episode_0080

– Hey, what’s this?

The interview article of Hong Geun-sik and Seo Yi-soo was featured on the portal site on the day the magazine was published.

In an instant, it became a nationwide hot topic.

Of course, it was only natural.

It was because the top actor representing South Korea, Hong Geun-sik, had boasted that he would surpass himself with just a rookie actress.

– It must be a publicity stunt. Seo Yi-soo is starring in a movie with Hong Geun-sik this time.

– Even if it’s a publicity stunt, there should be a limit. Hong Geun-sik has his own brand, so why would he say such things to a rookie actress out of the blue?

– Well, that’s true, but…

A heated debate ensued.

Moreover, in some corner of the internet world, there were those eagerly anticipating the unraveling of Seo Yi-soo’s breadcrumbs.

They were none other than Seo Yi-soo’s fans.

– Oh…

– Finally…

– The time of promise has come… Everyone, take out your wallets and stand up.

The enraged fans rushed to the bookstore where the magazine was displayed.

Although Screen 21 was a major publication, as the main media shifted to digital platforms, the sales of magazines were gradually decreasing.

That day, Screen 21 had all the magazines they had distributed nationwide for the first time in a long while.

The power of the biggest breadcrumb, Hong Geun-sik’s interview, was undeniable.

But the firepower contributed by Seo Yi-soo’s fans was not insignificant.

And that was just the beginning.

From that day on, fans began to spread Seo Yi-soo’s information.

– Hong Geun-sik fans would know. He seems nice and often praises others, but he has never spoken so highly of another actor before.

– Yeah, Seo Yi-soo is still a rookie with little recognition, but her acting is amazing.

– Just watch the clips first.

They diligently shared Seo Yi-soo’s famous scenes from “The Diary of the Sea,” “Criminal Gourmet,” and even “My Manager” on various internet communities.

It was so intense that clicking on any post would lead to Seo Yi-soo’s information.

– Wait… We know Seo Yi-soo can act well, so can we tone it down a bit now?

– If you click on anything, it’s all about Seo Yi-soo…;;

– Is this spam mail??

Those who couldn’t stand it anymore were causing inflammation by asking them to stop.

Of course, Seo Yi-soo’s fans didn’t care about such public opinion.

They were starving.

While other fans were happy rolling in the breadcrumbs of their actors.

They were the ones who struggled with hunger and clung to the scraps left behind by Seo Yi-soo.

The cold and hungry environment brought together those who had shared that time.

Although Seo Yi-soo’s fan base was still small, they were close-knit.

– Let’s not be discouraged by what others say.

– When a big breadcrumb comes around, we need to promote Seo Yi-soo properly so she can appear on variety shows or interviews.

– Yeah, let’s each share 10 pieces of information a day.

Seo Yi-soo, the entertainer who seemed almost crazy. She was running her business as a rookie actress.

– Ah… these people are really something.

– But when I look at the clips and information, Seo Yi-soo seems to be really good at acting, more than I thought. She’s so charming.

– Yeah, at first, I was annoyed. But because I kept hearing about Seo Yi-soo’s great acting in my community, I watched “The Diary of the Sea” once. She’s really good at acting.

– Are you guys being brainwashed…;;;

Whether brainwashed or not.

The number of people falling for Seo Yi-soo’s acting was increasing.

It had been a long time since “The Diary of the Sea” had left theaters. And “Criminal Gourmet” had already ended.

The works Seo Yi-soo had appeared in were experiencing not just a resurgence, but a significant surge in VOD and streaming viewership.

And not only that…

[The Seo Yi-soo Effect? The ‘Yonggot Cliff,’ the backdrop of a famous scene in “The Diary of the Sea,” becomes a hot spot!]

Already, the Yonggol Cliff, which had become a popular spot during the heyday of “The Sea Diary,” once again attracted people’s footsteps.

Despite the constant rough waves, there was a legend that on rare good weather days, the dragon of the sea would grant your wish if you made one at the Yonggol Cliff.

Many people flocked there to share special moments with their loved ones or to make a wish.

Some even developed an app to update the weather information at the Yonggol Cliff for those who knew how to ride the tide.

As the situation reached this point.

The “Sea Diary Effect.”

Or the “Seo Yisoo Effect,” as Gabido’s side was even considering appointing Seo Yisoo as their official ambassador, according to public opinion.

Seo Yisoo’s fans were delighted.

-Phew… That was rewarding.

-Everyone worked hard. Seriously…

-If she did this well in business. If Seo Yisoo has a conscience, she might even appear on variety shows.

-Do some commercials too.

-And photo shoots.

And as the fans wished…

“Seo Yisoo? This actress seems to be popular these days.”

“Her agency is KS Entertainment. Try contacting their desk.”

Even broadcasters were starting to take an interest in Seo Yisoo.

Broadcasting companies… Especially the variety show departments that go crazy for hot topics wouldn’t miss out on such a juicy opportunity.

Numerous offers for TV appearances started pouring in for Seo Yisoo.

Of course, as an actress, she was also flooded with acting opportunities.

Not just any roles, but roles of a significantly higher caliber.

All of them were at least important supporting roles.

Being titled as the “rookie actress praised by Hong Geun-sik” was a testament to the tremendous power she held in the acting industry.

All of this started with the spark ignited by Hong Geun-sik.

To the point where Shin Ji-hoo was considering giving Hong Geun-sik a gift set of premium beef.

And amidst all this turmoil.

What was the center of attention, Seo Yisoo, doing?

“Shin Ji-hoo, Shin Ji-hoo.”

“Yes, Seo Yisoo.”

“Take a look at this.”

