episode_0021

Grandfather and Grandmother, along with Kim Jihyuk’s group, endured well despite the difficult situation. Respect to everyone who didn’t give up amidst the difficult hardships. I couldn’t help but admire the two elderly individuals, especially.

Having experienced it myself early on, I know well. When working, sweating profusely. I know well what it’s like to gag because I couldn’t drink water for just one or two hours. How terrifying thirst can be. I know well what it’s like to wake up from sleep when hungry, to feel too weak to function properly after skipping just one meal, and to have all the energy drain out of your body, a truly astounding sensation. How much hunger can torment a person. During a particularly difficult time, I even survived by mixing rice with only soy sauce, or eating it with water mixed with curry powder. When I did manual labor, the best part was being able to eat as much rice as I wanted at the communal meal hall. It goes without saying when goshiwon provided ramen and rice as basic amenities. At least there was no worry of starvation. I have lived in such a destitute and cheap way.

But when I fell into this other world, it was truly awful. I never thought I would experience eating tree bark, something I’d only heard about from overcoming the spring hunger season. I also personally realized why one shouldn’t pick and eat mushrooms carelessly. I’ve witnessed actions where lives were risked for a single potato. I’ve even seen newborns being sold because making a living was too hard. Damn, men are creatures who, even when starving to death, still have the strength to, you know. Honestly, it was incredibly marvelous.

Anyway. What became clear after experiencing those things: I despise the feeling of hunger and thirst. In this other world, in the modern world. When I go crazy, it’s when I’m hungry and thirsty. It was when I was provoked at that very moment. Because of that, I understood, even if only a little, how difficult things were for Kim Jihyuk’s group now. I empathize, even if only slightly, with how sharp and sensitive they are right now.

So I waited calmly. Until the time came to control their minimal thirst and talk. Especially after seeing them not just drink, but slurp down water and sports drinks, I decided to give them more time. No, even if you discount the men, anyone would have known it wasn’t the time to speak when they saw a beautiful, tall young woman and a petite lady chugging 2 liters of water in one go. Even the elderly grandmother emptying a whole bottle of sports drink and water made it clear that keeping my mouth shut and waiting quietly was the best option.

However, the time for conversation required a little more waiting. “Just to the restroom for a moment…” Knowing that I had cleared the staff passage, the group immediately rushed off to find the restroom. The warehouse, disguised as a break room, was full of urine smell. However, while they managed to relieve themselves, the extent to which they held back from doing more, perhaps due to human dignity, was a truly astonishing marvel. The wait continued until everyone except Dong-woo and I returned, having preserved their last bit of dignity.

When everyone returned, we moved to a different spot instead of that smelly place. It was Staff Break Room B, which we had initially passed by. At least there was space, and chairs were available for them to rest their bottoms. Most importantly, there were electrical outlets, so smartphones could be charged. Since everyone’s smartphone, including mine, was dead, this was a crucial step. Having escaped the smelly, cramped warehouse disguised as a break room, the conversation finally began.

“I am Choi Deokman, Dong-woo’s grandfather. Thank you sincerely for saving Dong-woo and all of us.” “I’m Park Younghee, Dong-woo’s grandmother. Thank you so much, young man.” “Hyung-nim! Thank you so much!” The beginning was the thank you from Choi Deokman and Ms. Park Younghee. Trapped in the room, cut off from their only grandchild, slowly resigning themselves to death. From confirming their grandchild’s survival through me to their reunion. A poignant, deep gratitude was strongly felt on the old couple’s aged faces. It was especially burdensome for me, no matter how tough I might be, when Ms. Park Younghee, gradually regaining her strength, grasped my hand and expressed her gratitude, almost sobbing. ‘I’m not just helping them for free.’

And Kim Jihyuk’s group. They were expressing their thanks even before I had confirmed I would help. Well… They must be feeling something extraordinary, having been on the verge of dying from thirst. Kim Jihyuk and his manager, Park Youngchul. Isia and her manager Kim Byeongsu. And Lee Bomi, their coordinator and makeup artist. Everyone expressed sincere gratitude. Except for the fat thug. I left him in the corner where he was slumped. The moment he comes to his senses and opens his mouth, I plan to knock him out again.

With everyone introduced, the conversation continued. First, I had Dong-woo take out the canned porridge. It was too much to eat immediately, so I’d feed them once their stomachs settled. First, I posed a question. “Mr. Kim Jihyuk, why did you freeze up like that earlier?” “Ah, that… haha… it’s embarrassing, but I was just too surprised.” From Kim Jihyuk’s perspective, he was filled with joy that someone had actually come to help, but was startled because that person was covered in blood from head to toe. He even said it was hard to breathe once he realized the clumps sticking to me were flesh. It was the same for the others. In particular, Isia and Lee Bomi confessed that they almost fainted from the strong smell of blood and my appearance.

“Hmm… I didn’t intend to startle you.” “No, I understand.” Still, it was fortunate that after seeing videos of the zombie apocalypse and experiencing me first, they didn’t gag upon seeing the scattered zombie corpses in the staff passage. But this man, Kim Jihyuk, emits his own light despite his dirty appearance. His precarious appearance even conveyed a fragile beauty. ‘This is what an entertainer is…’

Around the time I finished marveling and everyone had calmed down. After a sufficient ice-breaker, the conversation proceeded. “I came to pick up you two at Dong-woo’s request. It wasn’t just a favor; we made a promise that he would grant me what I desire. It’s a type of deal.” “I heard it on the phone, and I understand you’re not part of a rescue team, but please help us too. We are deeply grateful for the water and food. If you help us, we promise a fair compensation in return. We beg of you.” Kim Jihyuk, who had begun to regain his strength, felt like a calm person by nature. He accurately grasped and understood the situation, trying to draw out a good choice. He exuded the aura not just of a simple entertainer, but of a businessman negotiating.

