Chapter : 97
So Ji-young carefully observed So Yi, whose expression was so faint that it could hardly be called a smile unless one looked very closely.
That expression, with no effort even to hide anything, seemed to be connected to what Director Kang had said in the meeting just moments ago.
“But it’s also… tricky for the program to eliminate Han So Yi. After all, she’s one of the main faces of the show, and she was even contacted for the Broadcast Arts Awards.”
“Still, we can’t take along a contestant who used unfair methods. There has to be fairness.”
Lee Hyuk’s firm words made Director Kang step back slightly, though he didn’t bend his own stance.
“I understand your position, Lee Hyuk. But the program also has its perspective. Han So Yi is one of the actors driving the ratings… and there’s no immediate replacement. That’s just how it is.”
An unspoken pressure to not eliminate So Yi. He fully demonstrated the standpoint of someone at the forefront of the program.
So Ji-young looked at So Yi again. Did she have some kind of relationship with Director Kang? Given her dislike for such things, her expression toward So Yi wasn’t particularly warm.
“Anyway, we have to move forward. Many other actors are waiting, so we’ve made a tough decision.”
So Yi swallowed hard and scrutinized So Ji-young’s expression. Anxiety surged, as if every word she spoke could determine the outcome.
“You will safely advance to the next round.”
Baek Ah-yeon’s cunning voice flashed through her mind again. That voice was enough to soothe her heart, like a lullaby from her mother.
“…We reviewed the footage to see exactly how roles were assigned during the previous mission. Regardless, we instructed each group of actors to discuss and divide the roles among themselves. The process of negotiation itself was also intended to be part of the evaluation by the production team.”
Chan Mi-sook continued So Ji-young’s explanation. She, too, looked at So Yi with a slightly ambiguous expression.
—Teacher, please give the results quickly. We need to finish recording up to Group 13 today, so we’re pressed for time.
Following Director Kang’s request not to delay further, Chan Mi-sook spoke.
“The judges ultimately considered the entire process of role selection as part of the actors’ discussion among themselves. While we can’t objectively know every word exchanged, some aspects remain slightly ambiguous. Choosing rock-paper-scissors was also the decision of Group 7, and later, Actors #52 and #62 switching roles was simply them choosing the roles that suited themselves.”
Her mouth tasted bitter. In reality, there was plenty to criticize, but everyone knew that So Yi’s popularity outweighed Yoon Sol, and this is why it had been settled in this manner.
“…S-sorry for causing any concern. I also feel sorry for Actor Yoon Sol.”
With tears forced out, the situation was temporarily resolved.
Yoon Sol challenged the results for about ten minutes but eventually stepped off the stage, and the outcomes for Groups 1 through 13 were consecutively finalized.
Selecting the eliminated contestants and narrowing it down to the final twenty took less than thirty minutes.
When filming concluded, Hae-in collapsed in exhaustion.
“Hey, Yoon Hae-in!”
Do Do-kyung quickly ran over and supported her. The especially grueling filming had finally ended.
The sharp voice of Baek Ah-yeon greeted them immediately upon returning to reality.
“If someone saw this, they’d think Yoon Hae-in is the only one from our company going to the awards.”
A clear mockery of Hae-in, who had arrived first for dress selection. When Ga-young, clearly annoyed, approached Baek Ah-yeon, Hae-in quickly grabbed her wrist.
There were countless things she wanted to ask Baek Ah-yeon, but now was not the time.
No recordings, no witnesses. Provoking Baek Ah-yeon without clear evidence would only make things worse—this was something Hae-in knew from her long experience in the entertainment industry.
She planned to pressure Baek Ah-yeon when she could not escape.
Hae-in met Ah-yeon’s gaze.
“You said you’d come tomorrow. Isn’t that based on your schedule?”
“Still, there’s an order. Senior goes first, then junior, right? Were you not going to adjust to my schedule?”
“Were we ever close enough to compromise and adjust for each other?”
Yoon Hae-in, how surprising.
Ga-young looked at Hae-in in admiration. Indeed, the atmosphere had changed recently.
“In any case, the hierarchy is a mess. Representative, can’t you see how the company’s running?”
“No, I can’t.”
Ah, damn.
Do-joon, unmoved, took a sip of his tea.
They had each booked the shops they wanted according to their schedules, and Baek Ah-yeon had voluntarily chosen to come tomorrow, so her sarcastic remark had no real basis.
“Ah-yeon, don’t be upset and drink your tea first. Milk tea! Tae-sook’s signature milk tea.”
Having seen Ah-yeon for a long time, Tae-sook was accustomed to her overly sensitive nature. She busily placed a cup of thick milk tea in front of her.
“But you said you’d come tomorrow?”
“Yes. Someone’s trying to snatch my dress, and there’s one person acting recklessly without knowing their place.”
Pfft.
Hae-in put down her cup, no longer the youngest manager doing errands. She had no intention of losing to Baek Ah-yeon.
“…Sister, are you saying this for me to hear?”
“Yes. Why? Don’t like it?”
“Ah, it feels so childish. I’ve already chosen my dress, so take your time. Manager, I’ll contact you for fittings.”
She didn’t want to waste energy on petty power plays. As Hae-in got up, Ah-yeon, who had been staring at five dresses, smiled.
“Manager, I’ll wear that black dress this time.”
The dress that suited Yoon Hae-in’s fair complexion the best. It strangely resembled the dress Hae-in had worn five years ago.
Chao Do-joon would probably choose that dress. Even the intern kept blocking the black dress from her view as she entered.
Tae-sook looked momentarily troubled. Ah-yeon, noticing this, stood firmly in front of the black dress.
“Haha. Wow, all the actors under Director Seo have great taste. But Ah-yeon, Hae-in is already wearing that dress…”
Ah-yeon clung to Tae-sook as if begging, unlike Pa Tae-young, who wouldn’t refuse her behavior.
“Ah, sister. That dress came in two pieces for Korea this time—then dress them both.”
“What? Two people wearing the same dress at the same awards?”
Ga-young glared at Baek Ah-yeon in disbelief. Tae-sook also looked troubled, sharing the sentiment.
“Hey, Ah-yeon. Even in the same agency, wearing the same dress will cause a stir. People will talk about who copied whom, who looked better, etc.”
“Then Hae-in, will you yield?”
Ah-yeon looked at Hae-in with a bright smile, clearly expecting Hae-in to concede, even with a triumphant look.
So childish, and she had deliberately aimed for this.
Hae-in slowly smiled and shook her head.
“No, sister. Let’s wear them together. It’ll look nice for actors from the same agency to appear friendly.”
