1st World A/O/B: 29

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The Chef x The Movie Emperor 

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Terra Anka PXD2422 - Capital of The Golden Dragon Star Nexus Empire. 

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Choi Yongbok's P.O.V.:

 The first rays of dawn broke through a wall of floor to ceiling windows as the automatic blinds raised, and the curtains rolled back. I continued to lie in bed stirring up my all too familiar bedroom ceiling. It had been another restless night of insomnia. The incessant dreams that had been haunting me for almost as long as I can remember was largely the cause of said insomnia.

 'It is always the same, a beautiful man with amethyst eyes and a heart stopping smile framed by that single left dimple… that melodious voice calling out for me so coquettishly, with his hand reached out toward me as if beckoning me reach out for him. It always makes my heart race with both anticipation and pure joy. I always manage to nearly reach that outstretched hand just for the man standing before me to be ripped away violently.'

 I could not keep the deep fear and shiver from running down my spine as cold seeped into my core once again as I recalled all the many ways, I watched the young man die or disappear right before my eyes.

 What little sleep I managed last night abruptly ended when the beautiful smile slowly dimmed as blood started to drool from the corner of those full pouty lips. When I was just about to wipe away the trickle of blood from his mouth, blood began to flow from his nose and eyes. That was when I had bolted upright, drenched in a cold sweat and heart racing.

 It was the same routine as always. I knew there would be no falling back asleep without another nightmare haunting me, so I opted to shower, again. When the shower did not help to calm down my agitated state, I decided to head downstairs to my home dojang.

 I needed to work off some of this excess adrenaline and hopefully calm my nerves. Once I finished working out, I was still on edge, so I did my daily meditation. Only after 3 hours of working out and 2 hours of meditation was I able to calm my inner turmoil and raging emotions.

 Upon arriving back upstairs I noticed the automatic blinds and curtains had already been rolled back, allowing the first morning rays to bathe the large living room in its golden rays. I made myself a cup of tea as I watched the sunrise before heading back upstairs to take yet another shower before making breakfast and getting ready for the day.

 I felt refreshed after finishing up with my long morning shower; where, I worked out some of my other frustrations. All it took was thinking about those hauntingly beautiful amethyst eyes and those luscious plump pink lips and that dimple that drives me wild for reasons I don't fully understand.

 I needed to halt those thoughts immediately as I was already starting to respond to them again and I did not have the time to take care of it, again, as I was already running a little behind schedule. It was already a little late as I was already sporting a bit of a chub again but thankfully, it would rescind soon enough on its own. 

 I quickly went into my large kitchen and pulled out all the ingredients to make me breakfast. Most people opt for a nutri-shake or nurti-loaf instead of eating actual food since ingredients are expensive. Even amongst those who could afford the ingredients, did not cook for themselves as most didn't know how to but even if they did, they were too snobbish to not have their private chefs to do the cooking.

 Personally, I preferred to make my own meals when at home because it was something that had always brought me pleasure, comfort and helped me to de-stress. I kept this part of myself hidden from everyone though.

 It was one of the few things about me or my life that was not public or on display for everyone to ogle or knit pick at. Not that I would be able to keep this side of me private for much longer, since I will be participating on The Chef & The Celebrity soon.

 When one chooses to live the life of a celebrity, they essentially sign over the rights to their whole life and being. Well, that is if they want to be famous because in order to rise in the entertainment world one has to first garner the attention of the people.

 Once that is achieved, you still have to keep their attention and the more popular a star becomes the more their life and everything they do, say, like or dislike is placed under a microscope. It is daunting, being forced to lay bare for all to see, judge, worship and hate.

 I knew all this and yet I still chose this lifestyle. The reason why is still something I cannot fully and honestly disclose to anyone. Well, it is not even as if anyone would fully understand or believe me even if I did. Sigh

 After I finished eating and cleaning the kitchen I went back upstairs to finish dressing for the day. I took extra care in getting ready today. I had to look my best without looking like I tried too hard, which is not an easy balance to strike. Still, I took the time to make sure I got it just right.

 After all, today is the day that the contestants are all supposed to gather to start the process of signing our contracts and starting the filming process for The Chef & The Celebrity, and I wanted to make sure to look perfect just in case we "meet" today. I am aware I am acting like a schoolboy with his trying to primp and peacock in order to catch the eye of his crush.

 "Ahh, what am I even thinking about? It is not like this time will be any different, but maybe just maybe it will. After all he is different this time, judging by those pictures alone…" I knew shouldn't be talking out loud to myself again, but it helps me think. 

 I let my mind wonder back to the photos of him that were bouncing amongst starnetizens, who seemed like the could not get enough of "him" and I could not fault them for that as I too found myself repeatedly going back to stare at those photos of him at that high school swim meet, he attended that had been posted on several social media sites.

