71 Chapter 70.

Will there ever be a day where I am as beautiful as this woman? The slight bit of pride I had in my appearance was completely shattered while we gazed into each other's eyes.

I was really dejected, but even then, I still didn't want to give up on master.

Things were getting a bit awkward with all the silence, so I scratched my cheek while overcoming my embarrassment and introduced myself.

"My name is Chu Yue, I'm here to audition to become a solo idol."

Silence returned my slightly awkward introduction. Did I blow it with that flashy entrance which clearly lacked any preparation or planning?

After passing several minutes in silence, the beautiful woman who stared deep into my eyes giggled and with a sweet smile said, "sure, you're hired."

"Wait! What are you talking about?! You can't just hire her without first letting her audition!"

Eh? I still need to do that when she just said I was hired?

"She still needs to audition? But, didn't you see her amazing entrance Mister Cowlick?"

"Miss Gyoko, you cannot just pass whoever you like just because they made an impressive entrance."

"You too Mister Jackazz?"

The men named Mister Cowlick and Mister Jackazz placed their elbows on the table and rested their chins on their cupped hands like they were prepared to judge me.

With things suddenly jumping from awkward to them rolling with it and accepting the situation, I was a bit troubled. What do I do?

"I guess it can't be helped young lady, you will need to get their approval first."

She gave me a thumbs up after she said that and looked at me expectantly. Why does it look like she's actually enjoying this?

Are all hidden reclusive experts like my master? Do they just have too much time on their hands? No, I don't know for sure if she is. She might just be a mortal and it might just be a mistake that I think she is related to master.

Well, I did take some lessons in traditional dances when I was younger. I should be able to manage, but what do I sing? Now that I think about it, I've only ever sung by myself in the midst of night next to the river outside my cave.

"What's wrong young lady, are you nervous?"

"Mister Cowlick, she's just a bit shy."

Shy? Me? When I thought back to my advances on master, that was probably the last word I would use to describe myself.

Figuring I'd just get it over with I made my first movement. I spun a half circle which left my white robes flow freely through the air while I simultaneously let out a hum with a crystal clear voice.

"Hmmmmmmmmm hmmmmm, hmmmm hmmhmmmhmmhm"

"..."

"..."

"..."

After pausing for a moment I continued and sang the first verse to the song I chose while I simultaneously spun around to let my robes flutter about in the air again.

"Saita no no hana yo"

"Aa douka oshiete okure"

"Hito wa naze kizutsukeatte"

"Arasou no deshou…"

(POV "Miss Gyoko")

At first I treated this as a joke, but when I heard her voice as she sang that song I was completely lost in it.

The little girl in front of us started off with a melodic humming that first drew in my curiosity when I realized how charming just a hum sounded. While she did so her robes fluttered about in the air painting out a rather ethereal picture along with the voice that first drew you in. As she continued it felt much more like a traditional dance than something I had seen in sleazy idol group videos where they would make stupid hearts with their hands for no apparent reason. She had a much more refined feeling compared to those large groups of airheaded girls who acted like cutesy bimbos for the world, but hide what they are really like beneath a fake mask intended for the public.

I was actually slightly moved by the little girl I had looked down upon as not a threat. Initially she had a very twisted personality, but after she met my husband, she had done a complete 180. She reminded me of a sly playful little fox jumping about from place to place leaving observers entranced and wanting more.

It was very unlike my husband's horrendous singing; a startling thought even sprouted within my head, this girl could really be a big star in the future. What an unexpected talent. To render a lower realm god like me speechless. Mortals are pretty surprising, I might even be able to make her a hit in the upper realms.

At first, this was just a ploy to eventually have her play a gig in the prison then get her to leave shortly after, but I might have to change my opinion of this little girl. She might become a serious threat to my married life if I'm not careful. If I were to off her though, my husband would probably never forgive me.

Why did she have to become his disciple and fall in love with him?! It's not like he's some pretty boy that will have all the girls swooning over him.

I can't really let harm come to her now that she is his disciple though, that would make me a bad wife.

Do I have no choice but to accept this little girl's advances on my husband? Haaaaah. Why should I have to share him with a little girl like this? His fortune is mine, keep your little grubby paws off of it.

She's already been influenced by his fortune though. There's really nothing I can do about it when she's so touchy feely with my husband. Husband's fortune unexpectedly completely changed her destiny with only a few words. She was supposed to become the ruler of that little mortal realm thanks to her destiny, but because her fortune was not great enough she was destined to be unable to break through thanks to her twisted mentality. In the past, she definitely had talent, but she was severely lacking in her fortune. She was just unlucky that she fell for and was betrothed to a gay man. Now though… since meeting husband, her fortune is almost as strong as little Han's.

Well, I guess the more individuals like this around the better for my father I suppose. She could very well end up as a significant piece in the future that my husband will be able to easily control. If I can control husband, I naturally can control her as well.

