Chapter 402: Hwaranjeon Crank In (4)

"Did you eat something bad, Miss Gyu-Ri?" Yoo-Jin asked.

Caught off guard by Yoo-Jin's direct jab, Min Gyu-Ri looked flustered. "W-what did you say?"

With a polite yet pointed tone and a smile firmly in place, Yoo-Jin calmly reprimanded Min Gyu-Ri. "Having a competitive spirit is great, but stop coming over to pick fights with me all the time. It's not like your skills will improve or mine will deteriorate because of it, right?"

Yoo-Jin continued, "Oh, and remember. There are a lot of sunbae-nims and observers here. Be mindful of how you act—one misstep could cost you everything."

Min Gyu-Ri's brows furrowed as she glared at Yoo-Jin. "Miss Yoo-Jin... Is this who you really are?"

Yoo-Jin scoffed lightly. "What kind of person would that be? Someone who mirrors the behavior of someone rude and disrespectful?"

From the beginning, it was Min Gyu-Ri who had provoked Yoo-Jin. Now that the roles were reversed, her frustration was clear with her temper flaring.

Min Gyu-Ri snapped, "I thought you were nice, but it turns out you've got quite a temper."

"I do try to be nice unless someone crosses the line."

In my past life, the Min Gyu-Ri I knew would have grabbed her opponent by the hair by now. Seeing the growing tension, I hurried closer to Yoo-Jin and got ready to intervene.

Perhaps because of the nearby crowd, Min Gyu-Ri barely managed to hold herself back.

Yoo-Jin maintained her bright, professional smile and began to wrap up the conversation. "The sunbaes are coming this way. Why don't you head off now? It wouldn't look good if they overheard us, don't you think?"

In other words, Yoo-Jin was telling Min Gyu-Ri to piss off.

Min Gyu-Ri glared at Yoo-Jin and responded, "J-just you wait! I'll make sure I'm more famous than you by the end of this drama!"

"Maybe you should save that for when you've actually managed to do it?"

Unable to match Yoo-Jin's verbal sharpness, Min Gyu-Ri snapped with a frustrated expression, "You're so annoying!"

"Well, that's your opinion. I happen to think I'm pretty nice."

"Oh, whatever!"

The seething Min Gyu-Ri spun around and stormed off.

Only then did Yoo-Jin let out a deep sigh and dropped her practiced smile. "

Ugh,

keeping that up after so long felt like my face muscles were going to cramp."

As the lead, Yoo-Jin had shown remarkable restraint compared to her earlier days. Still, she didn't let Min Gyu-Ri cross the line unchecked.

At that moment, Yoo-Jin turned her gaze up to me.

"But oppa, why didn't you step in to stop me?"

'

Why would I stop you? You were winning,

' I thought.

"I was cheering for you because you were doing great on your own," I replied with a smile.

"What? Oppa, you're supposed to step in when I'm fighting, not cheer me on!"

"I didn't feel like stopping you. Why would I?"

"Huh? But...I was counting on you to stop me if I went too far."

I couldn't help but burst out laughing upon seeing Yoo-Jin's flustered expression. "

Hahaha. Pfft

. Don't worry. I'll step in if it ever gets out of hand. And by the way, you handled that perfectly. We're not pushovers, after all."

Yoo-Jin grinned mischievously and saluted me playfully. "Yes, sir!"

"Take a break!"

"Thank you, sir!"

Yoo-Jin dropped her hand and asked, "Oppa, should we go meet the sunbae-nims and then head to the interviews?"

"Sounds like a plan. Let's go!"

After greeting her sunbaes one by one, Yoo-Jin made her way to the parking lot where the reporters were waiting.

***

After being reprimanded by Jung Yoo-Jin, Min Gyu-Ri stomped back to the company van.

Bang!

She slammed the door shut, prompting the stylist in the back seat to ask curiously, "Gyu-Ri, did something bad happen?"

"Myung-Ji unnie, don't talk to me right now. I'm pissed off, okay?"

Stylist Yoo Myung-Ji flinched and clamped her mouth shut. Min Gyu-Ri was infamous for being someone even the TNT's president didn't dare cross.

Just then, the van's back door slid open again.

Clatter.

TNT Entertainment's Chief Jang Sam-Duk climbed in as he was panting and began to scold Min Gyu-Ri. "

Huff, huff

... Gyu-Ri, why didn't you bid farewell to the sunbaes? Why are you hiding out here?"

Min Gyu-Ri furrowed her brows and snapped back, "

Ugh,

I'm so annoyed! Why do I have to do that stupid greeting stuff? Do they think I'm some idol? Actors just need to act well, don't they?"

"Save that attitude for when you're the lead. And don't forget: you promised the president you'd behave from now on!"

TNT's president had threatened that if Min Gyu-Ri got on a PD's bad side again, she would have to pay back her signing bonus several times over.

While Min Gyu-Ri's family was well off, losing that money wasn't an option—not only because it was a lot, but because she had already spent it all on luxury goods.

