NOVEL WEB Episode 71 - Lotus
“But team leader, why are Baek Sol and Baek No-ya both called Baek? My past life was also Baek Yoo-hyun.”
At Han Hae-woon’s words, Yeon-woo chuckled.
“Baek No-ya isn’t a ‘Baek’ family. It’s ‘Back’ (빽). He’s quite adept at escaping. Or maybe he always backs away, so they call him that.”
“Oh, is that so? It’s strange to have an English and Hanja combination like that.”
Han Hae-woon spoke again.
“Still, this time that ‘Back’ could be the kind of ‘Back’ that watches our backs. Baek No-ya wants to repay you, Team Leader, not through stories of the past like this but by providing information and resources to the fullest. He says he’s lived enough for himself anyway, and if Baek Sol still exists, he wants revenge.”
“Baek No-ya might be excellent at running away, but I heard he survived in this underworld for quite some time, so his foundation must be quite solid. It’ll be helpful, but don’t trust him too much.”
Han Hae-woon nodded, then asked again.
“But what about the favor you gave him, Team Leader? Baek No-ya seemed very grateful to you.”
“It’s nothing. I once saved his granddaughter.”
“…Excuse me? How is that nothing?”
In Yeon-woo’s past life, there was an incident where Baek No-ya, whom he occasionally used as an informant when handling domestic affairs, faced danger to his family due to an attack plan by the opposing organization. He pleaded to save his granddaughter and daughter-in-law and immigrated them to the United States. At that time, he only helped because he needed a good relationship with the informant, but to the one who received the help, it wouldn’t have been such a trivial favor.
“Oh, and about what you mentioned, Team Leader, regarding Byun Hak-gyu and Ahn Jun-ho. Plus Ten Entertainment.”
At Han Hae-woon’s words, Yeon-woo looked at him.
“Yeah, anything new?”
“For now, Ahn Jun-ho claims that although the investigation results haven’t been released yet, traces of a small amount of drugs consumed through alcohol have been detected. He insists that he received and drank the alcohol without knowing.”
Listening to Han Hae-woon’s words, Yeon-woo nodded. Although he didn’t seem like the type, there was a possibility he fell into a trap.
“What do you think the punishment will be?”
“He’s a first-time offender, and his opposing lawyer is quite experienced in this field, so the prosecution is considering a suspended indictment. Still, he’s an entertainer, so he can’t restore his damaged image.”
Yeon-woo nodded at Han Hae-woon’s words. He would have to meet Ahn Jun-ho separately later.
“And Byun Hak-gyu’s statement. Recently, after Plus Ten split into several subsidiaries, those subsidiaries are under suspicion. Many incidents in the entertainment industry these days are originating from those companies.”
Seeing Yeon-woo silently contemplating, Han Hae-woon added.
“And also about the drama you’re currently filming, ‘The Star Beyond the River’.”
“Hmm?”
Yeon-woo halted his thoughts at the unexpected word from Han Hae-woon’s mouth and looked at him.
“One of the subsidiary actors of Plus Ten is appearing in that production. Park Kyung-wan.”
“Park Kyung-wan? Huh.”
If it was Park Kyung-wan, he was the one who subtly picked a fight during the last action scene shoot. Now, he would be appearing as a supporting role with quite an impact after Episode 12, which starts filming in the special effects set. Originally, he was a member of the special effects team, but recently, he started getting roles with lines in a few works.
It was clear to yeon-woo that he needed to be cautious since the incident where Park Kyung-wan subtly picked a fight, but as there were no further actions, he was gradually losing interest…
After reporting everything about the investigation and today’s events with Baek No-ya, Han Hae-woon left, saying he had something to do in Incheon, and Yeon-woo returned home and fell asleep while organizing his thoughts.
The next day, when it dawned, Yeon-woo drove himself to Daejeon, and by the time he arrived, it was already evening, having spent the day helping his mother at home since her retirement.
