episode_0257

An article was thrown into the internet.

[Calvin Klein, Who is the New Model for this Hot Brand? A Legendary Model & Product to be Unveiled in the Second Half of the Year]

Calvin Klein.

It’s common for this brand, known for its name value, to seek a new model, but some people had doubts. It’s because of the phrase “legendary.”

They usually didn’t attach phrases like that.

Therefore, there was a community that reacted to this bait.

“Huh?”

Wonsoongeeng furrowed her brows in front of the monitor.

She, who is the manager of Sua’s fan cafe ‘Aquarium’ and also works as a moderator in several communities, witnessed the Special Task Force 808 gallery burning up with a certain topic.

[Special Mobile Unit 808 Gallery]

[Title: I Have a Question] [Why does the gallery owner’s body look different in every work? There are differences in the swimsuit photoshoot, Special Task Force 808, The Sword – all three places.]

[Title: After Looking into it, there really are differences] [Body retouching is common, but which one is the retouched one? I don’t know.]

[Title: Isn’t the relatively flatter one the real body?] [Of course, they would have exaggerated it in a positive way.]

[Title: Trailer for the Gallery Owner’s New Work Uploaded Today] [(Screenshot of the *Samjitmal* trailer)] [The body is different here again? Seriously, what is it?]

There were a lot of different opinions.

Soon, the mood converged into one.

[Honestly, the gallery owner needs to verify this.] [We are fans who trust and follow the gallery owner, shouldn’t they give us that trust? So, I think verification is needed, at least with lingerie photos.] ─I support this. ─I support this. ─I support this. ─Wouldn’t verification be more certain if they took it all off? ㄴ Crazy lol ㄴ Hey. ─But I really just want them to do one lingerie ad….

[Title: Are all the kids here idiots?] [Or are their brains ape-level? There are so many real-life videos of the gallery owner, including the ones taken at the Japanese airport this time, what are you all doing? Is this a gathering of the mentally challenged?] ─Ah, please. ─Have some sense. ─They’re just casting a voodoo spell to get them to film a lingerie ad ─So obvious ─You have no sense ─Do you think they don’t know the truth….

The situation itself was simple. Calvin Klein was looking for a new model, attaching the modifier ‘legendary,’ and Sua’s fans started to get excited.

Excitement is just excitement, but….

“Oh.”

Even Wonsoongeeng found it to be a pretty interesting topic.

◈◈◈◈◈

The next day. Sua is crazy busy again today.

A professional recording studio in Gangnam.

[Sumiho KR Cover Song Recording]

“Today we’re doing a JPOP cover, and the Mytube team will take care of the video. Just sing comfortably!” “Yes.” “Also, we’ll sing it once in Korean and once in Japanese. The Korean adaptation is getting a good response too.” “Yessss.”

Sua only repeated her answers like a goat.

In other words, Sua-meh.

The schedule she’s currently doing is for cover songs to be uploaded to the ‘Sumiho’ Mytube channel. Still, it’s more fun than other schedules. Hitting the high notes relieves stress too.

Does the schedule end after singing JPOP a few times like that?

Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

. . . . .

Sua moved to another recording studio immediately after finishing the Sumiho cover. She’ll be singing here too.

The reason for moving locations is.

[Alien Game OST]

Well, because the producer is different.

It’s not just the producer that’s different. The people working are different, Sumiho and Sua have to be separated….

‘Ugh, there’s so much to pay attention to!’

It would be easier to sing everything in one place. “Sua-ssi, let’s start singing!” “Yessss….”

After that. After finishing the song-related schedules.

[Netflix’s Korean Landing Operation ‘Alien Game’, Hot Response Even Before Release? Signs of a Hit.]

Sua ran around promoting the works that were about to be released, and she was breathless. Sometimes she had to sleep in the van and unintentionally skip meals.

…Time really melted like ice cream.

◈◈◈◈◈

Meanwhile, in Japan.

Top floor of a tall building. RINE CEO’s office.

Even though it’s late at night, the CEO’s office is lit. Inside is Mawakubo, CEO of RINE.

Of course, he’s not alone. He had a secretary by his side.

Rustle─ Rustle─

Mawakubo is reviewing various materials.

What’s unusual here is.

“Hmm.”

Surprisingly, the materials that have kept Mawakubo in the CEO’s office until now are not about RINE’s company. They were materials related to only one actress.