The frustrated Min Gyu-Ri punched the armrest of her seat.

Thud!

Min Gyu-Ri's slender arm bounced off the leather padding. "

Ugh

, this is so annoying!"

Jang Sam-Duk glanced at Min Gyu-Ri's tantrum, then slyly provoked her. "Well, if you do well this time, maybe you'll get the lead role next time. Then you can do whatever you want."

Min Gyu-Ri turned to Jang Sam-Duk. "Mr. Jang."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"Can you get me an acting coach?"

"An acting coach? But you've been saying you didn't need one and practiced on your own this past week."

For the last week, Min Gyu-Ri had worked hard on her own and delivered an unexpectedly solid performance today.

Despite TNT Entertainment offering to help, she had rejected their involvement, saying she didn't want anyone meddling.

However, she was asking for assistance now.

"If I want to catch up to Jung Yoo-Jin, I have to do something."

"Catch up to Jung Yoo-Jin? Watch your words! What if someone hears you and it backfires?"

"

Ah

, who cares about that? Can you get me a coach or not?"

Jang Sam-Duk hesitated before he cautiously suggested, "What about So Yi-Yung?"

"That rude unnie?"

Jang Sam-Duk nodded, hiding his thoughts that she was just as bad as So Yi-Yung and replied, "She's the best actress in our company."

"Yeah, but she recently lost out to Jung Yoo-Jin, didn't she?"

"That wasn't about acting but it was the script. Just give it a try. You'll improve for sure."

"Do you think she'll agree to teach me though?"

Suppressing his disbelief at Min Gyu-Ri's unexpected reaction, Jang Sam-Duk replied, "I'll ask the president to pair you with her. Also, try learning from other coaches too."

After a moment's hesitation, Min Gyu-Ri asked, "Do you think Mrs. Kim Soo-Hee from

In the Name of God

would be available?"

"I'm not sure, but I'll look into it."

"Okay. Tell them if they're going to invest in me, they better do it right."

"Got it."

Finally satisfied, Min Gyu-Ri straightened herself and got out of the van. As she stepped out, she made a firm resolve: before this drama ended, she would surpass Jung Yoo-Jin.

After all, there was no room for second place in her life—well, except for academics.

***

After successfully finishing her farewells with the sunbaes and handling the media interviews, Yoo-Jin, Miso, and I arrived at the traditional hanok style hotel near the Gyeongju set where she would stay for the duration of filming.

The Anbinjae hotel, a traditional hanok inn, had been rented to minimize Yoo-Jin's need to travel back and forth to Seoul during shoots.

The staff member guided us to Room 1004 from the lobby. "This way, please."

With a creak, the large wooden gate of the standalone hanok opened. Inside, three spacious rooms were connected by a broad wooden floor.

In the large courtyard, there was an outdoor stone hot spring bath. The bath had no roof above it, and lying in the warm water while gazing at the sky seemed like a slice of paradise.

The staff pointed at the empty hot spring and said, "This is a real hot spring. It's great for relieving fatigue with a foot soak or a half-body bath."

The visibly excited Yoo-Jin and Miso asked, "How do we get the hot water running?"

"If you press the red button, it will fill with hot water within an hour. Press the blue button for cold water and the green button to drain it."

As soon as the explanation ended, Yoo-Jin pressed the red button to start filling the hot spring.

"Don't worry. it will automatically stop once it's full," the staff remarked.

"Got it!"

Watching the hot spring water gush out, I tipped the staff member and sent them off.

When I placed Yoo-Jin and Miso's luggage on the wooden floor, the two immediately darted into the largest room.

Following them, I saw the heated floor covered with thick golden bedding that resembled a mattress in its plushness.

Yoo-Jin and Miso gasped in amazement.

"Oppa, this place is amazing!"

"It's so nice!"

I couldn't help but feel happy too upon seeing their delighted expressions.

"But oppa, isn't this place expensive?" Yoo-Jin asked with concern.

"Don't worry about it. You've got to spend some of what you earn or it'll all just go to taxes."

Even though she earned over 100 million won per project, Yoo-Jin's frugal nature hadn't changed.

Then Miso turned to Yoo-Jin and asked, "Mom, can I lie on the bed?"

"Of course! This is our home for now."

With Yoo-Jin's permission, Miso leaped onto the soft bedding. "

Hi-yah!"

Flump!

The thick golden bedding billowed as it enveloped Miso's small body.

Rolling around happily, Miso exclaimed, "Mom! The bed is so soft! Try it!"

Yoo-Jin carefully lay down on the bedding as if afraid to wrinkle it. "You're right. It's so soft!"

"Right? Isn't it just?"

"Yeah!"

At that moment, Miso patted the bedding and looked at me. "Uncle Yoon-Ho, come here! Quick, quick!"

Yoo-Jin and Miso rolled to one side, making room for me. I had no choice but to carefully lie down next to Miso.

Swoosh.

