Chapter 42
Chapter 42
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: Episode 14. New Role (5)
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Kang Han-do's announcement that his appearance on *Gag Classroom* had been confirmed brought all of Oh Min-tae's thoughts to a screeching halt.
He hadn't heard a single update from Kang Han-do about the process up until now. The sudden news left him too stunned to react.
Jeon Yoo-hyeon, however, remained remarkably composed compared to Oh Min-tae.
"I had a hunch, and sure enough."
"Sunbae-nim, you knew?"
When Kang Han-do asked, Jeon Yoo-hyeon gave a slight nod.
"A lot of my close comedian buddies are on *Gag Classroom*. I happened to overhear Jo Woo-kim PD-nim and the writers discussing it, and your name came up."
"I see."
"Even so, it wasn't set in stone yet, so I didn't bring it up first. Anyway, congrats. Looks like it all worked out."
"Thank you."
In fact, Kim Sang-heon, Lee Yo-su, and Jang Seok-du—who were all slated to appear in the same corner—had all spoken highly of Han-do's potential for growth.
Kang Han-do was playing a character in the *Game World* NPC corner on *4 PM News Table* that shared some similarities with the concept. That synergy had played a big role in selecting him as reinforcement.
Han Mi-jin, who had been listening quietly to Kang Han-do and Jeon Yoo-hyeon, flashed a bright smile and spoke up.
"Congratulations, Han-do ssi."
"Haha, thank you."
The other staff members chimed in one by one after Han Mi-jin.
"You should've told us sooner about something that exciting."
"Congrats!"
"Don't slack off on our program just because you're on *Gag Classroom* now!"
"Of course not. And thank you all."
Kang Han-do expressed his gratitude to the staff as well.
Meanwhile, Oh Min-tae seemed to finally snap out of his shock and opened his mouth.
"You little punk. You're climbing up before me."
"I've still got a long way to go. This is just the start."
"Sigh. Feels all mixed up inside. My motive's getting recognized for his skills and breaking into *Gag Classroom*, while I'm still stuck in place."
Oh Min-tae laid bare his honest feelings.
He'd always had a subtle competitive streak.
Of course, while preparing for this public recruitment exam, he'd already acknowledged that Kang Han-do had superior talent.
That's why he'd been burning with determination, putting in unseen efforts to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Kang Han-do.
But in the end, Kang Han-do had earned Jo Woo-kim PD's recognition first and joined *Gag Classroom*.
That didn't mean he was quitting *4 PM News Table*, though.
He planned to shine in both places.
Yoo Tae-hwan PD approached Oh Min-tae cautiously and spoke words meant to reassure him.
"From what I see, Min-tae, you're growing exponentially as a comedian too. Han-do might be pulling ahead right now, but you've got plenty of potential, so don't get too down."
"PD-nim...!"
Resolve flickered back into Oh Min-tae's eyes.
Kang Han-do taking a step forward was something Oh Min-tae could be happy about too.
Sure, it was envious, but he could just set catching up to him as his goal.
As a fellow trainee and rival. That way, Oh Min-tae could grow just like Kang Han-do.
*Yeah. Don't get down, Min-tae-ya. Let's push forward together!*
Oh Min-tae was Han-do's closest friend and comrade in navigating this cutthroat entertainment world.
His growth was another joy for Kang Han-do.
* * *
Jo Woo-kim PD, who had been fiddling with his smartphone, let out a deep sigh.
"This is weird."
His niece, Min A-rin, who had been watching him intently, asked in a puzzled tone.
"What's wrong, uncle?"
"I told you not to call me uncle at the station."
"Sorry, PD-nim."
She still slipped up because "uncle" felt more natural.
Jo Woo-kim issued an order as if doling out punishment.
"Hey, can you run over to the HSL Studio for a bit?"
"HSL?"
"Yeah. Yoo PD-nim isn't picking up his phone. Doesn't seem to be checking texts either. Probably got it turned off."
During recording sessions, it was essential to silence smartphones or set them to silent/vibrate to avoid disrupting the shoot.
That made it hard to notice calls or messages right away.
Min A-rin replied energetically.
"Sure, I'll go. What do I need to do?"
"Here, deliver this paper then."
"What's this?"
"You wouldn't get it even if you looked, so just hand it over."
"Uncle, aren't you underestimating me too much?"
"Hey now. Uncle again."
"Oh!"
A cute exclamation escaped Min A-rin's lips.
She'd tried to act tough with her bold words, but Jo Woo-kim PD countered swiftly.
"Anyway, make sure you deliver that paper safely."
"Got it."
She slipped the paper from Jo Woo-kim PD into a binder to keep it from crumpling and stepped out of the office.
