Chapter 41: Jiwoo’s Welfare Magic

“Chirp chirp! Chirp chirp!”

“Could you chirp chirp for us just once?”

“Let’s play together!”

A group of children swarmed around, though there were only about five or six of them.

They were all around Kang Jiwoo’s age.

Children holding indoor shoe bags, carrying large backpacks, chattering away in front of a stationery store.

Kang Jiwoo, standing amidst the similarly sized kids, looked even cuter.

The sight brought a warm smile to Han Seoyoung’s face.

“Socializing is nice, but maybe letting her play for a bit wouldn’t hurt.”

Kang Jiwoo was always surrounded by adults.

Although she was originally an adult herself, she had become a child now.

Surely, she must have a desire to play with kids her age.

“Candidate, how about playing with your friends for a little while?”

“Eeek…!”

But Kang Jiwoo quickly hid behind Han Seoyoung.

“What’s wrong?”

Kang Jiwoo couldn’t respond, nor could she meet their eyes.

She looked just like she did the first time Han Seoyoung met her as a child.

“Now that I think about it, she acted the same way when we went to Kids’ Land.

She’s naturally shy.

“At least adults were generally kind to Kang Jiwoo, so she felt somewhat comfortable around them.

She was also used to interacting with adults since she was always surrounded by them.

But children were a different matter.

“Children must feel unfamiliar to her since she doesn’t encounter them often.”

Kang Jiwoo didn’t attend school.

So it was only natural that she found children awkward.

But was it something to feel sorry about?

Even if Kang Jiwoo had TS Syndrome, she was still a grown adult at heart.

“Of course it’s a pity. Especially for someone who adores animation.”

Han Seoyoung had been researching TS Syndrome in her spare time.

The original Kang Jiwoo and the post-TS Kang Jiwoo, or “Jiwooping” for convenience, were likely in conflict within her.

There were cases where individuals with TS Syndrome had perfectly restored their personalities.

In those cases, a healthy recovery was only possible if both personalities reached a mutual understanding.

If one personality was entirely suppressed or forced into suppression, the individual would suffer immensely.

“She probably wants to play with the kids. But with no common ground and no experience, she’s scared.”

In other words, both her life as Kang Jiwoo and as Jiwooping were essential.

“Candidate, how about taking a picture with your friends?”

“If you’re shy, you can take it with me. How about that?”

“O-okay…”

With Han Seoyoung’s help, Kang Jiwoo was able to interact with her young fans.

Even after taking pictures, the children’s curiosity didn’t fade.

To them, meeting her was like seeing a celebrity.

“Why is Chirp Chirp here?”

“Did you transfer to our school?”

“Maybe she’s here to buy supplies?”

“Supplies? Like watercolor paint, a water jar, and brushes?”

“But those are for fourth graders!”

“Oh, right.”

“Which grade are you in, Chirp Chirp?”

“I, I’m…”

Kang Jiwoo looked at Han Seoyoung with pleading eyes.

It was clear that she was overwhelmed by the sudden encounter.

Han Seoyoung picked Kang Jiwoo up in her arms.

“Sorry, kids. We have an urgent schedule, so we have to go now. Thanks for showing your interest!”

“Okay! But it’s a shame. It would’ve been fun to play.”

“Next time!”

Waving goodbye to the children, they parted ways.

That night, as usual, Han Seoyoung drove Kang Jiwoo home.

In the passenger seat, Kang Jiwoo was focused on a YouTube video.-Kids’ News!

-I just started elementary school!

-At elementary school, you have to sit properly during class and listen to your teacher!!

-Unlike kindergarten, you have to go to the bathroom alone!

-Practice going to the bathroom by yourself~

-Now, let’s pack our bags!

It seemed to be an educational video for children entering elementary school.

Kang Jiwoo’s expression was unusually serious as she watched.

She even murmured under her breath, “Pack your pencil and notebook…” in a barely audible voice.

“Candidate, do you want to go to elementary school?”

“No… I’m just watching it…”

Though she said no, her expression betrayed her true feelings.She clearly wanted to go.

“But it’s not something that can happen realistically.”

