Chapter 120
Due to the responsibility for the mess caused by the alliance and MNet’s vote manipulation, Kim Seon-ye, who had completely fallen without any means of rescue, was forced to resign from Girl 100 by the higher-ups of MNet, who had once been her greatest shield.
In the process, the scene of Team Leader Seon screaming, “How could you do this to me?” was quite the spectacle, but thanks to the active measures taken by Cheon Aram and Jin Yeoreum, it was not difficult to suppress her.
After that, it was Ye Han-na’s time to shine.
From the moment we started negotiations, she was busy incorporating the production team of Girl 100 and gaining the initiative as the main writer. She expertly gathered the core members of Kim Seon-ye’s declining faction, guiding their voices under her control. Based on this, she managed to gently secure the initiative of Girl 100 by negotiating with the PD that had come under Kim Seon-ye’s handling.
Moreover, instead of turning all the agencies that participated in the vote manipulation into enemies, Ye Han-na and I focused the evidence solely on Flower, which made gaining the support of those wanting to quickly resolve the incident quite easy.
Thus, she established herself as the de facto power in Girl 100…
“No, that newly appointed PD is just so incompetent! Even if I brought my Russian Blue cat Trixie to do the work, she’d be more helpful than this person. At least Trixie looks cute when she’s sitting!”
She was on the phone gossiping about the substitute PD who’d come in for Kim Seon-ye.
“Still, with someone like that around, you should be able to expand your vision without too much discomfort.”
“No, there has to be a limit to that. I’m not joking; this person does absolutely nothing. But since there’s another head on top, all the decisions have to be funneled there, so it’s actually just a minus for our manpower. Ha, I can’t believe I’m starting to miss that psycho Kim Seon-ye just a little… No, wait. Remembering the crazy antics she pulled in trying to get me fired brings me back to my senses. From the very beginning, she was…”
If you asked anyone worldwide to name people who hated Kim Seon-ye, Ye Han-na would definitely make it to the top three. Once she started ranting, it was an endless stream, so I quickly interrupted her to change the subject.
“By the way, how was the future direction of Girl 100 decided?”
“Oh, I can’t believe my mind. I called to tell you about the decision made in the meeting, but it slipped off into another direction. Well, I’ll start with the bad news: the project group has been canceled. Regardless of its commercial viability, we can’t help but speak of manipulation, so it’s unavoidable. Right now, we’re going all out to throw bombs at Kim Seon-ye, but if we proceed with the project group, the aftermath we’re barely containing could spread to MNet and the associated agencies. Of course, not doing it doesn’t completely stop the fallout, but there’s no reason to toss logs into the fire that’s already raging for those involved.”
To begin with, the project group has been canceled. Beyond the commercial aspect, as we go on, there will inevitably be talk of manipulation, so it can’t be helped. Right now, we are doing our best to throw the blames onto Kim Seon-ye to wrap things up because if we proceed with the project group, the ripples will barely be contained and spread to MNet and the agency. Of course, not doing that won’t completely stop the aftermath, but there’s no reason to throw more firewood onto the flames of those whose houses are already burning.
“That’s actually what we wanted. Considering our schedule, Gyeoul wasting time in a project group would be more of a hindrance.”
“Oh my, are you perhaps planning a debut?”
At her question, I chuckled softly.
“I think I’ll be able to give you a definitive answer soon. For now, let’s just say very specific discussions are taking place.”
“Wow, has the number of members been discussed yet?”
“We’re planning on about four members.”
“Oh my, congratulations! I can’t wait to see Gyeoul’s debut. If that genius Gyeoul is in the group, they’re bound to succeed! Speaking of good news, we’ve decided to carry out all the episodes up to Episode 12 of Girl 100, as originally planned. Plus, we also decided to hold a final live concert targeted at the viewers. …Of course, the text voting for the debut group decision has been naturally canceled.”
“Wow, really? That’s such uplifting news!”
This was truly a piece of good news. I had intended to unleash the controversy surrounding Girl 100 just when we were nearing the end to maximize the promotional effect of that final live concert for Gyeoul.
“…But why is MNet going to such lengths? Normally, it’s more common to wrap things up quickly if there’s a controversial broadcast.”
“Well, that is indeed the standard judgment, but due to this series of incidents, Girl 100 has gained unprecedented levels of attention in MNet’s history. The damage control was relatively quick as well. So, as long as we can attach motives like ‘ending on a high note’ or ‘tying up loose ends,’ it also sounds like we’re doing it for the fans. So even if we get some backlash, we’ll take the honey. …Oh, and we will be selling concert tickets for money.”
…Such ruthless folks at MNet.
