《Payback》 CH 1 ¡°Turning over a new leaf¡±. That¡¯s a good saying. Letting go of the past, being a good person is the right thing to do. However, it would be best to have a situation where you don¡¯t have to turn over a new leaf in the first place. Unfortunately, I wasn¡¯t in the best situation. Because I was a complete jerk, like a typical ruffian. Since middle school, I¡¯ve been suspended frequently for doing all sorts of bad things, and I was expelled from high school after not attending for a year. My mother, who raised me and my brother without her husband, also stopped berating me with a desperate face when I was expelled from school. She must have been very tired. She must have wanted to give up on her son as she was busy working at a restaurant from dawn and making ends meet. After not attending school, I thought my world like a foal without reins, so I did anything I wanted to. I forcefully took money from people of the same age wearing school uniforms, stole the money from drunkards and drank alcohol every day. Being free from anyone¡¯s interference, I smoked two or three packs a day, and later I began to engage in drugs, starting with what someone gave me. I got a tattoo to show off, rode a motorcycle, hung out with guys like me, and fought. Probably because the only thing I knew how to do was fight, I led the group and enjoyed doing dangerous feats on the motorcycle in the middle of the night. I thought it was cool at the time. I thought that I was a great guy. Everyone was afraid of me, they didn¡¯t even dare to meet my eyes. Little did I know that all of these gradually numbed me and pushed me into an inescapable abyss. From time to time, I hear some stories about people who turned over a new leaf, one of which says that one day he suddenly felt skeptical about himself and came to his senses. How nice would it be if I could do that too? It would have been good if I had looked in the mirror and got surprised by the blond haired delinquent and came to my senses. I know it¡¯s useless to regret now, but when I think about the past, the guilt weighs down my heart. When other people reached the age where they had to rush to prepare for university entrance exams, I worked for a loan business, saying I was getting a job. What I do was collect the money. Most of the people who couldn¡¯t pay back were people who could barely live by, but had nowhere to run away to because they were so poor. However, in my eyes, it was just extra pay. I committed violence, threatened children and women, waited until midnight and threatened them with a knife. I did anything to get the money. The amount of money I earned was greater than I thought, and I was as proud as ever. See, making money is easy. Everyone was still afraid of me and there seemed to be nothing I couldn¡¯t do. My mom who spent a decade working in the restaurant and couldn¡¯t get out of the basement single-room monthly rent was pitiful and irritable. So I never brought home the money I earned. I was busy using it for entertainment. I drank expensive liquor every day, wandered around in high-end bars and pubs and enjoyed feeling like I was an amazing person. The only person I spent money on was my lover, Myeongshin. Having dropped out of high school like me, he was a pretty-looking man who could make people believe he was a woman. Myeongshin, who made me realize for the first time that I could sleep with men, didn¡¯t talk much but just followed me around like a puppy, spurred my protective instincts. There was no need to worry about getting pregnant and we could satisfy physiological needs at any time if needed. At first it was just that, but after meeting him for a year, I started thinking that he was my woman. Of course, I found out later that it was my own illusion. No, life itself at that time was an illusion to me, so I don¡¯t think he was anything special. Perhaps because of his outstanding appearance, he wanted to become a celebrity and diligently attended school with the money I gave him, and wandered around the entertainment agencies. I wondered if he would be able to act with that meek personality, but I didn¡¯t care much. It was my daily routine to comfort him, who was always deceived by fraud agencies and lost money and was depressed. Then a year passed and it became early summer. While guys my age have entered college and enjoyed college life for 2 years, I was still making money by threatening people. That day, I had a strangely bad morning. The boyfriend who was often tricked by his entertainment companies, came by a few days ago excitedly saying that this casting was real. If that was true, I¡¯d be robbed of money again. Even thinking about it, his excited face strangely offended me. As I drank until dawn, I woke up late and left the house to go to the lender¡¯s office, but someone was waiting for me nearby. ¡°Hyung.¡± When I turned my head to a familiar voice, I saw my younger brother, whom I saw when I went home a month ago, standing there in my old middle school uniform that no longer fit my body. ¡°What?¡± Why are you here during school time? As I frowned and approached the skinny kid, he opened his mouth to speak bluntly. ¡°Mom is sick.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What do you want me to do about that?¡± ¡°¡­Money. Mom¡¯s hospital bills.¡± He must have hated saying that, as my brother¡¯s mouth closed and twisted. I didn¡¯t hide my irritation and took my wallet out of my pocket and checked the 10,000 won bills inside. ¡°How much?¡± ¡°How much can you give me?¡± I stopped trying to take out all the 10,000 won bills and asked the first question that I should have asked. ¡°Qtja¡¯r kgbcu klat tfg?¡± ¡°¡­P vbc¡¯a xcbk. Vtf revvfcis mbiijqrfv jcv cffvr ab ufa regufgs.¡± Ktjcxr ab wf kbgxlcu klatbea j rlcuif vjs boo, P kjr jyif ab ajxf bea j 10,000 kbc ylii, atlcxlcu jybea ws wbatfg ktb jikjsr ilnfv klat wlcbg jliwfcar. ¡°Lfgf.¡± Zs ygbatfg abbx atf wbcfs ribkis, mbecafv atf wbcfs lc tlr tjcv jcv jrxfv yiecais jujlc. ¡°Can you give me more?¡± ¡°Then how much is the hospital fee?¡± ¡°4.2 million won.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Exactly how sick is she¡­ The words I wanted to say did not come out of my mouth as I looked at my brother. It¡¯s hard to tell when he had grown up so big, but my brother now looked like a person who was borrowing money from someone else and not his family member. As if he didn¡¯t want to get involved with me anymore. ¡°Can you give it to me? I¡¯ll give it back later.¡± How can you pay me back? I barely swallowed my words and looked at my watch. ¡°Come back later in the afternoon. I¡¯m going to collect money today, so I can give you half if not all.¡± Then, my brother nodded once, turned around and disappeared. Seeing my brother disappear, I realized that he must have been waiting here for hours. I was going to have to ask a favor that I don¡¯t want to. The bad feeling I got today persisted as I went to collect money. Today, I had to collect from a couple running a Pojangmacha. Compared to the couple who¡¯s in their early 40s, their child was only about 3 years old. But because there was something wrong with the child¡¯s leg, they had to borrow money to do the surgery. They cherished him because he was the only child they had at this late age, but because of him, they had to spend all of their monthly income to pay off their debts. But it was hard to make ends meet and in the end, they still could not pay the interest for three months already. This was the fourth time I have visited this couple. Every time, I¡¯ve been leaving empty-handed, but I couldn¡¯t afford to do that today. The reason was because I also needed money so I had to to use a method that I don¡¯t use often. ¡°Gasp!! W-why are you doing this?!¡± The pale-faced husband shouted, next to his wife who collapsed, crying. ¡°W-what are you doing?! Quickly put down t-the knife!¡± Like his wife, he looked like he was about to collapse, but maybe because he was a man, he managed to step forward. However, I grabbed the crying child¡¯s body and pulled him closer. In my other hand, there was a dagger with a sharp blade. ¡°Hwaaaaaaa- hu waaaaa-!!¡± The small child was crying loudly and struggling as I held so tightly that red marks were left on his body. When I held the knife to him, the man knelt down. ¡°Please, please let go of the child¡­ I beg you. I¡¯ll give you anything. Whatever it is¡­¡± I smiled at the sobbing voice and asked for one thing. ¡°Bring me the monthly rent contract for this house.¡± The man looked up, startled. ¡°B-but then where are we supposed to live¡­¡± ¡°Ahhhhh!!¡± I pressed the knife close to the boy¡¯s soft flesh. Perhaps because of the coldness of the knife, the boy panicked and started struggling to get out. The blade brushed against the skin, leaving a red thread-like wound. Then, the man called out the boy¡¯s name, reaching out with a trembling hand. ¡°I¡¯ll give it to you! So please don¡¯t touch the boy already!¡± The man staggered to his feet and pulled out a contract he had hidden somewhere. He hasn¡¯t paid the rent for several months, so now he had only half the deposit left, but that was sufficient for my brother. I picked up the contract, rolled my eyes and threw the fainted boy onto the floor. The child¡¯s mother approached first and began to cry, hugging the child. I didn¡¯t take off my shoes when I entered, so I just opened the door, then turned my head to look at the sound behind me. ¡°You¡­¡± Now only the woman¡¯s cries filled the small single room, but I could hear the man¡¯s low voice clearly. Maybe it was because I saw his eyes full of anger. ¡°You will receive retribution.¡± ¡°Retribution? Hmm, if there¡¯s something like that, then all the bad guys would be dead, dumbass.¡± I snorted and closed the door, behind my back, the woman¡¯s cries could still be heard. I slowly walked home after finishing some more work. It was the time that I would like to return to most if I could go back in time. But at that time, I only wanted to hand over the money I had earned easily to my brother and go back to hang out with Myeongshin. The only thing that can relieve the feeling of dread that I have been feeling since morning was his pleasant body. ¡°Hyung, why are you so late?¡± He must have waited at that spot for quite some time. I frowned as I was about to take the money out of my pocket. This insolent guy, why¡¯s your expression like that? And why are you here now? It¡¯s annoying to have to give him the money. Normally, I would have jabbed him a few times but I took out the envelope with the money from my pocket and approached him. I just wanted to give it to him quickly and go home. ¡°2 million won for now. I¡¯ll get more tomorrow¡­¡± I was about to say I would go get more if I could, but my brother¡¯s expression turned strange. No, he wasn¡¯t looking at me but staring behind me with startled eyes. What is it? As I turned my head, something suddenly passed by me quickly. Just when I realized that someone was running past, I suddenly heard a groan in front of me. ¡°Urgh¡­! ¡± As I turned around again, what came into my view was my younger brother who was shocked with his eyes wide open and his mouth opened. Someone was in front of him as if he were holding him in his arms. With one hand, he stabbed my brother in the stomach with a knife. He slowly turned around, it was the boy¡¯s father from just now, as his angry eyes met mine, he muttered. ¡°This is divine punishment.¡± I couldn¡¯t remember what happened after that in detail. All I could think of was the crimson blood and when I woke up, it was dawn and my brother was dead. I don¡¯t even know how I got home. But doesn¡¯t the saying go that misfortunes come all at once? When I returned the next day and opened the door to my room, what I saw in the room was a mess as if the place had just been turned upside down. The 10 million won that I had to bring to the office disappeared, and the landlord had withdrawn the deposit. I finally realized that I had been betrayed by Myeongshin. It would be nice if the misfortune ended here, but there was still one person left; the person who made my younger brother borrow for hospital bills, Mom. I went to see her two days after my brother¡¯s death, but the only thing that awaited me was news that my mother had missed her chance for surgery, and was now diagnosed as brain dead. At that moment, I couldn¡¯t accept this sudden situation. How did things become like this? Why did everything fall apart all at once? Then, I heard the doctor¡¯s inquiry. The sound was so clear that it seemed like the only word I had heard in days. ¡°She¡¯s still alive as she relies on a ventilator, but she won¡¯t last long. If you¡¯re ready to let your mother go¡­¡± ¡°Are you asking me to decide whether to kill my mother or not?¡± I already killed my brother, now he wants me to kill my mother too? No matter how crazy my life used to be, now I had no choice but to come to my senses when my brother died and my mother was dying in front of me. Even though the doctor said that only my mom¡¯s body was alive, I insisted on keeping her hooked to expensive equipment. I left the hospital and went to the loan company I worked for to borrow money to keep her alive. ¡°So how are you going to pay me back?¡± The boss¡¯s question was filled with laughter. ¡°I¡¯ll work like a dog and pay you back.¡± He couldn¡¯t help but grin. ¡°Everyone says that and borrows money. But none of them pay me back properly. Will you too? You know, you can¡¯t work for me anymore. I can¡¯t leave my money to a guy like you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do something else and pay you back.¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what they say.¡± The office owner took a pile of money out of the safe. ¡°You know what happens if you don¡¯t pay me back right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What a headache. I¡¯m looking forward to the day you kneel down and cry and ask for help.¡± Leaving my boss laughing amusedly behind me, I went to the hospital with the money to pay for the hospital fees. Then I returned to my real home after a long time. Still a stale place where the sun doesn¡¯t shine underground. The room that no one had entered for several days was filled with a sombre atmosphere. When I stepped in, it felt heavy as if it was about to break. The person must have been in a hurry to get out as the blankets were only half folded and some clothes had fallen under the hanger. There were still signs that someone had lived here, but that only made me feel more suffocated. It felt like I was just a thorn caught in the middle of this perfect picture and became an uninvited guest. I walked over to the monitor that was still blinking. As I approached and moved the mouse, the computer screen that was not turned off immediately lit up. For a moment, I frowned and muttered. ¡°This guy, you didn¡¯t turn off the computer and went out¡­¡± Before I could finish my sentence, I stopped. Ah, that¡¯s right. My brother is already dead. I stood up and looked around the room. Traces of my brother and mother were left everywhere. Middle school textbooks and reference books were piled up on the desk, and a half-cut eraser in front of them. The timetable pasted on the wall was handwritten by my brother and beautifully drawn with colored pencils of various colors, making it look like it didn¡¯t belong to a boy. Come to think of it, I remembered him saying he studied hard. As I turned away from the desk, I saw a small plastic basket full of small sample cosmetic items. All of my mother¡¯s makeup fits in that small basket. Whenever she went somewhere, she¡¯d use it sparingly. This plastic basket I¡¯ve seen since I was a child was now worn out and half-broken, so it was difficult to determine its color. Standing in the middle of the room, my eyes stayed there for a long time. Everything here had stopped in ordinary daily life, waiting for its owner and keeping a casual appearance. In the home of my dead brother and departing mother, I realized it. I am the only one alive. CH 2 The people whom I used to believe were friends all turned away because of my situation. I don¡¯t blame them. And now was not the time to worry about those things. I was in debt and to pay it back, so I had to work like a dog, just as I told the boss. So I started working properly for the first time. At dawn, I delivered newspapers, and from morning to evening, I worked at the factory, packaging materials. At night, I dressed up in ridiculous costumes and distributed flyers on the streets of entertainment districts. I slept about three hours a day, and ate two meals a day. That¡¯s how I started working. My mother lived three more months after that day. Contrary to the doctor¡¯s belief that my mother would not last a few weeks, she struggled for three months until her last breath, thinking about her son. She tried to keep me from being alone, even for a little while more. On the day I went to pay the last of the hospital bill, I also cleaned my mother¡¯s single room. I was really broke, so I had to go and distribute leaflets at the entertainment district. Wearing a suffocating mascot suit on a midsummer night, I handed out flyers for a newly opened karaoke room to people. It was the day I scattered the remains of my dead mother into the river, but there was no rest for me. Since three months I started working, there was a part of my head that remained motionless and hardened. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because my feelings have been dulled, but I noticed something strange when I finished work at 2 a.m. and sat down in the back alley of the entertainment district. Did I really want my mother to live by paying the expensive hospital bills for three months? Why don¡¯t I feel sad at all? However, the questions that came to my mind were quickly suppressed by fatigue and disappeared in an instant. Since I still had to deliver newspapers in the morning, I planned to stay in a rental warehouse and sleep on a chair so that I could rest for 2-3 hours. But my body, which would usually have headed to the warehouse quickly, could not move easily. I sat in a daze in the animal suit when I heard the sound of fighting coming from somewhere. The sound of fighting in an entertainment district was not uncommon but it would be rare if the voices were not drunk but instead sober. Even so, it didn¡¯t catch my attention. But one word that someone said made me move. ¡°Damn you, bastard!¡± Following the voice of a rough man, there was the sound of clashes and fights. Dang, clang, thud! People and objects collided, the sound of bottles breaking resounded. This type of sound was very familiar to me. As I walked around the corner, I saw a man surrounded by four men who were attacking. Of course, the one being confronted was on the defensive and driven into a corner, but the situation was almost neck and neck. I was good at fighting alone, but what I would not want was many attackers. They were in their early to mid-20s and looked like neighborhood gangsters who pretended to be strong and came out to play at night. With such guys, I could have handled them by myself. What surprised me was that one of them was fighting with only one arm. He was wearing a cast on one arm, but he managed to fight against the four people with an expressionless face. I don¡¯t know what happened, but the man with the cast seemed to have won in the end. If it wasn¡¯t the phrase that caught my attention in the first place, I wouldn¡¯t have paid attention, so I started to turn around. But just then, I saw one of the attackers taking something out. I was familiar with it; it was a dagger. The same kind of knife I¡¯ve used before was held in that person¡¯s hand. Before I could realise it, my feet moved automatically. And when I came to my senses, my hands had already moved. ¡°Argh-!¡± Clang. The thug dropped the knife and screamed when I grabbed his hand and twisted it. Perhaps it was because he was overpowered by me in an instant and broke his arm. The fight had stopped and all eyes were on me. Their eyes were glinting in shock. ¡°Qtb jgf sbe?!¡± C vewyobecvfv ateu jrxfv lc regqglrf. P uijcmfv ja tlw jcv atfc qecmtfv atf rmgfjwlcu ues lc atf ojmf jujlc. Jgjrt!~ Cr tf gbiifv jgbecv atf oibbg klat j ibev cblrf, atf atgff batfg ujcurafgr delmxis gjc ab atflg oglfcv jcv atfc rajgfv ja wf. ¡°Memx, jgf sbe bc atf rjwf rlvf jr atja pfgx?¡± I shook my head without looking at the person he was pointing at. But another guy jumped up with a shocked expression on his face. ¡°This cheap bastard! Colluding with each other and attacking from behind?! This coward¡­¡± Complaining about what was cowardly, the pathetic gangsters picked up their friend who was on the ground, and ran away. The four of them couldn¡¯t even beat one person, so it must have been scary to deal with me. I turned around as I watched them run away. Anyway, I should go to bed now. I set a goal in my head and was about to take a step, but the other person called me. ¡°Hey, rabbit.¡± Rabbit? I turned around in confusion and then realized that I was still wearing the mascot suit. This was why the gangsters looked bewildered when they saw me. As I was thinking of the people who ran away, I heard a slow voice. ¡°How are you going to take responsibility?¡± As he took the cigarette out of his mouth, he added the reason with his eyes that seemed listless. ¡°Thanks to you, the guys I was playing with ran away.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m asking you, Jihwaja karaoke.¡± He read the name of the karaoke room on the advertisement I put on my chest in a cold voice. If someone else read this name, it would sound funny, but it sounded like a vicious word coming from his mouth. I turned around and looked directly at him. ¡°So what do you want me to do.¡± ¡°You have to play with me.¡± How old are you? He seems to be over his mid-20s, but I can¡¯t tell by looking at him. When I was working at the loan company, those potent eyes were like those of former bosses in that industry. His eyes were shining with his life experience and extensive business experience. Eyes that never wavered no matter what. He talked in a relaxed tone but this made me rather nervous. I¡¯m also a potent guy, but I realized it while working in a more potent world. You shouldn¡¯t get involved with people with eyes like that. I lowered my eyes and saw his arm that was in a cast. He was tall and had a similar body type to the guys I used to fight with and defeat. If I had met him a year ago, I might have come at him without knowing death. No, the other person can¡¯t use one arm now, so maybe it¡¯s worth a try to fight. Fighting isn¡¯t difficult. Anyway, that was the only skill I learned. However, today I wasn¡¯t in the mood. I felt frustrated in my heart, and I had a feeling that if I fought now, this frustration would only increase. Perhaps he took it as a sign that I didn¡¯t want to answer, he twisted his lips as he threw a cigarette about 1/3 burnt on the floor. ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, I have no choice but to force you to play.¡± As I watched him come closer, I blurted out something unusual. ¡°You¡¯re fine with guys too?¡± He stopped. He realised what I meant, and for the first time there was a smile in his eyes. His languid voice flowed into my ears. ¡°If I¡¯m the one doing the fucking.¡± Wearing my mascot suit with only my lower half exposed, I climbed onto the man. Despite how ridiculous I appeared with the Chupa-Chups-like mascot head, neither the man in the cast nor I laughed. Lowering myself onto the man¡¯s stiffened cock, I stifled my moans in pain¡­ I couldn¡¯t laugh, because my entrance was being torn and my legs were shaking. ¡°Do it slowly.¡± The man even gave me serious advice. A strange sexual intercourse. No foreplay, just undressing and insertion without anything. There was nothing but pain, and I wasn¡¯t hard, I just bled and hoped it would end soon. Even so, I didn¡¯t tell the man below me to stop. For some reason he was hard even until I was exhausted and could no longer move on my own, he suddenly sat up and held me, not wanting to let me rest for a second. Regardless of whether my behind was bleeding or not, he grabbed my waist with one free hand and held me tight to prevent me from escaping, fucking me inside for a while. It took a really long time, as I endured in pain and fatigue with a dazed mind, but I suddenly noticed something when he entered me for the last time. I didn¡¯t realise it because I was panting, but I was crying. As I exhaled a hot breath under my mask, I suddenly realised that my face had been smeared with tears. I feel like I¡¯ve been crying for quite a while, as I supported my upper body with my hand resting on the man¡¯s torso. Perhaps I needed to feel some warmth. However, I, who should be punished by the heavens, could not completely receive warmth. I wonder if this was the price of the pain I have to endure from the 20-minute intercourse. So is that why I was crying? As I cried, I was still holding the man¡¯s thing in my body. I raised my head and my eyes met him, who was looking at me expressionlessly. ¡°You, if you¡¯re done crying, take off your mask.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± There was a strange power in the naturally imperative tone in his voice. I might have taken my mask off, but instead I lifted myself from on top of him. I could vividly feel the genitals that had been vividly embedded in my body being pulled out. His cock came out and the cum dripped out from my hole but I started putting on my pants anyway. Noticing that I was about to leave, he stood up with his eyes darkened. ¡°Hey, rabbit. If you want me to spoil you, then obediently listen.¡± Hearing the languid threat, I approached him with only my pants on. I stood in front of him as he looked up at me while sitting, and asked. ¡°Is there such a thing as retribution in this world?¡± ¡°No.¡± I nodded slowly at the immediate answer. ¡°Right. There¡¯s no such thing as retribution.¡± The reality was that even if you were a person who deserved divine punishment, you just do worse things and live a good life. Yes, I wasn¡¯t receiving punishment. I was just getting the consequences of my actions. Retribution might be a luxurious reason for me. To cast my sins away as punishment that did not exist in the world. I became like this only because I was unlucky, so I didn¡¯t need such delusions. Then, I heard the man¡¯s languid voice. ¡°However, punitive justice exists.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s why the world is so interesting.¡± A small dimple appeared on the corner of his smiling lips. At that moment, I held out my hand, feeling like it was unsuitably cute. ¡°Argh!¡± The man grabbed his cast with his other hand and bent over, inhaling. His hand, which was halfway out of the cast, was swollen and dark red with bruises, so he must have been injured recently. He had twisted his hands, so he would probably have to spend more time in the cast. I felt sorry for him, but I didn¡¯t have time to keep playing. I put the mascot suit that was on the floor on my arm and took some money out of my pocket. There was 20,000 won I had received as a daily wage for wearing this rabbit costume and handing out flyers. I threw it in front of him and added, ¡°Expenses for playing with me.¡± CH 3 The consequence of sleeping for 20,000 won with a man was greater than I thought. I remembered having a hard time for almost a week. And thanks to the blood on the bunny suit that day (probably the thug''s blood), it was thrown away the next day and there was no need to wear those bunny suits anymore. Instead, I found a part-time job at the road construction site at night, and again my day was filled with earning money like a dog all day. It was difficult to endure it every single day. Looking back now, I think that was the longest period of time I gritted my teeth in resignation to something in my entire life. Just like that, 4 years and 6 months passed. The total debt of 153,277,360 won was paid off by me at the age of 26. Of which, the principal amount was less than 20 million won. When I went to the boss for the last time to pay him back, he gave me a wry smile and praised me, saying that his job would be easier if everyone was like me. The old man grinned and said. ¡°If you need money then look for me again." I didn''t answer him, but he suddenly called me back as if he had just remembered something. "By the way, did you borrow money from other places besides me?" ¡°No." "Is that so? Hmm, I heard someone was looking for you these days. When you first started paying off your debt, the employment agency I introduced you to contacted me. Did you cause any trouble while working?" When I first started paying off my debt, it was five years ago. What trouble could I have caused? The only thing the boss told me was the mascot suit and handing out flyers. "I didn¡¯t.¡± When I spoke bluntly, he tilted his head with a ¡®hmm¡¯ sound. "I told them I didn''t know you because I was in a hurry." He stared at me as if he wanted me to thank him, but I was done with what I had to do so I turned around. But he called me back again with a somewhat serious voice. "Hey, why don''t you continue working under me? " "I don¡¯t want to." "¡­You''ve really changed." Subsequently, I heard him ask ¡°Did you turn over a new leaf?¡± but I left directly because I didn''t have time. Time was precious while delivering. If I started running now, I would barely be able to finish today''s delivery. Today seemed to be a lucky day. Or maybe it was just because I just paid off my debt that I feel that way, but I was able to finish the rest of today''s work earlier than usual. When there was no one at home, all the people I called answered and told me where to leave the goods, and I didn¡¯t have to walk up more than three floors with heavy packages for any of the houses. I felt like I was really lucky. But my luck seemed to have run out. As soon as I got into the car after finishing work, I got a call from the manager. ¡°Hey, the delivery guy to XX has a bit of a problem. The car is broken, please help deliver it!¡± The call was disconnected with a loud buzzing noise, the manager must have been going there himself. If it was XX, then it was located in the middle of a place where many agencies and offices gathered. Because it had to be delivered before the end of work, time was really tight. Looking at the clock, it was 5:30 pm. Even if the truck turned into an airplane it would be too late I thought, as I turned the steering wheel. The last place I ran to as I sweated profusely was a seven-story building located in a prime location, in a place known for its sky-high land prices. I wasn¡¯t assigned to this area, so it was my first time here, but there were a lot of delivery orders in such places where the whole building looked like a company. The person in charge of delivering the order with the car that had broken down said it was okay to go slowly because there were people staying here until late at night, and it seemed that was true. Even though it was past 7 pm, there were still a lot of people in front of the building, and there were quite a few people coming in and out. What is this place? I wondered, as the people standing in front of this building seem to be all women, middle and high school students. I took the parcel out of the truck and loaded it onto the trolley, ringing the bell at the entrance of the building. Inside the closed glass door, the security guard saw me and opened the door immediately. Then, I saw the girls standing outside sticking their heads out to see the inside of the open door. Immediately, the sound of ¡®kyaaa~ ¡® resounded and spread among the female students as soon as they saw the person inside. However, I didn¡¯t know if this was a normal phenomenon, as neither the security guard nor the people walking around in the lobby seemed to be bothered at all. It wasn¡¯t until I received an access pass from the security guard and pushed the cart in that I knew what this place was about. ¡°I wonder if their parents know anything about their children doing that just to see the faces of their favorite celebrities.¡± Listening to him grumbling, I turned my gaze to the floor-by-floor guide map on the wall behind me. The first line that caught my eye was the name of the company. DREAM ENTERTAINMENT Searching through my memories, I recalled what Myeongshin, my past lover, said. The best entertainment company he had always wanted to join. Ah, is that what it is? Turns out this is the place. Thinking back to a time when I couldn¡¯t even remember the name of a company, somehow I found it funny. I had forgotten about it for a while. My ex-boyfriend even betrayed me. I slowly pushed the cart into the elevator and watched the number of floors slowly change. The two girls that I was with were very excited and continued to chat until I reached the destination. ¡°My heart was beating so fast that I thought I was going to die. Well, Director Yoon found out that the marketing department made a mistake.¡± ¡°Oh my, how did he know?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Anyway, you also know. Director Yoon always makes people shiver when he smiles.¡± ¡°I know. When Director Yoon returned from overseas 2 months ago, I thought he was an easy-going person because of that smile, but there were one or two people who got fired, right?¡± Perhaps because it was really scary, the woman shrank her shoulders. ¡°He is still young and had been at the foreign branch for 4 years, so I thought he¡¯d be a free-spirited person¡­¡± Ting~ The sound of the elevator rang and I finally got off out, the girls¡¯ voices also ceased. I quickly pushed the cart out of the open door, my mind was filled with the desire to finish the delivery quickly and leave. But because of the hat I was wearing, I couldn¡¯t see the face of the person who just entered the elevator at the same time I got out. I turned my head because of the voice. It had been 5 years, but it was still familiar to me. ¡°Hurry up and come! Why are you so slow? I¡¯m late for the shoot!¡± When I turned around to the direction of the annoyed voice, a young man standing in the elevator with his arms crossed was staring at someone running in a hurry in the hallway with his arms folded. Well-groomed hair, designer clothes and moderately muscular body. It was the person who ran away with my money 5 years ago, Myeongshin. ¡°Leoo, teoo¡­ lr atlr atf gluta bcf?¡± C wjc lc tlr wlv-40r pewqfv lc jcv tfiv eq j ybaaif bo yfnfgjuf lc tlr tjcv. Ugbyjyis yfmjerf la kjr pera ajxfc bea bo atf nfcvlcu wjmtlcf, atfgf kfgf kjafg vgbqifar bc atf regojmf. Lbkfnfg, atf vglcx atja atf wjc gertfv ab yglcu rffwfv ab yf erfifrr. ¡°No.¡± Following those cold words were a string of profanities. ¡°Dumbass, don¡¯t you know what I like?¡± There was a look of embarrassment on the man¡¯s face, but the others didn¡¯t react. No one cared about Myeongshin being rude to an elder, as if it were a daily routine. On the contrary, it seemed like I was the only one who stopped and watched. ¡°I¡¯ll give you five minutes. If you still can¡¯t bring me the drink I want, I¡¯ll make you get fired from the place you¡¯ve just come to. Understood?¡± The elevator doors closed with his irritated threat. His gaze briefly drifted over to me before the doors closed. It was only for a short while but I made eye contact with him. But he quickly turned to the man next to him. I could hear the elevator move after the doors closed, but my eyes lingered there for a while. It didn¡¯t feel anything special. There was no anger or disappointment when he didn¡¯t notice me. Maybe it was because there were no more emotions left. His betrayal was now only a fragment of the past for the present me. ¡°For the children¡¯s school fees, for the children¡¯s school fees¡­¡± Turning my head towards the source of the sound, the man with the beverage was muttering in his mouth as if he were quenching his anger. Then he sighed and turned around and started running. At the same time, I also turned around and returned to my work. I didn¡¯t think about these past memories until I returned to the elevator after delivering the order. But the person who took the elevator with me reminded me of Myeongshin again. The man was holding all kinds of drinks to his chest. Probably because he didn¡¯t know what kind of drink Myeongshin liked, he just bought them all from the vending machine. There was an appearance of a bitter smile. In the past, Myeongshin rarely spoke, but when alcohol kicked in, he often talked a lot about himself. Most of them were stories about being bullied at school, and he confessed that he hated running beverage errands everyday the most. The vending machine was far from the classroom, so it was hard to get there during a short break. However, the drinks that he picked out became useless. He said that he had to run to the vending machine again and again although he didn¡¯t want to, and eventually bought all the drinks from the vending machine. The allowance he received at home was used to pay for the drink every time. He couldn¡¯t cope with being bullied anymore, so he ran away from home, but still couldn¡¯t get rid of that dark memory. But now that he was in power, he was doing the same things as those bullies who bothered him did. Clang. A bottle of beverage fell to the floor from the man¡¯s chest. I bent down and picked up a rolling bottle in front of me and stuck it out to the man. But the man was hugging a lot of cold drinks, so he didn¡¯t know what to do with the bottle I held towards him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but can you just put it on top of this?¡± As soon as he bowed down and asked for a favor, the other drinks fell to the floor. ¡®Aigoo¡®, he exclaimed, and I picked up the second bottle for him again. ¡°I¡¯ll hold it.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± After greeting him, he smiled despondently as if he knew I was a courier who witnessed the situation a while ago. ¡°Oh dear, I look funny right? I have no other choice, because I have to eat and live. This is the only place that accepts me after my company closed down, so I¡¯m grateful that I can at least make a living¡­¡± He suddenly lowered his voice as if he had just remembered he was talking about himself to a stranger. ¡°Ah just in case, you shouldn¡¯t post the incident you just saw about Song Yoohan online.¡± ¡°Who is Song Yoohan?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± He opened his eyes wide. ¡°Don¡¯t you know Song Yoohan? It¡¯s the damn guy who made me buy this¡­ Cough, he is a celebrity.¡± Celebrity¡­ So he became the celebrity he really wanted to be. He changed his name, changed his face, and abandoned his weak image. If you didn¡¯t pay attention, you wouldn¡¯t be able to recognize it. ¡°Even though he doesn¡¯t receive an annual salary, he¡¯s getting quite popular lately. He¡¯s also done a lot of commercials. He also participated in a weekend variety show 2 months ago¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Um, sorry but¡­¡± He suddenly stopped talking and stared at me. Just as I started to feel uncomfortable by his gaze, he suddenly made a strange request. ¡°Can you take off your hat?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± I refused immediately, a flash of embarrassment appeared in his eyes. ¡°No, I don¡¯t mean anything strange, it¡¯s just that your eyes are very beautiful. I just want to see your face a little more clearly¡­¡± Ting~ It wasn¡¯t until I heard the elevator arrive that I remembered I didn¡¯t press the button to select the first floor that I wanted to go down to. Drrr~ Looking at the open door, I put the two beverage bottles on the man¡¯s hand who was still trying to say something. ¡°How old are you? Are you a student by any chance? I¡¯m really not a weird person¡­¡± ¡°5 minutes.¡± I pointed towards the underground parking lot outside the elevator. ¡°I think it¡¯s past that time.¡± When he was reminded of Myeongshin, who had changed his name to Song Yoohan, this uncle jumped out of the elevator in surprise. But he still didn¡¯t forget to speak to me aloud. ¡°Wait a moment here! Don¡¯t go anywhere, wait for a minute!¡± He disappeared into the parking lot with a reckless jump and the beverage almost seemed to drop again. I tried to press the elevator button to go up. I wasn¡¯t even curious as to why he told me to wait, and I wasn¡¯t surprised when Myeongshin, whom I met again after a few years, became a celebrity and didn¡¯t recognise me. Rather, I only thought of quickly returning to the distribution centre to complete the sorting for the night shift. However, the emergency stairs that was a little way from the elevator suddenly opened, and someone stepped out of it. Myeongshin, whom I saw for the second time, was walking into the parking lot while talking with a man in a suit in his early 30s, walking in the opposite direction to the uncle running with a drink. The funny thing is, before he left, he glanced in that direction. Although it was a bit difficult to see because it was blocked by cars and pillars, he must have seen the uncle running in that direction, so he chose to go in the opposite direction. He smirked. That laugh made my feet move automatically without realizing it. I was just a little curious. A little curious to determine if he really had turned into a completely different person. I had never been interested in anyone or anything, I must have moved out of curiosity about this person I haven¡¯t seen in a while. No, I could have ignored it and went back. If I did, then I would have gone back to my daily life of still working on delivery services and lived like that. Little did I know that this small curiosity would change my life. Screech- The sound of wheels of the cart screeching on the ground sounded exceptionally loudly underground. I stowed it next to the elevator and quietly walked towards the direction where Myeongshin disappeared. He disappeared behind a pillar at the end of the large underground parking lot with a man in a suit. Leaving the protruding wall of the elevator, I slowly walked to the place that was not visible from the direction the soda uncle had disappeared. I wasn¡¯t expecting anything, I was just curious. I wanted to try to confirm it because I was surprised by his smile earlier. I wonder if it¡¯s still the Myeongshin that I know. Of course I knew. Maybe the guy from the past was just my own delusion, or maybe I may not have ever known what his true self was. Either way, I was betrayed 5 years ago. ¡°Oh right, did you look into it?¡± When I could hear a barely audible voice, I stopped walking and hid behind a tall van. Following Myeongshin¡¯s voice, the voice of a person in the suit continued. There was a sense of helplessness in his voice. ¡°I don¡¯t know the details either. I asked the Chief Park, who is Director Yoon¡¯s secretary, a little bit. But he refused to say anything about Director Yoon¡¯s work.¡± ¡°But Director Yoon was looking for someone as soon as he returned to Korea, right?¡± ¡°Mhm, that is true but¡­¡± ¡°So who is he looking for? I have to somehow make ties with Director Yoon to get the lead role for the drama that will start next year. If I do well, I will give you a portion of the profit. You know, I¡¯m a man who keeps his promises. ¡± Since I didn¡¯t hear an answer, the man in the suit must have signaled that he understood. ¡°Apparently it was someone he met about 5 years ago. I snuck a peek at the note that Chief Park wrote, the name was¡­¡± ¡°Name?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s the name?¡± ¡°Jihwaja.¡± Suddenly, there was silence. At that moment, I doubted my ears for a moment. I wondered if I heard the name correctly. Any parent who gave their child this name must have been out of their mind to be so optimistic. As I was thinking about it, I heard Myeongshin¡¯s voice in disbelief. ¡°Ji¡­hwaja?¡± ¡°Yeah, Chief Park still couldn¡¯t find that person, so he keeps cursing this Jihwaja name a lot. On top of that, this person also has a nickname.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the nickname?¡± ¡°Rabbit.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°His name is Jihwaja, but he must have a very cute face.¡± ¡°Does Director Yoon like the cute type?¡± When Myeonshin muttered, I heard the other party¡¯s rebuttal. ¡°It might not be like that.¡± ¡°But he¡¯s looking for a person whom he has met once 5 years ago. Is it like, love at first sight or something like that?¡± ¡°I thought so too at first, but it¡¯s Director Yoon.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Myeongshin immediately accepted the fact that the word ¡®Director Yoon¡¯ covered the whole reason, so there was no answer. ¡°Rather, he¡¯s probably seeking revenge for 5 years ago, that suits him more.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Besides, I heard from a female employee at the office that Director Yoon laughed when he ordered the work. To the point that his dimples could be seen.¡± ¡°It must be his enemy.¡± If you smile so wide that you have dimples, does that mean that person is an enemy? I doubted for a moment if I heard something wrong about the conversation that I didn¡¯t understand with ordinary common sense. ¡°But just in case, find out more and let me know. Who knows? Director Yoon might really be looking for his first love¡­ it¡¯s impossible to conclude immediately.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s an enemy. Still, I¡¯ll investigate and let you know as soon as I know. You¡¯re going to stop by again at night, right? By the way, aren¡¯t you late right now?¡± He asked in a hurry, Myeongshin replied in a calm manner. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s late. But if I want my manager fired, I have to be late.¡± ¡°Manager? Ah, CEO Choi who came here after his agency collapsed.¡± ¡°Pfft, what CEO.¡± Myeongshin snorted contemptuously, the other said back in a mocking tone. ¡°But he¡¯s the CEO of the agency you were at before. Cut him some slack.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of me that he¡¯s managed to come this far. On the contrary, how hard did I work when I was under him? He¡¯s the one who couldn¡¯t get a proper sponsor, and every day he said nonsense that I couldn¡¯t get a role because of my lack of acting skills. Then did all the guys who can play good roles just get their acting skills? Anyway, I knew that bastard would go out of business.¡± The tone of sneering at a person sounded natural. It was enough to tell how often and familiarly it came out of his mouth. Even if the soda uncle ran over with the cold drink now, the results were obvious. I don¡¯t think I need to hear any more. Their conversation on the contrary only pissed me off so much that I wondered what I wanted to confirm in the first place. So I turned around and tried to return to my usual life. However, the following conversation held me back. It seems that the guy in the suit asked, if he left late, he¡¯d have to drive a lot, what if he got into an accident, wasn¡¯t he afraid? Then Myeongshin replied. In a tone that sounded like he was bragging about something to be proud of. ¡°Afraid? I was almost stabbed to death by a knife, what would I be afraid of.¡± ¡­Stabbed with a knife? Maybe it¡¯s because what happened 5 years ago has occupied my mind, so I listened without realizing it. However, when asked by a man in a suit, ¡°Really?¡±, Myeongshin¡¯s answer sounded strange, ¡°Yeah, it was about five years ago. I¡¯ll tell you later, I have to go now.¡± I heard their voices and footsteps and hid myself behind the pillar. Clack clack clack. The traces of the shoes were ringing in the basement, but for no apparent reason, I felt so terrible that I couldn¡¯t hear anything. What Myeongshin said might be nothing. Maybe he was just talking about a different experience. Even though I thought that in my head, the dirty feeling spread inside like a light fog. After a while, I got out of hiding behind the van and went to the front of the elevator. A growl mixed with frustration came from somewhere that was as faint as a murmur, and then someone rushed towards me. The uncle with sweaty clothes, just like the drink he was holding, looked at me, panting and held out his business card. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m in a hurry, I¡¯ve got to go. Here¡¯s my business card, if you have time-¡± ¡°I have time tonight.¡± It was probably unbelievable that I would accept his offer immediately, so he just stood there blinking even though he was in a rush. ¡°Ah, then that¡¯s good¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll come here. It¡¯s fine even if it¡¯s at dawn, what time do you finish work?¡± The uncle asked, ¡°Really?¡± and soon changed his expression at the loud sound he heard from somewhere. Then he turned around, gasping for breath, and ran back to the direction he had come from in the first place. His face was red and sweaty, in his head there was only school expenses for children. I put the damp business card in my pocket and waited for the elevator. Now there was only one thought in my head. I needed to confirm it. Something nasty made me feel dirty. CH 4 t/n: happy new years in advance! wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2022 *^^* When I returned to Dream Entertainment after the night shift, the time was almost 12:50 a.m. Still wearing the hat on my head and the sweaty old clothes that I had been wearing since dawn, I entered the shiny corporate lobby. Fortunately, the soda uncle informed me in advance, the security guard checked the business card and gave me an access card so I could enter. ¡°He said to wait in conference room 312.¡± The security guard spat out lazily. I nodded and got into the elevator and pressed the button on the elevator to the 5th floor. The lights came on and the elevator room started to move. Myeongshin was on the 5th floor when I delivered the parcel. So if he came back, he would most likely be on this floor. Fortunately, it was late at this time so on the 5th floor there was almost no one left and most of the lights were turned off, and I could move freely. I walked slowly and looked at each room. My old sneakers with worn-out soles barely made any sounds. The lights were on in the hallway, but a light leaked out from under the door, so I could tell which room was in use. I stopped at that place to listen. I could hear voices coming from the inside, but it was so low that I couldn¡¯t tell what they were talking about. I put the gum I had prepared in my mouth, chewed it, turned around, and walked along the hallway. Soon, I found the light switch near the elevator and turned it off. Click. The lights in the hallway went out with a small sound. I paused for a moment to get used to the darkness and then headed to the front of the room that was still lit. I hid the gum in my left hand and knocked on the door with my right hand. As I turned the handle, the inner chatter stopped. The bright light inside poured out to the point where it was dazzling. ¡°What was that?¡± A man in the suit asked with a frown, he must have been a little startled because he was talking about something secretive. Myeongshin and the guy looked at me, but thanks to the hood, they couldn¡¯t see my face clearly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I must have entered the wrong room.¡± I politely bowed and closed the door immediately. Of course, I didn¡¯t forget to glue the gum to the door frame before closing it. When the door latch was stuck with candy, the door would not close completely. A small gap was enough to be able to hear their voices. I leaned against the wall beside the door and tried to listen to the voices inside. The main topic of conversation between the two was the drama that will start filming next year. Myeongshin believed that he would be able to make it to the top if he was the main character of the drama. The drama seemed to be in the early stages of planning. Only the director had been decided, investors had not yet been recruited. But both believe people would invest in the piece. The topic of their conversation continued to be boring. Then, they started gossiping about the actors who were currently taking up the lead roles, and the topic then came to the person named Director Yoon, who was talked about earlier. ¡°Did you look into it? About that Director Yoon.¡± ¡°Ah, Jihwaja.¡± When the man in the suit nodded and said the name, Myeongshin laughed. ¡°What a funny name. Is it because of this name that Director Yoon still remembers and is searching for him?¡± ¡°No. I heard a little from Chief Park, this person named Jihwaja¡­¡± The man suddenly lowered his voice as if he was telling a secret. ¡°5 years ago, he slept with Director Yoon for one night and then ran away with the money.¡± ¡°Oh my god, he stole the money from Director Yoon and ran away?¡± ¡°No, he left it.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Myeongshin asked back, dumbfounded. ¡°W-what do you mean? He left the money behind?¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Perhaps because I finally heard something interesting in the middle of their boring conversation, I subconsciously tilted my head to the side. Director Yoon was the person who captures enemies with a smile on his face, wasn¡¯t he? But the reason that person became an enemy was because he left money behind. ¡°He left his money in return for sleeping once. That¡¯s also¡­¡± Then he said something about the amount, but the sound was too soft for me to hear. But, even if it¡¯s 200 won, there¡¯s no reason to become an enemy. If I received it, I would be grateful, but there¡¯s such a crazy person. As I was feeling that there are so many people in the world who need to be open-minded, the topic of conversation suddenly changed. ¡°If he is caught, he¡¯ll be crushed to death by Director Yoon¡¯s hands.¡± ¡°Mhm, that¡¯s right. Right, by the way, didn¡¯t you say you were almost stabbed to death?¡± When the story I was waiting for came out, I straightened up my body that had been leaning against the wall. Just like before, a voice filled with pride came out of Myeongshin¡¯s mouth. ¡°Yeah, about 5 years ago, someone suddenly broke into my house with a knife¡­ Haven¡¯t I told you? At that time, I lived with an asshole who was worse than any other dog.¡± ¡°I think I¡¯ve heard about it.¡± When the man replied, a smirk appeared on Myeongshin¡¯s face. ¡°Anyway, some guy who had lost his mind, held the knife and asked me if I had any relation with that thug. If so then he would kill me.¡± ¡°He really does seem like a thug.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get me started. He is not much taller than me, but he is very strong. Even when he fights guys bigger than him, he¡¯ll bite and scratch until he could die, and eventually win. He¡¯s the kind of guy who just likes to go out and do bad things¡­ I couldn¡¯t even talk to him properly when we lived together.¡± ¡°Then why were you living with him?¡± ¡°If I didn¡¯t say anything and just got along well, I could get quite a bit of money. I didn¡¯t have anything in my head, if I just acted a little teary, the dumbass would be deceived and pay for everything.¡± My story came out in the open, but I was still as bored as I was when I had been listening to them talk about the drama that was coming out next year. Fortunately, Myeongshin finally adjusted the focus of the story in the direction I wanted. ¡°Anyway, because of that jerk, I was scared to death. I could see that he was trying to take me hostage, but before my eyes there was only darkness.¡± ¡°And then?¡± The man who was listening matched the beat with a voice full of curiosity. ¡°But fortunately, that bastard¡¯s little brother was hanging around outside. He came once in the morning, but he was standing there in the evening too. So I told him. I wasn¡¯t even a family member, so if he killed me, he wouldn¡¯t even blink an eye. So I told him to kill his brother.¡± ¡°Did you really tell him to kill his brother?¡± ¡°Then what else was I supposed to do? I didn¡¯t know what to say in that situation. I checked several times if the man was serious, so I searched the house and found a picture of that bastard and his brother and showed it to him. Ah, then he put away the knife and left. I really thought I was going to die back then.¡± ¡°Then what happened to the brother?¡± ¡°P vbc¡¯a xcbk. Qtfatfg tf¡¯r vfjv bg cba. Pa¡¯r jii atja ateu¡¯r ojeia.¡± ¡°St, kts vlvc¡¯a sbe gfqbga la ab atf qbilmf?¡± Eluta joafg atja, j uluuif mjwf bea bo Zsfbcurtlc¡¯r wbeat obg j ibcu alwf. ¡°Jbeut, kfii atja¡¯r¡­¡± Llr ijeutafg gfjmtfv ws fjgr jr mifjgis jr lo tf kjr gluta cfza ab wf. Pa gfrbecvfv delmxis atgbeutbea atf gbbw . ¡°I was going to run away with all the money, how can I call the police? Hahaha~¡± Turning over a new leaf is a good saying, take me as an example. I threw away my ugly nature and at least lived like a normal person. But, have I really changed? I live with guilt and without forgetting that I was a sinner. Yes, I might have changed. But the laughter of a certain someone who filled me told me, I haven¡¯t changed yet. ¡°Turning over a new leaf¡± has ended. At the moment rage overwhelmed the sound of the laughter. I went down to the 3rd floor, which was not initially part of my plan. At first I had no intention of going to see the soda uncle and the thought of being a celebrity had never been a part of my life. But now the situation has changed. Squeak. When I opened the door and entered, the soda uncle who was sitting on a chair talking to a young man suddenly jumped up. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re finally here! I heard from the security guard downstairs, but when I arrived, no one was here, so I was afraid you¡¯d left. Where have you been?¡± I looked at the clock on the wall, it was half an hour past the appointed time. ¡°I went to the 5th floor.¡± ¡°5th floor? Why? Ah, you must have misheard the floor number? Oh no, then you must have been waiting there and cursing that I didn¡¯t come. Hahaha~¡± ¡°Were you cursing at me?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Cough cough, I think it¡¯s getting chilly in the evening.¡± Finishing with nonsense, he gestured at me to sit in a chair. Then he gestured to the boy in his 20s who was looking at me with sparkling eyes. ¡°Say hello. This is the kid I¡¯m in charge of.¡± As he sat down and turned his head, he opened his mouth. ¡°Hello. Wah, it¡¯s really nice to meet you! This is CEO Choi¡­ no, he¡¯s just a manager now, but he¡¯s still a member of our family. Actually, there is still another celebrity that CEO Choi is in charge of, but only temporarily, plus¡­ he¡¯s a bad person¡­ um anyway, it¡¯s really nice to meet you!¡± He bowed his head, and greeted so loudly that his voice echoed throughout the room. Halfway through, the soda uncle smiled bitterly when he heard the title of CEO, but immediately turned around and smiled brightly like a youth. In his hand was a sheet of paper that read ¡®Letter of Intent¡¯. ¡°You¡¯re interested in this place, right? I have to explain a lot first, but I¡¯ll check again first. You want to do this job right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Then the hat¡­ Hmm, can you take it off?¡± He asked me cautiously as he recalled my blunt refusal in the elevator. I took off the hat I wore all day long under the pressure of the two. Perhaps the appearance of my hair under the hat was ridiculous, but the two managed to look at my face with serious eyes without smiling. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± A long while passed. Just as I started to feel bored, the young man began to talk. ¡°Just like Manager-nim said.¡± ¡°Right?¡± I don¡¯t know what he was talking about, but the soda man nodded at me without taking his eyes off. ¡°Definitely not the flashy handsome type.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°But I really like his eyes.¡± As I stared at him, he looked at me a little more and opened his mouth. ¡°Actors don¡¯t just have to have a handsome face. Of course, they have to act well, but before that, how should I say it¡­¡± He titled his head to the side as if trying to choose the exact words. ¡°They have to have the charm to attract people?¡± I know because I¡¯ve been in this industry for a long time. To be successful, you have to have something special that attracts people¡¯s attention. Especially the eyes¡­ So someone like you.¡± ¡°Of course, that¡¯s a good thing. And looking closely like this, I really want to scout you.¡± He added as if he were in a hurry to say that it was a compliment, but to be honest, I didn¡¯t care what my eyes look like. No, I had absolutely no interest in this whole thing. But the soda uncle and the young man seemed to be very interested in me. Both of them excitedly picked up a polaroid camera and a spherical camcorder on the table. The soda uncle took up the polaroid camera and opened his mouth first. ¡°However, there may be a difference between the actual appearance and that on screen. It¡¯s called being photogenic, right? I want to confirm that so I will need to take some pictures.¡± I nodded, the uncle quickly pointed the camera at me and muttered. ¡°But there¡¯s a scar on your forehead. If you want to be an actor, your face is your life. If you¡¯re going to do it, you can¡¯t hurt your face from now on.¡± Nagging like an old lady, he pressed the shutter. After a while, a small picture came out. Perhaps because he was in a hurry, before it was completely finished, the soda uncle grabbed it and pulled it out. But the moment the uncle looked at the picture, the expression on his face froze. ¡°Huh!¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± When the boy was startled and asked, the soda uncle showed the picture with a stiff expression. ¡°The picture is all black.¡± ¡°Eh? Is it because the film is too old?¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­ Ah! The picture is coming out!¡± ¡°Oh? It¡¯s true. Ah, right. CEO-nim, polaroids are originally black at first, but then pictures appear. Haha~¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. That¡¯s right. We¡¯re idiots, haha~¡± It was something a real fool would sue for if he heard it. I was skeptical as I watched the boring gags between the two of them. Was that a show to lighten up the mood? If not, then I really needed to consider carefully. The condition of these two was a bit serious. While I was evaluating them, the two of them were also evaluating me. ¡°Oh~ the sharp impression looks a little soft in the picture!¡± ¡°I know right. You look a little rude in reality. Haha~¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s because your expression is stiff. Haha~ Hey, you should take a look too¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­Are you angry?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± At this honest answer, the two laughed and became normal people for a while, but after a while they were back to being like mental patients when they looked at the camcorder. After barely suppressing my desire to call 119 while enduring receiving compliments, they finally came back to the main point. It was only then that I could ask what I needed. ¡°You¡¯re better than I thought? It looks regular at first glance, but the more I look, the more attractive it is, right? That¡¯s your appearance. Of course, it¡¯s hard to evaluate only based on appearance, but appearance is still important. Besides , you don¡¯t seem uncomfortable or scared in front of the camera¡­ Okay, so do you have any questions?¡± I did. Just one. ¡°Do I have commercial value?¡± Perhaps because he did not expect I would use such a word, the soda uncle froze for a moment and then nodded. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why we¡¯re facing each other like this. But calling yourself commercial value is¡­¡± ¡°How high up do you think I can go?¡± When I asked expressionlessly, he opened his mouth, looking perplexed. ¡°Um¡­ You know, if you want to be a star right away¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like that. I¡¯m simply curious.¡± Is that really so? His eyes were filled with suspicion, but the uncle soon shrugged his shoulders and looked at me seriously. After a long time, he opened his mouth. ¡°If my senses are right, you can go up to the top.¡± ¡°What do I need to do for that?¡± Seeing me ask directly, the soda uncle and the boy looked at each other, then back at me. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re getting ahead of yourself, the contract hasn¡¯t been signed yet, and if it¡¯s your first time¡­ It¡¯s your first time doing this, isn¡¯t it?¡± I nodded. ¡°If it¡¯s your first time, there¡¯s a lot to learn first. Then improve your skills, build the foundation, experience this and that in small roles first, after a few years, you can become a supporting actor, then gradually get the leading roles¡­¡± ¡°Other than that, tell me the fastest way.¡± The two once again looked at each other with bewildered eyes. The uncle opened his mouth with a stiff expression, probably thinking he might have found the wrong person. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but if you just want to make a lot of money and become famous¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need money or fame. I just want to get ahead quickly.¡± ¡°You said you don¡¯t want money or fame, but just want to take a quick route? What do you want to be an actor for?¡± I stared at the boy who said that. He blinked his big eyes a few times at the sudden glance. ¡°Is Song Yoohan the bad guy that Manager Choi is temporarily in charge of?¡± He glanced at the uncle and replied. ¡°Ah¡­ yes.¡± ¡°Why is he a bad person?¡± ¡°¡­¡± The boy didn¡¯t answer, so I told him my guess. ¡°He was a member of the same agency where your manager was the CEO of. Then he betrayed you, isn¡¯t that right?¡± The young man¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°H-how do you know that? Yoohan hyung took the down payment and ran off to another company¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± The uncle interrupted the boy, looked at me and asked quickly. ¡°Hey, do you know something about Yoohan?¡± I looked at him and answered with another question. ¡°When you first met him, did you think he would make it to the top?¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± ¡°Did you sense that he would make it as much as I could?¡± By that time, he abandoned the amicable expression and began to look at me warily. Just when I thought he was going to complain about that question, he just sighed and answered my question. ¡°No. Not as much as you.¡± ¡°Then there¡¯s a chance of winning.¡± ¡°What chance of winning?¡± Ignoring that question, I answered the question he asked a while ago. ¡°I don¡¯t know Song Yoohan.¡± ¡°But how¡­¡± ¡°I only know Song Myeongshin.¡± Judging from that stiff expression, he probably realised that it was Song Yoohan¡¯s real name. The boy next to us looked at us alternately with a curious face, but he didn¡¯t open his mouth, noticing that the atmosphere had become solemn. ¡°Then did you meet me on purpose? Because of Myeongshin who changed his name to Yoohan?¡± The reason I couldn¡¯t answer right away was because of the anger in his voice. Although we haven¡¯t talked much, I got a rough idea of what kind of person he is. He was probably a man who only does his work sincerely and foolishly. Maybe he really believed in his work. Then it would be difficult to deal with him. If I told him my true intentions, there was a high possibility that he would just let me go back. Well, even without his help, I could enter the entertainment industry. Or I could lie to escape this situation, cheat him, and get my revenge. Thinking of various options, suddenly my eyes fell on his hand on the table. There is a white patch of skin on the ring finger of the left hand. Like a circle around a finger. I lowered my gaze a little, and noticed that the sleeves were worn out. Old clothes and a finger without a wedding ring. ¡°I want to ask you, Manager¡­ What is the most important thing to you?¡± He raised his eyes and looked at me as if there was a question mark in his mind. ¡°Is work the most important thing? To make the actor you¡¯ve raised become the best?¡± ¡°Why are you asking that all of a sudden?¡± ¡°I just want to know. If you say yes, I will leave without regrets.¡± He blinked at me as if he still did not understand. ¡°Of course work is the most important thing to me¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not family?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you doing this so your kids can go to school?¡± ¡°Hey, what are you trying to say¡­¡± ¡°Now you have to live for your family. I don¡¯t know what happened before, but in such dire circumstances that you had to sell your wedding ring, you had to put your family first.¡± I looked down at his empty left hand and continued to talk calmly. ¡°Betrayed by an actor you trusted, having the company collapse. You know, right? You can¡¯t live like a dream because the world is unfair. To get what you want, you have no choice but to adapt to an unfair world. So, please use me. Even if I¡¯m a person who goes against the manager¡¯s beliefs, please accept it if you think I have commercial value.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Unless you don¡¯t want to take revenge and get back what was lost.¡± ¡°¡­I never had any thoughts of wanting revenge.¡± ¡°But I do.¡± I told him my true thoughts. ¡°I¡¯m thinking about getting revenge.¡± CH 5 After the uncle went out, saying he would think about it, there was silence in the room. It wasn¡¯t that uncomfortable. I looked down at the polaroids on the table for a long time. The expressionless face staring at the camera only looked awkward to me, who had not even looked properly in the mirror for five years. That picture will probably be the beginning of my career in front of the camera from now on, but it didn¡¯t feel real to me. ¡°Did you know Yoohan hyung before?¡± Slowly raising my head, I made eye contact with the boy who had a serious expression. He was probably 21 or 22? That face was more cute than masculine. As soon as I stared at him without answering, he became a little embarrassed. ¡°Ah, should I not have asked that question?¡± ¡°No. You can ask whatever you want. But whether I¡¯ll answer is another matter. Because I don¡¯t trust you yet.¡± ¡°You can trust me.¡± He added and promised. ¡°Yoohan hyung doesn¡¯t like me either. CEO Choi treats me very well¡­¡± He frowned and lowered his eyes as if he was recalling the past. ¡°Yoohan hyung was one of the few popular actors in our company. Even when we were in the same company, he had a self-centred personality so we weren¡¯t close, but I didn¡¯t expect him to betray us like that when the contract expired. Although the company is not big, there are rarely good people like CEO Choi in the industry. He respects the actor¡¯s will, supports what they want to do, and perseveres until they succeed. But just as Yoohan hyung had just risen to prominence thanks to the director¡­¡± Mumbling as if he was depressed, he raised his eyes again. ¡°When it was time to extend the contract, he asked for a down payment in advance, so the CEO-nim worked very hard to gather several hundred million won. But it turned out that he had already signed the contract with another company. Really¡­ when I think about what happened back then.¡± ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you get it back?¡± When I asked, he sighed loudly. ¡°Of course we wanted to get it back. So the CEO filed a lawsuit, but Yoohan hyung¡¯s side responded that it was alimony because he didn¡¯t receive the money he earned while working for our agency, so the trial lasted a long time. But that¡¯s nonsense. He always took money from the CEO in advance, saying that he needed it. Only our CEO-nim was made out to be a vicious business owner. It took about a year to get the first trial ruling. His lawyer was really tenacious¡­ in the end, it was decided that we would only receive 1/5 of the original amount that was taken away. Tch, even if we received it, it wasn¡¯t enough to pay for the lawyer at that time. The problem is that we didn¡¯t even get the money because we appealed from the other side.¡± Melancholy spread again in his eyes although he tried to tell the story in a cheerful voice. ¡°That incident hurt the company a lot. After losing a huge sum of money at once, we still had to pay for the lawyer, and investors were trying to recover their money because popular artists were leaving¡­ In the end, we had to cancel the lawsuit because we didn¡¯t have any money. As the company¡¯s situation worsened, all the remaining members left. It took so long for the company to grow, but it fell apart in an instant¡­¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t leave.¡± When I pointed it out, he scratched his head shyly, saying, ¡°Ah, that¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°I owe the boss a lot. In order to act, I¡¯ve come and gone from place to place since high school, and the other places didn¡¯t accept me. Well¡­ I have a camera phobia. Haha~ Funny, right?¡± ¡°Yes. ¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hmm, but our CEO-nim¡¯s speed is very fast. The only company that accepted him was this one, he took me along with him and I watched him become Yoohan hyung¡¯s manager. The CEO-nim said it was okay, but I started crying initially. I told him, let¡¯s get revenge, but the CEO said that then you will become a dirty person like Yoohan. Honestly, I wanted the boss to quit. Although this was the only place that accepted us, it was very difficult. It was decided that he was to receive the profit depending on the actor he is in charge of. In the meantime, I have very little income¡­¡± I didn¡¯t say that the income generated by Song Yoohan would soon be cut off. I didn¡¯t have to tell him in advance that the manager might be replaced tomorrow. I swallowed back what I was about to say and looked at the door where the soda uncle has yet to return. ¡°Does Song Yoohan have a sponsor?¡± Hearing no answer, I turned my head to see him with his mouth closed with an awkward expression. Seeing that difficult expression, I asked lightly. ¡°The sponsor must be a man?¡± ¡°Ah, how do you know?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know much about this field, is it rare to have a sponsor?¡± ¡°¡­No. It¡¯s common.¡± If Song Yoohan is popular like that, his sponsor must have some power. I was speculating, but then I heard a small voice, as if telling a secret. ¡°It¡¯s hard to succeed here just with acting skills. Especially on TV. The recognition rises depending on how much you show your face, so everyone is desperate to appear on TV an additional time. Because of that, you can¡¯t last long without money. You can appear on the screen once or twice, but how can you stand out like that? So in order to come out on TV continuously, you have to have the support of money¡­ But if you want to do that, you must have a lot of money yourself, or sponsors. So that¡¯s how it is.¡± He looked straight at me after hesitating. ¡°If you want to grab a sponsor and get popular quickly, it would be best to find someone else. CEO Choi doesn¡¯t like to provide sponsors or give bribes to insert people into programs. And he doesn¡¯t have the ability to do that¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t expect that kind of ability.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you need?¡± Of course I need it. I nodded as I examined the vague plan that had just popped up in my mind. ¡°But I¡¯ll take care of that part.¡± How will you do that? His expression was evident on his face but he held back. I ignored it and asked another question. ¡°Other than that, how is CEO Choi¡¯s ability to train actors?¡± ¡°Definitely the best.¡± He answered firmly and smiled. ¡°You know, at first, you kept being expressionless and talking stiffly but the more I talked to you, the more attracted I became.¡± Then he mumbled ¡®CEO Choi¡¯s a good judge of character¡¯ and smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve told you so much, can you trust me and tell me the story? Are you acquainted with Yoohan hyung?¡± I nodded. ¡°Since when?¡± ¡°A long time ago.¡± Lf rffwfv ab kjca ab jrx wbgf vfajlir jybea atf njuef jcrkfg, yea rbbc wbnfv bc ab atf cfza defralbc. ¡°Tbe rjlv sbe¡¯gf ublcu ab ufa gfnfcuf bc Tbbtjc tsecu? Qtja vlv tsecu vb? Glv sbe jirb ibrf wbcfs?¡± Zbcfs¡­ Jbwf ab atlcx bo la, P tjv jirb ibra wbcfs. P tjvc¡¯a fnfc atbeuta jybea la ja jii jcv j ijeut mjwf bea. P uefrr P rwlifv klatbea gfjilhlcu la, atf batfg qfgrbc¡¯r fsfr ugfk yluufg lc regqglrf. ¡°Wah, when you smile, you look like¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s something similar.¡± ¡°What? Ah, you also got robbed. You must have lost a lot of money if you¡¯re seeking revenge.¡± ¡°Not really.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Um, if you didn¡¯t really lose much money then why must you take revenge¡­¡± ¡®And then there¡¯s our CEO who was robbed of hundreds of millions of won,¡¯ I heard some additional mumbling afterwards. I know that the money I lost was a few million won, and it wasn¡¯t like Myeongshin actually killed my brother. The cause lies with me anyway. Like Myeongshin said, ¡®I do not know. Whether he¡¯s dead or not. It¡¯s the thug¡¯s fault that things turned out like that.¡¯ Yeah, it was my fault. Myeongshin¡¯s only fault was that he just wanted to live for himself. So it¡¯s only me, the person who needs revenge. Because I¡¯m the same dirty guy. I learned this by living in the world. Retributive justice does not come just by waiting. It¡¯s only when I take action that retribution will come to the other party. Merely waiting for someone to be punished is like waiting for heaven¡¯s punishment. Drrr- When the uncle came back, I pushed the chair and got up from my seat and told them to contact me. Before I turned away, I gave him my reason for getting revenge. ¡°I¡¯ve been free since yesterday.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª The rooftop of the building was decorated like a garden. There were rows of trees taller than humans, and benches in between. This place, which was used as a resting place, was not crowded because it was early in the morning after 1.30 am. It was time to go to bed and sleep but my mind was very clear. I leaned against a chest-high wall and looked down at the scattered world that was like the red light of a cigarette butt. I¡¯ve decided to take revenge, but there was still something holding me back. It was a pretty funny worry. What if I get so caught up in revenge and forget my faults? Until now, paying back the money has been a reminder to me like an alarm: you¡¯re paying for your sins now. What used to be a clear indicator has disappeared now, and now that I was concerned about someone else¡¯s sins, I feel useless anxiety. I made a mistake and I still have a lot more to atone for. I mustn¡¯t forget that. Then I suddenly thought, was I always this kind of person? I held back the bitter smile that was about to come out. I thought that my previous self came out, determined to take revenge, but the past five years must have had a great influence on me. Then I realised. The indicators that I need to punish myself are already in my head. Memory. A clear memory of that day five years ago was enough. Even as time goes by, I remember the feeling of entering an empty house as clear as yesterday. The room where the owner was stuffed with traces of life. Suddenly, I wanted to smoke. I haven¡¯t smoked in five years, but I guess my desire for cigarettes has revived along with myself from five years ago. Or maybe it was because of the faint smell of cigarettes. I must not have been the only one on the rooftop, as the smell was mixed with the wind as it blew. I took a step and went inside. Someone was biting a cigarette in front of a tall tree in the middle. I couldn¡¯t see his face well because it was dark, but I couldn¡¯t stand the desire for a smoke that had suddenly revived, and approached him. ¡°Can I have a cigarette?¡± When I spoke, he glanced away as if nothing had happened. I wanted to give up at this point because I thought he was a jerk with that attitude of ignoring me, but the smell flowed strongly into me again in the wind. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for it for free. I just need one.¡± Plop. A burning cigarette fell near my feet. The other party¡¯s intentions were too obvious; smoke it and shut up. I looked down at it, which was still burning red, as I heard footsteps turning around. I bent down and picked up the cigarette that fell on the floor and bit in my mouth. The end was unpleasantly damp because it had been in someone else¡¯s mouth, but I didn¡¯t care. As I inhaled, the smoke ran down my throat and spread inside. Perhaps because it¡¯s been a while since I last smoked, I felt a little dizzy for a moment. But there was no problem doing what was needed. ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Fortunately, when I called the person who had already started walking away, he turned around. I could see his expressionless face stopped under the lamp. Looking at him, I took a coin out of my pocket and threw it. Clink, clink. Drrr~ As I looked at the 200 won coin that rolled a little and then stopped, I added. ¡°Keep the change.¡± And I tried to turn around, I paused as I saw his lips slowly curve upwards as he looked at the coin. There was even a small dimple next to the lips. People whose eyes naturally curve when they smile make a good impression. At that moment, I felt like I had seen it somewhere, but a light laugh interrupted my thoughts. ¡°You miscalculated, idiot.¡± The person in front of me could have made a good impression, given that smiling face and soft voice. However, the meaning of the words from him was the opposite. This tremendous difference made me alert. That smiling face and the familiar way of speaking. At that moment, tension rushed down my spine. There was only one thing that came to mind. He¡¯s a madman. ¡°Are your ears blocked?¡± I stared at him while listening to the urge of his gentle voice. Then I saw the non-smiling eyes on his face. Was it because I fought a bit in the past and did bad things? That experience naturally allowed me to know who was stronger than me. Even if I get down on my knees, or deal with him, I would be the only one who suffers. The problem was me. Because I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t get down on my knees. ¡°That¡¯s right. I miscalculated. That¡¯s why I told you to keep the change.¡± The corners of his eyes curved even more. But I couldn¡¯t smile. ¡°Change? Ah, this.¡± He stretched out his hand, showed me the 200 won, and added kindly. ¡°Sure. If you give me 200 million won, this would be the change.¡± 200 million won for a half-smoked cigarette? Was that jerk trying to strike a fortune with a cigarette that was thrown away. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± He replied coldly in a lazy tone. ¡°Should I tell you my one secret? I don¡¯t make jokes.¡± The words came out lightly like a joke, but there was a cold look in his non-smiling eyes. ¡°The price is determined by the seller. If you had asked me for cigarettes in the first place, you should have thought about the price.¡± I frowned and stared at him. ¡°Who are you?¡± As if the question was unexpected, the smile vanished for a moment but the lips soon returned to their original curves. ¡°I¡¯m sick of this. You¡¯ve probably heard something from somewhere and taken a similar approach to what I¡¯m looking for, but I¡¯ve already come across people like you several times.¡± I couldn¡¯t lift my frown as I tried to understand the bored voice. A similar approach? People like me? As I opened my mouth to tell him to stop talking nonsense, I suddenly remembered the first time I came here. There were high school girls waiting for someone outside the building with eyes full of anticipation. Ah, right. This was an entertainment agency. Did he mistake me for those kind of fans? I stared him in the face again. The more I looked at it, the more familiar it seemed. However, it was clear that I didn¡¯t know this person. ¡°You must be mistaken, I don¡¯t know how famous of an actor you are, but even 200 won is too much for me.¡± ¡°¡­Actor?¡± ¡°Or are you a singer?¡± ¡°¡­¡± He smiled and stared at me with a somewhat languid gaze. What, was he a comedian? I was surprised, but I heard a dry question. ¡°Don¡¯t you belong to this agency?¡± ¡°No¡­ Not yet.¡± To my answer, he murmured, ¡°¡¯Not yet¡¯ huh,¡± and took a step closer to me. As he approached, my hands tensed up subconsciously. But then as he stopped, he suddenly smiled. ¡°Let me correct myself. You are quite interesting, so I¡¯ll give you a discount. However, only if your value increases. Go through the interview first. Then I will give you a 1% discount.¡± What interview? Anyway, it was absurd to have to pay more than that. ¡°That¡¯s funny.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sad. I even told you the secret that I don¡¯t joke.¡± I frowned again at the languid voice. Then, I threw the half-burnt cigarette in front of him. ¡°Let¡¯s do a refund. Give me my money.¡± But instead, he put the coin in his pocket and took another step closer. ¡°Take it away from me. Then I¡¯ll give you a refund.¡± The bored voice came from that smiling face again. ¡°Although I don¡¯t think you have the skills to do that.¡± It was clearly a provocation, and before I knew it, I raised my fist without realising it. But then in my head I remembered something, what the soda uncle told me. ¡°If you want to be an actor, your face is your life. If you¡¯re going to do it, you should never hurt your face from now on.¡± Tsk. Clicking my tongue, I took a step back. Seeing my actions, the other party looked disappointed. ¡°You don¡¯t look like a coward¡­ Ah, is it because you¡¯re afraid your face will get injured?¡± He hit the nail on the head. I was momentarily taken aback by his words, unable to respond. He was quick-witted, he smiled and approached me quickly. No, it was his fist that came first. Pa! I was hit in the stomach, which had been open because I was blocking my face. In an instant, I choked, and vibrations, along with pain, spread from the inside, starting from the affected area. I stumbled back and clenched my teeth and held out with two legs. Swish~ I turned my head to the side, and as his arm passed with a gust of wind, I quickly struck it with my hand and stretched out my other hand. Thanks to that crazy man who relentlessly aimed at my face and threw his fists, my lips had already cracked. It seemed to be a little grazed, but blood flowed from my lips with a burning sensation. I was busy blocking my face, but the smell of blood almost made me lose my temper. If I were the person I used to be, I would have just come at him without covering my front or back. But I guess I¡¯ve changed a bit. It seems that he wasn¡¯t planning to give up on my face even though I was beaten up horribly. Thanks to him, my body was in a state of exhaustion and now I¡¯m rolling on the floor at his feet. Thud. When my body hit the hard cement floor, a loud sound resounded on the quiet rooftop. It was a good thing that I wrapped my hands around my face so it didn¡¯t get injured, but looking at my overall appearance, I got annoyed. Damn it, how can a comedian fight so well? I tried to get up with a dizzy head, but I unfortunately couldn¡¯t. ¡°Ugh.¡± I didn¡¯t raise my head and let out a short moan. When he approached me, he pressed down my neck with one hand. Then, he talked in a leisurely tone. ¡°You¡¯re quite good.¡± On the contrary, the compliment hurt my pride. Would the outcome have changed if I seriously attacked him? As I recalled with irritation, I felt something on my lips. I flinched. Turning my head in surprise, I saw his expressionless face. He swept my swollen lips with the other hand that was not pressing down my neck. He twisted his face as though he hated it but a smile came to his lips. Then, he pressed hard on my swollen lips that were already bleeding. ¡°Urgh¡­!¡± I reflexively let out a pained cry and stared at him. I ran into a really annoying guy. ¡°I like those eyes.¡± Unlike the laziness in the tone, those cold eyes looked down at me. ¡°Who scouted you?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Your name?¡± ¡°¡­¡± When I didn¡¯t answer, a gentle smile that didn¡¯t look like a smile appeared on his face. He squeezed my neck even tighter as he smiled. ¡°What¡¯s your purpose in approaching me?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but answer this question. ¡°For cigarettes. Who knows who you are.¡± I spat out with a hoarse throat. For a moment, I thought he narrowed his eyes slightly, but before I knew it, a smile came back to his face. ¡°You really don¡¯t know me.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t watch TV.¡± His eyes curved like a crescent moon. Then, his hand came back to my lips. I reflexively flinched as my wound was pressed, but his thumb had already touched my lips. This time, I put up with him as he slowly traced the contours of my lips. A chill ran down my spine. ¡°Take your hands off me.¡± I muttered in annoyance, but he turned a deaf ear to my words and other words came out of his mouth. ¡°You are not the type to be a celebrity. Because there is no aspiring celebrity who doesn¡¯t even watch TV.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°But you desperately covered your face to become a celebrity.¡± The finger that was moving over my lips stopped. His expression disappeared, and he looked down at me with emotionless eyes. ¡°You must have another reason?¡± It wasn¡¯t because he was pressing down my neck that I couldn¡¯t breathe. It was because of the creepy feeling as if the eyes looking down at me were penetrating through me. Still, I didn¡¯t avoid the gaze. I couldn¡¯t stand the sarcastic remarks. ¡°It¡¯s not because of you, so it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± The corners of his mouth went up slowly and a small dimple appeared next to it. There was something familiar about that appearance. I think I¡¯ve seen it somewhere¡­ Drrring~ Suddenly, a sound out of the ordinary woke up the atmosphere that had subsided. Before I could realise that it was the sound of my phone, someone¡¯s hand quickly snatched it first. Taking it out of my pocket, he turned the phone on at a height beyond my reach. I always set the volume to the maximum because I usually have to handle delivery calls when I¡¯m outside. However, the sound now, which always felt small when I was running around with things in hand, resounded like a speaker on the rooftop in the middle of the night. ¡¸Where are you? CEO Choi- I mean, manager-nim is back. I think he¡¯s decided to work with you. Actually, he doesn¡¯t like your purpose of getting revenge but¡­¡¹ Clatter~ While he was distracted by the sound of the phone, I pushed him away, and the phone crashed onto the floor. Fortunately, the battery fell out so there were no more sounds. I quickly stood up and picked up my phone, cursing in my heart. I didn¡¯t want to deal with him anymore. 200 million or whatever nonsense, that¡¯s enough. If he blocked me again, I¡¯m going to come at him regardless of my face. But instead of blocking me, he turned his body and let me pass. ¡°Try to pass the interview well. That way, you can get a discount from me.¡± He bit the cigarette back into his mouth. A red flame rose with the sound of the lid opening of the lighter, shining his face for a moment. Perhaps he noticed my gaze, he opened his mouth that was still holding a cigarette. ¡°Or I can help you instead of giving you a discount.¡± ¡°What kind of help?¡± ¡°Revenge. You¡¯re trying to be a celebrity because of that.¡± I could have told him that what I heard on my cell phone had nothing to do with me and just turned around, but his next words stopped me. ¡°I can be your sponsor.¡± What I was curious about was that, as a man, he naturally said that he could be a sponsor. How did he know my inclination? I stared at him silently and opened my mouth. ¡°I don¡¯t need you.¡± ¡°Since you didn¡¯t say that you don¡¯t want to, that means you¡¯re fine with men too.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°And you said you don¡¯t need me. That means you need another sponsor. Who is it?¡± There was no reason to answer, so I turned around as I heard a slow voice. ¡°If you tell me, I¡¯ll cut the price of cigarettes in half.¡± But the words that followed stopped me again. To be exact, it was a cold voice without laughter. ¡°Or you¡¯ll have to work like a dog all your life and pay back the money.¡± Didn¡¯t he say his secret was that he didn¡¯t make jokes? It was obvious from his voice that he wasn¡¯t joking now. I didn¡¯t know I would be threatened with money that I didn¡¯t have to pay back. For some reason, this situation felt funny. I turned my head and asked. ¡°Why are you curious about that?¡± ¡°Just because.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll keep the secret.¡± Even if it was an empty promise, he seemed to be able to keep a secret. Although he was a madman trying to strike a fortune with a cigarette, he seemed like someone who would keep his word. But that wasn¡¯t why I opened my mouth anyway. It was annoying; if I don¡¯t answer, I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll let me go and keep on bothering me. So I told him the person I wanted to target. ¡°It¡¯s the Director Yoon of this company.¡± At that moment, I felt that his gaze had changed strangely, but I only thought of the soda uncle who was waiting downstairs and walked away. I didn¡¯t want to see him again. CH 6 t/n: thank you to those who have sent me kofis!! and thank you to those for leaving comments :¡¯) As soon as I made my way down to the floor where they were waiting, the soda uncle saw me and shouted. ¡°Gasp! What¡¯s wrong with your face?!¡± ¡°¡­Because of a madman.¡± The uncle mumbled trying to understand my statement, and his eyes grew bigger. ¡°Madman? In the company? At this late hour?¡± Even the boy opened his eyes wide like an old man and was shocked, and questions poured out. I eventually changed the subject first due to the burdensome gaze of the two. ¡°Are you going to sign a contract with me?¡± ¡°Huh? Oh, what you need to do with me is not a contract, but a promise for now. The actual contract is with the company, and you have to pass the interview¡­ No, if you really want to do it, listen to me first and decide.¡± Then he started to scare me. ¡°You will never survive in this field if you¡¯re not determined. In order to succeed in the fast way like you want, you have to be especially determined to go through all sorts of things. This field is a complete survival of the fittest, so they do dirty things that you can¡¯t even imagine, such as even stealing small roles. Even if you are lucky to get a role through hard work, it is common for the role to change just the day before the shoot. If you¡¯re weak against failure or setbacks, it¡¯s better not to start at all.¡± ¡°I got it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not just that. It¡¯s common to be betrayed by someone you trust, and even do dirty things¡­ If you want to find a sponsor, you need to be prepared to suck on the genitals of a 70-year-old old man. Are you really going to do it?¡± ¡°Manager-nim.¡± When I called him, I looked at his eyes full of worries. ¡°I¡¯m not that naive or a nice person.¡± ¡°But, still¡­¡± ¡°I just need you to help me the way you usually do. I¡¯ll do the rest of the dirty and tough work.¡± Looking at me still for a long time, he asked me quietly. ¡°What on earth did Myeongshin do?¡± ¡°¡­¡± I hesitated for a moment. He was a good person, I could feel that he was really concerned for me. I knew I shouldn¡¯t be carried away by my revenge, but I probably wouldn¡¯t get another opportunity again. That thought pushed away some of my guilt, and I opened my mouth. ¡°Similar to what happened to you, CEO-nim.¡± I added as if it was nothing special. ¡°Just paying back what I went through.¡± Then I got up from my seat and pointed at the clock hanging on the wall. ¡°I want to go back to sleep, I have to go to work.¡± The two of them also quickly got up from their seats. ¡°Sorry for keeping you up late. I don¡¯t usually stay this late, if I knew this would happen, I should have ordered bossam, or these days McDonald¡¯s is the best.¡± As my mind and body were getting too exhausted to keep up with this conversation, the manager¡¯s phone rang. He picked it up and started with an apology. A gracious silence came and I hurriedly waited for the elevator to come. However, the voice of the manager answering the phone was strange. ¡°Chief Park, you called me at this late hour! What¡¯s the m- Ah, you had to work overtime until this hour. You¡¯ve worked hard. Ah- Are you crying? Eh? You want to quit your job because of your superiors?¡­ Ah, you¡¯re just joking. Haha~ It sounded as if you were serious¡­ I¡¯m sorry. By the way, what- Yes, that¡¯s right. Ah! Tomorrow? But¡­ Eh? Y-you don¡¯t know if Director Yoon is turning up?! Ah, I understand.¡± He nodded his head as he answered the phone with a bewildered look. ¡°I¡¯ll take him there tomorrow.¡± As soon as the uncle hung up, the elevator arrived with a ¡®ding~¡¯, but I couldn¡¯t get in right away. Because the manager was holding onto my hand tightly. ¡°W-what to do? You have an interview tomorrow!¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª I think it was a long day. As usual, I woke up at 6 and went to work. Nothing has changed, but a lot of things have happened. It was as if the past five years¡¯ worth of events accumulated into one day. The road in front of the building was deserted because it was past 2 a.m. The black gravel and white lines informed me that it was only a road for cars. The road tempted me to cross it. The darkness and empty space of the night sometimes create illusions. Everything has stopped. The feeling of a still moment was as cool as the night air. ¡°You must be tired.¡± A voice brought me back to reality. The boy was waiting with me in front of the building with the car the manager told him to bring. As I answered ¡®not really¡¯, I realised I wasn¡¯t really tired and I wasn¡¯t sleepy either. ¡°You said you do deliveries, right?¡± I nodded. ¡°Wah, but I can¡¯t see you as a delivery man. You seemed to have an unyielding personality for some reason, so manager-nim and I even suspected that you might be a gangster. Hahaha¡­ Um, were you a gangster?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Of course¡­¡± ¡°I did something similar.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°P¡¯w xlvvlcu.¡± Qtfc atf ybs ktb kjr ogbhfc lc ofjg jr lo tf kjr jybea ab gec jkjs gfjilrfv la kjr j pbxf, tlr ojmf ila eq lwwfvljafis. ¡°F-ekj~ P kjr rtbmxfv. Ljtj, s-sbe kfgf wjxlcu j pbxf. P revvfcis offi ilxf kf¡¯gf mibrfg?¡± Vtjii P qgfafcv P kjrc¡¯a pbxlcu? Cr P kjr mbcafwqijalcu, atf ybs jrxfv jcbatfg defralbc. ¡°By the way, how old are you? I think you are older than me.¡± ¡°26.¡± ¡°As expected. I¡¯m 21 years old. I¡¯m a second-year student in theater and film. Ah right, what¡¯s your name?¡± He made a fuss, saying he didn¡¯t ask the most important thing, but a sudden roar swallowed up his voice. Vrrooommmm~~~!!! As I heard the sound of a car engine that was loud enough to tilt the earth¡¯s axis, a sports car came out of the underground parking lot of the building. It was clear that the car was not the manager¡¯s car we were waiting for. Not only was it an expensive foreign car, but it whizzed past us violently. As the noise left behind by the car faded away like a cloud of smoke, I heard a small murmur next to me. ¡°It¡¯s Yoohan hyung¡¯s car.¡± After looking at the direction where the car had disappeared, he turned his head to look at me and shrugged. ¡°Yoohan hyung is rather greedy about cars. He seems to think it is more prideful to drive a car, rather than being a celebrity that he¡¯s aiming for. He bought a new foreign car when he changed his agency to this place. The funny thing is that the price of the car is the same as the amount of money he stole from manager-nim. Tsk, the more I think about it, the more pissed off I get.¡± He stared at the end of the empty road where the car has now disappeared. I also followed and asked. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Who is the celebrity he is aiming for?¡± When asked, he tilted his head and listed off the names of several celebrities. Most of them seemed to be quite famous, since even their names were somewhat familiar to me. An explanation that supported my thoughts came out right away. ¡°They are all top artists that only take leading roles. And they all belong to Dream. Yoohan¡¯s special skill is to use a person as a model and create the same image. What¡¯s interesting is that when he comes out on TV on a regular program rather than a drama, he mimics the expressions and tones that he had practised, as if he was that person themselves. I can never do such a tiring thing. I can¡¯t believe that he¡¯s acting even when he¡¯s not.¡± He shook his head and suddenly asked a question as if he remembered. ¡°Right, name! You have to tell me your name. My name is Lee Hansoo.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Um, your name¡­¡± ¡°Lee Yoohan.¡± ¡°Ah, Yooh¡­ huh? Um¡­ so, Yoohan-hyung¡¯s name¡­¡± He panicked and pointed his hand at the road where the car disappeared. ¡°The names are the same. No, that¡¯s just Yoohan-hyung¡¯s stage name¡­ Eh, didn¡¯t you say you knew each other before?¡± Just as I was thinking it¡¯d be annoying to answer, fortunately, an old car that seemed to belong to the manager approached us just in time. Vroom~ The manager, who pulled over with the sound of an old engine, eagerly lowered the window and beckoned to us. ¡°Hey, you guys get in the car.¡± ¡°Manager-nim!¡± Hansoo ran to the open window, looked at me and spoke, embarrassed. ¡°Did you know? His name is¡­ Lee Yoohan.¡± ¡°Ah, is that so? It¡¯s¡­ a good name.¡± Like the boy, he had a stiff look on his face. He cleared his throat after staring at me for a long time. ¡°Well, you can use an alias¡­ Hm, but you¡¯re older than Hansoo, right? Then, Hansoo can call you hyung.¡± He spoke in a light tone as if trying to shift the atmosphere. Hansoo quickly responded. ¡°That¡¯s true. Can I call you hyung?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Sorry?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like it. Don¡¯t call me hyung.¡± I firmly refused and walked toward the car and opened the back door. I could feel the eyes of the two staring at me, but I deliberately got in the car without making eye contact. I closed my eyes and after a while, the car began to move, perhaps because he gave up on talking to me. Sleepiness came as if to end a long day. ¡°Since this is a big agency, there are many people who come here to become celebrities. The acting academy also sends out a profile every month. There are so many that you can¡¯t meet them one by one. Like me, managers scout people on the street. However, since the person in charge cannot meet the people who get scouted like that every time, they conduct interviews two or three times a month to meet them all at once. The interview is only for those who passed the first round, which is the review of profile pictures. Of course, the interview is brutal and most people fail. But still, Yoohan¡­ Hmm, it¡¯s great that you¡¯re having an unplanned one-person interview right now! I don¡¯t know how that happened either. Ah, of course, I told him in advance that I had scouted you, but I didn¡¯t know he would contact me separately just because of that. Isn¡¯t this very nerve-wrecking? I thought maybe he wants to trust my perception and have an interview¡­ if that¡¯s the case, he could be testing me¡­¡± The manager worried for a long time and then requested me to meet him after work to practice for the interview. We had to meet again after midnight, but it wasn¡¯t difficult for me to hold out. I slept for only 3 hours and went to work, but I didn¡¯t feel sleepy or tired until the delivery was completed. I wasn¡¯t really worried about the interview tomorrow either. It was because the conversation I had with the sales office manager in the morning strangely did not leave my mind. ¡°You¡¯re quitting?¡± When I answered yes, he immediately started worrying. ¡°Ah! Since you work for two people¡¯s worth, that means I¡¯ll have to find two more people! No, even worse than that, if I have to train newbies¡­¡± What was surprising was that he was more concerned about the potential new employees rather than stopping me. Don¡¯t you usually stop them from quitting first? As I thought about it casually, he then stopped pulling his hair and sighed loudly. ¡°But I need you to stay until a new person comes in? Hm?¡± I nodded and asked without realizing it. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you stopping me?¡± He paused. Then, his answer was unexpected. ¡°I thought you¡¯d leave anytime.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Yoohan, although you¡¯ve never mentioned it before, how should I say¡­ you work too hard. In more than 3 years of working here, you¡¯ve never been on vacation, you don¡¯t mind working on holidays, and you¡¯ve been doing double deliveries from the beginning. Sometimes some people do it like you because they need money, but you¡¯re a little different.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡± When asked, he mumbled ¡°Well¡­ ¡± and scratched his head. ¡°It¡¯s just like, a person whose purpose is to do this work in itself. Then at some point, I felt like you were going to leave as if nothing had happened.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you looking a little anxious? If you hadn¡¯t left, maybe I would have kicked you out.¡± He smiled jokingly and added a question. ¡°Have you got anything else to do?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°It¡¯s good to have something you want to do. You¡¯ll be good at anything.¡± He smiled, complimented me, and patted me on the back, saying to get back to work. After work, I realised why the manager¡¯s words remained in my mind when I went back to see the manager after midnight. The words he used were awkward enough to annoy me. ¡°Something I wanted to do¡±. I couldn¡¯t afford to have such a thing. I couldn¡¯t possess that desire either. We only saw each other at night, the manager who greeted me with a smile took me to the basement of the building. He led me to a small empty room among the rows of rooms that looked like a dance practice room. It was night, but in the other room, there were quite a few people practicing late at night, and the lights were on and there was music softly playing. As I entered the practice room with the mirror wall in front, he led me to the front of the mirror. ¡°Tomorrow is the interview, so you can¡¯t practice acting in just a few hours, but I think you shouldn¡¯t look awkward at least.¡± As I stared at the words that needed explanation, he noticed and said several things about the interview. ¡°I¡¯ve only seen it a few times, but at first, a line of applicants are asked a variety of questions one after another. If you give an incorrect answer or if they find any flaws, they¡¯ll tell them to go out the door immediately. In interviews, I usually see things like special talents that the applicants have prepared, but they just throw away what they have prepared for months after a few questions. Well, the person in charge says that after a few words, they get a feeling right away, so there¡¯s nothing more to say.¡± He stopped talking and lowered his voice with sullen eyes. ¡°There are a lot of people who want to become celebrities like this. Everyone prepares for a long time and works hard. So, you have to throw away the idea that you will easily become a celebrity. Even if you are lucky and talented, you should never be complacent. Because luck or talent without effort will all run out someday.¡± ¡°I know. I¡¯ll end it before my luck or talent runs out.¡± ¡°End¡­ So you¡¯re saying you¡¯re going to quit when your revenge is over?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Manager-nim, let me be clear again. I¡¯m trying to get revenge. This is my goal.¡± So, if you don¡¯t like it now, turn around. I thought he would have figured out the meaning of these words. He looked down at his hands with a mixed expression on his face. ¡°Right. I need something too. Like you said, I should earn money for the children¡¯s school fees. Actually, I got fired from my job today.¡± It was expected, but I didn¡¯t say anything. He must have thought I was feeling awkward, so he patted my arm with a smile, as if telling me not to worry. ¡°So I can work as much as I want just for you. Well, let¡¯s work hard. And you never know, if you work hard, your purpose might change to acting itself.¡± He chuckled, and suddenly asked with a straight face. ¡°Do you want to do something other than an actor?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have anything I want to do, my goal is to be an actor.¡± ¡°Is that so? Yoohan- I mean, because Myeongshin is an actor?¡± Nodding my head, I asked what I was curious about; a drama that is said to be airing next year that Myeongshin showed interest in. When I said the title, the manager immediately gave me an answer. ¡°It¡¯s a grand project. The original book is already a huge bestseller, the movie version that was released last year was also very successful. So when the drama comes out, popularity is guaranteed. What about the drama?¡± ¡°It seems that Myeongshin is aiming for the main role.¡± At my words, his expression slightly distorted. ¡°He doesn¡¯t have the capacity to play that role yet. Myeongshin usually does light trends, so his image doesn¡¯t fit. Come to think of it, he¡¯s trying to change his image these days. Is it because of this?¡± He tilted his head, muttered, and asked. ¡°How did you know that?¡±¡± Instead of answering, I changed the subject. ¡°Because of that drama, he¡¯s targeting Director Yoon to be his sponsor. What¡¯s the connection?¡± ¡°D-d-director Yoon?!!!¡± His eyes opened wide like a cartoon character. He must have been really surprised that he held his breath for a while, and asked again if I was sure it was Director Yoon. I nodded. ¡°My god¡­ No matter how fast you want to reach stardom with a sponsor, you have to know how to distinguish people. What do you mean Director Yoon¡­¡± He shook his head and voiced his concern. ¡°If you get caught up in the wrong thing, even if you are a top star, Director Yoon has the ability to make someone fall into a ditch. That fellow has no fear.¡± Even though he had been ruined by Myeongshin before, he still voiced out his worries. Perhaps he still had some affections. He sighed and lowered his eyes for a moment, then looked back at me. ¡°There are many reasons for trying to get Director Yoon as a sponsor. One, he holds the true power of the company, wouldn¡¯t one get full support from the company if they get his help? This is one of the few places that can put pressure on broadcasting stations. There is also a rumor that he is also involved in the production of dramas. Well, thanks to that, Director Yoon is the first thing that rookies who want to rise are aiming for. But that man¡­¡± The manager shook his head. ¡°No, he¡¯s definitely not an easy person. He¡¯s very competent, and seeing that he made huge profits while working for a movie investment company of the same type in the United States for several years, I think his ability to pick out the box office hits is excellent. Even after moving here, the artists have been shuffled extensively. Anyway, the first month did really well. If the company doesn¡¯t push them, then the actors are done for. Well, so Myeongshin may be aiming for something¡­ Hm, if it¡¯s the lead role in that drama, it¡¯s probably because the copyright is at stake.¡± ¡°A copyright?¡± ¡°Our company owns the rights to the drama of that work. So, it¡¯s a standard fact that Dream is responsible for all the main roles, including the main character. It¡¯s in the planning stage now, so filming is probably going to begin next year. But if you ask me¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you¡¯re aiming for the same role as Myeongshin as revenge, I¡¯ll just smile and listen to you, but I¡¯m absolutely opposed to having Director Yoon as a sponsor.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not thinking about having him as my sponsor. Although I need it.¡± He furrowed his eyebrows, not knowing what I meant, but he had nothing more to say. Because even I didn¡¯t have a concrete plan on what to do. ¡°What should I do now?¡± When I changed the subject, he made me come closer to the mirror with a solemn expression. And he made me take a closer look at my face. ¡°I¡¯m going to have you practice a few interviews. Answer while I ask and see how your expression changes through the mirror. Shouldn¡¯t you know what your face looks like?¡± As he spoke, I stared at the person in the mirror. A slightly thin, expressionless face. My lips are swollen and covered with a scab. It has been a while since I¡¯ve taken a closer look at myself. That face was so unfamiliar that it felt like I was looking at someone else. ¡°If you have more time, it would be nice to practice the skills that you will show during the interview, but since it¡¯s today¡­ For now, let¡¯s just master not getting panicked by the questions and do a few simple lines.¡± Lines, as in acting? I looked at him in confusion and he shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Of course, you¡¯ve never acted before, so it¡¯s a little worrying. But it¡¯s okay. If you can¡¯t say the lines, you can just show your true self. Still, it¡¯s good to be prepared. Well, it might be hard to even say simple lines¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ve read lines before.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± What are you talking about? The uncle stared at me as I repeated. ¡°I¡¯ve read lines.¡± I never thought the day would come when my past cohabitation with Myeongshin would be helpful. Why not? He was the one who wanted to be an actor, and I just helped him memorize the lines with a lazy face while I read the lines of the other party. At first, I just read it as if I were reading a Korean book. However, he became active and talkative when practicing acting, and he was dissatisfied with my response. ¡°Hey, read it as though it¡¯s real. When I act, you should respond to it and have fun like the person in the script!¡± ¡°What? You¡¯re embarrassed? Haha, it¡¯s really funny to hear that from you, who¡¯s famous for not being bashful. So there¡¯s something you can¡¯t do too~¡± I was choked up by his provocative words so I read the lines more ridiculously on purpose. And the more exaggerated I read, the more excited he was and read his lines. What seemed tedious and annoying at first had almost become a daily routine every evening. We giggled and drank together and eventually had fun. It was a memory from long ago and has faded now, but it helped me read some of the lines of the script given by the manager. At least, I didn¡¯t feel awkward. Leaving the manager looking surprised, I didn¡¯t go home at dawn and instead headed to the internet cafe. I put in the CD I had gotten from the manager and put on headphones. I had asked him to record the acting of an actor he was in charge of to show me. The CD played automatically on the monitor, and a person acting appeared. A man who was whispering sweet words with a gentle smile. I picked a one-minute scene from the CD and watched it over and over without a break until dawn. When I left the internet cafe, I felt like I was Myeongshin in that drama. CH 7 t/n: I¡¯m keeping the onomaetopia in korean pronunciation since it¡¯s really hard to find perfect english substitutes, it should be self-explanatory right? >< Thanks to the vacation I had gotten for the first time in three years, I woke up a little late and entered the building that I¡¯ve been getting used to for the past three days. The manager wasn¡¯t the only one waiting for me. As I stared intently at Hansoo standing next to me, he held out something in his hand to me with a face as nervous as the manager. ¡°Take it. I thought you would need it so I bought it as soon as I got out of class.¡± I looked carefully as he talked in a serious tone, but I couldn¡¯t figure out why. Why are you giving me Cheongsimhwan? And then, the manager stepped forward. ¡°I don¡¯t know what your religion is, so I brought everything.¡± Then he held out a cross necklace, a Catholic rosary, and Buddhist prayer beads. I opened my mouth while my eyes gazed alternating between the two. ¡°I don¡¯t need any props.¡± Should I have told them in advance? I felt a little sorry that Hansoo even skipped class. I decided to bring the props just in case, and I stuffed them in my back pocket. But the expressions of the two stiffened by what I said. ¡°¡­Hm?¡± After a long time, the manager made a strange noise, and Hansoo added. ¡°Are you a psychopath?¡± What are you talking about? Not knowing the meaning of that word, I just stared at the two. The manager came to his senses and scolded Hansoo. ¡°What are you talking about? Haha, he must have been kidding because you weren¡¯t nervous at all.¡± ¡­So it was a curse word. Tsk, when I glanced at Hansoo, he flinched and shook his shoulders. ¡°S-sorry.¡± Was it an English curse? I was squinting and thinking, but the manager took out the folded paper from his pocket, saying, ¡°Ah!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about a few aliases.¡± Then, there were more than 100 names written on the paper he unfolded. Giving me paper with anticipating eyes, he put his hands together, eager to read them all one by one from the beginning. ¡°Tell me what you like. Firstly, Lee Taemin¡­¡± ¡°Yes, that one.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go with Lee Taemin.¡± At the moment, an unknown frustration spread over the manager¡¯s face, but honestly, the name was not very important. I reminded him of the time to turn his attention away. ¡°Don¡¯t we have to go?¡± Fortunately, it worked, so he quickly changed his expression and put Hansoo¡¯s Cheongsimhwan in his mouth after putting one hand over his heart. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go!¡± Squeak. I followed the manager inside with the door closing behind me. The manager¡¯s three sets of religious items were left in Hansoo¡¯s hands as he cheered. Inside, the manager greeted the first two people we saw. There were two men sitting on chairs behind the long desk who seemed to be in their mid-40s and early 30s. The man in his 40s was wearing casual clothes, and the man in his early 30s was wearing a suit. The elder man smiled and greeted the manager, but a man in his 30s with an angular jaw and a firm physique shook hands with the manager¡¯s hands with an annoyed expression. The room was bigger than expected, and there was a large black window with a door behind the two people sitting opposite. It was like a window in a police interrogation room that you could commonly see on TV. Don¡¯t tell me there¡¯s really someone in there. As I looked around the room, the manager greeted the people and stepped back, then a man in his 40s pointed to an area in the room and instructed me to stand in that position. Standing in the center opposite the two, a man in his 40s activated the camera on the desk. ¡°Look at the camera and introduce yourself first.¡± ¡°Lee Taemin. 26 years old.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Is that all?¡± He asked, raising his eyes from the camera viewfinder, and turned his head to the person next to me with a ¡®hmm¡¯ sound at my nod. Then, a man in his 30s, who looked somewhat tired, stared at me, then suddenly glanced at the black window behind him and gave out a hardened voice. ¡°Mr. Lee Taemin. What¡¯s with that face?¡± Before I even realized he was pointing to my injured lip, a firm voice followed. ¡°You are a commodity to us. But if the product someone wants to buy already has flaws, who will buy it?¡± Embarrassed by his words, the manager stepped forward. ¡°Ah, Chief Park, that wound is¡­¡± Chief Park? Ah, the person who cried on the phone because of his boss. As I recalled that memory, the said-person ordered the manager in an overbearing voice. ¡°Zjcjufg Jtbl, rafq yjmx. Off Kjfwlc. Gb sbe tjnf jcsatlcu ab rjs? Qbeiv sbe yes rbwf kbgw-fjafc ogela?¡± ¡°Rb.¡± Lf ogbkcfv ja ws jcrkfg jcv kjnfv tlr tjcv. ¡°Po sbe xcbk, qifjrf ifjnf.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Jjc¡¯a sbe ecvfgrajcv tewjc ijcuejuf? Ktf lcafgnlfk lr bnfg, rb qifjrf ifjnf.¡± Pcrafjv bo wbnlcu, P yfmjwf mbcafwqijalnf jcv ibbxfv yjmx ja atf wjcjufg ktb kjr jybea ab rafq obgkjgv jujlc, jcv yibmxfv tlw klat tlr tjcv. P vlvc¡¯a atlcx P kbeiv gfjiis tjnf ab erf atf qgbqr qgfqjgfv. P abbx j rafq obgkjgv, gfwfwyfglcu bcf atlcu atf wjcjufg tjv rjlv. ¨C You just need to show your genuine self. ¨C ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± ¡°¡­ Eh?¡± I looked at the man in his 30s, who raised his eyes in surprise at my words, expressionlessly and slowly took what I had prepared out of my back pocket. ¡°Are your ears clogged? I said I don¡¯t want to.¡± Whing~ Chaeng. A short sound of wind rose from my fingertips. It was not a loud sound, but it drew everyone¡¯s attention in the suddenly silent room. Tak. It was only a few seconds before the silver blade was fully folded and revealed, but I know it must have shone splendidly because of its fast winding. It had always been like that. In the past, it was the best way to threaten my opponent, and all the students in school uniforms gave their wallets trembling at my hand gestures. This was a Balisong, also known as a butterfly knife. My opponent was now turned into an interviewer in a suit, but his eyes when he saw a knife were no different from the high school students I used to deal with. ¡°Oh my god you brought a knife in¡­¡± He tilted his upper body back and let out a nervous cry. Then when I approached him, he opened his eyes wide. ¡°H-hey, Lee Taemin-ssi¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s a replica, right?¡± I stopped right in front of the table, and turned the knife once again. Chaeng, chaeng. After confirming that Chief Park¡¯s gaze was stiff due to the brief swishing sound, I spoke again. ¡°Actually, I didn¡¯t really want to do it. It¡¯s just that that uncle kept coming and bothering me to do an interview or something and it was annoying so I came. But I barely made time to come, and you¡¯re telling me to leave after asking my name?¡± ¡°Wait, then that¡¯s¡­¡± Kwang! When the tip of the knife was slammed down on the table, the table shook with a loud sound. At the same time, Chief Park¡¯s mouth made a short groaning sound. ¡°Heuk!¡± ¡°So doesn¡¯t that suck?¡± Mumbling, I bowed my upper body and brought my face close to him. When there was only a few centimeters between us, he hurriedly opened his mouth, pushing his chair back. ¡°You- are you threatening me right now? To pass the interview like that¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care about the interview. I told you I¡¯m in a bad mood.¡± I grabbed him by the collar so he couldn¡¯t back down any further. He was panting because he was suffocated by my strong grip, but I purposely squeezed harder. ¡°And this is what threatening looks like.¡± I heard the manager¡¯s voice rushing to me from behind, and I could feel the cameraman standing next to me, but I focused on Chief Park. And I whispered so that only he could hear. ¡°Is your wife pretty?¡± I raised my other hand and slowly traced his cheek with the tip of my fingers. I muttered expressionlessly as I looked into his eyes that couldn¡¯t open any wider. ¡°Then remind her not to open the door.¡± ¡°?¡± ¡°When packages are delivered to your house.¡± Chief Park¡¯s body immediately stiffened by the voice that flowed out with a low laugh. ¡°W-what does that m¡­¡± When he muttered with a burst of breath, I backed away from him and curved my lips. ¡°You didn¡¯t know? I¡¯m a delivery man.¡± ¡°!¡± Someone pulled my arm with the rattling sound of the desk being pushed. ¡°T-Taemin ah! What are you doing right now?¡± The manager ran in surprise and took me off from Chief Park. Thanks to him, when my hand let go, Chief Park leaned his weak body against the back of the chair and stared blankly to the table. His eyes were still on the knife on the table, but he looked up at me with appalled eyes, as if he had come to his senses. ¡°L-look. I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re trying to do, but if you touch my wife¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I bowed my head and deliberately lowered my eyes. The sudden word made the surroundings quiet. The man in his 40s who had stood up and tried to block Chief Park, and the manager who tried to pull me back, looked back at me, looked at me suspiciously. I tried not to make eye contact with them and deliberately spoke slowly as if I was timid. I had watched Myeongshin¡¯s way of mumbling over and over again last night. The scene where he was begging for forgiveness for a minute was now back in my mind. ¡°Really¡­ I¡¯m sorry. Sometimes, without realizing it, ah¡­ So, there are times when I just get angry and scream like it¡¯s not myself. I scream senselessly and when I pull myself together¡­ All the people I knew in front of me looked at me with fear. Well¡­ I¡¯d like to say that wasn¡¯t my intention, but the people who misunderstood my personality as being intimidating and losing my temper at everyone¡­ But, but, that¡¯s really not me. It wasn¡¯t me who got mad at you for a moment¡­ So that¡¯s really not my real self.¡± Only my small voice echoed through the room. It wasn¡¯t part of the direction that I had to bow my head but I thought I might be caught muttering only with my mouth if I made eye contact. Fortunately, the people who were bewildered by the sudden change seemed to realize that I was just acting. Otherwise, if they had asked to see my acting from the beginning, my sloppy acting skills would have only ended up as a joke. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to scare anyone. So¡­ please don¡¯t look at me with those eyes.¡± After finishing the last line, I slowly raised my eyes. I saw the uncle in his 40s who still looked blank, and Chief Park who looked serious. At the same time, I heard the manager¡¯s muttering voice next to me. ¡°The Wednesday-Thursday drama that aired last week¡­ Song Yoohan¡¯s apology scene.¡± When I turned my head, I saw the manager staring at me. With a confused look, he grabbed my arm and walked towards Chief Park, who took a step back. ¡°Didn¡¯t you know?¡± Then, Chief Park muttered ¡°Ah, that¡± and nodded. He still looked stiff, but when he realized the situation, he relaxed his face with a dry cough. ¡°Hmm, ah so¡­ Well, you were acting just now?¡± Instead of replying , I stepped forward. Seeing that, Chief Park¡¯s thick shoulders trembled for a moment, but I ignored it and pulled the knife from the table and stepped back. ¡°If you were startled, I apologise.¡± When I spoke politely, Chief Park averted my gaze and chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Well, I wasn¡¯t that startled.¡± His eyes were wet when he spoke. ¡°But you should¡¯ve told me beforehand¡­¡± When he came to his senses, he was a little angry, but just as he was about to raise his voice, a phone suddenly rang. It was Chief Park¡¯s. When he took out his cell phone, he looked surprised for a moment when he saw the name on the screen, glanced behind him, and carefully answered the phone. ¡°¡­Yes¡­yes¡­Eh?¡± It seems that the other party had a very high status, he was talking respectfully as he suddenly turned his head to look at me with a surprised voice. ¡°Well, I think so too but¡­¡± He kept looking at me, to the point that I doubted they were talking about me, but he turned away and nodded slightly. ¡°Let¡¯s do that first and wait and see.¡± Click. When he hung up, he looked at the table for a moment and called the manager. ¡°Manager Choi.¡± The manager stepped forward with a nervous expression. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do one month for now.¡± I didn¡¯t understand what that ¡®one month¡¯ meant, but I saw the surprise spread over the manager¡¯s face. At least it didn¡¯t seem to be a bad thing, and Chief Park¡¯s explanation that followed was beyond my expectations. ¡°You¡¯ll hear from Manager Choi in detail later, but we¡¯ll go with a one-month contract. Well, I made the decision after seeing you today, but if there¡¯s no more impressive development after a month, the contract will be terminated.¡± I had to reply to him, but I felt a little puzzled. Did what I did really work? However, regardless of my question, Chief Park quickly said what he had to say while looking at the camera monitor next to him. ¡°Your face looks better on screen than in person. Hmm¡­ I think you¡¯ll look good after some grooming and make up¡­¡± He muttered to himself and got up from his seat and looked at the manager. ¡°You can leave now. So¡­¡± He cleared his throat when he saw the knife still in my hand with a slightly fearful gaze. ¡°Let¡¯s put that knife away now.