20
Step Twenty
:: Each Person’s Direction ::
“I’m sorry for lying to everyone.” Even though this older brother had helped keep him from being completely cut from the airtime, he chose to repay him by opting to speak only half-truths.
“Feeling better?” When the other party didn’t add anything more, Jacan asked back.
“Oh, a little…
just a bit.” Besides this older brother, he also wanted to apologize to Wang Qi and Kim Jiseong.
When both of them had forgiven him and accepted him as a friend, he felt a deep sense of embarrassment, especially towards Wang Qi, who had been turned into a tool for him to use to create works that he himself wasn’t wholeheartedly committed to.
“I want to tell the truth to those two as well.”
“Then go ahead.
We don’t know if tomorrow the cameras will follow our leisure days.
And we also don’t know who will stay and who will go after the first elimination round.
So if you want to do it, you’d better do it today.
” Jacan stood up, feeling tired.
“I guess I should head out to rest now.
Sorry.” He excused himself before reaching out to ruffle the younger one’s hair lightly.
“You’ve been trying your hardest these past days, enduring so much.
From now on, you can walk the right path.”
“…” Lee Sangah pressed his lips together.
No matter what, he was just a 16-year-old boy, unable to grasp the ruthless, cutthroat world of business.
Suddenly, he had been turned into a mere tool to be used and discarded.
He had to secretly struggle to keep anyone from knowing, from seeing.
He still didn’t know if his mother on the outside was safe.
He was stressed…
overly stressed.
When the older brother said he had tried hard and endured well, what he carried throughout the competition seemed to disappear in an instant.
Him…
did someone like him deserve praise?
“Those two are about to go get some food at the buffet.
Let’s hurry.
If they go back to the card game, you’ll miss a good chance to talk,” Jacan gently nudged the younger one, whose face was on the verge of tears, urging him to walk.
If one were to say that this show was the first step in Jacan’s new journey in the entertainment industry, today might mark the first step for Lee Sangah to begin pursuing his own dreams, unbound by any conditions whatsoever.
The young boy watched the retreating back of the program’s elder brother with a complex gaze.
Despite being close to the people in this group, for some reason…
he felt he didn’t truly know this older brother at all.
It was as if he was an unfathomable abyss – no one could truly know what lay hidden beneath.
If approached with malicious intentions, one might encounter a fierce demon ready to tear apart enemies until they met a pitiful death.
Star Fight [SF] Official
Starting today, we will begin updating the real-time rankings of the competition participants, and we will close the first round of voting on xx/xx/xxxx.
Once the scores have been successfully collected, we will open another round of voting.
For those who love someone, don’t forget to come and vote.
Link: www.xxxxxxxx
Comment: As expected from the weirdest show in history ever.
Usually, they’d announce the rankings of each contestant at the end of every episode, so fans can go all in with their tokens or coins to support their favorites and help them climb the ranks.
But here?
Two episodes in, nobody knows what each contestant’s ranking is—just those class rankings the judges dished out.
Comment: If the voting closes on the announced date, then Episode 5 will be the first voting elimination round!
Plus, we’ll get to see real-time scores.
Comment: Oh no, I haven’t voted yet today!
Lee Hajun, my handsome baby, wait a second.
I’ll go vote for you right now.
Comment: Keep fighting, Eiji!
Comment: Damn!!
Are they really going to do it this way?
Fan clubs are definitely going to compete like their lives depend on it!
Comment: Now, if you have friends, tell your friends.
Take your parents’ ID cards too to sign up and vote for our favorites!
Jacan sneaked a glance at the staff members walking around in a frenzy.
What was strange, however, was their reactions when they looked towards the trainees in the lower classes.
If they didn’t just walk past them, they often had odd expressions, as if trying to school their faces to avoid letting any signs slip out.
Perhaps no one else noticed…
but he could see it.
Those kids probably had lower rankings than the criteria for the first elimination round.
Following the rules that all trainees received via email before the competition began, the program had a total of 3 elimination rounds.
