Chapter 44
“Hmmm.”
Meanwhile, a strange sigh echoed through Chairman Yeon’s office. Naturally, as someone receiving real-time monitoring reports on Episode 1 of <Cast the Future> and its public response, there was no way Chairman Yeon could be in a good mood when he had to look at every malicious comment directed at Yeon Se-rang.
At first, the secretary’s office had tried filtering things moderately before submitting the reports, but the moment Chairman Yeon noticed that fact, he flew into a rage, leaving them with no choice but to report the truth as it was.
“The most encouraging result is the buzz. The reactions from viewers in the 20–49 demographic are also very—”
“I’m not illiterate. I can read that much myself.”
Chief Jung, the head of Chairman Yeon’s secretary’s office, tried to ease his mood somehow, but Chairman Yeon remained extremely curt.
Still, Chief Jung stayed calm. Even objectively speaking, <Cast the Future> had exploded in popularity from Episode 1 alone.
The ratings were only 1.8%, but anyone in the broadcasting industry knew that was a very respectable starting point for an idol survival program.
On top of that, the buzz among the 20–49 demographic was extremely strong, making this, in truth, very good news.
The problem was that all of this good news was built upon people cursing Yeon Se-rang.
Yeon Se-rang had instantly become a hot potato tossed onto the grill. The public naturally did not view Yeon Se-rang, a third-generation chaebol heir of Imperial, kindly.
(Translator’s Note: Hot Potato on the Grill (뜨거운감자) — Korean idiom referring to a controversial issue or person attracting intense public attention and debate.)
Unlike her two older brothers, she had not gradually built an entertainment career before appearing. She had simply shown up out of nowhere.
If Yeon Sae-byeok or Yeon Si-ho had appeared claiming to be producers instead, there likely would not have been much backlash.
They still would not have escaped criticism that wealthy heirs were only seeking attention, but at the very least, nobody could deny the idol groups those two had launched.
But what about Yeon Se-rang?
Until now, Yeon Se-rang had been nothing more and nothing less than a fashion influencer and wealthy celebrity.
People did not attach much significance to articles about her attending luxury brand events.
After all, nobody could deny that Yeon Se-rang genuinely spent enormous amounts of money on clothing.
But appearing as a producer on an idol survival show?
That crossed a taboo line.
‘Still, Director Yeon didn’t seem like someone who failed to anticipate this reaction.’
If anything, it looked more like she wanted this atmosphere and deliberately stirred up controversy. That was Chief Jung’s exact impression after watching Episode 1.
When she selected trainee Seo Dowon, who was clearly a double-edged sword of a pick, everyone else thought, Yep, Yeon Se-rang is acting like Yeon Se-rang again—but Chief Jung thought differently.
Because there had been an inexplicable confidence in Yeon Se-rang’s expression.
At first, even Chief Jung thought the family troublemaker was embarrassing the household yet again.
But after Chairman Yeon played him the song Yeon Se-rang had personally made, Chief Jung became convinced.
‘Our family’s troublemaker is about to pull off something big.’
After hearing that song and then rewatching Episode 1, even that smile that had seemed like reckless confidence began overlapping with Chairman Yeon’s own fearless smile.
Blood truly did not lie.
That was Chief Jung’s conclusion.
The problem was—
“Executive Director Kim, what the hell was that bastard doing while things became this messy?”
“Executive Director Kim is currently waiting outside, actually.”
“I don’t even want to see that bastard’s face, so tell him not to come in.” Chairman Yeon waved his hand irritably. He clearly disliked the current situation immensely.
“Please hear him out, Chairman. I believe it’s worth listening to.”
But Chief Jung had already seen Executive Director Kim’s expression while outside, where he had supposedly been desperately waiting for Chairman Yeon’s mercy.
That was not the face of a sinner.
It was the face of a proud vassal carrying a magnificent tribute.
“You really think so?”
“Yes.”
Chairman Yeon trusted Chief Jung’s judgment more than anyone else’s.
Clicking his tongue like he truly hated the idea, Chairman Yeon eventually nodded.
“Tell him to come in.”
“Yes.”
Chief Jung immediately relayed the order through his earpiece, and the door opened at once.
Executive Director Kim then entered the office with remarkably light steps.
“Have you been well, Chairman?”