 I understand everyone's curiosity about him, even in a photo he has this strong gravitational pull. His ability to draw one in, was similar to a blackhole. I smiled recalling those photos that had been posted to StarNet before shaking my head to clear my mind, again to get back on subject.

 Even knowing that this would potentially help him when would definitely bring in more viewers once The Chef & The Celebrity starts to air live, I feel conflicted about it. There are so many, many ways this could all go horribly wrong, again. But this time, I am determined to not let history repeat itself.

 "Please I am begging the universe, the deities whatever and whoever I need to, please let things go well and end with a positive outcome." I chuckled about me talking out loud when there was no one to hear me.

 As I finished making my drink to go when I swear, I heard a voice softly speak. There is no one here so I checked all my electronic devices to see if any of them were playing any audios of any kind and as expected they were all turned off. Maybe I really did just hear it because I would have loved to get a positive answer. Well, it is that or I am finally going crazy.

 I sent a quick message to my assistant, grabbed my stuff and stored it in my spatial watch then grabbed my drink and sunglasses. I check myself one last time in the mirror before taking a deep breath to calm my nerves and head out the door. My assistant Brindan Tayvin Redstar was already waiting for me right outside my door.

 I took a look at him and as always, he was in pristine condition, not a single wrinkle in his suit nor hair out of place to be seen. And that serious blank look he always has on when he is in "work mode".

 It never ceased to amaze me how this young man is able to mimic an A.I. robot when he wants to. Even after all these years of knowing one another, he still refuses to break his perfect countenance when it comes to work. I could not help but remark on it.

 "You know Brindan, one could easily mistake you for an A.I. butler with the way you always mimic one. It really will be ok if you show emotion when you are on the clock. I know how you feel about being a professional and that you are more than just married to your work. Hell, you are straight up obsessed with it like it is your kink or something."

 He did not say anything just stared me straight in my eyes, keeping his face schooled the entire time. He did not need to say anything nor even show his dissatisfaction over my commentary for me to know he did not find my teasing funny in the least.

 I could not help it, I found myself snorting then chuckling at the thoughts I knew were going through his mind at this moment, after all we had been best friends since we were in grade school together.

 "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing you now. But only because you are officially on the clock. I know you take work very seriously and I also know and understand why. All I am trying to do is let you know that even on the clock you can ease up just a bit when it is only you and me."

 Still there was no reply from him, I guess I went a little too far with my teasing this morning. His "dear" mother must have called him again last night or even this morning. Seriously, that vicious tongue viper should just give it a fucking rest already!

 For someone who seemingly loathes her own child solely because he was born a Beta instead of an Alpha, she sure checks in on him a lot, even if it is just to put him down for anything and everything. Even when things have absolutely nothing to do with him in any form, she still finds him at fault and loves to "put him in his place for his own good" a lot.

 I seriously doubt that woman could survive without her favorite scapegoat, poor Brindan. Then again, most narcissists wouldn't be able to, and that is in fact what Persef'ni Thalia Zorya Redstar is, a narcissist.

 She may be brilliant when it comes to business and the fashion empire, she created from the ground up, but she is a terrible person and an even worse mother! I may not be a completely ethical man myself, but that woman makes 'Erin Grey' from the web novel Quick Transmigration: Chased in the Multiverse by TheEmpressNing look like a saint.

 He needed to stop thinking about that bitch or else he would be in a foul mood all day and he refuses to let that horrid woman ruin his chances of make a good impression on him. No, he won't let anything go wrong this time.

 'Damn, I am starting to sound like a broken record, it is even driving me up the wall. Still, I can't help it. Not when I can sense that things are different this time, he is different and as scared as I am to get my hopes up just to be dashed and gutted again… I don't know how much more I can handle. Stop it Yongbok! Just stop those thoughts right now!'

 I scolded myself in my mind and collected myself while making sure to keep my inner thoughts and emotions completely to myself. Not even Brindan can read me when I don't wish for him or anyone else to. Ha, I am not christened The Movie Emperor for no reason. It is not like anyone in the entire The Golden Dragon Star Nexus Empire can come anywhere close to me when it comes to acting.

 "Good morning, Sir, I hope you sleep well and take it you have already had breakfast. So, I will quickly go over today's schedule as we head downstairs." Brindan, said in his no nonsense, matter of fact tone he used when working.

 Before he could continue, I cut him off by asking about the preparations for everything. I knew today's schedule even better than he did. I will let him go over it anyways as it will only put him out if I don't, even if he doesn't say anything about it.

 Despite knowing that, I was still too worked up and anxious to sit still and be quiet. I needed reassurances, though he doesn't know why this is so important to me, he did not ask and just answered my questions as we entered my private elevator.

 The ride down was quick since there were no unnecessary stops as only I and Brindan have access to this particular elevator. It is also the only one that goes straight from the top all the way to the subfloors.

