pappabearbooks Chapter 194: Activities (7)
Chapter 194: Activities (7)
The van carrying Kang Rojun and Do-kyung was speeding down the highway. Do-kyung, the youngest of ‘Vanguard', was looking at his phone with a dry expression, and Rojun, sitting by the window, had a laptop placed on a makeshift desk. His expression was focused. His hands were typing swiftly.-Tatadat!
He was writing Episode 2 of ‘Tale of the Strange Moon'. Since the travel time alone took over an hour, Kang Rojun wasn’t the type to waste this long break.
Then suddenly,
‘Hmm.’
Rojun’s hands, which had been moving busily, came to a stop as he moved the mouse. He paused working on ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ for a moment and opened a portal site. The search term: the variety show ‘A Tranquil Day'. A flood of articles and information poured out.
It made sense.
‘A Tranquil Day’ was a legendary variety show.
The broadcasting station was the cable channel CVN. The main PD of ‘A Tranquil Day’ was also considered a star PD like PD Woo Han-suk, and the show had already gone through five seasons, making it a long-running variety show. Season 1 had hit an impressive 20% viewership rating, and the following seasons consistently recorded between 10% to 15%.
So it was only natural that each episode became a hot topic.
The concept was divided into male actors and female actors, and this Season 6 featured mainly female actors.
The theme was simple.
Healing.
The whole premise was for the cast to spend a few days in a tranquil location. But just stepping away from the bustling city and spending quiet time gave viewers a sense of relaxation, and there was entertainment in watching them light fires or cook and do everything by hand. As befitting its tremendous reputation, the guests appearing on ‘A Tranquil Day’ were generally top-tier, and the first guests for this Season 6 were none other than ‘Vanguard’.
《‘Vanguard’ Rojun and Do-kyung to appear on ‘A Tranquil Day’! “First recording in May” [Official]》
Specifically, it was Kang Rojun and Do-kyung.
Rojun and Do-kyung appearing on ‘A Tranquil Day’ was also a huge gain for ‘Vanguard'. Since ‘A Tranquil Day’ was watched by such a wide range of age groups, it could further boost Vanguards popularity. Moreover, every season of ‘A Tranquil Day’ had been exported to several Asian countries like Japan and Vietnam. This Season 6 was no different.
It could also elevate Vanguards international recognition in the future.
Whatever the case, while Rojun was searching for ‘A Tranquil Day', he shifted his focus to the fixed cast members. Three top-tier female actors.
‘In order of experience: Jang Seo-young sunbae-nim, Seo Da-in sunbae-nim, Choi Rina sunbae-nim.’
Rojun had quite a history with Choi Rina outside of ‘Rental Lover'. However, Jang Seo-young and Seo Da-in were new to him. For Rojun, who was pursuing acting as a side job, while Choi Rina was familiar, Jang Seo-young and Seo Da-in were seniors with far more experience. In terms of impact or popularity, top actress Choi Rina was definitely the biggest.
Still, Kang Rojun felt a bit nervous.
‘Ugh, Choi Rina sunbae-nim is fine since we worked together on ‘Rental Lover', but the other sunbaes are a bit intimidating.’
It was a huge relief that Choi Rina would be there. Even so, he had seen a lot of top actors during the script reading for ‘Blood Hunt', so once he got there, he’d probably adapt quickly. Kang Rojun tried to do some mental preparation and was filled with emotion.
‘Anyway, wow- I can’t believe I’m going to appear on this variety show!’
In the past, Kang Rojun had been an avid viewer of ‘A Tranquil Day'. It was the variety show he used to watch lying in his room during his darkest times. He even enjoyed it enough to rewatch reruns when they came on while flipping channels. But now, he was on his way to film that very show as the first guest.
He had even watched it just before appearing on ‘Produce That 100!', which made him even more excited.
‘There’s been a bunch of articles coming out about me and Do-kyung appearing.’
