Thug and Idol: 10X Rewards Second Identity System

When Jane returned home that day, she hid her stress and fear behind a smile. The terror of showing the truth was too great.

In her mind, it was a fact as solid as that the sky was blue, that Tristan could easily bring the vision he described into reality if he wanted to.
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She was allowed to live her life only as long as Tristan didn't remember about her existence—that was clear to her.

That evening, she told her mother,

"I'm tired… There's been too many stressful thoughts in my head recently. I think I need a vacation. In Italy, maybe—I always wanted to try authentic Neapolitan pizza."

And not a week later, Jane dropped all her existing obligations and went to Italy, not specifying when she would return.

Far away from Tristan, the sun and the sea felt much friendlier out there than in California, and hot Italian men distracted Jane from the thoughts about Tristan…

But sometimes, as she ate dinner or sunbathed or walked past the famous fashion boutiques of Milan, Jane would remember Tristan's words, and feel like she was still walking on a narrow rope bridge over a dark abyss.

***

Two more weeks later.

The production team really put Tristan on top priority, managing to finish all related projects just before the end of October.

Tristan and Nel were invited to watch the test run of all the three videos: Tristan's music video for 'Jester Jester', Nel's music video for 'Dragonfly', and their short documentary.

They sat in a small cinema hall in the GTG building, together with Derek (in a very formal black suit, worn with a tie that had a pattern of cats playing rock music), most of the production team, and a few other members of the GTG agency staff.

Now, the documentary was playing.

Besides introducing the story of the unlikely friendship of rivals, the documentary introduced Nelson and Tristan as debuting artists of the Golden Talent Group agency.

Nel's genuine friendliness towards the world, together with slight bashfulness, made him contrast to Tristan's aura of allure and danger.

They enhanced each other, immediately attracting the attention and curiosity of everybody watching the videos. Although there wasn't any music yet, people were eagerly waiting for it.

And the next videos shown didn't disappoint.

Both Tristan's and Nel's performances showed their improvement as artists, even in this short period, and how good they already were.

When Nelson played Tristan's song, an already fiery melody about leaving the dark past behind to soar toward the skies changed drastically. With a dubstep arrangement, it became something that was at once both so very Nel, but incredibly more Tristan.

More wild, and more dangerous. Like a dragonfly, one of the deadliest predators of the insect kingdom!

Nelson filmed the cover in an extremely goth costume, although with red fire patterns painted on his jacket. He had black and white face paint and a pair of fake dragonfly wings attached to his back.

But his background was a peaceful lake. It was so out of place… but somehow paradoxically fitting.

Tristan's music video was much less paradoxical.

He was dressed as he usually was—in black and leather—except for one detail. On his head he was wearing a black hood-like cap, from which hung several bells—it was similar to a jester hat.

When he was playing, Tristan sometimes shook his head, making the bells ring, and creating an extra rhythm for the melody of the song. Although the sounds were actually added in post-production, the movements fit perfectly in their rhythm.

Tristan's fingers flew over the guitar strings with incredible finesse, and his voice reached the skies and the hearts of every listener.

The background was a semi-dark stage, with mannequins arranged in place of the living audience in a straightforward metaphor, which still gave some room for interpretation.

The result of the music video was an almost lyrical rock song. More tragic than optimistic, it still resonated with Nelson as he watched it. At the same time, there was confidence and assurance that only Tristan could give to a musical piece.

When the last chord ended and the video finished, the hall exploded with applause and cheers.

This wasn't the result of just Tristan's and Nel's work! The production team worked just as hard, but seeing this video, they were ecstatic because they were sure it would all pay off.

"This is incredible!" Derek said, raising his voice against the clamor. "Mr. Gemello, Mr. Mayar—you had a vital part in creating something incredible today! It will be an amazing debut piece for both of you. I have no doubts at all that it will blow up!"

Nel laughed sheepishly, looking a bit dazed.

"If so, it will all be Tristan's work. I swear, the things he can do with a guitar… I bet all the women in this hall wanted to be that guitar!"

Tristan slapped Nel's shoulder, grinning from ear to ear.

"Come on! Don't take yourself so lowly—you were amazing, too. Your cover gave me an idea for my contest entry song!"

That wasn't a secret, since they were doing musical practice together often, even when it wasn't related to their covers. And Derek also knew—Tristan asked him for advice on what would work best for the contest. The manager had years of experience in things like these, after all.

"This just tells me how incredible your skills are compared to mine, Tris. No wonder I lost in the first round. I bet even if I competed in a different city, I'd still lose."

Tristan silently shook his head, but stopped trying to convince Nel. Instead, he turned to Derek.

"So when are the videos going to be released to the public?"

The manager, who was now managing the social accounts of both artists, hummed thoughtfully.

"Since the videos are good, then with two days for one last check of them just in case… Next Monday will be a good time."

Tristan nodded. Next Monday…

Just before he will really need these Criminal Points.

"I can't wait already."