Chapter 85: A Love Letter Penned by a Lavish Ensemble (Part Four)

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Story creation time: March 2006
Recommended song: S.H.E – “Thank You for Your Gentleness”
Statement: This work is purely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental.

The match between Kim Jong-min and Han Geng did not disappoint. The two settled the contest in just two seconds—Kim Jong-min was utterly defeated, flipped to the ground like a sack, his classic “dazed” expression sending the entire set into fits of laughter. Even the victor, Han Geng, was embarrassed.

But the real highlight of this segment was not the men’s team, but the women’s. Due to Jiang Yihan’s recent exhaustion, he actually lost all three of his matches—to Jang Woo-hyuk, Kim Jaejoong, and Han Geng. Among the men, the most entertaining were still Shin Jung-hwan and Kim Jong-min, both veterans of the show, whose simple physical comedy had everyone doubled over with laughter.

The first female contestant was, naturally, Han Chae-young, and she unhesitatingly chose Lee Hyori as her opponent. “Kang Ho-dong, if I win, can I be Jiang Yihan’s partner?” she asked.

“Oh? Why?” Kang Ho-dong put on an innocent face, which earned him a flurry of playful punches from Han Chae-young. He finally relented, “Jiang Yihan, you’re so popular—what should we do? Maybe we should split you into several parts so everyone can be happy, okay?”

Jiang Yihan could only smile helplessly, “Ho-dong, don’t say things like that. Be careful, the girls might get upset.”

Kang Ho-dong glanced back nervously and, indeed, met several stern looks from the female guests. He quickly apologized with a laugh, “Okay, okay, Jiang Yihan is one of a kind. You all do your best—fighting!” With that, he raised his fist to signal the start of the match.

“Wait a moment,” Lee Hyori interrupted before Kang Ho-dong could give the command to begin, her strong-willed expression prompting an exasperated sigh from Kang Ho-dong that made everyone chuckle.

“Kang Ho-dong, if I win, does that mean Jiang Yihan will still be my partner?” Lee Hyori demanded.

Faced with her resolve, Kang Ho-dong nodded quickly, and the match finally commenced. Meanwhile, Jiang Yihan could only look on helplessly, feeling as if he were a commodity being passed from one person to another, completely bewildered.

“You’re very popular, bro,” Kim Jaejoong teased, his schadenfreude clear on his face, which nearly drove Jiang Yihan mad.

Jiang Yihan could only mutter, “Get lost,” which made Kim Jaejoong laugh even harder.

The match at last began. Facing Lee Hyori’s challenge, Han Chae-young started on the defensive, steadfastly holding her ground despite several impressive attacks. Eventually, Lee Hyori seized her chance and won with a single move. The match’s intensity left the male guests in awe, and Lee Hyori went on to maintain her undefeated streak against both Chae Yeon and Yoon Eun-hye. Thus, after several rounds, Jiang Yihan and Lee Hyori remained the designated couple, sparking the envy of everyone present.

The next couple’s game, however, was not remembered for the game itself, but for Han Geng.

After Han Geng was eliminated in the first round, Kang Ho-dong called out, “Han Geng, you’re out so soon? How about helping me start the next round? Host in Chinese so our Chinese viewers can share in the fun.”

“How do I do that?” Han Geng, not fluent in Korean, seemed to struggle with Kang Ho-dong’s request. He looked to Jiang Yihan for guidance, who encouraged him with a look, clearly hoping Han Geng would shine.

“Just say ‘Are you ready?’ in Chinese to host the show, then I’ll say ‘Start,’ okay?” Kang Ho-dong explained loudly.

“But how exactly…?” Han Geng was still unsure, so Kang Ho-dong offered, “Just follow my lead. I’ll say it in Korean, you repeat in Chinese.” Han Geng nodded obediently.

Kang Ho-dong put his hands on his hips and sang out, “Jun…jun…junbi haet-seumnikka?” in a melodic tone.

Han Geng hesitated, then mimicked him, also putting his hands on his hips and singing in Chinese, “Zhunbei haole me…zhunbei haole me…zhunbei haole me…”

Kang Ho-dong immediately realized it was off. “Hey, Han Geng, that’s not right! How about this: I sing one word, you follow with one word, okay?”

Han Geng suppressed a laugh and nodded.

“Jun…” Kang Ho-dong exaggerated his expression.

“Zhunbei haole me,” Han Geng continued in his cute way.

“Jun…”

“Zhunbei haole me.”

“Are you ready?”

“Zhunbei haole me.”

Afterward, Kang Ho-dong collapsed in laughter—Han Geng was just too adorable. This little misunderstanding due to Han Geng’s Korean made for a delightful interlude, and Korean fans saw a new side of him, boosting his popularity. Of course, that’s a story for another time—right now, the scene was back to the filming of “Love Letter.”

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After the couple games came the final segment: the moment to confirm the couples.

