Echoes of Fame

Chapter 20: The Price of Fame

The buzz around Babe's recent successes had yet to fade, and every day seemed to bring new opportunities and more fan engagement. But fame had its price, and he could feel the weight of it pressing down on him as his family continued to intrude on his newfound independence.

System Notification: Current Fame: Rising Star (★★★☆☆).

Bunny hopped beside him, ears twitching. "You're shining brighter every day, Babe! But some people just can't stand to see you succeed~bun!"

Babe laughed softly. "You're right, Bun. But we're not letting them win."

One afternoon, he received a call from his mother, her tone just polite enough to mask her disapproval.

"Babe," she began without preamble, "we need to talk about your association with Billy Patchanon. I'm sure you're aware of the impact he could have on our business, given his reputation."

Babe clenched his jaw, keeping his tone level. "Billy is my friend. My connection with him has nothing to do with the family business."

His mother sighed, feigning disappointment. "You may not see it now, but there's potential here for all of us. Your success is only as strong as the family's reputation. Why not bring him to one of our events? Show a bit of loyalty to your roots."

"Loyalty goes both ways," Babe replied coldly. "I'm not going to use him or anyone else for family gain. I'm carving my own path."

There was a pause, and he could feel the anger simmering beneath her controlled tone. "If you won't cooperate, don't expect our support when things get difficult. Fame is fickle, Babe, and without family, it can turn on you in an instant."

He ended the call, feeling both relieved and frustrated. His family's attempts to manipulate him were becoming more blatant, and he knew they wouldn't stop until they got what they wanted. But he was determined to stand his ground.

System Notification: Confidence Boost. Independence Reinforced.

Bunny gave a small, supportive hop. "They can't control you anymore, Babe! You're too strong for that~bun!"

Babe nodded, his resolve solidified. He wouldn't let his family's greed undermine the career he'd worked so hard to build.

Meanwhile, the public's interest in his connection with Billy was steadily growing. Fans and entertainment blogs had noticed their interactions and were beginning to speculate. Every shared photo or casual mention in interviews only fueled the curiosity, and whispers about their closeness were turning into full-blown theories.

Fan Post: "Is it just me, or is there something between Babe and Billy? I'm here for it! 💖"

Entertainment Blog: "Rising star Babe Tanatat and media mogul Billy Patchanon have been spotted together frequently. Are we witnessing a new power duo in the industry?"

While most comments were positive, some skeptics were quick to suggest it was all for show.

Fan Comment: "It's just fanservice, guys. No way someone like Billy would need to date a rising actor. They're probably just friends."

System Notification: Public Interest Boosted. +10 Fame Points.

Bunny floated beside Babe, its expression both amused and irritated. "They're so curious, Babe! But we'll show them the truth eventually~bun!"

Babe chuckled, feeling both flattered and a little frustrated. He wanted people to see him for his talent, not just his associations. Still, he knew better than to feed the speculation, letting his relationship with Billy grow at its own pace.

That evening, he met Billy for dinner, sharing updates on his latest projects and the latest fan buzz. Billy listened quietly, his calm presence grounding him.

"Your parents aren't letting up, are they?" Billy asked, his tone gentle but concerned.

Babe shook his head. "They want to use my connection with you to boost their image. When I said no, they threatened to pull their support and even hinted at taking things public if I keep refusing."

Billy's gaze hardened. "They're willing to jeopardize your career for their gain?"

"Looks like it," Babe replied, sighing. "But I won't let them control me. I've come too far to let them twist things."

Billy's expression softened, his hand resting on Babe's shoulder reassuringly. "If they do go public, know that you won't be facing it alone. I'm here, and so are the people who believe in you."

Babe felt a surge of gratitude. With Billy by his side, the weight of his family's expectations felt lighter, and the fears they tried to plant in him lost their power.

System Notification: Special Bond with Billy Strengthened. Motivation Boost +10.

Bunny hopped beside them, giving Billy a nod of approval. "We're stronger together, Babe! No one can tear you down~bun!"

Babe's resolve only deepened. He'd face whatever his family threw at him—and he'd do it with the support of those who mattered.

The next morning, Babe found himself the subject of a new wave of rumors. Ivy had quietly started spreading suggestions that his rapid success was due more to connections than talent, subtly planting doubts about his abilities.

An entertainment article hinted at Ivy's influence: "With family connections and powerful allies, it's no wonder Babe Tanatat has risen so quickly. But will his fame last?"

Babe clenched his jaw, recognizing Ivy's tactics. She was trying to taint his reputation, downplaying his hard work by implying he was just riding on others' coattails.

Bunny appeared beside him, its ears drooping with concern. "She's playing dirty, Babe. But we're not letting her win~bun!"

"No, we're not," Babe replied firmly. He knew he'd need to keep proving himself, but he was ready for the challenge.

As the day ended, Babe looked out at the city lights, feeling both the thrill and pressure of his rising fame. His family was becoming more hostile, Ivy's jealousy was intensifying, and the fanservice rumors were only beginning. But he was ready.

He'd come this far, and nothing—not his family, not Ivy's schemes, nor the whispers of fanservice—could keep him from reaching his goals. With Bunny and Billy at his side, he felt more confident than ever.

System Notification: Daily Goals Complete! Rewards: +15 Fame Points, "Iron Will" Effect Unlocked.

Bunny gave him a proud nod. "This is just the beginning, Babe! Let's show the world what you're made of~bun!"

With a determined smile, Babe prepared for whatever lay ahead. He wasn't just surviving; he was thriving, and he'd prove to everyone—especially himself—that he was here to stay.