Chapter 733: Popularity

After stepping out to the VIP lounge of Seven Star Hospital Annex with Jung Yoo-Jin, Ju Yung-In checked the hallway to make sure no one was around, then cautiously spoke.

"Yoo-Jin, are you really okay with So-Yeon being like that?"

"Being like what?"

"You saw how So-Yeon clings to Yoon-Ho oppa. What if she keeps sticking to Yoon-Ho oppa like that from now on?"

Jung Yoo-Jin shrugged and replied. "What's wrong with that? From So-Yeon's perspective, Yoon-Ho oppa is the only one who understands her and helps her. That's why she acts like that."

Ju Yung-In couldn't understand Jung Yoo-Jin's attitude. Because the way Jang So-Yeon looked at Jung Yoon-Ho clearly held more than just gratitude.

"So you're really okay watching So-Yeon look at Yoon-Ho oppa like that?"

Jung Yoo-Jin shot back. "Then what, you want oppa to just toss So-Yeon aside?"

Ju Yung-In snapped. "Hey, what kind of person do you think I am? Who said anything like that? Of course he should help until she brings her siblings over! I'm saying, what about after that? Are you going to just keep watching?"

Jung Yoo-Jin looked at Ju Yung-In, then let out a long sigh. "Isn't that something Yoon-Ho oppa should decide?"

"Oh my god. Seriously? You're really okay with it?"

Jung Yoo-Jin nodded. "Yeah. Yoon-Ho oppa may be kind, but he knows where to draw the line. And to him, So-Yeon is like the youngest kid from the orphanage he used to look after. That's it."

"Yoo-Jin. Get it together. Did you even see So-Yeon today? She's not just some ordinary girl."

"Yeah, she's pretty."

"I'm not talking about looks!"

She snapped back, but the truth was that Ju Yung-In had felt on edge watching Jang So-Yeon at the conference today. With her tall figure and captivating eyes, Jang So-Yeon had instantly stolen the spotlight from everyone there. However, it wasn't just Jang So-Yeon's beauty that made Ju Yung-In wary. It was something else entirely.

"So-Yeon bled through her shoes today and she didn't make a single sound. She's that tough. If she really falls for Yoon-Ho oppa, do you think she'll back off?"

"So what, you want to cut her off now?"

"Yes! I know Yoon-Ho oppa wouldn't listen to me, that's why I'm telling you!"

Though she understood Ju Yung-In's urgency, Jung Yoo-Jin shook her head without hesitation. "Even if So-Yeon likes Yoon-Ho oppa, nothing's going to change. Oppa has way too much on his plate right now to think about dating. He doesn't have time for romance."

Ju Yung-In clutched her chest in frustration. "Jung Yoo-Jin. People fall in love and get married even during wars. And you're seriously going to be this naive?"

"It's not naivety. I just know oppa. And I trust him."

Ju Yung-In had nothing left to say. "Seriously... you and I just aren't on the same page about this."

"Wouldn't it be weirder if we were?"

"Whatever. There's no point talking to you. You do you, I'll do me. Just know that I'm not going to sit back and watch her."

Ju Yung-In was already irritated by how many women had their eyes on Jung Yoon-Ho these days. Of course, the biggest threat was still Jung Yoo-Jin, but even Acting President Jin Ah-Ram at the conference, and Lee Ha-Yoon of Daechon Inc., had looked at Jung Yoon-Ho with serious interest. And now, there was Jang So-Yeon who had completely stolen the spotlight today.

As the man she had set her sights on kept rising in status and stronger rivals continued to appear, Ju Yung-In was starting to panic.

"I'm heading out. Just tell Yoon-Ho oppa I had a schedule, alright? Make sure you say that."

"I will. Don't worry."

Ju Yung-In turned sharply on her heel and walked off, organizing her thoughts.

'

Love is something you fight for, Jung Yoo-Jin

.'

***

Once Ju Yung-In disappeared down the end of the annex hallway, Jung Yoo-Jin quietly murmured.

"I know what you're saying, Ju Yung-In... that love can bloom even in war. But even then, the ground needs at least a handspan of room for anything to grow."

