Cheat day

Sugar Man (6)

“Welcome.”

As I arrived at the Nakseongdae Market, I found Yuk Hye-rin, contestant number 6 from “Praise for Korean Food,” greeting me as she placed Yukhoe (raw beef) on table six.

As we had suggested, with spring here, they set up a temporary table in the open space next to the store, and it was pleasantly busy with customers.

“Have you been well? You seem busy.”

“A little bit. Let me show you inside.”

Yuk Hye-rin smiled. It must be tough for her and her mother to manage the shop alone, but seeing her smile made me feel a sense of pride.

Inside the shop, the tables had reserved signs on them, likely saved for us.

“There are quite a few customers today.”

“Today’s not too bad, actually. Let me bring you the Yukhoe.”

“Oh, I’d like one serving as Yuk sashimi, please.”

“Sure.”

As I placed my order, Ju Ji-seung asked with concern, “Have your blood sugar levels gone up?”

“Yeah, I’ve been a bit careless lately, and it shot up again.”

I had been maintaining my fasting blood sugar between 90 and 100 for a long time, but after Baek Woo-jin collapsed, I’ve started checking my levels again.

I hadn’t noticed any symptoms like dizziness or thirst, but my fasting blood sugar had risen to 160, so I’m being cautious again.

I think the long stretch of eating a variety of foods in smaller portions gradually contributed to the rise.

“Are you okay?”

Cha Ji-chan asked.

In the past, when I used to eat a lot of bread or tteokbokki and my blood sugar spiked, I would feel really down about it. However, after going through that a few times, I realized there’s no need to be shaken by a momentary crisis.

I know what I have to do and where I need to go.

I can just start over.

“Yeah. I can manage it again.”

Cha Ji-chan looked at me intently and grinned.

“When my blood sugar spikes, I get really down.”

Baek Woo-jin rested his chin on the table, propped up on his elbows.

“Managing blood sugar is about managing your mental state. You might feel down for a bit if it gets bad. But if you let go of that, you’ll really be in trouble.”

Ju Ji-seung encouraged Baek Woo-jin.

“Both Ji-chan and I have experienced it, and I think it’s important to get back on your feet. Chan-yong too.”

“He’s surprisingly mentally strong.”

When Ju Ji-seung praised me, Cha Ji-chan chimed in.

***

At 9:30 PM, I arrived at the WTV radio studio.

I spotted Park Ha-im inside the studio through the glass window. He recognized me while broadcasting and greeted me with a nod.

“Chan-yong!”

The PD and a writer for “Sweet Pillow,” which is scheduled for this quarter, introduced themselves.

“Hello. Nice to meet you.”

“Ah, it’s nice to meet you too. I’m looking forward to working with you today.”

The PD shook my hand warmly with both of his.

I had heard that PDs can sometimes have an elitist attitude, but everyone I’ve met so far has been kind to me.

Today was no exception, though I can’t help but feel a bit of pressure; I don’t feel the same kind of rejection as before, but it’s still a bit overwhelming.

The seasoned staff told me that others might find me a bit intimidating, so I should try to be friendly instead of awkward.

“I appreciate it. I’m looking forward to it as well.”

“Here’s today’s script.”

The writer handed me the script.

I had received it via email after scheduling my appearance and had skimmed through it, but it seemed they prepared a separate version for the live setting.

As I waited while looking over the script, the first part wrapped up, and ads were playing, so I entered the studio.

“Hyung.”

Park Ha-im greeted me with a smile.

“You did well!”

“Right? Totally nailed it!”

“Yeah. It feels like today will go smoothly.”

“I was hoping to ride on your coattails.”

It seems we were both on the same wavelength.

Since it was my first time on the radio, I was planning to lean on Park Ha-im, but he also appeared to be a bit nervous.

“You’re the one who makes the world a happier place, right? Our guest for the second part today is Ban-chan from the YouTube channel ‘Banchang Store.’ We’ll listen to a song and greet him afterward.”

Once the ads ended, Park Ha-im delivered his introduction and turned off the microphone.

“Why didn’t you do the ‘manito’ for me?”

“You’re doing just fine on your own.”

“I feel lonely.”