Chapter 557
Chapter 557
[I found it. The actor’s weakness.]
I made my declaration.
In the agency’s recording studio, Cheong-ryeo, who had been sitting alone reviewing lyrics, looked up at the pop-up window I had manifested.
A flicker of interest crossed his eyes.
“Faster than I expected.”
I smirked.
It was currently the end of May.
Only twenty days had passed since the start of the movie promotion schedule.
Normally, that would be an absurdly short amount of time to uncover the weakness of a complete stranger.
‘But I got it.’
Watching Cheong-ryeo wait with his arms crossed, I continued typing into the Help Menu.
[He lied about his age. He’s actually two years older.]
[And he’s currently going on illegal gambling trips abroad. He’s in contact with a broker using a burner phone he keeps hidden from his agency.]
Since the guy was a criminal, I could spit out the information without any hesitation.
Cheong-ryeo gave a slight, silent nod.
“The evidence?”
[I confirmed it during a drinking session. His mouth gets incredibly loose when he’s drunk.]
It’s not like I’m a weak drinker, after all.
—Sunbae-nim, are you okay?
—Ah, uh…
I drank moderately while gauging the atmosphere, then took a peek when his manager stepped out after getting a call.
‘Thanks to him, I’ve had more than enough to drink these past few days.’
Of course, this wasn't an effective way to discover a weakness from scratch.
Who would suddenly blurt out that they were two years older just because they were drinking? There was no reason for evidence of illegal gambling to just pop up out of nowhere either.
Even if the actor had made a mistake, the chances of me noticing it were slim.
So, how was it possible?
I grinned.
‘Because I was trying to prove something I already knew.’
Specifically, the controversies surrounding this actor that would break in the future.
That’s why it was easy. I already knew what his status would be a few years from now.
[<Entertainment Rumors> Hallyu Star A... Why did he hide his age?]
Since he was a high-profile actor, every time a controversy arose, it would start as a rumor and eventually hit the mainstream media.
‘I monitor public opinion constantly, so I naturally came across it.’
In other words, I only had to verify if the scandals that would hit this actor in the future were actually true right now.
And this…
“Did you verify information you already had? If he’s that famous, his whereabouts would have been reported consistently even years later.”
[…]
Right. This bastard would know that too.
He must have used similar patterns like a recurring recipe throughout his hundred-plus resets.
I offered silence as my affirmation. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
“Even considering that, the verification was faster than I thought.”
[Yeah. Thanks.]
I kept my mouth shut.
Naturally, the actor wasn't an idiot.
He didn't just spill everything simply because we’d shared a few drinks.
‘I just prodded him at the exact right moments to test the waters indirectly.’
For example, it went like this:
When the actor reflexively set his bag down because of spilled alcohol, I pretended to look for a napkin and confirmed the existence of the burner phone inside the bag.
And as you might have guessed, to pull this off quickly and quietly without causing suspicion, one needs a timing ability that borders on instinct.
…Which means I used Ryu Cheong-woo’s Blessing a bit.
That guy’s trait is truly something else.
‘Using a gold medalist’s ability for spying…’
I was just grateful Ryu Cheong-woo didn't smash my head in for using the Blessing he gave me like this.
I brooded, recalling the pop-up that had been appearing steadily: ‘The Shooter of the Silent Roster is smiling.’
It was a misuse of the power, but it served me well.
[Anyway, I’ve even told you about the burner phone, so handle the rest yourself.]
I finished delivering the information.
There was no need to ask what he needed it for. I’d find out eventually since I shared his vision anyway.
With that, I was done.
“Good.”
Cheong-ryeo leaned back against his chair and picked up his smartphone.
I hated seeing that smirk on his face.
“The lack of physical evidence is a point deduction, but given the timeframe…”
Just then.
Right as he was about to say something irritating, he suddenly went silent.
“…”
[What is it?]
I shared his vision of the smartphone screen he was looking at.
It was… an urgent message.
—Chae-yul: Hyung, please come to the dorm quickly. I think Hee-woon hyung snuck out.
—Chae-yul: I think he went to meet his girlfriend.
“…”
Ah, dammit.
The resident romantic of the current VTIC had deserted his post.
VTIC’s Hee-woon.
The guy who had even set up a separate house to live cozily with his girlfriend.
In the reality I lived in, he was likely the one who got cut and failed to become a VTIC member for this very reason. Now, he had suddenly vanished without a word.
“Did you contact his parents’ house?”
“They said he didn't come. There are no sightings on social media either.”
Immediately leaving the recording studio to meet the manager, Cheong-ryeo began to move quickly.
But he went to meet his girlfriend?
[I thought you said he broke up with her.]
“People can say whatever they want.”
The type to talk a big game while doing whatever they want behind everyone’s back… Well, that’s a common enough human archetype. I nodded.
The manager, his face etched with anxiety, asked Cheong-ryeo.
“He left some kind of text for Chae-yul. Jae-hyun, did you notice anything or get any contact from him?”
