Episode 59: These lewd things are idols?

Episode: 59

The atmosphere quickly turned cold.

That awkward tension people often refer to as "killing the vibe."

You know that saying—about crossing a line?

Well, if you’re going to cross it, might as well do it properly.

“If 200 million isn’t enough, you can give me 300 million.”

At my words, the budget team and Park Joo-yong, who had been shrinking away beside me, burst into a dry laugh.

‘Has he gone mad?’ 

That’s probably what they’re thinking.

If CEO Chun Tae-oh weren’t present, someone would’ve spoken up long ago.

“Do you think 200 million is someone’s name?”

Eventually, someone from the budget team, who couldn’t hold back any longer, spoke up.

They seemed extra sensitive today, likely because they’d witnessed the CEO explode earlier.

“I know it’s not. And if that were someone’s name, well, that would be pretty terrifying in its own way. But I’m talking about 300 million. Three hundred.”

“…?”

As I raised three fingers—index, middle, and ring—the budget team looked like they were about to explode.

“Do you think this is some kind of AM or live broadcast? Even in those places, it’s not easy to secure such a budget!”

The budget team member, hands on their hips, pointed at me and yelled.

But I remained as calm as ever.

“If you say that, wouldn’t the CEO beside us feel a bit slighted? Our company is a good one too.”

“That’s not what I’m saying!”

“I’m making a reasonable request. With the songs, choreography, and if you’ve seen our kids, wouldn’t you find it somewhat convincing?”

The overwhelming presence was evident even through the screen.

Our group, with an average grade of SS, at the very least, was sure to recoup the investment.

But it wouldn’t just stop there, right?

Lately, I’ve been living somewhat like an ordinary person, but...

I’m definitely not ordinary.

‘Right?’

[Of course. After all, you’ve got me, your god-tier AI, by your side.]

Exactly.

There’s nothing to fear.

The path may be a bit rough.

Unexpected incidents may catch me off guard.

But in the end, the outcome won’t change.

That’s why I can push forward with such confidence.

“I’m saying this because it’s worth investing in. If it weren’t, I wouldn’t be speaking so confidently.”

“That’s not for you to decide! You’re just a team leader!”

It was then that Chun Tae-oh intervened.

“Now, now. Let’s calm down.”

He managed to get the fuming budget team to sit down.

With his chin resting on his clasped hands, Chun Tae-oh looked at me and asked,

“Team Leader Kim.”

“Yes?”

“Just one question. Are you truly confident?”

His voice and expression were so gentle.

Even if there was some pretense in it...

I couldn’t help but wonder if I was more trusted and valued by CEO Chun Tae-oh than I realized.

‘He’s not even asking if I can take responsibility this time.’

That implicitly meant the CEO would share the responsibility with me.

“Yes. I am confident.”

Honestly, if I couldn’t succeed with the team I’m currently managing?

Then I’d need to check the temperature of the Han River immediately.

“I see. Understood.”

CEO Chun Tae-oh nodded.

“I’d like to give you 300 million, but let’s set it at 200 million.”

“C-CEO!”

“If it’s not enough, I’ll supplement it with my own money.”

It wasn’t just the budget team that was taken aback.

Even Park Joo-yong, who had been expecting me to get scolded, was so surprised he nearly fell off his chair.

“Since I’ll be using my own money, it should be fine, right, Budget Team Leader?”

“Well... I... I’ll try to squeeze as much out of the budget as possible.”

“Alright. If it’s still not enough, let me know right away.”

“Yes, sir.”

Though it wasn’t visible in front of the CEO, I could see the worry etched on the budget team’s face as they turned their head slightly.

They were already stressing about where and how to make cuts.

But that wasn’t my problem.

“Do you know something, Team Leader Kim?”

“Yes? What are you referring to?”

“As of now, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that your group, 'Always', is the hope of this company. Truly.”

I already knew that, but...

Hearing it from that person’s mouth suddenly made it feel like someone had placed a boulder on both of my shoulders.

