Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: The Traitor's Exit and a New Resolve
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Chapter 20.
I’d felt my intuition sharpen after gaining the Sixth Sense trait, but this was the first time it had shown me a live feed.
Every time a new system feature appeared, I would seriously contemplate the things I was experiencing, but…
I decided not to question it anymore. It wasn't like I could figure anything out by doing so.
The elevator arrived on the third floor.
“Well, you see, I was following the GPS, and suddenly the road just disappeared. It was such a backwater village that my phone didn't even have service.”
Park Timjang and Mi-ji stood before CEO Park Jae-yong and Isa-nim.
“I tried to retrace my steps without the GPS, but then I ran out of gas. My phone wasn't working, so I nearly went crazy.”
The expressions of the two listening to Park Timjang’s excuse were not pleasant.
Why would they come back to the company spouting such bullshit?
My suspicions always led back to Gyeon Sang-jin.
“It was getting dark. I just followed a light down to a house and used their landline to call for emergency roadside assistance, but they said because it was the mountains, the earliest they could get there was dawn. I had no choice but to impose on them for a night and returned as soon as I got service.”
If these two remained at the company, they would be a potent poison to me, to Answer, and to the company itself.
It’s hard to get a perfect opportunity like this.
“Or did you flake on purpose to ruin Answer?”
As I landed the sharp retort, all eyes turned to me.
“…Newbie, you and your delusions again?”
Park Timjang, his ears turning red, retorted boldly, but it was an obvious lie.
“Does it make sense that people who said they’d arrive in thirty minutes suddenly become unreachable?”
“What was I supposed to do if my phone had no service!”
Park Timjang lashed out 괜히, and the CEO and Isa-nim watched us with bitter smiles.
“If you were in a remote area with no service, there would have been a message saying your phone was unreachable. But it just looked like you weren’t picking up.”
“…Are you the phone company? Can you be one hundred percent sure?”
It felt like he would self-destruct if I pushed him just a little further.
“Let’s say that’s true. If you requested emergency service, you’d have a record on your phone, right?”
"O-of course.”
He could at least try not to stutter.
“Let’s see it. Let’s see if it’s real.”
“Th-this bastard! What are you going to do if it’s there!”
The faces of Park Timjang and Mi-ji turned crimson.
A trap with no escape.
You should’ve at least created a perfect alibi if you were going to lie, you idiot.
As of today, you two are out.
Faced with my interrogation, Park Timjang came on even stronger.
“You, what will you do if there’s a record?”
“I'll bet CEO Gyeon Sang-jin's wrist that there's no record.”
“What?”
A look of shock flashed in the eyes of Park Timjang and Mi-ji.
It was as if they were saying, ‘How did you know that?’
“Pfft!”
The serious CEO Park Jae-yong burst out laughing.
I took a step closer to Park Timjang, who couldn't control his frantic, darting eyes.
“Why so surprised? Does the name Gyeon Sang-jin bother you that much?”
“This… bastard. Stop messing around! What will you do if it’s there!”
“I’ll quit. But if you can’t show it, then you quit, Timjang-nim, and go wherever it was you were originally planning to go.”
“Ha! This is one ridiculous bastard.”
Park Timjang unconsciously wiped his forehead.
The office staff watched us, holding their breath.
“Stop wiping your cold sweat and just show us.”
“You little shit.”
I frowned at his habit of spewing curses as if they were meals.
Park Timjang held out his phone.
An eight-digit number starting with 1566 was displayed, looking plausible enough.
“See? Now get lost.”
Do I look like a pushover?
There are tons of eight-digit numbers.
“Call it. Put it on speakerphone.”
“Hey!”
Park Timjang threw his phone at my face, and I dodged it with a slight turn of my head.
Crack!
The sound of the phone shattering was immediately followed by a fist flying toward me.
It was a punch fueled by rage, so it carried weight, but that also made it slow.
I stepped back, evading his fist.
“?”
I was a little surprised by how much quicker and lighter my body felt than I expected. It seemed to be thanks to the ‘Soldier’s Spirit’ trait I’d received as a reward last time.
Only after I leisurely dodged a second punch from his other hand did a scream ring out.
“Kyaa!”
CEO Park Jae-yong and two other male employees belatedly rushed to restrain Park Timjang.
“You don’t have to stop him. He's got pillow fists.”
“Uwaaah!”
Having completely lost his senses, Park Timjang swung his fists wildly, but I dodged them with a taunting expression.
His last resort, violence, was completely shut down by me, and Park Timjang’s face twisted into a bizarre expression, making it impossible to tell if he was laughing or crying.
“That’s enough, Timjang-nim.”
“Let go! Let me go!”
As people tried to restrain him, Park Timjang struggled even more.
"You threw it on purpose to break it, didn't you?"
"What, you crazy!"
"If we restore it, all the records will show up, you know?"
"Uwaaah!"
Park Timjang's struggling face turned a shade of blue that made me think, ‘He’s going to burst a blood vessel and have a stroke.’
“That’s enough, Park Timjang.”
Only when CEO Park Jae-yong spoke did he finally stop struggling.
