Chapter 125
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 125
Chapter Title: Min-seong-ah. Comfort Me.
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Ji-hyun had become an actress because of Lee Jin-seong.
She'd endured everything, holding on solely to connect with him, and made it this far.
Though she'd given her body to me, used by my Conviction ability.
Her feelings for Lee Jin-seong hadn't faded in the slightest.
I could tell just from how her face bloomed with smiles throughout the entire shoot.
Honestly, watching that had irritated me a bit.
After all the work I'd put into taming her.
I couldn't let her be stolen away by Lee Jin-seong, who was only now approaching after leaving her alone for so long.
'No way I'm backing down.'
Ji-hyun was mine to have.
I'd make her fully my woman, over and over from here on out.
And to do that, I had to convince Lee Jin-seong, no question.
[Lee Jin-seong. 33 years old]
💡 Conviction Tip: Use the girlfriend.
He has favor toward you because you're a friend she likes.
He feels considerable trust due to being Song Ji-hyun's friend.
His Favorability and Trust toward me were pretty high.
I got the sense he really cared for Ji-hyun.
When I'd watched the shoot earlier, Lee Jin-seong had seemed a bit surprised by her growth too.
With her huge breasts, pretty face, and killer figure.
Anyone could see she wasn't a kid anymore.
Contrasted with her younger self, it might even draw him in.
So I had to nip it in the bud, before he got too interested.
Fortunately, I had intel on him—crucial info for Conviction.
"Writer?"
"Sorry if this is intrusive, but as Ji-hyun's friend, I feel like I have to say it. Actor."
"It's fine. Go ahead."
"When Ji-hyun and I became friends, we talked a lot. Do you know she likes you?"
"Hm. So it is that..."
His expression turned serious.
"You knew. I figured you might."
"She's chased after me since she was little. So yeah, I had a hunch."
"That's why she talked about you a lot with me. Like relationship advice?"
"Really?"
"Yeah. She wanted to make it work with you. Asked how to seduce you."
"..."
"So I helped her as best I could. As a friend, hoping she'd succeed. But."
I looked straight into Lee Jin-seong's eyes.
"You have a girlfriend?"
"...Where'd you hear that? Doesn't feel like you're just fishing."
No wonder he was shocked. No dating scandal had broken.
"Writers live on info. I heard through the grapevine."
It had taken weeks of effort to get that intel.
"Hm. You writers are scary."
"Someone overheard you on the phone with her, right?"
"Sigh. Yeah. It's recent."
"Won't ask who. But I have one request."
Lee Jin-seong's face grew solemn.
"Say what you need to."
"Don't go to Ji-hyun's place tonight. Don't give her false hope."
"False hope..."
"She's been waiting just for today. She'll probably try to seduce you. But you can't do that with a girlfriend."
"..."
"Ji-hyun's lived for you alone. Unless you can commit, better to cut it clean. Rather than string her along and hurt her."
"Hm..."
"You're a good guy, so I'm saying this. Reject her firmly, decisively—so she can move on. For her sake, and your girlfriend's."
Overstepping, for sure.
Most guys would get annoyed.
With their long history, my telling him to end it might grate.
He might've just planned to grab a meal and leave, seeing me as nosy.
And if Lee Jin-seong was a playboy despite his image, he might pretend to fall for her temptation even with a girlfriend—turn her into a fuckbuddy.
That's why I used the Conviction ability.
"Hm. You make a solid point, Writer. For my girlfriend's sake, and Ji-hyun's. I need to be clear about my stance."
A-Grade Conviction successful.
(Details omitted)
Conviction's power was insane. He bought it instantly, no resistance.
"Sorry for butting in."
"She must really like me, huh."
"Yeah. She became an actress and got here because of you."
"Knew it... Had a feeling."
"Do you like Ji-hyun?"
"Honestly... If I didn't have a girlfriend, maybe. She's no kid anymore."
Lee Jin-seong gave a faint smile.
"But I can't accept those feelings now. I have someone I'm giving my heart to. Feels kinda bad for Ji-hyun."
Gentler than I'd expected.
His good image wasn't fake—it was real.
I could see why Ji-hyun would fall for him.
"If you're sorry, then end it decisively. So she can give up for good and meet someone great."
"Is that someone you, by chance?"
I smiled faintly too.
"I like her too, but no way I'd confess. I'll stay her friend forever, cheering her success. I know my place."
"Hm. I've been in this industry long enough to read people. You seem like a good guy. I'll trust you. Take good care of her."
"You got it."
"Not knocking you. She's new to acting, so I hope she focuses. That's all."
"Ah, I..."
"Don't know you well, but seeing how she trusts you says enough. Your worry now proves it. Take care of her."
Wow.
This guy was seriously cool.
Handsome actor says that, and I feel like total trash.
"Got it."
"If she gets hurt over me, comfort her, okay?"
"I'll try."
"Thanks for cluing me in. Now I know what to do for her. Oh, and."
Lee Jin-seong extended his hand.
I shook it.
"Don't talk about knowing your place. No need to put yourself down. Who knows? She might see your good side and fall for you."
"Ah..."
"No clue what'll happen, but seems like you care more than I do. Guess I'll bow out as the third wheel."
Damn.
Why's this guy so perfect?
I'm a Lee Jin-seong fan starting today.