“I’ll make sure they succeed.”

That’s all I could say at the moment.

‘With 200 million, we could even shoot overseas, right?’

"Shoot the music video as soon as the budget comes through. When are you planning the debut? Maybe what we really need to discuss here is the perfect timing for the debut of the 'Always' girls."

"I'm thinking of debuting them around December 1st. After looking into it, I found that girl groups who debut around that time often dominate the following year."

If they debut in December, they'll only make brief appearances at many award shows.

They won't win big awards at major events.

But because of that, it's easier for rookies to debut and snag first place on music shows.

The big-name seniors tend to step back a bit during that time.

In the beginning, making a strong impact in people's minds was the most important thing.

The problem is, I'm not the only one who thinks this way.

“It’s likely to be quite competitive. Was this a coincidence? Or did you plan it?”

“Pardon?”

This time, I was genuinely caught off guard.

Because I had no idea what Cheon Tae-oh was talking about.

A coincidence? Planned?

Seeing my reaction, Cheon Tae-oh nodded slightly.

“Oh, you didn’t know. Well, that’s understandable. Apparently, AM is also debuting a new girl group in December.”

“Yes…”

But what does that have to do with me? I tilted my head in confusion.

“I heard there’s a girl in that group who went to the same high school as 'Always's' youngest member.”

“…”

“She even called me once. Quite an interesting girl.”

Cheon Tae-oh’s face had a hint of anticipation.

Ironically, I think I can meet those expectations this time too.

‘Jo Yuna. So, she’s finally going to debut as an idol.’

I didn’t think she would.

Why is she doing it?

It’s not like she’s short on money.

Her family’s wealthy too.

‘Is it just out of boredom?’

Whatever the reason, I just have one more reason to make sure 'Always' debuts successfully.

‘By the way, how should I exact revenge?’

I had said something vague to Hee-ju about it to get her on board.

But I’ll need to deliver a fitting revenge if I want to make Hee-ju happy.

‘It can’t be something as simple as exposing her school bullying and getting her kicked out of the entertainment industry.’

It’s not like she’s dirt poor and would starve without it.

Nor is she someone who can’t live without this career because being an idol has been her dream since childhood.

‘Wow, it’s really tough to get revenge on someone from a rich family.’

While I was thinking this to myself,

“Let’s wrap up the meeting for today. I’m expecting great things from you, Team Leader Kim.”

“Yes. I’ll deliver.”

“And Team Leader Park.”

Park Joo-yong, who looked half-dead and wanted nothing more than to get out of there, answered with difficulty.

“Yes, sir.”

“Do a good job.”

“Yes.”

Click. Click.

With that, Cheon Tae-oh, who had just delivered a warning disguised as encouragement, left the room.

“Whew. I’m off as well. The kids are eager to see me.”

“…”

Even on his way out, he didn’t forget to offer some parting words of wisdom.

I patted Park Joo-yong on the shoulder, brushing off some imaginary dust as I spoke.

“You’re probably about ready for retirement, aren’t you?”

“What…?”

“These days, even the younger guys don’t make such ridiculous moves.”

“You little—!”

Smack.

Not that it mattered.

Of course, I easily caught the punch he expected to land and even gave him a smile for good measure.

“Well then, I’ll be on my way. Stay strong! Fighting!”

I sprinted toward the elevator, jumping and clapping my shoes together in celebration.

Now that’s how you properly get under someone’s skin.

“Guys! We’ve got a 200 million won budget for the music video!”

Start thinking about where you want to go abroad.

Ding-.

[Basement Level 1.]

I was on my way back to the studio to meet the kids who were probably waiting for me with their eyes glued to the clock.

-♪♬♪♬

My phone rang.

Thinking it might be one of my kids, I quickly answered.

-Team Leader Kim. This is Cheon Tae-oh.

It was the boss.

Damn.

I nearly floored the gas pedal and ended my life right there.

