Chapter 87: The Woman Who Came for the Elf
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 87: The Woman Who Came for the Elf
The area around the red carpet was crawling with an unusually high number of foreign security guards today.
The overall scale of security was incomparable to previous years.
The officer in charge of the outer perimeter had already been warned: the children of ultra-wealthy tycoons—now fans of Lee Yu-jin—had come to watch, so there must be absolutely no disturbances.
The security team scrambled about frantically, striving to prevent even the slightest mishap.
“The Cullinan is pulling in! It’s Actress Lee’s turn to enter!”
“Everyone, stay sharp! We just need to get through this peak moment safely!”
The person who had caused the tension of the awards ceremony to skyrocket past its limit, Lee Yu-jin, finally stepped out of the Cullinan.
Grey ash-colored heels supported her pale, slender calves as she stepped carefully onto the carpet. Then, her fair face, framed by flowing long black hair, finally appeared before the cameras.
The moment Lee Yu-jin stood tall, the security guards momentarily forgot their duties, their gazes stolen away.
Is she… even human?
They call her an elf, and for good reason…
She wore a black one-piece dress that completely covered her collarbones while shyly revealing her limbs from the elbows and knees down.
Beneath the stunning volume of her upper body, her waistline tapered into a sharp, elegant silhouette. The slightly flared hem of the skirt completely hid her thighs, exposing only her legs from the knee to the calf.
As she stood with her hands clasped in front of her, a Birkin bag dangling from her arm, her poised and confident aura could only be described as elegant.
The live viewers also went wild.
└ Wow, this is insane;;
└ I thought she reached her peak beauty at the LoL World Championship finals, but that was just her breaking one seal.
└ Was an evening dress always this beautiful?
└ Look at how white her limbs are. Her skin tone is the exact same white as her face.
└ Wow, that white skin instantly makes the other actresses look like they have Southeast Asian skin tones;;;
└ There aren't even any filming lights, but any actress standing next to Lee Yu today is going to be humiliated.
└ They must avoid her at all costs. She’s basically a walking strategic weapon.
└ If she wore a slim-fit micro-mini dress, men would probably ascend to heaven the moment they saw her.
In reality, the other actresses couldn't easily bring themselves to approach Lee Yu-jin.
The moment they stood right next to her, the devastating contrast would be revealed. The difference in skin tone, in particular, was overwhelming.
└ Seriously, standing next to Lee Yu, the other actresses look like they just came from farming in the scorching sun.
└ There’s a nice term called "tanning."
Everyone’s eyes and every camera followed Lee Yu-jin as if possessed.
When she finally gave her final greeting at the photo zone at the end of the red carpet and disappeared into the hall, a silent collective sigh erupted from the crowd.
It felt like waking from a dream. And then…
└ Is comedian Song Hwang-sik next?
└ Hwang-sik has great sense. He knows the actor entering after Lee Yu would be totally humiliated, so he’s sacrificing himself to reset the atmosphere.
As everyone expected, the middle-aged comedian wandered slowly down the red carpet, using his humorous performance to snap people out of the trance Lee Yu-jin had left them in.
He had willingly become the sacrificial lamb, entering after Lee Yu for the sake of the other actors.
└ Lee Yu really has the kind of beauty that could topple a nation. I truly felt it today.
└ Not a nation, it’s beauty that could tilt the Earth.
└ True. You can see that truth just by looking at the foreign residency status in Hannam-dong.
*
Since I had arrived, there were no surprises.
“The Rookie of the Year Award goes to Lee Yu from Hwan’s Torch! Please come up to the stage!”
I was assigned a seat at a round table close to the podium.
It was a table where only actors of a certain weight class—those with clear recognition and influence—could sit.
Even within this, there are tiers. I guess human society is just like the Rift.
I stood confidently next to the MC and received the trophy and bouquet.
Since I was wearing heels, my height reached 188cm, which seemed to make the middle-aged male MC flinch slightly.
“Please share your thoughts.”
“First, I would like to express my gratitude to my Number 0 fans, my Mom and Dad…”
I recited the boring, pedantic acceptance speech I had prepared in advance and returned to the table.
