From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show Chapter 1: White Tiger Lackey

In the bustling, chaotic streets of Shanghai, a notorious thug known as Chen Jun Hao reigned supreme with an iron fist. Feared widely for his brutal strength and cold-blooded nature, Jun Hao had climbed the ladder from a common lackey to become the trusted right-hand man of the White Tiger gang leader by the year 2022.

"Jun Hao! Boss is requesting your presence," called Bo Wen, a friend distinguished by his bald head.

"Where is the Boss?"

"He is waiting in the warehouse. He wants you there immediately."

"I am on my way."

Tossing his cigarette aside, Jun Hao strode toward the warehouse. As he passed, his subordinates lowered their heads in respect, a sight that brought him immense satisfaction. After eight grueling years of running errands, cleaning floors, and performing every sordid task imaginable, he had finally ascended to the position of the Boss's primary lieutenant. It was a status earned through merit, especially after he successfully secured the land the Boss had desperately coveted.

Upon entering the warehouse, the suffocating stench of gasoline and blood stung his nostrils. It was dark, as was standard for his meetings with the Boss, whose face and true identity remained a mystery to him. He only knew the man by the distinct white tiger tattoo etched onto his left forearm.

"You summoned me?"

"Ah, Jun Hao. It’s been a while. I hear things have been going quite well for you recently."

"Indeed," I replied with a smile. "All territories are currently under my control."

"That is excellent news. And how is your sister doing?"

Jun Hao smiled fondly. "She remains utterly obsessed with those Korean idols. Every night, she begs me to fly her to South Korea, but you know how it is—I don't have the funds for such luxuries," he chuckled.

Mei Ling, Jun Hao's sister, was his final piece of family. Their father was Chinese and their mother was Korean; consequently, Jun Hao was fluent in both languages, having learned Korean from his mother before she passed away shortly after giving birth to Mei Ling. Their father died from a drug overdose not long after. Orphaned at age eight, Jun Hao took charge of his sister's care until he turned eighteen, when he struggled to find legitimate work due to his lack of a high school education. During a confrontation with some local bullies, the Boss had intervened, taking him under his wing and moldng him into a lackey. He learned to fight, negotiate, and manipulate; while he knew the man was a villain, the pay was enough to sustain them.

The Boss chuckled. "That is good. She is of legal age now, isn't she?"

Jun Hao frowned, his tone cautious. "Yes. May I ask why you are inquiring about that?"

"No particular reason," the Boss brushed it off. "Did you finalize the deal with the Thunder Dragons?"

"I did," Jun Hao boasted. "I secured the briefcase you requested."

"Hand it over to me."

Jun Hao stood firm. "I haven't received my pay for this month, Boss. I need those funds for my sister's tuition. I apologize for withholding it, but you will have the briefcase the moment I am paid."

The atmosphere shifted. The Boss was visibly displeased; he had grown increasingly suspicious of Jun Hao since his promotion. "Give me the briefcase," the Boss demanded.

"Not until I receive my payment."

The Boss had reached his limit. Fearing the rumors of Jun Hao’s growing strength, he decided that if he could not obtain the prize through cooperation, he would take it by force. Suddenly, a cold shiver crept down Jun Hao’s spine just as heavy footsteps echoed through the warehouse.

"Bo Wen? Why are you here?" Jun Hao asked.

Bo Wen did not answer, instead aiming a firearm directly at his head. Caught off guard, Jun Hao tried to break free, but another gang member seized his arms, pinning him in place. His jaw tightened as he glared at the men he had once considered his allies.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"It is a genuine shame, Jun Hao," the Boss remarked coldly. "You are a capable man—a very capable man, in fact. However, I cannot tolerate my own right-hand man defying my orders, can I?"

Jun Hao struggled to break the hold, but his efforts against five men were futile. The Boss stepped closer and pressed the barrel of his gun against Jun Hao's temple.

"Do not do this, Boss. I have served this gang with everything I have."

"You certainly have," the Boss replied. "And I fear that you will only continue to grow stronger. It is safer to eliminate you now before you become a threat."

Bang.

Darkness consumed Jun Hao’s vision.

[System integrating]

Jun Hao gasped, bolting upright in an unfamiliar room. It was tiny—even more cramped than the dilapidated apartment he had shared with his sister. He clenched his fists, the memory of the betrayal burning in his mind. After dedicating his entire life to the gang, this was his reward?

At the very least, he was alive. He had no idea what fate would have befallen his sister had he truly died. As he climbed out of bed, he felt unusually light; his stiff muscles felt fluid, as if he had literally aged in reverse. His skin looked paler, too.

What caused this? "Mei Ling?" he called out, stopping short as the sound of his own voice startled him. It was soft, high-pitched, and lacked the raspy, smoker’s edge he was accustomed to. Everything felt wrong, so he hurried to the bathroom to splash his face. As he looked into the mirror, he recoiled in horror.

"Ahh! Who is this?" he retreated a step, touching his face and feeling the delicate, smooth skin of a young boy.

[System has been integrated.]

A glowing, holographic projection ignited in the center of the room, displaying a sleek, futuristic AI. [Congratulations, Chen Jun Hao! You have been selected.]

Jun Hao’s eyes widened, his initial panic turning to curiosity. "Selected? Chosen for what?"

[You have been chosen as the host to embark on a journey of transformation to become an elite idol.]

Jun Hao’s jaw fell open, his face a complex mask of terror and disbelief. Then, without warning, the world turned black again.