Chapter 43: A Day of Tension and Teasing

“Are you Dajang?”

“Yes, nice to meet you.”

I stood up from the bench and looked at Dajang.

She was wearing a long-brimmed hat pressed down over her long, straight hair.

Though half of her face was hidden in the shade, her exposed jawline alone gave a glimpse of her appearance.

Fair skin, a sharp nose, and full lips—she was a youthful and beautiful woman.

Judging by her tone and mannerisms, she seemed young, probably in her early twenties at most.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too. I’ve really been looking forward to this moment.”

“And now that you’ve seen me in person, what do you think?”

“You’re even prettier than I expected. You’re truly stunning.”

“Tch, how could you see anything with my hat on?”

Dajang twirled her braided hair with her fingers, seemingly embarrassed by the blatant compliment.

But it wasn’t just flattery—she really was beautiful.

Most of all, her slightly decadent aura was incredibly captivating.

Since the topic came up, should I ask her to show her face?

I was curious to see her uncovered appearance.

“Well then, could you take off your hat for a moment? Let me judge for myself.”

Dajang hesitated and glanced around before giving a mischievous smile and responding coyly.

“Nope.”

Rejected. Oh well, no surprise there.

Dajang is someone who keeps many things hidden.

I’m already thankful she came out to help today.

“So, what’s the content we’re filming today?”

“We’ll be shopping at the department store. That’s what we’ll be filming.”

Today’s plan was to shoot a shopping video.

Of course, I also had a related follow-up content idea in mind.

Since I’d be skipping my personal stream tomorrow for a drinking appointment with Moonhwa, I needed to get as much footage as possible today.

“Have you arranged filming permission with the department store? You know you can’t just shoot inside without approval, right?”

“Yes, I’m about to call and check.”

“Now?!”

“Well, I overslept. Plus, I figured they wouldn’t turn me down, so I didn’t rush it.”

They’ll likely allow it.

My Twika TV inbox and email are flooded with advertisement inquiries, and the rates are rising steadily.

It’s proof my value is increasing day by day.

Which company would refuse free promotion from someone like me?

“Ugh, it’s annoying how smug you sound, but you’re right. Someone like Yuseong doesn’t need to hurry.”

“It’s not being smug, really. Anyway… I’ll make the call.”

I searched online and called the customer service center at the Shinhwa Department Store Gangnam branch.

Before long, I was connected to a representative.

[Hello, this is Miyoung Yoon from the Shinhwa Department Store Gangnam branch unified call center. How can I assist you?]

“Hi, I’d like to film a YouCube video at the department store. Who should I contact for permission?”

[You’ll need approval from the operations team, but the review process takes at least a week. Is that okay?]

A week? That’s too long.

I didn’t have the time to wait, especially since today was my only chance to work with Dajang.

I decided to pull out my ace card.

“I really need to film today. Is there any way to make it happen? I have 2.7 million subscribers on YouCube, so the promotional effect would be significant. Please consider it.”

[2.7 million subscribers? Can you tell me your channel name?]

“Sure, it’s called Yuseong TV.”

[Wait, are you Yuseong?]

“Yes.”

[Oh my! I’m a fan! Please hold for a moment. I’ll check with my manager right away.]

My ace card worked like a charm.

The representative left me on hold to ask her manager.

This was the kind of influence I now wielded—receiving goodwill and attention wherever I went.

I needed to keep up the effort to maintain this status.

[Yuseong?]

“Yes, this is Yuseong.”

[Where are you located right now? I’ll send a staff member to meet you.]

It took a while—nearly ten minutes—but eventually, the team manager returned with instructions.

They said they’d send someone to the main entrance, so I ended the call.

“Yuseong, the boss is waiting for you. Please follow me.”

Soon, a staff member arrived, greeted me politely, and gestured for me to follow.

The mention of the “boss” made me wonder where this was going.

I didn’t mind being treated well since it was recognition of my value, but I also didn’t feel entirely comfortable.

I didn’t want to waste time; I just wanted permission and to get started.

“Dajang, here’s the camera. Once we get permission, we’ll begin filming right away.”

I handed the camera to Dajang as we walked.

Then, I removed my mask.

You never know when an opportunity to capture a good shot might arise, so it’s best to be prepared.

“Hey, is that Yuseong?”

“No way! Look at him! He’s ridiculously good-looking.”

As we entered the department store, people recognized me and whispered in amazement.

I heard the clicks of cameras from every direction.

Fortunately, nobody blocked my way, likely because I was accompanied by a staff member.

“Where are we headed?”

“To the Trinity Lounge.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s an exclusive space for a select few VIP members.”

We kept walking, bypassing both stairs and elevators, and I grew curious about our destination.

Trinity Lounge? I’d never heard of it before, but the mention of VIPs gave me a rough idea.

“Another elevator?”

“This one is for customers with Platinum-level memberships or higher. Please step in.”

“Alright.”

We took the VIP elevator to an upper floor.

When the doors opened, a long corridor stretched out before us.

We walked along it until we stopped in front of a large glass door.

“This is Sunhye Na, the president of Shinhwa Department Store.”

“Hello, I’m Yuseong, a streamer.”

“Shall we talk inside?”

The department store president, Sunhye Na, approached, and we exchanged handshakes before following her.

She swiped a black card through the door lock, opening the secured door.

“Welcome. This is the Trinity Lounge, accessible to only the top 99 customers.”

The interior was luxurious, with large windows offering a view of the city and lavish decorations arranged throughout.

A few people were seated at tables, enjoying their meals.

They glanced at me briefly before returning to their conversations, seemingly uninterested.