“Noona, congratulations.”
“Unnie, congratulations.”
“Oh, Dong-hyun. Yu-jung. Thanks.”
I think my job is done. Can I go home now?
My ambition to crush everyone had cooled down a bit.
Seeing the mental state of the other actresses—who were desperately trying to avoid being near me—being shredded in real-time from afar, I started to think I might have gone too far.
“Senior Yoon Se-rang, why are you keeping your distance from me today?”
“I’m desperately twisting my body to avoid being caught in the same two-shot as you.”
“Has our friendship cooled so quickly?”
“I should be the one saying that. Just how much did you intend to destroy me by dressing up like this?”
“I just revealed a bit of my hidden battle power. If I’m going to fight at all, I have to give it my all. That’s the Top Gun mindset.”
Now, all I had to do was engage in small talk, wave and smile when a camera was spotted, clap when winners were announced, and repeat.
I thought I’d be able to make friends with other actors here, but only those I already knew from Hwan’s Torch approached me.
The actors I didn't know didn't even try to approach. It wasn't that they were ignoring me; I could feel them being conscious of me while maintaining a proper distance.
Suddenly, the digital clock on the large electronic screen caught my eye.
[202X December 30, 23:59:48]
Come to think of it, it’ll be my birthday in one minute.
I had forgotten because the year-end awards ceremony had sucked up all the attention in our household…
“The Best Supporting Actress Award goes to Lee Yu from Hwan’s Torch! Ms. Lee Yu, please come forward!”
I was dazed by the sudden congratulations and the applause pouring in from all sides when the large clock caught my eye again.
[202X December 31, 00:00:05]
“Happy birthday.”
“Congratulations, Noona. On your birthday and the Best Supporting Actress Award.”
“Unnie, huge, huge congratulations. It must be so happy to receive a supporting award the exact moment it becomes your birthday…”
Feeling stunned, I stood up amidst the applause and climbed back onto the podium.
After receiving the trophy, plaque, and bouquet, I stood before the microphone.
I could feel gazes filled with even more heat than before. Suddenly, a flush spread across my face.
“It just became my birthday. I think this will be a birthday I’ll never be able to forget for the rest of my life. I didn't expect this at all, so thank you so, so much, and also…”
*
[Title: MBS’s Birthday Present for the Baby Elf]
*
The Best Actress Award went to Yoon Se-rang, and the Grand Prize went to Kang Seok-won, who played Prince On in Hwan’s Torch.
It was practically a festival for Hwan’s Torch.
After the ceremony ended, everyone was busy preparing to go to after-parties in their respective groups.
“We can’t miss out on an after-party. How about we have it at my place?”
I immediately agreed to Writer Jung Yoon-ah’s suggestion.
“I’ll go. Since we’re in the same villa building, I can just hang out for a bit and go straight up to my place.”
Since I said I was going, the two child actors quickly raised their hands, and Yoon Se-rang and PD Jang Hyun-soo joined in as well.
The male actors bowed out, saying they’d have their own fun.
“But Jang Dong-hyun, Kim Yu-jung. You guys need to sleep at dawn to grow taller.”
“I-it’s okay for just one day! I’m going to grow fast and get taller than you, Noona!”
“Sure, sure. Try your best to grow.”
As soon as I got into the Cullinan, I started pestering.
“It’s stifling! Let me take this off quickly! The Peter inside me is suffering!”
“Wait, wait. We have to cover the windows first. I’ll help you in a second!”
The great thing about the Cullinan: with one button, you can make all the rear windows opaque.
No one can see inside from the outside or even from the passenger seat.
I struggled out of the evening dress and put on comfortable Hermès long pants and a Top Gun T-shirt. For shoes, Hermès slippers.
“Phew, now I finally feel like myself again.”
“Then is Actress Lee Yu a fake Lee Yu-jin?”
“Don’t most people live by distinguishing their work selves from their true selves?”
“Oh? Maybe so.”
“Then shall we head to our own after-party?”