Feeling a bit sorry, Han Seoyoung drove past their home and headed toward a nearby school district.

“It’s too late; everything’s closed.”

She was looking for a stationery store.

She wanted to buy Kang Jiwoo something to cheer her up.

Fortunately, she found one with its lights still on, just as it was about to close.

“Boss! Wait a moment!”

“Hmm?”

“Could you please take us in just this once?”

“Sure, why not.”

The stationery store owner led them inside.

Under the bright light, the owner saw Kang Jiwoo’s face and smiled broadly.

“You’re really pretty!”

“Thank you~”

“I haven’t seen you before. Did you transfer to the elementary school nearby?”

“No… I’m running for president…”

“What?”

He clearly had no idea who Kang Jiwoo was and eventually made eye contact with Han Seyoung.

“What can I get for you?”

Just as Han Seoyoung was about to tell Jiwoo to choose, Jiwoo spoke to the owner.

“Excuse me… do you have school supplies?”

“Supplies? What grade are you in?”

“I’m in second grade…”

“Second grade supplies, huh… let’s see… ah, a recorder.”

The owner pulled out a plastic recorder. Jiwoo’s eyes sparkled.

“Th-thank you…”

“Sure. Come back anytime.”

Her steps on the way back were light—so light it seemed like she might fly into the sky.

“Siljangping! This is my school supply…!””Yes, that’s your school supply. Do you know what it’s called?”

“A flute?”

“Close, but it’s more accurate to call it a recorder.””A… recorder?”

“Yes, a recorder.”

“Re…corder…”

Jiwoo hugged the recorder tightly to her chest as if worried it might escape.

“Can I practice the recorder at home?”

“Of course! But it’s a bit late today, so how about starting tomorrow?”

“Okay! I’ll practice hard with my recorder!”

“Great! Let’s practice together!””Recorder! Practice hard!”

Excited, Kang Jiwoo chirped like a sparrow.

The ripple effect of the pink whirlwind was enormous. Even before the debates settled,

Jiwoo’s charm at the Dongmyo campaign event unleashed a literal storm of cuteness.

Title: This is Welfare, Damn It

(Photo of Kang Jiwoo in her Dongmyo outfit)

Hot dog mukbang, Jiwoo Ping’s Great Adventure, Kids’ World rally, presidential debate, Dongmyo campaign—can’t believe all this happened in just a week.

Honestly, Jiwoo Ping’s cuteness is more beneficial than handing out small welfare payments.

Thumbs up if you agree.

Every day has been so much fun lately.

How funny would it be if Jiwoo Ping became president?

I want to see her put on a cute performance in front of Trump, LOL.

If she becomes president, she promised to invite Elon Mengsk for a visit, LOL.

Wait, is that true?

Yes, she made it an official pledge, LOL.

Title: Tried Cosplaying as Dongmyo Ping

(Photo of a middle-aged man dressed in Kang Jiwoo’s Dongmyo outfit)

Had all the pieces at home, so I tried copying the look.

Don’t I look a bit cute like this? Haha.

Planning to wear this for tomorrow’s parent observation day at school.

My son’s gonna be the coolest kid in class, right?

???: “That’s not my dad.”

LOL, immediate disownment.

On a serious note, this is borderline child abuse…

Also, that dad bod is next level, LOL.

The fact that all those items were already in the house is legendary, LOL.

Title: Breaking News, Dongmyo Look Already a Trend

Visited a shopping mall, and they’re already selling Dongmyo outfits as a set, LOL.

They’re rowing the boat before the tide even comes in.

The whole world is caught in the pink whirlwind…

Dongmyo’s gonna be packed starting tomorrow, LOL.

Reviving traditional markets with Kang Jiwoo!

Why shut down big supermarkets when one shopping trip by Kang Jiwoo can revive the traditional market, LOL.

This is politics, damn it.I’m serious, Jiwoo Ping’s political skills are insane.

Her strategy is on another level.

Her strides may be short, but her steps are calculated.

Cuteness is national power!!!

The flood of praise continues.

The reaction was limited to relatively younger generations.

But what if Kang Jiwoo appeared on Young Quiz?

