Genius Manager: I Can Make All Girls Talented!-Chapter 146 - - Early Morning

The morning sun filtered into the villa, golden and warm—but not as warm as the wildfire of media buzz that had ignited overnight.

Darius sat at the kitchen bar, a steaming mug of black coffee in hand, phone in the other. He scrolled through the headlines, one eyebrow raised as he sipped.

Superstar and Singer Yuna sleeps in the same bed as her agent! Romance sparks or strategic play?Love Island's "Untouchable Agent" melts for pop sensation Yuna—Fans ship the power duoThe Talent Magnet. Is he building his own empire on Love Island?

He exhaled through his nose, a faint chuckle escaping.

"So this is what it's like to be famous by proximity," he muttered, tossing his phone onto the counter and leaning back.

He wasn't angry. If anything, he found it amusing—strategic, even. The story would bring attention to his name, his agency, and most importantly, the future stars he planned to create. freёwebnoѵel.com

With that thought, he grabbed his phone again, unlocked it, and opened Histogram.

@DariusOfficial

Seems like I'm already making headlines—so let's turn the spotlight where it belongs.I'm officially scouting new talent. Singers. Dancers. Actors. Visionaries.If you've got the spark, send a message. Everyone's welcome at my Talent Agency.#Opportunity #TalentHunters #TalentRising

He hit post, then set the phone down again as footsteps approached behind him.

"Seen the news?" Yuna asked casually, slipping into the seat beside him. She wore an oversized hoodie, likely his, and her hair was pulled into a loose bun.

"Oh yeah," he replied, smirking. "Apparently, I seduced you in your sleep."

She snorted. "Not even in your dreams."

They shared a quiet laugh. But there was something in Yuna's eyes—pride. Gratitude. That night had proven more than just drama for the cameras. It was comfort. Trust.

Before they could say more, the front door burst open and Harry, the show's hyperactive host, entered with his usual flair.

"Rise and shine, my beautiful maniacs!" he shouted. "Time for your next challenge!"

Groans erupted from all corners of the villa. But Harry was already clapping his hands.

"Today's challenge is simple… but brutal. A triathlon-style event. Run, swim, then a solo climb up Lover's Cliff to retrieve a single golden rose."

The girls perked up immediately.

"Oh, and the winner," Harry added dramatically, "gets a romantic getaway with the girl of his choice. A private hot spring, open-air suite, a gourmet dinner for two... You get the idea."

The guys all stood a little straighter.

Darius stretched out his neck. "Any rules?"

Harry grinned. "Just one. No fighting. Apart from that—go all out."

***

An Hour Later – Beachside Challenge Arena

The contestants stood lined up at the edge of the sand, each barefoot, muscles tense, gazes locked forward. The ocean sparkled under the sun, waves crashing like drums. A winding trail stretched beyond the beach, wrapping around the jungle and curving up toward a steep cliffside visible in the distance.

The golden rose glinted at the top, nestled inside a glass dome like something out of a fairy tale.

Yuna, Alicia, Emma, Avery, and the rest of the girls gathered in shaded seating on the sidelines, colorful umbrellas above their heads and drinks in hand. But all their eyes were on one man.

"Go, Darius!" Alicia cheered.

"Show them who the king is!" Emma added.

Yuna simply locked eyes with him and nodded once. It was enough.

Matt scowled from the starting line. He was still sore from sleeping on hardwood.

"Three…" Harry called into the megaphone.

"Two…"

"ONE!"

BANG!

They launched forward like rockets.

Darius's feet pounded the sand with controlled force, his form clean and practiced. He didn't sprint recklessly like Brad or stumble like the slimmer, less athletic guys. He moved with purpose—economical and deadly efficient.

The run was nearly 1.5 kilometers along a hilly path before it dumped the contestants at the shoreline.

Brad led early—too much energy, not enough control. He flamed out just before the beach, his chest heaving.

Darius passed him like a shadow.

The ocean was next. A 200-meter swim through crashing waves and against the current. Most of the men hesitated.

Darius didn't.

He dove headfirst, slicing through the water like a trained swimmer. Even the camera crew on the nearby drone boats had trouble keeping up with him.

By the time he reached the end and climbed out of the water, the others were barely halfway.

Then came the hardest part—Lover's Cliff. It was steep, jagged, and carved with uneven holds. A single rope hung halfway up, swaying in the sea breeze.

Without pause, Darius began the ascent. His muscles flexed with each lift, fingers gripping natural rock like they belonged there.

The girls were on their feet now, screaming, shouting his name like fans at a concert.

Matt had just reached the base.

"FUCK," he cursed, already winded from the swim.

Darius was halfway up.

Alicia clutched Emma's hand.

"Is it weird that I'm turned on right now?" Emma whispered.

"No. Totally normal," Alicia replied.

Yuna said nothing. Her hand was clenched tightly around her drink, eyes locked on the figure scaling the cliff.

And then—

Ding!

Not from a bell—but the sound of glass cracking.

Darius reached the top. He placed one hand on the dome, twisted the latch open, and lifted the single golden rose out, its petals glittering in the sunlight.

The drone cameras zoomed in on his face.

Victory. Calm. Commanding.

By the time the others reached the bottom of the cliff, he was already on his way down.

Matt slumped into the sand at the base, soaked and defeated.

When Darius returned, Harry held the microphone with the energy of a game show host.

"Well, well, well! I think we all know who our winner is!"

The girls cheered. Even a few of the crew behind the scenes clapped.

"Darius!" Harry shouted, spinning dramatically. "The man, the myth, the—agent?"

Laughter rolled across the audience.

"You've got one golden rose," Harry continued. "And one choice to make."

Darius stepped forward, rose in hand. The girls quieted.

Yuna looked at him, expression unreadable.

Alicia bit her lip.

Emma looked away, trying not to look too hopeful.

Even Avery, usually cold, glanced up for a second.

Harry raised his mic.

"So, Darius… Who will you choose to join you on the romantic getaway?"

Darius looked at the girls… then slowly lifted the golden rose.

He opened his mouth—