NOVEL NEXT Chapter 69
The atmosphere on set takes a sudden turn.
An unexpected advertising break.
Of course, since it’s a live show, it’s not the first time something like this has happened, but it’s also not something you see every day.
Cold sweat beads on the face of Rex Nova, the desk and main host of the live show.
The program’s director hurries up to the stage.
“What’s going on?”
Even for the PD in charge of a show on NCB24, Rex Nova is not someone to take lightly.
CCO of Resurrection Corporation.
A famous MC on the program.
An influencer with significant clout.
What could possibly fluster him so? The PD simply couldn’t imagine.
Even when questioning Rex Nova about the situation, there was no sign of a response.
He was just blankly staring at the guest sitting across from him.
‘… Is he someone important?’
The PD glanced at the Asian youth.
Aside from his good looks, there wasn’t anything particularly special to note.
“Continuing with ads has its limits. Let’s just proceed with the show for now.”
Upon hearing the PD’s words, Lee Siwoon added, addressing the pale-faced Rex Nova.
“He’s really just an ordinary guy. I just randomly ended up at the party myself, so you really don’t need to worry.”
“…”
But even after Siwoon said that, Rex Nova’s complexion was still devoid of color.
The PD couldn’t make heads or tails of the current situation.
What in the world was the problem?
Even if he wanted to ask Rex Nova, there simply wasn’t enough time.
“15 seconds until ads are over!”
Hearing the shout from a staff member offstage, the PD snapped back to reality.
“Anyway! This is live! Whatever issues arise, let’s make sure to sort them out after the broadcast!”
Of course, eliminating the ‘Asian youth’ was one potential solution.
On the other hand, he thought about it.
Controversy brings in money.
‘… If issues arise later, I’ll just write a few apologies, what’s the harm?’
Soon, the previously halted broadcast resumed.
“… We had to cut to a quick ad! Now, let’s continue ‘Show Live’!”
Maybe professionals really are professionals.
Rex Nova, still pale, continues to speak firmly.
Fortunately, the stage lights are so bright that his condition isn’t too glaringly obvious.
As Siwoon observed Rex Nova’s stuttering speech, he quickly assessed the situation.
What I knew about Rex Nova was as follows:
He appeared at a party meant only for high-ranking corporate individuals.
Moreover, he showed up alongside the infamous ‘Chairman Monolith,’ someone who had never attended any parties before.
In a party that allowed only one representative from a single company, two notable individuals appeared—now that was a rarity.
….
It would be easy to mistake them for employees.
In the Cyberpunk world, the power and influence of megacorps often surpassed many nations.
Was it like a bomb dropping from the sky?
Not literally, of course.
Though I justified it as not being the case, I wondered how much Rex would truly believe my words.
To be honest, I didn’t think I could trust them either.
Hmm.
After a brief moment of contemplation, I arrived at my conclusion.
Well, it’ll work out somehow.
I decided not to get too worked up about it.
I wasn’t lying.
Making excuses wouldn’t change their minds, anyway.
“That guy seems like he’s got himself quite a few charming ladies! Hahaha… It’s true.”
But being overly aware of my expressions was a bit disconcerting.
Outside the stage, the PD in charge, veins visibly popping on his forehead, muttered under his breath, clearly not saying anything nice.
A staff member lifted up a hologram panel.
‘Next person’
Seeing the contents on the panel, Rex Nova’s expression brightens noticeably.
“Ah, then it’s a bit early, but let’s bring in the next guest! Come on out!”
The name appears from the hologram emitter.
‘Vince Barbo’
An entertainer?
That name seemed vaguely familiar.
I don’t usually remember every celebrity’s name from variety shows, but as I pondered who he was…
“Recently, this controversial man returned after being arrested for tax evasion!”
A confident man strides out onto the stage.
His gait is impressive.
Below his chin, golden skin gleamed.
Even the exposed skin outside his suit was golden.
“He was the leader of the now-defunct group, Rain Us! Please welcome Mr. Vince Barbo!”
Ah.
“Hello, I’m Vince Barbo!”
I remembered.
He was the menacing guy I encountered backstage when I went to see Andrea’s concert.
[…… Hm.]
A strange complaint echoed from Eve’s nasal voice.
If he was arrested for tax evasion, he must have had a hard time getting back into the limelight.
Is this a sign of fate?
Perhaps Andrea was just as unaware of his appearance, as her expression had hardened to the point of being unsuitable for the broadcast.
Before Vince Barbo could take a seat on the sofa, he approached Andrea first.
“It’s been a while, you thorny rose.”
“What the hell─”
Andrea, unable to contain her sudden anger, nearly caused a major broadcast mishap, but Rex Nova suddenly intervened between them.
“Please take a seat first.”
With a mechanical laugh, Rex Nova halted Vince Barbo’s approach.