“Alright! Let’s give it our all just until the end of this week!”

The producer clapped his hands and shouted.

The atmosphere was stretched thin.

Even so, the filming site was no ordinary place.

The third week of relentless work was ongoing.

Even the main producer hadn’t been home for three weeks.

It wasn’t much different for the people under him.

“Wow, I’m seriously about to collapse…”

“How about a cup of coffee?”

“I’d like a Hot Six instead of coffee…”

Everyone was in a zombie-like state.

It felt like they could lie down and sleep right there once filming ended.

The main producer turned to the team and raised his voice.

“You’ve all worked so hard since this morning! And I’m truly sorry. My incompetence is making you all suffer.”

“Well, it couldn’t be helped.”

Someone tried to console him.

“I promise I’ll never invite politicians as guests again.”

In truth, having presidential candidates on the show wasn’t the producer’s idea.

It was an order from above.

Still, he regretted it.

‘I should’ve resisted more firmly, saying no.’

Not pushing back harder had led to disastrous ratings.

The viewers’ forum had devolved into a playground for extreme political fandoms.

Above all, he felt deeply sorry for overworking his team.

Shamelessly, the main producer still had to lift their spirits.

“Come on, let’s raise the energy! Isn’t Kang Jiwoo our savior? Don’t slack off just because you’re tired. When the guest comes out, clap enthusiastically and laugh big at the reaction cues! Got it?”

“Yes, sir!”

When kids appeared on the show, the staff had even more to worry about.

Dozens of cameras.

A set filled with all kinds of filming equipment.

In an environment where dozens of people were focused, they had to force smiles to ensure the children didn’t feel intimidated.

The MCs were just as on edge.

“Phew, I’m exhausted.”

“Didn’t sleep well?”

“No, I had another shoot that went late last night.”

“I think I barely slept too. I just came back from an event out of town.”

The shoot had been scheduled in a rush.

Both staff and cast members had to force their schedules to fit.

“Let’s push through. Everyone’s working hard, so we need good results.”

“Yes, senior. I’ll try to liven things up.”

“Can you handle it? You’re not usually good at that.”

“Hey, don’t say that! I’m a certified comedian, you know.”

They exchanged jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

But the staff’s faces were stiff like cement.

No one can beat fatigue.

They didn’t even have the energy to laugh.

“Let’s try to laugh a little in the beginning, even if it’s forced.”

“Understood.”

And so the filming began.

“It’s election season. Our program recently hosted two presidential candidates, and today’s guest is said to be catching up to them!”

“I’ve seen the photos and videos, and they’re so adorable I’ve become a fan myself.”

“Joseph, are you revealing your political stance today?”

“No, no, I didn’t mean it like that… I was just…”

“Let’s welcome them!”

From the back of the studio, Kang Jiwoo appeared.

A fluorescent jacket paired with baggy pants.

A wide-brimmed straw hat, star-shaped sunglasses, a hip pouch.

And…

Blinking!

Blindingly bright LED sneakers.

Kang Jiwoo strutted in confidently, flaunting their Dongmyo-style fashion.

Even played a recorder clumsily.

An extraordinary charm, like someone you’d meet on Subway Line 1.

“Pfft…!”

“Hahaha!”

The MCs burst out laughing at the sight.

It wasn’t forced laughter.

It was pure, 100% genuine.

The staff couldn’t hold back either.

“Ahahaha!”

“Seeing it in person, it’s even smaller and cuter!”

“Look at those sneakers, they’re so eye-catching. And how can the hair be such a lovely pink?”

Everyone’s smiles blossomed wide.

It was cuteness so overwhelming it felt like all fatigue was washed away.

That wasn’t just a figure of speech.

“My drowsiness is completely gone!”

“I suddenly feel refreshed?”

“How…?”

The staff actually felt their exhaustion dissipating.

The weariness that couldn’t be masked even with high-concentration caffeine drinks vanished in an instant with the mere presence of Kang Jiwoo.

“Jiwooping! Is this real magic or something?!”

A power to relieve the fatigue of the people!

It might just become a new welfare initiative for South Korea.