Although… I still don't like it. The idea of letting this little girl flirt around with my husband irks me to no extent. Why did I not recognize her threat sooner? Is this what I get for underestimating the charms of a young lady like her?

Suddenly it hit me, what this uncomfortable feeling was. Master had described it to me before. Master said as I was still inexperienced in matters between man and woman and that I might not understand what the feeling of jealousy was until I actually had a man.

Is this actually jealousy? Am I really feeling jealous over this little girl right now? Me, a lower realm god? He's already my husband, what do I have to feel jealous over?

Haaaah. I see, so I'm jealous? What a strange feeling.

While I was still internally struggling with these bizarre feelings, Chu'er was still singing her song. I continued to lose myself as I watched her flutter about hear and there in front of us with that impish smile on her face. When I immersed myself in listening to her song it felt like I was floating freely in the air.

Ah. That was close, I accidentally started floating for real. I looked left and right and thankfully no one noticed a thing. I really let my guard down too much.

As I refocused myself I listened to her song and tried to hone in on the meaning of the lyric. As I did so, somehow, my heart at times felt relieved and at peace, while other times, I wanted to cry.

Why is it that people hurt each other and fight? Why is it that people cannot forgive each other?

What do you think when your friends wilt? With those leaves that do not carry words, how do you convey your love?

The meaning behind the words along with the soothing voice, as a woman who had lived as long as I had, left me slightly choked up.

While experiencing a torrent of different emotions throughout listening to her song, three minutes had passed and Chu'er finally finished. I could tell she was slightly embarrassed and it looked like this was the first time she had performed before anyone.

When I came out of my trance, I looked towards Mister Cowlick and Mister Jackazz. They were asleep... Are you kidding me?! Are you really asleep?!

I slapped them hard, and while startled out of their senses, they woke up.

The first thing that came out of Mister Cowlick's mouth was, "sorry, it was quite boring, it literally put me to sleep. Young lady, you have a beautiful voice, but it just doesn't seem like you have the wow factor for me. Sorry it just didn't work with me. I'm sure there is an audience out there for you, but I just don't think you will become that star that will stick out amongst all the other stars out there."

You are such a freaking idiot! What did you watch and listen to just now? Are you brain dead? Oh, right, you must be! Did the cowlick on your head drain all of your intelligence? You clearly fell asleep and didn't see the beautiful performance she put on while singing that song.

I kept silent, but my bloodlust leaked out a bit. A mortal enraging a lower realm god, you are the first you brain dead moron!

Next Mister Jackazz gave his evaluation, "I somewhat disagree with Mister Cowlick. I was moved by the lyrics and it was very soothing, but like Mister Cowlick said, I do agree you might not be what we are looking for. I'm sorry it's a no for me."

When I looked at Chu Yue her eyes were dejected and her cheeks were flushed slightly red. It looked like she wanted to cry. Well, of course you would. Your performance was amazing, but these idiots without eyes couldn't appreciate it.

I glanced once towards a certain auspicious golden button in front of me in silence for a moment for dramatic effect.

Chu Yue appeared to be about to leave without hearing what my evaluation was, but before she did I stood up and said, "little girl, I completely disagree with these two pig headed idiots. They don't know left from right or good from bad. I think you definitely have that wow factor these two idiots who closed their eyes and fell asleep throughout your entire performance. They are definitely men who cannot see Mount Tai when it stands before them."

Chu Yue looked at me dejectedly, it seems she was still under the impression that majority rules here.

"Wait, Miss Gyoko, what are you doing?! Keep your hand away from that!"

The two men tried to grab onto my hands, but hmmp! You think I'll let a man other than my husband touch me? Their hands landed on empty air as I nimbly dodged them and pressed the golden button on the table.

Streams of confetti fell from above Chu Yue and a large banner with congratulations written on it fell down from the ceiling.

"You used your golden buzzer for her?! Are you out of your mind woman?"

"Bah! What do stinky men like you understand about talent? Do the world a favour and go drown yourself in the ocean of talentless people out there!"

Chu Yue still appeared to be confused and a look of lacking understanding was present on her face. I smiled at her and said, "you've passed the audition and will move onto the next round. I'll support you the entire way."

(POV Chu Yue)

"Eh? I passed? How? Two people out of three didn't like it though. Clearly I failed, right?"

"This golden buzzer from even a single judge will allow you to pass, little Chu Yue."

"Really? I didn't even get the chance to register though."

"Oh, right. You did suddenly fall from the sky. Now that's definitely talent. Beautiful girl falls from sky and stumbles onto the path of idolhood. Who cares about registration?"

"No no no. Miss Gyoko, rules are rules, your golden buzzer is invalid if she did not sign the contract at registration."

"What was that?"

