Chapter 198: Auction
“Good job, everyone!”
“You’ve all worked hard today. Be careful on your way home.”
“Managers! Please check your schedules and let me know if there are any changes before midnight.”
“You’ve worked hard—let’s wrap this up!”
It ended earlier than expected. This was because they managed to capture the desired scene in one take without any NGs.
The director asked for a few reshoots with a different feel, but after filming, he always concluded, ‘The first one was better after all.’
“Muyoung, good job!”
“Go inside, senior. Sister. Thank you!”
“……See you the day after tomorrow.”
There was still blood in several places, but Muyoung didn’t seem to mind at all. Instead, he felt so refreshed that his body felt light, as if he could fly.
“Muyoung, let’s go.”
Ko Gyeongmin patted him on the shoulder in encouragement. It was truly fortunate. The first time was difficult, but from the second time onwards, he was practically flying.
Ko Gyeongmin, who had nervously watched the scene unfold, was not religious but offered thanks to all the gods.
“Ugh, I’m tired. I guess this counts as exercise, too.”
Muyoung slumped down in the back seat and muttered.
His body was tired, but his mind was clear. He felt a sense of excitement and joy that wouldn’t fade.
“Sleep on the way home.”
“I’d like to, but the endorphins are kicking in.”
It felt like the memories that had held him back in the past were shattered, and the barriers blocking his future were crumbling. It felt incredibly good, almost to the point of madness.
“We don’t need to adjust our schedule, right?”
“Hmm. Probably? I put it in front of you there. Do you want to check?”
At Ko Gyeongmin’s words, Muyoung checked the schedule.
This week was uneventful, but next week was a bit more varied.
“A charity event?”
“It’s a charity auction hosted by Seoul City for their promotional ambassadors. They said to bring one cherished item, so prepare something appropriate, like a hat or some clothes.”
“But I’m not a Seoul City promotional ambassador, am I?”
“You were in
“……Oh.”
He wasn’t an official promotional ambassador, but he had done more than that, hadn’t he?
Every time Muyoung succeeded, the views of the video skyrocketed endlessly. People wanted to see Muyoung’s rookie days, to see what he was like at twenty.
The effect was so good that there were even rumors that Seoul City preferred to use rookie or unknown actors when producing videos from then on.
“It’s mainly organized around Enbin, so you can keep it casual.”
“Then, will Kihyeonho be there too?”
“Kihyeonho?”
Muyoung wasn’t the only one who had been in Seoul City’s promotional web drama. Didn’t Kihyeonho appear near the end as well?
At Muyoung’s question, Ko Gyeongmin chuckled.
“He’s Voldemort.”
“Voldemort?”
“Cha Eun-seong made a threat. He said he’d never work with anyone who uses Kihyeonho again. That guy’s completely lost it, too. Tsk tsk.”
It had become quite an issue, not only in the broadcasting industry but also in the film industry.
Cha Eun-seong had declared that he was at odds with Kihyeonho and that anyone who used or defended Kihyeonho would be at odds with him—he had made this quasi-public declaration at a drinking party.
“A few more people are coming, but I’ve received almost no information. I heard that this is Enbin’s last activity as a promotional ambassador, and next, you and Cha Eun-seong are recommended. Blade Track did really well as a historical drama, after all. The information came down to me, so it’s almost certain.”
This auction wasn’t just about the stars putting up items; even the staff were sourcing items to put up for sale, such as Enbin’s stage outfits, microphones, or Muyoung’s props from the set.
“I see. It’s truly an honor to be a Seoul City promotional ambassador. What should I bring?”
“Just something appropriate.”
“It’s a cherished item, so it’s not okay! I’ll have to go dig something up.”
In reality, he didn’t have much to begin with. He had only brought a backpack with him when he moved into the officetel. Muyoung hummed a tune as he flipped through the schedule.
“And the chase scene is the week after next, right?”
It was a vehicle action scene where he had to escape from the chairman’s men and the police. Actually, Muyoung just had to sit in the passenger seat and shoot a gun; the real acting was done by Chu Su-an.
“The senior’s going to have a tough time.”
No wonder. Even after filming ended, he didn’t say he was going home.
It’s a dangerous scene, so he’ll be busy practicing again.
