Averie was reading some of the online comments despite Hyerin’s protests.
’Holy mother of God,’ he thought. ’These people are unhinged. They are going straight to Hell.’
The amount of racism was baffling.
’These idiots really hate people of mixed heritage, don’t they?’
Even a Hellion like him could not read the comments without grimacing.
Two days had passed since his successful escape.
Many of his fellow BSPH stars had called him, inquiring about his well-being. Some of them offered him a place to stay, while others proposed to make statements regarding the situation.
It wasn’t a bad idea to have the support of veteran actors. But no matter who asked, Averie’s answer was the same.
In the last decade, there hadn’t been a single celebrity that had remained silent for so long about a large-scale controversy.
It prompted the media to pounce on Averie and make their own conclusions.
’[So-Not-Okay] What is the reason behind Averie Quinn Auclair’s silence?’
’[Offended-I-Am] The Quinn’s Silence: An acknowledgment of guilt or realization of shame?’
’[ToCancel-Or-NotToCancel] Has the controversy broken the most exciting actor of the last five years?’
Articles peddling blatant lies had become a common sight.
Some of them went so far as to suggest his supposed ’involvement and participation in sexual misbehavior’ towards actresses on the set of BSPH.
Such claims were debunked and shamed almost instantly by Ellie Arnold, who was beyond angered.
Averie’s character was brought into question multiple times. It was making his friends and acquaintances nervous.
Calls from Yun-Ha—Min-Ha’s sister—were becoming frequent as she tried to convince her to take action about the situation.
Averie’s name had been dragged through the mud. There was nothing left that could worsen his reputation.
’That’s good enough, I suppose.’
"Rin," he called, stretching his body. "Set up the interview."
It was time to make the first of many moves in his plan.
Compared to what would come next, the interview was just a small step.
He had made up his mind to set an example, to respond in a manner that would leave a mark in the history of this industry.
"Should I call her here?" Hyerin asked, dialing her journalist friend.
"No, I would like to visit her. I haven’t had fresh air in a long time."
In the early evening, they left for the headquarters of AweScreen publication.
It had started as a publication that provided journalism solely on theater. But in recent years, they had pivoted towards films, dramas, and video games.
It wasn’t one of the biggest publications, but it was the one growing the most rapidly.
As the beautiful sedan drew closer to its destination, Averie phoned Peter Kang.
"Hey, man," Peter’s lazy voice answered. "What’s up?"
He seemed to have just woken up from an afternoon nap.
"I am finally going respond to those accusations."
"Yeah. So, listen, it’s not a big deal. And it’s fine to refuse. I was just wondering if I have your and everyone’s support for this. I tend to be reckless, you know?"
"Shit, man, of course. Of course, you have my support. Go ahead, do whatever you want. Go wild, man. Don’t worry about anything; you have my support, you hear? Don’t apologize for anything."
Poor Peter had no idea what he was getting himself into.
Even the Devil himself could not look that evil if he tried.
"Thanks, man. I appreciate it."
’If I weren’t so interested in acting, I would have been a good manipulator.’
Once at the publication building, the receptionist led them towards the interview room.
Every step he took drew attention towards him. But most—if not all—looked fairly fascinated.
Averie Quinn Auclair was a naturally attractive man.
Unlike the naïve populace, the journalists of AweScreen had seen through the deliberate attempts at ruining Averie.
Intrigued by their mesmerized gazes, Averie turned to the lady leading them.
"Do you not believe the rumors?"
"Why would I?" She covered her mouth as she giggled. "Would an actor as talented as you need to resort to that sort of thing when even the production was desperate for someone to fill the role?"
’Sound logic. The internet must not have rotten her brain.’
In the hallway, the group encountered a young lady with an arrogant countenance.
"Hey, you," she addressed Averie with a sharp tone. "Come here."
She gestured for him to come closer as if he was her servant.
"Who is that mass of unintelligent fat?" Averie whispered to Hyerin.
But it was Min-Ha who answered.
She pulled up a picture on her phone and showed it to Averie.
It had Tracy Park posing with Jiwon Kim and Min-Ho Kim.
"She is affiliated with Loret Entertainment."
Tracy looked mad as she walked up beside Averie.
"Do you not know how to greet your seniors?"
She kept going on about how he had no manners and needed to be taught a lesson.
"If you had some discipline, you wouldn’t have done what you did. Don’t rot the industry."
Averie listened intently without moving a muscle. His gaze was stuck to her chubby face.
In front of Averie were three options:
First, listen to her quietly.
That was never going to happen. It was not in Averie’s nature. He would rather jump into a burning building to roast peanuts than do that.
Second, insult her and move on.
That sounded like something Averie would love to do.
But her link with Loret was a game changer.
So, he chose the third option.
He feigned interest and, out of nowhere, placed a powerful slap on her left cheek.
The thunderous sound sent shockwaves through the air. It silenced not only the girl but the whole building.
Everyone was left speechless.
"Oh, I’m sorry." Averie smiled, bloodlust dripping from his eyes. "There was a dung fly on your face. The smell of rotten feces must have attracted it."
He had destroyed her on so many levels that half the people present were losing their minds.
Embarrassed and afraid of the unblinking psycho in front of her, the girl ran away.
Hyerin shook his arm, her face frozen in shock.
"She could file a complaint," she whispered.
"Then, I’ll slap her on the other cheek."
Some of the people saluted Averie, and others applauded.
The receptionist provided them with cookies and aromatic tea.
"Listen, you two," Averie said once the receptionist had left. "Once the interview starts, don’t interrupt it. No matter what I say, just keep silent."
And before long, the interviewer arrived.
"Hello," she said, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I am Sara Lee. It’s nice to finally make your acquaintance, Mr. Auclair."
"Please, you may call me The Quinn."
"Oh, okay." She laughed nervously. "Seeing as this is a sensitive matter, should we get started right away?"
"Before that, I have a request regarding the questions you will ask."
"Of course, if there is a particular subject you feel uncomfortable about, we could pass—"
"No. My request is for you to be ruthless."
’An interviewer should not be holding back.’
"Every question is fair game."
Sara looked excited. She had been wanting to interview him for a long time.
"Then, I will ask the most important question first." She assumed a professional tone. "Do you believe that the accusations made against you are reasonable, Mr. Auclair?"
Averie licked his lips and flashed a grin.
It was time to troll the entire country.
"Did you provide sexual favors for the role of Asmodeus Binsfeld?"