The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol - Chapter 368

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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368

【I’ll always be by your side
Walking forward together, bathed in the warm light love brings….】

Before the promotional trailer for “Let’s Go on a School Trip,” scheduled as year-end television entertainment, even aired, WH Entertainment’s official YouTube channel uploaded a video ahead of schedule. It captured Black Call, High Five, and The Dun singing in front of a carousel.

[I love WH (crying emoji)]
[This is so unfair WH you bastards… I came here ready to curse you out, but you hit me with that harmony in front of a glittering carousel against a dark night sky… A true WH fan like me just gets knocked out and cries…]
[Oh my god crazy crazy crazy Chae Jung-woo singing~~~!!!! His vocal condition must have improved a lot]
[Watching Jung-woo sing made me suddenly burst into tears at dawn… I guess I really do love you more than I thought…]

Most of the comments were about Black Call, especially Chae Jung-woo, though there were scattered mentions of High Five and The Dun as well.

[High Five’s babies all seem so nervous and excited it’s so cute but why does Kang Yeon-hu look so tired lolololol]
[The Dun’s babies are so family-like they’re so cute teasing each other]
[Right lol look at Kang Yi-chae and Seo Ho-yoon poking each other while rapping that’s gotta be a habit at this point]
[I love you Sehyun ㅜㅜㅜ Hapa, you’re so cute just breathing like crazy tlqkf]
[Meanwhile our leader seems to be losing his cool..]

“Hmm.”

I scrolled through the comments slowly with my finger, which appeared relatively mild on the surface regardless of what people actually meant. High Five was scheduled for their final comeback of the year soon. In the meantime, The Dun was planning to focus on activities in Japan for a while.
High Five was supposed to make their final comeback of the year soon. In the meantime, The Dun was planning to have activities in Japan for a while.

“After the album release, it was just a few broadcasting appearances, K-POP concerts, and fan meetings.”

As domestic popularity increased, it seemed that recognition in Japan was also rising accordingly, and the Company was actively discussing plans for a concert to be held in Japan next year. Moreover, Sung Ji-won was in a situation where his participation in the OST for a Drama featuring a famous actor was virtually confirmed, and Jung Da-jun had recently been selected as a fixed MC for YuYu Bank.

In one corner of my vision, a brilliantly ornate trophy that had appeared recently spun slowly in the air.
In one corner of his field of vision, a brilliantly ornate trophy that had appeared some time ago spun round and round.

Secure the Grand Prize from one of the top 3 music award ceremonies held between December and February. (0/1)
Clear all main scenarios. (0/1)]
Clear all main scenarios. (0/1)

Beneath it lay a series of phrases as if the world itself had entered its final countdown.

‘Grand prize from one of the top three music award ceremonies.’

“…Get rid of it.”

I waved my hand, and the spinning trophy instantly scattered like smoke. Just then, Kim Sung-hyun opened the door and stepped inside, his shoulders flinching when he saw me.

“What, what is it? You’re already here?”

I waved my raised hand casually and closed my eyes. A moment later, I heard the sound of fabric rustling beside me. Kim Sung-hyun seemed to have settled into a spot nearby.

“Seo Ho-yoon, are you done with your private lessons?”
“Yeah.”
“Really? Did you eat?”
“Yeah.”
“What about vitamins and ginseng?”
“Yeah.”
“…Hmm.”

Questions poured out relentlessly until, moments later, a warm sensation touched my forehead. I opened my eyes, and my gaze met Kim Sung-hyun’s directly as he examined my face. His palm covered my bangs as if checking my temperature.

“What are you doing?”
“…No, just. I was wondering if something was wrong since you seem off…”

He hesitated and avoided my gaze, then stood up with an awkward motion, swinging his arms like a middle-aged man out for his morning exercise.
Just then, Kim Sung-hyun’s phone vibrated in his back pocket. He quickly pulled it out to check, and his expression immediately turned subtle.

“Who is it?”
“Jung Da-jun.”

[Jung Da-jun: (photo)]
[Jung Da-jun: ☆Jung Da-jun is on the move☆]

On the screen turned toward me was a selfie Jung Da-jun had posted in The Dun group chat. He was wearing a white beret and striking a pose to showcase his YuYu Bank bank manager card, his expression as cute as possible.

“Ugh… our Maknae/Youngest Member is such a man, right?”
Jung Da-jun: True that lol
Hahaha, Da-jun, be careful and come back safely!

“…You saved Kang Yi-chae like this?”
“What…ugh! What is this! Ugh, Kang Yi-chae….”

