Chapter 18 - Talisman
Talisman
Translator : Elizabeth
Chapter 18. Talisman
As Yujin's broadcast suddenly turned off, viewers spread out to the communities they were active in and started bringing up related stories.
———
[Breaking News!!!) Crazy crazy;;; Yujin broadcast terminated for being too erotic shudder]
[OO]
Starting with adult words like taxes, rent, employment,
Dizzying
‘Overtime’
Decadent
‘Night Work’
Somewhat promiscuous
‘Installment’
Between legal and illegal
‘Loan’
Seems Twatcher admins judged it couldn't go on anymore and force terminated it yes yes.
Even looking at it myself, this doesn't seem like a matter that can be passed over lightly.
Prob can't return for at least few weeks?
[Comments]
OO: Did you really go crazy.
GajiGaji: Real lol I have text fetish and I came watching broadcast lol.
L OO: What is this bastard again.
00: Huk huk huk too erotic-sseu huk huk.
———
———
[Figured out reason for sudden termination!!! (100% Real)]
[LauraLili]
Seems boyfriend moving stealthily outside cam tripped on electric cord.
So cord pulled out prob?
[Comments]
OO: Shut up or I’ll kill you.
L LauraLili: Already meat water (delusional fan) attached to a Dullahan.
L OO: I am not meat water you f*cking bastard.
L Musot: This bastard is ‘Real’.
(……)
———
———
[Guessing reason for sudden termination (69.74% Real)]
[OO]
Guys watching broadcast probably heard rain sound and thunder sound well.
Seems blackout happened?
[Comments]
OO: Came in to see what bullshit but this has real king-ssibility (possibility).
OO: Can't help but trust 69.74 percent yes yes;;
IAmNotMeatWater: Blackout? It’s winter but if we find place where blackout happened among regions where it rained out of blue, can we know where boss lives???
L OO: Shudder.
L OO: Oh shudder.
L BangBungi: Hmm shudder.
L LauraLili: F*ck these creepy bastards why is no one saying anything.
(……)
———
———
[Found exactly where blackout happened]
[OO]
(Indescribable photo)
(Indescribable photo)
(Indescribable photo)
(Indescribable photo)
(Indescribable photo)
[Comments]
OO: Dog f*cking Admin (Mod)!!!!!!!!!!!!
———
———
[Found exactly where blackout happened]
[OO]
Looked it up and there was exactly one place in Korea where blackout happened yesterday lol.
There is a daldongne called Baeksa Village in Junggye-dong, Seoul, and that was the only place where blackout happened yesterday.
Shall we wait for official reason for broadcast termination now?
[Comments]
OO: Phew f*ck it wasn't poop pic.
OO: No wonder rain sound was heard, wall seemed f*cking thin, was she from daldongne?
LauraLili: Fck world full of fcking creepy bastards, so what are you gonna do knowing where streamer lives?
L JudoIldo: Says the guy who wrote post about boyfriend tripping on electric cord lol.
L OO: Oi Omae (You) how do you feel right now?? Huh??? How is the depth of real ones??? Dope right???? Lololol.
L OO: ‘Fake’ probably can't understand… Thoughts of ‘Real’… Well, never expected it…
(……)
———
———
[What? Yujin lives in daldongne???]
[YoungCool]
Our Yujin
Grew up with hardship
It’s okay
Now this Oppa is here
What you want to eat, want to have
I can buy it all for you
I’ll make sure you don't go hungry from now on
You just have to do as you do now
Of course streamer job must be hard too
It won't be easy
But please remember just this one thing
That I am always waiting behind you
When that tender heart gets hurt and wants to rest
Just close your eyes tight and lay your body back
Then I will hug you tight with this wide bosom
-From 60s Oppa
[Comments]
OO: (Sweating frog con).
OO: I’ve never seen this template;;;;;;;;
Kudari: 60s is f*ck;;;
LauraLili: Lololol the money Chairman donated there for two days alone is over ten million won lololol Living in daldongne has no meaning lololol.
L OO: Wow f*ck suddenly head stitched (reality check).
L GoGoGo: Talking about that person I Am Invincible right?? When did he shoot that much;;??
L LauraLili: Shot 6 million won on day people f*cking flocked and next day shot 6000 dollars with Twatcher item. I don't know Twatcher fee but adding other people’s donations unconditionally earned over 10 million.
OO: Text-cas (Disgusting text) f*cking bitch.
