22
Step Twenty-Two
:: First Voting Elimination (2) ::
Movement within the studio halted abruptly.
Even the person whose name was called was stunned, frozen in place as he looked back at the main host of the show, eyes wide and mouth agape as if seeing a ghost in broad daylight.
[There you go, all confused.
Congratulations on ranking 4th, Im Kureum.]
“Senior…
you’re not messing with me, right?” The senior producer’s son was quite confused by the unexpectedly high rank.
He thought if he had a chance to stay in the show, it would be somewhere in the twenties or early teens.
But this was 4th place, a pre-debut rank that seemed impossible.
Even if he hadn’t been on the internet checking threads, he could easily guess that by now, his (supposed) notorious womanizing history must have spread all over social media.
His gay friends, who were his confidants, likely wouldn’t speak up to avoid trouble for themselves.
Besides, their relationship hadn’t progressed to the point of being official.
As soon as they found out his father was arranging a match for him, they all said goodbye.
How could he possibly have such a high rank…
it must be a joke.
[Why would I lie?
This is a real broadcast.
Come on, share your feelings quickly so we can announce the next person.] Park Insa urged.
“Shoot, is this real?
Oops!” The senior producer’s son covered his mouth when he realized he had cursed.
He quickly turned to apologize to the camera.
“Uh, please censor that just now,” he said, then cleared his throat to regain his composure.
“Ahem.
You want me to share my feelings?
How should I put this?
I’m quite surprised.
Honestly, I know my skill level well.
I know I’m capable enough to debut.
I’m not bragging; my music academy trainers praised me.
But survival shows are unpredictable, so I never thought I’d rank this high.
Thank you very much.
I will cherish this opportunity you’ve given me and repay the love and trust you have in me.
Thank you again.” Im Kureum spoke while nodding to himself, eliciting laughs from the other contestants, especially those from Class B who had been charmed by him into calling the senior producer’s son “boss.”
[Please take your seat.]
“I don’t need to hold the mic anymore?” Im Kureum, now composed, joked back.
[Go on up.
If we keep this up, your father will have my head.] Since this episode would air in the fifth week, by now viewers and netizens knew that Im Kureum was the son of the show’s head producer.
They had already made sarcastic comments and indirect criticisms, but even so, enough people voted for him to bring his rank to 4th place.
So why not use the father-son dynamic to add some fun to the show?
Im Kureum bowed to Park Insa, then turned towards the pyramid-shaped stands, his eyes fixed on the fourth seat, still vacant.
Fourth place.
Did he really get fourth place?
Was this real…
Holy crap!!!
[We’ve reached the last three ranks.
I must mention that the scores of these three are significantly higher than the previous ranks,] Park Insa said to build up the excitement as the number of seats decreased.
[How much higher, you ask…
Well, I won’t tell.
Soon, the show will let you check your own social media buzz.
You’ll see for yourselves then.]
A buzz of excitement arose among the trainees who had advanced to the next round.
They would finally be able to use social media after being disconnected for nearly two months.
Wang Qi exhaled loudly through his nose, hoping to hear the scores of the top ranks.
Now, he didn’t know if his name hadn’t been called because he was in the top three or if he had to go home.
If it was the latter, could he hold back his tears?
[Next, in third place, congratulations to Wang Qi for making it into the top three.]
“What?
My name…
that’s my name!” Wang Qi jumped up quickly, looking directly at the show’s host for confirmation.
Just a moment ago, he thought he would have to pack up and go home.
In less than a second, he had made it to the next round?!
[Yes, it’s your name.
Come on down,] Park Insa smiled kindly, believing that if Wang Qi could maintain his brightness until the end of the show, his current rank might change in the future.
His current rank was partly due to his nationality.
“I made it through!” Wang Qi turned and jumped to hug his favorite brothers, Jacan and Kim Jiseong.
After receiving their hugs, he ran and jumped down to the front.
[Congratulations!
Now, share your feelings.]
“Hello, I’m Wang Qi, an independent trainee.
Thank you for supporting me.
I never thought I’d have the chance to be in the top three.
