Rise To Stardom - Chapter 164

Chapter 164: No Chance
Just as Tiana walked over to check on Jasmine whom had already been escorted by both her agent and her friends to the rest room for an outfit change, Oliver walked up to Kyle while speaking;

“Do you perhaps have some sort of precognitive ability?”

“My secret! How did you know?!” Kyle widened his eyes in mock surprise, one that Oliver simply shook his head in resignation to.

“Was just lucky enough to catch it on time actually. Nothing to it.” he responded properly as they moved into the auction hall with the rest of the celebrities, a light smile on lips.

As the young star made his way into the auction hall while conversing with his agent, a lot of eyes followed him from behind, especially those of the female gazes.

What should’ve been a disaster of a wardrobe incident that would plague the tabloids like an incurable disease for quite a while, was effortlessly averted by him in the smoothest way possible, and that too without making the lady in question feel the least bit awkward.

In fact, if any news tabloid, Hollywood magazine or reporter were to report this incident and try to twist it in a way to make it seem demeaning towards Jasmine, they would have to try really hard and go the absolute extra mile to do that.

Almost like searching for water in the vast dunes of a desert that had no oasis.

Still, the opportunities that the effortless save from Kyle presented… now was something they could definitely work with, especially by spreading rumors that the two were dating.

Him carrying Jasmine in his arms especially, was a fantastic shot that would instantly have their published pieces gain traction immensely.

That said, to the other female celebrities whom had witnessed the whole thing happen, two standout traits from Kyle, came to their minds.

Composure and wit.

A perfect combination of two very useful and sought-after traits in Hollywood.

It was the one thing almost every celebrity was forced to learn over the years whether they liked it or not.

Yet, for Kyle whom had only being in the industry for a little over two years now, it seemed like both were inherent traits that he already had.

If him dealing with paparazzi in a rebellious yet simultaneously collected and humorously clever manner hadn’t driven home that point previously, this definitely did.

Moreso, him making a harmless joke while Jasmine was still trying to register what had happened, did a good job of also calming the lady down and obviously making her feel safe despite all eyes being on them.

Simultaneously, it also did an excellent job of watering down and diffusing just how serious the incident actually was, thereby making it something less negative to remember and something more interesting to talk about.

And it was exactly because of this reason that so many of them found the motivation to really take their chances with him during the after party, just like Sharon was planning.

Most ladies after all, liked a man who could make them feel safe even when things weren’t so rosy.

…

…

…

As the celebrities settled in the auction hall, Jasmine whom had already changed into a beautiful, formal, peacock blue evening dress a few minutes later, drew curious gazes from half of them as she and the other ladies whom had been of help to her, walked in.

Considering close to half of them had entered the auction hall earlier, they had no idea what had occurred a few minutes ago, thereby making their reactions understandable.

That said, the proceedings which had already begun earlier, continued on, the hosts taking center stage.

“Honestly, I’m still surprised I was even allowed to host the opening parts of today’s auction segments considering last year’s debacle.”

“Clearly, DreamLand Inc. doesn’t seem to give a shit so I guess I’ll keep making jokes at your expense.”

To that, the audience of celebrities laughed, already waiting in a mix of anticipation and apprehension for Paul Turner’s very first victim of the night.

He was an experienced A-list actor in Hollywood who was already well known and also, a comedian who was known for his usually truthfully brutal yet controversial jokes at every event he was called on to host.

“And in all fairness, they’re just jokes. Why be offended?” the host continued with a casual expression.

“But my ego’s so fragile and I don’t like being made fun of.” Paul effortlessly mimicked an almost feminine yet insecure voice as he waved his hands in the air like a helpless maiden.

“Oh I don’t know. Why not actually just stop finding every opportunity to be offended and just brush things off instead, eh?” the fifty-year old actor and comedian deadpanned, instantly roasting all the celebrities in the auction hall without mercy, after which he then angled his gaze sideways.

“I mean, just ’cause you’re offended, doesn’t mean you’re right? Right, Justin?”

“Oh, oops. Sorry. Wrong celebrity to ask. My bad.” Paul placed a hand above his lips, his British accent further adding to the hilarity of his words.

To that, the audience roared with laughter at the roast which was directed towards Justin whom was also on stage alongside Sharon, the lady currently doing her best to stifle her laughter.

–

Ratatat: Shots fired! Shots fired!

Me_Eat_Popcorn: This ladies and gentlemen, is one of the major reasons why I keep watching DreamLand Inc’s Gala every time it’s hosted! Paul my man!

Peter_Writes_Fantasy: Paul just doesn’t give a shit anymore and I love to see it!

–

Just last year, the young artist had been offered a big role in movie that ended up being a massive box-office hit and was even backed by Dynamite Films and yet, due to a petty reason, Justin had decided not to comport and ended up getting fired from the set… a news that had gotten all over the tabloids when it happened.

That said, the 25-year-old artist himself, did his best to laugh off the joke, although inwardly, he felt very attacked.

However, Justin knew that if he so much as allowed a crack to slip in his current expression, he’d only be proving Paul’s words right.

And just like that, Paul continued on, roasting any unfortunate actor that rightfully deserved to be roasted without mercy.

As Kyle watched the proceedings, he simply smiled with an amused expression, quietly laughing on occasion if he really found something Paul said hilarious.

Still, inwardly, Kyle hoped to high heavens that he’d never actually do anything stupid enough to have himself get targeted by Paul Turner in the future.

“That said, before I go, remember, this is all for charity, not some competition to see who’s richer.”

“Just had to remind you lot that you’re actually doing something reasonable with your time here and not just cosplaying expensive clothes.”

The audience of celebrities burst into a wave of laughter.

“As for the after party, well, feel free to get drunk, take your drugs, fuck around and fuck off.” Paul shooed the audience with his hands, earning another wave of roaring laughter and applauses from them as he left the stage.

