Rise To Stardom - Chapter 162

Chapter 162: Spotlights On Kyle
Lined with red carpeted walkways and gold ropes across its expanse, posters of the 10th season of the [The Curator] were thematically and strategically placed around the venue of the Gala, celebrities, dressed in high-fashion attires, arriving to the calls and clicks of cameras from reporters and paparazzi alike.

“Sharon!! You look stunning!!!”

“Carla! Over here! Over here!”

“Justin! Justin! Can I get your autograph?!”

“You look dazzling Jasmine! Rock that dress!”

“Lily’s here! Quick! Take a picture of her!”

“Tiana! Who’s the lucky man?!”

“Quentin! Will you be coming back to spearhead the 11th season!”

–

Dumb_Hollywood: Grab your popcorn boys. We’re gonna get to see some pretty ridiculous outfits tonight!

ExitStageLeft:  Honestly, even though it’s been a week, I’m still in shock that Lily’s the 11th Curator! She looks gorgeous as ever though!

ISpyWithMyLittleEye: Wait a minute?! Ain’t that Kyle’s agent with Tiana?!

–

Either waving over to them or indulging in their requests was up to most of the celebrities as they arrived at the red carpet, the venue slowly filling up by the second.

That said, as more and more celebrities began to arrive at the venue, the reporters and paparazzi, although they weren’t saying it, were still awaiting the arrival of today’s star.

–

N0c: I like how even though no one’s saying it, we can all agree that asides Kyle, Jasmine and a few others, Lily included, most of the other celebrities currently attending the Gala today are essentially just over-glorified NPCs. And I mean that in the nicest way possible.

Hollyweird: Not me patiently waiting for Kyle to come so I can fully commit to enjoying the Gala’s livestream. Have to say though, Jojo Cat is up to no good again with this year’s gala. What’s with that crazy ass napkin-looking dress?!

BoyByTheTable: Where’s our boy?! Where’s our boyyyyy!!!

–

And a few minutes later, as if in response to their thoughts and comments, a Matte-Black, Ford Mustang arrived on scene.

* * *

Having arrived at the Gala, Kyle’s sleek, black leather shoes, exited the driver’s side, most people not yet realizing that he had arrived on scene.

Considering other celebrities came in far more expensive cars, it hadn’t clicked to most of the reporters, paparazzi or even those livestreaming the event that although he was the star of the show today, the young man was never the type to want to revel in it.

Clad in the sleekest three-piece charcoal-gray suit that stuck to his body like second skin, alongside a perfectly fitting iron-gray overcoat and a silver Rolex Daytona, Kyle fully alighted from the vehicle, his voluminous raven hair slicked backwards and styled in a wavy manner.

The young star, evidently, had an added layer of gentlemanly sophistication to him today as he gently closed the door, courtesy of the fashion designers and stylists whom had gone ham on elevating and highlighting every little thing that would make him stand out above other celebs, just like the star of the Gala that he was meant to be.

That said, it was at this exact moment, that one of the paparazzi, a middle-aged woman so to speak, spotted him and alerted everyone else!

“Kyle’s here!” she screamed in excitement unbefitting of someone her age.

Casually locking the vehicle remotely, the young star was immediately blinded with an almost frightening barrage of flashing camera lights and a thunderous onslaught of calls, questions and requests!

“Kyle, can we get a smile?! This way!”

“K.K! Over here! Can I get your autograph?!”

“What’s next for you after the success of the show?”

“Any teasers you can share about the 11th season’s Curator?”

“Kyle, what are you looking forward to most at tonight’s Gala?”

Inwardly telling himself to not make a weird face as Oliver had told him back at his very first experience with it at [Epoch One]’s premiere, Kyle maintained a charming grin as he responded to the multitude of questions and requests directed towards him while slowly making his way forward.

–

Princess Peach: Behold, the main character has arrived!

WaifuWithARocketLauncher: ‘Heh, mortals.’, is canonically what I want to believe is running through Kyle’s mind right now but I know he’s way too humble for that.

