Chapter 79: Bomb! (1)
79. Bomb! (1)
"Did I... understand you correctly?"
Eunseok took a deep breath to maintain his composure as he asked.
Hajin, having returned to his usual demeanor, took a big bite of cake and cheerfully nodded while chewing.
"You heard exactly right."
"Hmm. Wouldn't it be better to just use money?"
After brief contemplation, Eunseok adopted the posture of a businessman, sitting upright and fixing Hajin with a direct gaze. Despite appearances, he was the successor of a mid-sized company who'd spent his privileged life learning how to read people. He immediately recognized that this twenty-year-old friend of his younger brother had come to him with a ready-made solution.
"...This seems like it'll take a while. Shall we continue in my office if you don't mind?"
"Ah... Sorry to ask, but is it nearby? My place is pretty far, hyung-nim."
"I'll have a driver take you back. You're my dongsaeng's friend, after all. That much I can do."
"...A driver?"
Rich friends (even if they're younger siblings) for the win. The best. Rich friends' older brothers? Even better.
Hajin whistled, savoring the thrilling sensation of power.
Eunseok's office wasn't as far as expected.
However, Hajin was taken aback when he realized this "office" wasn't part of any company but Eunseok's personal workspace.
'Home separate, company separate, office separate. Is this how they live?'
Eunchan's tiny studio (calling it a "room" was already pushing it) had been impressive, but this was on another level entirely.
'I really need to make money. I must succeed.'
Renewing his vow to achieve young-and-rich status, Hajin settled onto the sofa Eunseok indicated and set down his bag.
"So... shall we go over this again?"
After changing into comfortable clothes, Eunseok sat across from him. With rectangular glasses on, his features resembled Eunchan's much more closely, the roundedness of his face now obscured.
"To prevent suspicions that I'm using money to push my brother, what exactly do I need to spend on, and how?"
This was crucial. Maintaining trustworthy body language and expression, Hajin spoke in his most stable, measured tone.
"The show we're appearing on, Miro Maze, airs on NTV but is produced by an outside company."
"It's the show my brother's on, so I already knew that much."
"Right, as you said. So I want to strengthen the production company's position to counterbalance the broadcasting station's CP."
"How exactly?"
"I have evidence that Yoon Kiseok PD, the CP from the broadcasting side, manipulated viewer votes."
"...!"
"I plan to hand that evidence to the production company."
Eunseok, surprised again by Hajin's straightforward revelation, hid his expression skillfully and countered:
"That alone won't be enough to pressure the broadcasting station. They can just cut ties and move on."
"Exactly. That's what I'm counting on."
"......"
"How could a production company threaten a broadcaster? But the production company's CEO, who used to work in variety shows, could casually have a meal with his senior, right? Who just happens to be NTV's division head now."
Hajin grinned playfully as if this was obvious.
"While having drinks with his long-lost senior, he could carefully advise: 'It seems Yoon CP took bribes to rig the votes. If this gets out, the fallout would be huge - isn't it about time you got promoted to department head, hyung-nim?'"
"......"
"'As your junior, I'm just too worried not to mention this. How should we handle it? Wouldn't it be better to quietly cut ties with just Yoon CP and the trainee involved in the manipulation?'"
"...Hajin, you said you're twenty, right?"
"A beautiful twenty-year-old who could chew through steel rebar."
Though this was technically after four regressions and living a fifth lifetime...
...was something he naturally kept to himself.
"Anyway, this is where I need your help, hyung-nim."
"Hmm. Don't tell me you want me to arrange a meeting between the production CEO and the broadcasting division head?"
Eunseok voiced his analysis. Corporate money was usually needed at such junctures.
But Hajin lazily shook his head as if that was far too simplistic.
"Hyung-nim, you're thinking too small."
"Which means I still can't fathom what you're planning."
My dongsaeng made friends with someone extraordinary, Eunseok marveled silently.
"It's somewhat similar. The CEO needs personal incentive to take my evidence and threaten the division head."