While obstructing Vince Barbo’s actions, his eyes were still fixed on me.
He kept checking my mood.
Given the program’s signature style, which typically ran without breaks, Vince Barbo sat on the sofa, looking utterly bewildered.
As he sat next to me, naturally, I was the one who had just finished my part.
“Oh, this is him? The rumored guy.”
“… Haha, that’s right. By the way—”
“You certainly look the part.”
Despite Rex Nova’s attempts to change the topic, it all fell apart.
Even after serving time in prison, it seemed Vince Barbo hadn’t lost his touch, as he continued speaking.
“Still, it must be tough to snag a ‘rose’ with just looks; what’s your job? I’d assume you’re just here to collect a guest fee… Just kidding.”
From what he was saying, it seemed he didn’t remember my face.
Well, considering I was wearing a mask when he saw me in the concert backstage, I could see how he wouldn’t.
Vince Barbo leaned towards me.
His golden skin felt overwhelming.
And now I noticed, his eyes were also golden.
“Are you perhaps aspiring to be an entertainer? Ah, I didn’t hear anything about that from your agency.”
“Haha, he’s not an aspiring entertainer. Let’s change the subject—”
Rex Nova desperately tried to catch the conversation and redirect it.
“If you’re really an aspiring entertainer, the senior shouldn’t go after the ‘rose’ the junior eyed first, that’s quite rude.”
“Didn’t I just say he’s not an aspiring entertainer? So can we just─”
“Oh, why not? This show is fine with this level of conversation, right? I came out saying to talk honestly—”
“Stop!”
I couldn’t take it anymore.
Rex Nova shouted loudly.
In truth, it really was a broadcast mishap as it stood.
Yet despite everything, Rex Nova was heavily focused on my reaction.
He looked paler than before.
“… If you don’t want trouble, then shut up.”
He muttered quietly, hushing Vince Barbo.
Seeing Rex Nova’s inexplicable behavior, the PD started to grip his head again.
If it weren’t for the live broadcast, expletives would surely have been flying around.
Vince Barbo, still trying to figure out the situation, began to gaze quizzically at his senior’s shout.
Looking at his expression told me he was probably thinking, “Has this guy lost it?”
Rex Nova, who only knew the truth (or not), looked like he had aged a few years, sweating profusely.
“… I’ll continue with the broadcast!”
Did he plan on pushing through this head-on?
Rex Nova, having rudely interrupted the flow, calmly began to comment.
“Originally, we were supposed to chat a bit more, but there’s a special circumstance the viewers don’t know about, so we’ll have to speed things up.”
He looked a bit resigned.
Regardless, finishing the broadcast quickly would benefit me, so I paid it little mind and waited for him to continue.
“Next up… yes!”
A name appeared on the hologram emitter for the next segment.
‘Call with Surrounding Characters’
“Yes! This is the segment where we directly hear from those around the controversial figure. As you all know, we’re curious how these acquaintances feel about the controversy, so this segment aims to answer that!”
Just then, Rex Nova’s gaze landed on me while scanning the surroundings.
Yet, before I could look away, Rex Nova hastily averted his eyes, twisting his neck in an awkward motion to avoid mine.
“?”
That motion seemed incredibly straining on his spine and neck, but he resumed looking around as if nothing happened.
… Normally, this segment would force a call with ordinary guest characters to hear their genuine reactions and anecdotes, enjoying the discomfort of our main subject.
But even when I turned to face Rex Nova, he clearly had no intention of meeting my gaze.
Eventually, after glancing around, his eyes landed on Vince Barbo, who was next to me.
“Let’s start with Vince Barbo.”
“Huh? We didn’t discuss this beforehand.”
“We’ll be proceeding with the call—huh?”
Rex Nova, who had been carrying on with his cue, abruptly stopped in the middle of his statement.
He stood up and turned his head towards the side of the stage.
He seemed suddenly informed of something by the staff or PD.
The PD, who just moments ago was filled with pent-up anger, now stood slack-jawed, his eyes widened as if denying reality.
What’s going on?
Before I could find answers to my doubts, Rex Nova dramatically finished his statement.
“Viewers, we sincerely apologize! Let’s take another ad break and return!”
…
I wasn’t a regular viewer of this show.
But logically, the continuity of consecutive ads felt off.
As if possessed, Rex Nova walked off the stage.
Moments later, after a brief exchange with the PD, Rex Nova approached me blankly.
“Ha, haha.”
A hollow laugh followed.
I muted my voice to avoid catching the microphone and spoke to him.
“What’s wrong?”
“… You said he’s just an ordinary guy.”
“?”
Well, he is.
As Rex Nova realized my puzzled expression, he dropped his head with a resigned tone.
“… I got a call from Chairman Monolith.”
“Excuse me?”
“He’s going to call you directly soon…”
…….
What?