The Fool Dreaming of CEO-hood Meets Cha Ji-hyun for the First Time
Cha Ji-hyun. 23 years old (looks 25). High school grad. Humanities GPA rank 6. No prior experience.
Her specs screamed "better odds at getting picked up than hired." She'd applied even for accounting gigs at small companies, but couldn't land those either.
The news kept saying there was a labor shortage. Companies couldn't find workers. Young people had gotten too picky, refusing to look down the ladder. Yeah, right. As if.
Poverty forced her into the job hunt early. She couldn't keep doing part-time gigs forever. She needed to build a resume fast. Every year counted. If only she'd been born into a normal family... she could've taken it easy... She lamented it constantly.
She had a brother in the military and a little sister still in high school. All three had been raised by Grandma.
She hadn't seen Mom since she was 8. No clue what Dad was up to, or even where he was.
He'd said he was working, but no child support ever came. Grandma was still out there grinding.
Every time, it broke Cha Ji-hyun's heart. If I hadn't been born... Grandma could've been happy.
But she had been born. Unwanted, sure, but born anyway. She didn't care what happened to the parents who'd ditched her. But Grandma... she just wanted her happy. No more dirt under those hands. Reality had other plans, though. She'd given up on that dream long ago. Sorry, Grandma, but what could she do? She could barely keep herself afloat—how was she supposed to pamper anyone else?
Resignation had set in ages back. It turned to sorrow, then self-loathing. Better not to heal at all. Family was a lifelong burden.
Gulp.
She shoved her antidepressants and water down her throat. Without them, the world felt like pure hell. With them, it got a little better. Made her see things just a tad more positively. Rewired those old negative loops.
"Gotta go to the hospital again..."
She stared at the nearly empty bottle.
Still, things weren't all bad. She'd snagged an editing side gig on a whim, and lucked into becoming a full-on editor. Upload videos, cash rolls in steadily. Perfect after an 8-hour shift.
Of course, this wouldn't last forever either. But she wanted to seize the chance while it lasted. Miss it now, and she might have to ditch editing altogether. This was her one shot.
Before Grandma got any older. Before her brother got out of the army. Before her sister headed to college. Her last chance to make something happen. Skipping it would mean regrets, so she pushed her body to the limit.
Sleep? Plenty of time for that when you're dead. Die on the job—would that be happy? What a coward. Cha Ji-hyun let out a wry chuckle.
After a life of watching everyone else's mood, being valued by someone felt indescribably joyful.
And... trying something she'd given up on? It was fun. Even if her hands shook.
200,000 won to her little sister... 300,000 to Grandma... Money her regular paycheck could've never covered.
Texts and calls came in. Too embarrassed for voice, she replied by message only. Told Grandma not to worry. Told her sister to spend it well.
"So this is what it feels like..."
Cha Ji-hyun smacked her lips and plopped back in front of her computer. Then—
Ding-ding-dong... A call came in.
She jolted, banging her left elbow on the desk.
"Ow... owow..."
It hurt like hell, but she grabbed the phone first.
"H-hello?"
"Um... Editor? I wanna talk seriously... Ahem. Listen in my real serious voice."
"Y-yes...?"
Cha Ji-hyun's first thought: I just sent money out... what now? It's over already... The world never goes easy. Nothing ever went her way.
"Sure..."
She squeezed her eyes shut. Last chance, gone in a puff. Editing wasn't her path after all?
"So, like..."
Cha Ji-hyun could tell from Sena's hesitant voice.
"Feel free to speak casually...!"
Hope was always cruel. Just 10 minutes ago, she'd been sure: This is it, I can make a living. I made the right call. Then it vanished. Yesterday was fine. Today too. She'd even mentioned contracts before. Guess that's life for ya.
Cha Ji-hyun forced a smile. She'd liked the streams, been a fan after all.
"Oh? Cool, casual it is! What do you do? Full-time gig?"
"N-not full-time, it's a side hustle. Part-time mornings."
"Part-time... how much?"
"Um... about 140."
"Ah... gotcha. Quit the part-time?"
"Pardon?"
"I'll pay more! Ditch it and be my manager-slash-editor-slash-whatever—ah!!! I'll... I'll send a MacBook too!!! M4 latest chip. For real! Brand new, not used!"
A beat of silence.
"Wanna be my employee? But... it's performance-based. I make bank, you do too. I flop, we both eat dirt! No no no. I'll snag investors! Real ones! They'll lend—I'm not broke! Total misunderstanding. I'm loaded!"
"What... does that..."
"Dream big. I'm still a small-timer, but aiming for big corp. Trials and tribulations ahead, sure. Only 100 viewers now. Hee hee. But I wanna prove I'm thriving. Gave me confidence—screw-ups don't faze me anymore! This is what I'm best at!"
