Chapter 201: Worry Sharing Meeting (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 201: Worry Sharing Meeting (2)
We traveled to the filming location in a car driven by the MC.
The main plan was to briefly introduce and promote the drama on the way, and then engage in separate content once we arrived at the site.
“I’ve known Seo-myeong for quite a while now. I really felt like this character suited her perfectly.”
“Really? You’re going to make me blush if you say things like that.”
“I mean it. Everyone said the chemistry was great, too.”
Since the MC and Ha Seo-myeong were close, the conversation flowed naturally.
“I enjoyed watching you too, I-wol. When I first saw you, I was certain you were an actor, but then I found out you were an idol. I was totally shocked!”
“Thank you for saying that. I’m grateful so many people viewed me favorably.”
“I saw the comments too. People said it looked like someone had kidnapped a Yeouido office worker and dropped him on set.”
Ha Seo-myeong burst into laughter at the MC’s remark.
Gu Ja-han was also acting quite affably. I don’t know about a total reformation, but it seemed he’d at least had a moment of self-reflection after filming ended.
“So, everyone, where do you think we’re headed today?”
“To grab a beer? You can’t talk about office workers without mentioning after-work drinks!”
“It’s broad daylight, though. Seo-myeong, are you okay with day-drinking?”
“I can handle it.”
The MC and Ha Seo-myeong went back and forth with their banter. Since Gu Ja-han had already snatched the 'office' answer, I was the only one left who couldn't give a similar response...
“...A lotto hotspot?”
...And that’s how I ended up like this. I even got a promise from the MC that he’d buy me a lottery ticket with his own money after filming. I felt like crying.
While I was being painted as an idol obsessed with getting rich quick, the Carnival began to turn into a secluded alleyway.
Soon, colorful flags started appearing one by one.
“Are we going to perform an exorcism...?”
Gu Ja-han asked with a look of distaste. Since it was time for him to face the consequences of his actions, this would likely be a necessary yet painful experience for someone like him.
The car, carrying a trembling Gu Ja-han, stopped in front of a shabby-looking house.
“Today’s filming location is... a fortune teller’s house!”
Seon Gu-an was once a bright middle school student with many dreams.
His life took a 180-degree turn the day his father’s face began to look pitch black to him.
Believing only in his previous successes, his father forced a business expansion that failed, leading to bankruptcy and his father’s ultimate choice to end his life.
A black ribbon draped over his father’s funeral portrait.
Family members in black mourning clothes, and mourners in black weeping bitterly.
In that moment, Seon Gu-an gained a bizarre ability.
He could see the potential of any business as a 'color.'
As if mocking his late father’s greed, this suspicious ability only manifested 'while working.'
His only goal became working diligently and desperately saving money to reclaim his former life.
“Mr. Seon Gu-an, I don’t work this way.”
Then, a man appeared, blocking the smooth path Seon Gu-an had built for himself.
.
.
.
...That was the synopsis for In My Office. The episode where Seon Gu-an’s ability disappeared the moment he wavered from his goal due to his love for Ji Seong-in had recorded the highest views of the series.
‘But I never imagined we’d actually come to a fortune teller’s house.’
I presumed the keywords were linked in a flow of 'special ability → mysterious realm → shamanism.'
I had never been to a fortune teller or had my saju read. Occasionally, a finance app would show me my daily horoscope, but I never remembered it until the end of the day to think, ‘Oh! The horoscope was right!’
Perhaps that was why this place felt like... a realm one shouldn't enter lightly.
“Before we go in! Do our guests believe in fortune-telling or saju?”
I was already nervous, but the MC brought us to a halt right before the entrance. My heart was racing as if I were on a theme park ride.
“I always get my New Year’s fortune read when the year changes. What about you, Ja-han? You don't look like the type to believe in that stuff.”
“I’ve rarely gone on my own, but my mother goes to see a fortune teller often. I went with her when I was deciding on my career path.”
“A lot of people do...! I’ve never been, not even once.”
“Then today is I-wol’s first saju? Is it okay to broadcast such precious content on our show?”
It’s a cable variety show, so of course it is. If it gets edited out, I’ll just tell the whole story during my own live stream.
The MC explained enthusiastically that this house was incredibly famous. It had appeared on TV several times, and apparently, it took a year to get a reservation.
The production team had reached out without much expectation, but miraculously, a previous client had canceled, leaving a spot open.
No wonder there weren't any proper signs or markers. The person here must be such a big shot that they didn't even need to advertise to attract clients.
Contrary to what I had imagined, the waiting room—which looked like a converted foyer and living room—was quite modern.
The production crew had gone into the shaman’s room first, saying they didn't even have time to set up the cameras in advance. Having only seen carefully staged scenes before, experiencing something like this was quite fascinating.
“They say they’re ready, so shall we head in?”
At the MC’s words, we rose from the sofa and headed toward the designated room.
The room where the shaman sat felt completely detached from reality, with the doorway acting as the boundary.