¡± I came to my senses by his words and put the knife I held in my hand for the first time since I was a teenager into my pocket. When I became empty-handed five years ago, I entered a goshiwon with only a few clothes. I later discovered this knife in my winter coat. When I was younger, I used to brandish the fancy-looking knife around and steal money from kids my age. When I started working at the loan company, I switched to a heavier one and I couldn¡¯t even remember where that was, but it happened to be inside the inner pocket of the winter jumper I brought out. When I found it again, I didn¡¯t throw it away because I was lazy and busy. I remembered before I came out for the interview that, since I didn¡¯t think that I would use it again, I had thrown it into the bottom of my only luggage. It was the only thing left that was evidence of my old self. I didn¡¯t think I would really use it. ¡°The apology back then was copied from the drama, but where did you get the acting part with the knife from?¡± Chief Park added, asking questions as if he was curious. ¡°Did you practise moving the knife on purpose?¡± I was about to answer ¡°no¡±, but the manager who was next to me grabbed my arm and stepped forward. ¡°Of course! He practised it on purpose. Right, Taemin ah?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Ha. Ha. Ha. That¡¯s what they say.¡± I didn¡¯t say anything, but the manager replied as though he heard an auditory hallucination, and then a smile spread over Chief Park¡¯s face. ¡°Right? I thought that knife swing was very real¡­ If that was just acting, then those words were all just a part of the act right?¡± What is? I raised my eyes. The manager looked at me, and Chief Park asked casually. ¡°That thing, you said you were a delivery guy¡­ Haha, it¡¯s not true, is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I do delivery work.¡± Looking at Chief Park, who suddenly turned pale like plaster, the manager grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the door. Before the door closed, I could see Chief Park pressing his cell phone with his trembling hands and a crying voice sounded. ¡°Darling! Don¡¯t accept any packages!¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª A one-month contract. There was a contract waiting for my signature in front of me, but I wasn¡¯t particularly excited. I was more lazy to read the small letters in the long wall of text. Anyway, the content was all restrictions on things that should not be done. Still, this was probably a good thing to achieve especially since I wasn¡¯t even ready to become a celebrity, but honestly, I didn¡¯t have a good feeling. Although, Hansoo and the manager looked excited. ¡°Wah~ Even the kids at the acting academy have a hard time passing the interview, but you signed the contract right away!! That¡¯s amazing!¡± ¡°Haha~ I was shocked too. Ah, my heart is still beating so fast. When Chief Park told him to go out, I thought it was over. Who would have thought that Taemin would prepare that?!! ¡± ¡°Aish, I should have come to watch too! Manager-nim, how was it? Eh?¡± ¡°Ahh, it was great at first. Taemin suddenly pulled out a knife¡­¡± As the manager jumped up from his seat and tried to reenact, I stood up because I thought it was going to last for a long time. Then he stopped talking and looked back at me. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Bathroom. When I was about to turn around, he suddenly complimented me. ¡°You did a good job today.¡± I was about to answer ¡°Not really¡± but I shut my mouth. He had praised me, but I saw a complicated glint in his eyes. It was exactly the same as when he realised I was acting in front of Chief Park. ¡°When you initially acted with the knife, it was really good. I was also surprised.¡± Then the problem is the second part. I guessed that, but he also opened his mouth to compliment me. ¡°You did well for the second part too.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s a good impersonation.¡± Impersonation. I looked at the manager quietly, he added in a calm tone. ¡°Because it¡¯s your first time, I can accept it, but acting isn¡¯t about imitating other people like that.¡± ¡°¡­¡± If you¡¯re going to keep doing that, then I can¡¯t look after you.¡± ¡°¡­¡± I opened my mouth for the first time in a long time as I saw his stubborn eyes. Yeah, it won¡¯t work on this person. Well, I don¡¯t intend to do it too much either. ¡°I have no intention of imitating Myeongshin. I¡¯ll do my best.¡± When I answered, the manager¡¯s eyes smiled again. ¡°Right, that¡¯s how it should be. Hahaha~ Shall we go out for a group dinner?¡± CH 8 After a sudden change in the atmosphere, the two started looking for all kinds of restaurants with the momentum to eat all the food on the planet. After 20 minutes of just finding a restaurant, I quietly left the room and went into the empty room next door. The third floor was packed with small rooms like conference rooms, and it seemed like a room that could be used by celebrities and managers at any time for meetings. I stood against the wall next to the slightly open door, staring blankly at the empty room. I wasn¡¯t thinking about anything much. I was just waiting for the two to go out when they finished searching the restaurant, and find me. The door was half open, so I could tell right away when the manager or Hansoo came out of the next room. However, instead of seeing the two people I was waiting for, I heard someone else¡¯s voice. ¡°What is this? Why are you two here?¡± Following Myeongshin¡¯s bright voice, Hansoo¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°It¡¯s my right to be here. What does it matter to hyung?¡± I turned my head to look out the door. Myeongshin was standing with his back half turned to me, coldly spitting each word at Hansoo who was standing opposite. ¡°You haven¡¯t been fired yet? You can¡¯t even stand in front of the camera because of your phobia like a dumbass, but you¡¯ve managed to stick around for quite some time?¡± The manager came out to stop Hansoo, was ticked off by that statement and frowned. ¡°Yoohan, what kind of words are those? Hansoo is¡­¡± ¡°The same goes for you. Now that you¡¯re out of my league, I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re still clinging onto this company when there¡¯s no celebrity to be in charge of anymore. I have the worst luck.¡± Hansoo¡¯s face turned red as if offended by Myeongshin¡¯s outburst. ¡°We¡¯re the ones who are unlucky! Ah, do you think the manager doesn¡¯t have any celebrity to take care of when hyung isn¡¯t here? Our manager-nim discovered a new person today and he¡¯s already passed the interview and got a contract! What¡¯s wrong with you!¡± I was quietly listening to what he was saying, but I couldn¡¯t listen to Hansoo¡¯s next words so calmly. ¡°He¡¯s so good at acting that Chief Park who interviewed him even cried! He¡¯s an acting genius, an acting genius!¡± Are you sure you¡¯re talking about me? ¡°Don¡¯t worry about our work anymore, because if the company pushes him hard, he¡¯ll become a great actor that hyung won¡¯t even stand a chance. Hm?¡± Hansoo, who finished talking while raising his chin, grabbed the embarrassed manager¡¯s arm, ran into the room and closed the door with a ¡°Bang!¡± sound. I turned my gaze away from the closed door, stared at the door quietly, and looked at the standing Myeongshin. I couldn¡¯t look closely at his expression because I could only see about half of his face, but I could tell he was annoyed. Looking at him, a laugh almost came out. Nothing has changed. Myeongshin was like that in the past too. It¡¯s something that others can ignore, but he keeps being concerned about it and developing problems within himself. Even if he had changed his image to appear more masculine and become a popular actor who drives a cool sports car, inside he was still the same Myeongshin as before. Just like now, he could have ignored the CEO and fellow actor of the former agency he had ruined, but he couldn¡¯t. Standing staring at the door for a long time, he began to walk fast somewhere with his cell phone in his hand. I left the room and quietly followed him. He entered an empty elevator and stopped at the top floor. After confirming, I also went to the top floor and headed toward the rooftop without hesitation. On the top floor, when I got off the elevator, there was only a door that could be entered only when I opened it from the inside. I had heard that behind this door was the executive room, so I didn¡¯t think Myeongshin would be inside. Then only the terrace remained. I went up the stairs that I had been to once that night. After looking inside the open door, I walked silently and headed toward the sound of Myeongshin¡¯s voice. As I heard Myeongshin angrily shouting at someone on the phone, I hid behind a tree in the centre. ¡°¡­Ah, it¡¯s because I¡¯m annoyed! How do you know if they¡¯ve purposely come into the place where I am and curse me behind my back? They¡¯re sticking to me like a tick¡­ Ah, it feels so icky, I¡¯m telling you¡­ I know. I know but still go find out. I¡¯m telling you he passed the interview today¡­ Yeah, that¡¯s right. Just take a certain amount out. Then I¡¯ll take care of the rest. What? Ha, maybe. I¡¯ll have to trample him. If he works with CEO Choi, then I¡¯ll let him how it feels like to fail.¡± I wasn¡¯t worried despite knowing that I was the object of his spiteful words. On the contrary, it was funny how he¡¯s concerned about me on his own even before I have done anything. Of course, he didn¡¯t know who I was yet. Thanks to him, there would be no such thing that would be too easy and boring. I was even grateful, but Myeongshin, who was talking on the phone, suddenly turned his head. ¡°Who¡¯s there?!¡± I lowered my body subconsciously. Next to the tree, I bowed my upper body as if I were lying on the floor and listened. I didn¡¯t want to let him know about my existence already. I wanted to save the revelation my identity, but I still needed to prepare. Because I was just a beginner in the field. No matter how much I wanted revenge, I was practically nothing more than a humble deliveryman. If I went out in front of a popular celebrity who drives a foreign car worth hundreds of millions of won, I would get nothing but ridicule. So I bowed down in a ridiculous position and stayed silent so that I wouldn¡¯t be caught. Clack clack. I heard footsteps walking towards me. I glanced around to see if there was another place to hide, but there was no place to hide behind me. The exit door was on the opposite side. ¡°I said who¡¯s there?¡± The raised voice came closer. ¡°You¡¯re hiding there aren¡¯t you?¡± What should I do? At this rate, if I stand up¡­ ¡°Who¡¯s hiding?¡± Huh? Zs ybvs atja kjr agfwyilcu ogbw atf rlaejalbc kjr revvfcis raloofcfv ys jcbatfg nblmf lcafgpfmalcu. Qtb firf kjr atfgf? Ca j mbwqifafis ecfzqfmafv aegc bo fnfcar, P gjlrfv ws tfjv rilutais lc atf vlgfmalbc bo atf nblmf. Zsfbcurtlc kjr cba ojg ogbw atf agff ktfgf P kjr tlvlcu. Ccv j wjc kjr kjixlcu jmgbrr ogbw tlw. I couldn¡¯t see the man¡¯s face because his tall frame was obscured by Myeongshin, but I could clearly see Myeongshin¡¯s face who was looking at him. He seemed surprised, at least more than me. To the point where I could clearly see him inhaling. But what made me even more puzzled than his surprised expression was the words that came out of Myeongshin¡¯s mouth. ¡°Gasp! I¡¯m s-sorry.¡± As soon as he recognised the other party, Myeongshin apologised immediately. He faced the other who was slowly approaching, with a bewildered expression, as if he had just made a big mistake. ¡°I heard a noise so I thought someone was eavesdropping on my call. I didn¡¯t know it was Director Yoon¡­¡± ¡°Where is this?¡± A gentle voice interrupted Myeongshin. A familiar, friendly way of talking. I forgot that I was hiding and poked my head out again. ¡°Is this your personal space?¡± ¡°No, I mean¡­¡± ¡°Besides, it wasn¡¯t an interesting call to eavesdrop.¡± So you¡¯re saying you overheard it too. Having brought it up shamelessly, he added. ¡°Just some trivial story about trampling on a rookie.¡± A sweet voice flowed as if it was paying a compliment, but Myeongshin¡¯s expression completely hardened. With a smile on his face, I visually identified the person who made the other party speechless. The person with a smile during the day was the madman whom I met two nights ago. He smiled with his eyes and pulled out a cigarette. ¡°I want to smoke alone.¡± Myeongshin, who was frozen at his words, opened his mouth as if he had come to his senses. ¡°Well, you misunderstood the phone call a while ago. I¡¯m just playing a joke on someone I know.¡± A smile appeared on Myeongshin¡¯s face who was stiff. ¡°You didn¡¯t really hear it right?¡± ¡°Cigarettes.¡± ¡°Yes? Ah, you said you wanted to smoke a cigarette alone.¡± As Myeongshin stepped back with an expression that implied he was forced to, he lifted his lips. ¡°Next time please let me smoke with you.¡± When Myeongshin talked with sparkling eyes, the other party also replied with a smile with his eyes curved. ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Can¡¯t he tell from the other person¡¯s smile? With the laughter in Myeongshin disappearing, he pointed to the door with a cigarette in his hand. Myeongshin looked at him as if he was disappointed, and eventually left a silent greeting and disappeared out the door. Soon, Myeongshin¡¯s footsteps moving down the stairs became distant, but I still couldn¡¯t raise my body that was pressed onto the floor. Myeongshin was gone, but there was still someone whom I didn¡¯t want to be found out from. No matter how potent I was, a human whom I didn¡¯t want to associate with again. But my wish did not come true. ¡°Hey, 200 won. Not coming out, what are you doing?¡± Damn it. I had no choice but to curse in my heart. As I slowly got up and walked around the hidden flower bed, I saw him holding a cigarette in his mouth. Looking under the bright light, for some reason, the smile around my mouth looked chilling. I knew he was the kind of guy who could provoke someone with that relaxed look on his face. Moreover, the problem was Myeongshin¡¯s attitude towards him. He must be a more powerful person than Myeongshin at the very least. Perhaps because I met him for the second time, I felt more familiar. ¡°Is it Song Yoohan? The object of your revenge?¡± Unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t just the face that looked familiar because it was the second time. His straightforward tone also felt familiar. ¡°I¡¯m asking if it¡¯s Song Yoohan, 200 won.¡± The nickname ¡®200 won¡¯ was more annoying than the fact that he knew Myeongshin was the object of my revenge. And that smile. I was about to swear ¡®fuck¡¯, but found it too tame and not enough to express my anger. A stronger curse, ah, there was that. At that moment, I thought of it; the English curse that Hansoo said earlier. ¡°You don¡¯t have to know. Psychopath.¡± Since ¡®psycho¡¯ was a curse, the ¡®path¡¯ behind must have been an intensifier. I had no doubt that this was on the same level as ¡®son of a bitch¡¯, so I spat it out in a low voice. The other party immediately reacted. Even if it was only for an instant, his eyes narrowed slightly. Well, it was obvious that he was surprised by my curse, even though he was back to normal. Though I felt dirtier after hearing the words that followed. ¡°Well, I hear that from time to time.¡± How can you say that you occasionally get cursed at with such a relaxed face? I frowned, wondering if this was a guy I couldn¡¯t get along with more than I thought, but he repeated the same question again. ¡°Is it Song Yoohan?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s why you came up here after chasing him.¡± ¡°How did you know that?¡± ¡°Because I followed you.¡± He shamelessly muttered with his cigarette in his lips and tilted his head to the side. ¡°I heard you passed the interview? Rumours have already spread that you put a knife in front of Chief Park during the interview and made him cry.¡± The corners of his eyes were curved up, and I wondered how he knew as he looked towards my back pocket. ¡°I heard you startled him by acting like a thug from the old times, and then recited lines no worse than a five-year-old. You made good use of it by reversing the situation but if it weren¡¯t for the head of the department Park, being too cowardly. Then you wouldn¡¯t have stood a chance.¡± That soft voice cut me like a knife. He had a smile on his lips, but his eyes were cold as ice. I looked at him and slowly opened my mouth. ¡°You¡¯re right. I didn¡¯t stand a chance.¡± It seemed for a moment his smile disappeared. However, as if it was a habit, the corners of her lips were raised again. ¡°You don¡¯t have an outstanding appearance, and you¡¯re not naturally talented in acting but you will get revenge?¡± ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡± I spat out coarsely, but the other party didn¡¯t mind me and there was a smile in his eyes. Now it seemed like he was actually enjoying the situation as there was laughter mixed in his voice. ¡°If you want to climb up to Song Yoohan¡¯s current position with such skills, you will have to struggle in this field for decades, unless there is a sponsor to support you. Ah, you said that you are aiming for Director Yoon.¡± At the same time, he scanned my body from top to bottom. ¡°At your level?¡± Strangely, I didn¡¯t feel angry at all. Maybe it¡¯s because of that dry way of speaking. It was like he was talking about facts. ¡°I know. What my level is.¡± When I responded calmly, he responded right away. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it.¡± He bit a red burning cigarette in his mouth, inhaled, and blew out a puff of white smoke. ¡°Really seems like you know that. That it¡¯s all impossible. From what I see, you¡¯re not easily agitated and you¡¯re a pretty realistic type. But right now, isn¡¯t it interesting that you want to go out and get revenge, as an actor who doesn¡¯t have high prospects?¡± No, it¡¯s not interesting. I have a feeling I can¡¯t get along with him, and it¡¯s not just because he only says words that provoke people. There was a chilling gap between his smiling face and cold words that I instinctively seemed to have recognised the horrors of that person. He was revealing my inner thoughts that were hidden deep inside of me without hesitation. While smiling as always. ¡°As you said, actually¡­¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª I made a mistake. This was the only thought I had in my head the whole time I came down from the rooftop. How did I meet the worst person? I made the mistake of unfortunately asking for a cigarette the first time I met him. Damn it. There are people who could see through the other as if they were a ghost. If you make enemies out of them, you will have a hard time for the rest of your life. ¡°If you¡¯re going to stick to this company, you¡¯ll have to keep seeing my face, And like I said, I think you¡¯re interesting that I want to interfere with everything you¡¯re trying to do? Then, what are you going to give me?¡± I can¡¯t believe I have to be threatened by someone I don¡¯t even know. He was kind enough to give me his phone number, and gave me a week. I wanted to ignore his words but Myeongshin¡¯s attitude towards him made me hesitate. Just how much power does he have? ¡°¡­Taemin ah?¡± I turned my head at the hand shaking my shoulder, the manager and Hansoo were staring at me. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You suddenly look grave after coming back from somewhere.¡± ¡°Manager-nim.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°An artist in this company, he¡¯s always smiling and about 30 years old¡­ Never mind. What were you saying?¡± What¡¯s the point of finding out his name? I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be the wrong one anyway. ¡°Ah, do you have time to take a profile picture next week? I should have taken a picture right away, but I pushed it back a week to let the wound on your face heal. That¡¯ll be your first photo for now but Chief Park will see the photo and decide on your future schedules. So you have to be very attentive. Right, I have to tell you first, the person taking the photo is really important. Just anyone who knows how to use a camera can do it, but not everyone can capture the characteristics and colour grade them. Fortunately, the studio affiliated with the company is known to be good, so there¡¯s no need to be so nervous. Haha~¡± I wasn¡¯t nervous anyway. ¡°In addition, I need to write your resume, like your school or past activities¡­ and stuff like that.¡± Endling the sentence quietly, the manager glanced at my back pocket with a knife with concerned eyes. ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m just asking just in case, Taemin, have you done something bad in the past¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t have a red line in my family register.¡± ¡°Haha, right?¡± ¡°But I¡¯ve had to go to the police station a few times.¡± The expressions of the two suddenly hardened. I wondered why, so I asked lightly, looking at the two alternately. ¡°Haven¡¯t the two of you ever been taken to the police station in your life?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± I couldn¡¯t understand the silence between the two, so I looked at them, but Hansoo opened his mouth with difficulty on behalf of the manager. ¡°Um, I¡¯m just asking, high school¡­ Did you graduate?¡± ¡°No. I was expelled in my first year.¡± The manager¡¯s eyebrows twitched. ¡°So you worked hard to earn money to buy medicine for your sick mother after being expelled from school¡­¡± ¡°I rode my motorbike and took money from others.¡± The two looked somewhat pale. Did they have low blood glucose levels because they were hungry? I thought about it and told them my only weakness. ¡°So I¡¯m a bit ignorant. Especially in English.¡± The manager¡¯s mouth opened when the two turned white enough that their complexions were worrying. ¡°¡­Let¡¯s go with a mysterious persona, no matter what.¡± CH 9 Fortunately, they found a new delivery man so I only had to work for another week. When I handed over the car key for the last time and came out, I intentionally left the company without greeting. From tomorrow, I would have to go to work somewhere else, not here, but it still hadn¡¯t hit me. However, I knew. I would put all my energy into getting revenge just like how I worked so hard for five years to pay back money. Maybe it was just an extension of the time I spent paying back the money. Maybe that¡¯s why I was calm. Even if there suddenly was a problem on the first day of taking a profile picture. In my mind, I thought that it was just pressing the shutter and then it would be over. So when I arrived at a high-ceiling studio with a warehouse feel, I felt awkward. Unknown devices were lined up here and there, and in the middle of them, only a white background hung. There were only unfamiliar things but I could see what was missing here. People, there was no one here to operate them. ¡°No, didn¡¯t I call yesterday in advance? I confirmed twice that I would come at 1 o¡¯clock today, right?¡± The manager rarely got angry and raised his voice to the only woman who was left in the studio. However, the embarrassed woman repeatedly said that she didn¡¯t even know since she was a simple part-timer. ¡°Everyone left early this morning because they had an outdoor shoot. It¡¯s unknown when they will come back¡­¡± ¡°All the cameramen? Photographer Park, too? Are you sure?¡± The part-timer nodded fervently to the manager¡¯s question. ¡°Yes, everyone including the makeup team. So I got a call in the morning saying that I should keep the office empty for a few days, so I came out.¡± The part-time employee kept trying to call their superior and making excuses, as if they were about to cry. However, the other party didn¡¯t answer the phone, so I could only hear the dial tone and there was no answer. On the other hand, the manager tried to make a phone call too, but his hand stopped at the words of the part-timer that followed. ¡°I don¡¯t know either, I heard that Mr. Song Yoohan needs to take an outdoor pictorial urgently¡­¡± ¡°Who did you just say?¡± ¡°Huh? Talent Song Yoohan. Ah, hang on, the call is¡­ Ah! Sir! Someone here from Dream said they came to take a profile picture¡­¡± A part-timer who was connected to the other person explained the situation in a hasty voice, but soon listened with a perplexed face. Then I glanced over and turned my head to look at the manager. It was obvious that the other person wouldn¡¯t be able to come even if the manager didn¡¯t hear it. He¡¯ll probably hang up the phone and apologise. But the apology came from someone else first. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± When I turned my head to the small voice, the manager muttered with his head bowed. ¡°Perhaps Myeongshin is interfering with your business because of me¡­¡± I had already heard Myeongshin talking on the phone on the rooftop, so I was going to say I wasn¡¯t too surprised, but I shut my mouth. Rather, why was he so sorry about this? Isn¡¯t it just taking pictures? ¡°Can¡¯t we take pictures elsewhere?¡± Immediately, the manager¡¯s face showed signs of embarrassment after the question. ¡°Ah¡­ This is where the company made the contract with. If you want to go somewhere else, I have to report to the people above and get permission separately. Or, we can just use our own money. But the money right now¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°But, it¡¯s okay! Since you have a one month contract and it¡¯s urgent to take pictures and submit them to the people above¡­ Don¡¯t worry! There are a few people who can take pictures at the company, so as a last resort, anyone can¡­¡± Anyone? Weren¡¯t you preaching that the photographer was important? Rather, it seemed that the person who should calm down was the manager, but there was no time for me to intervene. ¡°Taemin-ah, I have to go back today and make an appointment the next day or so. What about the day after tomorrow?¡± When the manager asked the part-time worker who had just hung up her phone, her expression had become teary again. ¡°Um¡­ they told me not to take reservations until the end of this month because the schedule is full.¡± ¡°Sorry? Ha, then we¡­¡± The manager lowered his voice knowing that the part-timer was not at fault. ¡°For now, please set the earliest date available. We can come even if it¡¯s late at night.¡± He talked with the part-timer in such a low tone that I could barely hear it. After repeatedly asking her to contact him when they had time, we left the studio. I thought he was blaming himself for this, but I was fine. I was going to say something, but I couldn¡¯t. ¡°You were surprised, right? Haha, it happens a lot, your appointment goes wrong.¡± He forced himself to smile and the muscles of his face were trembling slightly. For some reason, it didn¡¯t seem like he would be able to hear anything I say right now, so I just nodded and got into his old car. Then he put out some papers for me to see, trying to change the mood. ¡°I wrote down the schedule you have to follow in the future.¡± On the paper he handed out, it was all practice all day long. Vocalisation, pronunciation, movement, dance¡­ The schedule was fairly tight from morning to night and there was also something checked in red, for an hour or two a day. The manager explained by pointing his hand. ¡°These are classes supported by the company. Most people usually learn in advance, so it may be too much for you to follow. But people can do them all, so don¡¯t worry.¡± As expected, I didn¡¯t worry at all, but I didn¡¯t have time to talk again this time. The manager called me to take a class in advance today because I was free. However, the contents of the call flowed to a similar situation as before. ¡°¡­What? What do you mean you can¡¯t accept my actor? The company is applying for it. What does that mean¡­ He¡¯s an actor that hasn¡¯t even been verified yet?! Isn¡¯t he trying to learn because he doesn¡¯t know anything? And of course it¡¯s part of the contract¡­¡± The manager, who was raising his voice, stopped talking at some point. When I started suspecting that he had stopped breathing, he muttered. ¡°¡­Is it Song Yoohan? That kid¡­ Hello? Hello!¡± The manager looked down at the cell phone blankly as if the other party just hung up. I don¡¯t know what happened to the situation, but it seemed certain that my schedule was empty today. I turned my eyes away from the manager and looked down at the paper in my hand. The schedule for a week was written down to the exact timings, and it was densely written on one page. It looked like a timetable I used to make when I was a student, drawing long lines with a ruler and manually writing in each space at a time. There were four sheets like that. For a one-month contracted actor, how I was going to spend that one month. It must have been painstakingly made. ¡°Taemin, I¡¯m really sorry. Work¡­ So¡­¡± He said something more, but at that moment, I couldn¡¯t hear it because I was thinking of something else. I didn¡¯t have any power. I knew this in the first place and was trying to think for a way, but in fact, an opportunity may have already come to me. However, since the other party was a very troublesome person, and I may have been suffering from a headache for a long time, I implicitly excluded him. That psychopath. However, he was right. What can I do at my level? So I had to seize the opportunity without nitpicking about it. Even if it¡¯s a terrible opportunity. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the company.¡± I grabbed the manager¡¯s arm and cut him off. Then he looked back with inquiring eyes. ¡°He¡¯s going to be upset.¡± Upset? Who is? I briefly gave a name when the manager asked. ¡°Song Myeongshin.¡± Qtja vbfr atja wfjc, tf jrxfv lc j abcf bo jyregvlas, yea P jrxfv jcbatfg defralbc. ¡°Qtja vb sbe atlcx bo wf, wjcjufg?¡± ¡°Lw? Cybea ktja?¡± ¡°Gb sbe atlcx P¡¯w lcafgfralcu?¡± ¡°Ejatfg atjc lcafgfralcu, sbe mjc yf j tfjvjmtf rbwfalwfr.¡± Ca atja ecfzqfmafvis rfglber jcrkfg, P rwlifv jcv qlmxfv eq atf qtbcf. P obecv atf cewyfg P tjv rjnfv pera lc mjrf jcv qgfrrfv la. [Madman] After the name appeared, the dial tone began to ring. And after a while, a soft voice that was now familiar flowed from the phone. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll give it to you.¡± I felt the manager staring at me strangely from the side, and I calmly added as there was no response from the other side of the phone. ¡°So give me the payment in advance.¡± After a while, I heard a question with a low laughter in my ear. ¡°What¡¯s the benefit of having you?¡± Benefits? Who knows¡­ ¡°I can give you a headache sometimes. By the way, there¡¯s no refund.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª Click. Confirming the sound of the door closing with my ears, I leaned his back against the chair of the car I climbed in. The manager¡¯s expression was mixed with anxiety and curiosity, perhaps because I went outside to take the call and he had only heard the previous content. ¡°Who was that? Who on earth did you say you¡¯d give it to? And what advance payment?¡± I knew it was a bad habit that¡¯s disrespectful to the other person, but a question flowed from my mouth, changing the subject and avoiding the question. ¡°Who do you think is the best?¡± ¡°What do you mean, the best?¡± ¡°For taking pictures.¡± Blink. He didn¡¯t answer and just looked at me, so I let him know a little bit about what he was curious about. ¡°Someone¡¯s helping.¡± ¡°Who?¡± Come to think of it, I hadn¡¯t asked for his name yet. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± When I answered honestly, the manager¡¯s expression was distorted. ¡°You don¡¯t know? If you¡¯re joking right now¡­¡± ¡°I really don¡¯t know. But I do know one thing.¡± ¡°What?¡± I opened my mouth to speak as soon as he asked back. ¡°A person more powerful than Myeongshin.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Who¡¯s the best photographer?¡± ¡°If we are talking about photos then, Photographer Lee is the best. But he¡¯s a weird person who only takes pictures of people he wants, so it¡¯s hard to make an appointment¡­ No, I mean, who¡¯s a more powerful person than Myeongshin? What does he do? How do you know he¡¯s more powerful than Myeongshin?¡± This time, even if I switched to another topic, it did not seem to work. However, the problem is that I also knew very little. ¡°I saw Myeongshin being intimidated by him.¡± I thought that should be enough to explain everything. Judging from Myeongshin¡¯s behaviour that I witnessed, it was as though he was lowering himself in front of a stronger opponent. I knew that because I had seen it a lot. There were guys in every group who instinctively knew who was strong and switched sides. Those guys may be annoying and get insulted, but they weren¡¯t really strong, so they don¡¯t get much attention. The problem is that among them there will always be those with dark intentions who want to rise to the top. I¡¯ve seen whole groups eventually collapse because of the greed and trickery of certain people. This type of person was even more dangerous and troublesome than those strong only externally. I think everyone is different, but obviously there are still some similar types of people. Myeongshin was trying to be the best, but he¡¯s not at the top. So it was obvious what his actions meant. So it was evident in his actions. The reason he bowed his head was that the other person was more powerful. And I thought this was a simple fact that didn¡¯t even need to be explained, but the manager frowned and asked. ¡°Because of that, you asked someone who you didn¡¯t even know?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°¡­¡± He stared at me and muttered quietly. ¡°You¡¯re like someone who lives by instincts.¡± Isn¡¯t that obvious? Everyone lives by instinct anyway. I tried to respond, but I closed my mouth at the manager¡¯s words that followed. ¡°But what if that person is a dangerous person? Besides, what¡¯ll you do if he asks for something weird after saying he¡¯ll help you?¡± The manager hesitated a bit, then calmly confessed. ¡°I didn¡¯t like your idea of getting a sponsor, but I tried to let it go because it was for revenge, but when you get involved with someone you don¡¯t even know¡­¡± ¡°Manager-nim, should we spend a month doing nothing because of Myeongshin?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Anyway, do you think I look like someone who would easily be cheated on?¡± As soon as I finished speaking, I stared at him, he seemed to have stopped breathing and finally gave an answer with a sigh. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then leave the issue to me and let¡¯s go.¡± Only then did the manager, who answered ¡®Alright¡¯, start the car. Then he suddenly looked back on me. ¡°Where are we going?¡± A scene similar to the studio I went to for the first time unfolded in front of me. Inside a warehouse-like interior without a single window, full of unknown devices, and bright lights pouring only over the white background in the center. According to the manager, the photographer¡¯s studio was as cold as the previous place. ¡°The photographer does not have any studio shoots scheduled today. We don¡¯t have appointments from Dream.¡± The only young man who was working on a computer inside looked through a notebook with a tight schedule in a bewildered voice. Hearing that, the manager turned to look at me. His eyes were filled with the same confidence that he had before entering the studio. ¡°He said he would help you, right?¡± He had been checking with me several times and it was bothersome to have to nod again. ¡°We do not have an appointment, but we need to take pictures. Do you know where Photographer Lee is? If he comes to see us, he¡¯ll know we¡¯re filming.¡± ¡°He¡¯s doing personal work at home upstairs. So I was told not to disturb him today¡­¡± ¡°Ah, I¡¯m telling you to ask him to come down first. It¡¯s already arranged so don¡¯t worry and hurry up and call him.¡± When the manager urged him strongly, a young man called somewhere with a half-confident look. In the meantime, the young man who had been making calls several times at the manager¡¯s urging turned around and began to say something in a small voice. The manager looked at it with a pleased look and explained to me. ¡°As you can see from the fact that he set up a studio like this at a young age, Photographer Lee has the best skills. But he¡¯s so stubborn that he¡¯s a person who never films a model he doesn¡¯t like, so I¡¯m a little worried, but he¡¯ll try to take it because the person you talked to on the phone with said he¡¯d help.¡± After that, I turned my attention to the young man who ended the call while listening to a series of compliments of this photographer. He turned off his cell phone stiffly and opened his mouth with a contemplated face. ¡°He said he would come down soon. But¡­ he¡¯s very angry.¡± ¡°Huh? He¡¯s angry?¡± The manager, who asked in surprise, looked at me who was expressionless and smiled awkwardly. ¡°I guess Photographer Lee hasn¡¯t been contacted yet. Don¡¯t worry. He¡¯ll contact him soon.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s contacting him?¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s¡­¡± The manager, who was trying to answer cheerfully, glanced at me again and whispered to me so that the young man couldn¡¯t hear. ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m not doubting you, but are you sure?¡± ¡°For now, I believe it. So I¡¯m sure Photographer Lee will take the pictures.¡± When I answered firmly, the manager turned his head with a relieved look. ¡°Haha, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll contact Photographer Lee.¡± ¡°So who is it?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­A very powerful person?¡± ¡°Sorry?¡± The young man was dumbfounded and opened his mouth wide and was about to say something when a ¡®dadada~¡¯ sounded. I heard loud footsteps coming down the stairs. Perhaps because it was underground, the sound that was growing as if it were ringing soon led to the door sound that opened with ¡°Bang!¡± And the loud voice followed. ¡°Ah, fuck! Who¡¯s disturbing me?¡± The person who walked in with the door wide open was a young man who appeared to be around 30 years old, as the manager said. He¡¯s wearing only a pair of underwear. The most interesting thing in the world is watching a fight as a bystander, but if it is repeated, you will get tired of it. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not to disturb me? Do you want to die?¡± ¡°Sir, I didn¡¯t mean to disturb you, but these people are from Dream¡­ Argh! Say something! They said they contacted you?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never been contacted?¡± ¡°Ah, you¡¯ll be contacted! I said you really will be contacted. Look, Photographer Lee, you know me. Do I look like someone who lies?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether I know you CEO Choi! I haven¡¯t received any contact. And you, I told you not to bother me no matter what!¡± ¡°Sir! I tried telling them that too. But, they say you have been contacted, but how can I¡­ Manager-nim, there hasn¡¯t been any contact!¡± ¡°Tsk, I¡¯m telling you you¡¯ll be contacted! And Photographer Lee, you know me, but are you suspicious of me? Hm? Don¡¯t you trust me that much?¡± ¡°How many times have I seen CEO Choi? And that¡¯s not the issue here? I didn¡¯t get any contact. And you! If I had said this on the phone, you should have taken care of it on your own. Why would you bother me? Do you want to be fired?¡± ¡°Ahh! Sir, why are you doing this to me? The manager here said you were contacted¡­¡± It was like a loop. Seeing the three people face each other in a triangle and repeat what they had said, I had a small doubt. Do they enjoy doing that? After wondering, I moved and walked in front of the white background with the lights on. Standing in the centre, I slowly looked around the surrounding devices. These things are the stuff I have to get used to now. Strangely, there was no fear or trembling at all. Maybe it¡¯s mostly because of my fearless personality, but I didn¡¯t understand. Why should I be nervous in front of the camera? While standing looking at the front device, which was considered the support of the camera, I realised that the surroundings had become quiet. When I turned my eyes, three people were looking at me with different expressions. Curiosity, frowning, and worry. Among them, a young man with a frowning face stepped forward. ¡°You can¡¯t go in there recklessly¡­¡± I cut off the young man who was beckoning me to come out and turned to look at the person standing next to him. The person looking at me with curious eyes. ¡°I heard you only take pictures of people you want to take.¡± At my question, Photographer Lee who was in underwear raised one eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Then it doesn¡¯t matter. Who you get a call from.¡± Shouldn¡¯t you have decided by looking at me in the first place? Recognizing the implicit meaning of my words, he stared at me for a moment. Then he tilted his head to the side and spat out. ¡°Take off your shirt.¡± It was out of the blue, but I didn¡¯t care and obeyed him. I grabbed the bottom of the T-shirt with both crossed hands and pulled it up. My head came out of the clothes, I pulled out my arms, and threw the T-shirt on the floor. And I faced him with my bare upper body. The exposed skin felt cool, but it was okay. I was resistant against the cold. And I didn¡¯t feel ashamed. Isn¡¯t there a person who was more exposed than me in front of me? I didn¡¯t know whether the subject was more ashamed or Photographer Lee was more shameless, he observed my body so closely that I felt bored. As I silently caught his gaze, a question was heard. ¡°Do you do manual labour? These muscles don¡¯t look like they¡¯re from the gym.¡± The manager who was next to him was quick to explain his conjecture. ¡°Haha, what manual labour. Taemin originally worked as a deliveryman. So he moved luggages¡­¡± ¡°I did manual labour.¡± Whip, I could hear the sound of the wind. The manager stared at him. ¡°What? But didn¡¯t you say that you worked in delivery during the day and at a logistics centre at night?¡± ¡°Yes. On weekdays.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I did manual labour on weekends.¡± ¡°Then when do you rest?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t rest.¡± I don¡¯t know why, but I took my eyes off the stiff-faced manager and looked back at Photographer Lee. For a moment, I thought his eyes were smiling, but then he replied casually. ¡°Well, it¡¯s just average.¡± The manager next to him tried to intervene in his evaluation, but Photographer Lee stopped him with his hand. ¡°You¡¯re not particularly handsome either. Those kinds of looks are overflowing in this world. Even if you¡¯ve heard that you¡¯re a little handsome in your life, that¡¯s nothing here. On the contrary, if you only look at the appearance, you can¡¯t even be in the median. Well, after holding out for a year or two at the longest, your face won¡¯t be well-known. Few people will recognize you and you¡¯ll go under soon.¡± The last words predicting my future contained ridicule. I could hear the manager with a stiff expression calling the photographer quietly, but his voice was soon buried in my question. ¡°So are you saying you don¡¯t want to take the pictures?¡± When asked dry, his lips slightly curved. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then we can shoot it.¡± At my conclusion, he turned to talked to the manager, making his slightly curved lips bigger. ¡°Where did you get that guy from? The more I see him, the more attracted I am.¡± The manager¡¯s face, which had been a little nervous, was completely relieved by his words and started laughing. ¡°Right? Don¡¯t you want to take pictures? So hurry up and take a good picture of him.¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll take it. In return, please do me a favour.¡± ¡°I wish I could do Photographer Lee a favour but¡­ that¡¯s not possible!¡± I don¡¯t know what ¡®that¡¯ was referring to, but the manager¡¯s expression turned scary. Then, Photographer Lee said, ¡°Ai, I won¡¯t touch him.¡± He muttered with a sullen look. ¡°Then what is it?¡± When the manager spoke up as if he were wary, he smiled and pointed at me. ¡°I¡¯m working on a personal project right now, and I want to put him in it.¡± Then the manager, whose worries disappeared, nodded in relief. ¡°If it¡¯s work, then we¡¯re happy to accept. What kind of project is it?¡± ¡°Nude.¡± ¡°Haha, nu¡­ What did you say?¡± The manager, who had a firm smile on his face, stared at the other party with menacing eyes. The photographer, who was startled by those eyes, quickly asked for a favour. ¡°Aii, CEO Choi, please let me take a picture of him. I want to take a picture of that body! I don¡¯t want muscles that were obtained on purpose, but I really want reality that represents the beauty of life!¡± ¡°No way.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± Whip, there was a sound of wind again. At that rate, I put back doubts that the manager might have a neck disc, and said again to seal the deal. ¡°I¡¯ll shoot it. Nude.¡± CH 10 Delighted by my permission to take nude photos, Photographer Lee ran somewhere in his underwear to take the profile photo. The young man started calling people for styling and makeup, and began to busily move to check the internal equipment, and the surrounding gradually became more noisy. Perhaps the photographer was originally the type to work suddenly, those who were suddenly called in proceeded with the work quickly as if they were familiar with it without complaints. In the meantime, I was taken to a small room, dressed in various clothes, got simple makeup and hair done. In just less than an hour, all preparations were completed. Now that I just had to take the photo, the manager drove people out and closed the door with a click. With the sound of locking the door, the manager approached me with a serious expression. ¡°Taemin, let¡¯s talk for a bit.¡± When I agreed, he sat down across from me and the questions came pouring out. ¡°What on earth are you thinking? Do you know what nude is? You¡¯re supposed to take off everything, strip to the skin, and you¡¯re being filmed naked. You¡¯re going to do that? Really? That could be a hindrance to you later¡­ Ah, of course, the artistry will be recognized because Photographer Lee is taking it, but it is clear that it will have a great influence on your image. Are you still going to film it?¡± ¡°¡­Are you really not scared? Sigh, Taemin ah. Even if you don¡¯t take those pictures, the person you talked to said he¡¯ll help you, so you can just take the profile picture¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°He said he¡¯d help you, right?¡± I nodded. ¡°He said he¡¯d help you let Photographer Lee take a picture.¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Mhm. That¡¯s right, he didn¡¯t. What? What?! He didn¡¯t?!!¡± The chair, which fell backwards while standing up, made a loud noise, but was buried by the manager¡¯s scream. ¡°What does that mean?!! You said he¡¯d help me, so you asked me to come here!!¡± ¡°Yes. But I¡¯ve never told you that he¡¯s helping me with this.¡± ¡°But, I, when I asked if you were sure, that¡¯s what you said. That you believed it. You were sure that Photographer Lee would take the picture.¡± He nodded as his face turned red with embarrassment. ¡°Yes, I believed. In you Manager Choi.¡± ¡°What? Believed in me¡­¡± ¡°I heard that Photographer Lee only takes pictures of people he wants to take pictures of. So I thought he¡¯d want to take a picture of me if he saw me.¡± He looked at me with a puzzled expression, and I slowly explained it to him. ¡°Isn¡¯t it the manager who scouted me? You said I have a charm to attract people. So I thought that Photographer Lee would definitely see the same thing.¡± ¡°Then just¡­ because you believe in my intuition?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What if Photographer Lee didn¡¯t want to take your pictures?¡± Somehow I felt his voice trembled slightly, but I was not sure. ¡°That won¡¯t happen. He¡¯s the person that manager-nim deemed the best.¡± Your perception can¡¯t be wrong. I didn¡¯t need to say anything more, but he seemed to have understood somehow. There was a moment of silence. Meanwhile, the exaggerated expression along with the manager¡¯s loud voice had completely dissipated. ¡°But why did you leave the misunderstanding as it was? Besides, you even called to confirm somewhere before you came in here. I thought it was a call to someone who helps you, was it not?¡± ¡°It was phone banking. I went to check the balance.¡± ¡°Just without any meaning?¡± ¡°No, I heard it costs a lot to take pictures. I checked how much was left in my bank account.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°And the reason why I didn¡¯t resolve the misunderstanding was because I liked seeing it.¡± ¡°My appearance of being fooled?¡± I shook my head at him with a frown. ¡°It¡¯s about asking someone for a favour and pushing forward with the courage to be shameless. In the past, you were cowardly and kept bowing your head. But even if Photographer Lee stood on his feet in his underwear and was adamant, you smiled and raised your voice as well. You did good.¡± When I smiled slightly and praised him, he looked at me and picked up the chair that had fallen down and sat down. ¡°¡­Because I had always been like that.¡± Mumbling softly, he added. ¡°I used to be good at asking shamelessly. In the past. But¡­ Do I look cowardly now? P vlvc¡¯a jcrkfg, yea gfujgvifrr, tf rtfv j vlrqlglafv rwlif jgbecv tlr wbeat. ¡°Pr atja rb? Dflcu mbkjgvis jcv ybklcu ws tfjv¡­¡± Bcbmx xcbmx. Mbiibklcu atf xcbmx, P kjr abiv ab mbwf bea yfmjerf P kjr gfjvs ab rtbba bearlvf atf vbbg. Ktf wjcjufg rabbv eq jcv rqbxf ilutais klat tlr ereji nblmf. ¡°Thank you.¡± Turning to look, I saw his smiling face. ¡°For believing in me.¡± It wasn¡¯t much. It¡¯s because you¡¯re the only person I can trust. I thought it would be better not to answer from the bottom of my heart, so I grabbed the doorknob silently, and I heard a question. ¡°Then what on earth did you ask that person?¡± ¡°Just, nothing special.¡± Yeah. Nothing special. ¡°What¡¯s the benefit of having you?¡± ¡°I can give you a headache from time to time. By the way, there¡¯s no refund.¡± ¡°That¡¯s interesting. But I don¡¯t want to.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Ah, because I can be a better headache.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°To be honest you¡¯re not very interesting. Still, I¡¯ll invest in you for making me laugh this much. I¡¯ll trust your future and pay you a deposit first, so you develop your value so that I can feel interested. What do you think? It¡¯s a good deal, right?¡± ¡°What if my value remains the same?¡± ¡°You¡¯d better not make such assumptions. If you don¡¯t want your useless body to be eaten up. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°So what do you want as a deposit?¡± ¡°How much influence do you have over the agency?¡± ¡°More than you expect.¡± ¡°Then get an employee disciplined.¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°My manager.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª Click. Click. Click. The shutter sound of the camera rang so loud that it could reach the ceiling. A dazzling bright light poured from above my head. All eyes were on me. People were buzzing. The sound of the devices moving, the shutter sound of the camera again. Photographer Lee¡¯s voice commanded me. ¡°Lower your chin!¡± Click. ¡°Tilt a little and look at me!¡± Click. Click. ¡°Don¡¯t stare like that, be as gentle as if you¡¯re looking at someone you love.¡± Click. I was dizzy. It was like being in the middle of a vortex. All I could do was focus on the voices I heard and follow them. I couldn¡¯t afford to think about how I would look and what kind of expression I would make. Standing in front of the camera, which I thought was not a big deal, seemed more awkward than expected and I was embarrassed. Perhaps Photographer Lee¡¯s voice, who was constantly running his mouth while pressing the shutter, made it more so. Even though I was pointed out several times to relax my shoulders, my head didn¡¯t work for a long time after moving my stiff body around. And I realised that I must¡¯ve looked very silly now, but I heard a question from Photographer Lee who stopped taking pictures. ¡°You rarely get filmed?¡± He was looking at the small screen and adjusting the camera. ¡°Your whole body is as stiff as a log. Your expressions are not varied.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°But your eyes didn¡¯t avoid it. You weren¡¯t embarrassed or ashamed.¡± When he raised his head, a strange smile appeared on his face. For me, I was embarrassed enough, but I didn¡¯t have to tell him either, so I kept quiet. Perhaps he thought I was angry because I didn¡¯t react, he shrugged with a smile. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s just amazing. It¡¯s rare for people to look straight at the camera without caring about their surroundings. Are you usually that fearless?¡± Expectations were mixed in the gaze at me. Is it my hallucination when he looks like he¡¯s expecting my answer? It may be a little different, but I have received similar attention. Newcomers from a biker gang I was the leader of, or young thugs who looked up to me when I was collecting money. Eyes that had no doubt that every word I said would be wonderful words that meet their expectations. At that time, of course, I had deliberately said childish words with faked bravado to meet expectations. It would be a lie if I said I didn¡¯t have any hesitation even now. ¡®I¡¯m not afraid.¡¯ ¡®As you said, I¡¯m actually an amazing person.¡¯ That¡¯s what I would like to say. Anyway, Photographer Lee did not look like a person who suffers losses. And the answer came out of my mouth easily. ¡°No.¡± I added slowly, looking around the people around me, high ceilings, and devices. ¡°I¡¯m sufficiently scared now. I¡¯m just hiding it well.¡± This answer may have changed, but it may be because I¡¯ve gotten used to understanding what kind of person I was. Fortunately, Photographer Lee did not seem disappointed with my answer. He tilted his head slightly and a smile spread across his lips again. ¡°Wow, I thought he was the pretentious type¡­ The more I see it, the more I¡¯m attracted.¡± Mumbling with sparkling eyes, he took a step closer to me. ¡°Hey, Lee Taemin. I can raise you well. If perhaps men are fine¡­¡± ¡°Ahem!!!¡± Suddenly, I heard a loud cough, and the manager put his hand on Photographer Lee¡¯s shoulder with a tap. ¡°I¡¯ll raise Taemin well, so don¡¯t worry about him and take a picture.¡± Surprised by the appearance of the manager, he replied with a frown. ¡°But I can raise him better¡­¡± ¡°I can raise him much better.¡± When the manager opened his eyes wide and refuted, Photographer Lee choked up and asked back. ¡°So what if I can raise much much better?¡± ¡°No way. Because I can obviously raise much much much better than that.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what CEO Choi thinks, and if I raise him much much much much better¡­¡± Was that a new type of game? I was looking at the two in doubt, and the woman who came to fix my makeup laughed and talked. ¡°Mr Lee must have liked Lee Taemin a lot. Nowadays, he wouldn¡¯t say jokes like raising someone so openly.¡± ¡°These days¡± meant that there used to be. I asked while looking at the two who had now raised their voices and was pointing out how many times they said ¡°much¡± with their fingers. ¡°Why not?¡± When I asked lightly on purpose as if I was not interested, she replied lightly. ¡°He was really broken-hearted. After that, he declared that he would only date casually. Of course, casual relationships end up being broken up. Please keep it a secret that I said this.¡± I nodded to her with a small smile, but I didn¡¯t stop asking questions. The two arguing fools were still caught up. ¡°Is the celebrity who he broke up with related to my manager?¡± As I looked at the two who were still quarrelling, I thought the manager¡¯s excitement was a bit excessive, and on the other hand, Photographer Lee, who had the upper hand since he was a well-known photographer, seemed intimidated. Moreover, since the beginning, the manager has been grumbling about Photographer Lee¡¯s casual way of speaking. As I stared at the girl who didn¡¯t reply to my question, she awkwardly turned away to look at the two still arguing on the other side. Now the battle between the two has escalated to a mathematical problem where they were miscounting the number of ¡°much¡± each other had said. ¡°Um, I shouldn¡¯t say it, but if you¡¯re in this field, you¡¯ll find out someday¡­ It¡¯s who you think.¡± Her answer could not help but reveal a little smile. There weren¡¯t many people who could be involved with Photographer Lee who was gay and also be a former male celebrity of a manager who doesn¡¯t like sponsors very much. Wherever he goes I hear his name, Song Myeongshin. ¡°So it¡¯s Song Yoohan.¡± Although no reply was given, it was fine. Her surprised look said it all. I left the manager behind to look at the pictures taken over the 2 hours and went up to the place where the car was first. Perhaps because I was nervous about something I wasn¡¯t familiar with, I felt a little tired, so I was walking to sit in the car, and someone called me from behind. ¡°Hmm, Lee Taemin.¡± When I stopped at the entrance of the parking lot and turned around, Photographer Lee stood there. He quickly approached and coughed again, looking behind his back, worrying if someone was chasing him. ¡°Hmm, where are you going?¡± ¡°Parking lot.¡± ¡°Why the parking lot?¡± ¡°I was going to rest for a while in the manager¡¯s car.¡± Then his eyes widened. ¡°Tired? That¡¯s good! If you want to rest, my accommodation is on the 2nd floor. Take a rest there! We can talk about my nude project there too~¡± Pointing upward with his hand, he replied in an excited air. ¡°No thanks.¡± When I lowered my eyes because there was no reaction, I saw Photographer Lee who stiffened with his hands up. ¡°¡­Why? Is it because of CEO Choi, Taemin¡¯s manager?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then? Do you¡­ not like me? Are you uncomfortable with men?¡± Thirty-three years old? With shallow wrinkles around his eyes, he looked that old. But the disappointment on his face was like a child¡¯s. Without a talent for photography, I felt that he would be the type of person who would find it difficult to live in the world. No, it¡¯s possible that that kind of personality came about because of his talent. Just like how he tries to overcome a broken heart by finding another love. Perhaps most people were like that. Even if they were brokenhearted and got betrayed, they would not choose revenge, just like Photographer Lee or manager-nim. So that was how Myeongshin could be where he was now. However, not everyone in the world was like that. Myeongshin might have overlooked. That there might be a real person who will pay him back with real time and effort. Like me. ¡°I don¡¯t dislike you. I¡¯m not uncomfortable with men either. But I don¡¯t feel like fooling around and getting entangled. So go find someone for your broken heart.¡± Honestly, when I heard that he had been dumped by Myeongshin, I knew I could not use him. However, it was sufficient to have the manager be involved and know my plan of getting revenge. Although I didn¡¯t know what to do if Photographer Lee had a spiteful heart that he would never date a celebrity again after being dumped. I purposely said it in a dry tone so that the other person could hear the coldness in it. Then the stiff-faced other party¡¯s mouth opened after a while. ¡°W¡­wow! What to do? I¡¯m going to fall for you!¡± ¡­What? I frowned as if I heard something wrong, and his excited voice confirmed it. ¡°It¡¯s okay, you don¡¯t have to have feelings! Just roll around with me and I¡¯ll do anything for you. Hm?¡± He wasn¡¯t in the same category as manager-nim. He¡¯s just an idiot. ¡°What do you want? I know a lot of people, I can put you in the CF right away. Or, there¡¯s a movie director that I know and you can appear right away¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that!¡± Fortunately, a louder voice interrupted Photographer Lee. And the manager, who ran gasping, stood in front of me with open eyes and raised his chin. ¡°That¡¯s enough! I can take care of my own actors, so just keep your hands off, Photographer Lee.¡± ¡°But, I can give Lee Taemin what he wants!¡± ¡°What? How do you know what Taemin wants? Taemin ah, did you tell him you want revenge on Myeongshin?¡± No, but you did just now. I should have realised that he was an open book when I saw him for the first time, worrying about the children¡¯s school fees when I had been doing delivery work. Unfortunately, Photographer Lee, who had his ears pricked up next to him, reacted first. ¡°Revenge? What¡¯s this, did you become a celebrity to get revenge? Who is Myeongshin?¡± Only then did the manager realise and gasped, but Photographer Lee turned his head at the speed of light. ¡°Ah- Myeongshin is Song Yoohan¡¯s real name.¡± ¡°Gasp! Photographer Lee already knows Yoohan¡¯s real name?¡± The manager even kindly confirmed it. Photographer Lee, whose eyes have grown bigger, looked back at me. ¡°Woah, are you really going to take revenge on Yoohan? Amazing~¡± Instead of paying attention to him, I looked back at the manager. His eyes met mine, and he shuddered and took a step forward. He stepped back and grabbed the excited Photographer Lee¡¯s arm. ¡°Hey, Photographer Lee, I¡­ I was just joking. Haha, what revenge¡­¡± The manager belatedly brought up that it was a joke to make up for it, but no one would believe it. Even the idiot Photographer Lee did not believe it. ¡°Aye, what are you saying, CEO Choi¡¯s face right now says it¡¯s real. What, CEO Choi is trying to get back at him too? Ah, let me in too! I want revenge too!¡± Suddenly, I didn¡¯t want revenge anymore. t/n: hehe~ photographer lee is a fun person. on another note, i¡¯ve been thinking for getting a proofreader bc i¡¯m too lazy to check my work lmao so if anyone is interested, can dm me on discord @misa#7404! you won¡¯t have to do much bc i fix sentences as i translate anyway [edit: have found one, thank you!] CH 11 t/n: I changed the cover to the manhwa one from the audio drama one! I originally didn¡¯t use this bc I didn¡¯t want to risk attracting the artist¡¯s attention but ahh fuck it. But to reiterate please don¡¯t share my tl on social media! ty <3 After a simple dinner and on our way back to the company, I had to listen to the manager apologising constantly in my ears all the way to our destination. ¡°¡­Don¡¯t worry. Haha~ I¡¯ll buy Photographer Lee some drinks and brainwash him into thinking it¡¯s all a joke, so don¡¯t worry.¡± It seemed like he was trying to brainwash me and not Photographer Lee. I was about to tell him to stop because I was tired of it, when suddenly I heard a faint vibration somewhere. ¡°Photographer Lee is a very poor drinker, so if I say it over and over again that it¡¯s a joke¡­¡± ¡°You have a call.¡± I pointed at the cell phone that was ringing. He stopped talking and looked at his phone, then happily pulled over to the side of the road, quickly putting on his earphones to connect. When I was wondering who called him and that made him so happy, I saw the name ¡®Chief Park¡¯ on the phone screen. Ah, that crybaby Chief Park. As I recalled the person who interviewed me, the voice of the manager sitting next to me suddenly became strange. ¡°¡­ Pardon? Chief Park, what do you mean¡­ Why am I being disciplined? ¡­Yes. ¡­Yes, that is true. But, I wasn¡¯t protesting, I was just going to ask you because all the classes you promised were cancelled¡­¡± As he raised his voice, he glanced at me and lowered his voice again. ¡°In the beginning, isn¡¯t it the company¡¯s fault that the classes applied for were cancelled? ¡­ I know. I know. But had Chief Park checked why they were cancelled? No, I¡¯m not trying to cloud the issue, I¡¯m just explaining why I¡¯m being disciplined for protesting to the staff in charge. And if I can¡¯t say that much, how can I work as a manager¡­ Yes, yes¡­ I understand.¡± Click. The manager, who hung up with a stiff expression, stared at the phone for a long time. And in that state, he opened his mouth. ¡°Taemin ah, aren¡¯t you going to ask what¡¯s going on?¡± Then he raised his eyes. His expression remained unchanged, but his eyes, which were usually good-natured, turned dark, indicating that he was angry. ¡°I talked to the person in charge of the non-existent class in the morning, right? That¡¯s the problem. That person reported that I threatened an employee, so disciplinary action came down from above. I won¡¯t be paid the basic operation fees for a month.¡± There was a dejected smile on his face, but his eyes remained dark. I looked at him and spoke slowly. ¡°Then I guess it can¡¯t be helped. There¡¯s no choice but to give up on the lessons.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s not like I have to go to classes to be an actor.¡± Then his remaining smile disappeared. ¡°It¡¯s not fine!! Because this doesn¡¯t make any sense. In the first place, your scheduled classes were all cancelled because of Myeongshin¡­¡± Mumbling at the end of his sentence, he closed his lips once, lowered his gaze as if thinking about something, and lifted it again. ¡°That¡¯s right, it was Myeongshin who was wrong in the first place. So why should I be disciplined? That damn fellow!¡± Hearing him curse at Myeongshin for the first time brought an unnoticeable smile to my face. ¡°What are we going to do now?¡± ¡°Damn it, I have to go to the company for now and correct what¡¯s wrong even if I¡¯m going to turn everything upside down. I should have gone to the company in the first place. Like you said, I was being a coward like an idiot.¡± He cursed at himself and roughly started the car and drove away. As he drove, I leaned back against the car seat and spoke to the manager. ¡°Why don¡¯t you make a phone call rather than overturning the office?¡± ¡®¡¯What phone call?¡± He asked, looking back. ¡°Let¡¯s go to Chief Park first.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª Chief Park¡¯s office was on the top floor of the building. The executive offices are all gathered in one place, so we have to go through multiple closed doors with different levels of verification from the entrance to the lobby. I was able to get in thanks to the manager making loud noises at Chief Park. I stepped on the carpet silently and entered the office not far from the entrance. Chief Park was sitting on the opposite side with a serious expression. Knowing we were here to protest, he made an impression on his face full of firm lines in a masculine manner but it had no effect because I already knew he was a crybaby. ¡°Manager Choi spoke so strongly that I asked him to come up to listen to me, but it¡¯s no use talking to me.¡± Trying to take the lead first, he firmly spoke to the manager. ¡°I contacted the staff you called in the morning and they said it¡¯s true that you were protesting. Of course Manager Choi was in a bad situation but¡­¡± ¡°So you know I¡¯m at a disadvantage because of someone else.¡± The manager interrupted, Chief Park closed his mouth with an awkward expression. Then, the manager pressed. ¡°Yoohan, Song Yoohan right?¡± ¡°Hmm, I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m not sure. If you¡¯re just saying that without proof¡­¡± ¡°Haha, if it¡¯s evidence then I can give it.¡± Saying that, he used his phone to send a message. Not long after connecting the phone to the speakerphone he had taken from the car, the phone rang. The manager smiled and gave the phone to Chief Park. ¡°Listen carefully. Hello? Myeongshin?¡± [¡°What do you mean by that? What do you mean thanks to me?¡±] Zsfbcurtlc¡¯r jccbsfv nblmf kjr tfjgv atgbeut atf rqfjxfg. Fcilxf yfobgf, ktfc tf kjr lcalwlvjafv ys tlr nblmf, atf wjcjufg agfjafv tlw klat j ris rwlif. ¡°Ct, atjcxr obg kbggslcu jybea ws cfkmbwfg. Pa¡¯r jii atjcxr ab sbe. Ktjcxr ab sbe ajxlcu jii atf raevlb qtbabugjqtfgr ktb rlucfv klat atf mbwqjcs, P kjr jyif ab ajxf j qlmaegf klat Utbabugjqtfg Off ja WW Vaevlb.¡± When Myeongshin asked, ¡®Photographer Lee?¡¯ with disbelief, the manager laughed louder. ¡°Yes, that Photographer Lee. Haha, by the way, I also filed a complaint with the company because the registered classes weren¡¯t for beginners who didn¡¯t know anything. That¡¯s why Chief Park will give us an exclusive instructor! Haha, if it¡¯s not thanks to you, then what is it? Thank you very much. Seems like this time the person I¡¯ve been attached to is a university lecturer¡­ ¡± Di, di, di~ It seems that the other party has hung up so only the dial tone flowed from the speaker. Then the manager raised his head to look at Chief Park. ¡°If he complains to Chief Park about the exclusive instructor, then I¡¯ll be right, won¡¯t I?¡± When asked by the manager, Chief Park rubbed his forehead with his hands as though he had a headache. ¡°That¡¯s true, but what if he catches your lie? He can check quickly if you¡¯ve taken a picture at XX Studio by Photographer Lee¡­¡± ¡°That is real.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I came back after taking a profile picture there.¡± The manager spoke in a confident voice. It was quite different from the manager who was running with the drink in his arms when I saw him for the first time. He straightened his shoulders and looked at the other person confidently. Chief Park was also a little surprised, so he cleared his throat. ¡°Hmm, what if I don¡¯t get a call?¡± ¡°It¡¯ll come.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you get the call, please let Taemin receive class support according to the original contract. It doesn¡¯t matter if I don¡¯t get activity expenses.¡± Director Park nodded as he stared still at the manager¡¯s serious voice. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll do that. Certainly.¡± ¡°Thank you, Chief Park. Right, Taemin said he was curious about something.¡± He remembered the request I made before coming up. Chief Park¡¯s eyes suddenly became a bit alert as if recalling the scene where I was swinging a knife. ¡°Hm, what are you curious about?¡± ¡°Please tell me who it is.¡± ¡°Who are you talking about?¡± ¡°The one who ordered that my manager be disciplined.¡± There were many reasons why I asked that madman to discipline my manager, but the biggest reason was that I wanted to know his identity. The easiest way was to ask him, but I wanted to check first before I heard it from him. To see if he can really do anything I ask, if he really was a powerful person. And now the opportunity had come. But Chief Park¡¯s reaction was a bit strange. ¡°Pardon?¡± He was surprised and just opened his eyes wide, and I asked one more time. ¡°To be honest, it¡¯s very strange. Disciplinary action because of a phone call that hardly counts as protesting? It¡¯s as though someone was slandering him.¡± Of course, it was me. ¡°Ah¡­ That¡­ It¡¯s¡­¡± He looked at me with his eyes wide in confusion and stammered out sounds like an idiot. But why was he so flustered? Although I knew he probably wouldn¡¯t answer easily, I didn¡¯t expect him to be so taken aback. ¡°Is it because the person who pressured you is a celebrity?¡± The manager who was standing beside me shouted agitatedly at my question. ¡°Celebrity? Could it be Song Yoohan again? That guy¡­¡± ¡°Ah, no. It¡¯s not Song Yoohan. It¡¯s not a celebrity.¡± This time it was my turn to be surprised when he waved his hand in denial. Oh? Not a celebrity? So he¡¯s in another position to give orders? I furrowed my brows and asked Chief Park to confirm once more. ¡°Really not a celebrity?¡± He nodded. ¡°Then why are you so surprised?¡± I asked impatiently and Chief Park gulped. ¡°I was really surprised. I didn¡¯t expect you would actually ask that question.¡± Actually ask what? ¡°Actually, I got an order.¡± ¡°What¡­ order?¡± ¡°If someone asks me about who ordered the disciplinary action, I should answer like this.¡± He looked at me awkwardly and opened his mouth with difficulty. ¡°Mind your own business 200 won, you dumbass¡­That¡¯s it.¡± I barely put the curses that were about to come out and turned away. Okay, I admit it. You really can be more of a headache than me. ¡ª¡ª¡ª The manager and Chief Park both wondered what the ¡®200 won¡¯ was about, so it was a long time before I could change the subject and leave the company. I refused the manager¡¯s goodwill to take me home and walked to the bus stop alone. There was only one reason. This was because when I left the company, I received a text message with good timing as if the other person had been waiting. The name and phone number of the store. And a line added below. ¡®Come here now.¡¯ The sender was [Madman]. The lights in the entertainment district were brighter than during the day, making me a little dizzy. It was time to go home and relax after a long day elsewhere, but it was only the beginning here. People overflowing on the streets such that their shoulders collide with one another, street vendors lining up, and cars moving like turtles to pass through narrow roads. Laughter, chatter, and excited voices were mixed with upbeat pop songs coming out of the buildings. People seemed to be hypnotised in this atmosphere. Things that didn¡¯t concern me. Music, noise, neon lights all left no impression on me. It wasn¡¯t because I had forgotten the joy of hanging out with people, laughing, chatting, and drinking. Perhaps it was dull because I hadn¡¯t done these things for years, but rather, the part of my mind where I felt pleasure and enjoyment seemed to have been cut off with a knife. Since that moment five years ago. So it felt like it wouldn¡¯t change over time. As though I can¡¯t go back to what it was like before. I stopped walking and looked up at the sign hanging at the entrance to the basement. I checked that the long English name was the same as the text in my phone and entered. Then a sturdy man in a black suit standing just behind the entrance stopped me. ¡°You can¡¯t go this way.¡± I looked down the stairs,and checked the name again, and took another step. I ignored him and moved, but this person who seemed to be the store security guard quickly stretched out his arm in front of me and blocked me. ¡°This is a membership club, so you can¡¯t enter unless you¡¯re a member.¡± ¡°What if I am a member?¡± The guard hesitated, then stepped back and looked up at me from top down. Then he questioned doubtfully, as though I did not meet his standards. ¡°Are you a member?¡± ¡°No.¡± Looking at his contorted face, I pointed down. ¡°But the person waiting below is a member.¡± The security guard immediately apologised and asked something into the receiver connected to the earphone he put in his ear. I was about to get annoyed with that person for asking me to come to such a troublesome place. So I stood in a slightly crooked manner when the security guard who was checking asked me, ¡°What is the name of your companion?¡± He¡¯s¡­ ¡°Can you tell me the name of your companion?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°You have to give me the name so I can check¡­¡± ¡°Just check if there¡¯s someone who seems like a madman there.¡± ¡°Sorry?¡± He raised his voice and frowned. He seemed as though he was about to drive me out by force if necessary, so he took a big step back. Yeah, I¡¯m done with what I had to do by just coming all the way here, so I should just leave. If he tries to find me later, I could just make an excuse, so I turned around. As I was about to leave quickly, I seemed to hear someone running up the stairs and then I heard my name. ¡°Are you Lee Taemin-ssi?¡± Since it was not my real name anyway, I thought for a while about whether I should just say no and leave. However, I couldn¡¯t help but turn my head to the words that follow. ¡°Ah, Lee Taemin is just a stage name, and the real name is Lee Baekwon, if it¡¯s you, then please¡­¡± When I looked over, the security guard¡¯s face was red, surprised by my real name. Because my real name was Lee Baekwon, I followed this so-called club manager down below. Contrary to the expectation that the store with a long English name would be a regular room salon, it was calmer and similar to a luxurious restaurant. Classic music flowed, chandeliers on the ceiling, and paintings hung throughout the small hall. The narrow passages extending to three places around the hall were bent in different directions, making it feel like the centre of the maze. ¡°This way.¡± Just as I stopped and looked around, he called out quietly and guided me to the leftmost hallway. ¡°For those who come for the first time, it¡¯s easy to get lost, so please follow me closely.¡± Perhaps he was right, the strange passage met more corridors and branched again, it seems that I really would have lost my way if I missed the manager. The only distinguishing feature were the doors on both sides of the hallway, all of which were of different designs. The manager stopped in front of one of the doors, opened it and held out his hand. ¡°Can you wait here for a moment?¡± Entering the small room with an interior that looked like a regular hostess bar, I asked him before he could close the door. ¡°How long?¡± About to close the door, he hesitated and then replied with a smile. ¡°It won¡¯t take more than 30 minutes.¡± Click. After the door closed, I looked around the still room, sat down at the end of the long sofa and checked the time. 9.29 p.m. Come quickly, I was mumbling when the door opened and someone came in. ¡°Hello.¡± A beautiful girl approached with a smile and a greeting. The face with light makeup had clear skin without any blemishes and seemed to have come out of a painting. Under her French pleat, her pale nape was emphasised by the deep neckline and red one-piece and appeared more dazzling. The girl was prettier than most celebrities, to the point that she could make people on the street turn around. She held a tray of glasses and a bottle of liquor in her hand. However, I could see at a glance that she was not a server at all. With a long slit at the side of the red dress and flashy accessories, she looked more like an entertainer. The question is why the hostess came into the room right away. It wasn¡¯t that I hadn¡¯t been to such a place in the past. Unless you were a regular, they wouldn¡¯t bring out alcohol and women immediately. Confused, I watched her lower her hips. At my gaze, the girl came to sit closer to me and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m here to accompany you while you wait.¡± ¡°No need.¡± ¡°Ah, you don¡¯t like noise? Then I¡¯ll¡­¡± ¡°I said it¡¯s not necessary.¡± Staring at the girl. I coldly spat out. A look of embarrassment flashed across the pretty girl¡¯s face, but I had no choice. Based on my experience, their job is to receive guests, so even if the man sitting in the room refuses, they couldn¡¯t just leave. I wasn¡¯t used to this, so I thought I only had to refuse once. So unfortunately, I had to say it clearly. ¡°Take that and get out.¡± I pointed at the alcohol and spat out in a low voice. The girl stopped breathing for a moment, and looked at me and realised what I meant, and put on a trembling smile. ¡°Are you not satisfied with me? Or should I change the drink?¡± When I heard her return to her original bright voice, I could see that she was well-trained. That appearance and good training. Since this place had a membership system, it must be a place with considerable standard. Maybe the price of that bottle of liquor will be equivalent to my half-year salary. ¡°Please let me know what alcohol you like. I was told to tell you not to mind the money and wait comfortably.¡± The voice was as pleasant as a song of a bird. It was nice that I could drink expensive alcohol for free but¡­ ¡°I don¡¯t drink. So take it and get lost.¡± At the second remark, she eventually stood up. However, leaving the alcohol unattended, she left this comment and left the door smiling. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re not happy with me. I¡¯ll call someone else over.¡± She left before I could refute, and after a while someone else really came. This time, a handsome guy. As expected, a more handsome man than most celebrities smiled at me as soon as he entered the room. ¡°Wah, you¡¯re cute¡­¡± ¡°Get lost.¡± As I spat those words, I had an uneasy feeling that I would have to continue to say this for a while. 9.59 p.m. As soon as the second hand of the clock touched the dot, I stood up right away. Since then, several more men and women have come in alternately and I had to tell them to get out, and finally 30 minutes have passed. I really wanted to leave this room because I¡¯ve had enough, but the door opened first before I could even open it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to have kept you waiting. I¡¯m here to pick you up.¡± As soon as I saw the face of the club manager who first guided me, I almost cursed. If I had been one step faster, I could have just been gone. Barely enduring regret, I was forced to follow him around in the maze-like hallway again. It was bent to the right, bent to the left, and then to the right again. I passed the hallways to the point where my sense of direction disappeared, but it was not boring. It was quite amazing to see the various doors of designs. I think I had seen these scenes in a fairy tale before. A corridor lined with different doors. The little girl who got bigger and smaller. And a rabbit came out¡­ ¡°Will you please go inside?¡± When I looked up, I saw that he had opened an iron door at the end of the blocked hallway and pointed inside. Ah, I remembered that the girl entered the wrong door and fell into a strange and troubling world. For some reason, I felt like I would fall into a strange world if I went inside. But that feeling vanished in an instant. ¡°Lee Baekwon-ssi?¡± I slowly turned to the name that had no choice but to make me realise reality. The manager who was in his late 40s entered first and kindly explained. ¡°We¡¯re almost there. Lee Baekwon-ssi.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Lee Baekwon-ssi, are you uncomfortable anywhere?¡± ¡°No.¡± I replied briefly to confirm with him. Obviously he didn¡¯t do that on purpose. Still, I looked at the innocent man for a moment, perplexed, and then went inside. It was a warehouse with items piled on either side. The manager passed through, opened an invisible door on the opposite side, and entered again. Then came a hallway again. But this hallway looked a little different. It looked like an aisle used by busy staff, with no decorations and no music. The manager crossed the narrow hall, stopped in front of the door, knocked, and looked back at me. ¡°He¡¯s waiting inside.¡± Then he opened the door slightly and stepped aside. I looked around once more before entering. This meant that at least he wasn¡¯t a guest here since it wasn¡¯t a room in that place that resembled a strange world. Was he possibly the owner of this place? ¡°Who¡¯s the person inside?¡± I asked this as a test, and the other looked surprised but soon replied with a smile. ¡°Of course it¡¯s the person who is waiting for you, Lee Baekwon-ssi.¡± The day I first met that fellow and only had 200 won in my pocket, I suddenly regretted it deeply. CH 12 t/n: hihi there wasn¡¯t a chapter last week bc I got covid lolol I¡¯m fine now though also cw: coarse language and mature themes (?) To be honest, I wouldn¡¯t even be surprised if he held a whip and trained a beast in that room. So even though the room was a messy office, I looked around carelessly. Office furniture, dark red carpet, along simple sofas and tables that did not match the old-fashioned wallpaper. It was a large room for one person, but on top of the table and chest of drawers, there were thick stacks of paper and documents piled high with barely any space, even on the floor. I closed the door and stopped to look at the madman sitting at the large desk in front of me. He was wearing glasses and was alternately looking at the two monitors in front of him with the documents on the desk in a mess. As he worked, his expressionless face made him feel like a different person. ¡°Sit down.¡± A brief command and a low voice confirmed that I was right. However, I had no choice but to frown at his command. Where was I going to sit? The only long sofa to sit on was already occupied by a bunch of papers and various other things. I looked at him as he worked and then at the sofa, then forcefully pushed the pile of paper to the side and sat down. This was a somewhat surprising situation for me. When I first came here, I expected him to bother me to drink leisurely. In the worst case, I even prepared it in my heart to be punched again, but what a hardworking atmosphere. I asked, looking around at the pile of papers that were half in English. ¡°Who are you?¡± Even with Chief Park¡¯s words, it was clear from this situation that he was not a celebrity. He answered the question that should have been asked in the first place without raising his head. ¡°A shareholder.¡± Shareholder? I expected him to make a sarcastic retort, so I didn¡¯t understand the words that came out of him right away. Fortunately, he added an explanation in a dry tone. ¡°To be precise, one of the major shareholders.¡± I could tell without asking where. It was obvious that it was Dream. However, it was not easy to get a sense of it because I didn¡¯t know in detail what the position of being a major shareholder was. Just because you own a lot of shares in the company, you can go in and out of the company at will, the actors in the company bow their heads, and you can discipline the employees¡­ Come to think of it, the first time I tried to borrow a cigarette, he spoke as if I was deliberately flirting with him. Is the position of a major shareholder originally like that? This was somehow bothering me, but I thought it could be, so I moved on to the next question. ¡°Name?¡± He raised his head for the first time at this question. He took off his glasses and held them in one hand, staring at me with that characteristic smile on his lips. ¡°When asking for someone¡¯s name, tell them your name first. Or do you like ¡®Lee Baekwon¡¯?¡± ¡°¡­ Lee Yoohan.¡± I thought it might surprise him since it was the same as Myeongshin¡¯s stage name, but he said his name without much interest, while putting his glasses back on. ¡°Jay.¡± What? I frowned and looked at him. However, as if he finished his business by just saying his name, he turned to the documents and monitors again. Wasn¡¯t Jay an English name? It wasn¡¯t that the last name ¡®Je¡¯ and the first name ¡®I¡¯? I suddenly lost my energy. I thought I would feel like I knew a lot about him if I knew his name and identity, but instead, I was now full of things that I didn¡¯t even know about. I turned my body to look at him and leaned against the sofa. Then I looked at the TV hanging on the wall in front of him. A large screen that did not fit well in this room, was decorated like an office setting. Looking at the black screen, I counted to ten silently. I had decided to get up from my seat after I had finished counting, but just as I was just counting to nine, something fell next to me. A few round CDs. As I stared into his eyes, I heard his voice. ¡°Turn them on and see.¡± After giving the order, he went back to work. For some reason, it felt like I shouldn¡¯t disturb him, so I listened to him without saying anything. The reason I didn¡¯t leave was probably because of a small curiosity. The office in the corner of a hostess bar, his face wearing glasses and working without a smile, and even his name, all of this was unexpected. As I inserted the CD into the DVD player under the TV and played it, the title appeared on the screen and the movie started. Five short films that were about 25 minutes long. In the last movie among them, when the subtitle ¡®The End¡¯ came out, I suddenly heard a voice behind me. ¡°How was it?¡± As I was concentrating on the screen, I was startled, and I pulled myself off the sofa and turned my head. Who knows when he came over, he was standing with his arms crossed and leaning against the wall behind me. I asked sharply, a bit annoyed at myself for not noticing him. ¡°How was what?¡± ¡°The movies.¡± As someone who didn¡¯t usually watch movies, what would I know? When I didn¡¯t answer and stayed still, he changed the question. ¡°Which one did you like the most?¡± I thought of the five I had seen. To be honest, they were all boring. It wasn¡¯t flashy and I just couldn¡¯t understand some of the insignificant content that just seemed like the camera was capturing daily life. Still, there was something memorable. ¡°First and fourth.¡± He slowly curled his lips in response to me. It looked like he was laughing not because he was offended, but because it was interesting, and that actually annoyed me even more. ¡°It¡¯s surprising. How did you know?¡± Qtja? P ibbxfv ja tlw klat j meglber fzqgfrrlbc. ¡°Ktfs kfgf wjvf ys atf rjwf vlgfmabg.¡± Ccv ktja vlv atja wfjc? Qjr atf bcis gfjrbc P tjv ab kjamt rbwf ybglcu wbnlfr obg jiwbra akb tbegr pera ab uefrr wbnlfr wjvf ys atf rjwf vlgfmabg? Qbcvfglcu ktja bc fjgat P kjr vblcu, P kjr jybea ab ufa eq ogbw ws rfja, yea P tfjgv tlr mtjgjmafglralm ijcuelv abcf. ¡°I have to pick a movie to invest in. Rookie directors are risky, but if they are well-chosen, the return on investment is high. We have to consider the tastes of non-professionals like you.¡± He added, rubbing his neck with one hand, seemingly tired. ¡°This is one of my jobs. Choosing a movie to invest in, raising money, and making a profit.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What else are you curious about?¡± I had been looking at him with suspicious eyes, wondering why he was suddenly explaining kindly. Since he was showing some kindness, of course I should take advantage of it. ¡°Is this your store?¡± ¡°No.¡± I didn¡¯t understand why he was using an office on the side even though it wasn¡¯t his own store. As if that was evident on my face, the guy smiled again. ¡°I have a stake here.¡± He puts his money everywhere. ¡°But, other than that, this store is very useful. Any other questions?¡± ¡°Why did you call me here? It can¡¯t be just for watching movies.¡± ¡°It could just be because of that. To use you, who is useless, for something like this.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°But, yes, there are other reasons.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°What were you expecting?¡± He lifted his head and moved his hand away from his neck. The curved, smiling eyes met me, but they were also not smiling. So I couldn¡¯t take his words as a joke. It was just that his voice was slightly low. ¡°Did you imagine me suddenly attacking you? Stuck my penis into you and thrust violently?¡± Perhaps it was a bad personality trait. Even though I admit that the other person is stronger than me, I couldn¡¯t hold back this choked up feeling. The best option was to ignore him, but I already responded to his provocation. ¡°That¡¯s right. How did you know? I was imagining sticking my dick in and thrusting violently.¡± I threw the same smile towards the other¡¯s smiling face and spit it out. ¡°And I¡¯m the one doing it.¡± I lowered my eyes and deliberately scanned his body from below upwards. A belt with gold buckles of the same color as black trousers that fit well, a waistline that revealed a flat stomach, and a dress shirt pulled into the trousers. Then, as I slowly raised my gaze along the thin fabric that hid his firm chest, I met his dark eyes. Contrary to smiling lips, for a moment, coldness flowed from the inside of the eyes that did not contain emotion. A little bit of regret came over me without realizing it, but my nature suppressed it all. When I see a strong person, I want to fight even with fear. ¡°Well, it¡¯s good enough for me to ¡±endure and give it a shot.¡± I spit it out dryly on purpose to show that I wasn¡¯t shaken. There was no sarcastic sarcasm, but I knew that this would provoke the other party even more. So, I purposely looked him straight into the eyes. And as soon as I felt the light slowly spread in his eyes, a voice was heard. ¡°It is such an honor. That I¡¯m worth for you to fuck once. But for me, either way is fine.¡± What is? I frowned subconsciously. The guy tilted his head to the side and smirked as if it was funny. ¡°It means that it doesn¡¯t matter if I, who wants to thrust more than you who would endure and thrust, top. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡± ¡°Why? It¡¯s fair. The person who wants to thrust can do it.¡± His smile vanished and he added expressionlessly. ¡°I can endure it and thrust into you tens of thousands of times.¡± I stared at him for a while because I had to swallow the swear words that were about to pour out. However, I thought that the one whose emotions are disturbed loses, the rough way of speaking that came out could not be helped. To be honest, this was an unfamiliar situation for me. Since 5 years ago, there have been very few people who have provoked me to this extent. I was able to suppress the anger that erupted even after knowing what Myeongshin had done, and I wondered why I reacted like this to every word of this person. ¡°It¡¯s just your opinion.¡± ¡°So I was just speaking my thoughts. You said you can only endure it once. You should be thankful that I want to do it in your stead.¡± What kind of logic is that? I stared at him again, casually spitting nonsense, and remembered that he was the one who tried to rip me off 200 million won with cigarettes while smoking. Oh, yeah. I was dealing with a nutcase. ¡°Then take this thought into account. I don¡¯t want you to thrust into me.¡± ¡°Why?¡± The innocent question revealed a surprised expression. ¡°Because I have no intention of fooling around with you in the first place. And also¡­¡± I stopped talking and gave the most important reason. ¡°I¡¯ve always been a top.¡± At my answer, the boredom vanished from his eyes and he straightened up. ¡°That¡¯s interesting. Always huh¡­¡± Mumbling the end of his words, he grinned as if he liked something. ¡°Then does that mean that no one has ever penetrated you?¡± His question of confirmation was strangely unpleasant, but I felt that I had to give a clear answer for my own self-esteem. So I nodded and opened my mouth. ¡°Of course. Not a single one¡­¡± As I spoke till that point, something suddenly came to mind. It was like a colored scene in the middle of a black and white video, it had left an impression on me. Memories of sitting on top of someone in a dark motel and trembling. Memories from about 5 years ago came to mind. Perhaps it was time when I was handing out flyers. When I went to a motel with a man I met by chance wearing an animal costume. It was the only moment in my life that I looked back on, but there was only one thing I remember clearly. The darkness inside the rabbit head, which was damp and stuffy because it had been worn for a long time, and the narrow field of vision from a small hole, and the feeling that the field of vision had become more blurry. It must have been because of the tears. As the dirty liquid that wet my entire face dripped down from my chin along with sweat I could barely see anything in front of me. Perhaps because of the fact that I cried, I couldn¡¯t remember much about the other person. Maybe it was because I didn¡¯t think it was important. ¡°Continue.¡± I opened my eyes, startled by the sudden voice. With a smile, he urged me with his somewhat cold eyes. ¡°Not even one, then what?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I asked you to continue?¡± My mouth opened without realizing it at the firm imperative tone. ¡°There was¡­ one.¡± Though, it was just once. I swallowed the words and thought of a question. But who was it really? The memory of crying at that time was so great that I couldn¡¯t remember anything else around me, but there was a strange feeling in my heart. Unpleasant anxiety as if the other person was someone I knew. I think there was a distinct characteristic¡­ Without realizing it, I was preoccupied with trying to recall the memories of that time again, and suddenly I realized that it had become quiet. When I moved my gaze, he was looking down at me with an expressionless face that he had before when he was working. His silence was more uncomfortable than when he spoke harshly. When I confessed honestly, I was glad that he might have lost interest, but I opened my mouth bluntly. ¡°But it was just one person. I used to be a top, and in the future¡­¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± It was a monotonous voice, but strangely, I felt a certain pressure as though my flesh was being cut with a knife. Because of that, even though I knew what he was trying to ask, I asked as if I was a fool. ¡°Who is what?¡± ¡°Who is that one person? The one who could top you.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to know.¡± ¡°Why? Someone you loved enough to change your position, the original top?¡± Perhaps if I had heard this question at a different time, I would have laughed while holding my stomach. However, when I saw his face that had lost his smile, my eyebrows furrowed. ¡°Are you kidding me right now?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, I don¡¯t joke. So answer me.¡± Resentment and rage rose in me again. Why do I have to give an answer? I was about to spit it out, but I stopped when I realized that he was seriously asking. He really was not joking, he was seriously asking. Why was that? I tried to come up with an answer to his question. If he really was serious, he seemed to plan to keep asking until I answered. ¡°It¡¯s not because of love. Alright?¡± ¡°Then why did you do it?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I really liked those eyes.¡± He raised the corner of his lips and smiled at me as he stared at me. ¡°It seems that the reason you did it was more important to you than who your partner was. I¡¯m getting more and more curious. Who is it? The one who thrusted into you.¡± ¡°Mind your business.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t want to.¡± With a lazy reply, he took a step closer to the wall. ¡°I put a down payment on an item that is non-refundable, so of course I should pay attention.¡± With that, he turned and headed towards the desk. ¡°It¡¯s only natural to wonder who would make you willing to let your personality be swayed.¡± ¡°What do you know about my personality?¡± ¡°I know that you¡¯re not the type of person to take revenge like this on Song Myeongshin who ran away with your money five years ago.¡± He stopped in front of the computer and threw those words carelessly, but I couldn¡¯t take them lightly. How did he know about that? Hansoo? Manager? However, I remembered that I had never told the two of them the part about ¡®5 years ago¡¯. While I was stiff, he added, tapping his keyboard with one hand. ¡°Of course, if it was 5 years ago when you were a high school dropout, and you were part of a biker gang and borrowed money from a loan company, you would be able to do it.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Ah, if you¡¯re the type of person who spends the money they earned on entertainment, fights frequently, and brandishing knives while pretending to be cool, you would have just gone and started swinging your fists.¡± As he finished typing on the keyboard, he raised his eyes and finished speaking. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it sound like someone¡¯s story?¡± ¡°¡­ How did you know?¡± My past was not recorded. Even if I did bad things, those stories existed only in the memories of me and those who know me. Besides, in five years I was forgotten by everyone and had no contact with anyone. Therefore, it was extremely difficult to find someone who could dig into the past. The blood in my body turned cold and my skin hardened with tension. His words evoked a sense of caution rather than surprise, to the extent that my body automatically recognized the other party as an enemy and turned into a state that was like just before I started fighting. But to my question, he opened his mouth. ¡°Your work history started almost five years ago. So what changed you was something that happened 5 years ago. I saw your resume. I looked into family relationships with that.¡± I opened my mouth to try to stop him. Otherwise, I was afraid that there would be words I didn¡¯t want to hear. But he was faster. A languid voice asked casually. ¡°The death of your brother and mother is the reason why you changed?¡± CH 13 Drr. Crash. The pile of files next to me fell to the floor as I stood up. However, I couldn¡¯t hear a thing in my ears. Strangely, my heart started beating fast. The black eyes staring at me indifferently made me feel as if they knew everything about me. I held my breath for a moment like a fool, even though my rationality came back. It was funny, but terrifying. I had been living casually for five years, but deep down, I may have been filled with darkness, with a sense of guilt. The more I pushed my desires away, the more I suppressed my emotions, the more I overworked my body, the more I tried to feel okay, the greater the darkness may have grown. Soon, a familiar calmness subsided everything, but the fear I felt at that moment did not easily disappear from my heart. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t believe it.¡± Finding the answer in my silence, he spoke, squinting his eyes slightly. ¡°The death of your family was so great for you that it changed everything about you.¡± ¡°¡­ No.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t that.¡± I explained in a calm voice. ¡°It was something else.¡± I thought the next question would be ¡®then what?¡¯, but he turned his eyes towards the TV instead. In his hand was a remote control. As he changed modes as if he was adjusting something on the TV, he spoke. ¡°I called you here to watch a movie, but also to give you a small reward.¡± Perhaps because he had switched to the desired screen, he put down the remote and asked with a smile he originally had on his face. ¡°I heard you took a picture with Photographer Lee at XX Studio?¡± Who did you hear it from? Chief Park¡¯s face immediately came to mind, but I turned my attention to what he was saying. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you persuaded Photographer Lee, but everyone at Dream headquarters was surprised.¡± That¡¯s why I decided to take nude photos in return. I thought that it would be bothersome if I explained the reason, so I looked at him silently and asked a question. ¡°So what¡¯s the reward?¡± A screen appeared on the TV as soon as I asked that question. A view of a small room taken by a camera fixed to one side of the ceiling. The moment I saw it, I frowned because it was me in the room. I was also wearing the same clothes as now. That was the room the manager had told me to wait before entering this room. As I turned my eyes away, he did not take his eyes off the screen and opened his mouth. ¡°I thought I would be expecting something interesting because you played around quite a bit in the past.¡± Contrary to his disappointment, he was still smiling. On the screen, I could hear my voice saying ¡®get out¡¯. ¡°Did you test me?¡± I glared at him without hiding my feelings. He turned the screen quickly as if he were bored and glanced back at me. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°With what rights?¡± ¡°Since I can¡¯t get a refund, I should be able to see this much.¡± There was nothing to respond to the shameless words of the man. As expected, I regretted that I chose the wrong opponent, but suddenly I thought this would not be the reward he was talking about. He said with his own mouth that it was going to be a reward, so it should at least be something that would surprise me rather than annoying me. When I looked up, 30 minutes had passed and I was standing up on the TV screen. I could tell what I was trying to say by looking at the room on the stationary screen. If I had been filmed, the others would have been too. There may be surveillance cameras in other rooms besides that one. Then the question I had asked him earlier popped up. ¡®¡­ How did he know?¡¯ No one around me knew my past. Except for one. ¡°Did you film Myeongshin?¡± When I asked him directly, he seemed to squint his eyes and soon curved his eyes and made a wide smile. ¡°Well done.¡± Snfgs alwf tf mbwqilwfcafv wf, P ofia j ilaaif vlgas. Po sbe¡¯gf ublcu ab rtbk la, rtbk la delmxis. Cr P egufv tlw klat ws fsfr, tf rwlifv vffqis rb atja tlr vlwqifr rtbkfv. Ccv atf rmgffc mtjcufv. Kkb wfc kfgf rlaalcu cfza ab fjmt batfg lc j gbbw aklmf atf rlhf bo atf gbbw P kjr lc. Ktf rwjiifg bcf kjr Zsfbcurtlc, jcv atf qfgrbc ktb kgjqqfv tlr rtbeivfg kjr atf rfmbcv wjc ktbw P tjv abiv ab ufa bea joafg tf fcafgfv ws gbbw. [Your name is a pseudonym? Why did you use that name?] The man asked, stroking Myeongshin¡¯s thigh slowly. Myeongshin, who closed his eyes, contemplating whether he was drunk or if it was because of the touch, opened his mouth. [Mmmm¡­ it¡¯s nothing. It was the name of a person I used to know.] [Someone you knew? It must have been someone you liked.] Myeongshin, who was leaning on his opponent languidly, bowed his upper body and burst into laughter. [Someone I liked? Hahaha~ Ah, I sure liked him. When I was very young. He looked really cool back then.] [How was he cool?] [He was a thug who was in a motorcycle gang and borrowed money from a loan company after dropping out of high school.] It was the same thing that came out of the madman¡¯s mouth. [The money he earned for his family was wasted on entertainment, he enjoyed fighting frequently, and brandishing knives while pretending to be cool. Thinking about it now, it¡¯s really pathetic, but back then I was immature. I wonder why, at that time, he just looked strong and amazing. He was a strong-willed person. He wasn¡¯t tall, but he never lost to guys who were taller than him. I felt the eyes staring at me sting with my skin, but I focused on the screen. The man was now resting his hand near the center of Myeongshin and asked more questions. [Hmm, you must have followed him a lot. Because you liked him, didn¡¯t you live together?] Myeongshin twisted his body slightly as the man¡¯s hand lightly touched the center. [That¡¯s right. We used to live together. He had been nice to me. Ah, stop asking and do it quickly.] Myeongshin excitedly twisted his waist, and brought his center of gravity to the man¡¯s moving hands. The man smiled cutely at Myeongshin¡¯s behavior and rubbed his bulging pants as he wanted. [He was nice to you, so why did you break up? Perhaps you got rejected?] The man giggled and whispered in Myeongshin¡¯s ear as if playing a joke. It was a very small voice, but it managed to sound recorded, and it was clear that it was heard by Myeongshin. Although he still had his clothes on, he answered even when his face was heated by direct stimulation. [No, I dumped him. To be honest, I ran away with his money. Ah, hurry up!] Myeongshin raised his voice as if he couldn¡¯t stand it. The man skillfully pulled his pants with one hand and put his hand into the protruding underwear. When an excited moan came out of Myeongshin¡¯s mouth, the man moved his rubbing hand in a hurry. In the meantime, he didn¡¯t stop asking questions. [Hmm, the money was stolen, but he never came back? He must have seen Yoohan on TV?] Myeongshin¡¯s groan, which sounded rough for a moment, suddenly stopped. And with an expressionless face, he grabbed the wrist of the man who was rubbing him. The atmosphere suddenly changed as if he became a different person. I narrowed my eyes and took a step forward. It was a look I had never seen five years ago. No, it was an expression he could never make. The man hardened like ice in his cold eyes staring at his opponent. [Why do you keep asking?] [I was just curious¡­ Ah!] Myeongshin twisted the man¡¯s hand and lifted it into the air. Unlike in the past when he was skinny, tendons sprouted from his arm, which was gripped by his muscles. [Just curious? Just that?] [Of course, that¡¯s all.] The man¡¯s physique was bigger, so it seemed like he could pull off Myeongshin if he used all his strength, but he didn¡¯t and put a smile on his face. [Actually, I was jealous. I wondered who¡¯s the ex-boyfriend you were named after because he was cool.] Myeongshin suddenly changed his expression again this time, just as he suddenly changed while looking at his opponent coldly while grabbing his wrist. [You¡¯re good at talking as always. But.] He let go of his wrist and instead placed a hand on the man¡¯s cheek, pulling him in the face. Afterwards, the voice that lowered like a whisper was hard to hear, but it seems to have been something like this. ¡®I won¡¯t forgive you next time.¡¯ As the man nodded his head with a tense smile, Myeongshin pushed his shoulder down. And spread his legs, commanding. [Suck it, it went down because of you.] The man entered between his legs without hesitation and bowed his head. Myeongshin soon returned to his original excited face, closed his eyes and tilted his head back. Then he moaned as he stroked the man¡¯s head with his hand. For a while, only the sound of a man sucking his genitals and Myeongshin¡¯s harsh breathing flowed on the screen. For me, it was a scene that was boring and made me sleepy, but I didn¡¯t complain. There must be a reason why the madman was letting the screen continue playing like that. Sure enough, Myeongshin, who was gradually out of breath, grabbed the man¡¯s hair and muttered. [Ah, suck it harder. Today, ha, I was annoyed because CEO Choi. That fucking bastard. It was lucky enough for him not to be penniless but he¡¯s still so arrogant as to complain to the company about taking the picture. Ahh!] He trembled as he spoke and let out his moans. Myeongshin didn¡¯t let go of the hand holding the man¡¯s head until the shaking stopped, but when his excitement subsided, he finally freed the man¡¯s head. The man coughed for a moment, probably because it was difficult to breathe, and Myeongshin made an apologetic expression and stroked the man¡¯s face. [As expected, you¡¯re the best at this.] At that, the man wiped his lips with the back of his hand, grinned and averted his eyes slightly. For a moment I thought he looked towards the camera but he immediately straightened his back and got up and sat down on the chair. He sat next to Myeongshin and pressed the button on the table and held a glass of wine. Perhaps he was really well-trained, he treated this situation casually and asked leisurely. [CEO Choi was dismissed as manager?] [I dismissed him. But it bothered me when he asked for some punk from somewhere.] As he frowned, he suddenly burst into laughter. [Actually, it will be more painful if he takes the classes supported by the company.] [What are you talking about?] [Ah~ I planted a guy who listens to me well to step on the guy who CEO Choi is taking care of. Right, I told him to come here.] As soon as he finished speaking, he heard a knock as if he had been waiting, and a notice was heard that a customer was waiting. Perhaps it was some kind of signal that the man pressed the button. After a while, the door opened and someone stepped into the room. And the screen stopped before his face was revealed. ¡°That¡¯s all for the reward.¡± I returned to reality at the voice of the madman and took my eyes off the TV. I asked him the necessary questions first. ¡°When was that filmed?¡± If it was after the manager called, it must have been today, maybe a little while ago, right? ¡°While you are watching the movies.¡± Could it be.. He made me watch the movies on purpose to dig up information from Myeongshin at that time and see how he reacted to the manager¡¯s phone call? No, it was quite a coincidence. What if Myeongshin didn¡¯t come here? The answer to the question is revealed in his following explanation. ¡°This is a place where Dream actors usually come to. In addition, strict advance reservations are required. Do you think I grabbed a share of this place for nothing?¡± Suddenly, I remembered his words that this store has many uses. So that¡¯s what he meant. To spy on the actors. The more I got to know, the more of a pain-in-the-ass this man seemed. I looked at the still screen again and opened my mouth. ¡°Why did you stop there?¡± The person entering that door might be the person Myeongshin called to step on me. Probably one of the people in the classes I was going to take. It was a question, but I didn¡¯t ask because I didn¡¯t know the reason. Since the reward was over, it meant that I had to give something in return to find out. The question was to ask what he wanted, and it came out of his mouth instead. ¡°Tell me who it is.¡± Who is what? I frowned and looked at him, not knowing what he meant. Then he kindly added an explanation. ¡°The one who topped you, I¡¯m asking who he is.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you tell me, I¡¯ll show you the rest.¡± ¡°What are you going to do after finding that out?¡± He mumbled ¡®I wonder¡¯ and grinned. ¡°Shall I find him and blow his head off? To wipe his memory.¡± What is he talking about? I stared at him for a long time, not understanding why he was so obsessed with this. Did he have other intentions? What was he aiming for? But nothing came to mind. In the meantime, he spoke slowly, as if he thought I was keeping silent because I was worried about something. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t touch your head. I¡¯ll let your memory slide.¡± The suspicion grew. What did he mean by pretending to be interested in me? ¡°Tell me. It¡¯s easy.¡± The soft, persuasive voice gave me goosebumps. I did not give in because of the tension and instead asked the question in order not to be suppressed by him. ¡°If it¡¯s easy, you do it. Just go find the guy who topped you and blow his head off.¡± ¡°Do you think there was someone who topped me?¡± Then again. Without realizing it, I grumbled inwardly. ¡°Then go find all the ones you fucked.¡± ¡°I¡¯m searching.¡± I raised my eyebrows thinking it was a joke, but soon realized it wasn¡¯t. His eyes were not smiling again but there was a smirk on his lips. When I saw it, I got resistant and scoffed again. ¡°How many are you still looking for?¡± ¡°One person.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Surprised?¡± I was honestly surprised. If you really believe that he never tells jokes, it would really be surprising. However, the subsequent casual tone surprised me even more. ¡°Up till now, I¡¯ve only embraced one guy. And it was only once.¡± ¡°¡­¡± It was surprising that I couldn¡¯t respond right away, but on the other hand, I was wondering. Because it didn¡¯t suit him. Judging by his words so far, it is clear that he had no objection to men. Rather, he talked about thrusting into people to an extent that I even started thinking he took pleasure in doing it with men frequently. Therefore, the word ¡®once¡¯ did not suit him. He may not have had a promiscuous sex life, but he was the type to at least enjoy it when he pleases. It¡¯s not just ¡®once¡¯. To be more precise, it was not suitable for him to think of someone enough to endure with ¡®once¡¯. My eyes naturally frowned because I had rarely gotten my sense of someone stronger than me wrong. And after a while, I opened my mouth to him who was watching as if my reaction was interesting. ¡°Originally, you didn¡¯t have a preference for men.¡± If all the other situations didn¡¯t suit him, there could only be that one conclusion. That ¡®once¡¯ was a deviation from the norm. He agreed with my conclusion so quickly that I was discouraged. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± It was an easy answer, but after hearing it, a question arose. How attractive was the man for him to embrace him even though he didn¡¯t have a preference for men? To the extent that he couldn¡¯t forget him, so he kept looking for him. On the contrary, when I realized that this was a deeper pure love, I frowned again. ¡°It doesn¡¯t suit you. Fell in love with someone so much that you couldn¡¯t forget and keep looking for him¡­¡± As I was talking, I suddenly realized. It was the opposite in this case. ¡°You¡¯re not looking for him because you fell for him.¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right.¡± There was still a good-looking smile on his face, but the words from his mouth were terrifying. ¡°He pissed me off.¡± I didn¡¯t know what happened, but I felt sorry for that person. If he gets caught, he¡¯ll have to dig his grave that day. Isn¡¯t that guy really stupid? Picking people and pissing them off. Then again, just looking at this man¡¯s smiling face, you can¡¯t tell if he¡¯s a nutcase. If that¡¯s the case, even if I knew it from the beginning, I might be a more foolish person. I realized something strange while worrying about someone I didn¡¯t know. If you don¡¯t like men, why is he making a fuss about thrusting into me? Perhaps, even though he doesn¡¯t desire men, he can do it to harass me. I felt even worse. ¡°Then work hard to find the one who pissed you off and fuck him. Don¡¯t harass me.¡± Just as I spat that out, wanting to end the conversation, I heard his characteristic languid voice. ¡°He is him and you are you.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Why are you acting like a fool all of a sudden? I¡¯m saying you¡¯re the second one. A man I think I can embrace.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°How could I harass you who is so precious.¡± A kind and friendly voice. But at that voice, a chill ran down my spine. Without realizing it, I barely endured taking a step back. Then I just stared at the other party, but the smile disappeared and with an expressionless face, he added dryly. ¡°So you can¡¯t hide anymore. I don¡¯t make the same mistake twice.¡± CH 14 t/n: also someone has been asking me if I¡¯d tl the audio drama and the short answer is no sorry T.T too complicated plus I¡¯d rather be picking up a new project :3 On the way home, I received a call from my manager. He told me in an excited voice that Chief Park had called Myeongshin. ¡®¡®Now you can go to class without Myeongshin¡¯s interference!¡¯¡¯ Perhaps because he had tasted a small sense of triumph, there was a hint of excitement in his voice. When I heard that I was going to take an official class a week later, I hung up the phone and thought amusedly, ¡®I have to wait a whole week?¡¯ It wasn¡¯t that I didn¡¯t care about Myeongshin¡¯s other plan to harass me, that the manager does not know, but the problem didn¡¯t feel like a big deal. It was probably because now I had another matter to worry about. That man¡¯s words were still floating in my head. ¡®You can¡¯t hide.¡¯ The day won¡¯t come when I have to hide, nor am I weak enough to run away. But I hate to admit it, I was strangely frightened by the words. Maybe it was because I believed more in the words from that man rather than just the words themselves. Sure, he¡¯s not someone to make the same mistake twice. Before I knew it, I saw the entrance to the shabby single basement room called home. When I thought of the small room with no bathroom and how I was barely able to lie down, sleepiness came over me. The drowsiness easily wiped away the needless worries. It doesn¡¯t matter. He won¡¯t be obsessed with me forever anyway. Fortunately, the manager and Hansoo had a lot of free time, so I spent a week receiving basic guidance from the two of them. In the middle, the manager had gone somewhere for a briefing for half a day, and when he returned, he had my profile picture in his hand. It felt as if I were looking at a picture of someone other than myself, so I looked down with awkwardness, but the two of them admired them like they were looking at a picture sent by God. ¡°Woah~ You look like a different person!¡± ¡°Right? Doesn¡¯t Taemin look great in pictures?¡± ¡°It¡¯s no joke! Your eyes look more attractive in the picture. Gosh, it was photographed well. It¡¯s 100 times better than the actual!¡± ¡°I know right. It was photographed so well~ If people look at the picture and then look at the actual one, they might think it¡¯s a scam. Haha, don¡¯t you think so, Taemin?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± Suddenly it became quiet. The two people holding the photo in their hands met my eyes and after a while, they turned their heads away. ¡°Hmmm, after looking at it carefully, it actually isn¡¯t as good as the actual person.¡± ¡°¡­ I mean, he didn¡¯t take it with his feet. But! It¡¯s true that it doesn¡¯t look as good as reality. Even if it¡¯s Photographer Lee, the photo isn¡¯t better than Taemin¡¯s natural charm. Haha~¡± ¡°Right? Even if it¡¯s Photographer Lee¡­ Right, come to think of it, Photographer Lee has been leaving voice messages on my phone since yesterday. Aish, I was listening to a message after class and a greasy voice saying nonsense like ¡®I want to roll around naked with you baby~¡¯ came out. What¡¯s up with that! I almost threw up!¡± The manager narrowed his eyes in surprise at Hansoo¡¯s angry voice. ¡°No, why is that guy babbling nonsense on the phone?¡± ¡°Eh? Did the manager give him my number?¡± When Hansoo immediately rebuked him, the manager waved his hand with a puzzled look. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t mean to tell him your phone number, but he kept asking for Taemin¡¯s number. If I didn¡¯t, he threatened not to give me the picture, so I said it was my actor¡¯s phone number, and I told him your phone number¡­¡± ¡°So you told him mine? Argh! Don¡¯t you remember when I fought with that person when I was in high school and decided to become an artist? I wasn¡¯t his type, so he said in front of me that he wouldn¡¯t take my picture, so I cursed him. Then Photographer Lee got so mad.¡± The manager tilted his head at Hansoo¡¯s outburst. ¡°Ah, really? So what did you say at that time?¡± ¡°¡­ I said he¡¯ll get dumped for the rest of his life.¡± ¡°¡­ You¡¯re harsh.¡± ¡°Well, how would I know that he would actually keep on getting dumped. Well.¡± ¡°Then again, that¡¯s his own fate.¡± While the two of them were rambling about Photographer Lee¡¯s fate, I finally picked up the photo in front of me and looked closely. The me in the photo had lowered his chin and looked straight into the camera from a slight tilted angle. It wasn¡¯t a particularly cool pose or a smiling face, but strangely enough, it caught my eye, maybe because it was a revelation of myself. I remembered the time when I took this photo. During the shoot, he kept commanding me and told me to use my memory to make expressions. ¡®Pwjulcf atf qfgrbc sbe tjaf atf wbra lc atf kbgiv rajcvlcu lc ogbca bo sbe.¡¯ C ojmf qbqqfv lcab ws tfjv jr atf ifcr ojmfv wf. Jilmx, milmx. Ktf ojmf vlrjqqfjgfv klat atf rbecv bo atf rteaafg, yea Utbabugjqtfg Off¡¯r fzqgfrrlbc klat atf mjwfgj vbkc rtbkfv atja P tjv fzqgfrrfv ws offilcur. Llr fsfr ibbxfv ja wf meglberis. Lbkfnfg, P kjrc¡¯a rtbklcu jcs tjagfv lc atf qlmaegf tf abbx. Ktja¡¯r kts la mjeuta ws fsf. There¡¯s no clear expression, but it felt like a certain emotion was trapped in the picture. ¡°Do you like that picture?¡± When I looked up, Hansoo who was sitting across from me, poked his head out and looked at the picture. The manager sitting next to me also leaned in with curiosity. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s the photo that Photographer Lee liked. Nice picture, huh?¡­.This is a photo that gives a kind of subtle feeling when looking at it. It came out pretty well, right? It¡¯s a picture that gives you a subtle feeling of something. That¡¯s why, in fact, even though I have to choose a picture of you smiling on my profile, I keep thinking about this. What do you think, Hansoo?¡± Hansoo took the photo and examined it closely. ¡°Hmm, it has an intense impression but¡­¡± He examined the photo closely as if he were an expert, and then raised his eyes and continued. ¡°You look sad.¡± He looked at me as if asking for an opinion and immediately handed over the picture to the manager next to him. The manager, who was looking closely at the picture, nodded as if he agreed, and the two murmured some more, but I couldn¡¯t hear it. Only the pictures that the manager gave me again caught my eyes. I made eye contact with myself. I recalled the face that I had been thinking of when I took that picture, but now I didn¡¯t have any particular feeling. The day before the class, I received a similar text. ¡°Come now.¡± I was annoyed by his unannounced command, but I got up and headed back to the store I had been to. I was moving obediently because I didn¡¯t think it was troublesome. Strangely enough, I¡¯ve never been happy when I meet him, but I never felt like I hated him. Why was that? I was definitely pissed off. As I put my doubts behind me and approached the entrance, the security guard I saw immediately, recognized me. ¡°Mr. Lee Baekwon. I heard that you were coming.¡± ¡°¡­¡± I stopped and measured the guard¡¯s height. If I use a flying kick here, could I hit him in the head? As I seriously thought about it, he led me to the back, not to the entrance that I had gone down the last time. When I followed him down a long corridor on the first floor, I saw a staircase that was even narrower than the entrance. ¡°If you go down this way, someone who will guide you is waiting downstairs.¡± He politely bowed his head slightly as he pointed down the stairs. Until the end, he showed courtesy. ¡°Have a good time, Mr. Lee Baekwon.¡± After he sent me off, as I went down to the basement, I realized that it was too late and too troublesome to correct my name. An unfamiliar face was greeting me below with a bright smile. ¡°Welcome, Mr. Lee Baekwon.¡± The place where the employee, who had an impressive smile, took me was not the room I went to last time. The only thing that I was familiar with was the corridor. The way out of the maze where employees frequented. I saw him pass the room I had entered before, and soon after, the employee knocked on a door. Then he stepped aside and signaled me to enter. ¡°He¡¯s waiting inside.¡± This situation was similar to that of a week ago. I asked the same question as I did then when I asked the club manager. ¡°Who is the person inside?¡± This time I heard an answer. ¡°The boss.¡± It couldn¡¯t be a guardian could it? I thought it was a little absurd in my mind, I opened the door and suddenly heard a gruff voice. ¡°Are you the Lee Baekwon who seduced Jay?¡± My eyes met a man standing across from me. A man in his 40s, overly muscular like those often seen in gyms, with his arms crossed, looked at me from the bottom up as I closed the door behind my back. Was he really that person¡¯s guardian? I laughed. If I had to choose one person who didn¡¯t need a guardian the most in the world, I would definitely recommend that person. On the contrary, wasn¡¯t his image like a manipulator behind the scenes? So it would be more suited for this man to have affection for him and consider me a love rival. Don¡¯t tell me I¡¯ll have to listen continuously to this uncle¡¯s discontentment. ¡°What¡¯s this? You don¡¯t look special at all?¡± He spat out discontentedly, and approached me and examined me from side to side. ¡°What in the world did you seduce him with?¡± His question got on my nerves and I spat out whatever. ¡°Money.¡± ¡°What?!!!¡± It seems he was really taken aback, to the point of taking a step back. ¡°Uh, how much did you use to seduce him?¡± ¡°¡­ 200 won.¡± ¡°!¡± His face, stiffened by the shock, stared at me for a long time. After a while, he changed his expression and spat out in a low voice. ¡°Well done.¡± I wanted to ask ¡®for what?¡¯ but I endured it. This time it was my turn to look at him startled as a cold voice came from him. ¡°200 won is not the amount of money, but your name. In other words, you¡¯re implying that you used yourself to seduce him. At the same time, were you trying to make me laugh? Hm, you¡¯re especially smart, it seems.¡± It was a compliment, but I wasn¡¯t elated at all. I just kept silent because I was dumbfounded and irritated, but he, who interpreted as he liked, folded his arms again and observed me leisurely. When I looked at him closely, he did give off a feeling that was somewhat of a boss. Even though small in stature, his hulking appearance played a part, he was a person who showed apparent strength. ¡°But you must be more special if Jay lets you into the room he works in. Speaking of Jay, he¡¯s the type of guy who won¡¯t even glance at any of the kids begging to come here. Especially! Men. So show me. That you¡¯re more special than them.¡± ¡°Why should I?¡± As if he knew this question would come, he immediately responded. ¡°Otherwise, I won¡¯t allow you to come here again.¡± A slight smile must have appeared on my lips when I heard the good news. He caught sight of it and narrowed his eyes. ¡°Do you think this is ridiculous? Smiling fearlessly in front of me. And implicitly revealing that you¡¯re testing me if I could really do it or not! Alright, at least you have guts. Like a man!¡± The absurd interpretation ended with a compliment. And my frustration continued. ¡°Come, hurry up and prove it with that spirit.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± It was truly troublesome. He froze, then fixed his expression again. ¡°Ho~ Indeed, you¡¯re saying you¡¯re not that easy? Surprising confidence and courage. And that tone. I have a lot to say to you, but there is this lingering feeling that this matter cannot be settled yet. Fine, for now I¡¯ll let you be and see what happens.