The flight to Singapore was smoother than expected.
Lina sat by the window, watching clouds drift like secrets across the sky. She wasn't just flying for a photoshoot or a campaign now—she had been selected as one of the "rising Asian stars" for StarForge, a competitive global variety show that blended talent showcases, survival challenges, and cross-industry collaboration.
It streamed to over forty countries.
Kael had made the arrangements silently, but she knew his fingerprints were on everything. He hadn't said goodbye—just looked at her before she left and said, "Make them remember your name."
So she would.
---
At the airport, chaos.
Fans.
Reporters.
Other contestants.
"Is that Lina Vale?"
"She's the one from the trending gala, right?"
"She's prettier in person—how is that even possible?"
She didn't pause. Didn't wave. Just smiled faintly and walked with her head up, suitcase trailing like a shadow.
> [System Calibration: International Presence – Activated]
Visibility Tier: High
New Region Detected: Singapore
Travel Perk Unlocked – Jetlag Resistance +3
---
The hotel was luxury incarnate.
All the contestants were staying in the same penthouse-level suites, each floor equipped with cameras and "casual" interactions carefully curated to feed audience curiosity.
She walked in to find her roommate already unpacking.
A girl with fiery red hair, leather pants, and a smirk like she could read minds.
"You're Lina, right?" she said without looking up. "I'm Kyra. Dance category. Professional menace."
Lina raised a brow. "I'm… not sure what category I'm in yet."
Kyra turned. "Pretty and self-aware. Dangerous combo."
They shook hands. No spark of rivalry—yet.
But caution? Definitely.
---
That night, the show held its opening dinner. All contestants. All cameras rolling.
Lina wore a fitted white dress that shimmered like starlight. The moment she entered, silence fell.
Then flashes.
Then whispers.
Then envy.
She sat at the end of the table, alone—until a voice behind her said, "Mind if I join?"
Riven Tao.
Dressed in grey. Casual. Calm.
Lina blinked. "You're competing?"
"No," he said. "I'm the sound and digital integrity lead. Making sure no one gets sabotaged."
Pause.
"…Again."
She nodded. "So we trust you now?"
He shrugged. "Depends on how the edit turns out."
She almost smiled.
Almost.
---
Back in Seoul, Kael sat in his office watching the early live feed of the show's recording.
Not publicly aired yet.
But he had access.
Of course he did.
He watched Lina smile at another man and leaned back in his chair, unreadable.
Then turned his screen to a different file.
A profile.
Aeri Song.
Status: Active.
Movement: Singapore.
Target: Lina Vale.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"Try her," he muttered. "I dare you."