Top Management Chapter 153-154

Chapter 153: Competent or Incompetent (6)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

As the softly playing song came to an end, Kim Hyunjo said,

"This is good too?"

… That was it?

"How do you like the song?"

"It's good. The melody is catchy. I bet it'll do quite well on the charts?"

This definitely wasn't a bad reaction.

But it felt lukewarm.

Even if the song wasn't good enough for him to jump and shout, "Eureka!" I had thought he would react a bit more strongly than this. Did I pick the wrong song? No, this was definitely the one Kim Hyunjo praised was a good song and said it would have been even a bigger hit if Neptune sang it…

At the sudden thought, I stared at Kim Hyunjo.

"Chief, you know the song that's first on the charts right now…"

"What? Rubynus's{1} new song?"

"What if Neptune sang that song?"

"It would have been a bigger hit if Neptune sang it. The song's good."

Oh my G.o.d.

I rubbed my face with both hands before asking,

"Then what about Pretty Girls' new song you just heard? What if Neptune sang that?"

"Obviously Neptune would do much better than Pretty Girls. The song would be more polished."

"I don't know about that."

The Team 3 Leader, who had been lost in his thoughts, abruptly joined in.

"It doesn't fit with Neptune's image, right? It's too cute and girly?"

"Is it?"

Kim Hyunjo shrugged. Then he looked at me and asked,

"But what's with your expression? You look depressed?"

Of course, I was.

I was depressed that the several days I spent worrying and struggling with internal conflict and the nights I spent enduring temptation was all for naught. It was so ridiculous I laughed. Why did I believe Kim Hyunjo's words at face value? It wasn't like some revelation.

Kim Hyunjo and the Team 3 Leader looked at me like I was crazy when I laughed while covering my face.

Still, this incident wasn't completely pointless as I would always be tempted as long as I saw the future. Since I was able to reevaluate myself through this incident, I wouldn't waver next time. I tried to comfort myself by thinking this.

Ah, I realized one thing.

The future I saw were hints, not answers.

'Create your own team.'

CEO Baek Hansung's order, which seemed like a test, echoed in my mind.

First, I asked for the Team 3 Leader and Kim Hyunjo's help to create a list of experts within W&U and amongst its partners. Then I looked for team members amongst the staff who normally worked with Blackout.

The most important of them was the A&R Team's producer as we needed a conductor to make an alb.u.m.

The person I came looking to see today was the person who created Blackout's digital single, Producer Ferret. Of course, his real name was something else, but this man who called himself Producer Ferret was living in a dark office.

"It's not Neptune's but some unknown group's alb.u.m, huh? Well, at least the song is decent."

Producer Ferret said while perching his chin. He was decorated in skull tattoos and rings.

"I heard that you have some time now that Blackout's done promoting their digital single."

"That's true, but I was planning on producing some songs in New York and refresh myself…"

His eyes moved quickly beyond his horn-rimmed gla.s.ses. His gaze was mixed with curiosity and light expectations. He looked like he was weighing the pros and cons of joining my project team.

I also recalled all the information I gathered on him.

He originally dreamed of being a singer-songwriter but made it big as a producer when that failed. He never rejects a chance to have an interview with the press and loves attention. Although he was skilled, he almost never took on unknown groups with little popularity back when he was a freelancer.

He was asked to appear on multiple broadcasts because he was good-looking but was quickly fired for not being a good talker. His rumors spread amongst show writers that no one asks him to appear on their show anymore.

I tied the bait to the hook.

"We plan on broadcasting the alb.u.m production process like a reality TV show."

"A show?"

He immediately took the bait.

I smiled brightly and continued,

"I think you'll look great on camera since you are the most good-looking amongst the A&R Team. We want to film you producing-"

"I'll do it!"

Got him.

Although I got one, this was only the start. I couldn't make an alb.u.m with him alone.

My list of full of experts I need to fish, but I couldn't focus solely on this project either. I didn't have time to rest as I tried to work through a packed day's schedule and create my own team simultaneously.

"Yes, Producer Ferret. Since you've worked with the vocal trainers and ch.o.r.eographers on that list, if you could just connect me to them, I'll-"

"Chief Jung Sunwoo!"

A woman approached me with a bright smile on her face.

She was a marketing employee of a makeup brand that chose Lee Songha as their spokesmodel.