Seo Yisoo was handing her phone to Shin Ji-hoo.

There was a cute pixelated dragon design, and below it, even cuter characters were gathered.

It was the game that Yechan had introduced to Seo Yisoo.

Seo Yisoo proudly said, “These are my guardians. How do you like them? Aren’t they impressive? These little ones will save the world from destruction.”

“Is that so.”

“Yes, yes.”

Unaware of how the situation was unfolding.

Seo Yisoo couldn’t stop boasting about how well she had raised her characters.

Well…

If it was Seo Yisoo, it would be a typical Seo Yisoo-like behavior.

“And honestly, it’s quite cute when you’re being honest.”

Shin Ji-hoo smiled contentedly as he looked at the phone Seo Yisoo handed him.

It seemed like she was really putting effort into raising them.

Even though it hadn’t been long since she started the game, the characters looked quite dazzling even to Shin Ji-hoo, who was an outsider.

“Oh… You’re really putting effort into it, huh?”

“Of course. Yechan told me. These little ones have grades. If you spin the ‘gacha,’ you can draw higher-grade characters or increase the grade of existing ones.”

“I see. That’s interesting.”

Shin Ji-hoo casually played along as he admired Seo Yisoo’s bright face.

Seo Yisoo continued to boast about how diligently she was playing the game.

“It’s true. Hehe. So, so. Nowadays, I spin the gacha 500 times a day.”

“Is that so. That’s…”

Shin Ji-hoo was about to make a casual response to Seo Yisoo’s enthusiasm…

“…How many times did you say?”

But when an alarming number was mentioned, he panicked and asked again.

Seo Yisoo chuckled.

“Why are you so surprised? I spin the gacha 500 times a day.”

“…Give me your phone.”

“Oops! My game console… No. Phone! Hurry, bring it back!”

“Hey! Just stay still for a moment.”

Shin Ji-hoo snatched Seo Yi-soo’s phone and checked the payment history.

Just as she said, the record of spinning the gacha 500 times a day caught her eye.

“No way. What is this….”

An approaching sense of unease…

Shin Ji-hoo quickly opened Seo Yi-soo’s banking app.

It was Shin Ji-hoo who had installed the banking app for Seo Yi-soo in the first place, so she knew all the passwords and had nothing to hide.

And as she checked Seo Yi-soo’s bank account, she saw that the money she had earned through hard work was rapidly disappearing.

“….”

At that dismal sight,

Shin Ji-hoo couldn’t bring herself to say anything.

She just pursed her lips and looked at Seo Yi-soo’s bright face.

What on earth is she doing??

“Hey! Seo Yi-soo!”

“Eek!”

“Please, start managing your finances. If you spend money so recklessly, what will happen?”

Even if the child lacks common sense, this kind of wasteful spending on games is unacceptable.

“That’s not it, Shin Ji-hoo.”

But this time, Seo Yi-soo had something to say as well.

“I also don’t really know how valuable money is.”

Seo Yi-soo is now a mature adult.

She knows very well that in this world, to live comfortably in South Korea, one must save money.

But…

“However, no matter how valuable money is, isn’t saving the world more important? The children in this game must fight to prevent the world from being destroyed. So, shouldn’t I support them wholeheartedly?”

Seo Yi-soo passionately explained why she needed to spin the gacha.

“What are you talking about….”

Of course, Shin Ji-hoo didn’t care at all.

“Seo Yi-soo.”

For the first time in a long time, Shin Ji-hoo spoke sternly to Seo Yi-soo.

“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

Seo Yi-soo, intimidated by Shin Ji-hoo’s stern attitude, nervously looked away and replied.

To Seo Yi-soo in that state, Shin Ji-hoo said,

“From now on, only spin the gacha 10 times a day.”

“Wha! But what about the world! Destruction!”

“Even if you spin the gacha only 10 times a day, you can still save that world, you know?”

“Ugh! Shin Ji-hoo! Do you have any idea how terrifying it is for the world to be destroyed?”

“I don’t! What’s the big deal about that?!”

…

And so, while outside, a commotion surrounded Seo Yi-soo,

The actress and manager continued their trivial chatter as usual.

And…

There was someone watching the two of them.

“Oh, there you are. Actress Seo Yi-soo.”

“Oh! Teacher!”

It was Hong Geun-sik.

Approaching with a kind smile, he said,

“Actress Seo Yi-soo, you’ve been quite popular lately, haven’t you? Haha.”

“It’s all thanks to you, teacher. You helped me with the interviews and even went above and beyond. I’m really grateful.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. It’s all because Actress Seo Yi-soo is such a great actress.”

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Hong Geun-sik finally brought up the main topic.

“By the way, a CP from a well-known variety show approached me. Actress Seo Yi-soo, they want you to appear on their program.”

“…What?”

“It’s a great opportunity that came up. Are you interested?”

…

Having brought new opportunities to Seo Yi-soo after the interview, Hong Geun-sik now brought up a variety show.

“This CP is someone I know very well. They will edit the show favorably for Actress Seo Yi-soo.”

“…I see.”

But Shin Ji-hoo hesitated a bit before accepting the offer as readily as before.

‘Why is this teacher so friendly to Seo Yi-soo?’

Shin Ji-hoo grew up in a chaebol family.

While the entertainment industry may be likened to a jungle,

Shin Ji-hoo knew that compared to the world of chaebols, the entertainment industry was just child’s play.

I had experienced enough to feel that way.

That’s why I couldn’t help but know.

There’s no such thing as a favor without a price.

“….”

“There’s no need to overthink it. A shining star will always find a place that matches its brightness, that’s just my belief.”

Hong Geun-sik said with his usual warm smile.