Chapter 122
Chapter 122
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 122
Chapter Title: Even in a Ghost Story, I Have to Go to Work
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Just before the live talk show began, the backstage was a whirlwind of activity.
The silent staff moved with precise coordination, constantly monitoring and addressing situations in real time.
"Phew."
I caught my breath.
By now, I could understand their communications pretty specifically...
The whispers of the faceless ones.
Everyone diligently worked at their stations, pondering how to make the show a success.
And since the host was the type to generously praise each individual, the atmosphere heated up even more easily.
It really was a great workplace. At first, the fact that my colleagues had no faces felt a bit off-putting, but now I seemed completely adjusted!
'Humans really are creatures of their environment.'
Getting used to diving into ghost stories was something I never quite managed, no matter how many times—no matter how many times I did it—so maybe Brown was right about it being a matter of aptitude after all.
'It's fine.'
I habitually checked the silver ring on my finger, then finally stepped onto the stage.
"...Phew."
This was the day.
The day I would make my debut in a segment on 'Brown's Late-Night Talk Show' for the first time.
[Sol-eum!]
The host, already prepared, approached.
[The outfit suits you perfectly. Yes... oh! Makeup, let's properly cover that tattoo here too.]
The host meticulously checked even the tattoo peeking out from under my suit sleeve near the wrist.
In an instant, the tattoo on my wrist vanished without a trace.
And before the live broadcast time arrived, I safely took my designated seat.
[Good. Perfect... Alright, Sol-eum. The camera light will come on any moment now.]
"Yes."
[And the audience will be seated right away, so just focus on entertaining them. Here we go...]
The classic prompter in front of me counted down.
3.
2.
1.
0.
[Hello! Your source of nightly pleasure, new faces every day, and... your friendly host!]
Brown's Late-Night Talk Show
The moment the band sound blared and the studio lit up.
The live broadcast had begun.
"Huh?"
"What?"
"W-What's going on...?"
The audience seats filled up.
The spectators, who had been sitting somewhere moments ago, were stunned or wearing shocked expressions at the sudden dazzling studio lights.
"Why am I dressed like this?"
They sat there in all sorts of work attire, truly fitting for an office worker special.
[Welcome, hardworking office workers. Today, for you, we'll deliver a talk show that melts away your daily fatigue—one you won't be able to look away from, intriguing, thrillingly fun!]
Clap clap clap...
The host clapped alone, then displayed a sheepish, sad emoticon on his TV head.
[...No applause? Not even one?]
Clap clap clap clap clap!!
The audience applauded hesitantly.
"What the heck is this...?"
"He's hot, at least. Let's go with it."
Two office workers next to me who seemed to be acquaintances nudged each other and clapped again.
The host greeted the audience one by one, steering the atmosphere.
There was something eerie about it somewhere, but basically, it was fun and enjoyable jokes mixed with unheard-of gruesome and wondrous news.
"Ah."
Before long, the tension eased, and people naturally accepted the unreal space.
Like watching a magician or a sci-fi movie, those accustomed to unrealistic content had their boundaries between reality blur and fade.
And then it appeared.
[Today's guest is... ah, coming out now!]
A flashy door studded with star-shaped bulbs opened, and the guest emerged.
The guest I had selected!
Right...
Stagger stagger.
It was a cloth teddy bear doll.
With button eyes for pupils, patched up here and there, but quite cute.
[Isn't it adorable? Allow me to introduce today's guest... 'Happy Ending Bear'!]
Exclamations erupted here and there at the little bear doll settling on the sofa.
What is that thing, it's so cute, it's moving, where are we, is this a dream, what talk show is this... oh, I signed up for the audience!
The chaotic murmurs soon died down, converging into one.
Interest and focus on the unreal talk show.
[Sponsored by Delusion Home Shopping. Oh, a 1999 limited edition item that's no longer sold—the most iconic companion doll in the industry.]
[To its cherished owner who keeps it until death, it grants an 'ending to life' as peaceful as sleep. To those who discard it, it visits in the dead of night and turns them into a doll just like itself!]
Brown approached and held the mic to the teddy bear.