“Does it look like I’m in any state to be well, Executive Director Kim?”
“It seems the only thing left now is for you to sleep soundly with both legs stretched out comfortably.”
At Executive Director Kim’s extremely confident attitude, an expression of Well, would you look at this guy? appeared on Chairman Yeon’s face.
“What’s got you grinning so much?”
“Everything is going exactly according to Director Yeon’s plan, so how could I not feel good? Congratulations, Chairman. You truly have an extraordinary granddaughter.”
“…Really? Director Yeon?”
The moment he heard the phrase “extraordinary granddaughter,” Chairman Yeon’s expression immediately relaxed.
“Yes. Director Yeon was actually the one who asked me to come here in the first place. She could have come personally, but she chose to preserve my dignity instead.”
Executive Director Kim was genuinely grateful to Se-rang.
Yeon Se-rang could have personally come bragging that all of this had gone exactly as she intended.
She could have completely forgotten about Executive Director Kim’s existence.
But Se-rang did not do that. On the public side, she secured objectivity by sending Executive Director Kim, a messenger with far greater credibility than herself, while simultaneously showing that he too was one of the key contributors to this grand plan.
“All of this was exactly as Director Yeon intended. I watched all the upcoming footage and even saw the rough cut of Episode 2. It was all excellent. Public opinion will completely reverse.”
“Really?”
“Yes. The rough cut for Episode 2 was completed this morning, and I came straight here after watching it.”
“You’re sure? That public opinion toward Se-rang will reverse?”
“Episode 2 does not reveal all of Director Yeon’s true abilities. But the atmosphere will definitely begin turning around starting from Episode 2. And from Episode 3 onward, Director Yeon’s true capabilities will fully emerge.”
Hearing such confidence in his tone, Chairman Yeon narrowed his eyes, though he could not hide the corners of his mouth lifting upward.
“From the beginning, the editing direction of Episode 1 was also something Director Yeon personally requested from the PD. She said it would greatly increase the show’s buzz and make viewers see it as an honest program. She also said that if Episode 1 overly shielded Director Yeon, the program’s credibility would hit rock bottom.”
“Se-rang was capable of being that self-aware?”
“She’s handling it better than anyone else, Chairman. There’s absolutely no need for concern.”
Though in reality it was not self-awareness but awareness of others, Chairman Yeon, who knew nothing of such nuances, quickly became pleased again.
“Good. If all of this was Director Yeon’s intention, then I should trust her and wait.”
“Thank you, Chairman.”
“Executive Director Kim, continue taking good care of Se-rang. That little brat may be reckless, but ever since she was young, she always took exceptional care of the people who looked after her. She’s loyal. Businesspeople need that kind of quality too. Don’t you agree, Chief Jung?”
“That’s correct, Chairman. You yourself reached this position because you protected loyalty within the industry.”
“Exactly. The Yeon bloodline never forgets debts or favors involving people. Only then will the heavens help you.” Chairman Yeon beckoned Executive Director Kim closer with satisfaction.
Kim practically rushed over to stand right beside him.
Chairman Yeon patted his shoulder several times.
At that, both men’s eyes widened slightly.
This was the highest praise Chairman Yeon could possibly show.
“Do well. I don’t need to say more, right?”
“Yes! I understand perfectly, Chairman. I will help Director Yeon with all sincerity.”
“Good. I have no doubt you’ll do well.”
After saying that, Chairman Yeon waved his hand. “You should go now. I’ve held onto someone as busy as you, who needs to go help our Director Yeon, for too long already.”
“Not at all, Chairman. Thank you. I’ll head to Director Yeon immediately.”
“Good.”
Executive Director Kim quickly disappeared, and Chief Jung glanced at Chairman Yeon’s back with a rather strange look in his eyes.
That had not merely been a signal asking him to take care of his troublesome yet pitiful granddaughter.
Chief Jung was certain.
Yeon Se-rang was slowly shifting in Chairman Yeon’s mind from merely being “his granddaughter” into “a candidate for successor.”
This was a massive tectonic shift.
Chief Jung lowered his gaze.
It seemed he would need to investigate Yeon Se-rang more thoroughly.
It was about time for him to choose one of the successor candidates and begin supporting them, so properly examining every candidate was only natural.
After all, no candidate became more powerful than the one personally chosen by Chief Jung himself.