episode_0045

Mystic Entertainment CEO’s Office.

Representative Kim Iseo explained the main points of the contract and the precautions to be taken as an artist under Mystic Entertainment, one by one. In reality, Sua was in a state of infinitely nodding along.

Meanwhile, Sua glanced at Kim Seonil.

‘…Yeah. I’m sure of it. He doesn’t seem to dislike me.’

Seo Yeonju and Kim Seonil didn’t even receive this much when they first signed their contracts, but they didn’t seem surprised or jealous. Rather, they seemed to be very welcoming of Sua.

‘The conditions are good, the atmosphere is good, Mystic is the best.’

Sua has done countless part-time jobs to find her aptitude. Looking back, what was harder than the work was the human relationships. The presence of someone you dislike makes even easy tasks difficult.

Thinking that way, Mystic is very cozy. It’s like getting off to a good start after stepping into the entertainment industry.

While Sua was feeling proud of her own choice, Representative Kim Iseo finished the explanation and stared at Sua.

“That’s about it for now. Sua, Mystic will do our best.”

With that, Kim Iseo hands the contract back to Sua.

What is it? I already signed it, didn’t I?

But this time it’s slightly different. Kim Iseo was clearly pointing out where Sua should sign with her finger.

Ah, that’s where I need to sign.

She barely managed to suppress her face from turning red. Sua is embarrassed…

“Please do.”

Sua signed again as if nothing had happened.

Kim Iseo, who had never shown a big change in expression before, finally showed a noticeable change. She smiled brightly.

“Thank you. Let’s be a good inspiration to each other.”

Kim Iseo took Sua’s hands in both of hers and shook them up and down. Sua wondered for a moment if she was allowed to think of the representative as cute, and on the other hand, she felt very strange that she had a company.

Seo Yeonju and Kim Seonil also said a few words.

“Finally, Sua’s part of the family. Please take good care of us in the future.”

“Good. The next schedule is busy. Let’s go.”

“Hey, say something nice before you go! Gosh, you were the most excited when you heard Sua was joining….”

Sua lightly waved her hand at Seo Yeonju and Kim Seonil as they happily walked out. It finally hit her. Wow, I’m in the same company as such high-profile actors.

…Ah, and one thing comes to mind now that I have a company.

Sua decided to ask right away what she had thought of.

“Representative-nim.”

“Yes. Mystic’s Sua.”

Kim Iseo emphasized the three words Mystic, in particular.

“The company is there to help me with my various tasks, right?”

“Of course. Doing our best isn’t an empty promise.”

“If that’s the case…”

Sua showed her cell phone.

“Please take care of these.”

Am I being a bit presumptuous? Sua was a little worried, but she decided to push through anyway. She signed and contracted fairly. As an artist under the company, I can ask for this much, right?

That’s why I got a company in the first place. Yeah, yeah.

Meanwhile, Kim Iseo was in great shock.

[31 Unread Messages]

[CF Appearance Interview Schedule Announcement!]

[Hello. This is Director Lee Yeonhwa, who helped with today’s procedure. The thing is, we are looking for a model…]

[This is Bada Actors. Please contact us when you have time]

‘I expected it… but this many?’

It was easy to predict that Sua would be popular, but the problem was the extent. At this rate, isn’t her phone practically on fire? As she blankly looked at them, Sua said.

“I can’t solve these one by one.”

“…”

Kim Iseo swallowed hard.

The popularity that Sua is enjoying among officials right now is unprecedented, and Sua’s attitude towards the entertainment industry is also very unconventional.

Usually, the company doesn’t start working right away. Announcing that Sua and Mystic are together is the first step, and the work comes next.

But what is Sua’s attitude right now?

‘Sua is smart. There’s no way she doesn’t know that. So that means…’

Several pieces of information came together in Kim Iseo’s head.

‘Ah.’

And she realized.

‘…Sua is curious about my capabilities.’

She wants to check Kim Iseo’s skills. It’s too early to build a business relationship of trust.

“You’re right, Sua.”

“?”

“I’ve watched Sua’s acting several times, but Sua has never seen me handle things. That’s definitely unfair. I’ll show you how I work from now on.”

Kim Iseo scanned the phone carefully.

[Deer: Unban]

[Deer: You Bitch Hippo]

[Deer: I’m going to cry for real if you don’t unban me]

…What is this?

Anyway, Kim Iseo’s work was skillful and quick. She clearly distinguished between things that could be done quickly and things that would take a long time, and she was planning to start with the easy things.

“You applied for a CF interview. Then from this…”

It was then.

─♩♪♬

Sua’s phone rang at that moment.

“Hello. This is Kim Iseo from Mystic Entertainment.”

Kim Iseo answered the phone. Of course, with the speakerphone setting on so that Sua could hear it too.

The matter was simple. A hair studio wanted to sign a contract with Sua. There was no more suitable stage to show Kim Iseo’s negotiating skills.

She didn’t hesitate long.

“I’ll take Sua there now.”

◈◈◈◈◈

Lee Yeonhwa’s Hair Studio

Four people sat around a square desk. Director Lee Yeonhwa and Manager Seo Jae-woo, opposite Sua and Kim Iseo.