"The signing event is a huge success. Thank you for coming. We will reimburse your tr"

"Of course, we need to come. It's part of the contract."

"Um, we would like to schedule a meeting regarding extending Ms. Songha's contract."

"Let's talk about that after the signing event."

I smiled like a true capitalist as I looked around the signing event. Lee Songha was signing autographs in front of one of their stores. Quite a bit of time had pa.s.sed, yet the line only got longer until it filled the department store.

There was a fuss in the store as well.

"Could you give me one of Lee Songha's lipstick? The one she wore in Royal Family episode 5?"

"I'm sorry. That product is not in stock as it is sold out in all our stores. If you reserve it, you will be able to receive it next month."

"What? Next month?"

"The production isn't fast enough to keep up with the demand."

Even though they encountered an endless number of customers, the employees from the company's headquarters were smiling broadly. The lipstick Lee Songha wore on Royal Family was sold out and played a huge part in spreading their brand.

Thanks to that, Lee Songha was receiving a ton of spokesmodel proposals, so it was beneficial for us as well.

Happy, I looked at Lee Songha before I jolted and raised my phone to be ear.

"Ah, sorry. There was a problem here. Yes, so first the ch.o.r.eographer…"

After finis.h.i.+ng Lee Songha's day schedule, I went to find Nam Joyoon before her early morning schedule.

I handed him a thick envelope full of scenarios and scripts.

Checking its content, Nam Joyoon licked his lips and said,

"What is all…"

"These are all projects sent for you. Although they are all supporting roles, some are pretty decent so let's have a meeting once you've had a chance to read them all."

Nam Joyoon nodded slowly as all his attention was solely fixated on the envelope. The way he handled the scenario he took out was as careful and affectionate as how a devote believer would treat the Bible.

Holding a can of beer, Kim Hyunsup, who seemed to have come over to hang out, glanced at the envelope in astonishment.

"Wow, now that your name is known, scenarios just pile up in front of you. I bet you no longer have to go around to auditions. I didn't really notice it because people didn't recognize you on the street, but you're living in a different world now."

"Hyung's just started to be known in the movie industry. He needs to be more popular for the general public to call his name out in public."

Although getting his name in the real-time search rankings thanks to the articles did help, he still had a long way to go.

Still, his process was great.

Alive was breaking record after record as it swept through the entertainment industry, and Nam Joyoon's popularity was steadily rising. There were quite a few people who recognized him on his last stage introduction even though it was before the screening.

On top of that, there was no need to fixate on villain roles either as his image was good thanks to the story about us. It was to the point where we received proposals on filming human doc.u.mentary about our story.

Nam Joyoon stood in place as he read at the scenario. I placed my hand on his shoulder. He must have already been absorbed in it as his burning eyes slowly looked at me.

"You're going to have a photoshoot."

"A photoshoot?"

"It's a movie magazine. It's an article about hotly antic.i.p.ated rising stars, and we decided to have an interview and photoshoot. So you have to get skin treatment at the shop."

Nam Joyoon scratched his chin as though the word 'photoshoot' was unfamiliar to him.

Then he suddenly frowned and gave me a worried look.

"But I think you need to rest a little. You don't look too good."

"I've just been so busy these days. Ah, about that, you'll probably continue having these events from now on, and I probably won't be able to go to all of them if there's a scheduling conflict."

"It's alright. Let me know the place and I'll get there on my own."

Nam Joyoon said casually.

"No way. It's not like you have a management company for show. I'm currently looking for a good road manager who can drive and check your schedule so-"

"Excuse me, Joyoon's mother."

Kim Hyunsup called me with his hand raised.

"Could I try being his road manager until you find someone? I think it'll be fun."

"What about your shoots?"

"I'm mostly doing translating work these days. I wasn't the type to put myself life into acting from the start."

He answered with a shrug.

That wasn't a bad idea. He wanted to do it, and Nam Joyoon would feel more comfortable with a friend. I quickly made up my mind and nodded. Then I told Kim Hyunsup the location and artist of the shop Nam Joyoon would be going to.

Ah, now that I thought about it, I need to discuss Pretty Girls' concept now that the hair and makeup stylists were somewhat decided. Things proceeded smoothly as they were interested in being on the show.

Going around in a frenzy was worthwhile.

The project team was starting to take shape.

Unlike the experts who I had to persuade, there were even some who asked to join my team.

