Chapter 9


    Yes. I received it today and brought it with me. I will send the samplester.


    Did you have any personal rtionship with them? Well Its not important.


    They seemed to be more cooperative than I thought.


    Normally, we should release the song ording to our n, but in this case, we need to do the opposite. I want to redesign the n to fit the song.


    Your song wasnt that great.


    Oh, the conversation was going surprisingly well.


    At the same time, I felt uneasy. Did I push it aside because I was toozy to deal with their bad song?


    If possible, Id like to attend the meeting immediately. We dont have much time.


    Well Okay. Ill talk to the nning team again. The members must have already thought of something since youre short on time.


    Yes. Im confident that we can go in a good direction.


    The specifics hadnt been decided yet, but the problem could be resolved by working with the nning team.


    The CEO nodded decisively.


    We cant provide an additional budget.


    <em>Damn, I knew this would happen.</em>


    At least we have toe up with the choreography. We can do the nning internally Do we have a dance team at ourpany?


    Were a professional actor managementpany. We dont have one.


    What about an external dance team?


    We dont have any additional support.


    Thispany was so pathetic


    We can either utilize the existing choreography or cant we ask Seonghyeon for help? He dances pretty well. Lets ask him.


    Dancing and choreography werepletely different issues, you idiot!


    No matter how much I tried to exin, the CEO didnt seem to understand anything. If the option of Disappointing CEO and quitting thepany came up, I would choose it without hesitation.


    Okay, I understand for now.


    I shouldnt forget to revise the members contractster. I let out a sigh.


    Well, lets just stamp it quickly then.


    Yes, yes. Hoyun, heres the contract.


    Oh, that.


    ?


    Just as the manager, who appeared to believe the conversation had concluded, nodded vigorously like an enthusiastic bobblehead and prepared to usher me out with the contract, I snatched it from him. I held it up like a tattered cloth.


    I came here alone for a reason.


    There are two modifications.


    What are they?


    First of all, please rewrite the settlement ratio.


    Did it make sense for thepany to get 80% and the idols only get 20%?


    Even if the contract was short, this was not eptable.


    The CEO and the manager were confused by my words, and each responded differently.


    Our profit distribution rate is not that bad We dont distribute profits if the break-even point is below a certain level. The debt just keeps piling up. Otherpanies do this too.


    Haha, lets hear it out. How much do you want?


    The CEO calmed down quickly and burst intoughter. I alsoughed as I replied.


    70-30.


    For such a bold statement, youre quite timid. Ill think about it. If thepany has 70%, otherpanies also have


    What were you talking about?


    No, I meant I want 70%.


    As soon as I said that, everyone immediately fell silent. An oppressive hush filled the CEOs office.


    The CEO then removed his sses and peered with squinted eyes.


    Hoyun.


    Yes.


    Are you joking with me right now?


    No, Im not.


    S-Seo Hoyun!


    The manager hastily tugged at my arm.


    Manager, you should be protecting the artist in this situation. Why were you doing this? I suppose he had to say something since his sry came from thepany.


    You seem very eager to get that one song, but the initial investment was quite challenging, Hoyun.


    I know. In fact, thepany mayckpetence, but they should be respectful towards profit distribution and the artists.


    Its also true that the group, which had been active for a year since their debut, was not disbanded immediately despite theirck of potential. More precisely, they were simply neglected.


    You dont know if that one song will make you guys sessful It has to go viral.


    Yes.


    Unfortunately, theres no member in The Dawn with that level of public recognition. Jiwon was a trainee at a major agency before, so he might have connections, but you dont do you?


    He spoke softly yet bluntly.


    It was a valid point.


    If I wasnt here, it would have been a valid point.


    It was time to speak up.


    The CEO smiled awkwardly as if he had interpreted my silence as something meaningful.


    Ill think more about the settlement. Dont be too pessimistic for now.


    CEO!


    Suddenly, someone who looked like a staff member rushed into the office. The CEO frowned at the staff members flustered appearance.


    Why are all the kids like this today?


    Sorry, sorry. But its urgent Oh! Seo Hoyun coincidentally is here too!


    Coincidentally?


    <em>Perfect timing.</em>


    I smiled and nodded. The staff member recognized me. The cue had arrived.


    The staff member nced at me with an expression I couldnt discern  whether it was resentment or something else  and quickly said, Thepanys phone lines are down.


    What?


    Why?


