Chapter 363
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 363
Chapter Title: Idol Maker (1)
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⚙ MISSION CLEAR! ⚙
Result: A-Rank, Earned Points: 17,020 Achievements Unlocked: 'Rice Cake Experience', 'A World Where Everyone is Happy' Clear Privilege: 'Gaslighting' Skill Gaslighting Lv. 1 – Dominate the opponent's thoughts with minimal logic.
⚠️ CHALLENGE FAILED! ⚠️
'Sweet Guy Mission Accomplished' – 0 Points
"What the..."
Clearing the mission was great and all.
But failing the challenge? That just wouldn't fly.
He'd invested 50,000 points out of 300,000 to snag that Heroine NTR jackpot, and now it had all gone down the drain. In the end, only about 30,000 points left in pocket... Not nearly enough to cover summoning costs.
Damn it. Where the hell did it go wrong?
Sighing, he recalled the recent NTR run. The moment he and Chiaki got trapped in that 'sex-block' scenario came to mind. Come to think of it, he'd been a bit pissed off back then and handled things roughly... He'd tried to be careful, but Heroine NTR sure didn't cut him any slack.
"Screw it..."
Couldn't it give a guy a little leeway?
He was pissed, but digging into it wouldn't change a thing. No choice now but to grind more points with another NTR. And while he was at it... maybe slap on a penalty this time? Limiting abilities or skills could net at least a million points. With urgent need for quick cash—no, quick points—this was worth the shot.
"Alright, let's see what you've got."
*Ring*
⚙ Heroine NTR Activated ⚙
Challenging: 'Complete Mission with Sexual Stimulation Skill Sealed'
With his plan set, he calmly reviewed the challenge list. Soon enough, he spotted the perfect one tailored just for him: 'Complete Mission with Sexual Stimulation Skill Sealed.' Limiting that cheat skill stung a bit, but 1.5 million points? That had his full attention.
A modern setting without Awakeners—Sexual Stimulation shouldn't be make-or-break. He'd plenty of other skills to work with anyway. Passing up this reward would be downright stupid.
"Okay, this one's it."
But penalties alone were no fun.
So he tossed in some extras for kicks. Genre: entertainment industry. Role: agency president... Nah, too much paperwork. Better go with the president's slacker brother.
Vice president at a mid-tier agency, but basically an honorary title—no real duties, just coasting. Ugly mug and all, flaws galore, but that opened up wide playroom. Fresh off grabbing Gaslighting too. Used right, he could run the show.
"Whew... Here we go?"
⚙ Challenge In Progress ⚙
'Complete Mission with Sexual Stimulation Skill Sealed' Genre: 'Entertainment Industry' You are the 'Entertainment Agency Vice President'. Mission: Steal the heroine. Tip: In 1 year, a chance to blackmail the main heroine will arise. Raise minimum reputation until then to boost blackmail odds.
A blackmail opportunity incoming... Things were off to a promising start.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Being pretty doesn't mean you're set. That was the constant refrain Gaeun had heard since before her debut—hell, even after. Scouted just half a year prior, she'd debuted lightning-fast. It was sincere advice from those around her, envious and worried alike.
But her producer, Siwoo Lee, could say otherwise.
For an 'idol,' pretty face was everything.
Her singing was middling, dancing the same, yet Gaeun was Citrus's top member. Reason? That killer look crushing all else. Her captivating face turned every critique into petty noise.
"Gaeun, you okay?"
"...Yeah."
"Don't sweat it. Backbiting's just jealousy."
"I'm... not bothered."
But idols weren't just faces.
CF models maybe, but idols—as public icons—had to shine outright. Looks were part, sure, but dance, song, performance had to sell the charm too.
Thus, Gaeun the idol was unfinished.
Siwoo wasn't worried.
By lucky chance, he'd scored 'Producer's Eye.' That special sight piercing idol potential raw. Gaeun's talents weren't average—not by a long shot. That's why he'd scouted her himself. Time would fix it all, he believed.
"Those jealous kids now... They'll admire you for real someday."
"Admire..."
"So let's push till comeback."
"Yeah... I trust you."
"Hahaha. Good, trust me. I'll make you, Citrus, Korea's top... Gah!"
- Tap tap tap, smack
- Thud
"..."
"S-Si-sorry! Tripped..."
"Calm down, it's fine."
"Haha... Scared me... Anyway! Trust me alone! I'll make Citrus Korea's best idol group. Got it?"
"...Yeah. Looking forward to it."
Till then, just boost her spirits. Today too, after chatting, Siwoo walked her back to the dorm. Eight months to comeback. First album underperformed ROI, but he had zero doubt on Gaeun's, Citrus's second album success.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Haa... Fucking ridiculous, just absurd. What's the point of the company babying you if you're off dating? Huh? Think our agency's a joke? Idols a game?"
"...Misunderstanding."
"What? Misunderstanding? Ha... You call this a misunderstanding?!"
- Bam!
"..."
Idols, especially, learned to stay vigilant everywhere, always. She'd never slacked a day... Never dreamed it'd backfire like this.
Siwoo oppa hugging her.
Devil's edit at work.
Just idol-producer vibes, but the pic screamed sweet couple. Terrifying paparazzi—idols' no, celebs' worst foe. Should've been more careful. Her bad.
"...Photo angle's all. Oppa and I? Nothing. Check my phone now. No lies."
"Ha, nothing?"
"Yes."
"Fine, I buy it. Fans? Antis? Think they'll?"
"..."
"Nope. Press especially—won't buy it. They'll feast on headlines. Facts? Nah, potential's their jam. And you handed it to 'em. Get it now? Your screw-up?"
"...Sorry."
"Haa... Lucky that guy's got scruples, cut us a deal. Else, articles everywhere by now. Whew... But you... Group deadweight pulling stunts like this?"
Bulldog face raging bulldog-style. Mood soured, but... she got the anger. Talentless idol causing drama? Fair piss-off. She bowed deepest apology face.
"You... No clue how big GSB's hopes on Citrus?"
"..."
"Citrus... Idols... Bro's dream, dream. And some green kid's trampling it. Me, his brother, just watch? Huh?!"
Citrus pres's dream? News to her.
Explained actor-only agency pivoting to idols. Weird before, but dream made sense. VP... bro-obsessed, huh. Calling 'hyung' at that age... Almost snickered.
"I'll be careful."
"Haa... Yeah, be. Basics, sure... But let's lesson up, you and me."
"...Pardon?"
"Was riding Team Leader solo... But he's slipping too. Can't risk it. You... Gaeun... Pretty face, zero team help—you know."
"...I got most fans."
"Core fans too?"
"..."
"Yours are all bandwagoners, flakes... Gone anytime. Yukina's? Ciel's? Jinhee's? Eunha's? Solid cores. Not you."
"So?"
"So, lessons with me."
"VP's... actor specialist."
Heard rookies dreamed of his lessons. Big shots begged too. But she's idol. Irrelevant?
Stared, then it hit—a possibility.
Surely not...
"Actors yeah, but not teaching you acting."
"Hmm..."
"Basics only. I'll tell Team Leader, schedule hits—hit next practice room."
"...Got it."
Rumored ace teacher anyway—should help. Light-hearted, she bowed out. Extra lessons a drag, but... no choice. Basics only, one day tops.
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"...Huh?"
"Strip."
"?"
What the hell? Telling her to undress? A week later, lesson kickoff—VP straight-up sexual harassment. What now? Run? Door's blocked. Big trouble brewing.