Seojun flung open the door and practically bolted out of the villa, gulping in the cool night air. The manicured lawns and imposing gates felt like a gilded cage, and he was desperate to escape. He didn't even bother putting on shoes, just sprinting down the driveway and onto the quiet street.
{Bubble, find me the nearest ice cream parlor! And a therapist! Preferably one who specializes in dealing with multiple possessive billionaires!}
Bubble: Host, nearest ice cream parlor is two blocks away!
He didn't stop running until he reached the brightly lit ice cream parlor, collapsing onto a stool at the counter, breathless and trembling. He ordered a triple scoop of chocolate fudge brownie – extra fudge – and devoured it with a speed that would have impressed a competitive eater. Seojun phone ring it was a call from his Auntie Kathy who Uncle Ray.
"Auntie, uncle?" Seojun said.
"Seojun, how do you feel returning?" Auntie Kathy said. Seojun did not say a single word for a long time before he gently smiled.
"Okay auntie, I will be in Hong Kong City in three days," Seojun said after he said that he hanged up and he ordered more ice cream for himself.
After Seojun finished eating the ice cream he took a taxi to a different villa. When the taxi pulled over Seojun paid the taxi driver.
The villa was unassuming from the outside, a modest two-story structure nestled amongst a row of similar houses. It lacked the ostentatious grandeur of his family's estate or the imposing security of the mansions he'd encountered tonight. It felt… normal. Safe.
He let himself in using a key he'd been given years ago, a relic from a simpler time. The interior was cozy and cluttered, filled with mismatched furniture, stacks of books, and the comforting aroma of old paper and brewing tea. It was his grandmother's old house, the place where he'd spent countless summers as a child. He hadn't been back in years.
{Bubble, play something calming.}
Bubble: Playing "Clair de Lune" by Debussy.
The familiar melody filled the room, washing over him like a soothing balm.
Seojun finished taking a shower fall on the bed he held out his hand and shook his head must stay away from those billionaires.
The next morning Seojun woke up by a phone call it was from Lu Xiao.
"Seojun! Where have you been?! Do you have any idea the chaos you've unleashed?!" Lu Xiao's voice crackled through the phone, a frantic blend of exasperation and panic.
Seojun groaned, pulling a pillow over his head.
"I'm… I'm fine, Lu Xiao. Just needed some space."
"Space?! The network is threatening legal action! Your social media is a dumpster fire," Lu Xiao said.
"Oh Lu Xiao I am going to Hong Kong, I will be staying there for the next year," Seojun said Lu Xiao turned her head out the window of her office.
"Fine as you wish, I will allow it we have a company in Hong Kong City, we will have someone to pick you up," Lu Xiao said holding a folder out she really didn't know where Seojun gets connections.
"In Hong Kong there is a reality tv show it is called the Garden Ocean it is a month long but it good they pay good as well," Lu Xiao said. Seojun didn't care honestly he just wanted to be lazy and sleep all day long.
"How much does it pay?" Seojun asked.
"100,000 per episode and it suppose to be ten episodes and it will be live stream," Lu Xiao said.
Seojun held Garfield closely in his arms before he smiled ever so brightly.
"I agree! I agree Sister Xiao Xiao," Seojun said with a bright smile.
"Okay, speaking of which I need you to come to Star Sky Entertainment."
Seojun dragged himself out of bed, the promise of a hefty paycheck and a temporary escape from his current predicament outweighing his desire to wallow in self-pity. He packed a single suitcase, mostly consisting of comfortable clothes and an ample supply of Garfield-themed merchandise.
The car sent by Star Sky Entertainment was sleek and luxurious, a stark contrast to the modest villa he'd spent the night in. The driver, a stoic man with impeccable manners, didn't speak as he whisked Seojun towards the entertainment company's headquarters.
Star Sky Entertainment was a sprawling complex of glass and steel, buzzing with activity. Lu Xiao greeted him with a mixture of relief and thinly veiled annoyance.
"You're late," she stated bluntly, gesturing for him to follow her into a lavishly decorated conference room.
Lu Xiao sat down in her chair and put a folder in front of Seojun. Seojun yawned while he sucked on his lollipop before he pulled it out.
"Seojun they are four realty tv show chose which one you want, but there is also this one it is a movie it is called the Rainy Dark Small Town," Lu Xiao said.
"A movie?"
"Yes I want you to try out for this character he is a psychopath, in all the movies no no shows you played were minor, but this will be your big break," Seojun said.
"These are three realty tv show, while the other two are different movies with popular director. One director is now famous is brand new, while the other is not. You choose this is up to you," Lu Xiao said.
"Sister Xiao, when I first became famous you, Zhou Tang and I were just beginners so I want this new director I feel like he will bring it to light," Seojun said.
Lu Xiao smiled so brightly.
"Well Seo, good choice," Lu Xiao said.
"Alright, let's talk about 'Rainy Dark Small Town'," Lu Xiao continued, tapping a tablet.
"It's a psychological thriller, very dark, very intense. The director, Lin Wei, is a bit… unconventional. He has a reputation for pushing his actors to their limits."
Seojun's ears perked up.
"Pushing how?"
Lu Xiao shrugged.
"Let's just say he's not afraid to get into your head. Method acting, immersive environments… you name it. He wants authenticity, raw emotion. He's also notoriously difficult to work with."
Seojun grinned, a spark of excitement flickering in his eyes.
"Sounds perfect." The idea of playing a psychopath appealed to him – a chance to shed the goofy image he'd cultivated and delve into something darker, more complex.
"Good the audition is tomorrow I know this is fast but you understand this line of job," Lu Xiao said.
"Okay Sister Xiao I will do it, let me look at the script," Seojun said as he took the script and flipped it over he nodded his head and walked off. Lu Xiao looked at Seojun this guy both beautiful yet so deadly this will be interesting.