The after-party at Jung Yoon-ah’s place was as fun as expected and ended at a good point.
Yoon Se-rang slept over at Jung Yoon-ah’s, and the child actors were taken home by their parents. PD Jang Hyun-soo called a designated driver and went home.
Before I went to sleep after returning to my unit, I sent the evening dress selfies I had taken earlier to Curator Han Ji-woo.
[Curator Han Ji-woo] You’re so beautiful. You’re a goddess.
[Curator Han Ji-woo] You look like the brightest star in the universe.
[Me] Thank you. It’s all thanks to you, Curator.
My official duties as Actress Lee Yu were finally, completely over.
Now, time to return as the guardian of the Rift.
[ADC: Rocktten Jupiter Bell-nim, you were so, so beautiful at the awards ceremony today!!]
[Me: Focus on laning. Don't bring talk from outside the Rift into the Rift.]
[ADC: Yes... sorry T_T]
*
In January, the day of the event match to determine the King of the Skinheads finally arrived.
It was a match that countless people around the world had been waiting for, where billionaires staked their pride across various disciplines.
In combat sports, the body stiffens when it's cold, extremely increasing the risk of injury.
Therefore, the organizers did their best to create a warm environment, such as installing massive hot air blowers.
However, on the day of the match, something amazing happened.
“25 degrees Celsius? This is January weather? Crazy.”
“Even the God of Weather is giving a blessing so the Goddess Elf won't be cold.”
“Isn't it rather that the Goddess Elf is being considerate so we can see a fun match? You can only show your true skills when it’s warm.”
With 25 degrees Celsius and the massive outdoor heating facilities installed with much effort, there was no problem at all in holding the matches.
“But maybe one of them was so cold they wished the match would be canceled instead.”
“They might have both felt the same way but couldn't say it because of their pride.”
An event match the whole world was watching.
Fans flocked regardless of the sport—soccer, baseball, golf, tennis, combat sports, shooting, and so on.
Even ordinary people who had no interest in sports their entire lives couldn't resist the promotion that the Netscreen CEO and Hollywood top star & producer Chris were competing for the title of King of the Skinheads.
Round 1, Ssireum (Korean wrestling), was won by the Netscreen CEO.
“Wooooo!”
While the two main competitors rested, professional Ssireum rankers held intermediate matches to keep the crowd’s excitement high.
Round 2, Jiu-jitsu, was won by Chris.
“Waaaaa!”
Again, during the break, professional Jiu-jitsu athletes kept the audience entertained.
Round 3, Boxing, was also won by Chris.
“I! AM! CHRIS!”
An excited Chris jumped onto the ring ropes and raised both arms high, demanding a reaction, and the 69,000 spectators roared so loudly the stadium seemed to shake.
Now, two matches remained.
The MMA main event to determine the King of the Skinheads, and the WBC Heavyweight title defense match held before it.
The titleholder, Mr. Tange, showed a performance of gradually pressing his opponent throughout the rounds before lightly knocking him out in the second round.
With the title belt around his waist again, Mr. Tange let out a fierce beast-like roar toward the 69,000 spectators, then suddenly extended his glove politely toward the VIP seats.
“Lee Yu! Come on! Just one punch!”
He flaunted a defenseless posture with his arms wide open, as if asking her to hit him.
The excited MC explained the situation.
“Yes, Mr. Tange is a huge fan of Actress Lee Yu, and he agreed to donate 80% of his fight money for this match to Lee Yu’s Pediatric Patient Foundation on the condition that he gets to be punched by her just once!”
“Hit him! Hit him! Hit him!”
“Lee Yu, come out! Just one, just one punch!”
“For the kids! Just one punch!”
Realizing the situation, the crowd laughed loudly and gave a round of applause.
*
The matches between professional rankers were fun, but the Skinhead match with the billionaires' pride on the line was definitely the most entertaining.
“Yu-jin, Yu-jin, it’s almost your turn.”
“I’ll go finish it with one punch.”
“Do you think that’ll work? He’s the world heavyweight champion.”
“Don’t be scared. I win everything.”
This was a pre-arranged event.
