Chapter 184
Chapter 184
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 184
Chapter Title: Once a Traitor, Always a Traitor?
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“Well. He seems rich, but I don’t think he lives well.”
“What? Isn’t he a member like you guys? Why don’t you know?”
“He tried to seduce her but failed.”
“Cha Dowon’s useless. Can’t even reel in one like that?”
Her brother’s laughter rang out. Cha Sora unwittingly laughed along.
“Cha Dowon.”
“Yes, Sister.”
“Don’t give Kang Minje too much affection.”
She earnestly pleaded.
“Once a traitor, always a traitor?”
“Betrayal?”
“Yeah? That guy even betrayed you? Look at this bastard. No contact, and now betrayal? Betrayaaaal?”
Her brother hurriedly stopped her.
“Ah, Noona. No. Not yet.”
“What? So not now, but later?”
There was a sudden silence. Cha Sora furrowed her brow.
‘Look at this kid.’
What’s going on?
Then a slightly thicker voice whispered.
“No.”
“Huh?”
“I don’t think I will. Right now.”
What kind of answer is that?
She was about to press further but closed her mouth.
‘Feels like I shouldn’t ask.’
Cha Sora narrowed her eyes. Well, in times like this, a bit of sisterly leniency wasn’t bad.
“Anyway. Fine. Even if we say Kang Minje’s like that. You listening?”
“Yeah. I’m listening.”
“Auntie’s running for National Assembly.”
Cha Sora tilted her head. She expected surprise, but her brother didn’t budge.
“Oh, is it that time already?”
“What? Your reaction’s lukewarm.”
“No. Just feels a bit early. Ah, yeah. She’s running. Gotta sponsor her.”
“Oh?”
Her brother said in a bright voice.
“I’d love to give a lot, but there’s probably a legal max on donations?”
“R-Really?”
Why does he know stuff like this?
“I’m worried. What if she loses the election?”
“Dunno. I don’t know politics. But you know Auntie’s lived righteously.”
“Who’s gonna appreciate that?”
Honestly, she was worried.
‘What if she just wastes money for nothing?’
Worried, but she couldn’t stop her. Auntie and Uncle seemed set on it.
“Yeah, it’d be nice if someone did.”
“She’s coming out in Seoul, right?”
“Local districts still the same, huh.”
What the hell is he talking about? What’s still the same?
“Cha Dowon?”
“Ah, sorry. Thinking about something. Yeah, Noona.”
“This kid, when I’m talking...”
“Sorry.”
Cha Sora sighed. Finally, she could say what she wanted.
“Take care of those around you, Cha Dowon.”
Her brother went quiet again.
“It’s your team. You’ll be called Zenith’s Cha Dowon forever, right? Unless you’re unpopular. Your group’s huge now. Not family, but relatives at least.”
Well, relatives vary.
Still, as a big sister, Cha Sora advised.
“You’re the maknae, but take good care. I know you’ve got heart and handle it your way, but that’s the thing...”
Cha Sora muttered softly.
“Don’t wanna be misunderstood as heartless or cold...”
“Noona...”
“I don’t know if you get what I mean.”
Silence from her brother on the smartphone. Cha Sora sighed.
“I get it. What you mean.”
“Good.”
“There’s one guy I’m worried about anyway. Hearing you, I should go check now.”
“Huh?”
“Thanks! Noona! Gotta hang up! And no refunds on that!”
“Huh?”
The call ended. Cha Sora realized.
‘I need to return this!’
She was gonna get the receipt!
She glared at the box, then sighed deeply.
“I don’t need stuff like this, Cha Dowon.”
She whispered softly.
“You being healthy matters more.”
By the way, his health okay? They’re both busy, barely time to call. Should’ve asked for something more nutritious...
‘Look at me, adult but not acting like one.’
What’s a popular idol’s sister supposed to do? Nag? Cha Sora shook her head and headed to the dorm. For now, she had to store this.
***
I hung up. Hearing Noona’s voice after so long felt great.
‘Miss her face. My Noona.’
Come to think of it, months of just calls. Maybe drop by when I have time.
‘Yeah, no time though.’
I pocketed my smartphone. Talk with Noona was super nutritious.
‘Kang Minje’s mom, huh...’
Always angry woman. Even as a kid, I knew she caused his scar.
‘Went to rich dad temporarily, then got kicked out?’
Ridiculous, dragging a kid around then dumping him. I smiled bitterly. Even pets don’t get that.
‘Something’s up.’
Says he’ll apologize then tell. Hiding big.
‘Related to birthday change?’
I sighed softly. Felt like starring in a mystery drama.
‘And Seungjun’s acting weird too.’
Back of my head prickles, turn around—Bear Guy stares wistfully. Ask what’s up, he shakes head.
