Episode 6: The Newcomer Who Saved the Music Video (2)
WIS had completely blown my mind.
Each member took turns hugging me, shaking my hand, and even taking selfies with me.
The selfies were my request.
As soon as I asked, they burst into laughter and took various shots with me in the center.
I even got autographs on all their limited-edition albums,
And they promised to invite me to the best seats at fan meetings and concerts.
Hugging a celestial-level girl group I’d only seen on TV, taking selfies, and getting VIP concert seats—
It’s good to be alive, no, installing Premium Cut 3000 was the best decision of my life.
“Do you like WIS? If you’d like, I could assign you as their road manager. It’s an easy job—just follow them around,”
Said the middle-aged guy—wait, no, Team Leader Jo Unseok from Team 3.
His words snapped me back to reality.
“No, thank you. Fans are happiest when they admire their stars from a respectful distance.”
“Oh, really?”
“Getting too close might burn out my fan spirit—like today’s fire.”
“I didn’t realize you liked WIS so passionately. Then again, volunteering to save the music video data in that situation….”
Until yesterday, I was just a casual fan who listened to their music.
But starting today, I’m officially a hardcore fan.
I mean, I got hugged five times—it’s only natural.
“Now, shall we talk about work? Take a seat.”
“Oh, yes. Of course.”
I have a lot to say, too.
After all, I made a huge contribution to the company.
I saved over 1 billion won in additional production costs, not to mention saving time and energy for a top-tier girl group where every second counts.
“As for your performance bonus, we’ll put that on hold for now. What’s the restoration fee?”
“They said it was urgent, so they handled my request first. I’m quite close with them. We haven’t even discussed money yet.”
I felt a bit awkward bringing up the restoration fee.
Thankfully, Team Leader Jo broached the topic first.
“I looked into it. Data that’s been water-damaged can be restored even after years, but burned and melted data is nearly impossible to recover.”
“Exactly.”
“This is an unprecedented case, so we’re not sure how to compensate. How about 100 million won?”
“100 million won?”
My heart nearly exploded.
I thought at most a few hundred thousand, maybe 2 million tops.
But starting with 100 million?
“If we had to reshoot the lost footage, the production costs alone would exceed 1 billion won.
And if we account for the disruption to the members’ schedules, the losses would easily double.”
Team Leader Jo’s gaze was calm and composed.
“I’d love to give 1 billion if I could, but the company has its limits. Since you’re close with the restoration team, can we settle for around 100 million?”
Of course, that’s more than fine.
But accepting it right away would make me look naïve.
“My acquaintance can be a bit greedy, but I’ll negotiate to keep it at 100 million.”
“Great. I’ll leave it to you. This will affect your bonus, so treat it like your own task.”
Looks like I’m getting paid twice.
But compared to 100 million, the bonus might not be much.
“I heard from Manager Cha that you’re his nephew?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“I also heard you joined the company as an administrative staff member. Do you have a specific role you’d like to try? I can arrange a transfer.”
“Excuse me? A transfer?”
“That’s just how this industry works. We believe in luck and omens.”
He doesn’t look like someone who would.
“A rookie employee finds a burned-out hard drive on their first day, happens to know a top-notch restoration company,
And restores the data in just half a day? That kind of luck isn’t something the industry overlooks. It’s a huge asset for the company.”
So they still perform rituals with pig heads before starting film shoots?
Still, calling this “luck” as a credential….
“I thought maybe we could put you somewhere closer to the artists to share some of that luck. Are you sure you’re not interested in being a manager?”
A manager?
I’d never even considered it.
Is this because I joined an entertainment company?
An idea popped into my head—a way to make the most of this opportunity.
“Well, I’ve recently developed some interest in video production.”
“Oh, really?”
It’s been less than a month since that interest began.
“If there’s a position where I could gain experience in that field, it might feel more fulfilling than staying in the administrative department.”
“That’s perfect. Then how about becoming a junior manager for Hyejin? She’s sweet and easy to work with.”
Why does he keep trying to make me a manager?
My uncle specifically warned me against this!
“Doyoung, if you ever show you’re competent, people will start trying to persuade you to become a manager whenever they get the chance.
When that happens, don’t even think twice—just refuse outright. Being a manager is something you should never, ever do.”
“I think I mentioned I’m not interested in being a manager and that I’m more interested in the video production side….”
“But Hwang Hyejin is a rookie actress our company is actively promoting.”
“Even so, I’m not interested in being a manager….”
“We’re an entertainment company, not a drama production house. The closest job to video production here is managing actors.”
“…I think I’ll just stay in the administrative department.”
A department with fixed hours and guaranteed time off is much better.
