Cheat day

Sugar Man (18)

I heard everything from Muk Eun-ji.

“That’s strange.”

“What’s strange?”

“Well, since he’s participating, he’d want to win, right? But it feels like he’s quite obsessed about it.”

In reality, the manipulation controversy is just something we’re worried about among ourselves. It’s more of a precautionary measure to avoid any noise.

When I was in charge of judging the Korean Cuisine Appreciation, I also made an effort not to be biased towards Joo Ji-seung. As a result, despite a defamatory article coming out with malicious intent, no one believed it.

This time is no different.

If Baek Woo-jin wins legitimately, the viewers will acknowledge it. Everyone is working hard, and I had been annoyed that Baek Woo-jin, who has taken a step back from the Sugar Man production, seemed to be enjoying himself. But if he’s this eager to win, I’m curious as to why.

“Is it because of the prize money?”

“Hmm.”

100 million won is a large sum, but Ujinious is a major channel that earns around 1 to 2 billion won annually.

The amount of money paid to Baek Woo-jin is substantial as well.

“It’s a lot, but he’s the type who likes money.”

“Do you think there’s something more?”

“Yes.”

Looking back at the time we’ve spent together, he likes money, and while the prize money is large, the current situation doesn’t add up.

I felt that there must be another reason, but after pondering and coming up empty, I shook my head.

“Well, I guess he’ll tell us later.”

I said this, thinking he would share it in due time, and Muk Eun-ji smiled brightly.

“Why?”

“Even though you bicker usually, it’s nice to see you ultimately trusting each other.”

“Haah. I can’t stand this.”

Team leader Lee Ji-hye let out a sigh.

While she thought she had gained some experience running Ujinious, the administration of a large company like Sugar Man Entertainment was beyond what she had imagined.

Even though she was receiving significant help from hiring experienced professionals, the role of team leader was still overwhelming.

Moreover, with the Sugar Man project in full swing, there were continuously new tasks piling up, to the point where she was valuing meal times less and less.

“I have to plan the next content too.”

Lee Ji-hye checked the time.

There were only 30 minutes left for lunch, and she had to prepare for Ujinious’s next video by the end of the day.

Deciding to skip her meal, she began to brainstorm material, and soon her head started to ache.

“Hey.”

Baek Woo-jin suddenly popped his head out from behind the monitor.

“Have you eaten?”

“I’m busy.”

“What are you doing?”

“Tomorrow’s broadcast. Don’t talk to me, just go.”

“You have to eat, even if you’re working.”

“I don’t have time. Not even for this conversation.”

Lee Ji-hye returned her focus to her work.

Ujinious was run with the purpose of exploring all kinds of knowledge in the world and tackled new topics each time, making the preparation take longer compared to other YouTubers.

There was a clattering sound from beyond the monitor, but she couldn’t afford to pay attention.

Today, she just wanted to lie in bed before the day changed.

“I’ll enjoy my meal.”

Just as she was wondering what he was up to, it seemed Baek Woo-jin had pulled out a lunchbox.

“Go eat somewhere else.”

“Mmm. This is so delicious.”

“…….”

I’ve known for a while that he lacks any sense, but today he felt especially annoying.

“Wow.”

If you’re going to eat, at least do it quietly! But Baek Woo-jin was making all sorts of sounds, as if he wanted everyone to hear how good the food was, and Lee Ji-hye’s patience was wearing thin.

“Mmm! This sausage is amazing!”

“Hey!”

Lee Ji-hye snapped, frustrated.

While all the staff were struggling with the production, here was Baek Woo-jin eating a sausage during the Sugar Man project.

It was annoying, but deep down, she hoped he was at least managing his blood sugar properly, so she couldn’t help but root for him.

“Don’t you want some?”

Baek Woo-jin waved a sausage he picked up with his chopsticks.

As he stood up, she noticed the two lunchboxes lined up next to each other.

He was teasing her about having lunch together.

“I’m really busy. And put the sausage down.”

“This is made from chicken breast. It’s fine to eat.”

“…….”

“Come on, we’re working to live, so you have to eat lunch. Come sit down.”

No matter how much she refused, he was the type to annoy her until she ate.

Flustered and distracted by his excitement, she reluctantly sat down in front of the lunchbox.

The meal consisted of chicken breast sausage, a vegetable salad seasoned only with salt and pepper, a little bit of oatmeal rice, and two cherry tomatoes.

“If you’re going to buy food, at least bring something tasty.”

“I found it to be decent as I ate it.”

Lee Ji-hye took a bite of the chicken breast sausage.

Juices burst out, and the texture was not that different from regular sausage, which was impressive.

The salad, simply seasoned with salt and pepper, was surprisingly not bad either.

“True.”

“But I get hungry again really quickly after eating this. I’m so proud of myself for eating this for three weeks now.”

Baek Woo-jin, lost in self-adoration, said anything that came to mind.

Lee Ji-hye, used to this behavior, continued eating without reacting.

If she responded, he would get even more excited and talk even more, so it was best not to encourage him.

“Don’t you think I’ve lost a bit of weight?”

Crunch, crunch.

The lettuce was quite fresh.

“I lost four kilograms. My blood sugar has gone down too.”

That was a good thing.

Back in college, Baek Woo-jin was skinny—so skinny that it sometimes looked unhealthy. At some point, though, he had noticeably gained weight.

At first, it looked good, but as he gained more, she began to worry a little.