“…What about me makes you say such things?” Kim Jihyuk smiled slightly at my question and answered seriously. “I expected you might come with a rescue team, but when I heard only two of you were coming, I didn’t have high hopes. Although you said you made a promise with Choi Dongwoo, seeing you actually come all this way with my own eyes made me believe it was possible. And…” Kim Jihyuk paused for a moment, then spoke unreservedly. “…Seeing you unharmed even after being soaked in blood, I became confident that if you accompany us, we can get out of here.” It seems he didn’t just get startled when he first saw me at the door. His perception isn’t bad, but that’s just him seeing me in a good light.

“As you saw earlier, if things go wrong, I’m a guy who goes all out. If anyone interferes or stabs me in the back, no matter who they are, they won’t fare well. Man or woman. Child or elder.” “It’s a bit awkward to say myself, but I’m not that altruistic of a person…” “You, Mr. Kim Jihyuk?” Kim Jihyuk’s frank and honest words, in response to my unfiltered statement, were enough to make me ask again. According to anecdotes known from broadcasts, he’s a man of integrity… “That’s only for my own people. I don’t have such a gentle personality myself.” “Oh…” Could he be scarier than I thought? “In a situation like this, who knows what might happen. I know that simply acting kind with a good-hearted image won’t let you survive.” I don’t know what he’d seen or heard through YouTube videos or news, but he was quite firm. I rubbed my lower lip, lost in thought for a moment. Even if not a full rescue, I can try. If they know my nature and acknowledge it to that extent, there won’t be any tackling in the middle. However…

“Putting all that aside. I cannot guarantee that I can save everyone. Even just Dong-woo and the two of you might be difficult.” At my words, the expressions of Kim Jihyuk and the group listening with him slightly stiffened. “If I were alone, I’m confident I wouldn’t die. But overcoming difficulties while protecting someone isn’t easy. Realistically, I consider it impossible.” Hearing this, Kim Jihyuk subtly looked around him. The group that had endured with him. “I intend to take the risk. What do you all think?” At Kim Jihyuk’s unhesitating words, they seemed to ponder for a moment, then everyone agreed with him. Isia, in particular, went a step further. “As Jihyuk Sunbae-nim said, I’ll take the risk. Even if something goes wrong, I won’t resent you.” At Isia’s words, everyone nodded gravely, showing their determination. The person who had been quiet until now spoke quite resolutely. ‘She has a spirited side too.’ Celebrities seem to have all sorts of unexpected facets. Is this that ‘unexpected charm’ thing?

I took my mouth off the water bottle and voiced my thoughts. “I understand what you all are saying. But before that.” Kim Jihyuk seems like a pretty decent person. Isia is also a pretty and charming person. If we work together, I don’t think they’ll try to sabotage. Dong-woo is also a good-natured and kind kid. I even made a deal with Dong-woo. “If I help you all, what can you do for me?” That’s that, and this is this. Top stars Kim Jihyuk and Isia. These two are no exception. I absolutely refuse to be used and discarded. Dong-woo’s gaze felt like he was excited to see what would come next.

As soon as I finished speaking, Kim Jihyuk said something unexpected. “It seems you don’t want money or valuables, am I right?” “……” At those words, I subtly glanced at Dong-woo. I hadn’t told anyone about our deal except Dong-woo— “I-I told them. After the call ended, everyone was curious, so… I’m sorry.” Dong-woo’s grandfather was flustered by my steady gaze towards Dong-woo. This makes me feel like I’ve become the bad guy… “It wasn’t a secret anyway, so it doesn’t matter. You’re right. In this situation, money is nothing more than inconvenient scraps of paper.” “We will unconditionally follow whatever you do from now on. Everyone will cooperate fully.” “That’s a given. I’m not here to escort VIPs. I said I’d do my best to clear a path. While bearing the burden of you all.” Although I’ll be rampaging ahead, if everyone doesn’t work together, the chances of survival will decrease accordingly. It might sound rude, but don’t be mistaken. I’m not volunteering to be a bodyguard. “In that process, you all must also pour out everything you can to have a chance at survival. It’s not something I can do alone, and if everyone doesn’t exert themselves, you’ll simply become snacks for those guys lurking outside.” At my firm words, Kim Jihyuk and his group fell into thought. What could they possibly offer to keep me? “…What do you want?” Although he might have been offended, Kim Jihyuk was polite. Perhaps because he was an actor, his pronunciation was excellent and clear to my ears. I could feel that he was asking with genuine sincerity. “…That’s for you all to propose.” I’m not trying to be a tyrant; I just think they need to offer something that can sway my heart. If I state it, it’s no different from extorting—

“I’ll sleep with you.” “…What??” Isia’s bombshell statement, as she had been quietly observing our conversation. Everyone in the room was startled and looked at Isia. “I’ll sleep with you, so you can do whatever you want with me. Instead! Please help us!” The slender beauty, Isia. From her beautiful lips, a soft voice proposed an outrageous deal.