Episode 172
I found myself in a huge dilemma as I stared at the findings from my “absurdly deep trade history.”
“…What should I do with this?”
It wasn’t because I had failed in its usage. In fact, it was more than a perfect success.
But it was just too much.
I imagined the story involved was just that the doctor gave Yeoreum some drugs for money, but the truth that the reward revealed was overwhelmingly massive.
I’m not joking; if I let this all out, it felt like the country would turn upside down and a lot of people might die.
Naturally, I thought I’d quietly end up buried somewhere in the ocean as the original disseminator.
“….”
I sat there for a while, deep in thought.
I pondered seriously about how to utilize this data, or whether I should just cover it up considering the risks.
‘…I guess everything went awry because of me.’
And the image that floated into my mind was of the fragile girl crying in the hospital and wallowing in self-pity.
The girl, Jin Yeoreum, who was hurting not from her own pain but from the burden others felt because of her.
“…Well, if I just act like I don’t know the key points, it should be fine. I mean, it’s not like I’ll die, right?”
That was my resolution.
I immediately got up from my seat.
It was also my job to spread the actual information, to create evidence based on the context, and to guide public opinion with the disseminated info. Since only I could see the information acquired as a reward, there was no way it would flow easily like last time with the reporter.
It wasn’t going to be easy.
Given that many big shots were involved, there would likely be obstacles in the way.
I even had the thought that I might waste all the rewards I had collected over about two years since my return.
This reality became apparent one by one, but my determination didn’t waver.
Because it was all for Yeoreum.
*
As I was scrubbing the urinal with a brush, a question popped into my mind.
“Yeoreum, didn’t we clean this up nicely when we came last time? How did it get so dirty?”
“It seems to get dirty quickly since there are so many kids.”
“…I think we need some education on using the bathroom neatly.”
So, I continued this light conversation with Yeoreum as we scrubbed the urinals in the orphanage, which had become our routine.
“Should we tell Han Gyeoul?”
“No, I’ll talk to the Director directly. Han Gyeoul can’t come here often because of her debut, right?”
“Let’s talk about this. Han Gyeoul won’t be able to come here often because of her debut, right?”
“That’s true… I hope it goes well. I know it’s tough, but I really want Han Gyeoul to succeed.”
“Don’t worry too much, I can guarantee you that Han Gyeoul will definitely do well.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, to be honest, I considered recruiting Han Gyeoul before you. I have a good eye for talent, you know? She’s that kind of kid. So she will absolutely succeed.”
At that light comment, Yeoreum suddenly paused, her gaze trembling as if she could burst into tears at any moment.
“You tried to recruit Han Gyeoul instead of me? So I’m just a spare for Han Gyeoul….”
“No, I suggested you because I think you’re way more attractive! Yeoreum, you’re the best! It’s such a stroke of luck to recruit the universe’s top beauty, Jin Yeoreum. Definitely.”
Freaked out by Yeoreum’s reaction, I threw out compliments, and she wiped away her anxious expression, reddening her cheeks as she said,
“…I’m the lucky one. Meeting Team Leader Seon.”
“…Thanks for thinking that way.”
Honestly, I was shocked.
After the fainting incident last time, I knew that Yeoreum’s mental state has been pretty unstable, so her reaction felt quite precarious.
Yeoreum, who used to lead the Girl Revolution kids with a solid presence amidst physical and emotional stress, was now showing extreme mood swings, reacting sensitively to my every little comment.
It seemed like her self-esteem had taken a significant hit from the recent events.
“Team Leader Seon, I feel suddenly nervous and my head hurts. Do you think I could get a hug right now? I’d love a little pat on the back.”
“That’s fine, but can we hold off on that for now? I’m wearing rubber gloves that were just touching the toilet.”
“Ah…. I’m okay with it.”
…I’m not okay with it.
As I somewhat accepted Yeoreum’s childish request and nearly finished cleaning with a bit of skill, I finally managed to bring up what I had wanted to say.
“…Yeoreum, I need to tell you something.”
“Yes?”
It was hesitating to suggest that she appear on a broadcast.
Let alone asking her to take part in a survival program that would focus all attention on her as an individual, rather than the usual schedule with the Girl Revolution.
