This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 328

Honestly, the award ceremony wasn’t anything special.

All it involved was announcing who won which award, and then there would be a trophy presentation with some representative for photo ops; that was about it.

What if we hadn’t attended?

Bora’s turn to receive the grand prize might have gone by just like that.

But such a thing will never happen now.

That’s exactly why I had asked these three to participate—to ensure it doesn’t just slip by.

“Ugh, seriously… I can’t breathe with this mask on…”

“Seriously, who told you to overdo it? You could’ve just worn a scarf without the mask and sunglasses…”

“Oh, what can I do? There are so many people who recognize me.”

Of the three, Chae-rim was already a mega-celebrity, Yoonseo was just starting to rise as the newest star, and the Senior was gaining attention because she once gifted Yoonseo a loss and holds the title of this year’s head in Seoul.

But what if these three rushed over the moment Bora came down from the stage after winning an award?

It would genuinely shock and terrify those mechanical souls sitting at the front, only snapping away with their cameras.

Then, in a frenzy, they’d undoubtedly start pouring out articles.

How could they not? This was a story they simply couldn’t miss.

Their eyes would probably light up with excitement.

At that moment, if Chae-rim were to step in and cut it short like usual?

The reporters’ unresolved interest would naturally shift towards Bora, who was simultaneously receiving congratulations from all three.

They’d be wondering just what kind of kid she was to be getting cheered by those three.

And that attention would smoothly transition into fame.

‘Then it’s game over…’

Just once of that kind of fame would be more than enough.

Once she gets that initial notoriety, the art she’ll create afterward will naturally keep it alive.

She might even surpass it.

Anyway, once Bora becomes famous?

No matter how grand the Association Chairman may be, they wouldn’t be able to manipulate her like before.

Especially since Chae-rim is gearing up to keep the Chairman in check right now.

It was right at that moment when the female announcer on stage finally spoke Bora’s name.

As I glanced towards the three gathered to my side when Bora was called, I asked,

“Ready, everyone?”

“Of course.”

“Dogun, you’ll just do what I asked, right?”

“You’re such a pain…”

Unlike Chae-rim or the Senior who answered promptly, Yoonseo seemed a bit grumbly, but she’ll be fine.

Even if she talks back, she’ll fulfill her assigned role.

“Then let’s go.”

We all stood up together and grabbed a shiny trophy and a panel stating the prize amount, heading towards the stage beside Bora.

“Wait, are those acquaintances?”

“Those acquaintances look a bit peculiar…”

“Seriously, everyone’s bundled up. Are they perhaps celebrities?”

“Eh, they’re just worried about being photographed. Why would a celebrity come to something like this?”

“The guy with her looks pretty handsome. Is he her boyfriend?”

The atmosphere in the awards hall turned slightly rowdy as Bora’s win drew close to a conclusion.

How could it not?

With such eye-catching individuals bundled up with masks and sunglasses, they became even more noticeable.

And it was only natural for onlookers’ gazes to be drawn towards such a gathering.

The chaos that erupted from that concentrated viewing?

“Wait… huh?”

“Hold on… no way…”

“Uh, that seems right?”

Three were suddenly unmasked.

What can one say?

The instant the three, comprising the bundled figures held together by masks and sunglasses, tossed them aside, the award ceremony dissolved into utter chaos.

“Congratulations, Bora.”

“Co-congratulations.”

“Wow… that was entertaining. Not my style though.”

Regardless, the three hurriedly presented Bora with a massive flower bouquet they had purchased before arriving.

But conversely, it was the onlookers who were left astounded.

“Well, I guess the award ceremony’s done, so shall we head back?”

Thanks to that, the attendees, who had been as stiff as boards, were collectively roused by Chae-rim’s words.

It’s one thing for Chae-rim, who’s been famous since day one, but perhaps Yoonseo, who’s recently been treated like a walking exclusive, and even the Senior, whose recognition was still on the rise, felt they couldn’t just let this slip by.

Before, they’d shown bored expressions during the ceremony, but now they were ablaze with enthusiasm, ready to leap to their feet.

They picked up their pens as makeshift microphones, ready to rush us.

What halted this reporter stampede?

“I apologize, but we didn’t come here to give interviews today.”

Once again, it was Chae-rim.

Her chilling voice wasn’t exceptionally loud but somehow retained a remarkable presence that caused everyone to reconsider just who they were charging towards.

In that brief hesitation as the reporters halted, Chae-rim’s voice cut through the tension.

“Most importantly… the real stars of this event are elsewhere.”

If they wanted an interview, wouldn’t they be better off looking elsewhere?

Chae-rim maintained that icy composure, almost explicitly stating so.

And no one would dare break through the barrier she set; no one here would be that brave.

“Uh, could we maybe get just one answer?!”

Someone managed to muster up some courage as we readied to leave the ceremony.

This brave soul was directly rewarded with the privilege of a unique question from Chae-rim.

They must have been taken aback when, all of a sudden, the attention switched towards them.

“Um, how are you related to Bora?”

With a nervous, pale face, the reporter hesitantly asked.

“Well… a fan?”

“Uh… what?”

“I thought it was fun. The comic.”

Looks like they weren’t at all expecting that kind of answer.

Seeing the reporter blank out in disbelief at Chae-rim’s response was priceless.

“Have you not seen it yet?”

“Um? Ah… no, not yet…”

Perhaps feeling embarrassed after revealing they hadn’t even glanced at the comic that won the grand prize, the journalist blushed slightly.

Chae-rim smiled and added,

“If you find some time later, do check it out. It’s fun.”

“Y-yes… I’ll do that…”

That conversation was more than sufficient.

As soon as the reporter’s turn ended, that allowed us to cut the fervor of the journalists eager to grab even a line of interview from us.

Maybe realizing that rushing in blindly would get them in the same boat as the previous reporter, they all hesitated.

Seizing that moment, Chae-rim led us out of the awards hall.

“Let’s hurry. If we take too long to notice, it could get bothersome.”

Successfully escaping the ceremony, we headed to the shopping center I had already scoped out.

‘As expected… I can count on them.’

At that time, I was only thinking of that, completely unaware of what it truly meant to be shopping with four women—each with their unique personality and values.