Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 80 (Part 1): Who Do You Think You Are? (1)

On a day when overtime never seems to end, in the broadcasting station’s meeting room.

PD Lim Hyung-wook shared a specific community post with the writers and producers.

│[REAL TALK] Exposing RYH’s Drug Party│
Ryu Yeon-hwa is a known club junkie. Frequently spotted at Gangnam’s club, everyone knows him…

“Is this fact-checked?”

Kim A-rang asked. Lim Hyung-wook shrugged.

“No clue yet.”

The post, accusing Ryu Yeon-hwa of drug use, had racked up quite a few views. It was from a site notorious for low credibility, so without verification, it was hard to take seriously.

Lim Hyung-wook spoke up.

“I asked Yeon-hwa, and he swears it’s not true. He did go to clubs, though.”

“He went to clubs?”

One of the writers tilted their head.

“Yeah. Said he was just dancing to relieve stress.”

“…I see.”

“What’s with that look? Clubs aren’t a crime. You guys have been to them too. The point isn’t the club—it’s the drugs.”

Kim A-rang scanned the comments on the post.

“No proof, so it’s probably fake… Most of the reactions are like this.”

“But reporters have been asking about it. A journalist I know says some media outlets have already lined up interviews. Apparently, the guy who wrote this has a bunch of photos with Ryu Yeon-hwa.”

Kim A-rang furrowed her brow.

“What does Ryu Yeon-hwa say?”

“Well… he says he’ll handle it himself. Doesn’t seem like the type to do drugs, though…”

“Is he asking his family for help?”

“Who knows. With his connections, he’ll probably hire someone to deal with it. Just wait until it’s fact-checked.”

Ryu Yeon-hwa is part of the major magic guild [Jayros]. One of its biggest shareholders is his father.

“No need to overreact and make things worse. I’m just letting you know to keep it in mind.”

“Still, drugs are serious.”

If it’s true, it’s a big deal. The notion that a drug-addicted explorer is more dangerous than a murderous—an undeniable truth in this industry.

“For now… I’ll go talk to him.”

Kim A-rang stood up.

* * *

After the in-camera scouting, on the path up the back mountain.

*Whiiiing.*

The wind flowed in. It felt artificial. I looked toward it. Ryu Yeon-hwa was hiding behind a tree.

He covered his mouth with his hand and said,

“How much for the strategy fee?”

“…What? Kim Doo-gyeom isn’t helping you?”

“No. Doo-gyeom said he’d help. But I can’t burden that kid any more than I already have.”

“Don’t call him a kid, it’s gross.”

I swung my cane lightly. Ryu Yeon-hwa flinched, raising his arms.

He’s surprisingly timid for someone like him.

Anyway, it seems Kim Doo-gyeom’s attempt to gaslight Ryu Yeon-hwa backfired.

Ryu Yeon-hwa is a noble’s son. Rather than leaning too heavily on someone, he’s the type to opt for a transaction.

“Five thousand in cash should do it.”

“I’d like a contract, please.”

“Nah.”

“…Then, at least explain the strategy.”

A playful urge struck me.

“Nah.”

“…Can I have your account number, please?”

“You don’t know what cash means? Not a transfer—five thousand in cash.”

“Five thousand *wan* in cash?”

“Yeah. You’ve got a butler or something, don’t you?”

“…Yes. Should I have it delivered right away?”

He’s *too* compliant. He must be desperate.

I shrugged.

“Forget it, man. The strategy fee was a joke.”

“A… joke?”

“Yeah. Just testing your resolve.”

“So… it’s free?”

Ryu Yeon-hwa’s lips twitched, as if holding back a smile.

“Not exactly free. Oh, right. Hey, let me see your smartphone for a sec.”

I remember the full story of this incident.

Ryu Yeon-hwa, agonizing over it, clueless about who the accuser was, even considering dropping out like an idiot, until he stumbled upon a critical piece of evidence by chance.

The drug rumor about Ryu Yeon-hwa was always meant to be a minor hiccup. Just a filthy fly buzzing around someone successful.

The real culprit behind the mess blowing up? Kim Doo-gyeom’s gaslighting, no doubt.

“Here… but why the smartphone?”

I opened the blocked message folder.

“Just in case. Let me check something.”

Luckily, Ryu Yeon-hwa uses a phone model that stores blocked messages intact in the blocked folder.

“Oh, there it is.”

I handed him the phone.

“Look. This guy seems like the culprit.”

“The culprit…?”

[ Yo, Yeon-hwa, you’re doing well lately. Looks good lol ]

[ Can you unblock me on KakaoTalk and Insta? You blocked me outta nowhere lol ]

[ Yo, you not replying? ]

[ If you don’t reply, I’ll spill how you live. I offered to get you a table, but you said no lol ]

[ You did drugs in the bathroom, didn’t you? lol ]

[ Send me 300 million ]

[ Account number ]

[ If you don’t reply, I’m exposing you right away. ]

[ I’m giving you 3 days. ]

[ I’ll wait one more week, but seriously, at least reply ]

“…Huh?”

Ryu Yeon-hwa stared blankly at the screen.

“Huuh?!”

He clutched the phone with both hands.

“How did you know?”

“Know what? I just checked on a hunch. Why else would someone post that kind of stuff if not for blackmail?”

No need to drag it out. I’m not Conan.

“Recognize the guy?”

“…Yes. I blocked a few MDs, but I know this tone. I blocked him because he kept talking informally.”

“Then start preparing your counterattack. If that guy leaks something to the press, hit back immediately.”

Ryu Yeon-hwa blinked at me, still hugging his phone like it was a sacred relic. It was pretty funny.

“Just in case, back up all those text messages. Someone might delete them while you’re asleep.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Alright. Good luck.”

“…Wait!”

Ryu Yeon-hwa grabbed me.

“Why are you helping me? For free, no less.”

“Just think of it as my hobby.”

It’s a repayment for trust. Plus, it’s an easy fix.

“I’m more curious about you. Why’d you decide to trust me?”

Ryu Yeon-hwa opened and closed his mouth, then said something unexpected.

“Because ‘Seol’s-always-right’, isn’t he?.”

“…What?”

I was dumbfounded. Ryu Yeon-hwa asked, dead serious,

“No need to prepare more, right?”

“Hey. You think you’re up against some national conspiracy? It’s just some random druggie. A moron who acts without thinking.”

Ryu Yeon-hwa covered his mouth, chuckling. Guess he likes it when someone else does the trash-talking for him. Too refined to do it himself, maybe.

“No need to overthink it. I’m going.”

Dangun

I'm currently Translating the following novels: "Labyrinth Exploration 101" & "The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring " If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

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