"Bribe the production company CEO?"
"Tsk, such scary words. I don't do under-the-table deals. Let's invest properly."
Hajin pulled an L-folder from his bag. The document inside was instantly familiar to Eunseok.
<Investment Proposal>
"You've been pushing a youthful image lately, right? Let's produce some variety content."
Eunseok carefully examined the neatly organized proposal. It perfectly targeted Judeez Furniture's latest branding direction, outlining various video content utilizing Miro's artists - from web variety shows to other formats. Hajin had stayed up nights preparing this with Sooho's input, leveraging his past experience as a PD who'd churned out proposals daily. The quality spoke for itself.
"Completely eliminate Yoon CP and the problematic trainee while minimizing Judeez Furniture's exposure in the edited broadcast. Should any issues arise regarding this matter, Eunchan's image and safety take absolute priority."
"......"
"All these conditions must be met, and only when Eunchan successfully debuts through this survival show."
If work was the concern, he'd guarantee the work.
While he could have used Jisoo-ho to secure funds from Miro, there were limits to how much capital a rising mid-sized agency could pour into moving a production company.
Plus, this couldn't appear as a power struggle between Miro and the broadcaster.
'A brother driven mad by seeing his sibling nearly sacrificed to a corrupt PD and rigged trainee. His subsequent reckless spending - that's the right angle.'
The alternative was Eunchan becoming the production CEO's pick, leading to biased editing again.
But Hajin trusted his former senior Kwon PD. If he could just arrange this much, she'd handle the rest.
Eunseok read the proposal carefully, then read it again. Hajin waited patiently.
After long consideration, Eunseok finally spoke:
"Did you make this, Hajin?"
"Yeah, well..."
"...Any interest in jobs besides being an idol? I can get you a good position."
"If I don't become an idol this lifetime, I won't live to see my next birthday."
"Haha, even your rejections are entertaining. Makes me want you more."
Unaware this wasn't a joke, Eunseok laughed heartily before calling someone on his phone.
"Yes, Manager. It's me. I'll be down soon. He's my dongsaeng's friend."
Probably calling the driver who'd take Hajin home. After hanging up, Eunseok neatly returned the proposal to the L-folder and stood.
"I'll review this positively. It involves company funds, so I can't decide unilaterally."
"Of course. Take your time."
"Can I get your number? I'll contact you directly once decided."
"Uh, can't you reach me through Team Leader Jisoo-ho?"
At Hajin's puzzled question, Eunseok carefully patted his shoulder encouragingly.
"My brother talks about you constantly these days."
"......"
"Before, calls were just about practice or himself. Then suddenly he started talking about friends - so happily."
His much younger brother usually acted mature but had always been prone to loneliness.
Even after marriage forced Eunseok to leave Eunchan alone in that house, he still called every evening for this reason.
"Today Hajin-hyung made dinner. Hajin-hyung taught me, Haru and Taehyun board games - I won three times!"
"......"
"Or how Hajin-hyung keeps fake sleeping right when called, which is annoying."
"...Geez, what is he telling people?"
"That's why I wanted to meet you. Wondering who this hyung my brother adores so much is. Feeling a bit jealous too."
Eunseok offered his phone. Only then did Hajin input his number without hesitation. Not like having a chaebol hyung-nim could hurt.
"Mind if I contact you sometimes about Eunchan? He never tells me his worries."
"Sure. I'll let you know if anything comes up."
"Thanks. I know it might be burdensome."
"...I have a younger sibling too. I understand."
Remembering Hawon, Hajin smiled fondly as he returned the phone.
"I'll head out then. Thanks for the driver, and I'll wait for your call about the proposal."
"I'll review it quickly. Take care of our maknae."
"Well, we don't even know if we'll debut together yet."
"If debut falls through, contact me anyway. I'll make a position for you."
"...Guess I have to debut now to avoid forced employment. Thanks for the motivation."
