Business block, Zithen family complex, State Zhyphrese, Draconian continent Voldage, and the Year 2041, Planet Grimoire.
Thanks to the auspiciously timed offering of the energy bar, Tae-Jun no longer felt sick. He also understood better what he'd viewed from afar as the family complex was concerned. Seven families resided in the complex, none of which were blood-related. That included Cili Midda, who appeared to be of the mind to remain buried in the complex. However, he never gave an opinion of what he thought about everything in the complex.
Tae-Jun ran through the memories he acquired while waiting for his turn in the dressing room. Of all the people residing in the complex, Tae-Jun and his mother, Esther Han, were the newest ones to join. He did have to question her choice of becoming a mistress. It didn't fit what he knew of her personality through the memories cascading into his mind.
Other questions ran through Tae-Jun's mind about the truth concerning their relationship. From what he could tell, Tae-Jun also looked nothing like her. So, that made Tae-Jun question the validity of her giving birth to him. He had zero memory of what his biological father looked like. Therefore, Tae-Jun needed help knowing what was truth or fiction regarding claims about his hereditary draconic lineage.
All of the necessary information slid into his mind, so he didn't make any mistakes when etiquette was required or when greeting someone the former owner liked. As for those he hadn't wanted, the less said, the better.
Tae-Jun was still adjusting to his new reality. However, he was someone completely different now, or so he'd believed. Tae-Jun carefully studied his reflection in the mirror. This was still too strange for him to reconcile with his new body.
It was almost flawless, but Tae-Jun recognized the signs of a battle-hardened warrior. However, he doubted any official family knew about the former owner's antics. He'd been quite the brawler and a very successful one, too. He'd also engaged in dance battles now that Tae-Jun recognized the memories. So, he had been interested in part of what an idol needed. He just was uncomfortable being in front of a camera.
That was awkward, and Tae-Jun didn't blame the former owner. It wasn't something he found comfortable either. Unfortunately, it seemed that was part and parcel of becoming an idol.
*
Despite how well Tae-Jun began blending in with those immediate people he first met, Cilin could tell this entire procedure was taking a toll on him. Whatever his past, it hadn't included being a social animal. That was one thing the former Tae-Jun had excelled in dealing with creeps and untrustworthy individuals.
Cilin knew the moment that Tae-Jun encountered someone the former Tae-Jun hadn't liked. That had been both awkward and hilarious to observe. It also struck Cilin as interesting that Tae-Jun seemed aware of the animosity from almost everyone he encountered.
As for the few who didn't hold hatred toward Tae-Jun, he seemed completely fine with interacting with them. A sigh escaped Cilin. He still didn't know how to act around Tae-Jun, much less deal with the quandary the former Tae-Jun dumped in his lap.
Who knew what kind of sexuality this person had when it came to relationships? For that matter, did he even have experiences worth delving into?
Well, no matter the question, Cilin would support Tae-Jun in how he handled matters, so long as he wasn't the favored partner. After all, Cilin sighed, he did have a fiancée. However, that was a topic for another day.
In the meantime, Cilin noticed a few people hanging around in the corridor who belonged somewhere else. "Hey there, go away." He fussed at them.
"Why should we?" One reporter snapped. "We're allowed to speak with personnel regarding prospective idols."
Oh, right, the preliminary interviews were taking place. How could Cilin have forgotten about that? Cilin frowned at the reporters. "Still, there is a time and place for that, and it isn't here." He made a slight motion. "Now, leave, and don't bring that subject up again."
The reporters glowered but retreated to the waiting room, where they were supposed to remain.
Right then, a door opened, and Tae-Jun emerged. Cilin was struck speechless when setting eyes on him. He cleared his throat. "I shall take you to the room where the photo shoot is happening." Luckily, he could avoid those crazy reporters in the process.
*
At last, Tae-Jun would soon face a camera. He was merely going through one last check of his features to see if he needed any additional covering of very light makeup.
Now, he sat in a luxurious dressing room. Long black hair flowed loosely over his left shoulder. The right side was shaved closely. His eyes were a very light green, almost bottle-glass green. His skin was tanned, which was not something Tae-Jun recalled as usual.
Much to his shock, something else he'd discovered was that he had a tattoo, and it was hereditary. So, the draconian people here also became dragons that featured the coloration of the tattoos that appeared on their bodies. However, Tae-Jun thought that no one had ever seen what kind of tattoo he had before.
Even Tae-Jun had some qualms about it. In all his memories, there was no record of this particular combination of colors. He had a gray, silver, and black dragon tattoo covering the right side of his face down to his foot. The other merely showed him having a muscular build but not stocky, leaner like a dancer. He wore a loose black vest, and low riding, tight hip-hugging jeans, and black boots. Silver and gold chains clinked and hung from belt loops.
The stylist glanced over Tae-Jun's appearance and nodded with satisfaction. "You're good to go," she stated. "Go do the family, Zithen, proud, young master Tae-Jun."
Zithen family huh? Tae-Jun merely nodded and rose from the chair. Well, at least he knew which family he belonged to now.
Cilin escorted him to the room where the photo shoot would take place.