The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Todays number one is Today! Congratulations!

He clapped mechanically. MC Joo Woosung handed over the trophy with a beaming smile. Todays gaze briefly met his, but he pretended not to notice.

Thank you!

We really didnt expect this.

With Today, whether they ranked first or not, they were busy looking and waving only at their fans and showed no interest in others.

They were so funny, and its like they really followed their own way, not caring about anyone else.

As they were about to leave the stage, Todays Yu Hyeok sent a deep, sarcastic gaze toward us.

It was a face that seemed to say, You guys cant get this, can you?

That kind of disdainful face.

The kids were used to that kind of contempt, but surprisingly, Kim Seonghyeon took the bait. Seong Jiwon quickly grabbed and pulled him away as he made an angry face.

Seonghyeon.

Let it go.

Kim Seonghyeon sighed and turned his head after looking at Seong Jiwon.

Thats right. Thats what they should do.

Even if its petty and dirty, they couldnt let it show while the cameras are rolling.

Today, Today!

The cheers of Todays fans could be heard, and a passing idol group grumbled.

Why do they like those guys? Their personalities are terrible.

When the cameras are rolling, they pretend to be nice, so who knows?

Their fans are really pitiful. They have such a bad reputation.

I suddenly looked up and met their eyes. The gossiping idols quickly shut their mouths and moved away.

What was that groups name again? While I made a mental note of the overheard conversation, I also nodded to the people around them with a face that pretended not to hear anything and got into the cramped van.

Guys, good job. Lets go to the dorm.

Yes.

The atmosphere was strangely subdued.

I texted the CEO about what I heard from Joo Woosung and put my phone away.

What should I do? I pondered while plugging in my earphones and listening to our song.

Insiders

I continued to worry about how to plan my strategy. When we arrived at the dorm, the manager carefully observed us before leaving. Then, Kang Ichae called out to me.

Hyung.

Hoyun-hyung!

Huh?

I looked at Kang Ichae with a bewildered gaze while absentmindedly tapping the dining table with my index finger. The other members eyes were all gathered on me.

Whats wrong?

What is it?

Are you that upset about not getting first place? Or did someone pick a fight?

What are you talking about all of a sudden?

Why do you look so fierce? It feels like a cold wind is blowing from you. Is this the Arctic?

Was I like that? No, I wasnt really angry, but

It seemed like I couldnt pay attention to others while concentrating.

No, its not that. I just had something to think about for a moment.

Really?

What did Joo Woosung say?

Why did they suddenly bring him up?

When I frowned at Kim Seonghyeons question, everyone sighed in relief.

I guess not. Thats good. We thought you were scolded because Joo Woosung called you.

Why, if it was true, would you scold him?

Its scary, but should we try?

Surprisingly, Seong Jiwon gave a quick response. I dismissed it as a joke and moved on.

So, whats going on? The manager was also carefully watching your reactions earlier.

The manager is sensitive; thats the issue.

Did you ever think you might be too tough?

I havent thought about it?

I, for one, was emotionally sensitive enough. Everyone looked concerned, even though I didnt know what my expression was.

Is that for real?

Its scary even if its an act and even scarier if its true.

Kim Seonghyeon scolded Jeong Dajun and Kang Ichae for whispering in front of the person in question. Then, he turned his gaze to me.

So, what is it? Did something happen?

Well, thats

I recently warned the members about three things to be cautious of.

I never expected the last words, trust me, to be used so soon.

We cant win first place even if we compete.

What? Who said that?

Its because the winner is already predetermined.

What?!

Jeong Dajun kicked the table and stood up, appalled.

Ah, these people are sly!

Are we just a screen?

How did you find out about that? Wait, who exactly are they?

Huh.

I tapped the table again.

Today.

A chilling silence followed. All the members faces hardened, and then they started cursing.

Those guys dont have talent, so they resort to anything.

Kang Ichae muttered coldly.

I already thought they were too lucky compared to their abilities. I thought their popularity rose because they were pushed into entertainment shows, but

I never expected them to be this blatant.

Kim Seonghyeons face twisted and seemed even more annoyed, perhaps because he had been pushed around by Yu Hyeok earlier. As everyone complained, Jeong Dajun asked a question.

