Chapter 2

Jin Zairong was completely unable to believe what his cousin had just said. Was he hallucinating, or had something extraordinary really happened? Celebrity? The term "celebrity" has different meanings to different people, but it seemed that Li Jingming's meaning was the most straightforward.

"Bro, are you going back now just for this, to prepare to be an actor?" Being in Los Angeles, the holy land of actors worldwide, it was no wonder Jin Zairong would think in this direction. If one could debut as an actor in Hollywood, it would be like a dream come true for many people, especially for Koreans. Jin Zairong looked at Li Jingming's face, but saw him shake his head.

Jin Zairong was even more surprised, "You're not planning to be a singer, right? Could it be that you're going to be an idol?"

Li Jingming said something that completely shattered Jin Zairong's thoughts: "I'm planning to go back and serve in the military first."

"Bro, you're about to start your Ph.D.!" Jin Zairong looked at his cousin, feeling that his thoughts couldn't keep up with the changes in the world. His eyes were full of questions, but he didn't get any more answers.

In South Korea, obtaining a Ph.D. can exempt one from military service. Many Korean men work hard to complete their Ph.D. because serving two years in the military is often seen as less desirable than studying for two years. If not for fear of being beaten by his family, Jin Zairong might have already gotten tattoos all over his body or found a woman to have two children, as these actions can also exempt one from military service. Originally, if Li Jingming could complete his Ph.D. so early, it would be a significant advantage. He could start his career earlier than other Korean men, but today he was saying he would go back to serve in the military.

The men in the entertainment industry are just a microcosm of Korean men. Every year, a considerable number of people come up with new tricks to avoid military service, and new policies are introduced to counter these behaviors. Some manage to escape, while others end up in prison. Under the military service system of the Republic of Korea, the men who try to avoid it write a blood and tear epic that can be compared to "The Great Escape."

"Have you told Aunt and the others?" Jin Zairong asked in a low voice.

Li Jingming didn't answer but turned his gaze from the window, quietly looking into Jin Zairong's eyes without saying a word. But those bright, large eyes were already speaking volumes...

Jin Zairong thought about it. Once his cousin made a decision, even the elders in the family wouldn't say anything. In such a family, childish scenarios like disagreements between grandparents and grandchildren or leaving home due to family resistance simply don't happen. In such an environment, even young children know what they want and how to achieve it. Jin Zairong believed that if his cousin decided something, it must be right. Li Jingming, written as "cousin," reads as "truth."

Seeing Jin Zairong's thoughtful expression, Li Jingming didn't say anything and started the car. "Do you want me to take you back to school?"

"No, I just met you after so long, how can I leave now? But where are you staying tonight, in a hotel?" Jin Zairong seemed reluctant to leave. Li Jingming nodded. As a stranger in a foreign land, it wasn't easy to get settled quickly, and being alone was indeed a bit boring. Li Jingming had already known Jin Zairong's answer; he just wanted to spend more time with his family, so he used a question instead of a statement.

Meeting an old acquaintance in a foreign land is already a great fortune, let alone one's own cousin.

With this in mind, Jin Zairong followed his cousin to the hotel where Li Jingming was staying. He was a boarding student, but since he was in college and in America, skipping one night wasn't a big deal. If he could persuade his cousin to take him out to "see the world," he would be even happier. His cousin was a big tycoon, and if he could get a little something, his life would be much easier.

Li Jingming's abilities were admired by all the siblings in the family. First, his ability to make money. During holidays, the elders usually gave some pocket money. Given the different environment, they could get a fair amount of allowance each year, plus a fixed amount for expenses, so each child had some money. Other children would spend it on clothes and food, but Li Jingming used it to do business. If he didn't make money, it would just be a child's play, but making a little money would be a sign of genius. Jin Zairong had heard from his mother that his cousin had "made a lot of money," and in such a family, "a lot of money" had a different meaning.

Li Jingming drove while Jin Zairong admired the beautiful night scenery of Los Angeles. Although Jin Zairong didn't know the way or where he was, the surroundings were beautiful, and it was clearly a wealthy area. When the car stopped, Jin Zairong realized how wise his decision was. The reason was simple: as soon as he got out of the car, he heard a sentence: "Welcome to Montage Beverly Hills, Sir!"

