Note 1 : More gifts for more chapters

    Note 2 : i ve created a discord come join

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    Lassen remained motionless for a long moment after ending the call, his eyes locked on the now-dark screen. The room, bathed in dim light and punctuated by the soft hum of technological devices, seemed frozen in time. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the edge of his desk, almost mechanically, while an amused smile played on his lips.

    [Well, that was entertaining] the system''s familiar voice echoed in his mind, dripping with sarcasm.

    [That kid has the energy of a hyperactive puppy. Are you sure this is a good idea?]

    "Absolutely" Lassen replied without hesitation, his eyes still fixed on the blank screen. He seemed to be gazing into an invisible horizon where his plans were already unfolding.

    "He''s exactly what we need: enthusiastic, raw, authentic. And most importantly, he has a real connection with his audience. They listen to him because he''s one of them."

    The system let out a sound resembling a sigh

    [Authentic, maybe. But you know he''s going to ask you hundreds of dumb questions, right?]

    Lassen chuckled softly, the quiet sound breaking the stillness of the room "That''s what makes him valuable. He''s not yet corrupted by caution or arrogance. His questions come from pure curiosity, not from a desire to manipulate or to seem clever. That kind of spontaneity is rare."

    The system didn''t seem convinced

    [If you say so. But don''t come complaining to me when he bombards you with questions about the color of your socks or your favorite brand of coffee. Oh, wait... no, scratch that. He''ll probably do it live in front of millions]

    Lassen''s smile widened as he crossed his arms on the desk "Maybe. But wouldn''t that be fun?"

    [Fun? You have a strange definition of that word]

    The system paused before adding mockingly

    [And of course, it''s not me who''ll have to deal with it. Oh, wait... it is me]

    "Stop whining" Lassen replied, shaking his head slightly, his smile growing "Adrian will handle him first. And you know how he is: direct, efficient. That should balance Ethan''s overflowing energy."

    He stood up from his chair, rolling his shoulders to release the tension "Call Adrian"

    After a few rings, a deep, composed voice answered

    "Yes, sir?"

    "Adrian. I have an assignment for you tomorrow" Lassen began, his tone calm but carrying a natural authority "A certain Ethan Carter will be arriving at the airport. He''s a streamer—you shouldn''t have any trouble spotting him. He''ll probably be nervous, so try not to overwhelm him. Be... yourself, but a little more patient."

    A brief silence followed, broken by a barely concealed sigh

    "I''m being noted for my patience, is that it?"

    Adrian replied, his tone laced with sarcasm

    "Let''s say I trust your professionalism"

    "Ethan Carter?" he asked in a deep, steady voice.

    Ethan blinked, surprised. "Yes... that''s me. But... who are you?"

    The man extended a sleek, minimalist black card, engraved with a single name: Adrian.

    "My name is Adrian" he said. "Mr. X sent me to pick you up."

    The words took a moment to sink in. Ethan''s eyes flicked from the card to Adrian, and back again "Wait... Mr. X sent you? Like, you work for him?"

    "Exactly" Adrian replied neutrally. He gestured toward a sleek black car parked near the exit.

    "If you''ll follow me, I''ll take you to your destination."

    Ethan stood frozen for a second longer before excitement overtook him. He quickly grabbed his suitcase and jogged to catch up with Adrian, his mind buzzing with questions.

    Once outside, Adrian opened the back door of the car and waited for Ethan to climb in.

    The streamer took an admiring look at the interior: pristine black leather seats, soft ambient lighting, and a built-in tablet displaying navigation data. This was no ordinary car.

    "Wow" he murmured as he sat down, his hands absently running over the armrest. "This is... impressive."

    Adrian closed the door behind him before getting into the driver''s seat. Once settled, he started the car without a word. Ethan, however, was far too excited to stay silent.

    "So... what are you? His driver? His bodyguard? Or both? How long have you worked with him? Did you see Eternal Realm before it was released? What''s it like working for someone like him?"

    Adrian glanced at Ethan in the rearview mirror, his expression impassive "I''m his bodyguard. I handle his security and everything that comes with it. And yes, I saw Eternal Realm before its release. Now sit back and fasten your seatbelt."

    Slightly thrown off by the concise response, Ethan quickly buckled up. But his curiosity surged again almost immediately.

    "Okay, okay. But... are you with him all the time? What''s he like in real life? Serious? Funny? Does he play his own games? Like, imagine him rage-quitting... That would be hilarious."

    A faint smile flickered across Adrian''s lips "He plays sometimes, but he doesn''t rage-quit. Now try to get some rest. You''ll need the energy."

    Ethan frowned slightly, intrigued "Need energy for what? We''re going to the hotel, right?"

    Adrian shook his head slightly, his gaze focused calmly on the road "No. We''re going to Mr. X''s villa."

    Ethan froze, his mouth falling open "His... villa? Wait... You''re serious? You mean where he actually lives? Like... his home?"

    "Completely serious" Adrian replied without missing a beat.

    Ethan felt his heart race. He leaned forward slightly, his hands gripping the edge of the seat

    "But... that''s insane. I''m going to Mr. X''s house! Is it... futuristic? Full of gadgets? Does he have a gaming room? Or maybe a secret room? Oh! Does he have a pet?"

    Adrian didn''t respond immediately, keeping his focus on the road. Finally, he let out a soft, amused sigh

    "You''ll see for yourself."

    The initial shock quickly gave way to overwhelming excitement. Ethan let himself fall back into his seat, a wide grin stretching across his face "This is unbelievable. Absolutely insane. I''m going to Mr. X''s house."