Charity Gala (1)
December 23, 1994.
I guess there's no such thing as Christmas for a Hollywood superstar.
Sion, fresh out of the shower, lightly dried his hair and got ready to head out. Still, being busy with work was much better than staying home with absolutely nothing to do. Even if he did stay home, Sion had no family, so he would have just spent it alone anyway.
12:00 PM.
After waking up early, finishing his gardening, and leisurely wrapping up his preparations, Sion waited for Charlie to arrive.
"Merry Christmas."
Not long after he greeted his young parents in the photograph, the doorbell rang loudly. Sion grabbed the bags he had packed in advance and headed outside.
"Yo-ho-ho! Merry Christmas, Yi-siony, you little rascal!"
"Don't... do that in front of other people."
Sion gave a deadpan look to Charlie, who had offered a bizarre Santa-style greeting, and climbed into the car. They headed toward a styling studio near Neverland Ranch, where the party was being held.
It took two hours to travel, followed by another two hours at the studio to transform into his "work clothes."
"Wow! Yi-siony! You are definitely the most handsome guy today!"
"Oh my goodness! Oh my! It really suits you so well! What is this?! I've never seen anyone this handsome in my life!"
"Could I please get an autograph?! I'll pass it down as a family heirloom! If possible, a photo too...!"
"Hey, hey, no photos. Our actor's face is his greatest asset!"
After boosting his confidence with the customary fuss from Charlie and the stylists, Sion held back Charlie, who was acting up and saying no, and took photos with everyone with a gentle smile, signing autographs on the spot.
"Wow...! Seriously, I'm so excited! I'm going to go get this developed right away!"
The stylists were so happy their eyes welled with tears. After paying and getting back into the car, Charlie looked at Sion with a puzzled expression.
"What's gotten into you? Usually, you tell them to choose between an autograph or a photo."
"I used to... but lately, living as a good guy doesn't feel too bad."
"Ah... sniff, Yi-siony! Seeing you show such a wonderful side of yourself makes me so incredibly happy!"
Geez, he gets emotional over the smallest things.
Sion smirked as he watched Charlie, whose eyes had grown as red as the stylists'. Although it was a "good boy" image he was using only temporarily until his movie was released, wielding it in private settings like this wasn't half bad.
As the sun began to set, the area in front of Neverland Ranch, where tonight's charity gala was scheduled to take place, was packed with an absolute sea of people, divided into two main groups.
Fans of all kinds who loved their respective stars, and reporters waiting to snap photos that would turn into cold, hard cash.
Checking his watch, Charlie confirmed it was just before 6:30 PM, Sion's invited arrival time, and gave him a thumbs-up.
"Go get 'em. I believe in you."
"Yeah, thanks for the ride."
For charity galas like this, a red carpet event was often held in front of the estate for external publicity. A photo wall was a given bonus.
The moment Sion stepped out of the car, dozens of camera flashes erupted simultaneously, and the ear-splitting screams of teenage girls echoed from all directions.
"Kyaaaaah—!!"
"Sion! Take me!!"
"I love you, Sion!"
"Look over here, please!"
"How is the movie filming going?!"
With teenage fans and all kinds of reporters calling out to him in literal surround sound, Sion approached the girls holding out autograph books and signed them one by one. The reporters shoved their cameras right in front of his face, relentlessly clicking their shutters, while Sion signed rapidly, dragging out the time as much as possible.
Then, one of the bodyguards, who had been watching and calculating the time, stepped closer.
"Mr. Lee, at this point..."
"Ah, just a moment. I'm really sorry. Just a little bit more."
Hearing those words, everyone wore an expression that said, Did I just hear what I think I heard?
Even the teenage fans, who absolutely adored Sion Lee, felt a bit awkward, wondering if it was really okay for them to be getting autographs like this.
They say when a person does something completely out of character, they're about to die.
Normally, Sion Lee was not the type to gently sign autographs for fans when passing through a red carpet. Even if teenage fans went wild, he would just sign for a few people half-heartedly and then breeze right past.