¡± The situation ended in a ridiculous way. I examined his eyes closely as he concluded in a low, powerful voice. Did he do drugs? I looked at his eyes with suspicion, but I only confirmed unwanted conclusions. His eyes were unexpectedly clear and transparent for his age. I felt more shocked that he was sober, so I was taken aback, but I heard a question. ¡°If you¡¯re curious about anything, just ask.¡± Curious about? As I asked with my eyes, he explained, frustrated. ¡°You passed my difficult first interview here, so you can ask me anything you¡¯re curious about.¡± The word ¡°first interview¡± caught my attention more than ¡°ask me anything¡±. So there¡¯s another interview? I asked a question, suspecting that this was a trap dug by that madman. ¡°That madm¡­ that person, Jay, what¡¯s his name?¡± ¡°Name? It¡¯s Jay.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that an English name? He must have a real name.¡± I prepared my mind in advance that I might be surprised in case the boss showed an unexpected reaction. As expected, he opened his eyes wide and was surprised. Then he looked at me for a long time and murmured in a low voice. ¡°Real name¡­ I didn¡¯t expect you to ask that question. You really are not ordinary at all.¡± His exaggerated interpretations went out of one ear. ¡°Jay is his English name, but also his Korean name.¡± After explaining, he added a sigh and said a name. ¡°Huu, his real name is Han Jay.¡± Perhaps because of the boss¡¯s expression that I did not immediately answer him. After he said his name, his face staring into the air for a moment looked sad for some reason. That feeling soon disappeared, but something bothered me. Why did he react like that to the name? Then, remembering his exaggerated personality, I immediately stopped being curious. Well, it¡¯s not a big deal. Anyway, if his last name is Han, at least he¡¯s not Director Yoon. ¡°Isn¡¯t it pretty?¡± Suddenly, I heard a bright voice asking. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°I mean the name. Huuu, actually, when Jay was young, he hated his own name, but when he went to America, he was like a child, saying he liked it because he didn¡¯t have to create a foreign name. Of course, he¡¯s a pretty and kind guy, just like his name. Especially his smile, it¡¯s like an angel.¡± ¡°¡­ Who?¡± ¡°I¡¯m talking about Jay. Jay. What, you dare think of something else while I¡¯m talking? Aha~ That¡¯s right, speaking of names, I remembered your peculiar name, and thought of the sad and tearful past that must be intertwined with it! If someone asked for 200 won to get coffee from a vending machine, for the agony of your youth when you felt the confusion of your identity, so I¡¯ll forgive you. I¡¯m not that petty. Hahaha~¡± I¡¯d rather he didn¡¯t forgive. But he was very indulgent, and pushed me out of the room, looking at his watch, before I could explain. ¡°Come on, Jay will be waiting for you, so get out.¡± I was forced to turn my body and grabbed the doorknob and opened it. I hadn¡¯t said much, but I felt more tired than I had in any other conversation. Thinking that it would be better to face the madman, I hurriedly took a step forward, and before I could even take a single step, he called me. ¡°Right, Baekwon.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Oh? Were you just startled?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but be surprised by the question he asked in wonder. The moment he called me, I really was slightly startled. But it shouldn¡¯t have been apparent on my face so how did he notice? I put off my surprise and turned my head right away as if it was my name. ¡°Do you have more to say?¡± ¡°Oh, I forgot to tell you. Please keep it a secret that I told you his name.¡± What was the big deal about saying a name? The only thing I knew more was that the last name was Han. He repeated it to me, as if it were important. ¡°You must never tell Jay that I told him. Understand? Be sure to keep it a secret¡­¡± ¡°What secret?¡± The next question wasn¡¯t mine. Suddenly, I turned my head to the voice I heard right behind my back, and I saw the madman leaning against the door frame. ¡°What¡¯s the secret that I shouldn¡¯t know?¡± He smiled goodnaturedly and asked gently. However, the atmosphere in the room cooled rapidly. The boss was frozen with his mouth slightly open, not fooled by his smile like me. However, he soon coughed and put up an impression. ¡°What are you talking about? T-there¡¯s no such thing as a secret. W-what secret did I say?¡± He looked like someone who just revealed a hundred secrets. And although the madman would not have missed this, he lightly indicated that he understood to the boss who was frozen. The boss, who had turned ugly, then relaxed his shoulders and ordered the two of us. ¡°If you already know, then both of you should go out. And Jay, stop hanging around my store. Because you work so hard until dawn every day, the employees follow you and work harder, which gives me the burden of paying more! Don¡¯t you feel bad about that! Go home early today. If there¡¯s any tonics or red ginseng lying around, eat it and sleep, okay? I don¡¯t want to see you anyway, so get out of my sight.¡± It was a tone of irritation, but the content was strangely the opposite. Moreover, he, who was getting angry and telling us to leave, had two boxes of tonics in both hands to give to the madman. He handed them with a bothered look, saying, ¡°since no one is eating, take care of it¡± but on the box, it was clearly written ¡®Jay¡¯s¡¯ with a thick marker. Of course, the madman didn¡¯t take it. I had to accept it, but I heard a grim warning in my ear before the door closed. ¡°If you dare to eat mine, you¡¯ll die.¡± CH 15 Tak~ Like a porter, I put the two boxes of tonics in my hands on the cluttered table. His office from the previous time was still occupied by piles of papers. At first I didn¡¯t know what they were so I didn¡¯t care, but now I could see them. The scripts the manager showed me over the past week to get used to in advance. Everything piled up in the whole office were scripts. Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden. ¡°What did you hear from the boss?¡± I looked away from the scripts at that question. Standing at his desk, he was checking something on the screen. Not to mention the boss¡¯s unusual personality, even his attitude towards the madman was a bit strange. Under the guise of that gruff tone and harsh expression, I could notice a caring heart. Why didn¡¯t he show it outright? Such dishonest behavior did not seem to be the result of that unusual personality. At least he didn¡¯t hide his true feelings in front of me. That is to say, he only acts strangely in front of the person involved. Et2 Xk I made a brief conclusion before opening my mouth. It¡¯s the madman who must have rejected it. The heart of the other person who treated him with affection as though he was a family member. ¡°He asked me how I seduced you.¡± ¡°And what did you answer?¡± ¡°I said I seduced you with 200 won.¡± Mci5u8 He slowly lifted his lips and raised his eyes from the monitor. ¡°That¡¯s true. And then?¡± He must have been asking, ¡®so what¡¯s the secret that the boss told you?¡¯. The director told me to keep it a secret, but I didn¡¯t even consider it a secret. But of course I didn¡¯t want to let him know that easily. ¡°And then what?¡± VXYBoA When I asked back coldly, he laughed. ¡°If you tell me, I¡¯ll halve your work today.¡± Work? As soon as I wondered that, he stepped away from the desk and threw something in front of me. Clatter. 9TgejJ They were CDs. At first glance, there seemed to be around ten. When I remembered those boring short films, I looked up bitterly and he laughed and added. ¡°After watching them, read the scripts in the room. Of course, all of them.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you need, there are tonics here, you can drink it and work.¡± KDX3Rf Before I knew it, he stood in front of the door and pointed at the tonics given by the boss. I recalled the boss¡¯s threat, ¡°If you eat ¡±Jay¡¯s¡±, you¡¯ll die.¡± ¡°Until when do I have to do this?¡± Chrysanthemum Garden. He stared at me as if I was something fascinating for a while without speaking and then smiled with curved eyes. ¡°Until you¡¯re done, of course.¡± xdVR q My eyes scanned the room once more. How many texts were there? Even if I exclude half of them which were in English, it would take more than a month to read them all. ¡°By the way, I¡¯ll bring you this much more tomorrow.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you have anything to say, say it. I¡¯ll halve the work.¡± oiaUR A languid and calm tone was added to a gentle voice, and it had a strange power to control the other person. And that smile. If it was someone else in front of him, they probably wouldn¡¯t be able to refuse. If I wasn¡¯t guarded against him for 24 hours, I might meekly tell him everything he wanted to know. ¡°I have nothing to say. How long do I have to finish the whole thing?¡± The fake smile he had was gone, at least in my eyes. But why does it seem more like a smile? ¡°Anytime. But I¡¯ll give you permission to leave after finishing for the day.¡± XkcziB He opened the door as if he was about to leave, and I spoke quickly. ¡°Then give me permission in advance today.¡± P wjvf atf gfdefra yfmjerf P rjk tlw ifjnf atf vfrx j ktlif jub jcv aegc boo atf mbwqeafg. Pa wfjca tf kjrc¡¯a pera ublcu bea obg j ktlif, jcv P vlvc¡¯a kjca ab ybatfg mjiilcu tlw ijafg. Lbkfnfg, atf bcf ktb aegcfv jgbecv tbivlcu atf tjio-bqfc vbbg wjvf j ygluta rwlif. ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± oeS1vb ¡ª¡ª¡ª As expected, I had tried not to doze off watching the boring films, but when I looked at my watch, it was 2 a.m. I thought it was time to find him, so I stood up stiffly. Tomorrow was the day of the official class, so the manager told me to come early to advise a few things. I thought I would be able to sleep even for a few hours if I went home by now. The problem was permission. I turned my old cell phone on and pressed the call by selecting ¡®Madman¡¯. After several signals, the familiar female voice kindly informed me that the phone was off. I folded the phone and tried to put it in my pocket, but I noticed something by his desk. A black bag that appeared to belong to him. Did he not leave the store completely? As I stepped out the door to check, I saw an employee just in time. I called him, who was busy, and pointed my hand to the room where I came out. ¡°Do you know where the owner of this room is?¡± 0IdydO ¡°Director-nim is currently in the room with the client.¡± Director? He said he had a stake in this store, so it seemed like he was a director, that¡¯s why he was acting like he owned the place. It was somewhat unfair that he was drinking now. However, the next explanation from the employee made me stop. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com ¡°We usually entertain work related matters here.¡± Work related matters. Was he working until this morning? Then, suddenly, the boss¡¯s words came to mind. The exaggeration that he worked too hard and that the employees would imitate him seemed like the truth. Did you work like that every day? In the office or even at an entertainment place. It was something unexpected. Because he was so arrogant and full of self-confidence, I imagined that he would just sit in a high seat, give orders, and in the evening drink expensive alcohol at a high-end bar and sprinkle money. Like a typical example of the son of a wealthy family who has never failed and walked the path of success with the help of the family. pkBoIM But the scripts, movies, and all kinds of broadcasting-related books piled up in that room were already telling me that my assumptions were just my prejudice. What the hell was his identity? I didn¡¯t like the easy answer that he just had innate wealth and confidence as well as being sincerely hardworking. ¡°But, as I was passing by a while ago, I saw the director go out.¡± ¡°Was he going somewhere?¡± ¡°Yeah, probably obviously¡­¡± FteQEl He confidently said ¡°obviously¡± and suddenly shut his mouth with an embarrassed face. He seemed to know where he was, so I couldn¡¯t afford to question why he stopped. First of all, I was tired and I needed sleep. ¡°Where is he?¡± ¡°It looks like he went to where he usually goes to, but to tell you that¡­¡± When he had said this much, another employee came to ask what was going on, and the first employee whispered. I could only hear two or three words; ¡®there¡¯, ¡®no access¡¯, and ¡®with a smile¡­¡¯. I only heard a few words, but I seemed to understand what he was trying to say. The word ¡°smile¡± meant something had made him angry. Maybe an unspeakable place I shouldn¡¯t approach. However, the employee who came later whispered something for a while and then turned to me, and headed toward me as if he were going to step out. bWmJ81 ¡°Ah, you are Lee Baekwon who works with Director-nim in his office, aren¡¯t you? Director-nim is on the rooftop now. I will guide you.¡± His friendly smiling face was right in front of me, but my eyes turned to the first employee next to him. Contrary to his smiling mate, he was standing back with a worrisome look in his eyes. However, the employee who came forward to guide me urged me. ¡°Follow me.¡± As I turned around and followed him, I looked at him with curious eyes. He clearly grinned before stepping forward. eozY04 The rooftop wasn¡¯t an intimate place in my life, except for the time I often went up to play hooky when I was in high school. But as soon as I entered Dream, this place started to intervene in my life again. I was already feeling like I wouldn¡¯t have a very good relationship with rooftops, but the smile of the employee who was seeing me off from behind reinforced that thought. The two nightmares that I had already met on Dream¡¯s rooftop also played a part. So, I was nervous and walked on the rooftop decorated like a garden just like that in Dream. Tap, tap. I tried not to make a sound, but my footsteps echoed in the quiet night air. Standing in the center of the dark rooftop, I looked around and found a bench on the left. And sitting there was a dim human figure. As I got closer, I saw him reclining in his chair, tilting his head completely back, and looking up at the sky. One arm spread across the back of a chair, making him appear larger. And unsuitably, he was holding a candy in his mouth. Maybe it was a funny sight at first glance, but I took a moment to catch my breath because he looked so relaxed. For a moment, I felt as if I was a disturbance. But I soon moved forward and stopped a few steps away from him. And quietly gave strength to the body and tensed. FIkB9q Judging by the behavior of the employee who sent me to this place, it was as if he was intentionally bringing me here. I thought that there might be abusive language or fists flying first. Perhaps this was the place where he rests every time, and if he was disturbed, he would relentlessly punish people with a smile. I¡¯ve already had a similar experience while trying to get a cigarette. But it was not right this time. I shouldn¡¯t injure my face, but after grabbing him and knocking him down¡­ ¡°Do you want to eat?¡± Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com ¡°Uh?¡± In the midst of all that tension, I asked the question out of the blue, like a fool. Then, when he lowered his head and pulled the candy stick from his mouth, I thought he was finally starting to act, so I gave strength to my hind legs and took a step back. But he just held out his hand. He held out the candy he had bitten into his mouth. 7CkwDi ¡°No smoking here.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Surprisingly delicious.¡± I stared blankly at his face and the candy. While I was tensing my body up, the other party only offered candy. 8blmn0 ¡°What, do you hate sweets?¡± He barely opened his mouth to let out a small complaint. ¡°Is that all?¡± I added, looking around the empty space. SMxtJB ¡°Don¡¯t you dislike it when you get disturbed when you¡¯re alone here?¡± At the question, he put the candy back into his mouth and pursed his lips. ¡°That¡¯s right. I swear first, and then I go out with my fists.¡± ¡°¡­¡± S4oarM ¡°Then why did you come here knowing that?¡± ¡°Because I¡¯m not afraid.¡± His smile as he bit the candy made him look innocent like a child. But that was only the appearance. His eyes were shining like snakes under the light. ¡°It makes me excited to hear that.¡± 3JSh8d I frowned, and I thought that I would rather just fight. On the contrary, the guy¡¯s smile grew even bigger. ¡°That look.¡± Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com I stopped. I immediately straightened my frown, but he took out the candy and pointed at my face. ¡°I like that rebellious look. Those eyes make my lower part throb.¡± PoJ0D6 The plainly explicit words were said in a gentle voice that did not suit. The problem was that I lowered my eyes subconsciously at those words. I quickly looked back up again, but I saw that his front had really rosen. Fucking hell. Unlike me, who was swearing inwards, the shameless opponent spoke in a laugh. ¡°There is nothing to look at like that. If you want, I¡¯ll put it in your mouth and confirm it for you.¡± I was a man too, so I immediately recognized the meaning of his words and stared at the other person again. Even though I was getting caught up by him, it was difficult to control myself. ¡°If you want it to be cut off by my teeth, put it in.¡± ApO2l5 I threatened in an utter lowly voice, but the other party smirked. ¡°If your mouth is dangerous, what about the back? Is it tight enough to cut off too?¡± ¡°Quit joking.¡± ¡°How many times have you told me? I don¡¯t joke.¡± oPmx5M He smiled and cut off my words, expressionlessly turning the candy in his mouth. ¡°You, do you still not understand that I want to fuck you? What do you think is the reason why I didn¡¯t say no when you asked for help in the first place? To wait for you and believe that your value will grow?¡± A low laugh blended into his voice and continued slowly. ¡°I¡¯m meeting you obviously just because I¡¯m horny.¡± mdndDJ Contrary to his light tone, his eyes looking at me were intense and I could not turn my gaze away. It was as if he was conveying his feelings that he really wanted to fuck me in this place with those eyes. I was aggravated, but even more so, I got goosebumps from those eyes that revealed inner tenacity. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be so afraid of. I¡¯ll take care of that pretty body right now.¡± ¡°Take care of your own body.¡± At last, I spat out and looked away first. To be honest, I felt suffocated when I met eyes like that. Damn it. 2dLEy4 ¡°It¡¯s interesting to see an innocent response, considering that you provoked me first, saying that you¡¯ll give yourself to me.¡± By that, I meant that I would do anything, but I honestly hadn¡¯t thought that it could mean entangling bodies at the time. Why not? I was a person who had only the tension to fight when I met him. Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com ¡°On that note, is your revenge going well?¡± He turned his pale face to the changed topic. I was in a situation where I had to get his help, so I should be pleased with his interest, but I couldn¡¯t welcome it because it felt like I was hearing a middle-aged man¡¯s harassment. Deciding to help me because he was horny¡­ As I was thinking this far, I suddenly felt something strange. It was like I was missing something. What was it? I was quietly concentrating on my thoughts, but a voice calling me interrupted me. IK5CJv ¡°Lee Yoohan.¡± When I raised my eyes, he spoke in a dry tone with an expressionless face. ¡°When you¡¯re with me, focus on me.¡± ¡°¡­¡± MXck45 ¡°So, I heard that you are taking classes from today. Do you have any plans?¡± I knew what he was asking about. That¡¯s why he showed me the footage of Myeongshin. Besides, he knew what happened after it stopped. Who the person, who was going to get in my way, was. ¡°Not really.¡± After I answered shortly, he smiled and took a big bite of his candy. IT7FR ¡°If I knew who was going to bother you, I would come up with a countermeasure quickly. Don¡¯t you think? Tell me what I want to know. Then I will tell you.¡± Naturally, I shook my head, thinking it was about the conversation I had with the boss a while ago. I had no intention of soliciting something just by knowing his name. I had never thought that it was a secret. ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. What the boss said.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for that.¡± KpZ04c Then? I questioned him with my eyes and he jogged my memories. ¡°The first man to fuck you.¡± ¡°Why are you so curious about that?¡± I was really curious about the surprising amount of tenacity he had, so I asked. Then he looked into the air and wondered if he could think of an answer, and then he opened his mouth. qD r8Z ¡°Well, it just bothers me. It doesn¡¯t make me feel good. Don¡¯t you feel that way too?¡± About what? I tried to ask but I instinctively swallowed the question, feeling an eerie feeling as his lips slowly curved. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com ¡°The fact that I fucked a man other than you. No?¡± No. Again, the answer disappeared in my mouth. He stood up from his seat and approached with a deep smile until his dimples showed. Stopping close, he bowed slightly and whispered. 18dt6F ¡°Tell me. How do you feel?¡± I raised my eyes and looked straight up at him, smelling the faint candy. ¡°I don¡¯t feel anything.¡± At my answer, the eyes seen up close shone with delight. 8GRC0u ¡°I saw your profile picture. You know what? Except for that expressionless expression, all your facial expressions are awkward.¡± The sudden change in topic made me a bit bewildered and responded. ¡°So?¡± ¡°In today¡¯s class, you will be pointed out right away. Shall I give you a special solution that can change that immediately?¡± 6VFT94 Then he held out the candy he was eating in front of me. The sweet smell of the candy that was held out as if it was about to touch my lips entered my nostrils. ¡°No need¡­ Mmph!¡± In an instant, a sweet taste like the scent from just now entered my mouth. But it wasn¡¯t some candy. My lips, which had been attacked while I was off guard, opened my mouth in an instant and a sweet tongue was pushed in. I tried to turn my head, but before I knew it, a hand gripped my head and held it tight and wouldn¡¯t let go. All I could do in that state was to push him away with my arms, but while I was trying to move my head, his other arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer to him, leaving no room to push him away. As I struggled in an ugly way, the tongue in my mouth entered deeply. Funny enough, the first thing I felt was the sweet taste. Really sweet. It was also unpleasantly delicious. His tongue just came in, and after the brief stirring kiss, he moved away, but my lips and mouth were filled with sweetness. 5aRi9G ¡°Isn¡¯t it sweet?¡± As I raised my displeased eyes at the question, he curved his eyes. When the smile that seemed sincere somehow felt like a child, I heard additional words. ¡°When you want to elicit emotions, recall the sweetness. And think again.¡± I could feel his body moving back, letting go of my waist, but I felt his previous contact burning from my waist. The body that was in contact with the other had become rigid. And I got a little aroused by it too. Fuck, was it because I¡¯ve been abstinent all this time? I was blaming myself, but he recognized my reaction, and I heard his whispering voice in my ear. kjdMn1 ¡°Do you still feel nothing?¡± CH 16 I went down to the basement where the class was, listening to the manager¡¯s concerns that my skin had become dull, maybe it was because I didn¡¯t sleep well. On one side, the manager, who explained that he was a famous lecturer and told me to learn well, grabbed me before entering and offered me something with a shy smile. It turned out to be a voice recorder a little longer than his fingers. s5qvBE ¡°Originally, it¡¯s for you to hear what your own voice sounds like, but I thought it would be helpful to record the class and listen to it.¡± After I said thank you and accepted it, he briefly explained how it works. After talking for a while in front of the half-open door, I was finally able to go inside. It was still before class, so a few people were gathered and talking, but as soon as I entered, they all looked at me. I put the recorder the manager had given me in my pocket and approached them. There are four men in all. The first person who spoke to me had bright yellow hair. Chrysanthemum Garden. ¡°Ah, I heard there was a newbie coming in today. Is that you? You will take classes with us in the future. I recently came in too. I look forward to your acquaintance.¡± As he held out his hand, the man standing next to him with his arms crossed snorted. yt0ZRg ¡°You said you were cast by Manager Lee? Looks like you don¡¯t have any money, you won¡¯t be able to survive even a month in that state.¡± Looking at my shabby clothes, the ugliest of the four asked the man standing next to me, for everyone to hear everything. ¡°Don¡¯t you think the standard here is too low? Where do these kind of dudes crawl from, the hell?¡± Then, a sharp-looking man next to him opened his mouth to me with a grin. QXrnKz ¡°You really have no money? Going out in a rough style? It doesn¡¯t work well these days.¡± He said coldly and pointed to the last man standing next to him without a word. ¡°He is a prime example. Haven¡¯t debuted in 4 years already. Too old to do anything, so he only takes classes here. Because he doesn¡¯t have the money or backing.¡± As I turned my eyes to the last man, the good-looking man made eye contact with me. He was not offended by the openly demeaning remarks, but just held out his hand with a bitter smile. ew7vpk ¡°You have chosen a difficult path. You are welcome though.¡± I bowed my head slightly to the four as I greeted them. ¡°I look forward to your acquaintance. I am looking forward to the class we will take together.¡± The four people responded differently to the calm greeting. Interest, irritation, indifference, vigilance. I remembered the mixed reactions well in my mind. Then, as I was looking at each person silently, I heard the instructor entering the practice room. My first formal class had begun. VsZPCr The recorder the manager gave me was quite useful. Today was a four-hour vocal and pronunciation class, and hearing my voice directly helped me put what I had learned into practice as it gave me a clear idea of ??where I needed to correct myself. During the three breaks in the middle of class, I tried to replenish my hydration and listen to my voice and fix it right away. And after a rather long class, the instructor who was packing his bag called on me. Perhaps because it was my first time, the instructor gave me advice on things to fix, and I nodded my head trying to remember them. ¡°I heard that you never learned acting, but your pronunciation is pretty good. Voice is loud.¡± The reason my voice was so loud was probably because of my yelling during fights in the past. I thought there was no need to explain this, so I just nodded at the instructor¡¯s praise. After he left, I went to get my bag to get out of there, but I couldn¡¯t find the jacket I had taken off. All of a sudden, I was the only one left in the practice room, so I grabbed my bag and looked around. Obviously I put my clothes in the bag. Besides, there was the recorder given by the manager inside the jacket. I looked around the practice room again, wondering if I just hadn¡¯t seen it, when someone came up with a face through the open doorway. When the striking yellow hair saw me, he stretched out his upper body and called me with his hand. As I got closer, he asked in a serious voice. GQM0ez ¡°Have you lost anything?¡± ¡°I have.¡± Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com Pc gfrqbcrf, tf yla tlr ibkfg ilq jcv rjlv, ¡®Ct¡­¡¯ jcv vgjuufv wf ab atf yjatgbbw. Pcrlvf, atf wjc klat atf ubbv jqqfjgjcmf ktb tjv bcis yffc ajxlcu mijrrfr obg obeg sfjgr kjr ibbxlcu ja atf ijra ablifa klat atf vbbg bqfc klat ugjnf fsfr. Lf ibbxfv ja wf jr P fcafgfv, jcv abbx j rafq yjmx, qblcalcu lcrlvf. P rtloafv ws offa jcv kjixfv obgkjgv ab ktfgf tf kjr qblcalcu ja. The first thing I saw in the small bathroom was my coat hanging over the lid of the toilet. There, in black letters, was written, ¡®Fuck off, you bum¡¯. But what bothered me more than that was the thing that was inside the toilet with yellow piss. The missing recorder was inside. If it wasn¡¯t for that one thing, I would have just ignored and looked past the childish elementary school students-like pranks. If only the manager wasn¡¯t the one who gave me the recorder. e0CLJP I know how burdensome it was for him to buy this little device. We¡¯ve been living together for the past week and I had seen him fill up three meals a day with ramen. He might have been skipping meals when I wasn¡¯t looking. He doesn¡¯t take care of himself to such an extent that Hansoo¡¯s worries that he might collapse from malnutrition might come true and Hansoo had been giving him this and that. That¡¯s why I realized. That the little recorder must have been a huge amount like hundreds of millions of dollars for him. ¡°He ignored you because you had no money, and then he did this childishly¡­¡± ¡°I really don¡¯t know what he¡¯s doing.¡± The good-looking man and the yellow-haired man who was biting his tongue revealed who the culprit was. It was probably the ugliest guy. I walked forward and without hesitation put my hand into the toilet. The yellow-haired man who was watching from behind was groaning and gagged, but regardless, I took out the recorder from among the yellow urine. As I turned around, the two men who looked at me with astonished eyes quickly veered out of the way and backed away. E5TShr ¡°Hey, what are you going to do about it?¡± What else. ¡°I should fix it.¡± After answering, I washed my hands and recorder in the sink. They both said the culprit was the ugly dude, but I could tell from the expression on that guy¡¯s face when he mentioned my manager. It was the look that he knew my manager was insignificant and that he triumphed. In other words, I was not the kind of person who bothered him. If it wasn¡¯t him, then there¡¯s only one thing I should be concerned about. gymZ5d It¡¯s probably someone related to Myeongshin. I lifted my eyes and looked in the mirror. Through the reflection, I saw the two people looking at me with surprise. Which of you two is it? The bastard who threw my recorder in the toilet. ¡°Incredible.¡± As I was leaving the bathroom, I stopped at the exclamation I heard. Even though I washed it with water, the blondie didn¡¯t come close and looked at me with curious eyes, wondering if I was still dirty. ¡°If it were me, I would get pissed and go crazy, but you don¡¯t look angry at all. Jimin hyung thinks so too, right?¡± 0rJSGf When he asked the good-looking man standing next to him, he nodded. Likewise, there was a sense of wonder in his eyes. ¡°You seem to have a very chill personality. I really like it. How about we go out together? I was just about to have a drink with Hyeongseok.¡± ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go together.¡± I looked at the two of them slowly, then shook my head. SvGmXd ¡°Next time. The manager is waiting for me today.¡± I thought the answer was no big deal, but their expressions changed strangely. The yellow haired man named Hyeongseok spoke up. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com ¡°Wow¡­ there really is a manager. Oh, it¡¯s the first time it¡¯s happened, so it¡¯s rare for a newbie who starts taking classes like this to have a manager. Of course there are, but in those cases, it¡¯s usually either because they look so remarkably good that the company pushes them entirely, or if they hire a manager at their own expense.¡± The meaning behind it was clear. I didn¡¯t look like either of those cases. They stared at me with curious eyes, as if waiting for my confirmation. I looked at the two of them in turn and opened my mouth slowly. zdCRAd ¡°Then it must be the third case.¡± ¡°The third?¡± ¡°Even if they don¡¯t have looks or strength, potential can be seen.¡± These words may have seemed to them as ignorant novice conceits. A smile passed through their eyes, but it disappeared immediately after my next words. MXasqJ ¡°Isn¡¯t that the most basic way to choose?¡± For a moment, a bitterness flashed in the good looking man¡¯s eyes. ¡°But, this is a place where just the basics don¡¯t work.¡± Then he tilted his head to the side and raised at the corners of his lips. vouEAX ¡°Would you like to have a drink for real later? I know a very nice place. It¡¯s a place only big names go to, but somehow I had the opportunity to go there a few times.¡± The blond next to him whispered softly as if surprised. ¡°Hyung, are you going to take him there?¡± ¡°Mhm, it¡¯s okay. We go there for free.¡± i38Pox The yellow hair mumbled ¡®But¡­¡¯, then glanced at me and voiced a little dissatisfaction. In a small voice that I can still hear. ¡°You were told not to bring anyone.¡± Then the man with a good appearance opened his mouth. ¡°Isn¡¯t it okay if it¡¯s someone who shows potential even without looks or backing?¡± TMaPbe With that look, he turned to me. ¡°You¡¯re coming, right? How about the day after tomorrow? Or are you busy to the extent that the manager still has to wait for you that day?¡± Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com It was a half-provocative question. I nodded to him, who was having fun, unlike the anxious blondie. ¡°The day after tomorrow is fine.¡± k36f4H And as I was about to turn around, the good-looking man asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t you wondering why I didn¡¯t ask if you have time tomorrow?¡± ¡°No.¡± I gave a quick answer and was about to turn around again, but he burst into laughter with a bewildered face. eHfgbZ ¡°Haha, you have an interesting personality. It¡¯s because tomorrow, Taemin-ssi has something to look out for.¡± Turning my head away from my half-twisted body again, he shrugged again. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you know, but I learn various exercises as part of the physical exercise class. Tomorrow¡¯s lesson will be a bit rough¡­¡± He shook his head with a face as if he didn¡¯t want to say anything up to this point. UdtDYd ¡°Come and see tomorrow. If I told you in advance, you would only be afraid.¡± Although the external tone of speech contained concern, the laughing eyes told me that the words were perfunctory. In addition, the yellow haired man next to him turned his head to the side, and a smile that could not be hidden was spilling from his lips. I nodded in response to the advice and turned around again. The touch of the wet recorder in my hand felt like a piece of cool iron. Once or twice every two or three months, while Hansoo was explaining about my classmates, I got a call from a place where I only worked part-time on weekends. ¡°Wah~ you got the worst people in your class. He¡¯s notorious for his annoying way of speaking in the company. Was it because his father was the president of some credit union? So he had a lot of money and spent money as soon as he came to the agency to appear on public TV a few times. But I heard that he was learning from the basics because he couldn¡¯t do that with just money anymore because he sucked at acting. I¡¯ve only seen him from afar, but he thinks he¡¯s a top star because he¡¯s appeared in a supporting role a few times. He was complaining that he didn¡¯t want to learn vocalization again, but that didn¡¯t work for Director Yoon, who came a few months ago. It was a huge deal back then. If you don¡¯t follow the company¡¯s policy or are deemed unprofitable, the contract will be relentlessly terminated¡­¡± D7UBqY Hansoo stopped talking for a long time and tilted his head. ¡°Then the strange thing is, I thought I would be the first to be laid off, but they didn¡¯t say anything. Why was that?¡± Before going up to the theater stage, his pale powdered face swayed from side to side like a roly poly. Well, there must be a reason. The reason for this would probably be known in Hansoo¡¯s play, which would be seen shortly. However, the ignorant boy still nodded curiously and continued to explain. ¡°Anyway, I heard that he was very proud to belong to this company, and that he began to practice the basics against his will some months ago, crying. And, ah, yes. I heard there¡¯s someone who¡¯s really good at acting in that class, but I can¡¯t remember who it was¡­¡± 9jp1mQ While Hansoo tilted his head again, the manager who was meeting with the theater officials approached. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com ¡°Boss, who was that? I heard that there was a person in hyung¡¯s class who was good at acting.¡± ¡°Oh, right. It¡¯s apparently worth admiring once you see it¡­ Who was it?¡± tEwoj4 Just like Hansoo, the manager started to tilt his head like a roly poly. They shook their heads so hard that I didn¡¯t have the chance to say I wasn¡¯t curious at all. Fortunately, at that time, I got a call from a part-time job. I looked at the number that popped up and answered ¡®hello¡¯. The person on the other end asked if I was free a week later on the weekend. I was about to say no right away, but I ended up hanging up the phone with the answer that I would think about it, remembering the recorder I still had in my pocket. This job was very tough but the pay was very good. As soon as I hung up the phone, Hansoo moved backstage in time for the start of the play. The manager led me to the edge of the narrow auditorium with less than 100 seats, whispering. ¡°I can¡¯t remember who¡¯s the one good at acting among the people in class with you, but if you look at Hansoo now, you¡¯ll see that it doesn¡¯t matter. It¡¯s worth it, so take a look. Well, even a stingy company, who only cares about profits, knows that, so they won¡¯t let go.¡± 2bvoak I felt dissatisfied with the word ¡®stingy¡¯, but it had a different meaning for me. The blur of the problem that had been vaguely buried by that word had been removed at once. Something and one person came to my mind. It was the face of the madman, who introduced himself as the shareholder of Dream. Yes, now I get it. Why did I feel icky about getting his help? I didn¡¯t believe it in the first place that he would help me simply because he was interested in me. I just couldn¡¯t find any other reason, so I put that ridiculous rationale as the reason why, but now I found out what I had overlooked in the manager¡¯s words. A stingy company that only cares about profits. Myeongshin, whom I was trying to destroy, was a rising star, making profits for the company. On the other hand, I was just a lowly rookie with no backing or good looks. So there was absolutely no reason for the madman shareholder to help me. Even if there was a nonsensical hypothesis that he was charmed at first sight, his priority was clear from that time he was searching for profitable movies until late at night. In the end, that guy had other reasons. A reason why he¡¯s using me under the guise of helping me to bring down Myeongshin. That motherfucker. d2K7 9 When I opened my eyes to the suddenly darkened interior, there was silence as if there was no one in the audience. On the stage in front of me, a white light framed a round circle. A man with a mean smile on his lips walked into the circle and gave a monologue. Hansoo¡¯s low, gloomy voice began to take over the interior. The manager was right. Hansoo¡¯s performance was worthwhile. Even if I didn¡¯t have the proper attitude of an actor, it was a performance with great power to draw something out from within. During his acting, he transformed to such an extent that I couldn¡¯t really remember him at all. Later, after the play was over, when he went out to say hello to the other actors, I was like, ¡®Oh, it¡¯s Hansoo.¡¯ I was in awe of it. To be honest, I don¡¯t remember much about the play. It wasn¡¯t fun, but it was also because I focused on Hansoo¡¯s acting. I took in the expressions, voices, and emotions that I would normally overlook without thinking, like a cup that was overflowing with my head. It¡¯s funny for me, who had only been in this field for a few days, to say this, but it seemed to me that I had seen a little bit of what I had to do as Hansoo turned into a different person, lowered his voice, and changed his expression. It was faint, but I felt like I¡¯ve got a direction for acting. However, when the manager later asked how he felt, I only said ¡®I liked it¡¯. He wanted me to be more enlightened, but I couldn¡¯t be honest. I didn¡¯t want him to have high expectations of me, and I also didn¡¯t have expectations of myself with this kind of sentimentality. As proof of that, when the play was over and I got some cold fresh air, my mind was already filled with other thoughts. 9WNsPw Why was that crazy bastard trying to bring down Myeongshin? It was clear that he didn¡¯t have a grudge like me. When he spoke of Myeongshin, he didn¡¯t show his emotions. Rather, it was an attitude that he didn¡¯t care what Myeongshin did. Wasn¡¯t this strange? Wasn¡¯t Myeongshin a good product? CH 17 There was no contact to go there that day, but I voluntarily went to the maze-like bar. However, I did not go there meaninglessly with the intention of being called 200 won several times on purpose. Instead, the manager who guided me to the room as though he knew I was coming, brought up an issue that pissed me off. ¡°Today¡¯s homework is to be inspected by me.¡± I stared at him without saying a word, but with a gentle smile on his lips as if he was a robot, he faithfully conveyed what the madman had said. ¡°If you feel sleepy, you were told to use this to get coffee from the vending machine.¡± He politely handed me a 100 won coin. Without answering, I stared at the coin in the palm of his hand and raised my eyes. ¡°How am I supposed to buy coffee with this?¡± ¡°He told you to spend the remaining two hundred won with your own money.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Shall I change the coin, Lee Baekwon-nim?¡± I gave him a look, but it was useless in front of an unexpectedly formidable enemy. Yeah, it was only going to hurt my eyes if I tried to stare at the robot. Even if someone dances naked in front of him, he wouldn¡¯t lose his gentle smile and was likely to say, ¡®shall I play music?¡¯. I picked up the coin from the manager¡¯s hand. ¡°If I¡¯m not sleepy, can I pocket this money?¡± When I asked bluntly, his robot-like smile deepened a little. ¡°Yes. I will keep it a secret.¡± The tedious task of the day, which was described as homework, was to read a thick script. I was a student who had not attended school for a few years. It seemed that even a few days would not be enough for me, who had never read a book, to sit down and read that one book. Besides, the structure is unfamiliar. There was no narrative, and I couldn¡¯t understand the content because it was all dialogue and stiff explanations of situations. There were some unknown symbols and terms that made the slow pace even slower. Fortunately, I didn¡¯t know if it was on purpose but there was a dictionary of scenario terms, so I was able to go through each chapter without moving for hours, searching for each term. I was half way done. The content has been out of my mind for a long time and I just want to read it all the way to the end. But half way through, the robot manager interrupted me. ¡°Let¡¯s stop for today.¡± I turned my eyes to the clock on the wall as he looked down at me from the doorway. It was 2 a.m. If it wasn¡¯t for an empty room without an owner, I would have insisted on watching it until the end, but the manager¡¯s determined voice reminded me of what kind of place this is. ¡°It is time to close the Director¡¯s room.¡± Was this some kind of amusement park? When I heard that it was time to close the door, I almost had to laugh out loud, but I struggled to swallow it. Yeah, what¡¯s wrong with that robot man? I closed the scenario I was reading and got up from my seat as he wished. The body, which had been stuck in one position, felt stiff. I gently shook my head from side to side and handed the 100 won in my pocket to the manager who was waiting for me to leave. Then for the first time a mysterious light appeared on his face. ¡°Why are you giving it to me?¡± ¡°Entrance fee.¡± He smiled as he looked at the 100 won in his hand. Unlike the maze-like interior, the back path for the employees was simple, so you could go up to the stairs by yourself without the guidance of the manager. Knowing this, the manager didn¡¯t follow me, but I unexpectedly stopped in the narrow hall leading to the stairs by turning the long hallway. Four employees lined up with their heads bowed and someone stood in front of them with an angry face. It was an unusual atmosphere to look at, but that didn¡¯t stop me from walking by. No matter who the employees were, I didn¡¯t care because resting my tired body came first. To be honest, I desperately wanted to catch some sleep. But the ¡®who¡¯ was the problem. ¡°As I said before, I know everything.¡± It was the owner of this place who opened his mouth seriously. With his chin raised in a stiff robot-like posture that resembled what a child put together, he scolded the trembling employees again. ¡°My sharp intellect and eyes can spot your lies at once. So, it would be better to stop talking nonsense in the first place. Do you understand?¡± I almost burst out laughing at the words ¡®sharp intellect and eyes¡¯. Judging from the previous conversation, it was a laugh that would come out of knowing his sharp intelligence and eyes, but the reaction of the employees stopped me. One of them crawled to his knees and burst into tears, trembling as if the boss¡¯s words were from a horror movie. ¡°Heuk heuk~ Boss, I¡¯m s-sorry! Actually, I didn¡¯t mean to, I just¡­¡± As he cried with his head bowed to the floor trembling, the boss quickly bowed his head and cut off the employee¡¯s words. ¡°Enough, stop! You¡¯re already showing everything when you drop down! It¡¯s not because your legs are weak, it¡¯s like you¡¯re trying to pretend to fall down on purpose. So it looks awkward, reaching your arms out in advance and placing them on the floor. Did you think that it would be enough if you took the blame and stepped down as the representative? Hm? Do I look that sloppy?! Besides, of the hands that are on the floor, four fingers are straight and pointing somewhere. Oh ho~ it¡¯s trying to inform the real culprit unconsciously due to injustice! It¡¯s the guy at the end!¡± The boss pointed a finger at the employee at the end without hesitation. ¡°You were the main culprit!¡± The culprit was revealed without hesitation. Everyone¡¯s faces burst into tears with astonishment. ¡°Keuk! B-Boss¡­ you really knew everything!¡± ¡°Boss, please forgive me! Heuheu¡­¡± My mind, who had already been dazed by drowsiness, became even more dazed as I witnessed the president¡¯s amazing reasoning. The shock twofolded. The boss¡¯s ridiculous predictions came true, and the employees¡¯ faith in his predictions solidified. I quietly returned to the hallway I had come from. The begging of the employees, who were holding the boss¡¯s trousers behind his back, and the boss¡¯s laughter, who was happy that his thoughts were ¡°as expected¡±, were mixed. ¡°Bfexfexfe, ws gfjrbclcu lr qfgofma!¡± Cr P qea atf ybrr bc ws ilra bo qfbqif P rtbeivc¡¯a wffa boafc jibcu klat Utbabugjqtfg Off, P gjc lcab atf wjcjufg ja atf mbgcfg bo atf tjiikjs. Lf abbx atf ifjv, rjslcu atja tf kbeiv uelvf wf j vloofgfca kjs jr tf lwwfvljafis cbalmfv atf rlaejalbc. Then, at the sound of the boss¡¯s laughter that followed as if chasing, he turned to me and spoke to me seriously. ¡°Aren¡¯t our boss¡¯s predictions really scary?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Why did you suddenly stop walking?¡± To be honest, I¡¯m more afraid of you. Instead of answering all the way up to his neck, I gave a short answer. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s pretty scary.¡± Then he exclaimed with a polite robot-like smile. ¡°If you have nothing to hide, he treats you kindly.¡± I also added the manager to my list of people I should not meet often. And I wanted to get out of this place quickly, so I walked up the stairs that the manager told me, just when he called me from behind. When I turned my head, I heard a robot-like voice that had the same facial expression. ¡°The director will come the day after tomorrow.¡± It was unexpected so I looked down at him for a moment. He didn¡¯t seem like someone who would give me that kind of information. If he was coming the day after tomorrow, I didn¡¯t have to come here tomorrow, so it was convenient. He smiled a little differently as if it was revealed by my expression that it was surprising. ¡°It¡¯s in return for the entrance fee.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª It wasn¡¯t that I was determined to do well in what I was doing, but when it was time to wake up, my eyes opened spontaneously. I slept only 3 hours, but this had always been the case for the past 5 years, so I forcibly pushed away the sleepiness that was hard to shake and sat up. I took a lot of vocalization lessons yesterday. Perhaps it was because of that, with a blank mind, I recalled the things I had heard during the vocal class. How to project a loud voice and correct pronunciation, how to use this type of vocalization to express certain emotions, etc. Trying to come to my senses, I inadvertently stretched my hand out onto the desk next to me. That¡¯s right, I recorded yesterday¡¯s class. If I listen to it again¡­ However, when I pressed play on the recorder in my hand, there was no response. Only then did I fully wake up and remember where it had fallen into. I thought it would dry after a day. After pressing several more buttons, I finally got up with the recorder that didn¡¯t work. As I moved to wash my face, I was thinking about how much the recorder would cost, along with the bankbook balance in my head. The class that the man with yellow hair and the good looking man told me to fear eventually approached, but I wasn¡¯t thinking about it as much as they had expected. When I met my manager in the morning and parted a while before entering class, I borrowed a computer from the office to find out the price of the recorder. It was more expensive than expected, inevitably several times the account balance I had in mind in the morning. And before going to the large gym where the physical class was, I finally gave a definite answer about the part-time job I was talked into yesterday. It was difficult, but if I did it, I¡¯d definitely be able to make up for the cost of the recorder. Well, if the manager finds out later, he might get upset. I went inside the gym thinking that I could get the same recorder, but inside, waiting for me were four people who had come and prepared in advance. Looking around, there was no one who looked like an instructor, and they were the only ones wearing comfortable training suits and boxing gloves in their hands. Among them, the ugly guy whose father was the chairman of the credit union came to me with an angry expression on his face. As soon as the guy approached, he threw the empty boxing glove he was holding in his other hand at me. Thud. As I picked up the glove that was thrown hard with one hand, the guy¡¯s annoying voice reverberated inside the gym. ¡°Fuck you, you beggar bastard. Put that on and come at me. I¡¯ll crush your lips for talking nonsense.¡± I turned my eyes away from him who suddenly spat out curses, and looked behind me, where a sharp-looking guy was standing with his arms crossed as if it wasn¡¯t his business, and the blondie and good-looking man looked at me with eyes mixed with curiosity and concern. As our eyes met, they both averted their eyes. I don¡¯t know what was going on, but let¡¯s go with the flow for now. I should have asked for the reason first, but arguing was annoying. I slowly put my hand on my glove and remembered the call I had made for the part-time job a while ago. ¡®What? You can¡¯t hurt your face? Dude, that would be doing me a favor. You, who were hired as a boxing sparring partner and whose hobby is to KO your opponent in a single blow? Anyway, go easy on me!¡¯ Go easy. I moved my hand into a familiar glove and then pointed to the ring at the end of the gym. ¡°Can I do it over there?¡± Without listening to an answer, I moved slowly first. Even if it was a ring, it was just a simple imitation, it was just a pole on the floor and rope attached. Since this place itself had a gym atmosphere rather than an actual gym, it might be rather strange to have an official ring. I stopped in front of the destination and checked the elasticity of the rope by hand. Still, the string, which had been pushed slightly, returned to its original position with strong force as the pillar was firmly erected. The ugly guy behind me followed the path I had been walking on, and he continued to spit harsh swear words from his mouth. ¡°Wow, that motherfucker is so shameless. After all, he¡¯s like a rat swearing at other people from behind, so he¡¯ll be arrogant without fear. This son of a bitch. Hm? Do you think I¡¯ll spend my money wildy and turn into a beggar and get laid off? God, crazy bastard. Are you fucking around without knowing what kind of place this is?¡± He got more and more agitated and clapped his gloved fists with a ¡®bang, bang¡¯. Swears were added to every threat that came out. I didn¡¯t know the exact situation, but someone probably messed around between the two of us saying I talked behind his back. The elementary school student-like childish recorder prank was probably the work of one person. But this was just a fleeting thought. There was no banding of his hands, no head mask, no mouthpiece, but I thought he would deal with it properly. Whatever the situation, I was not generous enough to be nice to anyone who insults me openly. In fact, I never really learned boxing. I became a sparring partner for the first time 5 years ago because I had been looking for a job with good pay and I had fought a bit in the past anyway. No matter how much I punched, my opponents were experts who were preparing to be pros. Of course, I was almost beaten to death until bruises were all over my face and upper body. Still, I undertook the job the next time because I clenched my teeth and survived the 3rd round, and I also hated getting hurt, so I naturally learned to imitate the opponent who hit me. Two years later, I was the one hitting. So I didn¡¯t think I was going to lose in this fight. Although there was the madman who beat me up a bit, he was an exception. That guy was a monster. Even if I officially learn boxing to death, I could exclude him because he was one of the few people in the world whom I couldn¡¯t win against. There shouldn¡¯t be any opponent in front of me who was a monster of the same level. Among all four people here. So there was no rush. On the contrary, I was a little worried. It was the ugly guy I wanted to knock down right now, but I also wanted to take care of the guy who had been stirring the pot. However, I didn¡¯t exactly know who the latter was. So the method is simple. I had to deal with all four. How should I go about facing all four of them? Then, the sharp-looking guy who was leaning against the pillars of the ring, tilting his head, spoke up. ¡°You really are a slow-witted guy.¡± The ugly guy was twisting his arms, legs, and neck, saying that he was warming up his body as if he was trying to intimidate me. When I turned my eyes to the side, the guy with the sharp face met my gaze and lifted at the corners of his mouth. His whispering voice lowered so that only I could hear it. ¡°Are you really going to deal with that guy? Think carefully. What do you think the guy who set this up wants?¡± Then he followed the ugly guy as he entered the ring. ¡°If you get hit in that ring, you alone will bleed, but if you hit him even once, you and everyone else connected to you will be cut off from the company one after another.¡± After removing himself from the pole, he suddenly shouted out loudly to the guy in the ring, ¡°Take him down!¡± I looked at the ugly guy staring at me in the ring, and then I looked back at the man with yellow hair and the nice looking boy looking at me with a funny face. The two of them noticed what I was watching, and cheered, telling me to do well. I just stood on the spot for a while. In the ring, the ugly guy urging me to come rang in my ears. As I moved my legs, I finally made eye contact with the guy with the bitter face. He had a sharp sneer in his eyes and twisted his lips. I would be a fool to do what they wanted me to do. Well, what was I going to do? As a freshman on a one-month contract, my goal was to stay here right now. That¡¯s right, for now. I swallowed the word ¡®for now¡¯ like ice. I walked to the center of the ring and opened my mouth to the ugly guy with my weight on one leg. ¡°I heard you¡¯re acting with your feet. Are you really going to do boxing? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll flounder your arms and tire yourself out, panting.¡± ¡°You motherfucker!¡± Swish! The fists that flew in a large semicircle along with profanity flew backwards and passed my eyes. I purposely made more sarcastic insults to him. ¡°See? Do you think you¡¯re boxing just by wearing gloves?¡± Swish! Swish! He swung his fist in anger and recklessly. I kept taunting him, and frantically evaded him in the ring. It looked cramped, but it was quite difficult to keep running in tension in the ring. We both ran out of breath quickly. His face turned red as if about to explode, and he started growling like an animal towards me, who was narrowly escaping. ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you!¡± As I moved to a blind spot behind him, I kept looking for the person I needed. It was difficult to run away and search inside the large gym, but fortunately, there was a sound of the thick iron door opening. As soon as the person entered the gym, he was surprised and ran over. Finally, the instructor came. At that moment, I stopped running away and deliberately bumped into the ring¡¯s rope. A strong wind blew over my bowed shoulders; I avoided the punch by a hair¡¯s width, but it was impossible to move quickly because of the balance I had lost as I bent down. Beep! Before the sound resounded, the shock on my shoulder informed me that his fist had hit me. It was a half-miss, but it was so close that I instantly shrank back. I looked up with a sneering eye at the man who was excited by getting a hit on the upper body. ¡°Are you ticklish?¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Tap, tap! His fists flew towards my face. I quickly wrapped my arms around my face, the entire body was hit hard. I staggered and was pushed back to the ropes without releasing my arms that were covering my face. Naturally, the exposed abdomen became the target of the opponent. Smack! ¡­ Urgh! This one hit the pit of the stomach exactly. In an instant, the strength of my knees relaxed and I crouched down on the floor with my trembling body. The pain that made it difficult for me to breathe put pressure on my upper body, so there was no time to look around. All I knew was that it was getting noisier with the ugly guy giggling and swearing and someone running into the ring to stop him. It was probably the instructor, but the guy who didn¡¯t calm down just kicked and stepped on my collapsed body. ¡°Son of a bitch! You¡¯ll never be able to set your feet on this field! Fucking bastard!¡± ¡°Stop it! What is going on?!¡± The instructor¡¯s voice also rose, and after a while the kicking ceased. It was only then did I finally loosen my arms that had been wrapped around my head and lifted my head. The first thing I saw was the ugly guy being pulled out of the ring by the instructor. When his eyes met, I deliberately twisted my lips. ¡°Even a five-year-old must be stronger than you.¡± ¡°T-t-that bastard!¡± The aggravated guy floundered wildly, but the sports instructor was strong enough to drag the ugly guy away. I barely got up as I watched the guy being dragged, but the sharp-looking guy approached me with a frown. ¡°Are you a dumbass? I gave you the answer, but why can¡¯t you do it properly?¡± He was probably needlessly provoking me. Without saying a word, I got up completely and brushed him off. Then he grabbed my arm from behind. Looking back at me, he opened his mouth with a frown on his face. ¡°Want me to give you one more piece of advice?¡± ¡°No.¡± I pulled my arm away from him, who was a little stiff, and walked towards the ugly guy who was still held on to by the instructor. Seeing me approach, the ugly guy floundered again, and the instructor frowned. ¡°Are you a new rookie? What the hell are you doing as soon as you arrive?¡± I glanced at the ugly guy and opened my mouth to the instructor. ¡°That was pretty shitty.¡± ¡°W-what did you say?¡± ¡°Because you learn in a ring that¡¯s like a children¡¯s playground, aren¡¯t you just messing around like that person? You think it¡¯s boxing just because you put on gloves.¡± At my words, the instructor looked at me, astonished. ¡°Look here, how can you say something like that now?¡± ¡°You bastard! Are you not beaten enough yet? Want me to beat you to death again?¡± I turned my expressionless face to the ugly bastard who was struggling to pounce at me. ¡°Never mind. Can you get away with not setting up properly? Teacher, I don¡¯t want to learn boxing like this. Please remove me from now on.¡± After I finished my words, I turned around and slowly walked towards the door. Creak~ As I pushed the heavy door out, the sound of footsteps from the two immediately followed me. ¡°Taemin, are you okay?¡± The concerned voice came from the man with a good appearance. Then the yellow haired one added, ¡°You were beaten up a lot¡­ Doesn¡¯t it hurt?¡± As I stared at them without saying a word, the two of them chuckled awkwardly as if they thought it was embarrassing. ¡°Still, it was refreshing to agitate him with words. It was pretty amazing. Even in that situation, you are not discouraged.¡± ¡°I know right. By the way, the rumors here are so fast that it spreads throughout the building in a matter of hours. Well, it¡¯s not good, but if it¡¯s cursing that guy, we do it too, so I understand. Still, we met just yesterday, and when did you offend him?¡± ¡°I never did.¡± Then they both looked startled. One of them must have been acting, but I couldn¡¯t figure it out. Could it be that the person whom Hansoo and the manager told me was good at acting was one of these two? ¡°You really didn¡¯t? So what on earth did he hear to take his anger out for? Sorry. We didn¡¯t come forward because we thought it was true. If you step up and get targeted by that guy¡­ We would be in trouble too. You understand, right??¡± The good-looking man smiled apologetically. ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± When I replied casually, I noticed a strange expression for a moment, and then he changed the topic and suggested, ¡°Then, as an apology, you come empty-handed when we go to drink tomorrow. Originally, you have to give a tip too, but since it¡¯s Taemin¡¯s first time, you don¡¯t have to pay anything. Okay?¡± As I nodded, the yellow-haired man next to him tilted his head. ¡°I¡¯m curious anyway. Then who was it that agitated that guy with words that Taemin didn¡¯t even say?¡± I know. I was curious too, which one of you two was it? Although there was a bruise on my body, my face was still safe, so fortunately Mr.Choi wouldn¡¯t know anything about it. Even if I had blue bruises on my body, my face was fine, so fortunately, my manager didn¡¯t notice what happened that day. The inconvenience was that the ugly guy looked at me in the next day¡¯s class and screamed something like he was going to kill me, but it was enough to ignore the noise. He didn¡¯t make a move as if he knew that he would get in trouble with the company no matter how much money he had if he started throwing his fists when it was not a special situation. So he could only glare at me, who didn¡¯t respond. Taking advantage of his glaring gaze, I went outside after finishing the class that lasted until late. The yellow-haired man and good-looking man who were waiting in the car in advance noticed me first. ¡°Here~¡± As I approached the old heavy car, the blondie stuck out of the window in the front auxiliary seat. ¡°Get in the back.¡± Clatter, tap. As soon as I closed the door and sat in the back seat, the car began to move. And while the car stopped for a while to change lanes, the good-looking man who was driving made eye contact with me via the rearview mirror. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know where you¡¯re going?¡± ¡°No.¡± For a moment, a surprised light flashed through his eyes, but soon turned into a smile. ¡°Is that a lame joke?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡± A cold wind blew during the silence, but I turned away from the window without paying attention. I could hear his words mixed with a belated grin. ¡°It¡¯s a very famous place in the industry. It¡¯s Alice¡¯s Labyrinth.¡± It didn¡¯t matter where we were going but he revealed the shop¡¯s name. Who¡¯s Alice, and what¡¯s the mystery? However, when I arrived at the destination and looked at the sign, I knew that the situation had begun to get complicated. ¡®Alice¡¯s Labyrinth¡¯ It was the madman¡¯s store that I went to every day these days. CH 18 t/n: hihi im pw locking this for reasons (long story) We arrived a little after 9 pm. The employees were busily going back and forth between the hallways, probably when customers were pouring in. The waitress assigned at the entrance led us through the maze-like corridors in a complicated way, leading us to a blue door. The inside of the room is completely red, unlike the door. The wall had a protruding part in the middle as if it had been padded with a wide plank. As I sat on the dark wine-colored sofa, the two seated opposite me looked at me and asked. ¡°Isn¡¯t this place cool?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve only been here a few times, but every time we come, we¡¯re surprised.¡± As I looked around the room without saying a word, they must have thought I was amazed so the experienced people talked with ease. ¡°As you may have seen when entering, only members are allowed in here. It¡¯s only for top stars, so it¡¯s a miracle that we¡¯re sitting here right now.¡± ¡°How did you achieve that miracle?¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s¡­¡± The yellow hair mumbled the end of the sentence, glanced to the side and exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Just got lucky.¡± If this was the place, I could guess who gave it to them without digging further. I just didn¡¯t understand why he¡¯s trying to become Myeongshin¡¯s dog just to get into a bar like this. But after a while, I realized that this place wasn¡¯t just a hostess bar. At least, not for the purpose they came here for. ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯m curious about, can I ask?¡± It seems like it has been a while since I came in and sat down, but I was wondering why there was no employee coming to take orders. When I agreed, the man with the good appearance spoke in a light tone. ¡°I heard that your profile picture was taken by Photographer Lee. What tricks did you use?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Is it difficult to say, perhaps?¡± ¡°No.¡± Shaking my head, I answered lightly. ¡°I decided to take off my clothes in return.¡± Then an equally dark smile spread across their eyes. As if they had known it. ¡°What, then Taemin is fine with men too?¡± Of course, I didn¡¯t have the generosity to clear up the misunderstanding between the two of them. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine with men.¡± Then I took a glass of water from the table and looked at them alternately. ¡°It¡¯s the same with the both of you, isn¡¯t it.¡± The blondie flinched a bit, but the nice-looking man who had been a trainee for 4 years shed a bitter smile. ¡°That¡¯s right. Men are fine too. It¡¯s been four years and I¡¯ve been forced to do that.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°In that sense, Taemin is fortunate. You can just roll around with those disgusting men without feeling much.¡± He didn¡¯t hide his disgust in the words ¡®disgusting men¡¯. At that moment, even at first glance, anger showed in his eyes. But he soon returned to his original good impression and asked. ¡°Oh, can you not do it with women?¡± ¡°Women are fine too.¡± When I responded, the yellow hair next to him chimed in, ¡®I envy you¡¯. ¡°What, then, when doing it with men, top or bottom doesn¡¯t matter?¡± I nodded. ¡°Uwah, I¡¯m really envious. I don¡¯t like to top, but all the old men I meet just want to bottom, I really hate putting it in their stinky chubby ass.¡± He made a thick crease between his brows as if he really detested it. Then the good-looking man sitting next to him laughed and patted his shoulder. ¡°Because you are really unlucky. There are a lot of people who want to sleep with men out of curiosity, so there are more tops.¡± As I listened to the conversation between the two, I was confused as to whether they were aspiring celebrities or escorts. ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, you don¡¯t have to do it, right.¡± After my words, the room suddenly became quiet as if cold water had been poured on them. After a while, the good-looking man let out an angry retort with a hard face. ¡°Are you asking that because you already gave your body to Photographer Lee to take the pictures?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t feel dirty about the offer.¡± I looked at the two alternately and respectfully added honorifics. ¡°Yo.¡± But do you two not hate it as if you were being made to eat some kind of insect? My words had this meaning, but I wasn¡¯t really curious about the answer. Maybe it was obvious. To survive in this industry, you have to deal with people you don¡¯t like. That¡¯s all. Even so, I pretended to be naive and said it because I wanted to confirm. To roughly confirm who the culprit was through this short conversation. By looking at the expressions that will be revealed soon. ¡°If it¡¯s sponsors, can¡¯t you just choose a woman?¡± ¡°Ktfgf jgf nfgs ofk kbwfc qbkfgoei fcbeut ab yf rqbcrbgr. Vb atf mbwqfalalbc lr olfgmf. Rb wjaafg tbk glmt atf klof bo j kfjiats ojwlis lr, atf gfji qbkfg lr tfg teryjcv. Pc atf fcv, jii sbe mjc vb lr fjgc qbmxfa wbcfs. Dea lo sbe¡¯gf ubbv ja qeaalcu eq klat vlruera jcv vb la klat wfc, sbe mjc mgfjaf j mtjcmf bo wjxlcu tlw j rqbcrbg. Ccv sbe¡¯gf jyif ab rajcv lc ogbca bo atf mjwfgj.¡± The yellow hair nodded his head as if sympathizing with him. I looked at the two and agreed as if I understood them. ¡°As a sponsor, men are more useful and you can be successful.¡± Then I asked lightly. ¡°Like Song Yoohan?¡± Different expressions appeared on their faces. I could barely hold back the desire to laugh. Yes, so it was you. Three glasses of water were placed on the table in front of the three people. It was a bit strange. It¡¯s been over 20 minutes since I entered the room, and still no one came to take orders. While the yellow-haired man left to go to the bathroom, the man with the good impression spoke to me, while we waited, bored. ¡°Why did you bring up Song Yoohan specifically?¡± ¡°Because I know him.¡± ¡°You know him? How?¡± ¡°He¡¯s famous. On TV.¡± He frowned slightly and let out in a low voice. ¡°Don¡¯t play around.¡± ¡°My manager was the CEO of Song Yoohan¡¯s previous agency.¡± Then he let out an ¡®Ah~¡¯ as if he remembered something. ¡°That¡¯s right. It was like that. Taemin¡¯s manager was the former CEO of XX. Then you must have heard that Song Yoohan had a male sponsor, right?¡± Instead of answering, I looked at him and answered with a question. ¡°Is he not getting a chance to appear at all without a sponsor?¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± With a frown, he talked about what he heard in class today. ¡°This is the script that the instructor gave us today. He said that we would practice the supporting role with 5 lines of dialogue until next week and give the best person a chance to be filmed.¡± Before he could explain further, a smirk appeared on his lips. ¡°Do you believe that?¡± ¡°Was he lying about appearing in a supporting role?¡± ¡°No, that part is true. The small role is used as bait to make us practice hard before. However, no matter how hard I try, it¡¯s obvious who takes the role.¡± He stared intently into my eyes. ¡°The same person took the role every time, and this time, that person will take it again. Even if his acting is the worst or has the worst face. So it¡¯s better not to expect anything.¡± Even if he didn¡¯t say the name, the face of the ugly guy who was kicking me automatically popped into my head. Then I heard him ask dryly. ¡°It¡¯s fucking sucks, doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you go through this for four years, Taemin will know. In the end, all you need is money and power. Even for such a small role.¡± ¡°It will be different this time.¡± ¡°What?¡± He stuck out his ear as if he didn¡¯t understand, but the conversation was interrupted as the door opened and the yellow haired guy came in noisily. ¡°Hyung, they¡¯re ready.¡± As soon as he sat down, he gulped down the water first and talked to me. ¡°Is it okay if I start now?¡± Start what? When I asked, he looked to the side with bewildered eyes again. ¡°Huh? Didn¡¯t you explain it while I was away?¡± Then the man with the good impression smiled and shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s no fun if you know ahead of time.¡± He got up from his seat with a smile on his face and motioned for me to get up too. Not knowing what to do, I did not stand up and just looked at him, and the yellow hair next to him encouraged me. ¡°What are you scared of? If you drink in an expensive place for free, it¡¯s obvious.¡± Obvious? Standing next to the wall? I didn¡¯t understand, but at the urging of the two of them, I had no choice but to approach the wall where they stood. They made me stand on the edge of the corner and kept smiling. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°What do you mean? Are you asking because you really don¡¯t know?¡± The good looking one answered, and he bent down and pressed the hidden button under the corner of the table. Then I heard a sound right next to me. Startled, I turned my head to see that the wall right next to me was moving. Along with the light coming in through the open space, the loud noise of the next room poured in. No way, could this be¡­ ¡°It¡¯s just sucking one time in exchange for free alcohol.¡± With a belated explanation, someone¡¯s hand strongly pushed my back. As soon as I stepped forward, staggering at the unexpected force, I heard a ¡®Drr~¡¯ sound behind my back. When I turned my head, the door was almost closed. Finally, I heard a taunt from someone inside who was giggling. ¡°You know right? if you get out of there, you¡¯ll be rumored to be a useless guy who can¡¯t even suck. The uncles there have big mouths.¡± When the door was completely closed and turned, three pairs of eyes were drawn to me in unison. Three men in their 50-60s with already half-drunk red faces, oily skin, and hazy eyes. Only then did I realize. That other room was just a waiting room. To wait for guests. It was a similar situation to when I had faced the ugly guy with boxing gloves on. The last word that came from the voice I heard. Rumors will circulate all over the place. If you suck the bottom of those three here, you will pass by quietly, but if you refuse, your reputation will deteriorate thanks to people who have big mouths, and you may not even be able to dream of getting a sponsor. It was probably the latter that the guy who was ordered by Myeongshin was aiming for. The problem was that it wasn¡¯t that hard to endure getting hit while boxing, but this time it was a little different. To be honest, I could suck the genitals of those people who criticize me like a piece of meat. Because I didn¡¯t have a lofty pride I had to protect. More precisely, I didn¡¯t feel much self-worth. When it came to saving money to pay off debt, it was just a body that had to work, and now it¡¯s just a body that has to keep breathing for revenge. So what¡¯s the big deal with crawling under that high table and sucking that stinky genitals in your mouth? However¡­ ¡°I heard he¡¯s a newcomer to Dream, doesn¡¯t he seem average? What do you think?¡± ¡°Well, personally, I¡¯m not picky with faces. What does it matter if a male prostitute¡¯s face looks like a bear if he¡¯s good with his tongue and mouth? Oh, is this your first time, CEO Park? Haha, don¡¯t dislike it just because he¡¯s a man, give it a try. It can¡¯t be compared to a woman in terms of sucking power. It¡¯s great!¡± The person sitting in the center was already taking off his belt and explaining to the bald man on the left. But my gaze was directed elsewhere. Dark empty ceiling, invisible with the exception of the lights. Something came to mind as I entered this place. That¡¯s right, there was a surveillance camera here. And the presence of surveillance cameras was the main problem. I myself wondered why I was so conscious of the madman, but one thing is for sure, if I choose to suck off the three of them here, I had a feeling that it will cause trouble later. Recalling the room where Myeongshin was filmed, I followed with my eyes the location of the camera that might be here. As I stared at the corner of the ceiling like that, I heard a loud shout. ¡°Hey, what are you doing?! If you¡¯re here, shouldn¡¯t you crawl up, do your thing, and clear the table!¡± It was the man in the middle who yelled. Perhaps he was the guy with the big mouth. As soon as I looked down, a sound accompanied by swearing came out again, but in my head I was busy figuring out various things. Were there surveillance cameras in every room? If they were everywhere, or if he sees the current situation by chance¡­ With his personality, of course, he¡¯ll just watch. No, there was no reason to save me like a prince with a sword out. However, if you¡¯re going to watch, I would like to at least receive the price of the show. I mean, I even paid the entrance fee to get into your room. I looked up at a corner of the ceiling and muttered to myself, then turned my gaze back to the man in the center. ¡°There seems to be some misunderstanding.¡± ¡°Misunderstanding? Aren¡¯t you a newcomer to Dream?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Then what nonsense are you talking about?! I¡¯ve seen people use tricks to run away, but if you make me annoyed now and just leave, you won¡¯t be able to step foot into this industry¡­¡± ¡°I have already stepped foot into it.¡± I cut off his words and deliberately stood lazily and looked down. Seeing that even the rooms were prepared as if they were receiving guests, I wondered if it might be similar to something I thought of. Not allowed to touch until the exclusive owner¡¯s permission is obtained. It seemed that the strange loyalty between the people in the night establishment would work here. ¡°I have a sponsor. I came to see him today.¡± Fortunately, I guessed right. The man in the center was visibly taken aback. ¡°What? I¡¯ve never heard of that¡­ Who is it? You¡¯re lying, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re familiar with this industry, you should know that you can¡¯t ask who it is.¡± As I spat out firmly, he straightened his lips and became silent. ¡°Besides, he¡¯s very shy, and he hates his name being mentioned. Even so, he makes sure to take care of what is his. If you cross the line¡­¡± I turned my head and stared at the ceiling where the camera might be. ¡°He¡¯s at the top and if there¡¯s a part of his product that he is dissatisfied with, he will take action mercilessly. So if that product is about to be ruined, you will help me without feeling much, right?¡± It would be nice if I wasn¡¯t talking nonsense to the ceiling by myself. I wouldn¡¯t have been able to do it if I hadn¡¯t realized that he had some other reason to help me. And this will definitely provoke him. ¡°While on the outside you act as if you are looking out for me and helping me.¡± When I looked down again, the three drunk people frowned. Their hazy eyes were asking what the hell I was talking about. I explained it easily. ¡°In other words, if you touch what is his, bad rumors will spread and you may not be able to set foot in this industry.¡± He seemed to understand this. The two at both ends exchanged bewildered gazes. But the doubtful man in the middle did not trust me easily. ¡°You¡¯re obviously a rookie, so all I heard was to have fun. I hadn¡¯t heard from him that there was such a thing as a sponsor.¡± The person who told you to enjoy the newbie was probably Myeongshin, right? ¡°Do you know that I¡¯ve dealt with guys like you a couple of times? Are you lying?¡± He looked at me with sharp eyes. I might have been caught if I relaxed even a little and showed an embarrassed look. It seemed that even if he was drunk, his eyes that looked at the other party were more formidable than I expected. How long could I last? If I kept insisting, I would get caught. I was worried that I might be getting more and more troublesome because I was wasting time. As I stood still with my mouth shut, he twisted his lips as he stared at me. ¡°You don¡¯t know what happened to the guys who lied to me, do you? In this field¡­¡± Rattle. Suddenly, the sound of a door opening behind me interrupted the man. When I turned my head, the friendly manager¡¯s face appeared through the open door. ¡°Oh, you were here. I¡¯ve been searching for a while. The Director has been waiting for you since a while ago.¡± He smiled kindly as our eyes met. I wanted to tear my eyes out and open them widely to appreciate the face of the man, but the manager already went out so I moved quickly so as to not miss him. As I closed the door behind my back, I breathed a sigh of relief without realizing it. I¡¯ve made it through one crisis, but there¡¯s still more terror ahead of me. It wasn¡¯t that I was scared, but I was hesitant to open the door for some reason. But the first thing he said as I barely entered was unexpected. ¡°What did you bribe the manager with? ¡± All the tension in my body went away immediately because of that absurd question. ¡°Never bribed him.¡± He seemed disbelieving, staring at me with half-closed eyes. I added impatiently. ¡°If there¡¯s a bribe to give, I¡¯d rather use it on myself.¡± Then he mumbled ¡®well¡¯ and nodded. But there was still doubt on his face. ¡°Then why would someone like him who is always just doing his own work deliberately tell me?¡± ¡°Tell you what?¡± ¡°That you came here. He even kindly wrote down the room number you had entered and gave it to me.¡± ¡°He must have thought I came to see you.¡± ¡°I heard you came with another party. The manager is not a fool. If anyone comes into my room without being called, their neck will go flying off.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hm, it¡¯s strange.¡± True, I also found it strange. Feeling a bit confused, I recalled the 100 won coin I had given him. Was that guy paying off his debt 10 won at a time? I was seriously suspicious, but then I heard a question. ¡°You¡¯ve watched all of this?¡± He leaned slightly against the back of the sofa and pointed at what was in my hand. It was the script I read over the days before and yesterday. Actually, I didn¡¯t have to come yesterday because the manager said he wouldn¡¯t be here, but I dragged my tired body over to endure reading it in order to finish it. I thought he was naturally going to ask about what happened in the previous room, so I nodded, a little flustered. ¡°Mhm.¡± ¡°How was it?¡± ¡°I was annoyed.¡± He made a smile around his mouth that I hadn¡¯t seen in a long time. Still, his eyes didn¡¯t seem to be smiling at all. ¡°And?¡± ¡°It¡¯s out of the blue that my father comes out at the last minute. It¡¯s funny to finally find a rich father when you need money.¡± He nodded and said ¡®that¡¯s true,¡¯ as if he agreed. But soon he sided with a boring scenario. ¡°However, if it weren¡¯t for the father, the main character¡¯s daughter would die in pain, and the main character would eventually come to a tragic end by becoming a criminal to earn money.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the reality.¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why in a movie, people don¡¯t want to see reality even if it¡¯s only a two-hour duration.¡± He casually threw the script on the floor and spoke dryly. ¡°Or do you prefer the reality of being in that room crawling on the floor sucking on men¡¯s cocks?¡± I stared at him quietly at the changed subject, and spoke an important conclusion out loud. ¡°Let me say this first, I don¡¯t have any means to thank you.¡± His lips twisted again. ¡°I know. If you just looked at the camera and signaled for help, I would never have helped. I helped you because it was the opposite. Without me, I think you would have done what they wanted.¡± His slow tone, which had become accustomed to my ears, sounded indifferent, as if describing an object. Once again, I realized that I was right. He¡¯s not helping me out because he¡¯s interested, not because he wants to fuck me. I said this to provoke him while looking at the camera on the ceiling, but seeing him face to face made me really want to know. ¡°It¡¯s the same for you, isn¡¯t it. You¡¯re casually trying to destroy the company¡¯s products.¡± Then he curved his eyes as if he had just remembered this. ¡°Oh, yeah. It was really fun when you looked at the ceiling and brought it up. Believe it or not, you¡¯re the first one to make me so interested in recent years.¡± ¡°Why? You thought I was a fool, but I wasn¡¯t?¡± ¡°It¡¯s similar. I thought you would have fallen for me and couldn¡¯t think of anything else, but it wasn¡¯t the case.¡± What on earth was he talking about? I wanted him to tell me everything that I had done so far that led to that conclusion. However, he tilted his head as if he didn¡¯t understand whether all my actions were a passionate confession of love. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m ¡®shy¡¯ so I rarely treat others with such sincerity.¡± Yes, the fist that you struck me with the first time contained sincerity. I felt like my mouth was going to hurt just trying to respond. It was because his eyes were a little scary when he spit out the word ¡®shy¡¯ that I used to describe him in the previous room. ¡°Anyway, you also want to take down Myeongshin.¡± But the answer I got was unexpected. ¡°I don¡¯t care whether Song Myeongshin gets screwed over or not.¡± ¡°What? But, if he is a good product¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m saying the problem is not Song Myeongshin.¡± ¡°¡­¡± He looked at me silently and lowered his gaze to the script that he had thrown on the floor. ¡°Shall I tell you something interesting? The end of the original film that the director originally wrote is like the reality you said. But no one was willing to invest, and when one place was finally found, the ending was changed like this. The movie was completely ruined.¡± I frowned at the sudden change of topic, then lowered my gaze to the floor. It was already a movie. However, looking at the title of the script, nothing came to mind. Then he returned to the original topic. ¡°No matter how trending Song Myeongshin is or how interesting the original is, is it not a problem if there are investors who want to interfere in the making of a movie?¡± I thought I was very fortunate that I wasn¡¯t dull. I could barely give an answer to his cold, emotionless eyes. Otherwise, I had a feeling that I would have been branded an ignorant fool and as irritating in his eyes. I didn¡¯t know why I cared about this. ¡°¡­ Sponsor. So you¡¯re targeting Myeongshin¡¯s sponsor?¡± He had a pleasant smile across his face. But it seemed to me that he was more pissed off. ¡°That old man gets on my nerves.¡± CH 19 After class the next day, when I met up with the man with yellow hair and the good looking one, I realized that they didn¡¯t know what happened yesterday. ¡°You¡¯re not mad, are you?¡± Looking back at the guy with a nice impression, the yellow haired smiled. ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t tell you in advance because I was just joking around. But I¡¯m sure you would have expected it?¡± I looked at the two in turn and nodded to indicate that it was okay. ¡°I guess you did well seeing that there were no problems yesterday?¡± The yellow haired immediately asked curiously. It was the same for the one next to him. I guess he hadn¡¯t heard from Myeongshin yet. I thought it would be surprising to know how I got out of the situation, but I wanted to let Myeongshin hear it himself. ¡°Yes, it ended without any problems. It was nothing much.¡± The man with a good impression who had a disgust for men narrowed his eyes slightly. On the other hand, the yellow haired smiled curiously. ¡°That¡¯s fortunate. That you didn¡¯t feel repulsed.¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m also glad. Who knows, I might become as big as Song Yoohan.¡± It was the second time that the name came out of my mouth, but one of them showed a face as stiff as yesterday. As expected, it was you. After I made that boring conclusion, I turned my head. I had been ignoring the fierce glare since a while ago, but now ugly guy was crawling towards me. When I turned around, he came near me and spoke up as if he had been waiting. ¡°Don¡¯t miss exercise class next week. Got it?!¡± He gave hints with his whole body that even an idiot could tell what he had planned for that day. I nodded my head as I saw him making an effort. ¡°Look.¡± The boy shouted in excitement and his face turned red. ¡°Fuck! Come at me, you motherfucker! I¡¯ve prepared something for you to look forward to!¡± He twisted his body but just as he said, I was looking forward to it. Yes, I hope I can prepare something worthwhile to stimulate you. It was regarding acting, but time passed very quickly, probably because it was the first time I studied in a few years. Perhaps it was peace that played a part. When I went to the bar named Alice¡¯s Labyrinth the day after, I heard good news from the manager. He said he went on a business trip so I wouldn¡¯t see him for a while. The manager who said that looked at me as if he was comforting me, but it was good news for me. Meanwhile, I had forgotten to ask him why he had helped me that day. After spending so much time peacefully like that, when the bruises on my body from that ugly guy finally faded, the day of the exercise class arrived. The manager told me that the location had suddenly changed, and he drove me by car from the office. However, before we departed, he handed me what I had asked for and looked back at me with a puzzled look. ¡°The camcorder you asked for is here. But what is all that?¡± It must have seemed strange to pack something in the bag, rustling. He checked with his eyes to see if there was anything missing and said it was nothing. Still, I checked the bag one more time before closing it. Bands, cooling sprays, boxing shoes¡­ Seems like they had a lot of money. I had that impression as I entered the room. I don¡¯t think the company rented out the boxing gym for today¡¯s workout class; only four nameless rookies that aren¡¯t worth spending that much money on. But if it was an individual who rented it, the company wouldn¡¯t have said anything. I approached the ugly guy who kindly prepared everything and waited for me. I wish I could pretend to be a little surprised, but in fact, all of my acting classes went to waste as I tried to hold back the laughter that came out after a long time. The first to speak was the instructor with a very troubled expression. He looked bewildered that the boxing class, which should have been passed by him simply teaching us about posture, had developed to this. ¡°Hmmm, Lee Taemin-ssi, so this is¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s well prepared. You must have prepared because of what I said last time about looking like a beggar.¡± When I gave him the credit, he coughed again and looked away as if he couldn¡¯t say that the ugly fellow had rented it. ¡°Well, Lee Taemin-ssi doesn¡¯t have to know, since a real ring has been prepared¡­¡± He stopped talking and glanced at the ugly guy next to him who was staring at me. ¡°How about doing it properly this time?¡± All eyes were focused on me. It was said in reverse, but I had to fight the ugly guy again, and the three who were not involved would stand back and watch from a distance. Everyone seemed to be waiting for my mouth to open, but I put the bag I was carrying on the floor first. Tap. I looked down at the floor as if hesitating on purpose and was silent, then raised my head after a while. ¡°Are you forcing me?¡± The instructor looked at the ugly guy again and nodded his head vaguely. ¡°Well, it¡¯s part of the class, so you have to follow but¡­¡± ¡°And what if I get hurt? I don¡¯t want to.¡± Then the unbearable ugly guy laughed. ¡°Cowardly jerk. Are you afraid of being beaten to death like the last time?¡± P lucbgfv tlw jcv rqbxf ab atf lcragemabg. ¡°Pa vbfrc¡¯a wjaafg lo sbe¡¯gf pera qgfafcvlcu ab yf mecclcu, yea lo kf¡¯gf olutalcu ilxf atf jmaeji atlcu, atfgf lr j tlut glrx bo lcpegs, rb P mjc¡¯a. P vbc¡¯a kjca ab ufa xlmxfv bea bo atf mbwqjcs yfmjerf P uba tega.¡± ¡°Ha! Hey, if you¡¯re that scared, I¡¯ll just make sure you won¡¯t get kicked out!¡± Again, the reply came from the ugly guy. I glanced at him once and asked the instructor again. ¡°Does the instructor guarantee it? Even if I get hurt, I won¡¯t be punished, right?¡± The ugly guy asked the instructor to answer because he was frustrated. The instructor then frowned and eventually nodded his head. ¡°Alright. Do it like the real thing, and if you get hurt¡­¡± He glanced at me and asked back. ¡°You¡¯re not going to sue the company even if you get hurt, are you?¡± I pretended to think again, looked into the air for a while, then nodded my head. ¡°Yes. If there¡¯s no problem, I don¡¯t care. Still, you can never let people know.¡± I bent over and took the camcorder out of my bag. ¡°Leave it as evidence.¡± The instructor had a startled expression on his face, but the ugly guy stepped forward saying he would do it. While he kindly turned on the camcorder, I pointed the other three to the instructor. ¡°Of course everyone else will do it too, right?¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª Because the locker room was small, I was kicked out to the stinky and cramped bathroom. I changed my clothes, tied the laces of my borrowed boxing shoes tightly, and finally sat down on the covered toilet, bandaging my hands. As I slowly and meticulously wound the important knuckle part, the door burst open and the nice-looking man entered. ¡°Hey, if you¡¯re done, hurry up and¡­¡± Standing in the half-open doorway, he suddenly stopped talking. I looked up at him with the bandage to indicate to him to keep talking. Then he slowly frowned and then opened his mouth. ¡°¡­Did you ever learn boxing?¡± I got up from my seat with my gloves on. Then he flinched slightly and pulled his shoulder back. ¡°I didn¡¯t learn.¡± ¡°But I think you are used to bandaging¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a bandage, even a child can wrap it.¡± I cut off his words and opened the door wide and went outside. The sound of his footsteps following me was heard a little late. Wearing the headgear prepared at the gym and entering the ring, the ugly guy followed as if he had been waiting. ¡°Fucking bastard, you¡¯re really dead today.¡± The guy hissed as he brushed past me, but I turned my head to the instructor in the center who was acting as the referee. ¡°It¡¯s my first boxing class, so can I pick the first opponent?¡± Of course, the ugly guy jumped and protested. ¡°Did you come all the way here just to run away?!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been waiting so far, can¡¯t you just wait a few more minutes?¡± I looked into his eyes for the first time and spat out, pointing to one of the three leaning against the rope and looking inside. ¡°You.¡± The guy with a good impression who was pointed at hardened his body and took a step back. But realizing that my gaze was on him, he stopped and looked around him until his eyes met that of the ugly guy. The ugly guy commanded him as if it was natural. ¡°Hey, fucking deal with him first. In return, beat him up just a little so I can kill him later.¡± He grunted as he walked out of the ring, but the sharp-looking guy seldomly stood still and wouldn¡¯t move. When the ugly guy came out of the ropes and said something, he finally came up to me wearing headgear. He stopped at a little distance and looked at me with anxious eyes. He seemed to want to say something, but he didn¡¯t have a chance to say anything before the instructor announced the match after grabbing our hands and bumping our gloves. No, there wouldn¡¯t have been enough time to say anything. Swish. As soon as I stepped forward quickly with the help of the boxing shoes that skidded across, my fist hit his stomach. Puck! ¡°Cough!¡± He bent down like a shrimp and looked up at me with a shocked look. But soon the eyes could not be seen. I swung the rest of my right arm while forcibly grabbing his shoulder, which kept bending over again and again. Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck! The consecutive punches hit the mark of an easy target without resistance. Thud. As soon as I let go of the hand holding his shoulder, the body that was collapsing made a loud noise and echoed from the floor of the ring. As I took a step back, the body that had been resting on my ankles completely fell to the floor. For a moment, as if time had stopped, there was silence all around. I looked down at his immobile body for a moment, then flipped him over with my feet. Around the head mask was the white foam that flowed from his mouth. Seeing that his closed eyelids did not tremble, it was certain that he passed out. I slowly lifted my head and spit the mouthpiece out of my mouth onto the glove. I passed the frozen instructor and looked at the three standing by the ropes. I looked at the faces that only showed amazement, and then finally stopped at one person. ¡°Next, you.¡± My voice, which was not very loud, rang like it was the only sound in the world. Silence came soon after, but it was clear that my voice which trailed changed the atmosphere. Flinch. The guy was called out visibly took in a breath. Perhaps because he was flustered, the man with a good-looking face ,whose face had turned a little pale, looked around and opened his mouth after a while. ¡°Y-you mean me?¡± I nodded lightly and turned my gaze to the ugly guy nearby. When our eyes met, he flinched and tightened his hand holding the rope. ¡°Wait for one more person.¡± ¡°Wh¡­ W-what? Ah, ah¡­ S-sure.¡± He raised his voice, averting his eyes, trying to hide his bewilderment. ¡°S-so cheap to strike an opponent before they have gotten prepared, I¡¯ll knock you down so don¡¯t get too beaten up before that!¡± Even if he raised his voice, he couldn¡¯t hide his stiff look, but I was satisfied with that. If I saw him run away after one guy was down, it¡¯s no fun for me either. The only obstacle was the instructor who had now ran to the guy who had collapsed. In confusion, he shook the fainted body and called out his name. In the end, he still didn¡¯t wake up, so he raised his head to look at me. ¡°T-this¡­ Lee Taemin-ssi, what is this?¡± I looked down at that limp body indifferently. ¡°He¡¯ll wake up in five minutes.¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡± ¡°What are you doing, hurry up and go put a cold towel on him?¡± I pointed outwards with my chin and urged him, he became startled and started to pull the fainted person out of the arena. Once again, from the ring, I urged the others who had no intention of moving. ¡°Can¡¯t you see that class is about to end?¡± The nice-looking man swallowed his saliva and a smile trembled on his face. ¡°I was very surprised. Suddenly punching like that¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s just cheap to attack by surprise before the opponent can get ready.¡± When I looked at the ugly guy as if confirming what he had said with his mouth, he tensed his hands that were gripping his rope. Just like that, I turned my gaze back to the original spot and then spat out in a low voice at the good-looking man. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to do the class?¡± His body reacted to the command. With his face still pale, he hesitantly entered the ring, glancing back at the other two, but there was no one to say, ¡®You don¡¯t have to go in.¡¯ Coming up to me at a frustratingly slow pace, he asked with suspicion in his eyes, leaving a certain distance between us. ¡°Have you learned boxing before?¡± ¡°No. Wear the headgear.¡± ¡°Ah, this is¡­¡± He gave a wry smile, looking at the headgear in his hand. ¡°It¡¯s not an official match, we¡¯re just supposed to learn the postures lightly¡­¡± ¡°If you want your jaw to be broken then so be it.¡± I mumbled impatiently. Probably hearing my low voice, he immediately put on the headgear with a serious face. Looking at him, I also slowly put my mouthguard back on and raised my hand. I know they¡¯ve all taken a boxing class together a few times before I came. Still, as actors, they were definitely accustomed to the posture, so the posture with arms raised facing each other was not clumsy. I didn¡¯t know what his skills were, but I would find out soon. I started by lightly stretching out my left arm and tapping his glove. As soon as he touched it, he flinched and took a step back. Unlike the first time, I didn¡¯t attack right away, but I didn¡¯t want to wait long. Class time was passing by quickly as if urging the opponent. It¡¯d be better to finish it quickly before the other guy runs away. I took a few more steps back, stared at him, then leaned back slightly and stepped. Instead of a straight line, I stretched out my feet in a slightly oblique line, and approached the back of the guy in an instant, shaking my upper body. Surprised, he punched first. I protected my face with my left arm and attacked his side with my right arm, which was clearly open. Slam! I leaned my head towards his staggering body for a moment and dug closer. He stepped back, but I was faster. No, he was too slow. As soon as the point of attack entered my eyes like a clear picture, my arm was already moving first. I removed my fist from his trembling body. He leaned back against the ring, but kept standing with his legs bent because I didn¡¯t let him fall. If there was a referee here, they would have separated us, but the instructor was still with the first person who was defeated, so he wasn¡¯t here to see it. Thanks to this, the nice-looking guy propped up on the shoulders, I was able to hit only one side intensively. Frankly, this was a rule violation, but this was the only way to beat moderately. No matter how ruthless I was, I couldn¡¯t hit a guy who fell on the floor. I could feel his body trembling as if it were convulsing. The eyes had already loosened for a long time, and the white mouthpiece was visible, and every time the saliva that could not be swallowed flowed down from the open mouth. ¡°¡­Cough!¡± Finally, a deep punch caused a groan to escape from his throat. Between the force of my punch and the rebound of the rope, his body shook violently and lost strength, his weight completely falling on me. Only then did I lower my arm and step back. Thud, plop. Although he didn¡¯t fall unconscious like the first one, he still fell to his knees, his whole body shaking like he was caught in the rain in the middle of winter and couldn¡¯t breathe properly. I took a step back,and tapped the floor with my front foot. Then I pulled out the mouthguard, and opened my mouth to count down the remaining time. ¡°Four, three, two, one.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Down.¡± I announced the results on behalf of the referee who was not present. He must not have heard my kindness, but he was cowering like a fetus, wrapping his arms around the affected part. But it doesn¡¯t matter. The next words he would surely hear. I looked up at the big clock hanging on the wall and said briefly. ¡°Get out. If you don¡¯t want to be forced to play the second round.¡± My prediction was correct. He, who was panting and trembling, flinched and moved like a surprised rabbit. His one arm still wrapped around the area he was hit with, but he moved out of the ring with the other arm, crawling on the floor. I glanced back at the time I had checked a while ago and turned my eyes to the other two. Their faces turned pale, like plaster. If it wasn¡¯t for their shaking eyes, they were so stiff that I could almost believe they were statues. However, when our eyes met, they trembled at the same time as if they were twins. Why is everyone getting beaten up? As I approached, the ugly guy, who was still stiff in astonishment, asked a question first. ¡°You, you¡­ o-obviously had been taught. right? You learned boxing, but you deliberately lied to deceive us¡­¡± ¡°I said I hadn¡¯t been taught.¡± ¡°B-but why¡­¡± Gulping, he looked sideways at the good-looking guy who had fallen beside the ring and was moaning. ¡°D-don¡¯t joke. How can you knock out two or two if you haven¡¯t even tried boxing?¡± ¡°Who hasn¡¯t?¡± ¡°What? You obviously said you¡¯d never learned boxing¡­¡± ¡°I said I¡¯ve never been taught, never said I¡¯d never been in the ring.¡± I cut off his words and turned around. I could feel the blank eyes following me, who still couldn¡¯t understand the meaning of what I was saying. The ugly guy, holding the rope with both hands, won¡¯t believe the reality that is different from what he thought. What surprised me, though slightly, was that he did not run away from the fear of a reality that was different from his expectations. Maybe it¡¯s because he hadn¡¯t come to his senses yet. And I definitely had to nail into the other one that he shouldn¡¯t even think of escaping. ¡°It would be better not to run away.¡± Unlike the ugly guy, the one with yellow hair must have been thinking of running away. His entire face, which had been stiff enough to notice, twitched. Taking a few more steps, he tried to step back. ¡°Don¡¯t run away, you punk.¡± He grabbed the pole of the rope with one hand, and then he properly looked at me. Seeing the horror in his eyes, I brought a smile to my lips for the first time that day. He stiffened, more startled than when he heard the warning not to run away. It must have been strange, why I was smiling. I told him why. ¡°I tend to leave the delicious ones last.¡± A moment of shock spread across his face, his mouth half-opened as if he was about to say something, but no words came out. He turned to look at his tightly closed lips. He must have remembered why he was trying to ask why he was the last. No, he couldn¡¯t ask because there was a problem. He must have remembered what he did to me at Myungshin¡¯s orders. In the past, Myeongshin had been urging me to watch a horror movie together at the theater. In the movie, suddenly there was a loud sound effect, a torn scream, and a rush of blood. But it wasn¡¯t real, so there was no reason for me to flinch like everyone else, or to cover my eyes to the brutal scenes. Naturally, it was a boring 2 hours for me. What I remember is what Myeongshin said after the movie was over. Living to the end is not a happy ending. What¡¯s the point of living? You would have been staying in fear for the longest time so much so that your insides are decaying. Although not exactly like the last survivor of a horror movie, the yellow-haired one is probably the most stressed out of the four. Also, he would be concerned about how much I had realized. As I turned around, I noticed that the ugly guy had moved to the center of the ring. Did he move on his own without urging? It was more surprising than that he didn¡¯t run away. It was surprising enough that I had to re-evaluate him. ¡°Fuck, what¡¯s your identity?¡± Putting on headgear, the guy spat out slowly. He messed with it a few times to fully lock the headgear in place. ¡°An acting trainee.¡± ¡°Who asked that? This¡­¡± I heard the swear word ¡°Fuck¡± again, and the voice that became small like a whisper could barely be heard. ¡°Boxing¡­ what about that?¡± To be honest, I half-expected the ugly guy to run away. But now the guy in front of me looked terrified, but he hasn¡¯t given up on the malice of wanting to knock me down yet. He was a tougher guy than I expected. But I didn¡¯t feel sympathetic. Of the fact that he was going to get hurt in a completely different way from the other two. I was really thinking of swinging my fists so hard that the only remaining onlooker would shiver. I was about to put on the mouthpiece, but I heard a question again. ¡°What did you mean by standing in the ring?¡± Just as he whispered, I also mumbled so that it was barely audible. ¡°Just as I said. I had some sparring partners.¡± ¡°¡­ How much?¡± I put a mouthpiece in his mouth and let him know. ¡°Five years.¡± Along with the answer, I threw my fist at the area that I had never attacked the previous two guys at. The guy who was hit in the face staggered and took a big step back. He must be feeling dizzy. I approached him slowly, deliberately waiting for him to come to his senses. And before reaching out to reach his head again, I deliberately glanced at the yellow haired. As I made eye contact with him, I confirmed that he was engulfed in fear and smiled. It would be good for him to watch closely. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s going to get your face crushed the next time. CH 20 The third match was also boring and quickly ended. The only difference was that the ugly guy got a nosebleed and blood spilled from his roughed up face all over the place messily. The ugly guy didn¡¯t even faint, but the instructor, who was surprised that he was half-conscious, ran up to him and shouted something, but his eyes were just blank. Of course, the instructor protested to me and raised his voice. The ugly guy¡¯s face was messed up and his blood spilled so he almost treated me like a murderer and made a fuss. It was an unexpected person who ended this situation. The sharp-looking guy suddenly came to his senses and came forward. ¡°It¡¯s noisy, so please stop. We had said we would do this.¡± ¡°But, his face is so messed up that he¡¯s bleeding¡­¡± He walked out with his hand wrapped around the injured area and looked down at the ugly guy the instructor was holding with a frown. ¡°Hey.¡± The ugly guy, who had been looking into the air with his eyes bewildered by the call, turned his eyes blankly. But his dazed eyes soon changed at the next words he heard. ¡°What are you going to do? Your face is completely messed up.¡± His eyes, which had been faint at the word ¡®messed¡¯, radiated a spiteful light. ¡°This fucking¡­ Urgh!¡± He raised his upper body and tried to spit out words, but when he opened his mouth, he fell back, groaning as if he was in pain from a torn wound. ¡°I won¡¯t let you go¡­ Fuck¡­ Just wait, that bastard will never be able to take a step into this industry¡­¡± ¡°I said your face is messed up.¡± The sharp-looking guy emphasized and cut off his words. I didn¡¯t understand why he repeated it, and it seemed like it was the same for the ugly guy. He frowned as his face began to swell. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Your face is messed up, so you need to fix it.¡± It was something I still didn¡¯t understand, but the ugly guy seemed to come to realization. He forgot the pain and suddenly jumped up to sit down and opened his eyes wide. ¡°Fix it? Oh¡­ right! I can fix it¡­ Ouch!¡± He covered his face with his hands again and let out a painful moan, but strangely, there was also a mix of laughter. ¡°Heuheu, since it had become like this, my father won¡¯t be able to object either. Right? Haha~ I¡¯m excited. Make a reservation right now and fix it all! Argh!¡± Who knew whether he was laughing or crying, the guy who was alternating between groaning and laughing raised his eyes to me. Then he spoke to the instructor, in high spirits as if he was the winner. ¡°It was us who said we would do it first like fools, so keep your mouth shut.¡± The instructor hardened with an absurd expression and could no longer say anything. Now that the most problematic person said it like that, it seemed that the rest of them didn¡¯t matter and gave up. And the sharp guy who helped me make this happen slowly came near me. He grabbed the ring and looked as if looking at the situation, noticing the last one left and twisting his lips as if something was interesting. ¡°You¡¯re pretty good.¡± He asked, staring at the yellow hair still standing outside the diagonal ring. ¡°I¡¯m talking about that guy who¡¯s the last. How did you know he was the most annoying?¡± I was too lazy to answer, so I just looked at him, and he turned to me. ¡°You know what the second piece of advice I was going to give you is?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°It was to watch out for that guy. After he came¡­¡± His words trailed and he looked back at the good-looking man who was still sitting on the floor with his back bent. ¡°It became tainted.¡± He didn¡¯t explain what had become tainted, but I knew. I remembered the bitter expression when the guy with the nice appearance had said that he had been sleeping with men since four years ago. When the name ¡®Song Yoohan¡¯ was brought up in front of the two of them in Alice¡¯s Labyrinth, the good-looking man frowned for a moment. Even if he had to sleep with men with much difficulty, he still seems to have resistance to doing such a thing. Therefore, ¡®Song Yoohan¡¯, who succeeded in taking a man as a sponsor, must be an obstacle he couldn¡¯t accept yet. It would be unreasonable to take orders from such an opponent to do childish things. On the other hand, the yellow-haired person did not show much expression at the name of ¡®Song Yoohan¡¯. He had just averted his eyes. No matter how well you try to put up an expression, the eyes cannot lie. Knowing that, a person who hides may instinctively fail to see the other person. When I found out that the yellow haired was Myeongshin¡¯s underling, I thought it was a bit surprising. When I saw the two of them, it was the man with a good impression who led the situation more. It was something to be concerned about that the yellowed hair didn¡¯t take the initiative while pulling the opponent into the direction he wanted. To the extent that I had to reconsider that he wouldn¡¯t use childish methods. So I didn¡¯t want to take it lightly. Ufgtjqr tf kjr qeaalcu tlr ygjlc ab kbgx ktlif atf euis yjrajgv kjr yflcu yfjafc eq. Rbk, ktja¡¯r ublcu ab mbwf bea bo atja ues¡¯r wbeat? Cr P kjr jybea ab ajxf j rafq abkjgvr atf sfiibk tjlgfv, P tfjgv j nblmf ktlrqfglcu yftlcv ws yjmx. ¡°¡­ P qjlv boo atf vfya.¡± As I stepped forward and turned my head around, the guy with a sharp impression added. ¡°Thanks for sparing my face.¡± Thanks for almost knocking me out. I thought it was a funny situation as I approached the yellow haired. He clenched his teeth and spat out with a pale face as if he had been waiting. ¡°You better not touch me.¡± Try me, the guy stood crookedly holding himself and stared at me. ¡°You¡­ it seems like you already know who¡¯s behind me, so all the more you shouldn¡¯t touch me. If you just end it here, I¡¯ll put in a good word about you to Yoohan hyung¡­¡± ¡°Yoohan hyung?¡± I pretended not to know and asked. He seemed to hold his breath, then narrowed his eyes. ¡°You already know everything. Ah, are you sounding me out? You want me to say everything with my own mouth?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. What do I know?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What do you have to say with your mouth?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you have nothing to say, put on your gloves.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you want to run away because you don¡¯t want to do it, then do it. If you¡¯re the only one who skips it, I¡¯m sure the other three who worked hard in class will be very happy.¡± I pointed to the rest outside the ring, gathered around the ugly guy. The yellow-haired man said with his own mouth that rumors about this place would spread within a few hours. It might be fine to ignore rumors saying he was a coward, but even if it was someone like the yellow haired, he would be reluctant to turn those three into enemies. ¡°You don¡¯t understand? Put on your gloves.¡± ¡°I did it.¡± ¡°Did what?¡± ¡°¡­ That thing with your recorder. And I lied to that guy that you cursed at him. Now, I¡¯ve said it all with my own mouth. Aren¡¯t we cool now?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already told you. I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Does the fact that you did it all give me a reason to stop beating you here?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Are you deaf? Do you want me to write it down?¡± I glared at him, annoyed. He closed his mouth tightly and murmured so that I could barely hear it. ¡°I¡¯ll let you know if you stop here. Why Yoohan hyung wants to make you leave this industry¡­¡± ¡°No need.¡± When I cut him off firmly, the guy frowned as if a little startled, then murmured. ¡°Did you notice? Yoohan hyung is bothering you because of your manager?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°So If you¡¯re going to negotiate, at least bring up something I don¡¯t know.¡± The guy swallowed the saliva so that his throat moved loudly. I followed his movements with my eyes, bored. Then I pressed him. ¡°Do you want to be dragged into the ring?¡± ¡°The order has changed.¡± He spoke hastily and lowered his voice, noticing the others who were watching. ¡°Yoohan hyung knows everything. That you got out of Alice¡¯s Labyrinth with the help of a sponsor? He told me to find out who your sponsor is instead of getting in your way.¡± ¡°So?¡± It¡¯s nothing much. As I expressed my annoyance, the guy panicked a bit and added an explanation. ¡°I¡¯ve been following you for days. Didn¡¯t you notice? I had someone else do it for fear of getting caught. Then, interestingly enough, you put a stamp at Alice¡¯s Labyrinth every day. You also go in and out through the back door, not the front door.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Does your sponsor go there every day?¡± I wracked my head for a moment and didn¡¯t answer. Actually, even I had not yet determined that. How influential is Alice¡¯s Labyrinth? Perhaps he thought I kept my mouth shut because I was embarrassed, so he scoffed in a slightly relaxed voice. ¡°Otherwise, maybe you¡¯re working there.¡± When I raised my eyes, I met eyes filled with ridicule. The yellow haired whispered, not caring if it could be heard. ¡°I heard that there are guys who are working there and trying to debut in the entertainment industry. Or are you an employee there?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hm, if you had a sponsor, there is no way you would go to that place by bus. Well, it doesn¡¯t matter. The important thing is that if I tell you as it is, you can feel a little more comfortable. If he found out that you were just an employee, Yoohan hyung might think it¡¯s ridiculous and won¡¯t care anymore. Don¡¯t you hate it too? Trying to climb higher in this industry but already getting interfered¡­¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± Startled, he tilted his head to the side. ¡°I don¡¯t care about getting interfered with. Rather, I welcome it.¡± Approaching the dazed guy for a moment, I grabbed his shoulder and pulled him closer. ¡°Go to Song Yoohan and tell him. That it seems that my sponsor is a powerful man.¡± I twisted my lips, looking at the guy¡¯s face up-close with the rope in between. ¡°If you deliver those exact words, I will spare your face.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª When I went to take acting class the next day, a few things had changed. Thanks to the company that checked attendance more strictly than high school, no one has ever missed a class, but there were only three attendees including me that day. The ones who were missing were the ugly guy and yellow haired. I had hit them both properly, so it was natural for them to miss class, but it was surprising that the other two came. They probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to get up in the morning, but crawled up. Nevertheless, they had a reason to come today. It was the day the instructor was going to decide who to give a small role in the drama as a prize through a test. Maybe that¡¯s why the instructor was a little embarrassed because the ugly guy who should have received the prize was missing. ¡°Where are the rest?¡± Haven¡¯t you heard the news yet? After a day, I thought there would be a rumor that a gangster had entered the company, but I guessed not. When I saw the two of them standing silently unexpectedly, their eyes met mine. The good-looking man had a bitter expression, and the sharp-eyed man had a smile in his eyes. He first gave the instructor the name of the ugly guy and added an explanation. ¡°He was admitted to the hospital. He¡¯s fixing his face.¡± ¡°Face? But his father said he was against it¡­¡± ¡°Yes, he was against it. He objected, saying why fix the most handsome face in the world, but there is no parent who can win against their children.¡± The instructor made an absurd expression, but then he shook his head and wrote something on a piece of paper in his hand, and turned his eyes to the good-looking guy. Then, as if he had been waiting, he also explained what happened to the yellow haired. ¡°He¡¯s sick.¡± Glancing at me, he added briefly. ¡°I guess it¡¯s just the flu.¡± For some reason, the instructor looked incredulous, but then he frowned. ¡°Um, then, the acting competition we were going to do today shall be done next¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do it with just the ones here.¡± As I interrupted, the instructor raised his eyes in bewilderment. Perhaps it was difficult to proceed with the person who was supposed to receive the prize being absent. He coughed and looked back at the rest. ¡°Isn¡¯t it better to do it the next time when everyone comes back?¡± The two who were asked the question looked at me instead of the instructor. It meant that they were going to do what I wanted so the instructor turned his bewildered eyes to me instead. ¡°So I¡¯m saying, the others would have practiced, but if we do it now¡­¡± ¡°They said he was getting surgery.¡± ¡°But the other one is sick¡­¡± ¡°He has to take care of himself, shouldn¡¯t he?¡± I cut off his words and asked for opinions from the other two. ¡°Are we going to do it?¡± The two nodded their heads kindly, as if they were holding back their laughter. The manager had said that my acting was still just an imitation. Knowing how to read lines and getting used to pronunciation and vocalization according to the situation, made my acting look better, but it still wasn¡¯t genuine. The lines coming out of my mouth did not contain my emotions at all, so I was advised to include more emotions. I was thankful for the advice, but that was something beyond my efforts. Because I had no idea how to do that. I vaguely thought it was impossible for me. The good news was that emotional and deep acting wasn¡¯t really necessary for what I was trying to do. If I was unfamiliar with facial expressions and voices such as smiling and laughter, gag tones, and intense anger, I could imitate them with practice. On the other hand, Hansoo had picked something out as my strength. That I had no fear. Everyone was hesitant and awkward when they made unfamiliar tones and expressions, but it wasn¡¯t the case for me. ¡®Not having fear¡¯ was just a nice expression that Hansoo used, but in fact, it would have been more accurate to say that I was shameless. I suppose I was shameless enough to ignore the awkwardness of playing a character I was not. Thanks to this, even though I wouldn¡¯t be able to do the in-depth acting that the manager wants, I had been able to recite lines well enough to hear that the skills I¡¯ve learned in a few weeks were pretty good. But that didn¡¯t mean my acting was the best out of the three that came to class that day. I didn¡¯t have enough time to do that, and there was one person who was very good at it, even as a beginner. Unlike what he usually did during practices, his serious acting made me realize who the manager and Hansoo said was very good at acting. It wasn¡¯t just me who could have seen that. So everyone seemed surprised by my suggestion. The fact that I, who couldn¡¯t act the most, stopped the instructor from doing what he wanted. ¡°All three of you worked hard. You seemed to have practiced hard within a week. And I should give a prize to someone who did a good job, but that¡¯s¡­ Hmm, I¡¯ll think about it a bit more¡­¡± ¡°Are you having a hard time making a decision?¡± The instructor looked back with a frown, as if he didn¡¯t have a good feeling about me interrupting him. But, I didn¡¯t care and told him the solution to his dilemma. ¡°Let¡¯s vote.¡± ¡°Vote?¡± ¡°Each one should say who did the best. You had said that it would be most accurate if acting is viewed in the eyes of other people. Wouldn¡¯t it be more meaningful if we make a decision?¡± The instructor couldn¡¯t give a clear answer, saying, ¡®Oh, what¡­¡¯, but looking at the other two, he nodded his head reluctantly. The two of them wondered why I would say such a thing, but they agreed to do it. The instructor gave me a frown. ¡°Then let¡¯s vote.¡± ¡°Whoever gets the most votes gets the prize, right?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°¡­ That¡¯s how it is done.¡± With a shaky answer, he pointed to me first. ¡°Then, Lee Taemin, tell me first. Who do you think did the best?¡± A smirk flashed in his expression. He probably thought I was going to pick myself. The other two were following my words strangely, so it seemed like a masterplan I had planned ahead in order to get the prize. Well, it was not like I hadn¡¯t thought of that at all. When I told the manager about the prize, he said that it was a very good opportunity and that he wanted me to win it. However, I turned my eyes to one person and opened my mouth. ¡°You. In my eyes, you did the best.¡± The sharp-looking man whose eyes I met, stiffened with his mouth open as if surprised. But he didn¡¯t seem to be the only one surprised. After a moment of strange silence, the man with a good impression asked me. ¡°Really¡­?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I nodded and pointed my chin at the sharp-looking man who was still frozen. ¡°You were really good. That guy over there did well too, but this guy did better.¡± The good-looking man kept his mouth shut, and then suddenly smiled despondently. ¡°You got me. I thought it would be different this time¡­ Instructor, I have the same thoughts. In fact, I¡¯ve been feeling it before. There¡¯s someone among us who is exceptionally good and doesn¡¯t need classes. It can¡¯t be that the instructor doesn¡¯t realize what we do, right?¡± CH 21 After class, I was about to pack my bags and leave, when the guy with a nice appearance called me. ¡°It would be better for you to be careful of Hyungseok.¡± He smiled faintly as I put my bag over my shoulder expressionlessly. ¡°It seems like Hyungseok got someone¡¯s order and was digging around. You might already know this.¡± ¡°Yes, I know.¡± I was going to tell him If he didn¡¯t have anything else to say, I would go, when he grabbed my arm. ¡°I always thought that I could never get a role with just my acting skills. So after 4 years, I might have to play the role of a male prostitute, so I started sneaking around here and there.¡± ¡°Your situation is none of my business.¡± He relaxed his hand on my arm and turned to look at the sharp-looking man talking to the instructor from afar. ¡°As far as I know, that person hated the idea of sponsors and chose the side of influential people. Meaning he knew he couldn¡¯t be successful in this field just by his acting skills. What I¡¯m trying to say is, don¡¯t be discouraged. Looking at you today, I think Lee Taemin-ssi has a surprisingly innocent side. This is not the place you think it is.¡± After he had finished speaking, he released my arm and didn¡¯t forget the advice once more to be careful. ¡ª¡ª¡ª I get advice from everyone I meet. Did I look so helpless? I wanted to ask the manager, but he had other things in mind because he was so excited about something. ¡°Hansoo got an interview for the role! Well, he¡¯s not over his camera phobia yet, but he got a call after they looked at his performance¡­¡± The manager expected me to receive the acting prize, so I was glad to see him happy. We didn¡¯t talk much about it and moved on. It wasn¡¯t planned, but I had a feeling it was going to be a good day. There were no rumors of the boxing incident at all, and I didn¡¯t have to see the two that bothered me that day. I wondered if my luck would continue like this, but I had to meet a person I didn¡¯t want to meet at Alice¡¯s Labyrinth, where I had to go to work every day just like what the yellow-haired said. As if it were some sort of routine, the manager took me to the front door of the madman¡¯s office and he spoke in a polite tone before opening the door. ¡°He¡¯s waiting inside.