Thug and Idol: 10X Rewards Second Identity System

Diana laughed wryly.

"What are the chances? Of course not. I bet you wouldn't have failed on the 'road to recovery', too. People who think that they got better just weren't that low in the first place."

Tristan grinned, too, as if he also found that funny—but in reality, he was glad about what he saw.

From the way Diana spoke and acted, it was easy to think that Tristan's question didn't affect her at all. But Tristan's keen observation skill let him notice the slightest flash of surprise in Diana's eyes.

His acting skill helped, too. Diana was acting, and Tristan could almost imagine what role she picked.

'It's like she wants to believe that there was never a hope for her, so she won't feel guilty about not being better than she is. Whatever her problems are.' Tristan examined her features for another moment. 'She looks like someone who does drugs in secret. These scandals in the past might've been for a reason.'

Now that Tristan had a reason why Diana refused, he could come up with a convincing argument. And then tell Ilom that he needs to arrange a psychologist for her if he doesn't want Diana to go on benders in the middle of the film shootings.

'But she certainly fits the role perfectly. If Ilom didn't know about Diana's problems for certain, then he has a strong intuition to pick her out like that.'

Tristan was silent for a while longer, thinking.

Diana went quiet, too, just studying and admiring him. With the charm Tristan had and the beauty of his face, it was hard to look at him without some admiration.

"Alright, Diana. I understand now." He smirked jokingly. "You just don't want to take that role, fail miserably at it, and become a laughingstock of the entire Hollywood for years."

"Huh?" Diana chuckled. "No, to become laughingstock, I'd have to do plastic surgeries until my face becomes paralyzed. And even then I will be better than the worst actors."

This was a bet, but it worked. It was impossible to reach Diana's place in the industry without at least some professional pride. Which he just offended.

Now Tristan stopped even pretending that he was goading her. But the force of his charm made it incredibly hard to just dismiss him, even if the tactic was immature.

"If that's true, then why you always play the roles of the most tragic and sad women, Diana? Are you unable to show happiness on camera at all? Are you one of these 'one role actors'?"

Diana took a drag of her cigarette and blew smoke out of her nostrils like an angry dragon.

"Now you are acting immature, Gemello. I hope this is just the last thing you didn't try yet to convince me, and you are being desperate."

Her words were steady and only a bit angry.

"The one to be desperate should be you. At this point, you have a reputation. Unless a miracle happens, you will be stuck with tragic roles forever. And let's be honest—tragedies are good and all, but they aren't the most popular movies out there. They won't bring you to the top ranks. Ilom's offer is a break which you need to prove to everybody that you can do more."

Diana was silent.

'And now, the finishing blow.'

"The movie is just a fairytale, as you put it. There's no need to take it seriously at all. It's strange that you did it in the first place. Just take the role, play it, and you can go home with a paycheck and good prospects for future roles from other producers!"

With a rapid movement, Diana extinguished her cigarette on a crystal ashtray standing on a table near her.

"I think we spoke for long enough, Gemello. This was my smoke break, and it just ended. Please, leave."

Tristan stood up without hurry.

The sudden coldness… He was almost sure he got her. At the very least, he was sure he would get her the next day, after his words sank deeper in her head.

"Of course. It was a pleasure to meet you, Diana."

He flashed her a grin and went to the exit. Unsurprisingly, Diana's personal assistant was loitering nor far from there.

She pretended she wasn't listening in and led Tristan out. Before leaving, Tristan turned to speak with her.

"I think I gave Ms. Swallow a lot to think about today. Try to not let her escape these thoughts, please. They will be good for her, I'm sure." Tristan smiled. "I can see you care about Ms. Swallow's wellbeing.

And you already want her to take that role, so…"

The woman frowned.

"I'm just doing my job."

"Well, do it well, then. Goodbye."

Tristan left, already planning a next day's visit to this place.

***

By evening, he knew he wouldn't have to.

First, he was notified by his system.

[Task complete: convince Diana Swallow to take part in Asher Ilom's next movie. Reward: your CP increased by 1000!]

Second, he was notified by Asher Ilom.

[Amazing. I didn't believe you would actually do it. But you did it, and in only a day! This makes me afraid to talk with you myself. Good thing you aren't an actor, Gemello. Diana just contacted me, saying that she changed her mind on the role.

I will do my part of the deal as soon as I can and will give all the important details of it to your manager.]

Tristan read the message and grinned.

[Yes, I'm just that good. By the way, be careful with her—I'm 100% sure Diana is addicted to something. Get her to go to a psychiatrist, or something. It looks like your movie hits too close to home for her. I convinced her to do it mostly out of spite.]

[Ugh. Insufferable… I will take your advice into consideration, Gemello.]

Now all that was left was to notify Derek that the album's release could proceed as planned.