Chapter 398
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 398
As I continued my streak of correct answers without a moment’s hesitation, Kwak Seo-jeong’s gaze naturally drifted toward PD Yang Ju-ri. She was likely asking if they’d have enough footage at this rate. Indeed, the staff members were already scrambling, unable to find a suitable countermeasure to my pace.
“Ah, something is truly in the air today! The production team looks deeply troubled. It seems they’re worried about the prize money! The Goliaths look happy about the accumulated pot, yet anxious that they might be eliminated at any moment! Now, Seo Ho-yun! You’re already facing the final stage! How are you feeling?!”
“I think I’m a little nervous as well. Still, I’ll do my best until the end.”
As I played coy with a stoic expression, Kwak Seo-jeong checked the question card and flashed a meaningful smile.
“Hmm, this one doesn’t look easy at all. Here is Level 12.”
At that moment, text appeared on the VCR screen.
[Choose the four-character idiom among the three options that has a different meaning.
[1. Whether it is fate or fortune
2. The joy of family bonds
3. To want to eat someone’s flesh ]
Scanning the screen, I gave a faint smile and spoke.
“…May I use my second Phone Chance here?”
“Of course! I hope you succeed!”
“Haha.”
Once again, I requested the production team to place a call.
“I wonder who will pick up?!”
Who else?
The person who would give the most "wholesome" answer.
[Yes, hello?]
Before the dial tone could even ring for more than a few seconds, a clear, refined voice came through.
“Seong Ji-won.”
Intending to use this final chance to create the exact "picture" I had planned, I spoke with an air of relaxed confidence.
“I’m on a quiz show right now—”
Given the high stakes of the current level, the attention from the non-celebrity contestants was intense. I could see them stiffening, swallowing hard in anticipation.
I smirked and continued.
“—If I win the grand prize here, Seong Ji-won, what do you want to do?”
[…Huh? Win?]
Surprised by the unexpected question, Seong Ji-won sounded startled for a moment before asking brightly.
[Ah! Are you filming David and Goliath right now?]
“Yeah. I’m at the final question, so if there’s anything you want…”
According to my plan, Seong Ji-won would mention something he wanted, I’d reveal that I didn't actually call because I didn't know the answer, and then I’d press the correct number within the remaining time to wrap up the scene perfectly.
[I want to give you a huge celebration!]
However, what came back was something entirely different.
“…A celebration?”
[Yeah!]
While I was flustered and missed my timing to fix the situation, I heard Seong Ji-won’s gentle laughter and his parting words.
[Good luck, Ho-yun! And get home safe!]
The call ended just like that.
I stared blankly ahead at my ruined plan, and Kwak Seo-jeong’s voice pierced through my daze.
“Wow, it seems Seo Ho-yun is on great terms with all his members.”
“…Yes……”
I chose a kid who was far too selfless.
It wasn't like I could call Kang Yi-chae again, who had apparently left his phone behind to go buy whipped cream. Kim Seong-hyeon and Jeong Da-jun seemed quite busy as well.
Just as I was brooding over my failed plan, the digital billboard showed the Goliaths who had survived until now.
“But in the end, you didn't get any advice regarding the question. Did you just waste your Phone Chance, or were you already confident in your victory?!”
The moment I saw the screen, I realized the source of the sharp gaze I had felt since the beginning of the broadcast.
“Now! Please select your answer!”
A middle-aged man sitting in the far right corner.
Even though I knew multiple cameras and many eyes were fixed on me, I couldn't take my eyes off him.
It wasn't because he had a striking appearance or was a famous person…
“Seo Ho-yun?”
…It was simply because he was my maternal uncle.
“Seo Ho-yun, are you alright?”
Only then did I realize Kwak Seo-jeong was calling my name. I quickly masked my flustered expression, clenched and unclenched my fists under the table a few times, and spoke slowly.
“Now that I’ve made it this far, I guess I really am nervous. My apologies.”
“It’s perfectly understandable. But the finish line is right in front of you! Seo Ho-yun, please press the number for the idiom that has a different meaning!”
I selected a number and answered slowly.
“I’ll go with number 3.”
“Number 3, are you sure?”
“Yes.”
My mood was undeniably like shit, as if I’d fallen into a swamp, but my mind was surprisingly clear and sharp.
“Option 1, Myeong-ya-bok-ya, refers to happiness occurring one after another. Option 2, Cheon-ryun-ji-rak, refers to the harmony between blood-related family members. On the other hand, Yok-sik-gi-yuk is—”
I turned my head from the VCR screen and looked directly into the camera in front of me.
“…—Yok-sik-gi-yuk is a term used when one’s resentment is so deep they want to chew on the other person’s flesh.”
As soon as my explanation ended, Kwak Seo-jeong smiled and continued the hosting.
“Seo Ho-yun has confidently chosen his number. Will it be the correct answer—?!”
A low drumroll played in the background, heightening the tension.
“—Revealing it now!”
Following Kwak Seo-jeong’s shout, the light for option 3 flashed.
“New Year’s Special David and Goliath! This victory goes to David! Congratulations!!”
Pop!
Confetti exploded from all directions, accompanied by a thunderous roar of cheers.
“It’s been about a year since a David beat the Goliaths! Seo Ho-yun, now that you’re the winner, could we get a few words?”
Amidst the colorful paper fluttering down, I fumbled with my gaze, searching for my relative.
