NLFSD Chapter 10

Chapter 10

The next morning, when Lee Jiwoon opened his eyes, Seo Taecheon was nowhere to be seen.

“Uh… where did he go?”

Rubbing his eyes and unconsciously looking for him, Lee Jiwoon suddenly snapped back to reality.

“What does it matter where he went? Let’s hurry up and pack for Jeju Island.”

Since he had fallen asleep without packing last night, he had to busily pack his suitcase now. Toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and this time, plenty of pheromone suppressants. Lee Jiwoon took a taxi to the airport with a fully packed suitcase.

“Jiwoon! Over here.”

“Supervisor! Welcome.”

At the meeting spot inside the airport, the participating employees had already gathered in small groups. The employees chatted excitedly, saying things like “This is going to be really fun,” “I’m so excited,” and “I couldn’t sleep a wink last night.”

“Supervisor Lee, you couldn’t sleep because you were excited too, right?”

“Uh… I slept well.”

“What? Aren’t you excited at all?”

“Oh, no. I am excited. I really am.”

As they talked casually, the publicity team staff arrived. Along with them were the broadcast camera crew and sound technicians from the content production company.

“Nice to meet you all. We’ll start filming right away!”

“What? How?”

At the publicity team staff’s words, Assistant Manager Ki Hyun-jin asked.

“We randomly assigned plane tickets. Get on the plane with a fluttering heart wondering who your first partner will be.”

“Wow! That sounds fun.”

“Really.”

After passing through the boarding gate and sitting in his plane seat, his partner appeared quickly. It was Assistant Manager Ki Hyun-jin.

“Jiwoon is my partner.”

“Oh, so you’re sitting next to me.”

“That’s great! I’m lucky.”

“Well, not necessarily… haha.”

Lee Jiwoon smiled lightly and sank comfortably into his seat. Then, he thought of the mango shaved ice.

It was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted in my life. I still feel that flavor on the tip of my tongue.

But why did BBG buy shaved ice? He bought it for me to eat. I wonder why.

“Jiwoon?”

“Oh, yes?”

“Why are you spacing out like that?”

“Sorry. I was just thinking about work for a moment.”

“Why think about work here? Forget it and enjoy yourself.”

“You’re right.”

Lee Jiwoon nodded, and Ki Hyun-jin asked,

“From the program explanation earlier, today’s shoot looks really fun.”

“Is that so?”

“Especially the part where someone confesses at the campfire. An impromptu confession—it sounds thrilling and fun…”

Was there such a corner? He hadn’t paid much attention during the explanation, so he didn’t really know.

When Lee Jiwoon said that, Ki Hyun-jin quietly lowered his voice and asked,

“But Jiwoon.”

“Yes?”

“Do you… maybe have someone in your heart?”

“Huh? Someone in my heart?”

“The program hasn’t officially started yet, but was there anyone you wanted to be matched with before… someone like that?”

“I don’t really have anyone…”

Just as he was about to say there was no one, a black robe swept past his eyes.

What the… why did that come to mind?

Lee Jiwoon hurriedly shook off the image in front of his eyes.

“There’s no one like that.”

“Hmm. Is that so? Then it means there could be someone in the future.”

“Oh, yeah… I guess.”

Ki Hyun-jin’s eyes were full of expectation as he looked at Lee Jiwoon.

“Wow. This is amazing!”

The employees who entered the filming site, a resort in Jeju, kept exclaiming in awe. The Jeju branch was a premium line even among the group’s resorts, so the grandeur was exceptional, and the garden even had a huge fountain.

Because the resort was built under Seo Taecheon’s leadership, Lee Jiwoon once again realized what an impressive figure the boss was. The boldness to push forward a building that looked like a Greek-Roman temple and a luxury resort with overnight rates over a million won…

He really was a peculiar and remarkable person. That such a man was his (temporary) legal husband… he’d have to live a long life to see it all.

“Hello! This is the local production team!”

A group of people walked out into the lobby. They were the team that had scouted the location and prepared the directing on-site. A PD with a polite impression greeted the employees.

“The cameras will always be following you, but please treat us like invisible people. Don’t be conscious of us.”

“Yes!”

“Feel free to relax in your private rooms. When it’s time to film according to the schedule, please cooperate precisely! Now, here is today’s itinerary.”

