Hottest celebrity chaebol

The episode continued with a brief scene of Hae-young and Yoon-hyuk exchanging glances amidst a chaotic welcome from the other cast members. Then, the show ended.

Min-ji stared at the black screen, unable to process what had just happened.

Yoon-hyuk chose me, so the focus should be on me—why? Why reveal that they're friends now? Why make it look like there's something going on between them?!

Online Reactions:

> "What was that just now?? Are they already dating or what? That look—no way they're just friends. That's love. If that's not love, what is?"

> "I don't usually ship friends, but I'm all in for Yoon-hyuk and Hae-young."

> "My preferences now bow to Yoon-hyuk and Hae-young."

> "Their screen time was amazing today."

> "Please vote for Yoon-hyuk and Hae-young today. Imagine the chaos when friends suddenly become date partners!"

> "Yum, yum, so delicious! Give us more!"

"Aaaargh!"

Min-ji screamed in frustration.

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Meanwhile, in another room...

Sung-jun slammed his fist on the table, equally furious. The show hadn't pleased him either.

In a rage, he tried calling both Hae-young and Min-ji multiple times—but neither answered.

Something had gone terribly wrong.

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Back at the 'Woo-Yeon House'

Hae-young left early in the morning and, before heading out, checked the viewer reactions.

> "New cast member on 'Friendship Love 2' is the fourth-generation chaebol!"

> "Son of Chairman Han Jong-gu of Baeho Motors!"

An article was linked below.

> [Han Yoon-hyuk, second son of Han Jong-gu, chairman of Baeho Motors, has recently become one of the hottest celebrity chaebols.

> His photos from his sister Han Seo-jin's wedding—where he looked like a movie star in a suit—sparked intense online buzz.

> He was even rumored to be dating J, the leader of a global K-pop group, though Baeho Motors denied it, stating they were just friends.]

The article included a photo of Yoon-hyuk at the wedding, dressed in a tailored suit with a cold, striking gaze. It looked like something out of a fashion magazine.

> "Does that mean Hae-young's a chaebol too? Birds of a feather, huh?"

> "Chaebols these days are unfairly good-looking..."

> "Knew something was up when he said he had to marry for business. The vibes were off."

> "Is this real life? Or a drama?"

Another article followed:

> [Yoon-hyuk, second son in a family of three siblings, graduated from Columbia University and now works in domestic strategy at Baeho Motors.

> Known for his striking looks, said to resemble his mother, many speculate this appearance on 'Friendship Love 2' might be a stepping stone into the entertainment industry.]

Every detail of Yoon-hyuk's life was exposed. From schools to time spent abroad—even childhood photos resurfaced.

Hae-young now realized more clearly how difficult it must have been for Yoon-hyuk to join this show.

Even if she had saved his life, he didn't owe her this. She silently vowed to return the favor someday, somehow.

"Did you get your hair done? You look beautiful."

A staff member interrupted her thoughts.

"Thank you," Hae-young replied awkwardly, touching her newly styled hair. It was done at a salon Yoon-hyuk recommended. Though she couldn't quite pinpoint what had changed, she did look better.

"If you head to this location, your date partner will be waiting."

It was the first date assignment based on viewer votes since episode two aired. Hae-young took the note and left without a word.

As she walked, she wondered who her partner might be. Screen time often influenced voting.

"Hae-young!"

Jae-young waved at her from across the park. Hae-young smiled back and walked toward him.

It wasn't surprising. She had no connections with Chan-woo, and although Do-jin had texted her, that was the extent of their interaction. Sung-jun had been surrounded by controversy, and Yoon-hyuk was now known to be her friend, which likely hurt his votes.

"How have you been?"

Jae-young, as always, was kind and considerate. Their date flowed smoothly, but Hae-young felt uneasy.

She knew now that his kindness stemmed from genuine interest. She had, inadvertently, stolen the timing when he would have fallen for Min-ji.

Though that might have pleased her in theory, the reality was complicated. She didn't have the emotional capacity to return his feelings.

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Back at the house, Hae-young was the first to arrive. She unpacked, then stepped onto the balcony to enjoy the evening breeze. It was crisp, winter was coming.

She was about to go back inside when she heard a familiar voice from below.

"PD Son! I missed you so much! Didn't you miss me, too?"

Min-ji was greeting one of the PDs, Hyun-tae, with what seemed like excessive enthusiasm.

Hae-young instinctively stepped back behind the balcony wall to avoid being seen.