"Thanks for the kind words, Actor."
"I'm the thankful one. You showed me priorities—for me and her."
"Ah, and what I just said, don't tell Ji-hyun..."
"Nah. Won't. No worries. I want you two to get along."
Lee Jin-seong smiled brightly, released my hand, and turned away.
"Fucking cool as hell."
How does a guy like that even exist?
Gentler than on TV.
"Ji-hyun-ah. Sorry."
For making her fall for trash like me over a guy like that.
Not fully fallen yet, though.
But I didn't do anything wrong.
He has a girlfriend.
A gentleman like that wouldn't fall for her seduction.
If she tempts him at home and gets rejected, it'd hurt her more.
Better a clean rejection.
I convinced myself and finalized my self-assessment.
"I'll just make her happier."
With my dick, that is.
7 PM.
Phone rang.
Ji-hyun.
"Hello?"
-Hic... Min-seong-ah...
She's crying.
Lee Jin-seong must've been firm.
"What? You crying?"
-Min-seong-ah... Hic...
"What's up? Something happen?"
-Jin-seong oppa...
My setup, but I played dumb and listened.
"Lee Jin-seong? Wait, did you..."
-Oppa... has a girlfriend. Doesn't want misunderstandings... Hic. So...
"Where are you? Home? I'm coming now. Wait there."
-Hic... Yeah. Hurry, Min-seong-ah. I'm hurting so bad.
Hung up and headed out.
"People would call me Satan."
Ji-hyun actually crying didn't sit right with me either.
But I didn't want to lose her any more than that.
Rang the doorbell at her place right away.
Drunk Ji-hyun saw me, teared up, and threw herself into my arms.
"Min-seong-ah! Waaah!"
Sobbing her heart out.
My chest stung, ached.
I'd grown real feelings for her too.
I hugged her tight, patting her back.
"Yeah, Ji-hyun-ah. Cry it out."
"Waaaaah!"
After a while, she pulled away from my embrace.
Sniff-
"...Sorry. I must look pathetic."
"Nah. Not at all."
"Hng... I'm just so upset. I only saw oppa... held on this long. Worked so hard. Practiced too. How could oppa..."
I waited calmly for her emotions to settle.
Table had two empty soju bottles.
"You drank that much alone, no snacks?"
"...Was too upset."
"Sit tight a sec."
Whipped up some egg drop soup quick.
"Eat. Careful, it's hot."
"Thanks..."
Even her puffy, teary face was adorable on that pretty one.
Soup warmed her up; she forced a smile.
"Tastes good. Really good."
"Told you I'm secretly great in the kitchen."
"Not secret—you're great. Hehe."
"You smiling? Calmer now?"
"...Yeah."
Ji-hyun poured more soju into her glass.
"Ease up on the drinking. Be kind to your stomach."
"Day off tomorrow. Wanna drink now."
"Fine. Me too then."
Grabbed a glass and poured.
"I'll be your drinking buddy tonight."
"Thanks. You're the only one."
Over drinks, Lee Jin-seong talk flowed.
"I get his side. Has a girlfriend... Makes sense. Doesn't want rumors. But... can't he at least come eat at his dongsaeng's?"
"You're a top actress now."
"Even so. Once wouldn't hurt..."
"You want him to be the cheating type, ditching his girl?"
"...I see."
"Yeah. That's why you've liked him all this time."
"True. That's oppa."
"You gotta understand his feelings too."
"But... Hic. What about me? I've lived for oppa..."
"You'll meet someone great. Nah—focus on acting. Become a huge star, show off to him. Make him regret passing on you."
"..."
"Though with his personality, he'd be proud, not regretful."
"Hing. Makes me miss him more. Don't talk about oppa."
"You've said the most about him."
"Shut it. You."
"You stop drinking too. You'll pass out."
"Don't care. Gonna get wasted."
"Sigh. Fine. Do you. I'll handle everything tonight."
"Hee."
She grinned wide and drank more.
Face flushing red as the buzz hit. So damn alluring, my lust stirred.
Perfect timing—Ji-hyun face-planted on the table, out.
Carried her to bed.
'Can't sleep like that.'
Planned to Convince her: Forget Jin-seong? I'll make you forget. Fuck all night.
Overdid the drinking match?
Could still do her now, but might cause issues. Tomorrow's fine.
As I started to get off the bed.
"Min-seong-ah..."
"Huh? Not asleep?"
"You'll... stay by my side forever, right?"
"Duh. Always."
"Promise... you won't leave me?"
"Told you."
"Even if you get a girlfriend, won't push me away?"
"Wouldn't date someone who couldn't handle that."
"Then..."
Ji-hyun sat up, arms wide.
"Hug me tonight... so I don't think of oppa."
"..."
"Hurry... Wanna sleep without thinking of him tonight."
"You know what that means, Ji-hyun-ah."
"Kinda embarrassing asking a friend... but. Feels good with you. That'll... help me forget oppa. Just... help me tonight."
Jackpot.
"You asked for it."
"Yeah."
"Alright. I'll make you forget Lee Jin-seong tonight."
Stood up, stripped everything off fast.
Gulp-
Ji-hyun eyed me up and down, swallowing hard.
Buzz amped her lust too—her eyes full of anticipation.
She really loved doing it with me.
Tonight, I'd make her fall hard.