The pitch-black camera barrel pointed straight at him, and his hands, resting at his sides, couldn't help but clench slightly, as if out of nervousness.
Today, he only wore blue jeans and a burgundy hoodie, layered with a denim jacket. After spending the entirety of this body's savings, he had managed to buy these.
The young man sat in the chair, hood pulled up, revealing only a few strands of jet-black hair and a fair face. From the side, his cheeks puffed out; from the front, all one could see was a pair of sparkling eyes, glimmering like the ocean under the morning sun. People seemed drawn into those eyes—like they held an entire lake—before noticing his delicate features and soft, cherry-red lips. Even with a slightly chubby face, it only made him look more adorable.
[What's with those eyes? Already about to cry? So timid, hahaha]
[I think he's just too nervous…]
[Or maybe not that serious, his eyes might just be watery]
[He's cute, but still doesn't meet the standards!]
[Maybe he'll slim down. I feel like I've already seen through the producers' scheme!]
[He looks better in person. In photos, he looked shabby.]
Nine scrolled through the internet, unwilling to tell Joshua about the viewers' reactions. It was afraid Joshua would strangle it to death.
Unaware of the online chatter or Nine's dread, Joshua smiled at the female MC and softly replied: "Of course."
[Aaaa, even cuter when he smiles, too adorable!]
[Ha, fat pig! Doesn't meet the beauty standard!]
[That smile is like a bit of sun, so precious hahaha]
The MC, unsurprised, continued: "So this is Joshua's first time joining Shining Path. Did you have any knowledge of showbiz beforehand? How are you feeling right now, and which class do you think you'll be placed in?"
Her questions came one after another.
Although Joshua was a little nervous, it wasn't because of fear. It was simply that he hadn't interacted with ordinary people for far too long.
He said softly, "Yes, this is my first time joining a program like this. Before this, I only loved dancing. I never really thought of becoming an idol, because my singing isn't excellent, so I've always felt a bit insecure. But a friend encouraged me, so I'm here."
"As for how I feel now? A little nervous. Everyone here is so outstanding, I'm not sure which class I'll be placed in…"
He scratched his cheek with his index finger, his face turning slightly red, those watery eyes glistening.
[Oh no, don't make my baby so nervous he's about to cry!!!]
[They're just watery eyes!]
[He already has fans? Seriously? People like this can't control themselves. Just wait until he gains weight—let's see if you'll still call him cute then!]
[Some people are always so negative…]
[He'll go into Class D, hahaha]
[Can't even sing but still wants to be an idol…]
[He already said it was thanks to a good friend's encouragement…]
Nine secretly tossed out one final remark.
I'm that good friend, you idiots!
Honestly, Joshua wasn't even that bad. These people were always so malicious! Nine hadn't realized yet that it was stepping onto a path where only it had the right to criticize Joshua—no one else was allowed to!
The female MC laughed and said, "Alright then, Joshua, give a greeting to our viewers! You've got one chance to 'charm' our National Producers, go for it!"
Joshua turned to the camera and smiled bashfully: "National Producers, please take care of me." Then he suddenly broke into a broad smile, eyes nearly closing as he tilted his head, hands framing his cheeks like a heart.
[Aaaaaa bunny, bunny aaaaaaaa bunny!]
[Hey, I just tuned in—who is this? He's so cute! Which company's trainee is he?]
[Pick him, for sure]
[A little chubby but really adorable hahaha]
[My heart suddenly skipped a beat. This is weird]
[It feels like the whole place lit up. Look at the MC's face, hahaha]
The female MC beside him seemed to hear something slamming against her heart.
She clutched her chest, smiling as she said: "Alright, thank you, Joshua. Best of luck—I'll be keeping an eye on you!"
The MC smiled, her hand tightening into a fist.
Joshua nodded, fingers twisting together. It was his first time doing something this cutesy, and he felt a little embarrassed—but the viewers usually liked that sort of thing.
[Fame Points: +5/1000]
[Good, good, I didn't expect you to have this kind of talent! People online are already calling you cute!]
Nine suddenly spoke up, startling Joshua a little, though his expression didn't change.
Nine continued: [I didn't expect you to already think of me as a good friend. I've given you so much motivation to change yourself, haven't I? Your new life is about to begin. No need to thank me too much, haha—I know I'm amazing.]
Joshua: "..." Regarding narcissism, no one could beat Nine.
Joshua could feel a few gazes directed at him. Sitting in his seat, he also let his eyes sweep across the others.
The female MC moved on to interview a few more people.
Joshua noticed some trainees who were getting a lot of attention. At the same time, Nine spoke again: [See that red-haired guy? That's Leonard, a trainee from MG Entertainment. He's predicted to debut as the center this season. A formidable opponent—you need to watch out!]
[And that guy over there… huh, he looks a bit familiar…]
Joshua also recognized the person Nine was talking about—he looked familiar.
The guy with brown hair and a strikingly handsome face.
He was sitting far away, eyes closed.
[Aaaaaa, do we have to compete with this guy? So infuriating, totally not okay! There's no info about him online except on Shining Path's official page—his name is Arthur. But be careful, he's definitely a strong contender!] Nine kept blabbing.
That was obviously the gentle guy Joshua had met at the park three days ago.
Back then, Nine had gone crazy praising him for being gentle and handsome; today it sounded hostile, so of course Nine could only compliment someone when they weren't standing opposite it.
At that moment, Arthur suddenly opened his eyes. From a distance, his gaze met Joshua's.
They looked at each other; Joshua felt a little startled. Then Arthur unexpectedly smiled and nodded in a greeting before turning his eyes away.
[Oh my god, he's challenging us, can you believe it? Joshua, you must sit in the center position and kick his ass!] Nine shouted.
Joshua: "...he was just greeting us. You're being overly delusional, Nine." Clearly, the man had been gentle and polite.
[You two are rivals now—rivals, understand?! On stage, there's no room for gentleness. Be wary of everyone; you can only trust me!]
Trusting a system that might deal with him and this world if the mission failed? Joshua thought Nine could be so naive sometimes.
But Nine would keep ranting until it got its desired answer, so Joshua nodded: "Alright, fine. I'll only trust you."
Nine was pleased and secretly wrote in its notebook. Under the line "Only show your nude to me," it added "only trust you."
Then it started on its plan. It didn't want to spend too much effort, but seeing Joshua was cooperative and cute was enough. Of course, it didn't like cute things, but since it and Joshua were already on the same boat, it would edit a few videos. After all, to build an intense fandom, you need a proactive lead!
Once Joshua had real fans, Nine would retreat into hiding. That would be perfect—Joshua would bawl with gratitude when he found out what Nine had done!
Nine-senpai, you really are the best person in the world to me. To thank you, I will cosplay a sexy nurse...
[Hahaha, hahaha]
"What's wrong with you?"
Joshua's voice suddenly rang out, shattering Nine's lovely daydream like a smashed pane of glass. He realized he'd been laughing like a maniac.
Nine cleared its throat and said earnestly: [It's time to shoot now. Get ready!]
Joshua: "..." Confused.