[How are you feeling? ...Oh, so nervous that it wants to visit the first owner's grave and wail in grief.]
"Hahaha!"
Good reaction.
My mind eased.
Cute and friendly, yet the eeriness of a non-living object gaining sentience, moving, and exacting revenge—it hit perfectly.
That's why I picked a nice friend... no, stop.
'Anyway, good audience response usually means good viewer response too.'
I felt relieved.
Non-human viewers could enjoy the audience reactions themselves, like reaction videos—the talk show was structured that way.
Interesting. Stories are most fun and reassuring when you're just one step removed!
[Now, let's hear from our guest about their story and recent updates!]
The show progressed smoothly.
The 'Happy Ending Teddy Bear' spoke through the host about its heartbreaking yet warm parting with its kind owner, the blood-curdling abuse by its owner, and the refreshing revenge.
Props, photos, and illustrations from the time heightened immersion and mood.
The climax at the end.
[Ah, so the father who stubbed cigarettes on you and beat the child you played with... is in that audience!]
[That's him... you!]
Bam!
The spotlight hit one audience member.
[Come on up... hahaha! Welcome our second guest with applause.]
One of the planted audience members—the previous owner who discarded that doll.
Brought onstage, the 'Happy Ending Bear' demonstrated turning that spectator into a teddy bear itself.
Screams and blood flew, but the immersed audience found it a bit gruesome yet satisfying. Those in the front row who borrowed raincoats from staff even clapped.
Just like reading a fun ghost story.
[Ah, wonderful. One more cute teddy bear has been born.]
[Truly a good deed. Let's give a big round of applause to our Happy Ending Bear guest, who even creates excellent added value!]
Woooah!
The Happy Ending Bear trembled and happily waved to the people.
And at that point...
[Now, onto the next segment. Q&A!]
Brown raised one hand to his speaker like he was listening closely.
[You there? My friend!]
Now!
"Right here, friend!"
I shot my hand up and stood from the middle of the audience seats.
Exclamations burst from those around me.
And a glowing sign above my head.
To Brown's Friend
Please Tell Them!
[For 100 seconds, my friend can ask the audience for their impressions of the show or fun questions! Audience members who answer well get fabulous prizes, so give it a shot...]
A clock appeared on Brown's TV face.
[Starting now!]
Rush.
The audience raised their hands.
I pointed at myself with a slightly flustered expression.
"You guys aren't even listening to my intro or questions before raising hands...?"
Laughter.
"Ah, no time? Al... right... I... see..."
I deliberately dragged out my words super slowly.
The laughter grew louder. Good.
"First question. 'What was the most boring moment in this show?'"
[Friend!!]
"The moment you yawned so hard you thought what I'm doing would be better?!"
At the perfectly timed reaction, sporadic laughter erupted from the audience.
A few in the front, splattered with the blood from the ex-owner turned teddy bear, shook their raincoats even more enthusiastically.
I quickly approached them and held the mic out.
"Right now."
[Ooooh!]
Explosive laughter again. I shot them a betrayed look like How could you say that?, then moved to the next question.
Maybe because the previous segment was fun, the reactions were way better than I'd worried.
Almost mesmerizing.
'Is it... fun?'
I felt strangely uplifted.
100 seconds flew by, and the mic reached the almost-final audience member in line.
"If you could make one request to this talk show, what would it be?"
My excited shout got an excited shout back from the audience.
"I wanna take that bear home!"
Ah.
"No can do."
......
The audience went ice cold in an instant.
The stage too.
"......"
W-Why did I say that? No, damage control first.
I raised my eyebrows like it was intentional curtness.
Then nodded as if I got it and said,
"Our dear guest Bear says no serious relationships with overtime-burdened office workers who have no time."
"What?!"
The Happy Ending Bear frantically waved both arms from the sofa like it wasn't true. I nodded solemnly at it, then relayed to the audience.
"Yeah, hates it."
"...?!"
The bear toppled over. Laughter burst from the seats.
"Just kidding. It says go ahead happily."
"Yay! Love it. Taxidermy was my dream."
