Chapter 51: Ten Thousand Yuan's Happiness (Part 2)

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Entertainment Is All Around Without Pop-ups
Story Time: April 2005
Recommended Song: Epik High – Umbrella (feat. Younha)
Statement: This story is purely fictional. Any resemblance to real people is coincidental!

“Jiang Yihan, Jiang Yihan, Jiang Yihan.” The PD of “Ten Thousand Won Happiness” suddenly realized Jiang Yihan had gone missing from his camera backstage at MBC. The PD hurriedly weaved through the crowd.

“Ah, you’re here!” the PD shouted, spotting Jiang Yihan huddled in a corner, secretly eating kimbap.

With a mouth full of kimbap, Jiang Yihan looked up at the PD, eyes wide in alarm. After a split second’s hesitation, he sprang to his feet and bolted, the PD chasing after him, yelling all the while. The backstage area at MBC became lively in an instant, with Jiang Yihan darting through the crowd and the PD hot on his heels.

Suddenly, a cry rang out from behind. Jiang Yihan stopped and looked back—turns out, the PD had fallen. Torn between fleeing and pangs of guilt, Jiang Yihan lingered for a few moments, then sighed and hurried back to help. He reached out and pulled the PD up.

To his surprise, the PD grinned slyly. “Caught you, Jiang Yihan! That’s a 500 won fine.”

“Hey, that’s not fair! You tricked me!” Jiang Yihan protested, frustrated. “Besides, I only ate a little. How can it cost 500?”

“You tried to run, so the fine doubles. Next time, it’ll double again,” the PD said cheerfully.

“PD… come on, can’t you go easy on me since I came back to help you up? How about 300?” Jiang Yihan started to bargain.

“No way. I’ve already put the fine on the subtitles. Bam, 500 won!” the PD gloated.

“Hmph, PD, you’re such a villain!” Jiang Yihan made a face and ran off.

After a chase, Jiang Yihan still had a task to complete. The target was the adorable and funny Haha. But Haha, already knowing the answer, deliberately withheld it, giving Jiang Yihan a hard time and eventually causing him to fail.

When the PD announced, “Mission failed,” Haha finally grinned and revealed the correct answer, leaving Jiang Yihan both amused and exasperated.

“Jiang Yihan, where are you off to now?” the PD called after him. Jiang Yihan, holding a large platter wrapped in foil, strode forward confidently.

“I’m delivering the Thousand Won Happiness,” Jiang Yihan replied, beaming.

“To whom?” the PD pressed.

“That’s a secret. Ha ha ha!” Jiang Yihan laughed smugly.

The so-called Thousand Won Happiness required contestants, during the Ten Thousand Won Happiness challenge, to spend 1,000 won on ingredients and cook a dish to present to the person they were most grateful to. Jiang Yihan was now on his way.

He pushed open the door with a wide smile and called, “Hyori!” Only now did the PD realize Jiang Yihan’s chosen recipient was Korea’s “national fairy,” Lee Hyori.

“Yihan, what brings you here? What’s up?” Lee Hyori, dressed casually but radiating charm, asked with a bright smile, clearly pleased by his visit.

“Hyori, I’m on Ten Thousand Won Happiness, and I’ve come to deliver my Thousand Won Happiness,” Jiang Yihan said, presenting his dish.

Lee Hyori looked delightedly at the platter, understanding the significance of the gift. Though it cost only a thousand won, within the context of the show, it meant much more. Knowing Jiang Yihan’s character, she realized the gesture was sincere, not company PR.

“Jiang Yihan, why did you choose to give your Thousand Won dinner to Lee Hyori?” the PD asked, as was customary.

“Just look at my debut story,” Jiang Yihan replied with a smile. “The first show I appeared on, I met Hyori, who taught me so much and shared valuable stage experience. When I debuted, she also appeared in my MV for ‘Castle.’ She introduced me to many seniors. Most importantly, Hyori has always cared for me like a big sister. Anyone who’s followed my journey knows how grateful I am to her.” Jiang Yihan smiled at Hyori, whose eyes shimmered with emotion as she returned his smile. He continued, “So, when I was told to give this token of gratitude, the first person that came to mind was Hyori. I just hope everything goes smoothly for her in the future.”