This is beyond my expectations.
I…” Wang Qi opened his mouth as if to say something, but then closed it, swallowing his words.
“I have a lot to say, but I don’t want to take up too much time from the next two ranks, so I’ll keep it brief.
I want to thank you…
thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I don’t know if I can repay the love and trust you have in me, but I’ll do my best.
I won’t let you down for choosing me today.
Thank you very much.” The trainees who had joked and played with Wang Qi were surprised not to see him cry.
Not even a single tear welled up in his eyes.
[That was a great speech.
Please take your seat,] Park Insa gestured towards the stands.
The young trainee from Country C nodded with a smile, walking forward confidently.
The congratulatory music played again, causing Im Kureum to glare at the camera.
When he ascended, there was no music like for the other pre-debut ranks.
“…” The sound crew glanced at the senior producer who was pranking his own son on the show.
Naturally, the cameraman captured this scene for the editing team to use later.
[Now, for the second and first places, please step forward, Jacan and Kim Jiseong.]” The scene mirrored the announcement of the 5th and 6th places.
Kim Jiseong turned to flash a wide smile at his biracial brother, happy that they all made it to the next round.
At this point, the rank didn’t matter as long as they had the chance to stay.
“Let’s go,” Jacan smiled broadly.
Even though he had comforted others and tried to persuade them that they still had a chance, a part of him felt the hidden pressure.
Hearing that he had also made it to the next round lifted a weight off his shoulders.
He…
had made it.
[Stand together here, please,] Park Insa directed them to stand side by side while he stood in front, ready to announce the ranks.
[Tell me, are you nervous?
Or did you expect to pass?]
“I have a lot of wealthy friends, but when I found out that money couldn’t be used for voting, I thought I’d be going home for sure,” Kim Jiseong laughed dryly.
“As for me, I thought I might pass, but I didn’t expect to rank this high,” Jacan smiled gently as usual.
[Really?
I thought you were very prominent.
It’s not surprising that you’d rank high,] Park Insa continued the conversation.
“Maybe because of my age,” Jacan replied.
At 23, almost 24, in Country K, most people would consider switching careers or preparing for military service if they hadn’t debuted yet.
[Hmm, what you said makes sense,] the K national nodded in agreement.
[But this might be a new chapter in the show’s history.
Congratulations, Jacan Miller, you ranked 1st.]
“!!!!” Jacan, usually composed, was visibly shocked.
The eldest of the show widened his eyes, revealing blue irises that shimmered, complementing his light-colored hair like a masterpiece unique in the world.
This perception and imagination stemmed from the fans’ filter that always viewed their beloved idol as exceptionally handsome.
To the general audience, Jacan simply looked more lively than usual.
Cheers erupted!
The Ducklings Gang and the other close friends of Jacan rushed down to embrace him.
They had always believed he deserved a high rank, and hearing that he was number one only confirmed what they had imagined.
No one could be more fitting for the top spot.
Even Kim Jiseong, standing beside him, was the first to jump and hug him.
As predicted, Jiseong couldn’t envision himself ranking above Jacan.
Jacan was the epitome of excellence among all the trainees, possibly even more skilled than the instructors themselves.
He was talented, hardworking, and genuinely kind to everyone, making it impossible not to love him.
[Congratulations to Kim Jiseong for ranking 2nd as well.
You did a fantastic job,] Park Insa patted the shoulders of both trainees.
“Happy to advance together,” Jacan said as he hugged Jiseong back, expressing mutual congratulations.
[Kim Jiseong, please share your feelings first.
And as for the Ducklings over here, return to your seats immediately.
We need to continue filming.]
The trainees, both those who passed and those who didn’t, returned to their seats.
Those who knew they hadn’t made it sat quietly, hugging each other and crying softly, blaming only themselves for not trying hard enough.
“Hello, I’m Kim Jiseong from xxx Ent.
Before joining this show, I hesitated for a long time, unsure if I should participate.
I believed in my own efforts but didn’t know if it would be enough for the audience to like me.
Today, I realize my confidence wasn’t misplaced.