“Oh, you’re home, Oppa?”
“New shoes, Yeon-woo?”
The front door opened, and the voices of Yeon-woo father and younger sister could be heard. It seemed his sister had been picked up by their father after school.
“I’m back, Father.”
“That’s what I should be saying. It’s been a while since you came down, our son.”
“Oppa! There’s a pile of autograph requests piled up. Last time, when you came to pick me up from school, rumors spread. You have to finish them all before you leave.”
With the whole family gathered at home after a long time, the atmosphere became lively.
“Got it. I’ll sign a million and leave.”
Yeon-woo messed up So-hyeon’s hair and smiled.
“Everyone, let’s eat. The kimchi stew is ready.”
“Yeah. We’ll go wash our hands and come.”
Father and So-hyeon went to wash their hands, and Yeon-woo sat down at the table and set the utensils.
Dressed in a tuxedo and attending glamorous events as an actor felt similar to experiences he had at high-level foreign parties as a diplomat in his past life. Ironically, Yeon-woo felt he was living a different life from his past through these ordinary daily routines.
Watching father and sister sit down after washing their hands, Yeon-woo smiled happily.
“Why are you smiling, Oppa? I’ve gained weight.”
“What’s this about gaining weight? You should eat well.”
Looking at the bubbling kimchi stew, Yeon-woo made a stronger resolution.
‘No matter who they are, this life will never be taken away from them. Never.’
After enjoying the meal and chatting with his family, it was already time for the drama to start.
So-hyeon sat on the sofa with her smartphone in hand, ready to watch the drama with real-time chat.
In addition to the usual green chat window, there were also open group chat rooms. Most of them were members of Ryu Yeon-woo or Jin Yu-han’s fan cafes or people who had become fans of ‘The Star Beyond the River’ after watching Episode 1 yesterday.
[Oh, it’s starting now!]
[Wow, I wonder which scene will break my heart today.]
[My heart is pounding.]
[I even set the KBC 1 channel to watch it live.]
While So-hyeon was watching the real-time chats, she glanced at the TV screen with her family when the logo announcing the start of the drama appeared.
“Oppa, what’s today’s episode about?”
“Gosh, you. What fun is there in knowing in advance?”
“Oh, so you don’t like being spoiled, Mom? That’s what spoilers are called.”
At So-hyeon’s words, her mother chuckled.
“I know that much too, you know? I got involved in a fangirl accident because of our son.”
“Wow. That’s impressive.”
Yeon-woo’s mother, Lee Sun-ok, these days spends her time at home looking up videos related to her son and checking what people are saying on fan cafes. In doing so, she naturally learns fandom terms and internet culture little by little.
“Seriously. Stop with the car accidents or spoilers and focus on the TV. Our son is on it.”
The family started focusing on the TV again at their father’s words.
“Today, I shall give you a question. Ponder it carefully and provide the answer in the afternoon.”
Accepting the question from Master Wang Ham-yoon, they each looked at it.
“Go out into the world and find out who you want to resemble.”
Opening the letter, Hong Ui-yeon, whose face brightened, asked Master Wang Ham-yoon.
“Does that mean we can go out today?”
“Yes, go out together, explore, and come back in the afternoon to answer.”
Upon hearing that, Hong Ui-yeon’s face brightened, and she stood up excitedly. Then, she urged Seo Hee and Lee Ji-baek, who were sitting next to her.
“Wow! Let’s go! Let’s go out quickly. I saw on the way here that the willow magnolias are in full bloom.”
Seo Hee and Lee Ji-baek got up in a hurry, held back by Hong Ui-yeon, and went out. Watching the three of them leave in a hurry, Master Wang Ham-yoon smiled contentedly.
“How lively and straightforward they are.”
And the screen transitioned to scenes of them walking around the neighborhood, Hong Ui-yeon dragging Seo Hee and Lee Ji-baek and trying on accessories. Then, it shifted to the three of them strolling by a quiet pond.
