Chapter 25
Wow, totally busted, Seong Jiwon?
Who who was he?
Kim Seonghyeon seemed to know something as he frowned, but Seong Jiwon just greeted him calmly.
Hello, Yu Hyeok-sunbae.
Hahaha, just kidding, buddy! Whats with that disgusting look?
The man called Yu Hyeok put his arm around Seong Jiwons shoulder.
Ah, now he seemed familiar. Today, a boy group that debuted three years ago. They were quite popular because they came from a large agency and even won first place a few times.
Speaking of which, was their agency D.go? It was the large entertainment company Seong Jiwon used to belong to.
No matter how much earlier I debuted, weve been eating from the same pot for years. I just wanted to talk to you because its been a while, and Ive heard good things about you lately.
Thanks.
It seemed the two practiced together in the past.
Im really glad things turned out well. My heart ached when your debut got canceled. I worried that maybe you were pushed out because of me like I stole your spot.
Me?
Im happy to see things working out for you, even if its late.
But this guy, he was subtly jabbing at Seong Jiwon.
I hope things continue to go well. Well its a game with a predetermined outcome anyway.
A predetermined outcome?
Before I could even deduce what he meant, Yu Hyeok glanced at Kim Seonghyeon. Seeing his glare at Kim Seonghyeon, I remembered where I had seen him before. He was the guy who stared too long when a girl group member handed a note to Kim Seonghyeon earlier.
Your hoobae should work hard too. If you keep being clingy here and there, itll cause bad rumors.
Ah.
Now the situation was clear.
This Yu Hyeok seemed to have a crush on that girl group member, and he was upset because she showed interest in Kim Seonghyeon instead.
Kim Seonghyeon, who had never been clingy, raised his eyebrows in disbelief. At that moment, I deliberately dropped a piece of paper on the floor.
Oh, shoot!
When I said it out loud, everyones attention turned to us. I hurriedly picked up the note and carefully put it in Kim Seonghyeons pocket.
Seonghyeon, be careful with it.
Seonghyeon?
Whats this after dropping it, huh?
Kim Seonghyeon looked at me with a bewildered expression. He didnt seem to understand what was going on. Yu Hyeoks eyes were fixed on Seonghyeons pocket.
No matter how many you receive, you shouldnt be dropping them like this.
What
Oh right, you said you werent interested, didnt you?
I pulled out the piece of paper from Kim Seonghyeons pocket.
Ill pass this on to the manager.
Hey, whats that?
Oh, sorry for interrupting. Kim Seonghyeon is just so careless.
Yu Hyeok couldnt take his eyes off the note. I bowed my head with a kind smile.
Thank you for the advice, sunbae. We wont be swayed by such things in the future, and well work hard.
I grinned and playfully waved the paper.
It was an outright provocation. Yu Hyeoks expression turned grim, realizing what I had done.
Seong Jiwon let out a hollow laugh, and next to him, Kang Ichae turned red as he tried to hold back his laughter.
You Whats your name?
Its Seo Hoyun, sunbae.
As I answered with a smile, Yu Hyeok approached me and snatched the paper.
You little punk, already losing your mind? Thinking youre something just because you got a note?
I obediently handed it over. Shocked glances were cast from the side.
Hey, youre the one who said to watch your mouth at the broadcasting station.
Are you crazy? A note with a sunbaes phone number?
Its personal information?
That was the kind of look they gave.
They were probably worried the note would be passed to that sunbae, and wed get caught. But I was confident.
Yu Hyeok unfolded the note with a swagger.
Ill pass this on to that sunbae. You guys are already acting so high and mighty without manners Huh.
Yu Hyeok checked the folded paper and closed his mouth.
Yes?
Yeees? What did you say?
Because, you see, it was a receipt.
A receipt for the salad we had for breakfast.
I wouldnt carelessly leak personal information like that.
A receipt?
I tilted my head. Kang Ichae was laughing so hard beside me that he was almost in tears.
What is this?
Ah, its the receipt for the salad we had for breakfast. Our manager always tells us to take the cash receipts when we buy something.
But Kim Seonghyeon doesnt know these things very well. Maybe because hes only focused on practicing.
Then what you said earlier about not being swayed was.
Oh, I thought you were obviously talking about dieting.
As I calmly replied, even Seong Jiwons face turned red, trying to hold back laughter.
I, on the other hand, sighed.
Being an idol was tough These kids were jealous of their juniors wanting to date
Sunbae, I dont know why you want our receipt, but if you wish, feel free to take it.
Maybe he has a hobby of collecting cash receipts Thats unusual.
Or maybe he just likes the smell of the salad on the receipt Wait, do salads even have a smell?
Hey, hey. You should keep that kind of stuff to yourself.
Jeong Dajun muttered seriously beside me. I pretended to stop him with a laugh.