    The manager appeared baffled. It was a smallpany, but they didnt have any actors famous enough for their phones to be overwhelmed so suddenly.


    Did someone get into an ident? Is Jihyeon dating someone? Or did he take drugs?


    No, no Its not that.


    The staff member waved his hand in a hurry. Then he nced at me.


    To be exact, its rted to Seo Hoyun


    Oh, Joo Woosung did a good job.


    Thank you, Woosung.


    I smiled leisurely, but the CEO and manager had bewildered faces.


    What coboration does Joo Woosung have with Seo Hoyun? Or is Seo Hoyun entering a new project? Fans and investors of Joo Woosung are suddenly calling like crazy.


    Joo Woosung? ck Call? Is he rted to Hoyun?


    Three hours ago, a video of Joo Woosung with Seo Hoyun was uploaded on SNS. They said he is a precious and kind little brother with a perfect personality from head to toe.


    Pfft.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    [You got caught!]


    Did you have to add such an embarrassingment? I clearly decided on the content and the video to upload


    <em>Big trouble.</em>


    Joo Woosungs pride seemed to have been hurt by how easily he was caught. I shivered and wrapped my arms around myself while waiting for what wasing next.


    How did this happen? Are you close with Joo Woosung?


    The manager asked in surprise.


    Close? As if.


    Of course, its all the story I made up.


    I remembered Joo Woosung a few hours ago.


    He mumbled nervously when I brought up what I wanted this morning.


    You want me to shoot some videos with you for SNS?


    Yes, please upload a few with the concept of a close neighborhood younger brother. Ill let you know when its time to upload.


    Is that all youre asking for?


    No, theres more, Woosung.


    <em>Do you think I would use a valuable asset like you as a disposable one here?</em>


    Yes, thats all.


    But I only pretended like that was all there was to it.


    Lets get to know each other slowly.


    When I confidently answered, Joo Woosung awkwardly agreed.


    I see. I thought you were a really big deal.


    <em>Youre right, I am a big deal.</em>


    Well, it must be nice. Just pressing a few buttons on the SNS to make money.


    But this wasnt just any celebrity. It was Joo Woosung, ranked 14th on SNS in terms of followers. A single post from him was worth tens of millions of won.


    Ill work hard, even posting that one phrase would make it appear in entertainment articles on the tform with titles like Celebritys New Years Resolution.


    It didnt end with just an article. Fans had a bigger reaction.


    Fans already knew about his personal life and stories of close acquaintances. Many people followed those friends ounts just to see one more picture of him.


    But what if someonepletely new and unknown suddenly popped up on Joo Woosungs SNS profile, which, until now, had been solely dedicated to advertising?


    <em>Of course, theyll look for who it is.</em>


    I didnt want to pretend to be close to Joo Woosung, but fortunately, he had a cat. After shaking the kitty grass a few times, wepleted a video that we could upload to SNS.


    Oh, it looks like my cat likes Hoyun.


    He probably likes me more than you.


    You crossed the line.


    Joo Woosung acted well, and after monitoring the video, he and I looked like we had known each other for ten years.


    With my face polished and groomed at a professional shop and the effort I put into my charm points, I didnt look too bad even when I was with Joo Woosung  an important point.


    While looking at the video, I praised Joo Woosung.


    Joo Woosung, youre a good actor.


    To please so desperately.


    Ignoring Joo Woosungs disappointed mumbling, I made my way to the front door to return to thepany. But before I left, I petted the cat meandering around my ankles as if saying goodbye. Joo Woosung seemed to feel betrayed.


    What? You dont treat me like that.


    It seemed like Joo Woosung became foolish when it came to cats. There was no longer time to deal with fools, so I left for thepany immediately.


    Thats how it happened.


    How do you know each other?


    Were close  an older brother and younger brother.


    However, I had no intention of telling everything.


    After hesitating in the ambiguous atmosphere of the office, the office worker decided to report everything to the CEO.


    So, a sudden controversy is arising within Joo Woosungs fandom regarding Seo Hoyun. It has be a topic of discussion in onlinemunities, with people questioning whether Seo Hoyun is a trainee or joining The Dawn as a member. If theyre a member, fans ask when they would make aeback. Of course, there are alsointsing in from fans.


    Fans were calling in angrily, asking why Seo Hoyun was suddenly mentioned with Joo Woosung. I anticipated this kind of response.


    But its okay. For celebrities who relied on their poprity, anti-fans were better than indifference.


    Just get out of here.


    Yes!


