From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

"The new CEO of Azure Entertainment has been announced!"

"A hardworking man in his late 30s buys Azure's shares and saves the day!"

"Handsome and hunky CEO who climbed his way to the top!"

"Rags to Riches: The story of Lei, a young man who only dreamed of changing the idol industry!"

"So, Mr. Lei," the interviewer started off.

Lei smiled and shook his head. "Lei is good enough," he said. "You don't have to call me 'Sir' or anything like that."

The interviewer's eyes widened in surprise. "But you are the CEO of Azure Entertainment, Lei. Are you still not used to such honorifics?"

Lei nodded. "That's part of it," he said. "However, a huge part of me doesn't want to get used to it. We are both professionals in our own light. Just because my position is deemed more prestigious does not make me a better person."

"So, you can call me comfortably-like a friend."

"I've found myself at the bottom of the barrel plenty of times. I've also buttered up to a lot of people who had a higher position than me."

June scoffed as he watched the interview.

Bottom of the barrel? The guy has been on top of the chain since forever!

"However, they didn't respect my presence because of my position. I've never felt so low in my life than those moments. So, I promised that when I get a position of power, I will use it for the good-to empower people who were once like me."

The interviewer placed her hands over her heart, appearing teary-eyed.

"Well, with how you are, I think you can do just that-change the idol industry," she said, and the audience exclaimed in agreement.

Those watching the show from the comfort of their homes were also touched.

- Mr. Ong is finally out! I was expecting another atrocious old man to replace him, but we actually have a good guy this time!

- If I can't have June, then I'll have Lei instead. How can he be so charismatic?

- Doesn't he look familiar?

- Yeah, he looks like my husband.

- No, not that. He looks like an actor. Lin Zhi, was it?

- Don't bring that dead criminal into the conversation.

- But I'm really happy about EVE and LUNAIRE. They have such a great CEO now.

- Azure might just change how the idol industry works!

- Let's go, Lei! We support your endeavors.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Entertainment's office was filled with chaos after the news broke out.

"Zhilei? He became the CEO of Azure?"

"What is he planning to do?"

Mr. Kim Young Do, the CEO of Phoenix Entertainment, clenched his fists in anger as he scrolled through multiple articles praising Lei.

"What are we going to do, sir?" his assistant asked.

Young Do closed his eyes and let out a deep breath.

"Fortunately, I didn't trust that guy enough to show him my dirt," he smirked. "He acted innocent when he was here, but he had plans to take over my position by going to the head." "He said he didn't want to reach a top position, yet he's there in Azure making a fuss."

"I really can't read that guy," his assistant muttered.

"Neither do I," Young Do said. "So keep an eye on him. Keep an eye on his artists, too. We never know what they have up their sleeves."

The members of EVE looked touched as Lei's interview came to an end.

Jisung placed his hand over his heart and nodded with teary eyes.

"Everything he said was on point. Our CEO is the best!" he exclaimed.

June pursed his lips to prevent himself from saying anything.

"Thank goodness," Jaeyong sighed in relief. "I don't have to be on edge every time we have a meeting now."

"Lei for the win!" Ren said, raising his fist in the air. "I don't know how he became the CEO in the end, but I'm just really grateful that we're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel."

Zeth nodded in agreement. "He ain't too bad."

Meanwhile, June and Jay whispered among themselves.

"These guys think he's a good guy," Jay whispered.

June clicked his tongue. "That's how you were before."

"But he does sound like a good guy," Jay chimed. "I almost believed him again after watching

the interview."

June sighed. "He has a great convincing power."

"What are we going to do now, though? You didn't brief me about what we'll do next."

June pursed his lips. "Well, it's safe to say that I—"

"What are you guys talking about?" Casper chimed from behind them, causing Jay and June to move away from each other.

Jay cleared his throat and focused his gaze on the screen.

"Ah, wow. Lei's really handsome. He can be an actor himself!" Jay awkwardly said.

***

Meanwhile, after the interview ended at SBN station, Lei bowed politely at all the people he

came across.

All of them looked at him with admiration, making his heart swell with pride.

Lei kept a smile on his face throughout their interactions.

However, as soon as he was in his waiting room, his smile dropped, and a look of exhaustion passed through his face.

"As expected," he muttered, massaging the bridge of his nose. "Acting kind is such a hard

task."

"Come to think of it, I've been keeping up this act for a while now, but it's still hard for me." He leaned against the couch and let out a deep breath.

Then, from where he was sitting, he could see his reflection on the mirror adjacent to him.

He smirked and placed his elbows against his knees.

"I'm doing a good job, though," he muttered. "Like I always do."

He stared at his face for a good minute before his smirk was replaced with a determined

frown.

"It has started, brother," he said. "Our dream of taking over the entertainment industry."

"We should have achieved it together," he chuckled bitterly.

Then, his frown twisted into a murderous glare.

"We should have achieved it together," he repeated through gritted teeth.

"So, I vow to see this dream until the end. I won't let all our hard work go down the drain."

"And along with that, I'll make the people who made you suffer pay."

He glanced outside and saw a billboard endorsing Sanipoo. He circled in on the guy on the

right, looking as perfect as ever.

"Starting with you."