It really showed just how popular ‘Vanguard’ had become, and the filming period for Kang Rojun and Do-kyung’s appearance on ‘A Tranquil Day’ was one night and two days. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since he slept somewhere other than his home or the company.
At that moment.
“Hyung.”
Do-kyung, with an indifferent expression, spoke to Kang Rojun.
“I really used to love ‘A Tranquil Day’.”
“Yeah? Me too.”
“I’m nervous. Why do you think they picked us as the first guests? Ah, you must feel more at ease since you know Choi Rina sunbae-nim. What about the other sunbaes? Ugh, I’m nervous, and now I’m hungry. We’ll eat before filming starts, right? Hyung, aren’t you hungry? So-tteok so-tteok. Yeah, I want so-tteok so-tteok.”
“......”
Kang Rojun had recently learned something about Do-kyung. Although Do-kyung usually gave off a dry or indifferent vibe and was generally quiet, when he got nervous or anxious, he became talkative. And he spoke fast. Was it because he was a rapper?
As if trying to suppress his nervousness with words, Do-kyung kept talking non-stop.
“But hyung, are you good at cooking? From what I saw at the dorm, you didn’t seem completely hopeless. I’m totally hopeless. Whenever I cook ramyeon, it turns into the Han River. The only thing I kind of know how to do is fry eggs, but I burn them all the time. Oh right, you know, hyung. When the edges of the egg are a little burnt, it gives that fire-grilled flavor.”
Do-kyung rambled on like he was rapping, not even giving Rojun a chance to respond, while Rojun kept his gaze fixed on the laptop. Then Do-kyung realized he had been talking endlessly and made a sheepish expression.
"Ah, sorry. Did I ramble too much by myself?"
Still looking at the laptop, Rojun shook his head casually.
“It’s fine. I was just lost in thought. You can keep going.”
“Aha!”
Narrowing his eyes, Do-kyung waved his palm back and forth in front of Rojun’s laptop screen and whined.
“You coldhearted leader.”
Around that time, the van they were riding in made a short stop at a rest area. The manager in the passenger seat turned around. It wasn’t Manager Kim Ki-baek, but another manager.
“Guys, is there anything you want to eat?”
With a faint smile, Kang Rojun made a request.
“Two so-tteok so-tteok, please. One for me and one for Do-kyung. Thank you.”
“Okay.”
As the manager stepped out of the car, Do-kyung, though indifferent on the surface, gave Rojun a thumbs-up with eyes full of emotion.
“As expected of our tsundere leader-nim.”
Kang Rojun could only let out a dry chuckle.
“Pick one thing to say and stick with it.”
A few hours later.
Around late lunch time, before starting the filming for ‘A Tranquil Day', Kang Rojun and Do-kyung met the main PD and other crew members.
“Hello!”
“Nice to meet you!”
The main PD and writers greeted Rojun and Do-kyung with enthusiasm.
“Hahaha, welcome! What’s that? Did you bring meat??”
Rojun was quick to answer.
“Yes. We saw a butcher shop on the way. Ah, is it not allowed to bring meat?”
“No, no, it’s fine. Gifts from guests are allowed.”
Seeing Do-kyung frozen stiff, the main PD chuckled more easily.
“No need to be so tense. Just think of it as relaxing and hanging out. Like you came back to your hometown.”
Do-kyung answered somewhat awkwardly.
“I was born in Seoul.”
"Ah."
“Still, I’ll do my best.”
“At what?”
“Uh. Hmm. Yeah, what should I do my best at?”
“Puhaha. Do-kyung-ssi’s got a character.”
The PD’s eyes moved over to Kang Rojun.
“Rojun-ssi... wow, your face is a masterpiece. Just having you on screen is enough content.”
"I'll do my best with.... my face!"
“Huh?”
“Yes?”
Whether it was because the PD liked their characters, he couldn’t stop smiling, and the female staff kept stealing glances at Rojun and Do-kyung. Especially at Rojun, whose looks seemed to leave a strong impact.
