“Things are going great,” Moby started off during their meeting with Zeno. “Each episode of ‘Stars in My Ordinary Sky’ had reached a million views, and the episode that had you as a thumbnail had reached three million views!”
“Your pay should have been increased, but I doubt Story Lab would do that,” he muttered.
“Anyway, Minseok and Rex are facing scrutiny, and their statements have bit them in the ass. Their past cast members are revealing their dirt like crazy, and I doubt they could go back to acting in decent projects.”
Zeno absentmindedly nodded. It was what they deserved for being part of the scum of the earth.
“Oh, another good news is that we were able to pay three months’ worth of rent,” Moby added with a wide smile. “The landlady is very pleased.”
“How many more months do we still lack?” Zeno asked.
“One year and seven months,” Bobby chimed.
Zeno pursed his lips. No wonder their landlady was always cranky. How could they stay in this place without paying the rent for years?
“Anyway, we already have project prospects for you,” he continued, placing the scripts on the table.
Zeno looked at the stack only momentarily before asking another question.
“How about variety shows?” he asked.
Bobby and Moby turned to each other in surprise. “You’re interested in joining variety shows now? I thought you would be against it.”
“It depends on the variety show,” Zeno said, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “What are my choices for now?”
“There’s Extreme Camping,” Bobby started off.
Zeno quickly shook his head. That show was made for celebrities to go into the wild for a few days and survive on nothing but a few supplies. He definitely didn’t want to leave the comfort of his own home.
“Alright,” Moby muttered. “There’s also ‘Deranged.'”
“What is that?” Zeno asked.
“It’s a YouWatch show where you eat spicy things and answer questions,” Moby explained.
Zeno once again shook his head. Eating spicy food had always been his weakness. He may look perfect from the outside, but he still has some flaws!
“Another one is ‘Apple or Not.’ You are placed in a room, and you guess what is made out of apples with your mouth,” Bobby explained.
Zeno pursed his lips. Why would someone even make such a variety show?
He sighed and leaned his elbows against his knees.
“What about ‘Sing or Sync?'” he suggested.
Bobby and Moby turned to each other. They knew of ‘Sing or Sync,’ of course. It was one of the most popular variety shows of the century. In fact, it was so successful that other countries had created a franchise of it already.
In the show, one artist, usually a very popular one, takes on the ultimate challenge—finding the true vocalist among six mysterious contestants. Some are gifted singers, while others can’t hold a note to save their lives.
Through multiple rounds, the artist must analyze, observe, and trust their instincts as they eliminate a contestant or a set of contestants per round. With every elimination, the truth is revealed—was it a real singer or a tone-deaf faker?
The final decision has high stakes. If the last remaining contestant is tone-deaf, they walk away with 10,000,000 won. But if the artist successfully picks a talented singer, they must choose between a cash prize or the chance to release a digital single together.
Zeno had thoroughly researched it yesterday. He had seen a few episodes during his past life, and it seemed like a pretty fun show.
Moreover, with this show, he could tick off two penalty quests with one stone—attending a variety show and making up with Eli.
“They’re coming back with a new season, right?” Zeno asked, placing his fingers under his chin.
Moby slowly nodded. “Yes, I have heard. However, I believe they will start filming tomorrow. I don’t think you can get into the production of the first episode. Maybe the next one?”
Zeno shook his head. “I want to be in the first episode,” he stubbornly said. He might not have enough time to fulfill his quests if this was to be delayed.
Zeno definitely did not want to undergo the pain trial once more.
Moby scratched the back of his head.
Meanwhile, Zeno used his sparkling eyes to an advantage.
“You know that I don’t ask for much from the company, right?” he started off, looking into his eyes.
At that moment, Moby felt his heart stop. Zeno’s eyes looked like diamonds! He couldn’t look away as Zeno continued to speak.
“I even decided on a 50/50 arrangement for all of my projects because I want the best for Dreamy Entertainment.”
“Now, I really want to participate in ‘Sing or Sync.’ I believe it wouldn’t be too difficult because a lot of variety shows want me to attend their shows. Don’t they?”
“They do,” Bobby muttered while nodding. “They’re practically fighting over you.”
“Sing or Sync is a popular show, and with the new season, I could garner more fans.”
Hopefully not.
Bobby was already convinced. However, Moby still questioned whether he could do it.
“I will truly do my best on the show if I am chosen to participate in it,” Zeno said as sincerely as possible. His Pretty Potion and Sparkling Eyes booster were definitely being used to his advantage as Moby let out a deep breath.
“Alright,” he said. “I will do it! I will get you on that set tomorrow.”
Zeno didn’t think it would be this easy. However, he was thankful to Moby for heeding his request.
“I’m going to make some calls then,” Moby said, standing from his seat and walking just a few meters away.
Zeno sighed in relief, leaning against the couch. That would be enough for now.
“It seems you’re quite enthusiastic about this,” Bobby chimed, capturing Zeno’s attention.
“You could say that,” he answered.
“Then, you can sing well, right?”
A small smirk appeared on Zeno’s lips.
There it was—his agenda number three. If he was to be shown as tone-deaf, wouldn’t some of his fans get turned off?
“Nope.”