Chapter 178
Chapter 178
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 178
Chapter Title: The Yandere Fairy's Gaze is Strange
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-What's up all of a sudden?
-It popped up, you idiot!
-What popped up?
-I sent you the link, so check KakaoTalk. It'll be easier to understand that way.
-Got it, hanging up now.
Frowning, he tapped open the KakaoTalk window, where a single link sat in the chat room.
As if being chased by something, he touched it with his finger, and the browser opened. The article title jumped out at him first.
Yesterday's release of Yeoksan Group's new air conditioner ad is generating buzz across online communities.
The ad features popular actress Cha Seol-ah in her signature elegant image, paired with a mysterious male model in an 'emotional two-shot' that captivated viewers.
Especially drawing attention is the identity of the male model who appeared alongside her. Confirmed to be a man with no official profile...
It was just a simple print ad, so this level of reaction was completely unexpected.
As his eyes followed the text, his expression grew more serious.
Affiliateless unknown newbie sparks wild speculation among netizens, with rumors even circulating that he's a regular civilian.
Upon confirmation, the man is indeed civilian 'Han Haeseong,' cast alongside Cha Seol-ah at her agency's strong recommendation during the shoot.
'...Cha Seol-ah recommended me? Sounds like a damn novel.'
And then the comments that followed.
The comments stretched on endlessly across the screen.
The further he scrolled, the more impossible it was to count them.
All of them brimmed with surprise, curiosity, cheers, and wild guesses directed at him.
Smoothly...
He'd shot just one ad, yet this many people were talking about him...
His fingertips trembled faintly.
It felt like standing alone on a stage suddenly lit by spotlights.
Hundreds of comments filled the screen—too many to read in time—and all he could do was stare blankly.
"Is something wrong?"
Detective Yoo Seongjae, sitting across from him, sipping his coffee quietly.
He snapped to attention and hurriedly closed the phone screen.
"N-no, nothing!"
He said that, but his face betrayed every emotion.
'Stunned speechless' fit perfectly.
Yoo Seongjae watched him steadily, then carefully set his coffee cup on the table and continued.
"When should we schedule with the witness?"
Pulling himself together, he leaned forward.
"Whenever the witness is free—just let me know, and I'll head straight up to Seoul."
"Then I'll set something within a week."
"Sounds good."
Yoo Seongjae picked up his cup again, set it down, and cautiously spoke.
"But... really, is everything okay?"
He'd find out eventually anyway.
Resolved, he picked up his phone again.
"You'll hear about it sooner or later, so I'll tell you."
He tapped a few times to copy the article link and sent it to Yoo Seongjae via message.
The detective checked his phone quietly, then raised an eyebrow slightly.
"This is..."
"Ended up shooting an ad on a whim, and it blew up."
The deep sigh at the end laid bare his bewilderment and unease.
Yoo Seongjae read the article steadily, without a flicker, then tilted his head.
"Isn't that a good thing?"
"...Pardon?"
"I don't know much about entertainment, but I know success there means good money."
"W-well, yeah, probably."
"But your reaction says otherwise, so I guess you're not interested in showbiz, Haeseong?"
Another heavy sigh, and he opened his mouth gravely.
"I have no plans to keep modeling. This kind of exposure isn't exactly welcome."
"Then why shoot the ad? If exposure bothered you, you shouldn't have."
He unconsciously tapped the chair armrest with his finger, continuing earnestly.
"The actress in the print ad with me was Cha Seol-ah."
"...Come again?"
"A golden chance to see Cha Seol-ah up close."
At the frank confession, Yoo Seongjae looked flustered, cleared his throat awkwardly, and shook his head.
"I-I think Cha Seol-ah is pretty too."
"Guess I got enchanted. If she hadn't walked into my dressing room by mistake before the shoot, none of this would've happened..."
As soon as he finished, an odd silence settled over the living room.
Yoo Seongjae pretended to sip his coffee, avoiding eye contact.
Leaning back in his chair, he stared blankly at the ceiling and murmured on.
"So... this must be my punishment."
"......"
Smoothly.
Yoo Seongjae quietly scanned his face.
No words, but the look was clear.
A gaze of profound pity.
As if silently asking, 'So you shot the ad just for Cha Seol-ah?'
He lifted his head, cup in hand.
"Do I look pathetic?"
At his calm tone, Yoo Seongjae shot up from his chair, waving his hands.
"N-no! I was a huge fan of Cha Seol-ah back in her girl group days too."
"Which song was your favorite?"
"...'Starlight-Filled Night'."
"True fan. Not many know that one."
Embarrassed, Yoo Seongjae straightened up unnecessarily and continued.
"Anyway, I'll set up the time with the witness and get back to you, Haeseong."
"Leaving already? Have some breakfast at least."
"It's almost lunch."
"Oh... right, I overslept."
Yoo Seongjae glanced at his watch, pocketed his phone, and nodded.
"Plus, I've got a lot on my plate today. Cases piling up lately."
"Got it. I'll wait for your call."
The detective gave a brief bow and headed quietly to the door.
He stood and saw him off to the entrance.
"Take care, Detective."
"Will do! Eat up soon, Haeseong!"
Creeeak. Thud.
With the door closed, he let out a quiet sigh and returned to the living room.
Then flopped onto the sofa and grabbed his phone again.
He reopened the article link from earlier and slowly scrolled down.
Comments still pouring in without end.
Staring at the screen, he unconsciously wrinkled his nose.
A self-bewildered expression.
'How do I even handle this?'
Lost in thought, he shook his head side to side.
No reaction, and it'd burn hot then fizzle cold anyway.
Shoving aside idle worries, he got up from the sofa to grab some food, as the detective suggested.
Bzzzzt.
Bzzzzt.
Sudden vibration buzzed into his palm.
He gripped the phone reflexively and checked the caller ID.
"...!"
Cha Seol-ah.
His breath caught.
Like ice water dumped over his head—brain blank.
And it was their first call, making it worse.
-Hello?
Tension surged to his nose; he barely managed to speak, and her voice flowed through the receiver.
-Haeseong, saw the article today?
-Y-yeah, checked it.
-Incredible, right? Even I didn't expect this reaction from a print ad.
-Still pretty dazed myself.
-So, doesn't that mean you owe me a nice meal?
-...Pardon?
-Thanks to me, you finished the shoot safe and sound.
Dinner with Cha Seol-ah?
He'd pay for the honor.
Suppressing his twitching lips, he continued.
-Seol-ah, when works for you?