Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: A Month of Discipline
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A month had passed since I started my diet and exercise regimen.
Just as I was sweating it out and shedding my soft belly fat, the drama High School 2022 hit number one in the ratings.
To clinch the top spot at the very end...
Was it a relief, at least?
Unlike my cocky debut role, I'd transformed into an unrecognizably intellectual figure.
Everyone was captivated by it.
"The heart for the students."
My past had been laid bare for all to see, and my efforts to guide them onto the right path struck a deep chord.
Apparently, some people even shed tears...
Was it really that moving?
I opened the fridge and pulled out some chicken breast for breakfast prep.
Just looking at it made me want to hurl...
Even seeing it plated after baking in the oven was enough to make me sick of it.
No matter how artfully I plated it with my decent cooking skills, it was all the same.
"Plating's getting better every day... but the taste never changes."
My plate stood in stark contrast to Yu-na's.
Glossy braised short ribs and octopus-shaped sausages glistened invitingly. Maybe because I made them, they looked even tastier.
Gulp!
'...Should I sneak just one?'
Every time I prepared Yu-na's breakfast, my inner voice tempted me relentlessly.
Eat it right now.
One greasy meal won't show.
'No. Eating that means I lose.'
I snapped out of it to find myself picking at Yu-na's side dish with my chopsticks.
A little later, and I would've...
"Sigh. What am I doing?"
No matter how much I craved greasy food, I couldn't touch Yu-na's share.
I put the sausage back and headed straight to the big room where Yu-na was sleeping.
"Yu-na, breakfast time, wake..."
Her proudly protruding belly and wide-open mouth in peaceful slumber left me speechless.
Was she having a happy dream?
She suddenly grinned goofily, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
Sorry to wake her, but...
'Got to get her to kindergarten soon.'
I sat on the edge of the bed, stroking her boldly exposed belly, and spoke.
"Yu-na, come on, get up. Breakfast."
"Mmm... five more minutes."
"Should I swap the braised ribs for your favorite chicken breast, then?"
No sooner had I said it than her eyes flew open, and she bolted upright.
'Is there no other way to wake her?'
Ever since she tried my oven-baked chicken breast last time, this threat worked wonders.
Plus.
After this aired on Dad Loves You!, chicken breast sales reportedly spiked.
"Sigh..."
What good did that do...
Can't rewind the broadcast now.
"Daddy, carry me."
"You can walk on your own."
"But..."
Fine. You win.
I shrugged lightly and scooped her up by the armpits.
Back in the kitchen, I set her down gently in her seat.
"There."
"Hee hee hee. Yup!"
Watching her chow down heartily, I finally picked up my own chopsticks.
After finishing my workout with the manager, I flexed in front of the locker room mirror.
My arms looked more solid than last week.
Lately, checking the mirror had become enjoyable.
My shoulders seemed broader, too.
"What're you doing there?"
My manager, already changed into casual clothes, approached.
Inverted triangle build. Thick thighs that even pants couldn't hide.
Worlds apart from my body. Standing next to him made me look small.
How much training did it take to build that? Sleeveless tops suited him perfectly—a guy's dream physique.
Someday, I'd wear one too... but when?
"...Jun-seo?"
"Nothing. More importantly... why stand next to me?"
"Feel the difference? A few months won't change much."
Seriously.
He struck the same pose, showing off his biceps. We'd gotten chummy working out together, leading to these jokes.
He still used formal speech, though.
"I know that."
"Someone who knows still checks his guns?"
Can't hate a guy who doesn't mince words. I sighed deeply and smacked his solid back hard.
Smack!
Satisfying sound.
"Know the next schedule?"
"Dad Loves You! shoot, right?"
"Yeah. I'll change and head out in casuals. Go ahead without me."
"Got it. Plenty of time. Take it slow."
After sending him off, I quickly changed and stepped out of the locker room.
Young gym members blocked my path. They'd been side-eyeing me during the workout and seized the moment my manager was gone.
"Jun-seo, heading out early today?"
"Wanted to chat. Protein shake—great post-workout."
"Take this too."
Word must've spread that I work out here; more young members lately. And gifts for my bodybuilding journey piled up.
Today's haul: supplements, a cooling towel for the neck, comfy workout shoes, and more.
'Always receiving... feels bad.'
They insisted despite my refusals.
"Haha... thanks. Got an early Dad Loves You! shoot today. Sorry to always take these nice gifts."
Their faces lit up at the reason.
