The S-Rank Paparazzi Reincarnates as an Idol – Chapter 67

Author: Cireng

Chapter 67

The TV station’s actions were really starting to piss me off.

No matter what I said here, they’d probably twist it into evil editing somehow, but that didn’t mean I was going to sit back and take it quietly.

“I’ve participated in ‘Star Picking 5’, and honestly, for the first time in a very long while, I’ve experienced someone’s pure affection.”

If I really thought about it, it was probably the first time since I was a child.

“From beginning to end, I was able to receive a high ranking, like 10th place, because of the precious affection from fans who continuously supported me.”

“…That’s true.”

“Just because my ranking dropped doesn’t mean my fans’ love has changed. I’m simply grateful that you’ve given me such overwhelming love and allowed me to experience such precious emotions.”

“…!”

“I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank my fans. I still have many shortcomings, but I’ll do my best until the very end!”

Looking straight into the close-up camera, I bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

When I raised my head at the sound of applause filling the studio, I saw several trainees with reddened eyes clapping enthusiastically.

‘They probably feel the same way.’

No one could remain unmoved by sincere affection.

“What a touching speech. Trainee Cha Siwoo, please take your seat in Chair Number 10.”

“Yes!”

‘I got through that editing trap safely.’

If the production team was determined to create evil edits, then all I had to do was answer in a way that prevented them from doing so.

After sitting in the 10th-place chair, the ranking announcement continued.

One by one, the guys I’d eaten chicken with ended up sitting beside me.

‘Looks like the benefit had a bigger effect on the rankings than I expected.’

Their rankings had generally dropped as well.

“Now, we will announce the trainee who ranked 1st overall!”

While smiling and clapping like an automated applause machine, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived.

‘Who’s taking first place this time?’

“Congratulations. The trainee who achieved the final 1st place is Kim Sunyoo!”

‘Oh…!’

The experienced idol had reclaimed first place.

The gap between him and second place was 4.5 million votes.

‘If he hadn’t received the 5 million vote benefit, the rankings would’ve reversed. Those two are really neck and neck.’

The battle between the experienced idol and the influencer with ten million followers was incredibly entertaining from a spectator’s perspective.

Kim Sunyoo looked delighted and broke into a bright smile.

It was as if all the time he’d endured had finally burst forth as he delivered an emotional acceptance speech.

Afterward, the microphone was passed to Yoo Hoseung in second place.

‘Neither of them is crying this time?’

“Trainee Yoo Hoseung, you’ve placed second this time. Aren’t you disappointed that you lost first place?”

Anyone could tell it was a provoking question, but Hoseung simply smiled innocently.

“No. I’m not disappointed. Actually, I’m happy too!”

‘…Is he copying me right now?’

As I struggled to keep a straight face, Hoseung glanced at me before turning back toward the camera.

“That sounds very similar to what the trainee who gave the 10th-place speech said earlier. May I ask why?”

“Because while working with my hyungs this time, I realized exactly what’s truly precious to me.”

“…!”

“I’m happy because there are fans who always believe in me and support me. I’d like to sincerely thank them for helping me continue pursuing my dream.”

“What a touching speech.”

“Oh, and lastly, thank you to Siwoo hyung and Chan-i hyung too!”

‘The more I see him, the more admirable he gets.’

“Then please move to the first and second place seats!”

I was watching Hoseung move while clapping proudly when…

‘Huh? What’s this?’

Kang Chan’s ears had turned bright red.

‘Is he embarrassed right now?’

Until Kim Sunyoo and Yoo Hoseung finished taking their seats, I continued doing my best as an applause machine.

Once the camera finally stopped focusing on them, the stage lights gradually dimmed.

Soft yet tense music began playing, and Yoo Haein picked up the microphone.

“Finally, we will announce the trainee who survived in 20th place!”

‘One survivor out of the final eleven candidates.’

Whoever it was, getting one more major screen appearance would be a huge opportunity.

The giant screen displayed three trainees wearing anxious expressions.

“The trainee in 20th place is…!”

After dragging things out for about ten minutes to squeeze every possible second of footage, Yoo Haein finally delivered the result.

“Congratulations! The trainee who has survived is Hong Ryuhan!”

“WAAAAAAAH!”

“Ah…”

The joy and despair among the three trainees were completely divided.

‘That guy really keeps surviving right above the cutoff line.’

Because he was always barely making it through, I remembered him particularly well.

“Trainee Hong Ryuhan, please move to Chair Number 20. The remaining trainees may now go home!”

As the ‘Star Picking 5’ ending theme played through the speakers, the trainees left in the waiting area began to cry.

‘They made it this far. Of course they’re disappointed.’

Looking at their regret-filled faces, the closing song sounded especially cruel today.