Lee Kwanwoo smiled innocently, making me think of a golden retriever.

"To be honest, my dream is making an unknown celebrity s.h.i.+ne. A dramlike story where we overcome all sorts of hards.h.i.+p to s.h.i.+ne in the end."

"You're persistent. To still dream and search for a dramlike story."

"It's all thanks to you, chief. Working under you, it sometimes feels like a drama. Where can we find a story more dramatic than the one with you and Neptune or with you and Mr. Nam Joyoon?"

That was true.

"If this project succeeds, then you've just made another drama."

Lee Kwanwoo looked at me with eyes full of admiration.

I scratched my gooseb.u.mps and answered,

"Yeah, let's work together. Be careful to not have the project affect Neptune's schedule."

"Yes, thank you!"

I should be the one thanking you. I was lacking manpower.

As I patted his wide shoulder, Lee Kwanwoo walked in place with an excited face. Even though he didn't have a tail, I could see it wagging behind him.

Staying like this for a bit, Lee Kwanwoo suddenly seem to think of something as he asked,

"But, chief, are you going to appear on Good Friends' long-term project?"

"Yeah, I'm going to meet them again and talk in detail."

It would be beneficial to Im Seoyoung and LJ. While I was thinking about what the production staff said about their plan of an entertainment show-web drama collaboration, Lee Kwanwoo sounded relieved.

"That's good."

"What is?"

"I heard this from a stylist, but apparently, the production staff seemed a little troubled while they were waiting for your reply. That's why Seoyoung was cautious on set."

"Seoyoung was?"

I didn't hear about this at all.

"It seems she didn't tell you because she knew you didn't like appearing on shows."

Lee Kwanwoo, Team Leader Park, and I were sitting in a meeting room.

"What if we release an article first? Before the interest in you and Mr. Joyoon cools?"

Team Leader Park suggested while twirling her fountain pen.

"If you announce that you'll be making an unknown girl group's alb.u.m and mention that it will be a reality TV show, I bet interested broadcasting and production companies will make proposals first? Cable networks will be fighting to get the show on their network since it's such a good item."

"I think the public networks will be interested as well."

Lee Kwanwoo nodded.

"The problem is that they can't get us a good timeslot."

"No, they'll be reorganizing their lineup for spring. There will be entertainment shows that will end, and new ones will launch. As long as they want it, they'll be able to squeeze in a three or four-part series."

"Ah."

"If the reality TV show gets decent ratings, it'll help boost the rating of the program that comes after it. It'll be great if we can get on a public network, but the problem is…"

Team Leader Park frowned.

"Since their staff have their noses up in the air, they won't want us meddling in their programming discussions. The producer and writer are key in a show like this, and I'm worried who they'll a.s.sign to our project. We might end up with a different narrative than we expected."

"If that's the case, I guess a cable network could be better."

"Still, their numbers are completely different from cable. First, let's release the article and see who sends us proposals…"

"What if we ask IBC before we release the article?"

They both looked at me.

"IBC?"

"Seoyoung and LJ are regulars on a show there. If we show our sincerity first, then they'll probably think about it more as well. About us or Seoyoung and LJ."

"That's probably true."

Team Leader Park nodded.

This conclusion was sent to CEO Baek Hansung through the director. In the past, he personally went and met with the entertainment head for Next K-Star in the past, but it didn't seem like he would do anything this time. He simply replied with an 'Okay'.

It sounded like he would be watching what I do.

We were able to send our message to IBC's entertainment head through Producer Choi of Good Friends.

We quickly scheduled an appointment. I went to their office with the project proposal and information and saw Producer Choi and the chief producer, Director Hw.a.n.g, waiting in a meeting room.

I greeted them, but Producer Choi gave me an odd look.

I quickly learned the reason. As he examined the proposal, Director Hw.a.n.g suddenly asked,

"I don't think the proposal is bad. How much is W&U able to sponsor?"

Sponsor?

"Why? Did you not think of that before you came? You should know that these idol reality TV shows are usually greenlit after the proposing company sponsors it, right?"

Director Hw.a.n.g clicked his tongue before slyly saying,

"Or if you're not going to sponsor anything, how about we air this at a good timeslot if W&U helps with Good Friend's long-term project? Neptune's Im Seoyoung and LJ are also part of your company, but isn't the company too hands off?"

Good Friends' Producer Choi coughed.

