Chapter 104 - A Late Night Show

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Announcement: Please check the glossary/characters auxiliary chapter for updated concept art!

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Twitter and plenty of the other social media platforms were buzzing with posts being shared filled with pictures of Vince Dalton entering the El Capitan Theatre and BTS on the flight towards LA.

A local woman in Arizona was chilling for the rest of her Friday evening while browsing on an Infinity Phone and said, "Dude, have you seen this recent viral clip on Instagram? People are speculating Future Tech's CEO will be doing a Jimmy Kimmel interview." 

The online rumor surprised her roommate, and he had to ask, "For real? I remember Vince Dalton doing one interview with Time Magazine last year, but that's it."

"I dunno; he might just be watching the show, but let's tune in tonight to double-check. He might even remove his shirt again and start dancing!" the woman replied excitedly.

"Hey, calm down. The kid is 15, remember?" the man rebuked.

"Oh, come on, did you watch the 'Starving' music video? He looked much manlier than your chunky ass at 25." she jabbed back.

"No fair. Kids like him have plenty of hormones and testosterone flowing; it makes it easier to get shredded," he replied in defense.

A whisper in the room echoed as she said, "Excuses."

Conversations and discussions were spreading throughout Continental America and South Korea, as everyone into pop culture waited patiently for the show on TV. #JimmyKimmel, #FutureTech, #BTS were trending on every platform within a few hours.

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Inside the theatre, the ABC production staff started to arrange all the show props in place while Cleto and the Cletones band prepared their musical instruments.

The Future Studios employees didn't sit around either and kept busy preparing the stage for Hailee and BTS' performance.

Jimmy was hospitable and provided Vince and his crew a VIP room backstage where they could hang out until the show started.

The group was talking about random things like the Everlife story and the upcoming War Online updates until they heard a knock on the door.

It was Alice who had been observing rehearsals until she decided to pay her respects to Vince and reunite with her boyfriend, Jaden.

"It's good to see you again, Alice. Come in and join us." Vince politely instructed.

Alice was relieved to hear Vince's friendly request and replied, "You too, Vince. How was your time hanging out with my oaf of a boyfriend and his cousin?"

"The Prime Alliance facility was better than I expected, and Hecz was a great host," Vince responded in kind.

The American-Mexican man felt pride in his heart as he made space on the couch for the newcomer.

"Jaden has told me about the success of your livestreaming. Prime Alliance would love to have your stream under our banner, with financial incentives, of course." Hecz offered.

Alice pondered about the offer for a moment before replying, "No thanks. I'm satisfied dealing directly with Future Studios and Twitch for the time being, but I'll keep it in mind."

"Uhm, Vince. Shouldn't you be preparing for your interview?" Fortis worriedly asked because they were drinking a few hours prior.

Vince gave him a profound gaze and confidently replied, "I'm the CEO of Future Tech. I know my corporation's initiatives like the back of my hand."

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The entrance door of the theatre opened, and the long line of people outside started to trickle inside as they were theorizing if Vince Dalton was the special guest for the night.

They didn't mind the team of FS operators securing the building's perimeter for any potential threats.

Around thirty minutes later, when all the audience members were seated, including Hecz, Jaden, Fortis, and Alice, the lights went dim to introduce the show host.

The theatre atmosphere was filled with anticipation as Jimmy started his show.

A recorded announcement echoed throughout the theater, saying, "Live from Hollywood! Tonight, we have BTS, Hailee Steinfeld, and a special guest, Vince Dalton. So relax as we welcome our host, Jimmy Kimmel!"

The crowd cheered in excitement as they realized the rumors and gossip were true.

"Whoa! That's the biggest entrance applause I've experienced. Calm down, everyone. Thank you for coming tonight." Jimmy joked as he spent a few minutes presenting a pre-written comedy skit.

Jimmy sat down on his interviewer chair before stating, "Before we begin the main segment of the show, I'd like to introduce BTS and Hailee Steinfeld to treat us with a performance of their hit collaborative single 'Boy For Luv'."

