Chapter 196
Translator: penny
Chapter: 196
Chapter Title: Not Knowing Isn't a Sin
“Dowon. For now, don’t do anything. It’s risky. That side’s already shaky as it is.”
“Why?”
“The current administration isn’t approving anything for them. Plus, the legal interest rate’s been lowered a lot.”
“Were they the type to nitpick over that?”
Executive Director Joo ran a hand through his hair.
“Even so, that company’s out in the open. There’s way dirtier stuff in the world.”
I recalled old memories. True, back then Sis and I had struggled with high interest rates too.
‘Sis got a bank loan and it got a bit better, though...’
An old guy who’d gobbled up all our family fortune came to mind after a long time.
‘People like that live forever.’
So damn annoying.
‘I heard they’ve been getting a ton of flak since the press conference...’
But that was way too light. Thinking back to how tough it was then made my teeth grind.
“Still, it’s a shame. Connections in politics would really help.”
“My aunt isn’t like that.”
“Who knows. If I were your aunt, I’d think she’d help out big time?”
I shook my head.
“My aunt tried not to use me. So I’m doing the same—not wanting to burden her.”
Especially since I’d owed her so much before regressing.
“Kid. Alright, got it.”
“Yeah. Then, I’ll make good use of this opportunity. So please.”
“What?”
“Let me do live broadcasts.”
Executive Director Joo blinked.
“I want to connect with the fans.”
“Gonna skip sleep again?”
“I sleep fine.”
Even if I didn’t need to.
“The fans are lonely.”
I beamed.
“I’m an idol by profession. Leaving fans lonely— isn’t that a capital offense?”
“Dowon.”
“Even ten minutes a day is fine. I want to see the fans.”
Executive Director Joo furrowed his brow.
“Please, Executive Director Joo.”
I’m starting to miss them.
“Man, oh man.”
He propped his chin on his hand.
“How’d a guy like you show up?”
Praise, I suppose.
“An honor.”
“Usually I have to nag people to work, but you’re weird.”
Why agonize over that.
“I’m Cha Dowon, sir.”
“Yeah, yeah. Go ahead.”
“Thank you.”
Wow.
“But don’t overdo it.”
“Yes, of course.”
“What’ll you do?”
You’ve watched all my lives—why ask?
“Starting with coordi broadcasts. Asking fans every morning for outfit picks has been great.”
No need for me to choose, fans love it. Win-win.
“You might get weird stuff.”
“Hmm, most clothes in my closet aren’t that flashy. Stylist Noona probably only buys tame ones.”
“I see.”
Still, something was off.
“But fans kinda like the mismatched stuff.”
“What? You’re saying weird things.”
“Well, lives always have oddballs. But not that—it’s when they pick my outfits but tell me to wear Seungjun’s.”
Executive Director Joo paused mid-sip.
“Why steal Seungjun’s clothes specifically?”
“Uh, well. They’re bigger?”
“Huh. Seungjun says it’s fine when I ask, but why?”
Well, swapping clothes is no big deal.
Even if he wore mine, I wouldn’t mind.
Still felt weird.
“I don’t need to know everything, but it creates distance.”
Something I don’t know?
Executive Director Joo took another sip of cold water. He seemed to know something, but I didn’t pry.
“Probably just teasing.”
“Yeah. I’ll go with that.”
“Cut anything too much on your own judgment.”
“I already do.”
“Of course you do.”
Executive Director Joo avoided my eyes for some reason.
“Alright, off you go.”
“Yes.”
I stood up.
‘Why’s he so fidgety over this?’
Is whatever I don’t know that serious?
‘If it’s really bad, he’d tell me.’
I shook my head and walked out. Lots to do.
***
On the smartphone screen, Jiu’s mom spoke.
“I thought the Shell Girl had come. I go out and come back, and the fridge is stuffed with side dishes!”
Her cheeks were rosy. It hit me anew.
‘Jiu takes after her mom.’
Mom coaxed Jiu and continued.
“And they’re delicious. Good enough to sell. Perfect seasoning—not too salty. My husband’s been eating like crazy lately. How’s your hand better than a housewife’s?”
She must really like them.
A subtitle popped up below.
Q. How many days could you entrust Jiu to Zenith?
Mom laughed as she answered.
“What if I just go world-traveling?”
Oh.
‘Scored big time.’
Who wouldn’t love a fridge packed with sides?
‘Good.’
I grinned wide and opened the door. Mom and Jiu greeted me.
“Jiu, hi? I’ll wash up first!”
“Yes! Jiu, it’s Hyung. Say hi?”
The baby, in a good mood, clapped her feet together. I washed my hands quick and picked up Jiu. After over a month, she’d grown a bit.
“She’s a little heavier.”
“You can tell?”
“Yeah. Our Jiu’s growing fast. Oh, Mom, the members are coming soon. I’m the idlest these days.”
Not true.
‘Why make us arrive separately?’
We could all come together.
“Cha Dowon-ssi.”
“Yes, Mom.”
Jiu’s mom suddenly pressed something into my hand. Looked like an envelope.
“What’s this?”
Obviously acting. It was “real” variety, script had just the outline, but I got the concept beforehand.
Cradling Jiu, I opened the envelope. Inside: four 50,000-won bills and a memo.
“Jiu’s vaccinations?”
“I already booked them.”
“Ah, yes. But what’s this money, Mom!”
“I’m really grateful. Pocket money. Buy something tasty on the way?”
“Uh, Mom?”
Too natural for acting. Mom stroked Jiu’s cheek.
