Chapter Four: And You Are the True Hero

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“You mean you were dismissed and removed from the roster because you refused to become an accomplice to the female leader, rejecting the orders to mobilize?”

Suji’s eyes lit up, instantly forgetting her original plan to just observe the interview. Her subtle emotional reaction caused slight surprise to both the manager and the interviewer, but the woman quickly regained her composure, though her curiosity only deepened.

According to Cheon Yunho’s account, he was a righteous and compassionate soldier, yet the young woman sensed a shrewd and cunning side beneath the surface—he had done some homework before coming here. This beautiful employer was from Gwangju, naturally progressive in politics. She despised the veteran female labor leader Takagi, and Cheon Yunho’s refusal to assist the labor military leader’s rebellion, which cost him his future, might evoke her sympathy—if she even had such a thing.

Though his time selling drinks at nightclubs was brief, he had mastered the art of reading people’s expressions, much like entertainers who rely on extracting money from others’ pockets. In terms of tactics, he was no less adept than the versatile actress before him. Carefully observing the beauty’s microexpressions, he immediately knew this would work.

“Back then, Lieutenant General Cho Hyuncheon, commander of the Air Force Headquarters, ordered us to mobilize early, but we instinctively sensed something was wrong. How could we aid the wicked?”

“We refused the order. Even Park Heungryeol, the chief of security at the Blue House, and Han Gwangok, the secretary chief, called to pressure us, but in the end, we never mobilized. As a result, all of us were investigated and removed from the military roster. That’s my story.”

Cheon Yunho’s calm narration moved those listening. Such a significant historical event had happened to this young man. And this very year, the three big figures he mentioned had all been arrested. In a way, he had made the right choice.

“But in the end, you must have been vindicated! From what I know, the situation changed soon after. You are heroes who protected the people. Didn’t you receive any compensation?”

The manager saw that Suji and the interviewer were already convinced, their eyes filled with respect and sympathy for the young man. Yet he still felt the need to challenge her final acceptance—how could he be sure this guy wasn’t fabricating?

“Who likes disobedient subordinates? When a rebellious soldier serves the enemy, he’s a good fellow; but as one’s own subordinate, he becomes untrustworthy. Those who stayed silent filled our promotions. For those of us who stood out, it’s almost a joke.”

Cheon Yunho’s self-mocking words changed the expressions of several interviewers. There is a saying: “Straight as a bowstring leads to death; crooked as a hook leads to nobility.” This young man had exchanged a brilliant future for… apparently nothing. Many would have collapsed under such a blow. Many of his colleagues now lived miserable lives, drowning their sorrows in alcohol.

Even the experienced manager no longer doubted the young man’s words. His expressions and microexpressions did not suggest deception. Those scheming politicians never cared whether these people lived or died.

“No, it’s not a joke. You are heroes! Real heroes.”

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The middle-aged interviewer beside them took off his glasses and wiped them, clearly viewing Cheon Yunho through a sympathetic lens. For such a person to be applying for a bodyguard job was like a great general selling horses or a famed warrior selling knives—an embarrassment. The tragic aesthetics of fallen heroes resonate deeply in East Asian culture.

Seeing heroes reduced to tools of power was infuriating. Ordinary people inevitably face similar setbacks and failures. The emotional outburst shifted the atmosphere of the interview, but no one sought to correct it. Cheon Yunho knew no decision would be made on the spot, but judging by the mood, it was a good sign.

After the interview ended, the three approached Cheon Yunho, shook his hand, and offered words of encouragement regarding his life and career. They promised to inform him immediately if any news arose. Checking the time, they knew they couldn’t monopolize his time; there were still many waiting to be interviewed.

The man politely said goodbye and left the meeting room. Suji had no intention of continuing with the interview. Holding her phone, she hid in a corner, piecing together clues from that time. Her preconceived notions quickly linked these fragmented details, deepening her image of the young man as a hero.

“Let’s find somewhere to eat later! This big company doesn’t even hand out meal vouchers—it’s unbelievably stingy.”

Some large companies provide a working meal during interviews, but this well-known entertainment company was quite careless. She couldn’t go home hungry, so she looked around for a cheap but decent restaurant.

“Ping!”

“Ow! That hurts!”

Holding her phone while descending the stairs and looking for a nearby eatery, she didn’t expect a careless person to suddenly bump into her. The other’s head struck her chin; startled, her phone flew far away. The well-built man didn’t bounce back well, clutched his head, and sat down in pain.

“Sorry, I was too careless. Really sorry!”

Seeing her dressed in a suit and her phone apparently badly damaged, he apologized without even looking up. But upon closer inspection, she realized it was her friend and teammate—someone she knew well. Without that girl’s influence, she wouldn’t have come to this interview.

Thanks to that girl, she had met this young Westerner a few times. They hadn’t talked much, but with his white genes, he was tall, well-proportioned, and athletic—a rare healthy physique among idols. His golden hair and fair skin made him look like a Barbie doll.

“Hey! Isn’t this Se… that’s her brother! You really came to interview at our company?”

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The girl quickly picked up Cheon Yunho’s phone and wiped the dust off, only to find the screen shattered. Embarrassed, she stuck out her tongue. She had planned to eat early because she was hungry but ended up causing a small mishap.

“Of course I had to come! That little girl snitched in front of Sejeong and got very angry at me. She insisted I find some proper work to do.”

Holding his jaw, Cheon Yunho felt stars. The girl had almost loosened his tooth. Actually, he bore no ill will toward the chatterbox and knew nightclub work wasn’t permanent. So, he went with the flow to reassure Sejeong.

“Hehe! Oppa, you’re too handsome to be stuck in a nightclub! I think you’re even better looking than Cha Eunwoo! I’ll pay for your phone. Just send me your bank account details!”

This girl was five years younger than Sejeong. No one knew how they got so close, but she seemed socially adept and didn’t come off as annoying after just a few words.

Since Sejeong had watched all of “PRODUCE 101,” she was deeply impressed by the trainee who surpassed Sejeong to claim the center spot. But since this guy and Sejeong were good friends, Suji knew she’d be criticized if she took the girl’s money.

“No need. I was planning to get a new one anyway. Consider it your early retirement gift to the old phone.”

Cheon Yunho said this with genuine fondness. The phone was a Samsung Galaxy S9+ he had bought just months ago, suitable for nightclub work. He’d see if he could get the screen repaired later.

“Tch! How new is the newest model, oppa? Are you hungry? Let me treat you to a meal to apologize! Wait here while I change.”

Without waiting for his reply, the decisive girl ran off. The man fiddled with his phone, trying to see if he could reply but couldn’t even bring himself to refuse. This girl was outgoing, probably a modern “good girl” open to new ideas and cultures.