☆☆☆

“Congratulations to the 20 trainees who have successfully survived!”

With one-third of the trainees eliminated all at once, the atmosphere in the studio felt extremely empty.

“You’ve all worked hard to make it this far. Now, only the Final Mission remains… the mission that will determine your debut.”

The word ‘final’ instantly sharpened my focus.

‘I absolutely have to debut here.’

Ding.

—

[Sub-Quest (10): Successfully debut during the Final Stage.]

[Rewards will vary depending on your final ranking.]

[Failure: Death.]

—

‘…Phew. I’ve finally made it this far.’

After completing ten sub-quests, the debut was finally within reach.

‘I must succeed.’

“First, before we begin the next mission…”

As tense music played and cameras obsessively swept across our faces…

“Let’s have lunch first!”

“…Huh?”

The unexpectedly anticlimactic announcement instantly changed the mood.

“You all seem far too nervous right now. Since you’ve made it into the Top 20, let’s start with a celebration party!”

“Oh?”

“We’ve prepared plenty of delicious food that you’ll all enjoy, so please look forward to it!”

“Yes!!”

At the mention of food, everyone’s expressions visibly brightened.

The atmosphere heated up immediately.

‘Well, food wins every time.’

There wasn’t a single trainee here who wasn’t happy about the idea of celebrating with delicious food.

‘Perfect timing. I was hungry too.’

“Then, everyone, please proceed to the cafeteria now.”

“Yes!”

Following the staff’s guidance, we headed toward the dining hall.

As we walked, a producer hurriedly gave us instructions.

“The food featured in this week’s PPL sponsorship has been gathered in the cafeteria, so please make sure to enjoy it as deliciously as possible!”

‘I knew it. There’s no way they’d suddenly throw a party for no reason.’

The production staff had clearly become obsessed with money.

“Please evaluate the food positively and eat comfortably!”

“Yes!”

Even though it was product placement, everyone remained cheerful because, at the end of the day, food was food.

The closer we got to the cafeteria, the sweeter and more savory aromas filled the air.

“Wow… that smells amazing.”

“I want to get inside already!”

After confirming that all the trainees had gathered in front of the cafeteria, a staff member boldly opened the doors.

“WAAAAAAAH!”

“Holy crap!!!”

“Can we really eat all of this?”

Following the excited trainees’ gazes, I looked inside and saw a huge table overflowing with food.

“Of course. Everyone, please enjoy the party!”

Chicken, pizza, hamburgers, lunch boxes… every menu item that people universally loved was laid out in abundance.

‘Every single one is from brands owned by the same major conglomerate.’

With the final stage approaching, the blatant advertising showed just how powerful corporate money really was.

“I’m getting a hamburger!”

“I’m getting chicken!”

Watching trainees sprint forward like animals unleashed from their restraints was quite a sight.

‘They’re practically wild beasts.’

Seeing the food rapidly disappear, I quickly joined them.

‘Let’s start with pizza.’

Normally, I would’ve chosen chicken.

But today was different.

Perhaps because I’d eaten chicken yesterday, I wasn’t craving it at all.

So I decisively headed for the pizza instead.

‘The cheese hardens when it cools, so it’s best eaten while it’s hot.’

Steam rose from the pizza, which was loaded with a combination of toppings.

‘Considering thickness versus surface area, pizza loses heat the fastest. This is the most rational choice.’

“Thank you for the meal!”

With Yoo Haein seated at the head of the table, the trainees’ feast officially began.

When I pulled apart a slice with one hand, strands of cheese stretched out beautifully.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve properly fueled up.’

Just as I was seriously savoring the pizza…

“How is it? Is it good?”

At the sudden voice, I looked up to find Yoo Haein smiling harmlessly.

‘Since it’s PPL, I should probably give the answer they want.’

I quickly swallowed the pizza in my mouth.

“Yes. First, the dough is pleasantly chewy with excellent texture. The cheese is rich and savory, while the generous toppings provide a deep umami flavor and excellent richness.”

“Trainee Cha Siwoo, you’re quite the gourmet. You express yourself well.”

“Thank you.”

“As expected, Doremipasol Pizza is the best pizza!”

After deliberately mentioning the sponsor brand, Yoo Haein smiled with satisfaction and shifted his attention elsewhere.

This time, he approached Seo Hayul, who was enthusiastically eating a hamburger beside me.

“Trainee Seo Hayul, how’s the hamburger?”

“…Yes! It’s delicious!”

“That’s good to hear. Eat plenty.”

Watching Yoo Haein continue asking various trainees questions while I steadily worked through every type of food available…

“You all enjoyed the food, right?”

“YES!!!”

An even louder response than before echoed throughout the cafeteria.