All the women in the crowd started screaming when the curtains unveiled the young Korean artists, and the men joined in the cheering as the beautiful and multi-talented singer took to the forefront.

Naturally, all of the artists on stage wore different styles of Future Couture clothing as an extra advertisement for Leah's department.

The group practiced seriously for hours and gave the audience one-hundred percent effort to showcase their talents to America.

Each audience member appreciated the musical routine amongst the intricately designed stage, inspired by the music video.

"I love you, J-Hope!" a young woman in the crowd shouted as they ended the short concert on a high note.

Jimmy walked towards the stage as he clapped and said, "Hailee Steinfeld and BTS, everybody! Give them another round of applause for that amazing performance."

The crowd didn't need Jimmy prompting them to clap even louder than earlier as the theater shook with an exhilarating aura.

The applause filled the young artists with relief as they relished in the applause, and Hailee pondered, [Not bad for a first live gig. I hope he watched and enjoyed it as much as I did.]

Her inner thoughts abruptly ceased as Jimmy asked them to sit on the guest sofa for a quick interview.

"It seems like people on this side of the Pacific Ocean love you guys as much as in South Korea," Jimmy stated.

Jungkook took the chance to share his gratitude for their support and passionately replied, "I didn't expect we'd get such a warm welcome in Hollywood, and I thank all of you here or watching at home for making our dreams come true!"

From that one humble statement alone, BTS grew their fanbase even further across the States, only watching the show for fun or out of habit.

"With your talents, the sky is the limit. Especially for young Hailee here, who, by the way, is an Oscar-nominated actor. So how did your musical career start?" Jimmy inquired for the viewers.

Hailee recalled her time living with Vince for almost a week, started blushing, and calmly replied, "These guys inspired me to record some music while I spent time with my friends at Austin. Pdogg was a great help producing my first few songs, and I eventually decided to sign a label contract with Future Studios."

"From my point of view, they're lucky to have you and BTS as label artists." Jimmy politely stated.

He focused the initial interview on their upcoming projects like studio albums yet to release, Ender's Game, and their plans for the future.

Then, Jimmy was notified of the commercial break over his earpiece and said, "The show will stop for a quick break, but don't go anywhere because our next guest rarely does interviews!"

Many of the audience members went for a restroom or smoke break outside as the production staff cleared out the stage from earlier.

Vince had just finished getting some slight make-up done when someone knocked on the door and said, "Mr. Dalton, you'll be up in a few minutes, so please get ready."

Vince was calm and collected as he replied, "Alright, I'll be out soon."

[On second thought, announcing the Infinity Channel on national television may be the most appropriate way. I'll have to thank Bob and Disney during our following meetings.] he pondered while making his way backstage.

Jimmy took frontstage to introduce the special guest of the night and said, "Next, it's my pleasure to introduce a young man who started his business at the age of 13 and climbed great heights in numerous industries, 2012's Person of the Year, Vince Dalton!"

The cheering from the crowd was as loud, if not louder, than earlier in the show as Vince emerged from the backdrop curtains.

The young CEO took a moment to wave at the audience before sitting down next to Hailee and BTS on the guest sofa.

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Stats last time checked: (This section will be revised in future chapters)

Future Tech current valuation - $300 billion 

15 million BTC (currently trades at $25,000) 

$11 Billion cash in Future Tech 

105,000+ employees (FT AI, Future Studios, Hive Mind Manufacturing, FT Micro Devices, BitCash, FT VR, Future Tech F1, FT Investments, Future Arms, Future Med, Future Tech Robotics, Future Education, Epic Games, 60% of SpaceX, 10% of Tesla, 10% of Koenigsegg) 

20,000+ operators under Future Security 

Personal Vehicles: Klassen Phantom, Agera R, Agera SFV, Boeing Luxury 787 Dreamliner, The Longhorn, Flyga

Collaborators (Epic, Koenegisegg, SpaceX, Tesla, Hyundai C&E, Disney) 

Numerous subsidiaries under Future Tech Holdings (i..e., Instagram, Twitch, Big Hit Entertainment)