Even if it was for Yeoreum’s sake, I found it difficult to say.
But I had to do it.
“Are you thinking about going on a broadcast?”
I explained in detail what ‘Ready to Dance’ was and what Yeoreum might experience there during my conversation with Team Leader Seon.
“…So that’s roughly the kind of program it is. If you go on it, I believe it will greatly help your image.”
“….”
“I’ll respect your decision whether you participate in this program or not. So please feel free to tell me.”
After listening to my words, Yeoreum fell into a long silence before finally speaking up.
“Team Leader Seon, I’m afraid of people.”
Her body was slightly shaking.
“Everyone except for the small fence beside me. …I keep feeling like they are all laughing at me and belittling everyone related to me. It’s terrifying. I’m scared.”
“…I see.”
From her words, I could sense that Yeoreum still hadn’t healed enough to stand in front of others.
“Thank you for being honest. We’ll cancel your invitation for ‘Ready to Dance.’”
“No, it’s okay. I will participate.”
“You don’t have to force yourself. I understand the pain you’re feeling. Let’s move forward slowly together.”
Creating such time was my job, not pushing a wounded child onto a broadcast.
“I really am okay. As long as I have one person by my side, I feel really fine.”
“…One?”
Yeoreum looked at me with trembling eyes.
“Yes, that one person is you, Team Leader Seon.”
“….”
“I’m still scared, and it’s frightening, but if you’re here, I think I can stand up. So please indulge me in one request. Then I’ll go on that broadcast.”
With her long, beautiful black hair, elegant eyes reminiscent of luxury, and stunning beauty that could be compared to historical artworks, Yeoreum spoke bashfully yet earnestly.
“You have to stay by my side. Promise me.”
*
At the first recording site of ‘Ready to Dance,’ someone visited Yeoreum’s waiting room, where she was reading the script with a nervous expression.
I opened the door instead of Yeoreum, just to check.
“Excuse me. Is this the waiting room for Ms. Jin Yeoreum?”
A woman with faded green-dyed hair, tattoos around her neck, and piercings stood at the door and said that.
“Yes, it is. What brings you here?”
“May I ask what brings you here?”
“Oh, I’m one of the underground dancers participating in ‘Ready to Dance.’ I was just taking a stroll around the waiting room to greet everyone.”
Now that I think about it, I might have seen her face briefly during the pre-meeting.
I opened the door and welcomed her in.
“Come on in.”
Yeoreum, who was reading the script, put it down and politely greeted her.
“Hello! I’m Yeoreum, part of a group called Girl Revolution. Nice to meet you!”
“Nice to meet you too. I’m Cha Yeji, the leader of Dance Crew Sword.”
“…Yeji?”
Hearing that name, both Yeoreum and I stiffened up.
Needless to say, having heard countless terrifying stories about people named Yeji from winter, we were already well-acquainted with the horror that name carried.
“Yes, it’s me.”
Noticing our stiff expressions, Cha Yeji politely asked, “…Did I make some kind of mistake? If I did, I apologize. This is my first time on a show, and I might not be well-versed in etiquette.”
“No, it’s just that some bad memories came rushing back. Sorry for being rude.”
“Oh… haha, thank goodness. I was worried I might have messed something up.”
She seemed extremely courteous and gentle. Quite the contrast from the impression her name gave us.
Right, prejudices are no good.
Considering how many people in the world have the name Yeji, why would we let a few weird encounters taint our perception?
Yeoreum must have had similar thoughts, as she nodded at me and extended her hand for a handshake.
“Yeji, I’m looking forward to working with you during this broadcast.”
“Thank you! I’m looking forward to it too!”
The two exchanged a handshake, sharing kind words. It was a warm sight to behold.
*
During the broadcast, Cha Yeji asked the MC,
“Oh, aren’t we doing a doping test? Who knows what kind of junkie could be up to something again? Heh heh.”
Then, during a subsequent game, Cha Yeji stated,
“Who will I face? Let’s go with Yeoreum. I admit, when she’s on something, she’s scary, but honestly, without it, she seems pretty weak.”
“….”
That wasn’t a prejudice, you know, Yeji!
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