Gangster to Idol

Inside the room, the atmosphere was heavy with exhaustion. It had only been half a day, but the interview panel was already worn out. Jenny and Jason were practically running on caffeine, gulping down cup after cup of coffee just to stay awake. The cameraman in the corner looked half-asleep, staring blankly into space.

"C.C.?" Jason flipped through the files in front of him. "Is that a stage name?"

"He's that content creator on BuzzVid, the one who went viral," Jenny replied, downing her third cup of the day. "His real name's Charles Corn. Seriously, though? Sounds like a snack. Who in their right mind names their kid that?"

"We've got a lot of influencers and content creators nowadays. He's only got a million followers compared to others who have five million and up."

"I don't think we should let him through. We've already let dozens of them in."

Influencers and content creators who have five millions and above fullowers, just to make sure that they pulled in the numbers for the rating.

Jason nodded, yawning again as he skimmed the file. But when his eyes landed on the last page, he nearly spat out his coffee.

"What is it?" Jenny asked, surprised by his reaction.

"We have to let him in."

Jenny frowned. "We've already got comedic relief on the show, and this guy looks too serious to fit that role."

"No, not that. Look." Jason pointed to the last page where the RRR invitation was printed.

Jenny gasped. "H-he . . . he was recommended by Miss Felice Richardson?!"

In all the years they had been interviewing for the show, this was the first time Miss Richardson had vouched for someone. The Richardson family was one of the show's biggest investors, and they had special privileges to recommend one contestant for automatic entry into the top 100 trainees.

"Do we still need to interview him if he's already in?" Jenny asked, slightly confused.

Jason sighed. "We have to; it's part of the show."

"Alright, let him in then."

Cain entered the room, exuding a calm confidence. "Hello, my name is C.C. Nice to meet you."

Jenny nearly choked on her coffee. She had seen C.C. online, but nothing could have prepared her for the sheer charisma he exuded in person. His presence was magnetic, drawing her in with each passing second.

"Am I going to sit here while you interview me?" Cain asked, gesturing toward the lone chair on the stage.

Jenny quickly cleared her throat. "Y-yes, please," she replied, signaling the staff to turn up the air conditioning. Suddenly, it felt hotter in the room.

"C.C., is that how you want us to address you?" Jenny began, trying to regain her composure.

"That's right," Cain replied, his tone confident and a little rough around the edges.

"Be mindful of your tone," Fifi reminded him in his mind.

Cain ignored her, maintaining his swagger.

"So, tell us about yourself, C.C.," Jason asked, leaning forward slightly.

Cain was ready for this question. He gave a straightforward answer, "I was born in District 7. My parents passed away when I was young, and I've been working multiple jobs to survive ever since."

Fifi had advised him to evoke some sympathy in this first episode, but Cain made sure his expression remained stoic and his voice steady, conveying that he wasn't looking for pity. This would earn him respect and likely make the audience more inclined to root for him.

While sympathy wouldn't carry an idol so far, it could work in his favor for a few episodes — just until he could win them over with his skills. Just don't ask him to sing just yet.

"What are you good at?" Jason asked, taking notes.

"Dancing."

"Any other talents outside of idol stuff?"

Cain paused, caught off guard by the question. Other talents outside being an idol? He hadn't expected that. They must have been looking for personal skills, something beyond the typical idol repertoire — like cooking or maybe a unique hobby.

Cain pursed his lips, considering. Other talents outside of idol work? Like fighting? He could mention that he was good with his fists and handling knives. He wasn't proficient with guns yet, but his aim was decent.

"Don't even think about it," Fifi warned in his mind.

After a beat, Cain answered with a serious face, "Well, I'm good at . . . solving problems. You could say I have a talent for handling tricky situations."

"Hoi, what kind of answer is that?" Fifi scolded in his mind.

Jason and Jenny exchanged glances, intrigued by his answer. It wasn't the typical response they'd gotten all day, but that made it all the more interesting.

"And what kind of tricky situations do you mean?" Jenny asked, leaning in.

Cain chuckled mysteriously. "Let's just say, when things get tough, I don't back down. I find a way to make it work, no matter what."

The panel was silent for a moment, processing his words. C.C.s answer was vague yet compelling, hinting at a depth they hadn't anticipated.

Everyone would think that C.C. was willing to do anything to become one of the ten winners and debut in the idol world. Whether through clever tactics or bending the rules, the drama he would bring to the show would surely skyrocket their ratings.

"Well, C.C.," Jason finally said, "we're looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table."

With that, they stamped Cain's application with a bold [PASSED]! Even though he had already secured his spot through recommendation, this was the official seal of approval.

"Congratulations, you've passed the initial screening. The first episode of the show will air in a week, so please prepare a special talent to showcase for our judges. We'll email you the instructions and details on what you need to do before then. We wish you the best of luck, Trainee C.C."

Cain nodded, letting out a silent sigh of relief. The first test was over, and he had secured one of the coveted 100 spots out of countless applicants.

This small victory didn't make him complacent. He knew that this was only the beginning.