Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Episode 12. Guest (1)
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Before the HSL recording.
Kang Han-do, who had moved to a spot to meet Choi Ye-hee for the first time in a while, stealthily glanced out the window at the heads of people passing by.
He possessed the ability to directly see other people's happiness levels.
The happiness levels of the people visible to Kang Han-do's eyes were all below average.
'How did Korea end up becoming such a tough place to live?'
Well, it started with entrance exam competition, and from a young age, kids were drilled with the idea that happiness meant good grades. Was there even a chance to feel true happiness?
After the college entrance exam, they finally entered university and enjoyed some freedom, chugging booze through their early twenties. Then came the delayed pressure of job hunting, throwing them back into spec-building wars like high school seniors cramming for exams.
That was how Korean youth spent their prime.
Even hitting thirty didn't bring happiness. Far from it. Overwhelmed by societal pressure to marry, they tied the knot reluctantly, then became slaves called salarymen, living as money-making machines for life to feed their families.
Women fared no differently.
They devoted their lives to supporting the household. The feeling of sacrificing for the family—there was no way their happiness levels would rise.
They called them citizens, but in reality, they were no different from slaves.
'Not that I have any room to talk.'
Kang Han-do was the same.
Appearing on just one program wasn't enough to even cover his rent.
To raise his happiness level, he needed to make some big changes here.
Guests had started appearing on HSL Season 2's 4 PM News Table, so it was time to show not just his skills as a comedian, but another side of himself.
Kang Han-do's role model was Oh Shin-hoon.
If he followed in the footsteps of Korea's top MC, Oh Shin-hoon... he could surely reach a position that would boost the nation's happiness levels.
The path to National MC! It was a goal Kang Han-do had steadily aimed for.
Of course, he couldn't forget to take care of his own personal happiness.
Right now, his happiness was largely dictated by Choi Ye-hee.
"Ah, Han-do sunbae!"
Choi Ye-hee approached, waving her hand.
The happiness she brought him carried significant weight.
Just meeting Ye-hee boosted his happiness level.
That's why he carved out time from his busy schedule specifically to see her.
"You're heading into recording this afternoon, right? Is your schedule really okay?"
Her bright smile kept Han-do grinning as he replied.
"It's fine. We've still got time until 2 PM."
"How do you think today's recording will go? I heard a guest is coming..."
"Oh, right—I forgot to tell you."
He'd mentioned a guest was coming but hadn't said who.
Worried she might be curious, he revealed the guest's identity.
"It's Jang Han-seon sunbae."
"Jang Han-seon? You mean that singer Jang Han-seon?!"
"Yes, that's him."
"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!!!"
Her energy spiked instantly.
Kang Han-do's face showed a flicker of confusion. Beaming with excitement, Choi Ye-hee confessed her long-hidden fandom for Jang Han-seon.
"Truth is, I'm a big Han-seon sunbae fan!! I never dreamed he'd appear as your guest! This is amazing..."
"Oh, I see."
Seeing Choi Ye-hee's face alone raised Kang Han-do's happiness level.
But watching the girl he liked show such enthusiasm for another man subtly lowered it.
This might be jealousy. Still, he inwardly denied the feeling.
"You must really like Han-seon sunbae."
"Yes! But just as a fan, of course."
"Haha, I know."
A fan's admiration for their favorite celebrity.
Fan love didn't always equate to romantic feelings.
Kang Han-do knew that well. He let out a quiet sigh of relief at Ye-hee's kind clarification.
'I really do like Ye-hee.'
These emotional shifts made it clear every time.
Anyway, putting that aside, he'd never heard that Choi Ye-hee was a Jang Han-seon fan.
Then again, before his regression, he and Choi Ye-hee hadn't been close.
He'd just unilaterally crushed on the dazzling woman shining on stage.
He wanted to see her even happier. He wanted to win her favor.
That desire stirred in a corner of his heart.
"Are you free this afternoon by any chance?"
"This afternoon...? Yeah, I am. School's on break anyway. But don't you have recording soon, Han-do sunbae?"
"I'll ask PD-nim if I can bring you to the studio for a tour."
"Huh?!"
Choi Ye-hee looked stunned.
Her large eyes widened even more.
She'd never expected to set foot in a broadcasting station.
"I'll make a quick call."
"I-is that really okay?! For real?"
"Yeah. Though it might not work out. Don't get your hopes up too much."
Still, he decided to give it a shot.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
As the signal connected, Choi Ye-hee gulped across from him.
Her gaze burned with anticipation.
-Hello?
"Hello? It's me, PD-nim."
-Oh, Han-do. What's up?
"Actually..."
He slowly explained about letting a college student visit for a tour.
Yoo Tae-hwan PD, who had listened quietly, burst into hearty laughter.
-You like that girl, huh?
"...?!"
Kang Han-do choked on air for a second.
-Hahaha! Knew it.
"...How did you know?"
-Your voice was trembling a bit, unlike usual. Plus, at your age, it's prime dating time.
"..."
-I'll allow the tour. Showing a girl you like that you have some pull is important.
"Thank you."
-But.
Yoo Tae-hwan PD added something.
