Gangster to Idol

Cain froze mid-motion, casting a brief, wary glance at Felice. "That blabbermouth . . . ," he muttered under his breath, shooting a quick look at Victor, who seemed oblivious to the tension.

"Relax. He mentioned it while you were in the bathroom earlier. I think he wanted to help."

"How so?" Cain asked, his curiosity piqued despite himself.

"Because I'm the only one who can actually help you make it happen," Felice answered without batting an eyelid.

Cain paused again, his eyes narrowing as he regarded her. "What are you talking about?"

"I have a lot of connections, particularly in the entertainment industry," Felice explained. "And I know for a fact that breaking into that world without some backing is almost impossible. Unless, of course, you're planning to use your body to get ahead, which I doubt you will."

"HELL NO!" Cain shot back.

"I'm actually surprised that you want to become an idol."

"Is that so hard to believe?"

"No, it's just . . . I didn't peg you with a dream like that," she admitted, her tone softened.

"Everyone's got a dream," Cain replied, his voice steady.

Felice's expression shifted slightly, and Cain noticed a flicker of something — sadness? — in her eyes.

"You don't have one?" Cain questioned her.

"It's the price I pay for the life I lead," Felice said, a shadow of melancholy crossing her face.

"I don't get it."

"It's pretty simple, actually. I have everything and can do anything. So, what's left to dream about?" Felice's voice carried a bittersweet undertone.

Cain studied her, noting the contrast between the smile on her lips and the sadness in her eyes. For a moment, his irritation faded, replaced by an unexpected sense of empathy.

A fleeting memory resurfaced in his mind — a blurred image of a woman radiating warmth and love, speaking to a young boy.

"Do you want to be like them when you grow up?" the woman asked softly.

"Can I be?" the boy replied, eyes wide with hope.

"Of course," the woman said, ruffling his hair affectionately. "When you grow up, you'll be an idol . . . Even if Mommy isn't around, everyone will still love you. You'll be loved by millions .

. . Even if I'm gone . . . you won't be lonely .

. ."

"Are you okay?" Felice asked when C.C. was just standing there.

Felice's voice cut through the haze, pulling Cain back to the present. He blinked, shaking off the fragment of a memory that felt both distant and familiar.

"Nothing," Cain said finally, brushing off the moment with a half-hearted smile.

"Anyway, do you really want to be an idol?"

Cain nodded, his focus distant. "Yeah. I need to be an idol," he said absently, still lost in thought.

Felice reached into her purse and pulled out a sleek black card, handing it to Cain. The card was heavy, crafted from steel, with an air of sophistication. It was matte black, and the letters "R.R.R." were engraved on the front. It felt solid and luxurious in his hand.

"Rising Radiance Revolution," Cain muttered, reading the words etched into the back of the card.

Felice leaned back, her posture relaxed but her tone deliberate. "You've probably never heard of it, considering it's an exclusive show. But it's one of the most prestigious events worldwide," she said, her voice cool and confident. "It only airs once a year, and getting an invitation is like finding a needle in a haystack."

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "This isn't just another competition — this is THE global stage where the entertainment industry's freshest talent gets their chance to shine. It's the ultimate proving ground for anyone serious about making it as an idol.

"Top entertainment companies from all over the world send their best trainees to RRR. It's where they test their newest talent against the crème de la crème of the industry. You're not just competing for a win; you're fighting for your spot in the limelight with the best of the best of the fresh faces."

Felice's smile widened as she saw Cain's growing interest.

"The show is brutal — there's no other way to put it. Every week, contestants are put through intense challenges, from high-stakes performances to media drills, all designed to test every aspect of their potential. It's not just about singing or dancing; it's about how well you handle the pressure, how you connect with your audience, and how you project yourself as an idol."

She gave Cain a knowing look, her tone taking on a more serious edge.

"And here's the kicker: the winner doesn't just get a trophy. They get an immediate debut as an idol with a major label, complete with a full-scale promotion campaign. It's a golden ticket into the industry — a chance to jumpstart your career in a way that no other show offers."

Felice leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a confidential whisper.

"Trust me, if you want to make a splash and prove yourself as an idol, RRR is where you need to be. It's the kind of opportunity that doesn't come around often. So, if you're serious about this idol thing, you'd better be ready to give it everything you've got."

Cain flicked the card, his eyes scanning the details: the invitation's date, time, and venue. It was just a week away.

"Oh!" Fifi's eyes lit up with excitement. "This is incredible news, Cain! This could finally be your ticket into the idol world!"

Cain clutched the card tightly, his face breaking into a broad grin. "Thank you, Felice! This is exactly what I needed!"

Felice was momentarily taken aback. She had one of RRR cards because she was one of the investors of the show. To her, it was just another perk of her position. But seeing C.C.s genuine excitement and grateful smile made her cheeks flush with a hint of pinkish color. She turned her gaze to the side, trying to hide the small smile forming on her lips.

"It's just an invitation," Felice said, doing her best to mask the faint blush on her cheeks. "Whether you make it past the initial interview and earn your spot — that's all on you."

What was once a casual amusement for her had transformed into something more meaningful. Lately, she found herself visiting just to see the range of expressions on C.C.s face. Even when he appeared annoyed because of her, she couldn't help but be entertained.

"I guess going to the show might be interesting after all," Felice mused to herself. The producers of RRR had always wanted her to attend at least once, but now — maybe she'd actually go.