The Barren Land received two different original songs as well. One had cheerful beats and lyrics that would suit Hyeon-ju, and another had an emo-pop rock style that demanded more rap and dance skills.The two teams there were pleased to get original songs. However, like in the Greenhouse, not everyone remained happy after the selection part.
Neo and Jinho ended up on the same team. They got the cheerful song, which the two found challenging to match with their vibes.
On the other hand, Hanada and his friends got the song they wanted, so they had been in a cheery mood the entire morning. When the three met Jinho at the dining hall, Hanada sneakily gave him a gloating smile. Just based on his arrogant expression, it was evident he believed his team had already won.
Jinho pretended not to see them. He made coffee for three people — for himself and the two following him. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Hanada and his friends leave, then, once sure they were gone, he indifferently told Neo, "Little bro. You see those guys over there? Don't ever become like them. They're big idiots."
Where else would you find survival show contestants actively making enemies for themselves?
JO was still looking in the direction those three had gone. He snorted, "They'll get their karma for sure. How dare they bully Neo?"
The fourteen-year-old sulked and weakly protested, "I was not bullied."
For him, admitting he let others walk over him was embarrassing. But the two young men already knew the truth, so they cast pitying glances at him. Bae Jinho tapped his shoulder and said, "Don't think about it anymore. Anyway, we'll win. Then, after this, we can go to the Greenhouse and not see Hanada's ugly face."
"Hanada is ugly?"
Jinho replied to Neo. "Jealousy and envy will make even the most handsome face hideous. Who cares if they're good-looking on the outside if the inside is so twisted and black? It's like a perfectly red apple that looks delicious but is actually rotten."
JO stayed silent for a while before softly and cautiously asking, "Brother, is your mic on?"
According to the fourth mission rules, whichever team lost from the Greenhouse would all become dropouts, switching places with the winners from the Barren Land. This explained why Jinho said they would no longer see Hanada if they won. However, while there was nothing wrong with being confident, there would be trouble if he was caught on camera calling someone ugly.
Jinho laughed. "Of course not. Who do you think you're talking to? I checked, and yours isn't on either. Same with Neo's."
The two Japanese Landers felt amazed. The longer they stayed in the Barren Land, the more they depended on Jinho, and the more they saw how meticulous and observant he was as an adult. He wasn't the best trainee. In fact, if Jinho somehow managed to ascend to the Greenhouse, he would definitely become a bottom-feeder there. But the man was calm and dependable, able to remain level-headed even when everyone else panicked.
Neo wasn't vocal about it, but he was truly grateful to the oldest contestant, who always looked after him. Even now, when they had to do a mission that disadvantaged them, he felt Jinho would do something to snatch victory from the opponents' hands.
There was also another person who earned his respect. Jinho had frankly told him that Jun asked him for a favor — to take good care of him. Neo was utterly astonished since he only remembered working with Jun once, yet the latter had already guessed that Hanada and his friends would target him after falling into the Barren Land. It meant the Top-Ranked Inhabitant had discovered Hanada's disposition early on.
Maybe to remain Rank 1, one also needed exceptional brains and foresight?
A small wish had formed in Neo's heart.
I really hope Jinho, JO, Jun, and I can debut together. Jun can be the center, I, the main dancer, and Jinho Hyung, the leader.He knew Jun was also a fantastic leader, but he thought that since the other was already an excellent center, he should just pass the leader role to someone else — and Jinho would be perfect for it.
Jinho, oblivious to his thoughts, suddenly turned to him. "By the way, Neo. Starting today, you need to accomplish an important daily mission."
"Daily mission?" Neo blinked, instantly puzzled.
The oldest Barren Lander wore a serious expression as he explained, "It's a mission I also gave our other teammates. JO already knows it. I believe through this mission, our chances of winning will increase by more than 50%."
Neo turned to his fellow Japanese. When he saw the grimace on JO's face, he suddenly felt nervous.
Jinho didn't let him wait. "No worries. It's simple. Just chant, 'I'm the cutest and most energetic person in the world' one hundred times in the morning, one hundred times during practice, and one hundred times before going to sleep. You must do the morning and evening ones in front of the mirror. Of course, with matching expression."
"…What?"
As if anticipating Neo's dumbfounded reaction, Jinho added, "It's self-hypnosis. Our greatest enemy in this mission isn't Hanada or anyone from the other team. It's ourselves. Or maybe the stylists before the performance, who might give us terrible costumes. But for now, it's definitely ourselves. We've yet to imagine performing a cheerful song. So we'll start today."
"Today?" Neo suddenly wanted to escape.
"Yes," Jinho nodded seriously. JO covered his face, looking like just listening was a form of suffering. But Jinho wasn't finished. "Depending on the effect, we'll decide how many to add to the routine."
More will be added?!
"…Somebody, save me." Neo tried to run away, but Jinho easily caught him by the back of his shirt.
"JO, you'll help me monitor this kid, right?" A sweet smile formed on Jinho's lips.
The other Japanese guy avoided the desperate eyes of the fourteen-year-old boy, who kept shaking his head, hoping JO would reject Jinho's idea.
JO smiled wryly and weakly said, "…Okay."
…
At the same time, in the Greenhouse.
As expected, after Jun and Juwon came out of the practice hall, they found Hyeon-ju trying to hold back tears. The stairs near the laundry room were deserted, with no cameras installed. All the Inhabitants knew it, so it was no surprise Hyeon-ju had gone there.
Jun sat on the lowest step of the stairs. Hyeon-ju sensed their presence and stiffened, standing with his back to them. This introverted sunshine boy was stubborn about not letting others see his miserable face.
"Is it okay if we stay?" asked Juwon, who silently leaned against the steel railing.