Muyoung thought about bringing something to drink and paying him a visit, then closed the paper.
The charity event hosted by Seoul City took place at the K Hotel in Yongsan.
Wearing a comfortable shirt and pants, Muyoung entered, guided by the staff.
“But there aren’t many reporters here, are there?”
“They’re waiting at the photo line up front. About 200 non-celebrity guests were invited, and half of them are ‘One for Love’ VIP sponsors.”
One for Love was a charity organization that worked for vulnerable populations, especially children. They had partnered with Seoul City to participate in this event, and all auction proceeds would be donated through them.
“You’ll take photos at the photo line and then head to the waiting room.”
“Yes, sir.”
Perhaps because it was limited to a select number of people, the atmosphere was calm. It could also be because it was a government event.
After taking lots of photos, Muyoung entered the waiting room, where Enbin was reading cue cards.
“Binnie!”
“Oh, the next promotional ambassador is here.”
He playfully waved his hand.
Muyoung rushed over and slapped his palm loudly. It had been a while since they’d met, so he was happy to see him.
“The previous promotional ambassadors went up first. You can go out with me.”
“Okay. But what cherished item did you bring?”
“A bracelet, a hat, and a padded jacket. What about you?”
“Clothes for me, too!”
“Enbin-nim! Muyoung-nim! We’re going up now!”
“Oh! Yes!”
At the staff’s words, the two of them frantically checked their outfits and went out. The stage already had an empty display stand, as if one auction had already taken place.
“Yes, you’ve waited a long time. Next up are singer Enbin, the current Seoul City promotional ambassador, and actor Ha Muyoung, who appeared in Seoul City’s promotional web drama. Please welcome them with a big round of applause!”
At the famous announcer’s introduction, elegant applause erupted. There were telephoto cameras visible everywhere. They seemed to be Enbin’s fans. Muyoung’s eyes widened when he saw the mayor sitting in the front row of the audience.
‘Wow. Amazing.’
It’s my first time seeing a politician!
As the two sat down, the staff moved busily. While Enbin and Muyoung greeted the audience, the staff brought in a trolley and prepared for the auction.
“It’s an honor to participate in this charity auction as a Seoul City promotional ambassador. I hope my cherished items find good new owners.”
“I’m also very grateful to be invited! When I was filming the web drama, I never imagined this would happen. I hope I can be of some help.”
“Yes. Then, let’s reveal the items first! Enbin has a limited-edition hat from the maker, and oh! Is that a pure gold bracelet? And a high-quality padded jacket as well.”
The host, wearing gloves, held up each item one by one.
The camera zoomed in on it and displayed it prominently on the screen behind. Next was Muyoung’s turn.
“Oh?”
The host laughed in surprise.
“It’s a school uniform?”
“Yes. It’s the uniform I wore diligently for three years.”
“Wow. Your fans are going to love this.”
“I don’t have many items, so I thought something meaningful to me would be good. It even has a name tag on the front!”
There was a murmur in the audience. Some of the guardians reacted positively to the unexpected item.
“And next…… a script! It’s the script for
“I have all the scripts, you know. If you look inside, you’ll see some doodles by Enbin. It’s only one episode’s worth, so it’s a bit thin, but it’s full of memories from back then.”
“This is a real cherished item!”
Enbin also seemed to remember, looking a bit surprised.
“Wow. You still have that?”
“It’s something I cherish a lot, but since Seoul City invited me to such a great event, I’m putting it up with tears in my eyes. Haha.”
Enbin replied to Muyoung’s playful words.
“Can I buy this?”
“Well, yes, ahaha! That’s the beauty of an auction. But Enbin, the atmosphere in the audience isn’t easy. You’ll have to work hard to win the bid.”
“Oh, I see.”
In a cheerful atmosphere, the introduction of the cherished items each person had brought came to an end. Next, a series of items provided by the staff were presented.
Stage outfits, microphones……
“A tie?”
“This is from Nepflix. Apparently, it played a crucial role when Ha Muyoung auditioned for
“Ahhh! It’s the team leader’s tie!”
He had driven the team leader crazy with his acting that caused a commotion. Muyoung recalled the incident and shared the story, and everyone listened with interest.