Kyle’s Girlfriend: Good lord my ovaries… isn’t it like, almost illegal for one person to be that handsome?! Did God, perhaps, spend an extra hour on him?! Answers, anyone?!

–

Eventually, after a few more minutes of attending to them as best as he could, the young star, finally made his way past them and into the reception area for the Gala.

Sure it wasn’t as bad as the entrance but there were still on-site reporters and photographers whom would still want to take interviews and click pictures respectively.

No sooner had he gotten in though, the young star inwardly heaved a sigh of relief…

Only to watch as a good-looking, Caucasian man with hazel irises, dressed in a three-piece black suit, his tailcoat being the standout, walked over to him with an extended handshake!

“Your fit is impeccable and you, look, absolutely incredible! I’m also a really, really big fan!”

His brown hair was quite long, almost like a mane that extended past his shoulders and he was a few inches shorter than Kyle.

Yet, reciprocating his enthusiasm, Kyle received the handshake with a warm, appreciative smile;

“Thank you! Thank you, so much for saying that, Mr.?”

“Sprouse! But you can just call me Tony.” Tony quickly followed up to which Kyle grinned;

“All right Tony, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Kyle.”

Finding it inspiring that the most popular celebrity in recent memory and also the star of today’s Gala, still bothered to even introduce himself, Tony smiled appreciatively with a nod, after which he then responded;

“It’s such a pleasure to meet you too, Kyle.”

–

Wendy_The_Witch: Protect this man at all costs! And please, on behalf of the entire world, Hollywood, keep your fuggin’ mangy hands off this perfect specimen of humility!

Walkin’ Putin: Kyle is literally the first celebrity I’ve seen all day to really introduce himself to Tony without assuming any sort of airs even though he’s perfectly allowed to do so. Dude’s such a gentleman.

Trix or Treat: Oh I’m so excited!!! I wanna see a glam shot of Kyle!!!

–

“So, I know you’re already quite busy so I won’t take your time! This here, is a glam bot!” Tony gestured to the machine in the corner, one that a skilled technician was currently operating.

In response to this, Kyle tilted his head in curiosity, after which he then repeated, his tone intrigued;

“A… glam, bot?”

To that, Tony gazed at him, genuinely surprised that the young man had no idea what it was, especially since it was something almost every celebrity wanted to make a video with whenever DreamLand Inc., was hosting their Gala.

There was even a ranking system for it, one where the top 3 glam shots of the night would be posted on both the livestream and DreamLand Inc’s social media handles before the Gala ended.

Safe to say, the competition to have the No. 1 spot on the rankings was very fierce… especially among the female celebrities.

–

WeDoABitOfTrolling: Ah, yes. Caveman Kyle strikes again.

Peter_Writes_Fantasy: I love how most of us aren’t even surprised that he doesn’t have the slightest idea who Tony is, or what a glam bot is but still took the time to genuinely listen and pay attention. This is one of the many reasons why we love him people. Natural humility, all round.

ShrekLovesFiona: Welcome to another episode of Kyle Kestis, discovering popular Hollywood trends for the first time. We love to see it!

–

Quickly quelling his surprise though, Tony took the initiative to explain as succinctly as he possibly could;

“It’s a high-speed, slow motion camera. Takes a picture of you very fast but then slows it down to give a very cinematic feel!”

“Now I’ve heard that you aren’t exactly the kind of person who loves posing for the camera but, I’d really love it if I could have a glam shot of you.” Tony requested politely.

Considering the man was very selective of specific celebrities he himself approached for a glam shot, he typically ensured to find a way to make them feel comfortable, even if they might end up rejecting his offer.

It was just one of those skills he had honed over time… one he maintained by extensively reading up on said celebrities he planned to approach.

Responding to his request with a light smile of appreciation though, Kyle replied;

“Sure. I’ll give it a shot.”

“Thank you!” Tony beamed, after which he then gestured to Kyle to take center before the glam-bot.

