Chapter 151: Teddy Bear Doll (6)
I saw a couple holding hands walking down the street
Memories of walking down the street holding your hand came flooding back
Just walking together made us happy
It felt like we were walking on clouds—nothing felt better than that
Drunk on sweetness, drunk on love
Being with you made me like myself more
I couldn't believe the person you loved was me
A year has passed
It's time to find new meaning in life
I saw a couple holding hands walking down the street
Memories of walking down the street holding your hand came flooding back
If only I could shake off thoughts of you
I'll eat what I want, kiss someone I don't love
It's all to forget you (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
A year has passed
It's time to find new meaning in life
I'll eat what I want, kiss someone I don't love
It's all to forget you (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
"Who is it?"
"No clue at all."
"The audience seems to know. The Ascending Fire Dragon is 100% No Heekyung. She's trying to disguise her voice, but it's too obvious."
"No Heekyung's voice is pretty unique, yeah."
"The other one? No idea. Who the hell is that?"
"Great tone, and she's singing amazingly well."
"Gotta be a singer, but why don't we recognize her?"
"Maybe an indie artist who's not that famous?"
The panels erupted in chatter. Sometimes they had to pretend not to know for the show's sake, or it could be a low-profile guest they genuinely didn't recognize—this seemed like the latter.
No Heekyung had tried to alter her voice, but it was obvious, and the panels figured it out quick. Honestly, it would've been weirder if they hadn't recognized her—her voice was that familiar to the public.
No Heekyung's perfect as a sacrificial pawn. Thanks to her, the White-Haired Prince Riding a Black Horse will steal the spotlight. But seriously, who is it? First time hearing that voice.
"Man, she's singing so well."
"How does she convey emotion like that?"
"I wish I were her. If it were me, I'd beg to get back together."
"Bet she's gorgeous too. She's got that aura only hot guys have."
The admiration kept pouring in. But there was a fly in the ointment, wrinkling noses all around.
They'd get lost in the White-Haired Prince's captivating voice, only for No Heekyung's overpowered belting to shatter their focus. Without her, it would've been flawless, so the panels forgot they were on air and spilled their true feelings.
"Ugh, way too much. The Fire Dragon's ruining the song."
"Unnie! Mic mic."
"Hah! Ahem. Edit that part out, please."
The stage ended on that sour note, and voting time was given to the audience.
"The production team wants us to throw some votes to Fire Dragon."
"Why?"
"Worried the gap will be too wide. Says no one's voting for her."
"Let her take it humbly. She tanked the song—getting votes would be weirder."
A talented singer had sabotaged it. Clearly intentional. No room for goodwill.
"Still, toss her a few. Or it'll be 0 to 100."
"Nah. Voting my conscience."
Voting ended. The MC glanced at the script and sighed softly. They'd said they'd reshoot if needed, but shit had hit the fan.
"Whoa~ You're tall! White-Haired Prince Riding a Black Horse! Come on out. Even with the mask, that stud vibe is wafting off you."
Oooooh~~!
"Panels! What do you think? Any guesses on the White-Haired Prince Riding a Black Horse?"
"No idea!"
"Where's a talent like this been hiding?"
"Who is it really?"
"No one even close?"
The MC prodded them to throw out names, even long shots. Finally, they did.
"Kang Youngman?"
"Nah! Too old. Voice was super young."
Having milked screen time from the Prince, the MC turned to Fire Dragon.
"Any guesses on the Ascending Fire Dragon?"
"Not sure if I should say, but it was obvious."
"Her voice is so famous, impossible not to know."
"She tried twisting it, knowing we'd recognize. But no dice."
"No Heekyung!! What are you doing here?"
She shook her head vigorously—nope.
The MC chimed in. "She says no. And... results are in! White-Haired Prince Riding a Black Horse versus Ascending Fire Dragon! Who won~?! Let's see the results!!!!!!!"
"Uh... th-the White-Haired Prince Riding a Black Horse wins! Congrats! Ahem, yes. Prince, head down please. Fire Dragon, come on out."
Biggest score gap in history—Prince takes it.
"Panels guessed Fire Dragon as singer No Heekyung. Tough loss, but..."
The MC tried to smooth it over, but No Heekyung was shell-shocked by the 4 votes. No salvaging that.
He tossed questions to hype her up—nothing. She clammed up.
No time to waste, MC skipped interviews and rushed ahead.
"Now, Fire Dragon, remove the mask and reveal! 3, 2...!"
Usually, they'd milk the tension, but she yanked it off carelessly and chucked it on the floor.
"Uh... s-so, the Ascending Fire Dragon is... No Heekyung!!"
MC sweated bullets, scrambling to cover her attitude. Cursing her inwardly, of course.
Luckily, production signaled to boot her quick. Relieved, he sent her off.
No Heekyung bolted without a backward glance, never imagining she'd regret this moment forever.
Fuck fuck fuck. 4 votes? ME? 4? That PD bitch rigged it. Won't let her get away. Never!!
Fuming, vowing revenge. But this was her last stage ever.
Shame and rage made her abandon it too easily. No turning back for singer No Heekyung's career—it was fading fast.
"No Heekyung—that bitch, strip her bare from head to toe and blow her up."
Around then, Melissa Kay, who'd been biding her time, sprang into action.
Hearing about the Mask Singer fiasco, she wasn't letting No Heekyung touch Jin Haesol slide.
Touching my man without knowing her place?
With colossal power mobilizing, No Heekyung—already cut loose—couldn't last.
"Our little sis moved fast."
Bianca Kay watched Melissa work, stunned at the thorough takedown.
"Melissa's on it. Since she's allied with him, should tell him?"
"Hehe! Won't he be shocked if I tell him? He has no idea Melissa did this."
"Yeah, he'll need my help."
The teddy bear doll's eyes slid smoothly. It hopped up, phone in hand, toddling toward her fingers on the desk.
Bianca watched its waddling with loving eyes.
The doll reached her. Pat pat!
"How can you be this adorable everywhere? Thanks for the cheer."
Deeply touched by the cuteness, Bianca mustered courage and dialed.
Airplane's song rang as ringtone. Connected.
"Hello?"
Bianca took a deep breath, speaking haughtily. "Melissa's moved."
"Bianca?"
"Got time? Need to meet and talk."
Could've said it over phone. Making time to meet him was unusual for her.
"Uh... not today."
"I've got a schedule too. Tomorrow at 5?"
"5 should work around dinner."
"See you then."
Click! Bianca clutched her pounding chest.
Did I hang up right?
Checked the screen—yes. Finally exhaled.
"Why am I like this?"
"Did I do okay? Can't remember."
"Cheeky doll! I got it. Think I haven't dated?"
"What places does a doll know?"
"Oh~ That's good. How'd you know? Weird."
Famous hole-in-the-wall she frequented.
"Take Jin Haesol there? Not great for talking."
Plus, celeb in a casual spot? She'd planned a hotel restaurant.
"Down-to-earth charm...? Me?"
Her life was the opposite. But for him, she'd learn.
"...True."
Pricey doesn't mean quality. Better endure crowds at decent dives than pay for garbage.
Her gourmet tastes demanded it.
Meetup spot settled smoothly. Next day neared.
En route, she fiddled with the teddy in her pocket.
Would've consulted it driving, but chauffeur meant no.
Can't look crazy.
Her odd behavior could tank stock. Why broadcast a walking, talking doll?
Misrumors during proof? Disaster. Caution essential.