Mission Complete!

Applause rained after Jaxon sang the last line of his song.

It was only then that he noticed that a rather sizable crowd had gathered sometime during his performance, mostly consisting of college girls and middle aged women who seemed more taken by a highschool boy's looks than they appreciate his performance. However, among the crowd, there were also notably a couple of older gentlemen who seemed to genuinely enjoy his song ("Nice guitar playing, bud!" one of them whistled.) and several children (accompanied by their smiling mothers) who showed their appreciation by clapping and shrieking loudly in enthusiasm.

Despite himself, Jaxon could feel his cheeks warming.

This was a mission. One with unforeseeable consequences. It wasn't even something he wanted, it was forced on him. If not for the promise of money, he would have never entertained this so-called system, consequences be damned. And yet…

Seeing the smiles on people's faces, hearing their cheers and applause…

He blinked, and for several heartbeats, he became an eighth grader once again, standing in the center of a stage as he strummed his own rhythm, accompanied by the voices of hundreds of people as they sang the lyrics to the song he was playing.

"Hey, can we request another song?" A woman stepped forward, breaking Jaxon out of his reverie and drawing his attention to her.

She appeared to be in her early thirties, but her tired eyes and messy hair made her look way older than her age. Must be one of those overworked career women, he mused. But with a little more sleep and some rouge painted on her cheeks and lips to disguise their paleness, she would definitely look a lot prettier.

"Is that okay?" she spoke again, upon receiving no response. Jaxon nodded.

"Sure."

The song she requested was, thankfully, something he was most familiar with. Since this world and the world he came from run on different timelines, the song that was supposed to be released seven years ago in his previous world, was only released a couple of years ago in this world. It was a pop song that continuously topped the charts, and because of its upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics, the song had imprinted itself on his mind.

By the end of the song, the lady's eyes were shining. "You're perfect," she said, somewhat breathlessly. Before Jaxon could get anymore flustered, she began rummaging her bag for something. Her expression brightened when she found what she'd been looking for. She handed it to him, azure eyes sparkling in their eagerness.

It was a business card.

"Pardon my rudeness. I've been very much in awe at your performance that I've forgotten to introduce myself," the lady said, drawing Jaxon's eyes to her. "My name is Fiona Rivers, a talent agent of an entertainment company. May I know yours, young lad?"

Starxx Entertainment was written on the card in bold, golden letters. A glint appeared in Jaxon's eyes.

"Jayden Black. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Rivers."

***

Starxx Entertainment was a home to many household names. Or at least, that was the case in this world. In his previous world, Starxx Entertainment has long ceased its operations after it had fallen to the state of bankruptcy, shortly after the company fell into the incapable hands of the chairman's chosen heir.

In this world, however, the company was lucky to avoid this misfortune; from the articles he was currently reading, the only daughter of Chairman Kim, who had been busy with her studies abroad, came home to reclaim her right over the company.

With her taking the chairman's seat, the company unknowingly dodged a bullet.

Jaxon switched off his phone and pocketed it when Miss Rivers sidled on the seat across from him.

"Sorry," she said sheepishly. "Did you wait long? I had 'something' to take care of in the company, so I apologize for being late." More like 'someone', she grumbled internally. It wasn't easy cleaning up Andrei's mess even though she's done it countless times.

Jaxon smiled good-naturedly. "It's alright, Miss Rivers. I just got here myself."

When this young man smiles, he never fails to light up the entire room. Once again, Fiona found herself marveling at her own luck.

This young man is a diamond, she thought.

Her keen eyes didn't miss the stunned gazes thrown their way. It seems the other customers of this cafe have also fallen victim to this young lad's charms.

She smirked. Give it a little more time, and this diamond will surely shine brighter than anyone else.

"Now, shall we go over the terms of the contract?"

***

The bell rang all throughout the campus, signaling the end of classes for the day. Jaxon got off his bike, watching as waves of students pour through the gates of White Dove Academy. His eyes searched the crowd for his sister, taking note of those who have pink hair.

A gaggle of girls passed by him. He initially paid them no mind, but when one of them gasped and nudged her friend, all of their eyes were suddenly on him.

"Hey, is that Jayden?"

"Yeah, I think so. I didn't recognize him until you pointed that out. He seemed...more handsome?"

"And a whole hell lot cooler."

"He was always good-looking, but somehow, he gives off a different air."

"Hey, hey, do you think he's still single?"

A green-haired girl cut in. "Don't forget he's a dropout. His father left a mountain of debt when he died, so he was forced to work to pay them off. He's in dire need of money. I'm not surprised if he's found himself an older girlfriend. Guys like him are no different from leeches–they would suck you dry before you know it."

Jaxon chuckled under his breath.

"Rina, you're just bitter because he rejected you in second year!"

The group burst into laughter. Jaxon acted as if he didn't hear their conversation and wandered over to the gates, keeping an eye out for his sister. At that moment, however, the system appeared.

[ Mission: Get Scouted by an Agent ]

Clear Condition: Attract a mob while singing in the streets.

Requirements: None

Time Limit: 20 hours, 55 minutes, 15 seconds

Rewards: 500 gold coins

Status: Complete

[ Will you accept the rewards? ]

Jaxon pressed yes without any hesitation. Almost immediately, his phone began vibrating incessantly with incoming notifications. He opened it and found that 250 dollars have been transferred to his Pay-On Account. His eyebrows rose in amazement. Woah. The system really works fast.

He slid the phone back to his pocket.

"Brother!" Jamie rushed towards him, her braid bouncing behind her. "You came to pick me up?"

"Yeah." He ruffled her hair as she slowed down to walk beside him. "Let me treat you and Mom to dinner. My boss gave me a huge bonus, so tonight, we'll eat to our heart's content."

"Yay!"

***

That evening, Mrs Black was gobsmacked upon seeing the feast spread on her dining table. Her confused gaze landed on her daughter and son, the former munching happily on a chucken leg, the other watching his sister with a small smile on his face.

Jayden's eyes landed on her, and his smile shone a little brighter.

"Welcome home, Mom."