Chapter 218: Look at the trending topic.
Days had passed since Cedrick’s name topped the trending charts once more. Although for all the wrong reasons.
As instructed, Silo kept Cedrick from checking the news or any articles about him. Not that Cedrick wanted to check, anyway. Haji, whose mouth never seemed to stop running, also had no way to look. He had broken his phone and couldn’t buy a new one, being just as broke as ever.
"Ready?" Silo perked up as soon as he saw Cedrick enter the office gym.
Cedrick drew a deep breath and nodded. When he reopened his eyes, they could tell he had come in not as Cedrick, but as Ryker.
"Yes."
"Great!" Silo pushed himself up from the old swivel chair behind the desk. He snapped his fingers toward the couch, where Haji was sprawled lazily. "Haji, let’s go."
"Huh?" Haji snapped his lazy eyes open. "Me? Why?"
"Lola said you’d need to come too," Silo said, pointing at Cedrick. "Didn’t you see? You’re officially starting today."
Haji blinked innocently; his expression told Cedrick and Silo he hadn’t seen the schedule. It didn’t even seem like he knew one existed.
"You’re starting today, but as his bodyguard for now," Silo explained, waving dismissively. "Come on. Today is Cedrick’s first reading with the production. Can’t be late."
"My bodyguard?" Cedrick pointed at himself, looking at Silo. "Why do I need one?"
"Because... you’re a celebrity?" Silo shrugged. "Isn’t that obvious?"
"Oh." Cedrick nodded in understanding. But in his head, he knew Silo meant that some angry mob might ambush them outside the venue.
Conflict flickered in his eyes. He didn’t want to bother Haji with this at all. But it was Lola’s order, and he knew he had no say.
*****
Meanwhile...
Manager Kang, Simon, and Melissa sat in Manager Kang’s office. The three of them were immersed in their phones, satisfied to see how, up until now, people had been throwing harsh criticism not just at Cedrick but at the series itself.
"Melissa, Simon!" Manager Kang suddenly called, finishing his phone call as he glided over to them. "I just received a call from someone at the production!"
Melissa and Simon perked up, eyes lighting with anticipation.
"From what I heard, Cedrick will be replaced!" Manager Kang declared, making the other two brighten even more. "I heard he’s going to be at the reading today. But the higher-ups will be there to judge. That’s just for formality—Director Sarian is being stubborn!"
Melissa smiled in satisfaction, then shot Simon a look. "See? I told you, Simon. I’d get your role back."
"Haha." Simon laughed, heaving a sigh of relief. "I shouldn’t have doubted you two."
"Simon, you’re Melissa’s first artist, even if it’s not official yet," Manager Kang winked. "She’ll take good care of you, so just trust her. She won’t neglect you at all!"
Simon nodded in understanding. "Now I get it." His tone, unlike before, sounded more polite. "I’m sorry. Next time, I’ll be sure to trust the two of you."
Pleased, Melissa nodded while Manager Kang gave her a knowing look.
"Well, since that’s settled, shall we go?" Manager Kang grinned. "We can’t be late for the reading, especially you, Simon."
"Mhm."
"I’m not going," Melissa smiled. "Since I haven’t officially gotten my role back, I don’t think I should be there. Besides, I have other things to do today."
"Right, right. You have a tea party with the Lancasters," Manager Kang nodded. "That’s more important. Alright, then! Don’t worry about today! I’ll handle everything."
The three of them left the office wearing big smiles, like winners about to receive their awards.
But as they exited, Megan and Pixy, who were waiting in the lobby, perked up.
"Mel—" Pixy stopped mid-sentence, hand outstretched upward.
Megan, seated in the lobby, frowned. "Did they really just leave after telling us to wait here?"
"Well, Simon’s attending the reading with the rest of the cast, and Manager Kang is going too," Pixy muttered dejectedly. "I guess we don’t need to wonder anymore if we got in or not."
Another deep exhale escaped Megan as Pixy sat down again.
"I think... we should just leave," Megan whispered. "This agency is pure garbage."
"Megan, don’t say that. Someone might hear!" Pixy looked around nervously, heaving a sigh of relief when it seemed no one had. "We can’t leave, anyway. We’re still bound by our contract."
"Our contract—" Megan scoffed, giving Pixy a look. "Pixy, since we signed with this agency, what roles have we actually gotten? Besides being dragged to those nightclub parties by Manager Kang?"
Pixy pursed her lips into a thin line and lowered her head.
When they signed their contracts, they had nothing but hope and talent to offer. Yet, those qualities weren’t being utilized. Why? Because Megan had confronted Manager Kang in one of those parties.
Those parties were awful. At first, they tolerated it, even when male guests made unwanted advances. The first time they complained, Manager Kang brushed them off.
He told them not to overthink it, claiming alcohol caused the incidents.
The two wanted to believe him, but the advances became bolder each time. Once, Pixy almost got assaulted—if not for Megan barging into the private karaoke room.
Since then, even small projects never came their way. The Angel’s Revenge had been their last hope and the reason they were thankful to Melissa. Without her, they wouldn’t even have gotten an audition.
"Why did I even bother?" Megan clicked her tongue. Unlike Pixy, she was numb. "He wouldn’t even tell us if we got in. Whatever."
She turned to Pixy. "In six months, our contract ends. I’m not renewing—not that I expected another offer. Pixy, want to grab some coffee?"
"Mhm." Pixy also forced a smile and picked up her bag. But as she did, her phone pinged. Curious, she checked it and knit her brows.
"Meg..." she called, making Megan look back. "Look at the trending topic."
Confused, Megan pulled out her phone. She didn’t need to search because upon opening her social media account, she instantly understood why Pixy was shocked.
"Wow..." Megan whispered. "Cedrick... is really good."