[+1 Public Perception. Article feature with more than 50,000 views]
[+1 Public Perception. New fanbase acquired: The Mysterious Zeno Enthusiasts]
[Notable Meter: 23%]
Zeno sighed and sat up on his bed as he was greeted by some disappointing notifications.
“Good morning, I guess,” he muttered, getting out of bed before changing. He grabbed his straw hat from his closet and went to Minji’s unit.
“Zeno’s here,” Eli said, looking up from his book.
“Did you read the article yet?” Minji excitedly asked.
Zeno shook his head. “What’s it about?”
Minji sighed. “You’re probably the most nonchalant person on Earth. Anyway, companies have come out to state their interest in scouting you.”
Zeno frowned. “What? They even came out with statements?”
“Yup!” Doha chimed as he placed their food on the table. This time, it was stir-fried vegetables with a steamed egg.
“J-Slick from Continuous Dominance even posted on Sigmoid yesterday night. He said—’someone hit me up with Zeno Han. Want to cook something good for this year.'”
“Why would we be cooking?” Zeno asked, causing the others to look at each other with raised brows.
“Ah, right. You came from the military. These are relatively new terms,” Minji chuckled. “Anyway, he wants to create some great projects with you.”
“Someone from Moonrise and Evergreen said they have great interest,” Doha chimed. “That’s not all, though. I think there are four other companies who want you on their roster. Shore, Blockview, Hydro, and… I forgot. It seems to be a smaller company.”
Zeno ate with great speed amidst their conversation.
“Look here! It seems they’re even placing bets on what company you’re going to choose,” Minji exclaimed. Eli and Doha moved closer to her to read the comments.
“It’s definitely Moonrise. It’s the best out of those who showed their interest,” Doha read.
“He gives off an Evergreen vibe—someone very mysterious. He’ll be a great fit there. I heard they have a big movie coming out this year, too,” Eli chimed.
“Continuous Dominance is great for newbies, though. They really try to get your name out there,” Minji read another comment.
Zeno swallowed his last bite and stood from his seat. “I’m going now,” he said.
“You still have that farming job?” Eli asked, raising one brow.
Zeno nodded. “It’s my last week. They only need a helping hand for the harvest season.”
With that, he went out of Minji’s unit and made his way to the farm.
As they watched Zeno’s figure, they couldn’t help but feel confused.
Why was he stuck harvesting herbs when massive entertainment companies wanted him in their line-up?
***
Zeno arrived at the farm, and there, he saw the old farmers speaking among themselves.
“There he is!” one exclaimed when they saw Zeno walking toward them.
“You didn’t tell us you were a big star,” he said. “We wouldn’t have let you work for free if that was the case.”
Zeno shook his head as he placed his gloves on. “It’s my last week anyway. Call me again if you need some help.”
The old farmers turned to each other with proud looks.
“What a humble young man. You are destined for great success.”
Zeno placed his hand on the farmer’s shoulder. “Please take back what you said.”
Then, he began harvesting the herbs with so much efficiency that it left them in awe. Before he knew it, Zeno had accomplished his job, finishing right before lunch.
“Can I go now?” he asked.
“Take this first,” the head farmer said, giving him a sack filled with sweet potatoes. For the first time, Zeno’s eyes brightened. He grabbed the sack and looked at it with wonder.
If there was one thing he loved on Earth that wasn’t in Avalis, it was root crops. Everything that came from underneath the ground. Somehow, Avalis’ soil can’t really sustain such crops, so nearly all fruits and vegetables were cultivated in jars.
They couldn’t recreate these dirty root crops, though.
At that moment, a strong gust of wind blew, causing Zeno’s hat to fly from his head. He caught it quickly before placing it back on.
However, at that moment, the old farmer looked at Zeno with amazement.
“Such sparkling eyes you have,” he said. “You are really suited for acting. After your job here is over, why don’t you pursue it?”
Zeno shook his head. “I already told you, sir. Being a farmer is my dream. Anyway, thank you for these sweet potatoes. I’ll eat them well.”
With that, he bowed and began walking away.
However, as he reached the entrance of the farm, a large celebrity van with tinted windows occluded his way. He frowned, wondering who parked their obnoxious car here when it wasn’t allowed.
Still, he shrugged, knowing it wasn’t his business. He squeezed through the small entrance when the door suddenly opened, revealing a man on the shorter side with dark glasses and a backward red cap. His pants were hung so low that it showed his underwear.
Zeno frowned. Were there still humans who wore something like this in this generation? He shook his head and was about to bypass him when the man moved to grab his wrist.
Zeno acted quickly and retreated before the man could even graze his skin.
The capped man’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “You have quite the reflexes, don’t you? Perfect for action films, too.”
Zeno stepped back. “Do you need anything?”
The man was surprised, his mouth slightly agape. Then, he chuckled. “You’re joking, right? You don’t know me?”
Zeno looked at him more intently.
The man sighed and removed his sunglasses for a moment, revealing a pair of very slanted eyes.
“There,” he said. “Now, do you know who I am?”
“No,” Zeno deadpanned. With that, he was about to go.
The man was getting more frustrated. “I’m J-Slick!” he exclaimed. “Multi-awarded rapper. Owner of Continuous Dominance Entertainment. Millionaire. Certified playboy.”
“Okay, J-Flick, please move.”
J-Slick bit his lip in anger. “It’s Slick,” he firmly said. “Anyway, I almost didn’t believe you would actually be here, but you are. I’m sure you already know why I’m here.”
Zeno clicked his tongue. Why was this guy here? Didn’t he reject them already?
“I want to work with you.”
Zeno raised one eyebrow. “Is that so?”
“Yes,” J-Slick said. “I’m giving you very special treatment. I even came here personally to invite you to our company. Now, why don’t we go to a cafe so I can discuss the signing process—”
“If you want to become a farmer like me, head straight there,” Zeno said, interrupting him while pointing in the direction of the old farmers. “The harvest season is almost over, though, so I don’t know if they’re still hiring. If they are, then that’s your opportunity to work with me.”
“Anyway, the pay will not be as good as your current job, but it is a fulfilling one.”
“Good luck, J-Dick. I’m wishing you the best.”
With that, Zeno bowed, leaving the CEO dumbfounded.
“Oh, and parking here isn’t allowed. Tractors need to pass,” he added before completely leaving J-Slick all alone.