Chapter 5
Chapter 5
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 5
Chapter Title: Atelier (3)
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It was a 30-minute walk from Nonhyeon-dong to the Atelier in Sinsa-dong.
By bus, it shortened to 20 minutes. By taxi, just 10.
1,500 won to shave off 10 minutes on the bus.
5,700 won to cut 20 minutes with a taxi.
The saying "time is money" hit home hard.
Thankfully, it wasn't that far between Nonhyeon-dong and Sinsa-dong.
If she picked up the pace a bit, she could make it in time. So she decided to walk.
As she left Nonhyeon-dong and approached Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong, she started hearing murmurs from passersby.
Back in the neighborhood, people had just stared or ignored her altogether...
Garosu-gil felt different.
Maybe because celebrities and models frequented the area.
Or because it was a hotspot for young people, there were tons of folks milling about.
"...Honey, why'd you suddenly put on sunglasses?"
"Whoa, jackpot! Check out that girl."
"Is she a celebrity? Insane."
Countless gazes bore into her.
More eyes on her in this single 30-minute walk today than in all 12 years scraping by as an extra.
Men and women alike couldn't look away.
Some stares were blatantly obvious, of course.
"Um... could I get your number?"
"I'm not usually like this, but you really caught my eye..."
"See my friend over there? I lost rock-paper-scissors, so..."
"I came to my senses and here I am talking to you. You're stunning."
She'd tried claiming she had a boyfriend. A husband. Even a crush she liked.
Most backed off once they heard the rejection, knowing the drill...
But one psycho said he'd be fine as a second option or a friends-with-benefits—could she just give him her number?
Another nutcase insisted he just wanted to stay in touch, so why was she painting him as the bad guy?
She'd dealt with creeps like this once or twice over her 12 years as an extra.
But experiencing it firsthand in this body? A whole different level. Not just "what's wrong with that guy?"—they were straight-up repulsive.
Some even handed her business cards, claiming industry connections.
Those leering eyes that saw her as merchandise? Easier to stomach, somehow.
She was a little thrilled, too—proof that Jeong Gyeowol's looks had real, objective appeal.
'Still... way more clingy people than I expected...'
Seven had shoved phones at her for her number.
Two with business cards.
If she got the job, this would be her commute every day. A sigh escaped already.
She could see a future where most of her paycheck went to taxi fares.
Dodging and brushing them off politely, she soon spotted the Atelier sign.
First floor: boutique. Second: workshop. Third: offices.
Garosu-gil was on life support, but owning a whole three-story building? No small feat.
'Maybe the Atelier CEO really is the landlord.'
Landlord or tenant, didn't matter—she was the supplicant here.
She shook her head and headed up to the third floor.
Hurrying to avoid being late, but getting snagged by one person after another... she ended up 10 minutes tardy anyway.
Ten minutes late to her first interview. A total strike against her.
She masked her nerves and knocked.
The office door cracked open, and a cute face peeked out.
"Who is it? Oh, ah! Jeong Gyeowol!"
The scream hit the moment she was recognized.
Okay, the 10 minutes was fully her fault.
But did it warrant this level of freak-out...?
Coming on this strong to a stranger? Even she couldn't help reacting.
Jeong Gyeowol, 12 years as an unknown actor.
Her facial muscles were insanely well-trained.
The body might be weak, but her face? Battle-hardened.
"S-sorry!"
She was on the verge of exploding from genuine remorse, clueless how to convey it.
Accept her apology first. She was a grave sinner.
Like performing on set, she infused her expression with delicate regret and bowed deeply.
Couldn't see the other's face from the deep bow.
The brief silence spoke volumes of her flustered feelings.
"No! No need to apologize! We're just grateful you came! I'm Lee Arang, the manager!"
With the cute Manager Lee Arang introducing herself, they stepped inside.
She figured they'd head straight to the CEO, but no—a full office tour first.
"This is the break room! The CEO always stocks snacks and drinks, so help yourself anytime!"
The shelves along the wall brimmed with goodies—enough variety to question if they'd expire before being eaten.
The fridge overflowed with chilled drinks, perfectly temperature-controlled.
This level of perks? Most SMEs could only dream.
Heck, a clothing business this size was an SME.
The Atelier CEO was definitely the building owner.
"This is the restroom. I'm a bit particular, so I clean it meticulously. But I'll make sure it's spotless for your comfort!"
"We have three staff here: marketing, design, and management. Embarrassingly, I'm in overall charge—the mighty number two."
Hands on hips, chest puffed proudly.
So adorable, a natural smile bloomed.
Jeong Gyeowol was older, but it felt like doting on a cute little sister.
But she wasn't hired yet.
Was this nosiness or kindness?
"And this is the CEO's office! Good luck with the interview!"
Finally guiding her to the CEO's room after the tour teetering on that fine line, Manager Lee Arang bowed cheerily and returned to her desk.
Brief as it was, her brightness was clear—and it revealed the office vibe.
Atelier seemed like a decent workplace.
Wouldn't necessarily make the interview fun, though.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
11 a.m., and applicant Jeong Gyeowol still hadn't arrived on time.
Kim Seulgi's leg bounced harder as she stared at the clock.
Five minutes late. Ten.
Normally, she'd ignore it, handle other work, and scramble into interview mode only when they showed.
But this time? Different. Extremely so.
First time an applicant had her this on edge.
More than waiting for a first love's call.
Than the alert for a long-awaited package.
Even more jittery than prepping for idol concert tickets.
To preserve CEO dignity, she endured alone in her office, not letting staff see.
That's when...
"Ah, ah! Jeong Gyeowol!"
Manager Lee Arang's excited shout rang out.
'She's here at last!'
Now Manager Lee Arang's plan to win her over would kick off.
As instructed ad nauseam, Kim Seulgi brewed tea and gazed out the back window.
-Don't screw up and tarnish the image! Got it? Lose Jeong Gyeowol, and I'll quit too!
Her cheeky attitude toward the boss and quit threats were infuriating.
But her people skills earned her the top manager spot.
Mulling the plan, she brewed tea.
Tour the office for a good first impression, then showcase the cool CEO to steal her heart.
Seemed sloppy at first, but solid on reflection.
Per Lee Arang's orders to play the refined, elegant CEO, she prepared hot tea, sat sipping, ready to greet Jeong Gyeowol.
The plan was simple.
When the door opened and Jeong Gyeowol entered, she'd sip tea, swivel the chair. Offer a seat with a soft smile, lead with a trustworthy baritone.
Kim Seulgi's looks held their own, so the vibe would charm.
She was confident it'd work... until facing Jeong Gyeowol.
Everything crumbled.
"Slurp... Ack! Cough!"
Startled by Jeong Gyeowol's face mid-sip, tea went down wrong.
Into her windpipe—the classic choke.
A few more coughs subdued it, but her eyes were already watering.
Thank god for waterproof mascara, or black tears on a first meeting.
And the tea dribbling down her clothes? The crowning disaster.
Less refinement, more clown show.
'Please act like nothing happened...'
She shot desperate eyes, but oblivious Jeong Gyeowol peered worriedly.
"Um... are... you okay?"
"...Could you pretend you didn't see?"
"Ah, uh, sure?"
Silence stretched between them.
'...I wanna cry.'
CEO dignity? Long gone.