Chapter 77

Before they knew it, the day had passed.

Just as they were having dinner, a message suddenly came in, informing them that due to a sudden change in CCM's schedule, Ham Eun-jeong needed to return to the company as soon as possible, and the filming had to be cut short.

"Do you need me to send you?" Yoon Hyun asked politely.

His intuition told him that there might be something else behind this sudden change in schedule.

This could be seen from the expression of Ham Eun-jeong's manager.

But he wasn't sure what exactly it was.

"No, it's fine. The car from the company has already arrived," Ham Eun-jeong said, her expression becoming a bit complicated.

The crew on the side began to pack up their equipment.

The atmosphere was strange. Yoon Hyun was genuinely puzzled but didn't know who to ask. The atmosphere had been great in the afternoon, and even Yoon Hyun himself had started to wonder if he was really acting.

Despite his confusion, Yoon Hyun bid farewell to the crew quietly and got into the company's car, heading back to Seoul.

"Shin-yeon, what's going on?" Yoon Hyun finally couldn't help but ask his manager, Kim Shin-yeon, in the car.

"I'm not sure. The crew suddenly informed me that the filming would end here. They didn't give me any more information."

"That's it?"

"I have no reason to lie to you," Kim Shin-yeon said a bit rudely.

"Oh, it's fine." Yoon Hyun closed his eyes and started to rest. He was a bit annoyed.

"Yoon Hyun-ssi," Kim Shin-yeon noticed Yoon Hyun's dissatisfaction, "I must remind you that you need to take your work seriously and not act on a whim."

"Do you think I acted on a whim and that's why the crew decided to stop filming?" Yoon Hyun laughed. That made no sense at all.

"It's probably not that. It's likely due to the change in CCM's schedule," Kim Shin-yeon shook her head, "But the crew's quick agreement to this request might also be related to your uncontrollable behavior."

Yoon Hyun nodded and fell silent for a moment before saying, "If that's the case... what do you think about the script MBC sent over earlier? Should we accept it?"

"Those are two different things," Kim Shin-yeon answered almost immediately, "Even if the 'We Got Married' crew has an issue with you, you're still the MC of 'Infinite Challenge.' MBC won't hold it against you. Besides, I remember you've always wanted to do a historical drama since 'Im Jaebok.'"

"… Forget it, I didn't ask you." Yoon Hyun shook his head, a bit annoyed. How long had it been since the Baeksang incident? Why did he still need to rely on 'Infinite Challenge' to maintain his reputation?

"Yoon Hyun-nim, although we have fundamentally different views on the entertainment industry," Kim Shin-yeon switched to a more formal tone, showing her seriousness, "I still hope you understand that your current freedom is built on your talent and music. While your influence is solid, it's not enough to be deeply rooted."

Yoon Hyun was taken aback and immediately understood what Kim Shin-yeon meant. He lacked the traditional fan base of a Korean idol… otherwise, she wouldn't have avoided the word "popularity."

"You don't need to be liked by everyone, but you can't let people dislike you, especially those you can't afford to offend," Kim Shin-yeon added seriously.

"So you still recommend I take the role in 'Dae Jang Geum'?" Yoon Hyun understood Kim Shin-yeon's point. He couldn't afford to offend MBC. And if he offended MBC, he would have no platform on the three major networks…

"Yes. SBS replaced you at the last minute, and now MBC is offering you this role, which has a bit of a show-off and face-saving element. If you reject it, it will clearly be a slight to MBC," Kim Shin-yeon said sincerely.

Yoon Hyun was taken aback. He hadn't thought about why MBC had invited him to play this role. Now it seemed like there was more to it…

"Besides, you haven't tried a historical drama yet, so I still recommend you give it a try. As a historical drama, I think no other TV station in Korea would shoot it as seriously as MBC. We've seen the script, and if handled properly, it has the potential to surpass 'Dae Jang Geum.' So, I don't want you to give up this opportunity because of some so-called self-respect, which is actually just being stubborn," Kim Shin-yeon nodded.

"Alright. Then you can reply to MBC. After Haha retires, I'll give his position back in 'Infinite Challenge,' and I'll take the lead role in this drama," Yoon Hyun made his decision.

"Give up 'Infinite Challenge'?" Kim Shin-yeon was taken aback and then a bit angry, "Do you still not understand my point?"

