Peninsula: From a supporting actor to the best actor in Chungmuro

Chapter 107: Yoona's Amulet Trap

"Jiwon-unnie!"

The door of the waiting room was pushed open.

Kim Ji-won will later perform a costume-changing magic trick as the opening guest for the second half of the ceremony.

At this moment, she was checking the hidden buttons of her clothes in the mirror and was startled by Krystal Jung who suddenly broke in.

"Scared me!"

Jin Zhiyuan patted her chest and said, "What's wrong? Why do you look so bad?"

Zheng Xiujing closed the door with her backhand:

"Lin Yuna just hugged him! I'm so pissed!"

"Who?"

"Lim Yoona! Hug Kang Jae-hoon!! Right on the stage!!!"

Zheng Xiujing gritted her teeth and gestured:

"During the award ceremony, he just carried it up like that!"

Kim Ji-won adjusted the buttons of her magic costume and waved her hand nonchalantly:
"Oh, it's just a courtesy hug~"

"certainly not!"

Krystal stamped her foot angrily, "Even the way she looks at Jae-hoon oppa is different!"

"Are you sure it's not a jealous filter?"

"I--"

"Jiyuanxi, get ready to go on stage."

Krystal was interrupted by the staff's pager.

"coming!"

Jin Zhiyuan responded, turned around and patted her shoulder:

"Don't worry, stay calm and remember, you are the real girlfriend."

"..."

Krystal was not very satisfied with her answer.

But at this moment, he could only force a smile and watch Kim Ji-won leave the waiting room.

Sudden.

The phone vibrated——

[Kang Jae-hoon]: Congratulations to MC, you hosted it very well^^
Just a simple sentence instantly changed Krystal's mood from cloudy to sunny.

(Huh, now you know how to send a message?)

(Why didn’t you think of me when you hugged Yoona?)
(Stinky Pabu!)
Her finger hovered over the screen for a while, but she finally put the phone back into her pocket and composed herself.
-
"Welcome back to the 7th SBS Entertainment Awards!"

Shin Dongye's voice spread throughout the venue through the speakers:

"Next, let us welcome Kim Ji-wonxi's 'Magic Dress-up Show'!"

The stage lights dimmed.

A spotlight hits the center of the stage.

Kim Ji-won stood elegantly in a pure white dress.

The music starts——

It is the OST "Says" of "The Heirs".

As the prelude ended, Kim Ji-won suddenly turned around, and her skirt opened like petals——

"Wow!"

The pure white dress instantly turns bright yellow!

"Wow--"

The whole audience exclaimed.

Jiang Zaixun leaned forward slightly, looking at the stage with some surprise——

(I didn't expect Zhiyuan to have this skill.)
(He usually shouts and clashes with Soo-jung on set, but he's quite elegant on stage.)
Kim Ji-won spun to the rhythm, and every time she turned around, her skirt changed color and style:

Mint green, cherry blossom pink, sky blue
Finally, it freezes in a warm bright red.

"Clap clap-"

The performance ended and the audience applauded.

Kim Ji-won made an elegant exit.

"So, the second part of the 7th SBS Entertainment Awards—"

"Now it officially begins!"

The three hosts appeared again.

Krystal Jung changed her outfit without me noticing.

The original pure white satin dress was replaced with a black velvet dress, and the pearl earrings on the earlobes were replaced with sparkling diamonds.

(When did you change clothes?)

(Black also looks good)

He was lost in thought when the popularity awards ceremony began.

"The winner of the Popularity Award at the 7th SBS Entertainment Awards is Zhao Yeo-jin from "Law of the Jungle"! Congratulations!"

The audience burst into applause.

Zhao Ruzhen stood up gracefully, her graceful figure outlined in a black fishtail skirt.

She was once a famous porn star in the Korean film industry.

He gained a lot of popularity in the early days with his bold performances.

Now that he has switched to variety shows, he has gained countless fans with his genuine and unpretentious character in "Law of the Jungle".

