Chapter 33 |
“Don’t try to fool me. It won’t work.”
The corners of his mouth, which had curved gently in response to my firm words, briefly twisted and then returned to their original shape as if nothing had happened.
“Is it because the members of your second mission team?”
“Hyung, I’m really fine.”
When I asked about the cause of the issue, an unexpected answer came back.
“…….”
‘Another lie.’
That wasn’t the truth either. There was no way he was okay.
Do Yuda was absolutely not the type of person to be ostracized anywhere, but it was clear to everyone that he was an outcast among his teammates.
“Why did you revive me! At this point, I’d rather just quit. Even if I shamelessly survive on my own and perform on stage, it’s not enjoyable at all.”
“What criteria did you use to decide who to save? Are you really that good to the point where you can decide someone’s elimination?”
“I told you we should save both of them. Was the votes that precious to you? You have plenty of votes. You have more than enough. But was it really that precious that you eliminated him?”
“Your fans loved you because they thought you were kind … do you think they’ll still love you the same way once they find out that you are this kind of person?”
‘You’re talking about quitting? You can’t even speak up in front of your agency staff because you’re shaking in fear.’
As a result of using my ability on Do Yuda’s team members, that kind of topic was never brought up in the first place. It only made me let out a hollow laugh.
It’s so obvious they’re wrapped up in their own little world, thinking they’re so bonded that they should cherish each other.
It seemed like he was overly immersed in the image of “losing a friend and falling into sadness“, showing an emotional side even in front of the camera and saying things he shouldn’t have said to Do Yuda without hesitation.
Anyway, since they ended up falling into the trap of the betting system as the producer team wanted, they had to be prepared for the evil editing to some extent.
“…….”
As I stood silently against the wall, the excuses flowed out of him.
“Everyone is kind and good people, but it’s just that they weren’t lucky, which is why things turned out this way. I believe that if they just gather their thoughts a little more, everything will be okay.”
I didn’t say anything.
The fact that he talked endlessly alone about something that wasn’t even asked was likely not because he truly thought that way, but rather because of anxiety.
‘He can’t change his team members even if he tries to deny it.’
I struggled with whether it would be better to tell this guy who was trying to hold on to some hope the harsh reality, or to let him at least find some way to rationalize it.
I heard that kids these days are really delicate.
I lightly tapped my fist against the wall I was leaning on, almost like knocking. At that, Do Yuda shifted his gaze to my face.
“If you need help, tell me clearly that you need help. I’ll help you.”
“How?”
“You know, what method works best on those kinds of people.”
There was a fixed method to make someone who was absorbed in a certain aspect of themselves come to their senses.
You just have to give them a reality check. How ugly they were, how worthless they were.
“Is this really the time to play friendship games?”
“…….”
“If you can’t do it, I’ll do it for you.”
“.…By the way, if we use the method you suggested, hyung, will the members be able to get along well in the future?”
For a moment, I thought I’d misheard.
Shouldn’t I make it so they couldn’t walk around without hanging their heads in shame?
I wasn’t a very good person. The distinction between what was mine and everything else was clear, and I was determined to eliminate by any means necessary anyone who dared to touch what was mine.
“What are you talking about? I’m doing it to make it impossible.”
When I honestly denied it, Do Yuda raised his eyebrows dramatically and stuck out his beak-like lips.
“….I don’t like it. It’s scary.”
“Scary?”
“People who are ruthless like you, hyung, can just get rid of people and keep going, but an ordinary citizen like me can’t do that! Waah! If something bad happens to those people because of me, I won’t be able to sleep!”
Finally, as if giving up on his insistence on pretending to be okay in front of me, Do Yuda whined and started crying his eyes out, just as usual.
“You can’t sleep even now, you brat. You’re still saying that you’re fine with those bloodshot eyes.”
“I won’t be able to sleep anymore! Not at all!”
Do Yuda was the type of person who, after saying everything he needed to say to others, would end up having nightmares and feeling guilty. I knew what answer he was going to give in this situation.
‘I can’t just knock down everything simply because I find it frustrating, can I? This is really….’
“The song for the second mission that your team chose, it was clearly a song by Prism seniors.”
“Yes.”
“You know better. There’s a limit to what you guys can handle at the trainee level. But do you think you can do it when the team is so scattered?”
They’re in a situation where their combined efforts would never be enough, yet their teamwork was so scattered?
It was a hopeless situation.
“What you said you would do, hyung! It’s not just a matter of everyone scattering, it’s almost like you’re setting off a bomb!”
“It would be better for the team if we get rid of the person who’s ruining the atmosphere..…”
“Ah, that’s enough! That’s enough! You ruthless person!”
Do Yuda quickly covered my mouth. It seemed like he knew what I was going to say without even hearing it.
“It’s the truth.” I removed Do Yuda’s hand from my mouth and spoke bluntly.
“…Even if something difficult happens, if I just grit my teeth and push through, eventually it will be bearable. After all, this team is temporary. I just have to endure until the second mission is over.”
“…….”
Noticing my crumpled expression, Do Yuda burst out laughing.
“Hyung, you really worry too much. It’s not something to worry about that much. It’s just … something that will pass. I don’t want to rely on you for this one!”
