Beautiful Campus (5)
A CF model contract offer had come in.
It was for a group image ad from one of the top three conglomerates in Korea.
"Rather than advertising a specific product, we'd like to request your services as the model for our entire group's image."
An executive director-level executive had even come in person to meet Jeong Seo-hoon to discuss the contract. His name was Choi Sang-ho.
"The initial contract term is three years, with renewals in three-year increments thereafter."
There were a ton of requirements.
Since they placed such importance on the group's overall image, maintaining dignity during the contract period was a given.
The problem was that the detailed clauses on maintaining that dignity were packed in there like a legal code.
Ha Tae-soo chimed in from the side with a wry grin.
"Just memorizing all these dignity clauses would be a full-time job. Are there even celebrities who actually memorize and follow every single one?"
"It may seem complicated at first glance, but if you could understand it as a request to manage your public image positively, we'd be grateful."
The executive in his fifties conducted himself with utmost courtesy before Jeong Seo-hoon and Ha Tae-soo, who were young enough to be his sons, without a trace of arrogance.
How seriously his company viewed this model contract was evident in his impeccable demeanor.
Jeong Seo-hoon skimmed through the entire document before asking,
"But there's no dating ban clause."
"This isn't an idol trainee contract—why would we include something like that? These clauses are purely about keeping your public image positive."
"I see. Or did your company assess that I'd be too busy with work and acting for the next three years to even date? That's the first thought that crossed my mind."
"Haha, I couldn't claim we didn't factor that in at all."
The terms were solid.
For three years, the base modeling fee paid annually would be in the tens of billions of won.
On top of that, a separate fee exceeding one billion won per CF shoot.
Ha Tae-soo swallowed hard, practically muttering to himself that they had to take this deal—you could feel it from beside him.
And there was even an explicit special clause.
"An additional incentive for winning at prestigious international events? What's this clause about?"
"Ah, we had awards like the Academy Awards or Cannes Film Festival in mind. If Actor Jeong Seo-hoon receives such a glorious honor, wouldn't it benefit our group's image as well? We added it to motivate your activities."
A clause stipulating incentive fees for awards with established international prestige.
The exact calculation method was incredibly complex, but it was clear they'd structured it to favor him as much as possible.
"Does this include something like the Fields Medal?"
"Are you perhaps preparing to participate?"
He perked up as if he'd been waiting for the question.
Jeong Seo-hoon realized this executive was the one who'd insisted on inserting the clause.
"Who knows. I might enter someday. But since it doesn't specify particular award names like Cannes or the Academy Awards, I figured I'd ask."
"You're highly regarded as a scientist as well, aren't you? That's part of the image we value, which is why we pursued this model contract."
Actor Jeong Seo-hoon and scientist Jeong Seo-hoon weren't plural—they were one and the same.
"Then these sub-clauses (ma) and (ba) must assume publication in top scientific journals."
"Haha, exactly."
"But no detailed provisions for a Nobel Prize? Ah, right—this is a three-year contract."
No way something like that happens in three years, was the normal line of thinking.
"Haha, we'll add a clause for that upon renewal."
Choi Sang-ho continued with a relaxed smile, unflappable.
"This isn't in the contract, but the first image CF will feature you alongside five actresses: Yoo Jeong-ah, Chae Ji-hyun, Han Seo-hee, Lee Seo-hyeon, and Im Seo-rin. Six people total for the debut group image ad."
The intent was obvious.
They wanted to infuse the bright, positive vibe from the currently soaring Beautiful Campus into the CF.
"Of course, those ladies are on one-off contracts. Not group image models like you, Actor Jeong."
"Still, the fees seem excessively high no matter how I look at it."
"Not at all. Global brand celebrities and sports stars get terms like this."
"Even so, it's more than what I know is standard. You're not expecting me to return the favor somehow, are you?"
At that, Choi Sang-ho's face stiffened ever so slightly before relaxing again.
It was a brief flicker, but obvious enough that even Ha Tae-soo caught it—a crack in his composure.
"Favor? What do you mean...?"
"If you intend to arrange something like that later, withdraw the offer now. I'll pretend this never happened."
"......"
More emotion showed on Choi Sang-ho's face now.
No longer bothering to hide it, a touch of embarrassment surfaced, then he burst into a chuckle.
"As expected, you're as sharp as they say. How did you know?"
"I don't know yet. The terms were so generous it felt suspicious, so I probed."
"Ah. I was too complacent."
"An owner family member personally visiting for a mere image model contract already seemed odd."
Ha Tae-soo whipped his head between Jeong Seo-hoon and Choi Sang-ho in shock.
