to admit, I didn't expect it," Vincent said, a smile crinkling his eyes. "Your Modern Family appearance was impressive, but Aron Ralston in '127 Hours'? That's a whole new level."
Initially, Vincent underestimated Lucas. "Modern Family" was a nice gig, but landing the demanding role of Aron Ralston in "127 Hours"? That seemed like a stretch for the fresh-faced actor.
So when Lucas casually confirmed the news, Vincent felt a genuine jolt of surprise. Innovative Artists had been keeping a close eye on him, considering a contract, but this catapulted Lucas into a different league. Perhaps the offer couldn't wait any longer.
Vincent's eyebrows shot up when Lucas mentioned his "127 Hours" paycheck. 180 thousand dollars for a fresh-faced actor like him? A pang of regret tugged at Vincent. IAA could have secured a juicy commission if they'd already signed Lucas. But that was water under the bridge. The agency's open casting call for the role meant they wouldn't earn anything from Lucas unless he signed with them after landing the part.
Shaking his head, Vincent decided to act. Lucas' talent, coupled with his recent success, was undeniable. Even landing the lead in a challenging independent film like "127 Hours" spoke volumes. He grabbed his phone and dialed the agency's director. "Lucas has potential," he said, "and I think it's time we offered him a representation agreement."
Lucas found the "127 Hours" role through their open hub board, meant for fresh talent assessment. The agency wouldn't collect a commission, except for the standard audition fee Lucas had already paid.
Shaking his head, Vincent knew it was time to act. He contacted the agency's leadership, advocating for a representation offer to Lucas. The demanding role in an independent film like "127 Hours" was a clear indicator of Lucas' potential. They couldn't afford to miss out again.
Chapitre 49: Heartthrob
Lucas opted for a cutting-edge build, starting with a top-of-the-line Intel Core 2 Quad processor, boasting clock speeds of 3 GHz.
He paired it with the reigning king of graphics cards, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280, even if it wasn't yet optimized for mining. Splurging for a hefty 8GB of RAM, Lucas also embraced the emerging technology of Solid State Drives (SSDs). While pricier than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), SSDs promised lightning-fast performance and superior data security, a trade-off Lucas deemed worthwhile.
Lucas tackled the PC assembly project solo in his apartment. With Paul away, it was a one-man show. Yet, Lucas wasn't a newcomer to the intricate world of computer parts and connections. Hours later, with a satisfied sigh, he flicked the power switch. His high-end creation, a $2,180 testament to cutting-edge technology, hummed to life.
First things first, Lucas downloaded Google Chrome, a familiar gateway to the digital world. Then came the official Bitcoin miner software. Back in 2009, a single Bitcoin held a humble value: $0.0008. A far cry from the dizzying heights of $30,000 to $40,000 it would one day reach.
With each block minted rewarding 50 BTC, Lucas envisioned his high-end computer churning out a significant amount of Bitcoin. Operating 24/7, he could theoretically mine anywhere from 5,000 to 7,000 BTC per day, a figure tempered by the reality of network fluctuations and mining difficulty. However, the constant operation presented challenges. Monitoring the computer around the clock was impractical, of course, constant mining would drive up his electricity bill, an issue he could afford but preferred to avoid. The landlord wouldn't appreciate a sudden surge in power consumption.
Therefore, Lucas planned a two-pronged approach. He would take advantage of the simpler mining landscape of 2009 while also strategically purchasing Bitcoin from existing holders. This diversified strategy aimed to capitalize on the promising future of the nascent cryptocurrency without exposing himself to unnecessary risks.
Lucas envisioned a future beyond simply mining Bitcoin. He planned to develop a website that streamlined the exchange process, allowing users to easily convert their Bitcoin to dollars and receive them conveniently through PayPal. While the idea held promise, Lucas recognized the significant challenges ahead. Not only would he need to navigate the complexities of building such a platform, but also secure the necessary funding to bring his vision to life. Collecting enough capital to fuel this ambitious venture would be the first hurdle to overcome.
---
On a crisp October night in 2009, Rachel flicked on the television in her cozy American living room. Excitement crackled in the air for tonight was the new episode of "Modern Family," a quirky new comedy promising to shake up the airwaves.