Sure, experiencing the atmosphere of actual drama and film sets might be helpful, but being a manager is out of the question.
“What’s your reason?”
This guy’s persistent.
He’s not letting me go and keeps trying to convince me.
“Because managers don’t have personal lives. And frankly, I’ve never been interested in the job.”
“What if we guaranteed an 8-hour workday, 5 days a week?”
That’s tempting.
But why is he going this far?
“Like I said, this industry thrives on even the smallest superstitions. I genuinely want our artist to benefit from your luck.”
“Are you really guaranteeing the working hours?”
“Of course. If anyone gives you trouble about leaving on time, just contact me. Wait, hold on.”
Team Leader Jo scribbled something on an A4 sheet and handed it to me.
“Strictly guarantee Cha Doyoung’s 40-hour workweek and timely departures.
– Team Leader Jo Unseok, Team 3.”
“Does this have any legal weight?”
“It holds weight within the company. Just show this if anyone complains.”
But if I have to follow an actress around,
What exactly would I be doing?
“It’s simple. Just run errands. Honestly, I have a feeling that with time, you’ll figure everything out on your own, even without guidance.”
Restoring that burned data is turning into a massive butterfly effect.
The praise and expectations are starting to make my face feel warm.
“By the way, Doyoung, where is that restoration company? I’d like to keep track of skilled professionals.”
I had my explanation prepared in advance.
“Actually, it’s not a restoration company. A friend of mine who works at a CG company helped me out.”
“A CG company?”
“Yes. They’ve always talked about being great at restoring video data, so I mentioned it to them. They said they’d take a look and told me to bring it over.”
I laid the groundwork for future plans.
Since I can’t have 100 million won transferred to my personal account, it’ll have to go to the YouTuber 30THC’s business account.
When 30THC eventually starts holding offline meetings, I’ll act as their sales representative.
That’ll make it easier to hide the existence of the video editing app.
“I’m just in charge of business operations, so I can’t provide technical details.”
It’s the perfect excuse.
“You’ve got a great connection.”
“You know the polar bear conservation video with actress Chae Seoyoon? That was their work.”
I lied as casually as possible.
But Team Leader Jo’s reaction was more dramatic than I expected.
“What? Seriously? You’re connected to the 30THC channel?”
“My friend works there, that’s all. I don’t actually know the channel myself.”
“Wow, how does fate connect like this? Team 1 went nuts over that polar bear video.
“Team 3 was planning to reach out for Hyejin’s project. This is unbelievable.”
“I honestly don’t know much about it. I just thought the polar bear video was fun, so I mentioned it to my friend, and they said their company made it as a side project.”
Since I didn’t want to get too deeply involved, I kept some distance.
But it was clear Team Leader Jo’s view of me had changed.
“The more I think about it, the better this is turning out.”
“Sorry?”
“Moving you to Team 3. You’re too valuable as a lucky charm to leave in the administrative department.”
Not a talent, but a lucky charm, huh….
At least it doesn’t feel bad.
***
“We’ve settled on 100 million won.”
I thought about exaggerating my role, but I decided to keep it clean for the future.
As expected, Team Leader Jo was cool about it.
“Good job. Your performance bonus will be processed this week.”
I gave them the business account set up with the help of a lawyer—a limited liability company I’d prepared in advance.
It’s the best way to keep business information hidden, apparently.
It’s a huge amount of money, but strangely, I don’t feel much about it.
Maybe because it’s nothing compared to the value of the video app.
“Hyejin is heading to acting class now. Why don’t you come along?”
“Oh, sure.”
I got into Team Leader Jo’s car and headed to the acting school.
“Hyejin’s a sweet and kind kid. Sensitive, emotional, and soft-hearted.”
“I’ve heard as much.”
“She’s so innocent that I worry about her being bullied by other actresses. Keep an eye on her, okay?”
Hwang Hyejin.
An 18-year-old rookie actress still in high school.
Her moist, teary eyes that always seem on the verge of crying have become a national talking point….
I’ve seen pictures, but what’s she like in person?
“Team Leader Oppa!”
“Hyejin-ah, say hi. This is your new junior manager starting today.”
“Hello, Manager Oppa.”
A small, fair face, big deer-like eyes glistening with tears.
If Chae Seoyoon embodies beauty itself,
Hwang Hyejin is like the human form of purity and innocence.
I might’ve failed to keep my expression in check.
【Hwang Hyejin has been added to the Model Slot.】
Wait.
Did I actually think of that the moment I saw her?
【Do you want to remove Hwang Hyejin from the Model Slot?】
Fine, yes, I thought about it.
Happy now?
Delicious, Ty translator
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