“No. I’ll start looking for him now. Hyung, please adjust the group’s afternoon schedule first.”
“Right, right. Got it.”
The manager nodded and hurriedly made a call on his smartphone.
While everyone at LeTi, including this man, seemed flustered, no one was making a scene by calling everywhere.
‘Right. Searching for a member who deserted without a word should be done with the minimum number of people.’
Word getting out is the most fatal blow.
I knew that all too well. We were the same when Steer’s Cha Yu-jin was in that state.
They even had a photoshoot scheduled for 5 PM.
‘…Hmm.’
This feels a bit too familiar. I asked tentatively.
[Should I give it some thought too?]
Cheong-ryeo didn't refuse. I’ll take that as a yes.
Now, let’s see.
‘First, it’s daytime.’
The fact that there are no sightings of a member at this hour means he either didn't use public transport or used it for a very short time.
It also means he didn't walk around the streets for long.
‘In that case, the probability of him being near the dorm can’t be ignored…’
But before considering the obvious hiding spots.
[What’s the chance he’s at his girlfriend’s place?]
“Zero.”
Cheong-ryeo spoke firmly as he checked a new message.
It was a report from an agency staff member stating that the ‘girlfriend’ in question was also not at home and had gone out.
‘Fast.’
Next, I watched as the staff members checking the CCTV near the dorm replied to Cheong-ryeo, saying, ‘There’s no sign of him taking a taxi.’ That confirmed it.
As expected, the romantic was somewhere near the dorm.
[How about scouring all the room cafes or restaurants with private rooms around the dorm?]
“He’s been caught doing that before.”
Cheong-ryeo got into the car with cold eyes.
“He’s not the type to have such shallow calculations that he’d use a method he’s already been caught with. We need to look elsewhere.”
We’re stuck here.
‘Elsewhere.’
The current VTIC lived in a luxury villa very close to the company. And there was no way I would suddenly know the geography of this area inside out.
I thought for a moment, then something occurred to me.
[Wait a minute.]
It was simple logic.
If I didn't know, I just had to use someone who did.
[I know a guy who’s tight-lipped and has a unique way of thinking. He should be familiar with the area around your company.]
“…”
Cheong-ryeo shifted his gaze to the pop-up.
[And he’s under LeTi.]
Security issue solved.
“Tell me.”
I placed my hands on the keyboard.
After that brief and concise conversation.
I temporarily disconnected from Cheong-ryeo and sat up in my officetel.
The guy who had been waiting for our ‘regular strategy meeting’ quickly spoke to me from across the room.
“Is the communication over?”
“No.”
I cracked my neck and asked.
“Are you interested in detective work, by any chance?”
Ju-dan’s eyes sparkled.
That’s the spirit.
“So, you’re looking for a place where a small number of people can stay for more than half a day without being noticed, excluding commercial venues.”
After hearing the explanation of the situation, Ju-dan clasped his hands together.
He looked extremely intrigued.
“Yeah.”
To be honest, I wasn't expecting grand cooperation from this guy, but it’s true that he occasionally comes up with good ideas…
“Then it’s simple.”
Hm?
“Look at this.”
Ju-dan immediately pulled up a place he’d searched on his phone.
—Biz Lounge (Unmanned space rental, open 24/7)
“There’s a seminar room rental business near the company that’s easy to reserve on weekdays. The price is reasonable, and since it’s unmanned, it doesn't leave a trail.”
Ju-dan spoke with a face full of confidence.
“There are no CCTVs inside the seminar rooms, except for the entrance and the lounge.”
“…”
“It’s not a place people usually go to rest or play, so it’s hard for the company to predict. Plus, it’s not crowded, so it’s even comfortable. It’s the perfect space for an escape.”
I looked at the business marked on the map and matched all the given conditions.
Near the company, no sightings, real-time reservation availability…
It was a startling match.
“It’s a bit of a shame to reveal it like this. It’s one of the places I frequent.”
“…”
“It’s a survival tactic one naturally acquires when living with dozens of peers.”
Finding a place to hide away comfortably by yourself?
But now wasn't the time to say that.
It was time for praise.
“Impressive.”
“…! It was nothing.”
Ju-dan seemed moved.
‘What a funny guy.’
No need to worry. I won’t just reveal the specific place you visit.
‘I have to check everything that fits the criteria.’
Scrolling through the smartphone screen, I found several other similar candidates near the company besides the specific one Ju-dan had picked.
Then, I contacted Cheong-ryeo again and sent a message.
[I heard there are seminar rooms near the company…]
…
And a short while later.
“Hyung! They found him!”
Surprisingly, the romantic was indeed discovered in a seminar room and quietly escorted away.
Although it wasn't the ‘perfect’ place Ju-dan had recommended, it was true that he had been on a date with his girlfriend in a nearby seminar room.
Ju-dan’s idea was a success.
After confirming the news through Cheong-ryeo’s vision, I returned to my own body in the officetel.