In this round, the female guests each carried a bouquet and stepped forward to choose their preferred male partner. If any other female guest had objections, she could call out “Oppose.” Likewise, if a male guest wanted to contest a pairing, he could also object. Ultimately, it was up to the male guest to take the bouquet from the woman of his choice, thus forming the final couple.

First to step forward was, once again, Han Chae-young. Accompanied by music, she strode straight to Jiang Yihan, placing her bouquet before him as her final choice.

Kang Ho-dong immediately teased, “Han Chae-young, Jiang Yihan is such a flirt—why would you still choose him?”

“Because I like him, that’s all,” Han Chae-young replied simply, leaving Kang Ho-dong speechless, his face a picture of defeat. He finally asked, “Any objections? Speak now if you have any.”

As the countdown ended, both Yoon Eun-hye and Lee Hyori stepped forward without surprise, each placing a bouquet before Jiang Yihan.

Kang Ho-dong sighed, “Wow, Jiang Yihan is really popular today! Isn’t it tough to have such choices? I’m so jealous.” His exaggerated expression made everyone want to squeeze his cheeks and burst out laughing. Then, following procedure, he said, “Anyone who wants to choose among these three—Han Chae-young, Lee Hyori, Yoon Eun-hye—please raise your objections now.”

As soon as the countdown ended, shouts of “Oppose!” rang out—it was Jang Woo-hyuk and Kim Jaejoong.

“Oh dear, this is getting complicated. Let me sort this out,” Kang Ho-dong said, gathering the male guests one by one and muttering, “Jang Woo-hyuk opposes Han Chae-young, Kim Jaejoong opposes Lee Hyori. Okay! Are there any female guests who wish to choose these two men? Please speak now.”

Surprisingly, more voices spoke up—this time, it was Lee Da-hae and Chae Yeon. Lee Da-hae chose Jang Woo-hyuk, while Chae Yeon chose Kim Jaejoong. With Kim Jong-min also voicing his objection and choosing Lee Da-hae, Kang Ho-dong was completely flustered—this was one big web of relationships.

Scratching his head, Kang Ho-dong said, “All right, let’s start from the outermost layer. Lee Da-hae, do you choose Jang Woo-hyuk or Kim Jong-min?”

Kim Jong-min pleaded, “Lee Da-hae, today Jang Woo-hyuk has been so fickle, running between Han Chae-young and you. He’s not sincere—unlike me. You should choose me.” His words made sense, but his goofy expression made it hard not to smile, undermining his credibility.

Finally, Lee Da-hae had to make her choice—her long-time favorite Jang Woo-hyuk, or the one who had always favored her, Kim Jong-min. To love or to be loved—this was the ultimate question for forming the final couple.

After a moment’s hesitation, Lee Da-hae chose Kim Jong-min. The two naturally became the final couple, though seeing Kim Jong-min’s silly grin, Lee Da-hae couldn’t help but doubt her decision.

Next up was Kim Jaejoong’s choice: Chae Yeon or Lee Hyori.

“Jaejoong, come to me! Hyori unnie never chose you—we’ve always been a pair,” Chae Yeon called out.

“So, will you choose the one who’s always been in sync with you, Chae Yeon?” Kang Ho-dong continued his hosting, “Or will you choose the one you’ve always had a crush on, Lee Hyori? Looks like you prefer sexy girls! Fans watching at home, take note—Kim Jaejoong likes sexy girls!” Kang Ho-dong’s teasing made Kim Jaejoong blush.

Now it was decision time for Kim Jaejoong. Though it was a tough choice, as the countdown ended, he picked up Chae Yeon’s bouquet. Thus, the second couple—Kim Jaejoong and Chae Yeon—was formed.

Finally, it was Han Chae-young’s turn to choose: Jang Woo-hyuk or Jiang Yihan.

“Han Chae-young, tell us why you chose Jiang Yihan,” Kang Ho-dong conducted an impromptu interview. “What’s his best quality?”

“I worked with him before (Jiang Yihan’s first time on Love Letter). He’s so gentle and kind, and we really click. It just feels right,” Han Chae-young replied with a smile.

“And Jang Woo-hyuk? Why did you choose Han Chae-young over your original partner, Lee Da-hae?” Kang Ho-dong asked.

“I just want to pursue the one I like,” Jang Woo-hyuk replied with a small smile.

“Oh, so you don’t like Lee Da-hae at all? Good thing she chose someone else, or she’d be heartbroken.” Kang Ho-dong’s mischief left Jang Woo-hyuk awkward and embarrassed, while Lee Da-hae blushed and laughed.

“What if Han Chae-young doesn’t choose you?” Kang Ho-dong pressed.

“I believe she will, because I’m sincere,” Jang Woo-hyuk said confidently, but was instantly deflated by Kang Ho-dong’s next words: “So Jiang Yihan isn’t sincere at all?”

“Hyung, don’t say that. Jiang Yihan has so many fans—you’d better be careful,” Jang Woo-hyuk countered, his annoyance getting a laugh from everyone. Kang Ho-dong quickly changed his tune, “Jiang Yihan is the best, the very best.”

