Chapter 145
Chapter 145
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 145
Chapter Title: I'm Heading Out to Blackmail Right Now
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Well, it could happen. Things have been bustling around here lately.
That was when it happened. In an instant, it felt like lightning had struck inside my head.
‘There’s no CCTV here.’
The design was incredibly sloppy. There wasn’t a single CCTV in the hallways, and even the ones at the entrances were faulty.
“Seungjun-ah. Which studio is VIP in?”
“Huh? C-2?”
I couldn’t stop laughing. Wow. As expected, living righteously really does bring luck from the heavens. My shoot was over. I quickly changed out of my costume.
“What’s up?”
“Ah, I just had a good idea.”
Even VIP has to use the bathroom, right? Unfortunately, the C-2 studio bathroom was notorious for being off the beaten path.
‘Who knew my past life memories would come in handy here.’
I’d done a ton of extra work filming around here.
I was just about to head out when a warm sensation gripped my hand.
“Where are you going?”
“I’ve got a little business to take care of. Why?”
The bear-like guy’s eyes trembled. In that moment, I recalled what the chubby manager had said.
-You never open up.
-Do you actually even like the guys?
-So if something comes up, just tell me. Even one person is fine.
Damn it.
‘No, I’m on my way to blackmail someone—do I really have to say that?’
A sigh escaped me on its own. Why spill the beans when I’m off to do something shady? He’d try to stop me. And worse, he’d end up as an accomplice.
‘But if I don’t tell him, he’ll get pissed, right?’
I fidgeted awkwardly before confessing the truth.
“Lee Seungjun.”
“Yeah.”
“I’m heading out to blackmail someone right now.”
His eyes kept shaking.
“I’m going even if you try to stop me. Sorry, but could you just let me go? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ll pretend you never heard a thing.”
The grip on my hand tightened. I hadn’t expected him to let go anyway, but this was too much.
“No way. I’m not letting go.”
This guy was driving me nuts.
“No, why not?”
“Because you’re wrong.”
Wrong about what?
I glared at Lee Seungjun. Was this guy playing riddles with me now?
“What’s wrong?”
“Say it again.”
Please just speak in a way I can understand. I let out a deep sigh. Lee Seungjun still didn’t release my hand.
“I’m begging you? Please.”
“Nope.”
“I’ll make you something delicious.”
“That’s not it either.”
Then what the hell is it?
I narrowed my eyes and stared at him. He had no intention of letting go.
In that moment, I remembered something he’d said.
‘No way…’
I whispered softly.
“Want to come with?”
His hand slipped away smoothly. He smiled brightly in a way that wasn’t like him at all.
“Bingo.”
“You’re insane. It probably won’t get us caught, but it could be risky.”
“Yeah, probably.”
“I can handle it alone. Plus, I don’t want to drag you into this.”
“Got it. I understand.”
“But you’re still coming?”
He opened the door himself as he said it.
“Yeah.”
Damn it. I pinched the bridge of my nose. Then I blocked him from leaving.
“Why?”
“We’re friends.”
This guy was seriously insane.
I pressed a hand to my forehead. Through the gap in my fingers, Lee Seungjun was still grinning like an idiot, clearly enjoying this.
‘No good. This guy…’
I sighed and said.
“First, change your clothes. You’re still in costume.”
“Oh, right.”
Lee Seungjun dashed off to change. I stared up at the ceiling. What an incredible bastard.
‘Why’s he doing something that puts him at a loss?’
Wouldn’t it be way better for him to just sit back and watch the show while munching on rice cakes?
‘He’s just incomprehensible.’
Lee Seungjun approached the door again.
“You’re really coming?”
“Yeah.”
“Fine. Let’s go. But no regrets later.”
He flashed a refreshing smile.
“No chance.”
Crazy bastard. He must’ve eaten something weird too.
‘Why go for the losing option?’
I shook my head. Through my swaying hair, the guy was still smiling.
***
I walked lightly, smartphone in hand. Beside me, Lee Seungjun busily scanned the surroundings. It really showed he was a rookie in situations like this.
“So, how are you gonna blackmail them?”
“Lock ‘em in the bathroom first.”
I headed to the C-2 studio bathroom and yanked out all the toilet paper first. Then, with my half-healed bandaged hand, I slammed the doorknob down hard.
Crack—
My fingers stung pretty bad. I shook my hand in the air and grinned.
“Should’ve put on the bandage.”
It would’ve been easier that way. They say even dog shit has no use as medicine when you need it—spot on.
“What are you doing?”
“Breaking the doorknob. They won’t be able to get out like this.”
Of course, it only worked because it was cheap junk. Time was short. I quickly punched the rest of the knobs with my fist. Bruises bloomed on the back of my hand, but even the pain felt sweet.
‘Time to eat shit, VIP seniors.’
I prepared this so carefully for you. Gotta appreciate it nicely.
“Seungjun. I need your help with something.”
“Yeah? What?”
“Dump all these toilet paper rolls in the trash, keep an eye out for anyone coming and text me. And when the VIP seniors arrive, hang this on the door.”
I handed him the ‘Cleaning in Progress’ sign from the janitor’s closet to hang on the knob.
“That’s all?”
“What are you gonna do?”
“I’m strong.”
What the hell?
“I can break bones real good.”
Crazy—this guy seriously must’ve eaten something off.
“That’s a crime, Seungjun.”
“Huh? Since when do you care about that?”
Is he nuts? No, why’s he acting like this? You weren’t this kind of guy.
“Let’s not do anything that’ll get us caught.”
“Then crimes that don’t get us caught are fine?”
Well.
“That’s a little better. Super shitty, though. According to what I respect Mom said, it builds up bad karma.”
