Popular Psychopath [Novel] Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Hurdy Gurdy

[‘TVM Pygmalion Effect’ Finale Peaks at 12.2% (Nielsen Korea Nationwide) – A Successful Conclusion]

TVM’s weekend drama ‘Pygmalion Effect’ brought down its curtains, smashing its own viewership record.

On the 18th, ratings research firm Nielsen Korea announced that the final episode of TVM’s weekend drama ‘Pygmalion Effect’, which aired the previous night at 10:30 PM, recorded a staggering 12.2%.

Set against the backdrop of the actual Seogam University campus, the ‘Pygmalion Effect’ painted the poignant story of a sculptor suffering from a scarred heart and the woman who loved even his pain. The final episode concluded with an implicit reunion between Jung Nayeon (Jung Seola) and Lee Sichang (Song Kyuha) after a long passage of time, sealing the narrative with a de facto happy ending.

***

The wrap party.

A wrap party is a celebratory banquet held to commemorate the conclusion of a program or drama’s broadcast.

Today, the ‘Pygmalion Effect’ wrap party was scheduled at ‘Heukdonga’ in Yeouido.

Easily capable of accommodating over a hundred people, the entire hall of Heukdonga was filled to the brim with every staff member, actor, and production company employee involved in the ‘Pygmalion Effect’, all reveling in the celebration.

As the atmosphere reached its peak, PD Jung Yeonhee stood up as the representative and took the microphone.

“Wow~~~~ So cool~~!!”

“Our charismatic beauty director!!”

Slightly embarrassed by the overwhelming cheers and enthusiasm from the staff, PD Jung Yeonhee delivered her closing remarks.

“Hello, everyone. I am Jung Yeonhee, the director. Our ‘Pygmalion Effect’ has finally put a period on this grand journey. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the staff and actors who trusted and followed me until the very end. Thank you.”

*Clap clap clap*

Following her, Writer Park Jung-a shared a brief message, and the lead actors, Kyuha and Jung Seola, also took the mic.

“You all worked incredibly hard. It is thanks to everyone here that the actors were able to shine. I offer my sincerest gratitude to every single staff member.”

Even before taking the microphone, tears were already welling in Jung Seola’s eyes.

“Director, Writer, and every single staff member… thank you all so much for your hard work. This was the most joyous and happiest experience of my life. I don’t think I will ever forget this experience… *sniff.*”

“Don’t cry~ Don’t cry~”

With that, the official wrap party formalities concluded, and everyone fell into deep conversations while grilling thick slices of black pork belly.

Looking at Kyuha, Jung Seola asked a question.

“The project is over now, so what are you going to do? Moving straight onto your next project?”

“No, the agency will probably tell me to rest for a month or two.”

“Oh!? I’m so jealous of Stella… What do you do when you rest?”

Jung Seola’s large eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“I don’t have much to do, so I mostly spend my time at the orphanage.”

“An orphanage? Are you doing volunteer work?”

“Rather than volunteer work, I grew up there, so I just go to play with the kids and help the director out.”

“Ah… I see. That is very like you. I know I should be careful asking this, but could I possibly help out too? I have a lot of experience volunteering.”

“You? Hmm… I will have to ask the director first. There are certain things you have to be careful about at an orphanage, actually.”

Kyuha explained the precautions necessary when volunteering at an orphanage.

“I can come regularly! Even when I’m working, if I have a day off, I will go no matter what. I can promise you that.”

“Then I will ask the director. Come by once I get the okay. I will introduce you to the kids.”

“Really? You mean it? You promised! Here, a promise.”

Seola extended her pinky finger toward Kyuha, and before he knew it, he found himself hooking his pinky with hers, sealing the promise.

With the safe conclusion of the ‘Pygmalion Effect’ wrap party, Kyuha’s official schedule was completely cleared.

***

As the ‘Pygmalion Effect’ achieved massive box office success, its main OST, ‘Song of Yearning’, experienced what is commonly known as a skyrocket in popularity.

Though brief, it accomplished the incredible feat of reaching 1st place on the Kiwi Chart, forcing the public to re-evaluate Han Gyeoul’s vocal prowess.

Following this, she released ‘Only My Song’ as the third OST for JPBC’s Monday-Tuesday drama ‘Let’s Have Brunch’, rapidly rising as the new ace of the OST world.

There is a saying that rings true like an absolute law in the entertainment industry:

‘Row like your life depends on it when the water comes in.’

Han Gyeoul swiftly released her first mini-album and aggressively built her recognition by appearing on various music broadcasts and variety shows.

“Excuse me!? You received a casting call from Yoo Heejun’s Music Camp!?”

Han Gyeoul was left completely dumbfounded by Agency CEO Park Insoo’s words.

What kind of place was Yoo Heejun’s Music Camp?

It was the ultimate wannabe program that every musician dreamed of appearing on. In fact, simply securing a spot on the show was tantamount to absolute proof that one was a recognized, legitimate musician.

“I’m telling you! The offer came in for a ‘Rising OST Powerhouses’ special. If you do well, you can even promote your new song, so you absolutely have to nail this.”

Thus, Han Gyeoul’s appearance on Yoo Heejun’s Music Camp was finalized, and she found herself sitting in a pre-interview with the show’s director, PD Park Yeonsoo.

Sporting a thin frame and sharp gold-rimmed glasses, PD Park Yeonsoo exuded an aura of cold, rational intellect.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Han Gyeoul. First, let’s discuss the stage composition. Since this is an OST special, we have quite a few singers appearing. Therefore, I believe each artist will be able to perform about two songs.”

Slightly intimidated by PD Park Yeonsoo’s cold and detached demeanor, Gyeoul asked carefully.

“Then, what songs would be best…?”