Even Jung Yoo-Jin had noticed that the way Jang So-Yeon looked at Jung Yoon-Ho wasn't ordinary. It wasn't just admiration. It was something more, just like the way she herself had looked at him when he saved her from Miso.

However, acting on those feelings wasn't so simple, not with everything surrounding Jung Yoon-Ho right now. With the company preparing to go public, people inside and outside were eyeing him from every angle.

That was the reason Jung Yoo-Jin wanted to give Jung Yoon-Ho room to breathe. After all, she was Jung Yoon-Ho's white knight.

'Ju Yung-In, if your love is something to fight for, then mine is something to stand behind and protect

.'

Love forced through pressure and demands was nothing more than another form of obsession. Jung Yoo-Jin didn't want to be someone who pushed that kind of love onto Jung Yoon-Ho. She also remembered the advice her late sister had given her the night before her wedding.

-Yoo-Jin. If you ever fall in love with someone good, remember one thing.

-What?

-Give love, but don't expect to receive it.

-

Oh

, come on. That's such a ripoff! I'm not doing that!

-Listen to your sister, Yoo-Jin. If you're grateful for the way someone fills your heart and you stay by their side, that person will come to you. As long as the one you chose is truly good.

-If he doesn't realize it right away, that means he's not good enough. I don't like that at all! If he doesn't look at me, I'm going to scratch him and punch him. Love isn't some religion, so why should I just watch from afar? What am I, a sunflower?

-

Sigh

... how am I supposed to get married leaving behind a brat like you?

-Who are you calling a brat?

Hmph!

I'll meet someone way better than my future brother-in-law, so don't worry!

-Really? You think someone like that even exists?

-

Ugh

, gross. You're giving me goosebumps! Just go to sleep already! If your face puffs up by morning, that dress won't even fit. Your face is already round, and if it swells, it'll turn into a full moon.

-Excuse me? Who are you calling a moon face? You're so dead!

-Mom! Unnie's bullying me again~~

Bickering with her sister about a love she didn't yet understand that night in pajamas was one of Jung Yoo-Jin's dearest memories, still vivid in her heart.

'

Unnie. You were right.

'

However, there was one thing her sister had been wrong about.

'

But unnie... I found someone better than your husband.

'

Jung Yoo-Jin looked up at the sky through the hospital window and smiled softly as if speaking to her sister in heaven. She let Ju Yung-In's words fade from her mind and walked toward the vending machine.

Clink.

Jung Yoo-Jin bought two cans of THE Best coffee for Jung Yoon-Ho who couldn't even sleep properly over the past few days and headed back to the room.

***

When Yoo-Jin returned to the VIP room, she was all smiles.

I asked, "What about Yung-In?"

"

Oh,

she had to leave for an urgent schedule."

I could tell they had an important conversation from the look on her face, but she clearly didn't want to talk about it.

"Oppa. Here, have this."

Trying to change the subject, Yoo-Jin handed over the two cans of THE Best. There were three of us—Jang So-Yeon, Yoo-Jin, and me—but only two cans of coffee.

"Why are there only two?"

"

Ah

, the vending machine only gave me two. Oppa, you're a sellout star now."

THE Best was a blend I had personally created, and it was still selling five hundred million won's worth every day.

"What good is a talent agent being a sellout star? The actor's the one who should be." With a light laugh, I took one can and handed it to Jang So-Yeon first. "So-Yeon, this one's for you."

Jang So-Yeon accepted it with both hands and bowed her head. "Thank you."

Now there was only one left.

𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Click.

I popped it open and handed it to Yoo-Jin, who was pouting just a little. "Here you go, Yoo-Jin."

Yoo-Jin's eyes widened. "Huh? Why are you giving this to me?"

"There are only two, so you'll have to share it with me. Just leave me half."

There were no cups or straws in the room, so I handed it over as-is. Just then, Yoo-Jin's face lit up.

'

Huh? Why is she smiling? What's so exciting about this moment?

'

Then Yoo-Jin started deliberating how to drink it.

I said, "You can just drink straight from the can, I don't mind. Just don't spill on the sponsored outfit."

Since we had come straight from the Asia Brand Conference, Yoo-Jin was still wearing the outfit sponsored by L.M.L.