For me, there was no reason to refuse since 80% of the fight money would go to my foundation for baby patients.
I’ll just go and smack him once.
What kind of mindset do you have to live with to have 'being hit by someone' on your bucket list?
For today, I had intentionally worn Hermès sneakers and long pants with a slightly loose fit instead of skinny jeans.
Stopping outside the ring, I felt a bit sorry seeing Mr. Tange’s bright smile as he opened his chest wide and showed all his teeth.
This person is just my fan…
Should I just hit him moderately for showmanship, or would hitting him with all my heart actually be for his sake?
To clear my head, I sprinted toward the ring, gripped the ropes, leaped high, flipped once in the air, and landed gracefully.
Waaaaa! Wooooo!
Lee Yu! Lee Yu! Lee Yu!
Crazy! This is insane! Crazy!
Totally Yeon Si-ho! The Sword Spirit! Yeon Si-ho!
A staff member hurried onto the ring and wrapped a glove onto my fist.
Since it was a one-punch performance, there was no need for headgear.
Having finished my preparations, I calmly approached the champion and saw the tension in his face.
It wasn't fear of my fist, but the excitement someone feels when they are about to achieve a bucket list item.
Soy Sauce Punch!
I ducked low and quickly landed a precise punch on the champion’s abdomen.
The impact energy was enough to make the massive frame momentarily stagger and push back slightly. I had intentionally controlled my strength a bit.
“Wooooo! Wooooo!”
The champion threw his arms wide and cheered as if howling toward the crowd.
Stepping back, I was impressed.
Even though I held back a little, it was a solid hit. I thought he might go down. I guess you don't become a heavyweight champion for nothing.
I slowly gave a glove-clap and turned my back.
Thud!
Startled by the sound of something hitting the floor, I turned around to find the champion collapsed.
The spectators laughed and cheered.
“Hahaha! Tange really has great showmanship!”
“Is he falling on purpose? Acting like he barely held on and then the damage finally caught up? That’s killer!”
“Hahaha! Tange really must be a fan of Lee Yu!”
Seeing him twitching and reacting realistically to the doctors' examination… that guy’s acting is pretty good.
I should ask him if I ever need a combat sports cameo later.
“Finally! Today’s main event! Michael vs. Chris, a noble matchup to determine the strongest and the King of the Skinheads!”
The previous three matches had each ended in the first round.
However, the MMA match would continue indefinitely until one side was knocked out or declared surrender.
There was no victory by decision, so scores weren't even tallied.
It would just be a crazy dogfight until a single winner was determined.
The solemn battle of pride quickly turned into a brawl, and soon into a desperate dogfight.
The sight of billionaires ignoring fouls, hurling curses, and beating their opponents as if to kill them injected a dose of dopamine into the ordinary spectators that they had never experienced before.
“Lee Yu. Who. Will. Win?”
A European blonde toddler I often saw in the villa complex, sitting near me, asked.
“The audience wins, of course.”
“What. Does. That. Mean?”
“You’ll see, kiddo.”
“I. Am. Not. A. Kid.”
Eventually, the doctors from both teams agreed to end it.
Chris had a higher total score, but because the main match was a doctor stoppage, it ended in a draw.
In the end, only the audience was truly thrilled.
Or not? Since the two of them promoted their companies and got a share of the match revenue, maybe they gained the most financially?
Anyway, I was fully satisfied to have watched such a rare scene—an event matchup opened by two prideful skinhead billionaires, watched by 69,000 people in person and hundreds of millions of households—from the best seat.
*
A few days after the event match that shook the world ended.
The Ford aircraft carrier arrived early in the waters off Jeju Island to prepare for filming.
I also received an invitation.
It was a security clearance not in the name of a Navy Admiral or an Air Force General, but in the name of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon.
“Hey, little brother. Jang Ji-hye. Start packing.”
“How long are you going to be there?”
“I’m going to live on the Ford until filming is over.”
“What about school?”
“It’s an entertainment activity, so it counts as attendance anyway.”
My heart is pounding.
Finally, I’m boarding the aircraft carrier.