Chapter 46 |
Han Seungbeom was a child who showed something distinctly different from the other trainees from the moment they first met.
His unbelievable appearance, and the fame he had before he even appeared on the program.
There were plenty of people who were simply good-looking, but Han Seungbeom was different. Though he might not have been the most striking, there was something about him that made him stand out and seem even more appealing.
A charismatic aura, a tone that was both concise and sincere, and even a gaze that carried a sense of calmness. There was nothing about him that wasn’t charming.
Not to mention, he was pretty talented, so it’s no wonder the public was so obsessed with him.
The main PD, who had met countless celebrities during his time in the industry, could immediately recognize Han Seungbeom’s value.
‘Han Seungbeom is someone we absolutely cannot miss. In order for the program to be a huge success, that kid is essential.’
At the time he had that mindset, the main PD never imagined the situation would worsen to this extent.
“PD Kang, I was worried because you’ve been showing a lot of poor performance lately, but I’m so relieved to see you make such a splendid comeback like this.”
As he had expected, Han Seungbeom was truly a star.
It was completely unimaginable why such a talent that could shake South Korea only appeared now, but even his comet-like appearance was believed in by people.
It was almost to the point where he was convinced that if they filled most of the airtime with Han Seungbeom, the program’s popularity would skyrocket.
As he watched companies pouring in with love calls and eager to pay him money, the main PD felt a shiver run down his spine, his hair standing on end. Han Seungbeom was indeed a goose that laid golden eggs.
‘Han Seungbeom is at the level where he could quit the program right now and debut as a solo artist on his own. We absolutely cannot let that happen.’
The main PD had already received a lot in exchange for PPLs and various behind-the-scenes deals targeting Han Seungbeom from multiple companies. As the days went by, his greed grew, and soon he was able to acquire luxury items that his salary could not afford.
The thrill of effortlessly acquiring expensive luxuries was irresistibly sweet, and Han Seungbeom’s presence grew more and more essential to him every day.
However, things didn’t go as he had wished, and an incident took place.
That day, Han Seungbeom collapsed.
“Seungbeom-hyung has collapsed!” “Seungbeom, Seungbeom-ah! Wake up!”
“It’s faster to take him in my car. Please call the emergency room!”
The moment he saw Han Seungbeom, limp in Jay’s arms, his heart dropped. He couldn’t understand why Jay was paying so much attention to a mere trainee, and he was filled with questions about whether Han Seungbeom would even be able to continue appearing on the program.
After Han Seungbeom was taken to the hospital, when he entered the practice room where the issue had occurred, he found a pale-faced Frick cleaning up the shattered pieces of the mirror.
“Get out!”
He was furious as soon as he saw that sight. He couldn’t forgive that guy who had messed up everything. But there was something more important.
A small camera, small enough to go unnoticed. He had to deal with it quickly.
If a big-name celebrity like Jay found out that a camera had been hidden, there was a risk that things would take a turn for the worse.
The main PD immediately ran towards the camera. However, he could not obtain the desired result.
“Who took it?”
The memory card had disappeared.
“….Han Seungbeom.”
And the answer to that question was quite simple. Quickly grasping the situation, he immediately arranged a time to meet with Han Seungbeom.
He thought that since Han Seungbeom was just a young child, if he was scolded convincingly, it would be easy to manipulate him as he wanted. So, he urged him to hand over the data and keep quiet about this incident.
The main PD realized it only after everything was done.
He realized how foolish his choice had been.
The meticulous and bold personality that he had always found charming was suddenly turned against the main PD as soon as he became an enemy.
Every time Han Seungbeom stated his demands, he glanced down at the money and gifts he had received from the companies and agency CEOs.
‘Just how much does he know?’
The main PD understood with his mind that a mere trainee could not possibly know the behind-the-scenes details, yet subconsciously, his body shrank in fear.
“Shall I say it again, PD-nim? I’m here to negotiate.”
Han Seungbeom was simply watching his reaction with boredom. As if he knew all of his lowly, deepest secrets. As if he knew his own value, the value of the weapons he has, his position.
No matter how many times he racked his brain, the only conclusion he could come up with was this.
‘I have to do what Han Seungbeom wants.’
The main PD fervently prayed that that incident would be the last time he was at odds with Han Seungbeom.
But then it happened.
“Ah, I’m tired.”
The main PD, who had been performing poorly, was going through a slump. No, perhaps it would be better to say he had lost his touch.
No matter how much he thought about it, it seemed that the success of this program was due more to the trainees than to himself.
‘Ah, I need to quickly retrieve the camera and give the next instructions.’
So, in an effort to improve the program’s reputation for being entertaining, he discreetly installed cameras in the trainees’ resting area, even though it pricked his conscience.
‘Based on the way those kids are acting, it’s about time to cross the line. I’ll get some proper footage this time.’
Although Do Yuda could have ended up in a rather frightening situation, it seemed like it was none of his concern.
Today, the sunset was unusually dark and red. Feeling exhausted, the main PD rubbed his shoulders and opened the door to his personal room.
“I’ve been waiting for you, PD-nim.”
His body stiffened at the soft voice. He slowly raised his head, and there, with his back to the window, Han Seungbeom was sitting on the couch.
