Usually when Guan He arrives at the company, the senior trainees hand him a few hundred won (just a few RMB) so he can buy breakfast.
In Seoul's cost-of-living, FNC's trainees like Park In‑shin and Jo Yong‑cheol are certainly exploited. Lucky Li Siqi comes from a wealthy family.
But today, when he entered the studio, both Park In‑shin and Jo Yong‑cheol quietly began dance practice—no morning harassment.
They hadn't held back insults, their eyes still hating him—but there was no action.
"They didn't make us sell things this morning," Li Siqi muttered, feeling oddly grateful, like the early stages of Stockholm Syndrome.
"Stay cautious. They're probably looking for something to exploit," Guan He whispered. Despite their injuries, skipping class wasn't an option—FNC wouldn't hold special classes.
The day's first class was dance. K‑pop idols are known as "factory-line stars." It can sound derogatory, but it ensures consistent singing-and-dancing ability.
Instead of a dance teacher, Director Kim entered with authority.
He announced, "Reminder: a VIP is visiting today. Perform well and bring no trouble to the company. Understood?"
All trainees responded crisply—"Understood!"
No wonder Jo Yong‑cheol and Park In‑shin behaved—they'd been warned in advance.
"VIP… could it be Teacher Wang‑Qian?" Li Siqi's heart fluttered.
Guan He shook his head. Teacher Wang‑Qian is in CJ Group, which is huge—too big to be called a "VIP." This kind of visit would be from a government-level figure.
Sure enough, his intuition was correct.
Halfway through dance class, a thin, fifty-year-old man entered, flanked by Director Kim.
"This is Mr. Xuan, Director of Song & Dance Research at the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA)," Director Kim introduced.
Trainees bowed. Jo Yong‑cheol and Park In‑shin stood at the front, trying to impress.
Li Siqi felt hope flare—and die. Crushing disappointment.
KOCCA's research center held unique power: they can make "recommendations" that prompt official intervention if dance or lyrics are deemed inappropriate.
"FNC uses the best education system for talent," Director Kim said proudly.
Then Mr. Xuan spoke, surprisingly loud: "What is FNC's company purpose?"
Director Kim hesitated.
"Excuse me?" Mr. Xuan glared.
"We… are called FNC because it stands for 'Fish and Cake'—from the loaves and fishes miracle in the Bible. Our CEO is a Christian," he explained nervously.
Mr. Xuan inhaled deeply. "Christianity teaches the greatest commandment: love God, and second, love your neighbor. Does bullying foreign trainees count?"
A hush fell. Companies frequently ignored foreign trainees' grievances—even when there was video evidence.
"My concern: who are Guan He and Li Siqi?" Mr. Xuan asked.
The two froze, then raised their hands mechanically.
Mr. Xuan continued gravely: "Cultural exchanges between China and Korea are KOCCA's core mission. We do not permit Chinese trainees in FNC to be treated unfairly."
He paused, then added: "If FNC can't resolve this issue, I will file an official recommendation demanding rectification."
Pressure from the top was clear, and Director Kim was visibly shaken.
The session ended, and the trainees stared at Guan He and Li Siqi with new respect. Jo Yong‑cheol and Park In‑shin looked terrified.
That afternoon, Director Kim called Guan He and Li Siqi into the office. He said warmly: "Jo Yong‑cheol and Park In‑shin have been dismissed. From now on, come to me directly if you face issues. We already spoke to them, but it escalated—they're not just expelled, their case went to the police."
"Thank you, Director," Guan He replied as he left.
In just half a day, the senior official's pressure forced FNC to act—fast and effective.
But who had that power? It wasn't Teacher Wang‑Qian. It was someone with official standing.
Leaving the building, Guan He saw Li Siqi waiting.
Director Kim must have told him. Li Siqi approached, grinning.
"Are you from your family?" Guan He asked.
"No, my family's well-off but not that connected," Li Siqi said. "I think it must've been Guan He—you posted online and got help."
Li Siqi added: "That official handled FNC directly—didn't go through our company."
That kind of influence? Even Guan He couldn't name someone that powerful.
They returned to the dorm. Around 9 p.m., Guan He's phone rang from an unknown caller—ID: "China."
"Hello?"
"Are you Guan He?" asked a young, melodious voice. He paused, stunned, then said, "Yes, I am. Who is this?"
"I'm Chu Zhi. I waited for Seoul time. Have you and Siqi finished your class? Is this a bad time?"
It was Chu Zhi—the Chu Zhi, the star of Journey Among the Stars, the idol they all knew.
Guan He's mind short-circuited.
"N–no, it's fine," he managed.
"How's your injury? If it's bad, go get it checked out," Chu Zhi asked kindly.
Guan He thought, Why would Chu Zhi care?
Pulling himself together, he replied: "I'll heal quickly. Already medicated. Brother Jiu, don't worry."
"What about FNC?" Chu Zhi asked. "Overseas Chinese need to help each other. I couldn't come myself, so I contacted KOCCA. I've heard it's been resolved—am I right?"