Thug and Idol: 10X Rewards Second Identity System

Chapter 112: The most antisocial film director alive

The journalists were so focused on the increasingly agitated film director that they didn't notice Tristan and Nelson at all. There were at least twenty of them, including the cameramen, in that crowd, and they literally had Ilom with his back to the wall.

Although the overall noise of the avenue and the loud questions of the journalists made it hard to notice Tristan's and Nel's approach, Tristan still got annoyed that they ignored them so completely.

He could—and wanted to—just shove people out of the way, but even for a "rogue" persona like Tristan, this was a cause for a scandal.

He couldn't have a scandal when the Californian Young Star contest was going to happen so soon!

But Tristan quickly had an idea.

"I think the crowd is thinner in this direction. Try to go there and switch their attention, Nel. And I will try from this side."

Nel made a mock salute.

"Got it, Tris. I will give them an interview before they even ask!"

Tristan grinned.

"Yeah, it's not like half of them can even make a shot of Mr. Ilom's face. What they are doing is pointless."

"You don't say," Nel said with a slight wince, and went to the place on the other side of the crowd.

It really looked thinner than the others, and after Nel began pestering the nearest people with unsolicited opinions and commentaries, some journalists were forced to turn toward him.

However, it didn't distract the main group. But that's why Nel's actions, in reality, were just a distraction from Tristan himself.

Right now, Tristan could already feel the amount of gazes on him lessening—especially because he used his stealth skills to change posture and seem more unassuming, even blend a little with service staff in their dark uniforms.

Moving with nonchalant grace, Tristan walked past a cameraman with an especially large camera, fitted with a huge flash lamp. Tristan walked around him, looking for another way through the crowd.

"A distraction. I thought if I invite some fresh, juicy bait for them, the press will focus on you more than on me!" Ilom complained, pointing a finger at them. He huffed. "But at least they got off my back now."

"Huuuuh?! S-seriously?!—"

"Quiet!" Ilom snapped at Nel. "Don't attract more attention to me. Or better yet, leave? Will you? I'd like to wait until it's time for my speech in peace."

Tristan looked around, then gestured deeper toward the cloakroom. He didn't like Ilom's attitude at all, but he was getting curious about this weird person.

And he was still here to network.

Ilom nodded, and the three wordlessly went away from the entrance.

"We actually did help you, Mr. Ilom," Tristan said, looking at Ilom with narrowed eyes. "But perhaps next time you need help, you ask directly and suggest your payment for it instead of hoping that people will just do it."

Ilom shuddered.

"No. I had enough asking, and pleading, and convincing... No."

Nel huffed and flailed his arms in frustration.

"Man, if you don't like people so much, why making a grand ceremony out of it and all? Just sit at home if you are such a recluse."

"You don't understand how this industry works! You probably think that only actors need to show their faces and be all smiley to the public, but no. If you are the creator, you must promote your work, personally too, or else it will fail and you will get no investors giving you money for the next one! So here I am." Ilom made a pause and hissed the word, "Promoting."

Tristan shook his head, unsure if this was worth a laugh or a cry. That man... Well, his dedication to making movies despite his obvious dislike for social activities was impressive, but his attitude...

"Anyway, that accident earlier... was it your work?" Ilom asked, eying Tristan and Nel suspiciously. "Then perhaps we can work together in the future. But I will only suggest it once."

"Suggest what?"