That cold, city-boy attitude was precisely what set a certain demographic's hearts on fire. Not to mention the fact that he was only ever-so-slightly gentle toward young children.
But now, Sion was being kind to everyone.
"Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it."
He smiled brightly at the fans who declared their love for him, speaking like the protagonist of a movie.
As a result, the next red carpet guest was being slightly delayed... or so it seemed, until someone suddenly snatched his arm.
"What are you doing? Are you planning to stand here signing autographs all day?"
"Oh, Ellie? It's been a really long time. How have you been?"
"............??"
Elena Asimov, wearing a shawl over an off-the-shoulder evening gown, looked as if she had just seen something that shouldn't exist in this world—like a zombie being advised to go to physical therapy, to put it nicely.
But who was she? She was an actress of universally acknowledged, genius talent.
In an instant, she composed her face, let out a soft sigh, and naturally linked her arm with his, walking forward together. It was as if everything had been choreographed from the very beginning.
"Ah, I didn't finish signing everyone's autographs yet."
"Shut up and follow me. ...What on earth are you thinking? Just wave to the people for now."
Sion did as he was told.
Sion and Elena. Elena and Sion.
The teen couple of the century, who had won the "There's Definitely Something Going On" couple award for three consecutive years, drawing Hollywood's intense attention.
A barrage of camera flashes erupted from all sides at the march of these two young actors, who were projected to lead the film industry as great rivals and partners in the future.
"Damn it! This is a scoop even just as a photo!"
"The ultimate young star couple appearing at Michael Jackson's charity party! This is bound to make money!"
Elena smiled elegantly, looking at each camera. At the same time, as if she had been well-trained in the freezing cold of Russia, she spoke to Sion in a strangely proficient ventriloquism.
"Are you adopting some weird new concept again just because you're filming a movie?"
"...It's not a concept. I was just a bit depressed because I haven't been able to see you lately, Ellie."
"What are you talking about? I invited you over for dinner last time, and you rejected me."
"I was working in New York at the time. How was I supposed to go?"
"Th-then... you should have made plans and come later."
"I have to film."
"..."
Squeeze.
Elena tightened her grip on his arm. Sion felt an immense amount of pain, but like a veteran actor with forty years of experience, he did not let it show on his face.
"Wh-what brings you here?"
"My mother was invited, so I came with her."
"Oh~ Is it really okay for a busy college student to come to a place like this?"
"My grades are great, so it's fine. I'm aiming for early graduation."
"I see. It feels like you're living in a world far away from mine."
"What are you talking about? The one who moved far away is you. Even now, everyone is looking at you, and it feels like I just intruded on your space."
It was true. Elena realized that Sion had climbed to a level far higher than when he had filmed Fragments of You with her.
Perhaps because she was an actress, she was quite sensitive to the gaze of others, and she could strongly feel—even without trying—that everyone here was frantic to take photos of Sion.
Elena, who usually lived as a "four-eyes" at Stanford, seemed slightly intimidated by her first public event in a long time. Looking at her neat, elegant face, Sion chuckled.
"How could that be? The only reason people are looking at me is because I'm standing next to a star like you."
"...Your flirting has improved again. You don't do that anywhere else, do you?"
"Of course not. Who do you take me for? It's only you, Ellie."
"D-did you eat something wrong today?"
While they were whispering secretly to each other, they arrived in front of the photo wall before they knew it.
"Anyway, even my mother was surprised. She said you climbed to a higher place much faster than expected."
"Should I give her an autograph the next time I see her?"
"...Then, may I ask for one now?"
Sion flinched at the voice that suddenly came from behind him and turned around, realizing that Elena's mother, Olga Asimov, had approached them.
It seemed she had come with them but had let Sion and Elena, the center of the commotion, go ahead while she quietly followed behind as if taking a stroll.
"Ah, Mrs. Asimov. It's been a while. The star I admire the most."
"............"
