Chapter 84
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 84
Chapter Title: Appearance Reaching the Human Limit (S+)
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While coveting Im Eun-ha's final talent, I received a call from Baek Hee-jin.
"CMTV?"
- Yes... no, yeah! They sent an official letter directly from CMTV, asking you to audition for a role in the next season of Paranormal, which is currently airing!
"Oh! That occult drama."
- Exactly! That one.
Even though we'd established Stone Actors International separately, we still hadn't successfully launched any actors overseas yet, so Baek Hee-jin's voice was noticeably excited.
- It's really amazing. How the hell did that Ziggy Zoggy guy snag it again?
"......"
- Ah... s-sorry.
I held my smartphone and glanced at Im Eun-ha lying limply on the bed. She was sprawled out powerlessly on the sheets, and fresh semen was still leaking from her pussy in real time.
I thought for a moment while holding my smartphone, then replied to Baek Hee-jin.
"When do they want to meet from CMTV? The audition will be on their side, right?"
- Yeah. They're suggesting a meeting at CMTV headquarters. No strict deadline, but they'd like to meet within this month if possible since they need to finalize the casting and start shooting soon. Probably best to show up quickly?
I briefly recalled how long I'd left Han Woo-hee alone.
'It's been just over 12 days now...?'
"I see. Sounds good. President, tomorrow's Friday, and weekends won't work for a meeting. How about flying out this weekend and doing the meeting on Monday?"
- Sure? Th-then, about company... How about I go with you? None of the managers speak English well...
I chuckled at Baek Hee-jin's transparent intentions and replied.
"It'd be reassuring if you came along, President."
- R-right?!
"Yes. Prepare that way, then. I'm a bit busy right now."
- O-okay! I'll email the audition sides they sent over!
"Got it."
With that, I hung up.
And headed toward Im Eun-ha on the bed.
On the plane to California.
I kept my mask and sunglasses on even inside the cabin.
I was rereading the sides CMTV had sent, even though I'd already memorized them.
Thanks to absorbing Hong Ye-won's 'Exceptional Memory (A)', I could memorize most scripts in no time, and even glancing at them occasionally let me visualize the scenes perfectly.
"Convenient."
But reading text in the cabin was making my stomach churn, so I pocketed the script and glanced at Baek Hee-jin in the seat next to me.
She'd been thrilled to tag along, but motion sickness had her wearing an eye mask and fast asleep.
So I reclined my seat.
And fell asleep.
How long had I slept?
I woke to a whisper-like voice in my ear.
Acquired Han Woo-hee's talent, Chosen Exceptional Appearance (A+).
"Ah...?"
Even half-asleep, I instantly knew what had happened. I'd planned it this way from the start.
The third condition to covet Han Woo-hee's 'Chosen Exceptional Appearance (A+)'.
<Leave Han Woo-hee's pussy untouched for a fortnight. (15/15)> had been fulfilled, automatically granting me her talent.
The inhuman voice continued even after the acquisition message.
Due to talent duplication, 'Chosen Exceptional Appearance (A+)' is absorbed into 'Unbelievable Peak Face Genius (S)'.
Talent absorption increases the rank of 'Unbelievable Peak Face Genius (S)'.
Acquired Appearance Reaching the Human Limit (S+).
I removed my drool-soaked mask and stood up.
As I rose, a tall-legged flight attendant approached me.
"What can I-."
She froze upon seeing my face without the sunglasses and mask, words failing her.
Her face went blank, as if under a hallucination.
I gave her a slight smile and replied.
"No, thanks. Just heading to the bathroom."
I passed her and went to the lavatory, but it felt like eyes were boring into my back the whole way.
Inside, I looked in the mirror.
"......"
I couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed.
The contours were sharper yet more natural? The features had more vivid depth overall, but the actual facial structure didn't seem drastically different.
Still.
"What the..."
Even so, I couldn't tear my eyes away from my reflection.
I hadn't consciously registered any major shift, yet I was entranced by my own appearance like it was a hallucination.
They say the difference between top-tier athletes and the merely elite boils down to the tiniest margins. And yet, that hair's breadth decides everything.
Maybe appearances at the absolute peak diverge the same way.
I couldn't say precisely what changed, but I could definitely sense the upgrade to S+ rank.
A dark evening.
Near a cathedral with an eerie vibe.
Jennifer, decked out in evil spirit makeup, suddenly appeared before Catherine and screamed.
"Waaah-!!"
"Aaack?!!"
Catherine Trammel jolted in shock, shrieking with hunched shoulders. But oddly, she kept her stiff, icy blank expression intact even while freaking out.
Jennifer Wise burst out laughing, shrugging off her demon costume.
"Hahaha! Did everyone see? Catherine sis getting scared? It's hilarious every time!"
"You little bitch...?"
As Catherine's face hardened and she advanced on Jennifer, the girl darted nimbly into the midst of the staff.
"Save me, director!"
Catherine chased after her in clear fury, but Jennifer used the camera director—busy setting up a massive rig—as a shield.
Peeking out and sticking out her tongue to boot.
Catherine finally gave up, rubbing her forehead with her hand.
"Haa... I really should quit this."
Though she said that, neither Catherine nor Jennifer had any intention of leaving Paranormal of their own accord.
The network wasn't skimping on treatment, and after season 1's success, season 2 was wrapping up strong too.
In truth.
As an actress, Catherine's image was a bit typecast. Her physical prowess led to roles in flashy action flicks, solidifying her as a sexy warrior woman.
A minor side effect of doubling down on what she excelled at.
But it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
Not every successful actor needs to tackle every genre or play every type.
'Might as well milk the Catherine role for all it's worth.'
It was named after her, which probably fueled her attachment, but she loved the part she had now.
Locking in the lead of a proven hit meant steady paychecks like a pension.
Catherine straightened up and surveyed the area.
A massive set replicating an entire village.
Season 2 was nearing its finale, and season 3 prep was underway. The script had been out for ages, and most supporting roles were cast.
Catherine and Jennifer were there today to shoot the cookie video for season 2's last episode.
"Sis!"
As Catherine idly took in the set, Jennifer snuck up and poked her side.
"What...?"
Catherine growled softly, but her bubbly little sis grinned undeterred and pressed on.
"Shh! Sis, I overheard this, but they're auditioning for the 'Brian' role at CMTV today. Wanna sneak a peek?"
"...Really?"
"Of course! Remember that Steven role I mentioned? It went to Chris, like I said."
"Where do you even hear this stuff?"
"Hehe, a girl's gotta have her sources! So! You in or what?"
"Can we even do that?"
"Of course not!"
"......"
Catherine looked down at Jennifer with disdain.
"Aw, c'mon, ease up on the glare! Listen. The Paranormal team's on CMTV's fifth floor anyway, and if they're auditioning there, where else for a role like Brian with action scenes?"
"...The big conference room next to props..."
"Bingo!"
"......"
Jennifer glanced around slyly, then planted her hands on her hips triumphantly.
"So we just show up at CMTV all innocent-like! Say we're practicing lines or whatever. Sound good?"
"......"
Unlike the more serious Catherine, Jennifer had been the resident troublemaker since season 1, poking her nose everywhere.
And to Catherine, Jennifer's antics.
"Can't be helped. You'd go anyway even if I said no. Better if I tag along at least... Hm."
Were honestly pretty entertaining.