An Unsuccessful Press Conference

(Bai Ziye)

Oops.

Although Sirius got off to a good start, Ceruno clearly couldn't keep up.

"I'm Ceruno, the magical girl, and a newcomer who recently took charge of the D3 District! But, starting today, I'll also be making my idol debut..."

No.

Absolutely not.

This idiot couldn't even speak properly, stammering like a primary school student speaking on stage for the first time. The media started whispering among themselves, and only a few flashes of light went off, showing a lack of interest.

Although I sat comfortably in the VIP section, I was actually anxious inside.

Clearly, she was so nervous about Bai Ziye not being around that she underperformed, but I can't leave yet because it's not the agreed time... Miluno's sudden departure will further destabilize her.

Falcon behind me added, "Miluno, aren't you going to think of something? If this continues, Ceruno's debut will be the end of her career!"

What can I do?

Perhaps we should wait five minutes and have the "agent" appear...

"Hey! Ceruno! You called me out today just to see you embarrass yourself? You're more than that, aren't you?"

Heat Haze, sitting in the last row, voiced her doubts. Although her tone was still full of hostility, it wasn't meant to undermine her; it was her way of encouraging her.

"Heat Haze, she's still the same as always."

Even Falcon said so.

After being yelled at, Ceruno's nervous expression disappeared, and she stopped stuttering during her speech. Perhaps she had practiced beforehand? However, she still lacked confidence and presence.

Won't she be seen as a talentless, all-around pretty face if things continue like this?

It's about time for a change of personnel.

"Ceruno, I have to go now."

I stood up and encouraged him, "Have some confidence. If you don't even respect yourself, how can you expect others to respect you?"

"Miss Miluno... please take care."

When this idiot lowers his stance, he adds "Miss" after my name.

"Perform well, and I'll continue watching you in the live stream."

"Um."

I walked toward the front door with a blank expression, and the group of media reporters took pictures of me for a while.

What's going on? I'm not planning on debuting.

He left the lecture hall, intending to head to the restroom to switch into Bai Ziye's form, but as soon as he stepped out, a striking red-haired woman in a formal suit walked towards him, accompanied by two bodyguards in suits... Could this be some belated entertainment industry mogul?

She glanced at me as we passed each other.

But I was in a hurry to switch identities, so I didn't pay much attention to her and rushed to find the restroom on my floor.

Good, there's no one inside.

Once I turned back into Bai Ziye, I ran back to the lecture hall.

--Beyond Where the Meteor Falls--

It was singing.

Ceruno's singing.

"A talent show segment?"

Although her singing style is not professional, it is not unpleasant to listen to. She is a natural gem, just like I said before. She just lacks confidence and cannot fully open up her voice, thus wasting her excellent talent.

I didn't go up to the stage at that moment; I just stood at the door and quietly watched her.

She also noticed me entering the lecture hall.

--Take the first step and you'll get closer to your dreams-

The warm tone then rose.

Perhaps realizing that Ceruno's strength was not as weak as they had imagined, the media's discussion stopped.

Even when there are times of trouble and unhappiness--

--Thank you for being by my side--

Ceruno smiled from the bottom of her heart, and then everything changed.

Sparkling.

Despite lacking professionalism, it possesses a deeply moving and infectious quality.

That's her confidence...

Wanting to perform better in front of me and "Miluno," so you're unleashing your potential?

The song ended.

The audience erupted in applause, and Ceruno managed to regain some of the points she had lost, but she still couldn't satisfy everyone.

Thank you, thank you everyone.

"Little girl."

An elderly man with white hair in the VIP section seemed to have something to say, and Yin Lu quickly handed him the microphone.

Why do you want to be an idol?

Ah, it's this kind of segment... an indispensable part of talent shows, the Q&A segment about "dreams".

Ceruno glanced at me. Actually, this guy isn't very good at lying; at least he can't spout nonsense like I can without batting an eye.

"Past I became a magical girl myself, I loved magical girls the most! However, my wish back then was merely to become a tactical officer who assisted magical girls in battle... I never expected... hehe~"

This idiot is grinning like a fool on the podium.

The elderly man in the audience smiled as well.

"But not all magical girls debut as entertainers. What made you decide to pursue this path?"

Rather, most magical girls wouldn't consider becoming full-time idols; at most, they might take on some advertising jobs to earn extra money after gaining fame.

"After becoming a magical girl, I must set higher goals."

She then looked at Sirius beside her.

The latter simply listened with amusement, resting his chin on his hand.

"Sirius is the world's number one magical girl and also the world's number one idol. I want to become as amazing as her... Besides, being an idol can hone one's confidence, which is also related to my magic... Being an idol can make me stronger."

Just because you can't lie, does that mean you should answer honestly?

But an honest answer isn't necessarily the correct one, at least not the answer the media wants to hear.

The old man shook his head and asked again, "Young lady, what do you think an idol is?"

"I believe that an idol is someone who stands on the right path, sets an example for others, and guides their fans forward."

That's a good answer; at least you mentioned "fans." Without fans, how can an idol be called an idol?

The old man nodded and then asked, "Do you think you can do it?"

"I may not be good enough right now, but I won't stay stagnant. I believe that idols and fans can grow together!"

"Very well, then the next question... Do you know who I am?"

"...Hmm."

Ceruno clearly didn't recognize her.

Of course, I don't know them either.

However, the old man blew on his beard and burst into laughter. "Hahaha, it doesn't matter if you don't know. After all, I'm from the previous era. Now I'm just a retired old man at home... What a pity, you're too innocent, you can't even lie. You're not suitable for making movies."

"Old Master Han, you own a music company, right? Why don't you arrange something for Ceruno- chan?"

Sirius spoke to the old man in the same tone a granddaughter would use to ask her grandfather for something.

"Sirius girl, you can compose and write lyrics yourself, why do you need my help?"

"She and I are competitors, why would I dig a hole for myself?"

"Hmph, you underestimate me."

"How is that possible?"

Why are these two chatting? Ceruno standing to the side, not knowing how to join in, looking quite pitiful.

The time was about right, so I sat down next to Ceruno.

"Hmph, you've finally arrived."

She seemed a little angry.

"I'm sorry, the atmosphere just now didn't allow me to sit down."

Yin Lu also leaned over and asked, "Mr. Bai, would you like to introduce yourself?"

"Is there really a need for everyone to know about my manager? I'm just assisting Ceruno..."

Buzz--

Wormhole?

A blue halo appeared in the sky above the library.

"Tsk, they really know how to pick their timing..."

It seems this press conference will have to be canceled early.