“Oh?”
“Anyway, I’ll handle that part. You just do what I asked.”
“What are you gonna do?”
I grinned, gripping my smartphone.
“Just wait next door. With the door closed.”
“You broke all the knobs—how’re you getting out?”
“There’s a trick. Lift it up a bit and it opens. But no amount of strength will do it. Problem is, people panic and their brains freeze.”
VIP seniors’ll probably just bang on it or call their manager.
“Got it. I’ll do exactly what you said.”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Lee Seungjun stepped out of the bathroom casually. Watching his broad back, I shook my head. Felt like I was dragging an innocent guy into the muck.
‘I’ll take all the legal risks myself.’
Even if things go south, he stays clean.
I slipped into the next stall and quietly locked the door. Then waited a bit.
‘By now, Seungjun’s dumped all the TP.’
I swiped the smartphone screen. Activating Cheat Mode made me chuckle involuntarily.
[Cheat Mode 0/3]
[VIP’s second-most sinful guy: Change healthy body to one-time acute gastroenteritis.]
[Change complete.]
[Side effect: Vision blocked for 1 second.]
[Cheat Mode 1/3]
I tilted my head.
‘Why’s the side effect so mild?’
I didn’t remember clearly, but it seemed even lighter than with Director Han Jin-san? Why?
‘Does gastro suit a shitty person that well?’
Whatever, not my problem. I opened the window quietly and waited. About three minutes later, one guy came rushing in and plopped onto the toilet desperately.
“Ah, fuck! Belt!”
Sounds of frantic unbuckling clanged.
‘Huh, familiar voice. And he’s on a call?’
I leaned against the wall, holding my breath. Of course, I didn’t forget to start recording. It wouldn’t hold up as wiretap evidence, but better than nothing.
“Ah, fuck, why’s my gut like this? Damn it. Ah, Lisa, you’re the best. It’s fine. Ah, I’ve got a packed schedule. Lately Jeremy hyung’s been grinding me hard ‘cause he needs money after causing some accident.”
Wow. Found out something I never expected.
‘VIP needs money? And the leader caused an accident?’
I pictured that Jeremy guy’s face. Funny, but his type didn’t usually cause accidents.
‘Unless he’s pulling strings from behind.’
If even the closest lackey’s talking like that, it says it all.
I crossed my arms and leisurely waited for more of his conversation.
“Lisa babe, looks like our leader’s drug high wore off. He started some shit trying to crush Zenith, but it was hilarious. ‘Long tail gets caught, can’t one-shot kill,’ so he beats up some strict guy every day. Huh? Obviously venting anger!”
Bingo.
‘It really was you guys.’
And not just once or twice, from the sound of it.
‘At this point, maybe dig into every celebrity car accident.’
Super suspicious. Completely unaware anyone might be listening, that Kao bastard kept blabbing.
“Ah, my body? Lisa babe’s so sweet. Me? I got a little involved. Adjusted things in the middle, but this fucker’s blackmailing now.”
Huh, what’s that mean?
‘Hit-and-run guy threatening to snitch if things go south?’
Just them ordering a hit-and-run was complicated enough. But the real key was elsewhere.
‘If he was involved, there’s gotta be evidence, right?’
Can I get that too? As I pondered, Kao kept babbling from the toilet.
“That overseas messaging app was a pain in the ass. Fuck. Jeremy hyung starts shit but claims no involvement. I was fixing it in the middle, scared shitless.”
Oh boy.
Overseas messaging app. I get the picture.
“In the end, the president stepped in. We got wrecked instead. That’s why I’m busy as hell. Ngh…. Nah, nothing. Aigoo! Suddenly it’s hitting hard!”
Ah, right—gastro guy.
“Lisa babe, heading to the club soon. Yeah, I’ll hit you up. Don’t forget to bring your pretty friends. Yeah. Yeah. Lisa babe, bye!”
Damn. Conversation over. I quietly reviewed my next move. Sudden development called for a tweak.
[Cheat Mode 1/3]
[Kao’s smartphone from VIP falls and rolls toward me.]
[Change complete.]
[Side effect: Vision blocked for 2 seconds.]
[Cheat Mode 2/3]
Why are side effects so weak today? I chuckled and caught it. Soon, VIP Kao’s pained groan echoed.
“Ah! Fuck!”
I watched the smartphone slide across the tiles toward me. Jackpot rolled in.
The fan roared loudly. I crouched and picked it up quietly.
‘No time.’
I quickly opened the overseas messaging app on Kao’s phone. Couldn’t help but laugh. True to form, no pattern lock.
‘Lucky break.’
The chats were brutally explicit. I’d read them slowly later, but right now, something else was priority. I opened the photo app. Grinned.
‘I can mute the sound, though.’
Now to watch him freak.
I cranked the speaker and hit burst shot.
Click-click—
Sound effects rang out with the fan noise. I snapped away at his messaging screen. Decent camera—macro shots weren’t bad.
“What, what the hell!”
I grinned and ignored him.
‘What, can’t Senior peel his ass off the toilet?’
Wasn’t he mid-shit? I snapped the chats freely.
“Hey, hey, what! Stalker?”
As if.
“Crazy fuck or bitch! Hey, what’re you shooting?”
I heard his head whipping around. Laughing, I kept snapping. Captured every trace of crime in photos.
“You’re not filming video, are you?”
Oh.
‘Video’s in there too.’
Why didn’t I think of that?
I switched straight to video. Slowly panned the chats—tough to scroll just right.
‘Phone camera’s better than expected.’
Chat list ended soon. I quietly stopped the camera. Then, with his gut settled, the guy yelled!
“Hey! Who the hell are you!”