“Mom’s off? Play nice with Hyung, Jiu!”
“Ah, take care!”
I waved goodbye with Jiu. Door closed, I held up the envelope and smiled awkwardly.
“She gave 200,000 won?”
Concept was hit the mart and cook something. I patted Jiu’s butt.
“Steak’s fine. Nah, the hyungs eat a ton—pork it is.”
The baby smacked my face again.
“Waaang!”
“Ah, sorry. Jiu, Hyung wasn’t focused on you.”
“Kyaha!”
Drool flying, she laughed delightedly.
“Missed Hyung, Jiu? I missed you tons!”
Saying it cracked me up.
‘What does a baby know?’
Probably just remembers yesterday’s food. I held Jiu and checked the fridge first. Saw Mom’s homemade baby food.
‘But why’s the color like that?’
I opened a small container and tasted carefully with a teaspoon.
“Spinach?”
But, well.
‘Tasteless?’
I glanced quietly at Jiu.
“Jiu, Hyung doesn’t know babies well, but you know taste, right?”
If it’s bland to adult tongues, probably to babies too.
‘Should I just make it myself?’
I asked Jiu.
“Jiu, is this yummy?”
“Abubu.”
She just smiled brightly. I sighed softly.
‘What does a baby know?’
Why’d I even ask? Me?
Patting her butt. Door opened. I said to the members.
“Wash hands first.”
“Yes, Teacher.”
“Yes, Mom.”
“Yes, Dowon-nim.”
Last was Ki Jaeyun. I glanced at him, he bolted to the bathroom.
‘Huh?’
I checked the entryway. One missing.
“Where’s Hajin Hyung, Minje Hyung?”
“Oh, paying for last time’s no-show by installing the car seat.”
“Not rock-paper-scissors loss?”
Hajin Hyung nodded with a grin.
“How’d you know?”
“Minje Hyung’s always sucked at it.”
“He’s out there struggling now.”
Yikes.
‘He’ll finish.’
First washed: Lee Seungjun. I handed him the baby.
“Play with her. I’ll make baby food.”
“Okay. Jiu, it’s Seungjun Hyung.”
Lee Seungjun lifted and lowered her right away. She shrieked with joy.
‘Come to think of it, that guy.’
Practically a human playground.
‘Muscles actually useful?’
Arms crossed, I said.
“Seungjun.”
“Yeah? What?”
“Can you work out while playing with Jiu?”
Lee Seungjun stared at Jiu. Then quietly flexed his arms.
“Maybe?”
He got into position and lifted Jiu.
“Works?”
Camera settled in.
“Gotta go slow, though...”
“Kyaaang!”
“Jiu likes it? Fun, Jiu? This is baby press.”
Is that a real exercise?
‘But good visual.’
Cameras swarmed Seungjun working out with the baby. I’d seen similar clips on video sites later.
‘First to cash in.’
While Seungjun exercised, others gawked. I smiled brightly.
“Hajin Hyung, Jaeyun.”
“Uh, yeah?”
“Let’s clean.”
“Huh?”
Ki Jaeyun jumped.
“I don’t even clean my own room?”
Irrelevant.
“You saw the last broadcast—Jiu’s mom loved the sides.”
“I did!”
“We did light cleaning then. Let’s do proper this time. Seungjun’s got the baby. You two clean.”
“You—you! What about you!”
Oh, Ki Jaeyun.
“Think I’d play alone? Sad.”
I smirked.
“Am I the playing type to you, Jaeyun?”
Ki Jaeyun shook his head like a limp doll.
“No, no, no sir.”
“I’m making Jiu’s food. Jaeyun, clean?”
“I don’t know how to clean?”
What? For real?
I eyed him slowly.
“How’d you survive? We lived in dorms as trainees.”
“I didn’t dorm as a trainee. And staff cleaned ours.”
Arms crossed, I approached Ki Jaeyun.
“Right, Jaeyun.”
“Uh, yeah?”
“People can not know things. Not knowing isn’t a sin. But when it’s time to learn and you slack—that’s a sin.”
I gripped his shoulder. No clue why, but Jaeyun flopped like a fish.
“Let’s learn?”
“Uh, yeah?”
“Hajin Hyung!”
I smiled at Leader Hyung.
“Teach step-by-step.”
“Y-yeah.”
“Work hard, Jaeyun. When done...”
Ki Jaeyun turned.
“D-done?”
“I’ll make something tasty.”
Well, gonna cook anyway.
No biggie, but Ki Jaeyun suddenly grabbed Hajin Hyung’s arm.
“Hyung, what first?”
“Huh? Dust off?”
Always knew it: food’s his weakness.
Heading to kitchen. Seungjun, exercising with Jiu, said.
“Jiu, that’s carrot and stick.”
Lifting and lowering her.
“Jiu learn good too?”
Learn for what?
Then. Jiu’s face scrunched. I knew instantly.
“Big one.”
“That’s the face?”
“Yeah. Looked just like my cat watching TV.”
Seungjun checked the diaper.
“Yep.”
“You do it?”
“Yeah. You make food.”
I nodded. Seungjun told Jiu.
“Jiu, butt-wipe time!”
Bear guy laughed off to the bathroom.
‘He’s getting the hang of it?’
Camera followed. Felt oddly off.
‘Brother-in-law’d be fine?’
How imagine cruel nephew seeing that.
‘Good’s good?’
Chaotic parenting stream turning golden.
‘Teaching Jaeyun cleaning too.’
I shook my head and went to the kitchen. Time check: had to hurry.