Yeong, who was shooting an advertisement, smiled slyly as he recalled the conversation with Summer last night.

Since they were both busy, opportunities to express their inner thoughts were not frequent, making yesterday’s time even more precious. The story of Summer and Taeseok meeting again, concerns about the next project, and the extermination of Jihyun Jung.

Summer was living a quite busy life. And she was in the process of becoming the bold and confident Choi Yeoreum, just like when she first met herself a few years ago. That transformation was very inspiring.

Yeong also opened up about reconciling with the members, concerns about choosing an agency, and Summer actively listened.

He thought he should follow Summer’s attitude. Yeong wanted to break away from his indecisive and timid nature.

By the way.

“When will today’s shoot end? Feels incredibly long.”
The sky was gloomy with a tint of ash-gray. The cloudy sky seemed like it would soon pour either snow or rain. It was already dark, as if the sun had set, even though it was only two in the afternoon.

“I have plans with Ji-hyeok oppa after this.”

On days like this, it would be nice if the weather were bright and clear.

The two who had promised to drink beer had fulfilled that promise not too long ago. They met at a pub near Ji-hyeok’s house and had a quite enjoyable time.

Even though it was a gathering with each other’s managers, they couldn’t hide their excitement. That alone made them happy enough.

“Do you know that I’m meeting someone after this, Noona? What is Noona doing at home?”

It would have been even better without such remarks.

“Taeseok hyung seems to meet Noona quite often. Right? How about it? Does he come by often near your house?”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to meet me for a drink and contact Noona instead? If she’s bored, ask her to come out.”

Knowing that he was being used, he still chose this relationship. Perhaps to induce jealousy, perhaps to hear news about Summer. Well, both were highly likely, but it didn’t matter.

“She says she’s tired. She probably won’t come out.”

Answering as if he didn’t know intentionally.

“Still, try contacting her at least once.”

Hoping that someday she would see me as me alone.

Yeong sighed and cut off his thoughts. Anyway, thanks to that day, they could see each other so often now, so that alone was something to be grateful for.

“The weather is really strange.”

Trying to lift the dampened mood, Yeong prepared for the shoot.

That’s when it happened.

“Oh, Sa-mo-nim!”

“You shouldn’t enter without permission!”

There was a bit of a commotion. Yeong, who had beautifully done princess-like makeup, absentmindedly turned his head toward the disturbance.

Today’s advertisement was for A Beauty’s new pink blusher. With a bright and lively makeup, Yeong looked beautiful like a pink tulip. However, when confirming the protagonist of the disturbance, the fresh cheeks lost their vitality like the ash-gray sky.

“Why aren’t you answering Mom’s calls?”

It was Yeong’s mom, Kim Chan-mi. Always causing a commotion wherever she went. After being quiet for a while, she started again.

Kim Chan-mi forcefully pulled Yeong’s arm and took him to the waiting room.

“Young! Are you really going to live like this on your own?”

This embarrassment was beyond embarrassing…

Suppressing his boiling anger, Yeong glared coldly.

“How did you become independent from that agency? You’re getting entangled with them again to release an album? What’s the use of being a girl group at your age? You’re barely peeling off the idol sticker to establish yourself as an actress! You fool.”

“I haven’t aged much.”

“The day after tomorrow, you’ll be in your mid-twenties. What’s the use of being an idol?!”

Yeong clenched his fist.

“Mom, it’s my life.”

Suddenly, he remembered Summer’s expression, dealing with the unfortunate fate with more composure than he expected. Her calmly waiting for the right moment instead of acting on emotions gave Yeong a significant impression.

He thought he shouldn’t become someone just like his mom.
Avoiding someone because of irritation is not the solution. Blood relations tend to be persistent like this. It was a time when a firmer attitude was needed, without anger, without rage.

“I’m trying to rebuild the relationship that was ruined because of my mom. Did Lily ever throw a cup at you? Now I understand why those kids hated me.”

“That cheeky girl. I just gave her advice as an adult. Listen to your mom, Yoo-young.”

He was annoyed.

“I’m an adult now, so I’ll give advice too. Mom, don’t interfere in my life anymore. If you come abruptly or disturb my shoots, I’ll report you to the police. I don’t care if rumors spread.”

Kim Chan-mi stopped her bold breathing and stared at Yeong intently. Only now did she feel that something had changed. Yeong’s expression was not one of anger or confusion; it was simply composed.

“You’ve become quite the actor, huh?”

“…….”

“See, you’re the second son of the Samhoo Mulsan.”

Kim Chan-mi revealed the purpose of her visit, crawling here.

“Yeah.”

Yeong replied obediently.

“Want to see it?”

“Yeah. When and where should we go?”

Kim Chan-mi’s expression brightened considerably.

“Great. You thought well. An entertainer’s career needs to be long, at least ten years. Marry into a chaebol family when you’re still young, have two sons before turning thirty. Then your life will be secure.”

Yeong chuckled coldly.

“After this appearance, no more offers for arrangements will probably come. You know that half of my blood is Mom’s, right? I’ll act crazy like Mom, just like a crazy person. Mom’s daughter can’t marry into a chaebol family. No, won’t.”

Kim Chan-mi’s face turned crimson.

“This is it!”

Unable to control her anger, she clenched her fists. It was a predictable repertoire.

Thunk.

Yeong accurately caught the flying arm. The two arms were intertwined in the air. Kim Chan-mi was furious, and Yeong remained calm.

“If you hit me, I’ll sue you.”

He casually threw Kim Chan-mi’s arm away.

“Don’t come find me again. Let’s just live as if you don’t exist. If Mom continues like this, I’ll tell my new dad that she had an inappropriate relationship with the agency’s CEO when I was active in the group.”

“You… How could you say that!”

“Mom should live her own life. Please. Just leave me alone.”

After shooting a sharp glance, Yeong turned and left the waiting room.

The staff, who had been waiting anxiously, all looked at Yeong. Yeong did not back down and confidently apologized.

“I apologize for the interruption in the shoot. I will work harder!”

Although he had been living away from home for several years now, he now felt truly independent.

He wanted to brag to Summer.