Chapter 162
Chapter 162
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 162
Chapter Title: Accidental Eavesdropping
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"I didn't mean to eavesdrop or anything. I just happened to overhear you talking with Anderik hyung."
This couldn't be happening.
Nothing in the world ever went exactly as planned. Who would've thought a curveball like this would come flying out of left field?
More than anything, the problem was that I'd coordinated with the PD to claim that "the cast knew nothing about it."
I'd figured only Anderik had noticed my injury, so a little white lie like that would be fine.
Since I was close with Anderik, it wouldn't seem strange even if he'd gotten a heads-up from me in advance. But Do-kyung knowing out of nowhere? That was a bit suspicious.
'Plus, looking back now, I must've let it show big time.'
On the last day, he'd basically taken over so I wouldn't have to do much.
'I thought it was just some knightly spirit or something back then.'
Now that I knew the full story, it was obvious how transparent it must've looked to everyone else.
I'd assumed the antis were just forcing connections by mentioning Anderik and Do-kyung together, but there was good reason for it after all.
'I was so sure no one would notice that their nitpicking looked like nonsense to me. But everyone else could read it plain as day.'
It was a blunder born of my own bias. This could spiral into the worst-case scenario.
'Even if the PD claims the cast didn't know... it might just come off as a lie.'
It wasn't just Anderik—it was Anderik and Do-kyung both noticing my injury and looking out for me. Who would buy "the cast knew nothing" at this point?
It'd probably just breed resentment.
'Ugh. No helping it. If I lie and it backfires, it'll be even worse. Guess I'll have to say I didn't know at first, but they figured it out midway and helped.'
The thought of coordinating with the PD again made my head throb.
"-Sorry. I should've said something sooner. It felt like I'd be admitting I was eavesdropping, so I couldn't find the right moment."
"No, it's not your fault."
It was my fault for not being more careful. Even in the middle of the night, there was always a chance someone might overhear.
"You called just to tell me this?"
Maybe his conscience was bothering him. I'd thought showbiz had hardened him, but he had a surprisingly innocent side.
"-Yeah. Back then, you seemed like you wanted to keep it under wraps, so I didn't let on. After that, I wanted to at least check in, but I didn't have your number..."
Do-kyung hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"-And I wanted to make sure you were okay."
"Huh?"
An involuntary sound of surprise escaped me.
"-People were saying all sorts of crap online. I saw the articles, and they were way out of line. O-of course, I know you're not the type to get shaken by that stuff. But sometimes words can still hurt, you know? That's what worried me, so I figured I'd reach out."
"Oh..."
I paused, choosing my words. This kindness had come completely out of left field.
After a brief creak of the bed, I let out a small chuckle.
"Ahaha. Thanks for looking out for me. I'd be lying if I said it didn't bug me at all, but it's not like I can't handle it."
"-Good to hear."
A sigh of relief came through the phone loud and clear.
Feeling his genuine concern made a soft smile creep onto my face unbidden. It was like looking at a dutiful little brother. Even though we were the same age.
"-Do-kyung! Rehearsal's starting soon~."
"-Gah. I gotta go."
"Yeah. Thanks for calling."
"-No problem. Oh, can I hit you up again later? Got something to ask."
"Something to ask me?"
"-Yeah. There's this recent filming offer I got..."
"-Do-kyung! You have to go!"
"-Ugh, I really need to run. I'll call you next timeee!"
Click.
I set down the phone and stared at the blank screen for a moment. My faintly smiling reflection stared back.
Well, damn. It's been a while since I last smiled like this. I'd already steeled myself when filing with the Fair Trade Commission, but things were about to get hectic while the investigation dragged on.
I'd be in for a rough ride until it wrapped up.
Choo Jong-wook seemed eager to back out, but since we'd filed voluntarily, it wouldn't be that easy for him.
'Wonder what he wants to ask me about?'
I tilted my head. Whatever it was, it'd probably be about cooking or business.
Do-kyung the idol wasn't looking to moonlight in food service. Maybe he'd gotten an offer for a related shoot?
'Whatever. I'll find out when he calls.'
I shrugged and dove back into work. The first week's sales for the newly opened salad specialist, [Salad Time], had just come in.
I swiped through the screen, checking the numbers. Solid, if unremarkable.
'It's still in test phase, and we've differentiated it from the core brands. We deliberately dialed back the [The Song] vibe.'
Few would peg [Salad Time] as a [The Song] franchise just from the look. Unless they'd dug through the website themselves.
'Without sourcing ingredients cheaply, we might've even run a loss.'
It was a brand launched as an investment in the future, so I hadn't expected blockbuster sales.
'Maintanance mode is fine for now.'
I nodded in approval.
Once I synced up with the PD, all I'd have to do was wait out the current controversy.