Thank you to everyone who chose to stand by me, for the love and this precious rank.
I will strive to deliver my best performance from now on so that everyone can proudly say they chose me today.
Thank you very much.”
Kim Jiseong bowed his head in gratitude.
When he looked up, tears shimmered in his eyes before quickly drying up, though his ears turned bright red.
[Excellent.
No matter when, an artist should always aim to deliver the best performance so that fans can proudly say they’re our fans,] Park Insa agreed with Jiseong’s speech.
[Congratulations on ranking 2nd.
You did great.
Please take your seat,] he gestured towards the stands where Wang Qi was waving enthusiastically like a lucky cat in a shop.
With the announcement of the second rank concluded, it was Jacan’s turn.
The studio fell silent for a moment, as everyone awaited to hear how the eldest trainee felt about his rank.
Was he surprised?
Happy?
Did he already know?
Everyone was eager to find out.
“Hello, I’m Jacan Miller, an independent trainee.
Honestly, I was a bit confused when I first heard my rank announced.
Then, I was surprised and happy because I never expected to rank this high.
I thought making it into the top ten would be the best-case scenario,” Jacan said with a laugh, radiating an aura of happiness that was impossible to ignore.
“I often questioned myself if I made the right decision to return to this path.
I kept asking myself this until just now, and all of you have given me the answer with this incredible ranking.
Thank you for accepting me for who I am.
I truly appreciate it,”
“I don’t know how long I’ll remain liked by everyone, but while you still support me, I will cherish this precious time to the fullest.
Thank you for the love and encouragement.
I’m really, really happy,” Jacan said, closing his eyes and bowing deeply for ten seconds before straightening up with a face beaming with joy.
[Please, take your seat on the throne,] Park Insa gestured to the number one chair, which was more elaborate than the pre-debut seats numbered 2-5.
The staff and hosts had taken to calling it the Emperor’s Throne, a concept Im Heewoo thought was quite fitting, thus it had become the name for the number one chair since then.
Jacan almost stumbled when he heard the name of the chair he was supposed to sit in.
He knew variety shows loved exaggeration, but calling it a throne?
Surely, netizens would make fun of it behind his back.
[Go ahead, don’t be shy,] Park Insa laughed at Jacan’s expression as if he had swallowed something bitter, urging him to proceed.
“Thank you,” Jacan nodded and bowed to the camera once more.
He took long strides up the stairs.
Though the distance wasn’t far, climbing up seemed arduous.
Along the way, the trainees who had already advanced stood up and applauded, their eyes filled with a mix of envy and admiration.
They too wanted a chance to be at the top,
Wondering what it would feel like to look down from that height.
However, watching Jacan stride forward confidently, they couldn’t help but think that the top spot was well-suited for this perfect older brother.
The eight Ducklings came out to see Jacan off, smiling broadly as if they themselves had earned the top spot.
Their mother—no, their father—was the best.
What were they waiting for?
Clap!
When he reached the group of single-digit ranks, familiar faces stood up to congratulate him.
After a brief chat, he continued the few remaining steps to the so-called throne.
The chair was white with a high backrest topped with a gold crown designed like the Star Fight logo.
The armrests were raised to waist height, intricately carved with vine patterns, and the seat was covered with luxurious red velvet with gold embroidery…
The chair truly lived up to its name, the Throne.
As soon as Jacan sat down, its luxurious design made the young man with light-colored hair look like an elven prince from a fairy tale.
The orchestral music swelled, building a sense of grandeur.
“…” Kim Jiseong.
Just as he thought, he wasn’t fit for that spot…
If one’s face wasn’t quite up to par, that grand chair would just outshine them far too much.
[As for those who were not selected, I regret to inform you that you will not continue,] Park Insa said, scanning the trainees still seated below.
Those who didn’t make it averted their eyes, some looking up at the towering pyramid they couldn’t climb, while others hugged friends and cried.
For some, this might be their last chance in the entertainment industry.
…
After filming this episode, nearly half of the trainees had to pack their bags and leave the apartment, leaving some rooms with only one occupant.
