Chapter 126: Cable Broadcast, Yeong-eun’s Resolve
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 126: Cable Broadcast, Yeong-eun’s Resolve
Star Telepathy.
That was the title of the cable show Yeong-eun and I were appearing on.
True to its name, it was a program where a star and their friend teamed up to solve quizzes and aim for first place. While it had a dedicated cult following, it wasn't mainstream famous, though it was frequently used for memes and clips on the internet.
I remembered seeing it online a few times myself.
I never imagined I’d actually be on that show, though.
—Waiting Room: Yeong-eun and Yeong-eun’s Friend.
She really was a superstar.
The waiting room assigned to Yeong-eun was spacious and well-equipped. Compared to the other contestants, who had to share one room between two teams, this was pure luxury.
“An assistant director will come by when it’s time. They’ll give you a brief rundown of the question list and today’s schedule, so if you have any questions, ask them then.”
After finishing her sentence, Yeong-eun gave a mischievous grin.
I was still in a bit of a daze. To be honest, the fact that I was actually appearing on TV hadn't quite sunk in yet.
It was then.
“Sunbaenim! Hello!”
The waiting room door swung open, and a woman with pink-dyed hair walked in.
She looked like an idol at a glance. Her heavy makeup and flashy outfit made it obvious. She approached Yeong-eun with a beaming smile.
“I really didn't think you’d actually come on this show! Did my request finally work?”
“I didn't come because of you.”
Yeong-eun waved her hand dismissively, as if she couldn't be bothered to deal with her.
“Oh, don't be like that. I heard you were coming on the show and I couldn't even sleep because I was so excited to film with you, Sunbae.”
Despite Yeong-eun’s rejection, the idol sat down across the table, completely unfazed.
“Sigh… Could you please leave?”
Yeong-eun let out a heavy sigh but didn't actually kick her out.
There’s a saying, isn't there? A full lion doesn't bother hunting the herbivores wandering around it.
“The person next to you must be your friend! Hello! I’m So-won, the lead vocal of Sugar Bubble!”
She suddenly thrust her hand out, blinking her bright eyes at me.
Was she asking for a handshake?
“Nice to meet you.”
I took her hand, feeling a bit awkward as she pouted her lips slightly.
“Wow, your hands are so firm! Are you an athlete? Your muscles are so well-defined I can see them rippling under your shirt! Are you a professional athlete? Or maybe you’re in the military? I really enjoyed watching The Iron Squad!”
I could see why Yeong-eun found her annoying.
She talked way too much. Once she got started, she poured out topics like a machine gun. Before I could even answer, So-won kept rambling. It seemed like she just needed someone to talk to.
“Can I try touching your muscles once?”
“Hey.”
Suddenly, a cold chill filled the waiting room.
“How long do you plan on staying here? Your friend must be waiting.”
So-won jumped at Yeong-eun’s icy tone and let out a hiccup.
“I-it’ll be fine. They’re resting in the waiting room right now…”
“I’m telling you to get out. Do I have to spell it out for you?”
“Ah… I’m sorry!”
So-won scurried out of the waiting room.
“Phew.”
Only after the chatterbox left could I breathe a sigh of relief.
“Were you jealous?” I asked, looking at Yeong-eun, who had just chased So-won away.
“Jealous? Please. I just kicked her out because she was noisy.”
Yeong-eun avoided my gaze and whipped her head around.
“You’re not being honest.”
“Hmph.”
The assistant director arrived.
“This is how we’ll be proceeding. Is that alright with you?”
Among the questions the AD presented, none were particularly troublesome. They were mostly simple questions about how we became friends and what I do for a living now.
He also added that I’d get a solo shot. They probably wanted me to demonstrate some simple training methods.
“If any awkward questions come up, I’ll cut them off myself, so don't worry,” Yeong-eun said with a bright smile.
A short while later.
“We’re going to standby now! All cast members, please head to the set!”
At the AD’s shout, we headed toward the studio.
*
“Star~ Telepathy!”
The MC, Kim Dong-wook, who was famous for his active career on both public and cable networks, hyped up the audience.
“Welcome, everyone. We have a formidable group gathered here today. I’m looking forward to seeing who will emerge victorious.”
It was truly a paradise of celebrities.
There was So-won from the idol group Sugar Bubble; Lee Da-jung, a female singer in her 30s famous for her incredible vocals and beauty; Hong Min-hyuk, a musical actor; and of course, Yoo Young-eun.
Every single one of them was a prominent figure.
“Now, shall we start with introductions?”
They were definitely different, being celebrities used to the camera. It was impressive how they could speak like that without a hint of nerves in front of all those cameras and people.
“Da-jung, you just released a new song, didn't you? Why don't you give us a snippet?”
“My back’s been hurting a bit, so I’m not sure if I’ll do well, but I’ll give it my best.”
At the request to sing her new song, she stepped forward without hesitation and delivered a fantastic performance. She wasn't called a powerhouse vocalist for nothing.
“Wow.”