(PS: In reality, Zhao Ruzhen later won the Blue Dragon Award for Best Actress for her role in "Parasite," completing her transformation from a porn star to a powerful actress.)
As the awards were announced one by one, the atmosphere became increasingly heated.

"Next, let's welcome the Crayon Crew's performance of 'Bar Bar Bar'!"

The stage lights suddenly changed.

Five girls in sportswear and helmets came skipping onto the stage.

“Bar Bar Bar Bar Bar——”

A brainwashing melody sounded.

The iconic "Inline Five" dance drew cheers from the audience.

The artists clapped along with the rhythm.

Liu Zaishi and others even started doing squats.

Kang Jae-hoon noticed that Krystal was shaking her head to the rhythm in the MC seat.

(So ​​cute...)
Thinking of this, he quickly took out his cell phone.

On the surface, he was recording a girl group video, but in fact he was taking a lot of photos of Krystal Jung in succession.

The stage lights flickered and the awards were announced one by one.

The Female Excellence Award was given to Sung Yu-ri from "Healing Camp."

After this first-generation girl group member transformed into a host, she won her first variety show trophy in just four months.

The Male Excellence Award was shared by Kim Jong Kook and HAHA from "Running Man".

HAHA held the trophy and imitated Kim Jong Kook's signature ear-covering action, but was choked by the person involved.

When the Best Female Award was given to Song Ji Hyo, this "confused Ji" obviously didn't react.

He still looked confused when he was pushed onto the stage by Yoo Jae-suk.

It was not until he held the trophy in his hands that his eyes suddenly became red.

Gary immediately made a heart shape with his hands in the audience, and the RM members started to cheer.

The best male award went to Lee Kyung-kyu.

This variety show godfather once again proved his hosting skills with "Healing Camp" and joked when he took the stage:
"I thought the award was going to Jae-seok again."

In the end, the grand prize was won by the team of "Kim Byung-man's Law of the Jungle".

Chief Bingwan led the members to the stage and excitedly reviewed the hardships and touching moments since the program started.

They even performed an impromptu tribal dance on the spot, which brought the atmosphere to a climax.

The award ceremony is coming to an end.

Some male artists began to loosen their bow ties.

The ladies moved their ankles, which were tortured by high heels, without leaving any trace.

The staff walked between the seats, whispering information about the after-party venue.

After Kim Byung-man’s team released their acceptance speech.

The big screen on the stage began to play the closing video.

The artists stood up one after another.

The scraping of chair legs against the floor, the hum of low conversations, and the crisp sound of high heels hitting the ground intertwined to bring this annual event to an end.

After the award ceremony.

Jiang Jae-hoon slowly moved with the crowd towards the banquet hall on the fifth floor.

The hallway was carpeted in crimson, and the walls were decorated with stills from past SBS variety shows. As we passed the "Running Man" display area, a photo of Lee Kwang-soo making a face elicited a few giggles from the female celebrities.

The elevator was crowded with artists waiting to go upstairs.

The smell of perfume, hairspray and a faint smell of sweat mixed together and fermented in the enclosed space.

"bite"--

The elevator door opened and the crowd poured in like a tide.

Jiang Zaixun was carried forward by the crowd.

The banquet hall has already been decorated.

Crystal chandeliers illuminated the room, and a long dining table was set with exquisite cold dishes and a champagne tower. Waiters shuttled between them, and the wine glasses on the trays reflected the tiny light.

This kind of occasion is nominally a celebration party, but in reality it is a social gathering between TV station executives and advertisers.

The PDs from the Variety Show Department were chatting and laughing with the directors of the advertising agency.

The sweet laughter of several female artists could be heard from the direction of the champagne tower from time to time.

The idol group was led by their manager to greet the producers and advertising sponsors.

In the corner, a few newcomers stood awkwardly, not even daring to take more plates.

Jiang Jae-hoon took a glass of sparkling water and leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window.

From this location, you can see the night view of the Han River through the glass. The lights of the cruise ships on the river and the crystal chandeliers in the banquet hall complement each other.
-
When Krystal Jung and Kim Ji-won took the elevator to the banquet hall on the fifth floor, the place was already bustling with activity.

