Chapter 159

Jiyeon had somewhat anticipated this.

First of all, Seoyeon is not someone who lies.

Rather, if she were to avoid speaking, she would have done so.

Thus, the fact that Seoyeon avoided speaking meant it was essentially the truth.

What this essentially meant was…

“Is this really the broadcast that Seoyeon Joo watched?”

“Whoa, she watched this?”

“Corporate sponsorship? The model is unreal!”

“Great voice!”

“Your RP is very heartfelt!”

Ramiel currently noted the number of people who had entered her room.

4800 people.

It was a shocking number.

The kind of number that only a handful of top creators might achieve, and now it was hitting Ramiel’s stream.

Of course, more than half of those would be curiosity-driven casual viewers.

For reference, Ramiel’s average viewership hovered around 500.

Meaning, the number had surged almost tenfold.

“Ooh, there are quite a few people here today.”

“Is this ‘quite a few’?”

“Hey, someone cause some chaos!”

Existing viewers reacted, and also, Jiyun’s manager—managing not only this ‘Ramiel’ stream but her actual career—was working hard behind the scenes.

However, when the crowd rushes in, the chaos inevitably multiplies, especially when it is driven by a celebrity’s attention.

“…Ah, you’re saying that actress Joo Seoyeon watched this broadcast, right? Let’s check it out.”

Despite her gentle voice, Ramiel was grinding her teeth somewhere unseen.

Regardless, this Vtuber broadcast was somewhat a healing space for Jiyeon.

-[This episode is on the “Golden Duckling,” airing for ₩100,000]

“…”

Separately, the Super Chats exploded with overwhelming reactions.

Upon seeing that, Jiyeon’s boiling heart cooled down a little.

Seoyeon’s Super Chats were nothing but troll-like chaos, but that wasn’t true for others.

The manager was adeptly handling things.

No matter how, even if it was about money, Jiyeon couldn’t feel bad seeing the overwhelming Super Chats.

“Ah.”

Ramiel glanced at the episode of [Golden Duckling] that aired recently – Episode 3.

The contents of Episode 3 revolved around two main points: watching internet streams and going to the gym.

“Did you pretend to not watch this but get caught anyway?”

– Yup.

– I had it popped up on a small window, but got caught.

– Are you watching this Vtuber like an EBS educational broadcast? lol

– She probably thought she wouldn’t get caught. lol

– Is this a concept?

– If it’s a concept, she could’ve just watched openly. lol

Evidently, Seoyeon must have been trying to leverage her unmatched acting abilities.

With a completely serious face, she appeared to be furiously taking notes while looking at a monitor.

Occasionally, there was the sound of a mouse being clicked.

It made her look like a diligent student listening to an online lecture.

Except that on the captured screen of her monitor, a suspicious-looking character was moving around.

– Does this face really look like one that’s watching a Vtuber?

– Yup, it does.

– Super visible.

As Ramiel read such comments, she sighed. Additionally…

-[Oh, you look so pretty today! ₩500,000]

A familiar nickname sent a massive Super Chat.

– Whoa, that’s fifty!

– Crazy! That’s a big spender!

On the surface, it seemed impressive.

But to Ramiel, it was money she’d have to return anyway.

Of course, Seoyeon was not told about this fact.

“Thank you.”

Ramiel merely sent her usual polite greeting and nodded toward the manager nearby.

And so, Seoyeon was quietly booted from the stream.

Anyway.

The revelation that Seoyeon was watching Ramiel’s broadcast sparked numerous discussions online.

Of course, she maintained a perfectly serious expression while watching Vtubers, which naturally sparked talk.

Though it wasn’t openly obvious, if someone frequents online communities, it was hard not to notice the screenshots floating around.

– Is Joo Seoyeon really into Virtubers? She’s legit.

– It’s a fake fan concept.

– If it’s a fake fan concept, shouldn’t she be into anime or games instead of Vtubers?

– True.

– Maybe she just has a bit of a mental block?

Arguments arose over whether Joo Seoyeon was truly an otaku or not.

Some even mentioned that the person frequently sending Super Chats and getting booted was likely Joo Seoyeon.

– Hey, that’s going a bit too far.

– Do you know how much money that person sends? lol.

Though easily refuted, the assumption remained: “What if it’s Joo Seoyeon?”

Naturally, Jiyeon had placed Seoyeon on her block list for a while after seeing all this.

Moreover, there was another controversy surrounding Joo Seoyeon:

– So, in the end, how much does Joo Seoyeon weigh?

– Shh.

– Asking that isn’t very sexy.

The original controversy arose from the swimming pool episode when Seoyeon’s fall into the water gave viewers a sense of her weight.

Though that was only speculation, the following Episode 3 was much clearer.

The topic of discussion in Episode 3 wasn’t just the Vtuber streams.

Actually, the Vtuber thing only became known to the community after the episode aired through word of mouth.

Instead, most viewers focused on the gym scene that came later.

To clarify, that day Seoyeon did her workout to maintain her image, focusing as much as possible on feminine exercises.