“But I didn’t expect you to put this up for auction.”
Of course, the team leader had no intention of doing so, but Nepflix itself was looking for items to contribute to the auction, and it caught the attention of the person in charge.
“Now, let’s begin the actual auction. Today’s proceeds will be donated in full to vulnerable children through One for Love!”
Perhaps because it was the main event, the atmosphere was extremely heated. Enbin’s fans eagerly raised their number placards, and the amount, which started at fifty thousand won, quickly surpassed the hundred thousand mark.
“Wow. Enbin, you’re amazing.”
Muyoung whispered as he watched the scene unfold. As expected, popular idols are different in every way. Every time the price soared, Enbin bowed towards the highest bidder. Muyoung bowed alongside him.
“Next, we’ll auction Muyoung’s school uniform set. Yes, the condition of the clothes is very neat. A vest, shirt, pants, and jacket—it’s a full set!”
“I ironed it diligently yesterday.”
“If you win the bid, how about taking a photo wearing this?”
“Yes, I’d be happy to!”
“Let’s begin! The starting price is also fifty thousand won!”
Voices calling out prices could be heard from all around. Muyoung, who had been smiling, froze in shock as the amount kept rising.
“Two hundred! Do we have two hundred? Oh, number 55! Two hundred and ten! Two hundred and ten! Number 143!”
That… to that extent?
He couldn’t help but clap and watch the audience. No one seemed hesitant. Among them, one man stood out in particular. He was wearing a hat and a mask, and he was holding up a placard like a machine.
“Number 55 has it! Now, let’s raise the bidding unit to fifty! Three hundred! Yes! Number 178! Three hundred and fifty! Yes! Number 55!”
Only the man with number 55 and the woman with number 178 remained.
The woman glanced at the man with a strange expression, but the man showed no signs of backing down.
“Oh. Could it really go up to five hundred?”
“Five hundred! Yes! Number 55! Would you like five hundred and fifty?”
The audience’s attention was focused on the two of them. The woman hesitated for a moment and then made an X sign with her hand, as if giving up. The auctioneer clapped and struck the gavel.
“Number 55 has won the school uniform for five hundred! Congratulations!”
“Whoaaaaa!”
Muyoung clapped like a seal and bowed repeatedly. The host called him onto the stage, and the man slowly and confidently climbed the stairs. But that silhouette… somewhere……
“Huh?”
“Huh?”
Both the host and Muyoung uttered words of surprise at the same time.
“Eunseong hyung?”
“Isn’t that Cha Eun-seong?”
What’s the point of wearing a hat and a mask? The moment he stood up, he stood out. Cha Eun-seong smiled playfully and grabbed the microphone.
“Hello, I’m Cha Eun-seong.”
“What? What’s going on? Cha Eun-seong?”
“It’s Cha Eun-seong. Number 55 just now.”
Only the event staff seemed to know, as there was little reaction. He had only covered his face; his hair and everything else were fully styled. This was how he had planned to appear.
“No. Why is Cha Eun-seong——”
“Why are you here, hyung?”
“I came to bid at the auction. I wanted to donate.”
Cha Eun-seong replied and then said to the woman with number 178. The woman looked stunned.
“Wow, the heat was incredible. Honestly, I thought I’d lose. Haha. Thanks to you, the donation amount has increased significantly, so I’ll graciously give up the school uniform. It’s better for a fan to have it than me, right?”
He would donate but give up the item to a fan. The fan was so happy that her face turned as red as a tomato.
The fan, who came up on stage, hugged Muyoung and promised to make a separate donation. She also gave Cha Eun-seong a double thumbs-up and thanked him repeatedly.
“Hyung, aren’t you busy?”
“That’s funny. I’m the next promotional ambassador, too.”
“No, I know that.”
“Is this Enbin?”
“Hello, I’m Enbin from Zero Term.”
Cha Eun-seong cut off Muyoung’s nagging and greeted Enbin.
Cha Eun-seong created a ‘dining together’ voucher on the spot and participated in the auction. The event proceeded unusually warmly and energetically.
Watching the scene quietly, Enbin whispered to Muyoung.
“That guy seems to be living a really interesting life.”
Muyoung nodded in agreement.