That is, the Korean actress Lee Sua.

The secretary opened her mouth.

“If there are any parts of the data that are difficult to understand, please tell me. I will explain it in detail immediately.” “No. It’s well organized. I understand everything.”

Mawakubo slammed the data shut with a *thwack*.

“It seems that promoting with ‘Weed’ on the R Banner has a high probability of harming our RINE, is that right?” “Yes. Many investors who have some power are supporting Akiko, so RINE will gain animosity.” “Hmm, is that so.”

The reason why Mawakubo has been worrying here so far.

There were many difficulties in trying to put ‘Weed’ on the RINE banner advertisement. The first reason is that there are quite a few people who have animosity towards ‘Weed’.

That’s a bigger problem than you think. RINE could also gain dislike if they put up the ‘Weed’ ad for no reason.

“It’s not just the investors. Movie people who enjoy the noir yakuzu genre also don’t welcome ‘Weed’. The writer is only a middle school student, and above all, the lead actor playing the yakuza is of Korean nationality.” “It’s a funny thing.”

Mawakubo narrowed his brows. “Isn’t trying a new yakuza movie a crime? Everyone is secretly keeping it in check. There are many people who don’t want the new yakuza movie to succeed.”

“That’s true, but….” “They want to comfortably make money for the rest of their lives by just copying movies where people wear suits and get splattered with blood.”

The secretary nodded and then.

“Still, it’s fortunate that the production of ‘Weed’ will somehow work out. Director Yusaku has the title of master.”

“Of course, it will be produced and screened. The problem is the reaction and performance. With this public opinion, no one will expect ‘Weed’ and no one will go to see it.”

Mawakubo thought of his father in his head.

His father, who had made Mawakubo’s insides fester after suffering from dementia, is much gentler these days. All changes made after meeting Sua.

Yes, that’s right.

“What should I do? I really want to repay the favor.” “CEO, how about ending it with a personal case? It’s too risky for RINE to help while taking damage.” “Hmm.”

Personal case.

Mawakubo had naturally thought about doing a personal case, but he didn’t want to. The reason was simple.

“Lee Sua is already a successful actress and has enough material possessions. You can’t call it a favor to give something that isn’t necessary, right? I want to give any help related to this ‘Weed’.” “Hmm, then we need to think about it. There must be a way to save ‘Weed’ without RINE taking any damage….”

“That’s why I’m still here.”

Mawakubo has been pondering that method all day.

And finally, now.

“Well, I can’t help it.”

He made a decision.

“First of all, I’ll pay for all the production costs of ‘Weed’.” “Yes?”

The secretary was surprised and asked back. “Have you checked how much it is?” “It won’t exceed 30 billion, will it?” “….”

The secretary was speechless.

We’re talking about a whopping 30 billion. I can’t help but be surprised.

But she knew how to distinguish between public and private matters. Separately from being surprised, she first bowed her head to Mawakubo.

“I understand. Should we release it to the media right away?” “That’s not allowed. The key is to hide that RINE is an ally of ‘Weed’ for now.”

Mawakubo slowly continued.

“Rather, hide this fact thoroughly so that the current atmosphere is maintained. People should recognize that ‘Weed’ feels like it will be canceled at any moment.” “Is there a reason for that?” “Ant elimination.” “Ant elimination?” “Yes. I’m going to make it so that no one takes ‘Weed’s’ side. That’s when our RINE will step forward in full force.”

“Then RINE is the only ally of ‘Weed’….”

The secretary belatedly realized.

“…Ah, could it be?”

She asked urgently with widened eyes.

“Are you saying that you’re betting on the victory of ‘Weed’, CEO? Does that mean RINE will be on the same boat?” “That’s exactly right.”

Mawakubo nodded.

If ‘Weed’ wins the competition, RINE will absorb all kinds of sweet water, but conversely, if ‘Weed’ is pushed back, it also meant that all kinds of damage would be borne together.

But there’s no helping it.

A way to save ‘Weed’ without RINE taking damage?

He pondered all day, but there was no such way.

There was no safe and ideal way, and the situation was that he had to bear the risk in order to intervene. Mawakubo chose to take the risk.

Worry covered the secretary’s face. “Not to mention Director Yusaku, Sua-ssi’s acting is also excellent. But what if ‘Weed’ loses?” “Then we just have to consider it as helping.”