“…I can’t stand working here because of this newbie.”
“Great excuse.”
I shot him a smirk.
“…You just wait, you bastard.”
“Not scared at all.”
As if he had no energy left to be angry at my words, Park Timjang picked up his broken phone and left the office.
Mi-ji followed right behind him.
Ting.
[Successful Use of Sixth Sense]
Your words and actions have made the opponent lose their will to fight. As a reward related to [A Piercing Remark] used to resolve the incident, you are awarded 1/3 Lv of the trait ‘Charisma.’
Details: A 30% bonus is applied to increases in likeability and trust.
Upon reaching ‘Charisma’ Lv 2/3: People meeting you for the first time will not be able to disregard you.
Upon completing ‘Charisma’: Many people will follow you.
It seemed I had acquired a very good trait.
“Our Manager Min is pretty damn cool, huh?”
Isa-nim Lee Sun smiled brightly at the CEO’s admiration.
“I was worried since we didn't have any proof. You did well, really well.”
Even the CEO, who had worked with Park Timjang for nearly a decade, seemed to have been agonizing over it, though he couldn't say anything. It looked like I wouldn't have to see that detestable guy anymore.
Chief Manager Ji, who had initially viewed me with suspicion, slapped my shoulder.
“This handsome kid's got some guts.”
A look of great satisfaction was visible on his face as he gave me a thumbs-up.
* * *
We arrived at the dorm.
“You’ve packed all the outfits that need to be returned, right?”
“…Yes.”
The exhausted-looking members boarded the van.
“Confirming today’s schedule. After returning the outfits, we’ll head to the company for a short practice. Since Mi-ji is gone, the busking performance will be vocals only, no dancing.”
“Okay.”
“Cheer up. Something good will happen soon. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's in progress. I'll tell you once things take shape.”
“…Take shape?”
At Yi-na’s question, Seol-ah explained in a small voice.
“He means he’ll tell us when there’s a rough plan.”
“Ah.”
I’d heard teenagers these days have a limited vocabulary, and I guess it’s true. It certainly wasn't just Yi-na who was lacking.
“Oh! And one more piece of good news. I think Park Timjang quit as of today.”
“Really?”
“Yes. We had a bit of a showdown at the office this morning.”
“Oh yeah, oh yeah!”
[The members’ trust in you increases by +1 each.]
Life returned to the members’ faces.
“Can I listen to some music with my earphones for a bit?”
“…Oppa, why do you ask for permission for something like that? Just listen.”
Seul-bi said, as if it was strange.
“In case I can’t hear you if you ask me something.”
“…Just play it on the speakers. We like music too.”
“I’ll do that. Let me know if it’s bothering you.”
I put on Trilogy’s ‘Mind your own business’ and started driving.
I could understand Ro-si having to practice it 120 times, but why did I have to practice it 24 times?
It was absurd, but understanding a hit song was helpful for me too. Drawing the chord progressions of famous songs in my head sometimes led to brilliant new chord combinations.
Just then.
“…Oppa, you’re a traitor.”
It was a sudden accusation from Seul-bi. Yi-na asked in response.
“Why?”
“It’s an SJ Enter song.”
“…What does that have to do with anything?”
To Yi-na's question, Seul-bi shot her a look as if to say, ‘You don’t even know that?’ and delivered a sharp remark.
“Our CEO hates SJ, you know.”
“…Does he?”
At times like this, they really seemed like young kids. This was the professional world. If they wanted to survive and climb to the top, I needed to teach them the rules of this world.
“There are only well-made songs and poorly-made songs.”
The girls fell silent as I interjected. Seul-bi, finding herself unexpectedly countered, opened her mouth.
“That phrase…”
“You were about to say you’ve heard it somewhere before, right? It’s a famous saying in the industry. You have to remember it if you want to succeed.”
Everyone fell silent.
Because what I said wasn't wrong.
* * *
We arrived at the costume shop.
“I look like a mess right now, I'm not getting out.”
“Yeah. If I see Chae-ron unni, I think I'll start crying again.”
The members, who were dressed casually for practice, decided to stay in the car. I returned the clothes alone and looked around, but I couldn’t see Chae-ron.
I wasn't a Daddy-Long-Legs providing direct financial support, but my heart was cheering for her just as much.
“Goodbye.”
“Manager-nim, wait a moment!”
The owner of the shop stopped me.
“Could you give this to Lee Sun? She said it's a limited edition.”
“Yes, I will.”
A pleasant fragrance wafted from the luxury cosmetics brand box she handed me.
“By the way, is Chae-ron doing well at her job?”
“…Ah, the maknae? She’s a great worker. Has good sense, too.”
I had expected as much, but it was still good to hear.
I drove the car and arrived at the company. Fans of the boy group were camped out nearby. The members’ envious gazes were fixed on them.
“They look even more down than usual today. Did something happen?”
“…Should I say nothing happened…?”
Seul-bi’s words were cryptic.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Yi-na kept saying she felt anxious, so we slept with our doors open…”
“You slept with your doors open because you were anxious?”
I asked again, doubting my ears.