The red light pouring through the window fell directly onto Han Seungbeom’s pale skin and bright eyes. For a moment, the main PD wondered if the man in front of him was the Han Seungbeom he knew.
No, exaggerating even, he wanted to ask if that person was even human.
“Trainee Han Seungbeom…….”
His red-glinting eyes seemed to pierce straight through his mind, and the cold, heavy atmosphere felt like a silent rebuke.
Han Seungbeom, who had been looking down at the main PD for a moment, finally spoke, “Why do we keep running into each other over things like this? It’s so unpleasant.”
‘What? What’s the problem again?’
Something seemed wrong. Han Seungbeom seemed to feel anger that was incomparably greater than the last time.
The main PD quickly racked his brain, but was unable to figure it out.
It was inevitable. The main PD hadn’t done anything wrong to Han Seungbeom since then.
‘Is he angry because of the betting system? Because I designated the trainee with the most votes as the betting trainee?’
“…….”
A thousand thoughts ran through his mind. The expensive metal watch on his wrist felt cold against his skin.
‘Or is it because I installed cameras in the storage room? No, Trainee Han Seungbeom wouldn’t have been interested in a place crowded with others.’
Various possibilities flashed through his mind as his thoughts raced desperately, but he couldn’t find the right answer. It’s no surprise. The main PD had failed to grasp Han Seungbeom’s true personality.
“Has something gone wrong?”
“Do Yuda.”
The cautious question was met with a short answer. Only then did the main PD realize what had happened.
“The victim caught on camera is that kid.”
‘Do Yuda … he was definitely a trainee from the same agency as Han Seungbeom!’
Han Seungbeom was enraged that Do Yuda had become entangled in the production team’s scheme, far more than when he himself had been hurt.
“….That!”
“This program is full of underage trainees, and surely someone among them must have been sacrificed, so please don’t say it was unintentional.”
Before he could even speak the excuse that it wasn’t specifically targeted at Do Yuda, a cold voice cut him off.
“I didn’t expect the situation to escalate this badly. Is Trainee Yuda alright?”
“…….”
At the hypocritical words, Han Seungbeom silently stared at him before placing the camera down on the table. The main PD could only lower his head in response to Han Seungbeom’s actions.
That meant he wasn’t worth answering.
To say that he didn’t expect things to turn out this way, after installing cameras and attempting to film provocative scenes, was nothing more than an excuse.
Han Seungbeom uncrossed his legs and stood up, slowly approaching the main PD.
Then, he grabbed his wrist and whispered, “I trust you, PD-nim.”
“….Yes?”
Caught off guard by the sudden remark, the main PD quickly started thinking. The words Han Seungbeom uttered were always metaphorical, often surpassing anything he could imagine. If he missed the hidden meaning, it was only himself who would suffer the consequences.
“PD-nim, you’re a wise person. A wise person doesn’t make the same mistake over and over again.”
Seeing the main PD’s desperate expression, Han Seungbeom offered a few more words. It revealed that this was the last chance he was willing to give the main PD.
“I just hope this doesn’t happen again. You seem to have a heavy responsibility, so I might be tempted to take that burden off your shoulders.” Han Seungbeom said this as he lightly ran his fingertips over the watch on the main PD’s wrist. The watch shook, making a heavy metallic sound at his touch.
‘Damn it!’
It was impossible for a trainee to dare to threaten the main PD.
This was ridiculous.
However, as he had guessed, Han Seungbeom seemed to know his weak point, so he couldn’t voice any complaints.
“I’m sure you’ve received a lot of requests from agency CEOs like this, right? Please make sure to present our child nicely.
He thought it was just a joke, but maybe there was some truth behind those words.
This young man knew too much.
“I will be careful so that this doesn’t happen again.”
No more mistakes would be tolerated. The main PD swallowed his pride and bowed his head as he answered politely.
Han Seungbeom seemed satisfied with the response and continued walking toward the door.
Just as the main PD was about to let out a sigh of relief, Han Seungbeom, who had grabbed the doorknob, suddenly stopped in his tracks. As if remembering something he had forgotten, he let out an “Ah!” and turned around.
Then. he opened his mouth, “Song Hanseo isn’t very useful. In terms of the program, and in terms of his character as well.”
His face, boasting a beauty that seemed almost inhuman, curved into a radiant smile. The main PD couldn’t help but stare at him in mesmerization.
“PD-nim, you’re not someone like Song Hanseo.”
“…….”
‘….You’ve messed with the wrong person. You’ve seriously messed with the wrong person.’
That remark meant that he had to prove he was not in the same league as Song Hanseo by shunning him. While the exact details of what happened in that storage room were unclear, it seemed he had angered Han Seungbeom quite a bit.
‘What the hell did you do…….’
Creak. Before the question could linger for long, the door opened, and the sound of its hinges rubbing together filled the air. And Han Seungbeom said his last words before walking out the door,
“I hope you understand what I mean.”
“….Yes.”
It was only after Han Seungbeom had disappeared that the main PD wiped the cold sweat from his sleeve and breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, he recalled Han Seungbeom’s face. A chill ran down his spine.
The rogue who had a literal stranglehold on his life was breathtakingly beautiful.
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Translator’s Corner:
I’m having so much fun choosing the words for the closing line on this lol go go visual genius Han Seungbeom