NOVEL NEXT Chapter 68
In that moment, Jane had a gut feeling.
‘This is going to be a hit…!’
Of course, gaining popularity in this world just based on appearance and physique was challenging.
Whether it be Cyberware or Bioware.
If one underwent Implant Surgery, they could easily gain physical traits that they weren’t born with.
No matter how short an average Dwarf might be, they could reach a towering height of 2 meters through postnatal factors (implants).
It wasn’t unusual for a female celebrity born with two breasts to get two more added on, although it rarely happened.
Moreover, due to Gender Fluid tendencies, people changing their gender was quite common.
There were even peculiar individuals who had a liking for elf women with massive weapons between their legs.
Anyone could change to their desired appearance if they set their mind to it.
Thus, it was not possible to assess popularity or box office success based solely on looks.
Yet, despite this, Jane, with her years in the entertainment industry, had developed a knack for spotting potential.
The unique background of being both a mercenary and a wizard.
The dark circles, which could have been a flaw, instead accentuated this unique background and turned into a sort of decadent charm.
From what Andrea told her, it seemed he had never undergone aesthetic implant surgery.
However, his distinctive features and impressive looks were deeply ingrained in her memory, almost as if he’d been sculpted like a character.
Looking at him now, even his seemingly unmotivated expression felt strangely attractive.
‘100% guaranteed success!’
The being before Jane was, quite literally, akin to a ‘first-prize lottery ticket’.
Thus, without a moment’s hesitation, she suggested to Lee Siwoon that he should consider a career as a celebrity.
“Absolutely not.”
It took less than one second for her suggestion to be rejected.
This fact left Jane feeling down.
—
19. Just an Ordinary Person (4)
Sitting in the chair in the dressing room, I gazed into the mirror.
“…….”
Why am I here doing this?
Silently pondering to myself.
“Just stay still.”
“Yes─.”
“You don’t even have to respond.”
“─Yep.”
Like a green dragon on the left and a white tiger on the right.
The makeup team employees on either side restrained my fidgeting.
As my responses were cut off midway, I fell back into silence again.
It was hard even to swallow.
I was enduring a punishment in a mindset of having given up on everything.
Rolling my eyes secretly, I glanced sideways.
Andrea, who sat right next to me, was also receiving makeup for the broadcast.
“If you move, it’ll smudge.”
“Ah, sorry─.”
“…As I said before, just listen quietly.”
“…….”
How did it come to this?
I had turned down Jane’s absurd suggestion to become a celebrity.
Then, as I continuously rejected offers, it turned into an unforced obligation to receive broadcast makeup, leaving me at the mercy of the makeup team.
I had said I could just wear a mask and go out, but they seemed to dismiss that lightly.
I didn’t even have time to escape.
Whether they had initially planned to give Andrea broadcast makeup or not, several makeup team members were already waiting outside the dressing room.
I sighed internally.
Turning my gaze back to the mirror, I looked at myself.
“…….”
Still, broadcast makeup is quite impressive.
The features, which hadn’t changed much, became more defined.
Well, I certainly looked handsome.
Under usual circumstances, one would try to hide dark circles with makeup.
But why did they apply darker colors to emphasize them instead?
That thought crossed my mind.
Living like this, I’ve had all sorts of experiences.
If I was asked to participate in another broadcast like this, I silently vowed to refuse without fail.
A little while later.
Recognizing the reason for receiving unexpected makeup.
The remaining time displayed on the hologram panel was around ten minutes.
Andrea had finished her makeup and changed clothes, approaching me.
“We should head out soon.”
“Uh-huh.”
Andrea, now done with her broadcast makeup, was shining in terms of appearance.
She was pretty as usual, but now she looked even more like a ‘celebrity’.
That much was true.
As we left the dressing room, Jane followed behind us, saying something along the lines of ‘Are you sure you don’t want to try being a real celebrity─.’
But coolly brushing it off, I moved to follow Andrea towards the filming site.
It didn’t take long to get from the dressing room to the filming set.
The set was already bustling with preparations.
On stage, multiple lights and cameras were shining, and in the center were several sofas and tables with props.
It looked exactly like what I’d seen on the broadcast.
On stage was the famous celebrity and businessman, ‘Rex Nova,’ who seemed to be muttering to himself while checking his broadcast routine.
A staff member hurriedly greeted us as we entered the filming area.
“I’m glad you finally made it! I thought you weren’t coming. This way!”
We rushed to follow the staff to the back of the stage.
Since time was tight, there was no chance to greet anyone.
But it was a broadcast shoot.
Perhaps we were a bit late.
The staff briefly explained the process of how the broadcast would proceed, especially to me.
First, there would be an opening show.
Immediately after that, Andrea would appear, and moments later, I was to come on.
There were a few other guests as well, but they said we didn’t need to worry about that.