Elena stared at Sion with a slightly pouty expression. Just a moment ago, he had said he only said those things to her, yet here he was naturally calling her mother a "star."
Regardless, Olga laughed delightfully at the smooth-talking compliment and nodded.
"Yes, it's been a while. And you seem to be living very joyfully lately. I envy that youth. ...Ah, smile."
Olga naturally posed in front of the photo wall. For some reason, Sion found himself standing in the center of the mother-daughter duo, taking a three-shot photo.
"Well, I'll head inside first. You two should take a few more photos."
"We will, Mother."
"...???"
Why was the conversation proceeding entirely on its own without the consent of the person involved?
As Sion blinked in confusion, Olga, who was about to pass them and head inside, turned back as if she had just remembered something.
"Oh, Sion. Come to think of it, how do you plan to spend this Christmas?"
"...Uh, I was thinking of going to a club, partying, and then partying some more after that."
"I see. Come to our house after this is over. I made quite a lot of Borscht."
"...???"
He had tried to naturally slip away by stepping back into his old rebel persona for a moment, but he failed miserably.
Olga swiftly walked away, leaving him to take a few more two-shot photos with Elena.
With the continuous stream of unexpected situations, Sion felt a sensation of being slightly drained of his energy.
"Please look over here! Just once, please!!"
"If I don't get this shot, I'm fired! Sion! Elena!"
...At any rate, given how much the reporters were clamoring, it already showed signs of being a massive hit. And that was precisely the job of a superstar.
Neverland Ranch, where the charity gala was being held, was Michael Jackson's "fiefdom."
It was a vast estate containing amusement rides, a movie theater, a train station, a recording studio, and even a fire station. The massive private property, which was almost equivalent to a small town, perfectly encapsulated the "dreams" that Michael had built up over his lifetime.
Truly overwhelming.
For Sion, who had been rolling in the abyss around this time in his past life, this was a place he had only ever heard of in rumors.
As they approached the charity gala venue, which wasn't very far from the entrance, Sion couldn't help but marvel at the scale, which exceeded his imagination.
The board members of Michael Jackson's foundation and major corporate sponsors had already arrived inside, and the celebrities who had finished the red carpet event were slowly trickling in.
"...Whoa."
Fortunately, Sion managed to snap out of it with a chuckle at Elena's innocent admiration.
"What would you do if you had to suffer through all kinds of rumors in exchange for living in a place like this?"
"I don't think I could handle it."
To the two of them, a young man who had been drooping in the corner like a withered bell pepper approached.
"Si-Sion! Elena!"
"...Who are you again?"
"That's too much! It's Frederic!"
"I was kidding. What brings you here?"
"I-I was invited because of our movie. But seriously... I don't know if it's okay for someone like me to be in a place like this."
"Exactly. Go grab us two cocktails."
"Me?"
At Sion's words, Frederic frowned for a moment before asking in a polite tone.
"Which ones?"
"Martini, stirred, not shaken."
"I'll have... a non-alcoholic one."
Receiving their orders, Frederic muttered the menu to himself and quickly ran toward the giant bar that occupied an entire wall.
Watching his retreating figure, Elena asked.
"Why would you say something like that about a person?"
"No, I don't think he was originally that kind of guy... though my memory is a bit faint."
"...That phrasing probably inflicts even more permanent trauma."
With an exasperated face, Sion scanned his surroundings.
He saw many familiar faces. Television network presidents, entrepreneurs, and producers from famous studios. The celebrity lineup was equally spectacular.
Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder. And over there, a kid was running around—looking closely, it was none other than Macaulay Culkin. It was a truly mind-blowing scene.
Man, if I don't keep my wits about me, I'll feel like a total nobody in no time.
He had felt this during the last MTV Movie Awards as well, but he still had a long way to go.
To overcome his awe of them, Sion realized he needed to build up a more fitting filmography and a truly internalized sense of pride that couldn't be achieved simply by acting like a rebel.
Even so, he took pride in the fact that his decades of accumulated passion were greater than any of theirs.