His obsequious expression had everyone roaring with laughter.

At last, it was time for Han Chae-young’s final choice: Jiang Yihan or Jang Woo-hyuk. Once again, it was a choice between loving or being loved. After a brief hesitation, Han Chae-young chose Jiang Yihan—she chose love.

A collective sigh of disappointment went up from the crowd, pitying Jang Woo-hyuk but applauding Han Chae-young’s resolve.

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And so, Jang Woo-hyuk ended up single.

Finally, it was Jiang Yihan’s turn, still facing Han Chae-young, Lee Hyori, and Yoon Eun-hye.

Kang Ho-dong spoke up again, “Before you choose, why don’t the three of you each say something to move Jiang Yihan’s heart?”

Han Chae-young spoke first: “Jiang Yihan, memories with you have always been beautiful—I hope the future will be, too.” Her straightforward words conveyed both her reason for choosing Jiang Yihan and her unwavering determination. Jiang Yihan looked into her eyes, but quickly looked away, unable to meet her gaze for long.

Next was Lee Hyori. As soon as Jiang Yihan met her eyes, he grew embarrassed—the whole recording session seemed surrounded by pink bubbles today. Lee Hyori began, “Yihan, I just want to be with you like this, truly.”

“Yah, yah, yah!” The studio erupted, especially at Kang Ho-dong’s booming voice, leaving Jiang Yihan utterly mortified.

Finally, Yoon Eun-hye’s simple words sent the atmosphere soaring: “I just like you.”

The male guests leapt up, shouting and jumping around, making a huge ruckus. Yoon Eun-hye’s face flushed red after her bold confession.

“Wow, Jiang Yihan, you’re really something—so many girls like you!” Kang Ho-dong teased, nudging Jiang Yihan and shooting him envious glances.

“Hyung, you’re the real star today—all the attention is on you,” Kim Jaejoong joked, making Jiang Yihan smile wryly.

At last, the room quieted, and it was time for Jiang Yihan to make his choice. All eyes were on his hands, waiting to see which bouquet he would pick up and whose feelings he would accept.

Those five seconds felt like hours to the audience, and to the three women involved, like centuries. At last, Jiang Yihan’s hand moved, as if in slow motion, and picked up Lee Hyori’s bouquet. In that instant, time returned to normal—the crowd erupted in cheers, except for the disappointed Han Chae-young and Yoon Eun-hye.

And so the exciting moment ended. Shin Jung-hwan, who chose Kim Sun-ah, and Han Geng, without suspense, paired up with Kim Sun-ah as the final couple.

After nearly eight hours of recording, the star-studded “Love Letter” episode was finally wrapped up. Despite changing outfits several times, everyone’s clothes were still soaked with sweat. They bowed to each other in gratitude for their hard work before dispersing.

Exiting the studio, Jiang Yihan met up with Li Ran and Jiang Ziyi, then headed out to dinner with Kim Jaejoong, Han Geng, Lee Hyori, and Kang Ho-dong.

It was the usual barbecue restaurant, but after more than a year, Jiang Yihan had grown accustomed to it, and grilling meat was no longer a problem.

“Yihan, you did well today—the atmosphere was great,” Kang Ho-dong praised as he grilled the meat.

“When you all cheered me on earlier, it was hilarious. Did you plan that?” Lee Hyori laughed, recalling the “falling down” cheer from earlier.

“Yes, it was Woo-hyuk’s idea. Jaejoong thought mimicking Boom’s fall would be funny, so Woo-hyuk suggested it. It worked, didn’t it?” Jiang Yihan replied with a smile.

Everyone started sharing funny stories from the day’s recording.

As dinner wound down, the conversation grew broader. Near the end, Kang Ho-dong asked, “Yihan, why did you choose Lee Hyori in the end?”

“Because I’m closest with Hyori noona. That’s all—there’s no special reason,” Jiang Yihan answered straightforwardly.

Lee Hyori sighed, “Yihan, you’re gentle with everyone. That’s good, but sometimes you’re just too gentle.” With that, she fell silent.

Jiang Yihan was puzzled. Was being too gentle a bad thing?

On the way back, he asked Li Ran about it, but she was just as confused. It was Jiang Ziyi who offered an explanation: “Bro, you’re too gentle with everyone, so it’s easy for people to misunderstand and like you. But your gentleness is the same for everyone, so in the end, many people will be disappointed. Sometimes, you really are too gentle.”

Jiang Yihan fell silent after hearing that.

“You were like that with Liu Yan, with Yi Mei, and now with Hyori. Think about it—sometimes your gentleness can hurt people.” Although Jiang Ziyi’s words were a bit harsh, as his sister, she truly didn’t want to see him troubled by relationships again. What had happened with Liu Yan had lingered on for so long. Now, with Li Yi Mei, Lee Hyori, and perhaps Han Chae-young, this web of feelings around Jiang Yihan could lead anywhere—no one could say for sure.