The next day, a new room draw took place,
resulting in Jacan moving to a larger room with three new roommates.
Wang Qi, who was moved to another room, clung to the doorframe, crying and refusing to part ways.
“Out you go.
If you’re not of age, you’re not allowed in this room,” Im Kureum stood with his hands on his hips, blocking the door to prevent the mischievous boy from entering.
“Then why is Eiji allowed to stay?” Wang Qi pointed to Kato Eiji, who was unpacking his clothes.
“I’m 19, in case you forgot,” Eiji replied, his expression deadpan.
Had Wang Qi already forgotten his age?
“Oh… right,” Wang Qi stood frozen, having completely forgotten.
Part of it was because, in class A, Eiji would often banter with him, acting as a foil to Kim Jiseong, who liked to act mature despite being only 17.
Jacan observed his new roommates, none of whom were his previous ones.
Interestingly, everyone in the room was in the top ten, all single-digit ranks.
Jacan (23), Rank 1
Im Kureum (20), Rank 4
Kang Manja (20), Rank 5
Eiji (19), Rank 6
“Let’s go back to our room.
They probably only talk about serious stuff here,” Kim Doyun said as he and two other members of the Duckling Gang patted Wang Qi on the shoulder, urging him to let go of their father duck.
As soon as Wang Qi was half-dragged and half-pulled away, the room fell silent.
Jacan remained calm, but the three other top ranks glanced at each other uneasily.
With Park Insa hinting that the top three scores were significantly higher than the rest, it implied that their vote counts might not be too different.
Any of them could rise or fall in the next elimination round.
“Let’s not worry about things that haven’t happened yet.
Let’s focus on this instead,” Jacan said, waving an envelope with the show’s logo.
“Where did you get that?” Im Kureum frowned.
Why hadn’t he received one?
“I found it behind the water heater in the bathroom.”
“…” The other three stared at the envelope as if it were a dead body.
If Jacan hadn’t noticed it, would it have stayed there until the task day?
“What does it say?” Kang Manja asked.
“It says the next mission will be an outdoor shoot.
We’ll draw lots for teams and tasks simultaneously,” Jacan summarized after reading it.
“Going outside…
I have a bad feeling about this,” Im Kureum smiled wryly.
“It’s a variety show,” Jacan shrugged.
In such shows, the staff always come up with strange things to entertain the audience.
…
Despite being prepared, the oldest contestant almost couldn’t hide his reaction when he saw the bus taking them onto a large ferry heading to a famous island.
“Welcome, contestants, to the orange grove on JJ Island!” Park Insa, dressed in a cowboy outfit with a wide-brimmed hat and a wireless mic, gestured behind him, proudly presenting the island’s landmark orange grove as if it were his own business.
The show spared no expense, with dozens of drones capturing aerial footage.
“What do we have to do?” a contestant from Class D asked.
[That’s a great question.
Did you all receive the mission announcement letters?]
“…” Silence spread across the group.
[Why is it so quiet?
Didn’t you get them?
They were hidden behind the water heater,] the veteran artist reminded them.
“…” More than half of the contestants shook their heads, looking at each other with puzzled expressions.
[Who found the mission envelope?]
Jacan signaled for Kang Manja to raise his hand on behalf of their room while he scanned the surroundings.
He noticed that only a few others had found the envelope like he had.
[Those who didn’t find the envelope will lose 2 points each,] Park Insa announced with a cunning smile, contrasting with the pale faces of the trainees.
Losing hard-earned points just for not finding the mission envelope?
That was too harsh!
[Next time, make sure to check your room thoroughly before going to bed,] the veteran artist, who had been through various pranks, advised.
The additional activity created by the show was meant to train the contestants to constantly inspect their living spaces.
This additional activity was designed to train the contestants to constantly check their surroundings.
In the entertainment industry, they had to be aware that having fans also meant having haters.
People around them might not always have good intentions, and even in private spaces like their home, trust was limited.
On a bad day, an anti-fan might find their place and secretly set up cameras, leading to big problems.
[Alright, you’ve learned your lesson.