“Well, then I really have to thank you, Yihan,” Hyori said cheerfully, tilting her head back to hold back tears.

“I never expected Yihan and Hyori to be so close. Hyori, what do you think of our newcomer Jiang Yihan?” the PD asked, turning the question to her.

“Honestly, I have to thank Kim Jaejoong for introducing me to Yihan,” Hyori laughed, exchanging a knowing glance with Jiang Yihan. “Yihan is composed and kind, which makes everyone feel comfortable around him. I can’t think of a single reason not to like him. If someone doesn’t, maybe it’s because they can’t handle how calm he is. He’s worked hard since his debut, so his achievements are well-deserved. And today, I’m lucky to try the dinner Yihan made—many fans will be envious! I hope everything goes well for him from now on.”

“Alright, why don’t you try Jiang Yihan’s cooking? Let’s see how it tastes,” the PD prompted.

Hyori eagerly unwrapped the foil. “I’ve tried Yihan’s cooking before, so I know it’s good.”

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“You’ve tried it before? When was that?” The PD caught onto Hyori’s words.

Hyori and Jiang Yihan exchanged a glance, then burst out laughing. “That’s a secret,” they said.

Ignoring the PD’s frustration, Hyori dug into Jiang Yihan’s dish—a simple fried rice with vegetables and meat, yet incredibly fragrant. “Delicious, delicious! Yihan really is a good cook.”

The PD swallowed hard. Seeing the PD’s longing expression, Jiang Yihan scooped up a spoonful and teasingly offered it. “Ahh—” The PD, unable to resist, obediently opened his mouth. Suddenly, Jiang Yihan mischievously pulled the spoon back and pretended to eat it himself. Watching the PD’s open-mouthed, frozen pose, Jiang Yihan and Hyori burst out laughing before finally feeding the PD. “How is it?”

“Mmm, delicious!” the PD replied, mouth still full, grinning.

The dish was quickly polished off by Hyori and Jiang Yihan, who contentedly wiped their mouths.

The Thousand Won Happiness was a huge success, and the week-long Ten Thousand Won Happiness challenge was coming to an end.

Later, Jiang Yihan was seen outside a Western restaurant.

“Where are you going now?” the PD trailed behind.

“I’m going to use my coupons for a good meal,” Jiang Yihan said, proudly waving two coupons.

“Who are you mooching off this time?” the PD asked curiously.

“Of course, the ones feasting today!” Jiang Yihan declared, bursting into triumphant laughter.

Inside, the answer was revealed: today’s “victims” were the five members of TVXQ, plus Li Ran. TVXQ had just officially joined ABC as artists and, due to their busy schedule, hadn’t celebrated yet. Today was the grand dinner.

With a sly grin, Jiang Yihan eyed the six seated at the table, plus one standing beside him, leaving everyone speechless.

Staring at the delicious spread, Jiang Yihan couldn’t help but drool. “Let’s get started! I’m opening my coupons!” He unrolled one for everyone to see.

Laughter broke out as everyone read what was written. Curious, Jiang Yihan flipped it over—bam, it said “Empty.” Nothing to eat with that coupon.

Pouting, Jiang Yihan muttered, “No worries, I’ve got another one!”

With everyone watching, he opened the second coupon. Laughter erupted again as someone snatched it away. “Still empty, still empty!”

Not believing it, Jiang Yihan grabbed the coupon back and checked for himself.

“Free coupon—one,” it read in big letters.

Jiang Yihan immediately cheered, “Yes, yes! I get to eat for free. Hmph, I won’t argue with you all for tricking me!” He gleefully took a seat, shouting, “I want a feast!”

“Alright, alright, consider yourself lucky,” Kim Jaejoong teased.

“Jung Yunho, what do you think of Jiang Yihan?” the PD asked the standard question.

“Yihan-hyung is a great guy—he really cares about us,” Yunho replied with a smile.

“Yeah, he often cooks for us. So delicious!” said Changmin, the group’s youngest, true to his love for food.