For fans of the mockumentary genre, Wednesdays had become a favorite day. "Modern Family" promised a fresh take, following the hilarious and heartwarming antics of three blended families under one roof. Tonight, Rachel wouldn't miss it for the world.
While "Modern Family" had captured the hearts of viewers like Rachel, there was a lingering disappointment. Dylan, the charming character introduced in the pilot, had been absent since. Fans, including Rachel, eagerly awaited his return. Each episode brought fresh laughs, yet the yearning for Dylan's return lingered. Then, as episode four unfolded, a familiar face finally graced the screen. There, amidst the Dunphy-Pritchett family gathering, stood Dylan.
His sun-kissed blonde hair and bright blue eyes, paired with a tall, athletic build, sent a ripple of excitement through the female audience, including Rachel.
As the scene unfolded, Gloria and DeDe's argument escalated, a simmering tension filling the room. Then, Dylan stepped forward, his voice cutting through the conflict. His words, infused with genuine empathy and a touch of humor, resonated with the family, bridging the gap and reminding them of their love. Rachel watched, a soft smile playing on her lips, her eyes drawn to Dylan's sincerity. "Oh, Dylan," she murmured under her breath, clutching the pillow closer.
Later, Dylan settled on the couch, picking up his guitar. The unfamiliar chords filled the room, and his voice, imbued with a raw vulnerability, began to weave a melody. Rachel wasn't alone in her captivation; a collective hush fell over the audience as Dylan poured his soul into the song.
"Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know," he sang, his gaze sweeping across the room, "She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home. I found a lover, to carry more than just my secrets, To carry love, to carry children of our own."
While the lyrics raised a slight eyebrow from Claire, captured by the camera's keen eye, the audience found themselves caught between amusement and genuine admiration. The song, aimed at the teenage Haley, possessed an undeniable beauty, even if its message might raise a few questions. Lucas, leaning in with rapt attention, couldn't help but be drawn into the scene's emotional pull.
"Baby, I'm dancing in the dark," Dylan crooned, his voice a husky caress, "With you between my arms. Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song." His gaze, tender yet playful, flitted across Haley, then settled on Claire with a mischievous glint. "When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful, I don't deserve this. Darling, you look perfect tonight."
The audience held their breath. The song, a captivating melody born from Dylan's raw talent, wove a spell of intimacy and longing. It felt like a secret shared, a glimpse into the actor's own soul. Rachel, like countless others, found herself swept away, fantasizing about Dylan's whispered promises and stolen glances. The lines blurred between character and actor, reality and fantasy, as Dylan's charisma painted a picture of love that resonated with every heart.
Rachel wasn't alone in her daydream. As Dylan's voice filled the room, countless women found themselves swept away, dancing in the moonlight with him, barefoot on the grass, lost in the melody he'd woven. His blonde hair and blue eyes, captured by the camera's gaze, ignited a spark of longing in every heart, and the whispered "I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight" sent shivers down spines. A blush crept up Rachel's cheeks, a secret smile playing on her lips.
The mockumentary that followed offered a jarring contrast. Dylan and Haley's chemistry crackled on-screen, sparking adoration in some viewers and envy in others, mostly among the female contingent who couldn't help but see Dylan as their own heartthrob. Even Claire's motherly protectiveness elicited chuckles from the audience. By the episode's end, the melody of Dylan's song had woven its way into the hearts of most main characters, amplifying the emotional resonance.
The catchy melody had become a chorus, sung by the characters on screen and echoed by the audience. Rachel, wiping away a tear of laughter, shook her head. "Haley better keep a close eye on him, Dylan's a ladies' man for sure!" A pause, then a quiet murmur, "Though, I have to admit, I might have a bit of a crush myself..." She wasn't alone. In that moment, many female viewers were swept away, lost in daydreams and fantasies, their hearts captivated by the captivating Dylan. For many, 2009 had just witnessed the birth of a new crush.
For most, they knew him only as Dylan, the charming character who stole their hearts. But for those with keen eyes, the credits revealed the name behind the persona: Lucas Knight. And just like that, a new heartthrob was born.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
200+ Classement
Power Stone 
25 Power
stone Vous aimerez peut-être aussi
Commentaire de paragraphe