“I challenged this with the mindset of just doing my best, so I can’t believe I’ve actually made it to this spot…”
Yes, I really couldn't believe it.
If he were human—no, even if he were a beast in human skin—he shouldn't have been able to show his face here so shamelessly, considering what he did.
The thoughts that had been frantically tangled up until a moment ago—about how I’d look on broadcast, the quest, screen time, editing, and prize money—evaporated, and other thoughts began to fill the space.
What were the odds?
The odds that he just happened to be a fan of this program, just happened to be in the audience, and just happened to encounter me there.
But the fierce glare that had reached me told the truth. It could never be a coincidence.
Why now, after being quiet all this time?
I wondered if this was another trick of the system, but the sequence didn't add up. I was the one who chose the program and pushed for the quest.
Regardless, one thing was certain in this situation.
“…I will donate the prize money to a good cause.”
That piece of shit, who I wouldn't mind tearing apart, was going to interfere with my life once again.
I pulled the corners of my mouth into a tighter smile as I looked at the camera, which still had its red light on.
*
I was only able to get into the van after finishing an interview requested by PD Yang Ju-ri.
After fishing for information from her, it was just as I thought. Among the general participants selected today, several had been chosen on the spot. I didn't know if my uncle was included in that group, but it didn't matter.
In reality, the process of how he got here wasn't important at all.
What mattered was the fact that he was trying to meet me.
I brushed my hair back in irritation and asked the road manager, who had just gotten into the driver's seat.
“Manager, has anyone come looking for me lately?”
“Pardon?”
“You know, someone claiming to be an acquaintance or a relative.”
The road manager glanced at me through the rearview mirror and tilted his head.
“Hmm, there are plenty of people like that. Most of it sounds like nonsense, though.”
“……”
“So the WH security team usually filters them out before they even get to us. WH Entertainment is incredibly strict about that kind of thing.”
I leaned deep into my seat as I listened to the road manager add that most of them were paparazzi or sasaengs.
Circumstantially, it was highly likely he had even visited the agency. Since he couldn't even catch a glimpse of me despite lingering around, did he come all the way to the program?
But no matter how I looked at it, the timing was strange. Why now?
‘It means he’s been trying to see me recently.’
But another thing bothered me.
Why go through the trouble of approaching a celebrity who is difficult to meet? When there’s someone else who is much easier to reach?
“……Manager.”
I spoke while keeping my eyes fixed on the scenery flashing past the window.
“Please take me home today.”
“Huh? You’re not going to the dorm?”
I remained silent instead of answering. The road manager didn't seem to have any intention of asking further.
Fortunately, we arrived at the apartment quickly.
I said goodbye to the road manager, got out of the van, and entered the lobby. As I took the elevator up and reached the front door, my heart felt a bit restless for some reason.
I entered the passcode, which was set to Seo Ho-jin’s birthday, and turned the knob. I saw Seo Ho-jin lounging on the sofa with his back against it, fiddling with his phone.
“Oh? Hyung?”
“……”
“What are you doing here?”
He seemed quite surprised; he tried to scramble up but stubbed his toe on the coffee table, falling over with a loud clatter.
“Gah… that hurts….”
I took off my shoes and looked down at him, wondering what on earth he was doing. Seo Ho-jin, who had been rubbing his foot, jumped up and sat down on the floor near me.
Perhaps because I didn't immediately lie down like usual, he rolled his eyes and cautiously checked my mood.
“…What? Why?”
“Are you eating well?”
“I’m eating better than you. …But why did you come all of a sudden?”
“It’s my house. Is there somewhere else I shouldn't be?”
I glanced around the interior and held out my right hand toward Seo Ho-jin.
“Forget that. Phone.”
“……Why the phone again….”
I ignored Seo Ho-jin’s clear display of annoyance and gave my hand a firm shake. It was a sign that I wouldn't let it slide if he ignored me.
Seo Ho-jin pouted and handed over his phone.
I habitually unlocked the pattern and opened the messaging app.
There were tons of unread messages. Most were from his university acquaintances.
[Woo Gyeong-un: Hoj-Hoj, does it taste good to ghost me? You heartless bastard lol. Last time I went on that blind date...]
[Class of XX Kang Yeong-jun: Hyung-nim, Hyung-nim, Hyung-nim, please lend me the study guide. Or at least your pen so I can use it as a lucky charm...]
[Class of XX Han U-ju: Yeah, Kang Ju-gyeong went on a trip to Jeju Island? Let’s just kick her name off the group project lol...]
[Class of XX Kang Ju-gyeong: Sunbae-nim, my grandmother is sick, so I don't think I can do the presentation...]
I didn't want to read the details, so I just scanned the names of the senders. There was nothing particularly strange. Which made it even stranger.
‘Has he not contacted Seo Ho-jin yet?’
Something felt off.
However, I decided that if my brother didn't know anything, it was better to leave it alone rather than stir up trouble.
So, I handed the phone back without further questioning.
“…Why, why?”
“Why are you so restless? Are you hiding something from me?”
When I threw out a half-joke to change the subject toward the fidgeting Seo Ho-jin, he narrowed his eyes and grumbled back.
“…Hyung.”
“What.”
“When someone who barely visits once or twice a year suddenly barges in without a word, of course it’s scary….”
Good grief. His expression didn't look like that of someone who was "scared" at all.