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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Simzy
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At that moment, Jane had a gut feeling.
‘This is going to be big…!’
Of course, in this world, it was difficult to gain popularity solely based on external factors like appearance or physique.
Whether it’s cyberware or bioware, implant surgery made it easy to acquire physical characteristics not possessed from birth.
Even dwarves, with their typically short stature, could achieve a towering height of 2 meters through acquired factors (implants).
It wasn’t common, but occasionally a female celebrity born with two breasts would add two more.
Besides that, changing genders due to gender fluid tendencies was also common. And there were people with unusual preferences who liked elven women with massive weapons between their legs.
It was a world where anyone could change their appearance to their liking if they set their mind to it.
Popularity or box office success couldn’t be measured by looks alone.
But despite that, Jane, with her discerning eye honed through years in the entertainment industry, was certain.
A unique background as a mercenary and a Mage.
The dark circles, which could be a disadvantage, instead highlighted these background elements, transforming into a decadent charm.
And although she heard from Andrea that he hadn’t undergone any appearance-altering implant surgery, his distinct features and handsome appearance, as if “sculpted as a character,” left a deep impression.
Now that she looked closely, his seemingly unmotivated expression felt like another point of charm.
‘100% success!’
The being before Jane’s eyes was literally
an obvious ‘winning lottery ticket.’
So, without a moment’s hesitation, Jane suggested the profession of celebrity to Shiun, and
“Absolutely not.”
It took less than a second for the suggestion to be rejected.
That fact made Jane gloomy.
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I sat in a chair in the makeup room and looked at the mirror.
“….”
Why am I doing this here?
I pondered silently.
“Please stay still.”
“Yes—”
“You don’t have to answer.”
“—Yes.”
Like a blue dragon on the left and a white tiger on the right, the makeup artists flanking me stopped my fidgeting.
My reply was cut off mid-sentence, and I maintained silence once more.
It was difficult to even swallow.
With a sense of resignation, I endured the punishment being inflicted.
I furtively rolled my eyes to the side.
Andrea, sitting right next to me, was also getting her makeup done for the broadcast, just like me.
“If you move, it’ll smudge.”
“Ah, sorry—”
“…As I said before, you just need to listen quietly.”
“….”
How did the situation become like this?
I refused Jane’s absurd offer to become a celebrity.
And after several more rejections, I ended up in the hands of the makeup artists due to her insistent, almost forceful request that I at least get broadcast makeup.
I even said I could just wear a mask, but they seemingly ignored me and brushed it off.
There wasn’t even time to escape.
Perhaps they had planned to do Andrea’s makeup anyway, as several makeup artists were already waiting outside the dressing room.
I sighed inwardly.
I turned my gaze back to myself in the mirror.
“….”
Broadcast makeup is amazing, though.
My features, which haven’t changed much, are becoming more defined.
He’s quite handsome.
Normally, with broadcast makeup, they’d try to cover up dark circles.
Why are they applying dark powder to make the dark circles look even darker?
Such a question arose.
I’m really experiencing all sorts of things in life.
I secretly vowed that if I ever received another request to participate in a broadcast like this, I would definitely refuse.
A little while later, perhaps because I had received unplanned makeup, the remaining time displayed on the holographic panel was about 10 minutes.
Andrea, who had finished her makeup and changed into her outfit at some point, approached me.
“We should get going soon.”
“Yeah.”
Andrea, with her broadcast makeup, was literally glowing.
She’s pretty normally too, but should I say she looks a bit more ‘celebrity-like’ now?
Anyway, that was it.
Jane followed us out of the makeup room, saying things like, “Really, have you thought about becoming a celebrity—,” but I coldly brushed her off and followed Andrea to the filming set.
It didn’t take long to get from the makeup room to the set.
Preparations were already in full swing on the set.
Multiple lights and cameras were illuminating the stage, and in the center, there was a table with several sofas and props.
It was exactly as I had seen on the broadcast.
On stage was the famous celebrity and businessman, ‘Rex Nova.’
He seemed to be checking his broadcast routine, muttering to himself.
A staff member hurriedly greeted us as we appeared on set.
“You’re finally here! I thought you weren’t coming. Then, this way!”
We followed the hurrying staff member to the back of the stage.
Because time was tight, there was no opportunity to greet anyone.
It’s a broadcast shoot though.
We must have arrived too late.
The staff member briefly explained the broadcasting process to us, especially to me.
First, there would be an opening show, followed immediately by Andrea’s appearance, and then shortly after, my appearance.
There were a few other guests, but they said it wasn’t something we needed to worry about too much.
A cybernetic staff member with four large lenses on their face approached us.
“First, let me attach your microphones…, good. Later, when you receive our signal, please come on stage.”
