A Life Beyond Limits novel Chapter 20

During the month Jack worked with Patrick, his involvement not only significantly boosted productivity but also brought creative tweaks that made Patrick's plug-in software incredibly popular.

The plug-in studio's revenue doubled almost overnight.

Even large companies that had once looked down on Patrick's modest plug-in studio began to imitate its innovations.

Some even extended offers of collaboration, hoping to tap into its sudden success.

Despite Patrick's enthusiastic invitation for a long-term partnership, Jack neither accepted nor outright declined.

Jack needed money, and working with Patrick for just one month had earned him tens of thousands dollars in compensation.

However, he harbored concerns about the plug-in industry. He understood that it was a gray area teetering on the edge of legality, and diving deeper into it could bring significant risks.

Jack often found himself pondering how to harness his skills in a way that could generate legitimate income.

Recently, he had also started studying psychology in his spare time. He reasoned that since he had already mastered programming techniques, perhaps he and Patrick could create a game together.

Unlike plug-ins, the gaming industry was entirely above board and could still be highly profitable.

However, this idea was still in its infancy. Jack knew he needed to refine his technical skills further, deepen his understanding of psychology, and strengthen his collaboration with Patrick.

Only then could he confidently work toward achieving his first major breakthrough.

In his spare time, Jack composed another song. However, he wasn't entirely satisfied with it.

Both the lyrics and melody fell short when compared to his debut piece, "Time."

This realization struck Jack deeply. Talent in songwriting was important, but countless classics were born from relentless refinement, a perfect blend of timing, opportunity, and the creator's mindset.

"No wonder those who produce only a handful of hits in their lifetime can still be revered as legends," Jack mused, feeling a newfound respect for the art of creation.

When he wasn't composing, Jack made sure to stay active. After nearly three months of summer training, his physical strength had improved remarkably.

He now confidently believed he could take on dozens of opponents single-handedly without breaking a sweat.

As for his mysterious ability to control electricity, progress was slow but steady.

Though he hadn't mastered it fully, Jack was grateful for any advancement. The fact that he possessed such a unique gift was already an incredible stroke of luck.

Time flew by, and soon, the long-awaited college acceptance letters arrived.

Eddie was accepted into a prestigious medical college, fulfilling his dream of becoming a doctor.

Wesley, too, achieved his goal of enrolling in Alnewgo University of Technology, a second-tier college located in the bustling city of Alnewgo.

Although it wasn't a top-tier school, its location in such a thriving metropolis meant its admissions score often exceeded those of first-tier colleges by several points.

As for Jack, he chose to major in finance at Alnewgo University. Despite not applying to the nation's top two colleges, his title as the state's top science student more than compensated for any perceived shortcoming.

When Seaton High School learned of Jack's decision, they offered no objections. After all, the prestige of having produced the state's top student brought them immense pride.

Jack himself felt assured. With his achievements, he could attend any college he wanted.

The new semester soon arrived.

Jack's and Wesley's father had initially planned to accompany the two young men to their college orientation but were met with firm rejection. Since both of them were now adults and traveling together, their elders relented, allowing them to embark on this journey on their own.

Alnewgo was known as the "Eastern Star of Splendor," this city was a brand-new world for the two newcomers setting foot in it for the first time.

Through the car window, the bustling streets flashed by. Skyscrapers towering into the sky, luxury cars weaving in and out of traffic.

The girl's voice, which was sweet yet filled with fury, suddenly rang out. "Andres, how dare you! You've already found someone else the moment you started college? Fine! Do you think I can't live without you? Watch me find a boyfriend right now to show you!"

Though she was yelling, her melodious voice still stirred ripples in Jack's heart.

At that moment, the girl turned around, her eyes locking onto Jack, who stood frozen like a deer caught in headlights.

She raised her hand and beckoned to him. Her tone was commanding, "You, come here!"

Jack finally got a clear look at the girl, Bella.

Unlike Phoebe's ethereal elegance or Feena's girl-next-door charm, Bella's beauty carried a hint of wildness, a touch of pride, and a dash of allure.

Glancing around to confirm that he was indeed the one being called, Jack frowned and asked, "What do you want?"

Before the girl could respond, the boy, Andres, burst into laughter. He asked, "Bella, are you serious? Look at him. He's dressed like a broke loser. And you're okay with that?"

Bella ignored Andres's mockery. She stormed over to Jack and grabbed his hand, holding her head high.

She told Andres, "He's my boyfriend now. If anything happens between us from now on, it's all your fault!"

Andres rolled his eyes, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Bella, I don't have time to play house with you. I've got better things to do, so enjoy your little drama with this loser."

With that, he turned and walked away, completely dismissing Jack as insignificant.

As Andres disappeared from sight, Bella's anger boiled over, and tears welled up in her eyes.

She turned to Jack, her expression hardening with determination.

"What's your name? And what's your student ID number?" she asked, her voice resolute.