Sena's breath trembled.
"So let's do it together. I... I wanna go with you, Editor. Thought it over... When I latch on, it's all I think about! Hee hee. So? Oh right! No vision! Zilch! But we grow together! Be my PD!"
Sena didn't have what it took? Nah, she made do. Moth-to-flame personality. If she wanted it, she'd do it.
"So... you in?"
＊＊＊
I've never hired anyone. Never even had a real job. But that's fine. I don't live by plans anyway. Gotta try everything while I can. That's how I've survived solo, right? And it'll be okay. They'll understand.
Her reply's taking forever. I'm impatient. No answer's making me antsy. Did she hate my offer? I researched it solid.
Editors use MacBooks... so I offered one. You got one already? Wait—you do? That's why? But it's the latest! Super pricey... top-tier...
"Got a MacBook?"
"N-no..."
Her voice shook way more than before. MacBooks rock, right?! Never used one, but YouTube says so. Hmm, what's up? Oh! I get it.
"Need time to think?"
She needs time. Makes sense. Even big-money offers from small-fry YouTubers give pause. Stability's iffy. Could tank anytime. But I'm dead serious—that's different.
"Th-thank you..."
Her response threw me. Thanks for what? Saying yes? Spit it out clear! Yes or no—that's all I need.
"You in?"
"Thank you..."
Again... I can tell voices apart. She's on the verge of tears.
"Wh-wh-why are you crying? Why? What's wrong?"
Sobs leaked through. Why cry? Did I mess up? Suddenly bawling!! Making me panic. I didn't do anything bad. Swear!
Is editing for small streamers that great? Or terrible? But she said thanks—so good job? I'm confused!!
Yes or no...
"You in?"
"I... I'll do it. I'll work hard..."
"For real? Awesome! Then..."
Now what? Is this how it works? No clue. Ask Mom and Dad—they'll know better.
"I'll call later! Keep at it."
"Yes..."
"No crying!"
I'm not the type to soothe criers. Handle your tears. I got work.
After hanging up, I plotted. Mom nags too much—negotiate with Dad solo. Higher odds. He says yes to most. Mom always thinks shutdown. What if it flops? Overwhelming just hearing it. Head already spinning. But Dad's all "try it young—too late when old."
Mom ranks higher, but Dad tanks, it fizzles out.
Mom gripes a bit post-facto, then drops it.
Oh, and... hate to say it, but teaming with Brain helps. Need every resource. Big scale.
Tomorrow's plan: Call little bro first. Brain collab needed. He's aced convincing parents forever. Silver tongue... or they just trust him. Anyway, they buy his words over mine.
Anyway.
"Sooo sleepy..."
Sleep first, think tomorrow. Jotted to-do on a memo pad and crashed.
Next morning, first thought waking up: Sena, you've grown. Old me would've ramen'd it. Now delivery. Jjajang already ordered.
Jjajang comes fast, so I called bro quick. Eat and I'll doze off, forget.
"Hello? What?"
"Got a favor."
"What? Why?"
"Help me. I'll grant you one real wish for real."
"Don't need your wishes, Sis. Can't do much anyway. Pfft."
Tch. He saw right through. Yeah, planned to play dumb later. Smart kid.
"Major deal!!"
"What?"
"Hiring Editor—how?"
"Google contract templates. YouTube too. Freelance? Employee? Tons online. Any won't do?"
"Employee. Full employee!"
"Dunno then. Ask Dad."
"That's the favor. You ask."
There it was—my hook. Still hasn't clocked it? Just do it. Ping-pong it off me. I suck, you handle.
"Why me?"
"Said I'd grant a wish."
"Oh... fine."
"Then cash. Compensation."
Hate paying. Wanted wish to cover it. Oh well.
"How much?"
"500k won."
"Whoa, big spender? Sure, I'm in."
"Uh... sorry, actually 300k... 300k won. Sob..."
Too cool—feels like I'm losing. Squeezed eyes shut, dropped it.
"Eh..."
"Yeah..."
Silence.
"Trusting you."
"What do I say?"
"Hired Editor—handle contracts etc."
"No doing it yourself?"
"Duh!"
Said it proud. Everyone's got strengths. Money whizzes, tech wizards, smooth talkers. Stick to yours.
That's "experts," right? I'm dreaming broadcast expert—outsource the rest. Easier, efficient.
No need to flex doing it all. Can't anyway.
"Fine. I'll mention it."
"Thanks."
"Send money now."
"400k maybe..."
"Nah... you set the price."
"Fine... 450."
Silence, then bro hung up impatient. Family—cut a deal? Cold-blooded.