Kim Sung-hyun, looking disgusted, hurriedly began changing the file name. Then he suddenly lifted his head, furrowed his brow, and spoke with a slightly hesitant tone.

“…Seo Ho-yoon, the Maknae is doing well, right?”

He should be managing fine on his own by now.
I kept my true feelings buried and responded flatly.

“I’m just grateful he hasn’t broken anything.”
“Hmm….”

***

“I’m Jung Da-jun, the newly appointed MC of YuYu Bank!”

Meanwhile, contrary to the Leader’s worries, Jung Da-jun was diligently fulfilling his schedule without major issues.
He also executed the MC special performance he had been preparing for days flawlessly. Of course, that was except for the moment when he accidentally bumped a fluffy cloud-shaped prop from the start, causing the set wall to shake and nearly resulting in a broadcast accident.

“Jung Da-jun, that stage just now seemed like you were completely wrapped up in the clouds!”
“Like fluffy clouds and sweet cotton candy, I, Jung Da-jun, will continue to deliver warm and cozy hosting befitting the new bank director of YuYu Bank!”
“I’m already so excited~!”

Kim Sung-hyun’s patience, Sung Ji-won’s meticulousness in abundance, a spoonful of Kang Yi-chae’s audacity, a pinch of Seo Ho-yoon’s shamelessness, and my own refreshing charm all mixed together!
Jung Da-jun had even learned to skillfully utilize the strengths of his senior members, picked up over their shoulders. Though there were still some awkward moments since it was his first day, he made those feel endearing in their freshness.
As he read even embarrassing scripts without hesitation, grinning brightly and energetically, even the notoriously picky co-MC who was a year his senior didn’t spare praise for Jung Da-jun whenever the camera lights dimmed.

“Wow, Jung Da-jun. Your script delivery is no joke, right? You’re amazing~.”
“Ahahaha, really?! Thank you so much! I’ll work even harder!”

Jung Da-jun already knew all too well that being an idol was a profession where most things were determined by visible image alone.
So he greeted the standout cast members as respectfully as possible, and whenever he had a chance, he repeatedly memorized his lines.
He enthusiastically applauded the rookie group that had claimed first place, and even flashed a bright smile at TEW, with whom he hadn’t had the best connection during Shining Star Season 2.

“Man, we made the right choice making Jung Da-jun the MC.”
“Ahahaha, I’m going to brag to the PD when I get back to the company~.”

When the PD started saying, ‘Let’s continue to be with us!’, he responded by saying, ‘From now on, we will only use ‘ㅠㅠ’ as an emoticon!!’ The main producer, who was giggling as if he liked that kind of trivial flattery, gently patted Jeong Da-jun on the shoulder and left the venue.

“Thank you for your hard work!!”

I bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle, then made my way to the waiting room, recalling the Road Manager’s instructions to stay there until he came to pick me up.
The moment I sat on the sofa and pulled out my phone, messages from the members came flooding in.

[Ho-yoon (Brother): How’s it going?]

“Hmm…”

Jung Da-jun stared intently at the topmost message, resting his chin in his hand.

‘Ho-yoon’s been acting kind of weird lately.’

The fundamentals remained the same.
He was still cynical about the world, spoke in short, clipped sentences, and often pulled pranks on people.
Yet somehow, he carried an uncharacteristically docile atmosphere.
Even during the recent variety show filming, Seo Ho-yoon—who would normally have thrown in some teasing remarks or harsh words—simply laughed and said he’d enjoyed himself too.

“…Ugh, ugh.”

Thinking about it again sent shivers down my spine.

‘It’s probably nothing.’

I shook my head to dispel the creeping unease and jumped to my feet.
Thinking I’d use the bathroom, I stepped into the hallway and opened the emergency stairs door when I heard someone on a phone call.

“Ugh, this is so annoying, seriously.”

The moment I set foot inside, I came face to face with Jung Won-ha, TEW’s main vocalist.

“They said the MC position was supposed to go to me originally, but then WH had to say something. That bastard has nothing he can do on his own, yet he struts around relying on his agency and his members’ abilities. I’m out here bowing my head to the ground, but this asshole just nods his head like he’s got experience. I can’t stand it at all…”

Crude gossip poured from Jung Won-ha’s mouth. But in an entertainment industry where calm days were rare, it was nothing new, and since I had no desire to get entangled, Jung Da-jun tried to quietly slip away.

“—Like, exactly like this guy.”

Just then, Jung Won-ha’s hand grabbed my shoulder.
Startled, I spun around, and Jung Won-ha—who had ended his call—tilted his head down at me with a crooked gaze.

“Hey, aren’t you going to greet me?”
“…Me?”