When I kept my lips closed, Director Hw.a.n.g continued,

"Get actors like Seo Jijoon or Son Chaeyoung who don't appear on entertainment shows often to make cameo appearances. Since you're going to help, why not go all in? Huh? What do you think?"

I was so dumbfounded that the corners of lips rose.

Just what was this guy asking?

Ah, what did I think?

{1} This seems to be a join of 'Ruby' and 'Venus'? Koreans write the 'by' in 'Ruby' and 'Ve' in 'Venus' the same way.

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Chapter 154: Competent or Incompetent (7)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

The main producer of Good Friends, Choi Byungsoo, quickly read the mood.

General Manager Hw.a.n.g was leisurely sitting on his left, and Chief Jung Sunwoo was lost in his thoughts with his hands clasped on his right. Producer Choi recalled the conversation he had ten minutes Chief Jung Sunwoo arrived.

'Are you sure it's okay to push him? It's not like it's some minor company but W&U. Also, you know Chief Jung Sunwoo.'

'Why are you so cautious around some budding seedling as a network producer? Large management companies are taking on bad habits because of guys like you. They think they're the best since we treat their top stars well.'

'What if they take the reality TV show elsewhere because they are offended? This proposal is good.'

'There are two Neptune members on your show. We can just put a little pressure on him saying that they could be taken off the show.'

'Will that work?'

'It'll have to. I'm doing this for you, aren't I? I'll be the one to pressure him, so you just play up to him from the side. There's a ton we can gain from him. We need to take every last bit.'

At first, Producer Choi felt skeptical, but he slowly began to think General Manager Hw.a.n.g's words had some truth to them.

If things work out and W&U actors will appear on his show and if he could properly utilize Jung Sunwoo, who the general public had an eye on… This was something he couldn't pa.s.s when he was worried he might be changed out from the program as he awaited the spring restructuring.

Just as his small hope grew, Jung Sunwoo spoke,

"General manager."

His voice was calm despite having been looked down upon.

"Sponsored idol reality shows are trying to do business with their fans, but our situation is a bit different, is it not? This will be a hot topic. It'll get ads, and you might be able to sell the rights as Chinese demand increases with Lee Songha's appearance on the show."

"Isn't it still a three or four-part series? There needs to be a bit more of a benefit for us."

General Manager Hw.a.n.g frowned.

"I mean, are we asking for a lot? In exchange for giving you a good timeslot and setting you up with a good director and writers, all we want is W&U's wholehearted support. I'm simply suggesting we help each other out."

"It's good to help each other out. But we can't order our top stars around."

Jung Sunwoo made a difficult expression.

General Manager Hw.a.n.g, who acted like he was upset, changed his tone,

"Then what about those at a lower level? Who's that actor, the one who's in the news a lot? Nam Joyoon? What if him and you come on the show and share your story? Wouldn't it benefit him as well if we promote him like this?"

"That's true. It'll be beneficial, but we are carefully deliberating his entertainment show appearances. It's a very important time for him right now, and he's not a skilled talker."

"Now really. Then let's have Neptune's comeback performance on our network? They are preparing an alb.u.m, right? Since you did it on PBS last time, you should do it on our network."

Before Jung Sunwoo could reply, General Manager Hw.a.n.g cut him off and said,

"Think about it carefully. Chief Jung, if you keep saying that you can't do this and that, then we'll get upset. Internally, people have brought up switching out Im Seoyoung and LJ, and if our relations.h.i.+p with W&U sours, that might actually happen."

"Oh, general manager. Why would you bring that up here?"

Producer Choi quickly joined in.

"Seoyoung and LJ are part of our family. It's our fault that they aren't trendy enough. Why do you keep bringing up hard-working cast members?"

"It's because it feels like we're the only ones who think of them like family!"

General Manager Hw.a.n.g clicked his tongue then left the room saying he had to make a call.

Producer Choi placed his hand on Jung Sunwoo's shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I can't say anything because he's our chief producer. I'm sorry."

Jung Sunwoo turned to look at him. Producer Choi swallowed dryly as he examined Jung Sunwoo's expression. He had thought he would either be at a loss at what to do or mad at the general manager's intimidation. He thought it would be one of the two…

But it was neither.

"I'm a bit taken aback. Can we consider this as IBC's official stance?"

