Suddenly, I Became Crazy Handsome, and the World Became Easy
Chapter 35.1: Expansion (3)

The Japanese line that Kang Rojun spoke to No. 66 was,

“You have to answer. If you’re that lacking in confidence, your looks won’t improve either.”

It was more than enough to make No. 66's face flush red. Rojun had quoted what No. 66 had previously said, although the original phrase had been ‘language skills’, not ‘looks’.

Regardless, No. 66...

“......”

A faint look of annoyance appeared on his face. But once again, he couldn’t lash out at Kang Rojun. That damned good-looking face was something No. 66 could never surpass. Same went for skills. On top of that, No. 1’s unexpectedly high level of Japanese was shocking.

If they at least didn’t speak the same language, he could’ve glossed things over.

But now, No. 66 was caught in a dilemma.

Eventually,

“...No. 1, it seems I unintentionally spoke too harshly.”

No. 66 had no choice but to admit it. Kang Rojun nodded.

"Yes, they were harsh."

The reason Rojun had caused this situation?

It was simpler than expected.

Because the word ‘gloomy’ had come out of No. 66's mouth. Rojun had long been associated with words like eerie, creepy, or gloomy. He had witnessed multiple times when No. 66 sneered at No. 58. Maybe it was because of the wounds left from those moments, but Kang Rojun found it hard to hold back.

‘If I don’t make this clear now, that No. 66 bastard will keep doing the same thing.’

By this point, it wasn’t just the contestants in the break room anymore. At the entrance, unnoticed until now, stood Kim Se-hee and the writers of 'Produce That 100!', and PD Woo Han-suk. PD Woo Han-suk’s eyes were especially gleaming. His gaze was locked onto Rojun.

Soon, feeling the tense atmosphere, writer Kim Se-hee gently shook PD Woo Han-suk’s arm and whispered,

“PD-nim. Uh, shouldn’t we step in?”

The other writers agreed.

“Exactly. If we just watch, something big might happen.”

“If a fight breaks out, that’s a whole incident.”

But PD Woo Han-suk seemed to think differently and lightly shook his head.

“No, it’ll be fine.”

“What??”

“I said it’ll be fine.”

“Ah-”

If it were coming to blows, they would’ve intervened immediately. But right now, it was just an argument. Additionally,

‘Rojun-ssi is taking control of the situation. The other contestants are being overwhelmed by his presence. That goes for No. 66 too.’

It was already a picture where Kang Rojun was in control of the flow. PD Woo Han-suk, having directed multiple survival audition shows, had dealt with many hot-blooded male and female contestants. At this level, unless Rojun suddenly went berserk, nothing major would happen.

The situation wrapped up with Kang Rojun’s appearance.

At this level, it was broadcast-worthy with no issues.

‘Right, the conflicts among contestants also need to be included.’

This cut absolutely had to be used. It could highlight the tendencies or charm of certain contestants, and above all, what Kang Rojun showed here was too valuable to cut.

‘It’s more than enough to get viewers hyped.’

At that moment, Rojun spoke again to No. 66 in fluent Japanese.

“Regardless of your intention, those kinds of words can deeply hurt the other person. You're feeling that yourself now, aren't you, No. 66?”

PD Woo Han-suk let out a dumbfounded smile without realizing.

‘More importantly, what the hell? A little? He said he could speak a little Japanese? How is that just basic level? That’s native-level, isn’t it??’

It was because of Rojun’s unbelievably fluent Japanese. In that moment, the face of PD Jung Soo-ryeong flashed across Woo Han-suk’s mind.

‘If PD Jung saw this, her jaw would’ve dropped for sure.’

Maybe he wanted to surprise PD Jung Soo-ryeong later, but for now, Woo Han-suk decided to keep quiet.

“No. 66.”

Unaware that the production team had arrived behind him, Rojun delivered his final remark.

“You should be apologizing to No. 58, not me.”

After looking at Rojun for a moment, No. 66 turned his head and bowed to No. 58. The apology was in awkward Korean, not Japanese.

“I’m sorry, No. 58.”

Baby-permed No. 58 seemed to have calmed down and wore a composed expression. Normally, given his personality, it seemed he’d just nod and let it go, but unexpectedly, No. 58 gave a firm response.

“I was really upset. I hope you won’t do that again.”

Slightly surprised, No. 66 apologized again.

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

Around that time, PD Woo Han-suk’s voice cut in from the back.

“Did something happen?”

Pretending not to notice despite seeing everything. Soon, the eyes of dozens of contestants widened slightly, and it was Kang Rojun who answered after glancing at No. 58.

"No, it was nothing."

"Really?"

PD Woo Han-suk smiled and replied to Kang Rojun.

“Then that’s settled. No. 1, could we talk for a moment?”

“Yes.”

Then PD Woo Han-suk and the writers exited the break room. Just as Kang Rojun was about to follow, No. 58 stood up and quietly murmured.

“Thank you, No. 1.”

Rojun shrugged casually.

"You don't need to thank me. I just interfered because I was annoyed."

“Still, thank you.”

No. 58 expressed his gratitude clearly. Scratching his chin, Kang Rojun responded appropriately while thinking.

‘So he’s the type to speak up when it counts, even though he's usually quiet. Well, you wouldn’t survive in a battlefield like this otherwise.’

He stepped out of the break room. At that moment,

-Bzzzt.

A short vibration was felt from the smartwatch on his wrist.

-[You have completed the Hidden Mission ‘Earn the Trust of a Fellow Contestant!’! As a reward, 15 Coins have been given to you.]

The reward coins were instantly credited.

Shortly after,

Kang Rojun left the dorm and began walking with PD Woo Han-suk. The writers followed behind. While glancing at Rojun walking beside him, PD Woo Han-suk smiled and opened his mouth.

“What was that about?”

“Huh?”

“The Japanese. You didn’t mention anything about that before, right? Well, I know you’re not the type to explain everything in detail, but I was really surprised in the break room. Your Japanese was practically native-level.”

Though Kang Rojun kept a calm expression, he thought to himself,

‘I can’t exactly talk about ‘AI Automation’, so I’ll just gloss over it.’

He gave a vague reply.

"I just studied it a little bit."

“Haha, again with the ‘little’? I think your version of ‘a little’ is different from the average person’s.”

The writers, including Kim Se-hee, chimed in from behind.

“We were totally shocked! No. 1 speaking Japanese so fluently!"

“Be honest, No. 1. Is there anything you can’t do??”

PD Woo Han-suk picked up the baton.

"Even if you don't say it, I'm sure you have other talents too."

“......”

Kang Rojun remained silent. There was a good chance he’d reveal other hidden skills someday. Seeing that Rojun chose to stay quiet, PD Woo Han-suk’s smile deepened.

"Okay, I won't pry. It's fun to watch and see."