    The staff quickly left. The CEO seemed hesitant.


    CEO.


    I decided to drive the nail in here.


    If you entrust the nning to me, Ill make sure that The Dawnseback music tops the charts of all three major music tforms.


    What? Top the charts of all three?


    The CEOs expression changed.


    I heard it was difficult to even get on one of themst time.


    It was as if the atmosphere had be uneasy when the topic of charting suddenly came up, as they may not know much about it.


    <em>Well, Mango was difficult to get on.</em>


    A year ago, the chart was almost fixed like a brick with the revamp to a 24-hour cumtive system. It was like trying to catch a falling star for rookie idols to break into the chart.


    I looked at the CEO subtly.


    <em>But I know one of them and not the other two.</em>


    Yes, you are right.


    I swallowed my inner thoughts and smiled gently at the CEO.


    Ill make sure to top the charts. Dont worry.


    Is it just talk?


    C-CEO.


    There are many people who can talk the talk. There are many stars who be popr for a short time under the spotlight. I need a clear marker Can it be done within a day?


    A day?


    The manager next to me was amazed, but I smirked. This kid was trying to overwhelm me again


    Yes.


    Of course, it didnt go smoothly. I wanted to return to the contract.


    I mentioned earlier that there were two modifications.


    One is adjusting the settlement ratio.


    Secondly I slowly and alternately turned my gaze to the CEO and the manager. The manager swallowed his saliva with a gulp.


    It seemed like he would make an excellent real audience.


    Secondly, there is a penalty use. If I fail to make it to the music charts within a day after the release of this activity, the investment money that has been put into me so far should be charged to me twice as much.


    Seo Hoyun!


    The managers voice sounded sharp. The CEO looked at me piercingly with a calm expression.


    I pretended to be indifferent, but I knew I was throwing a tantrum.


    I heard there were only five members, and the trainee life was not that long under Daepaseong Entertainment, so it would cost about 300-400 million won a year. Then, if its twice as much, its at least 600 million won.


    There was no need to adjust the contract with the penalty use, but I felt that I had to put something at stake, which is why I wasining about the penalty use. If I requested an adjustment to the settlement ratio without offering anything in return, it wouldnt make much difference whether I brought a song or became a top star.


    At the end of his gaze, the CEO seemed to understand my intention.


    He must still be ill. Hes talking nonsense


    Okay. Lets make the penalty use twice as much as the investment.


    What?!


    The CEO nodded his head and took the contract.


    The settlement ratio is too harsh at 7:3 Lets make it 60 for thepany and 40 for you.


    Ill take 60, and thepany will take 40.


    A brief power struggle ensued.


    Five-for-five?


    How about 55:45?


    No. Ill take 60.


    <em>Bam!</em>


    Ill take 60.


    <em>Bam!</em>


    It was like a scene from an old drama where the negotiator passes by. And the CEO burst outughing.


    Youre not just stubborn.


    Thank you for yourpliment.


    Its not apliment. Okay, Seo Hoyun, well adjust it separately for you. Its not like Im doing such bad business anyway. Im saying this considering the penalty use.


    I knew the CEO would act this way. It was a good decision not to tell the other members and came alone. Whether we revise the contractter or not, I achieved our goal for now.


    I nodded my head and stood up.


    Call me when youplete the contract with the additional modifications. Ill stamp it.


    Hoyun.


    Yes?


    Were not such a badpany. You can back out now if you want. I might have been swayed by your arrogance, but Now is the only time. From now on, you must take responsibility for your words.


    Uh-huh. It looked weak, but it was a demand to pay the penalty if I failed.


    Well, it could be just a hypothetical statement considering the unfair contract in the future


    Haha. Responsibility.


    I always took responsibility.


    When I promised to make anyone a star no matter what I did as a corrupt PD. When I promised to take care of my younger brother at my parents funeral.


    I always kept my promises, no matter what.


    Of course, I will take responsibility. What are you talking about?


    He just nodded and lowered his head. The CEOs uneasy gaze was directed at me.


    Shrugging my shoulders, I left the CEOs office, and the system window popped up.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    [Quest Arrived!


    Seo Hoyun, you have crossed an uncrossable river. We will give you a quest.


    If The Dawnseback song seeds on the music chart: +100 Fame, +20 Charm, +20 Dance, +20 Singing.


    If you fail: consider filing for bankruptcy. Its better than being in debt!]


    Oh,e on.


    Iughed at thest words.


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