NOVPUBThey all turned to Daeshim PD, who had a knowing look in his eyes.
"Do you know about this?" Risa asked.
Daeshim nodded. "She likes the show a lot, and she's also very smart."
- Who is this woman?
- She's pretty cute.
- Yeah, looks innocent.
- Yo, that's weird.
- Let's watch her introduction.
"Annie Min. Age 25. Another genius writer. Currently a senior at Y University with a double major in Education and Marketing. Also the writer of The Forsaken Prince."
The other contestants turned to her in an instant.
Ari tilted her head, feeling her heart race. "You wrote The Forsaken Prince?" she asked.
Annie nodded shyly and sat next to her, feeling it was safest to sit beside another writer.
She fidgeted with the hem of her sweater before nodding. "Pleasure to meet you. I've read some of your works."
Minjae seemed very intrigued by her. "The Forsaken Prince is one of my favorite novels. I was disappointed with the casting at first, but it turned out really good."
"The casting was approved by me," Annie quickly said. "Zeno is perfect for Hajin."
- I can't believe this petite girl is the author of such a drama-filled novel!
- I'm looking forward to Ari and Annie's chemistry.
- Did you hear that, haters? Zeno's perfect for the role!
"That drama's good," Jenny said, chewing some gum. "It's the first one I watched this year."
The others complimented her too, so she bowed shyly. "Thank you so much for enjoying it."
Just as the atmosphere began to warm up, the door opened once more, and a familiar face appeared—one that made everyone freeze in their spots.
- What is he doing in a place like this?
- I heard he's a big fan of the show.
- Yeah, but isn't he really busy?
This was the only person who managed to make Daeshim PD stand. The other actors were astonished. Daniel's mouth went agape.
If he had known this person was coming, he would've joined too! But the reality was, he wasn't asked to go on the show. His manager just asked if he was interested—not exactly an invitation.
The room went quiet the moment he stepped inside.
Oska Baek Sr., also known as Bacon PD, walked past everyone and sat at the very center, fitting for his age and place in the industry.
Everyone straightened their backs—they were in the presence of a legend.
"Oska Baek Senior. Aged 66. The owner of SK Channel and mastermind behind some of the most daring television formats of the past three decades. A graduate of H University in the States, and a nominated director for the Oska Awards in 2023."
"Nice to meet you," he said, bowing at everyone with a small grin. The others still couldn't believe it, some of them unable to close their mouths from shock.
Even Jenny, who thought she would be the richest among the contestants, felt humbled in his presence. 𝙣𝒐𝙫𝙥𝙪𝙗.𝙘𝙤𝙢
Somewhere in Daebak, Mr. Kim was also surprised. "He joined something like this?" he muttered before shaking his head. "Interesting. Very interesting."
- This is awkward.
- Send in the next person, please. I can't breathe already.
"I'm here, everyone!" a flamboyant voice exclaimed over the silence, making everyone internally sigh in relief.
"Minsu's here," Shin said with a shake of his head. "Of course, that guy is very smart."
Minsu walked in and tried to dissolve every ounce of awkwardness in the room. He went and gave everyone a handshake, not giving them a chance to reject it.
"I'm so happy to be here. Are you happy to be here?"
Annie nodded, unable to keep up with his energy.
Ari was secretly relieved. A person like this was needed in the show to make it more entertaining.
"Minsu Kang. Aged 39. Formerly a member of South Korea's intelligence agency, Minsu retired early and pivoted into stand-up comedy, quickly becoming a national treasure."
- Oh, Minsu is actually very smart?
- Yes! I heard he was the best in the military, but he left because he hated how serious it was.
- That's honestly admirable.
- Two more contestants left. The cast is already a powerhouse, though. All of them seem so smart.
As Minsu tried to talk to everyone, the door opened once more—and the shock was even greater than when Bacon PD came in.
Heck, even Bacon was surprised!
- My baby is here?
- What the heck? Is this allowed?
- What do you mean he's here? What is Gene PD thinking?
- It just became a lot more interesting.
Standing by the door was none other than Billy Jo—the previous winner.
He bowed repeatedly, nervously tugging at the sleeves of his sweater, his eyes disappearing behind his shy smile. A graduate of G University, he looked the same as he did last season—sweet, humble, and innocent.
"Billy Jo. Aged 24. Center of the popular idol group LIMELIGHT. He is most well known as the winner of Lucy's Game Season 1, making him loved by all generations. He graduated early from G University with a degree in Business Management and is known to be a prodigy in chess."
- Billy, my sweetheart!
- Just looking at the nine of them, I already feel nauseous.
- The others look so shocked. Even Bacon PD!
Risa's heart raced in excitement. She had to squeeze Shin's arm, who was right beside her.
"Oww!" Shin exclaimed.
"This is insane," Yuan said, shaking his head. Suho, too, felt that this season was going to be legendary.
"Gene is a genius," Daeshim said, shaking his head. "That guy really knows how to make an entertaining show."
The other contestants were still astonished by Billy's presence. He broke the silence by flashing a wide, blinding smile.
"Let's all do our best. Fighting!"
And then, there was silence. Even Minsu didn't know what to do with the atmosphere.
They looked at the empty spot at the furthest corner of the couch.
One spot left.
If Billy Jo came in ninth, then who would come in last?
Nobody could predict who it was. However, there was one conclusion to this.
The tenth person must be insane.