(……)
———
———
[F*ck being born as woman is a privilege life is dog sh*t]
[GoGoGo]
I also have fcking huge tits but of all things I am a man so it’s no help and only get harassed by Iljin (bully) fcking bastards living like that, but TarotYujin that f*cking bitch just because she is a woman shakes tits at cam slyly and earned over 10 million won in two days, does this make sense???????????
[Comments]
OO: Brain freeze for a moment, what the fck is man with fcking huge tits.
OO: You lose some weight!!!!!
DoubleBreastLike: Iljin bastards know something lol Man tits are real real lol That flesh trembling in shame and embarrassment… Ah… Aat… Ooht!!!!!
L OO: Ah f*ck.
L GoGoGo: F*cking bitch.
L OO: F*ck.
LauraLili: I Am Invincible that bastard honestly should shoot more money fck ate 140 billion thanks to Yujin dog fck.
L OO: Real that bastard’s 1 million won punch is just jabs.
(……)
———
———
[Honestly with Yujin’s level of Tarot skill, even without internet broadcast she would earn enough like now and have leftover?]
[LuckJackpot]
First saying in advance, I don't believe in Tarot nor Shamanism or Religion yes yes.
But leaving aside what I believe, upper class blindly believing such things definitely exists.
Just by reading fortune exclusively for such people honestly she would earn much more than now, not less.
So we have to aim for 1 year later.
Yujin clearly said she will read fortune where one can see financial gain 1 year later.
I will start saving from now on to increase seed money aiming for that time.
You guys also make wise choice yes yes.
[Comments]
ChaNaengHyun: F*ck lol Upper class admitted lol Bastard who can't distinguish reality and drama lololol.
L LuckJackpot: Gay-ya (Dude)… Think about how the President whose term was originally until early this year got impeached…
L ChaNaengHyun: Eh…? Is the one who can't follow reality perhaps Watashi (Me)…?
L OO: This is real f*cking creepy shudder.
(……)
———
———
[Dog f*cking Breaking News!!!!!) Notice popped up 7 hours 27 minutes after broadcast termination!!!!!]
[OO]
(Link)
But f*ck.
[Comments]
Speed: F*ck stand right there lololol Dare to terminate broadcast without a single word???
L Speed: Um.
StreamerKiller: You’re dead lololol.
L StreamerKiller: No.
OO: Why are comments like this?
L OO: Ah…
JirisanSpirit: Was there big trouble?
L JirisanSpirit: What f*ck fought with bear????
OO: Comment reaction strange so wondering what the hell and went to see notice but f*ck real curse comes out automatically;;;
(……)
———
———
[Weak NSFW) But body is f*cking dope so think I’ll go crazy more;;;]
[Cuckoo]
(Photo uploaded on TarotYujin notice)
First it’s good thinking dog bitches rolling obesity bait with chest size will disappear but;;
Seeing that f*cking national treasure level body covered in bruises and wounds, somehow feel sorry and heart aches just like precious treasure got scratched;;
F*ck if real scar remains I think I will be sad.
[Comments]
OO: Real seriously feeling is strange, feels like right before new fetish developed slightly.
L Cuckoo: You f*ck real.
L Cuckoo: But I hate myself for understanding what you mean.
L OO: We are already late I guess?
(……)
———
———
[Hehe I did volunteer activity]
[BunongBunong]
(VMS volunteer activity hour certification photo)
But she doesn't broadcast.
I am sadㅠㅠ.
[Comments]
- This bastard still filled hours f*cking fast well done;;
L [BunongBunong] Volunteer activity date was also quite decent haha Heart feels proud too so it was good haha.
L Fcking bastard why are you fcking telling me that.
(……)
———
———
[Wishing for Yujin-nim’s recovery.]
[SlaughtererOfSampleCornerYujin]
(VMS volunteer activity hour certification photo)
Just in time today was blood donation day so I could fill 4 hours volunteer activity immediately.
But rather than trivial matters like my unban or Yujin-nim’s broadcast, right now taking care of Yujin-nim’s own health seems top priority.
Right now please don't mind anything else and focus only on recovering wounds.
Then bye.
SlaughtererOfSampleCornerYujin posted.
[Comments]
- Why is this bastard not sexually harassing;;
L [SlaughtererOfSampleCornerYujin] Sexually harassing a sick person is that something a f*cking human bastard does???
L ……
(……)
———
Before going out for part-time job, Im So-young looked around the empty house once more.
“….”
Turned-off computer and living room Im Gong-sik messed up while running wild. There were countless days he didn't come home, but today’s house was exceptionally empty.