Jeong Dajun, this guy was really funny. A great character for variety shows. Especially when theres an opportunity to tease people, I must involve Jeong Dajun.
These punks
Yu Hyeoks face turned red and pale. He lunged at me as if to grab my collar, but I dodged him smoothly.
If Yu Hyeok threw a punch at me here, it wouldnt be too bad to use it to our advantage. I was secretly looking forward to it.
It would be great if Kang Ichae was recording this. Yu Hyeok was trying to grab me at that very moment.
Ah, Seo Hoyun!
A familiar voice was heard. Turning my head, I saw Joo Woosung raising his hand and approaching.
Come to think of it, I heard he was here as a special MC.
Joo Woosung was nothing extraordinary, but because his debut and popularity were top-notch, everyone around him bowed 90 degrees every time he stepped in the hallway. It was a truly bizarre sight.
Are you some kind of god?
What are you doing? You should greet people when you arrive.
Hmm
It was similar to what Yu Hyeok had said to Seong Jiwon earlier, but it strangely felt okay when Joo Woosung said it.
He must be trying to help.
I got goosebumps from his overly friendly tone, but I smiled broadly anyway.
Sunbae, I went to see you earlier, but you werent there.
Sunbae? Dont be so formal Just call me hyung like you usually do. And hello to the rest of you too.
Hello!
Have you been practicing? Did you improve from the last time I saw you?
Joo Woosung chuckled and tapped me. I thought he had caught on to my intentions
Is he actually helpful?
In terms of experience and recognition, Yu Hyeok was no match for Joo Woosung.
As if sensing something strange, Yu Hyeok looked at Joo Woosung and bowed at a 90-degree angle.
Hello, Joo Woosung-sunbae!
Ah Right.
Joo Woosung glanced at him. Yu Hyeok quickly changed his demeanor and clung to him, flaunting their closeness.
Ive been enjoying the album you gave me last time, sunbae. I cant tell you how excited I was when I heard you were coming as a special MC.
Shouldnt this guy have been an actor rather than an idol?
Mmm Thanks, Yu
Yes, sunbae!
Yu Yu Hyung, was it? Like a math problem?
Study guide?
Joo Woosung burst into laughter after saying it himself. It was a dad joke.[1]
Sorry, Im not good with faces I dont recognize well.
Yu Hyeok was totally burned.
His expression twisted for a moment, and then immediately relaxed.
Its Yu Hyeok.
Aha.
Then Joo Woosung turned his gaze back to me. As an idol, he must have known the name of a fairly famous junior, so he deliberately ignored Yu Hyeok.
Seo Hoyun, you have some time before the recording, right? Come to my dressing room later.
Why?
Well, I just want to catch up for a bit. Its been hard to get in touch since youre so busy, you rascal.
Joo Woosungs acting had improved since I last saw him. I pretended to be embarrassed for no reason.
Oh, I forgot. Sorry.
Its fine. See you later.
I gave an OK sign and watched Joo Woosung walk away. Then, I smiled and greeted Yu Hyeok, who was dumbfounded after being ignored.
The sunbae Yu Hyeok tried to show off his connections with was treating Seo Hoyun nicely. That must be infuriating.
Such people definitely get frustrated.
Sunbae, you seem hungry. Make sure to eat well.
Go practice or something, kid.
Everyone quickly moved away from Yu Hyeok, trying not to laugh. After a while, Kim Seonghyeon quietly added a comment.
Youre really cunning, but its reassuring when youre on our side.
Ill take that as a compliment.
***
Oh, youre here.
Right before your eyes, the great Mr. Shin O Jeong X is here.
Come on in, come on in.
Joo Woosung said this as I walked into the waiting room he was using alone.
I was pretty good, right?
Joo Woosung took his eyes off his phone and looked at me, bragging. I chuckled and plopped down on the sofa next to him.
Why is the MCs dressing room for one person so spacious? Ours is like a chicken coop.
Well, I am Joo Woosung.
True. Hes one of the top idols in Korea, both in name and reality. Would I be able to escape this game after I complete the main scenario by reaching that kind of level?
I stared at him and checked his stats.
[Youre viewing Joo Woosungs stats.
Singing: A+
Dancing: S+
Entertainment: A0
???: ???
??: ??
Charm: S-]
I was speechless for a moment.
Wow
What is it?
No, I just realized how far I still have to go.
Huh? Why?
So, I needed to build up stats like this guy to be on his level? When would I ever get out of this game? Could I get out before I turn eighty?
Losing my enthusiasm, I pouted, and Joo Woosung narrowed his eyes.
Are you mocking me right now?
No, Im not.
It sure seems like it.
I was just admiring your stats, you brat.
There was no point in saying that since he wouldnt believe me, so I ignored it.