“…Then go get some sleep. That way you’ll have the energy to practice.”
“You really need to have some self-reflection. I don’t want to hear that from you, hyung. I’m already grown up enough to handle this on my own.”
“So cheeky.”
As I let out a laugh and lifted my head, I could see the morning sunlight coming through the window.
It was time for Woo Kangwon to wake up.
***
It’s not helpful to yell or get angry when you’re trying to teach someone something.
I realized that through my former members.
Therefore, I vowed again and again that I would definitely teach the children I encounter in this life with a heart as compassionate as the Buddha’s.
But.
“Why … do you vocalize like that?”
“The CEO of our office told me to do it like this. Nong! Nong! Nong! Nong! Nong!”
‘… I’m going crazy.’
Every time Zen opened his mouth, it was driving me crazy that I could feel a sharp pain in the back of my neck. Compared to the first competition, where he didn’t say a word, this was almost a welcome change. But listening to what Zen had to say felt like my brain was being invaded.
“Why are you clenching your fists like a baby?”
“If you clench your fist tightly, you’re halfway there in dancing. This is the philosophy of our office’s dance trainer. With a strong fist, exceptional skill follows.”
Talking nonsense about a strong fist. This wasn’t a martial arts school, what the hell did you mean? My strong fists trembled.
I had no idea what on earth this guy’s agency CEO and dance trainer taught him.
“Who is your agency’s dance trainer?”
“It’s my CEO’s younger brother!”
‘Ah, heavens.’ I got dizzy and looked up at the ceiling.
In the field of arts and sports, once a bad habit sets in, it becomes quite difficult to fix.
That’s why senior singers were so eager to pursue those raw gems with no bad habits, and it took several years to correct even the smallest of habits.
‘But they’re actually teaching bad habits to him.’
I could tell even without hearing it. The CEO who, unable to fulfill his dream of becoming a singer, started an entertainment company but still couldn’t let go of his passion for singing. Meanwhile the younger brother, lacking skills, struggled to find a job unless he was related by blood.
‘They’ve shown off all sorts of useless arrogance in front of a kid who knows nothing.’
I assure you, there’s a reason why you didn’t succeed.
There’s also a reason why professional work should be left to professionals.
“…..Nagi.”
“….Leada suddenly calls me by my surname. I think this is how Koreans cut someone off. Kangwon-hyung, am I in danger of dying right now?”
When I called Zen in all seriousness, Zen went behind Woo Kangwon and hid.
“I’m not sure either. But I think he’s pretty angry right now.”
“Please save me. I don’t want to die yet.”
“If you don’t get out of there right now, the situation you were worried about will really happen.”
As I glared at the guy menacingly and spoke, he nervously rolled his eyes and hesitantly stepped forward. Woo Kangwon just chuckled.
I pointed at the floor with my finger. Then, Zen broke out in a cold sweat and dropped to the floor.
Like a puppy being told to lie down.
‘I’m going crazy.’
“Not that. Sit down.”
No matter how angry I was, I never intended to tell a human to “lie down“. When I told him clearly to sit down, Zen knelt down with his forehead on the ground. Why couldn’t he just sit down normally?
“Why is he sitting like that?”
“Han Seungbeom is angry.”
“Aha.”
Ignoring the whispers that reached my ears, I crossed my arms.
“Zen.”
“Yes, I’m listening.”
“How are your skills right now?”
“Not good enough.”
“Did you neglect your practice?”
“…No, I didn’t. I worked hard. I really worked hard.”
The guy, who had been wary, squeezed his eyes shut and spoke. It seemed like he thought I was going to scold him for not practicing hard enough.
“Yes, you are working hard. I know that well. Then, the problem must be with your practice method. From now on, we need to change that. This can’t go on.”
“…….”
“Do you trust me?”
“I trust you.”
“Can you throw away all your stubbornness and everything else and do exactly as I say?”
“Throw everything away?” Zen asked, looking dumbfounded.
“Yes. Empty everything out and fill it again completely, starting from scratch, in my way.”
“…….”
“What is there to be afraid of? There’s nowhere lower to fall than you are now. I promise you, I will definitely make you shine on this stage. Do you trust me?”
Zen gulped and nodded determinedly. Strangely, this guy had an immense amount of trust in me. Was it because of the incident with Frick?
I smirked, opened my mouth, and then handed over a piece of paper.
“Get up, then. And fill this out.”
[Outing Request Form].
“Outing … request form?”
He read the words on the paper carefully.
“Write that you’re visiting the hair salon.”
“Are we going to a hair salon?”
If you wanted to show a dramatic change in something.
It would work better if it’s accompanied by an external change.
I have already decided on the first order of change.
“Yes, I don’t need your opinion.”
I will transform Zen from head to toe to suit my tastes.
Because my taste is the public’s taste.
First, let’s do something about that damn outdated hairstyle.
I smiled brightly and pulled on the back of his neck. Then, his long body was dragged up.
I lowered the microphone and whispered my plan into his ear. Then, Zen’s eyes sparkled as he exclaimed.
“Oh, Pik*chu!”
.…That’s not it.
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Translator’s Corner:
omg Yuda baby … let’s just follow Seungbeom’s suggestion and get ride of your teammates…..