Godsent Top Star [EN]: Chapter 77

The Tower-Chosen Top Star 077. I Need You (1) (77/401)

077. I Need You (1)

2022.01.16.

Intent Recognition. A skill I received from the son of Writer Min, with whom I filmed my first drama. Recently, it even got an upgrade thanks to Kwon Seong-hyeon’s disguised bullying, raising it from B+ to A, expanding the range of intentions I can grasp. Though specialized for acting, it’s quite useful in real life. Truth or lie—the system’s judgment is as good as Yeon-woo’s ‘gut feeling.’ But… [Unable to recognize the target’s intent.] What’s this now? As Yeon-woo was bewildered, another window popped up. [A new feature is available.] [Can be checked upon completion of the request.] “……” Sparkling. The phrase was flashing, practically screaming for attention. At this point, it’s impossible not to notice. ‘So, you’re telling me to accept it?’ For some reason, ‘Intent Recognition’ doesn’t work on this man. It’s a first. ‘Come to think of it, skills had grades…’ I thought it depended on the utility, usefulness, and versatility of the additional skills… Does the grading apply here too…? Yeon-woo’s gaze turned to the man. Then, one fact remains: that man has something that can block Yeon-woo’s Intent Recognition.

“You. You saw something in me, didn’t you?” The handsome face right in front of her looked down at Yeon-woo. His gaze fixed on Yeon-woo’s pupils, as if trying to see through her. “He couldn’t sleep at night.” “……?” The man’s words were out of the blue. Whether Yeon-woo’s expression turned strange or not, the man continued. “Then he said he saw strange things.” “…….” “Then his body wasted away, and his health deteriorated rapidly.” It was clear he wasn’t talking about himself. He didn’t look like someone who couldn’t sleep, saw hallucinations, or had failing health. “He went to all sorts of hospitals and psychiatrists, but the results all came back normal. He was even told to see a shaman [a spiritual healer or medium]. They were all con artists.” The man’s pupils, so close that she could see the very fibers of his irises, seemed to burn like fire. It was clear without being told that he was coldly furious. “But you’re not. You’re different. I was sure when I saw the broadcast.” The words came out of nowhere, but it wasn’t hard to grasp the situation. ‘Damn it…’ He must be talking about ‘TV in My Hand.’ “I checked all the radio shows you were on, too.” The man’s eyes gleamed. “And coming here, you definitely saw something in me. Isn’t that right?” “So what if I did, and what if I didn’t? Are you going to call back the people you sent away and beat them up?” It was a provocation. Yeon-woo knew it instinctively. If she couldn’t get rid of this man here, she would be in for a lot of trouble. He might be acting humble now, but this man was an apex predator. The problem is that predators never let go of their prey once they bite. So, Yeon-woo provoked the man, trampling on the sincere apology he had offered. But… “Sorry, but you’ve got the wrong person. I don’t fall for such simple provocations.” Surprisingly, the man didn’t frown. Instead, he smirked, pulling up one corner of his mouth. The warmth that briefly touched his face, which had been like a cold ice sculpture, vanished in an instant. “I guess you really don’t like me. That’s what it looks like. Is it a mistake that I buttoned the first button wrong? Haa… I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t approach you normally. I had to rush things while that guy was away, so I had to be rude.” “There were plenty of more normal ways, though?” “Of course, I tried them all. But I was rejected every time.” This was news to her. It seemed the agency had blocked him. She had a guess who ‘that guy’ was. ‘Well, I would have rejected him even if the offer had come to me.’ Playing the role of a fake shaman was not her thing. She was curious about the new feature, but her answer was already set. She was already gathering lifespan easily. Being swayed by the system was enough. “I need you.” “I refuse.” So, Yeon-woo answered without any hesitation. “I’m not asking you for a favor.” A firm refusal without a moment’s hesitation… “I want you to take care of my children.” “……Children?” ……She almost could have. Unfortunately, she stopped just before succeeding.

