CH54

In late July, *Invisible Children* was selected as an outstanding new program by the Television Critics Association, harvesting the fruits of the last season. Meanwhile, another project involving Ian also saw success.

*Dragon Village*, in which he participated as a voice actor, made over $100 million in the US within ten days of its release, keeping journalists busy.

– *Dragon Village* estimated to have earned over $200 million in the US, surpassing its production cost.

– Was the 5-language dubbing promotional effect? It's a hit in Asia!

– Expert: "Possible to earn at least $600 million worldwide." Could be in the top 10 highest-grossing animated movies.

While journalists focused on the earnings, audiences who actually saw the animation were interested in something else.

– I'll tell you the honey tip for watching *Dragon Village* with your family. Never spoil it for the kids.

 └ Why?

 └ Thought a real funeral was happening when Raul died.

 └ lol! No wonder they were handing out tissues at the cinema. It wasn't for adult movies, huh?

– Aaaah! Ian Pryce, I will definitely get my revenge!

 └ You meanie! Is it racial discrimination?

 └ I tolerated the Indian songs and being enchanted by Let's Jump, but how dare you make our daughter cry?!

 └ Geez, looking for a shotgun already and it's not even a wedding.

– Dragon Village's director isn't human. How could they kill Raul?

 └ In part 2, Orb will go on an adventure to resurrect Raul.

 └ Really?!

 └ Obviously kidding. hahaha!

Despite parents' complaints about Raul's death, which Ian dubbed, the movie continued to perform well.

The summer season drama *Beverly Hills Moms* also had better than expected ratings and was smoothly exported, including to Korea.

– Let's compare the drama messes of Korea and the US.

 Korea: Went out for a dot and everyone around doesn't know.

 US: Five pairs of affairs in one drama, not just men and women but also female couples.

 └ Watching Beverly opened my eyes to a new world. A drama that would make ancestors jump up.

 └ Maybe in a hundred years, it might appear in Korea?

 └ Think the Broadcasting Commission is easy?

– Did you see the scene where Eugene kisses at the end of Beverly? I screamed!

 └ Alternating between spicy affairs and the pure love of elementary schoolers gives a sweet and salty experience.

 └ Why didn't I have a Eugene when I was in elementary? Give me back my elementary days.

 └ Because you didn't look like Esther?

 └ …You were really bad.

– All I need is for Ian to appear in a mature teen drama, and I'll hold my breath until then!

 └ Teacher, you'll be left with only bones.

 └ Really, if he grows up and shoots just one sweet romance, I'll carry him on my back.

 └ Shouldn't we hear the opinion of the one being carried?

The precious content that proved helpful for the Asian box office wasn't what Ian was waiting for. His anticipation was for a different article.

"It's here."

He smiled broadly.

– The shady company invested in by Hollywood stars and the truth.

The only lifeline Carter had clung to was burned.

***

People aren't born equal, so the idea of fair competition is nothing but nonsense. Born in a slum, Carter realized this truth early on and trampled over his competitors to walk the path of success. Until he was trampled over in turn.

'How did Austin catch on?'

As much as his skill was acknowledged, Austin had cleverly unraveled all the traps Carter had prepared. It was an unexpected turn of events, and he couldn't put up a proper fight before being kicked out of WBE.

"It's okay, though."

Carter saw Alice speaking excitedly in front of the employees.

"We've finally signed a contract with Greenwill. No more blood tests in the lab! It's our world now!"

The employees cheered, and after exchanging a few words with them, Alice approached Carter.

"How's the investment going?"

"Once I share this achievement, they'll invest even more money."

"Really?"

Skeptical about what a person who had been ousted from an agency could really do, Carter responded calmly.

"Of course. The connections I've made over time aren't going anywhere. And thanks to the stars I've gathered, venture investors have also put in money."

"Our company is visionary, that's why. Anyway, I'm counting on you."

Carter watched Alice walk away with a cold gaze.