'A race against time.'
That, I could handle.
Patience was my specialty.
"Kyaa~."
Kim Hee-sung took a sip of the steaming broth and let out a gasp of delight. The clear, spicy warmth, richly seasoned, seemed perfect for mixing with rice.
"Tasty, right?"
"Yeah. This place is a real gem."
Kim Hee-sung nodded eagerly at his senior PD's words. He split open a piece of chicken from the side plate with his chopsticks, revealing tender white meat.
'They said to eat this with the broth, right?'
Recalling the "How to Enjoy Dakbokkeumtang" poster on the wall, Kim Hee-sung picked up his spoon. Drizzling the rich sauce over the tender chicken and taking a bite was pure bliss.
"Mmm~."
"Kuhuhu. That's exactly the reaction I was hoping for when I brought you here."
"I've been hitting up that gukbap joint down the street every day, but I think this is my new spot. I was getting burned out from eating too much anyway."
"You mean Hapjae Neighborhood Gukbap? That's good too."
The senior PD muttered between bites.
"Just a few years ago, there weren't any spots like this around here. Song Woo-yeon definitely cashed in on the location."
"Oh, I heard the variety department's going nuts trying to book Song Woo-yeon as a guest. Total box-office gold."
"Yep. Word is he's dropping off [Cold Pluck] soon."
"[Cold Pluck]?"
"A bunch of the original members bailed. Plus, ratings have been shaky lately."
Kim Hee-sung nodded in silent agreement. At some point, it had turned into celebrities flaunting expensive ingredients.
It used to have spoiled food bits and real solo-living moments. But as that authenticity faded, so did the viewers.
"And is wrapping up soon too. That PD's moving to another show. A junior might take over, but they'd have to build a whole new team, so next season's up in the air."
"Ah."
"So now it's a fight over who gets Song Woo-yeon next."
He was prime talent all around—huge buzz, solid rep, and decent variety chops.
"And that power-trip scandal fizzled out, giving him a comeback boost. You see that Justice PD grinning ear to ear? Reruns are outpulling live episodes."
"Wow. Lucky guy."
"Right? Man, I could use a jackpot like that."
The senior PD scooped up another bite of dakbokkeumtang and grumbled.
"Though eating this kinda puts me in Song Woo-yeon's debt already."
"?"
Kim Hee-sung swallowed his mouthful and blinked.
"Song Woo-yeon? Is this his franchise? Didn't know he had a dakbokkeumtang brand."
"Nah, not his brand. But see that~ over there?"
The senior PD pointed to one wall. Squinting, Kim Hee-sung spotted what looked like a framed certificate.
It resembled a celebrity autograph, and he read the text slowly.
"Song Woo-yeon certified dakbokkeumtang spot...? Oh!"
Kim Hee-sung's eyes went wide.
"What? Is this place run by his relatives?"
The answer came from an unexpected source.
"Hahaha. Nah, nothing like that."
"Ah."
He turned to find the owner standing right behind him, probably delivering the extra rice they'd ordered.
Surprised by how young the owner looked, Kim Hee-sung masked it with an awkward smile.
The name tag on the owner's chest read "Andong-woo."
"Whoops. Didn't see you there."
"No worries. Lots of folks ask. No relation at all—not family or anything. We're just neighboring shops."
So it was just a courtesy shoutout? That's what Kim Hee-sung thought.
Then Andong-woo continued.
"We're just using the recipe he gave us."
"Pardon?"
Recipe?
Kim Hee-sung and the senior PD both looked stunned. Andong-woo answered casually, like it was old news.
"It's a huge blessing. I suddenly inherited the shop from my parents and was in over my head. Turns out the owner was close with my mom, so she reached out to Song and asked him to cut me some slack."
"Wow~. And he just helped out of nowhere, no connection? Even handed over the recipe?"
"He's my lifesaver."
Coming in person to share a recipe with a total stranger? That was straight-up talent donation.
"Aren't recipes usually trade secrets?"
"You bet, haha. But he made it clear: treat this golden recipe right. Change the taste even a little, and he'll take that frame down. He's the type to mean it, so I hustle every day."
Pride shone on Andong-woo's face as he spoke.
Damn. Kim Hee-sung clamped his mouth shut, dumbfounded.
"And it's not just me. Every shop owner on this block's gotten help from Song at some point."
"Th-that much?"
"Yeah. He doesn't push, but if you don't dig in your heels, he'll gladly lend a hand."
That was some serious generosity.
'These alleyway spots are usually small operations. Handing out recipes like that gives them a real edge.'
Kim Hee-sung pondered deeply.
'Hmm? Wait a sec, this could be...'
His eyes flashed.
Like a predator spotting prey.
'Perfect fodder for a show segment?'