*** “Yes. My children. It’s not me who needs you, but my children.” Everyone has a weakness. Everyone has an experience with a sore spot for different reasons. And for Yeon-woo, the part the man mentioned was exactly that weakness. ‘Damn it. Of all things…’ Women of her mother, Ms. Kang’s age. Especially mothers who think about and worry about their children, are even more critical. But who knew that it would also apply to fathers who think about their children. “……What’s wrong with your children?” This was an unavoidable spinal reflex. Her reason was shouting not to accept it, but her emotions were urging her to at least hear him out. The problem was that once she heard the story, she wouldn’t be able to get out easily. ‘A guy wearing an influenced curse is talking about children…’ She could already see the angle. It was so clear that she felt like sighing. “At first, I didn’t think much of it. My children have always had some special quirks.” “Special quirks?” “For example, things like seeing something in an empty space.” “…….” Yeon-woo’s jaw tightened. “But the children’s condition worsened day by day. The test results showed nothing wrong, so there was only one thing left.” The man avoided mentioning it directly, but it was obvious. No wonder he was so sure they were con artists. ‘They had spiritual powers.’ Not only was her weakness pressed hard, but it was also added to it. This was like being pushed from behind. “Please help my children. The children are innocent, aren’t they?” In the man’s eyes, which were focused on his children, she couldn’t find a single lie. ‘……His eyes look genuine.’ The problem is that she can’t tell if it’s real or not. But even if Intent Recognition wasn’t working, Yeon-woo’s gut feeling was still alive. The man’s words were true. She wasn’t sure where the truth started and ended, but it was definitely true that the children had a problem. And the problem was that that part was hitting Yeon-woo’s strike zone hard, multiple times. “Haa… Then, at least I’ll listen to what you have to say……” It was when Yeon-woo’s mouth was slowly opening. “……!” “……!” A noisy commotion was heard from outside the thick door. And soon, the door burst open. “Yeon-woo.” Kwon Seong-hyeon was walking leisurely through the people who were making a mess, tumbling over each other. He smiled brightly at Yeon-woo. *** “I was wondering where you went… You were here. Are you okay?” “……Yes?” Why are you here? “Are you hurt anywhere? You don’t look good… Don’t tell me that guy did something to you?” Kwon Seong-hyeon strode over and grabbed Yeon-woo’s shoulder. Only then did relief dawn on Kwon Seong-hyeon’s face, who was easily turning her this way and that to examine her. “I was so surprised when I heard it from Dong-ja.” No, but isn’t this too fast? “I’m okay for now. Rather than that, the guards at the accommodation……” “Those people are fine. I sent them all to the hospital just in case. More than that……” Kwon Seong-hyeon tilted his head. “I don’t know what kind of bastard he is, but he doesn’t know the etiquette of trespassing on someone else’s territory, and he doesn’t know how to tell right from wrong.” Contrary to the lips that drew a smooth curve, Kwon Seong-hyeon’s eyes, looking at the man, were ominous. “Let’s go back, Yeon-woo.” His eyes were shining brightly, but the hand that pushed Yeon-woo was extremely gentle. But because the man grabbed Yeon-woo’s other wrist, the situation hardened again, and a strange confrontation continued. “I want to return the same words. Isn’t it the same for you to have crawled into someone else’s territory without permission?” “In this case, shouldn’t we look at the order of events first? You’ll know if you think about why self-defense exists in this world.” “If that’s the case, I have a lot to say too. Have you ever heard of extenuating circumstances? I think the side that forced the situation by rejecting all requests is also responsible.” “Wouldn’t it be better not to make unnecessary approaches in the first place?” “I’m quite desperate, too. When you’re desperate, you can’t see anything, can you?” “You’re living up to your reputation as a mad dog. I didn’t know you’d do such a crazy thing, Mr. Woo Do-gyeom. You can’t tell the difference between right and wrong.” “I didn’t know that Chairman Woo’s youngest son had gotten a job as a watchdog. I was very impressed with how thoroughly you blocked all my contacts.”

A very calm conversation. But is it just an illusion that it feels like blades are swirling around from all directions? Yeon-woo’s nerves were focused elsewhere. -Name: Woo Do-gyeom (35/Male) -Occupation: Corporate Raider Who Devours Anything -Disposition: Chaotic Neutral -Skills: Corporate M&A [S], Investment Without Failure [A+], Poker Face [S+], Raising the Stakes [A+], Shooting [A+], Mixed Martial Arts [S] -Affection: Mid-High -Current Physical Condition: Healthy -Current Emotional State: Calm ***Some items cannot be opened at this time. ***Detailed information about the person is hidden. ***Additional skills that can be acquired: Poker Face [S+] ***A new feature is available. The status window popped up thanks to the man grabbing her wrist. “……?” Yeon-woo doubted her eyes. Woo Do-gyeom, who uses the top floor of a building standing tall in the middle of Seoul’s stock district and is called Chairman. Some of his subordinates were a bit suspicious, but anyway, she thought the first part of his occupation and skills were okay. But… ‘Shooting? Mixed martial arts……?’ What are those skills that don’t suit a company chairman? Even his age was older than she thought. Thirty-five with that face? No, more than that. [A new feature is available.] This notification was related to Woo Do-gyeom. And the reason why she couldn’t read Woo Do-gyeom with Intent Recognition too. She had a guess. ‘Poker face…….’ An additional skill with an S+ grade. It’s not that there haven’t been other additional skills with an S+ grade so far. The reason why this notification is popping up for Woo Do-gyeom in particular must be related to the skill itself. ‘I’m curious?’ Of course, she’s greedy for the additional skill with an S+ grade. She’s also curious about what the ‘new feature’ that can be used is. Now that she’s come this far, isn’t it the same as someone kindly pushing her back? “It’s only natural for a dangerous person like you.” Yeon-woo’s ears caught a disturbing conversation as she was distracted by the status window that popped up thanks to the man grabbing her wrist. It sounded like she heard something important? “Wait. So…… are you saying you didn’t kidnap me out of the blue?” At Yeon-woo’s words, Kwon Seong-hyeon and Woo Do-gyeom turned their heads to Yeon-woo. “Yeon-woo. Don’t listen to that guy.” “Yeah. I’ve been trying to contact you every day for the past few weeks. If that youngest young master hadn’t been blocking me. Thanks to that, I had no choice but to use rough methods.” “Isn’t that obvious? I can’t show a mad dog like you to Yeon-woo, can I? I don’t know what kind of dirty tricks you’ll do.” “Dirty tricks……” Woo Do-gyeom’s eyes turned to Yeon-woo. “If I had to say, it’s not my taste, but in some ways, taste doesn’t matter. Preferences always change.” “Yeon-woo. You don’t have to keep listening to such nonsense. Let’s go back now.” At this point, it’s impossible not to get a sense of it. “Stop the useless and meaningless bickering?” So this is a battle of nerves.