After receiving a brief explanation, Kang Rojun and Do-kyung clipped mics to their chests and got into the staff’s van.
-Vroom.
After about 10 minutes of driving, they arrived at a wide potato field and an old-looking house. Rojun and Do-kyung got off at a distance and began walking toward the house, pulling reasonably sized suitcases. Cameras quickly approached the two, and drones flew above them in the sky.
Thump-thump.
As they got closer to the house, Kang Rojun felt his heart pounding. When they were about ten steps away, someone suddenly came out of the quiet house and stretched out with a big yawn.
“Ugh!! Unnie! Rina! We have to harvest potatoes... Oh!!”
Then, noticing Rojun and Do-kyung, the woman clapped her hands in surprise.
“They’re here! They really came!!”
It was Seo Da-in, the second of the three cast members. She had short bobbed hair, was short in stature, and had a cute vibe. At her fuss, with a clattering noise, one more actress burst out.
“Oh my! You’re here!! Welcome!”
The actress with the longest career experience was Jang Seo-young. She was slightly chubby, had a permed bob, and gave off a warm impression. When Jang Seo-young and Seo Da-in approached Rojun and Do-kyung, the last to come out was a female actor with long straight hair, Choi Rina. She was wearing a floral-patterned sun cap for farming.
“Ah! Uh- um.”
She looked slightly flustered the moment she saw Kang Rojun.
Soon, the actresses helped Rojun and Do-kyung carry their suitcases and gathered in the shade in front of the house to continue with introductions. Rojun went first.
“Hello, I’m Rojun.”
“I’m Do-kyung!”
Veteran Jang Seo-young shook hands with them enthusiastically, her expression filled with emotion.
“I know, I know! Who in Korea doesn’t know you two? Can we take some pictures together later? My daughter suuuper loves ‘Vanguard’!”
Do-kyung answered quickly.
“Yes. I’ll take even a hundred.”
At this point, Seo Da-in and Choi Rina were standing on either side of Rojun, and Seo Da-in looked up at him and exclaimed with genuine admiration.
“Wooooow- ‘Vanguard’ is right in front of my eyes! But Rojun-ssi, you’re really tall??! Much taller than on screen! Right, Rina?”
“...Ah, yeah. You’re right. You look even taller than during ‘Rental Lover’.”
Kang Rojun smiled with his eyes and nodded.
“Yes. I grew a bit more. Have you been well, sunbae-nim?”
“Huh? Uh-huh, I’ve been well. I’ve been enjoying ‘Vanguard’.”
“What is this, what is this between you two? Rina, why’s your energy suddenly like this? You’re acting like a little girl.”
“Ah! It’s because it’s awkward! Just awkward!”
“But you two worked together on ‘Rental Lover', right? What’s awkward about that?”
“Th- that’s true, but still.”
Then Jang Seo-young took a step closer to Rojun.
“No, seriously... Rojun-ssi, your face is just ridiculous. Shouldn’t it be designated a national treasure or something?? Camera, camera! Zoom in on Rojun-ssi, it’s absurd, seriously!”
A few crew members with cameras zoomed in close to Kang Rojun.
It was chaotic. That was what Kang Rojun thought. He had prepared himself, but the actresses’ energy was way higher than expected.
‘Gotta stay sharp.’
And so, the actresses, Kang Rojun, and Do-kyung filmed for about 30 minutes in front of the house. If no one stopped them, it felt like it would just go on endlessly, and the one who broke the flow was the main PD standing behind the cameras.
“Rojun, Do-kyung-ssi had so-tteok so-tteok for breakfast and skipped lunch. Time to prepare lunch, right?”
Jang Seo-young clapped her hands together.
“Oh my! Look at me, forgetting about food, let’s eat! We’ll grill the beef we brought later at night, and for lunch I thought we’d just make some simple potato fried rice. Oh! Rojun-ssi or Do-kyung-ssi, do you cook at all?”