"Of course, I understand," Yoon Hyun quickly reassured Kim Shin-yeon, "But because of 'Infinite Challenge,' I've developed a bit of an immunity to all variety shows. I tend to approach them in the same way I do 'Infinite Challenge.' As you said, that's not a good thing. Not every variety show has someone like Yoo Jae-suk to manage the pace."

"But 'Infinite Challenge' is…" Kim Shin-yeon looked anxious.

"'Infinite Challenge' is indeed the king of variety shows," Yoon Hyun nodded seriously, "But every king has its day of decline. 'X-Man' went through this too. Moreover, I think being close friends with the other MCs is more important than the position itself. I'm just giving Haha's position back."

Yoon Hyun's explanation made Kim Shin-yeon understand instantly.

To be honest, when she first tried to get Yoon Hyun a regular spot on 'Infinite Challenge,' she never thought it would succeed.

She just tried because she heard Yoon Hyun's praise for the show.

So, when he finally became a regular and even an MC, it was something Kim Shin-yeon never dared to imagine.

At the time, she thought LOEN must have placed a lot of importance on their only artist and helped through other connections!

Therefore, when Yoon Hyun complained about the one-plus-one situation, she just accepted it…

Now, from Yoon Hyun's perspective, it seemed like he was just filling a gap.

With Haha's return, he would naturally come back to 'Infinite Challenge.' While Yoo Jae-suk's presence wouldn't cause any issues with an additional MC, it was hard to say if Haha wouldn't feel unbalanced…

Stepping aside voluntarily was indeed a good choice. After all, as long as he maintained a good relationship with Yoo Jae-suk, there would be no shortage of variety shows to do…

"When did you start thinking this way?" Kim Shin-yeon asked curiously.

"From the day I became the MC of 'Infinite Challenge.'" Yoon Hyun's face was expressionless, but in his heart, he added, "For over two years, do you think it was easy for me?"

"Whatever you decide, 'We Got Married'…" Kim Shin-yeon's words indicated that she had been convinced by Yoon Hyun.

"My filming is probably about to end anyway," Yoon Hyun closed his eyes and said in a distant voice. "And CCM probably offended the production team more than I did. I just had a different approach, but they had an attitude problem…"

"Then why are you so worried?" Kim Shin-yeon was a bit concerned and couldn't accept Yoon Hyun's uncontrollable behavior. When the filming was interrupted, her first reaction was that Yoon Hyun had offended the production team.

Now, she realized that while Yoon Hyun's behavior was a bit disobedient, it was indeed very entertaining, and he had done everything the production team asked of him.

If the production team used the interaction between Yoon Hyun and the PD as a highlight in the editing, it would be a good point of interest…

So, the issue with CCM was clear… the scheduled filming was suddenly interrupted.

If this happened on a regular day, people might believe it.

But during the promotional period, especially at the end of the year, who would believe it? Everyone's schedules were detailed to the minute!

Why did CCM recall Ham Eun-jeong? Did they lose a performance? Kim Shin-yeon checked her phone. Yesterday at KBS, they seemed to have lost…

But as a new girl group, losing to 2PM's "Heartbeat" wasn't embarrassing… was it worth such a strong reaction?

And even if they recalled Ham Eun-jeong, would they have a better chance at SBS tomorrow?

"I'm not worried about myself, I'm worried about Eun-jeong and the others," Yoon Hyun shook his head, "After all, it's the three major networks!"

"Do you really like Eun-jeong? The candle and petals scene you did last night was quite romantic!" Kim Shin-yeon started gossiping with a smile.

"I consider her a brother, thank you!" Yoon Hyun quickly explained, "Don't joke about this, or it might cause misunderstandings."

"Then why are you so concerned about her?"

"Brothers need to care for each other, right? Didn't Yoo Jae-suk help me when I was in my toughest times?" Yoon Hyun rolled his eyes at Kim Shin-yeon, "And even if not for Eun-jeong, Juri, Baolam, and Jiyun, don't they all deserve my concern?"

"From the way you talk, it seems like your relationship with the other three is better than with Ham Eun-jeong?"

"Of course, it is… if it weren't for them, you wouldn't have had the chance to meet me, right?"

"I wish I hadn't met you! You're much more trouble than Jiyun!" Kim Shin-yeon complained.

Yoon Hyun was speechless. But his worries were somewhat alleviated by her playful banter…