"For real? Me too."
I laughed and high-fived the audience member.
Phew. Somehow smoothed over.
'Next!'
I turned quickly for the next question. The next fastest hand-raiser was...
"...!!"
I stared blankly for a moment.
A masked office worker in a suit.
'...Daydream Corporation Field Exploration Team.'
My old workplace.
And among them...
'...D Squad people.'
Three familiar faces sat side by side.
How did those three—no, D Squad should only have Lizard the leader now—how did they...
[Ding! Time's up.]
Ah.
[Alright! Let's ask our friend. Who's today's MVP audience member?]
"Today's MVP is..."
I pointed at the last audience member.
"The guest adoption applicant."
"Ooooh!"
[Hahaha! May you pass peacefully!]
The selected audience member received a fancily wrapped gift and happily returned to their seat.
The Happy Ending Bear stared holes into them.
"......"
And with that, my segment ended. I exited through the door amid audience applause.
My heart pounded.
'I did it.'
And right around then.
[Now, introducing the next guest. Ah, but first...]
[We'll be right back after these messages!]
Uwaaaah!
Brown waved to the booing and cheering audience with a smile as the mid-show ad break hit.
Phew!
[Sol-eum!]
Brown came backstage with a huge smiling emoticon on his face, switched to a感動 one, and high-fived me.
Then patted my shoulder like a proud mentor.
[Friend. You did amazingly! Hard to believe it was your first time hosting. A truly impressive 100 seconds. Ah, truly impressive...]
"Not that great, I think..."
[No! This is pure admiration, no flattery. Seeing your passion for the show is yielding even better results.]
Glad to hear.
"Um, by the way."
I smiled and said,
"...There were some familiar faces in the audience. Mind if I chat with them a bit? Just during the break. Won't take long..."
[Ah.]
The host paused.
And then...
[Of course. It's break time, right? Go chat freely.]
Phew.
Permission granted! Good.
"Then I'll just—"
[One moment.]
My shoulder was grabbed.
[But no remarks that could make other audience members feel out of place... Oh, don't forget. Even with cameras off, they still see you as part of the show.]
"...Got it."
The TV head drew close.
[Remember that?]
"...I'll remember."
[Good!]
I backed away from the host.
Then descended the stage, escorted by staff like I was checking on audience comfort, thanking them as I went.
And finally... arrived at the spot with the familiar masks gathered.
Familiar masks.
"Deer...?"
"...Deputy."
Lee Jaheon the section chief, Eun Ha-je the deputy, and... even Park Minseong the assistant manager, all seated.
'Wow.'
Seeing them like this felt strangely nostalgic.
Like before entering the Hungry Hangman darkness.
"Never thought I'd see you here! Great to see you all. Doing well?"
Lizard the leader and Rosefinch the deputy nodded.
Badger the assistant manager met my eyes and waved with a smiling face. He looked a bit pale, but otherwise healthy.
He'd improved enough to enjoy outings on nights like this? Truly fortunate.
"Yeah. We're fine, but... Deer. You okay? How've you been?"
"Ah. I'm doing well."
That I could guarantee.
But I couldn't hold back and asked,
"It was my debut today, so... how was it? I was pretty nervous."
Silence.
"Very good."
"...Thank you."
Phew.
The silence was a bit nagging, but Rosefinch the deputy wasn't one for empty words, so it should be fine.
"By the way, did you eat today?"
"Eat? Uh..."
Ah.
Come to think of it, it's been a while since I last ate.
Before broadcast prep?
Last meal was on the train before switching jobs here? Something like that.
Anyway, my body's in perfect shape, so no issue!
Plus, too personal for talk show break chat.
I waved it off with a smile.
"I'm good without it."
"......"
Park Minseong the assistant manager quickly rummaged in his pocket and pulled something out.
"Deer. Still, it's break time, right? How about a snack? This..."
"Ah, sorry. Gifts from audience must go through official channels. For clean operations."
I politely declined the retro candy from Park Minseong the assistant manager.
The assistant manager's face dimmed as he held the nostalgic candy.
"Ah..."
...Did I mess up?