Amidst vivid paintings and decorations sat a woman dressed in a simple hanbok.
The woman, whose hair was tied back tightly, looked at us and then asked the PD.
“You said four people were coming, but you only gave me three horoscopes for the living. I thought you were testing me, but it turns out you brought a ghost pretending to be alive.”
I didn't need to look to know. The camera lenses were zooming in on each of our four faces. Perhaps she wasn't being tested, but was testing us instead.
“Wait, who’s a ghost?”
The MC asked as he sat on a cushion.
In that moment, the tip of the shaman’s fan pointed directly at me.
“Who else? Him.”
Whether it was for the sake of directing or not, the PD had asked to save my saju for last. Consequently, the order was set: the MC, Ha Seo-myeong, Gu Ja-han, and then me.
The atmosphere for the people ahead of me was quite good.
I don't mean the set was cheerful. Rather, I could feel that everyone was 'sincerely' amazed by the shaman’s words.
“What’s the use of being so good to others? You end up seeing things you should and shouldn't have to see.”
“...Wait a second, I think I’m going to cry.”
“Don't give too much of yourself away. The people who are meant to stay will stay even if you don't go that far. Living like this is just carving out your own flesh to give to others.”
“No, whew... hold on. Can we stop filming for just a moment? I’m really sorry. Truly.”
Let’s say Ha Seo-myeong and Gu Ja-han were acting, since they’re actors. But it made no sense for the MC to pull off that level of emotional acting.
At least according to the research I’d done on the MC’s career, acting wasn't part of it. I had considered the worst-case scenario—a 'hidden camera prank only I didn't know about'—but that seemed a bit too far-fetched. It would be disrespectful to the MC, too.
Ha Seo-myeong received what could be called praise or at least kind words. The shaman said that a rose meant to bloom in soil must have struggled to sprout in the mud, but she had managed to crawl out onto dry land. Now, all that was left was to bloom in the right earth.
It likely meant her acting career would be smooth sailing. Ha Seo-myeong looked happy to hear that.
Up to this point, it was just interesting. What truly shocked me was when it was Gu Ja-han’s turn.
“Oh boy.”
“What is it?”
“This gentleman is only just starting to grow up.”
Bosal-nim!
Have you by any chance been to our filming set?!
The fact that Gu Ja-han was starting to mature was a top-secret detail that even the variety show writers here shouldn't have known!
Gu Ja-han laughed awkwardly. It seemed she had hit the nail on the head.
The shaman skillfully consoled the flustered Gu Ja-han.
“It’s alright. There are plenty of people who haven't grown up even at fifty. You’ve heard of Jicheonmyeong, right? They say at fifty, a person should know heaven’s will. But you’re still young.”
In an instant, the topic shifted to: 'Is Gu Ja-han actually a spoiled brat?' We couldn't have everyone focusing only on the saju in a variety show.
“Ja-han’s first impression was definitely that of a spoiled young master. His image changed a lot while filming the drama. By the last broadcast, we’d become really close, right?”
Ha Seo-myeong spoke lightly, yet her words carried weight.
“He has the fate of living as a self-centered ruler. But did he recently meet someone precious?”
“Oh? Isn't this exactly like the character Ji Seong-in from In My Office?”
The MC jumped in. His ability to analyze a guest’s recent filmography and weave it into the story was incredible.
“That’s right, that’s right. What, am I perhaps Gu Ja-han’s benefactor?”
“Not you. Didn't I say earlier that you’re someone who will find your own land? You’re too smart to even peek toward a gravel pit.”
“Does that mean I’m the gravel pit...?”
“It means that until you met your benefactor, you treated people’s sincerity like dirt. Looking at you, there’s no water source in your life. You’re bone dry.”
The shaman’s sharp remarks didn't stop. Gu Ja-han covered his face with both hands. Laughter erupted from all sides at this new side of the handsome male lead.
Gu Ja-han’s fans might dislike this description, so this scene might get edited out. It would be a shame if it did.
“But for some reason, a bamboo pipe was driven into the gravel pit. That’s why water is starting to fill up.”
“....”
“If you keep living like this, you’ll at least become a spring. And what’s a spring like? All the mountain animals gather there in winter. It’s a stroke of heavenly luck that a new opportunity came to a stone pit, and people might gather around you again.”
The shaman earnestly advised Gu Ja-han that this was a very important time for him, telling him to behave himself and mind his conduct.
After listening to the long lecture and returning to his spot, Gu Ja-han glanced at me. Even if you look at me like that, I’m not going to your place to borrow water in the winter. I have no intention of causing trouble for my group by making strange connections in the wrong places. Don't worry about me stealing the spring water you’ve managed to collect.
Finally, it was my turn.
The shaman, who had been avoiding eye contact with me, looked at a spot on my face and tilted her head as if she had a headache.
Then, after a long silence, she uttered a single sentence.
“Ugh. Your face is so pitch black, I can't see a thing.”