He would say that his chubby cheeks were his charm points, but after being diagnosed with diabetes, her concerns grew even larger.

She hoped this opportunity would help him control his blood sugar and lose weight, bringing back his former health.

“It’s amazing—I don’t feel sleepy after eating now. It must have really been true that I got sleepy when my blood sugar went up.”

The oatmeal rice was too little to fit in one bite.

“I’m going to win.”

That was a bit funny this time.

“Yeah, right.”

“It’s true. I’m going to get completely healthy and win.”

“Do you really want that prize money that much? If you had managed yourself earlier, it would have been so much better. You’re the only one with high blood sugar participating.”

Lee Ji-hye thought Baek Woo-jin seemed rather foolish.

Even though the prize money was significant, he was already receiving about 300 million won annually from Ujineus.

Last year alone, Ujineus made 1.8 billion won, which was Baek Woo-jin’s property. Combining income from web novels and shares in Sugar Man Entertainment, he wasn’t in a position where he desperately needed 100 million won.

It would have been better for him to focus on managing his blood sugar rather than competing in the Sugar Man project for a win.

“Prize money is really nice. If I win, I’m going to change my car.”

“Ugh.”

“And I’ll show that I’m not lazy.”

“……Did you pay attention to the comments?”

“Everyone else is managing themselves well, but why is Baek Woo-jin still the same?” “Why is he the only one who is chubby in such a good environment? It’s strange.”

This was a sentiment that gradually surfaced as the relationship with Sugar Man strengthened, and the side dish Yeon succeeded in dieting while Baek Woo-jin was diagnosed with diabetes.

The “Be Happy” event continued, which gradually reduced these comments, but those who left malicious comments didn’t completely disappear.

“I’m not worried about it.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

***

“Haah. Haah. Haah.”

Friday.

Today, she had a busy day, and for the first time in a while, she went to exercise in the early morning. She found Baek Woo-jin panting heavily as he climbed the step mill.

She had already known about it from Cha Ji-chan, but seeing it with her own eyes was a fresh experience.

“You’re working hard.”

Baek Woo-jin glanced back before continuing his workout.

Whether for the prize money or something else, seeing him work that hard made her relieved as a friend.

As she stretched and warmed up, Baek Woo-jin came over and sat down beside her.

“Ugh. Ugh.”

“Maybe it’s better to rest today.”

“Why?”

“Do you know what tomorrow’s mission is?”

Tomorrow, the recording for the fourth week was scheduled.

Five people would form a team and complete a course that required various movements, inspired by the “Start Dream Team” show that aired a long time ago on KBS 2TV.

Given that it required considerable physical ability, she thought it would be difficult to complete for anyone who hadn’t trained regularly.

“I’m fine. Even if I don’t win the mission, as long as I lower my blood sugar, it’s okay. It’s a long-term game.”

He may have been eliminated in the first problem of the Golden Bell, but it seemed he thought he could pass week four without any advantages.

With 20 people eliminated now, Baek Woo-jin’s fasting blood sugar levels were lower than the median, so it wasn’t entirely incorrect.

While succeeding in the immediate mission was important, ultimately, to win, he needed to maintain a consistent diet and exercise regimen.

Though it felt long and arduous, three months were hardly enough to produce dramatic results.

She had also worked hard enough to think she couldn’t do better, but after being diagnosed with diabetes, her A1C hadn’t returned to normal after three months.

“Hyung.”

“Yeah?”

“How did you decide on marriage?”

“Out of nowhere?”

“Yeah, out of nowhere.”

When asked such a sudden question, he confidently replied.

“Because I thought I wanted to live together?”

“You’re already living together.”

“It’s a bit different. But I can’t say exactly what it is.”

“Do you also have those moments?”

“Wait a moment.”

As he organized his thoughts while stretching, he finally spoke.

“They say living together means sharing a residence. But what I wanted was to live life together. Just cohabiting wasn’t what I was after.”

“Hmm.”

“Working together. Preparing meals together. Cleaning. Laughing. When I lived alone, it wasn’t super tough, but I did feel empty. But being with Eun-ji, I didn’t feel any of that.”

“That’s nice.”

“Yeah. I’m really happy.”

“Can I have that too?”

“…….”

“I feel like I’m just working.”

Baek Woo-jin laid down on the floor.

“Ji-seung has a family, and Ji-chan does various hobbies. I just sit here while everyone else seems happy.”

It seemed that this guy, who appeared carefree, had his own struggles.

“We’re all doing YouTube, running companies, and dealing with diabetes. I’m the only one…”

Baek Woo-jin fell silent.

“Hey, you’re doing the best among us. The reactions to the new program have been good too. What are you talking about?”

Baek Woo-jin had raised his profile by interviewing world-famous personalities.

While he was already well-known in Korea, it hadn’t made much of an impact, but he was building recognition on the global stage through cultural content related to classical music, fine arts, musicals, and history.

“Not that kind of thing.”

When she turned her head, Baek Woo-jin made eye contact with her.

“Should I wait until I get healthy to talk about it again?”

“About what?”

“……Isn’t it a bit off for someone with diabetes to say they want to date?”

“Do you know that there’s no context to that in today’s conversation at all?”

“Oh. Just give me an answer.”

“What about?”

“I think it would be pretty undesirable for someone with diabetes to ask someone out.”

“Well, that’s definitely not as good as someone who’s healthy.”

“Right?”

Baek Woo-jin suddenly got up and headed toward the Smith machine.

He’s been acting strange lately, but today he seems especially odd.