With the broadcast shoot imminent, my nervousness actually dissipated.
There was no way to run away now that things had come to this.
This must be how a fish on a chopping board feels.
I waited for the broadcast to start.
Since I was just appearing as Andrea’s plus-one, I expected there wouldn’t be many questions directed at me.
“Have you seen this broadcast before?”
“Of course.”
I nodded at Andrea’s question.
“A few times.”
I briefly recalled my memories.
‘Rex Nova’s Show Live’…, was it?
I said I’d be on a broadcast, but to be honest, I didn’t know it was this program.
As the name suggested, this broadcast was a live show.
It was also famous for dealing with sensitive topics.
Moreover, being live, it was often controversial, and for that reason, it was also a very popular program.
Tragedy up close, comedy from afar.
I never imagined I’d be on that very program.
“Oh, it’s starting.”
From the back of the stage, we watched Rex Nova hosting the broadcast, making sure we weren’t caught on camera.
“Hello!”
He made exaggerated gestures in a stylish suit.
“Is everyone enjoying Neon City!”
The opening began with the same lines I’d seen on TV.
I didn’t notice when I was lounging at home, but the lines seemed a bit old-fashioned.
“I’m the broadcaster in charge of this program, ‘Rex Nova’! Now, what kind of incidents and accidents have happened in Neon City today?”
He rambled on well by himself; he’s a famous celebrity for a reason.
I swallowed dryly, waiting for the staff’s signal to appear.
“The first controversial figure to appear is…, this person!”
Large letters appeared from the hologram emitter on the table.
『Andrea Rose』
Andrea’s name appeared in a fancy font, accompanied by bright lights.
“Ms. Andrea, you can go out first!”
The staff member called Andrea, waving their hand.
Just as she always did, Andrea walked onto the stage with a confident demeanor.
“Yes, hello!”
Andrea sat on the sofa placed at the very front.
Rex Nova scratched his head and continued his lines to Andrea with ostentatious gestures.
“I never imagined we’d meet Ms. Andrea on our program. As you know, this program only invites controversial figures, so….”
“”Hahaha!””
Although there was no actual studio audience, the sound of laughter came from somewhere.
It was a sound effect to liven up the atmosphere in response to Rex Nova’s self-deprecating remarks.
“The recent rumor surrounding Ms. Andrea is…, oh. It’s a ‘dating rumor.’ Honestly, even we, the ones who invited you, didn’t think you’d come out so confidently to explain yourself.”
“What, it’s no big deal.”
“That’s true. Come to think of it, I meet different girlfriends every day of the week—”
As a talk show, the main host, Rex Nova, led the conversation and continued speaking.
How nice it would be if I could just stand here and watch.
But that happiness was short-lived.
I spaced out for a moment, and new text appeared on the hologram emitter.
“—So, anyway, let’s continue! Let’s meet the man of the rumor!”
Ugh, why is it going so fast?
『The Man of the Rumor』
The text that appeared wasn’t my name, but
it was clear that ‘The Man of the Rumor’ undoubtedly referred to me.
The staff member gestured to me.
“You can go out now!”
I quietly cleared my throat and walked onto the stage.
Okay, calm down.
First, a light greeting and sitting on the sofa was the established procedure of the program.
The various guests who appeared would then converse with each other, which was also part of the program’s entertainment.
“…Hello.”
My voice was amplified through the microphone.
“According to rumors, you’re said to have several beautiful women at your beck and call, but your demeanor doesn’t seem that way—”
Rex Nova, who was continuing, stopped mid-sentence.
It was after he confirmed my face as I sat on the sofa.
“Oh, I’m suddenly starting to think the rumors might be true. Excuse me, but are you active in the entertainment industry?”
“…I’m just an ordinary person.”
“Aha.”
With a short exclamation at my answer, Rex Nova examined my face once more.
Instead of hosting the talk show, he observed my face as if scanning it.
….
No, why is he staring like this?
Did this person have a gender identity controversy or something?
I suddenly felt uneasy.
But Rex Nova’s next words left me speechless.
“I think I saw you with a very high-ranking person from Monolith—, ah.”
Whether it was a slip of the tongue, or a forgotten memory resurfacing,
Rex Nova stopped mid-sentence.
He secretly signaled the staff, making sure it wasn’t visible to the camera.
The staff, receiving the signal, shouted.
“We’ll go to a commercial break!”
The red light of the camera went off.
Rex Nova, his complexion visibly darkening, lowered his voice and cautiously asked me.
“…Perhaps my memory is correct? You seem to be the corporate executive who appeared with the Chairman at the party that time, what brings you here….”
“….”
No.
I’m really just an ordinary person.
My head spun, wondering how to explain this.
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