Jung Won-ha answered with a tilt of his chin. Jung Da-jun, who had been scratching his head for a moment, proceeded to do what he’d requested. It wasn’t particularly difficult, after all.

“You were on a call, so I apologize. Hello.”
“Right, it’s been a while. Must be nice, Jung Da-jun? How fortunate of you to land the MC position for YuYu Bank.”

The more widely The Dun’s name became known to the public, the more intensely the backlash and jealousy poured in. At the same time, as if he appeared the easiest target, the most criticism was directed at him.
So somewhere along the way, Jung Da-jun had learned to interpret the hidden meaning behind every jab thrown his way.

“Now that I think about it, you didn’t really do anything special—just happened to join some small entertainment company, got lucky with the right connections, won a competition title, and eventually transformed into an idol under a major entertainment corporation.”

A way of saying he envied the miracle I’d achieved.

“So, you’re still not causing trouble for your hyungs?”

A way of saying he envied having capable hyungs to rely on so steadily.

“I mean, if it were the other members, maybe, but Jung Da-jun isn’t really at the level to be an MC, is he?”

Simply jealousy over losing the position.
Faced with truly useless drivel, Jung Da-jun began singing the national anthem in his head.

‘East Sea waters and Mount Baekdu… worn and weathered…’

He reverently sang through all four verses and even recited Connected’s Icarus version afterward, yet the venting disguised as etiquette coaching showed no signs of ending.

‘When will this end…’

Truth be told, Jung Da-jun had always found Jung Won-ha off-putting. Right before the Shining Star Season 2 competition stage, he’d fallen for Jung Won-ha’s provocation and completely botched an entire line of lyrics.
He’d never mentioned it to the members, but ever since then, whenever they’d run into each other at the broadcasting station, Jung Won-ha would always mock or ignore him.
He pretended to fidget with his ear, digging at it slightly, and resolved that once he got home, he’d lay out today’s events clearly to his hyungs.

‘Still, maybe I should leave out the part about Jung Won-ha? It’ll only add to their worries…’

Even if he did mention it, Sung Ji-won would probably read from his expression alone that he hadn’t taken much damage, and gently pat his head saying he’d done well. Kim Sung-hyun would hover around worrying if he was okay, and Kang Yi-chae would be curious about how he’d responded.
And Seo Ho-yoon would…

“….”

Was I wearing such a chilling smile that my legs trembled?
Whenever something bothered Seo Ho-yoon, he would curl up one corner of his mouth.
Jung Da-jun’s eyes suddenly widened as that thought crossed his mind. His expression shifted to something amused.

‘Wait, could this be…?’

Is Seo Ho-yoon sensitive to provocation? = Yes
Does Seo Ho-yoon enjoy acting out? = Yes
Does Jung Da-jun want Seo Ho-yoon to return to his normal self? = Yes

“…What, what is it? Why do you have that expression?”

Is Jung Won-ha a good target in this situation? = Yes? No?

Sensing something odd, Jung Won-ha stared at Jung Da-jun with narrowed eyes.
He’d grabbed him right after cracking sunflower seeds, so it didn’t seem like he was recording anything.
Besides, things were still quiet, but once people started moving in earnest, some would definitely use the emergency stairs since elevator capacity was limited.

“…Well, senior.”

Jung Da-jun, who had been waiting for his moment, slowly opened his mouth.

“I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but… the call you just made is bothering me a bit. Did you want to be the MC, but couldn’t because of me?”
“…What, what?”

The slight curve at the corner of Jung Da-jun’s lips bore a striking resemblance to someone else’s smile.

“Well then, why don’t you appeal directly to the PD?! Jung Won-ha is the true material for YuYu Bank, no one is fluffier or sweeter than me! Something like that… hehe.”
“Are you insane?!”

At that moment, the emergency exit door suddenly burst open. For a second, a music broadcast staff member and several rookie idols passing through the hallway heard Jung Won-ha’s voice.
As Jung Won-ha reached out his arm again, Jung Da-jun deliberately flinched exaggeratedly and hid his body behind the startled staff member’s back.

“Jung Da-jun, can you really speak so rudely to your senior?”
“Jung Won-ha, what are you doing?! You just shouted, didn’t you?”
“Hey, did you hear what that person said? Look at him pretending to be innocent.”
“Okay, okay, just calm down for a moment!”

Jung Won-ha’s face flushed crimson as he thumped his chest in frustration, as if to release the pent-up irritation.
Jung Da-jun, the very one who had triggered this whole mess, found himself in a state of bewilderment.

‘What the…’

He’d fallen for the provocation far too easily…

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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