Round 1: Eliminate 40, leaving 59.
Round 2: Eliminate 30, leaving 29.
Round 3: Eliminate 19, leaving 10.
There was no bringing back of eliminated trainees like before, where the last-ranked trainee could stay temporarily to complete missions and, if they received enough votes, could return to the show.
At that point, Dong Hyunin thought it was complicated.
Once they were out, they were out.
Why make more conditions to make it confusing?
Then came the final stage performance, which would be the last round of this competition, along with closing the voting, tallying, and announcing the final 5 who would debut as temporary artists under SKM Ent.
But why did they know the trainees’ rankings?
Normally, regular staff members, who weren’t at the leadership level, wouldn’t have access to the voting results of the competition participants.
Just like the other day when he walked past the janitor auntie in the hallway, she looked him up and down, then nodded as if confirming something to herself.
Seeing that, it was immediately apparent that the other side must have known something for sure.
If the regular staff knew, it meant that the external fan clubs had to know…
or perhaps that PD had revealed the real-time voting results!
Hmm…
this sounded interesting~
While Jacan observed the antics of Im Heewoo, the trainees couldn’t help but feel puzzled whenever they accidentally made eye contact with the show’s staff.
At times, they received glances as if they were abandoned puppies in the midst of a rainstorm.
“…” What’s going on?
Meanwhile, as they waited for Episodes 3 and 4 to air, the trainees began to return to their daily routines as usual.
That meant morning exercises, afternoon classes for singing, dancing, performances, and rapping.
When evening fell, they dispersed to rest.
Today, there was a class swap.
It was Jacan’s first time amidst the Class D trainees.
Senior Park Insa stated that the lower-class trainees needed to understand just how long and arduous the path they were on truly was.
If they continued to dawdle, they might have to push themselves to the absolute limit just to catch up with those already ahead.
“Hello, everyone,” Jacan greeted them all with a bow.
Beside him was Kim Jiseong, who had drawn lots to join the same class as him.
“Hello there.
Wow, so this is how the aura of Class A feels like,” one of the trainees joked, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere between them.
“Alright, everyone, find your seats.
Today, we’re starting acting class.
If anyone doesn’t do well, let me tell you, there will be pains,” Kim Bomi threatened, slapping a paper fan against her palm to keep the young trainees temporarily in line.
Because if she slipped up, these kids would surely start making too loud noises.
“Split into groups of four.
Class A trainees are not allowed to be in the same group,” Kim Jiseong, who had been about to go to his close brother, paused and then pretended to sneak away to find new team members instead, eliciting peals of laughter.
“Brother Jay, please let us join you,” the remaining members of the Kim ducklings gang said, half-dragging, half-leading another young man to their group.
“This guy’s name is Kang Manja.
He’s also on Team Kim Jung, like us.”
“I know.
He’s also a diligent center.
Why can’t I remember?” Jacan smiled gently.
He shouldn’t have felt endearment toward a growing young man, but he couldn’t help it.
“Your performance was amazing, Brother,” Kang Manja complimented with a stiff face.
No…
did his cheeks have a faint redness?
Was he blushing?
“You did well yourself,” Jacan complimented, though it was a pity he had ended up facing Eiji and undoubtedly lost.
In terms of appearance, Kang Manja, with his tall stature, decent musculature, and trendy two-block hairstyle, looked very handsome by the standards of Country K.
But when it came to ability, Eiji was still considerably superior.
“Thank you,” Kang Manja nodded in gratitude, his full lips pressed tightly together, eyes averted elsewhere.
So, he was the type who blushed but liked to maintain a neutral expression…
but the red ears gave you away, boy.
Ah no, can’t call him boy.
He was already 20 years old, a young man himself, and considered a senior participant on the show after Jacan.
“We’re going to group up and perform fictional roles in fairy tales.
Whoever draws which story, be prepared to improvise your lines.
Let’s focus seriously, no joking around, because being an idol involves more than just singing, dancing, and rapping.
Facial expressions are necessary.