"Where are they?"

Krystal lowered her voice and scanned the audience.

Jin Zhiyuan stood on tiptoe to look around, and suddenly her eyes lit up:
"At three o'clock, by the French window."

Zheng Xiujing looked in the direction she was directed to——

Kang Jae-hoon was leaning against the window, his black suit accentuating his slender figure. He held a glass of sparkling water in his hand, his gaze fixed on the distant nightscape of the Han River, his profile sharply defined by the light.

"Remember the plan."

Jin Zhiyuan suddenly leaned close to her ear and said, "Leave him alone for a while, let him get anxious."

"But……"

"No buts!"

Kim Ji-won raised her chin towards Kim Jong-in who was picking up food not far away: "Look over there - isn't that a ready-made tool?"

Zheng Xiujing widened her eyes:
"Unnie!"

"Don't panic, just chat for five minutes."

Kim Ji-won pushed her forward: "I guarantee that Kang Jae-hoon will rush over immediately."

"and many more--"

Krystal wanted to protest, but Kim Ji-won had already slipped into the crowd, leaving only a "come on" gesture.

Krystal stood there, caught in a dilemma.

In the distance, Kim Jong-in seemed to sense something and turned to look over.

The moment their eyes met, his eyes lit up and he immediately walked towards her.

"Krystal-senpai!"

Jin Zhongren's voice was filled with unconcealed joy:
"You did a great job hosting today."

"Thanks."

"Would you like something to drink? I'll get it for you."

"No, I..."

Before she finished speaking, Jin Zhongren had already handed her a glass of juice like a gentleman:
"I know you don't drink much, this is freshly squeezed."

Zheng Xiujing was stunned for a moment, but still took the cup:

"Thank you."

The two chatted incessantly.

Zheng Xiujing's attention was all on Jiang Zaixun in her peripheral vision——

(Why hasn’t he come yet?)

(Didn’t you see me talking to other boys?)

(This Prabhu!)

She leaned closer to Kim Jong-in as if in a huff, deliberately smiling extra brightly.

Kim Jong-in was flattered, his voice became stammering:

"Senior, would you like to try the macarons over there? I heard they're delicious."

"Okay~"

Krystal Jung responded with a sweet smile, but in her heart she cursed Kang Jae-hoon eight hundred times.

(I'll give you ten more seconds.)

(10, 9, 8)

When she counted to three, she couldn't help but sneak a peek——

A petite figure appeared beside Jiang Jae-hoon without him noticing.

Zheng Xiujing took a closer look——

Kim Taeyeon was looking up and talking to Kang Jae-hoon, the drink in her hand swaying slightly as she chuckled from time to time.

She and Yoona were both invited to attend the award ceremony tonight.

Although her appearance lasted only five minutes, she set a peak viewership record for the entire live broadcast - 0.36% higher than when Yoona presented the award to Kang Jae-hoon.

At this moment, Kim Taeyeon changed out of the floor-length dress she wore on the stage.

She looked even more charming in a bright yellow fishtail dress than when she was presenting the awards.

Krystal's gaze almost burned a hole in both of them.

(Another one...)
(Why does everyone come to see him?!)
Her thoughts were interrupted by Jin Zhongren's voice——

"Senior? Are you okay?"

"Huh? Um... I'm fine."

She forced a smile but paid no attention to what Kim Jong-in was saying.

far away.

Jiang Jae-hoon didn't know what he said.

Kim Taeyeon suddenly smiled happily and reached out to pat his arm gently.

This intimate little gesture made Krystal's pupils shrink suddenly.

The juice cup in his hand almost broke.

"senior?"

Jin Zhongren asked cautiously: "Did I say something wrong?"

Only then did Krystal come to her senses.

Feeling that his expression might be too cold, he hurriedly adjusted his facial muscles and squeezed out a stiff smile:

"No, go on..."

But her gaze still unconsciously drifted towards Jiang Zaixun.

"Ding--"

Lin Yuna, who stepped out of the elevator, made the noisy banquet hall seem quiet for a moment.

She looked around.