“In my opinion, the song that put you on the map is ‘Song of Yearning’, so let’s make that your finale, and have your first song be ‘Only My Song’. As for the interview with MC Yoo Heejun… hmm… give me a moment.”

Flipping through the background material the main writer had prepared on Han Gyeoul, PD Park Yeonsoo let out a small gasp of admiration and looked up at her.

“Ho… You wrote the lyrics for the ‘Song of Yearning’ yourself?”

At the mention of the lyrics, Gyeoul spoke with undeniable pride.

“Yes! I agonized over those lyrics for days.”

“Then who is the composer? It isn’t listed properly here.”

“Ah… a close older brother of mine named Song Kyuha composed it.”

“Song Kyuha… Song Kyuha… Where have I heard that name before…? You aren’t by any chance talking about Actor Song Kyuha, are you?”

Finding his own thought absurd, PD Park Yeonsoo let out a hollow chuckle.

“Pardon? Oh… yes, that’s him.”

For a split second, it looked as though a massive question mark materialized above PD Park Yeonsoo’s head before he yelled out in shock.

“What? A song composed by Actor Song Kyuha?”

The previously icy PD Park Yeonsoo shouted in excitement before taking a short, deep breath and asking calmly.

“Could you explain that in detail?”

She explained how she had accidentally heard Kyuha playing a melody on a grass leaf flute, fell utterly in love with it, asked for his permission, and penned the lyrics herself to create the current ‘Song of Yearning’.

Furthermore, upon hearing that Kyuha himself had performed the flute melody featured in the track, PD Park Yeonsoo nearly passed out.

Having spent fifteen years as a music PD, working on countless compositions and producing projects, he knew full well that the caliber of the ‘Song of Yearning’ was anything but ordinary.

‘An active actor composed a song of this level himself… and even played the instrument? If I play this right, it’s going to be an absolute blockbuster of a broadcast.’

Having made a rapid calculation, PD Park Yeonsoo looked at Gyeoul and made a secretive proposition.

“Miss Gyeoul, let’s do this. If…”

***

“You worked incredibly hard on this project too, Kyuha! Get some proper rest, recharge, and I’ll see you later.”

Granted official leave by Team Leader Han Junghee, Kyuha naturally gravitated back to the orphanage.

“Wow, it’s Kyuha hyung~”

“Kyuha!! Why did you come so late! You really need a scolding.”

Though he had visited sporadically during his rare days off from filming, it seemed that wasn’t enough for the children.

“Sorry, guys. My work is mostly done now, so I will come by often again.”

Falling back into his old routine, he helped with the accumulated chores and spent time tutoring the kids.

Suddenly, he sensed a stealthy presence behind him.

Feeling no killing intent, he waited until the presence closed the distance, then swiftly spun around and wrapped his arm around the person’s waist, immediately catching a familiar scent of peaches.

“Eek!”

“Gyeoul?”

Kyuha’s arm wrapped around Gyeoul’s incredibly slender waist. Just as she was about to fall, his other hand shot out to support her thighs, unintentionally sweeping her up into a perfect princess carry.

“It’s Gyeoul unnie~! Ooh la la~”

“Wow~ Gyeoul noona is in hyung’s arms~”

Gyeoul’s face flushed so violently it looked as though she might explode. She whispered in a voice as quiet as an ant’s crawl.

“Kyuha… could you put me down please.”

Kyuha quickly set her down and scratched the back of his head.

“Sorry. Reflex.”

“Ahem! Kids, you shouldn’t tease unnie like that. Let’s see if you practiced what we learned last time!”

Evidently embarrassed, Han Gyeoul rapidly changed the subject and focused on checking the children’s homework.

Later, when the children headed to the dining hall for dinner, Gyeoul turned to Kyuha.

“Kyuha, could we talk for a moment?”

“Hm? What is it?”

“The truth is…”

Han Gyeoul fidgeted nervously before carefully opening her mouth.

The story was simple: she was scheduled to appear on Yoo Heejun’s Music Camp, and upon discovering he was the composer of the ‘Song of Yearning’, the PD had proposed a joint appearance.

“I am so sorry… I should have asked for your permission first… If you feel burdened by appearing on the show, you can absolutely refuse! I already warned the PD that it was highly likely you wouldn’t be able to do it.”

Gyeoul apologized, anxiously studying Kyuha’s expression.

“No. It isn’t like I specifically told you to keep it a secret.”

Truthfully, Kyuha didn’t mind in the slightest.

He had grown somewhat close to Gyeoul, considering her an acquaintance, and genuinely wanted things to go well for her. Moreover, he figured this might be a unique and interesting experience, as an actor rarely gets the chance to stand on a music broadcast stage.

“Sure. Let’s go together.”

“Gasp! Really? Kyaa, thank you! Thank you so much!”

Overcome with joy, Gyeoul grabbed both of Kyuha’s hands, shaking them up and down as she jumped in place.

Realizing she was tightly holding his hands, she hurriedly let go.

“Gasp, I was just so happy. This is such an incredibly precious opportunity for me, so I shamelessly asked for a favor. Thank you so much for agreeing so readily. I will definitely repay this debt!”

Afterward, Kyuha informed Team Leader Han Junghee about the Yoo Heejun’s Music Camp appearance. Recognizing it as a phenomenal opportunity to boost the actor’s public recognition, the agency gladly gave the green light.

“I believe you will be the first active actor to ever appear on Yoo Heejun’s Music Camp. I will tell the PR team to highlight this angle and push out some articles.”

Finally, Thursday—the recording day for ‘Yoo Heejun’s Music Camp’—arrived.

Inside Han Gyeoul’s waiting room, PD Park Yeonsoo pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, his face etched with disbelief as he asked a question.

“Kyuha, you are genuinely going to play this instrument?”