Worship... Light Manho
"So, um, by any chance... do you offer campervan rentals too?"
I asked with a trembling heart. Campervans are probably way too expensive, right? It's a huge investment for newbie me who hasn't even gotten my first payout yet. My upper body leaned forward unconsciously, like a kid asking if they could get a toy.
Campervans. The dream of most campers. That massive body, the overflowing convenience inside, the comfy environment it provides. I still can't forget the thrill of my first camping trip in one.
The downside? They're insanely pricey. They start at a hundred million won minimum, with top models hitting three to five hundred million. Rentals run from three hundred thousand to a million per night—still crazy expensive across the board. Even when I had a job, it was a pipe dream. And during those few years of unemployed life running a channel with just three hundred subs? Forget it.
Please, please say yes!
"A campervan, you say."
"Yes... I figured it was too much..."
"Of course it's possible."
"...But it is?"
Kim Manho accepted so coolly. Whoa, isn't this investment a bit too bold? Shouldn't we at least discuss the price range first?
"Um... my revenue isn't even clear yet. Isn't this a bit too much investment?"
"Hahaha, no need to worry. We've crunched the numbers. We already have a rough budget allocated for you, Miss Areum."
"Still... Of course, I'm thrilled you accepted, but..."
"It's really fine. You're short on filming staff anyway, so we can shift those labor costs into this investment instead. Honestly, it's a great idea."
"You think so?"
Kim Manho tapped the table with his fingers as he continued.
"Campervan content will pull in not just hardcore camping fans, but families, travelers—whole new subscriber layers."
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."
"Plus, beyond the tent-pitching purists, there are fans who love campervan trips precisely because they don't need all the gear. Shall we handle the rental on our end?"
"No, no! I want to pick it myself!"
"Hahaha, got it. Just let me know once you've chosen, and I'll process the rental."
Made sense when he put it like that. Yeah, not everyone's into hands-on tent camping—plenty enjoy it this way. Auto campgrounds have exploded lately, and glamping sites are popping up everywhere; you just show up with your body.
Anyway...
...Yes! I cheered internally. It actually worked! I get to do a campervan trip again! I fought back a grin.
Then, in the corner of my vision, Park PD next to me. Her face seemed a tone darker than before.
"...Sniff."
Ah, she realizes she has to edit campervan videos now too...But you said you love the job, PD. Why the tears again...?
"We'll upload the edited video tonight. Please prepare for your next camp, Miss Areum."
"Ah, yes. Looking forward to working with you."
"Same here, Miss Areum."
And the meeting wrapped up. Sure, there seemed to be some dark underbelly to their speedy editing and processing I didn't know about... but I liked this company.
Stepping out of the broadcast building, my footsteps felt like they were on clouds.
Campervan!
I hopped into my parked car and turned the key. The familiar vroom of the engine sounded a little different today.
You've worked hard, buddy. Sorry, but you won't be my partner for the next trip. I gave the steering wheel a gentle stroke of apology.
The smile never left my face the whole drive home. Just a few weeks ago, I was fretting, I gotta get a job soon, escaping reality. Now? A luxury campervan trip!
The second I got home, coat still on, I bolted to the computer and hit up a campervan rental site.
Those massive bodies on display in photos...
"Whoa... prices have skyrocketed."
Even older models from when I last rented were pricier now. Rentals chasing inflation, huh? But no worries—I had my ace: President Kim Manho.
Might as well go big since it's rented. Skip caravans; integrated models only. Filters on, search—and boom, fifty to a hundred thousand won range pops up.
Browsing, one caught my eye.
Coachmen... Orion... My dream ride since my first campervan encounter.
Clicked for details. Sleek interior, latest FF heater, shower booth toilet, 250L+ water tank, panoramic skylight roof...
"250L? I could actually shower..."
Sixty thousand per night... still pricey. But worth a shot?
I whipped out my phone and messaged President Kim Manho.
Sent. Too expensive? What if he says no? Doubts crept in.
Please, please...!
Ding!
Yesss! Then... no way!Maybe...?!
I sent it...!Argh! What now? What if he thinks 'This camping-obsessed girl's going overboard'?!
Urgh! Messages glowing like light! My hand froze mid-air. Then, with trembling fingers, I edited his profile name.
Light Manho God Emperor
Save?
Yes...I worship you... Light Manho...
I sent it, trying not to let my fangirling show. Hah... Campervan. Campervan... My heart wouldn't calm.
Leaning back in my chair, I reminisced.
As a kid visiting the countryside, Dad dragged me to the shed saying he'd show me something fun. There sat a beat-up Bonggo van. To me, it was a cool campervan. The cargo area had a crude space patched with weathered wood planks. Rain leaked through gaps, and being an illegal mod, it couldn't leave the yard. But inside, with mats laid out, slurping yukgaejang bowl ramen with Dad? Best taste ever.
Lying side by side in that tiny space, roof off, staring at stars through the open sky—more beautiful than any jewel.
Come to think of it, that's when I fell for yukgaejang bowl ramen for life.
Every countryside trip, Dad would eye that rickety DIY campervan and say:
"When Dad makes bank, I'll get you, Hangeol, a real nice one. With a roof for stars and a toilet."
"Really?"
"Yup! Not just the stream nearby—we'll hit the South Sea, grill BBQ in the sea breeze. It'll be amazing!"
Huh, we had that promise... And the next year, Dad...
......
...Dad got a bonus, rented a campervan, took me to Tongyeong for fresh seafood and BBQ. Mmm, so good. Wanna go again. South Sea this time? Busan might be too crowded—Gimhae area's nice. One night on a quiet coastal road, one at an auto campground. Fish sashimi instead of meat? Or fresh local catch...
Happy dilemmas already. Gotta plan carefully.
Oh, right. Video should be up soon. Probably live by now?
Heart pounding, I logged into YouTube Studio. Fresh upload—red dot on my channel icon, steaming new video on home.
Thumbnail: Me dazed in the snow, Nana scooping snow around the car with a copot lid—perfectly composited. Felt Park PD's anguish.
Before clicking play, views and comments jumped out.
[Views: 37K]
[Comments: 158]
...One hour in? Trembling, I opened comments.
Scrolled forever—endless praise. No hate in sight. Folks loved the screams, laughed at the clumsy survival, empathized with the anticlimax.
Watching reactions made Park PD seem superhuman. (She kinda is, editing two vids in two days.)
Sigh, even if it's business support, feels like I'm just taking. Gotta contribute. Channel notice to hype the next vid?
"Next up... campervan trip."
Short and sweet—better than fluff; builds hype.
Hit upload. New alert popped at top.
'Steadfast Camping' has surpassed 100K subscribers!
Apply for your Silver Button!
100K. The dream number, now real before my eyes.