However, just as the young man opted to do so, he soon noticed a peculiar individual, already posing before said machine with a fighting pose, his fists launched towards the camera.

‘You’ve got to be kidding me?!’ Kyle widened his eyes in a mix of genuine disbelief and amusement, a similar laughter escaping his lips!

“Jeff! Is that another one of your side quests?!” the young star finally called out to the old Hollywood star who instantly swiveled around with a wide grin and gestured, outspread arms;

“Kiddo! Took you long enough!”

“Gimme a minute though! Need to ensure I break last year’s record!” Jeffrey apologized, swiftly turning to face the glam bot with another martial arts pose, one that elicited another bout of laughter from Kyle.

–

Pro_noobs: Haha! Don’t tell me he’s still salty about placing third in last year’s glam bot rankings!?

Young_Sifu: Man, Jeff’s the coolest Hollywood star ever! Wonder if Bruce and Mark are at the Gala too…

Ana_MZ_27: Kinda sucks that we won’t get to hear more of their interactions once they leave the glam bot area but hey, at least Tony’s focused cameras are giving us some good entertainment!

–

A few minutes later though, having already taken a glam shot of Kyle, Tony waved them both goodbye as the two individuals, finally started conversing proper whilst making their way into the main hall.

* * *

Amidst the pleasantries, lively chatter, clicks of cameras and smiling faces at the Gala, a certain musician whom had recently been venturing into acting to gain even more fame due to his agency pushing for it, casually made his way over to Lily and Jasmine… Lily especially.

The lady was undoubtedly a stunner in her own right, especially when considering just how drop dead gorgeous Jasmine whom she was currently conversing with, looked.

It was almost as if beauty was elevating beauty in the most dazzling, eye-catching way possible, something even the viewers couldn’t help but comment on.

–

Das_Good_Shit: The cameraman deserves a raise!

Courting Death: Two jade-like beauties! Ah, I have ascended in the dao! Yes, this is the path of what beauty should be!

Am I A Spoon?: At times I wonder, if I perchance offended God before I was birthed… ’cause here I am looking like a sack of potatoes when two honestly unbelievably beautiful women my age seem to have it all figured out!

–

As said artist made his way to meet with and introduce himself to the ladies though, he unexpectedly ran into a peculiar female celebrity whom was currently also in attendance, multiple male celebrities around her constantly stealing glances.

“The dress is a little daring, don’t you think?” Justin King commented with a hint of annoyance in his eyes, his smile impeccable as he halted in his steps before the lady.

Sure both of them would be handling the auctions for the signed memorabilia in an hour from now but even then, it was obvious that wasn’t why Justin was ticked off by the lady’s sensually revealing dress.

“I don’t remember you and I having that sort of relationship.” Sharon Winters casually replied with sass, her gaze condescending and her smile seductive in every sense of the word.

The lady’s skin was milky white, her nose, thin and delicate, her ocean-blue irises, captivating, and her long, blonde-to-pink ombre hair styled to perfection in subtle, soft curls.

“So, if you’ll excuse m-” Sharon’s breath suddenly hitched, the frame of a certain someone, walking past her.

–

Mamma Mia: I wonder what Kyle and Jeffrey are conversing over. They seem to be having fun.

CinemaLover: Man! Am I the only one who suddenly wishes there was an [Epoch Two]?!

Gamer’s Guide: Hah! Not Sharon getting stun-locked by Kyle. Can’t even blame her really.

–

Sharon was already a very gorgeous and sensual-looking woman, but, when factoring in the risqué, silver chainmail mini-dress that she wore today, it explosively made that feature stand out, hence the head turnings from the opposite gender.

It also wasn’t an exaggeration to say that she actually enjoyed the attention she was getting because honestly, she knew just how sexy she was.

But then, there were also quite a few who paid her no mind…

One of them, particularly, stood out to her as of the moment.

He was, quite literally, an absolute hunk of a human being and the star of today’s Gala…

And, without even sparing her a glance, he gracefully walked past while conversing with Jeffrey Dickson.

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P.S – Read Author’s Note.