A visionary company? The closer he got to Theranos, the more he realized how abnormal the company was.

'Exaggeration turns into fraud if it's overdone.'

The lifeline he had hastily grabbed was rotten, but it was okay. Alice was someone who made not only employees but also visitors and business partners sign non-disclosure agreements.

They wouldn't be exposed in the short term, so it was just a matter of finding the right time to exit.

'And it's very annoying to the eyes. First of all, I need to properly control my weaknesses.'

Unaware of Carter's inner thoughts, Alice and the employees continued in a festive atmosphere until the company buzzed with energy.

Until that day came.

"You bastards! Is this article real?!"

A venture investor burst through the door, his face livid.

Employees who tried to appease him paled upon seeing the article he was holding. Starting with the curious ones who approached, dismay quickly spread.

"Is this true?!" the investor demanded. "Is the device you developed just a piece of junk metal?"

Upon hearing the outcry, Carter quickly checked the article on his phone, feeling a chill run through his heart. The article, which started provocatively by highlighting the names of the stars who had invested, based on the testimony of ex-employees, thoroughly exposed the problems with Theranos.

"This wasn't investigated in just a month or two."

It was as if they had waited for the moment to soar before clipping its wings—mentioning the stars' investments and the contract with Greenwill.

– Woooong! Woooong!

Calls and texts from the celebrities he had managed flooded in, and Carter threw his phone in frustration.

"Damn it! Which bastard did this!"

It was clear someone had sabotaged them.

***

"Cheers!"

Three cups clinked together, and the white liquid swirled. Given the atmosphere, Nick grumbled after taking a sip of what turned out to be milk.

"I'm not even hoping for alcohol. But couldn't we at least have something carbonated?"

"Austin, look at this. He's saying such things now that he's not in charge."

"My apologies. It seems I didn't train him properly during his internship."

Nick felt wronged by the quick declaration of guilt from the other two, but there was nothing he could do. Among the three gathered, the bottom of the food chain was clear.

"So what happened to Carter?"

"Since it involved actions he took while affiliated with our agency, we've decided to step in. At most, dragging the trial out for a year or two will be the end of it."

Dragging the trial out?

'That's better, actually.'

Considering how draining the trial process could be, that in itself was a punishment.

"But isn't that too harsh? His career is interrupted, and he'll be left with nothing."

"Not at all."

Ian's response was firm.

If Austin, who became a journalist, had seen what was written in his notebook, he wouldn't have made such a feeble remark. Carter had ruined many lives to a sickening degree.

"If he's innocent, he'll receive less punishment. By the way, you're Rai's agent, right?"

A singer whose face hadn't been revealed was signed by a record company for a substantial amount, sparking people's curiosity. The first album sold officially made a decent profit.

'The important thing is it built a solid fan base.'

That was why Rai had become a newcomer worth Austin's attention, and Nick shrugged nonchalantly.

"I just got lucky."

It was mere luck that the person everyone was looking for was right beside him.

"In this industry, nothing is as important as luck. So, are you thinking of becoming a singer's agent?"

"I'd like to continue with actors if possible."

When Nick glanced at Ian, Austin rapped on the table as a warning.

"If you try to poach my client, you won't be smiling then. You know that, right? Ian, you shouldn't fall for such temptations. Understand?"

"Ah, I'm not going anywhere."

Even considering a double play wasn't like the past Nick. With Austin's superior experience and skills, there was no reason for a change.

Pleased with Ian's definitive answer, Austin shifted the conversation.

"We should start looking into a reputable security firm, shouldn't we? Given Carter might do something knowing Ian's involvement."

"He won't suspect me. He'd think he was outsmarted by a kid?"

Someone who's manipulated others all his life wouldn't imagine such a scenario due to pride.

"Still, we agree on needing a security firm. Better safe than sorry."

"Exactly. Even Beverly Hills, as safe as it is, isn't free from crime."