The eyes are the windows to the soul.
Have you heard this saying before?”
“If we don’t imbue the roles with depth, the image presented to the audience won’t be any different from a dead battery robot.
Practice for an hour, and then each group will be called out to perform in front of the room,” Kim Bomi explained at length, then picked up several children’s fairy tale books from a box, having them send representatives to blindly select one at random.
And of course, the representative for their group would be himself.
Being the oldest, it was only natural that he should make the sacrifice…
“Um, I can go draw it myself,” unexpectedly, Kang Manja suddenly stopped him.
Seeing him sit back down, Kang Manja stood up and went to close his eyes and picked up a storybook.
He got “Little Red Riding Hood.”
“…” Team members.
“///” Kang Manja pursed his lips, his ears reddening, but his face remained stoic.
“Uh, sorry.”
“Let’s start assigning roles.
Don’t overthink it,” Jacan didn’t know how to suppress laughter at everyone’s expressions.
When they saw the title of the fairy tale, both ducklings turned sharply to look at the volunteer, while the older one avoided eye contact, muttering apologies.
“What characters are there?” Kim Yuseong blew out a long sigh, summoning courage and self-motivation to inhabit his new role.
If it had to be Little Red Riding Hood, let it be!
He would perform to win the Oscar!
“We have Little Red Riding Hood, Grandma, the Wolf, oh Huntsman, and the Mother, but only in the beginning,” Jacan read through the brief fairy tale, listing the characters they would compete for in the upcoming challenge.
“I’ll be the Wolf!” Kim Yuseong raised his hand eagerly.
“I’ll be the Huntsman!” Kim Hwasung followed suit.
The elderly members of the group just looked at each other, blinking.
These guys…
they didn’t even wait to be asked who would take which role before eagerly raising their hands.
“Then it’s just Little Red Riding Hood, Grandma, and Mother left.
What do you want to play?” Jacan gave the younger ones a chance to choose first.
He could play any role.
“But there are fewer lines for Grandma and Mother, so let’s play those together.”
“Shall we play rock-paper-scissors?
Lose, and you’re Little Red Riding Hood.
Win, and you get to be Grandma or Mother.” Even though Little Red Riding Hood was the main character, they were all big, muscular guys…
This role might be a bit challenging for them.
“Okay…
Let’s begin!”
“Paper,” Jacan.
“Rock,” Kang Manja.
“Congratulations to the protagonist, friend,” Kim Hwasung came over and patted the big guy’s bulging shoulder muscles.
“I don’t mind any roles at all,” Kang Manja picked up the fairy tale and the red hoodie before sitting down and turning away, signaling a temporary desire for peace.
“Let’s just rehearse our own roles.
And in ten minutes, let’s practice together,” Jacan looked at Kang Manja’s back.
On one side, he saw the guy meditating with his eyes closed.
His mouth kept moving, not stopping the lines.
After ten minutes, he turned back and joined everyone with the same calm expression as before.
The beginning was a bit turbulent, but once they regained their composure, the performance of Little Red Riding Hood’s fairy tale went smoothly.
Now, they just had to impress the senior Kim Bomi.
…
“Next, the group of Little Red Riding Hood,” as the call ended, Jacan stood up first.
On his head was a gray hat pretending to be Grandma’s hair, followed by Kang Manja wearing a red hoodie, and the two Kim brothers as the huntsman and the wolf.
“Let the performance begin.”
Jacan took on another role as Little Red Riding Hood’s mother.
He walked with a basket in hand and then handed it over to Little Red Riding Hood, who was about the same height as him…
No, not really, maybe he was a little taller, around 5 centimeters or slightly more.
“Take this basket and deliver it straight to Grandma’s hands.
Make sure you go there and come back quickly.
Don’t wander off or dawdle anywhere along the way.
And remember, don’t talk to strangers.”
“Yes, Mom,” her face calm, she nodded with a bright, cheerful smile, embodying Little Red Riding Hood effortlessly.
