From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show



Uno turned out the camera and started filming Pops.

The weathered lines on his face told stories that words never could, and his eyes sparkled with the kind of wisdom only years of hard work and love could bring.

"You're a genius," June said, nudging Hana's shoulder, causing the latter's cheeks to redden.

- Kyaah! This couple is actually pretty cute.

- Please don't ship June with anyone.

- June can't be in a relationship.

- What a weird crowd.

They were standing by his small, modest farmhouse, surrounded by the green fields.

Pops had just finished telling them about his life as a farmer. He spoke with passion and a little bit of humor, which made the filming process even more enjoyable.

The cast members were excited, their earlier worries about the challenge dissipating as they got lost in the old man's story.

"It was great, wasn't it?" Haruki whispered to June. "I think this could be a winning piece as long as we edit it nicely."

June nodded, still absorbed in Pops' words. The other team had opted for a more aesthetic approach. They couldn't beat them in their own game.

So, June and his team had chosen something different, something raw-more like a realistic vlog.

Pops, noticing the camera still rolling, chuckled. "You all sure know how to make an old man feel special. I don't know what you're gonna do with all this talkin', but I hope it's good for you."

"It's more than good," June said, smiling warmly, signaling for Uno to end the video.

The old man's face softened, and he offered, "Why don't you all come inside for a bit? Do you want some food?"

Hana warily looked at the cameraman before shaking her head. "I don't think we can do that, Pops."

The old man's face fell, so June quickly saved the situation. "They never told us about it being forbidden," he smiled. "We'll go if that's alright with you."

"Of course!" Pops exclaimed. "I can give you some snacks-boiled corn and bananas if that's alright?"

Casper's face lit up. "More than enough, Pops! Thank you!"

The others looked at June with hesitation, but he nodded in assurance, so they all followed Pops inside his small home.

It looks exactly what they expected it to be.

The house was simple but cozy, with wooden furniture that had clearly seen many years of use. A few faded photographs decorated the walls, and a large framed picture of a beautiful woman was in the center. Her eyes were soft and kind, and her smile was full of life.

"That's my wife," Pops said, noticing their gazes lingering on the photo. His voice was filled with pride, and it was clear that the woman in the picture meant everything to him.

June hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is it okay if we continue filming?"

Pops nodded, waving his hand dismissively. "Go ahead. I don't mind. Just don't mind me, either."

June carefully set the camera on the table, adjusting it so that it captured only Pops. They all gathered around, taking seats on the worn-out cushions on the floor, ready to hear more of Pops' story.

"How long have you lived here?" Uno asked.

At that point, the scene faded into a different scene-one that showed the other team's progress.

However, those words still resonated with the cast members onsite.

"All my life," Pops replied, his eyes glazing as he recalled the past. "This land was my father's before it was mine. And his father's before that."

"Wow," Haruki breathed out, clearly impressed. "That's a long time."

Pops chuckled softly, nodding. "It is. A lifetime, really."

"Did you ever want more?" June asked carefully. "Like, did you ever wish you could've done something different? Lived somewhere else?"

For a moment, Pops turned silent. It seemed like he was searching for the right words. Then, he finally spoke.

"I did," he admitted. "At one point in my life, I did. Don't we all?"

They all nodded. Living as entertainers, it did feel like they always wanted more. It was just the nature of their job.

"I was young and restless, like all of you. I thought about leaving, going to the city, and making something big of myself. There was always that little voice in the back of my head telling me I was meant for more."

He paused, glancing at the photo of his wife before continuing. "But then I met her. And suddenly, all those dreams of 'more' didn't seem so important anymore. I found someone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And I realized that it didn't matter if we had less. It just mattered that we had each other."

The room was quiet, feeling touched by the old man's words.

Pops continued, his voice growing more thoughtful. "Isn't it funny? We come into this world with nothing, yet we always crave something more. We're always chasing after things, thinking they'll make us happy. But in the end, it's the simple things that bring us the most joy. A good day's work, a meal shared with loved ones, the warmth of a home... Those are the things that matter."

June swallowed, feeling like he was being hit with multiple stones.

"And that's the beauty of life," Pops went on, his eyes twinkling. "When we protect what is dear to us when we sacrifice for those we love... That's when life truly means something."

June found himself nodding along, absorbing every word. He could see it now, the bigger picture. He felt the same way.

He was doing all of this for his loved ones-to protect EVE and the dreams of young idols who wanted to make something out of themselves in this harsh industry.

Hearing it from someone else placed things into perspective, and he was reassured he was

going on the right path.

"Can we meet her?" June asked softly, gesturing to the photo of Pops' wife.

Pops' smile faltered just a bit, and he shook his head slowly.

"She's sick," he whispered. "Been bedridden for a while now. But she's still the most

beautiful woman I've ever known."

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