Choi Sang-ho let out a wry half-smile, half-amused laugh, no longer hiding.
"I'm not that famous a face—how did you spot it on first sight?"
"Lab life in grad school means keeping chaebol family trees memorized at all times. You never know when an owner might show up incognito for an industry-academia project. I didn't know your face, though."
The bitterness faded from Choi Sang-ho's smile, amusement taking over.
"Indeed, no wonder Father has his eye on you."
"You mean Chairman Choi Jung-hoo?"
"Yes. Truth be told, this model contract is a gift I planned meticulously to get in your good graces."
He was still smiling, but the vibe had completely shifted.
His intentions fully seen through.
"As you know, Actor Jeong, chaebol madams and ladies are clamoring to make you a son-in-law or husband."
"First I've heard of it."
Choi Sang-ho's face nearly crumpled, but fifty-plus years of poise held firm.
"Father wants you as a grandson-in-law. This is to build friendly ties with our group. A long-term project."
"Long-term project..."
"My cousin's daughter isn't marriage-ready yet anyway. Same for you, right, Actor Jeong? The idea was mainly to stake our claim first, before others snag you."
Choi Sang-ho bowed his head earnestly, speaking from the heart.
"We won't force any meetings or make you uncomfortable. We know that wouldn't work on you. This is our group's sincere gesture—please accept it without burden."
"But nothing in this world is free."
"Considering your current value as an actor and your potential growth, these terms aren't excessive at all. I stake my pride as marketing head on it."
Ha Tae-soo fidgeted anxiously, not daring to interject. To him, it was an unbelievably sweet deal.
But to Jeong Seo-hoon, the raw amount meant little.
The brand value boost from high fees mattered, sure.
After meticulously weighing the positive impact on his acting career against potential shackles, he finally moved his hand.
He signed without hesitation, and relief finally washed over Choi Sang-ho's face. Ha Tae-soo beamed as if he were the one signing.
"You have high standards."
"Of course. We know. You don't waver around all those top actresses."
"I don't check backgrounds either."
"Ouch. That's our niece's biggest selling point."
At any rate, the model contract was sealed—a breather at last.
Choi Sang-ho offered a handshake and meal, but Jeong Seo-hoon declined, citing lab duties.
Choi Sang-ho hid a satisfied smile at his dedication.
"Media buzz is breaking records daily, but any good news from the lab side?"
"Who knows. Before graduation, I've resolved to achieve at least something."
"Ooh, just hearing that excites me. Here's hoping for good news."
It was kind encouragement, half genuine well-wishes without grand expectations.
Back in the van, Ha Tae-soo blurted,
"Dude, you keep this up, you'll end up a chaebol son-in-law for real."
"What's with that? I have high standards."
"What's a chaebol granddaughter lack?"
"She hasn't achieved anything on her own except being born into wealth. Where's the appeal?"
"......"
"My friends around me now are way better—entertainment or grad school folks. They've built things through their own efforts."
"It sounds noble, valuing hard work... but somehow..."
Ha Tae-soo swallowed the thought: Didn't you benefit hugely from your parents dumping all their talents into you?
"I took the model gig because it helps me. A coffee or two later should suffice. No guarantee they even like me anyway."
"What if she's a secret admirer? Grandpa pushed after she begged, and he vetted you as untouchable son-in-law material?"
"If so, she'd know better. I do what I want, skip what I don't."
"......Yeah, even Professor Lee Se-jong had to build up over years to coax you into grad school."
"Wasn't because of him. I needed it."
The car pulled away smoothly.
Ha Tae-soo buzzed with excitement over the massive fees, though they weren't his.
"But you mentioning the Nobel earlier shocked me. Even for a conglomerate exec, that felt like overkill."
"Seemed like a joke?"
"Wasn't it? You deliver jokes so deadpan."
"Hyung, every scientist carries a few pages of Nobel acceptance speech in their heart, pondering what they'd say."
"Haha, sure, you'll snag one someday. You've got it in you. But decades off, right? Hollywood sweep feels faster..."
* * *
Professor Lee Se-jong adjusted his glasses, skimmed the research proposal, then turned back to Jeong Seo-hoon.
"Isn't this a bit too grandiose?"
"Sometimes, to find a path in the dark, you need to take a bold, reckless step. I'm young."
"I cherish and trust you, but even so, this is..."
Letting out a hollow chuckle, Lee Se-jong composed himself seriously.
"Fine. Let's run with it. Even if it doesn't pan out, it'll be fun."
It'll fail, he kept to himself, mindful of his student's morale.