As my back touched the soft bedding, its silkiness surrounded me. The feel of the smooth fabric against my neck and hands was so comforting that I couldn't help but smile. '

Ah~ this is nice.

'

It even smelled faintly of warm sunlight.

Just then, a rumbling sound broke the serenity. When I looked around, Miso, who was lying next to me, was clutching her stomach.

"Miso, are you hungry?" I asked.

Miso giggled shyly and stuck out her tongue. "Yes..."

"Then shall we go eat?"

Miso beamed and asked, "Uncle Yoon-Ho, what are we having?"

"Since we're at a hanok hotel, we should have Korean traditional cuisine, right?"

"Yay! Food, food, food!"

As I stood, Yoo-Jin and Miso quickly got up too.

Without even unpacking, we headed straight to the Korean restaurant.

***

After finishing a full-course Korean meal, I prepared to head back to Seoul alone.

Miso with her belly round and full from dinner was lying on the bedding while lightly patting her stomach. Then she sat up and asked, "Uncle Yoon-Ho, can't you stay? I have acting tomorrow!"

"I would love to stay and head back with you tomorrow, but I've got a meeting first thing in the morning. I have to go."

Miso pouted with her lips curling outward. "

Aw...'

I wanted to spend another day with her too and maybe soak in the hot spring that was already filled with warm water.

In my past life, I hadn't had the chance to enjoy a proper bath, let alone a hot spring.

Unfortunately, I had a pile of tasks waiting at the company. Additionally, filming for

Jiri Mountain

had already begun.

I also had to pick up Kang Si-Ah who was in Seoul for acting practice and bring her to the

Jiri Mountain

set.

It was already 7 p.m. Late as it was, I had no choice but to leave now.

"Do well in your shoot tomorrow, Miso. And I'll see you in Seoul the day after, okay?"

Clutching Yoo-Jin's hand, Miso waved her small hand at me with a hint of sadness. "Then promise you'll call as soon as you arrive in Seoul. Okay, Uncle Yoon-Ho?"

"Okay, Your Highness Princess Miso."

Miso escorted me to the door with a wistful expression. "Bye, Uncle Yoon-Ho!"

Yoo-Jin stood beside Miso and mimicked her. "Bye, oppa!"

I smiled and waved back at the two. "Bye, Miso! Bye, Yoo-Jin!"

Since the on-site talent agents needed the car, I took a taxi to the train station.

***

I arrived at Seoul Station via the KTX.

As I stepped out of the second-floor exit, streams of people flowed toward the subway.

One face surfaced in my mind as I looked around: Choi Deok-Bae.

Among the members of "Faithful," he was as loyal to me as Lee Tae-Poong had been.

At nineteen years old this year, Choi Deok-Bae was tall with rugged and masculine features. He had exceptional athleticism, making him a promising next-generation action star.

However, when Hoop Entertainment split apart in my past life, he stayed loyal to Kang Gam-Chan who had scouted him off the streets and remained with the company.

As a result, he never achieved great success as an actor as Hoop Entertainment in its decline lacked the influence to secure good roles for him.

Incidentally, Kang Gam-Chan had discovered Choi Deok-Bae near Seoul Station.

'

Where are you, Deok-Bae...?

' I wondered.

In my past life, Choi Deok-Bae had kept his past a secret, leaving me with only Seoul Station as a clue to find him. There was no address to trace him either since he hadn't even registered for an ID card back then.

I had asked Lee Soo-Chan to hire a private investigator to track him down, focusing on the area around Seoul Station.

Hoping for an update, I pulled out my phone and made a call.

After a few rings, Lee Soo-Chan answered.

-Yes, hyung-nim.

"Any leads on that kid, Deok-Bae, I mentioned before?"

-Not yet. We've been combing the area around Seoul Station but haven't found anything.

"Alright. Keep up the good work."

Just as I sighed and was about to end the call, Lee Soo-Chan added.

-By the way, regarding the victims of Kim Dong-Soo's hidden camera scandal...

"Yeah? How's that going?"

-We've nearly wrapped up the recruiting. By next week, the final one should be onboard.

The plan to strike back at Kim Dong-Soo was almost ready. Next week, I would need to visit Reverse Entertainment to persuade the actresses to file charges against him. I would also need to ensure their protection against any potential retaliation.

Just then, I felt a light bump as I navigated the crowd heading toward the subway gates.

"I'm sorry," muttered a tall man in a black hat as he passed by and bowed his head slightly.

It was a minor collision, something I wouldn't have thought much of. However, a sudden chill ran down my spine.

I instinctively reached into the inner pocket of my cashmere coat. I fumbled through my pocket, but my hand came up empty with no wallet.

'

Pickpocket?

'

I quickly turned toward the man in the black hat, now about ten meters away.

I shouted, "Hey! Black hat! Stop right there!"

"Damn it," the man cursed and immediately darted into the crowd and weaved through the sea of people.

Without hesitation, I yelled and began chasing after him.