From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

"How did you know?" Jay asked.

The two of them were on the building's balcony, sipping on some hot chocolate as the wind blew over their hair.

The balcony was usually filled with artists who smoked. It was occluded from the streets' view, so it was the perfect spot for artists to let out their pent-up frustration.

However, since it was already late into the night, Jay and June sat on the chairs.

"I told you," June said. "I knew from the beginning that there's something strange about him."

"I really thought you were trolling," Jay sighed, leaning against his seat. "I almost didn't believe you."

"However, you were right."

"He came to the manager's lounge and talked about how he wants to change the idol industry for the better."

June smirked, swirling his mug as he looked at the wall in front of them.

"Some things really never change," June muttered.

It was how Laohu, now Lei, used to convince him, too.

He spouted shit about justice and family, and that led June to believe that he was doing the right thing—that things were bound to be better if he followed his orders.

However, it never did.

"He must have heard our conversation, too," Jay said. "He wasn't surprised when I told him that I had some information against Mr. Ong."

June shook his head. "Well, I did tell you to lure him in on our argument."

"That will lead him to believe that we have some kind of strain in our relationship."

"Then, once he sees a crack, he wouldn't hesitate to strike."

"I bet he offered a position to you already," June said.

Jay sighed and nodded.

"It really went as perfectly as you said."

"After I gave him the briefcase, he said that he'd handle it. Then, he gave me an offer right away-that I be his right-hand man."

June scoffed. "Well, did you accept?"

"I'm not going to lie. It was pretty tempting," Jay chuckled. "But then again, I don't know what Lei's really like. So, I told him that I'd think about it."

"I thought I had a good grasp of how he really is. I thought he was kind. He also gave me good advice."

"However, he felt different a while ago."

"Cunning?" June asked.

"Evil," Jay muttered.

June raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Well, you're more observant than I thought."

Jay pursed his lips. "How did you even notice since the beginning?" he asked. "Do you have psychic powers?"

June chuckled as he took another sip from his hot chocolate.

"Let's just say that I've been blessed," he started off. "I know more than what the average person does."

"I can't tell you why, but all you have to do is trust me," June said.

Jay shook his head in amusement.

"You know, it took a lot of willpower for me to continue being by your side."

June tilted his head to the side.

"Why'd you say so?" June asked.

Jay bit his lip and looked down at his fingers.

Then, he shrugged. "It's just been pretty tough lately," he said. "I feel like I'm at the bottom of the barrel in the company."

"Mr. Ong doesn't favor me anymore, so he treats me like shit. He even makes other interns look down on me."

"Then, with Lei by my side, I just felt...comforted. He was the only manager that made me feel like I was competent."

"Hmm," June hummed.

"So, it's really a surprise," Jay chuckled, trying to hide his real feelings. "Why did you entrust me with this task when you must know how I'm truly feeling?"

June closed his eyes and felt the breeze against his skin.

"You've already answered your question," June said, making Jay confused.

June opened his eyes and gazed at Jay, looking as serious as ever.

"I already knew how you're truly feeling," June said.

"You're a good friend."

"You've proved that plenty of times before."

"So, I knew that you would be on my side-always."

A smile finally arose from Jay's lips. He felt his heart warm up after June said those words.

It was true.

He really would trust in June through and through.

"Even if muscular men tempt you in the process," June added, making Jay click his tongue.

"I told you I don't have a muscle fetish."

"Sure," June sarcastically said.

Jay shook his head. "Dang, I should have just betrayed you."

"You wouldn't be able to," June smirked.

Jay sighed. "You're right. I might be worse than Casper, but I'm in this June shit for life."

June nodded. "I'll also have your back-always."

Jay smiled freely, all of the burden leaving his heart.

For a while, they just sat there in silence, enjoying the grotesque view of the dirty wall before

them.

"I'm curious, though," Jay said. "Why'd you give him the briefcase if you don't like him?"

June smirked.

"Good question," he said.

Jay hummed. "Goodness. I really didn't think of that. Why are you doing this?" he exclaimed. "Aren't we fucked if he gets his hand on such information?"

"Did you take out some of the papers that I told you-ones that weren't about Mr. Ong and

just about the company?" June asked.

Jay frowned and nodded. "Yeah," he said. "I kept it in your room as promised."

"Good," June said.

"Then, we're right on track."

"Can you explain, please?" Jay asked, feeling like his head was going to explode. "I may have graduated with a master's degree, but I can never comprehend your mind."

June placed his cup on the railings of the balcony and focused his gaze on the stars.

"In the world of power and ambition, there's a game between ascent and descent, between

the rise to glory and the inevitable fall from grace."

"Ooh, we're starting off with such a nice line," Jay muttered, already feeling excited.

"Now that the briefcase is in his hands, Lei believes he's poised to seize Azure

Entertainment."

"And perhaps he is, with his connections and money. But what Lei doesn't understand is that while he's busy plotting his ascent, we are patiently waiting."

"It honestly wouldn't be too surprising," June continued, nonchalantly looking at his nails.

"He's already acquainted with the board. I bet he has some shares, too. So, with Lei in the picture, it's a guarantee that Mr. Ong would get kicked out of Azure because he now has a worthy replacement."

"So, you gave the briefcase to Lei so Mr. Ong would certainly get kicked out?" Jay asked with

wide eyes.

June smirked. "Well, that little guy is already shaped as a pawn, is he?"

"Holy crap! You really are a genius," Jay said, his mouth still agape from disbelief.

"Once Lei replaces him, we still have some time to gather our ammunition because he's not

going to retaliate right away," June continued.

"He's going to get some glory, and I'd hate to see it, too. But when that happens, when he's at

the highest of the mountain, that's the best place to strike."

"Because the fall will be much more painful."

"The fall will be something he wouldn't be able to get up from."

"Then," June whispered. "I'll finally avenge my death."