Chapter 73….
CEO Jang Sang-su’s Purpose
Two days later, when I arrived at the filming set, I witnessed a strange sight.
“Not like it’s some kind of plague…”
Something that hadn’t been there before was clinging to senior actress Yeo Si-yeon’s body.
Around her, a faint, hazy aura rose and fell—more precisely, a dark energy lingered, as if it were trying to invade her.
“Hello, noona!”
I approached right away. Fortunately, I’d been told that since I was under divine protection, evil spirits couldn’t intrude on me.
And, well, I’m pretty cheerful myself. With a personality this bright, no evil spirit could come close.
“Ah, yes.”
She accepted my greeting politely but suddenly started speaking more formally.
What’s this? Weren’t we on noona–dongsaeng terms?
When she glanced behind her, I saw why: that manager Gu, who had been tagging along recently, was greeting the staff nearby.
“If you’re being threatened, wave a carrot.”
I whispered. Ah… right, she doesn’t have a carrot, does she?
She looked startled and gave an awkward smile.
“Why’s noona suddenly acting distant?”
When she still didn’t answer, I teased her playfully, raising my voice:
“Then why don’t we run lines in the dressing room for a bit?”
“Yes? Oh, yes.”
At least she caught on. She must have realized I was trying to get her out of here.
But it wasn’t just her who noticed. Manager Gu, still chatting with the staff, glanced our way and seemed about to follow.
As expected.
Cue Director Gam!
“Ah, you came again today!”
Catching my signal, Gam rushed over to greet Gu and grabbed his hand for a handshake—without letting go.
Good job, Gam. While he was occupied, I pulled senior Yeo away.
“So what’s this about? You’re told not to hang out with me? Afraid of a scandal?”
She forced a bitter smile.
“Why? Do they say I’ll stain your reputation?”
“N-no! It’s not that—”
Her surprised reaction showed she wasn’t just denying it. Manager Gu was definitely the cause. The moment his eyes were off us, her tone relaxed again.
And not only that—the dark aura around her flickered and scattered when I got closer.
Oh? So it’s not just that it can’t invade me. Could it be…?
“Good, it’s gone. Oh? Something stuck here?”
“Eh? What’s stuck?”
I brushed lightly around her, and the dark energy that had been clinging dispersed like dust.
Hah. A human vaccine. No—a ghost vaccine. This is great.
Her expression eased noticeably as the gloom disappeared.
“All done.”
“Thanks.”
“But why’d you act like that earlier? Is Manager Gu trying to date you?”
Ah, crap. Her face turned pale. That’s not something to joke about, apparently.
I hurried to cover it with another joke.
“Right, that bear-like old guy isn’t your type, is he? Better someone young and springy like me—”
“Ah, no!”
Ouch. Her face went even paler. Am I that repulsive?
“…Right. I’m just a beggar, I should know my place. It was only a joke anyway. How could a guy like me ever—”
“No! It’s not that, it’s just—”
She stammered. It wasn’t only about a scandal, then. From her words, it seemed…
“Did they tell you to date me?”
“Uh… well…”
“You mean, like deliberately stir up a scandal to promote me? But I’m not even a rising young star.”
“They want something to hold over you. Even though it’s my own agency, those people are scary.”
Her voice shook, but she was determined.
“I kinda figured.”
“You heard rumors…?”
“Would my old boss cut ties for no reason? I’m pretty close with Chairman Yang of Baeksan Group. He must’ve checked into them.”
“…So it’s like that.”
She looked relieved. Clearly, she had been pushed into this.
“Noona, did they get dirt on you too?”
“Me? I’m not even important enough for that.”
“Then why not just leave that company?”
“Yeah… I guess I’m stupid.”
Not stupid—just trapped. That’s how scary evil influences are.
It reminded me of a rabbit before a lion, made to feel like there’s no escape.
“Anyway, let’s just say you’re friendly with me because you’re a fan of Yeon-ju. Sorry, but keeping some distance is safer.”
Her confession left me oddly hollow.
So all this was to create a scandal…?
Still, at least she trusted me enough to tell me.
I lightened the mood with a quip, she laughed, and tears she had been holding back disappeared.
But then she admitted:
“They told me to… come on to you.”
“To… me? Why?”
“To catch some weakness. That’s all.”
So it was true. They wanted her to flirt with me, get me caught in gossip.
She hadn’t said it outright, but the intent was obvious.
I sighed.
Figures. They thought I was easy prey.
But hearing her confess, seeing her relieved smile—I knew I couldn’t just let it slide.
“Then let’s not force distance. Just act natural. No need to push the scheme any further.”
“…Maybe. Still, if I don’t follow orders, they’ll get nasty.”
She hesitated.
“Well, then all the more reason to stick together. If we act normal, there’s less room for suspicion.”
She looked conflicted, but I could see she was weighing her options.
At that moment, footsteps approached—hurried, searching.
Even without looking, I knew from the sound.
Manager Gu.
I quickly raised my voice:
“Wow, noona, your acting is incredible! I really learned something today!”
“O-oh! Thank you, I appreciate it!”
She caught on instantly, responding in kind. Smooth, like a true actress.
The door opened.
Manager Gu stepped in, eyes on us.
He wouldn’t suspect anything.
After all, we were both actors.