She didn’t seem embarrassed at all, appearing naturally as if she weren’t a tall guy with a height of 185 centimeters but rather a cute, petite girl, easy to carry around.
“Hello there, little girl.
What are you doing alone in this forest?” just a few steps into the forest, Kim Yuseong the wolf jumped out in front.
Even though there had been plenty of rehearsals beforehand, upon seeing his classmate holding a woven basket with a red hood and a cute smile, his mouth twitched, barely managing to contain his laughter.
He had to take a deep breath to regain composure to portray the hungry wolf once again.
The performance continued smoothly, without any hiccups…
at least for Grandma and Little Red Riding Hood, who were immune.
As for the wolf and the huntsman, they were struggling to hold back their laughter until their cheeks hurt.
…
Today’s performance left the two Kim siblings (faux) scolded by Kim Bomi naturally.
As for Jacan and Kang Manja, they received heaps of praise, becoming examples that the younger ones should follow.
Especially the young man with the two-block hairstyle who could easily embody the role of Little Red Riding Hood without any awkwardness.
There was not a hint of embarrassment visible, not even for a split second, as if at that moment he truly was Little Red Riding Hood herself, and not Kang Manja the trainee from Class D.
He seemed like an acting idol, just like his sister Shinsu…
In the afternoon, they had a dance class with Jung Wangseong, during which Kang Manja made Jacan feel quite impressed with how he could use his body and height effectively without any hindrance.
Whether it was stretching his arms, sweeping his legs, or playing with various body movements, he could do it seamlessly.
If it weren’t for the vocal issues he faced during the class advancement audition and the foot injury during the theme song audition, his class might not have been Class D or C for sure.
When considering the current lineup, Class B had Eiji and Yeo Unche as their core members, and Class C had Lee Sangah and Lee Hajun.
Moving to Class D, we also found Kang Manja emerging as their pack leader, while Class E was led by the other five members of the Kim Ducklings family.
These were likely the groups with the largest fan bases in the show.
However, it was only until the first elimination vote that they would see major changes in class rankings.
Those at the top could plummet down, or those at the bottom could suddenly surge up to the very top.
Regardless of which way it went, all possibilities existed.
As for Class A, they had more screen time than anyone else from the very first episode up until then.
They undoubtedly had both fans and anti-fans and were likely the class that saw the most drastic changes in ranking throughout the show.
…
“I have something to propose,” Dong Hyunin, who was free from the meeting, contacted Im Heewoo to invite the other party to talk.
“You needed to call your uncle in for a face-to-face meeting?” The one addressed as uncle raised his eyebrows.
“I believe we should provide equal opportunities to every trainee in the show,” the young president stated, pausing to allow the secretary who had just entered to neatly arrange plates of snacks and serve water.
“What do you think?” The head producer took a sip from his glass.
“I think we should try contacting the app that airs our show.
How about opening a new channel specifically for this program?
The content would focus on the daily lives of the trainees in real time.
What do you think, Uncle…
Okay or not?”
“!!!”
“Of course, the sleeping quarters, the balconies, and the bathrooms are strictly off-limits for broadcasting.
Only the practice room, the hall, the cafeteria, and the exercise areas will be visible.”
“That…
sounds very interesting indeed!” Im Heewoo’s eyes lit up.
At the moment, the trainees were all in the process of acquiring skills and abilities to prepare for new missions after the first elimination vote had begun.
Some who didn’t perform well in the first stage were now feeling discouraged, thinking they might get eliminated.
Consequently, they were not taking the lessons provided by the show seriously anymore.
But if they just let them know that they would be filmed around the clock for twenty-four hours in real time.
Everyone would have equal opportunities.
Those who lost their spark would get active again.
No more pretending to be sick or staying in the dorms all day long
“Aside from being members of the app, viewers will also have to pay a daily fee to watch.
Naturally, 60% of the revenue will go to us.
If we add a condition where they can increase votes by 2, we’ll get an additional 65%.”
“Hmm…
Isn’t that a bit too splendid?” The head producer gasped.