Squats for hip-ups.

Very light weights.

Focus on bodyweight exercises for flexibility.

Then,

“Seoyeon-ssi, are you in pain? Aren’t you lifting weights today?”

“Recently, Seoyeon-ssi’s been loving lifting weights…”

“Ahh, you’re doing it then? The bar seems a little unstable. Shall I help you secure it?”

People unaware that it was a broadcast hovered around her, continuing to make such comments.

So, from the perspective of viewers watching the stream, it became confusing.

“Is she really saying that?”

“Nah, probably not.”

“But it does seem like they’re unaware they’re on a broadcast as the cursing is muted.”

Anyway, despite such a situation, Seoyeon steadily continued her workout.

Judging by that, it appeared as a relatively normal scene from the gym routine of female actresses.

The issue arose afterward.

“I will challenge ‘Joo Seo-yeon Challenge’ in honor of actress Joo Seo-yeon!!”

“Oh! That’s what I was about to say.”

“Our actor Jung, you’re saying it well. After we finish, I will try too.”

Unlike other gym-goers unaware of the broadcast, Jung Hyun-woo instantly recognized what was going on when he arrived at the gym.

‘They’re filming Golden Duckling here today!’

By the time of the first episode broadcast, there was no way he couldn’t notice.

First, the gym setup was slightly adjusted.

Cameras were also clearly visible, mounted on the ceiling in various places.

‘This is my chance.’

He had been diligently attending this gym frequented by Seoyeon.

Finally!

‘If I can just stand out here, I’ll get noticed not just in cable but on a terrestrial drama too!’

He was confident in his face.

His body had been carefully built up recently.

Additionally, his acting had been subtly improved with tips from Joo Seoyeon.

She wasn’t famous for nothing. Whenever Seoyeon was asked about acting, she offered sincere advice.

She explained techniques for handling gazes and delivery of lines.

Though younger, Seoyeon had been an excellent teacher to Jung Hyun-woo in many aspects.

“Excuse me? The Joo Seoyeon Challenge?”

Naturally, Seoyeon seemed a bit surprised.

“That should be done on an Aids chair, but gyms rarely have those.”

“Ah, we do! The manager purchased one last time!!”

“…”

Why would the gym even have an Aids chair? Despite this thought, it seemed like their dedication deserved some reciprocation, and she could give it a try since most people who attempt the ‘Joo Seoyeon Challenge’ fail anyway.

Even for lighter individuals, the challenge often ends in failure, so it wasn’t odd for her to fail either.

“Alright, please sit here.”

Jung Hyun-woo took a deep breath. He cast a glance at Seoyeon seated on the chair and grabbed the upper bar.

And… lifted… nothing.

“Isn’t it moving at all?”

“Jung Actor, use some strength.”

Wiggle, wiggle.

Clearly, it wasn’t the chair but his own body shaking futilely.

Other gym-goers couldn’t help but step in.

“Wow, this doesn’t work, it’s impossible.”

“How did Seoyeon manage this?”

The uncles underestimated Seoyeon’s weight and chuckled, retreating. However, the gym manager, who knew her in-body measurements, remained silent with pursed lips as if he’d expected this outcome.

“Hyun-woo looked so cute.”

“Is that the male actor who appeared on the same gym episode with Joo Seoyeon? I heard he’s in cable dramas.”

“Really?”

Much like Ramiel, Jung Hyun-woo was the second person to benefit from [Golden Duckling]. The reactions were mostly along the lines of: “It was funny that he couldn’t lift Seoyeon’s chair, but he has a great face and a great body.”

Naturally, alongside that, there was some controversy about ‘balloon muscles’ since he failed to lift Seoyeon.

– If he couldn’t lift Joo Seoyeon, why is it called balloon muscles?

– Oh wow.

– But watching Seoyeon laugh at him makes her look really lovely…

– How old is she anyway?

After [Golden Duckling] aired, it was revealed that Jung Hyun-woo received multiple ad offers, and it was natural for him to come by the gym and bow profusely to Seoyeon in gratitude.

Thus, both Ramiel and Jung Hyun-Woo saw a significant benefit, but there was also someone who suffered.

Namely, Joo Yeong-bin, Seoyeon’s father.

– A wife like Sua and daughters like Seoyeon and Su-yeon… I’d die for them.

– How did he survive being overshadowed by Joo Seoyeon?

– Ah… I work at Raywill Games… our team leader is so funny and enviable lately…

Ironically, he became a superstar in online communities.

From here on out, whenever any controversy arises with Raywill Games, he’s likely to end up first in the firing line.

– Sua was a woman who could be my mother.

– Are you crazy?

– Mama Sua…

In contrast, Sua only had a positive image.

As did Su-yeon.

‘Am I… gaining a better image?’

Seoyeon had an ambiguous feeling about whether this observation-based reality show had truly achieved her original purpose.

***

Subsequently, Joo Seoyeon’s episode concluded amidst high praise.

The situation was similar for the producer of [Golden Duckling], PD Hwan-Hyung.

