From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show-Novel

Chapter 433  Cast Away!

In a small and cozy home in the middle of a gated village…

"Honey, please bring the soup to the table!" an old woman shouted from the kitchen. The young girl, with her gaze focused on the television screen, shouted back, "Just a second, Grandma! I'm waiting for the commercials to hit." She gazed at the television with sparkling eyes, observing the handsome faces on the screen. She felt her heart race inside her chest as she dreamed what it would be like to live her life under the spotlight. The old woman made her way out of the kitchen and smiled fondly at the young girl sitting on the floor. When a particular idol was shown on screen, she sighed and quickly stood. "Alright, let's eat now," she said, turning around to greet her grandma with a wide smile. "I thought you wanted to wait for the commercials?" the old woman asked. The young girl shrugged, glancing back at the television for a couple of seconds. A frown formed on her forehead as she gazed into the idol's uneasy eyes. "It's alright," she said. "This part doesn't really pique my interest. Besides, Grandpa is already hungry and waiting, I'm sure." The old woman shook her head, amused. "Let's go then." ***

Ren and June were currently working on the music score for their upcoming performance, and they glanced at each other, satisfied as they listened to the rough draft. It was a good thing Azure was too lazy to meddle with their performance for King of Kings; otherwise, June was sure they were going to dictate what they wanted for this particular performance. "You're a genius for suggesting we go down this route," Ren complimented. "It already sounds so different from the original chord progression." Jaeyong, who had been with them since morning to write the lyrics of the song, nodded in agreement. "It's something others wouldn't expect to be a performance that defines what an idol is," he chimed. "Well, being an idol isn't always exciting," Akira said, also helping with the lyric writing. While the four of them joined hands together to create the song, their other four members cooperated in making their choreography. Even if only a little time had passed since they had been a team, it was evident that their teamwork had drastically improved in those few months. "I think this is the very first time we've had a smooth preparation for a performance," Ren pointed out, causing the others to frown at him. "Don't say that," Jaeyong said. "You might jinx it or something." Ren chuckled and shook his head. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing! I'm just saying—this has been quite a happy preparation." "And it will stay that way," June said, already locking in his words. Just then, the four other members of the team entered the room with worried expressions. "What happened?" Jaeyong asked with furrowed eyebrows. Zeth scratched the back of his head, appearing hesitant to say his next words. "Oh gosh," Ren whispered. "Maybe I really did speak too soon." Akira slapped the back of Ren's head. "If something happens, then it's all your fault." "Is there something wrong?" June asked. "We don't know," Zeth sighed. "But Jay came up to us with a worried expression. He says the CEO is looking for you." "Looking for me?" June asked, perplexed. "Did you do something wrong?" Akira exclaimed. "Oh goodness. Did they find out we broke into Chul's home back then?" Jisung froze, appearing pale. "Am I going to have a criminal record?"

Jaeyong sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Alright, let's not get into conclusions. It's best if June goes there right now and finds out what's really happening." June nodded, although feeling a bit uneasy. "I'm going then," he said, standing from his seat and leaving his anxious members. As far as he recalled, he hadn't done anything wrong for the past few weeks. The last scruffle he encountered was when he was shot by Kim Jeong. Other than that, he has been pretty clear.

He arrived at the Mr. Ong's office and knocked on his door. "Come in," he heard, so he made his way inside. There, he saw Jay sitting next to Mr. Ong with an anxious expression, making June feel even more uneasy. "I'm glad you're here," Mr. Ong smiled, rolling his chair around the room until he got to where June was seated. "How's the preparation for King of Kings going? I heard you guys are second place," he said. June pursed his lips and nodded. "It's going great. We're currently preparing for the third mission." "Well, that's good," Mr. Ong chimed. "I do hope you try and take the crown, though. That would make our company a whole lot bigger than it is!" he exclaimed. "But then again, CHAOS is pretty hard to topple over. Those Phoenix bastards must be putting cocaine in their albums," he muttered the last statement under his breath. June cleared his throat. "Why did you call for me, sir?" he asked, going straight to the point.

"Ah, right," Mr. Ong clapped. "You want to get straight into business, huh?" "Well, it's not much. You don't have to be nervous," he smiled. "I even told Jay, right here, to calm down, but look at him! He still looks anxious as ever," Mr. Ong laughed, patting Jay's back. However, June didn't find it funny, so he kept a straight face. Mr. Ong noticed this and clicked his tongue, finally going into professional mode. "I know that you have been working hard for the past few months that you've been signed with Azure. Your hands are also full with King of Kings and with the upcoming preparation of your second album," Mr. Ong started off. "However, here at Azure, we believe that our artists' talents need to be exploited—I mean, taken care of! Which is why I have accepted this project for you." "Project?" June asked, confused. "Congratulations, June!" Mr. Ong exclaimed. "You have been chosen by a rising director to be a part of her new short drama!"