Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Raise Three Idols Well And They’ll Launch a Confession Attack.

Episode 66: Bonus Is Worth A Car.

Upon arriving at the company, I was immediately dragged to the President’s office.

“Team Leader Seon! What kind of crazy thing did you do at Jinkang this time?”

“First of all, assuming that I did something crazy again is somewhat biased…”

“Bias? It’s all because of your past actions. Think about all the things you’ve done so far!”

“…I’m sorry.”

I didn’t want to live like this either. I just wanted to succeed comfortably.

Cheon Aram sighed as she saw me bowing my head in repentance and said,

“This time, I said Soo-yeon and I would handle it. What were you thinking, rushing into Jinkang right after I said that?”

I had an excuse.

“Well… I didn’t rush in; it’s more accurate to say Jinkang rushed at me.”

If a tank and a person collide, it’s usually the tank that hits the person.

“On my way home, dozens of men in suits suddenly appeared, surrounded me, and said the Chairman wanted to see me. I really didn’t want to, but I’m not capable of shaking them off and having a chase scene, so I was quietly taken and kidnapped by Chairman Jin Baek-ho.”

Cheon Aram seemed to understand that it was an unavoidable situation, as she clicked her tongue and said,

“…In the 21st century, they did that kind of thing? Do those crazy people have no limits?”

“Haha, but at least they didn’t put me in a drum and throw me into the sea, so they were relatively gentle, I think.”

“…”

“…Just kidding.”

Seeing Cheon Aram’s reaction, it was clear my sense of humor was off.

Whether it was Gyeoul or Gaeul, every time I made a joke in this lifetime, the atmosphere got destroyed, making me realize how tough those guys were in my previous lifetime who laughed at my jokes.

Those guys laughed hysterically at my crappy sense of humor.

The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like they had dirty ulterior motives to exploit me for them to show such volunteer spirit.

…But I had no idea about that in my previous lifetime.

The more I dug into it, the more I had a reasonable suspicion that I deserved to be backstabbed.

Being dragged there, I judged that keeping my mouth shut wouldn’t be good for TwoBear’s image.

In reality, I was close to keeping my mouth shut but then had a sudden outburst, but it all depended on how I put it.

“So I tried to represent TwoBear’s position and sincerity as much as possible and showed our vision, which seemed to have just barely passed Chairman Jin Baek-ho’s standards.”

In retrospect, his reaction didn’t seem fully convinced, but since I managed to survive intact, I guess I didn’t get on his bad side.

Boss, I did my best.

“Okay, I understand. From your perspective, you did your best in a sudden situation.”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

“Actually, I called you to scold you for acting alone, but knowing the circumstances, I won’t say more. Then, since the stick isn’t necessary, I’ll just give you the carrot.”

Carrot?

“A Jinkang employee approached me.”

“…With what intention?”

Cheon Aram, seeing me tense up, smiled slightly and said,

“They said they would actively invest if we draft the contract terms for Jin Yeoreum and ensure she is treated well. It was very welcome news, considering we need a lot of money.”

What the heck, Chairman Jin Baek-ho? Pretending not to like it but then taking care of us?

If that’s the case, why not handle people a bit more kindly?

Do you think I’ll be grateful for this?

“You significantly helped with the investment, which was supposed to be my job, so there should be a reward. Remember the bonus criteria stated in the contract? I’ll reward you based on the top-tier criteria. How about changing your car?”

Thank you, Chairman Jin Baek-ho!

When Cheon Aram calculated on her smartphone and showed me the rough bonus amount, my eyes widened.

I was already excited about how to manage that money well.

Forget the car, investment is a must.

“Oh, and I was going to mention this in the meeting later, but I’ll tell you in advance.”

“Yes, I’m listening.”

With my loyalty maximized by financial treatment, I listened to Cheon Aram with eager eyes.

“This time, I was talking to a younger acquaintance, and when I mentioned that I was forming a girl group, they asked if I had any plans to send a trainee on a show.”

Sending a trainee who hasn’t even debuted yet on a show?

“What kind of show?”

Cheon Aram lightly stroked her chin and said,

“It’s an idol survival competition show called ‘Girl 100.’ They make 100 trainees compete, select 11, and have them form a project girl group to promote for a certain period.”

“…‘Girl 100’?”

“Yeah, it seems like MNet is putting a lot into this project. There are over 50 agencies participating.”

It was an unforgettable name.

Because later, ‘Girl 100’ was investigated for vote manipulation, which was proven guilty, resulting in the CP and PD serving prison sentences.

Cheon Aram, of course, didn’t know my inner thoughts and spoke casually,

“I think it’s worth a try, but what do you think, Team Leader Seon?”

