Chapter 26: Fitness, Favors, and Unexpected Alliances

After entering the bathroom, I took a shower.

Then, I dried my hair and neatly styled it.

Since I was going to film a YouCube video, I needed to look presentable—no greasy hair allowed.

Was my face swollen? I wasn’t sure; it seemed about the same.

Anyway, I’d be working out soon.

Sweating it out would bring me back to normal.

“Do you have steamed rice cakes for housewarming? Oh, great. I’d like to order 50 pieces.”

I called the rice cake shop first to place the order.

Today’s main YouCube content was delivering housewarming rice cakes.

It was something I’d been planning to do for a while but kept postponing with the excuse of being too busy.

Since today was Sunday, I decided to wrap it up and even film a video—killing two birds with one stone.

“Hello, subscribers! It’s Sunday morning. I think I overate during the housewarming party because my face looks a bit swollen. So, I’m planning to work out now. Let’s head to the gym together!”

I used the remaining time to film other video content and walked to the first-floor gym.

A few residents were already working out.

They were all women dressed in short leggings and athletic wear, dripping with sweat.

Their healthy, athletic vibe was noticeable.

Even in a world where gender roles were reversed, respecting privacy came first.

I carefully filmed the gym’s interior, ensuring no residents were captured in the frame.

“I usually do cardio workouts, so I’ll run on the treadmill for 30 minutes.”

I adjusted the angle to capture my face and upper body and secured my phone in front of me.

For the first 5 minutes, I set the speed to 8 km/h and walked briskly.

Then, I increased it to 12 km/h and started running.

“This isn’t easy at all. Time just crawls. But I know the results come only if I endure it, so I’ll keep pushing through.”

After 20 minutes, I was out of breath.

Sweat drenched my entire body, and my T-shirt stuck tightly to me.

My legs felt heavy, and my once-upright posture began leaning forward.

“It’s done! Finally, my run is over.”

As soon as the timer hit 30 minutes, I quickly pressed the stop button.

I stepped off the treadmill, staggered backward, and collapsed onto the floor.

Picking up my phone, I filmed my sweat-soaked face as I panted.

“You’re working out hard!”

“Huh? Oh! Hello, it’s been a while.”

A young woman appeared in front of me—a stunning beauty with short bobbed hair.

I recognized her; she was Im Gayun, a politician from the National Party who had once thrown my computer onto the ground without mercy.

Gayun also seemed to have had an intense workout.

Like me, she was drenched in sweat. We decided to take a break and sat against the wall side by side.

“Taking a day off today?”

“Why? Do I look like someone who works nonstop without weekends?”

“No, that’s not what I meant… It’s just that politicians seem busiest these days, with the election so close.”

It was just a casual question, but Gayun looked slightly annoyed, puffing her cheeks a bit.

I didn’t think I said anything wrong, but I quickly explained to clear up any misunderstanding.

“Haha! Just kidding. I’m not offended. With only about a month left, things will get insanely hectic soon. To endure it, I need to build up my stamina now.”

“I see.”

It was just a joke.

She seemed unexpectedly cheerful.

Were we close enough to exchange jokes like this?

Maybe she thought of me as someone familiar.

“There was a time when I worked three days straight and ended up in the emergency room. I’d rather not go through something like that again.”

The more I got to know her, the more impressive she seemed.

Her mother was a four-term National Party representative and a former party leader, a political powerhouse.

Her father was the chairman of one of the country’s top three conglomerates.

Truly a perfect blend of politics and business.

On top of that, at just 24 years old, she held an influential position herself.

If I were in her shoes, I’d probably find the world insignificant.

It’d be strange not to feel self-important.

You’d expect her to treat people with arrogance, but she was nothing like that.

She spoke so humbly.

She was someone worth emulating.

Maybe that’s why she was so popular among the public.

“Are you filming right now?”

“I’m recording a YouCube workout video.”

“In that case, make sure to edit me out. It’s a sensitive time for me, and appearing in a video might cause issues—not for me, but for you.”

“All right, I’ll do that.”

It made sense.

Unexpectedly running into someone while exercising could make for great content, but it might also stir up unnecessary drama.

Subscribers who didn’t support the National Party might leave hateful comments, asking if we were already close.

Better to be cautious.

“Hey, can I ask you something I’ve been curious about?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Since I had the chance to talk to a fellow resident, I thought I’d clear up some doubts.

It wasn’t a solo content plan, so some background information was necessary.

“Do people still hand out rice cakes when they move here? I was planning to do that today to mark my move.”

“I’ve seen it a few times. Since it’s the weekend, it sounds like a great idea. Although, not everyone might be thrilled about it…”

“Hmm, that’s a bit disappointing.”

Was I being too self-centered?

Residents of The Luxury Hill likely lived lavish lives.

Would they appreciate rice cakes, or would they find them bothersome? I wasn’t confident.

If I got turned away at the door, it’d be incredibly embarrassing.

It would also bring down the tone of the video.

Dajang might have trouble finding good editing points too.

I started wondering if this housewarming rice cake content was worth pursuing.

“But if you deliver rice cakes, most of the residents will definitely like it. I’m sure about this.”

“Ah! Really?!”

Alright, let’s give it a try.

Gayun’s words gave me confidence.

A good video will surely come out of this.

Once the workout is done, I’ll head straight to the rice cake shop.

“Thank you. You’ve helped me resolve my dilemma.”

“Don’t mention it… Are you going to continue exercising? I can film the video for you.”