"Of course I missed you, Min-ji!"

Hyun-tae smiled, and Min-ji giggled, shaking his hand playfully.

The man was literally swaying. His goofy grin and slipping glasses showed how easily he was being manipulated.

Min-ji, are you sure you won't regret this later?

Rumors had long circulated about Hyun-tae's inappropriate behavior toward female contestants, and from what Hae-young had seen, they didn't seem baseless.

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During the last retreat:

"I'll attach your mic, Hae-young."

That was unusual—PDs rarely did menial tasks themselves.

"You're doing it personally?"

"I wanted to do it for you."

She smiled politely but stayed guarded. She had already heard about him.

As he stepped behind her to fasten the mic belt.....

"Could you lift your shirt, please?"

"I'll do it myself."

"No, let me help. It has to be snug, especially since your waist is so slim."

His tone and smile made her uncomfortable.

She took the mic from him.

"No need. If it gets loose, I'll adjust it myself."

His expression soured.

"Why so defensive? People might think I'm doing something shady."

"I didn't mean it like that."

She didn't elaborate further. In the past, she might've tried to soften the moment, but not anymore.

"See? You draw lines too well. You act nice but keep people at arm's length. You shouldn't do that, especially to a PD."

"What do you mean?"

She played dumb, but he looked her up and down, his tone dripping with condescension.

"Do I need to spell it out? You joined this show to get noticed, right? Then you should understand how important it is to stay on good terms with PDs."

"If that's the case, I'd rather not know."

"Wow, I didn't take you for someone this naïve. This is how the industry works."

"Then I'll pass on this industry. I don't need it."

She brushed past him. He muttered curses about how she'd never make it in the industry, but she ignored him. She didn't need that kind of connection.

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Back in the present...

"This is a secret, but I thought about you more than anyone else during the break."

Min-ji squirmed and giggled at Hyun-tae.

Did she not know what kind of man he was? Or was she using it to her advantage?

"You did?"

"Yes! If I had your number, I would've called you secretly."

"I should've given it to you sooner—my bad."

He eagerly handed over his phone. Min-ji typed in her number.

"Make sure you call! Even if it's late at night. For a drink, or if you just need to talk—I'll be there."

He looked thrilled.

Was this how he expected Hae-young to react, too?

Not that it mattered. She had no intention of giving him what he wanted then, or now.

"Really? I'll definitely call! Treat me to something fancy."

"Of course. I'll give you the full-course treatment."

"So exciting!"

"Oh, by the way, PD-nim. My screen time was so short. My parents even asked if I was really on the show."

"Well, the early episodes try to feature all cast members equally..."

"Still, others had more time—like Hae-young."

"That girl..."

Hyun-tae's smile faded. The incident had clearly left a bitter impression.

"She's not even that interesting, but she gets treated like the main character. Did she bribe someone? Or is there some secret connection?"

"I've wondered that too. Objectively, you're way better than her."

"Aww, thanks, oppa. Even hearing that helps."

"It's not just words. I'll make sure you get more screen time next episode. I've got pull with the staff."

"Eek! You're amazing! I'm counting on you, Hyun-tae PD-nim. Oh, and here—this is for you."

Min-ji pulled something out of her bag.

"Oh, I really shouldn't be accepting something like this."

"Come on, just think of it as a cute little gift from your adorable dongsaeng. If you and I don't say anything, no one will ever know."

Then Min-ji reached up and tugged down Hyun-tae's collar. She leaned in so close their faces nearly touched, whispering something in his ear.

Hyun-tae's ears turned bright red.

Min-ji really has a strong stomach.

"Then it's our little secret from PD Eun-hye, okay?"

Min-ji waved her hand playfully and skipped off into the front door of the house.

Hae-young stepped out onto the balcony.

From below, the front door slammed shut with a loud thud.

"Ugh, do I seriously have to go this far for a loser like that? If he weren't the PD's pick, I wouldn't even bother looking him in the eye. Gross."

More crude insults followed after that.

If you hate him that much, why bother talking to him at all?

She must have hated it that much—enough to force a fake smile on camera. Clearly, she wasn't happy with how the show made her look.

Still, the fact that she could manage even a small smile meant she wasn't completely cornered yet.

I need to push Min-ji further.

One by one, I'll eliminate the people on her side until she has no one left to turn to.

Corner her completely, so she has no choice but to reveal her true colors to everyone.

That moment… it's not far off now.

Min-ji flinched when she spotted Hae-young sitting on the second floor.