Seo Hee and Lee Ji-baek watched with interest as Hong Ui-yeon looked around the flower garden with a smile.
“Tsk tsk. How charmingly naive. She doesn’t even know the basics from our first meeting until now.”
“Haha. Why does Seo dislike lively girl so much?”
“It’s not that I dislike them completely…”
At Lee Ji-baek’s words, Seo Hee scratched his head and mumbled. Seeing him like that, Lee Ji-baek asked again.
“Have you thought about what kind of person you want to resemble, Seo?”
“Well, I’m still thinking about it. How about you?”
“I want to be like a flowing river. I want to flow endlessly and see the vast world.”
“That answer suits you well.”
Seo Hee nodded at Lee Ji-baek’s words.
While Hong Ui-yeon was admiring the flowers in the garden, she approached them and asked.
“What are you talking about?”
“We were thinking about the question our teacher gave us. Have you decided what kind of person you want to resemble, Ui-yeon?”
In response to Lee Ji-baek’s question, Seo Hee answered instead.
“How about being a calf? You run around so well every day.”
“What?!”
Looking proudly at Seo Hee, Hong Ui-yeon soon opened her mouth while looking at a grandmother sitting far away by the riverside, drawing water.
“I want to be like a river. A valuable person who helps everyone.”
At that answer, Lee Ji-baek’s eyes widened with surprise, and Seo Hee looked at her with interest.
“You both gave the same answer. But the reasons are completely different.”
Since then, the scenes of Seo Hee, Lee Ji-baek, and Hong Ui-yeon wandering around and enjoying themselves here and there seemed like scenes from a photo book. Amidst this, there were scenes where honey seemed to drip from Lee Ji-baek’s eyes as he continued to gaze at Hong Ui-yeon, showing affectionate feelings. Watching such acting from Jin Yu-han, So-hyeon was drawn into the screen as if sucked in.
“Wow, what’s with those eyes? I’m getting excited. Oppa, I have a favor to ask.”
“Huh? What is it?”
“I want Jin Yu-han’s autograph.”
Upon hearing this, their mother gave So-hyeon a slight glance.
“Why? He’s handsome. You might become a fan.”
“Who says? Give me one too, son.”
“Haha. Alright.”
[iced coffee. It’s crazy. I’m originally a fan of Jin Yu-han, but starting today, I’m also bringing along Ryu Yeon-woo.]
ㄴYou’re taking something that’s mine? Report it.
[Is this a drama? Is this a pictorial?]
[I’m jealous of Seo Ji-eun.]
[Ryu Yeon-woo’s visuals are crazy. really.]
“Oh? It seems like you’re more popular on the internet, Oppa.”
“Is that so?”
At So-hyeon’s words, their father and mother showed interest and approached her, snatching So-hyeon’s smartphone away.
“Why are you doing this? You can use Mom and Dad’s smartphones.”
“I don’t know where to go.”
“What do you mean? Mom’s always on the computer, looking at fan cafes all day long.”
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Meanwhile, at KBC1 Drama Channel, Director Hwang Cheol-young and Director Lee Sang-hoon were glued to the TV.
“Yeah, they both want to become like a river. So, Seo Hee, what kind of person do you want to become?”
“I want to become like a lotus flower.”
“A lotus flower…? What’s the reason for calling a man a flower?”
With elegant features and a voice full of depth, Ryu Yeon-woo’s figure appeared, delivering lines that seemed to resonate in the heart.
“A lotus flower blooms through the muck and lives in the mud for a lifetime without being tainted by its filth. I want to become such a person.”
With that statement, the screen briefly showed Hong Ui-yeon and Lee Ji-baek’s faces before quickly transitioning to another scene.
In the scene, a masked villain was burning down a thatched house, and the camera angle rose above, showing flames igniting throughout the village with tense music playing in the background.