¡± In an instant, the madman came to mind and I asked, narrowing my eyes subconsciously. ¡°Is the owner of the room here?¡± ¡°No.¡± Then? Before I could ask, he gave me some strange advice. ¡°He is very sharp, but he is very affectionate.¡± So who? I didn¡¯t get the chance to ask this time either. He opened the door first, smiling like a robot. The ¡®very sharp but very affectionate¡¯ person greeted me from the middle of the room. ¡°Why are you 4 minutes later than usual today?¡± Like last time, the boss put his hand on his waist and let out a strong voice like an instructor. As soon as I realized who the other party was, I let out a big sigh subconsciously. He was not really a problematic person, but the type of person who makes you nervous in a strange way. I stared at him quietly in front of the door and opened my mouth. ¡°The bus came late.¡± He narrowed his eyes and looked me up and down before asking. ¡°You¡¯re late because of some other reason?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of the bus.¡± I emphasized it again in case there was another strange misunderstanding. ¡°¡­ You¡¯re too firm. There must be another reason! You can¡¯t fool my eyes!¡± I just brought about more misunderstandings. We exchanged only a few words, but tiredness washed over me, as if we had talked for hours. I thought that he was a great person in some sense, and I thought I should give up regardless of what he said, but I couldn¡¯t ignore the next words. ¡°Did you have problems with your part-time job?¡± ¡°Ujga-alwf pby?¡± ¡°P xcbk fnfgsatlcu. Tbe jikjsr mbwf ragjluta ogbw sbeg qjga-alwf pby.¡± ¡°¡­ Qtb lr?¡± ¡°Qtb? Yo mbegrf la¡¯r sbe, Off Djfxkbc. Cgf sbe jrtjwfv bo yflcu mjeuta? Lete, yea sbe¡¯ii tjnf ab ufa erfv ab la cbk. Ktfgf¡¯r cb erf tlvlcu jcs rfmgfar ogbw wf.¡± Lf kjgcfv lc j uibbws nblmf ilxf tf kjr atf olcji ybrr. P mbeivc¡¯a tfiq yea atlcx yjmx ab atf defralbc P tjv ktfc P olgra wfa tlw. Qjr tf mgjhs? Lbkfnfg, tf kjr jirb j obgwlvjyif qfgrbc ktbw P rtbeivc¡¯a ifa ws uejgv vbkc jgbecv. Lf lwwfvljafis cbalmfv ws kbcvfg. ¡°Aha~ you don¡¯t believe me. But, if you keep making beginner¡¯s mistakes while trying to hide your part-time job, you must take me as a fool.¡± ¡°What beginner¡¯s mistake?¡± Then he lifted his finger and pointed to my clothes. ¡°Clothes. You always wear the same clothes.¡± I looked down at the jeans and the black shirt on top. I didn¡¯t have a lot of clothes, but I was too lazy to buy shirts, so I just bought several of the same color and design and wore them. The manager had been nagging at me to develop a sense of fashion. But what does having the same clothes have anything to do with a part-time job? My question was resolved as the boss admired. ¡°These days, uniforms are very casual. So is the place you work at a gas station?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s good to wear your uniform as it is because you¡¯re busy, but try wearing casual clothes as well. Aren¡¯t you an aspiring celebrity? I want to see you in casual clothes once. Hm? Why¡¯s your expression stiff and not answering me? Ah, that¡¯s it. You¡¯re afraid I¡¯ll be disappointed by Lee Baekwon¡¯s fashion? Haha~ It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s just men¡¯s clothes, all you have to do is cover your balls. And you wouldn¡¯t possibly wear casual clothes without any sense like that uniform, right?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you think so? Hm?¡± ¡°¡­ Yes.¡± After he heard my answer, he joked that he got everything right again and made me sit on the sofa. I didn¡¯t want to sit down and talk with him, but luckily the changed subject caught my attention. ¡°So why is Chairman Kim¡¯s underling chasing after you like a rat?¡± Chairman Kim? Something suddenly came to mind. ¡°Is Chairman Kim the sponsor of actor Song Yoohan?¡± The boss looked at me silently without answering, and then suddenly curved his lips. Perhaps it was an illusion of the eyes but his smile suddenly reminded me of the madman at first glance. I tried to double check, but his reasoning interrupted my thinking. ¡°Ahh~ so it was Song Yoohan. Who you are after. So did you get into the entertainment industry you weren¡¯t interested in because of Song Yoohan and seduced Jay? Hm, for what grudge? Did Song Yoohan kill anyone?¡± I had thought he was an absurd person. But right now, it was difficult to breathe because I thought that if I showed even a small emotion, everything about me would come out of his mouth. How could I have been so careless? However, efforts to hide it were of no avail. The boss looked at me calmly and asked. ¡°Seems like the one who died is a family member?¡± Was it because unlucky days follow good days? I couldn¡¯t fall asleep and my eyes were wide open, and the words of the boss that made me worry all night first occupied my head. ¡®Either you say it all, or you let me do the background check. Of course I¡¯m not going to let you use Jay regardless of that. Hm, I¡¯ll probably start with banning you from this place. So decide quickly. Whether you tell me who you are or not.¡¯ A voice that was hoarse, yet resolute. The cold air of dawn that permeated the closed room turned into his voice and surrounded me. The fact that I had to talk about myself. Was I the only one who feels this was a request like a freshly sharpened blade? It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s an easy question for others. It was the result of my carelessness. Like an idiot, I lowered my guard around the boss. Everyone has a spear. No matter how good-natured one is, the opponent can stab and hurt them. Maybe the reason was simply because we were human. And I knew that better than anyone. I had forgotten about it like a fool because I had gotten used to living casually. Had I not witnessed it myself, a simple and weak person who was only victimized by a loan shark¡¯s subordinate take out his spear in anger? The blood of my younger brother who dyed the frozen world red. Even now, sometimes the world seems to be covered with red paint. Was this not enough? The regret that I was careless did not easily disappear from my heart. Now I had to make a decision. Which was more important, Alice¡¯s Labyrinth or my information? I got up from my seat, put my clothes back on, and thought. Alice¡¯s Labyrinth was an important place. And what about me? I had nothing, after all. I put on all my clothes and looked around the space given to me. A 2 pyeong goshiwon room without windows. The yellow wallpaper in the corner of the wall was like a corpse, and was separated from the gray cement. There was nowhere to turn my eyes away from within the mold and from the breathtakingly narrow field of view. Except for the old bed and desk, the narrow room with only space for two people was like a coffin. It felt like I was going to be buried in the ground while being trapped in a small space like this. I sometimes think while holding the doorknob, maybe I was already buried underground and when I open the door, dirt might spill out. I wasn¡¯t afraid of that. Sometimes, I wish I was actually stuck in a coffin and everything would end. Because it¡¯s easy. Death was the simplest possible ending in life. However, when I opened the door, the dark and narrow hallway was filled with creepy silence. The reality that I was still alive was disappointing on the one hand, but I still stepped forward. When I went out into the open air, I realized I was still undecided. What was more important between Alice¡¯s Labyrinth which was needed for revenge and the insignificant me? ¡ª¡ª¡ª Cross, rosary, prayer beads. My manager¡¯s familiar three-piece set greeted me in the company¡¯s office. Of course I still didn¡¯t need them, but they seemed absolutely necessary for Hansoo, who held hands with the manager and prayed to all the gods in the world. Not wanting to disturb the two of them praying hard, I stood by the closed door silently. Was today the day of Hansoo¡¯s interview, which the manager was excited about yesterday? Unlike usual, Hansoo was dressed up, and his hair was also well styled. The problem was that his face had already turned pale and it was awkward to look at. Looking at the empty shell on the desk, it seemed that he had already eaten the Cheongshimhwan. The problem was that the manager¡¯s face who was giving advice to him was worse. ¡°I-it¡¯ll be okay! There won¡¯t be cameras, so there¡¯s no problem! Even if the person in charge of the movie is sitting in the audience to see your performance in advance, you won¡¯t be able to see it because it¡¯s in a dark place. Just don¡¯t pay attention to it! You can do it. We¡¯re going to get the role of the main character in one attempt! Just do what you did last night!¡± Seemed like he stayed up until night. ¡°R-right, boss? Yes. Just think that it¡¯s the same as usual! Oh, I just have to stand on the stage just like any other day. I can win the p-p-protagonist. Just forget in my head that there are eyes watching me from one of the seats to see my acting skills in advance!¡± It seemed to be engraved more clearly in Hansoo¡¯s head along with the words. By the way, it was not even an official interview, but if he¡¯s already like that¡­ I looked at the two indifferently and was a little concerned. Maybe I¡¯ll call the shaman next time. It was a rather noisy morning. It wasn¡¯t even a serious interview, but it was thanks to Hansoo, who was stiff like a piece of wood, and the manager, who uttered strange spells and dialects under the guise of a prayer to relieve tension. I didn¡¯t know whether the director of the film was a famous person, but the two of them seemed excited about the director¡¯s name. It seemed that the person in charge was actually coming, so it sounded like a great opportunity even to me who didn¡¯t know anything or have my eyes on the main character role. For now, Hansoo was very good when there were no cameras, so he could show all of his skills. The problem was that the tension of the other two could not be relieved at all. According to the manager, it was the first opportunity that Hansoo has gotten in years, so they were nervous. Fortunately, the indifferent words I spat out were of some help to the two of them. Thanks to that, I was held captive for several hours by them asking for colder words from me. When I saw the two of them, there was a movie that immediately came to mind. It was a horror movie I had seen on TV when I was young, and it was about a girl who had a ghost inside her and the priest drove it out. Rather than being scared, I remember watching it thinking it was ¡®fascinating¡¯ and then thinking it was dirty during the scene where the girl vomits green liquid. I sympathized with Hansoo, who was extremely nervous to the point of feeling like vomiting despite the manager¡¯s efforts. Next time he definitely needs a shaman. I left the two behind to attend class, but as I entered class, I started to get a little worried. Could it be possible that Hansoo suddenly got a phobia of officials? Pushing away unnecessary worries, I noticed that the number of people gathered for class was different from yesterday. One more was added. It was not very surprising that the yellow haired showed up and took his seat after a day. The only thing that caught my attention was his expression. He was smiling brightly while talking with the instructor before class. I put my bag down and looked at the other two as I walked across the wide floor that looked like a dance studio. Each of them stretched to prepare for class, the same as usual. But why did everything look twisted in my eyes? After a particularly boring four-hour class, one of the three approached me. I was expecting him to talk to me, so I wasn¡¯t surprised. He was originally the man with a sharp impression who should have spoken to me yesterday. But what he said was unexpected. ¡°I couldn¡¯t say thank you yesterday.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°You know you have no reason to thank me because I didn¡¯t do it for you.¡± He grinned and nodded his head. ¡°That¡¯s right. It was just a greeting.¡± I straightened up. The greasy feeling I felt before class was definitely dawning. The other person wasn¡¯t a particularly courteous person, and I was also someone who didn¡¯t wish to be treated courteously. But there must be a reason why I was hearing that now. The sharp-looking guy had a funny expression on his face as if he had already noticed that my expression had changed. ¡°You look regular at first glance, but you know, the more I see you, the different you look? So I was skeptical at first too. I thought you must be an asshole like the other aspiring celebrities. Full of venom and desire to succeed. But no. I was completely wrong.¡± ¡°Why are you talking nonsense?¡± ¡°Who knows. Take it as a gift.¡± I frowned, but he only shrugged. ¡°Aren¡¯t I more senior than you? I know more than you. For example, one of the ways to be successful without a sponsor is to befriend a rich kid and get a role thanks to them. Could I tell you this.¡± I found the reason why his words felt uncomfortable. His words were like courtesy greetings. Like those given before leaving. I turned my eyes slightly to see the yellow haired and good-looking guy talking as if they were having fun. The sharp-looking guy followed my gaze, averted his eyes and lowered his voice a bit. ¡°Or with the sponsor, you can wipe someone¡¯s ass to get some lines right away. If you don¡¯t like any of those options, you can fight hard with your skills. However, when you see the reality that you will not even get a single chance to show off your skills after being a trainee for four years, you will realize it later and then use your body.¡± He turned his eyes and met me. ¡°If you don¡¯t have money, I think those three are the only ways. No, there is. In the end, you have to serve others. But somehow, when I see you¡­ I think you are different. Even if you choose the same method, you will be different.¡± ¡°So?¡± When I asked the question, he spat it out in a non-trivial tone. ¡°Do well. I¡¯m leaving.¡± The question that immediately came to mind was ¡®why?¡¯. It was a minor role, but it was the prize from yesterday, so he was supposed to start filming this weekend. As if reading my thoughts, he twisted his lips. ¡°You don¡¯t know yet? The role I received as a prize yesterday was taken by someone else.¡± His eyes turned to one person. Today, I heard a particularly loud laughter from the yellow haired. The voice of the sharp-looking guy was mixed with that sound. ¡°After all, if there is no tiger, then the fox is the king.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°It was something that would never work normally, but thanks to you, that punk got lucky.¡± Maybe it was because I got rid of the ugly guy. A loud laugh was heard again. The good-looking guy conversing just had a smile on his face, but the yellow hair laughed as if he heard the funniest story in the world. ¡°I¡¯m telling you in advance in case you misunderstand me.¡± He spoke after a few seconds, but it felt as if I had heard it after hours. Looking at him again, he opened his mouth with his usual cold expression. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving because of this. In the one year I¡¯ve been here, I¡¯ve had this happen countless times. Rather, the work this time was nothing much. The day I went to sign the contract, I heard from the PD that the role was gone.¡± ¡°Then why are you leaving?¡± I expected him to answer that he was going to rest for a while because there was no ugly guy who had influential backing, but he didn¡¯t open his mouth right away. Instead, he scanned the practice room slowly as if engraving it in his eyes. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure. Whether acting was really something I liked. Doing this is possible only if you have a desire to do it no matter how servile you have to be or how dirty it may be.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t lose that spirit of yours.¡± ¡°I never had such a thing in the first place.¡± In response to my answer, the guy suddenly burst out laughing out loud, ¡®Puha~¡¯. Then he grabbed my shoulder and laughed so that my upper body shook. ¡°You, you¡­ I really like you.¡± The smile caught the attention of the yellow haired and good-looking guy, but the sharp-looking guy continued laughing, and then murmured in the mix of laughter that had faded so that only I could hear it. ¡°Unless you change managers, you will probably have to keep bumping into Song Yoohan.¡± He suddenly changed the subject and gave me advice. Then, as he held my shoulder, he straightened his back and made eye contact. ¡°I followed the hospitalized guy around, and sometimes went out with him a few times to the place his father had arranged for him. Two months ago, I had a drink with a very high-ranking person, and at that time he was very drunk and said something like this.¡± A small whisper flowed from his thin lips. ¡°A monster that will dominate the industry has appeared in Dream. The scary thing was that sooner or later, that monster will devour all of Dream, but no one knows. When he starts wielding his sword, everyone will regret it. The monster is preparing to cut off the rotten roots.¡± ¡°Why are you telling me that?¡± ¡°Think carefully about who the monster is. That person would be able to deal with Song Yoohan¡¯s great sponsor who can do whatever he wants. It¡¯s unlikely you¡¯ll ever get involved with that person though.¡± Taking his hand off me, he took a step back. ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal since I¡¯m used to losing a role right in front of my eyes every time, but I¡¯m not used to being pissed off.¡± After looking at the yellow haired one last time, he left. I looked down at the floor without moving for a moment among the quiet surroundings. As if waiting for his turn, the sound of footsteps approaching me clearly reached my ears. I saw a pair of shoes that stopped nearby. I slowly raised my head and met his eyes for a moment while the guy with a nice appearance watched from a distance. He turned his eyes away as soon as our eyes met. ¡°Thanks for a good day off.¡± The yellow haired didn¡¯t hide his sarcasm. ¡°And as you asked, I told Yoohan hyung that you seem to have a great man as a sponsor. Did I pay off my debt properly?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I answered indifferently. The yellow haired guy¡¯s eyes narrowed for a moment, but soon returned to normal. On the contrary, he added a smile. ¡°Since I paid off the debt, I¡¯ll also pay you interest.¡± And then I couldn¡¯t casually answer what he said next. ¡°You know right? You¡¯re not the only one Yoohan hyung is after.¡± t/n: poor Yoohan T.T CH 22 I still didn¡¯t quite get why I was so surprised then. It¡¯s only been a few weeks since we¡¯ve met, and he wasn¡¯t a particularly friendly person. A existence attached to the manager whom Yoohan used whenever he needed to; Hansoo was just that. But I was really surprised, it was like a blade in front of me that I didn¡¯t notice because I was busy defending something else in the distance. In a way, it was only natural that Yoohan also messed with Hansoo, another actor under our manager. ¡®Yoohan hyung was very annoyed about your sponsor. He¡¯s going to crush them all before he gets bigger, he¡¯s grinding his teeth now.¡¯ 7:30 p.m. I got on the train thinking of the manager and Hansoo who would be at the small theater right now because of the interview about the play. The rattle of the train was transmitted through the background, but the last words of the yellow-haired person resounded in my head. ¡®Before coming here, Yoohan hyung was smiling when I met him. I asked if there was any good news and he said that he finally pulled out a thorn.¡¯ After 40 minutes of traveling on the unusually slow subway, I was able to arrive at a small theater I had been to once. The manager¡¯s old car was nowhere to be seen near the theater. Thinking that perhaps he wasn¡¯t here, I opened the back door I had entered before. To enter the theater, you had to go through a dark and narrow hallway. But before I could go inside and look for him, I found Hansoo at the entrance stairs. Hansoo, who was sitting at the end of the stairs, raised his head at the sound of the door. ¡°Huh? W-what are you doing here?¡± He tried to smile as usual, but the expression he created was nothing but a strange distortion. It was thanks to his swollen, red eyes and a face that was messed up with tears all over. Somehow, it felt like I suffered a punch from Myeongshin. Meanwhile, I felt I was relatively inferior myself. That feeling deepened when I saw Hansoo. ¡®I¡¯ve been ruined like a fool. Haha¡­ T-there was a camera. I hadn¡¯t heard of such a thing¡­ As soon as I saw him holding a big camera and trying to film my acting¡­¡¯ All the words he tried to explain with a forced smile did not come out. But it was funny how the guy who couldn¡¯t even wipe away all the flowing tears and runny nose was worried about the manager first. According to Hansoo, the manager probably went after the official. As soon as he saw the camera, Hansoo just froze, so he couldn¡¯t even say a word on stage. Of course, the hidden situation behind who set up the camera was apparent. Hansoo continued to call himself a fucking fool with his head bowed, and his tears were dripping down. The floor was so wet that it was amazing how many tears could come out of him. I looked at him for a moment, then turned around and came out. Standing in front of the closed iron gate, I stared at the darkened street. It was dinnertime, so it was a narrow alley, but occasionally people passed by me. I didn¡¯t know how long I stood there. A faint sound of music was heard from a store. When the songs I heard in the same order started repeating again, a familiar body type caught my eye. The manager was walking helplessly with his shoulders sagged and looking down at the ground. I had no choice but to pretend not to recognise him first. I was a little perplexed as I didn¡¯t know how to treat the manager in a way that wasn¡¯t my typical self. The manager, who noticed me only as I approached, opened his mouth first. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Taemin. When did you come?¡± ¡°A little while ago.¡± ¡°I see. Did you do well in class?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± After a short reply, he nodded his head, saying ¡°I see¡± with a distorted smile. But soon the forced laughter disappeared. He looked down at the floor again and was silent, then opened his mouth with a sigh. ¡°Uh¡­ I, Taemin, I¡¯m sorry but we¡¯ll have to do the daily script practice tomorrow instead.¡± ¡°I¡¯m curious about something.¡± The manager blinked, asking, ¡®What is it?¡¯. Concentrating on his dark, barely visible face, Myeongshin¡¯s name came out of my mouth. ¡°Is Song Yoohan¡¯s sponsor a great person?¡± ¡°Why all of a sudden?¡± ¡°Just because. You need to know if you want to fight back.¡± I spoke lightly, as if it was nothing special. The manager wanted to furrow his eyebrows for a moment, then muttered. ¡°He¡¯s a powerful old man. He can turn your minor supporting role into a lead role or make you become a regular on a famous variety show.¡± ¡°But why is Song Yoohan going after someone else?¡± ¡°Someone else? Ah¡­¡± As the manager recalled our conversation from before, he brought up someone¡¯s name, mumbling. ¡°You mean Director Yoon. That¡¯s because it¡¯s Director Yoon.¡± He lifted his eyes as I stared at him, asking for an explanation. ¡°No matter how great the sponsor is, they¡¯re nothing compared to Director Yoon. Probably the only one in this industry. Someone who doesn¡¯t feel pressure. To the point of making so many enemies that he might even get kicked out of Dream.¡± If Director Yoon was the monster the sharp-looking guy spoke of, the objective I had to approach became clear. What should I do now, when I¡¯m empty-handed? The misery I felt when I saw Hansoo crying earlier made it clear that vowing to take revenge on Myeongshin was not enough. I spent every day without a second thought, following the madman¡¯s orders, but I arrived at a place where it might be the last time and organized what I had to do. I had to completely abandon my foolish pride. ¡°You have something to say to me?¡± The boss entered the office and looked up at me in front of his large mahogany desk. ¡°As I said before, lies don¡¯t work for me, I have eyes sharper than a hawk.¡± If it had been before, I would have laughed internally, but I just nodded seriously. He looked at me quietly, then lifted his back from his chair and placed his arms on the desk. ¡°Start.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. I am trying to get revenge on Song Yoohan.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Glv tf gfjiis xlii sbeg ojwlis?¡± ¡°Rb. Pa kjr rbwfbcf firf ktb xliifv ws ojwlis.¡± Llr rilutais rdelcafv fsfr rffwfv ab jrx ktb la kjr. P bqfcfv ws wbeat ab jcrkfg, yea ws mjreji nblmf ofia ecojwliljg. ¡°Pa kjr wf ktb xliifv ws wbatfg jcv ws ygbatfg.¡± Ktfs rjs alwf lr wfvlmlcf. Cr alwf qjrrfr, atf qjlc bo rbggbk jcv abgwfca vlrjqqfjg. Dea lo P vlvc¡¯a offi rjvcfrr ogbw atf yfulcclcu, kbeiv alwf ralii yf j wfvlmlcf? P vlvc¡¯a gfwfwyfg offilcu rjv. P vlvc¡¯a atlcx atfgf kjr jcs qjlc bg reoofglcu mjerfv ys la. Pcrafjv, jr la kjr olnf sfjgr jub, atf ecvslcu tfjnlcfrr jikjsr qgfrrfv bc atf tfjga. Maybe it was because of this, that I confessed that I had killed my mother and younger brother. What I was worried about was that after talking in the same voice as usual, perhaps the boss wouldn¡¯t believe it. For now, I had to keep coming to this place. The madman was here, but the real owner was the person in front of me, so I should have tried to look good in the first place but I had to spill the beans, even if it may sound like a lie. A little regret simply disappeared in the prolonged silence, but boredom took its place. The boss didn¡¯t even gesture for me to explain further. I just stood still and stared back. After not avoiding his gaze and barely putting up with the boredom, as my patience ran out, he commanded me. ¡°Sit over there.¡± He pointed to a chair as my legs were about to hurt, so I sat down on the soft sofa without hesitation. Then his question immediately followed. ¡°When did they die?¡± ¡°Five years ago.¡± ¡°Both of them?¡± Unlike the long silence, the boss¡¯s voice was the same as usual, so I thought he was simply checking the facts. ¡°Yes. My mother passed away two months after my brother died.¡± ¡°How did she die?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I know you were the cause of death, so please explain in more detail.¡± It was strange that he really seemed to believe what I¡¯m saying. I looked at him and thought back to 5 years ago. ¡°My brother was murdered, and my mother died in the hospital.¡± ¡°Did your mother¡­ have a chronic illness?¡± ¡°No. She collapsed suddenly and missed her treatment time.¡± ¡°So it seems that she missed the treatment period because of you.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°And that you¡¯re the cause of your brother¡¯s murder.¡± Is it not? I took a moment to confirm the question and then nodded my head. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s because of me.¡± ¡°So what did you do?¡± I didn¡¯t quite understand his question, so he asked again. Meanwhile, he got up from his seat and walked over to the sofa where I was sitting. ¡°What have you been doing since your family died because of you?¡± ¡°I paid my money back.¡± ¡°For five years?¡± Yes, I answered and added that I paid all the money in case he misunderstood that I was asking for money. But strangely, he didn¡¯t ask about what happened five years ago and why I said I was the cause. ¡°What did you do?¡± ¡°Anything that can make me money normally.¡± He gave a strange expression at my answer. ¡°¡®Normal¡¯, huh. That¡¯s important.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hey, you.¡± He asked softly, leaning his upper body from opposite me. ¡°How many days have you been off work for the past five years?¡± ¡°None.¡± His expression darkened again. His expression felt strange, but I couldn¡¯t keep paying attention because I heard a question again. ¡°When your family died, did you cry?¡± ¡°No.¡± At this point, I really wanted to stop being asked awkward questions. I answered lightly, and tried to answer straight-forwardly to what he wanted to know. But I couldn¡¯t. A proper expression took over the boss¡¯s face, which I thought was a little distorted since earlier. He was crying. It wasn¡¯t until he realized that my expression was strange that the boss realized he was crying. He then got up and went out, saying that dust had gotten in his eyes. Of course I didn¡¯t believe it, because no one would tear like that unless the dust was the size of a fist. However, even after being left alone and looking back on the conversations I had with him, I couldn¡¯t think of anything that would make him cry. Fortunately, the boss came back within minutes. He clarified as soon as he sat in front of me. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I just shed some tears because I have a dust allergy.¡± Staring at his bloodshot eyes and red nose from crying, I nodded, saying that I knew. Then another round of questions began against my wishes. ¡°Now tell me about Song Yoohan. Why are you trying to get revenge on him?¡± I hesitated a bit because it was something I really didn¡¯t want to bring up, but then he put pressure on me by claiming he wouldn¡¯t allow me to enter this place, so I had no choice but to briefly explain the situation at the time. However, as he listened to the story, his expression became strange again. His voice even trembled a bit. ¡°¡­ Then, for 5 years, Lee Baekwon had atoned for his sins like that¡­ Without crying, just paid back the money, euheuk¡­ While working hard, the bad Song Yoohan, who gave information to the brother¡¯s killer, enjoyed himself and succeeded in whatever dirty way he could? Have you ever seen a bastard like this in three generations?! Uuheuheuk¡­ Lee Baekwon couldn¡¯t even spend two hundred won for himself, and he had such a hard time for five years¡­¡± I never really thought I had a hard time. Besides, I never wanted to do anything for myself, and I never saw the last five years as atonement, but I couldn¡¯t stop him from talking. Because it seemed like he had to stop crying first. ¡°Boss. Dust. I think your allergy is acting up again.¡± ¡°Song Yoohan, he will be punished¡­ What? Ah, Allergy. Hmmm. Ah, my eyes are so sensitive.¡± He turned his head and wiped the tears with his sleeve. I didn¡¯t know if his eyes were sensitive, but his emotions definitely seemed to be sensitive. Suddenly, I remembered what the manager had said yesterday. ¡®He is very sharp, but very affectionate.¡¯ Not just ¡®very¡¯, more like ¡®tremendously¡¯. I slightly resented the manager for not giving accurate information, but his sniffing runny nose going ¡®Kuhheuk~¡¯ was heard. Suddenly he stopped crying and his eyes darkened. ¡°A bastard who lives shamelessly without knowing his sins should be taught a lesson! This is not the time to sit like that!¡± I didn¡¯t want to sit like this either. However, I couldn¡¯t help but ask him as he was very agitated. ¡°Boss.¡± ¡°What?!¡± ¡°Do you believe everything I say?¡± The question I wanted to ask was, ¡®Are you out of your mind?¡¯, but I wanted to check the basics. He answered right away. ¡°Hm? You didn¡¯t lie, did you?¡± Rather, he naively asked that and immediately changed the subject. ¡°So what are your plans for the future? Hm?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Oh right, since Song Yoohan¡¯s sponsor is that annoying Chairman Kim you will need a more¡­ Ah, right! Jay! You have Jay!¡± He got excited and brushed me off. His imagination, which he cultivated with his reasoning ability that he was proud of, filled in the lack of explanation I gave. Maybe in his mind I¡¯ve been turned into a nice, respectable young man who atoned with sincerity for five years? I guessed so, but I got goosebumps. But somehow, as if my guess was correct, the boss urged me. ¡°What are you doing? You should have made a move on Jay first!¡± Rather than being startled, I was a little furious. Was this the time to reflect on the cause of this conversation? I tried to prepare myself and open my mouth, but a different sound brought the boss back to his senses. Click. A familiar voice entered the room with the sound of the door. ¡°I suppose you¡¯re talking about something interesting?¡± The boss and I froze at the same time as we shook our heads. Perhaps it was because I was sitting and looking up, the unusually taller madman walked slowly through the open doorway. I hadn¡¯t been committing a crime, but I suddenly stopped breathing. He stopped near the sofa, looked at me and the boss, and slowly twisted his lips and smiled. Unlike his dimpled smile, his eyes gleamed wildly. For a moment, the breath that had stopped froze. He caught my eye and added in a languid voice. ¡°I heard my name.¡± Unlike my usual self, my mind turned blank. As much as I was caught off guard, I also felt somewhat unpleasant. The problem was that the displeasure was not directed at the person who created this situation. It was towards me who froze and stiffened just because of this situation. There was silence as if cold water had been poured over us. There was just one thing that came to mind. This punk was certainly a guy I shouldn¡¯t get involved with. The warning of instinct that I felt when I first saw him on the roof came to mind again. But I knew that I would ignore the warning again this time. If there is a difference from before, I was also influenced by someone else this time; the boss who wants me to get involved with him. ¡°Y-your name? W-w-what are you talking about?¡± The self-proclaimed master of reasoning spat out a lie that anyone could see through. It was embarrassing to watch him from the side with a noticeably hardened face. His voice, raised an octave, was on the verge of breaking, so all his words and actions seemed unnatural. ¡°Ha. Ha. Ha~ You are overly conscious. We never talked about you. As you know, I don¡¯t mind you much. Lee Baekwon, do you mind him?¡± Beeps exploded everywhere like landmines. At this point, the madman stared openly at me. Unable to hold his gaze, I glanced back and met a smiling face. It was like a warning that read, ¡®then I will listen to you¡¯, and a chill ran down my spine. The boss who made the situation like this and thought that his acting skills were perfect then called on me, forcing me to join him in his lies. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Baekwon?¡± ¡°¡­ Yes.¡± The boss seemed relieved then, so he started speaking in a normal voice. ¡°Look, we never talked about you.¡± But it was too late. Now he looked like he was the only one talking about the madman. But the boss, having found confidence, stood up and put his hand on the other¡¯s waist. The madman did not take his eyes off me, and answered in a voice mixed with laughter. ¡°Yes, I must have misunderstood.¡± ¡°Right. You heard wrong. We will never talk about you¡­¡± ¡°Then what were you talking about?¡± ¡°¡­ Hm?¡± ¡°What were you talking about?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ We didn¡¯t talk about much.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s not a big deal, I might as well listen to it.¡± The boss turned his bewildered gaze to me. That movement was like an open confession to the madman that we had been talking about me. Unsurprisingly, the madman¡¯s eyes looked down at me. Left without a choice, I reluctantly opened my mouth. ¡°We were talking about me.¡± I had no reason to hide so I said frankly. Of course, it would be the most inconvenient if I told a lie and the other person noticed. ¡°About you, huh. Now I¡¯d like to know more.¡± He still had a nice smile on his face. But the room was getting more and more suffocating. If my spirit had been a little weak, I might have confided everything I was talking about. Fortunately or unfortunately, no matter how strong the opponent, his disposition that I had faced before helped me not to lose my composure. ¡°It¡¯s something you know. About my past, I was just explaining that I met Myeongshin while living like a thug five years ago, and that I am now trying to get revenge.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Why? While I frowned as I did not understand the question, the languid voice questioned again. ¡°Why are you talking about that? Or do you always go around talking about the past, when you were originally a ruffian?¡± I thought about it for a while, even though I knew that there was no way I could avoid answering him. Was there any chance of winning if I punched that bastard here? As I stared back at his gaze, a genuine smile spread in his eyes. It felt like he was playing with me, so I tried to get up from my seat without realizing it. However, an innocent voice from the side broke the tension. ¡°No, Baekwon was a ruffian?¡± He looked me up and down with wide-open eyes. ¡°I thought you were just a rascal, but it turned out that you were a ruffian.¡± I wanted to ask him who was admiring me, what the hell was the difference between the two? On the other hand, if I asked such a question in this situation, what would I explain to the madman? But to add insult to injury, he turned to the madman and asked. ¡°Can you believe it? Five years ago, Baekwon was a ruffian? I can¡¯t even imagine what it is now. He looks so reticent and upright, how in the world could he be a ruffian? How long has he been running around like a dog¡­¡± The repeated word ¡®dog¡¯ was strangely annoying, but I couldn¡¯t express my dissatisfaction. He forgot the current situation and quickly returned to his former sentiments. ¡°To be able to simply end the life of a ruffian who was drunk every day and beat anyone like a dog, and tormented his family and friends at every turn. To be so shocked to the extent that he made atonement for the past 5 years and lived life like a monk¡­ keukheuk¡­¡± He sucked in a runny nose and bit his trembling lower lip. Seeing this, I suddenly lost my energy and lost the will to correct him. Although I did drink and fooled around, I didn¡¯t get drunk every day. I did fight, but my family and friends never visited even on holidays. As I was at a loss for words, the boss got up from his seat and spoke about his dust allergy and hurriedly left. Maybe he was acting because he didn¡¯t want to face this situation? It happened so quickly that I doubted it, so there was silence in the room where the two of us were left. I just took my eyes off the door and opened my mouth to the other person. ¡°I wasn¡¯t that much of a ruffian.¡± At my excuse, he too looked away from the door and his expressionless face returned. ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Your past is none of my business. So the current situation is that the boss of this place was moved by your story¡­ Was he the first to ask about it? Since he couldn¡¯t sit back and watch you approach me, he told you that you had to tell him in order to keep coming to this place?¡± As if he had seen everything beforehand, I nodded slightly when he asked the question. SInce you already know, why ask? While my expression soured, he asked more questions at intervals. No, it was a fact check disguised as a question. ¡°So if the boss heard about your past and was impressed¡­ He must have said he would help you.¡± He made an intimidating smile again. ¡°Did he tell you to seduce me?¡± Didn¡¯t this jerk already see everything on the CCTV? My eyes turned to the ceiling, wondering if there is a camera in this room as well. Then I snapped at him, who seemed to be having fun. ¡°That¡¯s right. He told me to seduce you. But don¡¯t worry. Being involved with you this much is enough for now.¡± There was no answer, so I looked at every corner of the ceiling and then lowered my eyes as he spoke expressionlessly. ¡°Enough for now¡­ Because your goal is Director Yoon?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. You¡¯re not him, are you?¡± It was a topic I didn¡¯t want to bring up in front of him, so I wanted to end the conversation quickly. Thinking that it would be enough to respond lightly, I asked without thinking. But there was a strange silence. A question came up when I was about to feel weird. ¡°How can you be sure?¡± For some reason, he seemed ticked off that I had simply said that he wasn¡¯t who I was aiming for. Hesitating at that feeling, he asked again in a light tone. ¡°I could be that person named Yoon?¡± CH 23 I know your surname is Han. I barely swallowed the words that were about to come out. Frankly, I was a little perplexed. I remembered the boss¡¯s suggestion that this fact was an absolute secret but I also thought that my behavior would look awkward. He did not miss my hesitation. ¡°You heard that my name is Han Jay.¡± His voice reached me like a cold wind that was mixed with ice cubes. Why was he acting so sensitive when he said his name? No, there was one more person who was like this. The boss also had a very unusual reaction while saying his name. However, no matter how much I wrecked my head, I couldn¡¯t come up with a reason. And they both came across someone who could speak the name so casually. He asked again with a languid voice. ¡°Is this the secret that the boss told you before?¡± ¡°Why does your name have to be a secret?¡± When I asked back instead of answering, a deep smile with dimples appeared. ¡°Because it¡¯s pretty.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t joke.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t joke.¡± He repeated a phrase I had already heard many times and added softly. ¡°I hate this name.¡± Was it just that? Because you hate your name because it¡¯s pretty, and the boss was keeping it a secret? It was still strange. He should¡¯ve seen my face full of suspicion, but he didn¡¯t care and smiled mischievously as if something was interesting. ¡°So you better keep that name out of your mouth.¡± His threats were more effective than a thrust of a sword. As soon as I made a conclusion that maybe it was just because he was insane, the person with sensitive eyes reappeared. As soon as he came in, he opened his mouth to the madman as if he had prepared his heart. ¡°I never talked about you.¡± He already knows it all. I quietly muttered the words that couldn¡¯t come out of my mouth to myself. In this situation, it would be good for him to grasp the situation with his amazing reasoning ability, but his eyes, which were sharper than a hawk, must have had astigmatism. The madman pretended he didn¡¯t know anything and smiled wide deliberately. ¡°I know. I just heard about it. He explained to you why he¡¯s trying to get revenge on actor Song Yoohan?¡± ¡°Mhm, that¡¯s right. I thought his situation was a little pitiful. So I thought I might be able to help¡­¡± ¡°You must have wanted to link him up with a sponsor.¡± The boss was startled, but he soon rejoiced. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right! Haha, I was just thinking about that.¡± At the same time, he winked at me. As if gesturing that everything is going well. But the stumbling blocks were clearly visible in my eyes. By the time I thought about whether I should stop it, it was too late. ¡°Hmm, so I was just making an offer before you came in. If he wants to succeed as a celebrity and defeat Song Yoohan, then he needs someone who can compete with his sponsor¡­ Hmm, for example, you¡­¡± ¡°He wants someone else.¡± ¡°Mhm, right. Not you¡ª Eh?¡± Huh! The boss looked back at me, snapping his head with a faint sound of the wind. ¡°What?! There¡¯s someone else you¡¯re looking for? And not our Jay?!¡± Anyway, I felt sorry for the person who was trying to help me, but I couldn¡¯t hide the fact. No matter how much he stares at me with ferocious eyes as if he were looking at a traitor. ¡°Yes. There¡¯s someone else.¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Dream¡¯s Director Yoon.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Was he shocked? He stiffened for a while with a blank expression on his face. I couldn¡¯t help but admire Dream¡¯s Director Yoon once again. Someone who could startle the boss even though he was the one who sees the madman next to me every day. What¡¯s interesting was that could that person be someone more fearful than the madman who was grinning like an idiot right now? He¡¯s someone I¡¯ve never seen before, but he¡¯s only getting higher and higher. As I was thinking, I heard a whispering question. ¡°¡­ Who?¡± ¡°Director Yoon from Dream.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Silence swallowed him again. At this point, I was really curious about the person named Director Yoon. Someone influential enough to surprise the boss who was not even a company official like this. While waiting for him to open his mouth first, the boss¡¯s expression began to distort strangely. He moved his lips as if to say something, then uttered a single word. ¡°Who?¡± Fortunately, I was not the only one who felt frustrated, so the madman helped me. ¡°Dream¡¯s Director Yoon. Not me.¡± The boss turned his stiff neck like a robot at him. ¡°Not you?¡± The madman nodded lightly and smiled brightly. ¡°He already knew my name was Han Jay.¡± In an instant, the boss¡¯s face turned white. My mind also went blank for a while. I could feel the boss¡¯s eyes looking at me as if he were looking at a traitor, and I glared at the madman with similar eyes. There was no effect whatsoever. ¡°Who could have told him my name?¡± Ktf wjvwjc¡¯r rboa nblmf uilvfv jibcu klatbea wlzlcu klat atf afcrf jawbrqtfgf. ¡°Q-ktb xcbkr.¡± Ktf ybrr aegcfv tlr tfjv ab atf mbgcfg jcv jcrkfgfv lc j nblmf jr lo tf kjr yflcu ragjcuifv. Lf yjgfis frmjqfv atf olfgmf ujhf, yea tf ugfk wbgf ecmbwobgajyif lcafgcjiis. Cr tf kjr ufaalcu kbgglfv lo atf batfg qfgrbc kjr ublcu ab gfajiljaf, atf wjvwjc¡¯r cfza kbgvr vgfk atf ybrr¡¯r cfgnfr ab atf batfg rlvf. ¡°I have already decided to introduce him to Director Yoon.¡± The boss¡¯s face was distorted, but it wasn¡¯t an expression of concern or annoyance. ¡°You?¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why he started coming in and out of this place. Of course I get something in return.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± The boss¡¯s question was directed at me. Looking at his furrowed eyebrows, I answered briefly. ¡°Me.¡± During the conversation today, there were a few strange things, but the reaction of the boss that followed was the most difficult to understand. His frown slowly disappeared as he turned his face to the madman. But his expression was recognizable by anyone. He was barely hiding his grin. ¡°Lee Baekwon decided to give himself¡­ You mean you accepted the price? You?¡± For a brief moment, the smile disappeared from the madman¡¯s face. Conversely, an unbearable grin spread across the boss¡¯s face. ¡°Hmm, if you agreed to help under that condition, I would be glad to cooperate¡­¡± ¡°No need.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll just cheer¡­¡± ¡°No thanks.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll just watch¡­¡± ¡°Mind your own business.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The madman cut off the boss¡¯s words to the extent that the person listening next to him felt embarrassed. The boss had a brief snowball fight with him, but soon raised his lips again. He smiled, revealing his teeth, as if nothing could sour his happy mood. ¡°Fine, alright. Well, you know, I¡¯m so busy that I don¡¯t have time to be concerned about you.¡± Then he gave me a fierce gaze at the end of his words. His message was clear. -I will meddle with you instead. I would rather have the madman retaliate his words earlier. It was only when he was driven out of the room that he took an unwilling step out the madman¡¯s room. Wouldn¡¯t it be troublesome with him in the future? A moment of worry came to mind. However, he needlessly noticed it right away. Then he covertly raised his thumb up and whispered. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m actually not busy at all.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª Five volumes. That was the number of scripts I read while he was away. Now I have to start a new book, but I stopped at the first chapter. To be honest, I was tired and sleepy. It was a long day, and there were so many incidents. Perhaps I had adapted to the madman¡¯s office, I sat comfortably on the sofa and immersed myself in thoughts for a long time. In my head, the manager¡¯s drooping shoulders and Hansoo¡¯s tears soaking the floor, the three I saw in the practice room, and Myeongshin¡¯s face were mixed together. I needed manager Choi. And the manager needed Hansoo. The reason my manager accepted me was because there was Hansoo, an actor who was worthy of his ideal. Because there was Hansoo, he unideally took on an actor like me. So, if Hansoo collapsed, the manager would also collapse. Hansoo¡¯s camera phobia was a weakness to be taken advantage of by Myeongshin at least once anyway, so it may be a good thing that he suffered in advance. The key was how long Hansoo would hold out. Surely he didn¡¯t completely break down, did he? I mean, it was just the beginning. Because of this problem, the yellow-haired and good-looking guy who will be openly monitoring me in the future, wasn¡¯t too much of a concern. Maybe that¡¯s why, it just felt like the two of them were well-fitted as one piece in my ever-changing plan. If Myeongshin uses those two, I could do the same as well. Unfortunately, that will be a story for later. I came to this industry, had taken only a few steps, and then stopped again, but there was no rush. Rather, it was nice to have obstacles in the way. The goal I had to reach was a long way to go and the steep road that took my breath away was welcomed. Knowing that as long and hard as it was, my anger will grow stronger and revenge will be certain. I was used to enduring a time of pain. Maybe I wanted that pain. ¡°Is the first chapter that boring?¡± I came to my senses with the sudden question. Oh, it was the madman. Realizing that, I looked at the uninteresting scenario that I had been holding on to for a long time, and then turned my eyes to him. I thought he would have something to say because of the conversation with the boss, but when he came in, he turned on the computer and started doing his own thing as if I was not there. ¡°Don¡¯t know. Didn¡¯t read it.¡± When I responded, he let out an indifferent voice while staring at the monitor. ¡°Shall I remind you? That that is the only thing your useless self has to do.¡± If the words contained ridicule or belittlement, I might have gotten angry and defiant. However, his words were dry as if he was talking about the scenery of everyday life, and the coolness filled the interior. As I glared at him quietly, I heard a question. ¡°If you¡¯re mad, then take the initiative to increase your self-worth.¡± ¡°I thought my worth was enough just by staying by your side, who is afraid of working alone.¡± I was being sarcastic, but he smiled and accepted it casually. ¡°Not enough. I¡¯m still scared to death.¡± I was startled, so I responded after a while. ¡°¡­Would you like me to draw a talisman on your body?¡± ¡°There is something better than that.¡± With a glance, he turned his eyes from the monitor and looked over my body with languid eyes. He glanced at me with languid-looking eyes. ¡°I think I¡¯ll feel better now if you crawl on the floor and suck my dick. I¡¯m already suffering from a lot of blood down there.¡± I frowned and said, ¡®Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡¯ What kind of nonsense was that? I glared sharply, but on the contrary, he took his hand off the keyboard and leaned his back comfortably on the chair. ¡°Don¡¯t believe it? You know it because you¡¯re a man. Since the person who turns me on is in the same room, it¡¯s natural for me to imagine stripping him and doing all sorts of things in my head. The most thrilling thing is to knock you down and violate you while you glaring at me with those eyes. In this office.¡± His dry voice, which he uttered as he stared indifferently, gave a small chill for a moment. This insane bastard. My body was tense and on alert. Unknowingly, I tightened my fist, but he turned his eyes to the monitor as if he had something to do. Tap, tap, tap. I could hear the occasional typing again, but I still couldn¡¯t take my eyes off him. I¡¯ve never imagined being someone¡¯s sex object, or in the weaker position. To the point where I doubted that he¡¯s just trying to scare me. If this is correct, his intentions were somewhat genuine. It was for a moment, but I felt intimidated. What was I thinking like an idiot? I was annoyed with myself and leaned my head on the sofa to cool off, but after a while, I heard another question. ¡°How many did you read?¡± I opened my eyes and wondered what he was asking about and turned my eyes to the scripts stacked on the table. I looked at it and said, ¡®Five.¡¯ ¡°What was the most worth reading?¡± ¡°Third.¡± When I answered without hesitation, he turned to the monitor. I was actually expecting him to ask this question. I was preparing an answer in advance because he always asked this. Even if that wasn¡¯t the case, the third scenario really was interesting and time flew by as I read it, for the first time. The content was better understood because the format of scripts that consisted of only lines had become familiar. As I anticipated his question, of course he knew I would have prepared an answer. Sure enough, it was for the ensuing question that he turned his eyes to me again. ¡°Did you watch that movie?¡± ¡°It came out as a movie?¡± He smiled slowly. A smile suited him well. And if a guy has dimples, when he smiles, he would be cursed at for being unctuous, but it¡¯s annoying because his smile doesn¡¯t feel that way. But the smile still made me uncomfortable. It¡¯s because it was like I was looking at a mask that¡¯s been perfected over a very long time. Maybe I¡¯m one of the few people who can¡¯t smile when he smiles? Or the only one. ¡°It did. It was a massive failure.¡± My eyes went straight to the table. I had piled up what I had read so far on the table to categorize what I had read. His explanation seemed as if I had given the wrong answer, so I recalled the other contents of the piled-up scripts. However, even thinking about it, except for the third one, everything else was boring. Then I heard a slow explanation in my ear. ¡°The actors were not suitable.¡± I looked back and he still looked at me with an interesting glimmer in his eyes. ¡°The lack of publicity also played a part, but even though the actor¡¯s face was known, it wasn¡¯t the kind of image that could represent the movie. The biggest reason was that the acting was like shit.¡± I suddenly wanted to see the movie. It¡¯s a pretty fun read, but could the actor ruin the movie? But his next explanation was a bit surprising. ¡°At first, the script was forced to be changed, and then an actor who couldn¡¯t act ended up leading the movie. That¡¯s why the director is going to quit after shooting his current movie.¡± The script changed? Ah¡­ I just remembered what I had read before. The whole story got weird with the sudden ending. So the rest were all written by the same person? A question arose, but the feeling was different. While I was convinced, the topic turned to the script in which I stopped in the first chapter. ¡°That¡¯s the last film the director wants to shoot.¡± The one that was being filmed now? I stared at the script in my hand as if I were seeing it for the first time. I think the scenario with the changed ending would be interesting if it remained the same. Of course, that was just my personal taste but if a person like me who was an outsider in this industry was interested in it, wouldn¡¯t that mean it was a good work? However, it was a bit of a waste that it was the director¡¯s last work. Of course, since I had only seen a script with only lines, I didn¡¯t know what it would be like if it was changed to a video form¡­ but I paused after thinking about this for a while. Perhaps it was because I had practiced reading the lines for several weeks, and for a moment, a script that had only been thought of as letters on paper suddenly popped out in three-dimensional form in a blurry way. Then I remembered a movie with a similar feeling that I had never known before. ¡°The first short film I saw.¡± It felt vague, so when I spoke up to here and stopped, he waited for my next words with an expressionless face. I reminded him of the short film that I pointed out as being worth watching some time ago and asked. ¡°Was it by the same director?¡± I was prepared to be ridiculed if I was wrong, but what I heard was completely unexpected. ¡°You¡¯re really not boring.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°It means you¡¯re cute. Not only do you work hard on those thoughtless tasks that I asked you to but you also sometimes show a surprising instinctive hunch.¡± I looked at him with fierce eyes. Yeah, I had thought that he had just been thoughtlessly making me read those scripts. However, even when someone was glaring at him enough for him to want to step back, he smiled more as if he was elated. ¡°I told you those eyes excite me.¡± Fuck. I cursed and tried to get up from my seat. But he took off his glasses and mumbled first. ¡°I¡¯m going crazy because I want to fuck you.¡± ¡°I can kill you.¡± He tilted his head to the side as he spoke lowly. ¡°Sometimes, empty-headed punks try to rebel against me. People who can only see my outer appearance.¡± He smiled as if to tell me what his outer appearance seemed like. ¡°Even after getting to know me, no one really glares at me like you do. So you understand?¡± ¡°Understand what?¡± ¡°How much I¡¯m restraining my temper and indulging you.¡± Looking at the smiling guy¡¯s face, I spat out lowly. ¡°So what if I thank you for indulging me when I¡¯m useless?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Because you¡¯re cuter than I thought, so I¡¯m satisfied too. If you said you could suck my dick like any other guy for revenge, I¡¯d force you to do it and kick you out of here.¡± The words ¡®any other guy¡¯ reminded me of the room where I was deceived by the yellow haired. If I hadn¡¯t thought of any other way, perhaps I would have knelt down in front of those middle-aged men with belly fat and sucked on their stinky genitals. Just like the madman said. Come to think of it, why doesn¡¯t that guy not want to use those other people without any feelings? It is clear that he was also in need of revenge. Perhaps my troubles were revealed in my expression, as I met his gaze, a cold smile fell on his lips. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You just need to be by my side. I¡¯m the one who will connect you with Director Yoon.¡± As he said that, the heat inside of me suddenly washed away as if I had been hit by cold water. Come to think of it, it was a problem that needed confirmation. ¡°Are you sure? What exactly is your relationship with Director Yoon?¡± ¡°We¡¯re close enough. Rather, how are you going to seduce Director Yoon?¡± ¡°It¡¯s none of your business, so don¡¯t worry.¡± As I snapped, he smiled with dimples. ¡°How can I not care? You already agreed to give yourself to me, but if you say nonsense like giving yourself to Director Yoon again, won¡¯t I be offended?¡± ¡°Saying such nonsense once is enough for me too.¡± ¡°Then what are you going to do with Director Yoon?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m asking how you¡¯re going to lure him into being a sponsor.¡± I should¡¯ve just skimmed over it, but I hesitated. He was quick-witted, so if you give him a little bit of time, he¡¯ll find the answer, so I shouldn¡¯t say anything. However, it was not possible, and the other party did not disappoint this time as well. He narrowed his eyes and looked at me, and spoke out my true intentions. ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t have any intentions of making him a sponsor?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°So it¡¯s like that.¡± He concluded that definitively even though I hadn¡¯t said anything. I sighed inwardly, repeating the regrets I had already made many times. I shouldn¡¯t have been involved with this guy. ¡°Tell me. I will keep the secret.¡± I opened my mouth reluctantly at his prompt. ¡°¡­ That¡¯s right. He just has to look like my sponsor.¡± ¡°Are you going to cheat your way?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I said, and he narrowed his eyes. ¡°You¡¯ll get found out right away.¡± ¡°I know. So I need to do it well. I only need to fool one person once at the right time.¡± Only one person, Myeongshin, needed to be deceived. All I had to do was find the right time, even if it takes a long time. I had to work hard to build up the stage that I could only go through once. This was the best plan I could do with no other cards on my hands. Wasn¡¯t that natural? There was probably no other man who would like me except for the madman who had unusual taste, so I had no intention of seducing Director Yoon in the first place. I wasn¡¯t a girl dreaming of becoming Cinderella, nor an aspiring celebrity with a fanciful ambition to become a star via a sponsor. All I could do was dig traps with all my might and deceive others. So I could be mistaken for an aspiring celebrity who managed to grab a powerful sponsor and became Cinderella. It was a very simple plan, so I prepared in advance for fear of being ridiculed, but strangely, the madman just stared at me with an expressionless face that I couldn¡¯t read. He let out a low voice as the long silence became burdensome. ¡°You really intend to succeed.¡± Wasn¡¯t that obvious? It was absurd to hear that after a good while. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a fool who runs around wildly without thinking?¡± ¡°I thought so. The revenge you¡¯re trying to get is like banging your head against a brick wall. You are nothing after all.¡± ¡°¡­¡± His eyes narrowed as he looked at me. ¡°But there¡¯s something attractive in that. I like you more and more.¡± I frowned sharply because I was in a bad mood, but he smiled regardless. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll really help you.¡± It was a serious voice, so it made me feel worse. Because it meant that he was openly saying that he was playing with me in the past. ¡°Stop pretending to be benevolent. After all, you¡¯re using me because you need me.¡± I had no intention of groveling to him since I already knew that he was targeting Myeongshin¡¯s sponsor. Of course, he didn¡¯t even bat an eye. ¡°There are many people who can replace you. But you have no one to replace me.¡± ¡°If I hadn¡¯t met you, I would have found someone else.¡± ¡°Who?¡± he asked, wiggling his eyebrows slightly. ¡°Who knows, anyone in their 70s or middle-aged with a belly who wants their dick sucked.¡± When I answered indifferently, he twisted his lips. ¡°Anyone huh¡­ But for your plan, you must become close with Director Yoon right? Go to Dream and ask anyone. I wonder if there¡¯s anyone who can greet him. I can do that. I¡¯m the most crucial person.¡± He added with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s why, seduce me. I will fall for it.¡± CH 24 I admit that the madman was a person I needed. Maybe he was the most crucial person, just as he said. So I should have been thankful that he said he would fall for it if I seduced him but I developed a defiant attitude towards that guy first. Why did I become so agitated whenever I was with him? The next day I headed to the office and it was thoughts about him rather than immediate concerns that filled my head. The reason I wasn¡¯t worried about the manager or Hansoo was that the manager didn¡¯t seem much different from usual when I arrived. The only strange thing was that he was looking for small roles or commercials that I could appear in. The manager had previously said that I was not good enough, so he would have liked me to learn more acting before I do some actual work. That is, as much as possible within the company¡¯s conditions. As I sat in front of the manager who was diligently making calls here and there, I could tell that the deadline for the roles were over. Was this also the result of Myeongshin¡¯s meddling? After thinking about it, I started reading the script that I secretly brought in yesterday. I was a little curious about the last work of the director, whose movies had failed twice and wanted to see how good the script was for him to choose this as his last work. But as I turned through the first few pages, a question ¡°Huh?¡± popped into my head. Some of the contents were strangely similar to my current situation. It was a bit eerie for it to be a coincidence, so I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off of it easily. I checked the contents again while tuning out the manager¡¯s voice on the phone, but at some point I realized that the surroundings had become quiet. When I raised my eyes, I saw the manager with a serious face and bowed head. He seemed to be looking for the next person to call, flipping through the phone numbers he had written on the back and forth in his old notebook. He seemed to be concentrating, and as I shifted my eyes back to the script, I heard a question from him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask?¡± He didn¡¯t take his eyes off the notebook and added after a while, ¡°If you want to extend your contract, the company wants you to show some tangible results.¡± Flutter, flutter~ He turned through several pages to see if there was a suitable number to contact, making a ¡®hmm¡¯ sound, and then closed his lips for a moment. His thick fingers flickered between the numbers on the paper. The hesitant fingertips stopped at the scribbled number. ¡°Is it okay if the work is a little underwhelming?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± He raised his eyes without taking his finger off the number. ¡°Alright, you¡¯ll do well at anything.¡± He smiled and praised me, but his smile didn¡¯t meet my eyes. Because his smile wasn¡¯t very genuine. It was like his lips were curved habitually. Was it also because of Hansoo? The manager called the number he decided on and started talking in a friendly tone. ¡°¡­Yes, I¡¯m working at Dream these days. There¡¯s a rookie I have and he¡¯s great. Good at anything¡­ Hm? No, he¡¯s not a singer. He¡¯s an actor¡­ I know you don¡¯t need a rookie actor whose face you don¡¯t know. But just take a look at him. Hm? We haven¡¯t known each other for a year or two¡­ Ah, of course his face is amazing! His visuals in photos are no joke. Do you know Photographer Lee? Sigh~ Photographer Lee had been chasing me to meet up with him to take some pictures.¡± The manager spat out compliments about me in a confident tone to the person on the phone. The manager¡¯s voice gradually rose to see as if there was a small hope from the other side, but my mood dropped coldly. Something was strange. After the call was over, seeing him happily telling me what to do, the strange feeling became clear. Except for what I felt in his awkward smile, he seemed a bit too alright. ¡°CEO Choi is in charge of a lot of events here and there. The only thing you can do right now is at the level of a regular part-time job, is that okay?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°As simple as it is, it is not burdensome and won¡¯t be difficult. Like supporting a stage event at a shopping mall to get people¡¯s attention. In some cases people are hired in advance and planted to pretend to be an applicant. That¡¯s what you do. The date is¡­¡± ¡°Manager.¡± When I stopped him, he raised his eyes as he was writing something in his notebook. ¡°What about Hansoo?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t Hansoo coming today?¡± ¡°He¡¯s not coming.¡± He straightened his upper body and added bluntly. ¡°He¡¯s not going to come anymore. He wants to quit this job.¡± Was my guess wrong? The thought that the manager would give up on me without Hansoo turned into confusion at the manager¡¯s calm reaction. Maybe the manager was a person who was not as swayed by emotions as I had thought? Perhaps all he had to do was to find another actor to replace Hansoo and make his dream come true. However, even if I tried to think simply, discomfort still remained. The situation of the manager who will collapse with Hansoo when he collapses was thought to be easier to deal with. This situation should have been a good thing from my point of view, but I couldn¡¯t find the reason why it was uncomfortable. It must have been because of this that I couldn¡¯t keep Hansoo out of my head. Fortunately, there was nothing to worry about in class. Instead of the sharp-looking guy and the ugly guy, a few new trainees joined the class. Yellow haired and the good-looking one didn¡¯t attend because they apparently had to go to some audition. It seemed that they had definitely got something by being Myeongshin¡¯s lackeys. Because there were no annoying guys, I left the class I could hardly remember and headed to another place instead of Alice¡¯s Labyrinth that I always went to. I¡¯ve been to college a few times. When I applied to another area and worked as a courier, I had to deliver to a university in that area. However, the clearer university landscape in my memory was earlier. When I was working at the loan company, there was a time when I had to collect money from a college student. The school he attended was quite famous as it was a university I knew. The so-called prestigious university student was of the same age as me. It was probably because of his past that he studied hard (unlike me) but I was more tenacious in chasing him for money. Perhaps it was because I wanted to assert my authority and say, ¡®Look, you may be studying hard like a regular person but you still had to yield to me¡¯. I had used violence, so even after he later repaid the money, he was so embarrassed that he couldn¡¯t go to school. I didn¡¯t feel guilty about it then. It was his fault that he borrowed money in the first place, and he met me because he was unlucky. A world where divine punishment did not exist, but retribution did. Even a small mistake could have consequences if you make the wrong decision. Sometimes the consequences might be too large to handle. Now I knew very well what I didn¡¯t know at the time when my head was filled with pride and self-indulgence. So even if it seemed as if I was walking on a similar path that reminded me of the university incident, it seemed that I was emotionless. Just as the college student met the detrimental consequences of his mistakes, I just have to accept the consequences of my mistakes. I don¡¯t know when or how I would even it out. I must pay the price for what I have done. I made a great sacrifice realizing this simple fact. The funny thing was that even after attaining that epiphany, I didn¡¯t change. I knew I wouldn¡¯t stop taking revenge at any cost. I would use the people I needed, and create traps. But why was I here now, wasting my time in vain? I was skeptical, but I pushed it aside, thinking of meeting Hansoo. Let¡¯s find Hansoo first. It was already dark because I went to the theater to find him for the first time and heard that he would stay up all night at school for the event. When I entered the building with a small signboard called the College of Arts in the spacious campus, I was able to easily find the office of the department where Hansoo attended. Several voices were heard inside along with bright lights as if there really was some sort of event happening. The door was half open, so I pushed and entered. The eyes of those who stopped talking to the appearance of strangers turned to me. I looked inside without saying a word, looking for Hansoo with my eyes. Then one of the students asked me first. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Where is Lee Hansoo?¡± ¡°Ljcrbb kfca bea ab yes rbwfatlcu. Lf¡¯ii yf gluta yjmx.¡± P cbvvfv jcv jcrkfgfv atf wjc, ¡®Kfii tlw P¡¯w kjlalcu bearlvf,¡¯ jcv aegcfv jgbecv jcv tfjgv j defralbc. ¡°Qtbrf cjwf rtbeiv P ulnf tlw?¡± ¡°¡­ Off Tbbtjc.¡± P tfjgv j wegweg jr P mibrfv atf vbbg yftlcv ws yjmx. ¡°Glv rbwfatlcu tjqqfc ab Ljcrbb? Lf kfca ab yes jimbtbi yfmjerf tf revvfcis rjlv tf kjcafv ab vglcx¡­¡± How should I express it? It was an unpleasantly quiet and dark atmosphere. The ghost-like stillness was different from the university during the day which was always lively. The large buildings and parks where students left seemed to emphasize that this was just a temporary place. An ownerless space where people in need come in and out like low tide. Maybe I felt this way because I didn¡¯t belong to a university. What a lonely place this was. And as someone else who shouldn¡¯t be here, I sat on the bench feeling uncomfortable as if I were wearing the wrong shoes. However, Hansoo, who was supposed to be back soon, did not come out even after more than two hours. I thought about visiting the office again, but I didn¡¯t go there on purpose. It wasn¡¯t because I was afraid I would see Hansoo there but I didn¡¯t want to visit him again because he didn¡¯t seem to want to meet me. Was it funnier to keep waiting for a guy who didn¡¯t want to come out? It was when I decided to stand up with a blank mind 30 minutes later that I heard footsteps stopping nearby. I could see Hansoo with a frown on his face under the dim streetlight. ¡°Why are you still here?¡± I got up from my seat looking at Hansoo standing at a distance. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you.¡± ¡°Why? Isn¡¯t it obvious that I didn¡¯t want to meet you since I didn¡¯t come? You should¡¯ve just left. Or try calling me.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know your phone number.¡± ¡°¡­¡± In an instant, Hansoo¡¯s face changed as if he was dumbfounded. ¡°You don¡¯t know my phone number? Ha¡­ Then again. You didn¡¯t seem interested in me anyway.¡± He muttered to himself, and asked in an annoyed voice. ¡°Why did you come all the way here?¡± It was completely different from the usual him who always smiled and acted intimate, but I was more comfortable dealing with this kind of rejection. He must have been a little awkward because he wanted to get close with me. When I realized it, I couldn¡¯t understand more about myself right now. ¡°I heard you quit. Is that true?¡± I asked after a short pause and Hansoo¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Yes. Are you here to confirm it?¡± ¡°Why are you quitting?¡± It¡¯s not the first time he¡¯s got camera phobia, he had been preparing to be an actor for several years. I was going to add those obvious words, but he opened his mouth coldly. ¡°It has nothing to do with Lee Yoohan.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If that¡¯s what you came here for, I¡¯m going in now.¡± ¡°Myeongshin.¡± I was hesitant to bring out these words so I kept my mouth shut for a moment. However, seeing Hansoo¡¯s expressionless stare, I continued my words. ¡°Myeongshin did it. He deliberately called the camera to be brought to the theater to sabotage you.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, that doesn¡¯t change the fact that I¡¯m a fool. Even if a fool like me had divine luck, I no longer want to do this anymore. Or do you want me to get revenge like you?¡± His retort left me silent. To be honest, I thought that he would be angry that I brought up Myeongshin. But when I saw Hansoo¡¯s unsmiling face, I realized that I didn¡¯t know anything about him. No, I thought I knew. Not only Hansoo, but everyone else whom I thought I could lead in the direction I need to go. ¡°I¡¯m a fool so I can¡¯t take revenge. I don¡¯t even have the ability to do that. So please stop worrying about it and mind your own business and work hard. We weren¡¯t even that close, were we?¡± Hansoo¡¯s last words were heard particularly clearly. Ah, right. We weren¡¯t close. I hadn¡¯t even thought of that. I didn¡¯t know Hansoo particularly well. ¡°Goodbye.¡± Hansoo mumbled, turned his back and disappeared. The conversation ended in less than a minute after waiting for two hours, but it was not in vain. I looked around again and realized that there was no one around. I saw Hansoo as the consequences of what I had done. If I hadn¡¯t decided to take revenge, he might not have been so detested by Myeongshin and would not have broken down like this. Even if that was the result that would have happened anyway, it was certain that it came about more quickly because of me. The reason why I felt so responsible and concerned about this was because¡­ Right, he was ¡®Hansoo¡¯. I remembered the unpleasant feeling I had that followed me when he introduced himself on the first day we met. I guess I am pretty sentimental too. After a day or two of absence, I visited Alice¡¯s Labyrinth and the manager guided me to the boss¡¯s office first. I had a hunch that he was going to call for me, so I was preparing myself in advance. It was obvious that he was going to tell me to give it a shot with the madman. Anyway, I had something to ask the madman so I planned to end the conversation with the boss quickly. But I was at a loss for words from his unexpected first greeting. ¡°You came from working at the gas station today too.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Huhu, no need to be so surprised by my deduction skills all the time. That aside, do you have a good plan?¡± What plan? He immediately noticed the question that appeared on my face. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m talking about revenge, revenge! You have to bring that punk down right now!¡± The boss waved his clenched fists. ¡°So when are you going to bring him down?¡± ¡°¡­ After all preparations are complete.¡± The truth is, there was still a long way to go before I could bring Myeongshin down. Fortunately, the overexcitement faded from his face. ¡°Preparation? Hmm, making Dream¡¯s Director¡­ Yoon a sponsor? Hey¡­ Baekwon doesn¡¯t know who Director Yoon is, do you?¡± When I affirmed, he said, ¡®Of course¡¯ with a strange expression on his face. Why was he reacting strangely whenever we talked about Director Yoon? Moreover, with those restless eyes. ¡°Do you have anything to say about Director Yoon?¡± When I asked, he coughed in vain to hide his embarrassment. ¡°Hmmm, no, I don¡¯t have anything to say¡­¡± So there was something he really wanted to say. This time I narrowed my eyes and stared at him, and he secretly avoided his gaze and changed the subject. ¡°A-Ask Jay about the Director Yoon. Well, if you want to approach Director Yoon, it would be better to get to know Jay. No, no one else but Jay.¡± He said the same thing as the madman. These two were quite close, weren¡¯t they? ¡°Are the two of you old friends?¡± ¡°¡­ Something similar?¡± ¡°Similar? Are you relatives?¡± ¡°Not relatives.¡± He let out a suspicious voice as I watched him crinkle his face as if he was uncomfortable. ¡°Are you two close?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! It¡¯s like we¡¯re one flesh!¡± The boss raised his voice with excitement, but soon lowered his voice with a cough. ¡°Hmmm, well, close to that extent.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Ah, it¡¯s true?¡± I guessed he was hiding something from his squeaky voice. I nodded my head to say I understood. ¡°Is the boss also close with Director Yoon?¡± ¡°Of course we¡¯re close. Director Yoon is¡­¡± Is¡­? I wanted to hear the next word, but the president swallowed the word and changed the topic. ¡°You¡¯ll find out later, why didn¡¯t you come yesterday?¡± It¡¯s not enough to get an attendance check from the madman, and now I had to get it from the boss too. I sighed and replied that I had something going on. Then he replied that it wasn¡¯t a big deal. ¡°Is that so? Sounds like someone you know is going through something and you¡¯ve been told to mind your own business.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°More importantly, today¡­¡± ¡°How did you know?¡± I subconsciously blurted out a stern question. Frankly, it was creepy. His casually spewing words stabbed all the points where I was uncomfortable. However, the president still spoke casually. ¡°You said you had something going on. From Baekwon¡¯s personality, you don¡¯t seem like you particularly care about anyone. So since you couldn¡¯t have said kind words to the other person, the result is obvious. The other person must have cut you off and told you to mind your own business in a bad mood.¡± He added indifferently, explaining quickly as if tired. ¡°It¡¯s not something unexpected so it¡¯s no big deal right? Let¡¯s focus on our Jay more than that.¡± Then he held out a business card. ¡°Go there, Jay is waiting for you. Can you hold your liquor? Jay is rather innocent so he¡¯s a lightweight. I think there¡¯s a party over here, so go and have a drink instead. It¡¯s a chance to get to know each other a little while holding each other¡¯s hands and hugging each other so that the other guys can¡¯t even touch him, hm?¡± I couldn¡¯t perceive the smiling face of the boss, who spoke nonsense innocently. Even though I knew that this person was not that formidable, I was surprised yet again. It was also true that it hit the nail on the head unexpectedly, but this time, one more thing surprised me. Or rather, It would be more correct to say that I realized it. The boss was moved to tears by my story, but the most important person to him was the madman. Someone I should pay more attention to, according to him. But why would he be willing to set me up with that man without any hesitation? I was only now stupidly asking a simple question that I should have thought of first. ¡°Why are you trying to set me up with Jay whom you adore so much?¡± The president who was grinning with his imagination running wild then slowly turned solemn. If he had answered, ¡°I want to help you,¡± I might have been offended and stood up. Fortunately, I got an honest answer. ¡°Because you¡¯re the one Jay is interested in.¡± ¡°You mean it doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s a man?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the first time in five years that he¡¯s shown an interest in someone,even if it¡¯s a rotten opportunity, shouldn¡¯t I grab onto it?¡± ¡­ So I¡¯m the rotten opportunity. ¡°Normally, if anyone approaches him, he either buries him cleanly or crushes him to the point where they can¡¯t get out of the house. Baekwon is the first person he cherished enough to bring into his place of work.¡± Confusion came the second time I heard the word ¡®cherished¡¯. Maybe I was misunderstanding what that word meant? ¡°Besides, after hearing Lee Baekwon¡¯s story, I couldn¡¯t help but help you. It¡¯s not that I was touched or anything like that.¡± He hardened his face, but the corners of his eyes were already moist. ¡°Fortunately, I also liked Baekwon¡¯s personality.¡± ¡°How many times have you seen me?¡± ¡°Huhu, that¡¯s what I like about you.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°In normal circumstances, if someone says they would help, one would see it as a good opportunity and take advantage of it, but you ask why. You¡¯re so honest that the other person might even take their offer of help back because they were offended.¡± ¡°Nothing is free in the world. So I couldn¡¯t completely understand it.¡± The boss smiled again. But it was a smile that felt different from before. This time, I was sure that the smile was similar to that of the madman. ¡°Lee Baekwon.¡± I heard a kind and soft voice, but I only trusted the eyes of the other person who wasn¡¯t smiling. Questions that entered my ears were filtered like sand and spread inside. ¡°Do you believe that people can change?¡± ¡°No.¡± I answered without hesitation. Then, a satisfied smile spread in the eyes of the boss. ¡°I think so too. People don¡¯t change. That¡¯s why even if you were shitty in the past, no matter how much you improved, your nature hasn¡¯t changed, that¡¯s why you¡¯re getting revenge. If you¡¯ve really changed, you shouldn¡¯t want to avenge yourself.¡± ¡°What does that have to do with my question?¡± ¡°That is the reason. I believe that people don¡¯t change, so it doesn¡¯t matter if you¡¯re a man as long as Jay shows interest in you.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. If you think I haven¡¯t changed, shouldn¡¯t you want to keep me farther away¡­¡± ¡°I think you¡¯re mistaken, but you¡¯re not the one whom I believe hasn¡¯t changed.¡± For a moment, I felt like I had been hit by cold water. The boss realized what I had realized and let out a bitter laugh. ¡°Because I want Jay to be able to genuinely smile like he used to.¡± CH 25 I felt like I heard something I shouldn¡¯t know. I became certain after hearing the boss¡¯s wish. ¡®If it¡¯s Lee Baekwon, I have high expectations that you might be able to bring out the old Jay.¡¯ That¡¯s nonsense. The idea that the madman was able to genuinely smile in the past was already weird, but it didn¡¯t make any sense for me to be able to bring that part of him out. With a frown on my face, I closed the door to the boss¡¯s office and left. I brushed it off because he was a person who said a lot of strange things, but I didn¡¯t feel refreshed. Then I remembered the business card in my hand. The boss had said the madman would be there. I suddenly didn¡¯t want to go, but I forced myself to turn to the stairs because I had something to do. Then someone called me from behind. ¡°Lee Baekwon, this way.¡± The manager pointed in the opposite direction to the stairs with a robot-like smile. I looked at my business card with my body half turned. ¡°I was told to go there.¡± ¡°I know, but before that, the boss asked me to change your uniform.¡± I looked down at the clothes I was wearing and asked him. ¡°Does this look like a uniform?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°¡­ Let¡¯s go.¡± When I followed him into a room at the end of the hallway, there were clothes all over the room, like a clothing store. ¡°It¡¯s the clothes we give to the employees who work here.¡± The manager who went in first explained and he looked back at me. As if gesturing to me to choose something, I picked up the black suit closest to me without looking at it. Then the manager immediately spoke up. ¡°Do you want me to pick one for you?¡± What are you talking about? Can¡¯t you see what I picked? ¡°I¡¯ll take this.¡± I held up a suit in my hand, but he didn¡¯t budge and took out another suit as if he had looked for it in advance and brought it in front of me. ¡°How about this?¡± I looked at him and his clothes, and asked. ¡°Did the boss decide this in advance?¡± The smile that hung like a habit on the tip of the manager¡¯s lips widened in an instant. However, he returned to his original disposition and nodded his head. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°¡­ Give it to me.¡± As I took the clothes he gave me, I suddenly remembered and asked. ¡°Why are you helping me?¡± ¡°Because I was ordered to.¡± You don¡¯t need a tie, I heard him add as I pulled out a colourful tie. ¡°I think Lee Baekwon is interesting too.¡± Qtfc P tfjgv j mbwqilwfca obg atf olgra alwf lc ws ilof, P abbx boo ws mibatfr ogbw atf tjcufg jcv gjlrfv ws tfjv. ¡°¡­ Tfr, atja cjwf jibcf lr lcafgfralcu.¡± Cr P megrfv Off Djfx-kbc, ktb tjv yfmbwf ilxf ws gfji cjwf, P tfjgv j rboa nblmf. ¡°P jirb ilxf sbeg tbcfras.¡± Honesty? When I asked with my eyes, I heard an explanation. ¡°I can see that you hate the Director. At least, you¡¯re not putting up a pretense in front of the Director.¡± That¡¯s not a big deal, I¡¯m about to reply, but he continued saying the third reason. ¡°Of course, the Director cherishes you enough to bring you here, that¡¯s another reason.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª Unlike women, the way men could dress was simple. They just need to wear a decent suit. The important thing is that it should fit the body well. The president of a loan company I worked for in the past took me and helped me pick out a suit the first day I came in. Your opponent won¡¯t be able to ignore you if you wear a suit that fits you well. Thanks to him who paid attention to dress unlike a loan shark, I learned to see clothes that fit my body well. Maybe that¡¯s why the suit I wore for the first time in 5 years didn¡¯t feel awkward. And because I was dressed properly, I wasn¡¯t banned from the entrance of a high-end bar this time. The strange thing was that I went inside. I gave the madman¡¯s name and asked to be shown inside, but the server didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Han Jay? There is no such person¡­¡± He tilted his head, but I was not disappointed. Because no one would intentionally reveal their name in a bar unless it¡¯s an appointment anyway. Then, did the madman not know that I was coming? ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear from Alice¡¯s Labyrinth?¡± ¡°Ah~ Alice Labyrinth. Did you come from there?¡± The politeness he had been treating customers with disappeared, and he smirked. ¡°You should have said that right away. Hmm, but¡­¡± He scanned me from my feet to my head and muttered. ¡°You seem a little more average than the people who usually come from there. Oh, it¡¯s not that you¡¯re ugly, there are so many people from Alice Labyrinth who look like celebrities. I heard that celebrities go there?¡± He asked, but I couldn¡¯t answer because I was busy thinking about something else. According to his words, others had come from Alice¡¯s Labyrinth under the madman¡¯s orders too. The president¡¯s words ran through my mind. ¡®Jay is a little naive, he¡¯s also a lightweight. I think there¡¯s a party over here, so go and have a drink instead.¡¯ Was it true that he couldn¡¯t hold his liquor? Still in disbelief, I followed the waiter leading me to the room. It wasn¡¯t quite like Alice¡¯s Labyrinth, but I also had to turn in the hallway here and there and went deep inside. The employee glanced back and chatted. ¡°Besides, a lot of real celebrities come. In particular, I heard that the actors from Dream even hold meetings there? Is XXX really that handsome? Hmm, I thought he would look like a foreigner in real life.¡± I didn¡¯t say anything back, but he didn¡¯t mind and continued talking. Where were we going anyway? As I began to feel strange, he opened a door that looked like that of a warehouse in a remote corner. ¡°This is the waiting room. You can wait here until you¡¯re called.¡± At this point, I realized that I had to give the necessary explanation, no matter how bothersome it was. ¡°I¡¯m not here to apply¡­¡± ¡­ So please guide me to the room where there is someone like the madman. The explanation that was about to come out was cut off by the voices of women from inside. ¡°¡­ Mhm, did you see that too? It was better to watch it on TV. Why did you come here? I heard secretly that there was a high-ranking person from Dream, so I came here. With just one word from him, it seems like a normal person can debut right away and get a lead role in a drama.¡± ¡°Really? Is he that great?¡± An unfamiliar woman¡¯s voice was heard as she asked. ¡°Yes. Director Yoon, the big shot of Dream.¡± Director Yoon? ¡°Do you have anything to say?¡± I shook my head, turning my eyes to the waiter who was holding the door. ¡°No. I will wait here.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª It wasn¡¯t difficult to know where Director Yoon¡¯s room was. All I had to do was say to any of the employees, ¡®I was asked to change the glass in the room where Dream Director Yoon is.¡¯ and follow the waiter with a new cup. At the far end of a narrow hallway with rooms on either side. Like a king with his servants hanging on either side, there was a door larger than the others in front. After checking the room, the waitress disappeared and moved on. Standing in front of the door, grabbing the handle, I lowered my hand and raised it again. Knock, knock. The small knock ran through my tense hands and into my body. I had no plans of what I was going to do. I just wanted to take a look. No, the purpose was to check the face at the very least. There was no answer from inside, but after counting to five inside, I raised my hand to open the door. But before I could grab the handle, I heard a sharp voice from afar. ¡°Who are you to enter that room?¡± My hand stopped in mid-air and stayed still. I could tell without turning my head, behind me was Myeongshin. ¡°Hey, who are you?¡± The carpet absorbed the sound, but the approaching footsteps were clearly felt behind my back. That short time felt like a few hours. And when I heard the prompt again, I was frozen like ice. ¡°Can you not understand human words?¡± The voice that came close seemed to grab my shoulder at any moment. Dozens of thoughts ran through my head as I slowly lowered my hand. Neither one was suitable for the plan because it was not time to meet Myeongshin yet. I hesitated because I couldn¡¯t make a decision, but Myeongshin¡¯s murmuring made a chill run down my spine. ¡°Hey, are you an aspiring actor? I knew it when you knocked. Fuck, you must have heard some information from somewhere, but that¡¯s not your place to enter. Hurry up and scram.¡± Without realizing it, my lips twisted. I turned around to give the answer I wanted, regardless of what I was exposing. However, as my body was halfway turning, I couldn¡¯t turn my head. Click. The door that didn¡¯t answer my knock suddenly opened. In an instant, a tall man faced me from a distance closer than Myeongshin. I looked up but froze again. Why¡­? I couldn¡¯t let out the astonishment that lingered on the tip of my tongue, and made eye contact with the madman who was looking at me. He looked down at me with a blank expression on his face, then lifted his eyes and turned towards the person behind me. There was silence for a moment, and the bewildered Myeongshin¡¯s voice was heard. ¡°Hello. I¡¯m seeing you here, what a wonderful coincidence¡­¡± ¡°Why are you here only now?¡± I could hear the voice of the madman cutting off Myeongshin¡¯s words. However, I did not understand who he was asking because he was facing Myeongshin while asking. But after he finished speaking, he lowered his eyes to me. The corner of his mouth curled up slowly. Was it because I was looking at it up close? It was a familiar smile, but I couldn¡¯t help but avert my eyes. The only reason I could barely lift my eyes was because of his voice, which was lowered like a whisper. ¡°What will you give me as a reward for waiting?¡± What? I opened my eyes wide in surprise, a strong force wrapped around the back of my head. Without realizing what the situation was, someone else¡¯s body temperature touched my lips. The last thing I remember was taking a breath. I only came to my senses from the loud noise in my ear. Bang! The door closed behind my back. Suddenly, he grabbed my waist and dragged me into the room. The feeling of my body, which was hardened like cement, returned as my mind woke up to reality. Firstly, I tightened my hands. I firmly pushed the other¡¯s shoulder who was holding onto me tightly. However, the madman¡¯s body did not fall off as easily as intended. Rather, his arms around my waist pulled me closer. With my lips already blocked, the stuffiness increased, making it difficult for me to breathe. In addition, the shock of who I was kissing with and the fact that I couldn¡¯t push the other person with my strength was mixed, and I was quite startled unlike my usual self. Because of that, there was no time in my head to think about the reason why Myeongshin or Director Yoon appeared in Director Yoon¡¯s room, who might still be behind the door. All I could think of was that I had to get out of the shameful kiss right away. Maybe that¡¯s why, when I opened my mouth, I forgot where I was and started swearing. ¡°Damn it, all of a sudden¡­¡± ¡°The promised time has passed, but shouldn¡¯t we go now, CEO Kim?¡± I stopped the hand that was pushing his shoulder at the question that came out of his mouth casually. In an instant, I realized that the question I did not understand was addressed to someone else. Yes, this was the room where Director Yoon was. I swallowed the words I was about to spit out and quickly turned my stiff face away. But there was no need to turn my head to look inside the room that the madman was blocking. The arm that had wrapped around my waist loosened, and he took a step back, and the interior of the room entered my eyes. A man in his 50¡¯s and a woman in her early 20¡¯s, sat with their mouths half-opened in surprise. When our eyes met, the two immediately showed opposite reactions. The man threw an unbelievable glance, and the woman showed an undisclosed annoyance. Still, they had something in common. The fact that all of us, including myself, could not open our mouths in embarrassment. However, we were all embarrassed for different reasons. At least, my heart was hardening to the point of being almost in shock. Why were these people the only ones in the room? After passing the two of them and looking around the room, I stopped looking at the madman standing in front of me. Director Yoon? Why was there no one here who looked like Director Yoon? My head was so stiff that I couldn¡¯t even think of a guess about the answer. Thanks to him, I had no choice but to look at the madman who opened his mouth without saying anything. The only one that didn¡¯t seem bothered, he completely turned his body to face the two of them. In a cold voice that was contrary to his smiling face, he spoke to the man he had called CEO Kim. ¡°Or do you have any business left?¡± ¡°Ah, no¡­ I don¡¯t have any more business, but¡­¡± ¡°I think we¡¯ve talked enough about your niece whom you¡¯ve introduced.¡± So get out now. Even I, as the third party, could understand the hidden meaning behind his words. However, because of the title of ¡®niece¡¯ that the madman referred to, I automatically looked at the woman. A top that exposes the breasts and a short miniskirt that seemed like she would expose her panties if she moved a little. In that state, she sat next to CEO Kim with her thighs crossed. Anyone could tell that it was a pair of a young lover and a wealthy man. If she really was his niece, the only thing I could say was that CEO Kim¡¯s love for his relatives was great. ¡°Ah, thank you for that. This kid wants to enter Dream a lot, and I think she has a lot of talent, so if Director Yo¡ª¡± ¡°If DIrector Yoon has an eye for talent, he will recognise it immediately.¡± The madman specifically emphasized the word ¡°Director Yoon¡±. So where was Director Yoon? I felt frustrated as if there was something I hadn¡¯t seen, but President Kim¡¯s reaction was a bit strange. ¡®What?¡¯ He made a face as if he didn¡¯t understand. His reaction signaled to me that something was wrong. However, the feeling that something was wrong subsided yet again by the madman¡¯s next words. ¡°She must have an interview at the company to get a proper evaluation from Director Yoon. Do you know what I mean?¡± At the words that came out with a smile, President Kim nodded his head, saying ¡®Ah~¡¯. ¡°Haha, yes, yes. You speak in a roundabout way. I know what you mean. She has to go through a formal interview with the company, right? Then, thank you. I¡¯m sure ¡®Director Yoon¡¯ will take good care of her in the interview.¡± After emphasizing Director Yoon just like the madman did, he smirked and whispered something to the woman. I couldn¡¯t hear very well, but it was like, ¡®It¡¯s almost done¡¯. Perhaps the woman used CEO Kim to enter Dream, to look good to Director Yoon. But now, Director Yoon was not in this room, right? Along with the question, something strange came to mind again. I felt like I was making a big mistake right now. Director Yoon probably left the room first, and the madman who was apparently close to him was here. There was nothing strange about this guess. However, even after drawing that seemingly easy conclusion, that weird feeling did not go away. At that moment, CEO Kim got up from his seat and took the woman to the front and talked to her. ¡°I¡¯m treating today, so why not stay and play more? Of course I¡¯m going now as promised, but if my niece stays and chat with you¡­¡± He turned his squinted eyes to me at this moment. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m sorry to ask you this, but did you like men?¡± ¡°Is that important?¡± The madman added with a smile. ¡°There¡¯s nothing funnier than asking for preference in this industry.¡± ¡®That¡¯s true but¡­¡¯ President Kim muttered in bewilderment, then glanced at me from below with narrowed eyes. Judging by his gaze, he seemed to regard me as a male hostess. ¡°Actually, I was a little surprised. Kissing a man in front of another person¡­¡± ¡°A kiss isn¡¯t a big deal.¡± ¡°Not a big deal? Hmm¡­ I¡¯m curious. If a kiss isn¡¯t a big deal, what¡¯s your relationship with him?¡± At the question that contained a subtly sarcastic sneer, the madman curved his lips to form a dimple. Then he grabbed my arm and pulled me to his side, introducing me. ¡°Kissing isn¡¯t a big deal, so it¡¯s obvious. He¡¯s my nephew.¡± The woman¡¯s and CEO Kim¡¯s faces hardened like plaster. CH 26 Was it because I didn¡¯t have much relations with women? While the madman went out together to see off CEO Kim, the remaining ¡®nephew and niece¡¯ ignored each other as we sat on the sofa. There was an awkward silence, but I didn¡¯t care. I wasn¡¯t interested in women, and my mind was busy thinking about what clues I had missed that was making me feel insecure. However, whenever something strange like this was revealed, there was an obstacle that stood in the way. The madman¡¯s last name was Han. This alone could not have made him Director Yoon. And if you fit the situation into this fact, it made sense, but it was still strange. The only solution left was to see the real Director Yoon with my own eyes¡­ ¡°How did you seduce him?¡± Hearing the arrogant voice, I lifted my gaze from the table. The woman crossed her legs and arms, watching my face intently. ¡°Even though you¡¯re handsome, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s to the extent of making that person fall deeply. How did you seduce him?¡± The impatience in her questions made me remember the first time our gazes met. She looked at me with unpleasant eyes. It wasn¡¯t because she was displeased to see men kissing each other. She was annoyed towards her competitor. I just stared back silently, and she smirked. ¡°What, a trade secret? Seeing you being called to places like this means that you are also working here or trying to become a celebrity. Can¡¯t you tell me since we¡¯re in the same situation?¡± ¡°Curious?¡± She nodded several times and pushed her upper body forward. ¡°I am really curious. Men and women all rushed at him by all means, but I¡¯ve never heard of him grabbing someone like that. But what on earth did you do¡­¡± ¡°With money.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± ¡°I said I seduced him with money.¡± She blinked her eyes in silence for a moment, her mouth half-opened. ¡°H-how, with money?¡± She replied, stuttering as she didn¡¯t understand. ¡°I threw 200 won and he fell for it.¡± As soon as I finished speaking, the madman came into the room, he called on me as if to confirm my words. ¡°Hey, Lee Baekwon.¡± Astonishment appeared in the woman¡¯s eyes at my name. What did I say? That guy will fall for 200 won. Then an unexpected question came up. ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°The boss told me to come.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Instead of answering, I recalled the president and grumbled. He sent me here without the madman calling for me. It was obvious what he was trying to do. He kept saying he would set the two of us up. And came up with an excuse¡­ ¡°What did he say?¡± ¡°He said you¡­ can¡¯t drink alcohol, and for me to drink in your stead.¡± Whether he was speechless or because I had hit the nail on the head, the guy just smiled and looked at me for a while. ¡°So do you drink well?¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± It wasn¡¯t something to hide so I answered right away, but he put on an ominous smile. ¡°Alright. Remember it well.¡± Should I not have said that? I was starting to regret it, but he continued. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say thank you to me by the way?¡± ¡°Why do I have to say thank you?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t get caught.¡± P aegcfv ws ujhf ab atf wjvwjc jcv gfwfwyfgfv Zsfbcurtlc, ktbw P tjv obgubaafc obg j ktlif. P tjvc¡¯a ubaafc mjeuta ys tlw. Kb yf tbcfra, la kbeivc¡¯a tjnf wjaafgfv abb wemt lo P ojmfv Zsfbcurtlc ja atja alwf, yea lo P vlv, la kbeiv yf vlrjqqblcalcu. Dfmjerf P kbeiv yf gfnfjilcu atf ofk mjgvr atja P tjv. But in that situation, the madman appeared. Maybe I was incredibly lucky. Still, I didn¡¯t want to say thank you. Because the opponent was the madman. As if he knew how I was feeling, he twisted his lip happily. ¡°Don¡¯t say it doesn¡¯t matter if you get caught. I know that you still want to save that opportunity. You want to get to know the other person a little bit more, prepare, and then let them know. That way, it¡¯s even more fun.¡± ¡°Right. You know well.¡± When I replied dryly, the guy smirked. ¡°Same for me. I want to save it up some more. Although it won¡¯t last long.¡± ¡­ What? I mumbled, but instead of answering, he asked again. ¡°So the words ¡®thank you¡¯?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t like to say it, you can repay it with your body.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t mind getting punched.¡± A smirk hung from the corner of his lips as if something was funny. ¡°Ah, right. You¡¯re very shy. Don¡¯t worry. I will lead.¡± Did I really have to hit him with my fists so I didn¡¯t have to hear that word ¡®shy¡¯? Swallowing anger inwardly, I remembered the forgotten existence in the room and looked back. Her mouth, which was open from the conversation between me and her a while ago, still couldn¡¯t be shut. However, as my gaze turned back to the madman, she quickly straightened her expression and forced a smile. ¡°You two seem to be very close.¡± ¡°It¡¯s natural to be close with your nephew, right?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Do you have anything left to say?¡± If not, get out. The madman¡¯s annoyed voice conveyed his inner intentions. However, the woman did not want to miss this opportunity, so she got up from her seat and moved to his side. She sat close to him without leaving a gap so that her exposed, fair thighs touched him. ¡°I also want to say thank you for today¡¯s work. With my body as much as possible.¡± She glanced at me, pressed her chest forward and stroked his thigh. Perhaps because the madman stared at her without a reaction, she gained courage and boldly grabbed his hand and raised it over her own chest. ¡°I am also very shy. Ha¡­ will you touch me?¡± A sexy sigh flowed from her, and a dry answer was heard. ¡°Why? Do your hands not work?¡± The woman¡¯s breathing stopped as if cold water had been poured all over her. As she remained still, holding the madman¡¯s hand with an expression saying ¡®Did I hear it wrong?¡¯, he pulled out his hand and confirmed it. ¡°Or are you a fool and don¡¯t know how to move your hands? Go out and practice in the mirror. What are you doing, not going out?¡± At the last cold command, the woman jumped and left. Bang! I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off the door as the sound of the door closing resounded, but a heavy weight came up on my shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. Just follow my lead.¡± Before I could turn my head to the whisper in my ear, his arms around my shoulders pulled me closer. His other hand was already groping my chest. What, does this mean I¡¯m the fool? ¡ª¡ª¡ª I thought I was an idiot. I was forcibly kissed in the name of expressing my gratitude, so I forgot what I had been meaning to ask when I met up with the madman. I left the office earlier than usual and started to reread the script I had read from the front. What I wanted to ask him was about the director of the film. Even though it was mixed with other works, he definitely showed interest in this director, so I thought I would know more. This screenplay was his last film. ¡°Oh? Taemin, did you come early?¡± When I lifted my head, the manager sat in front of me with a bright face that I had not seen in a few days. A conference room with only tables and chairs that could seat only 4 or 5 people was now used as a workplace. It was minimal space given to the manager who was in charge of only one trainee. If there was someone else who needed it, I had to vacate it right away, but here he taught me to practice script-reading every day and used the laptop to show me the materials necessary for acting. He always came before me. I guess I was in a good mood today because I came ahead of time and was watching the scenario. ¡°Are you reading something interesting?¡± When I showed him the title, he tilted his head and said, ¡®This is the first time I¡¯ve heard of this title!¡¯ Then, he took the initiative and praised the day we had practiced and chatted about this and that. It seemed that his cheery mood had subsided over the past few days, probably because of Hansoo, but today it was back to normal. But I could feel the awkwardness in it. As if he was trying to force himself to act as usual. He didn¡¯t talk about it, but I knew that he kept waiting for calls and left voicemails to Hansoo several times a day. So I was a little hesitant if I could bring up Hansoo now. I wonder if it was just that I was expecting too much. Wouldn¡¯t it be better for me to just ask the madman and solve it on my own? For this reason, I only listened to the manager¡¯s chatter, but while he was talking, he suddenly stopped. I looked over and noticed that he looked down at the desk. The cell phone was in his hand, hanging over his lap, and he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the text he had just received. ¡°Did Hansoo send it?¡± ¡°Huh? ah¡­¡± The manager was startled and raised his head, making a bitter smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve been calling him for the past few days, but he hasn¡¯t answered. But¡­ he just said that he was sorry.¡± He lowered his head again and looked at the text. I knew that if you work hard and go through hard times, you become good at one thing; keeping your real feelings inside. For some reason, I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off the manager who blankly looked at the letters saying sorry. ¡°Manager.¡± He lifted his eyes helplessly, and I spoke the name of the director who wrote the screenplay. When asked if he knew him, the manager thoughtlessly nodded his head. ¡°Yes. I know PD Jung.¡± PD? When I asked if he was a film director, the manager explained. ¡°He was originally a drama producer. But maybe it was his dream to become a film director, so he quit the company and went over to movies. When he was a drama producer, he made a lot of popular works, so I¡¯ve seen him often. To be precise, I went over every day to ask for just one role. But what about PD Jung?¡± ¡°Can you go back and ask one more time?¡± ¡°Hm? Do you want to be in PD Jung¡¯s movie?¡± Instead of answering, I opened up a part of the screenplay and handed it to him. ¡°There¡¯s an interesting role.¡± He read aloud the description of the character I pointed to. ¡°An actor who cannot act when the camera is on due to panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder¡­¡± Unable to read any more, he remained silent, and after a while he widened his eyes. ¡°Hey, this¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s a supporting role that doesn¡¯t appear very often. So it¡¯s worth a try, isn¡¯t it? Because we can just use reality as it is. It might become better if he acts while being conscious that he can¡¯t act in front of a camera. Real camera phobia. Of course, before that, the director has to show interest.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Can we try it out?¡± As if he had stopped breathing, he suddenly exhaled and whispered. ¡°¡­I can bring him. The director, I can bring him at any cost. But Hansoo¡­¡± He cut off his words dryly. ¡°I¡¯ll convince Hansoo.¡± How? Instead of answering the questioning eyes, I remembered the day I met Hansoo. ¨C Even if a fool like me had divine luck, I no longer want to do this anymore. Or do you want me to get revenge like you? His luck is found, so he¡¯s halfway there. There¡¯s half left. How will that guy react? When he hears about luck and chance that came to him. Although it¡¯s by no means a pleasant coincidence to me. Habits that have been accustomed to the body for a long time are not easily changed. No matter how late I went to sleep, my eyes would open at 6 in the morning. The body automatically wakes up, but it doesn¡¯t happen easily every time. There is a temptation to lie down a little longer and close your eyes again. A desire to maintain this state whispers to the dazed mind, you can lie down a little longer. Even if it¡¯s a day late, it won¡¯t be a problem. Sweet words turn into strings and tie me to bed. Cutting them off and getting up is several times more difficult. However, you can always win small fights. And a feeling follows naturally. You bastard, do you want to feel comfortable just because you¡¯re still alive? Come to your senses, stand on your feet and taste self-hatred. I wake up completely when the goosebumps that I¡¯m alive spread throughout my body. As expected, this is also a feeling that I¡¯ve gotten used to. As I headed to the bathroom, I was soon filled with other thoughts. It had been 3 days since the manager went down to the provinces to bring PD Jung. Would he be contacted by today? It meant that I had to move now. Logistics to convince Hansoo must be in the right place today. ¡ª¡ª¡ª On the fourth floor of the building is a large office used by managers and company officials. Desks put close together, computers always switched on, phones ringing nonstop, printers and copiers working with a beeping sound. It was no different from a regular office, but more than half of the seats were always empty. Most of the vacancies were for managers of dozens of people. They stopped by once a day, even late at night or early in the morning, to report on the celebrity¡¯s schedule or progress. That was why the lights stayed on 24/7. Like my manager, if one went to the countryside for a few days, he would replace the in-person report with a phone call, but this time it was different. At 07:20 in the morning, I went to the office at the same time today as yesterday to report on behalf of the manager. On one side of the almost empty office, the night attendant looked at me with tired eyes and nodded in annoyance. I immediately turned my gaze to the monitor I was looking at, but the emotion I saw yesterday remained in his eyes. There was only one trainee and one inactive celebrity, so what kind of report are you making? Besides, this early in the morning? I could tell even if it didn¡¯t come out of his mouth, the tired gaze I had seen when I said that I had come on behalf of the manager. Because my manager had the same reaction when I said that I would publish a report instead. ¡®Hm? I don¡¯t really do the reports in the first place?¡¯ He even tried to stop me. However, I had to do it. Sitting in the manager¡¯s seat with the oldest computer in the corner, I said, ¡®Nothing special. It¡¯ll take less than a minute to write and send ¡°No schedule.¡± Of course, what I will do after that is my main purpose. When I turned my eyes, the person in charge was sitting with his buttocks out as if he was lying on a chair, concentrating on the monitor. I pushed the chair silently, got up, and moved to the seat I found yesterday. Memos cluttered here and there on partitions and desks, and schedules filled with calendars. I got down on my knees in front of the desk opposite to my manager, which was filled with dust. Occasionally looking at the person in charge, I turned on the computer and found the information I wanted. [Song Yoohan¡¯s schedule on x month x day] I looked at the detailed daily routine, such as a health club, a hairdresser, a meeting at a broadcasting station, and a meal at XX, and found something suitable at the bottom. ¡®Outdoor filming of dramas at XX Art Museum from 5pm¡¯ ¡ª¡ª¡ª Knowing that college classes weren¡¯t like high school students all day long, I didn¡¯t know if I would be able to meet Hansoo if I recklessly visited him. However, if I called ahead of time, Hansoo would avoid me on purpose, so there was a higher chance that I would not be able to meet him. So, I was prepared to wait for hours and headed to the office I went to last time, but I found that I didn¡¯t have to wait even a minute. 10 am. There might be no one because of class. I gave up halfway and opened the door, but there was only one person there. A man crouching down like an infant on a narrow two-seater sofa. Recognizing that Hansoo¡¯s face was half buried in the sofa, I moved forward. He seemed to have blacked out that he didn¡¯t even move when I approached him with a sound. As I stood in front of him, a faint smell of alcohol came up. No matter what I did, he wouldn¡¯t wake up. I raised my feet at the same time as I thought. Slam! Squeak! When I hit the sofa with my feet, it vibrated loudly and the sofa was pushed across the floor. Hansoo¡¯s body twitched at the sudden shaking, and immediately opened his eyes with a smile. ¡°¡­ Ah, what¡­¡± Slam!! Squeak~ ¡°Argh!¡± After the second time, the guy was startled and jumped up to his feet. ¡°W-what, who¡­ huh?¡± His head was pressed on one side, his face was puffy, and his eyes were unfocused. In a silly appearance, he froze. ¡°Why are you here¡­¡± He had just woken up and his mouth didn¡¯t work so his pronunciation was unclear. I looked down at him and lifted my feet again. But before the third kick, Hansoo jumped up from his seat. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Hansoo staggered for a moment as he stood up hastily, then shouted loudly. I looked at him completely standing up and got to the point. ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡± ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just do it, why are you kicking a sofa¡­¡± Slam! Clatter clang~ The empty sofa fell backwards with a loud noise as I kicked it. Seeing Hansoo stiffen, I spoke once more. ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡± Then he looked at me with serious eyes. ¡°¡­ About what?¡± ¡°6 o¡¯clock at XX Art Museum.¡± I just told him the time and place and when I turned around, he called me in a hurry. ¡°What are you talking about? I have nothing to say and I do not want to go.¡± Looking at his frown, I slowly looked around the inside of the office. ¡°It was a different university, but I stayed in a place like this for a few days. I sat down at school to find someone, and destroyed everything inside and made a fuss. So the students started coming at me. I broke one of the bones to set an example, but no one reported it to the police. I had the address book of that guy and the other students.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If I do it again now, there is nothing I can¡¯t do.¡± He opened his eyes wide in shock and I told him one more time. ¡°6 o¡¯clock at XX Art Museum.¡± CH 27 As part of class, I visited drama sets several times. I was just watching around like any other onlooker, but it was enough to get used to realizing that what I saw on TV was just the tip of the iceberg. Dozens of people and various filming equipment surround the actors seen on the monitor. I didn¡¯t know in detail what role they played, but since there were so many, it seems that it took quite a while to prepare. In addition, I learned that even if they started filming, the actual acting time was much longer than the time on the screen because the same scenes would be shot repeatedly with different cameras. So, although the filming was scheduled for 5 o¡¯clock, I thought it would be much later when Myeongshin was actually filmed, and I was right. Myeongshin appeared in the quiet outdoor exhibition hall on a weekday afternoon when it was almost 6 o¡¯clock, the time that I asked Hansoo to come. I was watching him from afar, starting with his makeup, when the phone rang. I almost burst out laughing when I saw that it was Hansoo¡¯s newly saved number. He had said he was going to quit completely, so it seemed that he hadn¡¯t deleted my number yet. When I pressed the call button, I heard Hansoo¡¯s voice. [¡­I¡¯m here.] Seeing that his voice was stiff, it seemed that he had seen the filming inside. He sounded annoyed that I deliberately called him to where the cameras were. ¡°Wait in the bathroom behind the annex.¡± After that, I heard a voice saying something, but I cut the call off and turned off my phone. Then I moved and walked closer to where Myeongshin was with a drink in my hand and a card I had prepared in my pocket. ¡°Excuse me.¡± After calling the nearby shooting staff, I pointed to Myeongshin. ¡°I¡¯m a fan, can you please give him this?¡± The staff took the feminine pink card along with the drink, thinking it was funny. Hiding in the corner of the building, I watched them approach Myeongshin. Myeongshin, who was getting his hair done after finishing his makeup, noticed the approaching steps and raised his head, and after a while, accepted it. He must have heard from the laughing staff that a male fan had sent it. Even if he didn¡¯t show it on the outside, I knew that these were words that would please Myeongshin. So of course, my expectation that he would look at the card first was right, as he unfolded the pink card in his hand. I turned around without watching what happened next. Because I already knew. His face must have been horribly contorted. The contents of the card must have been completely unexpected. ¡ª I have proof that you ruined my audition with the camera. If you don¡¯t want this to spread on the Internet and be shamed, go to the bathroom behind the annex right now by yourself. After the museum had already closed, the only thing left inside was the filming team. So no one came to the bathroom behind the annex far from the filming site. Except for Myeongshin walking in front of me. I followed him as he walked fast with a crumpled card in one hand. I walked at my own pace after seeing him disappear into the bathroom. Neither of the two will come out right away. One person must have a lot to say. Standing next to the open entrance, I could hear a loud voice resounding from the inside right away even if I didn¡¯t listen closely. ¡°Fuck, the Internet you say? Yeah, put it up, bastard. I don¡¯t know what evidence you have, but I¡¯m not scared at all. Are you threatening me when you¡¯re an idiot who can¡¯t do anything in front of the camera? Fucking hell! Do you want to die?¡± ¡°What are you talking about all of a sudden? I¡¯m waiting for someone here¡­¡± Hansoo, who was also agitated, blurted out the end of his words as if he remembered something. He must have vaguely noticed. Why did Myeongshin appear instead of me? When Hansoo stopped talking, Myeongshin¡¯s swears grew louder. ¡°Son of a bitch, if you call me out like this one more time, I¡¯ll send a knifed gangster, not a camera. Got it? Since we¡¯ve been close to each other before, be grateful that I only ended things there. I thought you were an absurd guy when you accepted the casting, but you¡¯re really acting up without knowing the subject. What kind of crazy director would cast an actor who can¡¯t stand in front of the camera? It¡¯s your fault for misunderstanding and accepting. Alright? I don¡¯t know what evidence you have¡­¡± ¡°That¡­ hyung really did that?¡± I heard Hansoo¡¯s stiff voice. ¡°You set up a casting that didn¡¯t even exist.¡± There was a silence for a while, and Myeongshin spat out ¡°fuck¡± in a lowered voice. That guy really got a lot of bad language, I recalled, as his threats continued. ¡°What did you just say? You¡¯re asking if I really did it? What sort of evidence do you have to be spouting lies like that? You really want to die¡­¡± But why did his ugly words sound so funny to me? I walked in while thinking. Tap, tap. My footsteps rang loudly on the tiled bathroom floor. After a few steps, I saw Myeongshin with his back to me, but I passed him as if I was just using the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. And I turned on the faucet as if my purpose was to wash my hands. Sshhh~ At the same time as the sound of the water flowing, I heard Myeongshin¡¯s threats become quieter as he whispered to the other person. ¡°If you don¡¯t really want to die, don¡¯t show up in front of¡­ me¡­¡± The sound completely disappeared as soon as the conversation faded. I felt a focused gaze on me as I washed my hands under running water with soap on my hands. I raised my head slowly on purpose. And in the mirror, my eyes met with the person who was looking at me from behind. It¡¯s just for a short while, less than a second. But we could clearly see each other¡¯s faces. No, I already knew him, so the other person must have confirmed it. For a brief moment, astonishment and surprise spread through Myeongshin¡¯s eyes. His eyes were dyed in darkness, as if the ink suddenly spread. And his pale face as if he had seen a ghost took a breath as soon as he confirmed that it was me. It was amazing that he recognized me right away. Have I not changed that much? I wanted to see more, but unfortunately his head turned away. Staring at him in the mirror, I turned off the noisy running faucet. In the silence as if no one was present, time stopped. As I slowly straightened my back and stared into the mirror, Myeongshin had turned around completely, with the sound of tapping footsteps. Then, he hurriedly left the bathroom. Myeongshin disappeared, exposing his embarrassment, but the sound of his footsteps echoed inside for a while. ¡°He must have really done something wrong.¡± When I turned around wiping my hands with a paper towel at Hansoo¡¯s voice, he pointed to the entrance where Myeongshin disappeared. ¡°Lf gjc jkjs ilxf atja jr rbbc jr tf rjk sbe.¡± P jirb aegcfv ws fsfr ab atf vbbgkjs. Qfii, la kjrc¡¯a pera atja. Ktf wbcfs tf abbx ogbw wf wjs tjnf yffc j iba bo wbcfs obg Zsfbcurtlc ja atf alwf, yea la kjr cba j ylu vfji cbk. Lf vlvc¡¯a tjnf ab gec jkjs lo tf atbeuta atf bcis kgbcu tf mbwwlaafv kjr atf wbcfs wjaafg. So the reason was simple. Maybe it was because the perception of the past was still there. As soon as he saw me, the feelings of the past that he was afraid of, enough to turn his head numb, would have risen without realizing it. Even if you think you¡¯ve forgotten an experience, it¡¯s bound to come up at some point. But when you meet again, the situation would have changed. I had time to organize the past fears I once felt, and now I¡¯ve adjusted to the changed present. Well, it doesn¡¯t matter. That way, it¡¯s more fun. ¡°Did you call me for this? To let me know that Myeongshin hyung did it?¡± It was not an angry voice. On the contrary, he sounded so calm that I speculated that my words might not work. Did the manager¡¯s appeal to his emotions not work? Looks like I had no choice but to be honest. Feeling bitter, I opened my mouth calmly. ¡°That¡¯s just a taste.¡± Hansoo frowned, knowing I was talking about Myeongshin. ¡°What do you mean a taste?¡± ¡°You said it yourself. That you didn¡¯t want to do this anymore even if a fool like you had divine luck. And I asked if you wanted revenge like me.¡± As if to confirm, he nodded slightly with an expression to show that he didn¡¯t understand. I tilted my head to the side, paused for a moment, and asked. ¡°Say it again. Do you really not want to do it even if you get lucky?¡± ¡°Why are you asking that¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s a director who wants a fool like you.¡± Hansoo¡¯s eyes grew big for a moment, but soon they were filled with distrust. ¡°I didn¡¯t come all this way to listen to jokes like that.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t come all the way here to play a joke on you.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What are you going to do?¡± ¡°You must be kidding. Damn, now that I think about it, what Myeongshin hyung said was right. It¡¯s like I didn¡¯t even know the subject and got ahead of myself. What director would want an actor with a camera phobia?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m saying it¡¯s lucky.¡± However, Hansoo could not believe it yet and did not lift his frown. ¡°What the hell are you talking about¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s a role that only you, who stiffens up in front of the camera, can do. So of course the director would want it, right?¡± As if holding his breath, Hansoo stared at me without moving. His wavering eyes showed what was inside of him. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ how could there be such a role¡­¡± ¡°There is. Appearance of a foolish actor like you. It¡¯s your job to shiver in front of the camera and expose your fear. Understand? The acting you want to do is the real you. Isn¡¯t it interesting? Your shortcomings may give you a chance and maybe even overcome it. If you still don¡¯t like this luck, you call the manager and say no. Because he is the one who¡¯s bringing the director.