“Oh. Yes, sir.”

I hope he’s not calling to say that 200 million is too much and we should cut it in half.

That’s not it, right?

- “This isn’t a discussion about the budget, so feel free to relax. If it were, I would’ve brought it up in the conference room earlier.”

This guy.

Can he read minds too?

- “It’s really a light conversation.”

“Yes, I understand.”

But just because you say it’s light, does that mean the person hearing it will find it light?

Damn it.

If you tell us the rock lying on the street is candy and ask us to eat it, we’d have no choice but to comply.

- “Do you happen to know any composers?”

“Pardon?”

- “Ah. How embarrassing of me to ask such a question. But since the matter involves Composer Nam Po-dong, I can’t ignore my own responsibility. I’m trying to resolve the issue, but I remembered how sharp your eye is, Manager Kim.”

Indeed, it was Chun Tae-oh who first brought in the composer known as Nam Po-dong Iron Fist.

“This guy definitely has the makings of a leader.”

He could’ve just let it slide.

But I wanted to respect him for taking responsibility.

Moreover, even going so far as to personally call a subordinate and inquire about it.

“At the moment, the only composer I’m connected with is STB’s Kim Gi-bok. But I’ll do my best to find someone suitable as soon as possible.”

- “I’d appreciate that. If the result is good, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded.”

“Ah, about that reward, Director.”

Would anyone else have responded the same way I did?

One thing’s for sure.

Today, I was like an unstoppable eight-ton truck.

“Team Leader Park Joo-yong, can you handle this?”

It’s a bit bothersome.

***

After the meeting ended, I headed straight to the studio where the kids were waiting.

On the way.

[The 100-Won Bread Everyone’s Talking About / Huge Hit on Social Media / Guaranteed Views on MiiTube]

“What’s that?”

I heard it’s popular among young people, so I decided to stop and check it out.

I wondered if it was actually a 100-won bread, but it turned out to be bread shaped like a 100-won coin.

“Isn’t this just a scam?”

I muttered to myself, but since it’s popular with young women, I bought enough to share with the composer, smiling as I did so.

Back in the car, I took a bite.

“I prefer pork soup.”

[STUDIO]

I walked into the studio holding a bag of 100-won bread.

“Aaaaaah!”

“Aaaaah!”

I could guess what kind of chaos had erupted while I was gone.

Today, the kids were particularly on edge.

Maybe their breathing wasn’t in sync.

Even a slight irritation seemed to trigger screaming.

Even the great Kim Gi-bok seemed to have trouble managing the kids, sighing deeply.

“Let’s take a 10-minute break.”

At that moment, I appeared.

“You’re doing a great job, Composer.”

“Oh! M-Mr. Manager! Why are you only showing up now? I just realized today—the real core of Always is you, Manager. I don’t mean to say this, but when you’re not here, the kids are just... ugh.”

The kids who ran out of the recording room noticed me and pushed Kim Gi-bok’s face aside to rush towards me.

“Manager! Please scold these brats! They’ve been treating me like crap.”

“I just pointed out something that was wrong!”

“Ugh, when the manager isn’t around, I can’t get in the zone.”

“I’m annoyed.”

Peep-peep-.

Peep-peep-.

Peep-peep-.

I thought they had all grown into hens, but in the short time I wasn’t watching, they’d reverted back to chicks.

“Guys, I brought some bread that’s apparently trending these days.”

“Screw the bread! We can’t stand it anymore, let’s start stretching right now. Composer, I’ll do some stretches with the manager. Just wait here.”

They show no interest in the expensive bread that costs 4,000 won each but eagerly devour anything I offer them.

Let’s see if I ever buy anything for these girls again.

“You’re amazing, Manager. The kids’ energy and overall condition have completely changed. Can’t I try that stretching too?”

“I told you, it’s women-only stretching.”

“Can I at least watch?”

“That’s even more forbidden.”

Fortunately, we were able to finish recording much faster than before that day.

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