Her eyes quickly locked onto Kang Jae-hoon, who was talking to Kim Taeyeon by the window. Noticing Lin Yuna coming over, Kim Taeyeon made up a random excuse to leave:

"My manager, Oppa, is looking for me. I'm leaving now~"

"what?"

Before Kang Jae-hoon could react, Yoona had naturally taken over Kim Taeyeon's position.

"Here~"

Lin Yuner took out a small gift box from her handbag and handed it over: "This is for you."

"This is."

"Take it apart and take a look."

Jiang Zaixun opened the gift box and found a black amulet lying quietly inside.

The six words "Senso-ji Daikokuten" are embroidered on it with gold thread, and there are tiny bells on the edge, which will make a crisp sound when shaken gently.

Jiang Zaixun stroked the delicate embroidery and carefully put it into the inner pocket of his suit:

"Thank you."

"You're welcome~"

Seeing how much he cherished her, Lin Yuner's eyebrows curved and she said:
"It's worth my while to go back and get it."

"Going back specially?"

Jiang Jae-hoon looked up in surprise.

"Yes, I should have given it to you when I got back."

Lin Yuner's voice was as soft as a feather:
"But we're all busy, and we don't know when we'll meet next time, so..."

Her words stopped abruptly.

His eyes looked over Kang Jae-hoon's shoulder and collided with Krystal Jung's angry gaze in the distance.

Lin Yuner's lips curled up slightly, and she suddenly reached out and took Jiang Zaixun's arm:

"Want to try if the amulet works?"

Jiang Zaixun was shocked by the sudden physical contact and froze:
"How, how do we try?"

"Follow me~"

Without any explanation, Lin Yuna took him towards the champagne tower.

The peach scent on her body gently enveloped Jiang Zaixun's senses, making him feel distracted as if all his strength was drained away, and he could only follow her steps woodenly.

In the direction the two men were heading, there were several middle-aged men in suits and ties, toasting and chatting.

Kang Jae-hoon recognized one of them as a director of the advertising department of Samsung Electronics.

"Director Jin, long time no see."

Lin Yuna's voice is sweet yet dignified.

The man called Director Jin turned around, his gaze lingering on the two people's intertwined arms for a second, and then he smiled warmly.
"Yoona-xi! This is..."

"Kang Jae-hoon, the host of the radio program 'Jae-hoon's Moonlight Drive' and a favorite student of Hwang Jung-min."

Lim Yoona’s introduction was just right.

It not only points out Jiang Zaixun's potential, but also hints at the resources behind him.

Director Jin's eyes lit up and he extended his hand:
"Ah! Is that the artist with the best crying scenes?"

"You flatter me."

Jiang Zaixun shook hands politely, and saw Lin Yuna winking at him out of the corner of his eye.

Samsung Electronics' endorsements are considered top resources in the Korean entertainment industry.

Being able to get an advertisement of this level is a big leap in the career of any artist.

For the next twenty minutes, Im Yoona effortlessly guided him between various advertisers. Her introductions were always precise and natural, occasionally adding a few positive points about Kang Jae-hoon and subtly steering the conversation towards potential collaborations.

“This is the marketing director of AmorePacific.”

"This is the head of LG Electronics' publicity department."

"..."

Every time she introduced someone, Yoona would cleverly mention Kang Jae-hoon's recent achievements - radio ratings, advertising effects, and even the popularity of "The Heirs".

And all this——

All of this was seen by Krystal Jung who was not far away.

Kim Jong-in was still chattering away, but she couldn't hear a word he said.

"boom--"

Krystal put the cup heavily on the waiter's tray and turned to leave.

Jin Zhongren was shocked:
"senior?!"

"I am fine."

Jin Zhiyuan, who was far away, saw this scene and stamped her feet anxiously.

The plan is all messed up!
Unexpectedly, Yoona showed up out of nowhere, and now Krystal is obviously here to ask for an explanation!

"calm!"

Kim Ji-won trotted over to stop the furious Krystal and asked, "What do you want to do in public?"

"them--"

"Can't you see what character is next to him?"