"Not mine, but it's the general manager's stance. You know how the higher-ups think. I'll try talking with the general manager again so please help me out. Please think of it as helping Seoyoung and LJ out. Of course, we'll push the reality…"

Producer Choi examined his expression again as he tried to persuade him.

Jung Sunwoo had a thick smile on his face.

"You are Lee Kwanwoo, correct? Neptune's road manager?"

"Ah, yes. That's me."

Lee Kwanwoo, who was glancing at the meeting room, stood up. The man who approached him had an IBC employee card around his neck. He introduced himself as a drama director before handing him a warm cup of coffee.

"I heard Chief Jung Sunwoo came to the entertainment department. Is that true?"

"They are in a meeting right now."

"Oh wow. I came right over when I heard the news. It's been difficult to meet with him to discuss any projects. Does our Chief Jung like coffee or juice?"

The director asked while holding a can of coffee and juice in either hand.

"From what I know, he drinks coffee more often."

"But what is the meeting about? He needs to be in a good mood so that I can strike a conversation with him."

"Just…"

Lee Kwanwoo was sidestepping the conversation when Jung Sunwoo walked out of the meeting room.

The director beamed.

"Uh, I don't know what they talked about, but I guess things went well? He's smiling."

"I guess."

Lee Kwanwoo mumbled.

The director quickly headed over and handed him the can of coffee and a script.

"Chief Jung! This, I talked to you about it on the phone before. This will be a huge success."

"h.e.l.lo."

"We haven't received a timeslot because we haven't confirmed the leads, but if Ms. Lee Songha says she'll do it, we'll get a timeslot immediately. It's also time for Ms. Songha to be a sole lead! Don't go anywhere and work with us."

"Hmm, we'll have to see the schedule for any new projects."

"We match your schedule! Call me once you've read the script, okay?"

"Of course, I'll let you know first."

Jung Sunwoo said with a smile.

Leaving behind the wistful drama director, he left the building with steadfast steps.

Lee Kwanwoo followed behind and asked,

"I guess the meeting didn't go well?"

"Why do you think that? I'm smiling, aren't I?"

Jung Sunwoo laughed.

Taking a step back, Lee Kwanwoo scratched his neck, which had broken out in gooseb.u.mps.

Greeting people as he pa.s.sed by, Jung Sunwoo said,

"It's been a long time since I've been looked down upon like this. It's refres.h.i.+ng. I feel two years younger."

"Why? Did they say they won't do the show?"

"No, they said they want to, but they want too much."

"Want too much?"

"It's like trying to live together, but if we want to live with them, we need to buy the house, appliances, furniture, and a car."

"What the…"

Understanding what went on in the meeting, Lee Kwanwoo frowned. The battle of wits between broadcasting and management companies. And the tyranny of network producers who held the timeslots. This wasn't surprising.

"Then what are you going to do?"

"What do you think?"

All traces of a smile disappeared from Jung Sunwoo's face.

"I can't live like that."

I left Lee Kwanwoo to go back to the company before heading to Neptune's residence.

I opened the door and went in. Lee Taehee was standing by the entrance.

It was usually Lee Songha.

"She's sleeping."

Lee Taehee gestured with her chin as though she read my mind. Lee Songha was sleeping, flopped on the sofa. She had an interview early yesterday morning as well. She has been so busy that it felt like I've only seen her eat or sleep when she wasn't working.

"What about the other girls?"

"I think they are sleeping? They haven't left their rooms, saying that it was going to rain since the morning."

"What were you doing?"

"Rice wine is best for rainy days."

Lee Taehee licked her lips before continuing,

"I was working on songs while having a drink."

"Did you tell the others about your songs?"

"No, I plan on telling them once it's decided."

Then she smiled faintly. It suited her.

She was always like this while she was waiting for my reply. She was always calm and quiet.

However, when I told her that Kim Hyunjo and the Team 3 Leader danced when they heard her songs… When I said sorry for the late reply and laughed as I told her she might be a genius…

Lee Taehee's relieved expression was completely different from normal.

Although she acted like nothing was wrong, she must have a lot on her mind. Also, this probably wasn't limited to Lee Taehee. It was the same for Lee Songha, who was becoming more famous by the day but was also gaining a lot of personal fans that negatively affected their group's fanbase. This also went for Im Seoyoung and LJ, who were appearing on entertainment shows.

I wondered how much they had on their minds that they weren't telling me.

