Chapter 279
Chapter 279
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 279
Chapter Title: The President and Da-jeong's Solo Trip to Japan is Decided!
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Recently, Kang Haneul had been insanely busy, to the point where her eyes were spinning.
In truth, things had been hectic ever since she started the company, with a million tasks piling up.
But with the second-generation group's debut preparations ramping up even more, her schedule had kicked into overdrive.
Even that would be manageable if it were just company work.
Her real job was as a streamer, after all.
She had promises to keep with her viewers, and fulfilling them meant throwing herself into work body and soul.
Mornings and late afternoons were for company duties.
Evenings through the wee hours were for streaming.
Once the broadcast ended, she'd peck away at more company tasks before finally crashing.
That was her entire daily grind lately—like a hamster on a wheel.
"Haa... Just finish this, then sleep."
So today, too, after wrapping up her stream, she stretched lightly.
Then she placed her hands on the keyboard to tackle the remaining company work.
If she started now, she could wrap it up by around four a.m.
That'd give her till nine to sleep, then a quick stop at the office.
She had a meeting with the content development team today, plus a ton of approvals—essential stuff.
Screeech—
"...Stream not over yet?"
"Ack, you scared me. Mom, knock before coming in."
Just as the empty room echoed with furious keyboard clacks.
Her mother's head poked in without warning, startling Kang Haneul.
Bursting into her nearly-thirty-year-old daughter's room without knocking? Talk about zero consideration.
"Stream's done, so rest. You'll collapse at this rate, kiddo."
Despite the scolding, her mother Yang Jun-hee pressed on with a worried look.
She always half-jokingly nagged about grinding hard while young.
But no parent wants to watch their daughter work herself to the bone like this.
"Rest? What rest? Got stuff to finish by tomorrow, and morning's office time."
"Your employees do nothing? Dump it all on you?"
"I'm the president—makes no sense. Everyone's swamped. I've got my own responsibilities."
Kang Haneul knew her mom's heart, of course.
But work had her nerves frayed, so her words came out snappier than intended.
All she wanted was for her mom to shut the door and leave, pronto.
Ding—
"Message from So-eun. Worry about yourself and sleep."
"...Sigh."
Perfect timing—a text from her subordinate-slash-little-sis.
She waved her mom off, urging her to go.
Parents always lose to their kids, huh? Yang Jun-hee sighed but gently closed the door.
[So-eunnie] - Unnie
[So-eunnie] - You're still working, aren't you?
Finally, Kang Haneul checked the messaging app she'd left open.
Seeing So-eun's texts, a wry smile formed.
Did she install CCTV at my place or what?
How does she nail it every time?
[Me] - Yeah
[Me] - Finishing soon to sleep
[Me] - Almost done
Half-excusing herself, she replied and dove back into work.
But rapid-fire dings stopped her cold.
[So-eunnie] - Please rest
[So-eunnie] - World won't end if it's not done by tomorrow
[So-eunnie] - You'll really collapse
[So-eunnie] - Remember what happened with Da-jeong before?
[Me] - I'm tough, no prob
Despite the heartfelt advice from her close dongsaeng.
Kang Haneul brushed it off with her usual nonchalance.
Of course, she wanted rest.
She knew her body was hitting its limit.
But with so much on her plate, she couldn't afford a breather.
Especially since she now had employees—kids like daughters—to look after and protect.
Girls who'd trusted her to chase their dreams.
To not let them down, Kang Haneul couldn't ease up on the whip.
Bzzz—
As she powered through, her phone on the wireless charger erupted in vibration.
So-eun calling to nag more? Face tense, she checked.
"...Da-jeong?"
But the screen showed Da-jeong.
Why call this late?
Something go wrong? Anxiety rising, she answered carefully.
"Yeah, Da-jeong? What's up so late?"
『President! I have a favor to ask!』
Normally, she'd apologize profusely for the late call.
With her usual timid voice, seeking permission first.
But she jumped straight in, freezing Kang Haneul's brain momentarily.
A favor? What favor?
And her voice brimmed with unusual energy.
"Uh...? Favor? This late? What's going on?"
『President, remember what you said before? When I mentioned I'd never flown, you offered to take me on an overseas trip someday!』
Machine-gun words—had she always talked this fast?
Kang Haneul blinked blankly, then nodded.
Probably from Lunar New Year's visit, casual chat over tea.
It wasn't empty words, either.
Someday, she'd take the Blue LUV girls—or at least one—abroad.
Her treat, naturally.
But why bring it up now, in the dead of night?
"R-right, I remember. But why suddenly...?"
No way she's demanding a trip out of the blue.
Da-jeong was the most sensible in Blue LUV, by Kang Haneul's reckoning.
Unlike others, she wouldn't make such demands.
She rarely asked favors anyway.
『President! I'll apply for my passport tomorrow, so let's go to Japan together!』
"...Huh?"
But exceptions exist.
The spirited maknae voice—recent company meeting decided Da-jeong as maknae, not Ha-yul—left Kang Haneul dumbfounded.
What'd she eat wrong?
Why this all of a sudden?
"Wait, trip out of nowhere? You just had winter break. Want more time off? Something tough going on?"
Mannerism? Burnout? Voice too peppy for that.
Knowing Da-jeong wasn't the type for back-to-back breaks, she asked worriedly.
『No! Nothing tough! But just now, there is!』
"What?"
『I heard you're working non-stop without rest! That's the hardest thing for me!』
"...What?"
The reply clicked it all into place.
Why the sudden, absurd demand.
And who told Da-jeong.
'Yoon So-eun, you traitor.'
Her trusted dongsaeng sold her out.
Betrayal stung; brows furrowed.
Worst, spilling to the one person who shouldn't know.
But part of her was grateful—to So-eun and Da-jeong.
Both worried about her grind, pulling this stunt.
Da-jeong's initiative was adorably bold.
Ah, so that's why the trip ploy.
Forcing rest on her, who'd barely paused.
Never whined otherwise, but stubborn here? Endearing.
'Yeah, too long without a break.'
Caught by Da-jeong—no resisting now.
Kang Haneul checked her schedule, reflecting.
A few off-days, sure—but excuses for work.
Not many, either.
Didn't want Cloud Squad feeling sidelined for company.
Not wrong, but reckless in hindsight.
Plus, she'd told Da-jeong: neglecting health for work isn't pro—it's foolish.
'Hoisted by my own petard.'
She chuckled, nodding acceptance.
Then, setting everything aside, softly replied.
"...Okay, got it. Japan trip it is. President's covering everything."
『Eh?! N-no...! I can pay my share!』
"Then no trip?"
『Uuu, President, that's mean...』
Pfft.
Too cute; laughter bubbled up.
She's sacrificing her own time to match schedules.
One offer to pay, and back to timid Uparupa mode.
Where do these cuties come from?
Non-negotiable for Kang Haneul, though.
She'd foot the full bill.
One catch, though...
"But Da-jeong, didn't you say no passport?"
『Yes! Hehe, first time applying.』
So innocent—usually adorable, but now absurd.
This kid doesn't think passports are instant, right? Walk in, "Here ya go"?
"And you said tomorrow for Japan? Passports can take over a week."
『...Eh? C-can't you just get it same-day?』
Oof.
Spot on; she facepalmed.
That PUBG carry queen barking orders? Different person?
"I'll clear work by next week, then we go. Got it?"
『Yes...』
Da-jeong's bold "tomorrow" Japan trip got delayed.
But it bought time for proper planning.
Happy ending, right?