Cain arrived in Zone A, District 1. Known as the main capital of Zone A, it was home to all major corporations, luxurious malls, and prominent entertainment giants.
Cain hadn't wanted to venture into this upscale district, but he couldn't risk entrusting his prized hair to a cheap barber. Despite the steep cost, he was willing to pay top dollar to ensure his long hair was expertly preserved and fashioned into a wig.
In the end, he didn't care about the style of his hair; his only concern was ensuring his cut hair was flawlessly transformed into a wig that he could wear wherever and whenever.
Rather, he was surprised at how well he was handling all this. He hadn't cut his hair in years and should have been fiercely protective of it. But given the choice between that and potential death, Cain knew exactly which one to choose.
"Hmm . . . this city is pretty crowded," Fifi observed, glancing at her Goddess screen. She had access to all the information she needed about Earth and its locations and all other information if she so wish to.
"This is the business district, so it's bound to be busy," Cain said without care, walking the streets with his hands inside his pockets.
"I see that this is the luxury district of Zone A. Good choice coming here. Now, leave it to me and I will find the best hair salon to cut your hair," Fifi said.
It wasn't about the price of the salon; it was about quality. Everyone knew that high-end salons boasted the best equipment and highly trained stylists who had traveled abroad to master their craft.
Cain had never been one for fancy salons. A $2 trim suited him just fine. But this was different. This was about his entire hair! He couldn't afford to be careless with this decision.
His future as a gangster-idol depended on it.
Cain ignored Fifi and continued to walk along the sidewalk, scanning the area. Maybe he could spot a barber shop along the way. He didn't care about the name of the shop, as long as, he could convert his cut hair into a wig.
He was confident that a high-end salon could handle it. They had the top-of-the-line equipment needed to transform his hair into a perfect wig, which was exactly why he had come all the way here.
He needed to preserve his hair at all cost!
The skyscrapers loomed above him, their reflective surfaces glinting in the morning sun, and the streets buzzed with life and energy. Cain weaved through the crowd, his disguise ensuring no one recognized him.
Fifi floated beside him, her tiny form glowing softly. "Alright, I've got a few top-rated salons that top idols went. Follow my lead."
Cain grunted in response, still preferring to rely on his instincts. But in the end, they ended up in a high-end hair salon with sleek, modern décor and decided to check it out.
Cain pushed open the door, and a chime signaled his entrance. Inside, the air was cool, and the atmosphere exuded luxury.
"Welcome," a stylist greeted him with a professional smile. "How can we help you today?"
Cain removed his mask and sunglasses. He noticed immediately how the stylist's welcoming smile vanished, replaced by a frown.
The customers inside the salon gave him a once-over, their gazes judgmental and scrutinizing.
Cain ignored them. "I need a haircut," he started, but the stylist cut him off before he could finish.
"I'm sorry, but we're full right now."
"Full?" Cain raised an eyebrow, glancing around the salon at the half-empty seats. "I don't know what 'full' means to you unless you're saying there are ghosts sitting in those empty chairs."
The stylist let out a condescending laugh. "I'm sorry, sir, but we only accept appointments. Do you have one?"
Cain doubted that. Just moments ago, he was welcomed like a celebrity, but once he showed his face, they turned him away.
Cain glared at the stylist, and the woman backed away slightly, her smile dropping.
"If you don't have an appointment, please leave right away before I call security," she said.
The other customers were also uncomfortable around Cain, eyeing him warily as if he were up to no good.
Cain clicked his tongue and left without another word.
When Cain was gone, the room breathed easier.
"That shocked me. I really thought he was a celebrity with his build, but underneath, he was just a scary-looking thug," the stylist dryly remarked.
"You shouldn't have let that man come in here in the first place," a client commented.
"Yeah, you could easily lose your reputation if you just let anyone in here," another chimed in.
"Sorry about that. The guard at the entrance might have thought he was an important figure with the mask and all."
"You can't really be too careful nowadays."
"That's right. Anyone could imitate a person by just wearing a mask and sunglasses."
"Apparently, even those so-called influencers on BuzzVid think they're celebrities. Who even knows them?"
"Not to brag, but our salon only accepts well-known celebrities and important figures. Even an influencer with one million followers isn't welcome here," another stylist bragged.
The clients chuckled, their egos swelling at the exclusivity of the salon. Suddenly, a light bulb burst with a sharp crack, and they shrieked, their self-assuredness shattered in an instant.
Meanwhile, Fifi appeared beside Cain with a sullen expression. "Well, I guess high-end salons are like that. They wouldn't accept just anybody as a client. Though annoying as it is, that's their BRAND working for you."
"Brand?" Cain questioned, not really bothered by the whole ordeal. There were plenty of salons in the district, not just that, so it didn't dampen his mood one bit.
"That's right. BRAND is crucial for both corporations and celebrities. Establishing a strong brand can significantly boost your value as an idol. With a recognized brand, you can command higher fees for projects and even choose the ones you want to work on. Your brand encompasses your overall image — appearance, personality, and abilities. It's essential to cultivate this if you aspire to be a top idol."
"Hmm . . . just like a gangster then. I'm known as Cain the 'Beast' Carter because of my fighting style," he said proudly. "Of course, the reason is because I fight like a beast."
Fifi grumbled under her breath. "Kind of like that, but don't compare your trash thug life to the shining prestigious title of a top idol."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Cain waved dismissively and entered another salon Fifi recommended. Distracted by their conversation, he bumped shoulders with someone entering at the same time as him.
"Watch where you're going," the person snapped.