‘Definitely something.’
Thought he’d spill soon, but no sign.
‘If he won’t say, I’ll dig.’
I knew someone who knows all secrets. And close by.
‘Good, time to spare.’
Schedule loose today. Blame live ban. I grinned. Not bad.
***
I knocked and entered. Secretary startled seeing me.
“Oh my, what day is it? Cha Dowon here for Director Joo too.”
Huh. Someone else came?
Gotta fish from small stuff.
“Ah, Seungjun stopped by?”
Probed first. With Zenith, odds over 25%.
“How’d you know?”
I narrowed eyes. Looks like he came here.
‘Lee Seungjun, what’s up.’
And why not tell?
Grinned at secretary.
“Tell Director Joo I’m here?”
“Ah, my head. Director Joo! Cha Dowon’s here.”
Something dropped inside office.
“Huh?”
“No biggie. Cola can. Go in, Dowon.”
I smiled, went in. Director Joo wiping table with wet wipes on office sofa.
“Scared ya?”
“Huh?”
“Lotsa Zenith today?”
Director Joo’s brow furrowed, then smoothed quick.
‘Bingo.’
Lee Seungjun came? Why?
‘Scandal? Car crash?’
Nah. Not Ki Jaeyoon.
I grinned. All secrets with her.
“What brings you, Dowon?”
“Why’d Lee Seungjun come? Director Joo.”
Watched her face closely. Eyes flickered, but normal.
‘Good actor.’
But I need to know now?
“No big deal.”
“Director Joo. I room with Seungjun.”
Smiled with all heart.
“Blank face, quiet. But I know. Something’s up with Seungjun, right?”
No need to ask outright. Not the type to screw up.
“Brother-in-law, right? Nephew issue.”
Kkangkkang—
Empty cola can dropped again.
‘Only that.’
Looked at Director Joo. Trying calm, but shaken clear.
Looked at empty can. No spill, floor clean.
“H-How’d you know?”
“Only reason Lee Seungjun visits Director Joo.”
Stood, picked can, tossed in trash.
Clatter—
Loud in empty bin.
‘But that’s end.’
No more drops, no noise.
‘Wish Seungjun’s issue ends like this...’
Sighed softly.
“No way out, right?”
Director Joo narrowed eyes.
“Honestly, none.”
“Dowon...”
“If Noona alive, could force divorce.”
But Seungjun’s sister died birthing. Husband uses own kid to threaten Seungjun.
“Nephew’s problem. Brother-in-law threatens with kid, Seungjun takes it quietly.”
Nephew precious, can’t move.
“Can’t have Seungjun take nephew.”
Legal mess, plus Seungjun minor. Korea conservative on this, even with money.
“Right?”
“Yeah.”
“No fix. If brother-in-law leaks to press, Zenith hurts?”
Director Joo nodded.
“And Seungjun’d probably leave, saying burden on team...”
Recalled his wistful gaze.
‘Damn.’
Grinding teeth. Muttered.
“Who says.”
“Huh?”
“Who’s he to decide leaving?”
Fisted tight.
“Zenith needs Seungjun.”
Director Joo sighed, exasperated.
“Jumping to conclusions alone, Zenith maknae.”
“Huh, different from Director?”
“Dowon. Just hear me out.”
Sank into sofa.
“Truth? Zenith fine with just you and Minje.”
“Huh. Cold.”
“Noise’d be huge. Don’t want that. But core image you two.”
Sharp.
‘Society scary.’
Smiled lightly.
“Seungjun’s rap. Important, but replaceable. Groups not just that. Zenith early too.”
Director Joo muttered weakly.
“And not Seungjun’s fault.”
“So what’s issue.”
“No answer, like you said. Dead end. Articles, we manage somehow.”
“Hot topics cool. Proof’s here.”
She eyed me up-down, smiled faintly.
“Not anyone passes like you.”
“Then I’ll do press conference again.”
“His issue, you do it? Not even leader.”
“Borrow leader spot from Hajin Hyung for day.”
Director Joo shook laughing.
“Cute.”
“Huh?”
“Maknae shows here. Yeah, Dowon. No answer. Blow up, take hits.”
Narrowed eyes.
‘Really no way?’
Thought slow. What can we push?
‘Seungjun’s good guy.’
If known more, could gain fans.
‘Pure victim, play up brother-in-law’s evil, act victim...’
Not me. He can’t act.
‘Within Seungjun’s ability.’
What? Any way? Anything usable?
Rubbed forehead.
‘Show Seungjun’s kindness, soften blow if blows up.’
How?
‘Zenith fans know he’s good.’
Public sees buff rapper.
‘Variety best for that.’
Loves nephew. Show it?
Then, great idea hit.