“In this process, I will do my best to support Gyeoul’s narrative. While part of it is because I’m looking at Team Leader Seon, as a broadcast writer, I can put in as much effort as needed for someone like Gyeoul.”
“Wow, I sincerely thank you. Ye Han-na writer, I feel like I’m just taking and not giving.”
“Eh, come on. You’ve done enough for me. Particularly, the help you provided when you invited me to the discussions… Ah, this is getting too long, let’s save that for drinks later. Anyway, if there’s anything else I can assist with, please let me know anytime. I’ve received so much help from Team Leader Seon.”
While inviting me, you mentioned how helpful you were… Ah, this is becoming too long-winded, so let’s save it for a drink later. Anyway, if there’s ever anything else I can help with, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve received a lot of help from Team Leader Seon after all.
Even if I helped her with this and that while writing my rewards, my desire to repay that kindness must stem from Ye Han-na being genuinely a good person.
After all, Cheon Aram’s smell detection was very reliable.
If I hadn’t met her this round, I would’ve likely missed out on someone like Ye Han-na and only gotten tangled up with someone like Ban Seong-cheol.
… I really ought to treat our President well.
“Anyway, thank you so much for your kind words. I look forward to working well together in the future, Writer Ye Han-na.”
– “I’ll be looking forward to it even more. If there are any updates or changes, I’ll reach out again.”
“Okay, see you next time then.”
After finishing my call with Ye Han-na, I politely apologized to the person in front of me.
“I’m sorry I made you wait while I got caught up in this phone call.”
“No worries at all! It didn’t take long, and I had this delicious cake to keep me company, so I wasn’t bored.”
Oh Yoori was the one who struggled against Ban Seong-cheol, and that was Seo Eunbyeol.
“… That’s a relief.”
And she was the girl who had been my lover in the previous round.
*
“…Um, but what is it that you wanted to say?”
I asked Seo Eunbyeol, who was looking at me with a slightly tense expression, while sitting up straight.
“What do you want to do now, Eunbyeol?”
“…What do you mean?”
“Yes, I’d like to know what kind of life you want to live moving forward.”
“….”
Seo Eunbyeol hesitated as if she didn’t know how to respond to my question.
I smiled gently, hoping to ease her anxiety, and spoke again.
“Of course, if you think it’s too personal, it’s perfectly fine not to answer. But I can’t help but feel that the challenges you are facing right now might be too much for you to bear alone. So if you need a bit of support in choosing the future you desire, I’d like to help you.”
“….”
I had a general understanding of her situation. After all, she wasn’t just a simple lover; she was the first artist I managed in the previous round.
Having participated in Girl 100 together as a stepping stone, Seo Eunbyeol and I, of course, faced many adversities and hardships, and we shared quite a bit along the way. Beyond mere chitchat, we shared most of our personal stories back then. So I understood the burden she was currently carrying.
It was a burden that couldn’t be taken lightly.
Carrying all of this alone was practically impossible for Seo Eunbyeol.
“…I don’t want to be an idol anymore. Instead, I want to get a job to support my mother and become an adult who contributes to society.”
It was the answer I expected. She was the type to say such things.
In the last round, she had pleaded with me to believe in her and continue being an idol. But this time, she was going to choose a different path.
“What about working in TwoBear’s Promotion Team?”
“…The Promotion Team?”
“Yes, the Promotion Team. We’re planning to officially create the department as we prepare for our debut. It may be called a promotion job, but it won’t require specialized knowledge. I think it would be great for you to try it out at a slow pace and learn the ropes.”
Park Miso would teach and care for Eunbyeol well. Eunbyeol, while lacking idol talent, had a good head on her shoulders and would pick things up quickly.
“It won’t feel like choosing a job, but rather like dipping your toes into exploring a different career. We won’t overload you with tasks, so how about treating it like studying for the college entrance exam while earning a paycheck? You can also look into other paths if you want. …Whatever it is, I’ll make sure you have the time to find something you want to do.”
What she needed now wasn’t active support and expectations.
It was a time of rest to comfort a life that had rushed furiously to meet others’ expectations.
Working in TwoBear’s Promotion Team would be a great reason for that rest.
“….”
Seo Eunbyeol watched my expression in silence. After a considerable amount of time passed in that delicate stillness, she finally spoke up.
“…Team Leader Seon.”
Hearing her difficult confession, I smiled brightly.
“Yes, Eunbyeol. Please speak freely.”
“Why are you going to such lengths for me?”
“….”
That question brought memories of the first day I saw Eunbyeol in the last round, the mistakes she made due to her naivety, and the ensuing disaster swirling in my mind.
From the wave of those memories, I pulled out one answer.
“To avoid regret.”
*
“Team Leader Seon, are you here?”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
And time passed to the day of the final filming for Girl 100, the Final Live Concert.
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