"Oppa! When did you arrive?"

Im Seoyoung burst out her room. Her hair was a mess like she had just woken up, and she had a yellow blanket wrapped around her like a cloak. Im Seoyoung's cheery voice shook their residence. Lee Songha's eyes immediately opened, and LJ yawned as she came out of her room.

"Does Lee Songha have another schedule today? Euahh, but she looks like a complete couch-potato right now."

"I'm fine."

"You have ssamjang{1} on your chin."

Lee Songha hastily rubbed her chin.

"It was a lie."

Im Seoyoung giggled. Then she asked me,

"Really, why did you come today?"

"To see you."

"Ehh, don't lie!"

"It's true."

Im Seoyoung, who shook her blanket in a playful manner, stopped.

"Really?"

"I came to see you and LJ."

Taking a moment to process this, Im Seoyoung and LJ blinked.

We went into LJ's room. Im Seoyoung's room had no s.p.a.ce due to all her stuffed animals.

This room was filled with exercising equipment and gaming gear. Thick books in their original language were neatly organized on her desk. I couldn't tell what they were about as their covers had pictures of shackles or handcuffs on them.

We took our places on the chair, bed, and floor when the door creaked open.

"Oppa, do you want coffee?"

Lee Songha leaned her head out.

"No, it's fine."

"We also have citron tea, ginseng extract, and tomato juice."

"We have stuff like that in our fridge? Why didn't I see them?"

Im Seoyoung's eyes widened. LJ flatly said,

"You should tell her to bring you something. It looks she's worried you'll faint from a parched throat while talking."

"Then citron tea."

"Please wait a moment. I'll make it right now."

Im Seoyoung glared at her.

"Are you not going to ask us? I'm going to drink all of oppa's share."

"We have water and barley tea."

"Hey!":

"It's a joke."

Having gotten her revenge, Lee Songha soon brought over three cups.

Taking a sip of citron tea, I looked at Im Seoyoung. She acted stiffly when I told her I wanted to talk, but she now returned to normal thanks to Lee Songha. Looking at her sipping tomato juice while holding her cup with both hands, I asked,

"How's the mood on Good Friends?"

Her large eyes shook like they were struck by an earthquake.

"It… It's good?"

"Is it really? It seems like they are a bit restless with the upcoming restructuring."

"No…"

"A bit."

LJ said.

Surprised, Im Seoyoung couldn't even shout before slapping LJ's back.

"Hey, what's wrong? It doesn't matter if we talk about it now. He's already decided to appear on the show."

"Still…!"

"We need to discuss this once anyways."

She looked at me. LJ downed her bottle of water in an instant.

"The staff kept going around asking us to get you to appear on the show. They only asked me, but it seems they pestered her because she seemed like a pushover. Especially the producer. He asked why we couldn't ask our manager to do this and commented about how we didn't have any affection for the program."

"Producer Choi Byungsoo?"

LJ nodded before adding,

"About that producer."

"Hey, stop it! It's so embarra.s.sing! What are you going to say now?!"

Im Seoyoung was nervous as she bounced up and down.

"Should I stop?"

I handed her my citron tea and said,

"No, tell me everything."

Rain sprinkled on my winds.h.i.+eld. The white streetlights' light diffused through the rain. Sitting in the driver's seat, I quietly observed at the scene. The incident at the broadcasting company and LJ's words rang in my mind.

"Chief Jung!"

A voice broke the silence. Chief Lee Taes.h.i.+n got in the pa.s.senger's seat. He seemed to have rushed over without an umbrella as his hair was wet.

He clenched his fist once before lowering his head. His expression became gloomy like a cloudy night sky.

"I'm sorry. I haven't found Jae yet. She hasn't contacted her home. She came to the city during high school with the dream of becoming a singer, so she probably doesn't have any friends to spend the night at. The other girls signed with another company, but I have no idea where she disappeared off to."

Saying this, he examined my expression.

It seemed he was worried I would tell him to stop looking for Jung Jae.

"I'm constantly looking around…"

"I guess she might contact you once the article is published."

"The article?"

Chief Lee Taes.h.i.+n quickly looked up.

"Yes, please let the goldfish, I mean, members know that they can tell their family."

"Then…!"

The corners of my lips rose as I said,

"It's time to start."

{1} Korean sauce usually used for Korean BBQ

/ /