Fact that she was really left alone seemed to feel real only now.
She inadvertently looked at the yard.
Soil was wet and muddy due to rain that fell all night, and on top of it, traces of salt once scattered whitely remained faintly. Because the amount was so large, unable to melt and wash down completely, scattered here and there as blurry and faint remnants.
Recalling the fact that that was a living person until yesterday, creepy feeling climbed up the spine and So-young shrank her body unknowingly.
She hurriedly withdrew her gaze and put her hand into her pocket.
And carefully took out.
One Tarot card received from Yu Ah-jin.
Placed on palm and looked down quietly.
Originally didn't believe things like superstition. Thought fortune telling or horoscopes were just to kill time.
However.
Even seeing the scene of a person turning into salt in front of eyes, couldn't maintain that thought as is.
At least not knowing about others, as for that person called Yu Ah-jin.
‘Because she is real.’
Recalling that fact, one side of chest tickled for no reason. It’s because this talisman and Ah-jin Unni’s face came to mind overlapping together.
And naturally, words she said came to mind.
‘When I am too hard. When life is too overwhelming that I can't possibly stand up… Just once is fine so please. Please…. At least Unni, help me a little.’
Up to the moment when tears burst out unable to control emotion herself while bringing up words.
“…Ah, seriously.”
So-young felt her face burning hot.
“…Ha-eu-eu!”
Shook head violently with groaning sound. Because embarrassed for no reason, as if shaking off that memory.
And after catching breath for a moment, made a bold expression like usual again.
Finished preparation to go to part-time job.
Lost all money collected sweating blood all this while in just yesterday one day.
Nevertheless, there wasn't only despair.
Because promised.
Someday when hit by reality and feel like can't endure anymore, hope formed that there is at least one person who will help.
Taking mysterious existence called Yu Ah-jin as a lantern, will move forward.
Suddenly, words some part-time job senior said before came to mind.
‘Lotto? That, well. Of course almost no possibility of winning. But if there is hope, can endure a week believing just that one thing you know?’
Ah, it was this kind of feeling.
So-young felt like she could understand those words a little only now.
Thinking so, she left the house.
‘Talisman… This is incredible…!’
After starting part-time job. Talisman’s power revealed itself faster than expected.
Moment conversing with people encountered while possessing talisman, memories of past considered meaningless came to mind one by one.
Words, gazes, actions of those thought just kind people were ruminated, and real meaning hidden inside was felt clearly.
Female senior thought to cherish her especially just because she listens well and smiles.
—So-young has really mild personality so I like.
—It’s rather comfortable not decorating like you. Cosmetics are just uselessly expensive.
Words thought just ordinary compliments were actually, manifestation of sticky mind trying to confirm mutual gap implicitly.
Expression subtly stiffening if So-young received even a little attention, words dropped casually in front of other part-timers.
Kindness she showed wasn't goodwill, but drawing a line telling to exist only within line not threatening her position.
‘Ah-yoon senior too really. Living like that isn't life tiring. Mm. I, might have been a lazier person than thought.’
Male senior who talked first asking if it’s hard, gave one more drink, and stepped up to take her home on days ending late wasn't different.
Gaze cleverly hidden in warm consideration. Knew only now. His eyes were always one beat late, scanning body persistently.
—Ah, heard by chance. You must have suffered a lot really.
Thought said with pure worry. But what was contained there was damp sense of superiority felt looking down on pitiful opponent.
Kindness becoming excessive gradually after knowing family circumstances, distance narrowing as if obvious.
Intention of hand he extended was interest piled up steadily to demand price someday.
‘But didn't Myung-chul senior say he has girlfriend? Well, no interest whether that person has girlfriend or boyfriend though!’
Anyway So-young realized.
That kindness they showed was all nothing more than pretense to lock herself inside position defined as they pleased.
So she chose.
Neither argue nor uncover.
Just little by little, naturally keep distance.
That degree was everything she could do.
Actually.
Important thing right now wasn't just such things.
It seems.
This talisman, didn't seem like an object usable infinitely.
‘Hing. To consume this precious thing on people I have no business with once I quit part-time job…!’
Every time talisman’s effect activated, jjirit static-like sensation popped inside pocket startling So-young.
Taking out card to check, edge of picture was blackening little by little as if scorched by current.
“Ah, waste. So so so so much waste…!”
So-young made a crying face and muttered small.