The assistant director handed each employee a sheet of paper. The notice said they would spend the afternoon leisurely and have their first shoot in the evening.

“Wow. What should I wear?”

“What do you think we’ll film tonight? I’m nervous. Maybe a game?”

“Maybe introductions first?”

While the cast excitedly talked, Lee Jiwoon was spacing out. Then, a commotion rose from beside him.

“Eek!”

“What? What’s going on?”

A male cast member clutched his stomach and collapsed. People and the production staff rushed over urgently and called 119 by phone. Before long, an ambulance arrived, and the man quickly left the hotel.

“What happened?”

Lee Jiwoon asked in surprise, and Ki Hyun-jin showed a grim expression.

“That assistant manager said his stomach hurt earlier… it seems to be something serious.”

Amid the ongoing commotion, the assistant director stepped forward.

“Everyone, it seems we can’t proceed right now. We’ll need to adjust the evening filming schedule a bit. For now, please go back to your rooms and rest, and we’ll contact you.”

“Yes.”

Reluctantly, the people received their keys from the front desk and dispersed. Since Ki Hyun-jin and Lee Jiwoon were on different floors, they rode the elevator together but parted ways halfway up.

Lee Jiwoon got off on the 7th floor and looked around the long corridor to find his room. Even the sound of his suitcase wheels was absorbed by the luxurious carpet, making it very quiet. When he opened the door, a fantastic view of the Aewol Sea greeted him.

“This is really nice.”

How long has it been since I last saw the sea? Except for that trip to Busan when I was in college, I think this is my first time.

As he flopped onto the bed, his body felt as light as if it would float away. Exhausted from the flight, stress, and everything, sleepiness rushed over him.

Lee Jiwoon fell fast asleep just like that. Without snoring or moving, he slept like the dead until a buzzing vibration suddenly woke him up.

Could it be the director?

He hurriedly checked his phone, but the call was from Ki Hyun-jin.

“Ah… yes, assistant manager.”

– Didn’t you check the group messenger? They’re asking everyone to gather in the business lounge now.

“Is it already time… Okay, I got it.”

Looking out the window, the sunset had already faded into darkness, casting a deep shade over the sea.

“How long did I sleep… and why did I pick up the phone so quickly?”

What reason would the director have to call me?

Lee Jiwoon washed his face with cold water to clear his mind.

Jiwoon, you came here to meet another Alpha. Get your mind straight.

He repeatedly reminded himself in the mirror.

When he went to the business lounge, all the former cast members and production staff were already gathered.

“Jiwoon! Over here.”

Lee Jiwoon sat in the seat reserved by Ki Hyun-jin. Soon the assistant director spoke.

“The person who collapsed earlier had acute appendicitis. He has been hospitalized, and since surgery is necessary, it will be difficult for him to continue filming this program.”

He paused briefly, then spoke again.

“But… if things stay this way, we’re worried there will be a problem with having an odd number of participants. We planned all the date routes and games for twenty people, an even number. So after some discussion…”

The assistant director was explaining when distinct footsteps came toward the business lounge. Lee Jiwoon’s eyes widened.

No way, why is that person here?

Seo Taecheon approached, dressed in a suit and accompanied by his secretary.

“Oh? Director!”

“Good day.”

“Yes.”

Seo Taecheon nodded to the employees and production staff who greeted him, then briefly called the assistant director aside. Although the distance was too far to hear what they said, it seemed like a very serious conversation.

What is going on? What are they talking about?

Lee Jiwoon strained to listen, but the conversation ended. The assistant director returned, smiling broadly.

“Everyone! Amazingly, we now have an even number.”

“What? How?”

“Director Seo Taecheon has decided to participate in the program as well!”

At once, cheers, excitement, and admiration burst out from the crowd. Warm applause followed. Omegas and Betas blushed in confusion, while some Alpha cast members wore grim expressions as if their plans had been ruined.

Among them, none were more dumbfounded than Lee Jiwoon.

“Huh… what.”

Seo Taecheon briefly met Lee Jiwoon’s gaze, then spoke in his low, thick, distinctive voice.

“Please take good care of me.”

Thunderous applause broke out. Lee Jiwoon felt his head spinning.

Everyone, here I am, a married man, appearing on a dating reality show, and my husband is coming along too.

<How could such a thing happen in the world?!> This was something he wanted to report to the production team.