-Watch out for scandals. You know that, right?
"Yes, of course."
-Alright, see you soon.
Click.
After ending the call, Kang Han-do's expression brightened.
"You're good to bring her."
"Really?!"
"Yeah."
"Waaah...!!!"
Unable to believe it, Choi Ye-hee's face flushed red again.
Just watching her joy filled Kang Han-do with happiness.
* * *
Kang Han-do and Choi Ye-hee arrived at the BLT Broadcasting Station lobby.
Choi Ye-hee's eyes went wide.
"Wow...!!"
For someone visiting a broadcasting station for the first time, everything was wondrous.
It was all so new and exciting.
"Come on in."
"Yes!!"
At Kang Han-do's words, Choi Ye-hee nodded vigorously and followed him.
Maybe because it was a major station, unlike local ones, there were tons of people coming and going.
Not just staff, but celebrities she'd only seen on TV.
She wanted to say hi, but the atmosphere screamed not to.
Plus, she was here thanks to Kang Han-do. Making a scene at his workplace could cause him trouble.
She resolved to be extra careful with her behavior and trailed after him, glancing around.
As they entered the lobby, the security guard greeted Kang Han-do first.
"Hello, Han-do sunbae."
"Yes, hello."
"Is the lady behind you your coordinator? She's pretty."
Suddenly labeled Kang Han-do's coordinator, Choi Ye-hee blinked. Kang Han-do chuckled.
"Haha, no. She's a friend here for a station tour today."
"A tour. Got it."
The guard bowed and left. Staring after him, Choi Ye-hee suddenly said to Kang Han-do,
"You really are amazing, Han-do sunbae."
"Me?"
"Yeah. Just working at a place like this feels... like you're living in a different world from me."
"A different world..."
It echoed how he'd once viewed the successful singer Choi Ye-hee, before his regression.
Back then, Kang Han-do was an unknown comedian, while Choi Ye-hee was a national singer with massive fame.
Her performances on stage had always dazzled him, an object of admiration.
Now, ironically, she felt that way about him.
'The world's full of things you see once in a lifetime.'
Feeling a strange mix of emotions, Kang Han-do led her inside.
They soon reached the HSL studio set.
"Hello!"
Kang Han-do greeted the staff as he entered.
"Hello, Han-do sunbae."
"Hello!"
Greetings welcoming him echoed around. Awkwardly, Choi Ye-hee bowed and greeted along.
The staff's eyes filled with curiosity at the unfamiliar face. Then, Yoo Tae-hwan PD emerged from the crowd and approached Kang Han-do.
"Good timing, Han-do. This the girl from the call?"
"Yes. Choi Ye-hee, a friend of mine."
"Oh, I see."
Yoo Tae-hwan PD nodded lightly and extended a hand to her first.
"I'm Yoo Tae-hwan PD, in charge of HSL. Nice to meet you."
"N-nice to meet you too!"
"You're even prettier than I imagined. I thought you were an actress when you walked in."
Blushing at the PD's praise, Choi Ye-hee smiled shyly.
"Oh, no, not at all."
The flattery made her visibly tense.
Meeting someone new, especially a PD from broadcasting, spiked her nerves.
As Choi Ye-hee and Yoo Tae-hwan PD shook hands, Oh Min-tae emerged from the waiting room, yawning widely as he returned to the set.
He looked like he hadn't slept well last night.
"Yawwwn..."
"Hey, Min-tae."
Oh Min-tae turned at Kang Han-do's call.
"Oh, finally here? Who's the girl next to you?"
"You've heard of her a few times. Ye-hee..."
"Oh! The one you're th—urk!!"
Oh Min-tae's words cut off mid-sentence thanks to Kang Han-do's kick. A pained yelp escaped instead.
"Don't spout nonsense."
"Y-you bastard...!!"
Even so, Oh Min-tae couldn't complain bitterly. He'd started it.
'Just say it, why resort to violence...'
He felt a twinge of resentment at Kang Han-do's tough response.
But at least, this prevented Ye-hee from suddenly learning Kang Han-do's feelings.
Pain-bought secrecy.
Jeon Yoo-hyun arrived in the studio next. Choi Ye-hee's eyes sparkled brighter.
Seeing people from TV alive and breathing before her—who wouldn't be amazed?
Jeon Yoo-hyun approached her first with a friendly greeting.
"Ye-hee, right? Feel free to look around."
"Yes!"
After the brief exchange, Yoo Tae-hwan PD called for writer Lee Yeon-sin.
"Has Han-seon sunbae arrived yet?"
"No. He called—there's an accident up ahead, traffic's jammed."
"Hmm... I see."
It wasn't intentional lateness; the accident forced it. Yoo Tae-hwan PD figured it was understandable and shouted to the staff,
"Hold for now until Han-seon sunbae arrives. We'll do a quick rehearsal then start recording, so prep to go anytime."
"Yes."
"Got it."
Out performers or guests running late was routine. Yoo Tae-hwan PD and the staff were used to flexible timing.
To them, it was everyday stuff. But to Choi Ye-hee, a broadcasting newbie, every detail felt incredibly fascinating.