This wasn't an object to carry around and use usually. Interview or career choice etc. Moment when really have to steady mind.
Card to take out and use only at such times.
Concluding so, Im So-young put card back in pocket.
Still unstable life.
Still.
Hope that something might work out filled up.
“Mm. Still sun is up so going home feels somewhat awkward.”
So-young finishing cafe part-time job was on way home.
Originally at this time, would have headed straight to PC bang (internet cafe). But due to blackout few days ago some devices became dead and owner said would close for few days.
Thanks to that she was returning home rarely after finishing only one part-time job.
As sun tilted, daldongne’s alley darkened quickly.
Taking shortcut to go home, group of thugs occupying middle of alley came into view.
Instant, body flinched.
But So-young moved steps calmly looking only at ground with head down.
Because several kids from same school were mixed in that group. Calculation stood that since they are there, won't pick fight for no reason.
Actually when just entered high school, days when family circumstances were exceptionally revealed, she also had been target of bullying. Reason that clothes were shabby, reason that doing part-time job, reason that parents are only one dog-scoundrel.
Problem was that aftermath didn't end inside school. When So-young received hindrance in part-time job due to bullying, father who took half of part-time pay got to know that fact, and eventually barged into school while enraged.
‘They say even dog shit is used for medicine!’
He made a scene shouting and throwing things regardless of front of classroom, teachers' office, hallway.
Since that day So-young's existence was treated strangely like taboo in entire school. Teachers kept distance more than necessary, students avoided gaze. That was same for thugs too.
No matter how trashy thugs lived, even they weren't as much as Im Gong-sik.
Really, couldn't know what would happen if got entangled for no reason.
Like that So-young became existence ignored by everyone in school, avoided because dirty.
Although a little sad.
Thanks to that, point that even thugs of this neighborhood don't touch her wasn't bad.
‘…Even dog shit, is used for medicine.’
It was moment trying to pass between gazes glancing and whispering about her.
“Hey. Im So-young.”
Steps stopped.
One man among group called her.
Jo Sung-gyu.
One of Iljins who graduated last year. Name high for being malicious so there was almost no one who didn't know him among those who attended school at same time.
‘Heard can see if order delivery.’
So-young was flustered but answered as calmly as possible.
“Uh, uh? Why?”
Jo Sung-gyu's gaze scanned her up and down. Meaning of that gaze was read.
Seeing herself full of bruises and wounds, intention as if gauging usage was felt.
‘Ah! Used again…!’
Thanks to talisman.
“Hey. I’ll give money so do just one simple work.”
“…Simple work?”
“Yeah. Just pretend to be cult member enter some house and just check person living there a bit.”
At that moment.
Talisman inside pocket reacted crazily.
Jjirit. Jjireureu…!
Sensation of static popping stabbed flesh painful degree.
At the same time, Jo Sung-gyu's past appearances flashed through head.
Right before doing bad deed to someone at school, expression always made.
And now, face in front overlapped exactly with then.
‘Ah, this is definitely bad thing.’
So-young tried to avoid situation instinctively.
“Uh… That, if curious who it is can't you just wait near house?”
“Doing that but fck, doesn't fcking come out of house so doing this.”
Jo Sung-gyu spilled laughter mixed with annoyance.
“Human who ordered delivery enormously suddenly doesn't order anything too. Ah, so gonna do it or not? Said giving money?”
Moment hearing those words.
Something caught tak, in So-young's head.
—Doesn't f*cking come out of house
—Human who ordered delivery enormously
Heart cooled down chillingly.
And once again static popped inside pocket.
Pazik!
Moment, certain scene looked overlapping in So-young's vision.
Yu Ah-jin's house. Delivery boxes piled up like wall on one side of room.
On waybill read while cleaning, names of items like ramen, bottled water, canned food, tissue etc. that could be bought as much as wanted at nearby mart if went out just a little were written.
Only then puzzle fit. Could know intuitively who target Jo Sung-gyu aiming for is.
Then.
Static popped again from talisman in pocket.
Stimulation vivid enough to make skin tingle.
Memory emerged following.
Moment Im Gong-sik grabbed Yu Ah-jin's hair in yard where darkness settled.
—Pazik! Pajijik! Pajeujeuk!
Sound of sparks bursting as soon as hand touched tearing air.
Paseuseuseuseu……!
And scene of one person’s form crumbling and collapsing like white sand in light spreading purely white.
As reality and memory overlapped, So-young closed lips unconsciously. Somehow salty taste seemed to linger in mouth.