So, what is it? Why did you call me?
Talking about it outside would feel awkward, and I didnt want to risk running into any White Cherry members.
White Cherry?
I raised my eyebrows. Joo Woosung gave an uncomfortable smile.
Ive become a legendary jerk within White Cherry.
Oh, right. They were dating.
Did you break up?
I was dumped, actually.
One of them finally escaped.
Of course, I was talking about White Cherrys side.
Kids these days are scary, you know? Splashing water wasnt enough; they brought a big bowl of water from the bathroom and threw it at me. I was completely soaked.
Well, thats understandable.
I crossed my arms, looking at the legendary jerk.
Well I am a jerk, after all.
Whats going on?
Was he finally going to treat his fans better? Or was it just a realization after being threatened?
Anyway, if I leave, half of those people are my ex-girlfriends.
Hey, Im not that bad Am I?
Joo Woosung seriously pondered. I ignored him.
Anyway, I didnt call you to talk about that. Its something else.
What is it?
You guys are entering a competition this time, right?
I was about to dismiss it as nothing serious and respond casually when my ears perked up.
How did you know?
I heard it from someone. It seems the variety show department is pushing for that program this time. The lineup doesnt look bad.
Joo Woosung said, tapping on his phone.
Shining Star seemed to be a gathering of idols with moderate popularity. I didnt know the lineup was considered good, though.
Did you hear whos participating?
From what I know, Refined, Maze, and Today, the ones who picked a fight with you guys earlier.
Hmm
Refined, Maze, and Today. All of them debuted between 1-4 years ago. The competition seemed fiercer than I thought. Today has overwhelmingly higher recognition. It might be tough to break through the competition here.
But dont expect to win first place.
I quickly raised my head.
I thought he said that because of the difference in popularity, but Joo Woosung added calmly.
Theres already a predetermined winner.
What?
Shining Star and Todays agency seem to have strong ties. Theyve already arranged everything and are proceeding with the program.
A rigged program with a predetermined winner. Thats why Yu Hyeok said those words earlier.
The outcome is already set.
Todays side must know it as well.
I wondered if Kang Ichae recorded it earlier but decided to drop it. Yu Hyeoks words were too weak to overturn the situation. It would be over if he claimed he didnt have such intentions since it was too vague.
As I was thinking about what to do, Joo Woosung casually said.
This kind of thing is common. Im telling you not to be too passionate and end up disappointed.
As far as I know, the second and third places havent been determined. You wont be able to compete with other groups as the first place, but itll still be quite useful for raising your recognition.
My disappointment must have shown as Joo Woosungs words became lengthier.
Thank you.
Huh?
Im grateful you told me. Can I tell the members and the company about this?
Yeah, theyd know anyway. Just dont mention that Im the source.
I understand.
Seeing my unbroken spirit, Joo Woosung raised his eyebrows with a Look at this expression.
More importantly, there was something else.
Whos the PD?
All of a sudden?
Yes. Did you hear who the PD of Shining Star is?
The CEO said they were still searching for one. Joo Woosung frowned at the unexpected question.
I dont remember that. Why?
Its important. Can you find out for me?
Well, finding out isnt a problem Whoa.
Joo Woosungs words trailed off, and he suddenly asked earnestly.
Seo Hoyun, youre not planning to threaten the PD, right?
I wouldnt do that.
I cant believe you since you have a history of it.
It was difficult to damage a PDs reputation, even when they had flaws. I had to look for another way.
Rather than threatening, something more enticing
As I was pondering, Joo Woosung shrugged.
Anyway, Ill find out and let you know. If you have any more questions about the program, just ask.
Why are you being so helpful?
Joo Woosung had been surprisingly helpful to a blackmailer like me. When I asked him honestly, he just grumbled.
Even when Im being nice, youre suspicious, you bastard.
Im joking. I appreciate it, so consider me in your debt.
What would I gain by having you in my debt?
Well, who knows what will happen in life?
It was good for me that they were helpful. Joo Woosung and Lim Hyeonsu were softer than I thought.
My focus was already on Shining Star. It was understandable since a new quest window had appeared.
[Quest Arrival!
Win first place on Shining Star.
Success: Acquire hidden talent, +50 to all stats.
Failure: Unable to release the next album for 3 years]
I needed to create a new plan.
[1] So the joke is essentially a play on the similar-sounding words (Yoo Hyeok, his name) and (Yoo Hyung, the word for study guide).
Love the series? Share your thoughts on Novel Updates by rating and reviewing it now!
Also, would you consider making a donation to support our ongoing efforts in translating new chapters?
Ready to be a hero? Commission more chapters for everyone to relish (beyond the regular releases), get cool credit, and turbo-charge our translation speed - it's all part of the fun!
This chapter is updat𝓮d by fre(e)webnov(l).com