Ian quickly did the math in his head. The contract for *Invisible Children* Season 2 had increased his episode fees, and the investment was lucrative.

Affording one or two bodyguards seemed feasible.

'After all, money isn't what's important.'

Compared to the safety of his family, the money he'd accumulated from pursuing his passion for acting seemed trivial.

Ian remembered the elementary school shooting incident noted in the notebook. Whether he would get involved was uncertain, but if so,

'I should start building connections with a firm now.'

It would ensure proactive support when needed.

"Do you have a firm in mind?"

"Yes."

Security firms varied in style and the clientele they primarily served, from those consisting of mixed martial artists to those mainly working with hip-hop artists.

Ian mentioned a name.

"Skull Tactics."

"Skull Tactics?! Why there of all places?"

It's one of the toughest security companies in Hollywood, almost akin to a private military company (PMC).

It seemed hardly suitable for protecting a child actor.

"I know they're good, but there are other reputable firms. It's hard to build rapport with such tough people."

"Isn't that the point? We're not looking for a nanny."

Tough? His years tangled with addicts and gangs had taught him life wasn't so simple.

"I think they'll suit me just fine. Please, set up a meeting."

He was curious to see just how tough they were.

***

Breaker, the leader of Skull Tactics, loosened the dagger in his embrace and asked his secretary,

"Who's coming today?"

"Ian Pryce. The child actor nominated for an Emmy."

"A child actor?"

Operating under a pseudonym, he frowned.

Though he wouldn't refuse a job if the pay was right, dealing with a child seemed bothersome.

"Do we have someone suitable for taking care of a kid?"

"I doubt it. No one will want to cater to a child actor's whims."

"What a hassle. Just pick someone. If they refuse, threaten to send them to a shoot in Africa. That'll motivate them."

He answered nonchalantly and resumed his work until a knock came. The expected guest had arrived, and a boy entered through the door.

'Looks delicate.'

Despite his fine bone structure, his delicate appearance gave off a fragile vibe. However, this first impression was about to change drastically.

The boy casually greeted after scanning the wall-mounted bear taxidermy, axes, and guns.

"I'm Ian Pryce. Nice collection you have here."

"Breaker. Spent a fair bit of money on it."

"Mind if I take a closer look?"

The twitch of a scar on Breaker's face didn't bother Ian as he explored the room, prompting a snort from Breaker. The boy's nonchalance in an atmosphere that would intimidate most adults was far from ordinary.

Breaker rose and stood behind Ian.

"As you can see. And you said you came to sign a contract?"

"Of course, I intend to sign. But I'd like to get to know you a bit first."

"Get to know me? Hahaha, me?"

It was the first time anyone said they wanted to befriend him, especially a kid.

His laughter stopped, and he turned serious.

"I'm not your babysitter. If that's what you're looking for, maybe you should just go back."

"Who said anything about looking for a babysitter? Why waste resources like that?"

Ian cheekily responded and reached for one of the guns on the wall.

"See for yourself."

Click!

"…Huh?"

Ian checked the chamber for bullets, then quickly disassembled the gun as if rewinding time, with the skill of a veteran soldier. The gun was flawlessly taken apart and then reassembled so accurately and swiftly that even Breaker, a former soldier, found no fault.

Ian placed the reassembled gun in Breaker's astonished hand and smiled brightly.

"Fancy a shooting match?"

"Hahaha, you want to shoot with me?"

Breaker burst into laughter and instructed his secretary.

"Call some of the guys who are bored. We've got a peculiar little guy here wanting to play. What do you say? No problem, right?"

"By all means. But it'll be quite embarrassing for anyone who loses to me, won't it?"

"Of course, it's not okay. They'll have to roll in the dirt for that."

Breaker smirked, twisting his hand.

He had plenty of time to entertain an interesting kid.

'Wonder if there's a kid's gun at the shooting range.'

He moved forward lightly, anticipating the challenge.