Miss Gyoko shot a look that could kill towards Mister Cowlick. Mister Cowlick was trembling, but he still worked up what little courage he had and said, "no, unless a contact is signed, that golden buzzer does not count."

"Tch. So it's fine as long as a contract is signed is what you're saying? Say that sooner you moron."

Miss Gyoko pulled out a contact from god knows where and put it in front of me and said two words, "sign it."

"What?! You can't do it after the fact Miss Gyoko."

"Do you have a problem with how I do things? Do you want to die? Hah?!"

Suddenly she turned into a thug cum gangster in my eyes. Isn't she too cool? Such a beauty can even act in such a way? If she really is my master's wife, she seems really nice.

But what is she doing here anyways? Does she know about my feelings towards her husband? Did she actually come to get rid of me? Or is she assessing me to see whether I would be a worthy mistress? Should I at least confirm my suspicions?

"What is it little girl? Aren't you going to sign? You've been staring at me for a while now, did you have something to say?"

Seeing as this was my best chance to ask, I went for it. "Are you master's wife?"

"Little girl, did you not hear them call me Miss Gyoko?"

Ah, she's right. I looked at her ring finger, but I didn't see any signs of a ring either.

When she saw where I looked she just gave me a mysterious knowing smile.

"Sorry, I mistook you for someone else."

I still had my suspicions, but if she wants to play this way, I can only play along. If she really is master's wife, it would be best to get on her good side.

I took the pen and the contract and skimmed through it quickly. It was really a sketchy contract that looked like I was selling my soul to the devil. When I finished reading through it, I was actually having second thoughts.

Are idols even humans anymore? I can't have a romantic relationship with a man either?!

"Uhm, about this part here Miss Gyoko, I can somehow consent to everything else, but this one point, I cannot agree to."

"Oh? Which one?"

"The ban on a romantic relationship between man and woman."

"Oh? Did you already have a boyfriend?"

"Not exactly, but there is someone I am in love with."

"Hmm."

"Rejected! Absolutely rejected! You will never be able to work as an idol if your heart belongs to someone already! As an idol, your life is no longer yours, you belong to everyone. Your heart cannot be set on any sole individual."

"Mister Cowlick shut up already. No one asked for your stupid ideology."

"Is it an absolute no if you can have no romantic relationships little girl?"

"Yes."

"Are you really sure about that?"

Miss Gyoko appeared very intimidating, and I even found it difficult to breath. It was like a mountain was pressing down on my back trying to suppress my will and bend it as it desired.

However, I did not relent before her. I grit my teeth and shot a defiant glare right back at her sharp piercing eyes.

"I am certain. If that is taken from me I will not sign."

The moment the words left my mouth, she blinked her eyes innocently towards me and took the pen and contract from my hand. At first I thought it was over, but she actually took the pen and crossed out the section forbidding romantic relationships.

"There, are you happy now?"

She handed the pen and contract back over to me and I nodded happily before I willingly signed away my freedom to the devil.

"You'll probably be too tired and exhausted to think about romance though."

She said something a bit ominous, but as I had already signed, it was too late to change my mind.

"You will move onto the next selection round which will be held in a week from now. You better prepare yourself little girl. Becoming an idol adored by the world is no easy job. You will shed your blood, sweat and tears for the entertainment industry and for a shot at stardom. How far you go will be entirely dependant on how much effort you put in."

Eh? But I just wanted a job so I could make a living for a while.

"Uhm about the pay?"

"Oh? You require sponsorship? We can pay you for the time you put in as a trainee. We will naturally cover your housing expenses, meals and provide a small allowance for your bare necessities, but whether you make it to the end and come out on top will really determine whether your income will be stable."

"There are alot of idols in training who even work temporary part time jobs to get their name out there to just barely make a living. Being an idol isn't cheap after all. Most idols are dirt poor before they debut."

"Well you look strong enough, I know a good construction company nearby where you can make a bit of extra cash to supplement your income if you're interested. It's good training for your stamina as well. How about I introduce you?"

What is this? This wasn't mentioned anywhere? Wait. It was in the contract now that I think about it.

When I saw meals and housing was covered I assumed I'd also be getting paid. Did I misunderstand? All profits earned from me go towards the company as well until I pay off the debt from housing, meals and miscellaneous daily essentials.

But do I really need anything aside from a place to stay and meals? It's not like there is anything of value I want. Wait. There is. A personal computer or smartphone would be nice and convenient to have. If master has one, I would even be able to communicate with him whenever I want to.

When I came to this realization, I reluctantly nodded to consent to the fate of working part time at the construction site she recommended.

I came here to become an idol to escape the construction industry only to get a reference to work at a construction site. Why?

Is this some sort of ironic joke? Her last name means fortune, should I say I'm fortunate she was here and allowed me to pass to the next round? Or should I say she is my unlucky star for sending me back to work at a construction site?