Shivering at the persistent recruitment, Hajin laughed awkwardly and bowed. Eunseok watched him leave with visible satisfaction.
Exiting the office, Hajin got into the waiting car downstairs. Giving his address to the driver, he relaxed into the exceptionally comfortable seat.
<Fishing success.>
After briefly messaging Jisoo-ho, Hajin closed his eyes against the wave of fatigue.
All pieces were finally in place.
The one-week vacation was ending.
Vacation was over.
All trainees had to leave sweet freedom behind for harsh reality.
Yet the practice room where everyone gathered was more cheerful than expected.
"Our search rankings went up. You guys see all the comments?"
"I was too scared to look... So embarrassing if my name's not there."
"Dude, my private accounts got exposed. Fucking terrifying."
The enthusiastic response to <Miro Maze> had awakened the attention-starved trainees.
"It's crazy - if we perform now, we'll trend online."
The chatting group's eyes turned to the presumed top-ranked trainee as they stretched.
"Seongwoo-hyung, so jealous. Searched you - tons of mentions."
Basking in the envious, competitive yet admiring gazes, Seongwoo smiled more benevolently than usual.
"Aw, it's nothing. First episode hasn't even aired."
"It'll get better after premiere, hyung~ You're in Wings tier and won your battle."
"Right, hyung's popularity will explode. So jealous. You're definitely debuting."
"Guys, come on. We should all work harder! Show your best and people will notice."
Not like your practice matters - you're just editing fodder to highlight me. But keep at it.
Hiding these thoughts expertly, Seongwoo reveled in long-missed superiority.
After completely botching the last performance, he'd panicked briefly. But hearing Yoon CP's first episode editing direction restored his confidence.
'Viewers only see what's broadcast.'
And he was positioned to be that broadcast's protagonist.
'The mistake... I asked them to edit around it, so it'll work out.'
The off-key parts could be fixed in post, and forgetting lyrics could be framed as pressure-induced mistakes.
'Right. Once the first episode airs, I'll be way ahead.'
Seongwoo's dark gaze shifted to Hajin reflected in the mirror.
At the room's far end, Hajin lay with Haru's legs as a pillow, teasing Eunchan between laughs. Watching this, Taehyun shook his head and quietly moved to where Siwoo and Doha were.
'Just wait. I'll definitely win.'
Hajin, having sensed the glare for a while now, snorted and turned away.
"Stare all you want. Only your eyes will hurt."
"Huh?"
"Nothing. Wow, Haru's legs are comfy."
At the grandpa-like comment, Haru blinked confusedly. Beside him, Eunchan huffed angrily after losing nine straight rock-paper-scissors games to Hajin.
"Again!"
"You won't accept defeat until ten losses, our Chan-ie?"
"Did you really not cheat?"
"What cheating in rock-paper-scissors? Be reasonable."
When Hajin scoffed, both Eunchan and Haru eyed him suspiciously. Even Sipsam watching nearby gave a "(≖_≖)" look, making Hajin shadowbox the air in protest.
'What do these guys take me for?'
Pouting exaggeratedly, he dramatically placed a large hand against his cheek.
"Ha. Got you good."
"That's too much, hyung."
"Crossed a line there."
"...Not working."
Tch. As Hajin clicked his tongue, his pocket vibrated briefly. Checking the notification, he grinned at Eunchan.
"Chan-ah. Even if you're a 'scissors idiot' who only throws scissors first round, hyung loves you."
"What... Really!?"
"Hyung doesn't lie about stuff like this."
Flashing his cheesiest wink, Eunchan predictably jumped up in horror.
"Where you going, my love?"
"No matter what today, I'm switching rooms with Doha-hyung."
Eunchan declared solemnly before leaving.
Hajin smiled wistfully, though his affection was genuine as he checked his phone.
<JudeezFurniture_JooEunseok(Eunchan's brother) ‖ Proposal approved. Take care of our maknae~>
'Ah, this lucky kid.'
Finally - time to drop the bomb.