‘This is an opportunity. A chance to make a good impression on Sua.’ ‘Why is the Mystic representative here…? Could it be…?’

Amidst each person’s thoughts, the negotiation began.

The hair studio staff looked at Kim Iseo with the thought of, “Isn’t there a little kid sitting here?”- but at least Manager Choi Jae-woo knew that the one sitting across from him was a grim reaper.

Isn’t that Kim Iseo, the representative of Mystic Entertainment?

‘Did Mystic end up taking her? More than that, it’s going to be really difficult to get in Yeonhwa’s good graces if this happens…’

Kim Iseo was notoriously known for not compromising in negotiations. Thanks to that, the story of how Seo Yeonju and Kim Seonil are guaranteed very good conditions no matter what they do is widespread in the industry.

Of course, Yeonhwa doesn’t know the circumstances.

‘…All I have to do is grab onto this woman, right?’

YouTube this, blogs that, SNS this, Lee Yeonhwa knows none of it. How would she know, when she has been dedicated to improving her skills overseas?

‘Yeah. I get this. I definitely have to grab on.’

But even she could be sure the moment she faced Sua again. This woman will definitely save the hair studio.

‘A thousand faces.’

An appearance that would look good no matter how you decorated it.

Yeonhwa also became greedy. As a beautician, being able to style such a person is an exciting thing in itself. But if it’s also promoted, it’s literally hitting two birds with one stone, isn’t it?

Kim Iseo broke the silence first.

“You said you want a contract with our Sua.”

She emphasized the word ‘our’ in particular. A lot.

“That’s right. We want to take care of Sua-ssi with sincerity in this studio, and film the process. It’s a win-win.”

Kim Iseo watched the other side carefully as she said that.

Lee Yeonhwa swallowing hard, Seo Jae-woo being anxious.

‘I can feel it. All of it.’

Humans each have their own unique scent, and Kim Iseo knew how to capture it like a ghost. It was also instantaneous to grasp that the other party was impatient and very desperate at the same time.

‘Win-win, what a funny joke.’

Win-win? Using words like that is a shallow trick.

They say it’s helpful to each other, but if you look closely, Sua’s side is thoroughly the ‘gap.’ Sua can’t be replaced, but they can just change the hair studio in the end, can’t they?

In fact, Kim Iseo didn’t even need to be in this place.

‘Even if Sua came alone, she would have negotiated on her own. Because she knows her strengths and values. Because she’s a negotiation genius.’

It was clear just by looking at what conditions Mystic had promised Sua. Even Kim Iseo, who prided herself on negotiation, didn’t offer six cars, did she? She lost the ratio too.

But the reason Kim Iseo followed anyway.

‘No matter how great Sua’s abilities are, she only has one body in the end. In other words, she’s wondering if the company can act like her alter ego. Sua wants to evaluate my capabilities.’

When she thought that far, a hollow laugh escaped.

“Heh.”

The more she thought about it, the more she could only laugh hollowly.

The fact that she, the representative, is struggling to prove her abilities to a rookie. It’s not just anyone, it’s herself, Kim Iseo.

Kim Iseo said in a cold voice.

“Win-win, what kind of win-win are you thinking of?”

“Sua-ssi’s styling is completely free. But we will use the filmed content for various promotional materials. Of course, the revenue generated from YouTube or blog views will be Sua-ssi’s.”

But here was unexpected.

The conditions the other party was offering sounded very good to Kim Iseo. Even the sincerity and courtesy were felt together.

It’s already far from trying to swindle Sua. Rather, it’s at the level of begging to be able to promote the fact that they are managing Sua, so please take care of Sua with sincerity.

‘…There’s nothing more to bargain for?’

Looking at it now, the contract seemed to have been urgently revised.

Ah, it’s because of her reputation. As soon as they knew that Mystic was involved, they must have urgently changed the various conditions.

From Kim Iseo’s point of view, it was a good thing. If she explained these circumstances to Sua, wouldn’t she be able to appeal to Mystic’s reputation? It’s a very good element for saving face.

Anyway, there’s nothing much to say right now.

But the skill of making the other party anxious is essential.

“Wait, I’m going to talk to Sua for a bit.”

.

.

.

.

.

Outside the hair studio.

“Sua, it’s great without me even touching it, right?”

Kim Iseo smiled brightly.

“Having a company’s reputation is great for this. They don’t try to pull any swindling tricks. The contract seemed to have been hastily revised, but they must have thought, ‘Oh no!’ when they saw that Mystic was involved.”

She continued, feeling slightly smug.

“Sua, I’m going to do my best like this in the future too. I’m going to grow Mystic even more so that these kinds of benefits will automatically follow even if I’m not by Sua’s side.”

“Hmm.”

“Do you think I’ve gained your trust with this much?”

Kim Iseo added a few words in a confident voice.

“Remember. Mystic treats Sua like family. And I’m a representative who can do anything for my family.”

But Kim Iseo was slowly feeling strange.

There’s nothing.

Sua still hadn’t answered.

“Hmm, was this a little lacking?”

