บท 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.
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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.
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