Directors excelled in different fields. There were the veterans in the film industry—already established, with their own fanbase and distinctive styles.
Others were new faces, specializing in dramas that were trendy among the youth.
And of course, there were also genius directors for variety shows. A lot of long-running variety shows had a spot in primetime TV; however, Gene PD had created a storm with seasonal variety shows—specifically, competitive/survival reality shows focused on different fields.
It started with Body to Body 100, the brutal test of physical power. Then came Single’s Hell, a dating show that promised games, lies, and love.
Then, at the peak of Gene PD’s career—which was only last year—a teaser dropped. Blood-red letters spelling out Lucy’s Game, with no explanation and just a date.
Naturally, people tuned in because they already knew of Gene PD’s prowess. It wasn’t long before the nation was glued to their screens.
Season One hit harder than anyone expected.
Ten contestants—common peaople and celebrities alike—locked in a compound that was part high-tech arena and part luxury prison. Cameras were on them twenty-four-seven, and microphones had to be worn at all costs.
Each day brought a different kind of challenge. Trust falls on thirty-story buildings. Team games with shifting alliances. And always, Lucy’s voice giving them instructions like a god behind a curtain.
Viewers couldn’t get enough. Betrayals trended within minutes, and fan edits of the most ruthless players spread like wildfire. Hashtags like #TrustNoOne and #LucySaidSo dominated social media. Everyone had a favorite, and everyone had an enemy.
Along with that, it bloomed the career of a no-name idol. Billy Jo started the show quiet—a twenty-three-old idol from Daejeon, soft-spoken and wide-eyed. His group, LIMELIGHT, was struggling and on the verge of disbanding. In the end, they sent in their smartest member—having graduated from G University—to test the waters.
Billy wasn’t the strongest nor the smartest. And yet, he lasted. The nation watched him cry alone multiple times, and with that, he captured the hearts of many.
By the time the finale aired, Lucy’s Game had the highest ratings of any variety show that year.
And when Billy Jo stood alone on the final platform, crowned as the winner—no one could believe it. But that was a twist everyone loved.
After Billy Jo’s unlikely win, the country demanded more.
Even when the first season was still airing, people already wanted a second one. It was forgotten a bit as more content was pushed out, and another season of Body to Body 100 aired.
However, as soon as Gene PD posted a cryptic post that had the colors of Lucy’s Game, the hype began once again.
“Good job, everyone!” Risa exclaimed as soon as the broadcast was finished.
“32% average rating,” Daeshim PD announced. “It’s definitely the highest of the year, and the third highest among all SK Channel dramas.”
Rejoices were heard all around. Oska should have been happy about it. He truly was closer to his goal of being in the Imperial Class. If he did achieve it, then he would be the youngest one among the bunch. However, he still couldn’t smile—not when everyone treated him like he was invisible.
“Nice,” Daniel muttered. “Another good drama to my name.”
Even Daniel ignored him now. What an imbecile.
“You’re leaving so soon?” Shin asked Risa. “Let’s have dinner at Daeshim PD’s place. I heard his house is very big.”
“Of course his house is big,” Risa chuckled, having gone there already. “But I can’t. I have something to catch up with.”
“Ooh, perhaps a boyfriend?” Yuan chimed from behind. The staff were intrigued by this news, and they all turned to Risa, who had become red-faced.
She was too busy with acting and fangirling over Zeno to even think about having a boyfriend! However, their teasing gazes made it appear they had already set their minds that she had a boyfriend.
With that, she decided to tell them the truth.
“I want to watch Lucy’s Game,” she exclaimed, cutting off their teases. “I loved that show during the first season. After all the hard work for this production, I want to destress by watching it.”
With the mention of the variety show, bright smiles filled the set. Daeshim walked over to them. “Let’s watch at my place. My new theater is set up, and we can watch the livestream there. I’m actually very curious about how it will go this season.”
“Can I join?” Yuan asked, popping up once more.
“Count me in, too,” Suho shyly said.
“Of course!” Daeshim exclaimed. “Everyone is welcome in my house.”
With that, most of the leading actors—with the exception of Oska—joined Daeshim PD in his mansion.
Risa sighed in the back seat of the car. She wanted to lounge on her couch and curse freely at the contestants, but it seemed she had to hold back for this watch party.
“The contestant reveal is going to be live, right?” Yuan exclaimed, bouncing in his seat.
Suho sighed, glaring at him. “Who told you to come again?”
Yuan clicked his tongue. “I would much rather have Zeno here than you, by the way.”
“Same goes for me,” Suho muttered.
“Risa would like that too,” Shin said, nudging her shoulder.
“Shut up!” Risa exclaimed, her face red.
“Oh,” Daeshim said, glancing from the front seat. “Do you like Zeno?”
“No!” Risa quickly denied. “I—I just think he’s a really good actor.”
The car was filled with laughter as they continued to tease Risa.
“Well, it doesn’t seem like Zeno has a girlfriend,” Daeshim muttered, placing his hand under his chin.
“That’s an overstatement,” Yuan said. “I went through his phone once—”
“You snooped around?” Suho asked.
“No, he just gave it to me,” Yuan chimed, scratching the back of his neck. “He doesn’t have any secrets to keep. He doesn’t have any photos except for one selfie, photos of scripts, root crops, and a dog.”
Risa listened intently, noting all of it in her mind. So cute! she thought.
“His contacts also consists of only six people. Two of them were women, though. Gaby and Minji.”
Risa froze, eyes narrowing slightly.
“But I don’t think they’re together,” he added. “Their conversations don’t seem sweet at all.”
“You even went that far?” Suho exclaimed.
“He didn’t even scold me,” Yuan said. “I told you—Zeno is really kind. I think he’s the type of person who’s perfect to become famous.”
“We’re here,” Daeshim said, halting their conversation.
“The food is already set up, so let’s head straight to the theater and watch the livestream! It’s airing in fifteen minutes.”