"Oh, gotcha. Can't hold you up, then. Go!"
"Fight on set!"
"Always watching!"
After goodbyes, I hurried to the parking lot.
Early summer swelter.
Move a bit, sweat pours.
Wait, wasn't it parked here?
As I wandered the lot.
Vroom!
Spotted a black car starting up in the shaded right corner.
'Ah, he moved it there.'
I dashed over, opened the passenger door, and cool air welcomed me.
Heaven.
"Thought fans would take longer. Out quick."
"Gotta pick up Yu-na and head to older bro Ahn Jung-soo's. Can't be late."
"Oh?"
"Let's roll. Yu-na pickup next."
Out of the lot, I rummaged through unexamined gifts.
Rustle. Rustle.
First, workout sneakers.
Perfect fit sent chills down my spine. No size info given—how'd they know?
'Fans are scary, indeed.'
Next, workout supplements.
Pulling them out drew a sticky gaze. Glanced over—manager side-eyeing them.
"......"
"Like 'em? Want these?"
"...No. Fans prepped for you, not your manager."
"We can share."
"Oh? Guess no choice."
He finally smiled.
Knew he wanted that line.
Ahn Jung-soo's place after ages.
No longer inferior to our home. For Yu-na, though, it had unbeatable perks.
Vibrant play area.
New colorful slides unseen last time, with a mountain of rubber balls below.
"Uncle..."
Ahn Soo-jin approached hesitantly, gauging me.
Used to ignore me.
Something to say?
I smiled calmly, crouching to her eye level.
"Got something to tell uncle?"
"...Can I play with Yu-na over there?"
No matter how cute Yu-na is, she's not for you... I lifted my lips, patting her head.
"Ask Yu-na that."
Actor skills helped here. Unfiltered truth would've tanked my nice-guy image on camera.
Smile. Keep smiling.
Ahn Soo-jin nodded and headed to Yu-na at the play area.
Get too close and...
Watching intently.
"Jun-seo! Help quick!"
"Ah, yeah!"
Worst timing.
Sighed softly, entered the room with his voice.
Ahn Jung-soo balanced precariously on a chair, holding unpacked luggage steady.
"Q-quick, help!"
"......"
I always snag screen time. What'd be fun here? Brainstormed, then idea hit.
"Hmm, must be important?"
"Urk. Y-yeah! Hurry!"
"Help? Or not. If you gift Yu-na something like that slide over there... I could."
Sweat poured, but he pondered.
"No deal? Tough luck..."
Turning away.
"W-wait! Fine! Just grab this!"
He caved.
For the laughs, anyway.
I'd say no slide needed post-shoot.
But.
What was worth such desperation? Tempted to peek, but no owner's okay.
"Whew, too much? How much sweat to save it. You just snag toys."
"Haha, kidding."
"Sigh, sly fox now."
"What's this?"
He took the box, lips curling slyly.
"Curious? Follow if you wanna know."
To the living room center. Opened: letter, photo, signed soccer ball tumbled out.
"...This."
Before I could react, he picked up a photo.
"Man... that was epic."
"Why pull this out?"
"Huh? Just did."
Then.
Ahn Soo-jin and Yu-na dashed from play area.
"Dad says no messing living room, but you do?"
"Woo! Ball!"
Yu-na eyed only the signed one.
How much is that...
Online auction: hundreds easy.
"Yu-na, put it down. No playing with that ball."
"Huh? Why?"
Pure innocence.
Desperately tried prying soccer ball from her grip.
She clung tight, pouting near tears.
"No! Gonna kick it!"
"No. Super important to Uncle Jeong-su."
Tears flowed. Still, not a toy.
"Sniff! Yu-na!"
Frowning, raising voice.
Ahn Jung-soo grabbed my shoulder.
"No scolding. And... it's a gift. Fine."
Bombshell. Froze. Valuable to him, yet giving to my kid.
"...No need. I'll snag it back now."
"Nah. Heard you're leaving our show soon?"
Halted at meaningful words.
Why bring that up?
"......"
He scratched cheek, blushed sheepishly, lips moving.
"Was pondering gift for you. Decided meaningful beats pricey."
So.
That's why the box...
Yu-na's booming voice shattered the moment.
Heard all, tears stopped, kicking ball wildly around room.
Who'd she take after...
Sigh escaped.
"Sigh..."
"Hahaha! Right. Balls for kicking. Yu-na, play nice. Promise uncle!"
"Hee hee! Yup!"