 By the time we stepped off the lift, he had finished with his morning briefing on today's agenda and schedule. So, we went straight to The Majestic Rising Phoenix Venu Hall where we would be hosting all the contestants for The Chef & The Celebrity.

 We have separate rooms set up for the individual contract signing and for the filming of the individual intros and photoshoot for the promotional photos. It is going to be a very long day, but I have no doubt everything will proceed without any delays or unforeseen problems.

 I had every reason to confident because, Brindan personally overseen most of it. And no one can compare to Brindan Tayvin Redstar when it comes to planning and executing the details. He always comes through and no matter what it is he makes it run like a well-oiled machine.

 I stopped and "Hey Brin, I honestly don't tell you enough but thank you. Thank you for everything you do for me and not just in a professional compacity either. I really do not know what I would do without you! You're my right-hand man, best friend and brother. You are priceless and irreplaceable! So again, thank you, for all your hard and diligent work as well as for always being there for me."

 This sudden confession of sincere gratitude took Brindan by surprise so much so that his impenetrable mask slipped for just a heartbeat, but I still caught it and that slip alone let me know how much, what I had just said meant to him.

 That both made me happy and feel like shit at the same time. I definitely need to make a better effort to tell him how much I appreciate him and what a great job he is doing in all aspects. I will make more effort to ensure I am a better friend. As well as ensure Brin knows how great and capable he truly is.

 "Hyung... *cough, cough* I mean sir, thank you sincerely for those kind words." He said as he bowed deeply to emphasize his sincerity. That was the second slip of his perfect professional A.I. droid countenance this morning and I am loving it.

 I do not want to ruin the moment, so I won't point it out and tease him about it, for now anyways. Now that I think about it I am sure an A.I. droid would still show more expression on its face the Brindan allows himself to show when he is in work mode.

 The problem is that he is pretty much always in work mode, damn workaholic. He uses work as a coping mechanism to deal with everything his vile so-called family puts him through, I am sure of it.

 He deserves so much more and better than the "family" he was born into. I really hope he is able to find and choose the family he deserves. I wonder if he will ever find a mate though. I might try to broach the subject later, perhaps after a few drinks or else he will never open up about it.

 I placed my hand on his shoulder, when he rose up from the bow, to convey my support and understanding. "We should have some drinks and dinner soon. It has been too long. What do you think?" I asked while he straightened his jacket and sleeves, ensuring he looked impeccable once more.

 He looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "I think I might just take you up on that offer Sir. However now is not the time to discuss this, everyone should be awaiting our entrance by now."

 I just nodded my head, in affirmation, gave him a knowing look and he promptly opened the door for me to enter first. I was nervous but I was determined not to let it show on my face or through my body language. I held my head high, kept my back straight and my gate steady, powerful, full of confidence that I was not quite feeling and light all at the same time.

 I was sure I was pulling off looking effortlessly confident, aloof and yet serious at the same time. Well, that was until I saw the sight before me. I nearly tripped and it took every last bit if the control and strength I had honed over my many, many years to keep walking as if nothing was wrong. As if I was not completely affected by the scene in front of me.

 It was difficult keeping myself from not just stumbling but also holding my facial expressions as I kept wanting to just stand there and take in that delicious, warm, inviting, tantalizing and familiar scent. But I forced myself to keep acting as if nothing was going on because now is absolutely not the time to get distracted. 

 "It is with great honor and happiness that I get to welcome in our special guest for the duration of The Chef & The Celebrity, the one and only movie emperor of The G.D.S.N.E., Choi Yongbok." I couldn't hear the applause echoing in the great venue hall as all I could hear was the pounding of my racing heartbeat. I somehow managed to make it to the podium at the center, front of the room and bowed to the room at large.

  'Why is my heart racing like I am a schoolboy about to confess to his crush? I never feel this way, and what smells so good? It smells so familiar, but I cannot quite place it. But I know that I want more of it. No, I need more of it!' That was the thought that had been running all around my mind since I entered the room, and it keeps getting louder and louder.

 When I raised my head, my locked eyes with the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. In that moment time stood still. I could not look away, not that I even wanted to. 

 I struggle to swallow as a large lump had formed in my throat. I was overcome with the most all-consuming feeling I have ever experienced in all my many, many years here. I was incapable of looking away.

 One word kept spinning around in my mind. All other thoughts were drowned out by it, it was all consuming. All I could think of was one word…

to be continued.

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ヽ(o＾▽＾o)ノ... I would like to thank my lovely phoenix-dragons: superAyan, BossHog83, sans_8354, Glorious_7, Ash_popcorn,latteectrie, Peekaboo_3, Rydiah, Ladyflawsome96, DaoistsVfN1e, Kuroitsuki, sylviana, Khay_Young, Flying3draGon& Sherri_Warner for all the Power Stones & continued support of my novel. (◕‿◕) <3< strong>