Her voice was refreshing to the ears, a spine-tingling harmony of falsetto and chest voice. Just being able to hear a famous singer perform live right next to me made coming here worth it.
“She really is a great singer.”
“Of course. There’s no one else in the country with that kind of skill.”
“Will it be okay? Going out to do my exercises after a performance like that?”
To be honest, I was a little intimidated. With the System’s help, I was confident I could demonstrate clear results, but…
Following a stage like that is just unfair.
Honestly, doing exercises after a performance by one of Korea’s top singers? It felt a little embarrassing.
While I was lost in thought, Lee Da-jung’s performance ended.
“That was a wonderful performance. When is the new song being released?”
“It’s scheduled for this winter. Please give it a lot of love.”
The set was buzzing after Lee Da-jung’s song. As the small talk continued, the questions naturally turned toward me.
“Honestly, I never imagined Yeong-eun would appear on a show like this with a friend. Did your friend persuade you?”
Kim Dong-wook’s eyes sparkled as he looked at me. It was the persistent gaze of someone determined to find a hook for the broadcast.
Since there was no reason to hide it, I answered honestly.
“Yeong-eun Noona asked me first if I’d like to come on with her. I felt a bit of pressure, but I thought it would be nice to appear with a close Noona, so I came.”
“Ho, that’s unusual. As far as I know, Yeong-eun has never volunteered to appear on a variety show before.”
“That just shows how much she thinks of this program.”
Light questions were exchanged. Honestly, there were many questions where I wondered if they’d even make the final cut.
“Come to think of it, Jae-ho, this isn't your first time on camera, is it? I heard your exercise methods became quite popular on the internet after you appeared on a live stream recently. Could we see it?”
“It’s nothing special, but… I’ll give a brief demonstration here. It’s something you can easily follow along with.”
On the same stage where Lee Da-jung had just sung, I carefully demonstrated the exercise routine I had shown on Ye-seul’s broadcast.
“It’s an exercise you can easily follow, and you can do it at home. It’ll be more effective than standard exercises.”
As I took the posture, I encouraged the nearby celebrities to join in.
“This next one is good for the lower back. Da-jung, would you like to come out and try it with me?”
I suggested it because I remembered her mentioning her back was stiff during the interview.
“Would that be okay?”
“Now, please follow my movements.”
It started feeling a bit like a health program, but whatever. If it’s not funny, they can just edit it out. I’d be a little disappointed if they did, though.
Because I’d be missing a chance to earn points.
Still, I wasn't desperate to be on TV.
Lee Da-jung began to follow my movements. Her expression, which had been half-doubtful and half-worried, gradually began to change.
“Oh?”
“How is it? Not bad, right?”
“Wow, this really…?”
I placed my hands on Da-jung’s waist as she stretched and gently guided her.
“If the pain is caused by fatigue, this stimulates the muscles and increases the strength supporting the bones. It provides temporary pain relief.”
“Oh? Oh! Oh!”
As I held her waist and stretched it, then lightly tapped the area, Da-jung looked at her own waist in shock.
“If you do this repeatedly over the long term, it’s a very good exercise for relieving back fatigue.”
After moving her waist back and forth several times, I finished the session and clapped my hands.
“How do you feel?”
“Wow…”
Lee Da-jung looked up at me with wide eyes. The skeptical look she’d given me earlier—as if I were a quack—had long since vanished.
Her back must feel incredibly refreshed. I had temporarily borrowed the power of the System, after all.
“H-how is this possible? Wow.”
Clutching her waist, Lee Da-jung couldn't stop exclaiming in admiration.
“I’ve been going to the hospital frequently because my back’s been bad lately. They told me it wasn't something that could be fixed like this…”
Lee Da-jung looked back and forth between MC Kim Dong-wook and me with a dazed expression.
This will definitely make the broadcast.
I was certain after seeing her reaction. Even if the teaching process was a bit dull, this kind of genuine reaction from a top national star is highly valuable.
“…Could I try it too? I hurt my back a little while exercising recently.”
Hong Min-hyuk raised his hand.
“Of course.”
I don't usually do exercise care for men, but the broadcast potential was clearly there, and I couldn't stop now.
“Whoa! This is insane!”
Seeing the satisfied smiles on the MC and PD’s faces, I was once again convinced. This was going to work.
*
“We’ll take a short break!”
At the PD’s signal, we had a brief intermission.
“I feel like my head’s going to explode.”
Yeong-eun slumped over the scoreboard.
“We didn't get as many right as I thought.”
“I hope people don't start making memes about two Usan University students being useless.”
Yeong-eun grinned at me, then asked, “But hey.”
“Yeah?”
“Did you really have to do that earlier?”
“Do what?”
“You know. What you did for Da-jung Sunbae.”
“Ah.”
She was talking about the body contact I had while helping with the back exercises.
“It was fun. The reaction on set was good, too. I was just trying to make sure I got some screen time, you know?”
“I know. I know, but…”
Yeong-eun looked up at me, then lowered her voice as she glanced around.