“No, Gayun, you should exercise too. I don’t want to impose on you.”

“I want to help! I’ve been interested in YouCube for a while. As long as my voice doesn’t come out, it’s fine.”

Gayun offered to help with the filming.

Honestly, in this world, women who seem easygoing and approachable always offer their help first.

Good-looking men really have an edge.

Since she suggested it with a smile, rejecting her would be rude.

I nodded gratefully and handed her my phone.

“Then, could you help for a moment? I’ll buy you lunch as a thank you.”

“Sure, let’s do that.”

Should I continue exercising? I’d like to do strength training using the equipment, but I’ve been avoiding it as much as possible.

I’m known as a man with a fragile image.

If I lift weights far beyond this world’s standards, it might cause a stir.

Especially with equipment that quantifies weight.

Maybe I can reveal it later as YouCube content, but right now, it won’t bring any benefits.

So I stuck to simple exercises like sit-ups, push-ups, and dumbbell lifts.

Honestly, this level is just right.

I’m not working out to bulk up at the gym.

My goal is to maintain my health and a slim physique.

“Um, how many have I done so far?”

I was so focused on the workout that I lost count. Gayun stared blankly at me, then hurriedly held up three fingers followed by four.

Thirty-four? That’s all I’ve done? That can’t be right.

She must have zoned out for a bit.

If she’s going to help, she should at least keep count properly.

But whatever.

Whether it’s 40 or 50, does it really matter?

What’s important is that I look good.

The video is being filmed well, so it’s fine.

“Are you done?”

“Yes, the workout is over. Thank you for your help. I think the video came out much better than when I do it alone.”

“No problem, I had fun too. But you know, I thought this from the first time we met—you have great stamina for a guy.”

“Haha, I hear that often.”

After finishing my workout, I went upstairs and immediately emailed the footage to Dajang.

I called him to explain the concept for the content.

“Yes, Dajang. I just sent you a workout video filmed at the gym. The concept is a guy sweating while working out—a glimpse of Yuseong’s unexpected charm. Could you edit it with that theme in mind?”

[Hehe, talking about your unexpected charm yourself, huh? That’s pretty bold.]

“I’m just explaining the concept… Don’t make it weird.”

Why does he have to point that out?

My face felt hot with embarrassment.

It was also the first time I heard him laugh.

His laugh—“Hehe”—was oddly sinister.

I’ve never met someone who laughs like that.

[The footage looks great, though. I’m checking it out now, and it’s definitely got potential to draw in views.]

“Right? I thought so too.”

As expected, even an experienced YouCube editor like Dajang agreed.

A guy sweating while focused on exercising isn’t something you see often in this world. It’s bound to attract attention.

[The camera angle changes midway through the video, huh?]

“Yes, from the treadmill onward, one of the residents helped with the filming. Adding subtitles to explain the situation might be good—viewers might find it confusing otherwise.”

[Of course. By the way, about the person who helped… They seem to really like collarbones.]

“Sorry? What do you mean?”

[There are quite a few shots focusing on your collarbones. It’s a pretty specific taste.]

“So, for the edited video…”

That’s odd.

When I checked earlier, there didn’t seem to be any issues.

Did the camera stay fixed on one spot while she zoned out?

This could be a problem.

Do I need to reshoot the video?

I don’t know if I’ll have time.

I need to deliver the rice cakes quickly and prepare for the joint stream with Arin.

The worst-case scenario crossed my mind.

[It’s not that bad. It’s just that the collarbone shots stand out a bit. Overall, the video was filmed well. You can see the effort in capturing various angles. It won’t hinder the final edit.]

“Phew! That’s a relief.”

I panicked for no reason.

Since I’d had a bad experience before, I overreacted.

Deep down, I think I’d been a little skeptical.

I should be thankful instead of doubting someone who worked hard to help me.

I’ll make sure to treat her to a nice lunch.

“Alright, I’ll send the next content video in about two hours. It might take longer, but I’ll do my best to be quick.”

After ending the call, I took another shower, changed into fresh clothes, and hurried to the elevator in the hallway.

“Yuseong.”

“Oh? Gayun, you’re still here?”

“I thought I’d help properly since I’m already involved. You’re heading to buy rice cakes, right? Get in.”

As I stepped outside, a luxury car stopped in front of the building.

The driver’s side window rolled down, and Gayun leaned out.

What is this?

Has she been waiting in the outdoor parking lot all this time?

How did she know when I’d come out?

I appreciate the help, but this is starting to feel a bit overwhelming.

“No, I can’t trouble you any further.”

“Didn’t you take a taxi last time? You don’t have a car, right?”

“I just prefer taxis…”

“Please get in. Don’t make me feel awkward for waiting this long.”

“It’s not that—I just feel bad… Thank you.”

With her speaking so firmly, I couldn’t refuse.

Rejecting her at this point would be rude.

I didn’t have any good reason to insist on declining.

I walked over to the passenger side and opened the door.

Suddenly, a strong, tangy smell hit my nose.

It wasn’t unbearable—just slightly sour.

Oddly enough, it wasn’t unpleasant.

Maybe it was because of her appearance?

Even her sweat seemed attractive.

“Um, do I smell a lot? I didn’t get to shower…”

Noticing me sniffing reflexively, Gayun caught on quickly.

She hurriedly rolled down all the windows, her embarrassed smile making her expression all the more endearing.

Honestly, it’s fine. Why did I have to sniff like a dog and make her self-conscious?