Jin Zhiyuan interrupted her harshly: "If you rush over now, it will only embarrass Jiang Zaixun and make you look very ignorant."

"So do you want me to smile and watch them being affectionate?!"

"listen--"

Jin Zhiyuan held her wrist and said, "All you have to do now is stay elegant."

"grace?"

Krystal almost squeezed out the words from between her teeth: "How can you expect me to be elegant?"

"Take a deep breath."

Kim Ji-won ordered firmly, "Count to three."

Zheng Xiujing bit her lower lip, but her eyes drifted uncontrollably towards Jiang Zaixun again——

Lin Yuna was smiling and putting her hand on his arm, and Jiang Zaixun lowered his head to listen to her with a concentration that was dazzling.

"one."

Kim Ji-won's voice brought her back to reality.

"two."

Krystal closed her eyes and forced herself to regulate her breathing.

"three."

When she opened her eyes again, her expression had calmed down a lot, but the anger in her eyes was still there.

"Now come with me to the bathroom to touch up your makeup."

"But--"

"No buts."

Jin Zhiyuan grabbed her wrist and walked towards the bathroom without giving her permission:

"You need to calm down, and we need to re-plan."

The light in front of the bathroom mirror illuminated Krystal's pale face.

She stared at herself in the mirror and suddenly felt strange—

What am I doing?

(Watching my boyfriend's every move like a nagging wife...)
(So ​​unlike me.)
Jin Zhiyuan turned on the faucet, and the sound of water covered their conversation: "Senior Yuna is obviously helping Teacher Jiang expand his network. This is a good thing."

"Good thing?"

Zheng Xiujing sneered: "Why does she——"

"Just because she's Girls' Generation's Yoona."

Kim Ji-won interrupted her: "She has more connections than all of us combined."

Krystal was silent.

Jin Zhiyuan took out a tissue and handed it to her:
"Wipe your hands and put on some makeup. Remember, you are Krystal, the perfect idol in everyone's eyes, not a little girl who is jealous of men."

This sentence was like a bucket of cold water poured on Zheng Xiujing's head.

She looked down at her slightly trembling fingers and suddenly realized -

(What am I afraid of?)

(Afraid he’d be snatched away?)

(Are you afraid you’re not good enough?)
Kim Ji-won took out a powder from her handbag and gently pressed it on the tip of Krystal's nose:
"Believe me, Mr. Jiang, that blockhead, won't notice any special meaning in Yoona's 'kindness'."

"……real?"

"of course."

Kim Ji-won swore, "Didn't you notice? He stood straight the whole time. Even when Lin Yuna touched his arm, his shoulders were stiff."

Krystal Jung recalled it and it seemed to be true.

"so--"

Jin Zhiyuan put away the powder and patted her shoulder:

"Now, all you have to do is return to the banquet hall elegantly and confidently, so that everyone—including Teacher Jiang—can see that you, Krystal Jung, are the most dazzling presence tonight."

Hear the words.

Krystal Jung silently fixed her hair and put on some lipstick.

Wait until the girl in the mirror's eyes become firm again.

Jin Zhiyuan then took her arm:

"Let's go."

The noise of the banquet hall once again filled my ears.

Zheng Xiujing's eyes swept across the whole place, and suddenly met a pair of familiar eyes at the elevator entrance——

(Unnie?!)
Her heart skipped a beat.

(Why is she here?)
Kim Ji-won, who was standing next to her, was obviously distracted by Jessica Jung's sudden appearance, and the corners of her mouth twitched slightly.

(First, Lin Yuna intercepted, and then Jessica checked on him?)

(Could it be Mercury retrograde?)
While the two girls were daydreaming, Jessica Jung came over in high heels.

She stood in front of Zheng Xiujing, her eyes coldly fixed on Jin Zhongren who had just come towards her:
"He's haunting you?"

Krystal: “…???”

Kim Ji-won: “……???”

(What's going on?)

(Aren’t you here to call for punishment?)

Zheng Xiujing's brain stopped working for a moment, and she subconsciously replied, "No, no..."