Mawakubo gave a smile without regrets. “From the moment Lee Sua kindly spoke to my father, we were already on the same boat. It doesn’t matter whether we sink or not. Going together is the right thing to do.”

It was the face of a CEO who wasn’t afraid.

. . . . .

The next morning.

─♩♪♬

Mawakubo’s secretary waited for the reporters to come to work, and as soon as it was time, she frantically made phone calls.

Articles exploded like fireworks before long.

[‘Weed’, Unfortunately, a High Probability of Being Canceled.]

It was the start of the ‘ant elimination’ that Mawakubo discussed.

◈◈◈◈◈

Same day, noon. Hyunhwa Arts High School.

Since it’s the weekend, students didn’t come to school today, and the campus was filled with staff instead of faculty.

It’s for the ‘Crescendo from Tomorrow’ poster shoot.

“Here, here, let’s shoot in this spot.” “Shall we use natural light? Or lighting?” “We need to use lighting that feels like natural light. Natural light can never beat lighting when taking posters. Install it quickly!”

What is Sua doing now, when everyone is running with sweat on their feet?

‘Wow, almost everything they sell has changed?’

Sua was at the convenience store. Sua’s snacks.

The staff requested it to be opened temporarily even on the weekend? Anyway, it’s just a good thing for Sua. She’s wanted to take a close look at it for a while.

Whirr─

She heated up a hamburger in the microwave and ate it.

“Hmm….”

Honestly, the taste is, Sua-bad….

‘Was everything I thought was delicious just a memory correction? It’s a little bad? Still, it feels like my heart is warming up.’

Sua didn’t know difficult words well, but that was nostalgia. Anyway, Sua also has her school days.

At that time.

“Sua!”

Kim Iseo ran into the convenience store urgently.

Sua was secretly surprised. “Yes?” “Quickly! It’s urgent!” “Ah, yes. Have a bite.” “…Not that!”

Kim Iseo held out her phone.

“Regarding ‘Weed’, which Director Yusaku participated in, the local public sentiment in Japan is too bad. Take a look.”

“Huh?”

Sua tilted her head.

And before looking at the phone, she asked.

“Excuse me, but CEO.” “Yes. I’m listening.” “I know my public sentiment is good these days, so shouldn’t the public sentiment of ‘Weed’ naturally be good too?”

That was Sua’s simple thought.

My image is good these days, right? So shouldn’t ‘Weed’, which I participated in, also have a good image?

However.

The world is not as easy as Sua thinks.

Kim Iseo sighed deeply. “How nice would that be? But in reality, the better Sua’s image is, the more of a fuss it is.” “Huh?” “Look at this.” And after looking at the phone, Sua belatedly understood.

“Ah.”

[Japanese Media]

[‘Weed’, a Work that Harms Lee Sua…. Concerns are Growing that it is Better to Quit at This Point.]

[Did Director Yusaku Betray His Loyalty to Akiko to Keep Lee Sua? Words are Exchanged Between the Separated Two.]

‘Ew, is that how people see it?’

Sua thought that thanks to Sua, the perception of ‘Weed’ would also improve, but the reality was different. The atmosphere was that ‘Weed’ was forcibly holding onto Sua.

‘This…. What happens if this happens?’

That was the first thought that came to mind.

It’s clear that the atmosphere of ‘Weed’ is so bad that it can’t be saved by Sua’s image. Then what can Sua do? Silently participate? Or drop out?

However.

‘Huh.’

Soon, that worry disappeared cleanly.

[Weed] ▶ Sufficient Implementation Elements ▶ Special Grade: Rare

‘The grade has gone up?’

The grade kept going up. Even with squinting eyes, it’s a special grade. What is it? In other words, Sua-confused?

That wasn’t the only thing. “Oh, this is a different story from ‘Weed’, but I’ll give it to you in advance before the poster shoot starts. It’s a contract.”

Kim Iseo handed over the contract-related data. The cover had ‘Calvin Klein’ written on it in large letters.

“A contract?” “Yes. They’re looking for a model, and strangely, there’s a script. I guess they’re thinking of taking a photo shoot with a story.” “Hmm.”

Sua also looked at it using her special ability first.

‘Huh?’

[Model ─ Calvin Klein] ▶ Sufficient Implementation Elements ▶ Special Grade: Rare

At this point, Sua was convinced.

‘My special ability is broken?’

Suddenly, luck is being copied? That doesn’t make sense!