Was Seong Jiwon famous?

Yeah, didnt you know? He used to be a big rookie and part of a debut group, so he had some recognition. Most of our small group of fans were here because of Jiwon.

Thats where Today is, right?

Yeah. D.go is the agency.

Kim Seonghyeon quietly answered.

He must have had a lot of pressure. He slipped from the debut group there, unfortunately.

Aha.

He used to practice half-heartedly, like a dead person. But after he joined us, his eyes flipped. He brought oil barrels to the burning house, not just fanning the flames.

Kang Ichae emptied a bottle of water and as he said that to them.

Did Seong Jiwon hesitate with Yu Hyeok of Today for that reason?

No, why did he fail in the first place?

It went without saying that Seong Jiwon was the most skilled and well-balanced guy in The Dawn.

Well, it turned out well, anyway.

At Seong Jiwons reply, Kang Ichae seemed surprised. It appeared he had heard our conversation. He walked over and fanned himself.

I didnt want to debut with the Today members, either.

Even after winning first place now? Doesnt your stomach hurt?

Id rather have a stomachache here than suffocate and die there.

Seong Jiwon answered firmly. There must have been a serious issue, which Ill have to ask about later.

Jiwon!

Yeah, yeah?

Jeong Dajun, who I thought had fainted, suddenly stood up.

Are you saying loyalty is more important than popularity?

Huh? Does that mean that?

Please make sure to include that in your autobiography later.

Do idols usually write autobiographies?

Seong Jiwon was confused and got caught up in Jeong Dajuns nonsense.

In the meantime, my cell phone rang. When I checked it, Kang Ichae suddenly lifted his head.

Is it the composer, hyung?

No, its not.

Darn, too bad.

Kang Ichae clicked his tongue. Lately, hes been acting strangely. Like an outsider, he looked disinterested in everything but would flip out whenever Lim Hyeonsu was mentioned.

You cant possibly be.

Huh?

Well, no.

Surely Surely, he did like Lim Hyeonsu?

As I glanced at him, Kang Ichae let out a hollow laugh.

Hyung, what kind of filthy thoughts are you having?

Ah, sorry.

I never thought that, but your thinking is really narrow-minded.

I said Im sorry.

Kang Ichae went on about how the composer was in a different realm and almost like a religion to him. I half-listened and checked the message.

Joo Woosung: Hey

It was Joo Woosung.

Joo Woosung: I checked what we talked about last time. I even know what the first mission is, lol

Joo Woosung: Curious? Huh? If you say Joo Woosung-sunbae is the best, I respect and thank him, Ill tell you

Wow.

I carefully typed a message.

Me: Best.

Best.

Me: R.s.

Respect.

Me: T.y.

Thank you.[1]

Joo Woosung: Im really ^^

Joo Woosung: Sometimes I think, am I a fool for treating you well even after being treated like this ^^

Not a fool, but a real fool.

Joo Woosung told me, grumbling. I slowly checked the detailed mission he had written.

Lately, Ive been receiving a lot of help from Joo Woosung.

Joo Woosung: And I checked the producer too.

Me: Who is it?

Joo Woosung: It seems that many PDs have been replaced as D.go started to interfere The final PD seems to be this person.

I knew most of the broadcasting station PDs. I imagined the names that flashed through my mind. If its a person in charge of such a competition program, it wouldnt be far from expectations.

As I casually read the message, my heart dropped.

Joo Woosung: Its PD Kim Heeyeon.

Hyung?

I lost my words for a moment. Kang Ichae, who was still talking about Lim Hyeonsus great points, tilted his head.

Hyung, whats wrong?

Ha

I pressed my eyes hard and then collapsed on the floor.

Ichae.

What?

Life isnt easy.

Kim Heeyeon cool, smart, famous as the crazy woman of this area at the cable broadcasting station, and also

Its not easy.

My ex-girlfriend.

[1] Joo Woosung wanted Seo Hoyun to use three words: best (), respect (), and (thank you). Seo Hoyun replied with , , and . Theyre the first initial consonants of the three words in Korean, like a shorthand.

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