“I see. But is it alright for me to be here? I don’t recall ever buying anything from Shinhwa Department Store.”

“Hoho, don’t worry. I’ve already taken care of the arrangements.”

“Alright, then why am I here?”

“To treat you to a meal. We can’t let such an important guest leave empty-handed.”

Eating at a place like this feels a bit overwhelming.

I’m not sure I could even digest properly.

Plus, I don’t have the time.

I can’t afford to sit around chatting with strangers leisurely.

More than anything, there’s something weighing on my mind.

A businessman never gives without a reason.

That’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way in this world.

I can’t tell what they’re up to.

If they suddenly push for an advertising contract, things will only get more complicated.

Until I’m in a position to receive full legal protection, I have no intention of entering into any financial contracts.

“I’m sorry, but I’m quite busy today. I’d like to get the filming permit and get on with my work as soon as possible. Is that alright?”

“Oh! Is that so? I’m sorry. I must have been too focused on my own perspective. You’re free to film as long as it doesn’t infringe on the privacy of our customers.”

Thank goodness they’re reasonable.

The owner even apologized and agreed to my request.

“Thank you. My schedule is really packed today, but I’ll make sure to stop by again later to properly introduce myself.”

“Would you? I’ll look forward to it, then.”

At the very least, I should maintain a sense of courtesy.

After all, the owner of a department store must be a powerful individual.

There’s no need to leave a negative impression.

Bowing politely, I apologized sincerely.

“Let’s go.”

I reached for Dajang’s hand to head out, but I felt resistance.

A clear sign of refusal.

I turned my head to look at them with a puzzled expression.

“We should film here too.

This is probably a spot no YouCuber has ever set foot in.”

They were right. Filming a location only accessible to the top 99 customers of the department store would definitely attract views on YouCube.

With luck, it could even be used as a standalone video.

I had been so focused on turning down the lunch invitation that I hadn’t even considered this.

“That’s true, but… Sir, would it be alright if we filmed here?”

“That’s not possible. We’ll contact you at a later time when filming is permitted.”

“Oh, I see. Understood.”

Unfortunately, the answer was no.

It’s probably because Trinity-tier members were dining here.

How much money would one have to spend to rank among the top 99 customers of a department store?

They likely worked hard to gain access just to enjoy an expensive meal.

Having someone filming next to them would undoubtedly be unpleasant and distracting.

I completely understand.

After all, even I unintentionally extend special treatment to Chairman Moonhwa or the Vice President’s lover.

Since they said they’d contact me later, I’ll just wait for the right time.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes?”

Just as I was about to exit the lounge, Sunhye’s voice stopped me.

When I turned around, I realized her gaze wasn’t directed at me but at Dajang.

“Do we know each other? Your face looks familiar.”

Tilting her head in curiosity, Sunhye asked.

Dajang gave a sly smile and replied.

“No, this is the first time I’m seeing you.”

+++

“How about this? Try it on.”

“Ah! I said no!”

We had moved down to the clothing section and were busy filming.

Since I don’t have much interest in fashion, I turned to Dajang for advice, which turned out to be a big mistake.

Dajang had picked out a pink skirt.

Why on earth would I wear something like that?

If my parents found out, they’d probably burst into tears.

“So, you’re not going to wear it?”

“No, why would I wear that?”

“It’ll make your subscribers happy. If you use it as the thumbnail, you’ll easily hit over 5 million views.”

“Still, no way.”

We went back and forth, arguing.

There’s no way I’m wearing that.

If I had to boost views, I’d rather do a strip show than pull off something as perverse as this.

“Seriously, you… Haha! You have to—”

“Cut it out! I can see you trying to hold back your laughter.”

Look at that.

They’re practically dying of laughter.

As I suspected, all that talk about boosting views was just an excuse—they planned to mess with me from the start.

I didn’t think they were like this.

Truly scary.

Still, seeing them enjoy themselves makes me feel warm inside.

It’s rare for them to step outside, so what’s there to laugh about in their daily life?

I hope they create more happy memories while spending time with me.

Maybe, when they’re alone later on, they’ll smile faintly at the thought.

And, I know too.

This playful banter between us is also a key point that captivates subscribers.

If we were to quietly browse clothes, where’s the fun in that? The video would turn out boring.

“Dajang, you’re really getting on my nerves. I asked you to help with the work, but all you’re doing is fooling around.”

“Me?”

Still, it’s not like me to just take things lying down.

If I’m on the receiving end, I return it twofold.

Alright, as thanks to Dajang for helping, I’ll create a fun episode out of this.

“Don’t talk to me anymore. Just focus on filming properly.”

“Are you mad? No, I was just—”

When I acted angry, Dajang’s laughter disappeared in an instant.

As I stormed off, I could hear the sound of their footsteps chasing after me. Cute.

I took the escalator to the upper floor.

From below, I saw Dajang hesitating before apologizing.

“Uh, I’m sorry…”

But it’s not time to forgive yet.

Without answering, I turned my head sharply.

Oh, I learned this from Seolhyun.

It works great.

The awkward atmosphere lingered, just as I’d hoped.

“Are you really sorry?”

“Yes, I am. But I honestly didn’t mean to upset you.”

We were almost at the next floor.

Time to start.

I can’t give them a moment to collect themselves.

Keep up the pressure.

“Either way, you know you were wrong, right?”

“Yes.”

I grabbed Dajang’s hand and kept walking forward.

Scanning the surroundings, I searched for the most luxurious-looking store.

Ah! This one will do.

I stopped and turned to look at Dajang.

“This is your punishment. Pick one thing you like.”

I extended my hand and pointed.

At the end of my finger was a high-end accessory store.