¡± ¡°!¡± ¡°But it¡¯s up to you to say no, but then know that what you¡¯re losing isn¡¯t just a chance to act.¡± After a while, Hansoo barely exhaled and whispered. ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s not just a chance to act?¡± What else would there be? I answered the question. ¡°Revenge.¡± Again, looking at the doorway where Myeongshin left, I added dryly. ¡°You¡¯re missing out on a chance to get revenge.¡± ¡°Do you think¡­ I will get revenge?¡± ¡°No. I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll get revenge. Of course you don¡¯t want to get revenge. But, you must be upset. Don¡¯t even think about lying that you weren¡¯t angry after hearing Myeongshin¡¯s words a while ago.¡± I looked at him and bit my lip. ¡°You don¡¯t have to take revenge. I will do it for you.¡± ¡°¡­ W-why? Is it because perhaps, you need me to get your revenge?¡± ¡°Are you stupid? There¡¯s no need for someone like you.¡± Hansoo shut his mouth again and looked at me with complicated eyes. Sure, he wouldn¡¯t understand. To be honest, there were parts that even I still didn¡¯t understand. About the reason I was doing this. ¡°I just want to.¡± While muttering, I suddenly wondered if it was the so-called ¡®fate¡¯ or a bad coincidence. Whatever it was, it was unpleasant to me. ¡°You don¡¯t like me very much. When we first met, you kept your distance so much that you didn¡¯t even like to be called hyung.¡± ¡°It is still the same. I hate when you call me hyung.¡± I looked into the eyes of the man who was surprised and did not understand, and let out a dry voice. ¡°There¡¯s something about you that I don¡¯t like.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°¡­ Name.¡± Damn coincidence or fate. ¡°You have the same name as my brother.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª My prediction that the manager would solve the problem in three days was correct. As I was walking from the darkened art museum to the subway, I got a phone call. [PD Jung and I will go to Seoul early tomorrow.] As if he had finally persuaded him, there was excitement in his voice. He had left at dawn and arrived at some time, and PD Jung was busy with work, so he had to go back down after a day. I just replied with ¡®yes, yes¡¯ but I knew that the other person wanted to hear something different from me. It was only after the trivial report that the hesitant question which seemed difficult to put into words was heard. [By the way¡­ have you met Hansoo?] I stopped walking slowly while looking at the phone and turned his body halfway. Hansoo, who had followed me silently from the museum, was looking down at the floor as if lost in thought. Then he felt something, raised his head and met my eyes. ¡°Yes.¡± When I answered the manager, I heard a question that did not hide the urgency this time. [What did he say? Will he listen to your persuasion? Does he want to give it a try?] Instead of telling him what he wanted, I took my phone from my ear and held it forward. When I suddenly stretched out my arms, Hansoo, surprised, looked at the phone and blinked. ¡°You want me to take it?¡± I nodded. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°Manager.¡± He stiffened for a moment, but Hansoo slowly reached out his hand and picked up the phone. After a while, I heard a voice from him saying, ¡®It¡¯s Hansoo,¡¯ and started walking back to the train station. Maybe it was because the phone call was long, so I had to wait a long time at the entrance of the train station before I could see Hansoo following me. It was rush hour, so the entrance was crowded with people coming and going. I was standing in the corner of the sidewalk that was messy so as not to get in the way, but he recognized me right away and approached me. ¡°Tomorrow¡­¡± Hansoo stopped and hesitated for a moment without making eye contact with me. ¡°I have an interview tomorrow.¡± After finishing his words, the guy raised his gaze and added calmly. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe that I¡¯d be so lucky, but I¡¯m not going to run away.¡± Is that so? Staring at his dry eyes, I reached out my hand for the phone. I didn¡¯t want this to change the way he felt me. It was especially uncomfortable because I brought up my story for this job. Perhaps realizing what I meant, Hansoo quietly looked at me and handed me his phone. ¡°Thanks, Taemin hyung.¡± I paused. I raised my eyes while gripping the phone halfway, but he smiled shyly. ¡°Is that okay? I¡¯m attaching ¡®hyung¡¯ to your stage name instead of your real name, so you won¡¯t confuse it with your younger brother.¡± ¡°I still hate it.¡± I let out a low breath and grabbed the phone as if it were stolen. However, despite my actions, the smile did not disappear from his lips. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll call you hyung after I get to know you a little more. For now, I¡¯ll just say thank you. And¡­ I¡¯m sorry. For the things I said when you came to find me at school.¡± He spoke brightly with his original grin, but his voice was a little shaky. I knew it was hard to pretend that it¡¯s okay, and act as if you¡¯ve quickly forgotten something after turning your back on doing something you love. However, the boy spoke in a bright voice just like before. Thanking me while trying to keep a distance from me, he knew he had to speak lightly as if it was no big deal. However, any way of speaking was uncomfortable and unnecessary to me. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. I¡¯m doing this because Myeongshin was trying to screw you up later. I didn¡¯t mean to help you because I liked you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m thankful.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you had felt sorry for me because I had failed and wanted to help, I would have become more miserable and would not have done anything.¡± He had a bittersweet smile on his lips and spoke calmly. ¡°So I will help you now. You¡¯re taking my revenge, so I¡¯ll help you with anything.¡± ¡°Mind your own business.¡± I coldly refused, but strangely, instead of being offended, he smiled softly and answered, ¡°Yes.¡± Thanks to this, my face turned more ugly, but Hansoo didn¡¯t mind and pointed to my cell phone. ¡°Oh, you just got a text message. It came in the middle of a phone call with the manager so I accidentally saw it.¡± Before checking the cell phone that was handed to me, I heard Hansoo speak up first. ¡°I¡¯m just asking, but it¡¯s not a lover, is it?¡± What was he talking about, how could I have something like that? ¡ª You¡¯ve been wanting to see me all this time, haven¡¯t you? Me too. I¡¯m waiting for Lee Baekwon, come quickly- If it wasn¡¯t for the sender, I would have just deleted it, but no matter how much I looked at it, it was correct that the message was sent by the madman. Did he send this to piss me off? As I suspected this, there was one more message after that. ¡ª Oh, stop doing that bad part-time job that¡¯s stealing our time away- ¡­ So it was the boss. I couldn¡¯t figure out how the hell he sent the message with the madman¡¯s phone number, but I couldn¡¯t help but frown when I thought of the boss believing that his plan was perfect. After looking down for a long time, Hansoo asked me. ¡°By the way, they said ¡®waiting for Lee Baekwon¡¯, did you borrow 200 won from that person?¡± When I sharply raised my eyes, Hansoo flinched, but soon he couldn¡¯t contain his curiosity and opened his mouth. ¡°Moreover, you work part-time? What does a ¡®bad part-time job¡¯¡¯ mean? Could it be a hos¡­¡± ¡°You should go now.¡± As I cut off his astonished words and turned my body, a hesitant voice caught me. ¡°By the way, are you and your brother that close?¡± Looking at him again, the people passing by remained like a slow still image. ¡°No.¡± A brief reply brought a look of wonder in his eyes. ¡°Really? But you said you didn¡¯t like my name because I had the same name as your younger brother¡­ Didn¡¯t you mean that you didn¡¯t like it because you were very close with him?¡± ¡°No.¡± When I repeated the same answer, Hansoo tilted his head. ¡°I thought it was a serious issue, but I guess not. How old is your brother?¡± ¡°¡­ 3rd year of middle school.¡± ¡®Wow, he¡¯s young.¡¯ I heard Hansoo exclaim, but I turned around. I walked a few steps, mixed with people and hid myself. And soon another thought took over in my head. The madman hadn¡¯t come to Alice¡¯s Labyrinth for the past few days. He didn¡¯t come often, so it was not strange, but seeing the boss sending a message pretending to be him, it seemed like he was coming today. I was not happy to see him, but I had something else to say. I had to explain that I showed my manager the screenplay without telling him and even contacted PD Jung. At that moment, the phone vibrated. [Don¡¯t go to Alice¡¯s Labyrinth] This time it was actually from the madman. CH 28 t/n: need to catch up with the manhwa so lemme speedrun this¡­ i¡¯ll try lmao Buildings with people leaving and lights out were like corpses. It might be because the silence of the high lobby and the unusually cold air felt eerie like a dead person. But, why was the madman at work again at this hour after everyone had left work? That question arose in my head but I was relieved that I didn¡¯t have to go to Alice¡¯s Labyrinth and meet the boss. When we first met, it was at the company, so it was not strange, but if he was a shareholder, it was eerie. I was stuck on the fact that he was particularly close with Director Yoon and being deeply involved in the company¡¯s affairs. I couldn¡¯t pinpoint it exactly, but it seemed like it was a big problem. There was this, but as usual, there was something about him that made me nervous, so as always, I went to the rooftop where he said to come in a combat stance. Today, I tried to prepare my heart so that I wouldn¡¯t be surprised this time, but it was useless. When I finally found him, I was stuck in an unexpected situation. A man was lying on a bench asleep. I got closer because the lighting wasn¡¯t bright enough, but it was certain, it was the madman that was there. What, why was he sleeping here? The fighting power that had built up inside me abated absurdly, and my energy vanished. Even as I looked down right over his face, he didn¡¯t move, with the exception of the breathing, as if he was in a deep sleep. Without realizing it, I looked around him. He wasn¡¯t hiding a camera and testing me again, was he? However, only a slightly chilling cold wind occupied the dark rooftop. An empty space, just like the lobby. However, strangely, it didn¡¯t feel empty. The feeling of being filled with something unknown. I lowered my eyes and stared at the guy who made me feel that way. One leg bent and touched the bench, but the other leg was dangling and sticking out of the bench. How was he sleeping in such an uncomfortable position. As my surprise disappeared, my gaze went to his face with the first thought that came to mind. It was my only chance to observe him defenseless, but his face, which always had an eerie smile and made me uncomfortable, looked different when he was sleeping. Come to think of it, he was pretty good looking. When we first met, I mistook him for a celebrity. I looked down at his face as if I was seeing it for the first time, and for a moment I thought, ¡®Huh?¡¯ and something popped into my head. That¡¯s weird. Why do I feel like I¡¯ve looked down on his face from above before? I turned my head and looked at him more closely. Then the faint feeling grew stronger. It really felt like I¡¯ve had experienced¡­ Tap. Heuk! Suddenly, something grabbed my wrist like a noose. I quickly raised my upper body, which had been half bent, but I could not overcome the pulling force, so I was immediately dragged down. Fortunately, I put my free hand on the back of the bench before falling unsightly on him. This punk, as expected, he wasn¡¯t sleeping, was he? A mixture of shame about being caught looking at him and anger about being deceived made my face heat up. ¡°Let m¡­¡± Let me go! The words should have come out of my mouth as I struggled to shake off his hand, but couldn¡¯t come out when I saw the madman holding me while lying down. He still had his eyes closed. Then, as I tried to pull my wrist out again, his eyelids lifted slowly. His hazy eyes blinked a few times, like someone just waking up, and then focused on me. ¡°¡­It was you?¡± I was startled by the husky-sounding question as if he was half-asleep, and his arms lost strength. So he felt it while he was sleeping and reached out instinctively? While wondering if this bastard was a monster, he slowly got up and stood on his feet. He was still holding my wrist, so I took a step back and tried to shake it off, but an indifferent voice stopped me from moving again. ¡°The gaze made my face tickle.¡± He murmured and looked down at me with eyes completely awakened. ¡°I¡¯m glad it¡¯s you.¡± I frowned at the low voice that seemed to be whispering. ¡°Then keep on sleeping. I¡¯ll keep looking at you.¡± ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s a good idea. So it¡¯s true that you texted me that you missed me.¡± Text? Ah shit, it must have been the boss. How the hell did he send that? ¡°I didn¡¯t send it. You didn¡¯t send that strange nonsense that you missed me too, did you?¡± ¡°Did a text like that get sent? Hmm, show me. I may have sent it.¡± I didn¡¯t have the energy to respond to him who was having fun, so I turned around. But as I stepped forward, he dragged me back. When it became a funny situation to be dragged like that, I firmed up my leg, endured it and spat out. ¡°Ofa ub bo wf.¡± Dea atf rwlilcu ues ugjyyfv ws tjcv rb ragbcuis atja P mbeivc¡¯a offi la. Fgut! P aegcfv ws tfjv ab tlvf atf wbjc atja mjwf ogbw klatlc. C rboa nblmf kjr tfjgv lc ws fjg. ¡°Pa¡¯r pera atja P kjca ab ub abufatfg, rb vbc¡¯a rageuuif.¡± I wondered if I had heard the wrong thing because it was a soothing voice that didn¡¯t seem like it belonged to that punk, so I forgot about my anger and asked. ¡°Where are we going?¡± Instead of answering, he pulled me to his side and started walking forward. ¡°Sleep.¡± ¡ª¡ª Beep~ It was only after the door closed with an electronic beep behind my back that I knew for sure where I arrived. It was only about a 10-minute drive away from the company, so there was no time to register what was happening. I was proud of my rough driving while working as a courier, but I couldn¡¯t help but be nervous because he kept changing lanes and driving fast urgently. Eventually, I scolded him to go and drive properly, but he looked at me and asked me briefly. ¡®Scared?¡¯ I was scared for the car, but he really slowed down after. I was at a loss for words because I became more vigilant at seeing how different he was from his usual appearance. I just looked at him with a watchful eye, startled, and he brought me here without saying anything. His house. I couldn¡¯t take my shoes off when I saw the inside of the house in the automatically lit front door light. Did he really bring me home? Unable to move due to suspicion, he entered first, walked down the narrow hallway, and turned around. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I won¡¯t attack you.¡± It was different this time too. It was not the usual teasing or cold tone, it was just soft and soothing. I was confused to the extent that I forgot to be pissed off, so while I observed quietly, he tilted his head. ¡°You have something to say to me?¡± Something to say? It was then that I remembered that I had to tell him about the screenplay. ¡°How did you know? I have something to say.¡± An annoyed expression crossed his face for a moment, but then a friendly voice was heard. ¡°You came to the company and even followed me here while being docile unlike your usual self for that reason.¡± He finished his speech to the point where it felt like it was a bit fast, and he added languidly. The reason why he was so weird tonight. ¡°Come fast. I¡¯m sleepy.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª He said he was sleepy but looked no different than usual on the outside, holding a small bottle of water and slumping down on the edge of the sofa where I was sitting. Spacious interior with a good view and expensive interior materials. The interior, where I felt awkward because I was not used to it, was rather comfortable with books and scripts piled up on the table. Judging from his personality, he seemed to be neat, but when I checked that the office and the house were equally messed up, I felt strangely that the boundaries were strangely loosened. The madman noticed my gaze looking at the cluttered surroundings and explained. ¡°Isn¡¯t it nice that it feels human?¡± ¡°¡­You must be really sleepy.¡± He put the bottle of water to his lips and grinned. ¡°Even if it¡¯s someone like me, if I don¡¯t sleep for three days, I get tired. So, what do you want to say?¡± He emptied about half a bottle of water at once, and asked the question without wasting time. Was he actually sleepy? After looking at him for a while, who looked completely fine, I brought up the screenplay I had looked at. ¡°I showed it to my manager. And because there was something I needed, I contacted the director¡­ I felt I had to tell you.¡± I couldn¡¯t bear to use the word ¡®permission¡¯ because it hurt my pride, but I was a little worried. Anyway, I had been using his screenplay as I pleased. To be honest, there was the precedent of the incident with 200 million won per cigarette, so I was preparing my heart. From what I had seen, he had never seemed to let anything pass. However, the words that came into my slightly nervous ears were insignificant words. ¡°Is that all?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Was it just the effect of him being sleepy? It wasn¡¯t a big deal anyway, even though I was suspicious, I nodded in relief. ¡°That¡¯s all.¡± It would have been great to stop here and just leave, but unlike my usual self, I opened my mouth to ask something. A question that would make me regret that I did a useless thing after letting it out. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you angry? I took the script you said to only look at in the office and showed it to my manager.¡± Instead of answering, he closed the bottle of water and stared at me blankly. And he opened his mouth only when I was starting to feel frustrated. ¡°You are misunderstanding something. Didn¡¯t you ever think that what you did was commendable?¡± ¡°What?¡± Astonished, I asked back, but he let out a short laugh and mumbled words that didn¡¯t make sense. ¡°Well, you¡¯ll find out later how great a thing you¡¯ve done.¡± I knew he wasn¡¯t one to talk nonsense, so I tried to silently guess what was great, but I couldn¡¯t think of anything. Was it because the movie was going to be successful? But although it was interesting, it didn¡¯t seem like it was going to be very popular because it didn¡¯t have a funny element. Rather, the feeling of the film was a little boring, like the director¡¯s first short film. I was not an expert, so maybe I was wrong, but well¡­ I tilted my head when I heard his question. ¡°By the way, did you think I would get mad about it?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± When I answered without hesitation, he grinned. ¡°Why would I? How much do I adore you.¡± When I heard that nonsense again, I felt strongly that he was making fun of me. So I purposely put a curse word that I had used before in my mouth. ¡°It must be because you are a psychopath.¡± For a moment, I thought the smile on his lips had disappeared, but then he nodded seriously. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± As was the case last time, it was admirable to see him calmly accepting the profanity. How many times has he heard curses against him? ¡°But I¡¯ve been treating you pretty well, haven¡¯t I?¡± The brazen punk raised his arm over the back of the sofa as he leaned towards me. ¡°By the way, you always do something unexpected. You had such an honest side.¡± ¡°I just hated the feeling of being in debt.¡± ¡°To the point of being so sincere.¡± Watching his smile deepen, my gaze became more stern. However, the feeling of displeasure turned into oddity at the subsequent question. ¡°Have you ever sincerely cried?¡± I questioned what he was talking about with my eyes, and he spoke lightly. ¡°I never felt that it was really sad if someone cried. But seeing someone cry only once, I vaguely felt a sense of sadness. It really makes me numb here.¡± He put his hand on his heart. I moved my gaze to follow his moving hand, but the words he heard were not well received. What sadness that makes the viewer¡¯s heart ache? When I lifted my head, I met his indifferent eyes without emotion. ¡°Unfortunately, I lost that person. But when I first met you, I got a feeling when I heard you say the word revenge indifferently. If you sincerely express your feelings, I think my place will react again.¡± That¡¯s impossible. I¡¯m a bastard who didn¡¯t feel sad even when his younger brother was stabbed in front of him. I shook my head, hiding the reaction from within. ¡°You¡¯re mistaken.¡± ¡°You just think that. I am becoming more and more convicted.¡± I frowned at those words, then suddenly remembered what he had said before. ¡°Is that person¡­ the one who pissed you off before?¡± In addition, he was the first male partner. At the time I first heard it, I felt pity because I thought that person would die if he got caught by the madman, but that wasn¡¯t the case. ¡°That¡¯s right. That¡¯s the guy. The one who screwed me over.¡± Seeing him smile with genuine joy, I felt that the person I didn¡¯t even know was pretty amazing. He slept with the madman, wept bitterly, screwed him over, and ran away. I couldn¡¯t even do those even if you ask me to do just one. That guy was still worth finding even after 5 years, but the opposite came to mind when I thought about it. No, doesn¡¯t this mean that the madman hadn¡¯t been able to find him for 5 years? ¡°I can¡¯t find him.¡± His eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke, feeling a bit woeful. ¡°I will be able to find him. Because I definitely saw it.¡± ¡°Saw what?¡± Then he muttered to himself. ¡°I saw. When he turned around to put his pants on.¡± What on earth was he talking about? I was worried that he might have become more insane because he couldn¡¯t sleep, but he got up and motioned for me to follow him. Why? As I held back my defiance and sat down, he quickly spat out as if it were bothersome. ¡°If you¡¯re done, keep your promise.¡± ¡°What promise?¡± ¡°You said you would watch over me sleeping.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What are you doing? I said I¡¯m sleepy?¡± Damn it, if he found the one who broke his heart 5 years ago, would he let me go? ¡­ Was I supposed to find him? t/n: funny how jay is so sentimental while yoohan couldn¡¯t give less of a fuck LMAO they¡¯re such a comedic pair honestly CH 29 t/n: I¡¯ll remove the password lock on the whole novel for now¡­ (wait was it even locked in the first place? i feel like i havent had to enter it) anyway gentle reminder not to mention or share on public social media!! The shabby film company that I was called to at the end of the day was where Hansoo was interviewed. The top floor of the building smelled like it was about to crumble, and when I opened the door to the studio, I saw a small office with desks attached to it. Perhaps it was the company that was planning this movie, and when we entered the open door, a man in his early 40s who seemed to be PD Jung was talking to a woman. Talking about the casting with a serious expression and tone of voice, he did not notice even though I had entered. Instead, the manager and Hansoo, who had come in advance, welcomed me. ¡°Did you finish class well?¡± The manager was like a parent who sent his first child to elementary school. When I nodded my head, Hansoo came up to the side and lowered his voice and asked. ¡°But don¡¯t you need Cheongshimhwan?¡± Why would I need it? More importantly, I wondered if everything was resolved and returned to the original state, as the manager and Hansoo looked at each other as usual and chatted casually. ¡°As expected, it¡¯s because he has a strong heart.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that right? When he was interviewed for the first time, I noticed that he didn¡¯t even blink an eye like he had a heart of stone.¡± ¡°Right. His heart is stone, so I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be more worried about what to eat for lunch than any audition.¡± ¡°Aye, well said. But would he really think about what to eat for lunch? Since his heart is stone? Taemin-ah, are you concerned¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­ Are you mad?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± They both flinched and turned their heads at the same time and coughed in vain. It was surprising to see the two of them going back to how they were in the past so quickly, but I did not miss Hansoo¡¯s red eyes. There was also a little swelling. After looking into the eyes that seemed like they had been crying for a while, I turned my head to the manager. ¡°Why did you ask me about the Cheongsimhwan?¡± ¡°Hm? That¡¯s because you¡¯re going to be tested today.¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°You.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What? Didn¡¯t I tell you? You will be tested too. I bragged a lot about you to PD Jung too~¡± My face, which was hardening, was buried by the manager¡¯s lively voice, and I heard words confirming the situation nearby. ¡°Ah, is that friend the genius actor who looks alright in real life, but is a killer in photoshoots?¡± Watching PD Jung turn around and approaching, I almost asked myself. Who? ¡ª¡ª¡ª In front of a pile of stuff piled up to the ceiling and covered with messy clothes, there was a desk and chair that were typically used only at school. There, PD Jung and the manager were sitting next to each other, and Hansoo and I were standing in front of him. Hansoo and I both had a short one-page script in their hands. We were given 20 minutes in advance to learn, but to be honest, I was a little appalled. When I was reading the script in class, the instructor explained the script in advance and gave me simple instructions on how to read it, so the paper with nothing but lines and lines seemed like a blank piece of paper to me. On the contrary, there was nothing to be afraid of when being came at without knowing anything. The content of the lines was simply that one person described his daily routine. I¡¯m trying to imagine the situation, but PD Jung announced the start. ¡°Who wants to do it first? Your name is Hansoo right? The one with camera phobia.¡± As Hansoo nodded his head with a stiff face, PD Jung sent a signal for him to try saying his lines. After reading the script for a moment, Hansoo took a small breath and raised his head. And he showed his true form where there were no cameras. The lines he had memorized in a short amount of time flowed out of his mouth. I heard a low and restrained voice in my ears, something I had no idea how to use to read the lines with. The line that was just a list of daily routines turned into the sadness of someone who calmly convinces the other person that they were living a good life by suppressing the suffering. The insignificant content made the listener¡¯s heart suffocate. The last explanation of what they ate for lunch, what they did at work, and that they missed their favorite show because the bus was late, seemed to make one tear up at any moment, but the story ended with a casual smile. Amazing. While admiring Hansoo¡¯s ability up-close, I heard PD Jung¡¯s impressions. ¡°It¡¯s not that you can¡¯t do it.¡± While I was surprised by the uninterested voice, he turned his eyes away, and Hansoo bowed his head saying thank you. I couldn¡¯t believe he said something like that. I was stunned, but PD Jung pointed out to me. ¡°You, Lee Taemin, try it.¡± Maybe it was because I had seen Hansoo¡¯s amazing acting earlier, and I felt my mouth dry out. I closed my eyes for a moment, looking down at the script in my hand. I completely erased the Hansoo I had seen a while ago from my mind. If you don¡¯t know, just do it. What did it mean to list one¡¯s daily routine? I widened my eyes, looking down at the script that I could not memorize, and began to say the lines. In a voice full of boredom, as if I were explaining work to someone. And when my acting was over, PD Jung also informed me of his impressions. ¡°You¡¯re pretty bad.¡± Of course, when I heard this, I did not intend to bow down like Hansoo to greet him. I looked at him with an ¡®Ah, is that so¡¯ expression. But the strange thing was that the manager was next to him and smiled at PD Jung¡¯s sentiments. When I changed my focus and looked at him, the manager who made eye contact with him cleared his throat with a ¡®Hmmm¡¯ and complimented me to PD Jung, raising his thumb. ¡°Still, it looks amazing on the screen.¡± PD Jung ignored the compliment, of course. And he ordered Hansoo a second time. ¡°Try the previous line one more time.¡± ¡°Shall I do the same thing?¡± When Hansoo asked, PD Jung shrugged his shoulders and muttered ¡®whatever you want,¡¯ adding casually. ¡°In front of the camera this time instead.¡± In an instant, the blood drained from Hansoo¡¯s face. Of course, he knew he would have to act in front of the camera, but he still seemed to feel fear. However, PD Jung¡¯s next words were strange. ¡°I think it would be comfortable to do the same thing as before when comparing the shots.¡± Then he turned and pulled out a small camcorder from among the piles of stuff behind him. He placed the camcorder on the desk with the red recording light lit and instructed. ¡°Try it.¡± The first or second audition in front of the camera was the complete opposite of the first. Hansoo repeated the same thing, who was stiffened pale and a stuttering voice couldn¡¯t even come out with. PD Jung, who stopped recording after the acting was over, pulled the camcorder forward and looked at it for a long time as if to confirm the recording. He fast-forwarded and stopped at some point, glanced at Hansoo, and then checked the screen again. While waiting for him, the rest of the people kept silent, but PD Jung spoke up after a long time. ¡°Gb sbe xcbk ktja gbif la lr, gluta?¡± Ktfgf kjr cb ulnfc ab ktbw atf defralbc kjr jrxfv, yea atf wjcjufg jcv P ibbxfv ja Ljcrbb ja atf rjwf alwf. Ljcrbb rkjiibkfv tlr rjilnj klat afcrlbc, klat tlr ojmf ralii qjif. ¡°¡­ Tfr. P xcbk.¡± ¡°Pa¡¯r bcis j ofk mear. Ciatbeut la lr j reqqbgalcu gbif atja lr mibrf ab jc fzagj, atf ilcfr jgf j yla ibcu jcv atf mbcafca lr rswybilm, rb P tjv cb lcafcalbc bo mjralcu pera jcsybvs obg atja gbif.¡± He mumbled, closed the camcorder¡¯s screen and raised his head. ¡°Honestly, I like Lee Hansoo. Because you act more realistically than anyone else.¡± Hansoo¡¯s heart, who seemed to have stopped breathing, was pounding loudly. Either way, he was standing in front of the camera. And I thought that experience would help him alleviate his phobia. The manager, who had held his breath as much as Hansoo, asked PD Jung with a choking voice. ¡°But is there a problem?¡± PD Jung frowned slightly and rubbed his forehead with his hand. ¡°Just as I said to CEO Choi, this film is at the level of an independent film. I stopped filming a few scenes and barely found an investor after a few months to begin filming again, but to be honest, there is no guarantee I can give to the actors, and the filming equipment is on a small scale. You might have to take care of your own meals and accommodation.¡± He stopped talking and turned his eyes from the manager to Hansoo. ¡°Are you still thinking about doing it?¡± ¡°¡­ Yes.¡± Hansoo, who barely spoke up, nodded his head quickly and added. ¡°Please let me do it. I really want to do it.¡± PD Jung smiled bitterly at the desperation of the trembling voice. ¡°It¡¯s not as great as Hansoo thinks, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it, PD Jung!¡± The manager, who was tearing up next to him, grabbed PD Jung¡¯s hand. ¡°How can it not be great! It¡¯s a movie made by that great PD Jung whose movies do the best at the broadcasting station, and receive a viewership rating of 30% by default, of course it¡¯s amazing!¡± ¡°Whew, that¡¯s for dramas. Now, even when I see the actors I worked with, they don¡¯t even pretend to know me.¡± PD Jung sighed deeply and continued his dismayed voice. ¡°It was only when I was filming dramas that I was known as a great person. Everyone bowed their heads to look good to me, and I only got compliments that my filming was unconditionally interesting. However, dramas and movies are different. I was arrogant because I got used to seeing the ratings for the next episode if I just put a moderate amount of comedy in each episode and add something that could make people intrigued. I didn¡¯t know it was hard to put that much into a short film. Besides, I didn¡¯t even know that the movie scene was such a difficult place. After all, what would I have known as a mere office worker? Thanks to that, after a few movies, I ended up having to sell my house.¡± The manager, who had been quietly listening, comforted him with a trembling voice at the last words. ¡°I also sold my house¡­¡± PD Jung smiled and turned his head towards me. ¡°But how did you get it? My screenplay.¡± ¡°I got it from someone I know.¡± He closed his ¡®hmm¡¯ lips and tilted his head as if he didn¡¯t understand. ¡°The scenario was only sent to investors a few months ago. Also, most of them were rejected and returned or sent directly to the trash, so I¡¯m very curious as to who it is. Is it hard to say?¡± I said yes, and he said something strange. ¡°Actually, the revised scenario with a new role for Hansoo came out recently. There was only one investor whom it was sent to. No, he said he would find me and invest in me.¡± Then he muttered a little, ¡®Well, there was a condition.¡¯ I asked him which investor he was thinking after a moment¡¯s silence. ¡°May I ask who the investor is?¡± He glanced up and opened his mouth indifferently. ¡°If you keep a secret, I will tell you. I heard Dream didn¡¯t know about it because he invested his personal money.¡± Dream? The moment a strange feeling came up, I heard a familiar name. ¡°Dream¡¯s Director Yoon. He is my investor.¡± ¡­ Oh? Another situation was that Director Yoon and the madman were entangled. It was so coincidental that it was hard to ignore. What on earth did these two¡­ Before I could dig up more information, I heard PD Jung¡¯s voice. ¡°Then, when Hansoo comes to Seoul next week, we will do the shoot. Also,¡± He turned to me and added. ¡°Lee Taemin will also be filming at that time.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Why, you don¡¯t want to shoot a movie where you can¡¯t even get paid?¡± Instead of answering, I looked at him for a moment and then opened my mouth slowly. ¡°You mean you¡¯re going to give me the role?¡± Yes, he nodded, pointed to the camcorder, and replied jokingly. ¡°Because you look great on screen.¡± Right next to him, the manager raised his thumb again and exclaimed. ¡°A hundred times better than the real thing!¡± It¡¯s a really bad compliment every time I hear it. PD Jung added with a smile. ¡°Actually, Lee Taemin has a role that is just right for him. It¡¯s a new supporting role, but one of the main characters¡¯ friends is an office worker. It¡¯s a very dry role, but somehow I keep overlapping the character with Lee Taemin. After listening to the script you had read a while ago, I was convinced.¡± I looked down at the script in my hand. Was he actually trying to test me? At that time, PD Jung briefly explained the role. ¡°A friend who happens to commit suicide after going about his tasks nonchalantly as usual.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª I barely slept. The lines for the role I received were only a sheet long, including a few words where I talked to the main character. It¡¯s a shorter role than Hansoo, but I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off that short scene all night. However, it wasn¡¯t the excitement that came from the opportunity to officially stand in front of the camera for the first time. The lines of my role, which I read in a boring tone, strangely did not leave my mind. If it wasn¡¯t for the part-time job that the manager was talking about on the weekend, I might have read it over and over again. I already put the lines in my head, but I was looking at the scenario until I went out and headed to the company. As I entered the small conference room I frequented, I was greeted by the manager who was yelling at the phone in anger. ¡°No, what is that?! Actor, I said actor! Do you know that the company he belongs to is Dream? But you¡¯re saying that he has to do this kind of work? Even if he¡¯s not the host, shouldn¡¯t he be able to show his face at the very least if he¡¯s going to be on stage? Is that too much to ask for?¡­ What? You don¡¯t have time to find someone else, so he just has to do it?!¡± I wondered why he was so agitated, but I thought the call would be long, so I went back into the hallway. The reason for the manager¡¯s agitation was revealed before the door closed. ¡°But wearing a mascot suit and playing a role next to the host on stage! A mascot suit you say! Waving hands cutely too!¡± I thought of it as I headed towards the vending machine in the central lobby. Was the manager angry because of the mascot suit or because of the cutely waving part? I strongly speculated that it was because of the latter, but then I met an unexpectedly familiar face in the lobby. The good-looking guy from class whom I hadn¡¯t seen in a while because I didn¡¯t come to class was pulling drinks from the vending machine. He already had three other drink cans in his arms. Clang. The can fell under the vending machine and the good-looking guy bent over to pick it up. At that moment, he noticed me and stiffened for a moment. Am I some kind of ghost? As I was being sarcastic, I remembered how hard I had beat him while using boxing as an excuse. Well, I guess it¡¯s fine that he¡¯d be a little shocked. ¡°Taemin, are you doing well?¡± Yes, I answered and pointed at the vending machine with my chin at him, who was still in front of the vending machine. ¡°Are you going to keep using it?¡± ¡°Oh, no. Use it.¡± As he stepped back, I moved to the spot and pulled the coins out of my pocket one by one. Click, click, click¡­ As the coins entered one by one, a voice was heard from behind, as if he had been waiting. ¡°I will start filming a drama next month.¡± If it was a proud tone, I would have ignored it, but for some reason it was a low and calm voice, so I replied, ¡®Is that so?¡¯ When one of the red-lit menu buttons was pressed, a can fell with a thud. I bent over and put my hand through the exit, while he called me hesitatingly. I grabbed the can and turned around when I heard something unexpected. ¡°I really didn¡¯t know.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The fact that Hyungseok was deliberately harassing you under someone¡¯s order.¡± It didn¡¯t matter if his words were true or not. I just didn¡¯t understand why he was talking to me like that. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether you knew or not.¡± As I spat those words out as if it was bothersome, he smiled as if he was frustrated and explained. ¡°Just. I just wanted to make an excuse. Because it¡¯s hard to pretend to be close like this when Hyungseok is there.¡± Then he turned around, waving his hand, and then turned his head again as if he remembered something. ¡°Really, even if you see us in class for a while, Hyungseok won¡¯t bother you. I heard that Song Yoohan is desperate to find someone else and get rid of him, so he doesn¡¯t care about you.¡± He said it was good news, but it wasn¡¯t for me. ¡°Who is Song Yoohan trying to find and get rid of?¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s¡­¡± After looking around for a moment, he took a step closer to me and lowered his voice. ¡°Song Yoohan is after a person named Director Yoon in our company, but recently, there was a person who approached him and became very close to him. If there is a slight hint of temptation, he cuts them off and takes the role, who knows who he is, but he must be a great man. ¡°A man?¡± When asked in surprise, he nodded and whispered. ¡°Yes. A man. He has a great name too. Lee Baekwon.¡± ¡­ Fuck, the madman. There was only one thing floating around in my mind. The madman, that son of a bitch. Having a preconceived idea was scary. Mr. Yoon and Mr. Han. The conclusion that they cannot be the same person because they have different surnames was established like a thick wall. However, the wall that was very strong was something that could be broken as easily as glass. But I just had to think of one possible solution. Whatever it was, that guy lied. It was this point that kept making me think that things did not match up. The fact that the madman was Director Yoon. It had been a long time since I had been so angry that my whole body heated up. I was reminded of the old saying about how my head was about to explode. So I wasn¡¯t listening to the good-looking guy. It was only after he called me a few times that I realized what the situation was. ¡°Taemin?¡± When I raised my eyes, he looked at me in wonder. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen a person who didn¡¯t laugh after hearing that name.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it funny?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not funny.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The good-looking guy stiffened with his mouth slightly open, but it did not catch my eye because I was pissed off. In my mind, I wanted to run right away and avenge my anger on him for deceiving me by punching him. However, the habit of calming my temper for several years was pulling the brakes. First, I had to check to confirm. I tightened the hand holding the can and suppressed my anger. ¡°How did Song Yoohan know? That the person is close to Director Yoon.¡± When I changed the subject, he shrugged slightly. ¡°Not sure. I only heard a bit, but he said that he saw Director Yoon kissing a man himself. Because of that, he poked here and there, and in the room where Director Yoon went well¡­ Oh, you must know where it is. Do you remember the bar we went to before?¡± ¡°¡­Alice¡¯s Labyrinth.¡± ¡°Right. there. I guessed he must have gotten the name there. Alice¡¯s Labyrinth is famous for its tight security, how did you find out¡­ huh?¡± He stopped talking and looked at me in amazement. ¡°Come to think of it, I heard from Hyungseok that Taemin seems to be working at Alice¡¯s Labyrinth¡­¡± I stared at him without a word in reply. He kept silent as if expecting a response from me, and eventually asked directly as if he was curious. ¡°Do you know the person named Lee Baekwon?¡± ¡°No.¡± I answered briefly and emphasized again. ¡°I don¡¯t know anyone whose name is Lee Baekwon.¡± Then he nodded. ¡°Then again, there is no way Director Yoon, who is thorough, would expose the identity of the person next to him so easily.¡± The thorough Director Yoon, huh. Yeah, seeing that he deceived me like this, he must be thorough. No, I was the one who was stupid. Rather than praising him, let¡¯s just say that I was an idiot. I clenched my teeth and clenched the cold can again, as the other person checked the time and frowned. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll have to get going.¡± Speaking hastily, he held several cans to his chest. And he turned around and smiled. ¡°When we meet just the two of us like this, let¡¯s pretend to know each other sometimes.¡± ¡°Why?¡± He stopped. His expression hardened as he turned around. But he soon realized that I was just asking out of curiosity and he smiled faintly. ¡°Just. Because I like Lee Taemin?¡± If so, I should be thanking him. Even if we weren¡¯t close, it was convenient if there was a source who knew about the situation here. Still, I wanted to make sure. Strangely, I felt like I should give a small warning. I deliberately pushed aside the feeling that this situation was similar to when I was involved in Hansoo¡¯s work. ¡°If it becomes known that you are talking to me, you may be in trouble later. Song Yoohan will hate me even more the way things are going.¡± So there will be friction. I think he must have understood what I meant. Although, seeing that he hadn¡¯t smiled yet, it seemed like he thought the friction wouldn¡¯t be great. If I, who had just started acting, had conflicts with Song Myeongshin who had a strong backing, it would not seem like a big deal. ¡°If my position becomes difficult, I will take care of myself. Well, at that time, Taemin might pretend to not know me and I¡¯ll be hurt.¡± And I stopped him who was about to say goodbye again. ¡°Is it worth it?¡± What is? Hearing the question, I looked down at the can he was holding. ¡°The situation now. You changed your mind after 4 years and decided to get involved with men.¡± ¡°Hey, Lee Taemin, if you¡¯re trying to mock me¡­¡± ¡°It was a difficult decision, but I hope you won¡¯t change your mind.¡± He frowned at the unexpected support. ¡°Why would you say that?¡± ¡°If there is a problem later, if you still have that mindset, I¡¯ll think of helping you out.¡± A problem? He asked, but I just muttered ¡®this and that¡¯. He still looked at me strangely, but it was clear in my eyes. He was associated with Song Myeongshin. He tried to somehow rise by getting a male sponsor, an idea which he compromised with after some difficulty. But there was no way Song Myeongshin, whom he thought would help him, would let him rise in popularity. Why would he let someone who was competing in the same field go? It was just like how the current Song Myeongshin wanted to ruin the president of his former agency just because he felt animosity. And, of course, saying that he would help was just a bluff. Just as it seemed that the good-looking guy was greatly connected with Myeongshin, I only said that so I would be able to use it to my advantage. But, as if he took my words as courtesy greetings, he answered with a light smile. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m walking down this path in agony, so I won¡¯t back out if there¡¯s any trouble. So please help me in the future.¡± He disappeared to the end of the hallway with loud footsteps. I turned around and headed to the manager¡¯s office. Internally, my anger rose again. Fuck, that madman. I¡¯ll make sure to catch the evidence and ensure he¡¯s unable to lie. CH 30 As I headed to the big shopping mall where my part-time job was, all I had in my head was the madman. Even when I tried to calm down, I was so angry that my veins popped out in my hand holding the steering wheel. Fortunately, the manager didn¡¯t talk to me because he was talking on the phone with the company, the office of the movie studio, and PD Jung to make schedules for Hansoo¡¯s movie appearance. He seemed to be saying something, but I had different stuff on my mind, and I just said ¡®yes, yes¡¯ from time to time until we had almost reached our destination, when there was something that popped into my ears when he was talking to someone in the company. ¡°Uhahaha~ It¡¯s only been a month since he entered the entertainment industry, so it¡¯s amazing that he¡¯s already been cast in a movie. Hahaha, it¡¯s nothing. Not a big deal. Of course, the director did not spare much praise for Taemin¡¯s performance, but isn¡¯t that what any acting genius can do? Chief Park knows it right, if you¡¯re a genius, it¡¯s easy to get a movie role in a month. Uhahaha~¡± Of course, the manager¡¯s bragging about me to the crybaby Chief Park was not a surprise. I wanted to cover my ears with the manager¡¯s nonsense as he kept emphasizing the ¡®acting genius¡¯ in me. Just as I was thinking of taking his phone away if he kept saying stuff like that, the manager, who had been listening to the other person for a long time, asked. ¡°So can we extend the contract again? This time, not a month, but a little longer, right? Yes? He proved that he¡¯s an acting genius in just one month, so at least a year or more¡­ Yes? Do I need to get approval from Director Yoon?¡± I subconsciously turned my sharp eyes to Director Yoon¡¯s name. Then the manager glanced back at me while speaking in a bewildered voice. ¡°Ah, does Director Yoon check all the contracts of these new hires? ¡­ No, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m not confident, I¡¯m just a little surprised. ¡­ Yes? You said he might have to do an acting test in front of Director Yoon?!¡± The manager, who had been yelling loudly, was conscious of myself and struggled to laugh. ¡°It¡¯s our pleasure if D-D-Director Yoon is interested. Ha. Ha. Ha.¡± Contrary to his smile, the manager¡¯s face turned white at Director Yoon¡¯s name. People at the company had a rough idea of ??him, but to me, only one name came to mind. Fuck, the madman. I muttered to myself again while the manager turned his head to make sure I couldn¡¯t hear him, and whispered. ¡°Does Director Yoon perhaps have any plans for a long-term business trip? ¡­ Ah, I heard he would only be in Korea from now on, so Chief Park was crying ¡­ Haha, yes I know you were joking about crying. Of course, I know you won¡¯t cry if you go to the company¡¯s production studio and work overtime like today. You are not the kind of person who would cry because you miss your pretty wife since you are newlyweds! Chief Park is so manly!¡± In the way he exaggerated my acting, he praised Chief Park. Then he laughed and asked while the other person was in a good mood. ¡°In that sense, if there is any alcohol that Director Yoon likes, please let me know¡­ Yes? A bribe? Oh, absolutely not. I¡¯m just a drinker, I¡¯m just trying to figure out what kind of alcohol the executives like¡­¡± Peeking at me again, he raised his voice back to a normal tone. ¡°Of course, our Taemin is an acting genius, so contract extension is a given. Hahaha~ So, what meat part does Director Yoon like?¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª After the manager persistently asked for the color of socks that Director Yoon likes, we finally arrived at the destination. Slam! As I closed the car door and followed him through the parking lot, I saw him tilting his head. Perhaps he did not understand something that he found out by bothering Chief Park for a long time. At the same time, he guided me to the waiting room with familiarity. The person in charge immediately inquired whether I had been here and handed over the mascot suit I needed. I was urged to change quickly and went into a warehouse-like room, but the manager who followed me apologized first. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making you do this. It was something you didn¡¯t need to do since it was decided for you to appear in a movie, but it couldn¡¯t be canceled¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± I heard his voice of concern as I took off my jacket with the costume covered in dark fur next to me. ¡°No, this is not as easy as you think. On the surface, you think you just have to wear the costume and stand there but¡­¡± ¡°Heavy, suffocating, sweaty, stinks because it doesn¡¯t get washed, passers-by would hit it, and the kids would run to it. Like that?¡± ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re well aware?¡± He widened his eyes in surprise as I replied that I had done it before. ¡°What? Have you ever worked part-time in a mascot suit? Aiya, what on earth haven¡¯t you done? You worked so hard to earn money. Haha, anyone woulld think that you owed a loan.¡± ¡°I owed a loan.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°E-gfjiis?¡± P cbvvfv. Llr ojmf tjgvfcfv obg j wbwfca jcv tf jrxfv lc j ibk nblmf. ¡°Po sbe tjnfc¡¯a qjlv la sfa¡­¡± ¡°P qjlv la jii boo.¡± C rlut bo vffq gfilfo frmjqfv tlr ilqr. ¡°Qtfk, atja¡¯r j gfilfo. Rb, bo mbegrf, lo sbe tjnf vfyar, P mjc qjs atfw boo abufatfg, yea lo sbe ralii tjnf vfyar, sbe mjc¡¯a vb sbeg pby qgbqfgis.¡± He smiled bitterly and suddenly asked in a trembling voice. ¡°Then¡­ did you lose your house too?¡± Looking at his eyes that were about to cry, I knew I shouldn¡¯t talk about the house in front of him, even as a joke. Originally I had no house, but to reassure him, I changed the topic and talked about what he was talking about on the phone with Chief Park. ¡°Did Chief Park say anything strange about Director Yoon?¡± ¡°Yes? Ah¡­ that¡¯s a little¡­¡± He tilted his head again. I glanced at him while he spoke as I peeled off my t-shirt over his head, and unbuckled my pants. ¡°Recently, Director Yoon kept drawing strange patterns on paper because he was looking for something. It seemed that he saw it at a glance a few years ago. Then I just went through works related to India and found it and liked it.¡± India? I took off his pants, draped it over a chair, and bent over to pick up the mascot costume. The manager¡¯s voice continued from behind. ¡°But looking at the pattern, it seemed like Director Yoon was cursing. I heard something like ¡®shiva*¡¯¡­ So he might not like it, so I didn¡¯t ask in detail. I¡¯m thinking of offering a sculpture of an Indian elephant if he likes it¡­ Huh? You!!¡± *sounds like ¡®fuck¡¯ in korean (sshibal) I tucked one leg into the costume and suddenly I turned my head to the manager¡¯s voice calling me out loud. He pointed at me and his eyes widened in astonishment. While I straightened my body, wondering what was wrong, he hurriedly came up to me and grabbed my shoulder and turned me around. ¡°T-Taemin! You, you, you have a tattoo?¡± Tattoo? Ah¡­ Then I remembered a part of my body that I had completely forgotten. A tattoo placed exactly below the waist and above the buttocks. If I put on my pants properly, it couldn¡¯t be seen at first glance, so no one would notice unless I took off my clothes completely. If you ask me why I got my tattoo in that position, the reason was simple. When I had been in the biker gang before, there were girls who were always flocking around. The day before we went to get a tattoo as a group, I accidentally overheard some girls talking about tattoos. A tattoo on the bottom of the waist, showing a little when wearing pants, was apparently really sexy. After hearing that, I got a tattoo to see if I could be popular, but later I found out that they were talking about women. It meant that if a woman got a tattoo in that position, she would look sexy. In the end, I was the idiot. Eyes open vertically in the middle and unfamiliar long letters below them. The meaning was the name of the ¡®God of Destruction¡¯, but no one recognized it. Of course, the manager didn¡¯t recognize it either. ¡°Argh! It¡¯s a tattoo! What the hell is this?!¡± ¡°The God of Destruction.¡± ¡°¡­ I wasn¡¯t asking that.¡± The grim-faced manager immediately pulled his hair. ¡°Ugh! It¡¯s a tattoo! Erase with a laser? No, I heard that it costs a lot of money¡­ First of all, when filming, cover it with plaster¡­¡± I left the manager to worry alone and started putting on the mascot suit again. As I hung the clothes on my shoulders, the weight and stiffness that made it difficult to move became familiar to me. I would be sweaty in a few hours. When I picked up a large mascot head and put it on my head, I remembered the time I wore the old mascot suit and handed out flyers. It was more well-received by people when I wore the costume than when I just handed flyers out. Perhaps they were assured by his cute appearance. Assurance? In an instant, something flashed and came to mind. Oh yes, there was no need to gather evidence, I just had to go in and check it myself. ¡°Manager.¡± I called the manager, who was still thinking about the tattoo, and asked him about what I had heard earlier. ¡°Does the company have a separate production?¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Dream is also doing another production. The production office is at xx around here. But the security is very strict. I went to meet some producers before, but I couldn¡¯t even get through the front door.¡± Then the manager complained about the security there, but it didn¡¯t really bother me. Only one came to mind. That guy must be working overtime there today. ¡ª¡ª¡ª The most difficult thing about wearing a mascot suit was that you have to keep moving your body. If you stand still, you can only be seen as a giant doll, so people would ask, ¡®What is that?¡¯ It¡¯s funny that you have to keep moving in order to set up a proper backdrop for the stage, but I didn¡¯t feel that it was difficult even if I pretended to be cute on stage for several hours. My mind was full of thoughts about the madman. When I went down the stage after finishing the work that took longer than expected, a person-in-charge was talking with the manager. As I got closer, the manager was unilaterally angry rather than talking. ¡°No, how can he work overtime like this? What a tight schedule our Taemin has!¡± After that, my only schedule was to go home. The in-charge who didn¡¯t know that patted the manager¡¯s arm and apologized. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. The singer who was supposed to come in the middle came two hours late, so we had no choice.¡± ¡°Tsk, the singer who sang only two songs? I don¡¯t even know his name.¡± ¡°Right? He¡¯s not even famous, but he came so late that I thought we shouldn¡¯t have called him. Rather than that, CEO Choi, I¡¯m sorry, so I put more money in, so you can relieve my anger¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to pay me more.¡± As I intervened, the two of them turned their eyes at the same time, saying, ¡®Eh?¡¯ I took off the smelly doll head and asked the in-charge. ¡°Instead, lend me the mascot suit for a few hours.¡± Then the manager asked, more surprised than the person-in-charge. ¡°Hm? Why are you wearing the costume?!¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to surprise someone.¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°The madman.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª The company¡¯s production office that the manager told me, while asking me to check if things were going well, wasn¡¯t far from where I worked part-time. If I took off the costume, I needed a car because I had a lot of luggage to carry, but fortunately it was close, so I was able to wear it. All the eyes of people on the street were focused on me, probably because I was holding a balloon I got at the part-time job event in one hand. Except for the occasional children squealing for balloons, I arrived at my destination without any problems. There was also a bakery in front of the company. I went into a place that wasn¡¯t closed yet and said what I needed right away. ¡°A cake box please.¡± Surprised by the mascot suit, the waiter asked with wide eyes. ¡°Yes? C-cake?¡± ¡°No. Cake box. I just need a box.¡± Dazed, the waiter stood up crookedly and tapped the table threateningly. However, as if the mascot with balloons looked funny, the employee immediately smiled and took a box from the back and brought it to me. ¡°Just take it.¡± When everything was ready, I went to the production office with the cake box filled with stones and a balloon. Of course, I was stopped in front of the door, but I had already thought of an excuse to go in easily. ¡°It¡¯s a delivery to Dream¡¯s Chief Park. If you tell him ¡®beloved darling¡¯ sent it, he would know.¡± As soon as the security guard contacted the upper management, I was let in. I got on the elevator to go to the 8th floor where the office was located. That madman bastard, let¡¯s listen to how shameless your excuses will be. I was barely holding back the rising anger, but the door opened with a ding sound. And I ran into Chief Park, who was waiting right in front of the door. As soon as he saw me, his smile widened and he raised his voice. ¡°Did my darling send it? Yes?¡± Instead of answering, I looked around. ¡®Dream Production¡¯ A nameplate appeared next to a nearby glass door. It was also a place where you had to enter with a card key, but it seems that Chief Park, who just came out, opened the door. I gave him a balloon and a stone cake, and walked away. He staggered at the unexpected weight of the cake, but his hands floundered in the air to catch the balloons that had been scattered. While he was distracted, I slipped through the open door with ease. There were hardly any people left in the office after work hours, so it wasn¡¯t difficult to check if anyone was looking for them. So where was he? I crossed the large office and looked into the various conference rooms before stopping in front of a small conference room. A person looking at a laptop with various documents sitting on a long table. When I found him, I pushed through the glass door without hesitation. And I spoke clearly, considering the voice that would be heard indistinctly because of the mascot head. ¡°Director Yoon.¡± Perhaps he was preoccupied with his work, the madman answered while staring at the monitor. ¡°What?¡± He replied dryly and added, moving the mouse around. ¡°Did you find the material I was talking about?¡± He kindly let me know that he mistook me for an employee. ¡°No. I don¡¯t know what the material Director Yoon is talking about.¡± I added, grinding my teeth as I spoke. ¡°Ah, I think I would know if it was the material Director Han Jay said.¡± For a moment, his movements stopped. He took off his glasses and slowly lifted his head, as if he had finally recognized who I was. ¡°You, how are you here¡­¡± Raising his head indifferently, he suddenly stiffened with his hand holding his glasses in the air. ¡°Why? Are you surprised to see the fool you¡¯ve been deceiving appear in front of you?¡± I tried to lower my angry voice and asked, but his reaction was a bit strange. He must have noticed it was me a while ago, but it looked like there was something he hadn¡¯t expected. Not like his usual self at all. Those startled eyes. Why was he like that, instead of me who was supposed to be angry? After a while as he thought about it, he let out a low voice. ¡°¡­ Fuck, it was you?¡± CH 31 ¡®It was you?¡¯ What is that punk saying? I forgot I was wearing the mascot suit and frowned. If he had already heard my voice and recognized me, why was he surprised to see my face again? Not to mention he was looking at the mascot head, not my face. However, the guy slowly got up from his seat with a fierce look in his eyes. Squeak~ The chair was pushed back roughly and he opened his mouth as he looked at me. ¡°Say it again.¡± I guess wearing something like this made him angry. Did he think I would not be able to repeat it? I also glared at him fiercely and put my hand on the mascot head. I was going to say it again after showing my face more clearly, but the guy stopped ime. ¡°Wear it as it is and say it again.¡± I paused. I was going to take it off, but I stared at him. Right, it was just a cute doll standing, I almost forgot despite being the person involved. Then I tilted my head to the side as if threatening to grant him what he wanted. ¡°Are you afraid to look at my face? If you want to hear it again, I¡¯ll do it. Are you surprised that I showed up? Director Yoon?¡± The voice heard through the mascot suit rumbled and rang in my ears first. But I knew that the other party clearly heard it too. As evidence, the expression of the guy, who had still hardened in astonishment, gradually changed. But it was also an unexpected reaction. Anyone would be able to recognise it, his eyes were full of laughter. ¡°Keep talking.¡± Was he doing this on purpose to avoid being disheartened by the fact that his identity had been revealed? With suspicion, I closed his mouth and squinted my eyes, looking at him. However, the guy with the usual smile on his face continued to talk nonsense. ¡°It¡¯s nice to hear your voice, so go on.¡± ¡°What?¡± When I replied with astonishment, his eyes curved like half moons, and dimples appeared on his face. ¡°You know? Memories, if you have a small clue, will pour out at a certain point. For example, the moment I saw your mascot suit, it reminded me that I like that kind of voice.¡± ¡­ This bastard. What nonsense was he talking about? But the guy couldn¡¯t help but laugh as if something was exciting. ¡°What do you call this? A miracle?¡± ¡°Insanity.¡± I informed him and even checked by asking, ¡®Are you out of your mind?¡¯, but the guy who would normally respond with harsher words just twisted his lips and rejoiced. ¡°It¡¯s clearer than ever. I finally found it, so why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± So he was saying that what he was looking for was a masked voice he liked? I looked at the guy who couldn¡¯t stop laughing, lost for words, and then came to my senses. Now is not the time to listen to my voice. I barely remembered it, and the guy¡¯s words flowed out of one ear. ¡°If you like that much, I¡¯ll hand it over to you, so write it down and talk to yourself. Oh, then it would be good for me too. You pretended not to be Director Yoon and played with me.¡± Then he smiled as if he had finally realized my purpose. I felt a little better after seeing that but it was only for a moment, and he responded casually. ¡°What about it?¡± He put his glasses on the table and spat out annoyingly. ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s a good situation for you. No, isn¡¯t it the best situation? Director Yoon, whom you wanted to be connected with so much, was me. And I mean¡­¡± He raised one corner of his mouth. ¡°You¡¯re a moron who hadn¡¯t noticed and you are blaming me now? Still, I treated you well.¡± Yes, that¡¯s how you come out. I suppressed the anger that was about to explode and slowly took off the mascot head. The trapped hot breath spread into the air, opening up the breathing space. ¡°That means you admit it too. That you were playing with me.¡± ¡°Right.¡± ¡°Did you have fun?¡± I smirked along with the words. Perhaps he felt my smile was strange, he replied with narrowed eyes. ¡°I wasn¡¯t bored.¡± Hearing the guy¡¯s answer, I barely loosened his jaw that was about to close. I came here out of anger, but of course I didn¡¯t mean to cry and cry like a woman who was deceived by her lover and argue with him. If I came here with the intention of getting angry without thinking, that would be really stupid. As the guy said, was it not the best situation? Even if I wanted to swear and swing my fist, of course there was a real purpose behind it. Something I had to say at the scene where the person¡¯s identity is revealed while I was in a hot, heavy costume. ¡°If you¡¯re playing around, then pay the price.¡± I swallowed the back words that sounded like abusive language and added coldly. ¡°Tbe¡¯gf j qgfmlber qfgrbc ktb mjc fzabga tecvgfvr bo wliilbcr obg j mlujgfaaf sbe¡¯nf rwbxfv. Tbe xcbk tbk wemt sbe tjnf ab qjs obg qijslcu jgbecv klat wf obg j wbcat? Dfrlvfr, sbe rjlv la kjrc¡¯a ybglcu. Ccv ilxf sbe¡¯nf rjlv yfobgf, P jirb vbc¡¯a ulnf gfoecvr.¡± Rbk, ktja jgf sbe ublcu ab rjs? P rajgfv ja tlw klat ws mtlc gjlrfv. Ccv erejiis ja atlr alwf, P qgfqjgfv obg j yibk. Dfmjerf atf jcrkfg kbeiv yf bynlber. Ktja tf kbeivc¡¯a ulnf wf jcsatlcu bg rbwfatlcu ilxf atgbklcu j 200 kbc mblc. Cr P mifcmtfv ws olrar, P tfjgv atf jcrkfg. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll pay for it.¡± What? The answer came out so bluntly that I wondered if I had heard it wrong. But I heard what the guy said next correctly. ¡°It¡¯s also what you want. Do you need my power for revenge? Fine, I¡¯m happy to help. Everything you ask for.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°And what else do you need? Money? The best role anyone can dream of? Just speak. I will make you a star right away.¡± A chilling smile escaped his twisted lips. Then it was me who was confused, on the contrary. He answered my request readily, but it was the unexpected reaction of saying that he would give me everything as if he had been waiting for this moment that left me speechless. One thing came to mind. why? ¡°I don¡¯t need that.¡± I wondered if he was testing me, so I was wary of him and spaat it out sharply. But he shrugged and took it lightly. ¡°Tell me later if you change your mind.¡± Really, why was he doing that? I was speechless again, but it wasn¡¯t over yet. ¡°And I¡¯ll give you a price that you can¡¯t even imagine.¡± Can¡¯t imagine? I seemed to have frowned, the guy explained with a half-moon smile. ¡°Look forward to it. It will make you happy.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Are you satisfied with this?¡± Was the price not enough? I knew he was asking that, but I couldn¡¯t open my mouth because of the unbelievable response. To be honest, I was skeptical at first. I wondered why that jerk suddenly appeared so kind. As if he was aware of my concerns, he smiled and let out a dry voice. ¡°The only time you can get an offer like this is right now. I¡¯m in a very good mood right now.¡± Contrary to his cold expression, there was a really pleasant tone in his voice, so I hesitated. There was a warning from one side of my mind that I was stepping into a dangerous swamp, but, as the tempter said, the opportunity was only now. To take advantage of him as Director Yoon. ¡°Fine. If you¡¯re offering that much, I¡¯ll assume you were bitten by a dog and forget that you played with me.¡± I was still in a bad mood, so I purposely compared him to a dog, but it didn¡¯t work. He had set his mind on paying the price. He added a strange condition. ¡°You have to receive it all. Everything that I will pay for. You must.¡± ¡°Is that so. ¡± This crazy bastard. When I gave him a definite answer, he nodded with assurance. And he added as if it was a passing remark, smiling softly. ¡°Oh, if you give me a refund later, I will kill you.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª I felt dejected. Did I give the reverse effect and put him in a good mood by coming in with the mascot suit? The moment I remembered it, I unknowingly turned around and looked around the office where he was. Was he crazy about mascot costumes? There was an eerie speculation that it could be the case, and a chill passed through my body. There was a sense of unease about the situation that I couldn¡¯t understand. I was busy today, so I left the office after a friendly greeting from the guy who asked me to discuss the price step by step from tomorrow, but the feeling of being possessed by something didn¡¯t go away. I had not said something wrong, had I? I asked him to pay the price, but he really said he¡¯d give it to me, right? It was something completely unexpected that I never imagined. If I asked for money, was he going to convert a few million won into ten won and throw it, an unpleasant future lingered in my head. As I stood in the elevator hall and blankly put the mascot head back on my head again, I heard a small sobbing in my ear. I turned my head to the end of the hallway where the toilets were, where I heard the sound. Oh, Chief Park. As I went into the bathroom, remembering the person I had forgotten, I heard a cry from inside the only room with the door closed. ¡°Euuh~ Euheuuuk~ My darling¡­ sent me stones¡­ Euheu, heu, heuk, keuk! S-since I only work overtime every day, stones¡­ ahhhng~ My darling, what should I do if I throw it away now eheuheu¡­¡± Bang! When I kicked the door hard with my foot, Chief Park, who was sitting with the lid crouched on the toilet, shook and was surprised. ¡°Huh! W-w-why are you here?!¡± Suddenly, he crouched down in terror as he saw a giant mascot smashing the door and standing crookedly. I said quietly as I took the box of cakes he was hugging. ¡°The delivery was wrong.¡± Then I turned my back and left the bathroom, and after a while, I heard a faint voice of Chief Park, who came to his senses. ¡°¡­ Eh?¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª I didn¡¯t have to go to Alice¡¯s Labyrinth because the madman would definitely not be there, but that was why I went there on purpose. There were a lot of strange things. He said he liked the voice in the mascot head, but it was uncomfortable for him to accept my demands. And I hadn¡¯t even talked about the most important thing about his name. No, it would be more correct to say that I hadn¡¯t asked because I was not in the right mind. However, even if I asked about it later, somehow it seemed that I would not be able to hear the details. There must be a reason, given that he had a bad reaction to his name. So I came here. Maybe there was someone whom I could hear a little bit of the reason why. A person whose lying I could easily detect. ¡°Yeah, are you curious about something?¡± He asked me, and then the boss brought up his business first. ¡°By the way, Baekwon, why didn¡¯t you come that day?¡± If it was ¡®that day¡¯ then¡­ It was the day I went to his house after being caught by the sleepy madman. In addition, it was the day the boss manipulated the text messages. ¡°Have you not been contacted by Jay by any chance? Like text messages or something.¡± The narrowed eyes stared at me. I could not lie in front of that expression that suggested he would listen to me openly. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What? Wasn¡¯t it something like coming here because he missed you or something?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you familiar?¡± He flinched and soon smiled. ¡°Huhu~ Isn¡¯t it good? My derivative skills?¡± Hearing his voice crack, I nodded my head. Yeah, I might find something out if I asked this person. ¡°I actually couldn¡¯t believe the text.¡± I added it right away to him who was about to say something. ¡°How can you trust a person whose name is Han Jay and is the same person as Director Yoon from Dream?¡± The boss opened his eyes wide and paused, then asked calmly. ¡°Did you find out?¡± ¡°Yes. And I¡¯ve checked it myself. So it¡¯s more unbelievable. People with different names can be the same person.¡± ¡°That¡­¡± I listened to his hesitation and the center of the conversation to him, deliberately emphasizing. ¡°I don¡¯t believe my boss lied to me. He is not one to lie.¡± Fortunately, this seemed to work. He gave a big nod. ¡°Of course. I am not lying.¡± ¡°Then why are the names different?¡± He stared at me for a moment, thinking. I was more curious about his reaction. What the hell was the secret behind the name? However, contrary to expectations, the answer that came out easily as if he had made up his mind was ridiculously simple. ¡°Han Jay is an old name.¡± ¡°You mean he changed his name¡­ I mean, changed his last name?¡± The boss smiled bitterly and confirmed, ¡®Ah, yes.¡¯ What happened for his last name to be changed? And it¡¯s not really a big deal. And if the name has been changed, shouldn¡¯t I be notified with the changed name? In the beginning, I came to the conclusion that the problem was the boss who gave the wrong information, but I heard a casual addition. ¡°So, we became strangers.¡± Oh? When I widened my eyes in surprise, a smile appeared on his face that reminded me of the madman. ¡°Did you not know? My surname is Han.¡± ¡°Then maybe his father¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m just a relative. No, I was a relative.¡± He cut himself off and added coldly. ¡°If you speak about what you¡¯ve just heard at other places, I¡¯ll make your life agonizing. Do you understand?¡± I nodded, realizing that it wasn¡¯t just that the secret was being related to the boss. There seemed to be some other reason than that. Either way, I didn¡¯t care. When I no longer showed interest, the boss returned to his original expression. ¡°So you checked with Jay yourself? Hmm¡­ Judging by your personality, I don¡¯t think you would just let it go. Hm? Did you perhaps punch him?¡± Rumble! He suddenly kicked off his chair and got up and shouted at me. ¡°Heuk! Did you hit our Jay?!¡± Are you kidding me? I barely resisted what I wanted to ask. Even if we went to K1 right now, he¡¯s going to win, but you¡¯re worried about him getting hit. Please, if I could hit him even once, I would have no other wishes. Feeling upset, I frowned slightly. ¡°We didn¡¯t fight.¡± Then the boss said, ¡®Hm?¡¯ and changed his expression and smiled. ¡°Haha, yes. There¡¯s no way our gentle Jay could have a fight.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°So what¡¯s going on?¡± I was amazed and wondered what he was talking about, so I asked back, ¡®Yes?¡¯ ¡°You don¡¯t understand something in Jay¡¯s answer or actions.¡± I thought I would get used to it now, but whenever he suddenly hit the nail on the head, I was still startled. Still, I tried not to show it outwardly and answered lightly as if it was nothing special. ¡°It¡¯s just kind of weird. He deceived me, so I asked for something in return, but he responded very readily.¡± ¡°Jay did?¡± The boss also raised one eyebrow. I nodded and added. ¡°Yes. He said he would listen to anything.¡± The shock in my voice seemed to be contagious to him as well. He remained silent for a while as if he couldn¡¯t believe it, then the boss suddenly said, ¡°Ah~¡± and burst out laughing as if he remembered something. ¡°Did you happen to visit Jay while he was working? Late in the evening?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Uhahaha~ That¡¯s it. It¡¯s that. Because of that.¡± He waved his finger with a leisurely smile when I just looked at him, asking for an explanation with my eyes. ¡°Ayee, you are really lucky. Jay, when he¡¯s very tired and sleepy, he¡¯ll be gentle, and he¡¯ll do whatever you want. Of course, it is very rare.¡± Then, of course, he added useless words such as, ¡®Other people get annoyed when they are tired and sleepy, but Jay is a good kid, he doesn¡¯t act picky.¡¯ It reminded me of three days ago. He said he was sleepy and suddenly became uncomfortably soft like that. However, even though I understood that strange thing, I wasn¡¯t sure if it was the same as today. For that¡­ ¡°Hm? Why don¡¯t you believe me?¡± ¡°¡­¡± When I shut my mouth, he smiled, like he was trying to appease a child. ¡°Of course, he might have listened because Jay adores you.¡± It was a word I couldn¡¯t get used to no matter how many times I heard it. In the end, I couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and asked. ¡°Which part does he adore?¡± To be honest, I thought nothing would come out of the boss¡¯s mouth. Even if there was a reason, it must be his own opinion that I could not understand. But the boss¡¯s words, that spoke in a tone that he was surprised I didn¡¯t even know that, were unexpected. ¡°What are you talking about? Jay tolerates you talking informally to him. Doesn¡¯t he?¡± Oh? In an instant, my mind turned blank. ¡­ It seemed so. CH 32 Even if it wasn¡¯t adoration, I left Alice¡¯s Labyrinth in shock after realizing that the madman indeed did tolerate me in some way. Come to think of it, he didn¡¯t get angry at my disrespectful nature. As I returned to the building¡¯s front door, puzzled, I nearly collided with a car that was just about to come to a stop. Fortunately, thanks to my good motor skills, I jumped back and was not hit by the car, but in the end I lost my balance and fell to the floor. The funny thing was that I rolled on the floor and unconsciously protected my face with my hands so as not to let it get hurt. I guess I was pretty much used to being an actor. I felt bitter as I stood up, and I heard the sound of the car door slamming and I felt someone rushing in front of me. And as soon as the shadow fell in front of me, I heard swearing. ¡°Fucking bastard, you don¡¯t even know whose car this is, and you dare push your dirty body in front of it?¡± When I raised my eyes while trying to stand up, a giant-like figure in a black suit lifted one foot with those words. The movement of the feet was obvious to anyone; he was going to kick me. Swish! As soon as I rolled around quickly to dodge, a terrifying wind blew past me. Fuck. Cursing inside, I hardened my lower body and stood up like a spring. As I stood up straight, a head and body much larger than mine approached me more menacingly. Of course I didn¡¯t care. I stared straight at him and let out a low breath. ¡°How would I know whose car it is, son of a bitch.¡± His lips twisted in an instant at the cold voice. ¡°Shit, this bastard.¡± Swish! Heavy fists flew towards me. After twisting my upper body to avoid the attack, I immediately took a boxing position. I could tell just how strong my opponent was just by the sound of the air being sliced. I would be hurled just by coming into contact with it. Tension ran through my body, and my nerves stood up to the tip of my head. Swish, swish, swish! I frantically retreated back to avoid a series of fists. And I stretched out my arm without missing an opportunity from the bent position. Puck! As soon as the attack hit the empty side, I quickly moved to the side. Thanks to the quick steps I was used to in boxing, I was barely able to avoid his fist, which was immediately counterattacking. The hairs all over my body stood still as I stepped back as his fists brushed my temples. ¡°You rat¡­¡± Roaring, the opponent chased me and took a wide stride. Of course, he was faster than me moving backwards, and just when we were about to run into each other, someone ran and blocked us. Or rather, he got in my way. ¡°Whoa, whoa¡­ I¡¯m sorry. There seems to be some misunderstanding.¡± I gasped and looked at the manager who was blocking my way with a frown. He looked up at his giant opponent in a calm voice. ¡°You may have misunderstood. This is our store¡¯s gue¡­¡± ¡°Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding, you tell me. Depending on it, I will deal with you.¡± The giant man spat out and tilted his head crookedly. ¡°I said, speak.¡± I pushed the manager and tried to step forward. It was not my fault, it was that jerk¡¯s one-sided attack. However, the manager gently stretched out his hand and pushed me back. After hesitating for a while as if signaling to me not to go out, the manager opened his mouth. ¡°It seems he didn¡¯t see the car as he left the building. He didn¡¯t do that on purpose¡­ Ugh!¡± Smack! A ghastly slap on the cheek ripped the air. ¡°You call that an excuse? Because of this fucking bastard, the Chairman¡¯s car was suddenly stopped. How are you going to compensate for that?¡± I was stunned and lost for words, all I could do was stare. I wanted to teach that giant punk who used ridiculous force a lesson, but the manager stopped me again. Bending over 90 degrees, he spoke loudly. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. If there¡¯s any problem, of course we will compensate for everything.¡± ¡°Fuck, the incident has happened, what are you going to compensate? Is it okay if you kill someone and apologize afterwards?¡± What nonsense was this guy talking about? I was pissed off and was about to take another step, but the manager who raised his back pushed me back with his hand. ¡°What can I do to make the Chairman feel better? Until he feels satisfied, we will take responsibility for everything today.¡± Smack! Smack! Being slapped twice in a row, the manager¡¯s face turned wide. His body staggered at the tremendous power, but the smile on his face didn¡¯t disappear. ¡°Please come inside.¡± The giant let out a short ¡®fuck¡¯ and raised his chin. And as he was about to say something, another voice stopped him. ¡°Sangtaek, stop it.¡± A dull, senile voice, like phlegm. As soon as the giant heard the voice, he turned around and bowed. ¡°Are you okay, Chairman?¡± A short old man in his late 60¡¯s or early 70¡¯s stood next to the luxury car he was approaching. But his gaze passed the approaching giant and turned towards me. The moment our eyes met, goosebumps for an unknown reason spread throughout my body. I had sometimes seen tenacious people who didn¡¯t feel human, but this old man was completely different. His eyes were not human. ¡°You¡­ you are cocky.¡± C tbjgrf, lcjevlyif nblmf qlfgmfv ws fjgr jr lo rmgjamtlcu ws cfgnfr. Ktf biv wjc jrxfv, cjggbklcu tlr rcjxf-ilxf fsfr. ¡°Lbk vjgf sbe ibbx ragjluta ja wf?¡± Aera ktfc atf biv wjc¡¯r ybvs kjr jybea ab aegc mbwqifafis abkjgv wf, ws nlrlbc kjr yibmxfv. ¡°Ljtj, Jtjlgwjc Blw, la¡¯r yffc j ktlif rlcmf sbe mjwf.¡± Who knows when he arrived, the boss cleverly blocked the old man and guided him to the entrance. And after sharing a few more words, he finally moved on, but the old man turned his head before entering the entrance. As if he was going to let me go only for this time, the snake¡¯s eyes flashed and disappeared. After he and the giant man were gone, only then did I realize that I was clenching my fists. The forgotten figure next to me then whispered to me hastily. ¡°Hurry up and get out of here.¡± I questioned him with my eyes and he added in a low voice. ¡°Chairman Kim is here, so Song Yoohan will be here soon.¡± And while he quickly disappeared inside, I was immobilized on the spot. It was only after a while that I finally realized who Chairman Kim was. Sponsor. Myeongshin¡¯s sponsor. ¡ª¡ª¡ª Despite the manager¡¯s advice, I went back to Alice¡¯s Labyrinth because I didn¡¯t want to be in debt. ¡°I heard you were looking for me.¡± He quickly walked down the hallway and frowned slightly. He seemed dissatisfied that I hadn¡¯t left yet. So, I got to the point quickly. Or rather, I held out my hand. When I held out the convenience store bag, the manager with a bruise on one cheek asked, ¡®What is it?¡¯ Then he looked inside the bag and blinked. What was inside was an assortment of porridge packages. ¡°Your mouth must have been hurt.¡± After I said what I had to say, as I turned around, he called after me. I questioned him with my eyes and he smiled warmly. ¡°The boss will contact you separately, I think it would be better not to come here for a while.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Because a celebrity who¡¯s with Chairman Kim is asking us to find someone.¡± It was obvious who this celebrity was. So who they¡¯re looking for is¡­ ¡°They¡¯re looking for a person named Lee Baekwon. We say we don¡¯t know anyone with that name. So I hope that helps you?¡± When I nodded, he smiled and hurriedly turned around and disappeared. As I climbed the stairs, I kept thinking of the manager, who was smiling with a blue bruise, rather than Chairman Kim, who had snake eyes, or Myeongshin, who was looking for Lee Baekwon. It was a weekend without classes, but as usual, I headed to the company building. It was mentioned that the manager would show us the schedule for the film and discuss acting, but while I was alone, my head was complicated. The strange behavior that the madman showed was also a reason, but it was mostly Myeongshin¡¯s sponsor, whom I had seen for a moment. I had only been able to check his face, but I had an ominous feeling. It was like a nightmare in which Myeongshin whom I was trying to get revenge on was connected like a vine, and another Myeongshin and another was continuously attached to it. And the moment I opened the door to the office I had come to shake off those thoughts, a familiar sight I had not seen in a long time greeted me. ¡°Urghh~ Manager, what if I don¡¯t tremble in front of the camera? What do I do if I don¡¯t show the look the director wants because I can¡¯t feel anything?¡± Hansoo was voicing the most useless worries on the planet. Of course, there was someone who entertained him, so it was a problem. ¡°It¡¯s okay!! You¡¯re a fool in front of the camera! If there is a more foolish person in the world than you, tell them to come out!¡± The manager put his thumb up and told his artist that he was a fool. Then, as if receiving the best compliment in the world, Hansoo smiled all over his face. ¡°Right? I¡¯m the best at trembling in front of the camera, right? Haha~ Yes, I can do it!¡± As Hansoo barely clenched his fists, the manager tapped him on the shoulder proudly. ¡°Of course, there is no other fool who can catch up.¡± That¡¯s right. There is no other fool who can catch up to those two. As I came to that decision, suddenly two people came to my mind. Maybe Photographer Lee and Alice Labyrinth¡¯s boss wouldn¡¯t find it difficult to catch up¡­ I was surprised when I realized that I was the fool for even thinking about this so I stopped thinking. And just in case that vivaciousness was contagious, I sat across the table. At that moment, perhaps because I had thought of that guy, the manager received a call from one of the two people I had been thinking of. The manager answered the call with a lively voice without checking the caller. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m Choi Deukpal from Dream Entertainment¡­ Huh! Photographer Lee!¡± The manager¡¯s face turned to fear, taking a deep breath. Then he hurriedly lowered his voice and whispered. ¡°¡­ What¡¯s the matter? Huh? Our Taemin?¡± The manager, who had glanced at me, stood up and whispered. ¡°Uh huh, I told you before. Taemin is not in Korea¡­ Ah, yes, that¡¯s right. went to the Amazon. Amazon. A place where there are a lot of insects that Photographer Lee hates the most, and the world¡¯s largest snake just walks alongside a crocodile. So don¡¯t¡­ Hm? When are you coming?¡± He peeked at me again. The manager walked to the end of the room, banged his head against the edge of the wall and muttered. ¡°I don¡¯t know. My friend is sick¡­ What? Friend¡¯s name? Uh, was it Wh- Whahoo? Oh, why are you asking that?¡­What?!!! You think you¡¯re going to the Amazon for a photoshoot?!!! You¡¯re going to find Taemin there and take a nude photo shoot?!¡± The manager, who shouted at the corner, remained silent for a long time, then made a firm decision. ¡°¡­ Shoot me. I¡¯ll take it off! I¡¯ll show you everything! Don¡¯t be embarrassed, shoot me¡­ Hm? Photographer Lee? Photographer Lee?¡± The manager, who had been shouting at Photographer Lee as the other party hung up, barely turned around at the corner. Then he said a word to us who were silent. ¡°Haha. It¡¯s no big deal.¡± However, his face, returning to his seat, was full of determination to take nude photos. Of course, as I was currently in the Amazon, I had nothing to say. But where was Amazon? I thought I had heard it somewhere, but the manager asked, changing the topic. ¡°Oh, it must have been hard yesterday, aren¡¯t you tired?¡± Before I could reply that it was okay, Hansoo, who was next to me, gave the news abruptly. ¡°Right, did you hear? The company is going to support our business trip expenses. I don¡¯t think I need to sleep in a tent! Hehe~¡± Travel expenses? Tent? I looked at the manager to see what it meant. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I should have told you first, but it was decided all of a sudden.¡± ¡°So, what is it?¡± But the manager, who was suddenly excited, didn¡¯t answer directly. ¡°I really never dreamed that we¡¯d get support like this. To be honest, I was shocked to receive a call this morning. Of course, doesn¡¯t this mean that you and Hansoo are being respected by the company? Hahaha~¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hmm, what did you ask?¡± Staring at him, only then did the manager give me a proper explanation. ¡°Actually, after filming was decided, I talked to Chief Park. It¡¯s a small role, but there aren¡¯t any other schedules and I think it could be an extension of class, so why not go to the movie set? But honestly, I thought it would be about three or four days even if the permit was granted. Of course, I didn¡¯t expect it, but I suddenly got a call this morning. The company will support you, so go ahead and participate in the movie as much as you need!¡± I asked him calmly, who was about to get excited again. ¡°Did you tell them that our scene is only 3-4 minutes long?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Looking at the manager, who kept his mouth shut, I got a rough idea of ??the situation. He probably exaggerated to get permission. A gross exaggeration at that. However, other reasons than that vaguely came to mind. Who was supporting this work. Was the madman really trying to help me by giving permission? But soon I was puzzled. Even if there are private feelings, I think he would draw a line in public affairs¡­ Even if he said he would pay for anything I wanted. While I was lost in my thoughts for a moment, I heard the manager explain something, a bit downcast. ¡°It¡¯s just a short scene for now, but if you go to the filming set and help, who knows? If an actor doesn¡¯t come, you can be switched in in a hurry, and the amount of appearances can increase a little more¡­ Unlike dramas, movies tend to change a bit during filming¡­¡± The manager, who was still murmuring, glanced up at me. Next to him was Hansoo with a similarly anxious expression. It was as if they were trying to get my permission, so I couldn¡¯t tell them to properly report back to Chief Park. ¡°¡­ Let¡¯s go.¡± After saying that word, the two of them clenched their fists and rejoiced like children. I was thinking about whether I should be independent even now, but there was something in the manager¡¯s words that caught me. ¡°By the way, what do you mean going to the filming set and helping out?¡± ¡°Huhh? Uh¡­ ah, that¡¯s¡­¡± As his words began to trail off, I glanced at him sharply again and the manager spoke frankly. ¡°I heard from PD Jung, you know? Since the film is almost at the level of an independent film, it seems to need a lot of hands and equipment. Of course, there are people who can help, but they will probably need more hands. Therefore¡­¡± He continued speaking, but I couldn¡¯t hear it because I didn¡¯t understand it well. If you go and help, there may be more appearances. Did that kind of thing happen often? The manager¡¯s words sounded like bluffs to those who were not familiar with the film industry. After all, they would have decided on the casting and filmed it according to the script. I didn¡¯t really believe it, but the manager pushed me hard, so I nodded my head without showing it. It didn¡¯t matter if I had to work a little harder. To get used to this industry, I thought that the experience of carrying equipment on a movie set could be as helpful as an acting class. What was surprising, however, was the timing of the departure. ¡°Are we leaving now?¡± When the manager told us to start leaving, Hansoo asked, surprised. ¡°Yes. PD Jung actually shot about 1/3 of this movie, but he stopped because he didn¡¯t have the budget, so he stopped for about a month and then started again. So you should join immediately. Who knows when it will stop?¡± For the first time, he revealed managerial calculations, and he added another reason. ¡°And one of the conditions from Chief Park was that we were to leave immediately.¡± ¡°Chief Park?¡± When I asked, the manager tilted his head as if he didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Mhm. And he was begging me to take you with me.¡± Several scenes popped into my mind at the same time. Chairman Kim, whom I saw yesterday, and the manager of Alice Labyrinth advised me not to come for a while. Ah, was it because of this?I felt strange when I realized that Director Yoon, the madman, was trying to help me flee. I guess he was really helping me. And I was reminded of the thorn in my neck all night long. Chairman Kim. Myeongshin¡¯s sponsor might be a really dangerous person. To the extent that the madman was trying not to reveal me. Then I got more curious. Fortunately, there was someone beside me who seemed to know a little about this person. While Hansoo went home to pack, I talked to the manager alone. ¡°Manager.¡± After talking on the phone here and there, I called out to him when he was quiet. He raised his happy face, having made a reservation for a motel. ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Early on, you said that if I was going to find a sponsor, I need to be prepared to not mind sucking a 70-year-old old man¡¯s penis.¡± The manager¡¯s hand stopped mid-air as he was trying to write the motel information in the notebook. ¡°¡­ What about that?¡± ¡°Was Myeongshin an example of that?¡± Tap. He laid down the promotional ballpoint pen that was given out on the street on the table. ¡°Why are you asking that?¡± ¡°Do you know anything about Myeongshin¡¯s sponsor, Chairman Kim?¡± The moment I brought up Chairman Kim, his eyes changed seriously. ¡°You must never touch that old man.¡± He spoke gravely and I responded lightly. ¡°You also said that about Director Yoon.¡± ¡°No, Director Yoon is different. Director Yoon is like a knife, so he can be cut off by the company, but ¡­¡± He shook his head and said hastily. ¡°But, for Chairman Kim it¡¯s not like that. That in itself is a problem. That old man¡­¡± He stopped talking, and he bit his lower lip once thoughtfully and then looked straight at me. ¡°He¡¯s not a person. He is not human.¡± I know. Because his eyes didn¡¯t look human. As he grew older, he was left with only selfish greed, and he had turned into a snake. ¡°It¡¯s not possible. Taemin. If you¡¯re going to take revenge on Myeongshin, just touch Myeongshin. You just have to work hard to become a good actor and make Myeongshin angry, right? However, not Chairman Kim. At all, don¡¯t even catch the old man¡¯s attention.¡± The last words were mixed with fear. ¡°Something happened to the manager when he caught the attention of Chairman Kim?¡± ¡°¡­¡± There was silence for a long time, but the manager¡¯s mouth did not open. I twisted the corners of my mouth and let out a smile that escaped inevitably. ¡°Is that right?¡± ¡°Taemin-ah¡­¡± ¡°I said. Is. That. Right. Watching him not answer until the end, I noticed that there was something more. I slowly brought up what I would have done in the past. ¡°Did they come find you at home?¡± As I looked at his widening eyes, my lips curled further. ¡°They must have entered the house with shoes on, grabbed your wife and children, and pulled out a knife in front of the manager. Seeing the kids crying and running out of tears in fear and calling only their father, the manager must have said he would do anything.¡± ¡°¡­ Stop it.¡± The manager barely spoke a word with a pale face. The image of someone from the past flashed briefly on his face, but he quickly erased it from his mind. Anyway, that method always worked. ¡°Is it because of that? Even after being treated like that by Myeongshin, you don¡¯t want to take revenge.¡± Even if I didn¡¯t listen to the answer, I could tell by the manager¡¯s trembling eyes. And why Myeongshin was able to rampage like that. Just because he was immature, he couldn¡¯t understand the time of ignorance and failure he went through. But this was the reason. No matter what messy things they do, they carry an eerie existence on their backs that those who have been subjected to cannot retaliate. Then a natural question arose. How the hell did Myeongshin score Chairman Kim? Of course, that would not have been an ordinary approach. I looked at the manager and asked sharply. ¡°Myeongshin didn¡¯t just suck the penis of an old man in his 70s.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What did he do? Didn¡¯t he do something that suited Chairman Kim¡¯s taste?¡± I urged the manager, who gulped down with embarrassed eyes. ¡°Did he even play SM with that old man?¡± ¡°Taemin-ah¡­¡± ¡°I have to know how cruel he is in order to avoid him.¡± At my words, the manager frowned as if contemplating for a moment, then opened his mouth with difficulty. ¡°Chairman Kim¡­ he was not originally a well-known person in the entertainment industry. He¡¯s never had a celebrity as a sponsor before, but Myeongshin found him at a secret meeting.¡± ¡°What kind of meeting?¡± Hesitating again, he spit out a short English word with a sigh. But it was a word I didn¡¯t know. When I asked what it meant, I heard a word I knew this time. ¡°Rape.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Chairman Kim¡¯s taste is¡­ watching. Beaten to death and bleeding, the more he saw them being raped, the more he rejoiced. That¡¯s how¡­ that old man¡¯s thing stands.¡± There was something I did not understand in the manager¡¯s difficult explanation. Myeongshin was a celebrity. His body was a property that didn¡¯t allow tattoos, let alone the scars on his face. However, if he was beaten to death and bled, of course, scars remain¡­ Then, In an instant, everything made sense. I also realized that the manager¡¯s words were true in the first place. Myeongshin was really sucking the penis of an old man in his 70s. It was just that he was also responsible for creating the stimulus for that man¡¯s erection. He gets the material to be raped. At first glance, yellow haired and the good-looking guy flashed through his mind. I see. I thought it was just elementary school-like greed to make them underlings, but that wasn¡¯t the case. Of course, finding someone to be raped is difficult. But if you pay money to the prostitutes, it won¡¯t be very exciting. Because the acting is bound to be obvious. But, what if there were people who are willing to give their bodies to men? Moreover, they get a benefit in return. If you give them one role, there would not be any grudges. It must have been a wonderful world that Chairman Kim could not let go of. Myeongshin, who provided him with that pleasure, was an invaluable treasure. A treasure, huh¡­ Song Myeongshin, you¡¯ve been playing as a dirty pimp after all, haven¡¯t you? CH 33 ¡°Myeongshin wasn¡¯t originally like that.¡± I turned my cold eyes to the manager¡¯s faint sigh. He met my gaze and made excuses on behalf of Myeongshin. ¡°He wasn¡¯t the kind of kid who meddled with those terrible things¡­ There were dirty rumors circulating that he kept losing his roles, and that he didn¡¯t even try to keep up with competing actors or his agency. Later, it was covered a few times in the media. Things kept going wrong like that, so the kid started becoming more spiteful¡­ It was also my fault for not being able to cheer him up¡­¡± ¡°People do not change.¡± As I cut off his words, the manager raised his dazed eyes. I smiled at him again. Oddly enough, the smile lasted. ¡°It¡¯s his nature originally.¡± Selfishness that tells the person with a knife who they will kill other than themselves; It was because he had no conscience to report to the police in the first place. The current Myeongshin was the one who had not changed. He only knew himself and didn¡¯t care if someone really gets stabbed or raped. Just like I hadn¡¯t changed. But there was still a sense of guilt in the manager¡¯s eyes. People are amazing. The extent to which they felt guilt was all different. ¡°Tell me. Do all celebrities have sponsors?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like that but¡­¡± ¡°Or do you have to have money to be successful?¡± Seeing him closing his mouth, I asked him one last time. ¡°Among the sponsors, is there anyone else like Chairman Kim?¡± ¡°¡­ No.¡± ¡°Then leave it alone. Myeongshin chose the quickest but worst path, and he did it because he wanted it.¡± It was uncomfortable to give a piece of advice to an older man. Especially when the other person listens to it without getting angry. The type of person who knew how to reflect on himself and listened to others. Maybe Myeongshin might have felt the same discomfort as me from the manager? ¡°If the manager didn¡¯t warn me about Chairman Kim, was it because you thought I wasn¡¯t really going to get revenge?¡± He was silent for a moment, then nodded his head. ¡°Yes. And I believed that your goals would change as you worked. Rather than bringing someone down, I wanted you to develop and rise higher. Then the revenge will be delayed by itself. Whew, but now it¡¯s kinda scary. I think you¡¯re really going to focus on revenge while neglecting yourself.¡± A sad light flashed in the manager¡¯s eyes. ¡°Of course, you must be thinking that way now. Still, you can¡¯t really know people and can¡¯t make assumptions about the future. And also.¡± The manager, who stopped talking, emphasized once more. ¡°Tbe mjc¡¯a abemt tlw. Gbc¡¯a fnfc gec lcab atja biv wjc.¡± ¡°Pa¡¯r jigfjvs abb ijaf.¡± Pc jc lcrajca, atf wjcjufg¡¯r fsfr klvfcfv. Lf ibbxfv jr lo tf tjv rabqqfv ygfjatlcu, jcv atfc jrxfv jr lo tf kjr nbwlalcu. ¡°L- Ljnf sbe wfa? Glv sbe wffa Jtjlgwjc Blw?¡± Qbgglfv atja tf wluta tjnf j tfjga jaajmx, P gfqilfv ilutais. ¡°I just brushed past him.¡± Besides, I didn¡¯t have anyone precious for anyone to threaten me with. I swallowed those additional words, but the manager¡¯s anxiety did not diminish. ¡°Did you just make eye contact? Did you hear anything strange?¡± I declined, and then the manager sighed. ¡°Chairman Kim doesn¡¯t like when someone looks directly at him. He thinks it¡¯s defiance. It may not sound like a big deal, but even if he gets in a bad mood or is dissatisfied with something, he will make you suffer in this industry no matter what, he¡¯s very difficult to please. Come to think of it, Myeongshin is really¡­¡± The manager shook his head. ¡°I wonder how he can get along with that old man.¡± Additionally, he was also aiming for Director Yoon. Then I suddenly remembered. Maybe even Chairman Kim knew that Myeongshin was aiming for Director Yoon. They seem to be more like partners rather than lovers. Someone who sucks his dick and supplies the victims of rape. That¡¯s why Myeongshin might think that if he gets more influence in the entertainment industry, the supply of offerings will be easier. Did the madman know all of this? Of course he did. That¡¯s probably why he might hate Chairman Kim. For the madman, the ¡®offering¡¯ was the company¡¯s property. That¡¯s why, while trying to beat Chairman Kim, he was also trying to bring down Myeongshin. And the reason he was willing to help me, someone whom he had just met. Suddenly, it felt like things were getting better. Then the strange thing was Myeongshin¡­ Did he think Director Yoon didn¡¯t know who he was? From a company executive¡¯s point of view, it¡¯s obvious that they would reject it. By still trying to seduce him, it¡¯s unusually stupid of that punk. ¡°Why is Myeongshin looking for Director Yoon?¡± ¡°Hm? That¡¯s probably because of the drama that was mentioned before. Our company owns the copyright, so in order to win the role¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think Director Yoon wouldn¡¯t know about Myeongshin¡¯s sponsor. And what Myeongshin is doing by hanging around the trainees.¡± The manager¡¯s face hardened at what I said. I was sure, Myeongshin was using those aspiring celebrities as the rape victims. ¡°Of course, Myeongshin would think that Director Yoon knew about him. So it¡¯s strange, is he taking a hopeless approach to Director Yoon, who must hate him?¡± ¡°Perhaps he doesn¡¯t think¡­ it¡¯s hopeless.¡± When I stared at him with eyes asking for further explanation, the manager was unwilling to speak, but he finally opened my mouth. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about this either. But rumor has it that the CEO of Dream has foretold Director Yoon as the next president. Director Yoon is a person who became a company executive purely through his own skills. Since he was in the U.S. branch, there was a lot of talk about him, and as soon as he came to Korea, they gave him the Director position. Of course, Director Yoon also has ambitions, but the problem is that the CEO¡¯s power is too weak to push him. There are shareholders who are opposed to the CEO, and one person has recently joined this side.¡± I seemed to realize who it was even without hearing it. Chairman Kim, who has newly opened his eyes to the entertainment industry. ¡°I heard that Chairman Kim bought a lot of stocks. Director Yoon, well, he¡¯s not going to be the CEO right now, but won¡¯t there come a time when he needs Chairman Kim¡¯s power someday? After all, there is no one other than the CEO to support Director Yoon. Even now, there are many shareholders who hate Director Yoon. So Myeongshin must have been aiming for that. Now, even if Director Yoon refuses, one day he will realize the reality and accept himself. Myeongshin is Chairman Kim¡¯s after all.¡± Shareholder¡­ Suddenly, I remembered that the madman first introduced himself as a shareholder of Dream. ¡°It seems that the shares owned by Director Yoon are too little.¡± ¡°Hm? I guess so. Well, I didn¡¯t see Director Yoon¡¯s name on the list of major shareholders.¡± What? I felt something strange. I frowned and wracked my brain trying to remember, and something finally came to mind. Alice Labyrinth¡¯s boss¡¯s voice. ¡ª Oh right, since Song Yoohan¡¯s sponsor is that annoying Chairman Kim you will need a more powerful¡­ Ah, right! Jay! You have Jay! If Alice Labyrinth¡¯s boss strongly recommended him, didn¡¯t it mean that he would be competing with Chairman Kim to some extent? But if he was not a major shareholder¡­ I guess I didn¡¯t understand it and made a face. The manager asked, ¡®Why?¡¯ and I raised my confused eyes. ¡°The person with the most power in Dream, or should I say shares, who has the most?¡± However, the manager¡¯s response was a bit strange. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s a company, not a person.¡± ¡°A company?¡± ¡°Mhm. So, in terms of people, the major shareholder of the company would also be the major shareholder of Dream.¡± Why was this so complicated? As I grumbled inwardly, the manager added casually. ¡°Well, the company¡¯s major shareholder must be the chairman who retired from active service. I heard they took care of inheritance recently¡­ Well, the immediate family of the Han family will inherit it.¡± Huh? Han family? ¡ª¡ª¡ª On the way to the filming location, I got a text message from the madman. I had my eyes closed in a shaking car, so I checked the text only after I arrived at XX, two hours away from Seoul. ¡ª Where are you? After sending the name of the XX city as an answer, a text message came back after a while. ¡ª Report every time you go somewhere. I stopped in my tracks. Seeing this, Hansoo, who was ahead of me, asked, ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ I responded by taking a picture of the reply. ¡°An eerie text.¡± ¡ª Why should I? Hansoo laughed and asked if it was a text message from the enemy, but I bowed my head at the sound of the vibration in my hand. ¡ª Didn¡¯t you want to be repaid? Don¡¯t I need to know where you are No matter how I looked at it, I felt like a debtor. Why is this bastard mad because he can¡¯t pay for it? ¡ª Guve it when I ask for it I thought he wouldn¡¯t have anything to say if I did this, but the next text message still pissed me off. ¡ª ¡®Give¡¯ you dumbass I flew into a rage, but there was another text soon after. ¡ª Write down what the thing you lie your head on when you sleep is called I should have ignored it and ended the chat here, but I couldn¡¯t control my anger in front of him. I moved my finger in a hurry because I wanted to call him a dumbass. ¡ª It¡¯s a pullow, you dumbass ¡ª Hahaha~ It¡¯s ¡®pillow¡¯ okay, ¡®pillow¡¯ ¡°Taemin, are you okay?¡± I looked up at the manager¡¯s voice, and then I realized that I was huffing and puffing. Next to him, Hansoo was surprised and his eyes were wide open. ¡°¡­ Manager.¡± ¡°Huh? What?¡± I forgot that my voice was trembling because of the resentment, and I typed ¡®pullow¡¯ on my phone and held it out. ¡°This¡­ fuck, is this wrong?¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª For the next few days, I kept getting text messages from the madman. In the end, it was always the same thing. ¡ª Write down what ¡­ is called. CH 34 I knew that filming takes a few months or more than a year at the longest, but only now did I realize how long it actually took to shoot a single cut. From finding a place suitable for the scene, even after they did, there were many cases where they could not be reserved, and in most cases they had to pay an expensive rental fee. I didn¡¯t even know that ordinary roadways, roads, train stations, bus stops, etc. that usually appear in movies had to be booked in advance and formally approved. And, of course, there wasn¡¯t much money to spend on location in PD Jung¡¯s low-budget movie. Thanks to that, I started running with heavy equipment from the first day I came. I had to finish all the scenes within a limited time, or we had to sneakily shoot in a place that wasn¡¯t allowed. Thanks to this, I was able to adapt very quickly to the film job, and I also found that the manager¡¯s wish was feasible. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s dark, lift up the reflector a little higher!¡± At the shout of the director, the staff raised the large reflector a little higher above their heads. It was a small train station on the outskirts of the city. We had to finish filming in a limited time before the start of its operation at dawn, so everyone was rubbing sleepy eyes and installing filming equipment in the dark. Among them, I was responsible for holding the shaking light. When we first appeared here a few days ago, PD Jung¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t very good. Rather, the grim expression seemed to ask ¡®why did you come?¡¯, but I joined the filming thanks to the manager who begged and said we wanted to help out for free along with Hansoo. PD Jung seemed to have fallen for the free service emphasized by the manager, but when we really helped filming, he thanked us a lot later. I didn¡¯t get paid money though. Actually, the devices were all outdated and old. The lighting that I had to hold on to the pedestal like this, and the microphone and recording equipment for simultaneous recording were barely enduring, so it wasn¡¯t surprising that the lights suddenly went off. ¡®Pa!¡¯ It flashed with a sound and then the other lights went out. In an instant, people¡¯s heads turned to the lights all at once. Suddenly silence fell inside the noisy place, and soon everyone¡¯s eyes turned to PD Jung. Everyone knew It was the last time we were allowed to shoot here today. All the other scenes needed here had already been filmed, so they couldn¡¯t change the location. In the interior that was as quiet as dawn, PD Jung looked up at the lights that had gone off for a long time. Buying a new light and moving it to this place was of course expensive, but it was a bigger task to book this place again and gather the actors to film. Maybe it¡¯s because the appearance fee was not high, but most of the actors came down for just their screentime and went straight back to Seoul once they had shown their faces. Those whose faces were even a little known had been helped by PD Jung in the past and participated in this to show their gratitude. That¡¯s why it was a rough filming atmosphere, but as evidence of that, one actor hadn¡¯t arrived yet. Naturally, I was in such a hurry so that he could film as soon as he arrived, but when the lights went out, no one moved. PD Jung, who stared at the lights for such a long time that I thought his neck might ache, walked to the camera director with the same voice as usual. ¡°How much exposure do you have now?¡± ¡°Well, I think 2.8 or so.¡± When the camera director checked the exposure meter and answered the assistant director, PD Jung nodded his head. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Do we have another reflector?¡± At his words, the station interior began to move busily again. Someone ran out and came back with a reflector, and everyone was doing their own thing, so they didn¡¯t realize one thing yet. The actor who hadn¡¯t come yet. While the lighting caused the devices to be moved and PD Jung and the camera director repositioned the camera, the assistant director answered the phone with a serious expression. ¡°Yes? You only got up just now?¡± Ca atf rbecv bo tlr nblmf, qfbqif uijcmfv yjmx ja UG Aecu jujlc. Coafg olclrtlcu atf mjwfgj rfaalcur, tf jqqgbjmtfv atf jrrlrajca vlgfmabg klat j ogbkc. ¡°Dfmjerf bo atja lrref, kf tjv mtjcufv atf oliwlcu vjaf. Ccv sbe rjlv sbe bcis tjv alwf abvjs, rb P mjiifv sbe ab ifjnf akb tbegr lc jvnjcmf¡­ Rb, P xcbk sbe¡¯gf yers, yea lo kf tjv jigfjvs jvperafv la ab ola sbeg rmtfveif rfnfgji alwfr¡­ Let?¡± The assistant director opened his eyes wide in surprise at PD Jung¡¯s suddenly snatching the ephone, but his following words made the rest of the crew also surprised. ¡°If you can¡¯t come if you¡¯re busy¡­ Mhm, it¡¯s fine. Well, you don¡¯t have to come now, the appearance fee will be settled right away. You don¡¯t have to film anymore.¡± PD Jung hung up the phone without listening to the other person¡¯s answer and then looked around. He was a person who didn¡¯t get angry typically, but I could see that he was fuming now. Although his expression was the same as usual. And his gaze, looking around, squatted down on me, holding the light. ¡°Taemin, get ready.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± I asked in surprise, but he had already turned his head to the others. ¡°Someone grab that for me!¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª Fortunately, the short scene ended on time. The station staff, who were always annoyed during filming, even said their greetings, saying that they would go watch the film, probably because it was the last day of filming. I should have been delighted with my unexpected added appearance like what the manager had expected, but I felt a bit dazed. Just, what did I do? I couldn¡¯t remember if I had said the lines properly. Originally, in this scene, the main character meets his best friend in his hometown, so it was not awkward for me to act as one of his friends, but since the best friend would not appear in the future, the content had to be changed a bit. Making me rise to the supporting role. In fact, I didn¡¯t know yet that this one scene completely changed my role. It was still early in the morning, where the bluish light hadn¡¯t even reached yet. I didn¡¯t even know why the manager and Hansoo, who came next to me when I carefully loaded the equipment into the truck, were making so much noise. ¡°W- Whoa! How can this really happen!! I was just hoping for something, but there really are more scenes for you!¡± Seems like it. I don¡¯t think it will happen a second time, but he started to overreact. ¡°Taemin, are you okay? T- Tell me when you¡¯re trembling. I bought a box of c-cheongshimhwan right away¡­¡± In the end, he was trembling and the manager could not finish his speech and stumbled, clutching his heart. Next to him, Hansoo with a similar expression opened his mouth in fear. ¡°Why am I so scared when I¡¯m not even in front of the camera? What should I do in the future, urghhhh¡­ just looking at Taemin¡¯s scene makes my heart jump¡­ heuheu.¡± Hansoo, who stopped talking because he was crying all over, grabbed the manager and started looking for all kinds of gods. Just as I was about to ask, what the hell was this overreaction, I felt a vibration in the back pocket of my pants. I pulled out my phone automatically, but my face was already frowned. There was only one person texting me. The madman. For the past week, he had been sending texts when he was bored and gave me spelling tests. Of course, I was sick of hearing him call me a dumbass, so I asked the manager and Hansoo. To the two who were surprised that I had a friend who was asking me such a thing, I emphasized that this punk was just a ¡®madman¡¯. However, the two smiled and helped out as they thought it was just a joke from a close friend. However, the problem was that the question that the madman gave was difficult, and the manager and Hansoo who told the answer were wrong. Then the reply came. ¡ª Who¡¯s next to you helping? You are all idiots When I quietly showed them the text, the two of them stared at each other for a while and opened their mouths at the same time. ¡®Look at this madman!¡¯ ¡®What? This crazy punk!¡¯ After that, whenever I got a text message, the two of them got even more excited and clamored. Of course, we were always called idiots. And now when I looked at the text with a frown, the two immediately recognized it. ¡°Heuk! Is it the madman again?!¡± ¡°Ahh! Did he send another question?¡± Excitedly, the manager got a revelation and posed for the Korean dictionary that he had bought in a hurry. I read the text and raised my hand to stop him. ¡°It¡¯s not a question.¡± ¡°Hm? Not a question? Is not the madman again?¡± It was him but¡­ No matter how I look at it this time, it wasn¡¯t a spelling test. ¡ª Go see the building opposite XX bank at OO intersection. Now. Was it because I was used to this small city? I immediately noticed that the OO intersection was not far from here. So what¡¯s the building opposite XX bank? With this curiosity alone, I led my tired body to the place written in the text. When I arrived, I saw only one building. The only luxury hotel in the city. And I got a text message just in time, as if someone was watching me. ¡ª Room 1208 ¡ª¡ª¡ª I rang the doorbell and stared at the white door number. In the hallway where I was standing, there was a suffocating silence as if I should apologize to the hotel if I made even a small noise. It was just a place to sleep. That¡¯s why I don¡¯t care about the cleanliness of the hotel. Click. The madman, who opened the door with his phone in one hand, winked at me to come in. I was wondering who you were calling from early in the morning, but since the content of the conversation was in English, I immediately stopped caring. Instead, I looked around the spacious interior of the hotel and approached the window, where the moonlight streamed in. The only light inside the living room with only a table and a sofa was a small lamp at the entrance, so it was dark inside. Judging by the light leaking out from the slightly opened door, it seemed that the madman had gone in there. As I pushed the thick curtains to the side, a gap the size of my palm widened an arm¡¯s length. A quiet road with few cars could be seen through the huge glass windows. I felt like I was alone in this city, with most of the lights off. I looked out blankly, and before I realized it, I put my forehead to the window and closed my eyes. It was the first time I felt the cold, and the glass, which had a similar body temperature and temperature, made me forget where I was leaning. I must have been really tired. Not only did I work all night, but I was also nervous because I had to do an unexpected shoot. So I didn¡¯t notice¡­ It wasn¡¯t until someone¡¯s arm was wrapped around my waist that I realized he was holding me behind my back. Startled, I tried to turn my head at the strong force that tightened around my waist, but behind my back, he pushed me directly against the window. ¡°Hey¡­¡± As I tried to sound out his displeasure, his lips pressed against my ear whispered. ¡°Be obedient. I¡¯ll make you feel pleasurable.¡± CH 35 misacchi [Translator]15-19 minutes Proofreader: TT cw: nsfw, dubcon, potentially offensive scene regarding the shiva tattoo. feel free to skip if uncomfortable, nothing substantial happens r1dG j Make me feel good? I didn¡¯t understand the meaning immediately. What I could tell for sure was that his voice contained ¡®pleasure¡¯. And that an eerie energy spread within me. The chest pressed against the glass seemed to have transferred the cold energy. However, the reason that the coolness did not disappear immediately was because of the presence on the back. Thanks to the upper body pressed to the point where I could hardly breathe, I had not yet been able to grasp my situation in detail. Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden. Unlike the upper body that was pressed by him, I did not realize that the lower body was not pushed by the glass thanks to the arms that wrapped around the waist because it was difficult to properly make the face that was pressed in the window unsightly right now. I tried to twist my body by forcing myself to reach out and push out glass, but I was no match for the power of a bigger person than me. But even if there was no hope, I would still struggle to get out. I couldn¡¯t do that because of my breath. He bowed his head toward the face I turned. Just above the temple, a murmur was heard from a distance where the movement of the lips could be vividly touched. ¡°You know? That in the heart of a person, everything is a vital point?¡± GRBMPZ Then he loosened the little force that he had been pushing. Naturally, I didn¡¯t miss the chance and pushed the glass by hand. However, that was it. The hand was still stiff. Swish. The fingers that wrapped around my neck stopped under my chin. Then the thumb and middle finger pressed two places on my neck and I stopped like a switched-off doll. As if to indicate where the vital point was, his hand, which touched the precise points, made a chill run down my spine. Because it was so natural. He grasped the opponent¡¯s neck with one hand and tightened his breath without hesitation like he was used to it. What the hell is this guy? I wanted to shout out loud and ask, but all I did was take a shallow breath. The other hand that had wrapped around my waist came up under my chest as I stopped rebelling for a moment. Perhaps he liked my silence, he opened his mouth in a position where he could still touch my skin. vL0NQT ¡°You know this place too.¡± His hand stopped at the place under my chest and gently pressed against my skin. Then, slowly sweeping it down, his hand moved up to the navel. I felt the heat of his hard hands touching my bare skin over the thin T-shirt. The tips of the fingers that stopped over the hollowed out navel rubbed the indented part in a gentle circular motion over the clothes. ¡°You know this place too, right?¡± As if to confirm, the finger that had been circling around pressed down where he entered. Then he whispered almost inaudibly. cwrzO ¡°But it could be the other way around.¡± His fingers began to move slowly, like a damp voice. Slow enough to tickle like a snail crawling. A strange tickling spread through my strangely tense stomach as he stalked long enough to get used to the act. Maybe it was because I got used to the heavy, large body attached to my back. No, maybe it was because he stopped talking and I got used to the low breath on my skin. Suddenly, the sound of my rapid breathing, ringing in my ear like a drum, became similar to that of him. He made me accept his existence like that for a long time, as if trying to calm me down. So his pressing hand was released from my neck, but instead of struggling to escape as before, I opened my mouth quietly. ¡°Fuck, you¡­ what are you doing?¡± OuGVI0 The strength pressing the vital points disappeared, but a large hand was still clasping my neck. Instead of answering, he tightened his arms around my neck and waist, pulling me closer to him. Suddenly, strength entered my hand, which was still against the glass. As I tried to twist my body with tension, his useless lesson on vital points continued. ¡°Still, this is probably the weakest.¡± A languid voice pierced my ears, but my nerves were focused on my pants. His hand grabbed my genitals without warning. A goosebumps different from before suddenly spread through my body as if I had been hit by cold water. ¡°I asked, what are you doing?¡± LPay Y I muttered through gritted teeth, tightening my arms and trying to get away from him. But like a master pulling the reins of a horse, he grabbed my neck again. ¡°Ugh¡­ let go¡­¡± Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden. ¡°Qtja jgf sbe vblcu? P abiv sbe P¡¯v wjxf sbe offi ubbv.¡± Rbk atlr¡­? C afggloslcu defralbc oibkfv ogbw klatlc. Lbkfnfg, la kjr j defralbc atja mbeiv cba yf jcrkfgfv jcskjs, fnfc lo la kjr cba obg atf tjcv atja kjr alutafclcu ws ygfjat. DWktfh Kjq, hllq~ Qlat bcf tjcv, atf yeaabcr jcv hlqqfgr bo ws agberfgr kfgf ribkis ecyeaabcfv jcv bqfcfv klvf. Ktf alutacfrr bo atf mibatfr atja revvfcis yfmjwf ibbrf ujnf atf rxlc ubbrfyewqr. Ufgtjqr la kjr yfmjerf P kjr lcralcmalnfis jcalmlqjalcu atf cfza rlaejalbc. Lf ugjyyfv ws qfclr bnfg atf atlc ecvfgkfjg. Ktf jigfjvs rtjiibk ygfjatlcu rabqqfv, yea atlr gfreiafv lc wf obmerlcu wbgf bc tlr tjcvr. He was moving his hands slowly. His open fingertips rubbed over my underwear, following the shape of the genitals as if painting over it. He moved really slowly, as if calming me down like a while ago, and soothing me again. On the contrary, my body hardened with tension. Then his lips moved to my ear and bit it. ¡°How long has it been?¡± 5Xe2Jr The whispering voice came in through the ear canal with damp heat. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve been served by someone else¡¯s hands, hasn¡¯t it?¡± The hand that had only been gently rubbing my genitals with the words suddenly went lower and grabbed my testicles. ¡°Urgh.¡± Nd5ExU Without realizing it, I closed my eyes and lowered my head. Suddenly, the hand that was holding my neck fell off, but I didn¡¯t realize it. The only things that filled my nerves were his hands painfully stimulating my bottom, and his warm whispers. ¡°Ah, didn¡¯t you do it yourself a long time ago?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ ugh.¡± The defiance that was about to come out was blocked by a moan in my throat and disappeared. I don¡¯t know why, but his stimulation was making my bottom gather heat. Until my thing got hard, his hand quickly rubbed the round end with a fingernail on top of my underwear. In an instant, a piercing, weak electricity spread through my abdomen. The guy behind my back felt my body react, so he buried his wet lips in my ear. Then, after deliberately scratching the tip with his fingernail one more time, he asked again. WdxTw4 ¡°Tell me. What did you do when you did it alone?¡± Damn it, stop talking nonsense¡­ ¡°Do you rub on your underwear initially like now?