Echoes of Fame

Chapter 16: Shattered Masks

The lead role had pushed Babe to new limits, and his commitment was paying off. Public interest in his upcoming premiere was mounting, and his connection with Billy only fueled speculation. But amidst his rising success, Babe sensed the undercurrent of hostility from people like Rex—an old rival who refused to accept his newfound success.

System Notification: Preparation Complete. Motivation Boost +10.

Bunny appeared beside him, bouncing with anticipation. "Your hard work's paying off, Babe! Now it's time to celebrate at the premiere~bun!"

Babe felt the excitement building, but he knew the night wouldn't pass without a challenge. Rex's antagonism had simmered beneath the surface, and he suspected it was only a matter of time before something—or someone—exposed his resentment for all to see.

On the night of the premiere, Babe arrived to a crowd of flashing cameras and excited fans. As he stepped out of the car, he noticed whispers and furtive glances from a few industry insiders. Just as he was about to dismiss it, Sarah, his agent, appeared at his side, a tense expression on her face.

"There's been talk," she whispered urgently. "Someone's been spreading rumors about your involvement in this role—saying you only got it because of... certain connections."

Babe's jaw clenched as he immediately thought of Rex. It was typical of him to cast doubt on Babe's hard-earned success, but it wouldn't stand for long. He glanced at Bunny, whose ears twitched in irritation.

Bunny whispered, "Don't worry, Babe! Everyone here will see the truth~bun!"

He nodded, preparing himself to face whatever challenge the night held.

As the evening continued, Babe managed to avoid any direct confrontation with Rex, but the tension was clear. Guests murmured, and the subtle stares only intensified as the event continued. He tried to focus on the excitement of the premiere, but it was difficult to ignore the background buzz.

Then, as he entered the theater, he overheard a conversation that made him stop in his tracks.

"Did you hear? Rex tried to bribe the production team to cut Babe out of his role," one insider murmured to another. "He was furious when they turned him down."

The second person scoffed. "Desperate move. I heard Billy Patchanon is backing Babe—no one's going to touch him with that kind of support."

Babe felt a surge of relief and quiet satisfaction. Rex's attempt to undermine him had backfired spectacularly, his desperation becoming more visible with each failed move.

System Notification: Rival Sabotage Exposed. Confidence Boost +10.

Bunny floated beside him, its expression smug. "That's what happens when they mess with you, Babe! Rex is out of moves~bun!"

As the premiere continued, Billy made a quiet but impactful entrance, drawing the attention of nearly everyone in the room. Heads turned, and whispers spread as people noted his subtle yet powerful presence. Billy made his way over to Babe, giving him a nod of approval.

"Quite the night," Billy remarked, his gaze steady.

"Definitely more eventful than I expected," Babe replied, a smile tugging at his lips.

Billy's presence had already silenced most of the speculation. Any doubt about Babe's talent or the legitimacy of his role had been extinguished by the mere fact that someone as powerful as Billy was in his corner.

A few industry players who had initially avoided Babe were now approaching him, their expressions friendly and deferential. One of them—a producer who had once dismissed him as a nobody—smiled and extended a hand.

"Congratulations, Babe. We're all looking forward to what's next."

Babe shook his hand, feeling the thrill of success. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one where he would be recognized for his hard work and talent rather than dismissed as an underdog.

While mingling with the crowd, Babe noticed a small commotion near the theater entrance. Rex had tried to salvage his reputation, but the exposure of his underhanded tactics had created a scandal that was spreading quickly. Whispers of his desperation and dishonesty followed him through the crowd.

An industry journalist nearby approached Babe, her tone gleeful as she asked, "Did you hear? Rex's attempt to sabotage you has backfired. Apparently, he's been blacklisted from a few projects already."

Babe nodded calmly, though inside he felt a surge of satisfaction. "I heard," he replied simply, unwilling to gloat. "Seems like things are falling into place as they should."

System Notification: Rival Defeated. Reputation Boost +15.

Bunny did a small victory hop, eyes gleaming. "Goodbye, Rex! Onward and upward, Babe~bun!"

With Rex out of the way, Babe could finally focus fully on the future, unburdened by the resentment of a rival who could no longer touch him.

As the evening wound down, Babe overheard snippets of conversation that hinted at new challenges on the horizon. Powerful families with deep roots in the industry were taking an interest in the shifting dynamics, and a few names surfaced that Babe knew carried weight—and influence.

One name in particular, Celeste Jiang, caught his attention. She was the daughter of a prominent media mogul, known for her cutthroat approach and her desire to maintain control over the entertainment world.

"She's already circling the industry, looking for ways to consolidate her family's influence," one insider murmured. "Anyone in her way will have a hard time keeping up."

Babe felt a chill run down his spine, sensing that Celeste could be a formidable opponent. But Bunny appeared beside him, full of confidence.

Bunny: "New rivals are just another chance to show them what you're made of, Babe! We've got this~bun!"

Babe nodded, feeling his determination harden. He'd already overcome Rex; he was prepared to face whatever, or whoever, came next.

As the premiere concluded, Babe felt the full impact of the night settle over him. Rex's downfall, the whispers of new threats, and the steady support from Billy all blended into a feeling of accomplishment and resolve. He was finally being seen for who he was—and who he was becoming.

Billy joined him as they left the venue, his presence a quiet reassurance. "Tonight went well," Billy said, his tone approving.

Babe smiled. "Thanks for everything, Billy. I couldn't have done it without you."

Billy's gaze softened, his voice low. "You've done more than you realize. Just keep going."

With Billy's words echoing in his mind, Babe felt a renewed sense of purpose. He'd overcome his first major hurdle, but he knew this was only the beginning.