“It’s because my friend is a partner in this app.
They think this could profit from us not allowing vote-buying to solve problems.
All those fans who don’t know what to do with the money burning hot in their hands will have to spend it on something that supports their favorite contestants.”
“If we add two more votes, then everyone should be satisfied with that,” the middle-aged man nodded.
The registration fee wasn’t too expensive, and those fans who had spent hundreds of thousands on other shows would definitely sign up.
“If you, Uncle, agree with me, then I’ll feel relieved.
The reason I called for a face-to-face discussion is that if there are any issues, we can resolve them before making any announcements.”
“Just as long as it’s not private areas like bathrooms and bedrooms.
I’m sure the kids are already eager for more airtime.
But for the sake of propriety, I’ll go ask them first.
If they’re okay with it, then I’ll have the team contact the app to discuss the details, and they can report back to us.” The senior producer went back to filming, and not even two hours had passed before he returned to say that the kids were happy to let the viewers see them from perspectives beyond what the editing team had been showing.
Dong Hyunin let out a deep breath.
It wasn’t often that he used his influence in a way he wasn’t comfortable with.
The claim about having a friend as a partner in the app was true, and the other party was indeed interested in the plan he had presented, viewing it as another form of promoting the show.
But the reality was much more than that…
“…” Dong Hyunin turned his chair to look out the window.
The scenic view from the high-rise building helped calm his restless mind somewhat.
Who would dare say that the reason for proposing the real-time broadcast was not for a share of the app’s profits, even a tiny bit?
He just wanted to see the face of the person who shared three pieces of dessert with him two months ago…
That’s all, really.
But regardless of any hidden implications behind the real-time broadcast, once the contract was signed, the next two days saw the first acting class clip being a sensation on social media.
Many fans joked about how scary Little Red Riding Hood was in this version, with bulging arm muscles and all.
With a bit of ill fate, the Big Bad Wolf might even get stomped to death before he could reach Grandma’s house.
This tale teaches us not to mess with Little Red Riding Hood…
Or else we might not live to tell the tale.
Comments: Little Red Riding Hood doesn’t seem to need help from the huntsman.
Comments: I was just going to watch casually because I wanted to see the Ducklings gang.
But then I got struck by a new bias out of nowhere.
Oh my!
Mr.
Two-Block Man, you heavenly handsome, where have you been hiding?
Why have I just seen you now?
Comments: I got struck by Lee Hajun and Im Kureum as well.
Let’s vote!
Let’s keep voting!
Comments: Previously got two votes, now got two more.
That means we can vote for four guys per day.
Hahaha!
In addition to that, there were also performances from other teams that drew laughter, and the teaching sessions from other classes were equally interesting.
They got 4 votes per day, and on top of that, they got to watch the guys they liked 24/7.
Even if they only saw dark rehearsal rooms at night, that was fine.
It was worth the money spent.
No, that wasn’t it…
They had been wanting to spend money on this for a long time.
Why had the program only just come up with such a great idea now?
Ahhh, they had missed seeing the theme song rehearsal!
What a shame!
…
While the contestants were earnestly learning skills and knowledge from experienced seniors, they were also making efforts to create a positive image to turn viewers into dedicated fans.
For fan clubs already rooting for their favorites, it felt like a battlefield.
With voting conditions that didn’t depend on money, these fan bases were constantly in flux, engaging in scavenger hunts and other activities to attract new fans.
JACAN K.
Come on, all my lovely sisters and brothers of JACAN.
If you haven’t voted in the morning round yet, hurry up and vote quickly.
Don’t forget to capture the screen with the date saved.
When it comes to the first round of eliminations, if our man is still there, we’ll randomly give out prizes.
Psst, the prize is a two-month unlimited free dining pass at xxxx Restaurant.
Comment: I’m not a show’s fan, but I’ll do the mission because of the free dining pass.
Comment: Following the scent of the free pass, but falling into the trap so badly.
Oh boy, who is that?
Handsome beyond measure.
Damn!