¡± His question caught my nerves like a spell, even though I was trying not to listen and ignore it. His hand, painful but at the same time stimulating to numbness, penetrated the voice even deeper. iqmLs5 ¡°Don¡¯t you feel good when you massage your testicles once? Like this.¡± The hand that was touching the genitals naturally went down and rolled the soft pockets underneath like a marble. In an instant, one of my knees almost buckled. The inner me was warning that if I didn¡¯t rebel and push him away, I would be dominated by the sense of blood gathering below, but his whispering voice interrupted it. Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com ¡°I can feel your penis getting hotter even through the underwear. You notice it too, right? The heat that felt like burning your hand when you grabbed it and shook it.¡± It was as if he had cast magic on me, and his voice really reminded me of that feeling. I remember sitting in my room alone a long time ago, holding my hand and shaking it. The genitals were getting hotter and harder. Even the suffocating pleasure it gives. As soon as I thought about it, the thing below inflated more in size. His hand, which was still rubbing only on my underwear, was burning, and my waist trembled on its own. In an instant, a laugh mixed with praise was heard in my ear. BrplUu ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s it. Is your lower abdomen starting to itch and tingle? Remember it. The excitement of grasping a hard penis with your hands. Hm? Hands clasping your excited genitals.¡± Gulp. I subconsciously swallowed dryly, but in my head there was nothing but the memory of faithfully carrying out what he said. How to get rid of the empty feeling right now. That¡¯s right, the hand that grabbed the genitals directly. What was needed was that. A suffocating movement that shook me a little harder and faster. With regret, I twisted my waist with strength in my lower abdomen. Then suddenly a really strong hand grabbed my genitals when I felt a cool sensation underneath. ¡°¡­ Ugh.¡± Without realizing that my underwear had come off, I was distracted by the hand that grabbed my thing and began to rub it hard. xVdnN9 ¡°Haa, haa¡­¡± I began to gasp through my open mouth, placing my head on the arm that was resting against the glass. I felt like I was going crazy. It was a body that already knew very well how to masturbate by sweeping the genitals with my own hands, but now it was different. It felt as if my lower back would melt as the other person was clenching so strongly that it hurt and shook it quickly. I easily collapsed into his hands like a fool from the stimulation I had been receiving in such a long time that I can¡¯t even remember. ¡°Haa, ha-¡­ haa, haa¡­ ugh¡­¡± I exhaled more and more harshly, and then the breath that was filled with the downward stimulus stopped and repeated. I couldn¡¯t breathe properly and I closed my eyes tighter, but I heard a whisper again. GzaVmu ¡°Shake your waist, hm? Is it enough yet? You are dripping. Don¡¯t you want to release quickly?¡± The head, which could no longer think anymore, took his words as they were. My body, wanting to feel the pleasure of ejaculation, followed his words and moved my trembling waist. But I couldn¡¯t move freely because he was so close behind me. So my movements were nothing but rubbing my ass against the body I touched. But with a head full of thoughts of wanting to ejaculate quickly, I couldn¡¯t understand how I was moving. All my nerves were focused on the feeling of ejaculation that was about to arrive soon in line with the accelerating hand. So I didn¡¯t even know that the other hand holding my waist pulled me and my ass slipped out. Anyway, it was better like this. Because it was easier to move the back. As the body continued to rub against the hard wall behind it, it moved. Haa, haa, soon¡­ dvplDs Not noticing the guy¡¯s hot erection with my wriggling ass, I took a deep breath and spit out the stuff that had risen. ¡°Gasp!¡± With my eyes still closed, I took in a deep breath and poured semen several times from my convulsive lower body. It burst out like an explosion and first announced its existence with a sour smell. It¡¯s a smell I hadn¡¯t smelled in a long time so it was unfamiliar. It wasn¡¯t that I decided to lead a celibate life, but it was clear that there was no room for masturbation due the arduous daily life with only three or four hours of sleep. eFPp r It had been so long since I had tasted the pleasure of ejaculation that my legs were shaking. If I hadn¡¯t leaned on the glass with both arms, I might have collapsed on the spot. No, I wouldn¡¯t have collapsed thanks to the hand holding my waist anyway. But the hand was moving slowly. At some point, I realized that my posture was half-bent. And a small noise awakened my hazy mind. Click. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com The sound of a belt loosening. Then, as I heard the zipper go down, I came to my senses. But by the time I was surprised, it was already too late. His hand shoved my back as I tried to raise my upper body. Thud! 95XqpW Urgh! As I banged my shoulder against the window hard enough to make a loud noise, an exclamation came from within. Besides, the hand that pressed on my lower back made me slam my face into the glass again. I couldn¡¯t get up and push his hand no matter where or how I grabbed it. Then, as if reading my curiosity, I heard his low voice. ¡°I forgot to tell you. I learned martial arts a little bit. Thanks to that, I¡¯m good at countering people. It¡¯s my specialty to hold down the opponent so they can¡¯t move.¡± Contrary to the slow explanation, when I realized that the lower part of my bent waist was exposed to the cool air, my mind went blank. Wait, this jerk¡­ Realizing the reality, I took a deep breath. However, the guy who took my semen-stained hand to him could only hear the sound of rubbing it for a moment as if he were applying it somewhere. While I remained in the position with my back pushed and waist bent. I could feel his gaze on my bare lower body as if appreciating it. tEZ1 d ¡°Shit, you¡­¡± ¡°Triambakam.¡± What? There was no time to be surprised by the sudden strange words that appeared as if it were a spell, and something touched my lower back. ¡°Do you know what this is?¡± 4q IMa ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense and get your hands off me, bastard.¡± Maybe it was because I cursed in an unsightly posture, it didn¡¯t sound like a threat at all, but he paid no heed. Instead, he rubbed a part of my back, under the waist, to the side. I realized by the next guy¡¯s words that that was where I had gotten the tattoo. ¡°The God of Destruction.¡± My tongue stiffened and no words came out. Then he said something, but the head, realizing he kept rubbing the tattooed area, couldn¡¯t come up with any more swear words. The scorching heat that touched my skin was his genitals. He was rubbing his erect penis over my body. Tmfy0r ¡°The god has three eyes, and the middle one is always closed. It is said that when those eyes are opened, the end of the world will come. By the way¡­¡± The tip of his penis stopped in the middle of the tattoo. On top of a tattoo in the shape of a clearly floating eye. ¡°You don¡¯t know how much I missed these eyes.¡± As he whispered, the warmth of his waist slid down as it was. It was a slight movement, but cold goosebumps were welling up inside me. The guy¡¯s penis tucked between my buttocks was slippery. When I realized that it was my semen, my mouth opened automatically. LElHaA ¡°Fuck¡­ what the hell are you doing?¡± ¡°I told you. I will make you feel good.¡± Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden (dot) com What? Are you kidding me? As I twisted in anger, his hand, which was blocking my back, pushed me so hard that it hurt. Now I was angry at myself for being stupid. However, the guy¡¯s next words were so ridiculous that I couldn¡¯t even feel my anger. ¡°I¡¯m paying the price you want, so be obedient.¡± jcVLHW He murmured indifferently, grabbing my waist with his other hand and pulling it closer to him. And he lifted my hips high to match his height. I had to be on my toes, but I couldn¡¯t move my pressed upper body, so the first thing to do was to balance. Meanwhile, the guy¡¯s thing sitting between my hip bones started to move slowly. It was only then that I noticed that his breathing was getting a little faster. ¡°Isn¡¯t it nice? I¡¯ve endured it to the point of making it so thick.¡± Then he moved the hand that was holding my waist and wrapped it in front of me, grabbing me. ¡°Ugh!¡± nlt5qZ After a brief moan from the sudden pain, I heard a small laugh behind his back. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I will make you feel good again.¡± The guy added, pushing the thick column painfully into the perineum between his buttocks. ¡°I, too, endure at this level. So squeeze your thighs tight. And.¡± 9pTZKa My mind went blank as the hand that had wretchedly grabbed my genitals pressed hard against the testicles underneath. It was a pain at first, and as I began to lose vitality, he slyly moved his hand and started shaking my thing again, moving his hands artfully between my knees. So I didn¡¯t properly hear the guy who rubbed my ass excitedly. Because the penis hardened again, I followed his orders. ¡°Shake your ass like you did just now.¡± CH 36 I felt completely exhausted. I barely came to my senses after standing in the hot water for a long time under the stream of the shower. It seemed that the three times I had been done with that guy¡¯s hands had exhausted my stamina, which had not happened before even when I worked on a construction site. Even if it¡¯s been so long since I had relieved myself that I can¡¯t remember, this was too much. Half of my anger at him turned to me. I was so embarrassed that I collapsed so easily. Fucking psycho. I frowned as I rinsed the area between my butt, which he had rubbed until it swelled red. Afterwards, while I ejaculated from his hand twice, his thing did not wither and went into heat on me. All of a sudden, I didn¡¯t even have time to sort out what happened. After that, I finally came to my senses, and I was under the shower like this. How should I beat that bastard? Grinding my teeth and washing the semen that remained between my hips, it suddenly felt like something similar had happened in the past, so I stopped moving. Similar? I went back to 5 years ago while trying to remember. Yes, I had done this once¡­ Thinking about it, I shook his head. I bled a lot back then, so there was nothing very similar to this situation. But why did I think they were similar? I stopped washing and put my hands on the bathroom wall. As I bowed my head under the pouring water, feeling as if some idea was about to float, a sudden sound interrupted my thoughts. ¡°Would you like me to wash you?¡± I flinched and backed away from the water and shook my head. When he came in, the madman was standing with his arms crossed leaning against the door. There was another bathroom so he had washed and put on other clothes, but his hair was still wet. ¡°Hey, get out right now¡­¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, wash up quickly.¡± ¡°Why do I have to wash quickly?¡± ¡°Should I wash you?¡± ¡­ There¡¯s no way to converse with this bastard. Realizing that he was indeed a crazy person again, I held out my hand. ¡°Give me a towel from over there.¡± I wanted to leave this place right away, but sitting with him on the same sofa was for only one reason only. Let¡¯s hear what excuse he would try to make. Still, I clenched my fist under the cushion, in case there was an opportunity to hit him once. ¡°You.¡± When he called me while he was reading a script, he raised his head, flipping through his flowing bangs. ¡®What?¡¯ I questioned with my eyes and spoke dryly. ¡°Did you just call me here to do this?¡± I emphasized ¡®only¡¯ to let him know that what happened before was no big deal. Otherwise, my pride would be hurt. Or maybe because I didn¡¯t want to see him being excited about getting the upper hand over me. Either way, it felt dirty. Still, I clearly knew. I knew that jumping up and saying I was going to kill him right now would make him laugh even more. It was better for me to suppress my temper and accept his annoying words than to see him laugh. ¡°I agree that it¡¯s just for this. Honestly, don¡¯t you feel unsettling?¡± ¡°I¡¯m unsettled with myself for meeting up with you.¡± I was being sarcastic to offend him even a little, but he took my bullshit seriously. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that not being able to do it properly would feel so bad. To be honest, I want to insert it into you right now.¡± I lowered my eyes involuntarily at the carefree words, and checked that the guy was standing halfway over his clothes. I furrowed my eyebrows subconsciously and heard a low-pitched laughter in my ear. ¡°But you¡¯re afraid, so I¡¯ll be patient this time as promised.¡± It was more offensive to say that I was afraid than to say that he would be patient. ¡°Stop talking nonsense.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m the only one who knows you¡¯re afraid. So next time you won¡¯t bleed and cry, I¡¯ll make you scream for joy. There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of.¡± I didn¡¯t notice that he was using the word ¡®next time¡¯ because it¡¯s such an absurd thing to be angry about. ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Barely holding back the swearing that would come after, I brought up the words he had said before. ¡°This is the price you say? Do you remember what you said with your mouth back then? You said you¡¯d do anything I wanted. But does this look like what I want?¡± ¡°No.¡± He answered easily and showed that bright smile of courtesy. ¡°It¡¯s what I want.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°And let me tell you in advance, it¡¯s better not to brag about your memory in front of me. I said I would give you what you want in return, but I definitely put conditions on it.¡± Qtfc P kjr agslcu ab gfwfwyfg atf rlaejalbc ktfgf kf ajixfv ktlif P kjr lc atf wjrmba rela, tf fzqijlcfv la olgra. ¡°Tbe tjnf ab jmmfqa ktjafnfg qglmf P qjs. Ktja lcmievfr fnfc lo sbe vbc¡¯a kjca la. Gb sbe ecvfgrajcv?¡± C rwlilcu ojmf ibbxfv ja wf ktbrf wbeat kjr mibrfv, jcv ifa bea j ibk nblmf. ¡°It was good though. It¡¯s been a long time since you¡¯ve done it, so the color is dark. If I didn¡¯t catch you, your legs would loosen and you would fall to the floor. Well, seeing you trembling in my arms, I was unbearably horny.¡± ¡°Fuck, stop talking.¡± Unable to contain my anger, I began to swear violently, and the guy curved his eyes into half moons and let out a cold voice. ¡°Your rebellion is cute, but draw a line on your own before you get stepped on.¡± His non-smiling eyes froze my insides with an eerie look that was different from that of Chairman Kim. ¡°My tastes are not limited, so I can enjoy it enough even if you bleed and cry. Of course, bleeding not as in I¡¯m fucking you and tearing you like a rag underneath. I¡¯ll kill you and do it to your body, and I¡¯ll gasp with excitement.¡± He waited, as if to give me time to understand, then confirmed in a dry voice. ¡°Now, will you not be dissatisfied with the price I pay? I treat you with so much affection.¡± ¡°¡­ So do you want me to say thank you?¡± He let out a short laugh, then softened his smile. ¡°No, the current level of rebellion is fine. It¡¯s fun. You say you don¡¯t care about other people, but you seem to only react to me. I like it.¡± In an instant, coolness spread like a mist from within. I couldn¡¯t do the denial that should have come out right away because he found out about the anxiety I was feeling. Even I didn¡¯t understand. Why was I so agitated and showing emotions only to him? Damn¡­ Maybe he read my heart, he tilted his head to the side and looked at me with strange eyes. ¡°Speaking of, strangely, I get more and more annoyed that you hate Song Myeongshin and want to get revenge. I wonder why?¡± There was only one answer for the guy who tilted his head inappropriately. Because you¡¯re fucking insane. So you¡¯re saying you want to get rid of all my hatred towards Myeongshin? ¡°You¡¯re crazy.¡± I gave him a more accurate diagnosis than the doctor, but he looked down and thought to himself, as if he couldn¡¯t hear me. As I was about to say it a little louder, he mumbled something to himself. ¡°¡­Yeah, I can just get rid of the annoying things quickly.¡± He smiled and looked back at me as if he had come to an easy conclusion. ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep for an hour from now on.¡± I wanted to get out, and I was about to get up without hesitation, but he immediately continued. ¡°Go to sleep.¡± ¡°No thanks.¡± As soon as I coldly refused, he smiled softly as if to reassure me. ¡°I won¡¯t touch you. I¡¯ll hold you, though. If you¡¯re so scared, that makes me want to touch you more and more.¡± It was a sharp gaze he used to subdue others. However, I was even skeptical about whether the life I was living was a lie. So, I wanted to spit out as sarcasm as possible, so I unwittingly blurted out what I had heard from the manager before. ¡°If you need something to hold, go to the Amazon and roll around with the biggest snake. It will feel good since he will wrap around you too.¡± Then the guy narrowed his eyes and raised one corner of his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s surprising. You know about anacondas.¡± The snake¡¯s name is Anaconda. I got up from my seat, saving that in my head, and he grabbed me. ¡°Then do you know where the Amazon is?¡± As I was about to stand up halfway, I looked back at him with squinting eyes. ¡°So what if I know where the country called Amazon is?¡± ¡°¡­¡± I got up completely from my seat, leaving the guy who seemed stiff for some reason, and a sudden sound struck me. ¡°Keukeukeu~¡± Is this madman laughing now? I couldn¡¯t imagine him laughing with joy, so I looked at him with a curious look. But really, he was bending over, shedding tears, and laughing breathlessly. Didn¡¯t Alice¡¯s boss tell me something about that? He always had a fake smile except when he was a kid. What the hell, he¡¯s laughing well. ¡°Hey you¡­¡± He barely caught his breath and looked up at me with eyes still full of laughter. ¡°Damn, why are you so cute?¡± I heard enough nonsense, and turned around without hesitation. The best thing I did that day was slamming the door and ignoring the question ¡®Are you going to sleep?¡¯ from behind. ¡ª¡ª¡ª It was still early in the morning, and the lobby of the hotel was quiet, so the sound of my footsteps reverberated inside. Tap, tap. As I was halfway across the smooth marble floor, another sound stopped me. ¡°Oh? Lee Taemin?¡± When I turned my head to the familiar voice, PD Jung looked at me with surprised eyes. He was just approaching me at the entrance to the cafe on one side of the hotel lobby. ¡°Didn¡¯t you go to sleep with the other team? What are you doing here?¡± ¡°I had some business. What about you?¡± ¡°Oh, I also had some business. To meet someone.¡± Seeing the bitter smile on his face, I immediately knew who he was going to meet. It¡¯s Director Yoon, who apparently financed the project. I thought about the guy who was sleeping above. He said he was going to sleep for an hour, but was he deliberately making PD Jung wait? I was skeptical, but PD Jung explained it to me. ¡°Do you have time now? I have something else to talk about. I was about to come an hour and a half earlier than my appointment time because I was afraid I wouldn¡¯t be able to get up.¡± I nodded and followed him into the cafe. At his table, besides a coffee cup, scripts, notebooks, and pens were scattered all over the place. However, the thing that stood out the most was the ashtray with several butts already visible. ¡°Taemin, what are you drinking?¡± When the serving employee presented the menu, PD Jung quickly removed the script and made a seat on the table. I glanced at the prices that were twice as expensive as other places and noticed that PD Jung¡¯s drink was the cheapest coffee. PD Jung smiled awkwardly, perhaps noticing my gaze. ¡°I¡¯m trying to get awake. Oh, Taemin, you didn¡¯t have breakfast, did you? Whatever you eat¡­¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t eat too, did you?¡± ¡°Hm? Ah¡­ I¡¯m fine with just coffee.¡± I looked up at the waiter and pointed to the most expensive breakfast set on the menu. ¡°Bring me two of these. And the bill goes to room 1208.¡± When the waiter said ¡®pardon?¡¯, I said my name and told him to call now to check. After he left, I pointed up and briefly explained to PD Jung, who was raising his eyes. ¡°I have some money owed.¡± Only then did he understand with an ¡®Ah~¡¯. And while we were having a short conversation, an employee came up to me and informed me that it had been confirmed. As the waiter greeted us and went back, something came to my mind and I called him again. ¡°Give me two of the most expensive ice creams here.¡± As I decided to take away the cake as well, I heard PD Jung¡¯s muttering. ¡°Ah, I thought Taemin also came to meet Director Yoon, but it seems like you didn¡¯t.¡± When I opened my eyes, he smiled awkwardly again. ¡°Actually, the person I came to meet is Director Yoon from Dream. So I wondered if Taemin had come to meet him because you are from the same company, but since you said the person owed some money, it may not be Director Yoon.¡± I didn¡¯t think it was necessary to inform him, so I changed the topic. ¡°You have something to tell me.¡± PD Jung said, ¡®That¡¯s right,¡¯ and grabbed the pen and pulled out the notebook. Then with his left hand he swung over the tattered scenario. ¡°As you know, the scene where XX appears in the future has to be changed to Taemin¡¯s role, so I¡¯m editing the script.¡± There were several dog ears in the script that he had marked in advance where he would change things. He stopped the hand he was turning at the fold and raised his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not that the content has changed, it¡¯s just that the lines are modified to fit the changed character, so there¡¯s no big problem.¡± That wouldn¡¯t be a problem from his point of view, but honestly, I was a little surprised. That meant my scenes would suddenly expand. Perhaps because I was looking at him with no expression, he quickly spoke. ¡°And you know, you aren¡¯t good at acting, right?¡± He glanced up at me as if to confirm. I nodded his head slightly, indicating no objection, and he added with a smile. ¡°However, Taemin is a person who will not be nervous even in front of the camera right now, so the only actor I could use at that time was you. So I don¡¯t need you to have great acting skills. Still, it has to look natural enough not to break the flow of the play¡­ The way to do it is to reflect Taemin¡¯s real appearance in the role to some extent.¡± When he asked with his eyes if I understood, I said yes. What I mainly learned in acting class was analyzing the characters and becoming a different person. Of course, as a beginner, it took me a long time to study my character. But right now, PD Jung didn¡¯t have time to wait for me. So the way was to express myself as he said. But, would that work? The doubts disappeared at PD Jung¡¯s following words. ¡°Fortunately, Taemin actually feels very dry, so I think you¡¯re very lucky. So, among the lines I want to change, I hope Taemin can read it and tell me which one is more comfortable.¡± He held out a notebook with a changed script, stating the ultimate purpose for asking me here. Afterwards, we ate the ordered meal and edited the lines together until it was PD Jung¡¯s appointment time. Surprisingly, it was not as boring as I thought, but on the contrary, rather fun, so when PD Jung stopped working, I looked up at him with a questioning eye. ¡°Let¡¯s continue next time. Now it is time for Director Yoon to come down.¡± Then I looked at the clock and realized that an hour had passed. Already? I tilted my head in surprise and helped him arrange the seats. Then I added casually. ¡°When you meet Director Yoon, ask for more production costs.¡± When he remembered the situation where he had to stuff himself with kimbap because he didn¡¯t have enough money to buy a proper meal, PD Jung shed a bitter smile. ¡°When I first got the application, I promised that I would make it within the budget, so it¡¯s difficult to get more.¡± Why would you make such a useless promise? When I remembered to buy the cake and spend that guy¡¯s money, he asked with a surprising tone. ¡°But were you worried about me?¡± ¡°No, not really.¡± He stopped his hand and raised his eyes. I handed him the last script and opened my mouth to elaborate. ¡°Look excited. You look so excited to be making a movie. So I¡¯m not worried.¡± He looked at me quietly and slowly opened his mouth and smiled. ¡°Right. It¡¯s a film in which I¡¯m making only what I want to make without anyone¡¯s interference, so it¡¯s really exciting even if I encounter problems every day.¡± But the smile soon turned into disappointment. ¡°After this, I won¡¯t be able to shoot a movie for a while.¡± Even if he said that, he didn¡¯t look sad, so I questioned easily. ¡°Are you going to do something else?¡± ¡°Ah¡­ that¡¯s a bit¡­¡± He had an ambiguous expression on his face as if he was about to laugh, then suddenly called my name. ¡°Taemin.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You can never really know what will happen to people. Right? In the past, I was treated like a king by the agency presidents and filmed several dramas, but now even the actor who cried saying he will not forget my grace always turns off his phone when I call. A good personality, which was known for not getting angry and coaxing top stars, is being criticized as merely evidence of incompetence.¡± Contrary to the content, there was a relaxed smile on his face. ¡°So when the opportunity comes, Taemin should seize it well.¡± Opportunity; was he referring to this role with increased screen time now? As I nodded, a smile appeared in his eyes. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for this movie, if the production cost of the movie didn¡¯t go up like this, I would never cast Taemin. You¡¯re a beginner, acting skills aren¡¯t good, and looks aren¡¯t great either. But, that¡¯s how we got to know each other.¡± I didn¡¯t understand what he was trying to say, but I couldn¡¯t stop his small words that sounded like a quiet mumble. ¡°So show me. That you¡¯re an amateur, but the acting that you can do can still be useful. No, at least do it so well to give one chills and make them want to use you again. okay?¡± After that, I nodded my head several times, and then he sent me to go. I glanced up at the 12th floor as I left the hotel with a box of cake in both hands. I will have to accept the price even if I don¡¯t want to? Fine, it¡¯s dirty, but I¡¯ll take the unwanted price. The price you wanted. So now, shall we look forward to it? Revenge was coming more clearly. CH 37 It was a motel only in name, but it was a dorm that was shabbier than an inn. I always woke up to the smell of mold and a stinky toilet. Perhaps because the manager got a discount due to a long-term stay, the owner didn¡¯t even clean the room we were using properly. Anyway, I was so busy that I didn¡¯t even have time to wash up and lie down. So there was always a yellow blanket spread out on the floor. I got used to the manager¡¯s snoring noise as soon as I laid down, so if I don¡¯t hear it, my eyes open automatically. Heading to the accommodation in a remote place with the cake, I thought of Hansoo and the manager, who were sleeping there now due to the fatigue that came late. Filming was after lunch, so the alarm was set around 12 o¡¯clock. Keeping the time in mind, I crossed the parking lot behind the motel because I wanted to go quickly and sleep a little more. However, my prediction that the two of them would be restlessly sleeping in the room was wrong. Almost as I approached the back door, a barely audible, faint voice caught my attention. I stopped. As I was about to step through the open back door, I realized that the voice was not unfamiliar to me. And quietly, without making a sound of footsteps, I went back to the side of the building where there was an entryway to a hill, the cause of all kinds of insects entering the room even if the windows were closed, caught my eye. And I saw Hansoo standing towards the hill. Holding the script in his hand and acting. ¡°¡­ I will go to Seoul soon. I¡¯m trying to find a job there. There¡¯s a place I¡¯m told to work here, but I didn¡¯t tell my parents. When I go to Seoul¡­¡± Hansoo spoke with clear pronunciation as if there was a second party in front of him. He even lowered his hand in a natural motion without looking at the script in his hand as if he had already memorized it. For quite some time, he stood still in the corner until he had finished one man¡¯s lines. The lines that Hansoo said were the lines I said at dawn. A role that was lucky enough to fall into my lap because I wasn¡¯t nervous in front of the camera. I don¡¯t remember how I did it properly because I was nervous, but I didn¡¯t think about forcing myself to think about it again. Because I thought it was already over. But when I finished my lines and saw Hansoo playing the main character¡¯s lines, I suddenly didn¡¯t feel sleepy anymore. Yes, I wasn¡¯t the only one who was there. There was Hansoo, and there were also two novice actors like me although they were extras. The role fell on me, but I didn¡¯t care at all how the others felt when they saw it. I didn¡¯t know how much they wanted to act. In particular, what must have happened to Hansoo, who has far superior skills than me. He must have been upset because he couldn¡¯t overcome his camera phobia, and envious. Still, I remembered how happy he was along with the manager as my screen time increased. The fact that he was genuinely happy chilled my waking mind. When did that guy start practicing all the roles? The familiar lines that flowed out of his mouth let me know how often he practiced, but I couldn¡¯t quite figure it out. It seemed like he was reading the script every now and then, but there was no time to practice apart. Even when we were sleeping, we fell asleep in the same room¡­ Oh, that¡¯s right. Only then did I understand why I was always the first to wake up and wake the other two. He practiced while I was sleeping. Like that all the time. The image of Hansoo¡¯s back did not disappear from my mind until I turned around and entered the motel. And when I arrived at the door of the dorm, I realized that Hansoo wasn¡¯t the only one who hadn¡¯t slept. The voice of the manager talking on the phone came out the door faintly. ¡°Yes, yes. I¡¯m eating well. Did you get the paycheck this month? First, pay the overdue school fees. I¡¯ll send you some more next month. The new actor is doing a better job than I expected, so the company treats me well¡­ Yeah, really. Really good. He doesn¡¯t hesitate to do hard work, he does everything, and he¡¯s a good kid¡­ Yeah, no, it¡¯s okay. All the money I¡¯ll spend will come from the company separately, so don¡¯t worry. Tell mother-in-law I¡¯m sorry. ¡­No! I¡¯m not comfortable going. I really can¡¯t go because of work. We don¡¯t even have a home, it¡¯s not like we¡¯re only receiving. ¡­Why are you crying again? I said it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll get my money back soon¡­¡± The murmur of the voice became less audible, but it was only after a long time that I was able to move from the spot. I went outside again and sat down on the floor with the cake box by the steps at the entrance. Once awake, my sleepiness completely vanished, but there was no time to enjoy the fresh morning air. In my head, PD Jung¡¯s advice I heard when we parted kept coming to mind. ¡®When the opportunity comes, seize it well.¡¯ Opportunity. I thought it was a bit of luck. And I didn¡¯t know that I had to take PD Jung¡¯s words more seriously. Of course. The number one reason why I was still an actor was because revenge exists. So it didn¡¯t matter if I went in right away and laid down my tired body. But, unable to move, I looked up at the sky for a long time until my head hurt. When I finally looked down from the cloudless sky, the cake next to me caught my eye. Should I have bought a sandwich? With a little regret, I got up and entered the motel. In my head, I was thinking of my script in the corner of the room. ¡ª¡ª¡ª I handed the cake to the supporting staff and sat down at the end of the empty lot, rubbing my eyes tired because I was not able to sleep. This place, which had become like a hideout, was the site of an abandoned small factory on the outskirts of the city, but fortunately the owner was vacant, so I got permission to use it for a while. At first, it was cast as a place for a movie, but the filming took a long time, so people settled there. Still, it was a place where they could leave various equipment and borrowed trucks away from rain or dew, so naturally, we gathered here for the first time. There was the inconvenience of having 2-3 people always taking turns living in a tent to watch over the equipment, but it was a place to rest comfortably when filming was delayed like now. The director had gone somewhere with the camera director and assistant director to see if there was any problem with the next scene, and he had not yet arrived. ¡°Hm? Aren¡¯t you going to eat cake?¡± Hansoo, who had a lot of cream on his lips, approached, joyfully giggling. With two slices of cake in both hands that looked like they had been torn off by hand, I narrowed my eyes and glared. If you come close and put cream on me, you die. Then, Hansoo, who immediately recognized the unspoken warning, stepped back. However, Hansoo¡¯s wariness was all in vain. ¡°Uhahaha, how delicious is this cake? Taemin-ah, you too, eat some¡­ Oh!¡± The manager, who was running with a cake in both hands like Hansoo, tripped over a stone and fell. ¡°Aiyo~!¡± The manager, who had barely fallen over with an exaggerated sound, stretched out his legs outstretched for balance, and a smile of relief filled his face. ¡°Haha, did you two see it? My flexibility to not fall even when holding cake in both hands. It¡¯s all because my back is supporting¡­¡± It was only then that the manager who was talking noticed that the cake in one of his hands had fallen to the floor. Then, while looking for the cake that had fallen, he turned towards me. Exactly on my upper body covered in cake. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± I looked up at him, wiping the cream on my face, and he stepped back. ¡°¡­ A- Are you mad?¡± Instead of answering, I brushed the cream with my hand onto the floor. The manager scrambled to Hansoo¡¯s side and asked with a trembling voice. ¡°¡­ Are you going to hit me?¡± ¡°Can I hit you?¡± He flinched. Hiding behind Hansoo, who was equally surprised, he weeped. ¡°P tjnf j rilqqfv vlrx¡­¡± Ktf oifzlylilas atja atf ibkfg yjmx reqqbgafv? Cr P aglfv ab jrx atfw ab ulnf wf j alrref, ktfc P gfjmtfv bea ws tjcv, atf akb bo atfw ijeutfv, jcv oilaafv ab ws rlvf. Mbg j wbwfca, P gfjiis kjcafv ab tla tlw, yea P ofia atf nlygjalbc bo ws qtbcf lc ws yjmx qbmxfa. Qtfc P klqfv ws tjcvr klat atf alrref ws wjcjufg ujnf wf jcv abbx bea ws mfii qtbcf, akb qfbqif gfjmafv yfobgf wf. ¡°It¡¯s the madman!¡± When the manager was startled, Hansoo jumped up and ran somewhere. ¡°Mhmph umm uhaahh!¡± The words he shouted with two pieces of cake shoved into his mouth could only be understood after a moment when I saw the dictionary in his hand. As soon as he arrived in front of me, he opened the dictionary and gave a spiteful look. ¡°Let¡¯s see! This time, I will definitely get it right, madman!¡± The manager next to him gave the same look and strengthened his will, but rather than feeling reassured that I had teammates, there was this troublesome feeling. So, under the pressure of the two of them, I checked the text message on the cell phone. Sure enough, it was a problem sent by the madman. ¡ª What is the capital of Lithuania? ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± Tap. After a long silence, the dictionary that Hansoo dropped broke the silence, but we couldn¡¯t open our mouths even after that. But he must have felt the same way as me. Oh really, this madman you bastard¡­ ¡ª¡ª¡ª It¡¯s been 3 weeks since I came down to XX. The longer the provincial shooting, the higher the cost of filming, so we filmed really hard without taking a day off. In other words, time was money. So, PD Jung did not waste a single day as he set an example of how a low-budget movie should be shot. One of the reasons why the filming went so fast was the non-specific script. PD Jung deliberately did not write down the necessary props for the script. First of all, there was a high possibility that the necessary props could not be found on site, and for the budget, it was quicker to determine the necessary props at that time and connect them to the content. Thanks to this, somes lines were changed on the spot, the expected scenes were changed, but the improvised parts were more suitable for the movie. Of course, there were times when they couldn¡¯t get the desired scene even after shooting dozens of times. Because of that, the staff working alongside had to run back and forth to death, but there was no time to complain about the frantic filming schedule. When moving to the next filming location, if they found a place they liked, they would get off and film right away. When it suddenly rained while filming, everyone got excited saying that there was no need to use the water sprinkler, so they covered the equipment in plastic and ran outside. Still, they took the time to cast the necessary places. There was a police station scene, and at that time, they had a person eat and sleep at the police station for 5 days before they finally got permission to shoot. It had been ten days since I met the madman at the hotel as the difficult days of not being able to sleep properly continued. And the film crew who filmed there before us were only finishing filming after more than a month had passed. In the meantime, the manager went up to Seoul a few times to do other things, but Hansoo and I stayed here. In the meantime, Hansoo had been known to practice hard despite his bright personality and camera phobia, and he received a lot of affection from the staff. On the other hand, maybe because of my unfriendly personality, I didn¡¯t have anyone to talk to. To be honest, I was comfortable with this because there was so much time alone that I was able to read the script again. So I didn¡¯t know that my actions would be reflected in other people. I spent a lot more time sitting and waiting than appearing on-camera, so I had been sitting next to the lighting I was in charge of this morning, looking at the tattered script again. As early as tomorrow, I would shoot all the necessary scenes here and finally go up to Seoul, but I didn¡¯t feel at ease much. One of the last remaining scenes was where I appeared. It was a scene where I just run without any lines, but after that, I had to act quite astonished at the place I reached after running. I couldn¡¯t get it right, so I kept picturing it in my head. ¡°What are you worried about?¡± When I opened my eyes to the voice from above, I saw a male actor, the main character of the movie. He was said to have a very ordinary appearance, like one you could encounter on the street, and he was originally a theater actor and appeared in movies mainly as a supporting actor. After appearing in PD Jung¡¯s last movie, he formed a connection with him and appeared unpaid. As for the praise PD Jung gave while drinking, he said that he was the only person who performed properly in the second movie. Even to me, he acted so well that I wondered if the main character in the play might be his real life. He was more interested in theater than film, so after this film, he was going to focus on acting again, so there would be very few opportunities to work together again. And he was one of the few people who didn¡¯t hesitate to talk to me. Thud. Blowing dust, he sat down in front of me and said, ¡®Give me that,¡¯ and held out his hand. I turned the page I was looking at to him. ¡°Ah, this scene. Well, it¡¯s actually more difficult to act without lines.¡± As I nodded and pretended to understand what he was talking about, he turned it over to the back page, and I opened my mouth. ¡°I am not worried.¡± Then, slowly, his lips rose. He raised his eyes as if he knew I would say so. ¡°By the way, isn¡¯t it fascinating? There are people who think your way of speaking is obnoxious, but it doesn¡¯t seem that way at all after talking to you.¡± Oh, there are people who think I¡¯m obnoxious. I looked around and checked with my eyes a few people I could guess, and I heard him continue, ¡°How should I say this¡­¡±. He looked into the air for a moment, as if recalling a metaphor, and then opened his mouth. ¡°Is it like a robot saying ¡®I love you¡¯ but it doesn¡¯t feel anything?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s not an insult. That seems to be the reason why you blend so well with the character you are playing now.¡± ¡®Blend so well¡¯. However, I didn¡¯t quite understand it. The director said something similar; that it was going to appear natural because I felt similar to the character. However, the character and I didn¡¯t have much in common. He was a schoolboy who had only studied in an ordinary family with his parents, got a job in a good company, and was a perfectionist and very neat person. Except for the fact that the only friend around him was the main character, he had an easygoing personality. But I didn¡¯t believe we were similar. Could someone who had lived a life I had not experienced have a similar feeling to me? ¡°He¡¯s the opposite of me.¡± I looked down at the script and frowned slightly. ¡°But it¡¯s awkward to play that role with my emotions.¡± He shortly quickly recognized my concerns. ¡°You can¡¯t accept this role as yourself, can you? Being in a certain environment, and you¡¯re wondering if you can do the lines in this way.¡± As I nodded, he smiled softly. ¡°It¡¯s okay. That¡¯s a natural concern. In that case, it is helpful to listen to the advice of those around you. As I said, you have the personality to express the character here well. You feel dry, so if you try hard to play someone else, it will fall apart. So it¡¯s okay to erase some of the characters from your head to make it work.¡± When he asked if he had confused me more, I shook my head. Then, I reached out and took the script from him and looked it over again. ¡®Erase it to some extent¡¯. Could a person living such a normal life be similar to me? I first got rid of this part of my mind that was feeling doubtful. And I simplified his life which I did not understand, by changing it into my own way. A model student who only studies; it was a boring life. You have to hold yourself back with perseverance. Besides, if you always have to keep everything clean and be responsible for work you took on until the end¡­ Increasingly, the things you want, the things you desire, the joyful things get cut away. As if the me inside was gradually disappearing within myself. Then my last five years overlapped in a blur. I lived and breathed, but didn¡¯t exist. After a while, when I looked up, my eyes met with a distinctive look. ¡°Is it resolved?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± On a slight nod, he stared and opened his mouth. ¡°Okay, then tell me. You have to run hard with me and check the grave and be surprised. I¡¯ll stand there and cry in dismay. What is your line to me? ¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯ That¡¯s just one word. How would you express it?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to step back.¡± I slowly explained to him. ¡°I¡¯m not used to comforting anyone. And I think it¡¯s completely the person¡¯s business to vent their emotions, so it¡¯s rude to stand next to them. So, I¡¯m just going to say ¡®I¡¯m sorry¡¯. I¡¯m going to step back to the point where I can¡¯t be seen on the screen and only my voice will come out.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± When I asked due to his strange stare, he slowly smiled. He was four years older than me, but his expression somehow seemed pure. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you now, to be honest, I was very surprised to hear that you were a person who only learned acting for a month. But, I soon found out that it was very lucky. If your first role is a role you can easily do, wouldn¡¯t it be great luck? Besides, next to you¡­¡± He turned his eyes to look at Hansoo playing with the staff. ¡°Isn¡¯t there a misfortune genius?¡± He shrugged his shoulders as if joking. ¡°So your luck seemed bigger. That¡¯s probably why other people think you¡¯re a jerk.¡± ¡°So you mean for me I should be humble?¡± I asked with a stiff tone that others would consider obnoxious, but he smiled and shook his head. ¡°No. I had just wanted to let you know that luck can be poison to you. A role that can be easily played is good at first, but it never helps you improve your acting skills. In the end, I was only looking for roles that I was good at, and I was more and more reluctant to do other roles, and then I fell apart. And this is by no means uncommon.¡± As I listened to his advice, I noticed something strange. ¡®I had just wanted to let you know¡¯. I vaguely realized that his words were in past tense, and looked at him quietly. Sure enough, the following words were different from the previous ones. ¡°But maybe¡­¡± As he trailed off, he tilted his head to the side. ¡°You may not need any advice. I think you might be a genius who can¡¯t be seen by luck.¡± Are you kidding me? I made a questionable expression, but his face didn¡¯t look like he was joking. He added one more thing, as if he knew I didn¡¯t believe him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you born with a strong heart that doesn¡¯t get nervous?¡± As I responded with a dissatisfied look, he stood up with a grin. ¡°So there may only be one thing required from you.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°A heart determined to do something. Oh, there are times when I wonder if this is what you really want to do.¡± Murmuring that the director was late, he turned around and asked the staff in a loud voice. ¡°Why isn¡¯t the director coming?¡± In the distance, someone replied that perhaps a guest came, because he left in a hurry. I heard the explanation with one ear and turned my head to the sound of calling my name. ¡°Taemin.¡± As soon as the person who advised me left, the manager looked at me with curious eyes, as if he had been waiting. ¡°What were you talking about so seriously?¡± -Sometimes you have doubts about what you really want to do. The actor¡¯s last words came to mind, but I replied that he didn¡¯t say much. Incidentally, at this time, Hansoo popped out of nowhere. ¡°Ah-! She¡¯s here, she¡¯s here.¡± The manager¡¯s expression distorted at the sound of a small exclamation. Even if that wasn¡¯t the case, seeing that the filming set suddenly became quiet, I knew immediately who was coming. An actress who was one of the supporting actors. Although this movie was said to be a film that PD Jung wanted to shoot, there were parts that could not be helped. There was a condition from the party who made the initial investment that they had to use a certain actress. Like me, this was her first acting gig, and she was the granddaughter of the investment company manager¡¯s uncle¡¯s close friend. There weren¡¯t many scenes where she appeared, and fortunately her acting wasn¡¯t terrible so the director accepted it, but the problem was her behavior. Every time she came, she appeared in a van that celebrities ride, with a manager and stylists as if she were a top star. Of course, she wanted others to treat her like a top star. She was so picky that she brought her own chair. Last time, she called her grandfather crying that she didn¡¯t have a chair of her own, and later, the manager of the investment company called with a tired voice. PD Jung said, ¡°Since there are not many scenes of her, let¡¯s just put up with it¡±, and everyone wanted to finish filming with her as soon as possible. And today was the long-awaited last day. The familiar white Benz came to the set and stopped. Everyone stopped moving and looked at Benz, and the door opened and the princess appeared. She looked pitifully skinny and looked at us as if we were beggars whenever people looked at her, and headed for a seat in the shade. In fact, everyone was like a beggar because they didn¡¯t have many chances to wash up. ¡°Apparently her father works at the Blue House.¡± As Hansoo watched the princess and whispered, the manager added. ¡°I heard her uncle is a lawyer.¡± ¡°Her grandfather set her up with this agency.¡± ¡°The only celebrities in the company are the princess and her two friends.¡± ¡°That friend is that stylist.¡± Hearing the serious conversation between the two, doubts arose, such as ¡®why did they know so well?¡¯ However, the knowledge of these two princesses was endless. ¡°There¡¯s a program where dozens of non-celebrities come out and answer questions, right? After coming out as a panelist, she moved in front of the broadcasting station because she felt inconvenient about people on the street recognizing her.¡± ¡°But she¡¯s been idle for two months, besides this movie.¡± When I opened my mouth to ask why they knew that so well, I was taken back by the vibration in my pocket. When I took out my phone, the two people who were discussing the princess¡¯s secrets widened their eyes and looked around. Then, the two automatically got up to go get a dictionary, a world map and a common sense book. However, seeing the text on the screen, I stopped the two with my hands. ¡ª 2nd floor of the building in the front What? When I raised my eyes, I saw a building with a coffee shop on the first floor across the vacant lot to where we were located. No way¡­ As I got up from my seat with a frown, I heard someone next to me asking, ¡®Isn¡¯t it the madman?¡¯ Instead of answering, I took a step forward and mumbled briefly. ¡°I¡¯m going to the bathroom.¡± CH 38 What was on the second floor? I climbed the stairs, stopped at the end of the hallway, and looked around the short hallway. But the madman didn¡¯t seem to be anywhere among the signs of hospitals and some architectural offices, xx accounting, etc. I squinted my eyes at the interior, which still faintly smelled of paint, perhaps it was a new building, and then stepped out into the hallway to take a closer look. Tap, tap. My footsteps echoed particularly loudly in the empty hallway. I must have come about one third of the hallway, looking ahead, looking for the place to be with my eyes, and suddenly a strong force pulled me from the side. Shit, what¡­ Before I could even spit out a swear word, a loud noise resonated in my ears. Bang!!!! It was thanks to the shock I felt on my body that I realized that it was an iron door closed with a loud noise. Thud! My back slammed against the iron door that was closed so tightly that I almost screamed at the force pushing me. But the scream didn¡¯t come out either. It was because my mouth was blocked from screaming. ¡°Mhmph!¡± A person whose face I could not even see properly pushed me against the closed door and started kissing me. Instinctively, I tried to push his shoulder and let out a yell that could not come out of his neck. However, I couldn¡¯t get my mind off the kiss that bit and sucked my lips, so I couldn¡¯t tell where my hand was. A hot tongue entered my mouth in surprise and mercilessly stirred the inside. I couldn¡¯t think of anything out of bewilderment. The only thing that controlled my behavior was the fact that I was pressed between the door and the body pushing against, and the fact that I couldn¡¯t breathe because of the arm that wrapped around my waist as if it would break. It was familiarity that barely moved my dazed mind without even being able to resist. Taller than me and weight, strength, and smell. The body that pressed me down and kissed me was someone I knew from experience. Well, there was only one other guy who acted like this to me as if he¡¯s in heat. As soon as I barely realized the other party and stopped struggling to get away from him, the pressure he had been suppressing by force diminished. As the pressure on me decreased enough to make breathing easier, the tension in my body, which had been hardened like a piece of wood, was released. Then his arm pulled my flexible waist closer. Slurp. Already covered with saliva, the slippery lips made a light sound. It still sucked my lips and tongue with great force, but I no longer felt suffocated. The kiss, which had slowed down, brought my breathing back to normal. His hand, which had been painfully gripping my back, moved slowly and caressed my waist. Now I knew for sure what was going on, but I was still half-startled. Just because I knew who the other person was, I didn¡¯t welcome the kiss. So I should have struggled more, but I couldn¡¯t turn my head away. What is this bastard doing, the mouth that should have shouted that out loud passively followed the movement of the other. Now, I was able to escape because I was not being held with as much pressure as before, but the heat of the soft flesh moving on the lips that touched my tongue attracted me. I didn¡¯t know. Was it because the repeated contact made my head dizzy again? What was certain was that I didn¡¯t hate it. Let¡¯s be honest. It felt good. From the chest, the heat gradually spread into the body, and the dizziness went down back. My hand, which had been pushing his shoulder away, took hold of his shoulder so as not to fall. And at some point, a small breath escaped from my mouth without me knowing. ¡°¡­ Ha.¡± The sound was barely audible. It was almost a hot breath, but suddenly everything stopped. My lips, which were kissed slowly and strongly for what seemed like a long time, fell apart. Instead of warmth, the coolness of the air touched my wet lips. As I opened my eyes as I felt the opponent raising my head slowly, I met the eyes looking down from above. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± Even though we were more distant from the moment we kissed, it was strangely more difficult for me to breathe. My lips were not even blocked anymore, but I felt like I would get caught breathing rough if I exhaled. Fortunately, the tension gradually brought my head back to normal. Then I remembered what I was going to say. What are you doing all of a sudden? The words I had to ask came up late on my tongue, and the other person moved first. Tap. The guy who took a step back on the hard tile looked down at me expressionlessly. It was only then that I caught my eye that this was a bathroom, but I couldn¡¯t afford to look around the inside. He raised his hand to my neck and grabbed the collar of my shirt. What are you trying to do? While I was being doubtful, he began to straighten the flipped collar of the shirt. As if a parent was picking up a child¡¯s clothes, he unfolded the collar and cleaned the wrinkled clothes with the palm of his hand. Then he took a step back and opened his mouth. ¡°Go.¡± ¡­ What? I was startled, and half of his name came out of my mouth without realizing it. ¡°Hey, you mad¡­¡± Click, click. At that moment, when I heard the sound of the iron door vibrating on my back, I was taken by surprise. When I turned my head, the handle shook. And a man¡¯s voice came from outside the door. ¡®Uh? It¡¯s locked here?¡¯ I looked down at the rattling knob and his hand reached out and unlocked the knob. Click. When the door opened with a sound, I automatically stepped aside. On the contrary, as he headed towards the door, I heard a faint whisper. ¡°P mjc kjla akb wbgf vjsr klat atlr.¡± Qtja vlv atja wfjc? P aegcfv jgbecv klatbea ecvfgrajcvlcu, yea atf mbbi bearlvf jlg kjr atf olgra ab tla wf atgbeut atf oeiis bqfc vbbg. Ccv P mbeiv tfjg atf nblmf bo atja rbwfbcf, ktb kjr rtjxlcu atf vbbgxcby bearlvf. ¡°St? Prc¡¯a atf yjatgbbw ygbxfc? Rb, yea kts vlv sbe ibmx atf vbbg¡­¡± The man who passed by and came inside grumbled looking at me. Then, as if in a hurry, he unbuckled his belt and went into the toilet compartment, then suddenly stopped and looked back at me. I was trying to chase after the madman, but I stopped because of his expression. His eyes widened and pointed out with his hand, asking me in a trembling voice. ¡°That, that, that person!!! Director Yoon of Dream, right? Right?!¡± I looked outside where his hand was pointing and turned my eyes to the man who was talking nonsense. Then he grabbed his pants as if frustrated and approached me. ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t know? Aren¡¯t you part of Dream?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t that right?¡± ¡°Who are you?¡± He stiffened for a moment and barely opened his mouth. ¡°xxx manager.¡± ¡°Who is that?¡± The hand that was holding the pants was released, and the heavy belt slid down. His eyes trembled as his eyes changed from astonishment to astonishment, and he let out a trembling voice. ¡°An actor who¡¯s shooting the movie with you.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª Hyukdae was the manager of the princess. It seemed like he had more to say, but his rumbling stomach seemed to be more urgent, so he shouted ¡®W- Wait!¡¯ and went into the toilet compartment. Of course I left him and went back to the filming location across the street. I didn¡¯t even have anything to talk about with him, especially when it came to the madman. However, PD Jung still was not present yet, so it was time to hear the manager and Hansoo¡¯s cursing at the madman at the chaotic filming site. ¡°Taemin-ah, no matter how much I think about it, shouldn¡¯t we invest some money to buy an encyclopedia? Damn madman! I think we need to invest this much to fight him, the incarnation of evil.¡± ¡°Right. In order to win a victory against the madman a hundred times, there is nothing other than an encyclopedia¡­¡± The two, obsessed with cursing the madman, were planning to spend money on useless things, but Hyukdae suddenly rushed to me at that moment. Next to him was the princess with an annoyed expression. ¡°Ugh, what¡¯s going on?!¡± The princess was angry, but Hyukdae calmed her and stood in front of me. ¡°You, that was him right?¡± As soon as I looked up at him, he lowered his voice and urged again. ¡°Right? The person who was in the bathroom with you, isn¡¯t it Director Yoon from your company?¡± Before I could open my mouth, it was another person who responded to the word Director Yoon. ¡°Oh! D- Director Yoon? You mean from Dream?¡± The princess opened her eyes wide in surprise, and the person next to me widened his eyes similarly. ¡°What!!! D- Director Yoon is here?!¡± The eardrum in one ear was almost torn at the manager¡¯s shout, and I had to look back at him with a frown. But before I could say anything, Hyukdae got excited and raised his voice. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. I looked him straight in the eyes. Besides, when I came out, I saw that he was talking to Director Jung at the coffee shop on the first floor.¡± The manager¡¯s eyes gleamed at Hyukdae¡¯s words. He quickly foresaw the situation in an instant. ¡°Ah! Yes, when PD Jung suddenly went somewhere for an important guest, it was Director Yoon! Wait, the fact that Taemin saw him in the bathroom¡­ Gasp!! Taemin!! You¡­ you¡­¡± Suddenly realizing something, he gasped and grabbed my shoulder. As I twisted my shoulders to shake him off, I heard an emotional question from him. ¡°Did you do business with Director Yoon?!¡± Excited as if I had just spent the night with the king, he burst out laughing. ¡°Uhahaha~ You pissed while standing side by side with Director Yoon! What kind of fate is this?!¡± It was fate to go to the bathroom with him. But the manager was already excited as if I had been friends with him for a hundred years. ¡°You peed together and didn¡¯t even talk. Oh, it would be nice to have introduced yourself. Hm? Did you two not talk?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± When I answered right away, the manager put on a disappointed expression. ¡°Why not? You were originally aiming at Director Yoon¡­ Hmmm, anyway, this was such a good opportunity, but you didn¡¯t do anything?¡± It¡¯s not that we didn¡¯t do anything, but I didn¡¯t want to say anything. As I remained silent, he nodded his head as if he had suddenly remembered something. ¡°Yeah, right. You didn¡¯t know it was Director Yoon.¡± However, this opinion was opposed by Hyukdae. ¡°Huh? Did you really not know? You didn¡¯t say anything? I thought they were pretending to know each other because they were in the same company¡­ Strange, obviously, Director Yoon was smiling as if he was satisfied with something¡­¡± That¡¯s because that jerk was always smiling. But I haven¡¯t had a chance to speak out to tell the truth. Realizing the reality, the manager came to his senses. ¡°Gasp! This is not the time, if Director Yoon has come, we have to go and say hello as a duty as employees.¡± He beckoned me and Hansoo to stand up. ¡°Ah, c- can I not go?¡± When Hansoo, who was nervous, gulped and asked, the manager answered with a firm voice. ¡°It¡¯s someone we don¡¯t see despite being in the same company, so we should make use of this opportunity.¡± Then the manager suddenly brushed the dust off his clothes and grabbed Hansoo¡¯s arm and started walking away. Then, Hyukdae, who brought the information, was startled and grabbed the princess and went ahead of us. The manager saw that and started running, saying that he was the one who should greet him first. After consuming unnecessary stamina and competing, he reached his destination, but the much desired Director Yoon was about to get into a car that had just been parked on the road with PD Jung standing next to him, seeing him off. ¡°I¡¯ll see you when I go to Seoul. You didn¡¯t have to come down on purpose¡­¡± ¡°There was a reason why I came.¡± Before he could even understand his vaguely audible answer, PD Jung recognized the five of us and turned around with a surprised look. ¡°Hm? Why are you here¡­¡± ¡°Director Yoon!!¡± Hyukdae first overtook PD Jung and dragged the panting princess to the front of Director Yoon. ¡°Hello. Huff, huff¡­ It¡¯s sudden but it¡¯s such an honor to meet you. We¡­¡± Hyukdae bowed his back 90 degrees and greeted him, but the man looked away. And turned his gaze directly to our group. His gaze reached me after glancing at the manager who was preparing to say hello next and the nervous Hansoo. His lips curved as soon as his eyes met mine, who was dissatisfied with this situation. Meanwhile, it was the manager who immediately responded enthusiastically to his smile. ¡°Ah! Director Yoon. Haha, do you remember me? I ran into you once in front of the company elevator two months ago¡­¡± As the manager blurted out unconfidently, Director Yoon opened his mouth with a polite smile. ¡°Yes, I know.¡± While the manager, moved by the fact that he knew him, stumbled, Hyukdae, who had lost his spirit, hurriedly moved in front of Director Yoon¡¯s sight, of course, while pushing the princess forward. ¡°Ah, Director Yoon, if it¡¯s okay with you, can we talk for a moment? I¡¯m going to introduce you to a celebrity who is very talented and has good looks¡­¡± ¡°Is this the one?¡± As Director Yoon smiled and pointed to the princess, Hyukdae nodded his head until his head almost fell off. ¡°That¡¯s right. You have good eyes. This child¡­¡± ¡°Introduction as in, you want to be part of my company?¡± ¡°That¡¯s exactly right. Oh, you have a really straightforward personality. Haha, I was a little worried because rumors spread that you were a powerful person in this industry, but it seems completely different after meeting you.¡± After that, Hyukdae continuously blabbled, but Director Yoon listened to it with a smile and nodded. ¡°I see. But I don¡¯t have time right now.¡± ¡°Ah! Yes, then when shall we make an appointment for a detailed interview¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do it now.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± To the surprise of the two, Director Yoon put his hands in his pockets and tilted his head to the side. ¡°What¡¯s the point of making an appointment? If you are such a talented person, you can do a short interview here right now.¡± ¡°H- Here right now?¡± When Hyukdae and the princess faced each other in bewilderment, Director Yoon nodded his head and rolled his eyes and smiled. ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, you don¡¯t have to do it.¡± ¡°No!¡± The princess stepped forward instead of Hyukdae, putting a confident smile on her lips. ¡°I¡¯m going to do the interview now. Ask me anything. Even if you ask me to act, I can do it.¡± ¡°There is no need for acting.¡± He spoke softly and stared at the princess with a smile that wasn¡¯t a smile. ¡°I just need to know if you have basic common sense that everyone knows. Let¡¯s end with a simple question.¡± The faces of the two people brightened at the same time when he mentioned ¡®basic common sense¡¯. Perhaps they thought that Director Yoon liked the princess, they couldn¡¯t hide their smiles and listened to the ¡®common sense question¡¯ from Director Yoon. Common sense that everyone knows. ¡°What is the capital of Lithuania?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± The two¡¯s smiles stiffened. The three of us behind the scenes hardened for other reasons. In the meantime, Director Yoon, who had given the two of them some time, took his hand out of his pocket and took one step to the car. ¡°You don¡¯t know? You¡¯re not qualified if you don¡¯t even know that kind of thing.¡± Hyukdae, who belatedly came to his senses, was startled and opened his mouth. ¡°Ah¡­ ha¡­ ha, but such a nonsensical question¡­ what on earth does that have to do with celebrities¡­¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Didn¡¯t I just say it was basic common sense?¡± And when he took one more step, Hyukdae countered again. ¡°But who would know the answer to that?¡± At the same time, the tip of Director Yoon¡¯s lips curled up and he looked down at Hyukdae with cold eyes. ¡°Who?¡± When asked, he turned his gaze to me. ¡°Answer me. What is the capital of Lithuania?¡± As I looked into his eyes, I was convinced. He only had a smile in his eyes when he turned to me. I frowned and opened my mouth unwillingly, wondering if I was being teased. ¡°¡­ Vilnius.¡± When I answered slowly, he turned his eyes to Hyukdae again. ¡°Now that you know, take that piece of common sense and leave quickly.¡± He spat out kindly, opened the car door and glanced at us. The manager and Hansoo, who were frozen as much as Hyukdae and the princess, were startled, but his gaze stayed on me. ¡°¡­ See you in Seoul.¡± Slam. With the sound of the car door closing, the car disappeared from sight. However, after the shock of the common sense question, no one was able to move easily. Until I heard the manager¡¯s muttering after a while. ¡°Oh my god¡­ I¡¯m so grateful to the madman¡­¡± CH 39 Today¡¯s filming must have seemed a bit strange to the other staff members. The princess, who had always spent hours putting on makeup and kept everyone waiting before filming, was half engrossed in her own thoughts along with her manager, and started filming without saying a word. Moreover, she mumbled and uttered lines throughout the filming, as if reading a Korean book, and hurriedly left the filming set with a pale face. What was more surprising was PD Jung. He also surprised everyone as he okay-ed after the first shoot and accepted the princess¡¯s half¡ªspirited performance with a blank face. The time spent on the princess¡¯s scene, which was usually considered the most troublesome, was cut to half a day meaninglessly, and when everything was over, the staff looked puzzled. And as soon as the princess left, PD Jung grabbed the staff one by one and asked strange questions, raising their suspicions. ¡°Do you guys know where the capital of Lithuania is? Hm? Hey, this is common sense, don¡¯t you guys know?¡± The staff came to the serious conclusion that he had finally gone mad. I looked at the staff who were murmuring about whether the director should be forcibly quarantined as I was separating the lights, and two people approached me. The manager and Hansoo seem to have come back to their senses. Still, as if the shock he had received from ¡®Vilnius¡¯ did not go away, he was clutching his chest with his hands. ¡°Taemin, do you really not need Cheongshimhwan? My heart is still pounding.¡± When the manager spoke while holding the empty shell of Cheongshimhwan like a talisman, Hansoo followed. ¡°Wow¡­ my heart is still pounding. Who in the world would have known that Director Yoon would ask for the capital of Lithuania? Really, ahhh, really, such luck! If it wasn¡¯t for the madman, we wouldn¡¯t be able to answer at all¡­¡± And Hansoo trembled, as if it was too scary to think about. ¡°¡­ We might have been fired.¡± Startled, the manager was particularly surprised and tapped my shoulder. He whispered in a low voice as I looked up from the detached light that I was just about to put in the bag. ¡°Call the madman. Tell him to ask more questions in the future.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Not only the capital, but also the local administrative cities, counties, prefectures, towns and villages, tell him to ask you anything¡­ Gasp! Come to think of it, you didn¡¯t get a call today, did you? Why?¡± That¡¯s right, because he went to pee side by side with me. I simply swallowed the explanation, that the manager would not be able to take in, down my throat. If I gave him even more shock, I felt like the Cheongsimhwan would be insufficient and he would be taken to the emergency room. Well, it would be less troublesome to know the true identity of the madman later. Thinking about that, I put the lighting equipment on my shoulders and stood up. Clang~ The separate light poles in the bag collided against each other and made a loud noise. Mixed with the sound, the manager and Hansoo sang praises, but other thoughts were filling up my mind. Could it be that he had a reason for asking that question? Wasn¡¯t he just trying to make fun of me? After moving the lights, I went back to the back of the truck and texted the madman first, partly because the word ¡®price¡¯ came to mind. Perhaps these questions were not one of his prices. ¡ª Was the question you asked part of the price? Are you trying to tell me something. After moving my luggage a few more times and loading all the lights, my phone buzzed with the reply. ¡ª No. It was to piss you off. Tap. Closing the phone aloud, I made a firm decision. Let¡¯s never doubt him in the future. This guy is just a lunatic. ¡ª¡ª¡ª Thanks to the short filming of the princess, the work at this location was completed the next day, as expected. Since most of the movie was based on xxx city, it would not be an exaggeration to say that almost all of the movie was filmed. All that¡¯s left was filming in Seoul. Years later, the protagonist lives in Seoul and finds friends from his hometown one by one, and confirms that they have changed. Most of the scenes were filmed a few months ago, so the one to be filmed as soon as we got to Seoul was Hansoo¡¯s scene. Early in the morning, after a long time, I left the motel I felt like I had been living in for a long time. The owner, who was accustomed to seeing off the guest, only glanced at us as we walked out the door with drowsy eyes. It felt like I had actually stayed longer than that, perhaps because I spent over 3 weeks, almost a month, wandering around xxx city. As I came out of the toll gate, Hansoo, who seemed to have stayed up all night, continued to look behind me as I was driving. ¡°It feels like I¡¯m leaving home.¡± As I entered the highway, I said ¡®close your eyes¡¯ and looked into the rearview mirror at the manager in the back seat. After drinking with the staff all night, he was still snoring asleep. ¡°Will I be able to do well?¡± As I turned my eyes to the dazed mutter, Hansoo¡¯s face looking out was reflected in the window. ¡°Am I really going to get over my camera phobia after I finish this scene? I¡¯m a little scared that nothing will change.¡± When I changed gears and increased the speed, the old car made a louder noise with a ¡®woo-woo-woo¡¯. I knew I had to say that it would be fine, even if it were empty words, but the words did not come out easily. Hansoo was a person who I couldn¡¯t understand. Perhaps, if it were the me before coming down here who had heard Hansoo¡¯s concerns, I would have said something to stop his mumbles. Consolations that can come easily. But something had changed. Hansoo¡¯s worries were still incomprehensible and troublesome, but now I couldn¡¯t ignore them. Maybe because in the meantime, I moved and installed the lights, waited for the filming thoughtlessly, and got scolded by the camera director by not moving the lighting properly. As I read the script to the point where it was tattered like a rag, all I did was try to understand. For the first time in my life, I had a serious headache, trying to understand someone other than myself. An existence that did not exist and had only a brief background description. The weeks spent together with that person might be the reason why I couldn¡¯t come up with easy empty words. ¡°Do you want me to tell you how?¡± Qtfc P uba erfv ab vglnlcu bc atf tlutkjs ja vjkc klat ofk mjgr, P rqbxf eq joafg j ktlif. Cr tf ibbxfv ja wf, atf defralbc ¡®Lbk ktja?¡¯ kjr tfjgv. ¡°Lbk cba ab ojli.¡± P jvvfv, mtjculcu atf raffglcu ktffi klat ws ifoa tjcv. ¡°Gb sbe xcbk kts P vbc¡¯a agfwyif lc ogbca bo atf mjwfgj?¡± Hearing these words, I could see Hansoo sitting upright with his ears open. ¡°W-why don¡¯t you tremble?¡± ¡°Make the nervousness go away.¡± ¡°Make it go away?¡± At the questioning words, I reached out the bottom of my right hand and asked him to raise his hand, and Hansoo¡¯s hand carefully came up. I grabbed and clenched his hand tight enough to crush it. Soon, a yell erupted from Hansoo¡¯s mouth. ¡°Arghh~!¡± Only after twisting his body and him shouting ¡®It hurts!¡¯ I let him go. Hansoo shed tears and let out a cry. ¡°Ugh, I thought I was going to break a bone¡­¡± But all his words were not heard. The manager, who was sleeping in the back seat, woke up to the noise and started talking loudly. ¡°Vilnius!!!!!¡± And the snoring again took over the back seat. After a long silence in the front seat, Hansoo opened his mouth. ¡°I should give the manager a tonic.¡± I guess I was laughing out loud at those words. Hanso looked at his hands and my hands alternately and smiled. ¡°It certainly hurts so much that I can¡¯t even feel nervous.¡± ¡°Right. So sleep now.¡± After speaking dryly, I added to Hansoo, who looked at his hand for a long time. ¡°I¡¯ll hold it before filming.¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª In the end, Hansoo¡¯s filming was only half successful. The shooting, which took place in the indoor studio late that afternoon, was about the culmination of a strange relationship and people that the main characters of the film meet during the day. Including an actor with camera phobia. Outside of the cluttered atmosphere of the set, another real film crew surrounded them. Hansoo, who should have turned pale in front of the camera, turned really pale and looked around before going in front of the camera and then ran to me. ¡°Ha, ha¡­ H- hands.¡± I could hear the assistant director calling out to Hansoo, but Hansoo held out his hand to me and couldn¡¯t speak properly. I could feel the manager looking at me strangely from the side, but without saying anything, I held it and crushed his hand. ¡°Ahh!!¡± Hansoo screamed so much that all the staff looked around, then grabbed his hand and headed towards the camera. ¡°What are you doing now?¡± The bewildered manager, who was nervous that Hansoo might not do well, asked me. There was no need to turn on the lights in the studio, so I turned back to the manager and brought up another topic. ¡°Stop drinking.¡± ¡°Yes? Oh, why? Did I make a mistake?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then why?¡± I was trying to tell him that it seemed like he was going to immigrate to Lithuania, but then I turned my head to the sound of the director¡¯s ¡®cut¡¯. Hansoo, who had just started acting, was startled by the director¡¯s words, and his eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s not it. You weren¡¯t nervous at all. How is it different from just reading lines?¡± The director frowned, dissatisfied, but Hansoo blinked like a man who didn¡¯t understand what he meant. ¡°Do what you normally do. You have a phobia of cameras, so you can just do it as it is. Did you think the camera was turned off?¡± When asked, Hansoo gave quietly, ¡®Oh, no.¡¯ and gulped. Then the director sent a signal saying that he will start over, telling him to do well. Silence fell inside as the assistant director hit the slate and stepped back. Everyone stared at only Hansoo, and after staring at the floor for a while, Hansoo raised his head and began to speak in a tense voice. After that, the same shot was repeated a few more times because the director didn¡¯t like it, but I wasn¡¯t too worried. Because I was also aware of Hansoo¡¯s condition, like the muttering of a manager who stood next to him and opened his mouth halfway. ¡°That guy¡­ he¡¯s acting.¡± Filming ended when it was completely dark. And it was only when I came out that I realized that I was back in Seoul. Everyone seemed tired because of the schedule that went on without a break, so everyone was given a three-day vacation. But no one went straight home.The manager was already caught in the midst of the staff as if he was going to drink with them. Before I could stop him, Hansoo, who was on cloud nine, interrupted first. ¡°Ah~ Taemin, you are going too, yes yes?¡± As I grabbed my arm and shook off the drooping Hansoo coldly, the manager clung to me from the other side. ¡°Yeah, Taemin, let¡¯s go too~ On a pleasant day like today, we should have a drink together!¡± Yeah, you would like that. I shook off the manager, but the vicious cycle of Hansoo clinging to me was repeated. Then, at the moment when my temper from 5 years ago was about to be revived, fortunately, the phone rang and saved me from the two of them. When I took out my ringing cell phone, the eyes of the two of them who were clinging to each other lit up. ¡°The madman again?!¡± ¡°The madman again?¡± The two voices were now filled with joy. I pushed the two of them who were already acting like they were drunk away and finally checked the text on my phone. The two of them fell to the floor and said nonsense that they were full of energy, but there was no time to worry about them because of the content of the text. The sender is a stranger, but the content was a completely different experience. ¡ª You¡¯re in Seoul, right? Hurry up and come to Alice now. Also, I thought of you all day and carried two 100 won coins in my underwear, and my body felt hot. As soon as I saw it, I immediately clicked delete. Are you sending me a filthy thing that looks like iron poison in your body as seduction? And how the hell did the boss of Alice know that I was in Seoul? When I was wondering if there was a tracker on my body, the two of them approached me again and showed interest in the text. ¡°Tell him to come if it¡¯s the madman. Let¡¯s have a drink together and introduce ourselves. yes?¡± ¡°Yeah, we didn¡¯t get fired from the company because of him, but I also want to say hello.¡± He said that he wanted to say hello on the surface, but his expression and eyes showed the desire to actually meet him and compete in a quiz show in person. ¡°It¡¯s not the madman.¡± ¡°Then who was it?¡± ¡°Fake madman.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± They both turned to stone in astonishment, asking if the madman was a celebrity they didn¡¯t know about. Indeed, he was a little famous technically. Come to think of it, we had not been in touch today. When we met in xxx city, I thought he¡¯d call me right away to see him in Seoul. Well, it was good that I could go to the goshiwon and sleep comfortably. As I came to that conclusion and put the phone in our pocket, this time it was the manager¡¯s phone that rang out loud. As soon as he saw it, he tilted his head and said, ¡®It¡¯s the company,¡¯ and walked away to talk on the phone. In the meantime, I was going to inform Hansoo that I was going to go back first, but a staff member approached us with a surprised face. ¡°Did you hear about actor Cha Jungwoo?¡± The name that came from the staff was a fairly famous talent I knew. As far as I know, he was one of the Hallyu stars and his drama was aired in foreign countries. Of course, Hansoo also recognised it. Although for a different reason. ¡°Oh? Cha Jungwoo belongs to Dream as well. But what¡¯s the news?¡± ¡°Ah, I¡¯ve only heard the news on TV just now. Well, Cha Jungwoo¡­¡± As the staff was about to say something, the manager came up to us with a grave expression and interrupted. ¡°Sorry, tell the director that we¡¯ll have a drink next time.¡± He spoke to the staff in a hurry and looked back at Hansoo and me. ¡°Now there is an emergency at the company. Since all the managers are told to gather, I have to go back¡­¡± ¡°Ah, then I will follow. What¡¯s going on?¡± The manager briefly explained as he was in a hurry, taking Hansoo and me by car. The fact that Dream¡¯s star, Cha Jungwoo¡¯s military service scandal all of a sudden broke out and it was a mess now, but that wasn¡¯t the problem. The company was already aware of that fact and was working hard to deal with it quietly, but suddenly, evidence came up on the Internet and the matter exploded. The manager whispered, making me understand why there was an emergency. ¡°A transaction in which the disseminated data was leaked was from within the company.¡± I was not planning to follow him because it had nothing to do with me, but as one thing that suddenly came to mind, I got into the manager¡¯s car. I remembered the name Cha Jungwoo not only because he was famous. I was used to hearing it because he was one of the actors that Hansoo said Myeongshin was trying to imitate. So I wanted to check. The front of the company building was already full of reporters and the actor¡¯s fans, so we could barely get into the underground parking lot. Because of this, all the company¡¯s employees were unable to leave work, so the parking lot was unusually full. I went to the break room on the first floor with Hansoo while the manager went up and filled my hungry stomach. It was past 9 o¡¯clock, but more than half of the seats were occupied. About 40 minutes after being seated there, the manager rushed down as if to deliver the news and picked up the bread we had left for him first. ¡°This is a serious problem. Munch munch, the broker was caught by the police just this evening, and he must have stated that it was all true. Because of that, we couldn¡¯t even say that the things that appeared on the Internet as evidence were falsification¡­¡± The manager gulped down the cold drink with ice still floating around. ¡°Then what will happen to Cha Jungwoo?¡± When Hansoo asked, the manager shook his head. ¡°Well, he¡¯s over. In Korea, if you get caught for military irregularity, no matter how much of a top star you are, you are done for several years. Besides, given the current situation, I think he will have to go to the military.¡± He ripped another piece of bread and popped it in his mouth. ¡°By the way, how many commercials did he do? Besides, I know he has already signed a contract for a drama that he will appear in in the future¡­¡± ¡°How many?¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°How many commercials did he do?¡± To my question the manager blinked his eyes and gave me three fingers again. ¡°Five for TV alone.¡± ¡°Are they going to choose a new model for all five?¡± ¡°Right. Taemin-ah, if you are aiming for that¡­¡± I shook my head and burst out laughing. ¡°Because I thought of someone other than me who will aim for it.¡± ¡°Other? Who¡­¡± As if he knew what I was talking about, he shut his mouth and tilted his head. ¡°I know what you think, but he¡¯s not in that position yet.¡± Then he looked at me with serious eyes. ¡°Taemin-ah, did you think he might have been involved in this¡­¡± The manager¡¯s words were suddenly interrupted by a voice mixed with laughter coming from behind. To be exact, it was an exuberant laugh. ¡°Ha! ¡®Taemin¡¯?¡± I automatically turned my head to the name that referred to me. But before that, I saw Hansoo with a deathly pale face sitting opposite me. Well, even if I didn¡¯t see his face, a familiar voice revealed the identity of the person who called me. ¡°You¡­ you, what. Why are you here? And, with them of all people?¡± Myeongshin looked at my face with poisonous eyes. ¡°Fuck. Lee Yoohan.¡± CH 40 Pr: TT Lee Yoohan. There was a time when I thought that since I was called by a different name, my name might be unfamiliar to me if I heard it. But it was a useless worry. What got rid of the unfamiliar feeling was the accent and pronunciation that reminded me of my past clearly. The same voice that called my name before. It must have been because of that. I should have been surprised when I was caught unexpectedly, but the funny thing was that the joy came first which almost made me laugh. Even though it was a moment when I was caught off guard even before I investigated more and made a detailed plan. ¡°Shit. you¡­¡± Curse words flowed from Myungshin¡¯s mouth again. Shaking his head, he turned his head to the manager and Hansoo from me. ¡°What the fuck is this? Fuck, it wasn¡¯t a coincidence that you ran into me at the art gallery, was it? That bastard Hansoo planned it on purpose¡­¡± At Myungshin¡¯s words, the manager tried to get up. With a hardened expression on his face, unable to bear with it, he opened his mouth. ¡°Be careful of what you say. If you suddenly start swearing like that¡­¡± Myungshin looked at the manager and tried to say something, but I stopped the manager first. I reached out my hand to prevent him from getting up and pushed away the chair. Drrr~ As I slowly got up from my seat, Myungshin looked back at me. And his face as he looked at me contorted in an instant. Ah, sure. I guess I couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and laughed. I asked slowly, realizing that he twisted his lips. ¡°My name is Lee Taemin, do you know me?¡± Myungshin¡¯s eyebrows twitched wildly at the tone of my voice that seemed to bother him. ¡°You¡¯re pretending you don¡¯t know me now¡­¡± ¡°Lee Yoohan. Where have I heard that name?¡± I took a step forward towards him with the same gaze. ¡°Ah, Song Yoohan. It¡¯s like your name.¡± His face, which had been distorted for a moment, stiffened. Tap, tap. The sound of my footsteps in the noisy break room was quickly drowned out, but miraculously, Myungshin reacted to the narrowing distance with a shiver. I suppressed the laughter that wanted to rise again. No matter how great the opponent grows into, he who was infinitely small in my memory will stay that way forever. Because of that, even if the situation came when he trampled on me, I was not filled with fear. Because he was Song Myungshin to me. ¡°How funny. The name you use to curse is your own name.¡± I stopped, leaving an arm¡¯s distance between us, and stared at him expressionlessly. ¡°So is the ¡®Lee Yoohan¡¯ you know is me? I¡¯m asking you, Song Yoohan.¡± ¡°¡­ You¡­¡± ¡°Answer my question first. I am really curious. Why your name is Song Yoohan.¡± The guy with his mouth shut like a mute stared at me with bitter eyes. I looked at him and smiled impatiently. And I lowered my voice so that only he could hear. ¡°I suddenly remembered something interesting. Once upon a time, some idiot whined that he wanted to be strong like me. Because of that, he even blabbered away that my name sounded cool.¡± ¡°Shit¡­ that.¡± He lowered his voice as much as I did, and muttered with a heavy breath as if suppressing his anger. ¡°That¡¯s in the past.¡± ¡°Ktfc qgbnf la.¡± Qtja? Hefralbc wjgxr jqqfjgfv lc tlr fsfr oliifv klat jcufg. P abbx j tjio rafq mibrfg jcv rqja bea. ¡°Po sbe jgf ragbcu, yglcu la bc. P¡¯ii yf kliilcu ab vfji klat la. Ktja kjs, P klii jirb vfofja sbe lc atlr qijmf.¡± Kjq. Ktf rbecv bo atlr rafq atja kjrc¡¯a wlcf kjr mifjgis jevlyif. Zs pjk aklamtfv jr Zsecurtlc, ktb rafqqfv yjmx, yla tlr mifcmtfv affat fnfc alutafg. Mbg j wbwfca, atf ues¡¯r fsfr jcv ojmf oliifv klat rtjwf jr tf gfagfjafv. Dea atja kjr bcis obg j rtbga alwf. Cr lo kfjglcu j wjrx, j ufcaif rwlif jqqfjgfv bc tlr ilqr. ¡°Yeah, I guess I was mistaken. Mr. Lee Taemin. I will check more clearly and come back.¡± He narrowed his eyes, calming his slightly trembling voice. And he whispered in a pleasant voice, as if he had remembered something. ¡°Just wait. I¡¯ll get to you soon.¡± As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around and disappeared at a quick pace. However, there was still a trembling in his voice that was still in the air. I had to laugh out loud after seeing the guy running away, but the smile had already disappeared. ¡°Wow, that was refreshing. But what did you say to make him run away like that?¡± Hansoo, who came to the side all of a sudden, was talking excitedly, but the manager standing on the other side voiced his worries. ¡°Will it be okay if you meet like this?¡± ¡°¡­ No.¡± I gave a short answer and turned around. It wasn¡¯t very good. I didn¡¯t like the fact that I provoked him out of anger, that he might attack violently in the future, and that I might not have enough time to prepare for it. Because things couldn¡¯t end so soon. I couldn¡¯t let my anger go out because I couldn¡¯t get caught up in my mood. I had to figure it out slowly. I knew what I had done could come back like a boomerang. There was still revenge in the world. There were punks like me who weren¡¯t afraid to do dirty things like him. After reassuring the worried manager that I would take care of things, I headed to Alice after a long time. I had been away for over 3 weeks, almost a month, but I hadn¡¯t forgotten the faces I see every time. However, I was blocked at the entrance. From an unknown face, not the one who was always guarding the back door. ¡°You can¡¯t go in this way.¡± A guard with fierce eyes, a different atmosphere from before, blocked my way. At that point, there was a bit of anxiety. I paused silently to stare at him, and he looked at me with squinted eyes. As if accustomed to protecting something, he did not hesitate to bring out the necessary words first. ¡°If you are a guest, please use the front door.¡± ¡°I am not a guest.¡± Then he looked at me again from bottom to top. Judging by my plain, shabby-looking attire, I didn¡¯t seem like a person working inside. ¡°Do you have an appointment with someone inside? First of all, I have never heard of it beforehand, so please let me know and I will contact the below.¡± I said I was going to meet the boss even though I didn¡¯t have any appointments, and realized the true nature of my foreboding anxiety with his next question. ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°¡­¡± He lowered his head as he dialed below by radio and urged me who didn¡¯t answer. ¡°Can you tell me your name?¡± ¡°Lee¡­ Taemin.¡± When I answered with a feeling that I had experienced this once, the security guard immediately contacted through the walkie-talkie. But when he received the answer, his expression was cold. ¡°There is no such person among the boss¡¯s acquaintances.¡± ¡°Ask the manager to ask.¡± ¡°He is busy. Make sure to contact them first and come back next time¡­¡± ¡°¡­ Won.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± The security guard gave me a look that said he didn¡¯t understand what I was saying and then I opened my mouth again. I never thought the day would come when I¡¯d say this myself. ¡°¡­ Say the person who came whose real name is Lee Baekwon.¡± There was a look of disbelief on the guard¡¯s face for a moment, but he said ¡®real name Lee Baekwon¡¯ through the radio. After putting his hand on the earphone he was wearing to hear the reply that came shortly after, he blinked his eyes in surprise, coughed and took a step back. ¡°Ah, ahemm, come in. Lee¡­ Baekwon-nim.¡± I made up my mind; if the guards change again, never come here. Passing the red-faced security guard trying to suppress his laughter, I made a decision, but my anxiety did not go away strangely. As if something bigger was waiting for me. The staff guiding me felt a bit strange because it was the first time they¡¯d seen me. What was even weirder was that he didn¡¯t understand my question before I went in. ¡°Is Director Yoon here?¡± He probably wouldn¡¯t have come because there was an emergency at the company, but I asked just in case, and the employee tilted his head with a puzzled face. ¡°Director Yoon? There is no one named Director Yoon in our store. If you are looking for one of our guests¡­¡± ¡°No. Never mind.¡± I stopped talking and closed the door of the empty boss¡¯s office, noticing that Alice had changed quite a bit within a month. Perhaps the cause was the ¡®Lee Baekwon¡¯ that Myungshin was looking for and Chairman Kim. Thump. As soon as I sat down on the sofa in the ownerless room, the previously closed door opened and the boss entered. He was on the phone with a loud voice, and as soon as he saw me with his eyes, he flashed a gesture to express his burdensome pleasure. For a moment, I wanted to just leave, so I lifted my butt, but the conversation stopped me. ¡°Oh yeah. Baekwon is in my room now.¡± Was he talking to the madman? As soon as I started paying attention, I soon regretted it. ¡°Ah, speaking of Baekwon, it looks like only half is there~ So if he puts only his head in the room, would it be called 50 won? Fuhahaha~¡± The boss slapped his stomach at his own joke and laughed like crazy. I was annoyed because it was not even my real name, but I endured it with clenching fists, sympathizing with the person who actually had that name. Fortunately, the boss¡¯s laughter quickly subsided, probably because the other side didn¡¯t respond very well. ¡°¡­ What? It¡¯s not funny?¡± As if shocked, he glanced at me and turned around to persuade the other person on the phone. ¡°What do you mean, do you know how many ways you can make the joke? For example, instead of expressing that I want to go inside you, if I say I will make you 400 won, you can create a pleasant atmosphere and¡­¡± The boss¡¯s offer was quickly rejected. How did I know? ¡°Hello? Huh? Hello!¡± The madman hung up the phone. The bewildered boss yelled at the phone and looked back at me as if it was unfair. ¡°Isn¡¯t it funny? Plus, it¡¯s romantic! ¡®I¡¯m going to make you 400 won¡¯!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hm? Why do you have such a dissatisfied expression¡­ ah!¡± The boss, noticing that he had noticed something in my gaze, nodded his head. ¡°Right, it¡¯s not 400 won, 300 won is the correct expression! You¡¯re only going to swallow the important thingy, so 300 won was enough. Whoops, it was my mistake.¡± I wanted to throw my phone at the apologizing boss. It was the first time I was so envious of the madman who could hang up the phone, so I just gripped the phone tightly in my hand. Of course, the boss completely trusted his reasoning that would solve his misunderstanding and called the madman again. ¡°Haha, Jay is meticulous by nature, so he can¡¯t stand it when he sees something wrong¡­ Ah, jay. It¡¯s me. So I mean 300¡­ What? You¡¯re busy, so if I¡¯m going to talk nonsense, please stop? No, gosh!¡­ Hmmm, huu~¡± As it was, the boss was angry and I internally hoped that the madman would say something harsher, but he forgave the boss in one breath. ¡°Someone is near you? Yes, I understand. Such a shameful thing to say¡­ Ah, I got it. So what I¡¯m trying to say is to let you know that I¡¯ve found it.¡± The boss sat across from me and smiled leisurely. He didn¡¯t say what he found, but whether it was important to him, the boss¡¯s slow tone continued without interruption. ¡°It was more useful than I thought. There is only one person of the age you are looking for, and that person is also very suitable with that personal life and personality¡­ Yes. Okay. It¡¯s already been written by hand. It will probably collapse in a month. When that time comes, you will be able to put it to good use.¡± Along with the words, the boss let out an eerie smile with no smile in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve crammed my store like this, so I have to pay the right price.¡± He let out a cold breath and met my eyes, then returned to his original expression. ¡°Then I¡¯ll call you again.¡± He hung up the phone, sat comfortably on the sofa and asked me. ¡°Are you curious?¡± When I answered yes honestly, he smiled admiringly. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll explain.¡± I was curious about the proper price the boss said or the person who could use it a month later, so I bowed my upper body forward. It was just a feeling, but I felt that it had something to do with Chairman Kim, so I paid attention to the boss¡¯s open mouth. ¡°So listen.¡± I nodded. ¡°There are many gags that can be used under your name other than 300 won. For example, every time you take off your clothes, you can cut them in tens of won so you can use them to burn Jay¡¯s heart.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Fuck, are you kidding me¡­ For a moment, I frowned and the boss looked at my face and burst into laughter. ¡°Hahahaha~ It¡¯s a joke, a joke. Wow~ why am I so funny today? Huh? From three hundred won to ten won nude show! Hahaha~ What should I do, it¡¯s so funny!¡± He crawled on his stomach, rolled over on the sofa, and began to choke. I got up from my seat, thinking that it would be good if he could suffocate like that. ¡°Kukkeuk~ Huh? Haha, wh-where are you going?¡± With tears in his eyes, he beckoned me to sit down. ¡°Okay. I won¡¯t make fun of you with your name now, so don¡¯t be shy and sit down. Instead, I¡¯ll raise it to two thousand won and call you¡­ Fuhahaha~ Promoted to two thousand won~¡± Slam, slam, and the sofa were punched because of the boss who was obsessed with his own gag, and I walked to the door without any regrets. He hurriedly opened his mouth to see me off. ¡°Oh, wait. Because of Chairman Kim, Jay doesn¡¯t come often these days, but I¡¯ll call you right away when he comes.¡± The boss wiped the tears with his hands and barely spoke. ¡°And Song Yoohan is well monitored by me. I know the schedule of him going abroad soon too¡­ Ah, come to think of it, when Lee Baekwon goes abroad, you can say your name is 2 dollars¡­ Fuhaha~ Ah, look at me, 2 dollars! The foreign name is 2 dollars! Uhahaha~¡± Bang! The door closed with a loud sound, but the boss¡¯s laughter didn¡¯t stop until I walked up the stairs. I¡¯m never coming again. CH 41 It¡¯s nice to have people around you who can get the information you need the most, but it¡¯s a problem if you¡¯re the one to feel awkward first. I looked up at the tall building with no end in sight thanks to the black sky, and then got up from the railing that I had leaned my hips against. 11:55 p.m. Drowsiness was creeping in. I drove early in the morning, stopped by a film company in the morning, and filmed at the studio in the afternoon. And I met Myungshin. As I looked at the cars entering the building quietly in the wind for a long time, I lost my concentration due to fatigue. I decided to take an easier option when my eyes became puffy enough for me to think that I might have missed a car. There was no card to go through the main gate, but the underground parking lot was a bit poorly guarded. Slowly hiding in the dark, I passed the guard, who was distracted by the TV, and went down to the underground parking lot. It was like a tunnel in which the curved and winding space continued endlessly. Perhaps it was because of the unique cold and smell of the basement, I felt like I was walking to a grave for a brief moment. But soon, cars filled the basement, and I stood for a while and looked around, then walked to the lobby. As I pressed the number of floors in the elevator, I remembered the house of the madman I had visited before. Go straight to the left after getting off. Gray iron gate with black stripes below. As a courtesy, I rang the doorbell once, leaned against the gate and sat down with my knees bent. I took out my cell phone to check if there was a call, but there were no missed calls or texts. I had already sent a phone call and a text saying, ¡®Are you busy?¡¯ All I had to do was wait. I heard he wasn¡¯t going to Alice¡¯s Labyrinth for a while, but no matter how busy he was, he would go home and change his clothes. I thought so and closed my eyes. I repeated ¡®I can¡¯t sleep deeply¡¯ to myself like casting a spell, but the tiredness of a long day weighed on my whole body as soon as I closed my eyes. The discomfort of the cold marble floor soon disappeared, and I fell asleep as if getting knocked out. And when I opened my eyes, startled by the faint sound, I couldn¡¯t help but be dazed for a moment. Where am I? I forcibly shut my eyes that couldn¡¯t open properly. One thing that came to mind was that the soft bed I was lying in wasn¡¯t the cold hallway I last closed my eyes in. I was startled by that fact and tried to get up, but something was pressing down on my chest. Uh? I could barely lift my head when I heard a whisper in my ear. ¡°It¡¯s my phone.¡± Phone? It was then that I realized that the noise that woke me up was the vibration of a phone. And the large body attached to me stood up in the dark. My eyes gradually adapted to the dim light of dawn, and I noticed the madman sitting next to me and answering the phone. He leaned his bare torso against the head of the bed and ran one hand across his hair. The hard muscles that had been strengthened through exercise were clearly visible even in the dimly lit field of vision. ¡°Alright.¡± I tried to get up again, hearing his low voice. But he sensed me without even looking at me. Plop. He dropped my head on the soft pillow as he pushed my shoulders back. ¡°Tell him to wait. I will go now.¡± Thud. The madman lightly tossed the phone on the table and pressed my shoulder and pushed me down. As usual, I turned to avoid him, but he quickly pressed his body against my lower body, immobilizing him. Then, with one arm on the bed, he raised his upper body and asked indifferently. ¡°Did you miss me?¡± What nonsense are you talking about? ¡°We saw each other the other day.¡± I thought he might have been half-asleep, so I jogged his memories, but the guy only smiled out of courtesy. For some reason, I frowned as the laughter seemed to say ¡®that¡¯s not the answer¡¯. ¡°Don¡¯t remember?¡± ¡°It was so long ago, I can¡¯t remember.¡± Do you think it¡¯s still a dreamland? I wanted to let my doubts come out, but the guy looking down from above felt strangely intimidating. Tension spread through my body to respond lightly, and I slowly opened my mouth. ¡°Why are you like this? There was no contact, so I waited at the door.¡± ¡°Why did you wait?¡± ¡°I have something I want to ask you.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Is that all? Say it properly. Is that all?¡± Now the coldness in his voice was clearly evident. As if suddenly waking up in bed is not enough, I have to be pressed down by a half-naked guy and questioned without knowing why. I pushed his arm around my shoulder and twisted my body to get away. ¡°If not, what else would there be?¡± I added harshly, pushing the motionless guy. ¡°Fuck, this is why I don¡¯t do what I don¡¯t do. I waited for the first time in my life and¡­¡± Tussle. My upper body, which he had pressed hard again on my shoulder, which was raised halfway, toppled over the bed. Shaking in the recoil, I looked up, wondering what was with those bewildered eyes. But it was strange. The vicious energy disappeared from the guy¡¯s face. Instead, he mumbled dry with his softened eyes. ¡°First time, huh. It¡¯s just that there¡¯s a brake.¡± ¡°What brake?¡± I retorted lowly because my anger had not yet resolved, but the atmosphere had completely changed and he smiled as usual. ¡°But there¡¯s no brake at all down there, so don¡¯t worry.¡± Upon hearing his words, I realized the guy¡¯s hard object touching below, and a cold goosebumps went down. But, I intentionally looked straight ahead as if nothing was wrong. ¡°You were going to leave.¡± When I reminded him of the previous call, he raised one corner of his mouth. ¡°Yeah, if I had known it would be like this, I should have woken up when I saw you in front of the door.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ktfc kts vlvc¡¯a tf kjxf wf eq? P kjr j ilaaif qehhifv, yea tlr tjcv kjr qijmfv bc ws obgftfjv. Llr tjcv ygertlcu ws yjcur kjr rb rboa atja P mbeivc¡¯a jrx kts. P vlvc¡¯a yfilfnf la, yea cbk P offi ilxf atlr abemt kjr atf jcrkfg. ¡°Gbc¡¯a.¡± Lf rlutfv rboais jcv abbx tlr tjcv. Lbkfnfg, atf ues¡¯r fsfr, gfmbuclhlcu ws vlrmbwobga, oliifv klat ijeutafg. ¡°It only sounds like you¡¯re saying I shouldn¡¯t go.¡± This madman¡­ I murmured inwardly, and he put his hand back on top of my forehead. ¡°Do whatever you want.¡± I wondered if my words were funny, the guy shook his shoulder for a moment and smiled, then asked. ¡°Have you met Song Myungshin?¡± As I widened my eyes in surprise at the sudden change of topic, he stopped laughing and bowed his head and added. ¡°I¡¯ve been scouring all the computers to catch the insider who stole company secrets from yesterday.¡± It was cold. His lips touched the nape of my neck and sucked the flesh with a wet sound. I couldn¡¯t resist properly because I was listening to the words of the lips that opened above my neck. ¡°The last phone call was that we had found a computer with evidence. Who do you think it is?¡± A voice mixed with laughter tickled his skin with a hot tongue licking his throat. However, his body was not rigid in his actions. He must have already predicted his next answer. ¡°Your manager.¡± He raised his head slightly and smiled at me. ¡°Your manager was the culprit.¡± No. My manager was not the culprit. The answer that lingered in my mouth couldn¡¯t come out right away. His words made my head like a whirlwind, preventing me from opening my mouth. The subject of the whirlwind is Song Myungshin. And what he said lingered around mixed with anxiety. ¡®Just wait. I¡¯ll get to you soon.¡¯ How many hours has it been. If this was his work, he kept his promise remarkably well. ¡°No.¡± The madman slowly lifted his head at the denial that came out late. He licked his lips lightly, as if to recall some taste, and replied dryly. ¡°There is solid evidence.¡± ¡°Evidence? It must be a computer. That¡¯s all. Anyone can use it in my manager¡¯s seat. Anyone in the same office knows that my manager has been down at XXX for a month and his seat is vacant. What idiot would do the obvious thing to leave evidence on his computer?¡± ¡°Look, the idiot is the culprit. Besides, your manager hasn¡¯t been at XXX for the whole month. He stopped by the office several times in the middle.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Any other excuse?¡± Waiting for an answer, he got up and went out of bed. As his face moved away and the hand on my shoulder disappeared, I slowly raised my upper body. As if to loosen his stiff body, he naturally shook his head from side to side and opened his mouth lightly as if nothing had happened. ¡°Just saying ¡®no¡¯ is not enough. Even if it is obvious to the naked eye, the evidence has already come out.¡± ¡°You have to find what is lacking. Evidence to turn things around¡­¡± ¡°Then give it to me now.¡± As I interrupted, he tilted his head to the side and looked down with indifferent eyes. ¡°I have to go to the office right now and discuss the handling of your manager. Even if your manager later turns out to be innocent, this industry is a place that feeds on rumors. False rumors spread quickly, but even when the truth is revealed afterward, people only remember the rumors that have spread widely. No matter how innocent your manager may be, it¡¯s the same as being cut off because you¡¯re useless to the company. But¡­¡± The end of the sentence, which seemed to be boring, continued with laughter. ¡°You believe your manager is innocent?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°The reason is?¡± Because I believed that the real culprit was a different person. However, it was not enough to explain the words Myungshin said. It was just a feeling. I couldn¡¯t open my mouth at that thought, and then I suddenly realized that I was missing one thing. The question that the madman asked before saying that the company¡¯s criminal was caught. ¡®Have you met Song Myungshin?¡¯ Why did he ask that? As I rose, he knelt down on his knees and stood up. The faint dawn light that came in had no effect on him as he turned his back to the window. I murmured, trying to look at him in the dark. ¡°Why did you ask if I met Myungshin? Do you know something?¡± There was no connection between what my manager was being accused of in that phone call and my meeting with Myungshin. Except for one thing, if it was a bizarre coincidence that he had the same doubts as me. The idea that the culprit, Myungshin, was provoked by me and framed the manager. ¡°I met Myungshin.¡± I brought it up first. ¡°As soon as we met, I said something to Myungshin, and Myungshin told me to look forward to something in a few hours. So when you asked if I knew who the culprit was, I was wondering just in case, if Myungshin schemed something up.¡± I calmly told my story. He obviously knew something. If I was wrong, he would have stopped me and said no at once due to his personality. And I knew from experience that it was better to wait patiently than to get angry to get him to speak. But his silence was growing strangely long. Why? Was I missing something and misunderstood? ¡°Didn¡¯t you know something about Myungshin, that¡¯s why you asked me first? A suspicion that Myungshin created a trap after meeting with me¡­¡± ¡°Myungshin, Myungshin.¡± He muttered and pursed his lips. ¡°It¡¯s very annoying.¡± What was he saying now? While doubting my ears, he reached out to my face. Before I could dodge, his hand wrapped around my ear and neck. ¡°Revenge you say? But why are you calling his name like you¡¯re close to him?¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± Baffled, I didn¡¯t even try to brush off the guy¡¯s hand that was gripping my neck. I had been seriously talking up to now, and what nonsense¡­ But what¡¯s even more shocking was that the guy seemed actually annoyed. ¡°If you keep doing that, I¡¯ll misunderstand. I wondered if it is not just about revenge, but also lingering feelings.¡± The thumb of his hand wrapped around my neck, moving slowly, caressing the flesh behind my ear. The action made me more breathless than I had been before. Perhaps it was because of the laughter mixed in the soothing tone. A low laughter with no joy at all, only a coolness. ¡°For the person you used to fuck.¡± ¡°¡­ Cut the bullshit.¡± When I slapped his hand and retorted, surprisingly, his hand moved away. ¡°There¡¯s no way there would be any feelings left. If it wasn¡¯t for revenge, I don¡¯t care what kind of life he leads.¡± I remembered the first time I met him in the elevator. I didn¡¯t really feel anything, and it was rather surprising. And I was now amazed at myself trying to explain this kindly. ¡°If I had any lingering feelings, when I first saw him at work, I would have ran away because I didn¡¯t want to be found out that I was a shabby courier.¡± If that was the case, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to meet my manager again in the elevator, and I wouldn¡¯t have overheard the conversation that I heard because I was curious about Myungshin¡¯s change. Come to think of it, wasn¡¯t it funny? Even though he ran away with money it felt so empty. That¡¯s why there¡¯s an opportunity to fill it with revenge. ¡°Just revenge, huh.¡± I listened to the indifferent voice. His face was still obscured by darkness, but I could tell that the smile had disappeared. ¡°Is it really all about revenge?¡± ¡°What the hell are you talking about¡­¡± ¡°There is something wrong with your obsession with revenge.¡± ¡°I realized it when I was annoyed by the name of Myungshin,¡± he muttered to himself as he ran through his hair with his hand and turned to look at me. ¡°You said that to Alice¡¯s boss. It was you who killed your brother and mother.¡± ¡°What about it?¡± The response flowed surprisingly casually. Hearing my dry voice, he slightly raised his chin and looked down at me. ¡°If you think that your brother¡¯s death is already your fault, isn¡¯t your obsession with Song Myungshin too much?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Tell me. You said all you want is revenge. I¡¯ll give you that revenge right now. You can drop Song Myungshin directly into the abyss. He can lose everything he has and be thrown out on the street. Shall I do that? No, I really want to do that. So don¡¯t let that name come out of your mouth.¡± ¡°¡­ No. Don¡¯t touch him.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°The revenge is mine.¡± At my words that sounded like a threat, he widened his lips. The sarcastic smile with the usual unsmiling eyes was like saying, ¡®look, you¡¯re obsessed with it as I said¡¯. There was no question, but a long silence seemed to persuade me to explain. Why was I obsessed with revenge? The killer was me. I didn¡¯t know if the actual time that had passed was as long as what I felt. But it really felt like a long time, when I opened my mouth and there was a dry feeling. ¡°I have to pay for my sins.¡± I spoke at intervals. ¡°I have to pay for my sins. If I discovered one of the reasons that killed my brother five years ago, I can¡¯t just stay still. I have to deal with it. I will take care of all the rest of the garbage. There is no revenge for myself. It¡¯s just revenge for the time five years ago.¡± I closed my eyes and remembered a bright red alleyway. A world where blood flew as if it was covered with red paint. That time. That time when I looked into the eyes of my brother who had been stabbed with a knife. ¡°So don¡¯t interfere.¡± Long after the last words without an intonation disappeared from the air, his hand came back to my face. This time, it covered the cheek, not the neck. ¡°How interesting.¡± He exhaled quietly and came over with one knee on the bed. ¡°My heart moved.¡± His eyes came closer and became clearer. ¡°Your voice sounded like a cry.¡± It couldn¡¯t be. My voice right now was no different from usual. The words I was trying to refute disappeared in his next words. ¡°And it even sounds like you¡¯re barely living to make the atonement.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Tell me. What are you going to do when you have done your revenge, no, your atonement?¡± A sharp, cold voice approached me as if he knew my answer in advance. I didn¡¯t look away and let out a dry breath. ¡°I will answer you if you promise not to interfere with the revenge.¡± ¡°Ah, I promise.¡± To him who made a light promise, I gave him an easy answer. ¡°Nothing.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Nothing. As long as I¡¯m alive, I can¡¯t pay for all my sins.¡± It ends only when I die. He let go of his hand on the cheek, stepped back and got out of bed. And this time, it was my turn to be sarcastic. ¡°Did your irritation go away after listening to everything?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Surprisingly, my spirit disappeared at the honest answer. No, the guy¡¯s eyes in the dark in the illusion that he was looking at me with a frighteningly sharp gaze for a moment might have disappeared. As I frowned and thought that guy really didn¡¯t make sense, he stood up again, looking at the clock on the table and spoke quickly. ¡°There were already two employees who I thought were the culprits. The reason I asked you if you¡¯ve met Song Myungshin is because I know that one of the employees is close to Song Myungshin.¡± An employee close to Myungshin? I remembered the person who was talking to Myungshin in the underground parking lot for the first time. ¡°The assumption that that person is the culprit is¡­¡± Realizing that the other person was not someone who would easily say things like that, I saved the end of my trailing words. ¡°Do you have anything to prove? That he was the culprit.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he nodded. ¡°And I wanted to make it easier to deal with him and Song Myungshin within a few days. But I met you and played a joke like this. Too bad it¡¯s easy to deal with. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± Asking that, he turned to the bathroom and raised one corner of his mouth. ¡°I just thought of something interesting.¡± He turned his head to me and asked arrogantly. ¡°Want to hear?¡± ¡°Save it.¡± I immediately refused and was about to leave the room, but his words caught me. ¡°Then your manager will be laid off from the company like this.¡± I stopped and looked sharply at him, and he grinned with a dimple. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll just give you a hint because I don¡¯t want to disturb your atonement. It¡¯s important to turn this crisis around.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°One of the other employees, who is presumed to be the culprit is¡­¡± He turned his half-turned body completely toward me. Yeah, I didn¡¯t know what would happen if I knew the other one. Find real evidence from him, persuade him or whatever. ¡°Manager Cha Jungwoo.¡± What, was that celebrity betrayed by his closest? I was speechless, but I heard the madman encouraging me. ¡°Think about it. But you¡¯ll have to think quickly. Song Myungshin is now at the company.¡± CH 42 ¡°Are you rich?¡± As soon as I pressed the first floor of the elevator, the madman, who got on first, asked from behind. Checking that the numbers on the 3rd and 1st floors of the basement he pressed beforehand were red, I turned my head to see what he was talking about. Then he pointed his chin at the button I pressed. ¡°You said you don¡¯t want to get in my car.¡± ¡°What does me not getting in your car have to do with money?¡± I asked and then noticed that he was talking about a taxi. That¡¯s why bour¡­ What was the word? Anyway, the rich. I picked up my watch and with my other hand I tapped the scratched glass. ¡°The first subway train runs at this time.¡± I raised one eyebrow. As I turned around, I remembered something important. How can you talk about the capital of Lithuania without knowing this basic common knowledge? I was about to call him a dumbass right away, but the elevator stopped on the first floor and the doors were just opening, but the madman passed me and got out first. Suddenly, I couldn¡¯t get off because I was left speechless that he left me behind, but the guy turned around and urged me. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Why are you getting off?¡± ¡°You said you¡¯ll take the subway?¡± When did I? I was just saying that the first train was running. I was in a hurry to open the elevator door that was about to close again, so the retort didn¡¯t come out. However, through the open door, the madman opened his mouth first. ¡°Why? People like me who are bour¡­¡± He stopped talking abruptly, then narrowed his eyes and looked at me. ¡°What is the slang for a rich man that starts with ¡®bour¡¯?¡± There was also a little fear mixed with the resentment that rose from within at this moment. Did this guy get a revelation from God about what I was thinking? ¡°Bour what?¡± ¡°Bour¡­ jortext in paragraph?¡± I looked into his round eyes and knew I was wrong. I realized that I had lost my chance to tease the guy who started snickering with his hand against the wall. *** Fortunately, it was early in the morning, so no one noticed that I went to work on the subway alongside the prolific Director Yoon. I got off the familiar third floor and called the manager. The signal didn¡¯t go off a few times, but then his nervous voice was heard. ¡°Where are you?¡± [Uh? T- Taemin? I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m a little¡­] His voice, hardened by tension, trembled slightly. Perhaps he also received the news in the morning and was called to the company. The news that the sky will fall that he is the culprit. ¡°I heard the news. I am at work now.¡± Silence flowed over the receiver as if breathing had stopped, then the manager said firmly. [Taemin-ah, I¡¯m not like that.] ¡°I know. So I¡¯m here. Where are you?¡± After hearing about the place from him, I hung up my phone and headed for the stairs. I jumped up several floors at once, and when I reached the seventh floor, I saw the hallway leading to the executive room. Inside the security door blocking the hallway, the manager stood with a haggard face. As if he was waiting to open the door, he saw me and opened the door from the inside. ¡°How do you know? The company wouldn¡¯t have contacted you¡­¡± ¡°Is Song Myungshin in there?¡± I started asking questions and went ahead, but there was no sound coming from behind. When I turned around, the manager was still standing in front of the door with a serious expression. ¡°Do you know anything? I suddenly got a nonsensical call early in the morning and I ran here, but I still have no idea what they¡¯re talking about.¡± He asked calmly, swallowing a gulp of saliva. ¡°Is Myungshin involved in this?¡± ¡°Perhaps.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± I added as he stepped aside. ¡°You can just run away.¡± After a while he straightened his shoulders and walked past me. I followed him to the middle of the hallway and stopped in front of the room the manager knocked on. Inside, a voice was heard from the manager asking for understanding. ¡°sorry. The kid I am in charge of was worried and will be with me.¡± He signaled me who was standing in the hallway and I entered a large, carpeted conference room. When I lifted my eyes from the long black table occupying the center of the room, I saw three people standing in the middle of the room. Chief Park, an employee who was close with Myungshin, and Myungshin. Myungshin¡¯s eyes narrowed, but the voice responding to the manager¡¯s words drew attention. ¡°Do you need a babysitter? If this has nothing to do with you, then get out.¡± Across from the three of them, the madman, who had half his hips on the table looking down at the laptop, raised his eyes and smiled at me. The polite smile you would usually see. ¡°Get out if it¡¯s none of your business.¡± The corners of Myungshin¡¯s lips rose at his firm voice. I looked straight at him, the face of Director Yoon. ¡°Pa¡¯r gfifnjca. P tjnf mbwf ab afralos. Zs wjcjufg kjr klat wf ja zzz obg atf ktbif wbcat.¡± ¡°Cii wbcat? Cr ojg jr P xcbk, Zjcjufg Jtbl tjr rabqqfv ys atf boolmf rfnfgji alwfr lc yfakffc.¡± Ktf mbcnfgrjalbc P tjv ja tlr tberf pera jc tbeg fjgilfg kjr gfqfjafv. Ktf ijaafg qjga kjr j ilaaif vloofgfca. ¡°And, according to the computer records, the date of the file was first saved when Manager Choi came to the office.¡± Checking something on his laptop, he said more details, but I didn¡¯t listen because I was thinking about something else. What, didn¡¯t the culprit rush to plant evidence because of me? He planted the evidence on the same day the manager came to the office? Did he prepare it in advance? ¡°Anything else?¡± I raised my eyes at the languid voice and snorted. ¡°Other than that, I¡¯ll listen to the situation and tell you.¡± With a slight dimpled smile, he immediately turned to look at the three men opposite him. ¡°I hope this information is accurate as I woke up for this from the best sleep I¡¯ve had in years.¡± Contrary to the smiling face, the eyes staring at the three fiercely were of the force to kill if they made a mistake. After a moment of silence, Chief Park, who seemed to shake his hand, took the first step and gave a brief report that had already been expected.The traces of frequent access to famous entertainment sites where evidence was posted, and the funny story was that evidence files still remained on the computer. Chief Park also made a small addition, perhaps he felt sorry for the manager, saying that it was an entertainment site that everyone goes to, and it was not clear if it was the site where the first material was posted. Then the problem is the evidence file. As to which idiot leaves the evidence without erasing it, Song Myungshin stepped forward and pointed to my manager. ¡°I know him well. Manager Choi is not good at computers. He thinks that if you just throw a file in the recycle bin, it will be completely deleted. Besides, he¡¯s done the same thing before.¡± The surprised manager opened his eyes wide and shook his head. ¡°What are you talking about? When did I¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you remember? At that time, you posted dirty pictures of my competitors¡¯ past on the internet. It wasn¡¯t until later that another employee found photos in that folder with info that weren¡¯t even posted on the Internet, then I knew you were the culprit.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not me¡­¡± ¡°It was your computer. What do you have to say?¡± Contrary to Myungshin¡¯s relaxed face, the manager was clenching his teeth. ah yes I looked at Myungshin and the manager alternately. That kid had done this once before. So this time, as usual, he blamed the manager. That¡¯s where I¡¯m connected¡­ Gathering everything up at dawn and setting the stage. If that prick had prepared evidence in advance, the situation would have been more serious than expected. What should I do? Excited about framing the manager, Myungshin lightly pressed on rebuking the manager and continued talking to Director Yoon. Looking at them as if he was bored, I remembered his advice to think of a way faster. But how? The hint is another traitor, manager Cha Jungwoo. If it was just revealed that he was the culprit, there would be no evidence right away, so the crime of framing would be added. Even if the madman gives the evidence, it is not a very clever method. It¡¯s only going to look like a false accusation, and it¡¯s enough to piss off Myungshin¡­ ¡°Manager Choi, stop using such dirty methods now. Don¡¯t you think what you did this time is a little funny? Slandering a top star who has nothing to do with it¡­¡± ¡°I said no.¡± I stepped forward and stood in front of Myungshin. Then, as if waiting for me, he forced a smile on his mouth. ¡°Can¡¯t you see the evidence?¡± I glanced at the files on the table and raised my eyes expressionlessly. Before heading to Myungshin, I saw the madman who looked at me with interesting eyes, but now I didn¡¯t have the time to stare at him. The guy was right. There was a way. A very staggering one that will hopefully reverse this in one shot. I smiled slowly at Myungshin. Contrary to my smile, I opened my mouth to the guy who turned cold. ¡°Evidence? Then I¡¯ll prove it. That my manager is not the culprit.¡± ¡°¡­ What? proof? How can you prove that¡­¡± Myungshin, who was exhaling sharply, was conscious of his surroundings and quickly smiled. ¡°How are you going to prove it, Lee Taemin?¡± As if transforming, his voice and even the viciousness in it had disappeared, mixing a relaxed laugh into his voice. As if the spotlight came on and the person started acting, the eyes that were glaring at me disappeared. ¡°It sounds as if I¡¯ve been out here since dawn and lying on purpose. Hey, do I look like such a free man?¡± ¡°You look free.¡± Watching the twitching, rising eyebrows, I added slowly. ¡°Yotext in paragraph.¡± ¡°Is that so? Gosh, I am a very busy person.¡± He smiled arrogantly, and he mimicked me and added ¡®yo¡¯ belatedly. ¡°Then again, you can¡¯t even see the evidence in front of you, so you don¡¯t even know how busy your senior artist is.¡± ¡°Yeah, if that senior artist is not a great actor, I don¡¯t care whether he is busy or not.¡± It seemed as if a voice filled with emotion would come out of his tightly closed lips, but Myungshin managed to hold himself back. His smile deepened as if he was about to spit out those trivial words effortlessly through one ear. ¡°It¡¯s the proof of someone who doesn¡¯t know much about the world¡­ What is it?¡± After staring at me for a moment, he glanced at Director Yoon. ¡°I am really curious. Of course, Director Yoon will believe my words, even if it¡¯s not as great as the words of a trainee whose name is unknown. Come on, tell me.¡± I¡¯ll listen to it, give it a try. Myungshin crossed his arms, acting nonchalant. Thank you so much for listening. So I turned away from him lightly. I opened my mouth to Director Yoon, who was listening to our conversation as if it was fun. ¡°Would you mind getting rid of this not-so-great senior? I just want to speak to you, Director Yoon.¡± ¡°Hey! Who do you think you are?¡± ¡°Who are you, then?¡± I stopped talking and took a step forward. ¡°Are you responsible for this? Or are you an executive from the company who will be receiving the report?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Finally, looking at the guy whose smile had disappeared, I turned to Director Yoon. ¡°Since you heard what he has said over there, please listen to me as well. However, my manager has been framed, so I am reluctant to speak in front of someone.