Park Yoochun added with a grin, “Yihan is like a senior to us. Even though we debuted earlier, he gives us lots of advice and looks after us like a big brother.”

“Haha, you’re all just saying nice things,” Jiang Yihan laughed awkwardly, blushing a little.

“And he’s so cool,” Kim Junsu chimed in, his infamous “cold” jokes dropping the temperature in the room.

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“You all seem to get along really well—impressive,” the PD said, warming things up after the joke.

“Yeah, our dorms are even upstairs and downstairs,” said Kim Jaejoong, piling food onto Jiang Yihan’s plate as he spoke. “We often go to Yihan-hyung’s place. He’s like a big brother to us.”

Jiang Yihan grabbed food from Li Ran’s plate too, ignoring Li Ran’s helpless smile. “What’s with this ‘big brother’ stuff? I’m still young, you know!”

The PD burst out laughing.

As the meal ended, it became clear that most of the food had been eaten by Jiang Yihan and Changmin.

Since Jiang Yihan had gone to the restroom, the others had already left. He and the PD walked out together, looking content.

Noticing several black vans parked by the curb, Jiang Yihan opened one and climbed in. Only then did he realize the PD hadn’t followed, so he opened the door and called out, “PD, hurry up or we’ll leave!”

But instead of getting in, the PD backed away, smiling awkwardly. Puzzled, Jiang Yihan turned to ask Li Ran what was going on, only to see a completely unfamiliar face.

“Who are you? Why are you in my van?” he blurted.

The other man laughed sheepishly. “Sorry, I think this is my van.”

“Ah? Your van?” Jiang Yihan looked around and realized his mistake. “Oh! I’m so sorry, I got in the wrong car! Really, I’m so sorry.” He rushed out, covering his face. “How embarrassing, how embarrassing.”

“PD, why didn’t you tell me I got in the wrong car?” Jiang Yihan demanded, mortified.

“I was about to, but you got in and closed the door too quickly. What could I do?” The PD was laughing so hard he was doubled over. “Jiang Yihan, does this happen to you often?”

“Please, this was the first time, okay?” Jiang Yihan huffed.

“Really?” The PD’s skeptical look made Jiang Yihan defensive.

“Well… maybe a few times, but definitely not more than five!” Jiang Yihan tried to act calm as he searched for his real van. This time, spotting Li Ran, he got in. “See, I know my own car! I just didn’t look carefully after dinner, that’s all, hmph.”

His “calm” expression and the entire scene had been witnessed by the six people in the van, who immediately burst into laughter—except for Li Ran, who simply smiled at Jiang Yihan’s puffed cheeks, invited the PD in, and finally started the engine.

By the time they finished the evening radio show and returned to the company’s practice room, it was already past midnight.

“Jiang Yihan, it’s after midnight. That means today is your last challenge day. How do you feel?” the PD asked, preparing for the closing.

“It’s already the last day? Time flies,” Jiang Yihan said, sitting cross-legged on the floor with a smile. “I think we should all live frugally and use every penny wisely to honor our efforts. Through this challenge, I’ve learned some new things, and I hope to keep working hard in the future.”

“Thank you, Jiang Yihan,” said the PD, making one final request. “Can you make up a Ten Thousand Won Song to express your feelings during the challenge?”

“A song? Of course! I’ll do it right now,” Jiang Yihan said, improvising.

He quickly came up with a simple melody, humming a few times, and the lyrics flowed naturally, whatever came to mind. In just thirty seconds, the Ten Thousand Won Song was born.

Performance time—Jiang Yihan cleared his throat:

A week with just ten thousand won
No food to eat, no water to drink
Only the pesky PD and endless tasks
But you can still be happy with ten thousand won
You can still live joyfully on ten thousand won
Let’s all learn to use it wisely
And gain our very own ten thousand won happiness

“Hahaha!” The PD burst out laughing at Jiang Yihan’s blunt, honest lyrics. “You really do compose quickly and simply—impressive!”

Jiang Yihan stuck out his tongue, grinning.

Rambling Cat’s Chatter: Since coming here, so many things have happened, and still not done yet—so tiring! One chapter update today, thanks for everyone’s support!