She asked if they were good at cooking, but Do-kyung gave an unrelated answer.
"I'll work hard."
Then her gaze moved to Kang Rojun. Recalling the time he used to live alone, Rojun answered lightly.
“A little. Just enough to cook for myself. I’ll do my best to assist.”
But it seemed the actresses didn’t even hear the word “assist” from Rojun, they got way too excited.
“Aaaah! So you’re good at cooking?? Then how about you make lunch, Rojun-ssi? We’ll light the fire and do the rest. Just tell us what to do!”
“...Me?”
“Yeah yeah! We’re all hopeless with our hands! This morning, Rina made soybean paste soup, but that wasn’t doenjang soup. It was just soybean paste water.”
“Ah! Unnie!”
“What? I’m not wrong, Rina.”
“Soy- soybean paste water is a bit harsh.”
“Yeah? Then just soybean paste.”
“Sigh.”
The senior actresses laughed so hard they held their stomachs, while Choi Rina covered her face with both hands. Rojun glanced at Rina and thought it was unexpected.
‘She’s kind of different from how she was during ‘Rental Lover’? Feels more relaxed.’
But that wasn’t the issue right now. The direction of the filming was heading somewhere strange. It was turning into a situation where Kang Rojun had to cook. Expectations were high for him. Naturally, he had imagined the sunbaes would cook and he would assist, but suddenly he was pushed into the chef position. Just then, Choi Rina, having recovered her composure, took off her sun cap and asked,
“What should we start with, Rojun-ssi?”
Veteran Jang Seo-young quickly nodded.
“Yeah yeah, don’t feel pressured, just decide everything one by one.”
Of course, among them, Jang Seo-young, who had children, was actually the best at cooking. But she seemed to be thinking about the screen time for the show. The main PD and the staff seemed to be thinking the same, there was no sign of stopping any of it.
In the end, Kang Rojun, who had already scanned the kitchen and surrounding environment,
'Ah, whatever, let's just make something.'
made a decision.
“Then I’ll keep it simple with kimchi fried rice, shredded potato stir-fry, and potato pancakes.”
“T-That’s simple? Well, whatever, sounds good!”
“Jang Seo-young sunbae-nim and Do-kyung, please light the fire. Seo Da-in sunbae-nim, could you peel the potatoes? Choi Rina sunbae-nim, please help me.”
Soon, Do-kyung and the actresses moved quickly and efficiently. Do-kyung awkwardly followed behind Jang Seo-young as she headed to the storage, and when Kang Rojun entered the kitchen, Choi Rina, who came alongside him, handed him a towel and parted her lips.
“Rojun-ssi, are you really good at cooking?”
Kang Rojun, now with the towel draped around his neck, answered.
“It was just a little hobby when I used to live alone, making food and stuff.”
“Oh-”
“I’m not that great. But it’ll be more edible than soybean paste water.”
“Ah! Seriously! The unnies were lying, it was actually better than you'd think!”
Choi Rina, having gotten worked up, suddenly realized and cleared her throat awkwardly, and Kang Rojun responded.
“Guess I should start by harvesting the potatoes. But sunbae-nim, please feel free to speak casually.”
At Rojun’s request, clearly more comfortable with Choi Rina than the other actresses, she paused briefly before smiling.
“Sh-should I? I mean, should I?”
“Yes. I’d prefer that too.”
“Then, Rojun-ssi. Wait, Rojun, you should talk casually to me too. Don’t think of me too much as a sunbae.”
“Can I really do that?”
“Why not? We already worked on a project together, and if you don’t, I feel like it’ll keep being awkward.”
Wearing the straw hat they’d been given in advance, Kang Rojun smiled with his eyes.
“I’ll do that, noona.”
In that instant.
“...Huh?”
Choi Rina’s brain froze.