Chapter 91
Chapter 91
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: Festival Spotlight
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The university festival was a small event held at various universities every fall.
This year, preparations were underway as usual.
During the day, snack booths and experience booths planned by students themselves lined up, along with food trucks and photo zones.
At night, alumni would take the stage to inspire their juniors with dreams, and there would be events like a singing contest.
"Festival, huh..."
Kang Hyun swept his gaze over the crowded school streets, pausing for a moment as fresh emotions washed over him.
A festival—something he thought wouldn't suit him.
Yet in the end, Kang Hyun had accepted her proposal. He would show his face at the festival and help out.
"Better than I thought?"
He had only agreed to participate as a volunteer at the request of student council members like Dan Chorok or Yi Myeong-hwan, but upon arriving at the festival grounds, his heart raced, and excitement bubbled up.
He figured a one-day event wouldn't draw that much attention, but those worries proved unfounded.
10 a.m.
From the university's main auditorium building to the intersection leading to the library, the area was packed with people.
Everyone looked joyful and exhilarated.
"Come on, let's hurry. We need to help the others too."
"Yeah."
They quickened their steps and arrived at the booth.
Seeing the ridiculous banner emblazoned across the front, Kang Hyun let out a hollow chuckle in disbelief.
[Law School Photo Zone with Kang Hyun.]
"No way... this is a photo booth?"
"Yeah. The scenery behind here's great, right?"
"But why does it say 'with Kang Hyun'?"
"You're not just the face of our department—you're the face of the whole school."
"..."
"So, you gonna do it or not?"
"Not really my thing, but..."
He shook his head and placed a hand on his forehead. It was already decided—what did it matter?
Without finishing his sentence, Kang Hyun slipped in among the other students organizing supplies and pitched in.
And so, Kang Hyun's one-day festival gig began.
Before long, people started gathering at the booths one by one.
The law school booth was no exception. What was surprising was that every single person who came recognized Kang Hyun.
"Yes, smile please. One, two, three!"
Click!
"Thank you. Next!"
"It's Kang Hyun! I watched you win that competition—awesome. I'm a fan."
"Th-thank you."
"Yes, smile please. One, two, three!"
Click!
Incredibly, a long line formed.
People flocking to the law school booth to see Kang Hyun were lining up eagerly to snap photos with him.
Naturally, the juices and lemonades from the adjacent booth sold out like hotcakes, and the student council members were grinning from ear to ear.
"Senior, my right of publicity still intact?"
"At this rate, your face is probably everywhere already."
Dan Chorok giggled as she playfully nudged his shoulder.
"But you're running anyway, right? This works in your favor."
Kang Hyun, now resigned, smiled so widely his cheeks hurt as he focused on taking photos.
It was a spot where countless departments competed with booths to promote their programs and people. Usually, phys ed or fine arts departments took top billing, but this year was different.
And on that day, one person stood out particularly.
"Yes, hello. What can I get you?"
Selling snacks at the booth attached to the student council on the right—it was Yoon Chan-rim.
He didn't stand out much up close, but Yoon Chan-rim's warm good looks held up anywhere, and with school mascot Kang Hyun promoting right up front, the law school booth was swamped in no time. The other department booths nearby were left deserted.
Some visitors came specifically for promotion.
"Can you do a quick promo video for the school paper?"
"Just a short interview, please!"
But amid the frenzy, Kang Hyun was the busiest.
"Could you wait over there for a sec?"
"Sure."
Standing where he could meet people face-to-face, he could feel the weight of everyone's attention on his skin.
People who admired him, found him intriguing.
Some students just gawked at the genius and moved on, but most approached with affection, asking for photos or declaring themselves fans.
It felt like being some idol or celebrity.
At first, unsure of his choice, he fumbled and struggled to flash a bright smile. But as time passed, his mindset shifted.
Truth be told, if he won the student council president election, he'd be in front of cameras a lot, facing situations like this often. He had worried if this was the right fit for him.
But today, meeting people, smiling, talking—it dawned on him.
There was nothing better than becoming a source of joy and hope for others. And if he could lead them properly from that position, he'd feel even more fulfilled.
He wasn't without affection for the school, nor one to ignore those in need.
Once he got comfortable, Kang Hyun naturally beamed genuine smiles at fans approaching him, thanked them sincerely, and happily posed for photos.
The booth, open since 10 a.m., finally quieted down around 12:30 p.m.
"Good work, everyone!"
"You too, seniors!"
"Kang Hyun, Chan-rim—good job. Go grab some food."
Sweat beaded on Kang Hyun's forehead before he knew it.
But his face shone brighter.
His thoughts had cleared, and feeling his position affirmed by all the support played a part.