I thought hard, then came up with an alternative.
"Don't worry. I have the exact same candy, so I'll eat that."
"...!"
"Good."
Rosefinch the deputy reached out and shook my hand.
Her hand was hot.
"You have to eat it."
"......"
"Deer."
Ah.
Lizard the section chief was looking at me.
"Press the button."
"...?"
I had no idea what that meant...
But showing fluster wouldn't be professional.
"Yes. I'll do my utmost. Anyway, enjoy the show. Sleep well and fighting tomorrow."
I hoped this tough audience stint brought a little joy to their hard days.
Is this the heart of a show creator? Like Brown said?
I checked their reactions.
'The masks make expressions hard to read...'
Wait.
If they're wearing masks, are they maybe on a darkness exploration right now?
If so, reassure them!
"Ah. If you're here for 'work,' no problem. Just enjoy the show and head out."
"...Really?"
"Yes! Super safe here."
Hard to find an easier clear than this. Easier than Tuesday Talk Show, even.
'No regular audience dies!'
Could've gone more extreme like Tuesday Talk Show with harsher penalties.
But now, the karma-retribution vibe lets other audience enjoy comfortably.
I felt a quick thanks to Brown.
But Park Minseong the assistant manager shook his head slightly.
"Not here for work."
Huh?
"...Came to see you. Deer."
......Me?
"Deer. How the hell did you end up in this situa—"
[Oh dear, friend!]
"...!"
The host gestured from the stage.
Right. Ads ending soon. Means the show resumes!
"Gotta head back up. See you next time. Ah! This next one's gonna be fun... Just relax and watch."
"Wai—"
I didn't hear the reply, waving to the audience as I dashed onstage.
The lights dazzled.
The talk show ended today too amid thunderous applause and cheers.
[Thank you. See you tomorrow at 11:33 PM, everyone!]
Brown wrapped up smoothly, then as always, tended to staff and personnel on the darkened stage.
Me too.
I glanced at the now-empty audience seats, snapped to, and received praise.
[How was it? More fun than expected, right, Sol-eum?]
"Yeah. Um... better than I thought."
[Thrilled to hear. Good. I'll talk to the writers about having you appear once or twice a week from now on. 'Brown's Friend'!]
"Ah, sure."
Being acknowledged made my stomach churn. Accept it gladly!
And the host asked casually.
[Ah. Enjoy your chat with those old coworkers? Saw you talking from the seats, friend.]
"...! Yeah. Nice seeing them after so long."
[I see. Curious what fun conversation you had!]
"Ah, they checked if I'd eaten."
[Aha, our show always has dedicated catering for staff meals...]
The TV screen blurred.
[...You haven't touched food since then. Deer. Didn't even request personal catering. How could this be! I told you on day one.]
Too much hassle, kinda. I scratched my neck sheepishly.
"Fine without eating."
[Good lord! Making me out as a negligent partner who doesn't care for meals. No, my oversight. New crew can miss it amid adjustments, so as your friend, this Brown must pay more attention...]
Brown extended his hand.
[They say inspiration and ideas come from stamina. Promise me you won't let this happen again.]
Hmm. No real difference, felt even better conditioned...
"Sure. I'll try."
[Oh no, my friend picking up bad industry habits!]
Brown chided lightly like a joke but didn't press further.
Break time now.
[Just in case you forget rest too—plenty of rest is key to the best shows, Sol-eum!]
"Got it. See you in a bit."
I parted from Brown briefly.
Passed the staff, looped backstage, and headed to my waiting room.
Click.
Opened the door, rolled up my sleeve, and looked at my arm.
My tattoos, hidden under makeup.
"...Hmm."
Strange. The tattoos covered to be invisible didn't seem active.
'Live broadcast's over, so I can wipe off the makeup now.'
I rubbed away the makeup.
I reached into the tattoo that served as my inventory and pulled out an item.
'Been a while for this too.'
In my hand was the nostalgic candy.
'Said I'd eat it.'
Hmm... not really hungry or low on energy, but.
I pondered briefly, then unwrapped one candy and popped it in my mouth.
Chomp.