While pretending to be confident as the "hottest young actor of the moment," wrapping his long-standing karma around himself like armor, Sion spotted Mickey Rourke standing alone in a corner.
A man sipping a cocktail silently like a lone wolf.
Sion immediately went to Frederic, who had just returned with the cocktails, and instructed him to go keep Mickey Rourke company. Leaving Frederic behind to carry out his mission without a word of complaint once again, Sion toured the party venue with Elena.
They headed toward the hosts of this party.
"Oh, Mr. Lee. I'm really enjoying your movies."
"Your last broadcast appearance was very impressive."
"Miss Asimov as well. We look forward to you finishing your studies and filming your next project soon."
As an actor who had to market himself, this was what one naturally had to do in such a place.
It was the act of making an impression and exchanging superficial greetings with the "high-and-mighty" of the foundation, who were accompanied by their private secretaries.
And in that spot, Sion showed an incredibly classic and "proper" side of himself.
"Thank you. I will continue to work hard."
Hearing those polite words, everyone subtly raised their eyebrows.
To them, the reality of this "flash-in-the-pan star," whom they had no real reason to meet, was quite intriguing.
Hmm, I wondered what his actual personality was like.
Does this mean he's finally matured now that he's an adult?
Interesting. He's 'usable.' I should get some files on him later.
High-level networking continued throughout the cocktail reception.
In Hollywood society, where show business was the foundation, one of the most important things was, ultimately, "connections."
However, Elena couldn't help but find this "proper" version of Sion strange. Once they were left alone, she smiled playfully and asked.
"What's with you? You're really not acting like yourself."
"...Tell me about it. If you weren't here, I would have collapsed a long time ago."
"D-does having me around make you feel a bit more comfortable...?"
"Of course. It's rare to find someone who's this much fun to tease."
"..."
Elena pouted and puffed her cheeks slightly.
In her college dorm, she was still the "white cat that neither approaches nor lets anyone approach," but in front of Sion, she turned into a completely helpless, foolish puppy-cat.
Thanks to Elena, Sion smiled a bit more naturally and approached the nearby pre-auction table to take a break.
Auction items donated by all kinds of people were displayed on the table, and those who wanted to bid would take a slip of paper and write down their bidding amount.
Among them, Sion's eyes widened as he spotted a very familiar object.
"...Where did you get that?"
The prop used in Deadly Summer Camp, which could be considered the greatest dark history of Sion Lee—the "blood-stained teddy bear key chain"—was sitting there with "Elena Asimov" written on its name tag.
It was the item symbolizing the connection between the hearts of the "protagonist" and the "heroine," whose names he didn't even want to remember anymore.
"Huh? I took it as a souvenir after filming wrapped. I thought it would be the perfect item to donate this time."
"You must have props from Fragments of You too! Why on earth did you choose that one?!"
"Th-that... those were too precious to give away..."
"Damn it, who would spend money to buy something like this? Of all the things to choose..."
In their private conversation, with his un-overcome trigger button pressed, Sion momentarily reverted to his usual rebel mode. Growling slightly, he stepped closer to the key chain.
Then, he noticed that an unexpected bidding slip was already attached to it.
It was the exact moment Sion's words of "Who would buy this?" were completely refuted.
"O-Oh! See?! Someone bid on it! Hehe, I wonder how much... Huh?"
The moment she lifted the paper with an excited face, Elena's complexion turned pale.
Normally, in a casual "charity auction," there was no set upper limit, but to avoid intimidating other donors or making the atmosphere too overheated, an estimated value was usually written down.
And the estimated value of the key chain Elena had submitted was "$15,000."
It was a price perfectly fitting for a prop from a moderately successful teenage movie.
However, the amount written on the slip was a whopping twenty times that amount: "$300,000."
...
...
The impression of the "King of Pop" that he had heard a few months ago flashed through Sion's mind.
"I really, really love Deadly Summer Camp. I think I've watched it dozens of times."
He was absolutely certain that no one else but him would have bid this amount.