“You could have done it for me instead.”
Her voice was so small only I could hear it. She was jealous.
“Haha, I wanted to, but people might think we staged it.”
“Sigh, I guess so.”
Yeong-eun stretched.
“I wonder when this will end. I want to finish up quickly and go exercise with you.”
“It’ll probably take a bit longer. I heard we’ve only solved about half the questions.”
“This is why I hate appearing on variety shows. The filming takes way too long.”
For Yeong-eun, who usually got most of her takes approved in one go, this was far too long and tedious.
“I’m going to head to the restroom for a second.”
I left the set.
“Maybe I should rest in the waiting room too.”
As Yeong-eun stood up, she suddenly remembered the female celebrities who had been approaching me. It kept bothering her.
Especially Lee Da-jung.
Unlike other lower-tier women, Lee Da-jung was a famous celebrity and a singer renowned for her beauty. Now in her 30s, she was known to have a massive male following due to her sultry aura and music.
I heard she’s really into men, too.
Surely… No, right?
Unable to suppress her anxiety, Yeong-eun stood up.
Meanwhile, as I was heading to the restroom…
“Excuse me. Jae-ho?”
I ran into Lee Da-jung, who was wearing a mysterious smile.
“Da-jung, is your back feeling alright?”
“Yes, it’s much better thanks to you.”
She took a step closer.
“By the way, what’s your relationship with Yeong-eun?”
“Pardon?”
“Honestly, Yoo Young-eun is famous for not doing variety shows and being quite private. I was curious why she went out of her way to appear with you. Are you two… involved?”
“No, we’re not. Haha.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Lee Da-jung took another step closer.
“Then it’s okay for me to approach you like this, right?”
“What?”
“To be honest, I was a bit surprised.”
Lee Da-jung touched my chest with her fingertip.
“I didn't know Yeong-eun had a friend with such a great body and such talent.”
She pressed her body against mine, her eyes filled with a seductive glint.
“What do you think? How about touching my back a little more after the show ends?”
Was the exercise effect that good? Good enough for a famous celebrity like Lee Da-jung to be this blatant?
Of course, Lee Da-jung was an attractive singer. She had a slender body, a face beautiful enough for acting, and an aura created by her music. She was the kind of woman men would flock to.
However.
I can't just keep adding members mindlessly.
Ye-seul, Miju, Yeong-eun, and even Hyun-kyung. If I included Heo Da-young, who hadn't visited recently, that made five.
The problem was that all of them were starting to develop special feelings for me.
It’s one thing if they’re just passing members, but I can't handle any more members I share deep connections with yet.
Lately, I felt like my body was reaching its limit. It was as if my body and mind were being pushed to the brink.
So, no matter how attractive a woman was, I couldn't add any more for now.
Until I can increase my stamina or control the emotions of the women I’m already dealing with…
I can't take on any more official members.
Therefore…
“I’m sorry. I have a rule about not doing work outside of scheduled hours.”
“Hmm, that’s not what I meant. Not work, but personally…”
“I’m sorry. I can't meet you separately…”
Just as I was about to reject Da-jung’s proposal.
“Ah, so this is where you were?”
Yeong-eun appeared out of nowhere and grabbed my wrist.
“Oh? Yeong-eun Noona?”
“What are you doing here?”
“Yeong-eun, I was just thanking Jae-ho because my back feels so much better thanks to him.”
“Is that so, Sunbaenim?”
Sparks flew between the two. It looked like a fight was about to break out.
“Anyway, Da-jung, thank you for the offer, but I’ll have to decline.”
“Are you sure? Opportunities like this don't come often.”
“I’m sorry. Yeong-eun Noona, sorry, I really need to use the restroom.”
I bowed my head and hurried toward the restroom. I felt like I was about to burst anyway.
Yeong-eun watched my retreating back as I rushed away, then bit her lip and looked at Lee Da-jung.
“Sunbaenim.”
“Yes? Our little heiress?”
“What did you say to him?”
“What? Oh, to your friend?”
Hehe. Lee Da-jung gave a spiteful laugh.
“I didn't say much. And as you saw, I was rejected. It’s not every day that happens… Anyway, you have a very capable friend.”
“I’m very picky when it comes to people.”
“It seems so. He’s definitely something special.”
That seductive senior’s fox-like behavior…
For the first time, Yeong-eun felt a sense of anxiety that someone might take Jae-ho away from her. It wasn't the first time women had appeared around him. How many women had approached him and flirted with him until now?
Yeong-eun had always been confident that no woman could beat her, but seeing other women constantly flocking to him made her chest feel tight.
A small seed of anxiety took root in her heart.
What if—just what if—Jae-ho’s heart was stolen by another woman? What if he fell for the aggressive advances of a woman who wasn't even as attractive as her?
That tiny crack made Yeong-eun feel increasingly restless.
If I stay like this, he’ll be taken. I need a plan.
Yeong-eun glared in the direction Jae-ho had disappeared, her mind made up.