A staff member with large lenses over their face approached us.
“First, please attach your microphone… Good. Later, please step out onto the stage when you receive our signal.”
As we got closer to the broadcasting shoot, I actually began to relax.
After all, there was no escaping now.
I suppose this is how a fish feels on a chopping board.
I waited for the start of the broadcast.
Since I was basically just there as Andrea’s sidekick, I expected I wouldn’t have many questions directed at me.
“Have you seen this broadcast before?”
“I have.”
I nodded at Andrea’s question.
“A few times.”
I briefly recalled.
‘Rex Nova’s Show Live’ was it?
I had mentioned that I was going to be on a broadcast, but to be honest, I didn’t realize it was for this show.
As the name suggested, it was a live broadcast show known for addressing sensitive topics.
Moreover, because it was live, there was a considerable potential for controversy, which probably contributed to its popularity.
Close up, it was a tragedy.
From afar, a comedy, they say.
I never imagined I’d be part of that problematic program.
“Oh, it’s starting.”
From behind the stage, I watched as Rex Nova conducted the broadcast, making sure we were out of the camera’s view.
“Hello!”
Dressed in a stylish suit, he made exaggerated gestures.
“Are you all enjoying Neon City?!”
The opening began with the same exact line you hear on the broadcast.
When watching from home, I hadn’t realized how dated the lines sounded.
“I’m Rex Nova, the host of this program! So, what kinds of incidents and accidents will happen in Neon City today?”
He chattered away alone, making me think “Ah, is this why he’s such a famous celebrity?”
I swallowed hard and waited for the staff’s signal.
“The first controversial individual to appear is…, none other than this person!”
Huge letters appeared on the hologram emitter sitting on the table.
『Andrea Rose』
With bright lights, Andrea’s name appeared in a flashy font.
“First, Andrea, you’re up!”
The staff waved their hand, calling Andrea.
Just as I had seen before.
In a confident manner, Andrea stepped onto the stage.
“Hi, nice to meet you!”
Andrea sat on the sofa placed at the forefront.
Rex Nova scratched his head and continued his conversation with Andrea in a showy manner.
“I never imagined I’d get to meet you on our show. As you know, it’s a program reserved for controversial figures…”
““Hahaha!””
In reality, there were no live audience members, but laughter could be heard from somewhere, enhancing the mood.
This was the effect of Rex Nova’s self-deprecating remarks.
“Recently, the rumors surrounding Andrea were…, oh. ‘Dating rumors’! Honestly, we didn’t expect you to confidently come out and clarify this.”
“Well, it’s nothing much.”
“That’s true. Thinking back, I also meet with different girlfriends every day─.”
As it was a talk show, Rex Nova led the conversation, maintaining the flow.
How wonderful it would be to just stand by and watch.
But that happiness was short-lived.
Just as I spaced out for a moment, a new line appeared on the hologram emitter.
“─So, let’s continue! Let’s bring in that rumored man!”
Ugh, why is the progression so fast?
『The Man of the Rumor』
The text that appeared was not my name.
But no matter what anyone said, the ‘Man of the Rumor’ clearly referred to me.
The staff gestured to me.
“It’s time for you to go out!”
I quietly cleared my throat and walked onto the stage.
Alright, calm down.
First step, greet lightly and sit on the sofa, that’s the procedure.
It’s also part of the fun of the program for the various guests to interact.
“…Hello.”
My voice amplified through the microphone.
“According to the rumors, you’ve been seen surrounded by several beautiful women. However, your demeanor doesn’t seem to reflect that─.”
Rex Nova trailed off in his speech.
He had checked my face while sitting on the sofa.
“Oh, suddenly it seems that the rumors might actually be true. If you don’t mind me asking, are you involved in the entertainment industry?”
“…I’m just an ordinary person.”
“Aha.”
Rex Nova exclaimed with interest at my reply, then scrutinized my face once more.
He wasn’t conducting a talk show or anything.
He was examining my face, as if scanning.
…….
Why is he staring at me so hard?
Did this person have any controversy regarding gender identity issues?
I suddenly felt anxious.
However, Rex Nova’s subsequent words left me speechless.
“I think I saw you with a very high-ranking individual from Monolith at that party back then─, oh.”
Perhaps it was a slip of the tongue, or maybe a long-lost memory resurfacing.
Rex Nova’s words abruptly halted.
He secretly signaled the staff without letting the camera catch him.
Receiving the signal, the staff shouted.
“We’ll take a brief advertisement break now!”
The red lights on the camera vanished.
Rex Nova’s complexion visibly darkened as he cautiously lowered his voice to ask me.
“…Is my memory right? Were you the corporate executive who appeared alongside the chairman at that party? What brings you here…?”
“…….”
No, really, I’m just an ordinary person.
My head was spinning trying to think of how to explain this.