“Please appear again at some point! I’ll set you a regular spot later!”

He spoke with a fervor as if ready to press his face into the ground in gratitude.

There was no other way. The ratings for Episode 2 of Joo Seoyeon’s appearance on [Golden Duckling] were a staggering 14%.

After internet streaming gained prominence, rarely had such numbers been seen.

Thus, the search for Seoyeon wasn’t limited to [Golden Duckling].

“Doesn’t someone know an actor who’s close with Joo Seoyeon? Perhaps for our show?”

“Could someone reach out to Nova Entertainment? Joo Seoyeon’s comedy timing is something else.”

Various broadcasting stations, including KMB where Seoyeon had previously cultivated relationships, reached out to her, urging her to consider another reality show appearance.

Of course, while Seoyeon was a fan of variety shows in general,

‘It might be tough for now.’

Though she was open to future opportunities, her schedule was already backed up significantly.

Moreover, after her appearance on [Golden Duckling], Seoyeon had become an immensely familiar figure to the public.

‘Although it could be considered an image improvement…’

Gone were the portrayals of her battling bizarre giant gorillas.

Even if those had been internet memetic trends for a season.

Despite the failure to create the intellect-centric top student image she sought with [Golden Duckling], Seoyeon was instead becoming consumed as a ‘daughter’ or younger sister-like figure.

‘That much familiarity, I suppose.’

‘The killer image from Cha Sooa seems to be fading away quite a bit.’

She felt relieved about this.

She had worried that she might only end up casting into villainous roles.

But she thought it might turn too light-hearted if she continued doing reality shows, so she decided to adjust appropriately.

“By the way, Joo Seoyeon.”

“Hmm?”

“Was fishing absolutely necessary?”

Jiyeon asked seriously.

It was the day of her meeting with veteran actor Lee Sang-soo, planned shortly before.

Just like in [Star Fisherman], it would be about sea fishing.

The members were almost the same.

Just without any PD or staff present.

“I’ve never really been fishing, and it’s almost my first time on a boat.”

“Good.”

Seoyeon replied nonchalantly and straightened her things.

It would be odd going by herself on this visit with actor Lee Sang-soo anyway.

After all, the main protagonist of [Gyeongseong Yeong-nyeo] wasn’t her—it was Jiyeon.

Even Cho Seohui personally reached out to her yesterday.

Asking if they could meet.

But despite all that, meetings among the three were declined.

Cho Seohui seemed a little disappointed, but she seemed to understand.

“Instead, please make sure to take care of Actor Lee Sang-soo. Though…”

“Though?”

“Director Baek Min wishes to see his performance, even if Actor Lee Sang-soo agrees to appear.”

Seoyeon frowned at Cho Seohui’s words.

It wasn’t good practice to cast someone solely based on their star power without examining their acting ability.

She understood that.

Still,

‘Will Actor Lee Sang-soo accept this?’

Actor Lee Sang-soo was in a highly cynical state about acting.

In fact, in just a few years, he would naturally decide to retire.

His final piece would end up being some random, forgotten Hollywood flick.

Seoyeon hoped this wouldn’t be the case.

“Ah, Miss Seoyeon, you look as healthy as always.”

And as they arrived at the appointed location, Actor Lee Sang-soo greeted the pair with a hearty laugh.

Though he looked a bit awkward about Jiyeon’s presence alongside Seoyeon, Actor Lee Sang-soo still welcomed them warmly.

The same went for Song Gwang-min, who was always nearby.

After all, it was always a pleasant situation for them to have a beginner join the group, especially one as young as their ‘almost daughter’.

“Actor, here you go. I think you’ve been looking for this?”

“Ah, thank you. Miss Jiyeon is quite the diligent one, isn’t she?”

Thus began the fishing trip onboard. Initially, the two seemed awkward about Jiyeon’s presence but eventually relaxed.

As Jiyeon had transitioned from questioning why she was along to warmly engaging with the two, Seoyeon, watching her reel in the fishing line with ease, was truly amazed.

‘She’s quite the socialite.’

Of course, this must have contributed to her success with internet broadcasting.

In any case, though Jiyeon wasn’t great at fishing, her support in other areas was commendable.

She had great conversation skills, and whenever Actor Lee Sang-soo needed something, she fetched it with uncanny precision.

“Wow, it would be nice to have a daughter like Miss Jiyeon.”

“Yes, she’s very precise and efficient.”

The two happily conversed.

Seoyeon, listening quietly, narrowed her eyes.

Though they’d been fishing together many times, they had never mentioned wanting a daughter like Seoyeon.

Of course, neither actor was aware of Seoyeon’s inner thoughts and continued chatting happily while gazing at the sea.

“And watching Miss Seoyeon here makes me think she’d be perfect with a little dog around.”

“Ah, I see what you mean.”

The conversation drifted between the two, oblivious to Seoyeon eavesdropping.

“So Jiyeon gets called a daughter, but why am I a dog?”

Seoyeon felt a bit annoyed for no particular reason.

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