Chapter 5: It’s Not Exactly Happiness, Just Pure Satisfaction

On the eve of dawn.

The neon lights of Galaxy City, having flickered throughout the night, were finally beginning to dim.

[Skill point +0.01]

[Skill point +0.01…]

Ignoring the panel notifications flashing through his mind, Su Mu rubbed his slightly dry eyes. Through the towering floor-to-ceiling windows, he could see sanitation workers in their orange and yellow uniforms cleaning the streets outside.

Once upon a time, he too would rise at this hour every day, fighting his way onto the subway for a two-hour commute to work in the city center. Life was tight, worries were many, but there was a certain bittersweet joy to it all.

Had it not been for that accident, perhaps he could have continued living that kind of contented, humble life.

But now, he was famous, wealthy, and his troubles had faded. Yet, he could hardly say he was truly happy. At best, he simply felt a thrill.

[Male Artistry Proficiency Panel Notification]

Name: Su Mu

Height: 183

Attractiveness: Idol-level (Exceptional)

Strength: 1.1

Speed: 1.1

Stamina: 1.1

Memory: 1.1

Skill Points: 0.22

[Public Speaking (Novice) Proficiency LV1: 1/20]

[Script Comprehension (Novice) Proficiency LV1: 1/20]

Coming to his senses, Su Mu finally looked to his own proficiency stats.

After seeing off Qian Jida and Fan Little Orange last night, he had thrown himself into grinding his proficiency. He had read through the script over and over—at least ten times by sheer willpower throughout the night. At last, he’d succeeded in raising his Script Comprehension to Level 1.

His skill points had also accumulated to 0.22, drawing ever closer to one full point. Soon, he’d be able to select a blind box.

According to what Qian Jida told him yesterday, auditions might start in two or three days—they would be heading to Director Zhang’s studio in the capital for the interview. So, while time seemed tight, it was entirely manageable.

Su Mu was confident that in two days, he could raise his proficiency even higher. Though his acting proficiency hadn’t yet unlocked, as long as his understanding of the script was deep enough, that alone would be a tremendous help.

Now, he felt he truly grasped many of the script’s key points, including lines laden with hidden meanings and the roles they played in the overall story arc.

In fact, during the audition phase of a drama, directors often weren’t choosing based on acting prowess alone. Instead, they sought a particular feeling—a sense that the person in front of the camera simply was the character.

As long as that feeling was right, the question of acting skill could be dealt with later.

…

Su Mu took a shower, then dozed off for a bit.

Yesterday, Qian Jida had reminded him that there was a brand event today, with many celebrities invited. As the spokesperson, his attendance was mandatory. This was his most important engagement before heading to the capital for auditions; anything else Qian Jida could postpone, he had.

At exactly nine, the doorbell woke Su Mu from his light sleep. Barely awake, he went to open the door, and before he could see clearly, four or five people bustled in.

He didn’t need to look—apart from Qian Jida and Little Orange, the rest were the company’s makeup artist and Tony, the stylist.

Every event required meticulous grooming, of course.

Su Mu was not one to wake up grumpy, and had long since grown used to such irregular hours. So, as he sat for makeup and hairstyling, he managed to drift off for another hour.

When he awoke, he nearly died of shock at his own reflection—he looked so good, he could scarcely breathe.

Qian Jida stuffed half an apple into Su Mu’s mouth and declared, “Hmm, not bad. Today’s look will absolutely outshine everyone! Let those sissy boys next door see what a real modern male idol looks like!”

Munching on the apple, Su Mu mumbled in confusion, “What? Those guys next door are coming too?”

Qian Jida replied, “Of course! Cartier is a high-end international brand—do you think they’d miss a chance to crash the event?”

“But starting from the end of this year, I’m the spokesperson, right? What are they coming for?”

“Who knows? Just one word: freeloading.”

“…,” Su Mu muttered.

Qian Jida continued, “Listen, no matter what happens today, you can’t lose your composure. The brand reps will be there too. If they have any doubts about you starring in Director Zhang’s new drama, you mustn’t show a hint of weakness.

Don’t let them think you’re lacking in confidence. Show them your resolve, make them believe you can secure the role and deliver an excellent performance. Only then will they see that your image matches the luxurious and refined qualities of their brand.”

Su Mu nodded. “Don’t worry. If nothing else, I’ve got the temperament down pat.”

Half an hour later, everything was ready.

Su Mu donned a custom Cartier suit, paired with a limited edition watch and a Cartier pendant studded with gemstones, exuding opulence from head to toe.

When it came to fashion, luxury was the ultimate statement.

Pleased with his reflection, he turned to the others in the room.

“Everyone,” Su Mu announced, “allow me to say a few words about today’s look.”

“???” Qian Jida blinked.

“???” Fan Little Orange echoed.

The makeup artist said nothing.

Tony, the stylist, just stared.

The wardrobe assistant was speechless.

“Today’s look,” Su Mu proclaimed, “I find profoundly satisfying. It is resplendent yet restrained, flamboyant without losing composure, fashionable and exquisite, masculine with a touch of gentleness!

Perhaps this is what my soul longs to express, and you have all brought it forth with such skill.

Handsome as ever.

Thank you.”

[Public Speaking Proficiency +1]

[Skill point +0.01]

The room fell silent.

The makeup artist and Tony exchanged bewildered glances with Qian Jida, as if wanting to say something, but thinking better of it.

They’d seen vanity before, but never someone waxing lyrical in classical prose over their own looks.

Amid the awkwardness, Fan Little Orange finally broke the silence. “It’s about time. We should go.”

…

After a half-hour drive, Su Mu and his entourage arrived at the event venue.

There were two segments to today’s gathering: first, the grand opening of the brand’s new store in Galaxy City, complete with a red carpet and ribbon-cutting—an obvious ploy for publicity with stars in attendance. Second, an exclusive banquet inside, attended by the city’s movers and shakers.

Crowds of fans had already gathered outside, waving placards and shouting.

“NNQT! NNQT!”

“Wow, the NNQT boy band really came!”

“Su Mu! Su Mu’s here too! He’s the spokesperson!”

“Look! Isn’t that Ning Yuyan from Capital Media? She’s here too?”

“According to Cartier’s official news, they might be pairing Su Mu and her for a couple’s campaign.”

“But Su Mu’s been trending a lot lately. Director Zhang must be furious—who would’ve expected a ‘low-education jobseeker’ to suddenly appear, haha!”

“Hey, what’s so funny? Su Mu will definitely land the role!”

“Yeah, right. If he gets into Director Zhang’s crew, then all the NNQT boys might as well get in too!”

“You—!”

The two camps of fans were already exchanging verbal fire.

At that moment, Su Mu and Qian Jida got out of the car and stepped onto the red carpet for autographs and the ribbon-cutting.

Qian Jida rolled his eyes. “See? NNQT’s here.”

Su Mu grinned. “Sure enough, the sissy boy band couldn’t resist crashing the event.”