Min A-rin was so used to being dragged into free labor(?) by Jo Woo-kim PD during breaks—commuting to the station daily—that she knew the HSL Studio location like the back of her hand, no map needed.
"HSL, HSL..."
Muttering to herself, Min A-rin hurried toward the HSL Studio.
Upon reaching the floor where HSL Studio was located, she witnessed something astonishing.
"That guy... ?!"
A man brushed past her directly in front.
His tall stature and eight-head body proportions straight out of a shojo manga exuded a charm that could make any woman's heart flutter.
Sunglasses hid his face, but Min A-rin recognized him instantly.
Because he was Ahn Seo-min, one of her favorite actors.
"Why is Seo-min ssi here...? No, wait. This is the broadcasting station. Of course he could be."
She chided her brief overthinking and resumed walking.
The HSL Studio was just a short way off.
Eager to deliver it quickly and head back, Min A-rin quickened her pace.
"Huh?"
She sneaked a glance at where Ahn Seo-min—the man she'd just passed—stood.
He slowly opened the door and stepped inside.
The place he entered was none other than...
"HSL Studio?!"
The sudden turn of events sent Min A-rin's mind into panic mode.
* * *
The cast skimmed through the script.
Overall, nothing had changed much. They just had to toss in ad-lib mentions of Han Mi-jin's scandal here and there, then deliver the revised script properly later.
Even though the script had been tweaked on the spot, it wasn't a total overhaul, so they could start recording anytime.
Yet the shoot hadn't begun. The reason was simple.
Ahn Seo-min, who was supposed to make a surprise appearance at the end for a kiss scene with Han Mi-jin, hadn't arrived yet.
"When did Seo-min ssi say he'd get here?"
Writer Lee Yeon-shin worried inwardly that he might not show.
But Han Mi-jin waved it off dismissively.
"He just texted from the parking lot, so he'll be here in under five minutes."
"Five minutes..."
That was plenty of time.
As a surprise guest not originally scheduled, Ahn Seo-min arriving late to the studio wasn't an issue.
While the cast and staff waited idly.
The door opened, and a man energetically announced his arrival.
"Hello."
"Seo-min ssi!"
Han Mi-jin shot to her feet and hurried toward the unexpected visitor, Ahn Seo-min.
Thanks to her shout.
All eyes from the cast and staff turned to the man making his surprise studio visit.
Even with sunglasses on, his proportions, build, and sharp features screamed "not your average guy."
Ahn Seo-min removed his sunglasses and first approached Yoo Tae-hwan PD for a greeting.
"Long time no see, PD-nim."
"Haha, yeah. About three years?"
"Already?"
Ahn Seo-min had once guested on a variety show directed by Yoo Tae-hwan PD.
Yoo Tae-hwan PD, still remembering it clearly, cited the exact timeframe.
"Probably around May 12th."
"You even remember the date."
"When a guest graciously accepts my invite, I make sure to remember that much."
Back then, Ahn Seo-min wasn't a top actor yet.
But two years ago, cast as the lead in a drama, he began his ascent as a successful leading man.
Compared to world-class Han Mi-jin, his fame was lower, but Ahn Seo-min was credible enough as her partner.
Plus, wasn't he handsome?
With his tall frame and sculpted looks alone, he could stir women's hearts—easy to see why Han Mi-jin had fallen hard.
"Anyway, I heard from Mi-jin ssi..."
"She seems to have told you a lot."
"Yes. It's a bit surprising, but is it true?"
Yoo Tae-hwan PD checked with Ahn Seo-min directly. Without hesitation, Ahn Seo-min nodded.
"Yes, it's true."
"Haha, I see. Congrats anyway."
"Thank you."
Their relationship deserved blessings. They found their happiness—why rain on it?
As Ahn Seo-min chatted casually with him, Writer Lee Yeon-shin rushed over.
"Hold on, PD-nim. I need to brief Seo-min ssi on the recording."
"Right. We'll catch up privately later."
"Yes, got it."
Ahn Seo-min moved to get prepped—listening to the rundown while heading for makeup.
In the meantime, the cast approached Ahn Seo-min right on cue, entering his view.
"Ah! Kang Han-do ssi!! I've wanted to meet you!"
Among the three *4 PM News Table* cast members, Kang Han-do was the first to draw a reaction from Seo-min.
Jeon Yoo-hyeon had more experience, but Kang Han-do's presence on the show was substantial.
Even Han Mi-jin paid him the most attention, and now Ahn Seo-min did too—enough to make Kang Han-do wonder if they were in cahoots.
Still, it felt good.
"Hello, Seo-min ssi. Nice to meet you."
"Please take good care of me during today's recording."
"Haha, likewise."
After exchanging greetings with Jeon Yoo-hyeon and Oh Min-tae as well. Ahn Seo-min headed to the waiting room with Han Mi-jin.