“…I felt like if we closed our doors, we wouldn't hear if the front door opened.”
Hearing Yi-na’s explanation, it made sense. It was actually quite practical.
“But we heard a strange noise.”
“A presence.”
“Right, a presence. Nothing specific happened, but it sounded like someone was loitering outside the door, and we felt like someone was standing still right in front of it.”
The members’ expressions darkened.
“I’ll speak to Isa-nim about that.”
“No. Please don’t.”
At Seol-ah’s words, my and the members' questioning gazes gathered on her.
“Why?”
“We can’t report it to the police anyway…”
Right now, Seol-ah didn't look like the dependable eldest sister. Something was up.
I quickly finished parking and turned my head to the back seat.
“Seul-bi, Yi-na, would you two go up first?”
The two members glanced at Seol-ah before getting out of the car.
“…Are you afraid to say anything because you’re scared Answer will be disbanded?”
“……”
“Is that really it?”
Seol-ah stared straight at me, meeting my eyes. If there’s a problem, tell me. I’ll solve it all for you!
“…It’s the truth, isn’t it? Groups with a lot of incidents disappear after one song. Mi-ji seems to have left now, too. Can we make it with just three members? We’re not even a unit.”
She spoke nonchalantly, but her insides must have been churning.
I know that feeling all too well.
Want me to boost your confidence?
I was about to tell her about the project but held my tongue, thinking it could be a huge mistake.
“A new member will be added soon. So don’t be so discouraged.”
“…Really?”
Light returned to Seol-ah’s face. I couldn’t stop here. When boosting the members’ morale, you have to be decisive.
“Yes. And let’s also tell Isa-nim about what happened at the dorm and install a night-vision camera or something.”
I immediately took the members who were waiting outside the car up to the office and explained the situation to Isa-nim. Her reaction was just as I expected.
“What? You should have told me about something like that right away!”
“It would be difficult to move to a new dorm, right?”
“…The lease is renewed every six months, so that’s a bit difficult. And the housing prices are insane.”
“With no specific incident to point to, it'll be hard to file a police report.”
“Of course… Let’s install a CCTV first.”
As Isa-nim opened a search browser, I beat her to it.
“A camera with night recording capabilities should be around 350,000 won. I can do the installation myself.”
The members and Isa-nim looked at me with surprised expressions.
“You’ve already looked it up?”
“Yes. I searched for it before.”
“Anyway… Let’s order it right away. You’ll install it yourself?”
“Yes. The installation technician’s service fee is over 100,000 won, and we’d have to wait at least three days.”
“Don’t you need some kind of tools for that?”
“I have a power drill at home. That should be enough.”
Isa-nim nodded, pleased.
“That settles it, then.”
“And the owner of the costume shop asked me to give this to you, Isa-nim. She said it's a limited edition.”
Isa-nim’s stern face softened.
“Now, go practice.”
“Yes.”
Leaving behind Isa-nim, who had started a phone call with a smile, we headed to the practice room. After finishing their morning practice, the members started doing their makeup in front of the dance floor mirror.
Going to a salon was a huge financial burden, so the rule was for them to do it themselves unless it was for a major event. They looked somewhat pitiful, yet also cool.
“I will definitely make you succeed.”
* * *
A day passed.
[Oh Ro-si’s Rap Stat +12 Mission]
Your attempts 24/24 complete.
Oh Ro-si’s attempts 114/120 incomplete.
Ro-si’s attempt count hadn’t increased at all since 10 AM. The stat points I had painstakingly gathered could go to waste.
I had emphasized it so many times. I was disappointed.
I headed straight to the practice room. Ro-si spotted me and was the first to approach, bowing deeply.
“Do you want to do it in the booth or here?”
“Pardon?”
“Show me what you’ve practiced.”
Glancing at a few of the other trainees, Ro-si pointed to the booth.
We entered the cramped booth. Her uncomfortable gaze only made me angrier. Did she even practice properly?
There was no separate MR, so I played the original song.
“Go ahead.”
Clearing her throat, Ro-si began to rap with a nervous expression.
♪♬
Effort's the living witness to my talent
The plot twist starts right now
The gap between you and me? 'Nother level…
♪♬
Her rhythm and diction were flawless, a perfectly practiced state.
But it lacked soul.
If rap was something that could move people just by imitation, it would be harder to find someone who *couldn't* do it.
When the song ended, Ro-si’s attempt count went up by one, reaching 115.
“You didn’t keep your promise with me, did you?”
“Pardon?”
Ro-si’s eyes widened.
“Didn’t I tell you to practice at least 120 times?”
“…Yes.”
“Why didn’t you? It’s not like I said it for my own benefit.”
Ro-si’s face turned flustered, as if asking how I knew.
“…I’m sorry.”
“Just practice five more times.”
“I will.”
As I closed the booth door and walked out, I let out a small laugh at Ro-si’s innocence.
Having practiced to near perfection like this, she could have insisted she had done it all, but she had quietly accepted my words.
The feeling of resentment I had initially felt vanished as if washed away. I was incredibly excited to see what kind of change would occur in Ro-si when she achieved her goal.
Just five more times…