Jessica snorted coldly: "So you guys are having a great time chatting?"

Jin Zhongren felt a chill on his back and waved his hands quickly:

"Senior, you misunderstood! I was just discussing the stage layout with Krystal-senpai..."

"is it?"

Zheng Xiuyan's red lips curled slightly, and the smile did not reach her eyes: "Are you finished discussing it?"

"The discussion is over!"

Kim Jong-in bowed heavily and slipped away as if escaping.

After he walked away, Zheng Xiuyan turned to her sister and said in a softer tone:
"Where's your agent?"

"I'm entertaining people over there..."

Krystal Jung obviously hasn't recovered from the sudden change.

"Okay, follow me."

Jessica Jung stopped in front of a group of middle-aged men in suits and ties, and a business smile instantly appeared on her face:
"Director Li, long time no see."

The man called Director Li turned around, his eyes lighting up:
"Jessica? I heard you're planning your own fashion brand?"

"You're so well-informed. I just happened to have some details I'd like to ask you..."

Jessica Jung pushed her sister forward half a step without leaving any trace:
"This is my sister Krystal. She's been doing well in 'The Heirs' lately."

Zheng Xiujing immediately understood and bowed obediently:

"Hello, Director Li."

"Ah! Bona!"

Director Li smiled and nodded:

"My niece likes you very much."

"..."

Zheng Xiujing mechanically followed her sister to socialize, but her eyes always unconsciously drifted towards Jiang Zaixun——

Lin Yuna was still holding his arm and chatting and laughing with Director Kim of Samsung Electronics.

"What are you looking at?"

"No, nothing..."

Jessica Jung followed her sister's gaze and narrowed her eyes.

"Kang Jae-hoon?"

"..."

Zheng Xiuyan stared at her sister for a few seconds, and suddenly said:

“Remember, men may run, but careers won’t.”

"..."

"You are on the rise now, don't be stupid."

Jessica Jung's tone softened unusually, and she reached out to tidy up the hair around her sister's ears.
"Once you're on your feet, you can talk to as many people as you want."

Krystal lowered her eyes and said "hmm" softly.
-
Samsung Electronics' Director Kim was finally pulled away by other advertisers to chat.

Kang Jae-hoon was finally able to search for Krystal Jung in the banquet hall.

(Where is Soo-jung?)
(I seemed to see her heading towards the restroom just now...)
at this time.

He captured Krystal Jung not far from the champagne tower, with Jessica Jung, who was full of charisma, next to her.

The two sisters were talking with several business people in suits. Jessica Jung led the conversation with ease, while Krystal Jung stood obediently by the side, occasionally nodding in agreement.

(Why is her sister here...)
"Jaehoon."

"Ok?"

Jiang Zaixun turned his head.

"Can you drive?"

Lin Yuna asked.

"Of course, what's wrong?"

Lin Yuner shook the empty champagne glass in her hand and smiled apologetically:
"I'm drunk and can't drive, so... could you please take me home?"

Jiang Zaixun was startled——

(Leave now?)
(But I haven’t spoken to Soo-jung yet…)
(Not leaving?)

(Yoona spared no effort to introduce him to so many people...)
Lin Yuner saw his hesitation and asked softly:

"Did Jaehoon want to say hello to Crystal?"

"……Um."

Lin Yuner blinked: "But her sister is here, and this situation may not be very convenient~"

Jiang Jae-hoon pursed his lips.

(really……)
(Jessica Jung is present, and rushing over will only embarrass Soojung.)
(Why not text me when I get home tonight, or talk about it when we meet at the acting awards tomorrow?)
Thinking of this, Jiang Zaixun nodded:
"Okay, I'll give it to you."

"Then I'll go get my bag. See you in the parking lot in five minutes?"

"Ah."

Watched Lin Yuna leave.

Jiang Zaixun took one last look in the direction of Zheng Xiujing, sighed inwardly, and turned to walk towards the elevator.

What he didn't notice was—

Before leaving the banquet hall, Yoona briefly exchanged glances with Taeyeon, who was not far away.

(End of this chapter)