◈◈◈◈◈

It was a long time later that Mystic’s representative, Kim Iseo, reappeared.

After Kim Iseo got into the van, she said quietly.

“Sua.”

“Yes.”

“I revised the conditions a little more.”

“Yes?”

She asked back without realizing it.

“…You don’t have to overdo it like this.”

“What are you talking about? It’s not an overdo at all.”

It was then.

“Representative-nim, aigoo! Representative Kim Iseo!”

Manager Seo Jae-woo ran out with a tearful face.

“Just a moment! Just a moment, really!”

He stuck to the front of the van, begging. He was practically a sucker octopus.

“Representative-nim! Isn’t this too much…!”

Kim Iseo pressed the button on the window. After the black window went down completely, she shot back in a cold voice.

“It’s not too much at all. It’s just right.”

Sua was inwardly surprised. Representative Kim Iseo was only very kind to Sua. She’s very different from how she treats me.

“Yeah, that’s right. Okay, I understand. Then Representative-nim…”

“No.”

“Aigoo, yes. This time it’s not about the styling contract. Please listen to me even for a moment.”

“What is it?”

“The thing is…”

Seo Jae-woo finally caught his breath.

“Well, wasn’t the styling overwhelmingly contracted in Mystic’s favor anyway?”

“It just turned out just right.”

“Ah, I misspoke. Yes. So, now that the contract is going well, would you take a look at this just once?”

He hurriedly took something out.

“I’d like Mystic to review this script just once…”

At the word ‘script,’ the ears of the two perked up.

“Script? What script?”

This time it was Sua who asked. Seo Jae-woo was noticeably pleased just by Sua showing a little interest.

“This is Director Kim Joon-gi’s work.”

Then this time, Kim Iseo reacted to the director’s name.

“…Kim Joon-gi?”

Then, Seo Jae-woo puffed out his chest, his attitude of begging until just now gone.

“That’s right! Director Kim Joon-gi, who always succeeds when he does something. Sua-ssi, how many difficult shoots are there in the world? War movies, being stuck in some mountain valley, how hard is it?”

He continued in a voice full of energy.

“But this shoot will be fun from the start. It deals with the story of the upper class. Every scene is just super luxurious. Wearing good things, eating good things, riding good things!”

From Sua’s point of view, it was an eye-catching story.

Why, wasn’t she even reluctant to experience the torture scene before? Compared to that, this is a tempting story. Because it seems that the satisfaction of experiencing it alone would be enormous.

“The role of the youngest daughter of a chaebol is currently vacant, and the audition competition is a bit fierce, but Sua-ssi’s face alone is a pass. I will actively appeal to Director Kim Joon-gi! To cast Sua-ssi unconditionally for this role!”

Seo Jae-woo was gesticulating his whole body like a balloon doll, giving a passionate speech. Sometimes saliva splashed out.

“Ah, why explain any further? Take a look at the script. Every scene is luxurious, no matter which scene you open! Come on! Hurry!”

Sua placed her palm on the script and closed her eyes for a moment.

Immediately, the surrounding people held their breath. Because it looked like Sua was declaring that she would concentrate from now on. After a while, Sua opened her eyes and turned the pages one by one.

Meanwhile, Kim Iseo on the side had many thoughts.

‘Director Kim Joon-gi? This kind of luck comes from the first day of signing a contract with Mystic? Is she some kind of lucky bag that brings good fortune?’

Seo Jae-woo carefully opened his mouth.

“What else is Director Kim Joon-gi famous for? He’s famous for his connections, right? Just participating in this work will get you noticed by other directors. It’s like a red carpet is spread out.”

“Is that so.”

Sua answered calmly and stroked the script. From Seo Jae-woo’s point of view, he was wondering how she could be so calm even after receiving this offer.

Around that time, Sua tilted her head subtly.

It was such a subtle movement that the people around her wouldn’t notice.

It was also at that time that Kim Iseo organized her thoughts.

“Hey, Sua. Can I borrow your ear for a moment?”

Kim Iseo raised the van window for a moment and said.

“Sua, I’m a little tempted by the role of the youngest daughter of a chaebol too.”

“You liked it.”

“A lot. If you take on a role that suits your mask, your strengths will be enormous. Seonil also took on the role of a mysophobic killer before, and even though he came back from the shoot very comfortably, the reaction was the best ever. Just breathing becomes great acting.”

“Hmm, definitely.”

“Besides, it’s true that Director Kim Joon-gi has a wide network of connections. It’s a great stepping stone for a rookie like Sua.”

Kim Iseo’s voice was full of conviction.

“How about taking this? It’s good that the schedule after the Special Task Force 808 shoot isn’t empty, and from the viewers’ point of view, it means they’ll be seeing Sua-ssi all year round.”

“I acknowledge that.”

At that, Kim Iseo nodded.

Yes, in fact, from the moment she received the offer, it was a foregone conclusion that she would participate. Because it was too good an opportunity to let go.

“But.”

It was then that Sua pressed the button and opened the window.

At the same time, she handed the script back to Seo Jae-woo.

“I don’t want to do it. Thank you for the offer.”