TFIU 37

“Everyone worked hard!!”

After the pilot episode of <Glittering Baby House> stirred up enormous buzz, Producer Hwang was all smiles.

From the production team’s perspective, it wasn’t actually a bad thing for a program to become somewhat “controversial.” In the broadcasting world, it’s practically common wisdom that hateful comments are better than no attention at all.

But this started as controversy and then completely flipped into favorable public opinion?

And that too with just a pilot episode?

Producer Hwang knew very well that this was an extremely positive signal, so he couldn’t help but be delighted.

“The response is really good. The buzz is strong too. Even overseas fans are reacting pretty hotly, so the Wonderbox side is showing huge interest. I think we’ll get more investment than we originally discussed.”

At Producer Hwang’s words, the expressions of the Glit members brightened.

Of course, they already knew the public reaction was mostly favorable, but hearing it again directly from him made it feel more real.

“Fans were definitely surprised at first by the sudden reveal of Doha’s family situation and the part about raising a child, but they seem to have adjusted quickly.”

“What did I tell you?”

“!”

“I said our fans are all really good people.”

Eon spoke with shameless pride, and everyone shook their heads.

That guy only turns nice when talking about fans…

“Especially the reaction to Yewon’s acting skills is amazing. People are saying we should study Doha and Yewon’s genes or something.”

“I seriously think we should send their DNA to a lab.”

At Producer Hwang’s comment, Wooyeon nodded as if this reaction had been expected.

“……”

Of course, Doha still seemed overwhelmed by the flood of attention.

Even though he had prepared himself for this, the instinctive feeling of suffocation couldn’t be helped.

“Why don’t you relax your face a little? Overall, the reactions are pretty good. People were just surprised you revealed your private life for the first time. There aren’t many comments asking why you hid it all this time.”

Eon, noticing Doha’s mood, teased him.

“…Yeah.”

“……!”

Instead of snapping back, Doha quietly agreed in a drained voice. Eon’s expression immediately hardened.

Wooyeon looked between the two with wide eyes, then forced a smile.

“Hey, Eon. Try to speak nicely! Lee Doha is in full timid mode right now.”

“How am I supposed to speak nicely? Should I attach a ribbon every time I talk?”

“That’s not a bad idea. Is it doable?”

“……”

Seeing Wooyeon’s eyes sparkle, Eon turned his head away in disgust.

“…What I’m actually worried about isn’t just the family issue.”

Doha looked straight at Producer Hwang as he spoke.

“I’m concerned about the controversy saying Yewon received special treatment in this audition.”

There it is.

Producer Hwang started sweating.

“Well… it really wasn’t special treatment. It’s true I asked Director Kim to give her an audition opportunity, but I told him to make it completely fair. And it wasn’t only beneficial for us—we’re also promoting their short drama, so it’s mutually beneficial. It’s not special treatment.”

“That may be our situation, but it’s hard for the public to consider all that. You know that too, don’t you?”

“…Y-Yes, that’s true…”

“I think there wasn’t enough protection for Yewon in this broadcast. You could have clearly stated within the program that there was no special treatment. Because there wasn’t any announcement, the suspicion only grew. If there’s a similar project next time, I hope you’ll clearly confirm that there was absolutely no preferential treatment.”

Doha’s face was colder and more resolute than ever, making Producer Hwang nod repeatedly.

“O-Of course! We weren’t careful enough. Honestly, it was just a pilot program… We never imagined viewers would see it that way. It was only a short drama and not even a big role. But yes, we were short-sighted. We’ll definitely be careful next time. I promise as a producer.”

After several firm assurances, Doha finally relaxed his tense shoulders.

“…Yes. Thank you.”

It wasn’t only Producer Hwang who was surprised by Doha’s unusually firm attitude.

The members were also quietly shocked.

Until now, Doha had always been excessively polite in public. Even when producers or staff made unreasonable requests, he accepted everything, believing he just had to work harder.

But when it came to Yewon, he was stricter than anyone else.

Eon clicked his tongue at the sight.

Damn it. Why can’t he be this strict about his own matters?

“Anyway… ahem. How is Yewon? Is she adapting well?”

The moment Producer Hwang tried to change the topic—

The four members’ expressions subtly changed in different ways.

“…?”

As Producer Hwang was about to ask again—

“Ha! Don’t even ask. That kid Yewon—who did she take after? She’s a total superstar! Ah, I’m so proud. Just like my little baby cider.”

Wooyeon looked like he might burst from pride.

“…She’s doing well… definitely…”

Doha looked both proud and slightly despairing at the same time.

“She’s doing way better than Lee Doha over there. Aren’t you embarrassed losing to a seven-year-old?”

Eon spoke sarcastically.

“I don’t know, but she doesn’t seem to cry.”

Yeonho remained indifferent.

With all four giving completely different answers, Producer Hwang couldn’t make sense of anything.

…So how exactly is she doing…?!

So then, how is Yewon really doing?

[▶ Sub Quest Success!

You successfully completed the first filming of <Glittering Baby House>!

Congratulations. You have cleared the quest!

Quest Reward: Recognition +20]

[▶ Linked Sub Quest Generated!

Interest in <Glittering Baby House> is increasing.

However, public opinion is still extremely divided. Make 90% of the comments on the next OTube video positive comments!

Success Reward: Recognition +10 & ☆Special Kids Phone☆
Failure Penalty: Recognition -10]

“…Haah. Should I go on strike…?”

Yewon was currently experiencing the unexpected worries of a working adult.

“Hm.”

With the quest window floating beside her, Yewon slowly scrolled through OTube comments on the phone screen.

She had begged and pressured CEO Park to lend her the phone under the excuse of watching a “Cute-Cute Ping” video.

…I think I need to ask for my own phone…

Living without one was really inconvenient.

…If I want to check OTube comments or monitor social media reactions, a phone is absolutely necessary.

Is that why the quest reward is a special kids phone?

Yewon frowned.

What exactly is this special kids phone?

Was it some kind of device with unique functions?

She tried guessing, but couldn’t figure it out.

…Whatever. I’ll find out if I succeed.

Yewon sighed.

Even in her previous life, while other kids her age were obsessed with social media, she wasn’t particularly into it—but she didn’t ignore it either.

As an actress, it was only natural to check public reactions.

She regularly monitored criticism of her acting and public opinion.

Especially in this life, it mattered even more.

Even if I can’t be loved by the fans, I must at least avoid being hated.

She already felt uncomfortable for causing trouble for Uncle Doha. If he were criticized by fans because of her, she wouldn’t be able to bear the guilt.

Check fandom reactions carefully. Avoid getting hate.

Her goal: Don’t stain Uncle’s reputation.

Yewon decided on that goal first.

The current comment response is about half and half.

Fortunately, since her acting had gone well, the negative reactions from the beginning had calmed down.

In fact, they were fairly positive now.

For a starting point, this wasn’t bad.

Getting 90% positive comments could be a long-term goal.

…Or so Yewon thought.

But the turning point was approaching faster than expected.