All in all, it had been a good choice.
"Bro, you okay?"
In the rest area set up behind the booth.
Yoon Chan-rim approached with concern, but relaxed upon seeing Kang Hyun's expression.
"Yeah. You were busy too, huh?"
"Me? Just hustling. It's my choice."
Indeed. Yoon Chan-rim, who had decided to run for the next law department student council president.
With Kang Hyun entering the central student council race, the department council had to scout other candidates.
And Yoon Chan-rim was the one they landed on.
He had no shortcomings as a candidate, be it personality or reputation.
When the offer came, he lit up more than anyone. He was ambitious, after all.
Kang Hyun didn't mind his decision either.
If he was doing this, smooth communication with his department's student council president was key.
While devouring their packed lunches, they spotted Woo Si-hyung—the one they'd arranged to meet—entering the booth.
"Whew, you guys okay? Tough gig."
"Nah, it was fun. Come eat something."
"Nah, I grabbed something. Don't worry about me."
Woo Si-hyung waved it off, so Kang Hyun smiled and asked,
"How's the debate tournament going?"
In this relaxed second semester, Woo Si-hyung was busy with a small debate event.
He looked a bit thinner and tired, but his cheerful nature remained.
He nodded and replied,
"So-so. Anyway, you hear the news?"
"What news?"
"About the student council president race. Who's your rival?"
"Some second-year business major, right?"
Yoon Chan-rim chimed in with his quick info, but Woo Si-hyung shook his head meaningfully.
"That's right, but..."
He hesitated, then said,
"Get this—it's that Yang Bo-hyun guy's little brother."
"Yang Bo-hyun?"
Yoon Chan-rim shot up in shock and yelled.
"For real? Is that even allowed? How'd you find out? That's ridiculous."
"Team member prepping for the debate told me. Most people don't know."
"No way a criminal's brother can just run again?"
Yoon Chan-rim had every right to fume.
Pride was at stake. After scandals and embezzlement turned the school upside down, now the brother of the former president under investigation was gunning for the next spot.
It was absurd, unethical, and defied common sense.
"But weirdly, no one's criticizing it. They're just accepting it."
"Really? Why? What's the deal?"
"The school backs him, and business majors have traditionally held the presidency. No one wants to break that. No better option, so they're pushing him as a stopgap."
"Damn. Still? Bro, that's insulting. Crush him."
"I thought Hyun would run unopposed this time. But they trot out another clown."
As everyone fumed, Kang Hyun couldn't muster a good expression and stayed silent instead.
How desperate were they to hold that seat?
They seemed ready to pull any stunt to get their guy in.
The thought of a big fight ahead lingered in his mind.
At that moment.
"Hello!"
Dan Chorok's voice came from outside the tent.
Her tone shifted freely with the situation, but this was distinctly formal—likely some school bigwig or VIP.
"...?"
"No rest for you, Hyun. Gotta go say hi?"
"She'll handle it."
But Kang Hyun's guess missed the mark.
Dan Chorok poked her head into the inner rest tent.
"Come on out and greet her."
"Who is it?"
Seeing her bright smile and insistence, she seemed close to the visitor.
Feeling no tension, Kang Hyun stood with a smile and followed her out.
But...
"Greet her. We haven't properly introduced you yet, right?"
Seeing the woman in front of Dan Chorok, Kang Hyun couldn't help furrowing his brow slightly.
Director of Korea University's Law Center.
The one who, knowingly or not, had thrown constant obstacles at Kang Hyun during the mock trial competition.
Kim Jong-hwan's enemy—the key figure in the Justice Ministry who had cornered Song Ha-dong into the ICC, Nam Shin-hwa into the Foreign Ministry, and many others into fleeing.
Gong Hyun-jeong.
Her white hair framed her face, glasses hiding her sharp eyes.
Surprisingly, she was alone—no entourage as usual—which heightened Kang Hyun's wariness, unsure of her intentions.
"I've heard a lot about you from Chorok. Kang Hyun."
Facing Kang Hyun, who couldn't hide his hostility, she stood relaxed and extended her hand.
Then it hit him.
Dan Chorok, whom he thought was doing well and an ally, was Gong Hyun-jeong's prized protégé.
That's how she got major Law Center backing, sweeping awards in every competition.
Even her bar exam prep was supported by the center.
"Nice to meet you."
Still holding out her hand, she urged the handshake again.
Kang Hyun glanced stiffly at her offered hand. Then, very slowly, cautiously, he reached out.
But just before their hands met.
Kang Hyun pulled back quickly and bowed politely.
"No need. A handshake with the director? Allow me to greet you properly. I'm Kang Hyun."
Their hands never touched, but their wills clashed head-on in that instant.