“…”
My vision returned. Seeing my expression, Ju-dan looked a bit triumphant.
He shrugged as he handed me a cup of coffee he’d made at some point.
“I guess I was right.”
Yeah, you were.
“Please give my regards to Cheong-ryeo sunbae-nim.”
Sure.
I gulped down the coffee he offered.
The vision of Cheong-ryeo I reconnected to after a cup of coffee was hell.
I mean that literally.
A guy with hellish ideas was sticking his head into the mouth of hell.
The romantic, his eyes bloodshot and veins popping in his neck, was wailing as if he were drunk.
“I know you’re all blaming me, fuck. Did you think I wouldn't notice your attitudes changing? Hey, do you have any idea how suffocating it is to be with people who resent you all day long?”
Since the guy who should have had his head smashed in was still around, he was spouting this kind of nonsense.
“I was going to come back before the photoshoot anyway, but you didn't fucking trust me and told the company everything? Wow, I really…”
“Hyung…”
“Guys. Go into your rooms for a bit.”
But Cheong-ryeo was composed.
He naturally sent the other members to their rooms.
“What are you doing? Hey, what the fuck is this?”
Seeing that, the romantic’s shoulders stiffened as if he were nervous. He began to act even more aggressive to hide it.
Cheong-ryeo watched him quietly, then actually smiled.
He gave a nod.
“I understand what you mean. Fine. Rest as much as you want, just like you wanted, hyung.”
“…Uh, what?”
“Didn't you mean you needed some time off?”
Cheong-ryeo muttered as he checked his watch.
“This album is just a small trial run anyway… Hmm. It’s fine for you to have some time to yourself, hyung.”
The romantic swallowed hard.
“Are, are you telling me to leave the group?”
“What are you talking about?”
Cheong-ryeo said softly.
“You have to keep promoting too, hyung. Hmm… how about a drama?”
“…A drama?”
“Yeah. If we say you’re sitting out the album promotions for a bit because you’re so busy with acting, it’ll be convincing. There are plenty of cases like that among our seniors.”
The romantic looked up at Cheong-ryeo, seemingly tempted.
It seemed his head had cooled down quickly, perhaps because he wasn't the type who was used to being angry.
Then, Cheong-ryeo slightly shifted his words.
As if withdrawing the bait.
“Of course, it’s not for me to suggest… I was just guessing if you might have had such thoughts. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable, hyung. The company won’t be angry either.”
The romantic hurriedly snatched the bait.
“…Right. That would be good. I’ll think about it. I’m sorry. The environment was just so high-pressure… I think I showed you guys a side of me I shouldn't have.”
“We should all be careful.”
Cheong-ryeo replied smoothly, and the romantic, looking almost moved, quietly stumbled back to his room.
Hmm.
I watched Cheong-ryeo as he sent a message to the company saying, ‘We had a good talk.’
Then I asked.
[Isn't it over for him if he skips group activities to act?]
It was a move that would send the romantic’s reputation—which was already likely at rock bottom among VTIC fans—plummeting even further.
This was enough to make fans send protest trucks to the agency.
“Exactly.”
Cheong-ryeo smiled softly and closed his phone.
“That’s why I’m telling him to do it.”
[…]
I understood.
‘He’s pushing him out step by step with a natural withdrawal like this…’
He said he wouldn't reset on his own and would live normally, and he was truly doing just that.
[Got it.]
However, now that we’d reached this point, a question arose.
[Why didn't you put Jung Woo-dan in the team? He seems fine to me.]
I was asking if Ju-dan wouldn't be better, even if he had some ups and downs, than keeping a guy like that as a permanent member.
[The seminar room idea was his, too.]
“…”
Cheong-ryeo headed for the entrance to go back to the recording studio.
He answered lightly.
“Right, Jung Woo-dan. He occasionally comes up with brilliant ideas. And he seems to maintain his composure well even in erratic situations.”
Cheong-ryeo muttered quietly.
“But that’s not always the case.”
[What do you mean?]
A simple answer came back.
“He didn't believe me.”
‘…?’
“I told you, didn't I? That I’d tried talking to him before as a test.”
No way.
I looked at Cheong-ryeo.
“About my situation.”
He had a serene expression on his face.
He seemed to briefly recall the situation back then.
“Hmm, what did he ask again?”
—Can you prove it?
“So I proved it to him.”
Cheong-ryeo grinned.
“And then he ran away the next morning, leaving a single note behind.”
“…”
“He didn't return to the dorm until I reset the following night.”
Thud.
He got into the elevator without looking back at the front door.
“If the elements I evaluated as strengths only manifest selectively, it’s inefficient to use him further.”
The underground parking lot.
Cheong-ryeo walked toward his car without hesitation and finished his sentence calmly.
“I trust statistics, you see.”
[…]
I pressed my eyes.
‘So that was it.’
The guy this bastard first confessed the truth of his regressions to. That was Ju-dan.
‘…’
Hey, but you know.
‘That guy didn't believe in the resets?’
I find that harder to believe.