¡± At the word ¡®someone¡¯, I pointed directly at Myungshin. At that moment, I could see the face of the guy who was gritting his teeth, but I didn¡¯t get a chance to hear his reply. ¡°That makes sense.¡± He turned around and ordered the rest. ¡°Now that you heard that, everyone, except for Lee Taemin, should go out.¡± ¡°Director Yoon, don¡¯t tell me you really believe that trainee¡¯s words¡­¡± ¡°Song Yoohan.¡± When my name was called, Myungshin closed his mouth and looked at the other person with a nervous face. The slowly growing smile made the dimples, but the non-smiling eyes turned to Myungshin. ¡°I told you before. As I woke up from the most pleasant sleep I¡¯ve had in years, I hoped it would be accurate information. However, the recollections of the past that Song Yoohan testified are not worth hearing at such an early morning.¡± As his dimples deepened, a sweet voice followed. ¡°Fucking bastard, did you wake me up for that?¡± Not only Myungshin but the others stiffened as if surprised by the sudden swearing. In particular, Chief Park¡¯s face looked pale. However, it was a soft voice that made the atmosphere fierce. ¡°¡­ That¡¯s all I can think of. Or do you have any real surprising evidence other than that?¡± Myungshin didn¡¯t answer, and he bit his lower lip slightly. Director Yoon urged him. ¡°What are you doing? Aren¡¯t you going out?¡± As soon as the words came out, Chief Park ran out of the conference room as if he was the first to run away. As Myungshin took one last step, he didn¡¯t forget to look at me. He even gave me a little encouragement when passing by. ¡°Try hard in vain.¡± Bang. The door closed and the manager and I remained, Director Yoon asked my manager. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going?¡± ¡°Y- yes?¡± The manager looked at him and me in turn and stuttered with a bewildered expression. ¡°S- should I go out too, but what Taemin is going to say¡­¡± ¡°I will listen.¡± He cut off the words and pointed with his chin at the door, indicating for him to leave. The manager looked at me with a face full of things to say and went out as if being chased out. Silence fell again with the sound of the door, and I looked back at my ally, whom no one was aware of yet. He got up from the table and walked towards me. I tried to tell the approaching guy the way I was thinking first. But even when he came close, his speed did not slow down. What was he doing now? Meanwhile, my shoulder was grabbed. By the time I came to my senses, his arm was wrapped around my waist. Now, as usual, I pushed his shoulder and tried to get him off me. ¡°What are you doing?¡± He pulled my back closer as I struggled to get out, speaking dryly over his head. ¡°Did you think of it?¡± Knowing he was asking about the way to prove the manager¡¯s innocence, I stopped moving. Turning my head to the side to look up at him,I met his eyes which were looking down. As I saw his gaze that said ¡®Tell me¡¯, I left a gap between us and muttered the way I had come up with. I don¡¯t know if this is the interesting way he was thinking of, but it was the best I could think of. The best twist that can be taken from the fact that manager Cha Jungwoo was a traitor. ¡°Is that so?¡± Is it like what you thought? When asked with a little caution, he slowly raised the corners of his mouth. ¡°Okay.¡± With the answer, the hand that wrapped around my waist went down. I flinched, unknowingly nervous, and twisted my upper body roughly. Soon a soothing voice was heard. ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything.¡± Then his hand was groping my ass. ¡°You are already doing it.¡± While I was making a face, the guy touched my eye with his other hand and talked nonsense. ¡°You have puffy eyes.¡± ¡°You aren¡¯t¡­¡± I refuted, turning my head to avoid his touch, then looked at his face and swallowed. He had only slept for a few hours and woke up in the morning tired, but his face was fine. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s nice that you don¡¯t look swollen.¡± He raised one corner of his mouth and replied in a dry voice. ¡°Well, it¡¯s swelling down there.¡± I was a man too, so I immediately knew what that meant, but I felt it first from the lower body that was in contact with it. It¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve experienced him in heat, but I¡¯m not used to it. Why was this jerk standing because of me? Still questions filled the inside. However, the guy¡¯s next words turned my attention to the original topic. ¡°Resolve it in three days. Until then, your manager¡¯s issue will be prevented from leaking out.¡± ¡°Does that mean I can do it ¡®that¡¯ way?¡± To prove it, I needed the permission of Director Yoon. Of course, since it was the method he came up with first, it was as if he had already allowed it, but to be honest, it was a bit surprising. The manager¡¯s ability was important for this to be successful. But I believed in him since he was my manager, so I pushed for it, but it¡¯s even strange that even the madman thought the same way. ¡°Sure. I am responsible for the company¡¯s permission. I will prepare all the necessary documents perfectly. But, three days.¡± I was worried about the laughter behind his voice, but the three-day period came first. There was a breakthrough, but the worries did not go away. Can you really do it in the given time? Then I remembered what I needed. ¡°Tell me before that. Proof that manager Cha Jung-woo betrayed him¡­ Mmph!¡± His lips suddenly stopped me from speaking. The guy¡¯s hand, which had already grabbed the back of my head, prevented me from escaping. Is it because of the hand holding it that it hurts as if it¡¯s about to bite? For a moment, I couldn¡¯t even tell if this was a kiss. The ferocious tongue that forcibly occupied my mouth like the hand that grabbed my head with all his might, it just felt like I was being succumbed to power. Ha-! The only thing I could barely do on my own was to take a breath. It was only then that I recognized his kiss as he frantically sucked me in and rushed through me. But by the time I barely came to my senses, the kiss, that had already begun unannounced, had ended. All the pressure on my body was gone. It happened in such a short moment that I was stunned. When he opened his eyes, he took a step back and twisted his body as if nothing had happened. This jerk¡­ ¡°Hey.¡± I called him on the way to the door and took a step. ¡°Why the hell is it like this?¡± He tilted his head to the side and looked at me and narrowed his eyes. It was as if he didn¡¯t know that, so he barely suppressed the breath he was running quickly with excitement. ¡°You say nonsense like it¡¯s your taste to be excited by me, but why is it like this?¡± ¡°What is?¡± He smiled and asked, but I couldn¡¯t come up with a detailed explanation. Because if I brought it up, it really seems like it would be true. Being drawn in by sexual attraction, let¡¯s just say its that lunatic¡¯s taste to want to fuck me, but this was different. This, no, the previous bathroom kiss and this¡­ there was something that just couldn¡¯t be explained with just sexual excitement. ¡°I asked ¡®what¡¯.¡± ¡°It¡¯s strange. Your kiss is awkward.¡± As I mumbled, he smiled and accepted it immediately. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll get used to it soon.¡± ¡°What ¡®get used to it¡¯¡­¡± ¡°It has nothing to do with your feelings.¡± A cold voice suddenly changed and echoed in the spacious conference room. Suddenly, the expressionless face that had lost the smile turned towards me. ¡°It¡¯s the first time in my life that I have endured this much, so you just keep your mouth shut and accept it. If you want to, I can go into heat right here so you don¡¯t feel awkward.¡± As he approached me, his dark eyes that I couldn¡¯t tell the emotions in were shining. ¡°My limiting the pace is only to slow things down. I don¡¯t care whatever feelings you have.¡± When I stared at him without losing my gaze, he returned to his original smile. ¡°So, don¡¯t misunderstand that I am being patient because I¡¯m considering your feelings.¡± ¡°Fuck, I don¡¯t have that misunderstanding.¡± There¡¯s no way I¡¯d ever think that a jerk like you was being considerate of my feelings in the first place. Swallowing inside, I brought up the springing inevitable curiosity. ¡°Then why are you holding back?¡± As he was about to turn back, he answered lightly. ¡°In case I¡¯ll ruin it.¡± With his head turned halfway, I met his emotionless eyes. ¡°If you finish your revenge or whatever, I think you will get out of my hands before I really enjoy you. You can¡¯t stick to a rotting corpse for the rest of your life, right?¡± Are you saying death is the only way out of his hands? In addition, among the unfortunate words, only the word ¡®rest of your life¡¯ was heard particularly clearly. It felt bad, but I wasn¡¯t angry. The creepy side I sometimes see, it¡¯s rare to see the real him. In any case, if you have an opponent you need to escape from or fight with later, you have to get used to the real thing. And it¡¯s also due to the fact that the desire for fighting I had in the past days is still there. The excitement I felt as I attacked even the most unlikely opponent. So, when I look at the madman, I feel a faint but warm feeling in my heart that thought that everything had disappeared. ¡°You¡¯re underestimating yourself. If it were you, you could go into heat and fuck even the bones of a skeleton.¡± I made a sarcastic remark and headed towards the door like a guy, when I heard a serious rebuttal. ¡°Then it doesn¡¯t have that tight feeling .¡± I stopped walking and looked up at the guy who was really complaining. This crazy bastard. ¡°Then put a rubber band on it.¡± He twisted his lips and rejoiced at my solution. ¡°Can only you do that with a rubber band?¡± I tried to respond right away to the compliment that wasn¡¯t pleasing at all with a retort that the rubber band is much tighter than I am, so wear that. However, I soon closed my mouth when I saw the smile in his eyes. Eyes like when I said ¡°bourjor¡±. Damn, you don¡¯t have to entertain me with this useless conversation. I approached the door first with pride as big as an ant, and the man following me spoke as if passing by. ¡°So you can¡¯t die without my permission.¡± I paused. I was reaching for the door, but then stopped and turned around. But as if something had happened, he grabbed the door handle and turned it first. However, before opening, he told me one thing. ¡°The evidence of the military service scandal that had spread on the Internet is a recording file. The broker and Cha Jungwoo met and talked in person. Find it and turn the volume up to the max and listen. You can find something interesting in the background music.¡± Is that proof that manager Cha Jungwoo is the culprit? As I thought about it, click. The door opened. And everyone¡¯s eyes were on us all at once, they seemed like they were waiting through the open door. ¡°Three days. Until then, while Lee Taemin proves it, everyone should ensure the issue doesn¡¯t leak out.¡± Director Yoon, who ordered towards them, at the end of his words, looked back at Myungshin and the staff close to him and added, ¡°And three days later, we will find the real culprit.¡± CH 43 ¡°Taemin, what on earth was that about?¡± As soon as Director Yoon disappeared into the room at the end of the hallway with Chief Park, the manager next to me rushed to ask. But his voice was mixed with the voices of someone else. ¡°I don¡¯t know by what means you managed to get away with it, but as long as the evidence is solid, your lies will be exposed soon.¡± It is probably not my misunderstanding that Myungshin¡¯s sneering voice had a low level of anxiety. I turned away from the manager and looked back at him. Myungshin, who made eye contact with me, spoke with a cold expression. ¡°Three days? Okay. Take a good look at your lives, which you barely extended for three days. It must have been a very insignificant number.¡± ¡°Yeah, take a good look. Because I want it too.¡± Retorting, I looked at Myungshin and the employee with a stiff expression next to him . Myungshin¡¯s face did not change much at Director Yoon¡¯s words, but the staff was noticeably pale. And when I smiled, the employee¡¯s expression got worse. ¡°It would be better to prepare well for three days while you watch.¡± ¡°Prepare what?¡± ¡°What you¡¯ve missed out on.¡± I added, confirming that Myungshin¡¯s eyes were frozen like the employee. ¡°Find it well. I wonder what you have left out like a fool from the evidence you planted.¡± Tap. The staff swallowed their saliva and stepped back. Then, muttering something to Myungshin, they grabbed his arm and started dragging him away. Whispering hastily, the two hurriedly disappeared through the security door. As soon as I saw the two of them disappearing into the elevator hall, I cheered them on inside. Yes, search hard. So that it doesn¡¯t disturb us for three days to get distracted. There are no perfect lies in the world. Every plan has small loopholes. So they¡¯ll find something trivial and panic. ¡°Are there any problems with the evidence? Did you find it?¡± I shook my head at the manager when I heard the half-startled and excited question. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Uh? But you said to those two¡­¡± ¡°I was just saying it.¡± Disappointment quickly spread across the manager¡¯s face at this answer. Perhaps he also thought that, as Myungshin said, I just got three days to delay. ¡°Well then¡­ What did you say to Director Yoon? Did you have any way to prove it?¡± ¡°Manager.¡± As soon as I called him with anxious eyes, the older man nodded like a child. ¡°Yes, Taemin.¡± ¡°There is a way. I even got permission.¡± ¡°Permission?¡± I ignored his question and continued my speech. ¡°The manager just has to prove it.¡± ¡°What is it? I¡¯ll do anything. I can do it.¡± Forgetting where this place was, the manager raised his voice and it echoed down the hallway. ¡°Really. If I can get rid of my bad name, I¡¯ll do it all. I didn¡¯t do this. Really. Myungshin and his words are all lies¡­¡± ¡°I know.¡± I stopped talking bluntly, grabbed his arm and walked towards the door. And I asked as if passing by. ¡°By the way, what will happen to Cha Jungwoo in the future?¡± ¡°Uh? That¡¯s¡­¡± As if surprised by the sudden change of topic, he frowned. ¡°It all depends on how he responds. He¡¯ll have to go to the military anyway, but the problem is that if you don¡¯t respond well, you may not be able to recover even after several years. As you know, Cha Jungwoo is a star who gained popularity for his handsome looks and manly image rather than an actor, so his value decreases as he gets older.¡± There was no further explanation, but it meant that if his image was not restored, even the period of popularity that remained within a few years would completely disappear. Then it¡¯s a complete downfall. ¡°Is there no way at all?¡± When I opened the glass door, the manager tilted his head, ¡°Way?¡± ¡°Yeah, if you fall like that, you won¡¯t be able to get up. It would be a huge loss for the company as well.¡± I stopped in the empty elevator hall and looked at him. ¡°Doesn¡¯t the manager have a way too?¡± ¡°Well, if it were me.¡± He paused for a moment and let out a smirk. ¡°Restoring my image is my top priority, so I would do this¡­¡± He said a few things, but then shook his head. ¡°However, neither the company nor Cha Jungwoo will ever use my method. If you ask the company to suggest this¡­¡± ¡°It may be Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager, the culprit who spread it on the Internet.¡± ¡°¡­ What?!¡± ¡°Nonsense!¡± I asked him calmly who was astonished. ¡°Ktf yluufra nlmalw bo atlr klii yf Jtj Aecukbb, gluta?¡± ¡°Yo mbegrf.¡± ¡°Ktfc la¡¯r fjrs ab qgbnf atf wjcjufg¡¯r lccbmfcmf.¡± P fzqijlcfv ilutais ab tlw, ktb yilcxfv tlr fsfr, cba xcbklcu ktja P kjr ajixlcu jybea. ¡°Jtj Aecukbb lr atf nlmalw, tlr wjcjufg lr atf meiqgla, jcv atf wjcjufg tjr j kjs ab rbinf atf ojiifc lwjuf bo Jtj. Vb atf qgbbo lr¡­¡± I stopped talking and stared at him, his eyes wide open in surprise. ¡°Cut off Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager and you become his manager. Is there a more effective proof than having the biggest victim himself admit?¡± It¡¯s also the most fun way to hit Myungshin in the back of the head. I left the manager sitting in the meeting room on the 3rd floor that I always go to. I¡¯ve been doing this for two hours already, but I¡¯ve only been looking at the wall to the point where I didn¡¯t know if I just couldn¡¯t make up my mind or dozing off. During that time, I went to the common room with the vending machine to freshen up after memorizing the lines of my remaining scene from PD Jung¡¯s movie. There were only two scenes left. The scene where there was a line that I tried out when I first met PD Jung and the scene where I committed suicide. There was no need for lines in the suicide scene, so there was only one thing to memorize. However, the feeling of putting the lines in my head was completely different from when I first encountered it. It was obviously the line I saw a month ago, but it was like seeing it for the first time. Every word was new and unfamiliar. When I read this without knowing anything, I didn¡¯t have any worries, but now my mind is all cloudy. It¡¯s just a normal arrangement of words, and it would be fine to act just like that, but that wasn¡¯t enough. It¡¯s subtle, but there was a dryness that I couldn¡¯t put my finger on. Repeatedly repeating the lines in my mind, I drew out the red ginseng beverage the manager enjoyed. I bent down and pulled out the can when I heard a familiar voice from a distant place. ¡°I¡¯m saying, Cha Jungwoo is completely done for.¡± I took the cold can in my hand and naturally moved to the side of the vending machine. I checked the owner of the excited voice from the entrance while covering behind the vending machine. The yellow haired guy I haven¡¯t seen in a long time was talking to a young man with sophisticated attire and well-groomed hair that I¡¯ve seen for the first time. ¡°This time, he¡¯s stuck between a rock and a hard place. The middleman has already been caught, and the police have already been summoned and are investigating as of today. If he comes out of the investigation, will he be taken to the army within a month? Think about it now, the company is blocking the press, so nothing comes out, but Cha Jungwoo has already swung a golf club at his manager. He said he was almost locked up in the house because he already couldn¡¯t get over his temper and set up a plan to kill them all.¡± It¡¯s a side profile, so I can¡¯t see it in detail, but the yellow-haired asked with an innocent expression and wide eyes. ¡°Is Cha Jungwoo¡¯s personality that bad?¡± ¡°It¡¯s no joke. Because he doesn¡¯t appear in the media, the general public thinks he¡¯s a gentleman, but in the industry, he¡¯s known as an idiot who only reveals money. Didn¡¯t you hear that Cha Jungwoo¡¯s stylist couldn¡¯t last two months? He is very greedy for accessories, so his specialty is to pretend that he forgot to return the watches and sunglasses that were sponsored to him. So it¡¯s not the first time the stylist was asked about it. He can buy hundreds of those things with his own money, but it¡¯s messy. Besides, he has high eyes, so he only looks for luxury goods.¡± The yellow-haired man shook his head and slyly added to the young man. ¡°Because of that temperament, he¡¯s already forsaken by the company, so it¡¯s over now. All the executives have been in a meeting since dawn right now. The contract has only half a year left, so the company¡­¡± He lowered his voice and so I couldn¡¯t hear his next words, but I could guess from his hand gestures. Scissors with his fingers. ¡®The company will cut him off¡¯. And he spit it out in an arrogant tone to the surprised opponent. ¡°Do you know how many CFs Cha Jungwoo did? In order to reduce the loss, the company has no choice but to promote celebrities with a similar image to replace Cha Jungwoo within the same company. Words are already coming and going from the higher-ups. Who do you think it is?¡± ¡°Oh, perhaps¡­?!¡± The young man exclaimed and called out someone¡¯s name. The yellow haired smiled, putting his arm on his shoulder, turned around and disappeared into the hallway. From their back appearance, they looked like best friends, but to my eyes, they were seen as prey caught in a spider¡¯s web. Now, the yellow hair was regarded as a ¡®Myungshin of the rookies¡¯ that I did not know. So, he will soon be the same as Myungshin. Perhaps he thought of his future in the name of ¡®Song Yoohan¡¯, which the young man gave as an answer. But what I was concerned about wasn¡¯t that Myungshin was on the topic or the yellow-haired¡¯s words about Cha Jungwoo. I have one question. Who¡¯s the good-looking guy? *** When he approached the conference room where the manager was, he found Hansoo running down the hallway. ¡°Huff, huff, what¡¯s going on?¡± As soon as he woke up, he heard my message and came right away. His head was stretched out and his face was puffy. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I fell asleep at dawn last night, so I didn¡¯t see the message right away.¡± He came closer, apologized, and opened the door to see if I was in a good mood and continued chatting. ¡°Yes, yes, I practiced in front of the camera as soon as I got home yesterday¡­ Ah, manager!!¡± Hansoo, who ran excitedly to the manager, grabbed him with a still blank expression and spit on him and explained. ¡°Ugh~ Manager, I practiced acting in front of the camera last night! Actually, I was still very nervous and my voice was stiff, so it couldn¡¯t come out properly, but still¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Still, I¡¯m still doing all the lines¡­ Manager?¡± Hansoo then noticed that the manager was weird and looked back at me. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s going on?¡± Instead of answering the slightly terrified voice, I sat down in front of the manager. Bang! When I put the red ginseng can down on the table aloud, the manager flinched and noticed me. ¡°Cha Jungwoo is being summoned and investigated by the police today.¡± The manager gulped aloud and nodded his head. I kept leaking the information I got from the yellow hair to him, who still couldn¡¯t open his mouth. ¡°He will be enlisted in the military within a month. The company is in the middle of a meeting because it might be beneficial to just throw him away as he is, who only has half a year left on his contract.¡± The manager barely spoke his words with his seriously changed eyes. ¡°If there is only that much left on the contract and it completely collapses due to lack of action now¡­ it would be beneficial to throw it away.¡± As soon as he spoke, he asked curiously. ¡°But Director Yoon gave you permission¡­¡± ¡°Yes. There are conditions.¡± ¡°C-Conditions?¡± You didn¡¯t say that! He turned to the crying eyes and answered casually. ¡°He told me to finish it in three days. Maybe he wants to give him three days and decide based on the manager¡¯s response. Either we just leave it to the end of the six months, or we go against everyone¡¯s expectations and extend the contract as it is if the manager manages Cha Jungwoo¡¯s crisis well.¡± ¡°¡­ three days is too little.¡± ¡°Absolutely. The company didn¡¯t give you this opportunity because the manager¡¯s abilities are highly appreciated.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Still, I got the information from Director Yoon, so the job is easy.¡± ¡°Information?¡± ¡°He told me that the traitor was Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager.¡± Watching the manager blink his eyes as if confused, evoked the subject. ¡°Even so, if Cha Jungwoo doesn¡¯t like you and doesn¡¯t take you on as manager, it¡¯s all in vain.¡± Hansoo, who was licking his lips curiously as to what I was talking about, responded to this. ¡°Oh! Do you think the manager should be Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager? Why? What¡¯s going on?¡± To silence him, I felt I had to say something, so I had no choice but to give him a troublesome explanation. ¡°I¡¯m going to use a false charge and hit Song Myungshin in the back of his head.¡± ¡°¡­Yes?¡± Hansoo asked again with the same blank expression as the manager a while ago, but I turned my head. Well, I can¡¯t explain it any more. ¡°I don¡¯t think it would be difficult to tell Cha Jungwoo that his manager betrayed him. He might know something, seeing that that asshole has already swung a golf club at his manager.¡± ¡°Golf¡­ club?¡± ¡°I think it would be easy to meet him as he was confined in his home because he threw a temper tantrum saying he was going to kill them all.¡± ¡°Threw a temper tantrum¡­ Confinement?¡± ¡°Shall we go to Cha Jungwoo¡¯s house and wait?¡± ¡°N-now?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­ is he going to hit me?¡± Hearing his words, I unknowingly let go of my clenched fists. Instead, I turned to Hansoo. Then he stammered and asked if he understood my proper explanation. ¡°Look, the manager was framed for Cha Jungwoo¡¯s case, and that was¡­ Yoohan, I mean, Myungshin hyung did it? So, in order to take Myungshin hyung down and clear the false charge, the manager has to be Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager.¡± ¡°Yes. I told you so.¡± ¡°¡­¡± I asked Hansoo, who had a wronged expression on his face for some reason, to change the topic. ¡°Can you get me some material on the internet about what I¡¯m talking about?¡± ¡°Oh, yes. Of course I will. Anything. But did Myungshin really frame our manager?¡± He clenched his teeth, belatedly getting angry, and he looked back at the manager. ¡°Manager. I¡¯ll do whatever Taemin said. Let¡¯s kick his ass too. Damn it, the manager isn¡¯t even a punching bag, so why does he have to touch people who want to live a quiet life?! I¡¯m so angry! Arghh!!¡± When Hansoo got agitated and cursed Song Myungshin, the manager nodded his head with subdued eyes as if he had made up his mind. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s do it.¡± Then he got up and called me. ¡°Taemin.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You are right. This is what I have to do. Even if I manage to get over the hurdle in another way now, Myungshin will put something dirty on me again. To end it¡­ Yeah, I have to be Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager so that guy can¡¯t touch me. Of course, it would have to be Cha Jungwoo, who will get the contract extended with the company. Haha¡­ I see.¡± He smiled sadly and stared into space. ¡°This is a huge opportunity for me. If it wasn¡¯t for Myungshin, he would have kept raising only new recruits who had to die at the bottom of the company, but thanks to him, my fate will bloom.¡± He was still smiling, but his face looked rather sad. He swallowed his small sigh and looked back at me. ¡°And come to think of it, the fact that I have nothing to fear is that working as a manager is what I do best.¡± As I replied with a smile, he quickly looked at his watch. ¡°The police summon comes first but it was postponed for today, so I can go see him now.¡± ¡°I will go with you.¡± He looked at me for a moment and then emphasized one thing. ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯ll do all the persuasion, so just stay by my side.¡± ¡°Ah, then I¡¯ll also¡­¡± Hansoo quickly stood up and intervened, but the manager shook his head. ¡°Nope. You can find what Taemin asked for here.¡± And as their eyes turned to me, I asked Hansoo for some things to find and left the room with the manager. I saw Hansoo, who was left behind, rushing to the laptop right away and closed the door, but the manager asked as if wondering. ¡°But why do you suddenly want to know about luxury goods?¡± ¡°Just because.¡± I wondered what the manager meant, but to be honest, I wasn¡¯t sure yet, so I couldn¡¯t answer. It was just a feeling. It seems like we could use the accusation of stealing luxury accessories that he had been sponsored by. And while the manager went up to the office to find out Cha Jungwoo¡¯s house or phone number, I first went to the underground parking lot. Leaning against the manager¡¯s old car parked in the corner, I stared into the car¡¯s interior. The lights are on brightly, but they cannot dominate the darkness unique to the basement. Once I got used to the invisible black, it felt like I was going to blend into that color and melt away. The silence that blocks the sounds of the ground covers it, erasing the traces. But the delusion did not continue. Squeak, squeak, squeak. The sound of footsteps echoed through the basement. Besides, I could hear conversations with footsteps getting louder as if they were coming towards me. Mostly, the voice of a middle-aged man was spoken by one person, but occasionally a short answer was heard. Were they coming this way? Immediately upon suspicion, the group of people appeared next to the pillars that had obscured the sight of me. A man in his mid-50s and a man who appears to be his secretary walking after him, Chief Park and Director Yoon. I suddenly regretted that I forgot and didn¡¯t get the car key from the manager. The man in his fifties didn¡¯t notice me because he was talking, but it wasn¡¯t the same for the madman. ¡°It¡¯s uncomfortable. Reporters are encamped outside, so you have to come down to the parking lot on purpose. By the way, did you bring your car today?¡± When he called out a name as if he was friendly, the madman, who looked only at me with his eyes, turned indifferently and nodded his head. At that time, a man who appeared to be a secretary said ¡®President¡¯ and approached the parked luxury car. Oh, that person was the President. A man in his fifties with half gray hair, probably not dyed, had a sad impression, but his eyes were sharp. Anyway, their casual conversation didn¡¯t look very serious. Rather, the President seemed more inconvenienced to have to come down to the parking lot to get in the car. Was it really like that because Cha Jungwoo¡¯s issue was put on hold until three days later? Then the secretary got into the luxury car and slowly pulled the car out of the lot. Chief Park hurried forward and opened the car door, and the President approached. However, the madman behind him called him, stopped him, told him to wait for a while, and then suddenly turned around. Exactly towards me. At his gaze, my feeling of leisurely watching suddenly changed to tension. All he had to do was call me by my name. ¡°Lee Taemin.¡± At the sound of his low voice echoing in the basement, not only the President who was about to get into the car, but also the chief Park, who didn¡¯t notice me, looked around. I pulled myself off the car that I had been leaning on for a while at the sudden gaze of people. Why was he calling me? I returned his gaze, but the guy raised one eyebrow. It¡¯s like saying, ¡®If I called you, you should come, why won¡¯t you?¡¯ Damn it. Of course, normally, I would have retorted, but it was difficult for me to say such a thing as I received the attention of four people at once. In particular, the President stared at me with a particularly interested look. I moved slowly in the burdened gaze. The President, who scanned me from head to toe like he was checking a product, and Chief Park, who is still wary of the fact that I am a former courier, and the President¡¯s secretary with eyes full of curiosity from the steering wheel. It felt like I had walked a few dozen kilometers on a short street, I barely arrived and stood in front of him. ¡°Do you have anything to say?¡± I asked a bit sternly, and he held out something from his pocket with a polite smile. When I looked down, it was a small card and an electronic key on a luxurious key chain. It felt like I had seen it somewhere. I immediately recalled from memory. It was something that guy picked up from the table when I left the house at dawn. Why this? As soon as I raised my eyes, he extended his hand further. ¡°I saw you drop it in the morning.¡± ¡°Me?¡± When I asked the question, he laughed out loud. ¡°Yes. Lee Taemin.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not mine.¡± ¡°It¡¯s true. Would I have been mistaken?¡± Fucking bullshit. I was going to respond with that but paused because of the three people who faithfully acted like 300 people spectating. Like they didn¡¯t want to miss even a single line because they¡¯re so curious about it. The secretary was already leaning halfway over the passenger seat, and Chief Park pulled out his head like a duck. Of course, the most burdensome was the President who stood next to him and watched with sharp eyes. ¡°Yes, you are wrong. It¡¯s not mine.¡± As soon as I took a half step back and shook my head, the madman took a step closer. The President also followed. ¡°I didn¡¯t see it wrong. It¡¯s Lee Taemin¡¯s.¡± Then, as he held out his hands again, everyone¡¯s heads turned to me. I tried to answer no again, but the madman added with a smile. ¡°If you don¡¯t have this, how are you going to get home tonight?¡± Home? It was then that I realized that this was the key to his house.The intention to refuse became more certain. This bastard was just giving me the key¡­ ¡°How are you going to get into the house like that?¡± When I turned to the President who had suddenly interrupted me, he said, ¡°Hmm,¡± and looked at the key and me alternately, urging me. ¡°Take it, hurry.¡± ¡°This is not mine¡­¡± ¡°Ah, are you shy?¡± ¡­ What? I snapped my neck back to look at the madman who was speaking utter bullshit. The guy smiled languidly. ¡°Is it because you¡¯re embarrassed that you drooled and dozed off when we met in the subway in the morning? Or is it because you were ashamed of sleeping with your mouth half open and shaking while you were sleeping? I thought you were hurt somewhere again, and then I was a little surprised when you went back to sleep right away.¡± Of course, this is nonsense. I couldn¡¯t sleep in the subway because I was staring at the guy who wanted to sit next to me even though the seat was spacious. When did I sleep? Then I suddenly remembered last night. The moment he saw me sleeping. When I closed my mouth, the President intervened again. ¡°Subway? Jay. Did you take the subway this morning?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± He answered the boss only with his mouth, but he did not take his eyes off me. ¡°There¡¯s more, but I¡¯ll keep it a secret, so don¡¯t be shy and just take it.¡± There¡¯s more? Did you write an observation diary after watching me sleep? The conversation became so annoying that I snatched the key from his hand. ¡°Thank you for keeping my ugly appearance a secret and taking care of my key. I don¡¯t know how to thank you.¡± I deliberately gave a sarcastic greeting with a sharp voice. ¡°What, protecting the actors in the company is of course my job.¡± He brazely replied. The President stared intently into my face once again after finding out I was an actor. ¡°Hmm, so he was an actor.¡± Then he glanced back at Chief Park behind him. Standing calmly with his hands together in front of him, he came to the side and explained quietly as soon as he received the President¡¯s gaze. ¡°The manager, Choi Deukpal, casted him and he came in two months ago.¡± The boss nodded his head, ¡®Ah~ CEO Choi,¡¯ and looked closely at me again. Contrary to the uncle-like impression, the uncomfortable gaze ended with the interruption of the madman. ¡°President, let¡¯s go.¡± When the madman grabbed his arm and turned, the President seemed to have something to say, but he obeyed. Then he asked the madman before he got into the car. ¡°Oh, I heard that you came to work before 7 o¡¯clock. Does the train run then?¡± The madman, who was holding the car door and waiting for the President to get on, answered arrogantly. ¡°Absolutely. Even the President should know about the time of the first train ride.¡± Bam. Soon the car door slammed shut, and the car that had waited for a long time slowly pulled out of the parking lot. The car disappeared completely out of sight, but I couldn¡¯t move. ¡­ There was something upsetting. CH 44 Reporters were camped in front of the luxury villa where Cha Jungwoo lived. The villa¡¯s security was tight, so we had to contact the inside, but the problem was that Cha Jungwoo completely blocked the phone, so we couldn¡¯t even get to contact him. However, the manager did not panic. As proof of his sociability and good connections, he made a few phone calls, and got in touch with Cha Jungwoo¡¯s road manager. ¡°You know me, right? At work¡­ Yes. Yeah, but now I¡¯m in front of the house to see Cha Jungwoo. Oh, are you at Cha Jungwoo¡¯s house now?¡± The manager looked at me and smiled as if it had been resolved and walked to the front door. As I followed him, I heard a voice confirming to the other person on the phone. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right. Director Yoon sent me here.¡± After all, shameless lies were also his specialty. After a while, a security guard came out and opened the iron door at the entrance to the villa. As I entered, the manager gave me a light warning. ¡°Even if I get hit by Cha Jungwoo, you don¡¯t need to come forward.¡± *** The road manager, who seemed to be familiar with the manager, was a young man in his late twenties. The moment I saw him, I thought that the manager¡¯s concern might become a reality. His lips were swollen and his face with a bluish bruise on his cheek seemed to be troubling, and instead of saying hello, he got to the point. ¡°Did the company make a decision? I was told to keep him here until the company contacted.¡± He probably couldn¡¯t go out even if his face turned like that when he was instructed not to let Cha Jungwoo go outside. ¡°Why did Manager Choi come?¡± As he walked through the hallway, he asked quietly. Instead of answering, the manager stood at the entrance to the living room and looked around in surprise. The very spacious living room that one house could fit into, was devastated as if there had been a war. The sofa was turned over and scattered, and the black table was tilted to one side with a broken leg. In addition, all kinds of broken pieces, a fallen cabinet, a large TV with a broken screen, etc. ¡°Where¡¯s Cha Jungwoo?¡± The manager¡¯s voice echoed through the spacious living room. The road manager looked up with his eyes and led the manager towards the kitchen. ¡°He¡¯s only been listening to music loudly since morning.¡± ¡°Is there anyone else?¡± Luckily, in the kitchen, the road manager offered him a chair to sit on, but he stopped and stiffened. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Where is Cha Jungwoo¡¯s main manager?¡± The road manager bit his lips as if it was difficult for him to speak. Squeak. The manager pulled a chair and sat down, asking casually. ¡°Does Cha Jungwoo know? Does he know that it was his manager who recorded the file and leaked it?¡± ¡°Uh! H- how did you know that?!¡± The road manager widened his eyes in amazement. At his reaction, the manager glanced up at me. His eyes showed a slight relief that the conjecture was right but then he shrugged his shoulders and turned to the road manager. ¡°Well, the company already guessed it.¡± ¡°Oh my God¡­ so you mean it¡¯s real? Ha¡­¡± The road manager took a deep breath and sat down across from the manager. ¡°I don¡¯t know how Jungwoo knew, but after the incident, the manager and the stylist all called over and there was a mess. I just wanted to vent my anger, but in particular, the manager hyung was very aggressive. I thought it was a little weird, but¡­¡± He shook his head wildly. ¡°The manager got hit with a golf club by Jungwoo and went to the hospital. He didn¡¯t say much when he got hit, but he didn¡¯t get angry when he went to the hospital. No, he just said one thing before he left. Didn¡¯t he betray him? What the hell is all this about¡­¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t Cha Jungwoo go to the police station?¡± When the manager changed the subject, he sighed again. ¡°Oh, he should. Even if not, someone from the company came to him in the morning and persuaded him to respond to the police subpoena investigation, but he won¡¯t go.¡± He looked up and shrugged his shoulders. ¡°He is holding on like that, saying that if there is anything to investigate, the police should come. And curses everyone who comes, saying they¡¯re trying to screw him.¡± ¡°I still want to meet him .¡± ¡°He won¡¯t even open the door. Rather, why did the company send Manager Choi?¡± The manager looked up and stood up. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s because they told me to be Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager from now on.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Leaving behind the surprised road manager, the manager left the kitchen. He followed him and thought it was strange. He looked kind of excited. Just as it excites him that he can finally do a managerial job despite the troublesome incident. Bcbmx, xcbmx, xcbmx. ¡°Jtj Aecukbb. Po sbe vbc¡¯a kjca ab mbwf bea, pera ilrafc.¡± Pa rffwfv atja Jtj Aecukbb vlvc¡¯a fnfc tfjg atfrf kbgvr yfmjerf atfgf kjr j ibev atewqlcu rbecv lcrlvf. Pc jvvlalbc, atlr lr j wbgf wfrrs qijmf atjc vbkcrajlgr, j megnfv ubio miey jcv j rwjii xclof kfgf islcu jgbecv. Pa kjr mifjg fnlvfcmf bo tbk tf agfjafv atf qfbqif ktb mjwf ab ajix, yea atf wjcjufg mbcalcefv tlr kbgvr gfujgvifrr. ¡°You must appear in front of the police by today. Of course, you don¡¯t have to go if you don¡¯t want to. If you hold out like you want, the police will come to arrest you with sirens sounding. Then it¡¯s really worth seeing, right? It¡¯s going to be broadcasted nationally where you would get more attention than a serial killer and get into police cars handcuffed. The ratings will probably be several times higher than the drama in which Cha Jungwoo appeared. Oh well, it¡¯ll be 50% if it does well. Aye~ Would it be higher than the World Cup?¡± The manager looked back at the distant road manager and smiled. ¡°After all, even when you go to the military, the audience ratings will be huge, right? If you add that up, it will be 100%¡­¡± Bang!!! ¡°Hey, who the fuck are you?!¡± Suddenly, the door opened, revealing a face I had only seen on a street billboard. Of course, in the commercial, there was no mess with his hair and also a bottle of wine in one hand. ¡°Bastard, what are you talking about? Do you want to die? Do you want me to rip your neck here?¡± As he raised his hand, one head taller than the manager, I automatically stepped forward. However, the manager put his hand back and stopped me first. And rather, he moved closer to him. ¡°If the murder charge by cutting my throat is added, reaching 1,000% viewership rating will not be a problem.¡± ¡°Son of a bitch, you think I can¡¯t do it?¡± A dull sound echoed through the interior. Puck! The manager, who was hit in the face by Cha Jungwoo¡¯s fist, staggered and stepped back. However, the attack continued again. This time, the bottle in his hand came down to the manager. Fortunately, it didn¡¯t come down completely. ¡°Shit, what are you?¡± Cha Jungwoo bared his teeth to me, who grabbed his arm. I looked back at the manager, who still couldn¡¯t stand up properly while blocking him. ¡°Can¡¯t I really not give a hand?¡± My questions were answered from front to back. ¡°Fuck, what are you talking about?¡± ¡°Ah! Taemin-ah, no, you can¡¯t hit him.¡± The manager approached me, worried I might actually use my hands, but Cha Jungwoo came first. A hand that I couldn¡¯t grab approached me as if it was going to grab my collar. However, I was able to stop the drunken guy¡¯s attack even with my eyes closed. Tak, thump! I clapped his hand and shoved the arm of the guy. He lost his balance, and consequently collapsed, crashing into a half-open door with a loud noise. ¡°Hey, fuck¡­¡± He swore while balancing, trying not to roll over. I backed away from him, twisted his body, and took a few steps. The bewildered manager tried to say something, but as he saw me pick something up from the floor, he took a deep breath. ¡°Ugh! That, why?¡± I grabbed a knife the right size for my hand and walked up to Cha Jungwoo, who was half upright. The guy who was about to stand up by grabbing the door frame saw me and stopped moving. It¡¯s been a while since I played with a knife in my hand, but it wasn¡¯t difficult to redo the old habit. I grabbed the edge of the blade and looked down at him, throwing it in the air and catching it again. ¡°If you want to fight, come at me.¡± I threw the blade in his hand along with the words. Whish! A knife with a short wind stuck into the wooden door. Seeing Cha Jungwoo frozen in place and frowning at me, he stepped back from the manager. I turned to the manager, gesturing him that he could speak now, but the manager couldn¡¯t open his mouth right away as he looked at me with amazement. The first to break the silence was Cha Jungwoo, who came to his senses. ¡°Fucking bastard, did you open the door to these punks?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s because¡­ the company sent them¡­¡± The road manager stepped back, terrified of being hit again. ¡°Company? Shit¡­ Whether it¡¯s from that damn company or not¡­¡± ¡°Oh, actually, it wasn¡¯t sent from the company.¡± The manager, who turned around, added calmly to Cha Jungwoo, who was staring at him. ¡°I just came here because I wanted to be Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager. I¡¯m targeting the person who broke the news about your issue.¡± He paused. Cha Jungwoo clenched his teeth and spit it out. ¡°Do you know who messed with me?¡± ¡°There is no evidence, but there is certainty.¡± The manager nodded his head when Cha Jungwoo threw his gaze. ¡°Okay. It¡¯s for sure. As you were sure your manager was the culprit.¡± Suddenly, life arose in Cha Jungwoo¡¯s eyes. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°I also got backstabbed all of a sudden. Of course, I was framed for something I didn¡¯t even do.¡± And the manager smiled. ¡°Want to hear more? I have come up with a way to solve this situation.¡± ¡°Solve?¡± ¡°Yes, solve. If you do as I say, you can continue acting even after you leave the military, and you can earn money like you do now by being hired again in advertisements. Rather than this being the end of your life as an actor, it can actually help your image.¡± ¡°How?¡± He took a step closer to the manager with the eyes that meant he would kill him if he spoke nonsense. The manager glanced at me from behind and opened his mouth slowly. He repeated what he said before when I asked if there was a way. As he said, the company and Cha Jungwoo would never allow it. ¡°It¡¯s simple. Just ask for forgiveness. People get angry at their mistakes, but if they sincerely apologize and reflect on them, they will be more reassured.¡± ¡°What? If things just end with an apology¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not just an apology. You need to sincerely apologize. Go to the police station right away, admit your guilt, hold a press conference right away, get down on your knees and apologize. And say that from the time I contacted the broker, it has been about a year. Give away all the money you have earned in the past year to society.¡± ¡°Fuck, are you calling it a solution now? Do you know how many billions I make in a year?!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it the money you earned through sin?¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± ¡°You have to give a few hundred billion. Anyway, if you restore your image, you can earn that money again later. And until you go to the military, do volunteer work without notifying reporters. It would be perfect to find a difficult facility that lacks people¡¯s interest, not in common places such as orphanages and nursing homes. After that, eat and sleep there and lose more than 5kg no matter what. Only then people will be able to see that you have lived a hard life in the military. Of course, in reality, you also shouldn¡¯t lead a comfortable life.¡± ¡°Son of a bitch, get out. Get out now!¡± ¡°One more.¡± The manager who intervened added to the agitated Cha Jungwoo. ¡°Correct your character. Otherwise, you will be betrayed by people beside you again.¡± *** ¡°Is he going to contact you within three days as the manager said?¡± In the end, he was kicked out by Cha Jungwoo, who was struggling. However, for some reason, the manager had a relaxed expression, so I couldn¡¯t help but ask. ¡°I don¡¯t think he would ever give out money.¡± But the manager burst out laughing at my guess. ¡°Isn¡¯t it funny? To be honest, although it¡¯s billions of won, it¡¯s not enough to put pressure on Cha Jungwoo. He has a lot of money.¡± He looked back at the villa and sighed a little. ¡°But I would hate to leave right away. If you can¡¯t see the future and hold on to the present, even if it¡¯s not like this, you¡¯re going to be ruined someday.¡± He walked forward again and looked back at me. ¡°Do you think he will do what I say? Well, I¡¯m not sure, but I think he¡¯ll get in touch. To have risen to such a high position means to have a certain degree of thought. And there is a possibility that he will call you out of fear.¡± Fear? The question didn¡¯t come out because he took his cell phone out of his pocket and made a call. And he immediately knew who the other party was by the bright voice he heard. How the hell did he become close with someone like that? ¡°Haha, yes, it¡¯s me, it¡¯s me, Deukpal! How is Detective Park? Aye, when should we have a drink? ¡­ Mhm, yes. Of course I have to treat you! More importantly, there was a case related to Cha Jungwoo, right? ¡­ Yeah, that¡¯s right. He¡¯s an actor in the company I work at, so I wanted to ask for a favour. ¡­ No, not a solicitation, but quite the opposite. Cha Jungwoo won¡¯t be going today. Send the police to Cha Jungwoo¡¯s house tomorrow morning. If you request for the second subpoena directly, won¡¯t the police be praised for solving the problem as quickly? Well, since the military issue is so sensitive, the higher-ups will welcome it as well. So please. A police officer dressed in a uniform so that all reporters can know. Handcuff him around his wrist!¡± *** The next day,Cha Jungwoo¡¯s villa was covered on the TV screen. The scene where the police go directly to Cha Jungwoo, who refuses to be summoned by the police, and deliver the documents for the re-summon. But they couldn¡¯t get in from the front door so they had to go through the back. Public opinion, which had already been bad, got worse, and many people went to Cha Jungwoo¡¯s house to curse. Half of the three days promised by Director Yoon had passed quickly, but the manager was no different than usual. Rather, he was busy calling and making appointments since morning to find work for Hansoo and me. In the afternoon, he said he was going to win a small flyer advertisement, and went out excitedly, and Hansoo held on to me and vented the frustration he had been holding back. ¡°Ugh, manager, why are you like that? Now is not the time to find work for us. What do we do? Cha Jung-woo has to contact him and ask him to be his manager by tomorrow!!¡± I tore off the guy who was holding and shaking me and looked at my laptop. I had already skimmed through the materials Hansoo found, and now I was listening to Cha Jungwoo¡¯s audio file over and over again. To be honest, Cha Jungwoo¡¯s voice could not be heard very clearly. But it¡¯s a unique voice. I felt like I listened to a 15-minute file all day. I finally found something after listening to it dozens of times to find evidence of what the madman said in the background sound mixed with various noises. Someone¡¯s voice was faintly audible after the middle. He was speaking alone as if he was talking on the phone, but his voice was so small that it was like a whisper, so it was difficult to understand the contents even if the volume was turned up to the maximum. Only a few words were heard. These were short words like ¡®Now¡¯, ¡®Jungwoo¡¯, ¡®Broker¡¯, and ¡®This is the last meeting¡¯, but it was clear that it was about Cha Jungwoo. There, after the word ¡®yoon¡¯ two or three times, the word ¡®did you buy it¡¯ also appeared. What are you buying? Is the other person¡¯s name Yoon? My ears were tingling, so I thought that this was enough, so I pulled out my earphones, and saw torn pieces of paper lying on the table. His eyes were engrossed in reading a certain script, but he was tearing the paper with his hands out of anxiety. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you going to school?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Hansoo raised his head in surprise. ¡°Ah, did the manager contact you?¡± ¡°No, why aren¡¯t you going to school?¡± ¡°Ah~ I took a leave of absence this semester.¡± What? But he was there when I went to school before. And he went there often. Hansoo smiled wildly. ¡°I play around at school. When I go, for some reason, everyone buys me drinks and food. Even though I say I¡¯d pay. Especially the older sisters, they even buy me sweets when we meet.¡± Occasionally, he tilted his head, saying that his juniors also bought it for him. I didn¡¯t bother saying that people would buy him sweets even if he became a grandfather. Well, he won¡¯t starve to death. ¡°Oh, but have you seen this movie?¡± Oh, right. And Hansoo presented the script he had been reading. I had to shake my head because the only movie I had seen for the past 5 years was something my friends told me to do or something I had seen in acting class. But the moment I saw the title, I forgot to reply. It was a familiar title. The moment I took it from Hansoo, I remembered what it was. A drama to be filmed next year that Myungshin is aiming for the lead role. The one that came out as a movie first. ¡°Can I borrow this?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve already seen it, so you can take it now. No matter how many times I see this, it¡¯s really great.¡± Hansoo raised his thumb and added. ¡°I had a feeling that the movie wasn¡¯t enough, but if it comes out as a drama¡­ huh? Wait a moment. hello?¡± While the phone rang and he was talking, I skimmed through the scenario. You¡¯ll have to read it carefully to understand the content, but¡­ I looked up when Hansoo¡¯s voice got louder while I was paying attention to the scenario. ¡°Yes, I know Mr. Choi Deukpal. ¡­yes?! You drank there and fell asleep there?¡± With that said, I looked at my watch. It was evening, but it was not yet time to drink and nap. ¡°Yes, I will go right now. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Hansoo hung up the phone and stood up from his seat with a serious expression. ¡°Manager didn¡¯t show it in front of us, but I think he was really worried. He got drunk at his regular bar¡­¡± ¡°Stay. I will go.¡± ¡°No. The two of us have to go to carry the manager¡­¡± I pushed the chair and cut off his words firmly. ¡°I can do it alone, so you just stay here.¡± I stared blankly at Hansoo, who muttered ¡®but¡¯, and emphasized. ¡°You don¡¯t come.¡± Leaving his widened eyes, I headed to a regular bar where the manager apparently was. The manager drank at this hour and fell asleep? Haha, where did you get such a cute excuse? If you¡¯re drunk and asleep, of course, it is common sense to call your acquaintance on the person¡¯s phone. It seems that Hansoo, who was bewildered, couldn¡¯t think of something this simple. There¡¯s only one person who would do this. An ex-colleague who knows Hansoo¡¯s phone number and knows the manager¡¯s regular bar. If I want to meet him, I have no choice but to leave. After 30 minutes by bus, I arrived at the destination. When I got off the bus, the sun was almost setting and the lights started to lit up one by one. As I passed the noisy main road and entered the alley where the bar was, the noise that had been clinging to the surroundings a while ago faded. Instead, after a short walk, I heard a voice from the parking lot of a building. ¡°Lee Yoohan.¡± I stopped and stared at Myungshin, who took a few steps from the dark parking lot. Worried that people would recognise him, the guy raised his sharp eyes under the baseball cap he was wearing tight. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that I needed to be prepared for a fight to talk to you properly?¡± As if he didn¡¯t want to come out of there anymore, he signaled me to come in. ¡°Come in. I¡¯ll do whatever I want first.¡± After looking at the guy half-dressed in the shadow of a light fixture for a while, he entered the parking lot. But before he could get any closer, he saw a long shadow coming out from behind and stopped. I didn¡¯t think Myungshin would attack directly. But it didn¡¯t matter that there might be someone behind him, but more so that person¡¯s identity. ¡°What, is this guy the one?¡± The man who moved to Myungshin¡¯s side looked at me and blurted out as if he was stunned. ¡°I know that guy. Hey, do you remember me?¡± I sure did. The man who seemed bigger than I remembered took a step and a long shadow covered me. ¡°Damn, he must have escaped like a rat from Alice a month ago.¡± He was the giant who was Chairman Kim¡¯s underling. CH 45 ¡°Alice? Alice Labyrinth?¡± Myungshin asked the giant as if to confirm, then looked back at me. When the giant next to him corroborated, he twisted his lips as soon as he remembered something. ¡°Oh, right. I heard reports that Lee Taemin frequented Alice¡¯s Labyrinth. And there is even a sponsor who saved you in a moment of crisis?¡± He seemed to have just remembered what he heard from the yellow haired back when he didn¡¯t know who I was. Maybe it didn¡¯t match right away. No, he still can¡¯t believe it. That I came into Dream to become a celebrity. ¡°I really don¡¯t understand.¡± The narrow eyes looked at me, judging. ¡°You mean one of the people going to Alice¡¯s Labyrinth is your sponsor?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°A sponsor powerful enough to attend Alice, huh. Do you know what I¡¯m curious about more than his true identity?¡± The comfortable flowing voice is rather interesting. Myungshin came one step closer to me. ¡°The life of a celebrity with only pretense and showy appearances, who have to wrinkle their pride and roll bodies with sponsors, and who pretended to be colleagues but cheat in all sorts of ways and suffer, and eventually, at some point, just do it casually. Do you mean you do these sorts of things? Lee Yoohan?¡± When he took another step, he asked. ¡°Why?¡± A question of pure curiosity followed. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re Lee Yoohan?¡± Instead of answering, I stared without saying a word. Knowing that I wasn¡¯t going to open my mouth, he retreated back to his original position. He ordered the giant without taking his eyes off me. ¡°Start. Then he¡¯ll wake up and open his mouth. That idiot doesn¡¯t even know that his place has changed from five years ago.¡± Swish, the giant came to me with a ridiculing smile. ¡°Didn¡¯t you seem great five years ago? Did you even kill someone?¡± Unlike his mouth, his eyes gleamed as if he had been given drugs. I¡¯ve met a couple of these kinds of guys a few times when I had been fighting around. Guys who enjoy hitting others. They don¡¯t care if they bleed horribly and scream in their ears. Even if the opposing party becomes a half-bodied, in the joy of simply suppressing those who are weaker than themselves, they do not feel sympathy or guilt. On the contrary, the greater the damage the opponent takes, the more triumphant it is to win. There is an exact word for such bastards. Mad dog. ¡°Maybe.¡± At the answer that came out muttering, the guy¡¯s eyes shone even more with madness. ¡°Keke, is that exciting?¡± Whip-! In the blink of an eye, the guy 2 meters away swung his fist in front of him. The terrifying sound of the wind continued, as if a heavy piece of iron cut through the air. Swish, swish! Shifting my upper body and retreating frantically, I felt his fists pounding near my face. The mad dog ??broke the truth that big guys are dull, second only to others. He caught up with my speed with astonishing agility. When I could no longer avoid it, I raised my arms to cover my face. Whish! Slam! The moment I blocked, the shock spread throughout my body. It looked like I had been hit with a sledgehammer. The pain was so intense that my entire arm was numb. Of course, there was no time to feel the pain. I took a step back, bouncing thanks to the force blocking his power. Then he stretched out his hand as if waiting with a disorganized upper body. In order not to be caught by the hook-like hand, I forced my upper body to twist and pulled my leg back again. P ifa bea j rbecv jr lo ws wermifr kfgf abgc jqjga jr P aglfv ab tbiv bc klat ws ifur jibcf, klat atf yjijcmf cba yflcu tfiv qgbqfgis. P ifjcfv yjmx jr ojg jr P mbeiv klat j ybvs atja kjr jybea ab ojii. Qlat jc lcafgwlaafca vloofgfcmf, tlr tjcv gjc atgbeut atf jlg, yea mjwf yjmx klatbea j wbwfca ab ygfjatf. Lf rcjqqfv la boo yfobgf ugjyylcu ws rtbeivfg klat tlr tjcv atja tjv yibmxfv tlr batfg jgw. Lbkfnfg, la kjr lwqbrrlyif ab mbwqifafis yibmx la. Pa-. He pushed my upper body with his hand with incredible force. As I took a few steps back, I heard a swear word. ¡°Fuck, you rat.¡± Tap, tap, tap. The sound of his footsteps, like the sound of drums, hit my ears as I bowed my head as I tried to control my body. It¡¯s already too late to avoid. For the past five years, my boxing habits allowed me to raise my arms to protect my face. The moment I bent my upper body as far as I could, a stone-like fist hit me. Pa! I clenched my fists and endured the shock that almost crushed my shoulder blades. Anyway, I was determined to get one. So I¡¯ll hit one too. Slam! I thrust my fist into his empty side with all my might. For a moment, the opponent¡¯s movement stopped for a moment, and without missing the gap, he retreated to the side. Ha, ha¡­ Thump, Thump, Thump¡­ The breath I had held in came up from within, and only then took notice of my heart beating like crazy. The mixture of the two made my ears noisy, and even one of my shoulders was throbbing so badly that I couldn¡¯t relax. The mad dog was slowly approaching, twisting his lips and smiling as if tickled. Tap, tap. Turning his head left and right, he made a bone-cracking sound and spoke to Myungshin standing behind him. ¡°Why did you introduce this cute little guy now?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be careless. I¡¯ve seen that cute little guy take down a few monsters like you.¡± When Myungshin turned his back on the crazy dog, the explanation continued indifferently. ¡°How tough of a guy he is. Even when I thought he was going to die because he was covered in blood, he attacked to death and eventually made his opponent fall out of exhaustion. Don¡¯t forget what I said so you don¡¯t suffer the same. The way to defeat that punk is¡­¡± Myungshin stared straight at me in the dark. ¡°Killing him so he can¡¯t get up again.¡± ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s a waste to kill him now.¡± The mad dog looked at me and bit his lips as if it were a pity. ¡°A guy like that needs to be leashed and turned to dozens of people and pierced through the back. I thought that bubbles would flow from that mouth like an actual crazy dog, but Myungshin soothed his disappointment. ¡°So, you don¡¯t have to kill him today. There¡¯s a lot to be said. Why did you appear in front of me after 5 years?¡± He turned his gaze to me for a moment. ¡°I mean, five years ago, after milking you dry and running away, I spent almost half a year in hiding? I thought you would appear right in front of me and trample me with your feet. Besides, you¡¯re tenacious, so once you have a grudge, you would have managed to find out and take revenge. Without looking at anything else, and only roared all over the place like a madman, growling to get revenge for a few days.¡± Listening to Myungshin¡¯s words was like hearing someone else¡¯s past. Maybe it¡¯s because the memories of the past don¡¯t come to mind as much as the unfamiliar story. ¡°After only half a year, I was suspicious that you weren¡¯t looking for me, so I contacted a guy near you. Then apparently you never looked for me? On the contrary, everyone knows where you are. Haha, when I think about that time, it really felt like I was given a second life. Because of your personality, I know that once you lose interest, you never look back, so now I thought I would be free. But still, when I first appeared on TV in a small commercial, I was terrified. I wondered if you would come to me. Of course you didn¡¯t come. Still, I was trembling. Have you ever wondered why I used the name Yoohan as a stage name?¡± After a moment¡¯s pause, he raised his head. The eyes that were obscured by his hat stared straight at me. ¡°To overcome.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°To overcome the dreadful fear of the name ¡®Yoohan¡¯. Because beyond you, I have nothing to fear. So I took your name and wrote it down. So to make me feel like you really are nothing. Now the world knows the person called ¡®Yoohan¡¯ is me. Now¡­ I am really Yoohan.¡± The name ¡®Yoohan¡¯ was emphasized in his own voice as if was deliberately mocking it. Then, after watching me who had no reaction, he returned to his puzzled expression again. ¡°In the last five years, there has been no one who doesn¡¯t know my face. In the meantime, of course, I forgot about you. But¡­ It¡¯s not enough to suddenly appear in front of me, but you¡¯re even trying to become a celebrity with the person I¡¯m most annoyed about as the manager? Even if the reason has nothing to do with me, I can¡¯t stand you anymore.¡± The guy who muttered to himself took a step back, saying one last thing to the mad dog. ¡°Get it over with.¡± ¡°Okay¡±, the crazy dog ??moved with the answer. I looked at the guy approaching slowly as he raised his clenched hand. My head was chaotic because I had already experienced how fast he could move. It may have been like in the past, but now I can¡¯t rush in, to the point of bleeding. There is a photo shoot the day after tomorrow, so my face shouldn¡¯t get hurt in any way. Should I run and grab him by the waist and knock him down? Or, even if it takes time, how many times should I hit the same place? What¡¯s important is that he gets worked up. Everyone gets distracted when they get agitated. However, there will be only one chance to use the agitation. The place to aim for was¡­ Just when I was taking a step towards the approaching mad dog. Suddenly, I heard a scream behind my back. ¡°Ahhhhhh!!! No!!! Don¡¯t touch Taemin hyung!!!!!!!!!!¡± Then the sound of footsteps hit me. No, actually someone hit me. Thud! The body that did not fall even when fighting the mad dog ?? fell to the floor due to the force of pushing without warning. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± A moan escaped from my mouth as someone pressed down on my already sore shoulder. I barely supported myself on the floor with my hands, but the culprit that hit me made it harder for me, as I was carrying his weight who with his mouth was exclaiming, ¡°Whoosh! go away! Don¡¯t hit Taemin!! What are you troubling him for?!¡± Hey, you are the one who is troubling me? I had to support the body with my arms, and the pressed shoulders also hurt, so I closed my eyes for a while. While I couldn¡¯t open my mouth to swallow the pain, Hansoo wrapped his arms around me, putting more weight on me. ¡°Ahh! Don¡¯t come near me!! I¡¯m calling the police! No, I really called the police!¡± Then he shouted loudly towards the empty alley. ¡°Policeman, over here!!! There is a thug here!!!¡± The echo of the voices lingered through the closed buildings until late. His vocals are good. My aching shoulders interrupted my admiration. ¡°Hansoo, get out of the way.¡± ¡°Way~ Way~ Go away! Don¡¯t come near me!¡± I barely muttered through my mouth, but Hansoo was too busy threatening the mad dog as if chasing away a dog. ¡°Go away, you crazy bear!¡± ¡°Hansoo, move.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t go any further, I¡¯ll cry!! I really will cry?!¡± ¡°Hey, get out of the way.¡± ¡°If I cry, all of my sisters will come and scold you¡­ huh?¡± At the third line, Hansoo barely recognized me and gasped and removed his upper body. ¡°Ah, Taemin, are you okay? What¡¯s wrong, where are you hurt?¡± Yes, it got worse thanks to you. Instead of talking, I looked at him for a moment and stood up. Hansoo got up and spread his arms out in front of me and quickly stopped him. And he continued to threaten the mad dog, who was stunned. ¡°Back, go back!¡± Then he pushed me away and Hansoo stepped back. ¡°Yeah, keep going back!¡± The mad dog did not move even 1 cm. ¡°If you come closer, I will call not only my sister but also my brother-in-law! In particular, my third brother-in-law is a strong man who passed the difficult civil service exam within a year!¡± At Hansoo¡¯s unbroken cry, the sound of people gathering in the alley was heard. Myungshin called the crazy dog ??backwards, probably because he didn¡¯t want people¡¯s attention. ¡°Come on, we have to go.¡± Then, looking at me, he couldn¡¯t help but spit it out. ¡°How ridiculous. Some people throw themselves out to help Lee Yoohan? Haha, it¡¯s crazy. Have you been kowtowing and repenting at the temple for 5 years? Or does he still not know that you are a bastard?¡± Laughing at me, he called again the motionless mad dog. The mad dog ??looked at Hansoo as if it was ridiculous, then turned his gaze to me. He grinned and his gleaming eyes lit up. ¡°Look forward to it. Next time, you¡¯ll be crawling on the floor like a dog, begging.¡± I heard Hansoo, who was in front of me, flinch and swallow his saliva. I pushed Hansoo aside and answered the mad dog ??who showed his back. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡± I twisted my lips at the guy who turned only his face. ¡°You, shaking your ass trying to hit me.¡± ¡°This bastard is ¡­¡± He was about to turn around, but the murmur of people drew closer. Then Myungshin quickly grabbed his arm and pulled him closer. ¡°Hold it in. You can take care of that guy next time.¡± Myungshin also turned around, putting his hat tighter along with the words. I caught him who was about to move quickly. ¡°Song Myungshin.¡± Myungshin, still holding the crazy dog¡¯s arm, flinched and stopped walking. Hearing his real name in my voice reminded me of the past. Or I felt like it did. The man¡¯s face turned expressionless, but his narrowed eyes filled with anger. ¡°Don¡¯t call me that.¡± ¡°Did you say you were curious? Why did I appear in front of you after 5 years?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s as you expected.¡± ¡°What?¡± Tap, tap, tap¡­ The sound of footsteps approaching around us echoed loudly, but Myungshin forgot about running away and asked me harshly. ¡°What is it that I expected?¡± ¡°What you were anxious about.¡± He confirmed by looking at his slightly widened eyes. ¡°I became a celebrity to take revenge on you. So you look forward to it too. I¡¯ll bite you even as I bleed to death.¡± CH 46 The buses kept stopping in front of me, but I couldn¡¯t think of which bus I had to take. After sitting on a bench and spending a few moments like that, I finally figured out why. It was because I didn¡¯t know where to go. The company? The goshiwon? There are only two places, so why can¡¯t I decide? I got frustrated and tried to get up from my seat. However, Hansoo¡¯s voice, whom I thought had already gone to the subway, was heard next to me. ¡°Are you okay?¡± As I turned my head, Hansoo, who was a little far away, approached me and sat down in the vacant seat next to me. As I looked at him with a ¡°what do you mean?¡± expression, he pointed a finger at my shoulder. ¡°Shoulders. You kept holding it. You got hit by that guy earlier, right?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°At first glance, I saw two people fighting. At that time, I didn¡¯t know exactly who it was, so I didn¡¯t stop it¡­¡± He bowed his head as if I had been hit because of him. ¡°I should have actually called the police. That way, Myungshin hyung can come to his senses and never call someone like that again.¡± Again? ¡°Have you seen that mad dog ??before?¡± Hansoo flinched at my words and mumbled. ¡°Myungshin hyung came to the office with that man when he and the CEO had a bad relationship over a lawsuit. It was almost before closing, so the CEO was alone¡­¡± Hansoo¡¯s head fell deeper. ¡°I then looked inside through the open door from the outside, and I was terrified and ran away.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t I stupid?¡± Hansoo closed his mouth at the end of the question. A brightly lit bus stopped, and several people hurried to get inside. There was no one getting off, and as the number of riders increased, the black-haired heads moved around. It was interesting. The fact that they were clear enough about a destination to go to endure the inconvenience. ¡°Why did you follow me?¡± Did he notice that the manager drinking was a lie? Contrary to what one might have guessed, Hansoo took something out of his bag. ¡°Oh, you didn¡¯t take this.¡± That was the screenplay for the movie I asked for. ¡°And coincidentally, the manager came¡­¡± Hansoo trailed off and looked at me with anxious eyes. ¡°You didn¡¯t let me come because you thought that would be Myungshin, right?¡± Instead of answering, I took the script and changed the topic. ¡°You have three sisters?¡± ¡°Yes? Oh, no. Four.¡± And, without even asking me, he succinctly confided about his family relationship. ¡°I am the youngest. Everyone says that when you are the only son in the family with four older sisters, I would have been coddled, but our family is definitely not like that. Because my father¡¯s family is not a house where a son was particularly precious, and they didn¡¯t particularly want to bear a son. That¡¯s why when I was young, I was my older sisters¡¯ servant!¡± As he spoke, Hansoo¡¯s voice rose as if he felt unfair. ¡°Unfortunately, only my mother adored me because I was the youngest, but my older sisters just told my father that we were treated differently, so I always got scolded by my father. In front of our father, my older sisters trembled and said, ¡®Daddy~ I love you~!¡¯ and he¡¯ll do everything for them. Tsk, and he was strict with me, saying that I have to grow up strong because I¡¯m a man.¡± Pouting his dissatisfaction, he immediately shrugged his shoulders and smiled. ¡°Still, when my parents objected to me being an actor, my sisters helped me. When I first went up on stage, all my sisters came to see me. But the play was a comedy, and as soon as I came out and acted, everyone started crying. I was so flustered. Now, because of school, I live alone, so sometimes I miss them.¡± He was originally a talkative guy, so I knew that if I didn¡¯t stop him at this point, I would have to keep listening. However, after receiving the next question, I couldn¡¯t say anything like, ¡°Stop talking and go.¡± ¡°Taemin, you live alone, right? Then you won¡¯t be able to see your brother and parents that often.¡± ¡°¡­ Yes.¡± ¡°Um, didn¡¯t you say your brother had the same name as me? If he¡¯s in middle school, there is an age difference, so don¡¯t you want to go see them often? I¡¯m 15 years younger than my eldest sister. I think she cares more about me than her own kids. She looks at me as if she looks at her son. Oh, are brothers a little different? My sisters just checked my transcripts when I was a student. Doesn¡¯t Taemin look at his brother¡¯s report card?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have to look.¡± I answered dryly and added, looking back at Hansoo. ¡°He studies well.¡± ¡°Wow, when you say that, it sounds like he¡¯s at the top of the country. Gasp! Is he really a top student?¡± ¡°Well,¡± I muttered and pulled my phone out of my pocket. The call was from an unknown number. ¡°Yes.¡± [Hello? Oh, you were the one who came to Cha Jungwoo¡¯s house with Manager Choi yesterday, right?] The face of the other party immediately came to mind with the voice. Cha Jungwoo¡¯s road manager with a bruise on his face. ¡°That¡¯s right. What¡¯s the matter?¡± [Uh, Jungwoo¡­ Well, Jungwoo wants to talk. Not with Manager Choi, but with you.] ¡°Why?¡± [I don¡¯t know about that either¡­] After blurring his words, he lowered his voice as if in a whisper. [After a day, I think his anger has subsided. So, he¡¯s thinking about what Manager Choi said. But before he talks to him again, I think he¡¯ll try to find out what Manager Choi is like first.] Hmm, the manager sent the police to scare him a little bit, didn¡¯t he? Or maybe he¡¯s forced to choose because he¡¯s the only one who suggested a solution in the worst situation. I don¡¯t know if I should scare him even more here. ¡°I can¡¯t go now.¡± [Yes? Then when¡­] ¡°Kbwbggbk wbgclcu. P¡¯ii yf atfgf fjgis, rb afii tlw cba ab riffq jcv kjla.¡± P tfjgv atf batfg qfgrbc ajixlcu lc j yfklivfgfv nblmf, yea P tecu eq atf qtbcf. Ccv P ygbeuta eq ktja P tjv jrxfv Ljcrbb yfobgf, ktb kjr meglber jybea ktja xlcv bo mjii la kjr. ¡°Can you get the catalog I was talking about tonight?¡± ¡°Oh, the luxury catalog?¡± ¡°Yes¡±, when I nodded my head, Hansoo blinked and answered. ¡°Yeah, I asked a very rich senior who¡¯s knowledgeable about that, and he said he would just give me everything he had. But I was supposed to get it tomorrow.¡± ¡°Go and get it now. And bring it to Cha Jungwoo¡¯s villa tomorrow morning at 10.¡± There seemed to be a lot of things he wanted to ask, but Hansoo only nodded his head. ¡°Okay. But you said you were going early on the phone a while ago. I can go earlier.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. The person who¡¯s desperate will have to wait.¡± Hansoo, who knew that the manager had been hit by him, smiled and said he got it, then turned around and ran off. Watching him move away, I got up from my seat and looked in the direction the bus was coming. Then I remembered what I was worried about here in the first place. Where should I go? I stared blankly at the lights of cars rushing as if attacking, and the phone rang again. A short message. ¡ª Go to my house and look for a briefcase on the table. This bastard¡­ he indeed gave me the key to boss me around? Suddenly, a fit of anger erupted inside. I stared at my phone screen and turned to the subway. The decision to go and burn the briefcase soon filled the inside. Maybe it was lucky that I didn¡¯t know where to go. But at that moment, I didn¡¯t realize it more deeply. It was not bad to have something filling up inside me. *** Beep~ When I pulled open the front door with an electronic sound, the light at the entrance turned on. But other than that, the interior that should have been dark was already bright. With a curious mind, I went inside with caution. The center of the bright light is the living room. It was not so different from when I had been there before. A wide window with a clear view of the twinkling night, Scenarios, books, and papers that look cluttered on the floor and on the table. Nothing was unexpected about that, but the problem was the madman sleeping on the sofa. He was lying on his back with one arm covering his face and the other dropping off the sofa. At the tip of his fingertips that touched the floor, a paper full of English words was unfolded like a fan. My anger of having to run all the way here turned into irritation. I was about to turn around, but a white briefcase on the messy table caught my attention. I glanced at the still unmoved guy and picked up the documents. With the other hand, I pulled the lighter out of my pocket. I don¡¯t smoke, but after I got off the bus, I bought it on purpose. Of course, to burn the papers. Click. Flames rose in an instant. A flame the size of a thumb struggled hard to escape from the lighter. But as long as I press the switch on the lighter, I have to hold on to it. The moment I brought the envelope to the flame who was struggling to fly away, I saw the letters written on the envelope. ¡®Cha Jungwoo¡¯ Huh? I hadn¡¯t thought that the documents that the madman asked me to look for were related to me. I turned off the lighter reflexively. When I saw a few sheets of paper inside, I pulled it out, and at first glance it was a familiar document. A format like you¡¯ve seen it before. When I took it out completely, I understood why. ¡®contract¡¯ As I checked the bold title and lowered my eyes, I heard a voice interrupting me. ¡°You don¡¯t need to see.¡± When I turned my head, the madman just raised his upper body and looked down at his wrist watch. ¡°It¡¯s going to be torn by Cha Jungwoo¡¯s hand anyway.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°I heard Cha Jungwoo called you alone?¡± Asking drowsily, he turned his shoulders as if to relax. ¡°Take it to him when you meet him. If you say the company gave it to you, he will look at it.¡± ¡°And rip it right away?¡± ¡®Ah, yes,¡¯ he muttered, raising his long body from the couch, finally snapping his neck from side to side. Did he hear from the road manager that Cha Jungwoo called me? No matter how much time was given, Cha Jungwoo is an important property of the company, so he wouldn¡¯t let it go¡­ I looked at the contract with a frown. But had he already made a contract? Even if it was a contract that Cha Jungwoo could tear as soon as he saw it, it would be unfavorable to him. Come to think of it, the company said that they were aware of Cha Jungwoo¡¯s issue in advance. I remembered the information the manager had given me, but I still felt like something wasn¡¯t right. Maybe it was because of his easy going way of saying he¡¯s going to tear it apart¡¯. Then his words interrupted my thoughts. ¡°He needs to relieve the shock in advance so that you can sign properly when your manager picks it up again.¡± ¡°Do you trust my manager?¡± Did he think Cha Jungwoo¡¯s mind will change by tomorrow? The answer was also ¡®no¡¯. ¡°No. I trust Cha Jungwoo.¡± He checked his watch once more to see if he had to leave, and picked up his suit jacket that had been draped over the sofa. ¡°The more you have, the greater your fear of losing. Now Cha Jungwoo is more scared than angry. So, we should take this opportunity to get his signature.¡± ¡­ Aren¡¯t you the Director? I felt a sense of disappointment that this was the unhappy feeling I had a while ago due to some crude plan. Since yesterday morning, the executives have been meeting intensively, and in the end, are they just going to sign a favorable contract with Cha Jungwoo? It didn¡¯t seem like the executives were great, but then he asked nonchalantly. ¡°By the way, haven¡¯t you listened to Cha Jungwoo¡¯s recording file yet?¡± ¡°I heard. But that¡¯s no longer needed. Even without it, Cha Jung-woo suspects the manager as the culprit, so the evidence is needed.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t mean for it to be used for Cha Jungwoo.¡± What? Looking up, he jogged my memories. ¡°I said You can find something interesting if you listen with the volume up.¡± ¡°Yeah, I found it. The voice of the manager of Cha Jungwoo was recorded.¡± But he twisted his lips derisively. The look was annoying, but I pressed on, recalling the conclusion I had made. It¡¯s best to end the conversation with that guy quickly. ¡°Is this what you called me for?¡± Putting the contract back into the envelope and asking, the guy in the coat looked indifferent. ¡°Do you think I would have you come to the house on purpose just to give you that?¡± ¡°yes.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The guy who was about to pick up something from the table slowly straightened his back. And he smiled habitually. Yes, ¡®habit¡¯ was the correct expression. It was a habit to say things like that with a smile. I realized again by his sharp voice that he was a lunatic. ¡°No matter how much I enjoy your idiocy, I can¡¯t smile and listen to this.¡± As soon as he finished speaking, he added, ¡°Ah.¡± ¡°Do you know what idiocy means?¡± Damn it, this jerk¡­ ¡°I know. Fuck, my only weakness is English.¡± I¡¯m pretty good at Korean. Surprisingly, I know a lot of old-fashioned idioms. But the madman immediately countered. ¡°You¡¯re weak in geography, too.¡± ¡°And you? You didn¡¯t even know the time of the first subway.¡± Besides, he even acted arrogantly to the President when I was the one who told him. The anger from that time flared up again, but he gave me an answer that proved that he was indeed crazy. ¡°That¡¯s not common sense.¡± ¡°¡­ Then, is the capital of Lithuania common sense?¡± ¡°Of course. Lithuania has a lake in the shape of the Korean peninsula, so it is natural for Koreans to know.¡± ¡°¡­¡± What¡­ What¡¯s this crazy logic? I wanted to lash out at him, but I didn¡¯t know how to respond. I thought I¡¯d just say ¡°You crazy punk!¡± in a row, but only another line came out. ¡°¡­You don¡¯t have any friends, do you?¡± However, like his usual self, he did not panic at this question and smiled happily. ¡°No. A lot of people think of me as a friend.¡± ¡°Then what do you think of them?¡± The man answered confidently. ¡°Subordinate.¡± I think I lived a difficult life in the past, but when I saw this guy, I suddenly wondered. What are the parents of this guy doing? While I was so uselessly lost in his family history, he gently comforted me. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t think you are a subordinate.¡± In an instant it became ominous. If he said something like a plaything, I decided to flick the lighter on him and just as I put my hand in my pocket, one word followed. ¡°Heart.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Should I say this?¡± The slowly added question seemed to be directed at himself. And I remembered what he said before when he stared still at me who was wondering if he really said what he said. ¡®My heart moved.¡¯ A voice mixed with bizarreness as if he did not even understand it himself. A feeling similar to that time was mixed in his gaze. ¡°How do you feel?¡± I raised my eyes, becoming conscious of the voice that asked me slowly. ¡°Nothing much.¡± When I answered dryly, he turned around the table and stood in front of me. Unlike his smiling lips, a cold gaze caught my eye. ¡°As I said before, you can¡¯t pay for your sins until you die.¡± When the topic changed to me, I stared at him. But he made an expression with dimples. ¡°The atonement ends only in death¡­ Then your present life must be painful. Living happily is not an atonement, so you choose that kind of life on purpose. So you think you¡¯re blocking me? Trying not to think about everything about me pretending to be stupid. Because you know that if you accept me, you will be happy.¡± ¡°Stop talking nonsense.¡± ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s fun to see such a clumsy rebellion.¡± ¡°Stop talking. What do you think you know about me?¡± ¡°I know you can¡¯t cry alone.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± Suddenly, a cold chill passed through my body. What the hell is that prick talking about? Under the embarrassment, an unknown fear was mixed. Perhaps it was because I realized that everything he said was true. Unable to open his mouth any longer, he put his hand on me and ruffled my bangs. However, unlike his kind gestures, there was a certain cruelty in his voice. ¡°As I said before, I don¡¯t care what you do as long as you don¡¯t die. But, if your thinking of denying pleasure interferes with my enjoyment, I have no choice but to care. I want to hear you begging for me more when I fuck you. Isn¡¯t it so simple?¡± ¡°That simple dream will never come true.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll have to wait and see. Shall we try it after the urgent incident this time?¡± A hand that was running through my hair came down to the side and touched my earlobe. I turned my head in annoyance and took his hand away. ¡°Do it yourself.¡± ¡°Sure. I¡¯m thinking of doing it myself. You, who is shy, just follow me.¡± ¡°Wake up from your dream. whatever you do¡­¡± Smack! I tried to hit his hand as it approached me again, but instead got grabbed by the wrist. But the wrist of the arm that he grabbed was the one that of the injured shoulder. Thanks to the momentary strength, I squinted my eyes and let out a groan without realizing it. ¡°Ah-.¡± My aching shoulder curled up and I swallowed a curse, but suddenly a strong force twisted my aching shoulder. ¡°Ugh!¡± This bastard! Knowing that the madman had grabbed my sore shoulder, he lifted his head and looked at him. However, the smile that had always lingered on his face disappeared and he asked again with a rather frightening look. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± ¡°Let go! ¡­ I just got hurt.¡± I tried to remove him, but instead he forcibly grabbed my hand and ripped off the shirt without permission. Tap, tap~ The button was ripped off with a sound and fell to the floor. What¡¯s this guy doing now? Meanwhile, the guy took my clothes off my shoulders. Subconsciously, I turned my eyes to my shoulders. Bruises, which had already turned black, were spread over the area where the forearm and shoulder were connected. He looked at the bruise with his narrowed eyes, then returned to his usual routine and asked lightly. ¡°Why are you hurt?¡± ¡°It just happened.¡± He smiled faintly at the repeated answer. ¡°Who hit you?¡± ¡°¡­¡± I looked up at him quietly, and he pulled up my clothes properly again. He even tidied up clothes that had already been buttoned off. Then he took a step behind and tilted his head to the side. ¡°It looks ugly.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of you.¡± ¡°Did you just get hit?¡± He casually asked as I put my hands through the unbuttoned clothes. ¡°Did you just get hit?¡± ¡°Do you think I was just being beaten like an idiot?¡± Of course, it was a blow that wouldn¡¯t even cause a bruise to the opponent. However, as if satisfied with my answer, he nodded. ¡°Okay. good job So who is it?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± It was a soft voice, but to my ears, it sounded like a trick to appease me and get an answer.. ¡°My revenge is mine.¡± ¡°Yeah, you do it. But like I¡¯ve told you over and over again, it becomes my problem if you¡¯re willing to die.¡± He said ¡°Hmm¡± and stared into the air after saying something that would be annoying no matter how many times I heard it. ¡°Among the people around Song Myungshin, the one who can make you like this.¡± Then he raised one corner of his mouth as if he remembered someone. ¡°Ah, Chairman Kim¡¯s underling.¡± ¡°Is it that big guy?¡± he mumbled, giving him a brief warning instead of accusing him of not being too big for your size. ¡°Don¡¯t touch that guy. He¡¯s my food.¡± But the guy smirked. Anyway, tiredness washed over me, and I turned to leave before the guy. It¡¯s best not to look. Then he grabbed my shoulder again. ¡°Ah.¡± My upper body flinched, he only apologized with his mouth. ¡°Sorry. I forgot you were hit here.¡± But his hand continued to squeeze my shoulder tighter. ¡°Hey, let me go.¡± I frowned and grabbed his arm and pushed him away, but he only smiled brightly. ¡°Why? Does it hurt a lot?¡± ¡°I told you to let go!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± Maybe my expression was stupid. I couldn¡¯t believe it, so when I opened my mouth half way, he smiled more and looked down at my shoulder. ¡°If I crush this bone, it¡¯ll only leave my mark on your body, right?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°You look tired.¡± He slowly released his hand from my shoulder and pointed to the bedroom. ¡°Go to sleep.¡± It was because of the guy¡¯s eyes that I couldn¡¯t respond. For a moment, goosebumps ran up my spine. The fear of not knowing what he might do to me if I move even a little bit here. It was only after the sound of the door closed that I realized it. Tang~ I was able to breathe in the breath I had been holding in the room where I was alone. CH 47 Editor: Re Pr: TT After an uncomfortable night at someone else¡¯s house, I went to Cha Jungwoo¡¯s villa with Hansoo as I promised. A few days had passed, but reporters were still encamped in front of the villa. As time passed, the probability that Cha Jungwoo wouldn¡¯t leave the house seemed to have increased. As I was walking towards the entrance to the villa, someone from afar called my name cautiously. ¡°Taemin! Here!¡± ¡°Where are you?¡± As I turned my head left and right, I found Hansoo half-hidden in the wall of the building next to the villa. ¡°Why are you here?¡± As soon as I approached, thinking, he pulled me into his hiding place. ¡°As requested, I got all the catalogs and magazines that only the rich peruse.¡± Then he lifted up an envelope full of brochures. ¡°There was so much material, I only listed unreleased products separately. I was doing this until dawn yesterday¡­¡± ¡°Why are you whispering?¡± When I asked strangely, Hansoo widened his eyes wide and warned me. ¡°Shh! Lower your voice!¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°The reporters are all over the place!!¡± In case a reporter came all the way here, Hansoo looked around with sharp eyes. I looked at the vigilant guy and pointed out an important point. ¡°No one out there knows our faces.¡± However, Hansoo, whom I thought that he would have come to his senses, did not budge. He rather pointed it out to me. ¡°What! We even filmed a movie!¡± It hadn¡¯t even been released yet. No, we didn¡¯t even film any more than that. I got tired of trying to explain, so I came out from behind the wall by myself. I had only one magazine in my hand. Ignoring Hansoo¡¯s shouting that I should disguise myself from behind, Cha Jung-woo, who I had promised, was waiting inside. It¡¯s already past ten, but I know he won¡¯t be sleeping. He probably couldn¡¯t sleep all night. It¡¯s been going on since the incident broke out. ¡°Huh! Why are you only here now?!¡± I left the road manager behind and headed to the living room. The mess was still there, but the sofa was the only thing that stood up properly. The road manager who had been following me hurriedly stepped in front of me and pointed to the stairs leading upstairs. ¡°Hurry and go up. He hasn¡¯t slept and he¡¯s still waiting.¡± I ignored him and went straight to the sofa in the living room. Dump. I leaned over on the soft sofa with a high back and opened the magazine I was carrying. ¡°Tell him to come down.¡± Even if I didn¡¯t look to the side, I seemed to know how the road manager¡¯s face had changed. Flutter, flutter. For a while, only the sound of a magazine flipping through echoed inside. Moments later, the road manager sighed heavily and I heard the sound of going upstairs. Cha Jungwoo probably won¡¯t come down right away, but it was okay because I also needed time to read the magazines. Hansoo had really marked the magazine. New items of products that were first shown on the Internet. At that time, it was a familiar product name, but to me it was like a password. In particular, even though the magazine was clearly written in Korean, there was also English, so I couldn¡¯t understand the contents. Besides, the watches that look similar to my eyes are one that is new and the other is old. When I looked online, I knew that the price of this watch was tens of thousands of won, so I looked at the picture again with bewildered eyes. What had changed? I stopped the paper I was flipping over and looked at it intently for a while. The explanation was also full of unknown words mixed with English. I only understood one thing. Sophisticated appearance. Was it the same? While looking at the two watches, my eyes fell at the information about the watch at the bottom of the ad. There were also words written in small letters that I did not know, but there was also a notification that it was waterproof to the depths of the water. Why are you wearing a watch and going into the sea? Rich people wear watches when they swim?. Realizing one surprising fact, I turned over several pages and stopped at the place marked by Hansoo. Under the difficult English name, Hansoo kindly wrote the pronunciation in Korean. I was muttering awkwardly in my mouth when I heard a thumping sound coming down the stairs. I deliberately pretended to be more focused on the magazine. The sound of thumping footsteps drew nearer, and I heard the sound of someone sitting across from me. And Cha Jungwoo¡¯s greetings followed immediately. ¡°Bastard, is it early in the morning?¡± The smell of alcohol swept over along with his curses. ¡°Fuck, I heard you¡¯re only a two months old trainee? This bastard¡­ Do you think it¡¯s funny that I¡¯m like this now? People like you will be cut off from the company right away¡­¡± ¡°What do you want to ask me?¡± I interrupted with annoyance. He gave me a short cursing and stared at me. ¡°Fuck, watch your mouth. Who are you to interrupt me?¡± I looked at him and slowly opened my mouth. ¡°I guess you have no idea yet.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Do I look like someone afraid of being cut off at work? Or do I look like an aspiring celebrity who wants to gain popularity around you?¡± He frowned and looked at me. I gave him a faint smile. ¡°Think again. Because if you swear one more time, you¡¯ll look like someone who¡¯s going to break their head with that broken table leg.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Qtja vb sbe kjca ab jrx wf?¡± ¡°¡­lr sbeg cjwf Off Kjfwlc?¡± ¡°Pr atja jii sbe kjca ab jrx?¡± P kjr jybea ab ufa eq ogbw ws rfja, wfjclcu P kjr ublcu ab ub, ktfc atf ues rkjiibkfv j rwjii megrf lc tlr wbeat. ¡°Pr la agef atja sbeg wjcjufg abbx atlr bc? Ccv ab atf ues ktb rqgfjv ws lrref bc atf lcafgcfa.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Who is that?¡± ¡°Are you sure your manager betrayed you?¡± He clenched his teeth as if he didn¡¯t like the question. ¡°Yes.¡± Then you don¡¯t really need to hear the recorded voice. I thought and gave the answer I wanted. ¡°Song Yoohan.¡± ¡°Song¡­ Yoohan?¡± He looked at my mouth for a moment, as if at a loss for words, then checked again. ¡°Song Yoohan? Song Yoohan, who appeared as my younger brother in the drama xxx?¡± I haven¡¯t seen the drama xxx, so I didn¡¯t answer, but he laughed out loud as if it didn¡¯t matter. ¡°Haha, it¡¯s the guy who cried to the director every day that it was a pathetic role that interfered with my sister¡¯s relationship. That bastard screwed me over.¡± Unable to contain his anger, he mumbled harshly to himself. ¡°Fucking bastard, I should have stepped on him a few more times to keep him from getting up.¡± Laughter erupted from the inside of the words that were spit out with poisonous eyes. Yeah, you are all the same. Then he looked up as if he had remembered something. ¡°Was that jerk an actor under Manager Choi before?¡± I nodded. He continued the question casually. ¡°Is the arms broker Chairman Kim still sponsoring him?¡± ¡°¡­ an arms broker?¡± When I asked what I had heard for the first time, he leaned back on the sofa. ¡°Yeah, arms broker. He mainly did the import of weapons, but there is also talk of looking over other military supplies. He used to do business in a foreign country, but when he got old, he came back to Korea. At first, there were rumors that he had missed his country as he got older, or that he had come to look for the family he had abandoned, but they are all unbelievable. He was an old man who made the business very messy, and within a few years he had wiped out all his competitors. Besides, he has that disgusting hobby.¡± Cha Jungwoo frowned and spit it out as if he didn¡¯t like it. ¡°I heard that no one lasted more than a month under Chairman Kim, but did Song Yoohan completely catch the old man?¡± ¡°I think so.¡± ¡°Ha! It¡¯s amazing. I¡¯ve seen all sorts of dirty things in this world, but Chairman Kim is an insane person.¡± ¡°He must be out of his mind.¡± As I responded indifferently, he raised his eyes full of wonder. ¡°Are you acquainted with Song Yoohan?¡± ¡°Before.¡± ¡°Hmm,¡± he asked after looking at me for a moment. ¡°What¡¯s the story with that jerk?¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be more concerned about your story right now than mine?¡± Turning around, he slightly bit his lower lip and ran his hand through his bangs roughly. ¡°Your manager. Is he serious about everything he said to me?¡± His question was heard as if the manager was really the kind of person who would say that. ¡°You must have known it all already. You know why he went bankrupt when he was the owner of an agency before.¡± ¡°What do you think?¡± His red, bloodshot eyes stared straight at me. ¡°He¡¯s serious.¡± And I added lightly. ¡°The manager really believes that that is the only way for you to live.¡± ¡°And you?¡± I was annoyed as to why this prick kept being tenacious with me, but he answered. ¡°I don¡¯t believe in that method. I believe in the manager.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If that person thinks so, then so be it.¡± When he answered, he lowered his gaze and pondered for a while. I was a little surprised to see him. Even if my manager can solve it this way, shouldn¡¯t a person in that position have to seek advice from another competent person or take action? Why are you so stupid that you only drink alcohol in the house? Then he raised his eyes as if he had organized his thoughts. ¡°So, because you trust your manager, you also believe that I can eventually make a comeback.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°No?¡± ¡°Does what I think matter?¡± Cha Jungwoo seemed to understand the frustration contained in the question. He smiled and shrugged as if he didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I know you, just like you said. Because I¡¯m the type of person who¡¯s going to break my head with a broken table leg. Tell your manager to stop by in the afternoon. Let me talk to him again.¡± His forehead was full of wrinkles, as if he felt bad about having to do something he didn¡¯t like. However, it was not enough for us to just talk. ¡°I¡¯ll warn you, but if you¡¯re going to use my manager temporarily to get out of this situation, it¡¯ll be more troublesome later. Once you sign a contract, you won¡¯t be able to cut Manager Choi.¡± I threw the evidence to him, who was puzzled. Smack. I tossed at him the envelope I had been given. I had read the contract before coming here. I don¡¯t know what the other conditions are, but one thing stands out. Once appointed, the manager cannot be replaced under any circumstances without the permission of both the company and the manager. It was surprising to me that the word ¡°no matter what¡± was included. Even in my contract, it was stated that if the manager was at fault, I could cancel the contract. Cha Jungwoo looked down at the contract that had fallen on the floor because there was no table. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I glanced at him, and he looked at me with vigilant eyes and picked up the envelope. Soon, with a rustling sound, he pulled out the wad of paper inside. But it only came out half way. He stiffened in a state where he could no longer pull out the contract. And when I almost suspected he might not be breathing, he asked low. ¡°¡­the company¡­ the company contacted you?¡± I noticed one thing in his words. That he hasn¡¯t been contacted by the company for a while. The people at the company who came to his house were just pretending to seem busy at work in the eyes of others. In particular, to the reporters. It was then that I realized why he stayed home, drank and was not looking for any other way. I glanced back at the road manager eavesdropping on us from afar. He was startled and hid in the kitchen, but him being in this house even though he was beaten was evidence. Damn, you¡¯re the one who reported to the company. In other words, the company really confined Cha Jungwoo. Cha Jungwoo must be a powerful celebrity, but he was so easily pressured by the company. When he couldn¡¯t hide his surprise, Cha Jungwoo clenched his teeth, staring at the contract that he had not yet taken out as if he wanted to kill it. ¡°Fucking bastards, are they trying to say this is an easy chance?¡± And the expectation of Madman was realized right in front of my eyes. Rip~! Rip! While tearing the contract into pieces, he got up from his seat and stepped on the paper with his feet. ¡°Sons of bitches!! How much money did I make!! They got what they wanted and now¡­ Fuck!¡± Huffing and puffing, he suddenly picked up the phone that had been lying on the floor. And as he raised his arm to throw it at the wall, I spoke slowly. ¡°Do you like watches?¡± ¡°What?¡± Turning his head, he asked fiercely. I pulled the magazine I had been reading and glanced at the advertisement for the first watch I saw. ¡°There¡¯s a new product coming out.¡± ¡°What¡­ what nonsense are you talking about, you!¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s coming out next month, so if you go to the military there, you won¡¯t even be able to see the real thing.¡± Now he turned around threateningly as if he was going to throw the phone at me. But I didn¡¯t stop and turned the magazine to the next displayed advertisement. ¡°These sunglasses are due to come to one of the stores next week, but they are already fully booked.¡± ¡°Fuck, you¡­¡± ¡°Of course, you won¡¯t be able to see this either. Maybe you won¡¯t be able to see it even after you get out of the military. You used to have mutual sponsorships, but unless you buy them yourself with your own money, you won¡¯t be able to touch them.¡± For a moment, he stopped moving, but his eyebrows twitched and moved. ¡°What are you talking about, huh?¡± ¡°You¡¯re stumbling here, and for two years you would go to the military, so there would be a gap. In the meantime, the contract with the company with six months left will end. Then just imagine: Two years later, can you buy these things to your heart¡¯s content?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± After barely uttering a word, he added in a low voice. ¡°You don¡¯t think I have that much money?¡± ¡°There will come a day when there will be no such money.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°No one will use you, and even if they did, they would tell you to do a supporting role, which will hurt your pride. But, you have the face of the top star Cha Jungwoo, how would you do that? Besides, your hobby of buying all the new expensive watches will have to be continued for the sake of face. Because even if you don¡¯t spend a little money, people will be judging. Such as, ¡®Cha Jungwoo must have turned into a beggar¡¯.¡± His breathing became more and more harsh at my words, and he hurriedly threw the phone at me. But I didn¡¯t avoid it and looked straight into his eyes. Slam! The phone brushed the side of my face and fell to the floor. ¡°Huff, huff, huff¡­¡± Cha Jungwoo exhaled as if he had run a 100m, shaking his chest and breathing heavily. ¡°Get out. You get out of my house right now.¡± I got up slowly and checked the time. ¡°Until midnight tonight. Just know that if there is no contact within that time, everything is over.¡± *** I didn¡¯t think it was that long, but when I came out, 40 minutes had passed. And there were people waiting for me during that time. ¡°Taemin! Here!¡± Feeling that something similar happened 40 minutes ago, I turned my head to see Hansoo beckoning to me from the corner of the building next door. Had he been hiding there all this time? As I approached reporters who had no interest in us, he pulled me out of sight. ¡°How was it?¡± Instead of explaining, I handed over the magazine. ¡°Well used.¡± ¡°No, what? Do you think it will go well?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I was a little surprised at myself by the easy answer. However, I have a feeling. Driven to a tough place, that guy would contact the manager. As if surprised, Hansoo widened his eyes wide and asked, ¡®Really?¡¯ several times. ¡°I am really happy. Ha~ I heard that Cha Jungwoo¡¯s personality is dirty¡­ Besides, the manager is right. However, if the manager¡¯s name is cleared and manages Cha Jungwoo well, Myungshin hyung will be really pissed off. right?¡± As if just thinking about it made him excited, so Hansoo brightened up quickly and dragged me outside again. ¡°Oh, the manager called. He asked where we were, and I was sweating all along.¡± ¡°Why did he call?¡± ¡°He wanted both of us to be tested because there¡¯s an opportunity to do a small flier advertisement. Oh, and he also got contacted by the director. The weather forecast for tomorrow says that the weather will be clear, so they¡¯re filming Taemin¡¯s suicide scene first.¡± What does sunny weather have to do with suicide? I had doubts, but thanks to Hansoo, who was in a rush to go to the manager quickly, I put off the thought of filming. And after meeting the manager and taking the photo test without even having a meal, the day flew by. All three of us were so busy that we forgot Cha Jungwoo, so when we were having a late dinner with ramen at a restaurant, the manager¡¯s phone rang. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s Choi Deuk-¡± When the words suddenly stopped in the middle of the name, Hansoo and I, who were drinking ramen, raised our heads. The manager was answering the other person after a while with a calm expression. ¡°Let¡¯s go now, Cha Jungwoo.¡± CH 48 I dropped off Hansoo and stopped the car near Cha Jungwoo¡¯s house. When I turned my head to announce that we had arrived, the manager was still looking down at the envelope in his hand. I waited silently, and after a while I heard a question. ¡°This must be a good opportunity, right?¡± ¡°Even if it¡¯s a bad opportunity, please make it good.¡± Glancing at me, he looked to the side and smiled despondently. ¡°Right. I should. I know that this industry is all dirty anyway¡­ The best thing for me right now is to not get fired from the company and make money for school for my kids.¡± His words sounded different from the concern that Cha Jungwoo would not obey his words well. I pointed to the envelope, the contract, which he had been looking at for a while. ¡°When did you get it?¡± ¡°Yes? Ah¡­ in the morning. Chief Park gave it to me. They said that if he signs the contract today, my innocence will be proven.¡± ¡°What will you say when you give it to him?¡± Instead of answering, he looked at the contract with a frown. I felt like I heard something, but in the end he decided not to say it. ¡°Taemin, you don¡¯t have to worry about it. let¡¯s go.¡± Cha Jungwoo listened to the manager¡¯s explanation so calmly that he wondered if it was someone else. It was the same living room as in the morning, but the other person had a clean look as if he had been completely cleansed. ¡°You have to show up voluntarily in front of the police tomorrow evening. The interview is scheduled for the following evening. In the morning of the press conference, I will write down what you need to answer in advance. Think of it as a script and memorize it. I will tell the stylist what clothes and makeup to wear that day. A few other things to note¡­ First of all, don¡¯t talk too long in a police investigation. You just have to answer yes or no to the question.¡± When Cha Jungwoo raised his eyes as if puzzled, the manager immediately added. ¡°There is a detective I know who told me in advance. Most of the questions will be formal, so there is nothing to be nervous about. And then¡­¡± ¡°You can speak comfortably .¡± The manager, who was looking at the notebook and marking them one by one, glanced up. He looked at his opponent silently, then nodded his head. ¡°Okay. The next big thing to pay attention to is the press conference, but I¡¯ll tell you that the day after. Oh, you can cry at any moment, right?¡± ¡°Should I cry at the press conference?¡± ¡°No. You should never shed tears. When you cry, you will get ugly and everyone who isn¡¯t your fan will laugh at you. But you can tear up right? You need to make eyes that look like you¡¯re going to cry.¡± Cha Jungwoo nodded. ¡°Write down everything you need to do and go. And how much money that is going to be taken out too.¡± The manager looked at him again, but he didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°You don¡¯t have to lend money right away. D-Day will be the enlistment date that people will forget a little bit, and then again will be the subject of public opinion later. The fact of volunteering in secret while enlisting on that day and the fact of actual donation should be published in the newspaper. That way, a lot of reporters will wait for you two years later. As if waiting for a good son who came back after reflection, with the opposite opinion.¡± ¡°¡­ I¡¯ll get the money ready within a month if possible.¡± ¡°You can take it out in advance, but you can¡¯t take out private loans. Celebrities only use private bonds to save face, but¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have to use private loans.¡± ¡°Well that¡¯s good¡±, the manager muttered and then added. ¡°If you allow me to intervene, it would be good to sell your house in addition to the money. People will have sympathy when they see your wealth actually shrink.¡± ¡°Tfr.¡± Coafg atja, P uba eq ogbw ws rfja jcv kfca ab atf xlamtfc jr P kjr jyrbgyfv lc atf mbcnfgrjalbc lc wbgf vfajli. Ktfgf kjr j gbjv wjcjufg klat j uibbws fzqgfrrlbc bc tlr ojmf. Cr rbbc jr tf rjk wf, tf pewqfv eq jcv rabqqfv wf klat tlr tjcv. ¡°Stay. I¡¯m here to drink water.¡± ¡°I¡­ is Manager Choi going to be the main manager of Jungwoo now?¡± I found a clean cup and got water from the water purifier. His muttering followed with a squeak. ¡°How did it end so quickly?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Yes? Ah¡­ so.¡± As he rushed for an answer while the cold water went down my throat, he glanced at the living room and opened his mouth. ¡°Actually, there is no solid evidence that the former manager hyung recorded the incident. I thought we just jumped to conclusions, but the manager hyung couldn¡¯t answer, so I thought it was because he was caught. It¡¯s been a long time since the two of them were together. Of course, they were like brothers, so after a while, I thought that the misunderstanding would be resolved and the two would get together again. But Jungwoo brought in a new manager like that, and the former manager hyung¡­¡± He stopped talking and shook his head. ¡°I managed to get in touch with him today, but he was giving up on Jungwoo without any hesitation. He said he¡¯ll be out of the country for a few months, so don¡¯t call him. When did he prepare that¡­ Ha, anyway, both of them finished things too quickly. What on earth is this¡­¡± Hearing his words, I went to the kitchen entrance. In the living room, I saw the two people still talking head-to-head. The appearance of Cha Jungwoo, which has changed to that of a serious one, was not just a calming and clean appearance of his. Nodding his head at the manager¡¯s words, he was completely devoid of poison. How did you stop being so angry? I couldn¡¯t understand, so I looked at him a little more with narrow eyes. The change in mood like a loser¡­ loser? I don¡¯t even know why I came up with this word. However, the reason could be understood from the words of Cha Jungwoo before leaving the house with the manager. ¡°Hey.¡± He called me on the porch while the manager and the road manager were discussing something. He put his hands in his pockets, leaned his shoulders against the wall, and stared at me sternly. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Do you want some advice?¡± ¡°No thanks.¡± As I was turning my body, I heard his advice regardless of my refusal. ¡°Do you know who you should be most vigilant about if you want to stay in this industry in the future?¡± When I turned my eyes, I heard a somewhat bitter voice. ¡°Competitive actors, managers, media, fans? No.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°The company you belong to. The scariest thing is the company that owns you.¡± I turned my head thinking I didn¡¯t need to hear it anymore, when I heard a familiar name. ¡°Especially watch out for Director Yoon.¡± *** Director Yoon. Director Yoon. I repeated it several times in my mouth. There was a nasty feeling, but am I really deliberately blocking him from his work? With the fear of creating unwanted emotions if I get more deeply involved. So, I overlooked the words I should have heard like a fool. The words ¡®Yooni¡¯ and ¡®Did you buy it¡¯ that sounded funny in Cha Jungwoo¡¯s voice file should have been ¡®Director Yoon¡¯. ¡®I told you. Turn up the volume and listen to something interesting.¡¯ Yes, I should have completely believed what he said. The fact that everything ended too early like the road manager¡¯s question, that the boss I saw in the parking lot didn¡¯t seem to care at all, and that you knew solid evidence and the culprit from the start. In the end, again, you are the cause. Because you are the real culprit behind this. ¡®Where are you?¡¯ As soon as I stopped walking at the entrance of the train and sent a text message, I got an answer right away. ¡®Wait at home. I¡¯ll be there.¡¯ Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯m used to it now, and I walked through the short hallway where only the front door was lit and into the dark living room without hesitation. A hand, knowing the position of the switch without looking at it, reached a point on the wall. As soon as the lights came on, the small world turned into color. A living room with books and documents still unorganized. But strangely, it didn¡¯t feel dirty. Perhaps someone came and cleaned it, so there was no dust inside. It was probably right, seeing that the water cups on the kitchen table when I left this morning were no longer there. Cleaned but not organized. I thought of the owner of the house who would have asked the cleaners like this while sitting on the comfy sofa. ¡®Do not touch anything¡¯. Among the things that were not organized according to his will, there were mixed screenplays that I had forgotten about. I just looked at it and slowly reached out and picked it up. Yesterday he went out and sat in the same seat watching the script and fell asleep on the sofa. I looked down comfortably like yesterday and turned the script over. Before I got into the content, I suddenly realized that this place wasn¡¯t awkward at all. Why isn¡¯t there any unfamiliar feeling or discomfort when it¡¯s someone else¡¯s house, especially the madman¡¯s house? I looked for the part that I read yesterday with my eyes and remembered, ¡°Ah.¡± Because of the things scattered all over the place. There was a sense of life here. The warmth of an invisible man remained in the air. living space. Did I unconsciously feel comforted here? I felt weird. Because I always saw the opposite and felt comfort from that. Pathways to the graves full of darkness, underground and stillness. Flip. I turned a page and focused on the new content that followed. My mind soon filled with the world of the protagonist, who went deeper and deeper into danger. *** Click. A small noise awakened the darkened mind at once. When I opened my eyes in surprise, I saw the ceiling of the living room. I fell asleep again, damn it. Cursing inside, I got up from the couch I was lying on . As I stood up, the depressed part of the sofa slowly returned to its original convex shape. It¡¯s all because the seats are so comfortable. I blamed the sofa and looked around to find the cause of the sound. But I didn¡¯t have to look for long. I saw the madman coming out of the kitchen as if he had just taken a shower, he was wearing loose pants and his hair was still wet. As he put the fresh bottled water to his mouth, he noticed me who had woken up. Trying to wake up completely, I looked at him blankly, but he stopped near the table and offered me the bottle of water. ¡°Drink.¡± The still half-awake head refused, but my hand was already receiving the bottled water he offered. Watching him drink water, I suddenly felt thirsty. The cold water he just pulled out of the refrigerator cooled my mouth and went down my throat, washing away the rest of my sleep as well. And I must have been really thirsty. I grabbed the empty water bottle and looked for the trash can. ¡°What are you looking for?¡± ¡°Trash can.¡± I expected the landlord, of course, to tell me the answer, but he unexpectedly extended his hand. ¡°Give it. I¡¯ll throw it away.¡± ¡°¡­¡± I looked up at him suspiciously, wondering if I had heard it wrong, but he casually took the bottle from my hand and headed for the kitchen. After a while, he returned empty-handed and asked as if he remembered. ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡± The reason I thought something was strange was because he had such a relaxed smile. It was not that perfunctory smiling face, but a comfortable expression. Rather, I straightened my body and stared sharply at the guy who was approaching me, only making me more vigilant. However, the guy who sat down next to me naturally stretched one arm over the sofa where I was sitting and asked softly. ¡°What would you like to eat?¡± ¡°¡­ No thanks.¡± I refused coldly, stiff. But his mood became even warmer. ¡°You should have slept comfortably in bed. Oh, did you sleep on the sofa waiting for me?¡± He nodded and smiled, making dimples, as if in a good mood. ¡°I was going to come earlier, but the call I was waiting for from the US was a little late.¡± Then he fiddled the side of my hair with his hand on the sofa. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you sleeping, but it¡¯s even better awake.¡± At this point, fear crossed the border. I raised my awkward arm like a robot, took his hand off, and asked seriously. ¡°Are you very tired right now?¡± Even though I slapped his hand, he backed away without a sign of ill-will. Then he looked into the air for a moment, as if contemplating my question, and then nodded his head. ¡°Hmm, hearing you, it seems like I¡¯m tired.¡± No, it¡¯s not ¡°seems like¡±, you are very tired right now! I tried to shout, but his hand, which had fallen, tried to reach me again. I grabbed his hand before it touched my face, and he smirked and took my hand in the opposite direction. And then said, ¡°Okay. I will hold your hand.¡± Bugs crawled from inside. An unknown feeling, along with a chill, paralyzed my thoughts. If it was the usual annoying guy, I would have blurted curses. However, the act of fiddling with his hands as he listened to me diligently and that never-ending smile blocks the way he responds. What the fuck was this bastard¡­ ¡°When was the last time you slept?¡± He looked at me with heavy eyes, thought for a moment, and then opened his mouth. ¡°It was about 30 minutes when I came here to see you yesterday.¡± ¡°Before that?¡± ¡°Two hours in bed with you three days ago.¡± ¡°¡­ Before that?¡± Unlike his usual self, his head was not working well, so he cut off his words, thinking about it again. ¡°Hmm¡­ three days before that, an hour and a half.¡± Three days before that was when he came to see me in XXX. So you¡¯re saying that you didn¡¯t even sleep and came down to kiss me for a little while? Half incomprehension, half incredulous, I urged. ¡°Then?¡± ¡®What ¡°Then¡±?¡¯ he asked with his eyes. Meanwhile, he was rubbing my palm with his thumb in a circular motion. I realized it too late and gave it strength to pull it out, but the guy who said he was tired had a lot of power. ¡°Tell me anything else you¡¯re curious about.¡± I have a lot of questions. Especially the issue of Cha Jungwoo, the purpose of which I had to meet you. But now I know that if I ask, I will get an easy answer, but I didn¡¯t want to bring it up. There was a feeling that I didn¡¯t want to talk anymore with the guy who had changed so much, but deeper, I also was worried about his condition, unlike what I could see on the surface. He was like a time bomb. His kind and gentle appearance was seen as a warning to the end of the limit. As if you don¡¯t know what you¡¯re going to do if something twists like that, revealing the cruel nature you normally hide without filtration. For example, when I forcibly pulled my hand out of his. In an instant, the smile disappeared from his face. Despite the cold feeling, I spoke bluntly. ¡°You go to bed.¡± I pointed to the bedroom with my chin, but he stared at me with an expressionless face and forcibly grabbed my hand again. I immediately heard a warning when I moved my arm unconsciously due to the force. ¡°Be obedient.¡± As I raised my eyes firmly, he smiled politely at his mouth. ¡°Say it again.¡± ¡°You go to bed.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Well, it¡¯s because you can¡¯t sleep and you¡¯re being more crazy than usual. I barely swallowed the answer that came up to the tip of my tongue and came up with another answer. I don¡¯t know why I made this excuse either. ¡°¡­ Because I¡¯m sleepy.¡± As I spoke, the cold light in his eyes disappeared for a moment. With his eyes implying ¡®hm?¡¯, he asked. ¡°You¡¯re sleepy?¡± ¡°¡­ Yes.¡± Of course it¡¯s been a long time since I woke up. When I nodded my head, he just said ¡®Ah~¡¯ and returned to his soft eyes from a while ago. In addition, he smiled crookedly and chills ran down my back again. Should we just fight and hit instead? As I pondered, the madman grabbed my hand and stood up. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s sleep for now.¡± CH 49 I resisted the pulling force a little and endured it, but the guy, who felt better again, didn¡¯t notice and pulled me back. How on earth is this jerk so strong even when he is tired? I was dragged into the dark bedroom with dissatisfaction. He grabbed me and tried to climb onto the bed, but I resisted with both my feet. The guy with one leg up on the bed turned around, but it wasn¡¯t bright enough in the room for me to read his expression. ¡°Let me go.¡± ¡°Why?¡± In a few short words, I blurted out my true feelings without realizing it. ¡°Uncomfortable. I don¡¯t know why we should lie down together.¡± There was a moment of silence in response to the blunt answer, followed by a slow voice. ¡°Then you should sleep in the same bed with me more.¡± ¡°Why?¡± When I asked the same question back, the answer came right away this time. ¡°Your life is for atonement, so you shouldn¡¯t be comfortable. That¡¯s why you deliberately didn¡¯t pursue pleasure and found discomfort. So if you are uncomfortable, of course you should lie down with me.¡± ¡°¡­¡± I¡¯m tired, but my head is spinning. I know it¡¯s absurd logic, but I can¡¯t think of anything to say back. With that power, I supported the bed with one hand, barely holding on, and opened my mouth. ¡°I still don¡¯t want to.¡± The force pulling me stopped and his other hand rested on my shoulder instead. I realized my condition with the force of his grip. His muffled words also played a part. ¡°Saying no¡­ it sounds annoying.¡± For a moment, for a few seconds, I pondered again. Should I just push him and fight this lunatic? I gave up on the idea that came to mind and made up another excuse. ¡°I need to wash up too.¡± The answer that I grumbled out was, of course, a way to get away from him. Using that excuse to wash, I¡¯d sleep on the sofa. However, the plan was thwarted as the guy pulled the hand that rested on my shoulder. Right after the upper body fell on the bed mattress suddenly, the guy who pulled me put his nose in my neck and murmured. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I like your smell.¡± Contrary to my plan to stay up all night with my eyes open, I also fell asleep for several hours. The guy who had locked me in his arms lying on his side closed his eyes and fell asleep breathing evenly. I wanted to get out, but as soon as I made the slightest movement, he would stop me and murmur. ¡®You don¡¯t have to take a shower.¡¯ ¡®Hungry?¡¯ ¡®Thirsty?¡¯ and finally, ¡®Should we¡­?¡¯ After those words, I gave up on everything and closed my eyes. And the second time I woke up in his bed, I didn¡¯t wake up spontaneously this time. A faint tickling sensation was gathering in my lower abdomen. If you¡¯re a man, of course it would feel familiar. And although it was natural for it to stand up in the morning, it was absolutely rare to wake up with rapid breathing. ¡°¡­ Haa.¡± Without realizing it, I breathed out a hot breath and tried to move, but then I noticed the arm that had restrained me. Lying on his side, he was clinging to my back, wrapped around my waist under an unbuttoned shirt. And then, through his bare legs with his pants off, his hands were rubbing my thing. ¡°Hey¡­¡± Cr P ifa bea j nblmf atja kjr yjgfis mgjmxfv yfakffc tlr gbeut ygfjatr, atf ues ktb kjr remxlcu atf cjqf miecu ab ws yjmx jr lo tf tjv yffc kjlalcu. ¡°Qtja?¡± Zbnlcu tlr ilqr ab tlr fjgibyf, tf jrxfv ilutais. Ccv tlr tjcvr uba ojrafg. Zs ybvs, ktlmt tjv jigfjvs yffc fzmlafv lc lar riffq, kjr ecjyif ab erf lar fcfgus. ¡°Fuck¡­ what are you doing?¡± I spat out and twisted my shoulders. But the weak resistance was not going to work. After sleeping, the guy who returned to the usual madman, answered with a brazen voice. ¡°Making you feel good.¡± ¡°Who¡­ feels good¡­ haa-.¡± As he pulled my genitals hard, a tingling sensation spread through my lower abdomen along with pain. Closing my eyes and bending my back, I could feel the man behind me more clearly. And I also noticed that the area between my buttocks, which had already been touched by his hard object, was wet. This prick must have been¡­ Did he already cum on my body while I was sleeping? However, the only thing that came out of my mouth was a half-closed moan. ¡°Haa, haa¡­¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t feel good, that¡¯s fine too.