–

Gervas_Rick: Hahaha! How does he keep getting away with this shit every year without getting punched in the face for it!?

Once Upon A Public Menace: Yo! That is one cold asf, absolutely savage note to end on! This man just doesn’t give a shit haha!

WeDoABitOfTrolling: Paul left the stage and lived, happily ever after. THE END.

–

Sharon and Justin, now in control of the actual auctions, took the time to have a conversation of their own before they got down to business, one that Justin immediately took advantage of.

“I wonder if we’ll actually be able to have an auction with that striking dress you’re wearing…” he stated, earning a few chuckles from the audience.

“I can only hope the audience actually focuses on the items and memorabilia while you’re on stage.” he added, the chuckles increasing by a few more decibels.

Sure his banter seemed harmless on the outside, almost as if he was even complementing the lady but Sharon knew, that he was more or less insulting her.

Not that she cared though.

“It’s called a chainmail mini-dress, Justin. A staple in the fashion world…” she gave him a ‘mock?’ disappointed side-eye, much to the amusement of the audience who chuckled even more.

“… and one that I’d like to thank my designer, Dolly Andrea for making.” the lady shamelessly used the opportunity to plug her fashion designer, earning a proper wave of laughter from the audience this time.

And in that moment, a certain thought also wiggled its way into her mind and she immediately went for it.

“I’d also like to give my thanks to Kyle Kestis because he’s gonna be taking it off of me tonight.” she seductively winked at him from the stage.

–

Kyle’s Girlfriend: Um what?! Who’s this tramp and where did she fall from?!

SnoopCat: Ayy! That is one smooth pick-up line, right there! Sharon ain’t playing no games man!

In My Feelings: Man, that wink is everything! I’d have folded so fast if I was in Kyle’s shoes!

–

The ‘oohs’ in the audience were extremely audible and pronounced as all eyes, landed on Kyle who currently, had a reaction that could only be described as comically perplexed.

His head tilted slightly in befuddlement, his eyes blinked a few times in confusion, his irises flickered left, and then right in even more confusion, and then, he pointed to himself, baffled, all while asking Sharon from afar, his words inaudible;

“Me?”

To that, Sharon nodded in amusement while chuckling as the entire hall burst into a unified wave of laughter from their interaction, the cameraman directing the camera over to Kyle’s face on the big screens.

Justin on the other, seemed to be struggling to join in on the wave of laughter as his plans to discreetly shame Sharon, didn’t pan out so well.

–

Livin’ Life: Bro is absolutely bamboozled! Hahaha!

Adam With An A: Never in my entire life have I seen someone’s expression so accurately portray the internal thoughts; ‘Um, WTF is going on here?!’

TedTheTeddyBear: I’m laughing so hard right now and you know, I wouldn’t be surprised if his reaction gets memed to oblivion again! Kyle’s expression is just perfect meme material right there!

–

And just like that, the auction began proper, the first thing being put up for auction being the 10th Curator’s last long coat along with his construct gloves and a signed autograph from Kyle, all in a fairly wide and long frame, it’s starting price was $15,000.

‘Darn it. Forgot to loot that.’ Kyle inwardly cursed as people began to place bids for the first memorabilia.

Staring at the long coat in the pristine frame, Kyle had realized that it was the only one he had forgotten to loot on set due to Lily having to wear it for her introductory scene.

As a result, he could only watch in acceptance as other celebrities began to bid for it, each bidder, ramping up the price from the last.

About thirty minutes later, the auction finally came to a close, all the money garnered from it going straight to DreamLand Inc’s chosen charities.

However, just before the celebrities left their seats to move to the after party, the massive TV screen in the auction hall, switched to show the logo for the glam bot.

Instantly, the ladies in the hall, watched on in competitive anticipation as they hoped to see themselves take the number one spot on the glam shot rankings!

–

[Third Place.]

It was a slow-motion shot of Sharon Winters, her blonde to pink ombre hair, flicked with sass to give her a very sexy and undeniable allure as she bit her lips.

–

Sharon’s glow could not be missed as an excited smile, radiated on her features, the lady clearly glad to be in the top three as the audience applauded her!

As for the rest of the female celebrities and models, they heaved a genuine sigh of relief the moment they realized that one of the major competitors today was already in third place.

–

[Second Place.]

Moving towards the camera with swift, calculated steps was Jeffrey Dickson, his fists launched in slow-mo towards the camera with a kid-like grin.

–

To that, the audience burst into laughter as Jeffrey, grinned from ear to ear, obviously glad that he broke last year’s record.

–

[First Place.]

Staring at the camera with a cold, icy-frost gaze, Kyle’s hand ran through his curly, slicked back hair in slow-motion, the scene looking like something straight out of a guilty-pleasure, romance novel… only for him to let out a devilish smirk, just before the glam shot ended.

–

WeDoABitOfTrolling: Tony ma man!

Princess Peach: Bless you Tony!!

Kyle’s Girlfriend: JAW. DROP.

Mamma Mia: Kyle has no business being this breathtaking!!

Trix or Treat: My day is made and my joy, immeasurable!!!

–

While the livestream reaction had essentially exploded in stream comments, the reaction from the audience this time was mostly silent.

Everyone’s eyes, especially the female models and celebrities, was glued to the screen for way, way too long, some of them unconsciously even having their jaws drop.

And then, most, soon turned their heads around, directing their gazes in Kyle’s direction a few seconds later, the young man a bit taken aback by the almost synchronous head turns.

He was still finding it concerning that he even got first place, especially since he only did as Tony had requested and didn’t really think much of it.

However, for the female celebrities, most had a similar thought in their heads;

‘We had no chance…’

–

–

–

P.S – Read Author’s Note.