Now, let’s talk about today’s mission,] Park Insa cleared his throat into the microphone after seeing the trainees looking dejected.
[We brought you here to change the scenery a bit.
Staying in the studio and the apartment is too stuffy.
As young people, you need to endure the elements.
Variety shows nowadays are tough.
If you’re not a superman, it’s hard to survive,] he explained.
Jacan nodded in agreement.
[Today, we will draw lots to form teams and then compete for songs,] Park Insa continued.
“Compete for songs?!”
[Yes, compete for songs.
Then you’ll practice the song for a week and perform it live in front of an audience of 500 people.]
“A live show?!”
[Exactly,] the older man enjoyed seeing the trainees’ changing expressions.
He now understood why senior artists had enjoyed pranking him when he first debuted.
It was so much fun, he laughed to himself.
“Your expression is quite scary, senior,” a trainee commented.
[You don’t seem surprised at all.
Did you find the envelope?] Park Insa asked, hoping to see flustered like during the ranking announcement.
“Yes, I saw it when I reached to turn on the water heater.”
[You’re no fun to prank,]
“I apologize,” Jacan responded with a soft smile to the older artist’s complaint.
He had to admit that getting this far had been a grueling journey.
Partly because he had always worn a mask, making him a target for the crew’s pranks more than anyone else.
Over time, he had learned to dodge and become vigilant.
[Alright, let’s get back to our mission.
The first thing everyone needs to do is put this on,” Park Insa said, holding up a plastic apron commonly used by gardeners.
“And use this for the task,] he continued, showing a pair of manual grass shears.
[See those overgrown weeds back there?] The orange grove stretched as far as the eye could see, with about 5 acres of overgrown weeds.
[We kept that area for you to play games in.]
The trainees were speechless at the extravagance of it all.
[The game is simple.
We have thrown balls into the overgrown area, a total of 59 balls matching the number of remaining trainees.
Each ball has one of your names on it.
Can you guess what our game is?] Park Insa asked with a sly grin.
“We have to draw lots to choose a center who will go find the first ball.
Once they find a ball, that member will join the group, right?” Kang Manja raised his hand to answer and ask.
[Correct.
And I’ll add a bit more.
The person whose name is drawn will then go find the next member, and so on until the group is complete.]
[The centers are those ranked 1 to 7, divided into groups of 8, with 3 groups having 9 members.
Those ranked 1 to 7, come forward to receive your equipment.
You will be the first group to clear the grass.]
“Ugh, not in the same group as Brother Jacan again,” Wang Qi pouted.
Being a center was nice, but he wanted to be in the same group as Jacan for once.
“There will be a chance someday,” Jiseong reassured the younger one by shaking his head, as he had never been in the same group as Jacan either.
While the second and third-ranked trainees grumbled like grumpy bears, the others went to get their aprons and grass shears.
Park Insa then walked over, hands on his hips, urging them to stop gathering and whispering.
[Alright, 7 centers, line up at the starting point,] he ordered.
The centers lined up in a row, each wearing an apron in the color of their class, holding grass shears ready to run.
Jacan playfully snapped the shears for the camera, causing the crew to pause for a moment.
It wasn’t surprising that this guy got a high rank.
He looked handsome even with a neutral expression.
His warm smile melted hearts, and today he added a playful grin… fans were surely going to swoon.
[Ready…?] The older member raised the whistle to his lips, opening wide as if to blow.
[Oh, I almost forgot, the first team to gather all their members gets 50 points each.
Tweet!!]
“Huh!?
What did you say?” Wait, what?
Fifty what?
[What are you waiting for?
Start the mission now!
Tweet, tweet, tweet!] Park Insa blew the whistle and waved his hand like a traffic cop, prompting the centers to dash into the dense weeds.
Other details could wait.
[Oh, one last thing.
There’s a time limit.
You can only spend up to 1 minute each time you run to find a ball.
If you take longer, you’ll have to return to the starting point, stop the timer, and then run back in for another try if you haven’t found a ball yet.]
Host!!!
That was a crucial condition to know before starting the game, wasn’tit!?