Comment: Relatives tell relatives, siblings tell siblings.
Comment: I don’t dare to be a fan of SVS shows, so scared of being sad if my biases were out.
Comment: Brother Jay deserves a debut, if he doesn’t get it now, the future will be difficult.
Comment: Age is a limitation in this industry, indeed.
WangQi Love
Hello all Ah Qi fans, come on!
Today is Saturday, a day off, so vote for our Ah Qi before doing anything else.
Anyone who has voted, don’t forget to capture and save the image.
If our little brother stays, we’ll randomly give prizes to the top three voters.
The first-place winner gets 500,000 won.
You can combine the votes from family members as your own points.
Hurry up!
Comment: The show doesn’t let us pay it, but we can pay ourselves for sure.
Comment: Mommy’s little boy, seeing him makes me want to hug him.
Comment: The fan bases are so generous.
They’re even giving away money.
Comment: Not a fan of Wang Qi, but ready to do anything for money.
Hahaha!
KangManja Ko.
Come on, parents, older siblings!
Finally, our big brother has a light with him.
Our poker-faced young man is actually a cutie.
This young man is so adorable, isn’t he?
Still face, but red cheeks, so adorably messy.
If this big brother stays, we’ll randomly give away 50 tickets to all amusement parks.
Comment: Kang Manja, fight on!
I’ve voted for you, buddy.
Comment: He’s my friend, my friend.
The best person in the class.
Comment: Oh no, I’m defeated.
I’m defeated by this man.
I’ll marry… I mean, I’ll vote for him.
Comment: Our Student Council President of Class xx has joined the competition.
Let’s quickly gather votes from seniors and juniors in the school.
KimJiseong Kor.
Giving away!
Anyone who hasn’t registered to watch the VIP live broadcast can come and watch the contestants compete here.
But if you’ve already paid the registration fee, you’ll have to provide the code to vote for Jiseong only.
Or you can vote yourself, but you have to capture the screen and confirm every day.
We have enough admins to verify it.
Comment: I want the little brother to win.
He’s really focused on doing his job.
Comment: Let’s all vote for Jiseong.
Comment: Been supporting him since he walked through the door.
He even helped Jacan oppa when he was ridiculed at the beginning of the show.
I’ve been voting for both of them.
Now that I’ve had two more votes, I’ll keep voting for both of them, because I’m a double-minded woman.
Hahaha.
LeeSungAh Fa.
Sangah’s bases, let’s go!
Our little brother’s airtime has been reduced, but we believe he’ll improve and shine again.
Whoever loves him, vote for him.
Comment: Actually, the brother isn’t like he is on the show.
I’m his neighborhood friend.
Comment: Will this fan club attract more fans or anti-fans?
Comment: Already voted.
I’m his school friend.
Sangah has worked hard.
We think the show gives him that character.
He’s not like what’s on the show at all.
Im K.
(the son)
We’re Im the son’s base.
This big brother is in Class A.
If he wins or gets into the next round, we’ll randomly give prizes to fan clubs who vote four times a day.
It’s a free buffet BBQ card for a restaurant at K Road for one year.
Limited to 10 people only.
Comment: May I laugh.
If you didn’t mention the son, would you all have voted for PD Im Heewoo instead?
Comment: Heard rumors that this young man is a casanova.
Before entering the competition, he changed his girlfriend as if changing clothes.
Comment: Ooohh, a shocking history, but I like bad guys.
So, I’ll vote for him.
Comment: Don’t know if he used his dad’s connections to enter the competition, but for a free buffet for a year, I’ll vote for him without fail.
Etc.
No matter how chaotic it was outside, it didn’t affect the contestants’ training at all.
They continued to study, play, and participate in activities provided by the program without anyone complaining, knowing that their every action would be closely monitored by many.
Even though they might have felt pressured at times, they exchanged it for the fact that at least some people would see what they did.
If they had to wait for the program to provide airtime, there was no hope of being noticed.
Days passed, one after another.
The voting for the first elimination round had finally come…