Boss, this isn’t just a poisoned chalice.

“Alright, so I’ll take it that everyone is positive about participating in ‘Girl 100.’”

“…Um, Team Leader Seon hasn’t given his opinion yet.”

“Come to think of it, you’ve been unusually quiet this time, Team Leader Seon. Do you have any other thoughts? Feel free to speak.”

I avoided answering for now.

“No, I also think ‘Girl 100’ can bring good publicity.”

“Really? That’s a relief. Then let’s end today’s meeting here.”

Just as Cheon Aram was about to adjourn the meeting, she looked at me as if she had remembered something and said,

“Oh, Team Leader Seon, think about which of the three trainees to send and let me know. Trainers, please assist Team Leader Seon.”

“Yes, I will.”

“Yes, I will follow Miss Cheon’s wishes.”

“…”

And with that, the meeting concluded.

Everyone except me was favorable to participating in ‘Girl 100.’

In fact, given the title, program format, investment amount, and planning intent, it would be abnormal to oppose participating.

Especially from the perspective of our small-time agency, TwoBear.

Of course, if we made it into the top eleven and participated in the project girl group, the debut timing would become complicated, but even considering that, the benefits ‘Girl 100’ offered were too sweet.

The problem was that I was the only one who knew it was rotten fruit.

The stigma of vote manipulation was that dangerous.

Given that I had earned some trust in the company, I could push back, but if I opposed without a logical reason, my credibility would significantly drop.

That’s why I couldn’t actively state my opinion in the meeting.

It was frustrating.

I pondered the solution while watching the kids practice through the window.

The kids were all sweating profusely, moving their bodies according to Lee Hyerin’s instructions.

They were all gems showcasing brilliant talents.

If it weren’t for the vote manipulation, I was sure any of those kids could make it into the top eleven. They had that kind of talent.

While feeling those sentiments, a quest window popped up.

[It’s time to prove your talent. Have one of TwoBear’s trainees receive an A class rating in the first impression test of ‘Girl 100.’]

[Reward – Memory of Potential]

A class? Oh, that.

From the beginning, ‘Girl 100’ would conduct a first impression test to assign ratings from A to F, providing an introduction and growth narrative for the trainees.

Although it was just a first impression test and wouldn’t affect the final entry, it was crucial for early focus.

The video would get around three million to seven million views on AllTube.

Among them, A was a rating given to only eleven trainees. It was essentially the top eleven.

Achieving this, considering there were already eleven pre-selected trainees, was not easy at all.

However, I thought it was natural that our trainees would achieve it.

The problem was that damn vote manipulation.

Ah, should I go for this or not?

I continued to ponder while watching the kids practice through the window.

While thinking deeply, a thought struck my mind like lightning.

Wait, they just needed to not be in the top eleven in the final episode, right?

It wasn’t just the ones who debuted through ‘Girl 100’ that became a hot topic.

There were eliminated trainees who became an even bigger topic than the main ones.

The investigation started because the fans of those eliminated trainees actively raised objections.

I was sure that one of those kids would become such a standout, eliminated trainee.

They would gain attention while also being exonerated as just a victim.

I didn’t need to worry about this.

Anyway, those who would make it into the top eleven were already determined, so they just needed to show a good appearance.

However, Cheon Aram seemed to have quite solid connections, so there might be offers for backdoor deals.

My job would be to prevent that and avoid the devilish editing of the ‘Girl 100’ production team.

With newfound confidence, I opened the training room door and went in.

“Taeyang oppa?”

“Teacher ssam?”

“You’ve arrived, Team Leader Seon.”

The girls, who were dancing, reacted as they saw me suddenly appear.

Among them, Jin Yeoreum’s reaction stood out, as she didn’t change her dance moves at all.

“Seon ssi! Are you here to observe the class? I’m more than willing to cooperate, so feel free to watch.”

I thanked her and plopped down on the floor.

Seeing me, the motivated kids participated in the training more passionately than usual.

I carefully checked their current stats on the status window while watching the kids.

About an hour passed.

After the training ended, I called one of the kids.

“What is it, Taeyang ssam? Another overtime shift? It’s really fun… Ah, but wouldn’t it be better to call Gaeul Unnie instead…?”

“It’s not overtime; it’s a business trip.”

“A business trip?”

I looked at Gyeoul’s status window, tilting my head, and reaffirmed my decision.

If I had to choose one, it was right to send Gyeoul.

“Are you ready to participate in a survival program where 100 trainees compete?”

“Me?”

Gyeoul spoke, her hands and eyes trembling.

“Not Gaeul Unnie or Yeoreum, but me?”

“Yes, you.”

Gyeoul broke out in a cold sweat and said,

“…Can I run away?”

Can you?