"Okay."

Yoo-Jin grinned and took a light sip from the can.

Gulp gulp.

"

Ah

~ that's good." Yoo-Jin held it back out to me. "Oppa, your turn."

"Alright."

I took the can from Yoo-Jin and drank.

Gulp gulp.

'

Huh?

'

I told Yoo-Jin to leave me half, but she barely drank any.

'

What is this, a deserted island water-sharing scene?

'

If we were on an island, I might have just touched it with my lips and handed it back, but this was the city. After a crazy day like this, my throat was parched. So I downed the rest in one go. The cold THE Best coffee slid down my throat, reviving my body. Even though I had blended it myself, it was always a satisfying drink.

"

Ahh~

"

"Tastes good, right?"

"Yeah. Sharing it with you made it even better. Anyway, I feel more alive now."

Just then, I noticed Jang So-Yeon hesitating with her hands, unsure what to do. However, I couldn't take the can she offered.

To break the awkward mood, I picked up the remote and turned on the TV. Episode 3 of

The Foodie Nomads

, the Yeosu special, was playing. Naturally, everyone in the room turned their eyes to the screen.

Then I saw Yoo-Jin smile softly again.

'

Now what's she smiling about? Is it because Miso appeared on The Foodie Nomads?

'

***

The Foodie Nomads

Yeosu special showed the cast wrapping up their trip by eating Yeosu anchovy noodles[1] and mustard leaf kimchi[2]. On screen, the restaurant owner brought out four bowls of anchovy noodles and a side of kimchi on a round tray.

Clunk.

The anchovy noodle bowls and kimchi served in metal dishes were set on the table. The noodles sat in a steaming anchovy broth, filled with plump white somen noodles. A generous layer of finely chopped scallions covered the top along with a vivid red sauce drizzled over everything. Next to it, the well-fermented mustard leaf kimchi glistened in its marinade.

Suddenly, the four cast members quietly lifted their chopsticks and started eating.

-

Slurp slurp slurp.

That was Haru slurping his noodles.

-

Crunch.

That was Lee Tae-Poong biting into the kimchi.

-

Sluurp. Ahhh~

That was Miso sipping the broth with a pleased sigh.

-

Gulp.

That one was Yoo-Jin swallowing her saliva. With the sounds of Haru, Lee Tae-Poong, Miso, and Bae Yeon-Jin eating, the hospital room turned into a virtual orchestra of people gulping and craving.

Then Yoo-Jin suddenly grabbed my arm. "Oppa! Let's have anchovy noodles and mustard leaf kimchi for dinner tonight! Okay~?"

"Okay!"

Right then, Lee Mi-Ri and Yang So-Ri, who had already changed and returned to the room, swallowed hard too. "Mr. Jung! Us too!"

"Alright. There's a place near the hospital that serves anchovy noodles. Let's go there. Ran-Hee, ask for a takeout order so you can eat with So-Yeon."

Do Ran-Hee nodded. "Got it."

"Then let's move now. If we're late, we won't even get a seat."

There were still about ten minutes left in the broadcast, but we couldn't waste time. Everyone headed for the door in a hurry.

Just then, a call came in from PD Yoo Hyun-Ji of

The Foodie Nomads

.

-Mr. Jung!! We hit a peak minute viewership ratings of 7.2%!!”

The Foodie Nomads

had already surpassed a 7% viewership ratings by episode 3, which was an impressive feat. Yet instead of feeling happy, I immediately felt a sense of urgency. Just like with

Master of Mukbang

, whenever

The Foodie Nomads

aired, restaurants selling similar items got instantly flooded.

Covering the mic on my phone, I shouted, "We got 7% viewership ratings! Everyone run to the anchovy noodle shop in front of the hospital!"

At that, the entire team dashed out of the room. I stayed behind to finish the call with Yoo Hyun-Ji.

"Congratulations, Ms. Yoo."

-Forget congratulations. We've still got a long way to go.

Oh

, and by the way, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism wants Haru to come by soon. They're giving him an award.

Apparently, the first two episodes—Gyeongju and Tongyeong—had already caused a significant spike in tourism in those regions.

"Is that so?"

