Shadow's Hand - Chapter 34: Hooked

“Tycoon Actor in Hollywood” unfolds the story of a failed actor from Earth who finds himself transmigrated into the body of a struggling young man in New York, USA, in a parallel world. Join us as we follow Lucas Knight's journey, step by step, as he ascends to stardom in the heart of Hollywood.---[This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. While certain renowned figures may appear in this narrative, their portrayal is fictionalized and does not intend to represent their actual lives or actions.]

Once upon a time, there was a makeup artist who possessed outstanding skills and top-notch aesthetic judgement. When he did makeup for various stars, he could embellish sharpness onto the smooth vases that lacked edges, and he could make models who exceeded the boundaries of aesthetics to appear delicate and soft, more approachable to people.

Male stars loved to request him, for he had a thorough understanding of masculine charm in particular, and the makeup he did was never garishly slathered in oils or powders, instead exuding a natural, dashing air of elegance.

Female stars loved to request him, because not only was he excellent in his skills, he was also everyone’s closest confidant; when they chatted, he could easily hold any conversation, and his mouth would be tightly sealed, never allowing anyone’s privacy to slip out.

Although this person was quite young, after getting by in the makeup industry the past few years, he was virtually considered as a distinguished personality in his profession, and would be referred to as a ‘master’ wherever he went.

But he had a terrifying secret. He needed to carefully tread on thin ice and couldn’t expose even the slightest traces; otherwise, nobody would invite him to work ever again, and nobody would apply to the classes he led anymore.

—He was a straight man.

- Description from Novelupdates

Abandoned since childhood, the male protagonist lived a quiet, unremarkable life, until the day he awakened a strange and powerful ability: he could hear the inner voices of women.With this gift, he could understand their true thoughts, hidden desires, and deepest fears.Suddenly, everything changed. From a social outcast to an irresistible enigma, he began to navigate a world of secrets and seduction. His main goal? To earn the approval of the cold and powerful president’s. But along the way, hearts began to fall, first the alluring president, then the charming teacher’s aunt, followed by the seductive supervisor’s sister…With each connection, his influence grew. But with every new woman drawn to him, so too did the dangers of jealousy, secrets, and emotional entanglements.Who will be the next one? ...

Reborn as Javier De Armand, the youngest son of a lower rank noble household, former salaryman Nakamura Junichi faces a world of privilege, chaos, and responsibility.From his earliest days as a baby to his rise as a formidable adult, Javier’s life is anything but simple., Javier must navigate the expectations of noble society while pursuing his own freedom and dreams.As he grows, he learns that nobility comes with its burdens—managing territories, forging alliances, defending against enemies, and earning the respect of both his peers and the commoners he vows to protect. But life as a noble is no fairy tale. Rival families scheme for power, enemy threaten the borders, and kingdoms teeter on the brink of war.Being the youngest son places Javier in a unique position. Neither the heir nor the spare, he must carve out his own role within his family and society. With his sharp mind, decisive personality, and memories of his past life, Javier takes on challenges that many would shy away from.Recruit allies and build his own influence, carefully balancing his desire for independence with the duties expected of him as a noble. Along the way, he must navigate family dynamics, political challenges, and his ambition to leave a lasting mark on this fantastical world.In a realm where strength, wit, and cunning reign supreme, Javier's journey blends humor, slice-of-life moments, and lighthearted chaos as he crafts his own destiny while keeping those closest to him by his side.