Jin Zairong, who had good English, immediately understood: "Sir, welcome to the Montage Beverly Hills!"

"Bro, you're treating me to such a fancy dinner and staying in such a fancy hotel?" Jin Zairong's resentment was palpable, especially since the paper bag with the yellow letter "M" was still in the car.

"I just want to experience the feeling of being a big star first," Li Jingming replied with a smile. Seeing Jin Zairong still standing there with a pout, he added, "Rookie, welcome to Beverly Hills."

Jin Zairong knew his brother was rich, as evidenced by his willingness to spend $3,000 on a completely unimportant match. But since they had grown up and had less contact, Li Jingming wouldn't boast about his wealth at home. Jin Zairong had only heard about Li Jingming's achievements from the elders. He scratched his head, realizing he still didn't fully understand his cousin's life.

In Seoul, Jin Zairong had been to places like the Shilla Hotel and the Lotte Hotel, but he had to admit that there was a clear difference. Koreans always seemed proud in front of the world, but they were a bit more humble in front of Americans.

Li Jingming walked ahead, and Jin Zairong followed. Both were dressed casually, but there was no discrimination against Asians or people dressed below a certain price here. No one would come up to cause trouble, and the classic scene of the protagonist teaching a lesson to a discriminatory waiter wouldn't happen.

A classic scene appeared in Li Jingming's mind.

Waiter: "Sir, you can't go in here."

Protagonist: "Why can't I go in?"

Waiter: "There's no reason. I said you can't go in."

Protagonist: "Okay, you said I can't go in."

Waiter: "That's right, you can't go in."

Protagonist: "Hmph, I'm going in today."

Waiter: "Hmph, I won't let you in today!"

Thinking about it, Li Jingming laughed, which left Jin Zairong puzzled. His cousin had been serious all day, but why was he suddenly laughing so strangely? Was someone waiting for him here? Unable to figure it out, he obediently followed.

The hotel wasn't very large, but it was luxurious and exuded an air of opulence. Jin Zairong had been putting on a sophisticated act, but as soon as he entered the room, he revealed his true nature, looking around and touching everything, clearly very curious. Li Jingming just smiled, his cousin was still a child. Ignoring what Jin Zairong was doing, Li Jingming went to the balcony and stood there, lost in thought as he gazed at the night view outside.

A presidential suite isn't something you can just walk into; it requires a reservation and a lot of procedures. Li Jingming's was a governor's suite, which might not have as many facilities as a presidential suite but had a great view. How could an eight-story hotel make guests feel like they could see the entire city? It was because the hotel was situated on a high elevation, offering a panoramic view of the city.

Li Jingming wasn't just daydreaming; he was actually waiting for someone. His phone lay quietly in his pocket, and he was waiting for it to ring.

Li Jingming didn't simply want to become a "celebrity." For many people, the ultimate dream is to be on a big stage, basking in the cheers of the crowd. But for the former Li Jingming, these things had no meaning. Jin Zairong knew this, which is why he found Li Jingming's words unbelievable. But now, Li Jingming wanted to try that feeling, to have millions of people cheer his name and see him as a true idol.

Li Jingming had a grand plan, and he had been planning it for a long time. It wasn't easy to execute such a plan alone. As the saying goes, "One man with many helpers can achieve great things."

Li Jingming had already made the greatest effort, so he was confident that the people he needed would come and support him. To achieve the greatest results, one must make the greatest effort. Whether others would be willing was beyond his control, but he had to do his part. Sometimes, Li Jingming envied the protagonists in novels who could wave their hand and have a team of followers rush out to clear the way and eliminate obstacles.

Li Jingming was a bit tired of trying to convince others.

It was already June, and as Teacher Jianhong said, "Time is running out for the Chinese team." Not "Time is running out for the Chinese team," but "Time is running out for Li Jingming."

Jin Zairong wasn't without discernment. Today, Li Jingming was a bit serious, though he was usually serious. But he was very loving and often joked and played with his siblings. Today, Li Jingming clearly had something on his mind, so Jin Zairong decided to play for a while.

Li Jingming certainly had something on his mind, and he had had it since birth.

To be precise, he had had it since he was reborn in this life. He was a reincarnated soul.