-Yeah. They'd like to meet you too, Chief Jung. The ministry folks said they're interested.

I didn't know why they wanted to see me, but I couldn't refuse.

"Of course. I'll definitely go."

After hanging up, I turned to Jang So-Yeon.

"So-Yeon, just take a good rest for a week. Ask Ran-Hee to bring you something good."

"Okay, oppa. And thank you for today."

"Don't mention it. I'm heading out now, alright?"

I smiled at Jang So-Yeon, then hurried after the others.

***

Thanks to our quick moves, we managed to snag seats at a tiny anchovy noodle shop in front of the hospital that could hold about ten people. Yoo Hyun-Ji also updated us that episode 3 had now peaked at 7.5% in viewership ratings.

That's when things started to get chaotic. People who had watched the entire episode began flocking to the shop, chatting excitedly about

The Foodie Nomads

. They instantly recognized us inside.

"Hey, isn't that Miss Jung Yoo-Jin? Miss Yoo-Jin, I'm a huge fan! Loving

Hwaranjeon

!"

"Mr. Jung! Are you really eating anchovy noodles instead of one of your Real Ramen today?"

Yoo-Jin and I paused mid-bite to respond politely.

"Thank you."

"Of course! Today's all about anchovy noodles!"

Everyone in the restaurant buzzed about how they were craving the same thing. Soon after finishing our meal and setting down our chopsticks, office workers started lining up for photos.

"Sorry, can we get a photo with you?"

"Oh, don't be sorry at all. Shall we do it in order?"

While Yoo-Jin posed with fans, I began tidying up the table for the next guests.

Then a female hospital employee approached me, holding out her phone. "Mr. Jung Yoon-Ho, could I take a photo with you?"

"With me?"

"Yes, I'm a fan."

She said she became one after seeing last week's

The Omniscient Viewpoint

, and was planning to catch this week's live too.

"I was really touched last week. I won't miss this one either."

"I see."

I hadn't expected this sort of thing, so I struck a rather awkward pose. The woman leaned in close and flashed a peace sign. However, that was a mistake. The other women who had taken pictures with Yoo-Jin now flocked over to me, claiming to be fans and wanting their turn.

Eventually, Yoo-Jin, now standing beside me, shouted out, "Is there anyone else who wants a photo with Mr. Jung~? I'll take it for you!"

For some reason, Yoo-Jin looked way too happy waving at everyone.

'

Jung Yoo-Jin. Why are you the one enjoying this?

'

In the end, I had to take photos with practically everyone in the cramped restaurant thanks to Yoo-Jin.

After it all, Yoo-Jin smiled triumphantly. "

Hmph

~ Looks like oppa's popularity just surpassed mine, huh?"

"They probably just wanted a photo with you and figured they might as well include me."

"Nope. There were especially a lot of female fans."

Yoo-Jin's eyes curved into little half-moons, and I could tell she would be teasing me with this for a while. Anyway, after wrapping up our impromptu fan meeting, we headed toward the parking lot. But just before getting in the car, a call came through.

[Caller ID: Vice Chairman Kim Ae-Ryeon of Daecheon Inc.]

"Yes, Mrs. Kim."

However, Kim Ae-Ryeon's voice sounded odd upon picking up the call.

-Chief Jung, have you heard from President Yoo Kang-Seok at all?

"No, why do you ask?"

-Be careful. He just came by to see Executive Director Ryan Kim and tried to bribe him into canceling the ad deal, offering under-the-table money.

'

Trying to go behind everyone's back after failing to land the deal? Classic Yoo Kang-Seok.

'

"I'll keep that in mind."

-I'm sure you'll handle it, but I just wanted to give you a heads-up. See you at the company soon.

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much"

Right after hanging up, I was about to dig into what Yoo Kang-Seok was up to when my phone vibrated with a new alert from Everyday.

Buzz~

[Notification: A new schedule entry has been registered for Choi Deok-Bae on March 14, 2021.]

I checked the new entry right away. And a warning popped up that this week's

The Omniscient Viewpoint

broadcast was going to have issues.

1.

Anchovy noodles

, which can also become

banquet noodles

☜

2.

Mustard leaf kimchi

☜