¡± Raising the speed of his hand, he added with a laugh. ¡°You wanted to be uncomfortable. Or are you feeling good?¡± At the same time as the question, there was a squeaking sound. My genitals, wet with my already dripping bodily fluid, made a wet rubbing sound as his hands ran through it quickly. ¡°Tell me. how does it feel when i shake it. Oh, it seems like you¡¯ll be cumming soon. Your dick is hot like it¡¯s about to explode.¡± Chu~ ¡°And incredibly smooth.¡± A low voice entered my ear with a tongue caressing my ear. As if a damp voice encouraged it, the heat inside me boiled. Then, suddenly, holding the tip of my swollen penis, he stopped moving. The pleasure that had been rising as if climbing a stairway suddenly stopped. ¡°¡­¡± Without realizing it, I grabbed his wrist, which had stopped moving. Thanks to the hand that blocked my climax, the pain in addition to twisting in disappointment was added. ¡°¡­ Let go.¡± Of course, the guy behind me noticed the meaning of the words that he couldn¡¯t hear properly as it mixed with my breath. Once again, the lips that came down under my ears laughed on my skin, and then his body position suddenly changed. He grabbed me and laid me straight, then quickly climbed up. Then, without forgetting my dick in his hands, he put his knees between my legs. Before I could realize what was going on, he sat with his waist between my legs, which had already been spread open. Then, holding my waist with his other hand and pulling it tight, my legs were spread uncomfortably. The problem was his hand was still sorely holding my thing. In the state of not being able to cum, the blocked penis dominated all my senses. ¡°Damn it¡­ haa, let it go!¡± I clenched my teeth and twisted my upper body. However, no matter how hard I tried to push his arm away with my hand, there was no way I would succeed in this state. Instead, he grabbed my hand and led me elsewhere. I didn¡¯t have to look up to find out. He commanded, looking down at me from above, leading to a hot, hard pillar. ¡°Hold it.¡± His voice, as usual, felt hotter than the touch of his genitals. As I looked up with a frown and my chest lifted, he placed his immobile hands on top of mine, forcing me to hold his own. For a moment, the guy¡¯s eyes lit up darkly and he took a short breath. ¡°Fuck¡­ Shake it like that.¡± Then he released his gripping hand, grabbed my waist again, and pushed his body further between my legs. ¡°Your hesitation can only be interpreted as one thing. You like touching mine so much that you can¡¯t do it.¡± He curled up his lips and grabbed my genitals that had been blocked as if to squeeze it again. ¡°Ha-!¡± He bent over on his back and breathed out in pain, but he didn¡¯t know how to wait. ¡°Hurry. Do you want to cum too? Think of grabbing yours and shaking them and try to move.¡± Haa, haa¡­ Maybe it was because of the great pain, I closed my eyes and started moving my hand without realizing it. Then, as promised, the painful grip on my genitals disappeared. He opened his mouth and took a deep breath. Then I noticed the pleasure of slowly returning to my place. It was already too late to feel embarrassment or regret. I didn¡¯t even realize I was rubbing a big pillar that wasn¡¯t mine. I just closed my eyes and paid attention to the tickling pleasure that filled me inside. The faster I moved my hands, the greater pleasure came over me. He twisted his back and let out a moan. ¡°Haa¡­ ugh, ha-¡­¡± Then, for a moment, his hand holding mine seemed to stop, and his body tilted forward a little. When the stimulation began to come back to the genitals, I realized that something other than his hand had touched it. Before I knew it, his fingertips touched my hands, holding two genitals at once as if holding my hands that could not move properly. As he started rubbing, the monotonous stimulation up until now suddenly exploded. Squeak, squeak¡­ Mine and his were already glistening in the viscous fluid, making a noise with every move. Between him and my hand, it swelled solidly without growing any bigger. I felt like I was about to ejaculate soon, my back was curved up. Then a command was heard above my head. ¡°Open your eyes.¡± As I struggled to open my eyes to the voice mixed with harsh breathing, my eyes met him. Staring straight at me, he licked his lower lip with his tongue. Like a beast with a prey in front of it , his eyes darkened with lust. His gaze did not leave and gripped my waist strongly. As I looked into his eyes, my heart fluttered at the heightened sense of climaxing, and then I closed my eyes tightly again. ¡°Haa, ha, ¡­uh¡­ ugh!¡± Cloudy semen flowed from the tip of my genitals wriggling as my lower abdomen and thighs trembled like convulsions. The hot liquid, half-covering on my hand and half-dripped on my stomach, was first identified by the tart smell. After a few more wriggling, I noticed that my hand was still moving. Not of my will, but by the other hand. My heart beating as if sprinting for a short distance made noise inside. But when I opened my eyes, I could not feel the heartbeat. A frowned brow on his forehead and a low breath coming out of his slightly opened mouth. He held my hand and rubbed his genitals for a while longer, and his eyes closed for a moment as he spewed hot semen like mine. His small sigh of satisfaction continued to ring in my ear. I lay still, watching his eyes open soon. Dark eyes mixed with languor seemed to smile for a moment. But this feeling could not last long. He lowered his head, looked down at his wet hands, and held them between my legs. When the sticky and damp thing touched my back entrance, the hazy feeling disappeared as if waking up completely. My body stiffened, and he moved his other hand without hesitation, even though he should have noticed my changed reaction. He put his hands under my bent knees and lifted my legs. I was startled and tried to get my torso up, but I flinched at a finger coming in without warning. The guy who put his two fingers in at once with the help of the sticky semen groped inside and pushed in further. ¡°Ugh! Don¡¯t¡­¡± Apart from the pain, the whole body hardened like a piece of wood because of the discomfort. ¡°Relax.¡± The guy spoke easily and forcibly poked my insides. ¡°Damn it¡­¡± I blurted out abusive language and forced my gaze up. He narrowed his eyes and looked down at me with his fingers in it. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will send you back in time for the filming.¡± I noticed the guy¡¯s penis that didn¡¯t shrink even after ejaculating. I noticed with the excitement beneath his voice that he was serious. I shouldn¡¯t have put you to sleep. The guy who slept and woke up couldn¡¯t control his regained stamina, so the tip of his swollen penis was already shiny. ¡°How¡­ ugh¡­ can I believe that?¡± The guy who was stirring inside looking for something stopped moving and barely raised his eyes. In a different sense than when I saw a crazy dog, my heart sank for a moment in the eyes that lost reason. Then he twisted his lips. ¡°Why don¡¯t you believe it?¡± I could barely breathe because he stopped moving, so I muttered with my chest inflated. ¡°You¡¯re trying to bring down even the star of your company¡­ Ha, you¡¯re an executive, how do I know if you¡¯re going to keep your promise to a novice like me who is two months old? You only want to fuck me¡­¡± I closed my eyes for a moment to adjust to the feeling of foreign body embedded in me. In the meantime, there was no movement, and as I got used to the pain, I was able to face him calmly. ¡°After fucking me, you might disappear and handle me like you did with Cha Jungwoo.¡± The excitement and laughter in his eyes disappeared for a moment. Soon I felt the fingers that had been hurting me slowly slip away. Instead, the hand went up to my stomach. His still wet hands prowled around my belly button, as if walking with his fingers. ¡°Tell me straight.¡± Despite the emotionless eyes, the lips smiled softly. ¡°Are you just trying to avoid the situation, or do you really think I¡¯m going to betray you?¡± ¡°Both.¡± I said, placing my elbows on the bed and raising my upper body slightly. As the gaze drew closer, a faint fear emerged. Fear that the other party might kill me. However, as I stared without taking my eyes off him, unexpectedly, he backed away. He twisted his lips and murmured as if he couldn¡¯t hold back as if something was interesting. ¡°How absurd.¡± ¡°What is?¡± ¡°You still look pretty.¡± As soon as I heard what a woman could hear, I frowned. But he grinned again as if the idea was interesting, and lowered his head with my leg wrapped around his arm. Realizing what he was going to do, his lips touched first before pulling my leg out. Chu~. He kissed the inside of my thigh like sucking the flesh, and gently lowered my leg. At that moment, I stepped back and sat down to close my uncomfortable legs. ¡°There is only one reason I would backstab you.¡± He spoke dryly and got out of bed. ¡°When you finish your revenge and try to run away from me.¡± His naked body, standing upright, turned to me. His eyes were still on the stomach, but he looked away and raised his eyes. ¡°And, of course, it¡¯s my purpose to fuck you. But if that was my only intention, I wouldn¡¯t be here savoring it.¡± Without realizing it, my gaze fell back to his thing ¡°Other than that, what else is there?¡± I asked calmly as he struggled to lift the gaze that was constantly focused on my genitals. But strangely, an uncomfortable feeling spread inside. Why was my heart beating faster with his words and excited genitals? ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± I raised my eyes at the sudden words. Is he really saying he didn¡¯t know right now? But as he headed to the bathroom, he added lightly. ¡°I¡¯ll explain Cha Jungwoo¡¯s case after washing up. If I can¡¯t solve this even with cold water, it seems that my intention would change to fucking you.¡± He left and I realized I was sitting on the bed in a stupid position. I, too, was naked, with only a shirt on but it didn¡¯t cover up because it was open. Besides¡­ I was trying to take off the shirt and noticed that all the buttons were torn again. Doesn¡¯t that bastard know how to unbutton? CH 50 When I washed up in the other bathroom at his house and came out wearing only pants, he was already sitting on the sofa in the living room. Looking at something, he asked without raising his head. ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Instead of answering, I looked at the clock hanging on the wall. 7:20 in the morning. It¡¯s not like I slept a lot. But somehow it felt like a good night¡¯s sleep. I soon realized that these thoughts were unpleasant and erased them from my mind. I slept next to the madman, what¡¯s refreshing. Besides, as soon as I woke up, I lost my energy. ¡°Are you not going to work?¡± I sat down next to him and leaned my wet head against the back of the sofa. As I closed my eyes for a moment, his fingertips touched my face. Startled, when I opened my eyes, he brushed my cheek and touched my wet hair. ¡°Do you want me to dry it?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to work?¡± ¡°I asked first. Are you hungry?¡± Only then did I realize that I had ignored his question first, but feeling like I had lost something, I didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, I turned my head to the side and murmured, avoiding his hand. ¡°Not really.¡± ¡°Eat anyway. We can go out together to eat and then go to work.¡± He looked at his watch and made plans at his will, then suddenly added forcefully. ¡°I¡¯m not taking the subway.¡± ¡°Why? Are you afraid the first train on the subway isn¡¯t running at this time?¡± The corners of his mouth went up. Even though I was already familiar with the smiling face, it kept catching my eyes. ¡°No. If I can¡¯t stand it on the subway and take off your clothes, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll be ashamed.¡± On the contrary, it would be more interesting. I can send him to the police station as a pervert. As I tried to respond, the script in his hand caught my eyes. This was what I saw yesterday because Hansoo gave it to me. Noticing my gaze, he also lowered his eyes. ¡°Shall I tell you something interesting? Cha Jungwoo was also aiming for the lead of this work that will be dramatized next year. To be precise, he¡¯s one of the few actors who has a good chance of being the lead.¡± ¡°Then why did you want to eliminate him?¡± I remembered the former manager¡¯s voice from the recordings of Cha Jungwoo. It is clear that he reported that he called ¡®Yooni¡¯ and ¡®did you buy¡¯, in other words, Director Yoon, while talking about things like ¡®Jungwoo¡¯ and ¡®broker¡¯. He knew he was being recorded. Exactly what Director Yoon would have ordered. I didn¡¯t understand why he was trying to destroy the company¡¯s large asset easily, but he was giving an answer that was too easy. ¡°In case he tried to run away.¡± At that moment, the word ¡°run away¡± overlapped with the word ¡°run away¡± he said to me in the bedroom, and I was taken aback. But the words that followed had a different meaning. ¡°I found out that he contacted another agency with only six months left on his contract. Cha Jung woo is a big actor, if the contract period is short, someone else will approach him, so it¡¯s common. But if he actually wants to leave, it¡¯s a problem.¡± ¡°¡­So rather than letting him become someone else¡¯s product, you wanted to destroy him beforehand?¡± The voice that came out of my mouth was dry. The anger and absurdity I felt when I first found out he was behind Cha Jungwoo¡¯s issue seemed to have dried up after a day. He nodded his head indifferently to my question. ¡°Exactly. If it¡¯s on our side, it¡¯s a product, but if it¡¯s passed on to the other side, it¡¯ll be troublesome trash.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Fortunately, Cha Jungwoo also tried to abandon his manager. So I was able to handle it easily without having to conciliate with the manager.¡± Suddenly, I remembered what the road manager had said for the first time. When Cha Jungwoo asked his manager if he was the culprit, he said that he betrayed him first. It was because of this. However, I still didn¡¯t understand. He was not just a mid-level celebrity, Cha Jungwoo is a top star. ¡°Isn¡¯t it better to persuade and renew the contract with them than to knock him down? Rather than raising a top star like that again¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s much more profitable to raise them again.¡± Interrupting me, he smiled kindly as if explaining to a child. ¡°Celebrities are made. Except for a few really special people, we make everything with our own hands. They are just prince and princess dolls that only show their good looks on TV that the public wants. Cha Jungwoo¡¯s a top star? I promise you, I can get you to that position in two years. Because there are dolls scattered all over this industry. But those who don¡¯t know that and only inflate their heads forget their own value. The level of a doll.¡± The word ¡®doll¡¯, which refers to an inanimate object, sounded chilling. I realized that in his eyes, the celebrities of the agency do not look like people. No, maybe he considered everyone else subordinates. I suddenly had a sudden curiosity. What did I look like? However, when I thought about it, I thought it was a useless question and erased it. ¡°Snlvfcmf gfmbgvfv ys Jtj Aecukbb¡¯r fz-wjcjufg¡­ Tbe ifjxfv la, gluta? rb atja atf rajoo gfijafv ab Zsecurtlc lr lcnbinfv.¡± ¡°P vbc¡¯a tjnf ab vb atf vlgas kbgx klat ws bkc tjcvr, vb P?¡± Lf rtgeuufv tlr rtbeivfgr jr lo tf kjr ufaalcu atf yfra bo ybat kbgivr. ¡°Lbcfrais, la vlvc¡¯a tjnf ab yf Vbcu Zsecurtlc. Po la kjr wjafglji atja kbeiv yglcu vbkc Jtj Aecukbb, fnfc lo la kjr ulnfc ab jcbatfg jmabg, jcsbcf kbeiv tjnf vlrmibrfv la bc atflg bkc. Lbkfnfg, rlcmf atf bqqbgaeclas mjwf, P atbeuta atja P mbeiv kfjnf jcv klqf bea Vbcu Zsecurtlc klat atlr lcmlvfca. Snfc lo sbe vlvc¡¯a rfa bea ab jnfcuf sbegrfio.¡± ¡°The reason why you broke the scandal this time¡­ are you going to use it as an opportunity to wipe out Myungshin?¡± ¡°Well, there¡¯s that too. The timing was right too. I have to set it up before Cha Jungwoo¡¯s summons to the police, so I can throw interesting prey for the reporters.¡± Interesting prey¡­ It must be Cha Jungwoo who appears at the police station. ¡°For the issue to go on, something has to explode at least every 2-3 days. Only then will Cha Jungwoo tremble like a dog. However, I didn¡¯t expect Song Myungshin to be completely wiped out by this incident.¡± Then he murmured softly, ¡®Well, I can still cut off a twig.¡¯ I wanted to ask what that meant, but another question popped up instead. Was he saying that Song Myungshin is more difficult when Cha Jungwoo is also taken down at once? ¡°Because Chairman Kim is behind Myungshin?¡± ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t have to worry about him.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Why are you laughing?¡± Did I laugh? That¡¯s probably¡­ ¡°Because it sounds like you care about me. A lot for a guy whose main purpose is fucking me.¡± Afterwards, I thought he would give an absurd reply like the usual madman, but he remained silent. Then he suddenly got up from his seat, and turned around, leaving a short comment. ¡°Prepare to go out.¡± What? That¡¯s it? It wasn¡¯t until he slammed the door shut and disappeared into the room that I realized I had won my first argument. However, I wasn¡¯t happy at all. No, it felt rather dirty. My heart was beating needlessly again at his reaction of not refuting me. I ate too much in the morning. I focused on breathing while watching the scenery passing by as I tried to soothe the burden on my stomach in a luxury car that drove smoothly. It was all because of the madman. At the breakfast buffet at the hotel, he saw how much I ate and laughed and provoked me , so I ended up eating several plates. Actually, he didn¡¯t eat properly because he was talking on the phone with someone throughout the meal. The call was in English, so I couldn¡¯t understand the content, but I could feel that he was angry with the other person, probably because he didn¡¯t get what he wanted. He said that he was waiting for a call from the US because he came late the day before. Did that not go well? After hanging up the phone, the guy just drove without saying a word the whole time he was on his way to work. It wasn¡¯t that the car was quiet. I don¡¯t know what kind of singer it was, but one person¡¯s song was constantly playing on the audio. Seeing that a familiar pop song came up in the middle, it was probably a famous singer. I was the first to speak when the car stopped at a traffic light before reaching the company. ¡°Stop over there for me.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Are you asking because you don¡¯t know? Stunned, I looked back at him and he glanced away. ¡°If someone catches me, rumors are scary, the crowded streets are more dangerous.¡± When the signal changed, he started the car. ¡°Right, the company¡¯s underground parking lot must be very safe.¡± ¡°What does it matter? If someone from work sees you, they¡¯ll think I gave you a ride on the way, but if they see you getting off near the office, they¡¯ll be suspicious. What¡¯s the point of hiding it?¡± When he said it, I thought it was probably true. I just shouldn¡¯t have taken this car in the first place. I had a small regret, but he suddenly turned up the audio volume. Since one song had just finished and a new one had begun, I was curious and asked. ¡°Do you like this song?¡± ¡°No.¡± The answer was so resolute that my mind that asked lightly was belatedly filled with curiosity. His expression contributed to my curiosity. As soon as the song started, I twitched my lips thinking about what to do and smiled. Then he suddenly asked something out of the blue. ¡°Have you read everything yet?¡± I nodded my head knowing that he was pointing to the screenplay I had placed on my lap. ¡°I have some left.¡± ¡°Look at everything and look at the original.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°That drama is a big company project, so there are many actors aiming for it.¡± It was a big project, but strangely, I felt indifference as it was someone else¡¯s business. Why? As I wondered, I heard his additional words. ¡°Especially Song Myungshin.¡± Then, as if he remembered something, he looked at me with a smile. ¡°Of course you¡¯re after it, too.¡± The words that came out easily from his mouth made a chill run down me. ¡°¡­ I never said anything like that.¡± ¡°Not directly. However, when you said that you would approach ¡®Director Yoon¡¯ in the first place, it means practically the same thing. It¡¯s Director Yoon¡¯, not someone else. According to common sense, isn¡¯t Song Myungshin¡¯s sponsor the first person you should approach to get revenge on him? You can just snatch him away. However, the fact that you separately pointed out ¡®Director Yoon¡¯, you must have known that Song Myungshin was trying to approach me. Only because of the drama.¡± This is why people with good brains are uncomfortable. I didn¡¯t have anything to deny, so I turned my eyes to the front, but he said the same thing again. ¡°Make sure to look at the original.¡± Then he added a cold laugh as if he were talking to himself. ¡°Those who know a lot and prepare always win.¡± *** Before going up to the small conference room where I always meet with the manager, the madman greeted me strangely, saying, ¡®See you in 10 minutes.¡¯ When I opened the door of the conference room, wondering what exactly would happen 10 minutes later, the restless manager and Hansoo greeted me inside in a loud voice. ¡°Taemin!! Why aren¡¯t you answering the phone?!¡± ¡°Ugh~ I was so worried because I couldn¡¯t contact you?!¡± Phone? It was only then that I took my phone out of my pocket and realized that it was turned off. I wondered if the battery had run out, so when I pressed the power button, a full battery indicator appeared on the screen along with a bright fire. what? I¡¯ve never turned off the power. At that time, the manager¡¯s whining continued. ¡°At dawn, the company suddenly called for a meeting in the morning so I called you, but you didn¡¯t answer the phone. So I tried again because I thought you were asleep, but the power was turned off¡­ Taemin, was I bothering you by any chance?!¡± Avoiding the manager who was about to cling to my arm, I thought of another human who would have turned off the power. Damn this jerk. While gritting my teeth, Hansoo clung to my arm on the other side. ¡°I was really worried because I couldn¡¯t reach you!¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about, I just didn¡¯t answer the phone?¡± As I shook off Hansoo and refuted as if it was annoying, I soon heard the reason for his concern. ¡°Of course I am worried! Director Yoon asked us to gather, but what should we do without Taemin who has the face of an iron plate?¡± So that was the subject of concern. And with the iron plate on my face, I resolutely shook off the two who were trying to cling onto me again. ¡°Is Director Yoon some sort of monster?¡± ¡®Well, he¡¯s certainly a madman¡¯, I muttered to myself, but the manager answered seriously. ¡°A monster would be better. Then I can scream and run away.¡± Hansoo nodded from the side and added. ¡°Director Yoon is just fear, fear.¡± I looked back and forth between the two with a really incomprehensible face. But he¡¯s a smiling guy on the outside, what¡¯s there to fear? ¡°There is nothing to be afraid of. It¡¯s not like he¡¯s specifically targeting and firing us.¡± Then, the manager shouted, putting his hand on my shoulder with a slap. ¡°This idiot! Did you forget the meeting with Director Yoon at xxx city? He is someone who casually asks common sense about the capital of Lithuania!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, looking at your expression, it seems like you¡¯ve finally remembered. We barely escaped that crisis thanks to the ¡®madman¡¯ back then, but what if he asks about other common sense at the meeting?! We are like wooden chopsticks at a Chinese restaurant rolling around in drawers that don¡¯t matter if they are thrown right away!¡± Why do I have to be paired with these people and become wooden chopsticks? Since the madman was Director Yoon, there will surely be something that can be handled if such a question comes out. I wanted to blurt that out, but I held back. If you know that the idiot is the same person as Director Yoon, you might be more terrified. ¡°¡­ think of Lithuania as just an exception.¡± ¡°An exception? Do you think Lithuania¡¯s capital is a matter of common sense?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I nodded and gave an explanation reluctantly to the shocked two. ¡°It may be common knowledge to Koreans that there is a lake in the shape of the Korean Peninsula in that country.¡± ¡°¡­ Eh?¡± ¡°¡­ Huh?¡± The two made a silly sound at the same time, proving that they were a pair of wooden chopsticks. Anyway, I don¡¯t have time for such small talk about their fear of Director Yoon. ¡°So there is no need to be afraid.¡± As soon as I pushed hard on the two dazed people, the two of them faced each other and blinked their eyes, saying, ¡°Is that so?¡± Hansoo said, ¡®Ah!¡¯ as if it had worked. ¡°Oh, did you hear that rumor? Come to think of it, Director Yoon, maybe he really is a normal person. Well, he said he took the morning commute by train a few days ago!¡± Train? Next to the surprised manager, I narrowed my eyes. A rumor as in¡­ ¡°Moreover, he met a company trainee on the train, my God¡­¡± Hansoo suddenly lowered his voice and narrowed his eyes. ¡°As he got off the train, he dropped his stuff in front of Director Yoon. Then, he deliberately waited in the underground parking lot, stuck to him, and just waggled his tail!¡± Wait, who the hell is that about? While I was bewildered, the manager burst into anger. ¡°No, how can there be such a red fox!¡± ¡°What¡¯s even more surprising is that he¡¯s a man!¡± ¡°What?! So¡­ a red wolf?! How do you train actors like that? What kind of person is their manager?!¡± You. ¡°Right? It¡¯s also the manager¡¯s fault. The fact that the trainee did that could have been deliberately ordered by the manager. I want to see the face of an actor under such a manager.¡± You. But this time, the truth didn¡¯t come out. The excited Hansu added new information. ¡°And the red wolf, oh, I¡¯m amazed¡­ he didn¡¯t just meet Director Yoon in the underground parking lot, and he deliberately approached him when he was with the President and even promoted himself. He must have just put on a show. Wow~ How many iron plates did he put on his face? Isn¡¯t that right, Taemin?¡± ¡°¡­¡± As I stared at Hansoo without a word, all I could think of was my gratitude towards the madman who said he didn¡¯t want to take the subway. Even more so, Listening to the next words. ¡°Well, anyway, because of that, not only the trainees, but also the new actors have all been on the subway in the morning, making a fuss. Oh my God, did you see the well-known xxx or ooo on the subway this morning?¡± ¡°What a spectacle.¡± Listening to the manager shaking his head, I asked Hansoo. ¡°You came by bus, right?¡± At my words, the manager looked back at Hansoo. And looking closely, I realized that Hansoo, unlike usual, had come with his hair neatly arranged in a neat outfit. Startled by our gaze, he averted his eyes and opened his mouth. ¡°That, it¡¯s just that the bus didn¡¯t come for a long time¡­¡± I thought I should remind him of his boasting that there are six types of buses that go to the company, but I gave up because I was annoyed. I just wanted to end the conversation at this point, but at Hansoo¡¯s excuse, the manager started to comfort me. ¡°Taemin you don¡¯t have to be upset about that red wolf. After all, don¡¯t you already have an unusual relationship with Director Yoon?¡± Did you know he was the ¡®madman¡¯? After looking at me for a moment, he smiled benevolently and patted me on the shoulder. ¡°You took a piss together with director Yoon, who else would have such a precious connection? Hm?¡± The manager, laughing out loud and having fun, forgot his fear of Director Yoon and happily went out the door with Hansoo. I, who stayed behind, couldn¡¯t follow right away because I was a little worried. Should I just go solo? CH 51 Editor: Re Pr: TT Since the manager was called, it must mean that the others who gathered three days ago were also called. As if my prediction came true, Myungshin, a company employee, and Chief Park were present at the same place as three days ago. Including the madman, of course. However, the situation was the exact opposite of three days ago. Director Yoon pointed his chin at the manager who just entered as he threw the file in front of Myungshin. ¡°This is the evidence you brought from the other side last night claiming that you are innocent.¡± ¡°Evidence¡­ ?¡± Myungshin picked up the file and spoke with a firm expression. It seems that they didn¡¯t know about Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager¡¯s case yet. Maybe they were busy looking for loopholes in their evidence because of my words. So, knowing that the evidence was Cha Jungwoo¡¯s contract, the first thing he did was put a questionable expression on his face. ¡°What kind of evidence is this¡­¡± He tried to refute, but suddenly shut up as if he had read something in the contract. He stared at the paper with a look of disbelief that said he had only just noticed the new manager¡¯s name on the first line of the contract. ¡°What kind of evidence is it¡­ explain it yourself.¡± Director Yoon ordered me, not the manager. At the same time, Myungshin turned his head towards me. As soon as he saw it, his eyes narrowed and a smile formed on his lips. As if he was saying, ¡®Oh, come to think of it, you said you were going to get revenge on me, right?¡¯ mockingly. ¡°Right. Could you please explain, Lee Taemin?¡± When he saw the manager¡¯s name on the contract, he probably already expected what I would say, there was no bewilderment in his eyes. A different atmosphere than three days ago, no, two days ago. Maybe it¡¯s because the mindset of the guy towards me has changed. Like he was saying he would listen to my purpose of revenge and take it seriously. It was because he realized that I was someone he could get rid of even if I made up my mind seriously. Anyway, Myungshin knows me as a poisonous species that clings to opponents even while shedding blood. So I smiled at him too. ¡°You¡¯ve seen it, do you still need an explanation? How do you memorize lines with that head?¡± Myungshin¡¯s faint smile disappeared and a cold voice flowed. ¡°Shut up. Can¡¯t you tell there are things you can and cannot say to your seniors in front of other people?¡± Then, he twisted his lips at the manager standing next to me. ¡°You did a great job educating the newcomers.¡± ¡°Really? I thought you were the one I taught the best.¡± The manager stepped forward and pointed to the file that Myungshin was still holding in his hand. ¡°Like you said three days ago, if I framed Cha Jungwoo, he wouldn¡¯t have hired me as his manager.¡± Myungshin tilted his head as if he had thrown away the bright image he had been camouflaging in front of Director Yoon. ¡°Cha Jungwoo may not know because he is a fool.¡± The manager¡¯s expression darkened at the sarcastic remark that came out without hesitation. Rather than angry, he stared at Myungshin with a sad expression. ¡°¡­ Then, are you, who is not as famous, more of a fool than Cha Jungwoo?¡± In the words mixed with a low sigh, the manager still felt sorry for Myungshin. It seems that there is a part in his heart that he can¡¯t throw away yet. Maybe that¡¯s the memory of the good Myungshin he raised in the past. So, rather than feeling frustrated, I felt curious first. The good feelings of the past still remained in a corner of my heart, and I recalled that feeling with my memories. Maybe if you opened my chest and took out the heart, it would be bright red. Not gray like lime. I clearly had pleasant memories with Myungshin, but it¡¯s different from my heart that doesn¡¯t feel any emotions. ¡°If you made a mistake, apologize, Myungshin-ah.¡± The manager suddenly called Myungshin by his real name and took a step forward. ¡°No matter how big a mistake you make, if you sincerely apologize, you will be forgiven someday.¡± These words were directed at Myungshin, but my breath stopped in an instant. Unknowingly, I set my eyes on the back of the manager who stepped forward. An old, faded jacket. His ensuing voice echoed around me as if it could be heard from afar. ¡°Tbe wjs atlcx la¡¯r abb ijaf jcv atfgf klii yf cb obgulnfcfrr, yea cb, atfgf lr jikjsr j ijra mtjcmf. Vb jrx obg obgulnfcfrr. Pa¡¯r cba abb ijaf cbk. jqbibulhf jcv jvwla kgbcu. Dea lo sbe wlrr atf wbwfca¡­¡± ¡°Vabq la, Zjcjufg Jtbl. Tbe ralii tjnfc¡¯a ubaafc glv bo atja mtlivlrt tjyla bo qgfjmtlcu? Qtja lo P wlrr la fnfc atlr alwf? Cgf sbe rjslcu P¡¯w cba fnfc tewjc? Xbrt¡­¡± Myungshin laughed and shook his head. ¡°I see you pretending to be nice again in front of Director Yoon, but you don¡¯t have to be so elated just because this happened to your advantage.¡± Then he turned around and set the paper down on the table. ¡°I¡¯m a bit disappointed, Director Yoon. Isn¡¯t this just circumstantial evidence? You have real evidence and even my testimony, but are you trying to let go of the culprit just because he became Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager?¡± ¡°What if it¡¯s not just that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not¡­ just that?¡± ¡°What if there is substantial evidence and testimony that Manager Choi is not the culprit?¡± ¡°There can be no such thing¡­¡± ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m lying? For Manager Choi?¡± Director Yoon pointed at the manager with a smile on his face. ¡°What is so great about him? Oh, yes.¡± His gaze turned to me. In an instant, I saw a smile spread in his eyes. ¡°I could be like this because I want to sleep with a trainee who has only been around for a few months.¡± There was silence for a while. But soon, Myungshin gave an answer mixed with a sigh. ¡°Of course, I know it¡¯s not like that. I just can¡¯t believe there is evidence.¡± While Myungshin was talking, the manager next to me whispered to me. ¡°He said he wanted to sleep with you. Director Yoon is good at joking.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hm? You aren¡¯t surprised by Director Yoon¡¯s joke?¡± Then he patted me on the back as if saying it was okay. However, I didn¡¯t feel very okay even with the manager¡¯s consolation. Talking nonsense in front of people, this crazy prick¡­ But, except for me, Director Yoon¡¯s joke eased the bloody atmosphere for a while, and Myungshin took the opportunity to speak softly. ¡°Please let me know. The evidence. Then I will take a step down for now.¡± ¡°One step is not enough.¡± ¡°Not enough? Are you saying that I, who has only been guilty of testifying for the company, should take responsibility for this?¡± Unlike the forced smile, Myungshin¡¯s voice lowered. Unexpectedly, Director Yoon shook his head and relieved Myungshin¡¯s anxiety. ¡°That can¡¯t be. I¡¯m not really interested in whether or not Song Yoohan will take responsibility for this. I¡¯m just doing it because it¡¯s my job. However, since it is related to me, I have no choice but to hold you accountable.¡± In other words, it meant that he was not interested in the company work but it was more so because it was related to him. Aside from whether that came from the director of the company, his personal grudge in answering Myungshin¡¯s question left everyone speechless. ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s related to Director Yoon?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me when we gathered here three days ago? I said I hope this information is accurate as I woke up from the most pleasant sleep in years. But if the information is wrong.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What about my sleep?¡± What? It¡¯s probably not just me, the same word might have popped up in the others¡¯ minds. And thoughts such as ¡®so, in the end, the reason why you tried to solve this was because you were pissed off about waking up?¡¯ There was real irritation in his words, so no one could ask if this was a joke. In the meantime, Director Yoon gestured to Chief Park. Then, Chief Park took out a small recorder from his pocket and pressed the play button toward the people. While everyone was caught off guard by the atmosphere that changed in an absurd turn, a noise that appeared to be a phone call soon began to be heard from the small speaker. A man¡¯s voice mixed with it, returning the atmosphere to its original seriousness. ¡°I did it. Jungwoo¡­ I secretly recorded the corruption of actor Cha Jungwoo, and secretly passed it on to a company employee for money and leaked it on the Internet. I can show you proof if you want.¡± It was the first time I¡¯d heard that voice , but I seemed to know who it was even without an explanation. Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager. And among his words, there was one that was particularly audible; that he got paid. I couldn¡¯t help but look at Director Yoon. While using Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager, the money to bribe him was actually given by Myungshin. In addition, he thought of catching Myungshin with it. Of course, Myungshin must have taken the opportunity to use the evidence to bring down Cha Jungwoo as a windfall. He doesn¡¯t even know that he got involved in Director Yoon¡¯s behind the scenes operation. Do you have to be smart to do stupid things? I let out an unwelcome admiration, but I heard Chief Park¡¯s question on the tape recorder. ¡ª Is it a company employee? Who did you give it to? In an instant, I saw the small movement of two people in my field of vision. Myungshin clenched his fists with his eyes wide open. And he and his employee close to him took a step back with pale faces. However, before he could even step back, Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager¡¯s answer came. ¡ª Assistant Kim of Team xx. I handed it over to him.¡± All eyes were on the employee at once. Chief Park must have stopped the tape recorder, and the interior of the room was covered in icy silence. And at the center, the employee who was starting to tremble muttered in disbelief. ¡°No, that¡¯s ridiculous¡­ he definitely would keep it a secret¡­¡± Then, startled, he looked at everyone with devastated eyes and opened his mouth. ¡°I- It¡¯s n- not me. D- Director Yoon, it¡¯s not me¡­¡± Then, the employee turned to Myungshin and raised his finger. ¡°So- Song Yoohan ordered me to¡­¡± ¡°What nonsense!¡± A sharp shout cut off the employee¡¯s words. The employee froze with his mouth open and stared blankly at Myungshin. He looked as if he couldn¡¯t believe what he said to him, but Myungshin added annoyance to the raised voice. ¡°You are lying to drag someone in. I made you do it? What? Do you have any proof?¡± ¡°Yoo- Yoohan¡­ What are you talking about¡­ Are you trying to betray me?¡± ¡°Betray? I think you¡¯re trying to drag me in because we were friendly, but don¡¯t be mistaken. Did you do this? It was me who believed in your words and accused Manager Choi, what betrayal are you talking about.¡± Clatter~ The staff couldn¡¯t support his trembling legs and staggered with his hands on the table next to him. Contemplating and about to collapse, he kept his mouth open like an idiot as if his speech was blocked. Myungshin glared at him coldly, then took a few steps away from the employee as if to announce that he was innocent. He then looked back at Director Yoon, who smiled as if he was having fun. ¡°That person is the culprit. I am also very startled, Director Yoon.¡± ¡°You look pretty upset too. Did you not order it?¡± ¡°No. I never did anything like that.¡± Myungshin sighed resolutely, gritted his teeth for a moment, and lowered his eyes as if deciding something. Taking advantage of the chance, the employee who was barely breathing suddenly shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to that guy! It was done by Song Yoohan. Everything was done by Song Yoohan!¡± ¡°I told you to shut up!¡± Myungshin growled lowly and twisted his face in a stern manner. It was a Myunghshin I had never seen before. Perhaps it had changed to his true appearance. ¡°Song Yoohan¡­ could you do this to me? For you to settle in this place, did you know how much I¡¯ve-¡± ¡°Stop talking nonsense!¡± ¡°Nonsense? Will you say that even after hearing this? The money I gave to Cha Jungwoo¡¯s manager, the money you gave me. Do you remember where you gave it to me? When I went to the bar room where I met you, I had put a hidden camera in my bag.¡± The employee gripped the chair so that his joints were exposed in white, his chest shaking as if he was out of breath. ¡°Haa¡­ I filmed it because I was afraid this would happen¡­ I never thought I would actually use it. Song Yoohan. Are you going to survive this alone? Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡± The employee¡¯s pale face felt uncanny. When Myungshin kept his mouth shut and didn¡¯t say anything, the employee turned to Director Yoon. ¡°Now you know. It¡¯s all because of Song Yoohan. He ordered it in the first place¡­¡± ¡°I told you to stop talking nonsense.¡± ¡°What? Weren¡¯t you listening? The camera-¡± ¡°What about it?¡± After retorting the employee, Myungshin looked back at Director Yoon with a strangely calm face. A faint smile spread across his face. It really doesn¡¯t suit him in this situation, which was absolutely to his disadvantage. And when everyone felt puzzled, his calm argument continued. ¡°It¡¯s not me. Rather, I¡¯m a victim. I was tricked by that person and even testified against Manager Choi. I think Director Yoon will trust me.¡± ¡°Why should I trust you?¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± An inaudible whisper came out. The rest of the people didn¡¯t seem to understand what Myungshin was saying, but the madman who met his face seemed to understand his meaning. Until he made a big smile with dimples showing. His eyes are fiercely staring at the opponent. Myungshin repeated in a clearer voice. ¡°Because of Dream Planning.¡± Myungshin shut his mouth as if everything had been explained with these words, but Director Yoon put the brakes on. ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s because of Dream Planning?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Song Yoohan. Tell me in detail. I don¡¯t understand.¡± What he said with a grin seemed like a lie not only to Myungshin, but also to my own eyes. Even though he knew at once what Myungshin meant, he deliberately tried to hear it directly. It was as if he was trying to confirm whether what he thought was correct. Myungshin added a little explanation after thinking for a while. ¡°Dream Planning can be taken away.¡± It was an explanation I still couldn¡¯t understand, but Director Yoon didn¡¯t ask for more. Myungshin, assuming that he had reacted, added brightly. As if the worries from a while ago disappeared and everything became easier. ¡°Of course, I am not saying this because someone interfered with Director Yoon¡¯s personal investment in the US right now.¡± The smile disappeared from Director Yoon¡¯s face. He looked at Myungshin and spoke slowly. ¡°Interfere¡­ that means the old man over there will definitely set foot in this.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Myungshin easily answered Director Yoon¡¯s confirmation, and he smiled. ¡°I was on Director Yoon¡¯s side from the beginning. So you have to take my word for it. Otherwise, I have no choice but to turn my back on Director Yoon.¡± The last sentence came out confidently. It was only then that I realized why Myungshin showed his true self in front of Director Yoon after reading the contract. He knew it was not possible to simply seduce him with a smile. The problem is from his proposal, the person named Chairman Kim must have plotted something in the background. What was it? Dream Planning was a drama production company affiliated with the company. In addition, he even interfered with Director Yoon¡¯s work in the United States. I was trying to sort things out that I didn¡¯t understand, but I heard Director Yoon¡¯s slow reply. ¡°I see. If Song Yoohan is on my side¡­¡± He curled his lips again and stared at Myungshin coldly. ¡°Then I have no choice but to take Song Yoohan¡¯s side.¡± CH 52 A triumphant smile spread across Myungshin¡¯s face as he faced him. ¡°Thank you. As expected of Director Yoon.¡± Director Yoon looked back at Chief Park while listening to Myungshin¡¯s praise. ¡°Did you hear? Song Yoohan has nothing to do with this. Let¡¯s finish this with the punishment of Assistant Kim.¡± At that, Assistant Kim shouted, saying it was nonsense, but Chief Park dragged him out of the conference room. Watching him go out making a fuss, I suddenly understood what the madman said. Even if he couldn¡¯t take Myungshin out, he could get rid of the twigs. And that twig was that person. As he left and the door closed, an awkward silence came. Myungshin looked at me and the manager with a smile, as if he was happy that Director Yoon had stepped back. As if he was saying, you can¡¯t screw me over no matter how much you crawl and jump. ¡°Manager Choi, you told me to apologize before it was too late. I¡¯m sorry. I thought the manager did something like what he did in the past again. Now, since I apologized, will you forgive me?¡± The grin on his face brightened as he saw the manager¡¯s dark expression. ¡°Next time we meet, I will treat you. Properly.¡± The underlying meaning of the bright voice could be understood by anyone. I¡¯ll step on you properly next time. Then, as if ignoring my existence, he turned to Director Yoon. ¡°I¡¯m really glad we found the culprit. And while I¡¯m talking about it like this, if you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like to arrange something. There is someone who really wants to meet Director Yoon.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± He asked with a smile and easily agreed. ¡°I also wanted to meet him once, so please set a time and let me know. It¡¯ll be my treat.¡± ¡°Yes, he will be delighted too. He likes to meet people.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± Director Yoon smiled lightly, and then he suddenly turned to me. ¡°Since he likes to meet people, the two of you should also go together.¡± Quickly, Myungshin quickly turned his head and glared at the manager. He must have thought that he had made this offer to the manager standing next to me. ¡°I appreciate Director Yoon¡¯s suggestion, but I think Manager Choi won¡¯t like it.¡± Isn¡¯t that right? As Myungshin added, he glared at the manager. ¡°It¡¯s because there is someone under him that Manager Choi may be reluctant to meet.¡± He didn¡¯t name who it was, but I could tell by the look of the manager, whose face was drained of blood. He was referring to the mad dog. ¡°Manager Choi, am I right?¡± ¡°¡­ Yes.¡± The manager barely muttered a reply as if the fear of the mad dog had come to mind. Satisfied, Myungshin turned to me this time and spoke to Director Yoon. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good place for this trainee to fit in, so there¡¯s no need to call him¡­¡± ¡°Lee Taemin, aren¡¯t you going?¡± He interrupted Myungshin and asked me. I nodded at him, meeting his eyes properly for the first time since entering the room. ¡°No, I will go.¡± And looking at Myungshin whose eyebrows were twisted, I expressed my gratitude. ¡°Thank you for the invitation. I¡¯d be happy to join.¡± *** It was mainly Hansoo who chatted throughout the entire trip to the set. The manager was answering on the pretext of driving, but from the occasional dark expression he seemed to be thinking about Myungshin. I was also thinking about what happened in the morning, but I was more concerned about the madman than Myungshin. If Chairman Kim was interfering with his work, wouldn¡¯t he eventually listen to Chairman Kim? Maybe contrary to what it looks like, he¡¯s trying too hard to win. No, him being unable to sleep and clinging to work was proof of that. From the first time I saw him, he would go up to the rooftop while working overtime, and he would make an office space in Alice and just keep working, but I didn¡¯t notice his efforts because his confidence was obscuring it. So, I felt like I had discovered a different side of him. It was always right in front of my eyes. And not sleeping that much and focusing only on work is something I couldn¡¯t do either. Maybe this is why I have faith that he will win, while I am worried about the issue with Chairman Kim. It¡¯s not because he¡¯s an overconfident lunatic, but because he¡¯s putting in a lot of effort. In the shaking car, I imagined the silent suicide scene with my eyes hundreds of times. I was disturbed by the intrusive thoughts, but as I concentrated, at one point I was standing alone in the air. In a white and empty space, sets entered one by one. A gray cement roof floor, a chest-high fence built on top of it. Bang, shut the iron door behind my back. The background was only the sky. Come, let¡¯s go die. The moment my body fell from the air, someone¡¯s voice shattered the space like glass. ¡°Kjfwlc, jgfc¡¯a sbe ufaalcu boo?¡± Qtfc P bqfcfv ws fsfr, P tjv jigfjvs jgglnfv ja atf rfa. Ktf rtbba tjv bcf wbgf rmfcf atjc qijccfv. Ktf rmfcf ktfgf ws mtjgjmafg olclrtfr kbgx lc atf boolmf yfobgf ublcu eq ab atf gbboabq. Lf ujnf wf j cfk rmglqa jcv fzqijlcfv atja atf vlgfmabg jvvfv la yfmjerf atf lwqbgajcmf bo ws gbif lcmgfjrfv, yea P vlvc¡¯a delaf ecvfgrajcv. Dfmjerf atf rmfcf bo bgujclhlcu kbgx lc atf boolmf yfobgf mbwwlaalcu relmlvf vlvc¡¯a rffw atja lwqbgajca. Mbgaecjafis, atfgf kjr cbatlcu vloolmeia jybea atf jmalcu, jcv atf ilcfr kfgf rtbga. Wearing a clean shirt, a neat tie, and a wrinkle-free suit, my hair was fixed with gel. The glasses given as props were awkward, but when I finished preparing and went out, people¡¯s eyes were drawn to something else. I was about to approach the desk where I had to act, but the manager and Hansoo were staring at something. Their eyes were on PD Jung and a certain woman, who were talking in the place where I was going to be acting. The two of them were talking about something, but when I approached, they turned their heads. Then he opened his eyes wide and stiffened. Why? When I turned around, he looked me up and down as if appreciating something strange. ¡°Wow¡­ he looks like a completely different person. It¡¯s no joke.¡± As Hansoo exclaimed, the manager shrugged and opened his mouth. ¡°I knew it. Because Taemin doesn¡¯t have a distinctively handsome face, I thought he could pull off all sorts of atmospheres. Hahaha~ I have an eye for things.¡± ¡°Yes, the atmosphere has really changed. Truly, being a little handsome is important.¡± ¡°Right, you need to be a little handsome like Taemin to look dressed up if you dress up. Haha, isn¡¯t it nice Taemin-ah, you¡¯re only handsome just enough.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Clack, clack. The two of them stepped back at the same time and the manager opened his mouth. ¡°T- there are people¡­ Are you going to hit me?¡± I really wanted to hit him. However, the others were calling me, so I just turned around and the manager and Hansoo from behind immediately greeted me innocently saying ¡®Hehe~ fighting~¡¯. Suspecting that the two of them are enjoying themselves, I approached the desk where I was to act. PD Jung was showing the script to an ordinary-looking woman my age and telling her something. The woman in a suit like me was a co-worker, whom I had a small chat with as I was about to leave after work. With his hand, PD Jung was directing where to stop and talk, taking into account the movement line and the position of the camera. I listened closely to the two of them, and checked my lines on the script. ¡®Deputy Kim, are you going to the XXX company tomorrow afternoon? What time are you going? I also have something to go to .¡¯ Then I just check the time and leave the office. My line was just ¡®four o¡¯clock.¡¯ Other than that, it¡¯s just sitting down and sorting things out. PD Jung instructed me on the route to move as he did to the actress, and I had time to prepare by sitting down first for the screen to be filmed. It was only after that that I matched my movements with the actress for the first time. Although she had short lines, I realized that her movements were very natural. Just looking at this scene, the actress was like an extra, so it¡¯s not like I thought she might be someone without an acting career. When she was feeling a little odd, she leaned against her cubicle and spoke to me , taking advantage of the delay with camera adjustments. ¡°You¡¯ve really only been acting for two months, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a pretty big role for a rookie, but aren¡¯t you nervous?¡± ¡°I am not nervous.¡± ¡°What did you do before acting?¡± ¡°Do I have to answer?¡± I replied curtly, and she smiled comfortably as if she had burst into a grin she had endured. ¡°Just like Hyunjoon said, you¡¯re a funny guy.¡± When I remembered that the name, Hyun-joon, was the lead actor in this movie, she gave a supplementary explanation. ¡°I¡¯m in the same drama company as Hyunjun. I think director Jung recommended me because he needed an actor. Maybe this role is a role that requires acting skills.¡± ¡®Deputy Manager Kim, what time are you leaving tomorrow¡¯, where do you need acting skills for that? I was trying to pass it off as if she was a good joker, but I remembered that the manager and Hansoo were whispering about the actress. She might be an actor whose face is more known than I think. Then her next words caught my attention. ¡°Besides, rumors are already spreading that the movie will come out pretty well.¡± The movie wasn¡¯t even done filming, so huh? Was this a joke too? I had doubts, but filming started soon and her words were quickly forgotten. No matter how nervous I wasn¡¯t earlier, I couldn¡¯t help but be nervous now when the director wanted a different tone and different movement for the scene he wanted. Thanks to the longer-than-expected filming, the suicide scene on the roof was only done after lunch. A clear blue sky without clouds. ¡°Isn¡¯t the sky really pretty today?¡± PD Jung¡¯s voice was a little excited, as if he really liked the sky. I didn¡¯t want to put a candle to his mood, but I couldn¡¯t help asking. ¡°What does the pretty sky have to do with suicide?¡± As expected, my question struck a candle, and he looked at the sky as if something was vague, then looked back at me as if he had come to his senses. ¡°Well, I think something neat would come out. And if the last sky you will see before you die is this beautiful, wouldn¡¯t that be meaningful?¡± I raised my eyes and looked up at the sky, but I still couldn¡¯t agree with his words. When I didn¡¯t respond, PD Jung brought up what he was trying to say for this scene. ¡°First of all, Taemin, try acting freely. Have you ever thought about the moment you die?¡± I knew he was talking about acting the suicide scene, but it sounded different to me. ¡°Yes, I have.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go out right now. The camera will just run all the way through long takes, so you don¡¯t have to think about time. You can hesitate for a while before jumping, or mutter to yourself what you want to say before you die. Oh, they say people usually take their shoes off when they commit suicide, right? in the sense of leaving this world. You can take off your shoes. Um, what else¡­¡± After thinking about it, I finally asked out loud around me. The question is, what do you do when you commit suicide? A few answers came from people. ¡®I want to call someone one last time and say hello.¡¯ ¡®I think I¡¯ll look up at the sky.¡¯ ¡®Ah, I want to sing my favorite song.¡¯ A few funny answers came out and laughter spread among the staff. PD Jung also looked back at me with a smile on his lips. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you have to run in advance?¡± He pointed to the chest-high iron railing. The place to shoot was a rooftop, but it was a two-tiered rooftop. Like the stairs, the upper roof is more inward than the lower one, so even if you jump down, it¡¯s only about the height of one floor. Underneath, of course, was an air mattress. The camera was set on the side of the ledge I was about to jump off to focus on my jump. To film me in a narrow space where I could barely stand right behind the railing. ¡°I will just do it. Suicide is only once, but I thought it would be strange to make familiar movements as if I practiced.¡± Then PD Jung said, ¡®Oh, that¡¯s right,¡¯ and patted me on the back and went to his seat. I also stood in my spot, right inside the roof door, closed my eyes for the shoot. I recalled the scenario I had read until the paper was worn out. Neat perfectionist. Another me who was imprinted over the original me. All work for today is done. I can die now. When I opened my eyes, I saw an iron gate. When I lowered the long handle and opened the door, the gray cement floor was revealed in front of me. Other than that and the wall in front, nothing came into my field of vision. Clack, clack, clack¡­ I stepped onto the roof and walked at a normal pace. My gaze was fixed on the iron railing in front of me, which I was aiming for. On the way, I raised my hand to check if the buttons on my jacket were properly fastened, and then tugged at the ends of his sleeves to tidy up his clothes. When I arrived at a distance that was not long, I put my hands on the handrail at chest level and pulled myself up. In that state, I passed one of my legs first and then the other leg, so I barely got my foot down in the space to stand. It was a small space with no room to turn around, but it was okay. I took my hand off the railing and unconsciously brushed off the dust from my clothes and turned my body. One foot into the air, of course. And without hesitation, I pushed the other foot off the floor. Soon, the dizziness of the fall enveloped my body. It was the thrill of being sucked into death. Thump. It was only a fall from the height of the first floor, but the sound of falling on the mattress was quite loud. In addition, since I wasn¡¯t prepared for the fall, I felt a sharp pain in my left shoulder when I hit the mattress. I managed to remember that it was the shoulder that had been hit by the mad dog, but I wasn¡¯t worried about the pain as I stood up. Obviously, you will have to do several more falling shots. However, when I fell, I was worried about what to do if my motion became unnatural to unconsciously avoid touching my painful shoulder. ¡°Where are you hurt? Shall we deflate the mattress a bit more?¡± As I got down to the floor holding my shoulders, the staff waiting next to me asked anxiously. It¡¯s okay, I said curtly and slowly got up. And I opened the roof door thinking that I had to climb these stairs a few more times, but the situation above was completely different from what I thought. Clang, thud. Clatter. They had begun organizing the equipment with loud noises. I went to the people who were still gathered in front of the monitor, wondering if they were packing up because they didn¡¯t like this place. But before I even got close, the people who were watching my suicide scene in front of me all raised their eyes and stared at me. Besides, the staff trying to organize the equipment seemed to be glancing at me. What¡­ When I looked around at the people with puzzled eyes, PD Jung, who had his eyes on the screen, stood up and gave an order to Director Cho. ¡°Put the equipment away, and you have to edit a trailer with me today, so let¡¯s go to the office together.¡± Was he saying that one take was good? I stood still and stared at him. He looked at the screen again as he stood up, then opened his mouth. ¡°Taemin. When¡¯s your last filming?¡± The last shooting was a scene that listed my daily life before I died. If it goes according to plan, it will be filmed in the studio two days later. But before I could answer, the manager, who was standing in the middle of the crowd watching the screen, answered first. ¡°Taemin¡¯s next shoot is in two days.¡± The director nodded and held out his hand to Director Cho for the schedule. ¡°Let¡¯s put it off a bit longer.¡± ¡°When?¡± When the manager took out his notebook and asked, the director looked back at me. But the way he looked at me was a bit strange. It was like when you¡¯re seriously staring at something and thinking hard. ¡°Mm¡­ I¡¯ll contact you separately. You¡¯re not particularly busy, are you?¡± The manager agreed and asked why. The answer I could hear was a small mumble from PD Jung, but it was something like this. He wanted to change the lines a bit. Of course, that didn¡¯t sound very welcoming to me. Ah, I already memorized all those long lines. With a slightly despondent mind, I approached the staff who was organizing the equipment as usual. I reached out to disconnect the lighting that I had been in charge of for a month, but someone¡¯s hand stopped me. ¡°Leave it. We¡¯ll do it.¡± The staff, who knew when they came, suddenly acted kindly and began to disconnect the lights themselves. In my memory, that employee must have been someone who didn¡¯t like me very much. As I stepped back, I also felt something strange, but I only saw others still standing in front of the monitor checking the footage. Feeling like I was being watched, I looked over your shoulder. Consecutively, I glanced down. Did my pants get ripped while jumping? I turned my head to check my pants, and I felt someone come up to me. ¡°Why?¡± Knowing that the other person was Hansoo, I asked, but instead of chatting like usual, he just stared at me. And then, when I was about to turn around because I couldn¡¯t stand it, I opened my mouth. ¡°Really.¡± Looking at me again, a serious voice continued. ¡°Really¡­ It was creepy. I don¡¯t know what it is, but strangely, it was like seeing someone really committing suicide.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Did you not know?¡± What? When asked, he tilted his head and answered in a whisper. ¡°Taemin, you were smiling when you jumped.¡± *** The manager had to leave separately because of Cha Jungwoo, so I tried to go back by train. Hansoo said he had to stop at school, so I went first, changed my clothes and left, but the manager didn¡¯t go and was waiting for me. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°Company.¡± ¡°Why the company?¡± ¡°Just because.¡± I needed to know something. I swallowed the last words, but the manager didn¡¯t pay much attention to my answer. ¡°I will take you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, so go to work.¡± However, the manager pulled me by the arm and lied that he was also going to the company anyway. I thought he wouldn¡¯t listen if I refused again, so I followed him, but I heard a calm voice. ¡°I think PD Jung likes you. He said he was revising the last remaining script and praised it because of you.¡± Why because of me? I didn¡¯t understand, so when I looked back, the manager explained it on his own. ¡°He was inspired by your acting. Being an actor who inspires creation is a dream of directors.¡± He grinned and patted me on the arm. ¡°But I was really surprised. Just walk straight and jump down like that. Not hesitating or not even looking at the sky. Also, it was perfect for arranging clothes like a character in a play or brushing off dust before dying. When did you plan everything in such detail?¡± ¡°¡­ I¡¯ve never planned it.¡± He turned around, saying, ¡°Huh?¡± but I muttered involuntarily, feeling uncomfortable with the compliment. ¡°It was just an easy performance for me.¡± So it wasn¡¯t something to be praised for. ¡°Is that an easy performance? No, you did really well.¡± I burst into laughter at the words of the manager who praised me. It was really easy for me. ¡°Manager.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°You said that no matter how big a mistake you made, if you sincerely apologize, you will be forgiven someday.¡± He nodded, as if he knew it was what he said to Myeongshin this morning. ¡°Yes. Hm¡­ but Myungshin. Sigh.¡± I told him my opinion with a small sigh. ¡°There are sins that can never be forgiven even if you sincerely apologize.¡± The manager said in a flustered voice as if he thought I was referring to Myungshin, but somehow a laugh welled up inside me and I couldn¡¯t hear what he was saying. The person who could forgive is dead, so how can one be forgiven? CH 53 As if it was a lie that he had stuff to do at work, the manager dropped me off and hurriedly turned the car around. Meanwhile, I really stopped by the company to find out something. When I went down to the basement, where I had been practicing acting for a month, the instructor who had just finished class recognized me and greeted me. When I asked him about the good-looking guy and the yellow haired guy, he gave me an answer similar to what I expected. ¡°Oh, I know he¡¯s in the hospital right now.¡± With a dark expression, he added with a tilt of his head. ¡°I heard that he was hospitalized two weeks ago, but judging from the fact that he has not been contacted yet¡­¡± I asked him for his contact number and left. Hospitalized? I immediately called the number the instructor gave me. Tri-ri. The dialing continued. In the end, a message came out saying that the phone could not be answered, but I didn¡¯t care and continued calling several times. After trying for such a long time, I finally heard a low voice over the receiver. [Hello.] ¡°This is Lee Taemin.¡± [¡­] ¡°Do you remember what you said before?¡± There was still no word from the other person, but I opened my mouth again. ¡°Changing your mind after 4 years and switching to men.¡± A small breathing sound could be heard over the phone. Seeing how he reacted, it seemed like I was right. ¡°You said it was a difficult decision, so I hoped you didn¡¯t change your mind. And then you said, since you entered this road painfully, you will not step out.¡± [Stop¡­] A trembling voice followed along with heavy breathing. [Stop it. Why did you call me?] ¡°I was wondering if you changed your mind.¡± [W- Why are you curious about that?] Though not visible, I smiled at him, who was mildly angry. ¡°Don¡¯t you remember? What else did I say when we had this conversation? I could help you only if you still had that heart.¡± A whisper followed with the sound of breathing again. [¡­help? how?] ¡°There is a way.¡± Walking along the corridor leading to the lobby on the first floor of the company, pictures of the actors in the company could be seen. Myungshin, smiling brightly, stood in front of me and I gave the other person on the phone an answer. ¡°The way to get revenge.¡± *** Contrary to expectations, when I opened the hospital room door, the good-looking guy¡¯s appearance looked fine. From his visible face, neck and hands. However, it was difficult to stand, so he leaned half against the window sill. The single room, which was not spacious, had a bed, a TV, a small refrigerator, and a table. There were no clothes hanging on hangers, and there were no soda bottles or water cups on the table. It was as though he had been hospitalized a while ago. ¡°¡­Did you know?¡± Lf ugffafv wf klat defralbcr lcrafjv bo ugffalcur. Ktf ojmf atja erfv ab ijeut iflregfis aegcfv qjif jcv fzqgfrrlbcifrr jr lo kfjglcu j wjrx. P jqqgbjmtfv atf klvf klcvbk ktfgf tf kjr rajcvlcu jcv ibbxfv bea. Yearlvf atf olnf-rabgs tlut klcvbk kjr j cjggbk jiifs, jcv yfsbcv la kfgf oeii bo biv, mgjmxfv, ibk-glrf yelivlcur. Pa abbx j ibcu alwf ab ufa tfgf ys reykjs jcv tjnlcu ab kjix obg jcbatfg 20 wlceafr. Pa abbx jcbatfg 10 wlceafr ab olcv j tbrqlaji yfakffc rbwf tberf jcv j yelivlcu. The name of the hospital was overshadowed by its messy exterior and the elevator, which almost seemed to stop while going up, barely worked with a rattling sound. He was admitted to a hospital on the outskirts of Seoul where no one seemed to come. Knowing that I was looking around instead of answering, he made the first expression. It was a mocking laugh that twisted his lips. ¡°When I opened my eyes, I was here. I didn¡¯t even know this place was Seoul until a few days ago. You¡­ Do you know what happened to me?¡± ¡°What happened to you?¡± ¡°¡­¡± I asked again slowly looking around the narrow hospital room. ¡°What happened to you?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t¡­ you know everything?¡± The confusion was mixed in, but he was still spouting spitefully. ¡°Or are you here to make fun of me? Fuck¡­ You want to see me go through something like this?!¡± Even though it was difficult, he forced himself to stand, and even stared at me. I was relieved when I confirmed with my eyes and ears that he had changed. This guy can be used. ¡°I don¡¯t know the details of what happened to you. But I can guess.¡± Confirming that the glaring gaze had softened, I let out a grave voice. ¡°I heard that Song Myungshin plays the role of a pimp who attracts aspiring actors and throws them in as playthings for his sponsor. So, what kind of toy are you being used as?¡± I added slowly as I watched his eyes begin to tremble. ¡°Have you been tossed among men like dogs and raped? You struggled to escape, but was caught and said to be punished. What was stuck inside you? An alcohol bottle? A piece of lumber?¡± ¡°S- stop¡­¡± ¡°I think everyone would have been happy to see you crawling with a bottle behind you. if you beg for help, you¡¯ll be beaten until you¡¯re bruised. Of course, what was hit was the part that was covered by the clothes.¡± ¡°Stop!¡± He staggered back, then looked away. His heart was pounding and his breathing was heavy. ¡°Don¡¯t want to recall it?¡± He turned his gaze away with resentment. ¡®Are you asking because you don¡¯t know that?¡¯ The glaring gaze conveyed this, but I had to hear a definite answer. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to think about it again, I have nothing to do here.¡± ¡°¡­ What? Why?¡± I replied as I turned my body to let him know that these were not empty words. ¡°For as long as you try to avoid pain, you can never get revenge.¡± I took a few steps towards the door, but before I could reach the doorknob, he called me. ¡°Is there really a way? Can I get revenge?¡± At the half-trembling voice, I slowly turned my head and saw a clenched fist. ¡°It¡¯s just like what you heard over the phone. But even if there was a way, you couldn¡¯t even start in your current state.¡± ¡°Why? What is the way?¡± ¡°You go back into that den.¡± He held his breath as he stared at me. Thanks to his bloodless face, he looked less like a human and stayed like that for a long time before muttering. ¡°I¡­ have to go back in there?¡± ¡°Yes. Hide your scars casually. But you can¡¯t even think of it right now. So give up. Have revenge your way, or whatever.¡± I added, looking at him. ¡°Just live like that.¡± This time I grabbed the handle and turned it. But his words prevented me from going out again. ¡°¡­ No. like this¡­ I don¡¯t want to live like this.¡± It¡¯s still a small voice, but I heard what I wanted. ¡°I want revenge. Fuck, all those bastards¡­ I want to kill them.¡± I hadn¡¯t approached him yet, leaned against the door, and watched him indifferently from a distance. ¡°I want to kill them ¡±, it¡¯s not enough. Recognizing my intentions, he removed his hand from the window frame and straightened his uncomfortable body. ¡°You ask what happened? It¡¯s just as you said. He said it was just a game, covered my eyes, and took me to a room. But¡­¡± His voice began to tremble badly again, but he managed to speak. ¡°About five or six bastards stripped me and took turns fucking me. When I rebelled, they tied my hands behind my back and kicked me like a ball, causing me to pass out for a moment. Then something hot and painful touched my body and I opened my eyes¡­ They stuck a big candle in my anus and lit it. Falling down in the middle in front of them¡­ naked¡­ with only my hips held high. What made me sick was the wax running between my legs. When they realized that I was awake, the jerks screamed and giggled. And do you know what they did? They were singing a happy birthday song. It was one of the bastard¡¯s birthday. Isn¡¯t it funny? They lit the candles because it was his birthday. haha¡­ I am the birthday cake. Birthday cake. Fuck, isn¡¯t that funny?¡± A single tear trickled down his face as he smiled. But the voice came back rather calmly. ¡°There was an old man named Chairman Kim who was watching from one side of the room while I was being the urine and semen pot of those bastards. Giving orders in a muffled voice. Fuck the two of you together, let several people cum in your mouth at the same time. Bastards listened to what the old man said no matter what. But who do you think was sucking the dick hard between the old man¡¯s legs? It was Song Yoohan. Only then did I realize that the reason Hyungseok kept coercing me and arranging a meeting with Song Yoohan was to offer me as a sacrifice. Hyungseok knew. What Song Yoohan is doing, what the old sponsor bastard wants.¡± He stopped talking and looked around the room. ¡°This hospital, didn¡¯t you think it was strange when you entered? You know what I was hospitalized for, but why am I in the internal medicine department?¡± His gaze turned to the pillow with the name of the hospital on it. ¡°This is a place that cleans up messed up trash like me. Of course, I wasn¡¯t the first person brought here, and the doctors and nurses didn¡¯t blink an eye at my condition. My back was torn and all of my thighs were burned with wax. On the contrary, they were annoyed that it was difficult to remove hardened wax from my anus. I¡¯ve been hospitalized for 3 weeks now. But I still have a hard time going to the bathroom. Those bastards didn¡¯t touch my face because I was an actor, so my face is fine, but the rest is terrible. Then, as a reward, Song Yoohan told me to come find him when all is well. He said I will be added as an important supporting role in a cable TV drama.¡± After his long speech, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. ¡°For the past three weeks, no matter how hard I try to forget, the sound of those bitches¡¯ laughter won¡¯t go away from my ears. I keep hearing the Happy Birthday song they used to sing.¡± He opened his eyes and asked me with a calm face. ¡°As you said, if there is a way to get revenge, I want to tear all of those fuckers apart and get rid of these images. But before that.¡± He cut off his words coldly and looked at me suspiciously. ¡°Why are you trying to help me?¡± ¡°I never said I would help you.¡± ¡°What? But¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m just telling you how to get revenge.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that helping?¡± I smiled at him for the first time. ¡°Yes. I also have something to take revenge on Song Yoohan for. So I¡¯m going to use you so that my revenge can succeed. So don¡¯t get me wrong.¡± I thought it couldn¡¯t be helped if the other person got angry. But he just stared at me with a strange expression. And then, after a while, he brought up unexpected words. ¡°You are a very interesting person.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°If you¡¯re really using me, shouldn¡¯t you not say that?¡± ¡°Then what should I do? Your situation is so bad that you want to help? Lying doesn¡¯t end in one moment, it has to continue, so it¡¯s a very tiring job. It¡¯s enough for me to deceive just the guy I¡¯m taking revenge on.¡± He seemed to smile faintly for a moment, but then nodded his head. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what¡¯s funny. You look crooked, but you seem to draw a straight line underneath. It¡¯s unexpected honesty.¡± I frowned for a moment, then replied calmly. ¡°Fine. Since we¡¯re talking about honesty, let me tell you one more thing. If you want to get the revenge I¡¯m talking about, there¡¯s something you have to be prepared for. There might be a situation where you have to give up your ass to those bastards again.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°So if you don¡¯t want to, quit now. Like the honesty you praised, I am only using you and have no intention of helping you.¡± I thought his silence would be long, but he unexpectedly asked expressionlessly. ¡°So what am I supposed to do?¡± This time, I couldn¡¯t speak right away, so I looked at him and opened my mouth slowly. ¡°Accept Song Yoohan¡¯s offer. And tell him you¡¯re in on that thing too.¡± Then he shook his head. ¡°I can put up with being tormented again, but I don¡¯t want to bring in other people, trainees who don¡¯t know anything about it.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to. You just have to pretend.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get caught soon¡­¡± ¡°You won¡¯t get caught. Song Yoohan will be filming abroad soon. So you only have a few days to deceive him right now. You don¡¯t have to do anything with the excuse that you¡¯re sick.¡± According to what Alice¡¯s boss said before, it was certain that Myungshin was going abroad. At least 3 or 4 days. It would be a week at the longest. ¡°Once you join the group, while Song Yoohan is gone, work hard to instigate that punk Hyungseok.¡± ¡°What?¡± I raised one corner of my mouth to him. ¡°Song Yoohan must be letting Hyungseok go and collect the necessary victims. And he will always receive great rewards. Say this to Hyungseok. Isn¡¯t it unfair that he does the most important thing? Shouldn¡¯t he be the one sucking Chairman Kim¡¯s dick? All the roles Song Yoohan plays should be his.¡± ¡°To make the two of them fight each other? But Hyungseok is afraid of Song Yoohan and won¡¯t listen to me. Besides, even Song Yoohan can easily get rid of Hyungseok.¡± When he shook his head, saying it was difficult, my smile twisted more. ¡°Then the way is even simpler. Make Hyungseok not afraid of Song Yoohan, and make Song Yoohan unable to touch Hyungseok.¡± ¡°How?¡± I answered the question briefly. ¡°That I¡¯ll take care of, don¡¯t worry.¡± He seemed to want to know more, but he nodded and muttered that he knew. ¡°Okay, for now I¡­ I¡¯ll do what I have to do first.¡± Then, as if something important came to mind, he raised his serious eyes. ¡°Then what about that geezer? I don¡¯t think anyone can get revenge on Chairman Kim?¡± ¡°¡­ He will be taken care of by someone else.¡± ¡°Who?¡± He waited for an answer with a surprised look. But now I have only one thing to say. ¡°There is. Someone who¡¯s crazy.¡± CH 54 That night, I looked up at the dark ceiling and couldn¡¯t fall asleep easily. Yellow haired guy needed someone¡¯s help to get rid of his fear of Song Yoohan. And I needed another person¡¯s help for Song Yoohan so that he couldn¡¯t touch yellow haired, in other words, so that he had no time to care about yellow haired. But it was fine because I could get enough help from those two. Photographer Lee and Cha Jungwoo. The two were probably willing to join in. It wasn¡¯t until dawn that I could barely close my eyes and ruminate about what I had to do right now, but strangely, it wasn¡¯t what I was going to do in the future that bothered me. ¡®You don¡¯t have to worry about that person.¡¯ The madman who spoke easily about Chairman Kim did not disappear from my mind until the end. No, in fact, I kept thinking of him going into the room without saying a word when I said that he seemed to be worried about me. Why do I keep thinking of things like a fool? When I went to work the next morning, I received important information from an unexpected person. Actually, I arrived a little early to ask the manager about Dream Planning. The manager had a tired face because he stayed up all night with Cha Jungwoo. He seemed busy preparing for the upcoming press conference. Even in the midst of that, he didn¡¯t forget to take care of the small paper advertisement test he got for Hansoo and me. And before Hansoo arrived, an unexpected person came to the small conference room where the manager and I were to deliver some information. ¡°Manager Choi, I have something to tell you¡­ Huh!¡± Chief Park, who came into the room where we were, saw me and was startled. He cleared his throat with pretense, but when he looked away from me, it seemed that the delivery service came to his mind as soon as he saw me. If he knew that the mascot who gave him the stone cake was me, he¡¯d run away completely. ¡°Oh, Chief Park. What are you doing here?¡± The manager dragged Chief Park, who was awkward with his unique affinity, and sat him down. Sitting across from me, he still couldn¡¯t make eye contact and kept his eyes on the manager. ¡°Hmm, I have something to tell you.¡± ¡°Mhm? What¡­¡± ¡°Hello. Chief Park.¡± When I interrupted the manager¡¯s words and said hello, he looked away awkwardly. ¡°Mhmm, yes. Lee Taemin.¡± He cleared his throat again and was about to turn his head, but I spoke again. ¡°I guess you stayed up all night at work?¡± ¡°Yes? Oh, well¡­¡± ¡°Dream Planning¡¯s work?¡± I wondered if his head was about to turn stiffened, and then his surprised eyes looked at me. ¡°Dream planning¡¯s work?¡± ¡°I know everything. There¡¯s a problem with Dream Planning right now. Chairman Kim, a weapons broker who became a new shareholder, intervened.¡± I smiled at him, who blinked in surprise, and confirmed with the manager. ¡°Do you remember too, manager? What Song Yoohan said to Director Yoon in the meeting room yesterday morning.¡± Only then did the manager nod with an ¡®ah¡¯, and spoke to Chief Park instead of me. All I had to do now was quietly step back and listen to their conversation. ¡°That¡¯s right. Chief Park, what the heck is that about? Is there something big going on with the company? Speaking of Dream Planning, they would be busy gathering investors to prepare for the blockbuster drama. But why is Song Yoohan saying Dream Planning might be taken away? Yes? What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Ktja¡¯r¡­ Lww, la¡¯r mbcolvfcalji.¡± ¡°Csf, ktja lr mbcolvfcalji? P atlcx la¡¯r bcis j wjaafg bo alwf yfobgf atf gewbg ufar bea. Snfc lo cba, P tfjgv rbwfatlcu ragjcuf lc atf boolmf j ktlif jub.¡± ¡°Qtja jgf sbe ajixlcu jybea?¡± Qtfc Jtlfo Ujgx ragjlutafcfv tlr yjmx lc rtbmx, atf wjcjufg vfilyfgjafis ibkfgfv tlr nblmf jr atbeut afiilcu j rfmgfa. ¡°There are rumors that Dream Planning might be completely dissolved.¡± ¡°Yes? How did you know that?!¡± Chief Park was surprised, and the manager was also surprised. ¡°Eh? So is that true?!¡± ¡°Gasp! Oh, no that¡¯s not it¡­¡± ¡°Huh! Chief Park just said, ¡®how did you know¡¯!¡¯¡± Chief Park, whose face turned white, retorted, saying, ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± but he couldn¡¯t match the manager¡¯s eloquence, which once gained momentum. ¡°If the rumor is already spreading, doesn¡¯t that mean that everyone who knows already knows? Besides, it would be a really big deal if Dream Planning was to be dissolved. What exactly is going on? Yes? Oh, you know me, Chief Park. How heavy my mouth is.¡± I had never seen anyone as light-mouthed as the manager in my entire life, but I didn¡¯t inform them. Because I had a heavy mouth. ¡°Tell me, I¡¯m worried too because it¡¯s a company thing. Besides, since Song Yoohan is involved, it doesn¡¯t feel like just anyone else¡¯s issue. You know that Chief Park also knows right? Whew, how much I suffered¡­¡± The manager sighed and pretended to wipe away the tears that didn¡¯t flow. ¡°I was lucky this time, but if Yoohan got involved in something bad and framed me again, then I really¡­ sigh. If I get ruined, will Chief Park take responsibility for not telling me?¡± ¡°Manager Choi, what are you saying? Well, so¡­ Oh, I shouldn¡¯t be telling you.¡± Scratching his head as if he was in agony, he eventually told the whining manager what was going on. ¡°The director, who opposes the President, is planning to take the lead with a blockbuster drama that is being prepared. As you know, didn¡¯t the drama director who will produce the drama decide in advance by that person? The director and that person, they will decide the actors, locations, and sponsors among themselves.¡± The manager, who was listening, frowned. ¡°Speaking of the director who will produce that drama, is it the former director who was at S Broadcasting Station? Ha, that man¡­ is not good.¡± If the manager says he was bad, I thought he must be really bad, but Chief Park agreed. ¡°Yes, that person. Even though there are some problems about him accepting off-the-books money, he has experience of taking on such a big project, and his skills are good. When it was first decided, there wasn¡¯t opposition, but it turned out that he was already in cahoots with that other side. However, the contract has already been written, so the director cannot be changed. Besides, as if that wasn¡¯t enough, they¡¯re trying to take control of Dream Planning. As you know, although Dream Planning is a subsidiary, it is not fully integrated. The opposition is raking in shares of Dream Planning. Even so, it wasn¡¯t worthy of much attention because we knew that their financial power was running out. But someone appeared like a comet and bought a large amount of shares of the Dream Planning in question.¡± I had already heard something similar from the manager, but Chief Park¡¯s story was more accurate and specific. After all, the company was just picking up the ground. As I was thinking, I heard the manager¡¯s muttering. ¡°That comet¡­ You must be talking about Chairman Kim.¡± Chief Park nodded then frowned and continued. ¡°Sigh, originally, if there was no Chairman Kim, in fact, Director Yoon had the most shares in Dream Planning within the company.¡± ¡°Director Yoon?¡± When the manager tilted his head in surprise, Chief Park immediately explained. ¡°In exchange, he didn¡¯t have many shares here in Dream Entertainment. Actually, it was because the President brought Director Yoon to Korea by giving him shares in Dream Planning. Perhaps the intention at that time was to have Director Yoon completely take over Dream Planning. But¡­¡± Chairman Kim appeared like a comet. ¡°Thanks to this, it has now become a confrontation between Director Yoon and the opposition. If Chairman Kim goes over to that side, the drama is completely taken over by that side.¡± At Chief Park¡¯s conclusion, the manager¡¯s face distorted. ¡°Then you¡¯re saying that you have to join hands with Chairman Kim to keep him from going overboard?¡± ¡°Well, right now that¡¯s the best way.¡± ¡°Gosh! Argh, why of all things¡­?¡± The manager raised his clenched hand on the table in frustration . ¡°Director Yoon is the best person in this field¡­¡± When Director Yoon¡¯s name was mentioned, he shuddered, probably remembering what happened at xxx city but I guessed he must have liked him. The manager kept a heavy silence with pity. At the same time, Chief Park let out a sigh. ¡°They make me do a lot of work, so he¡¯s like the king of the devil, but he still has the skills and there¡¯s a lot that can be learned from, so I had the pleasure of working. But these days, because of my worries, I can¡¯t act cute in front of my sweetheart. Whoa.¡± My manager and I looked back at him at the same time. ¡°¡­ Act cute?¡± When the manager uttered a shocking word, Chief Park flinched and shook his head. ¡°Oh, no. What. Oh, no, the words came out wrongly. Hahaha.¡± However, the already reddened face was that of a person who acts cute every day at home. I took advantage of his confusion and asked a question. ¡°What does Chairman Kim mean by interfering with Director Yoon¡¯s work in the US?¡± ¡°Yes? Oh, that¡¯s something I don¡¯t know much about¡­¡± ¡°Then tell me how to act cute well.¡± Gasp! He took a deep breath and looked at me with resentful eyes. I added right away. ¡°Since I¡¯m free these days, I¡¯m thinking of doing a part-time job as a courier again.¡± ¡°Director Yoon worked at the Dream branch in the US, but he also had his own investment company. It is said that when he came here, he handed over the operation of the company to someone else, but he still makes overall decisions, and Chairman Kim is interfering with what Director Yoon is doing. He handles the work himself, so I only know this much.¡± When Chief Park confessed with a tearful face, the manager patted him on the shoulder. ¡°Alright, Chief Park, you did a good job.¡± Chief Park wiped the tears shed by the manager¡¯s praise with the back of his hand. However, since he had already revealed all the company secrets, it was useless for him to shed tears. So if you put together Chief Park¡¯s words, did that mean that the madman was in a dangerous state? ¡°By the way, Chief Park, why are you here?¡± When the manager asked as if he had remembered, Chief Park also remembered his original purpose and stood up. ¡°Right, this is not the time. Manager Choi, you¡¯ve been busy with Cha Jungwoo for a while now, right?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the manager replied. Manager Park took out his cell phone and replied. ¡°Lee Taemin and Lee Hansoo have worked surprisingly hard these days, so I¡¯m going to attach a road manager separately while you aren¡¯t there.¡± ¡°Well I¡¯d be thankful! Who is it? A young person who can run hard if possible¡­¡± The manager¡¯s wishes were buried in Chief Park¡¯s phone call. ¡°It¡¯s me. I¡¯m in the conference room on the 3rd floor, Room 16, so please come up. ¡­The elevator stopped due to maintenance? Then go up the stairs. ¡­Yes? Your joints hurt, so you can¡¯t climb the stairs. ¡­Oh, just come up. You¡¯re still in your 40s, so what if you¡¯re already straining your joints? Then where do you want to work part-time?¡± Chief Park went out to find a patient with arthritis in person, as if he was frustrated. He left and the manager spoke seriously. ¡°Taemin, buy a pain relief patch.¡± *** The arthritis man who took care of us instead of the manager was reticent. At the place where Hansoo and I went to take the screen test for the advertisement, he was so reticent that he continued to sleep while flipping his hair showing white strands. As the manager said, the job was to shoot a really small flyer advertisement, so I easily got the greenlight and changed clothes on the spot and took a few shots. I was exhausted and hungry after I finally finished my afternoon work. Even if he felt a bit better in front of the camera, Hansoo looked 10 years older after the filming was over, perhaps because of the tension. Then he turned his blank eyes and stared at the man with arthritis who managed to sit on the chair and sleep well. ¡°If it were our manager, he would have bought us kimbap in advance by now. That old man is drooling.¡± Looking closely, I saw dry white saliva marks on the half-open mouth of the arthritic man. ¡°Manager would have made me forget about being tired by complimenting me 100 times that I did well after everything was over. The more I look at that man, the more tired I get.¡± Listening to Hansoo¡¯s words made me tired. ¡°Go and remove your makeup.¡± As I urged with my eyes, Hansoo weakly nodded and asked curiously. ¡°By the way, who are you waiting for?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Cell phone.¡± Hansoo pointed at my hand and only then did I realize I was holding the phone in my hand and fiddling with it. I didn¡¯t have much to wait for. As I muttered, Hansoo ran out saying that he would quickly wash up and come back. But even when he came back, I couldn¡¯t get out of the position of looking down at my phone. I was really anticipating being contacted by the madman. I could just do it first, but for some reason I want him to do it first. I was at a loss as to what I was doing. I deliberately put my phone in my pocket, but I took it out again out of curiosity, wondering if there might have been a call while I didn¡¯t see. It¡¯s just that I became curious about the situation of the company after Chief Park talked about it in the morning. Even if I repeat that to myself, the reason why I am doing this is not clear. I wasn¡¯t used to waiting mixed with impatience and irritation, so when I finally decided to send a text message first, I felt a short vibration in my hand. It¡¯s a signal that a text message came, but I didn¡¯t see the text right away. Strangely, my breathing quickened and my head was filled with anticipation. Was it that guy? Right before I checked the text, my impatience, irritation, and waiting all turned into tension. But when I looked at the screen, it all melted away like magic. It was just a short word like usual, but I felt a relief that I didn¡¯t know. ¡ª Come to Alice. CH 55 Before going to Alice, I handed over the screenplay to Hansoo. It took a while to read, but the content was one of the best screenplays I¡¯ve ever read. In fact, the material was common. It was all about the protagonist getting caught up in an incident while following the trail of his long-lost father. However, there were unexpected twists and turns everywhere, and moderately thought-provoking parts. It seemed to be true that the novel became very popular because it was in the form of a script with only simple dialogues, and even I, who did not enjoy reading, was absorbed in reading it. What was unusual was the pop song that appeared throughout the novel. It appeared as his father¡¯s favorite song, but the main character listened to this song all the time because his father hid a password using the lyrics of the song. A very important song that initially hinted when the lyrics were interpreted in Korean, but later a definitive solution by combining words from the original English lyrics could be found. ¡°What song is this?¡± Hansoo, who was putting the screenplay in his bag, looked back at me with a shocked face. Why was he looking at me like that? The expression disappeared as soon as he raised one eyebrow, but it was still a look of disbelief. ¡°Don¡¯t you know this song?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°No, how can you not know this famous song?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­ Of course you may not know.¡± As Hansoo¡¯s voice grew quieter, he lowered his fist. Still, Hansoo looked at me as if he wanted to say something more, and eventually, before we parted ways, he sent me a music file on my phone. ¡°It¡¯s this song. When you hear it, you will probably say, ¡®Oh, this is the one.¡¯¡± Hansoo, who had been teasing me about whether the old phone could play music properly, tossed the earphones before getting hit by me and ran away. When I pressed the play button, a really familiar pop song flowed. But to me who was heading to Alice, it was a different feeling of familiarity. Where have I heard this? After thinking about it for a while, it came to mind when I finally reached Alice. It was a song I heard in the madman¡¯s car before. I also remembered the expression he made while turning up the volume of this song. Was it because he remembered the drama at that time? I thought of Dream Planning that might be taken away. Concerns about the guy spread inside again. As I went down to the basement with an unwelcome but persistent discomfort, I was greeted by a familiar face. ¡°Welcome, Mr. Lee Baekwon.¡± The manager, whom I hadn¡¯t seen in a while, still had the same smile, as if he had been notified in advance that I was coming. I nodded, said hello, and naturally went to the madman¡¯s office, but he stopped me. ¡°The boss wants to see you first.¡± Then he led the way to the owner¡¯s office, but I couldn¡¯t follow right away. He wanted to see me? Surely he¡¯s not going to laugh his head off about ¡®200 won¡¯, was he? He is a person I didn¡¯t really want to meet, but I walked into the office without revealing it on my face, and it was all in vain. The boss noticed right away when he saw me. ¡°Ah, yes, Baekwon is here¡­ huh? What¡¯s wrong with your expression?¡± My expression was obvious. I was swallowing my irritation in advance, afraid he would say nonsense again. Even if I didn¡¯t show my emotions, the boss raised the corner of his mouth as if he knew everything. ¡°Yeah, I get it. Were you nervous? What fancy language magic is waiting for you this time? Hahaha, actually, my joke that day did shine a little!¡± Glv atf ybrr fnfg vgfjw bo yfmbwlcu jc jmabg? Yatfgklrf, qfbqif mbeiv cba yf atlr vgjwjalm. Qtja qlrrfv wf boo kjr atja P kjr ufaalcu erfv ab atlr qfgrbcjilas jcv la rffwfv cbgwji. P kjcafv wf ab mbwf ab ws rfcrfr, rb P jrxfv yiecais. ¡°Gb sbe tjnf jcsatlcu ab rjs?¡± ¡°Sometimes you see, I have a flash of wit¡­ huh? Ah, no, I don¡¯t have anything to say, I just wanted to see your face.¡± ¡°Since you¡¯ve seen my face, I¡¯ll go now.¡± At the same time as I said that, I closed the door with a ¡®bang¡¯ and came out right away. It seemed like I could hear a ¡®huh?¡¯ through the closed door, but I moved away regardless. And I opened the door to the madman¡¯s room as anger yet again flared up at the person who turned my name into ¡®Lee Baekwon¡¯. Inside, as expected, he was sitting at the desk wearing glasses. But I couldn¡¯t help but frown at him. As soon as he confirmed that it was me who had suddenly entered without knocking, he gave me a very comfortable smile. A genuine smile that made me forget what I was thinking a moment ago. Without realizing it, I stopped breathing and lost my eyes to his smiling face. As if even time stopped until his voice was heard. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± My brain, which had hardened for a moment at the low voice that I could hear in my ears, started to be filled with embarrassment before I knew it. I saw him slowly rise from his seat and realized that I had been standing at the door the whole time. It might have been a very short time, but it felt strangely long to me, so I must have been more embarrassed. It was only then that I saw the madman whose expression had changed seriously and stepped inside. Then pretending nothing was wrong, I asked back, ¡°What?¡± and he narrowed his eyes and followed me as I moved. ¡°Did something happen to you?¡± This time, I answered briefly, ¡°not really,¡± and sat on the sofa avoiding his gaze. The embarrassment caused by my uncharacteristic behavior should have dissipated, but it still clung to my beating heart. I didn¡¯t understand why I¡¯m like this, and I was not used to it, so I must have looked a little sullen. The madman who sat down next to me asked repeatedly. ¡°Then what¡¯s wrong with your expression?¡± ¡°How is my expression?¡± When I turned around and asked bluntly, he curled his mouth without smiling. ¡°As soon as you saw me, you hardened as if you weren¡¯t happy to see me.¡± I knew he was angry by the cold sound of his voice. Still, I thought it was a hundred times better than revealing that I was surprised by his smile. ¡°I¡¯m never happy to see you.¡± I threw the words away and turned my head away again, fearing that the lie would be evident. But this prick looked at me from the side and embarrassed me. ¡°I¡¯m saying this because today is different.¡± Different? I couldn¡¯t help but turn my eyes to him, and I met the gaze that was staring at me. ¡°It¡¯s different from usual.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Speak. What happened.¡± I got speechless whenever I heard stupid questions from this lunatic, but this time I was really speechless. Nothing happened, what does he want from me? ¡°Did you meet Song Myungshin? Or Chairman Kim¡­ not possible.¡± As I listened to the last words that trailed off, I felt a strange thought. Why was Chairman Kim excluded? ¡°I asked if you had met Song Myungshin again.¡± He asked for an answer sharply, as if he could only think of Myungshin affecting me. I thought about selling Myungshin out for a while, but soon gave up. If I said it was because of Myungshin, it felt like he was ready to take my hand and go to scold Myungshin. ¡°It¡¯s just that I¡¯m tired.¡± After replying evasively, I lowered my eyes and raised them again. He still seemed doubtful, but he soon accepted. ¡°I heard that some people change their mood when they are tired.¡± That¡¯s you. Pretending to be someone else, how disgusting. The embarrassment I had at first disappeared somewhat thanks to my dumbfoundedness. ¡°Yeah, they say there is.¡± I emphasized each letter and shouted inwardly, ¡®It¡¯s you, you.¡¯ However, this jerk, like a madman, lightly sympathized. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen it, but you seem to be that type.¡± Why did I feel resentment just by talking to this guy? Even though I knew from experience that words could not win, sarcasm automatically came out of my mouth. ¡°Good for you. It¡¯s the first time you¡¯ve seen a type like me.¡± ¡°Well, I think I would get annoyed seeing a type like you.¡± Are you saying I¡¯m annoying? The moment my mood was about to turn sour, he added as if talking to himself while looking into the air. ¡°But if you¡¯re the one, I won¡¯t be annoyed.¡± Then he looked at me casually and added, ¡°Rather, it makes me feel better. It looks like you¡¯re complaining.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re really strange today. Normally, you would have fiercely told me not to talk nonsense.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± He rolled his eyes and smiled as if he couldn¡¯t contain the joy. It was a more familiar laugh to me these days. The eyes were not a cold expression that only smiled without smiling. The inside of my chest tickled as I saw his laugh revealing pleasant emotions. This made it difficult for me to open my mouth easily without a quiver. When I didn¡¯t say anything, his laughter died down and he raised his hand with grave eyes. ¡°You are very tired.¡± His hand ran through my bangs. I managed to turn my head to the side to avoid his touch, and he smiled again and pointed at the sofa. ¡°Then lie down here and sleep. I can¡¯t go home yet because I have a call I¡¯m waiting for.¡± Then he got up and went to his desk. While watching his movements in a daze, I realized something important. ¡°Why did you call me here?¡± He sat down and pointed his eyes at the table. ¡°The book on it.¡± Book? As usual, I found a book with a thick cover in the middle of a pile of things. No, the title caught my eye first. Because it was like the screenplay I was reading. ¡°It¡¯s yours. Read that.¡± I was thinking of saying another word to the commanding voice, but I gave up because I remembered his rather favorable face when I scolded ¡®Don¡¯t talk nonsense¡¯ earlier. Instead, I picked up the heavy book because I was looking for the book anyway. But on the outside, it said ¡®volume 1¡¯. What, how many of these were there? Then, as if he understood my inner thoughts, I heard an explanation. ¡°There are only three volumes in all, so read quickly.¡± It took me days to read the screenplay, but I didn¡¯t know how many weeks it would take to read this. I didn¡¯t like it because I suddenly felt like I was only doing what he told me to do. So, thinking about throwing it away, I unfolded the hard cover. However, there was someone¡¯s handwriting inside. ¡®Lee Baekwon, enjoy reading.¡¯ And the first name written under it. No, I saw this name a while ago. Right in front of the hard cover. Realizing that this was the signature of the writer, I stared at the paper for a while before opening my mouth. It was belatedly that another important thing came to mind. ¡°Hey, why did you get an autograph for Lee Baekwon?¡± The madman, who was working while staring at the monitor, answered casually at intervals. ¡°Because I like Lee Baekwon.¡± ¡°You like the name Lee Baekwon?¡± Yes, he answered briefly as he typed on the keyboard, and added after a while. ¡°That¡¯s the name I gave you .¡± At the answer that seemed obvious, I frowned to ignore the strange heat that was rising in my chest again. ¡°Did you call me to give me this book?¡± ¡°No.¡± When I turned my head around, Director Yoon was staring at the monitor seriously while wearing glasses. Tap, tap, tap. His answer was mixed with the small keyboard sounds. ¡°Just to see you.¡± CH 56 Before I even read a few chapters, I realized that the screenplay was just the plot of the book. In fact, I was worried about when I would finish reading this thick book. It must be boring because it¡¯s long, I thought. However, the moment I turned the first chapter, all the worries I had before reading disappeared. The main character¡¯s monologue began dryly, and the morning began normally. I already knew what would happen next through the screenplay, but I was rather looking forward to it. Indeed, soon the main character went outside listening to his dad¡¯s favorite pop song as a routine and got caught up in the first case. Unknowingly, I forgot the passage of time because I was immersed in the main character who was caught up in various incidents. However, my reading speed was really slow, so when I sensed something and looked up, I realized that I had only read a few dozen pages in an hour. ¡°Is it interesting?¡± Who knew when the madman had come, he was now sitting next to me and staring at me like before, making me look up from the book. I felt embarrassed for nothing, perhaps due to the fact that I showed someone I was focused on something, so I answered bluntly. ¡°It¡¯s still the beginning so I don¡¯t know.¡± Then he tilted his head to the side and unhesitatingly said. ¡°You, are you doing this on purpose because you¡¯re shy?¡± What? I stared at him sharply, wondering what nonsense, and he curled his lips as if in a good mood again. ¡°There¡¯s no use glaring at me like that. Whatever your reaction is, it¡¯s fun. If someone else had done it, I would have wanted to beat them.¡± ¡°It¡¯s better that way. Then I will beat you too.¡± He let out a small laugh and curved his eyes. ¡°Fuck, I¡¯m getting horny.¡± With the whispered profanity, the desire was really revealed in his eyes. As I stared blankly in defense, he added as if to reassure me. ¡°I will not. Sleep is more urgent now.¡± Then he pointed to the book with his eyes like he was asking if I would continue reading. The answer that should have come out at this time should have been that if there was nothing more to see, I would go. But the words were swallowed. ¡°I will read some more.¡± When I deliberately gave a cold answer, he suddenly laid his upper body toward me like it was all well. At that moment, surprised, I raised my hand holding the book, and in the meantime, he laid down with his head on my thigh. ¡°What are you doing?¡± The action was absurd, so all I could do was ask what he was doing while holding the book in the air. All I had to do was take the guy¡¯s head off. I mean, I really intended to do that the next moment, but the guy with his eyes closed was already letting out his half-asleep voice. ¡°I¡¯m sleepy.¡± Then he crossed his arms over his chest and began to breathe evenly. He closed his eyelids so tightly that I wondered if he had really fallen asleep, and soon naturally relaxed his body. I muttered while looking at him, who was asleep without taking off his glasses. ¡°I¡¯ll push you to the floor.¡± But despite my warning, his chest just raised and lowered as he breathed. Rather, it was so defenseless that the mind to attack him disappeared. Even so, I¡¯m a lap pillow for this crazy prick. Had I finally gone mad after dealing with this bastard? I was stunned, but in the end I couldn¡¯t push him away and turned my eyes to the book in my hand. Strangely, the letters didn¡¯t come in well, and my gaze went to his sleeping face. ¡°Get it together,¡± I muttered and forced my eyes to the book. *** It wasn¡¯t long before I fell into the book again. A strange noise started to get on my nerves. A whisper? A sound so small that it could be mistaken for the sound of the wind flowing in from the outside. I put the book down and focused on where the noise was coming from, and soon found the source. It was a really small sound that I had to strain to hear, but when I realized it was a human voice, I closed the book completely. It was clear that someone was at the door. I knew that Alice¡¯s boss was on the side of the madman, but I was still wary. Who was trying to spy here? I was about to stand up, but I stopped. There was still someone sleeping on my lap. It occurred to me for a moment that I should just ignore the sound, since moving would wake him up. At that laughable thought, I sighed. Damn, who cares if this bastard woke up or not. I quietly looked down at him, then carefully supported his head with my hand and raised myself up. He didn¡¯t wake up when I put his head on the couch. Then I heard the sound that had bothered me again. Realizing my original purpose, I quietly walked to the door and put my ear to the crack. Through the narrow gap, I could hear a faint but distinct voice. It was a voice that raised and lowered right behind the door. ¡®No doubt. There must be something going on inside. Baekwon today was different from usual. My senses are unmistakable.¡¯ That was the boss. Then someone gave a small reply. ¡®I thought he was the same.¡¯ Of course he was the manager. However, the boss insisted. ¡®No, something is different. Can¡¯t fool my eyes. He might have become 300 won.¡¯ Fuck. I barely held back the curse that was about to come out of my mouth without even realizing it. The voice of the boss, who said 300 won, was full of expectations. And the manager stopped the boss as if he knew what 300 won meant. ¡®Then should we look? You could be misunderstood as a pervert.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m a family member, so I¡¯ll look in because I¡¯m worried. What¡¯s the misunderstanding?¡¯ ¡®Then you¡¯ll be misunderstood as a perverted family member.¡¯ ¡®Hey! What per¡­¡¯ The boss, who had been exclaiming, soon lowered his voice. ¡®Ahem. I can¡¯t hear anything now. It¡¯s okay to peek for now.¡¯ ¡®There¡¯s no one as abnormal as you.¡¯ ¡®I know. And hey, manager. Don¡¯t you sometimes speak harshly to me?¡¯ When the president spoke as if he was sad, the manager replied in a more sad voice. ¡®Boss, where in the world is there anyone who understands you as much as I do¡­¡¯ The words after ¡°where¡± sounded clearer and more vivid. Right in front of me when I opened the door. ¡°Ktfgf lr¡­ bwu!¡± The boss and manager, who were squatting side by side in front of the door, fell on their butts backwards in shock. Even if the boss was a strange person, the manager was an unexpected person so I focused on him. Shouldn¡¯t you be not doing that? For the first time, the manager had a puzzled look on his face, as if he had noticed the meaning in my gaze. But, as always, he got up with a robotic smile and casually made an excuse. ¡°P kjr ibbxlcu ja atf ifcuat bo atf vbbg ogjwf obg jc lcafglbg gfqjlg. Prc¡¯a atja gluta, ybrr?¡± ¡°Hmmm, yes. I was looking at the door frim for interirepair.¡± Ktf wjcjufg¡¯r cjaegji ilfr cjaegjiis aegcfv lcab oealilas vef ab atf ybrr¡¯r oewyilcu. P mbeivc¡¯a rajcv la jcswbgf, rb P bqfcfv ws wbeat. ¡°Gb sbe tjnf jcsatlcu ab rjs?¡± As I was standing with the door half open, the boss pulled his head out and looked behind me. However, since the madman was lying on a sofa with high armrests, he must have been invisible to the boss. He looked inside again with surprised eyes and asked. ¡°Did Jay go somewhere?¡± ¡°No.¡± I shook my head and pointed at the sofa behind me with my chin. ¡°He¡¯s sleeping there.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Suddenly, the boss stiffened as if in shock, so I thought I had said something wrong and said it again. ¡°He is sleeping on the sofa.¡± ¡°H- he¡¯s sleeping? He- here?¡± Is there a rule saying you can¡¯t sleep here? As I wondered, I heard the boss¡¯s trembling voice. ¡°Ah, I- I see. Hmmm. So he¡¯s sl-, sleeping. Jay doesn¡¯t normally sleep anywhere, but h- he is sleeping here.¡± What did he mean he didn¡¯t sleep anywhere? He even slept on the company rooftop bench. What I was trying to say couldn¡¯t come out of my mouth. The boss¡¯s trembling voice sounded like he was crying. Now why was doing that? His reaction was rather emotional. I didn¡¯t understand. I could do nothing but watch. Finally, when his eyes went red, he cleared his throat again and turned around. ¡°Hmmm, ah, Jay seems to be more comfortable in this place now. Hmmm.¡± It looked like he was trying to hide his face by twisting his body, but I vaguely noticed that he was doing that because he was happy. Moreover, the manager congratulated the boss with a happy expression. ¡°I¡¯m glad, boss. I think the director is opening up his heart to the boss like he did when he was young.¡± ¡°W- What is there to be glad about! I- I don¡¯t care. O- Opening up or whatever, hhmmm¡­¡± He said so, but soon he started to cry, and started talking again about his dust allergy. But before he disappeared, he didn¡¯t forget to give the manager a small order. If I had heard it right, it would have been something like this. ¡®Manager, pass the rice cake.¡¯ So the boss left to fix his dust allergy, and the manager left the room to pass rice cakes. Then I turned around and saw the madman sitting on the sofa. He was answering a call with his phone up to his ear. However, after saying just one word, ¡°Fine,¡± without saying anything, the call ended quickly. He turned his eyes to me, slightly frowning, as if he had just woken up. ¡°Why are you there?¡± Instead of answering, I closed the door and asked. ¡°What is your relationship with the boss?¡± The madman looked at me for a while and answered easily. ¡°Uncle.¡± Uncle? However, the president said that he was a ¡®former¡¯ relative¡­ ¡°Then is the boss also a Han?¡± The original name of the madman was Han, so according to my understanding, the boss had to be a Han too. But the answer I heard was, ¡°No.¡± When I stared at him with eyes that implied I didn¡¯t understand, he turned his shoulders as if they were stiff and explained lightly. ¡°He was originally supposed to be a Han, but he wasn¡¯t, and I was a Han, but I changed to Yoon.¡± I didn¡¯t understand more and more. As if it showed on my face, the madman got up from his seat and twisted his lips. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It means that both of us were kicked out of the Han family. More importantly, I have an appointment.¡± ¡°What appointment ?¡± ¡°Song Myungshin and Chairman Kim.¡± I lowered my eyes and looked at the phone he was still holding in his hand. Was the phone call for that purpose? ¡°I heard that Song Myungshin will leave the country three days later for a photo shoot and will not return until four days later. I made an appointment for the next day.¡± That¡¯s a week later. I was counting the days in my head when I heard his voice. ¡°I told you in advance, don¡¯t be surprised.¡± What? I looked at him as he approached the desk. He looked at the monitor and gave an answer mixed with laughter. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of losing the first round.¡± *** Two days later in the morning, the news of Cha Jungwoo again covered the whole country. A press conference was held immediately after being investigated by the police. The company break room in the morning was filled with news spreading through TV. After yesterday¡¯s interview was broadcasted live, news and entertainment information continued to cover it, so few people paid attention to the scene recapitulated in the morning entertainment information program. However, since I rarely watched TV, I focused on the screen showing the manager¡¯s image at first glance. Cha Jung-woo was pale but stared straight into the camera. He barely looked down the entire time he was talking, as if he was determined to face his mistakes rather than being seen as confident. In a calm voice he apologized for his mistake. His eyes staring at the camera turned a little red, and he looked like he was about to burst into tears, but his voice continued unwaveringly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I admit my mistake¡±. His apology was superimposed by the manager writing those words on a piece of paper by himself. The manager wrote down very detailed things, for example, you shouldn¡¯t lean your elbows on the table, don¡¯t cover your face with glasses, always look straight ahead and lower your eyes only for a moment before you say sorry, etc. When asked if he needed to do that, he nodded. ¡®Of course. If you¡¯re not sincerely apologizing, you should at least fake it perfectly.¡¯ Then he added bitterly. Still, there would definitely be people who would notice that it¡¯s not the truth. A reporter on the screen asked in a scathing way. Why did he do that when he knew it was wrong? Curiously, it was the same as the expected reporter¡¯s question written by the manager. Below that, the manager diligently wrote the answer. ¡®Stare at the reporter, pause for a few seconds, lower your gaze once, and then answer.¡¯ ¡°I was scared. I thought the most spectacular thing of my life just faded away. I kept having nightmares because I was afraid that I wouldn¡¯t be able to do well in the difficult military life there, and the anxiety that I would be forgotten by people after a two-year hiatus never left. It¡¯s a fear that everyone bears, but at the time, selfishly, I was the only one who thought of it.¡± ¡®Put emphasis on the word selfish to make it feel that you are being treated terribly. For this part to remain in the impression, the next words should be calm and clear of agitation.¡¯ ¡°So when I heard that I could really avoid the army, I was shaken. I knew in my head that this shouldn¡¯t be the case, but on the other hand, the excuse that I¡¯m not the only one who uses this expedient grew bigger and bigger. In the end, I gave in to the temptation and now I regret it. No, I realized how stupid I was.¡± He perfectly executed the script and instructions made by his manager. I admired the look on his face that anyone would recognize the regret and anguish he felt. However, what really impressed me was the reporter¡¯s next question. ¡°I heard that it was your former manager who exposed your corruption on the Internet, is it true? If so, how does it feel to be betrayed?¡± ¡°The answer to the first question is not true. So, I have no answer to the next question.¡± ¡°But, he has already fled to a foreign country¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t make assumptions without knowing. I still believe in him, and I think I have reason to be convinced of it. Please, do not write speculative articles about my former manager. He did nothing wrong to me.¡± A clear voice proved his trust in the former manager. I swallowed the laughter that was about to explode. He had belief in him enough to swing a golf club. Right, you didn¡¯t take the top spot without some acting skills. After the brief press conference scene on TV, the screen went over to the studio. There were words about Cha Jungwoo¡¯s apology, but most of the topics were of the past 10 months about Cha Jungwoo giving back to society as an apology. It seemed like this was a bigger issue than Cha Jungwoo¡¯s apology because it was an enormous amount of money, close to 2 billion. ¡°The Internet is already in a frenzy. There are people who say it¡¯s all acting and cursing him.¡± Hansoo, who had arrived a little while ago, stared at the TV while taking off his bag from the side. ¡°Still, I think the atmosphere has reversed. Cha Jungwoo¡¯s excuse was a story that all men could relate to, and most of them were relieved because he was willing to give such a large amount of money. Besides, the news broke at night that Cha Jungwoo had put up his house to raise money. There is even sympathy, and now it¡¯s an atmosphere where everyone really believes that he is reflecting.¡± Then, Hansoo grinned, saying, ¡®As expected, our manager is the best.¡¯ The reason we sat leisurely in the quiet lounge early in the morning and watched TV was because we were newcomers with little work, but also because we were waiting for someone. I received a text message late last night. ¨D I contacted Hyungseok saying that I want to join him. I heard that Song Yoohan will come to work tomorrow morning and we¡¯ll meet him. The break room was visible right after turning around the elevator lobby. So there were times when the music in the break room spread even to the quiet lobby. I turned up the volume on the TV with the remote control I got while buying a cup of coffee. News of Cha Jungwoo came out whenever you turn on the TV, so if you were standing in the elevator, you would definitely hear it. So I¡¯ve been watching the same interview scene several times since morning, but I never got tired of it. It¡¯s because I was waiting for a fish to bite the bait and appear. ¡°Oh right. Yesterday, I found a picture that is perfect for what you asked for. So I already edited it with Photoshop.¡± Hansoo spoke as if he just remembered, and his lips twitched in laughter. ¡°It¡¯s an overseas photo, but I took out something really funny and made it absurd. I also put background music on it, so it¡¯s a total joke.¡± ¡°Did you post it on the Internet?¡± He nodded. ¡°Last night. I¡¯ve already posted it in one place, but everyone¡¯s reaction was good, so I¡¯m sure a lot of people reposted it. I checked, and it was also posted on the community that Song Yoohan visited every day. Looking at the number of views, it will be on the list of best soon. Oh, let me show you. This one.¡± At the same time, Hansoo took out his cell phone and showed the saved photo. An expensive sports car that occupied two spaces by itself in a crowded parking lot. It is the same model as Myungshin¡¯s car. And in the very next picture, it is night and all the cars have pulled out, but only the sports car is there. A more expensive car blocked right in front. A speech bubble was attached to the expensive car. ¡®Try pushing me and go, you fucker.¡¯ ¡°But will this work?¡± As I was looking at the photo, Hansoo tilted his head as if he didn¡¯t understand. ¡°To spread rumors about the car that Myungshin hyung rides by making it as ridiculous as possible. Well, for me, it¡¯s fine if Myungshin hyung gets upset even a little, but Taemin¡­¡± His words trailed off, but I could guess what he was trying to say. Isn¡¯t such a small revenge not enough? Of course not enough. It was the same with the TV where I turned the volume up. Bait to inflate his vanity, just as Myungshin heard the sound of the TV and entered the break room. Myungshin, who was walking into the break room with his eyes fixed on the TV, stopped in the middle. When he noticed me looking at him, his brows furrowed for an instant, but his face soon hardened. I deliberately lifted the remote in front of him and turned the volume up. ¡°¡­ I was able to hear an honest apology at this press conference, and it is said that the apology method that Mr. Cha Jungwoo came up with was good, not a showy style of self-reflection. According to sources, Cha Jungwoo put the house up for sale to keep his promise to return all profits to society because he suffered a huge loss when the stock price fell. There are voices shouting about whether they are trying to cover it up with money, but there are more opinions that sympathize with Cha Jungwoo¡¯s explanation. Perhaps that¡¯s why there are reports that the advertising companies that were trying to claim damages from Cha Jungwoo may continue the contract.¡± And a sudden silence. The screen was still playing on the muted TV, but no one was watching. There were only a few people in the break room. They also didn¡¯t particularly care if their voices disappeared, as they were the only ones who were talking quietly or lying on their stomachs for lack of sleep. Except for one person. ¡°Yeah, you going crazy wanting to brag about that little thing?¡± Myungshin took a few more steps towards me and spat out. I deliberately didn¡¯t get up from my seat and looked up at him as he got closer. ¡°Well, you must be envious because the only thing you can brag about is a fucking car.¡± ¡°What?¡± He looked down at me with a puzzled face. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about now? Like a fucking car? That¡¯s a car you can¡¯t buy even if I sell it to you. Tell me what you know, you bastard.¡± He reacted as expected to the topic of the car. I was amused and shrugged. ¡°Even if you sell that car, I would never buy, you fucking punk.¡± Myungshin looked at me like I was crazy. In the end, he laughed, as if he didn¡¯t think it was worth responding to. ¡°Haha, I¡¯m going crazy. You want to pick a fight with my car, but you still don¡¯t know where I stand? I can crush a trainee like you, like squashing a fly at once.¡± ¡°Then do it.¡± ¡°Yes, I will. You won¡¯t be able to set your feet on this field soon¡­¡± ¡°Do it right now.¡± I cut off his words and lifted my chin. ¡°You said you could do it at once? Do it now. As you said, if you are in a great position, you can squash a trainee like me with just one phone call.¡± Instead of answering, Myungshin glared at me with his teeth clenched. On the contrary, I laughed. ¡°As expected, you are in a position where you couldn¡¯t even make a single phone call.¡± ¡°¡­ How funny. Keep talking. That way I can laugh even louder at your fall later.¡± He still spoke with a firm jaw with his teeth clenched, but did not yield to my provocation. ¡°Tell me again. I can listen to you more while you¡¯re here.¡± If he doesn¡¯t fall for light words anymore, you have to increase the intensity. ¡°You¡¯re as cocky as your car. Of course I will stick around longer.¡± ¡°Haha, you?¡± I nodded and answered lightly. ¡°Because my sponsor will make it that way.¡± Myungshin stopped breathing and stiffened for a moment. Maybe it just came to mind. That I also have a sponsor. It¡¯s still unbelievable, though. ¡°Besides, my sponsor said he would give me anything I wanted even if I didn¡¯t play the role of a pimp. So I¡¯m thinking of giving it a shot. I want you to crush me like an insect.¡± Trying to contain his anger, he bit his lower lip and seethed. ¡°If he listens to your everything, you asked him to keep you as a trainee?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. That¡¯s what I asked. I¡¯ll rise with my skills, so don¡¯t interfere by hurting my pride. But it¡¯s not really hurting my pride to crush you.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve only improved on your lies. If you got such a great sponsor, rumors would already be circulating. He must be an old man who doesn¡¯t care much.¡± The rough voice sounded pleasant to me. Yes, get caught in it. Be wary of me and be competitive. ¡°Then find out for yourself.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to go to Alice this evening.¡± Myungshin¡¯s eyes narrowed at the word ¡°Alice¡±. He must be thinking about the people who come and go to Alice. And then he licked his lips. I guess among the people he could be wary of, there was no one he thought of as my sponsor. And my name was not Lee Baekwon to him anyway. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll do whatever you want. And keep fooling around so fearlessly even after your great sponsor is revealed. Until you get a good beating, no-¡± He burst out laughing as if he had suddenly remembered something. ¡°I can do that right away. The guy who tried to stick with you before is waiting with his neck-¡­ !¡± Myungshin suddenly stopped talking and stepped back in surprise. As I was wondering what was wrong, a question popped out of him. ¡°Who are you?¡± Realizing that his gaze was stuck between me and Hansoo, I was startled as he turned his head away. ¡°Ah!¡± Hansoo was even more surprised. Someone was sitting on a chair between us, as if he had suddenly risen from the ground. It was the new road manager. What was this man? Surely no one was there a while ago? I was looking towards the entrance, so I didn¡¯t even see him coming in from there. How did he sit here without any sign? I was so shocked that I could understand Hansoo¡¯s expression as if he was seeing a ghost. However, even when the three of us looked at him with stunned eyes, he asked us with a grimace on his face. ¡°When do you have breakfast?¡± ¡°¡­ We eat when we want.¡± When I answered on behalf of Hansoo, who was still unable to open his mouth, he raised his hand in slow motion and scratched his gray hair. ¡°I heard that the company buys you food.¡± There was another chilly silence. Thanks to this, Myungshin, as if at a loss for words, turned around and disappeared, leaving short words. ¡°Oh, fuck. Annoying as a group.¡± I heard Hansoo¡¯s question as he finally came to his senses while watching Myungshin¡¯s back disappearing into the distance. ¡°Oh, I was really startled, mister. When the hell did you come?¡± Then, I heard a muttering, ¡°Since a while ago.¡± A while ago? I just realized it while thinking. There was someone who had been sleeping on the table since I came here early in the morning. So what time did you come in? I watched him in disbelief and noticed that he was younger than I thought. About half of his head was mixed with gray hair, so I guessed he was in his late 40s, but looking closer, he looked like he was in his early 40s. It doesn¡¯t change that he was still an old man with a blank expression. Besides, he was timid, and his voice sounded like a mumble, so I had to strain to listen. ¡°What do you mean a while ago? You didn¡¯t have to come so early today. We don¡¯t have any schedule other than filming a paper commercial this afternoon.¡± I heard the answer as I nodded slightly. ¡°But my work pays me on an hourly basis.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± I missed my manager for the first time.