Chapter 96
Chapter 96
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 96
Chapter Title: Ripples of Success
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Though we’d released a rebuttal article a step ahead, we were still on edge, unsure how the situation would unfold.
The reporter who had targeted Answer must have been flooded with complaint emails, because he deleted the article in less than an hour.
In the end, all it did was make Seul-bi and Ro-si, the targets of the attack, stand out even more.
Instead, it backfired, dredging up the buried past of Savage Girls’ Ji-yoo, who was now taking all the heat.
Savage Girls, one of the pillars of SJ Enter’s revenue. The blade they’d aimed at Answer had turned back on themselves. It was enough to make Gyeon Sang-jin clutch the back of his neck in frustration.
“You’ve worked hard, Reporter-nim. Thanks to you, we’ve overcome a major crisis.”
-Not at all. I’ve received plenty of help from you, too. We’re just helping each other out.
The question, ‘Did you get in trouble with your boss?’ was on the tip of my tongue, but I held back, figuring it wasn't my place to worry about it.
-When you get the chance, please let my son get a picture with Answer.
I ended the call with Reporter Shin Dong-min.
“See? When you do as this esteemed producer suggests, everything works out perfectly. Hahahaha…”
“……”
“Just kidding, just kidding. I know you did a great job, Team Leader Min. We’re all here, so let’s go grab a bite to eat.”
*Tiring.*
[Sudden Quest ‘Countering the Rumor Article’ Complete]
You have successfully defended Answer from a malicious article.
As a reward, a Legendary-grade draw will now begin.
Counter (S)
Safe (S)
Imprint (S)
…
I had high hopes for this draw, which was emitting a dazzling rainbow light.
It was Legendary-grade, after all.
♪♬
*Ppampparabam pppamppamppamppampparabam*
♪♬
A visual effect of exploding fireworks accompanied by stereo sound.
[You have acquired the one-time item: Heal (S).]
Description: Completely cures another person’s illness.
***
After finishing a writers' meeting for the radio show ‘Refreshing Afternoon,’ the youngest writer, Yeon-woo, received a call from an advertising agency.
For a moment, Yeon-woo was overcome with fear.
‘Did I miss something?’
But no matter how hard she looked, she couldn't find any problems in the delivered materials or the revised ad script.
“…Hello?”
Yeon-woo answered the phone cautiously.
-Yes, Writer-nim. This is Namu AD.
“Yes, yes.”
-…Are there any other writers or the PD around, by any chance?
“No. What’s this about?”
-Well… I was hoping to get a model recommendation from you.
“From me?”
-Yes. You remember the trouble we had last time after getting a recommendation from the PD and the head writer, right?
“Ah.”
Yeon-woo finally let out a sigh of relief.
-We were in a real bind last time. We ended up getting blamed for recommending someone based on connections…
“Right, I suppose… their on-air image and their real image are often very different…”
They needed someone with a fresh perspective, untainted by the web of connections that permeated the industry.
-We’ve been put in charge of everything for a new school uniform commercial, starting with casting the models.
“That's an easy client.”
-But they’ve insisted on using idols. So, is there a girl group you could recommend? The most important thing is their character.
Yeon-woo immediately thought of Answer and their manager, who had saved her from a crisis twice.
“What about Answer? Their popularity is soaring, and they’re great on shows. And of course, they’re incredibly polite.”
-Oh! We actually had Your Girl, Answer, and N-Pink on our list of candidates.
“Ah… they're all good, but Your Girl is a bit…”
Yeon-woo bit her lip, remembering how Your Girl had subtly looked down on her for being the youngest writer.
-Oh. I see… Got it. Thank you, Writer-nim. If we sign them, I’ll be sure to thank you properly, okay?
“No, you don’t have to. I’m just recommending them because they’re genuinely great people. Oh! And Answer’s managers are practically idols themselves. If you’re looking for male models too, you might be able to get them for a good price. I heard they were even in the media once…”
-Oh, really? Now that’s a great tip.
“Yes. The road manager is a former trainee, and the chief manager was almost in Fire Emblem…”
-Oh! So that’s him! Thank you so much for that amazing tip.
After hanging up with the agency, Yeon-woo immediately sent a text to Min-jun.
-Thank you so much for your help during the last broadcast. I recommended Answer to an ad agency for a school uniform model today. I hope it works out! See you again soon.
“Phew. Maybe I’ll grab a coffee.”
Yeon-woo stood up, as if feeling relieved.
***
“Jokbal won’t make you fat! Eat up, everyone!”
“Thank you for the food!”
As if pig’s trotters wouldn’t make you gain weight.
While the trainees were excitedly eating, a file sent by the music video director was playing on the tablet at our table.
♪♬
CEO Park Jae-yong and Director Lee Sun, dressed in retro outfits, were disco dancing to the lyric-less second verse. Choi Yoo-jun and I were performing Answer's choreography in the background, while Answer and the trainees swayed their bodies as onlookers even further back.
“Hey, look at this. It looks great!”
“Really! I think I look pretty good too!”
CEO Park Jae-yong and Choi Yoo-jun were ecstatic, but everyone else was smiling wryly.
“It’s so cheesy…”
I nodded in agreement at the director's quiet whisper.
“Wow! I have over ten thousand followers on Starstagram!”
As Seul-bi said this with a broad grin, Yi-na spoke with a look that said it was no big deal.
“Haha! I already passed that mark last week.”
“I know that! And when that happens, you’re supposed to say, ‘Congratulations, Unni!’”
She must have been really excited to be checking her Starstagram with food right in front of her.
“The more famous you get, the more tiring things will become. Try not to get upset if people suddenly start taking your picture…”
“Huh? Why would that be upsetting? I wish someone would take my picture!”
“For real!”
Yi-na retorted to my advice, and all the members laughed happily.
“I’m going to head out now.”
I stood up and bowed to the CEO.
“Already? Do you have something urgent?”
“I'm supposed to check on Lee Yoo-ah's album before it goes into mastering.”
“That’s right. You weren’t at the meeting for Yoo-ah. Hold on a second. Excuse me! Can we get one Bossam and Jokbal set to go, please?”
“Yes, one Bossam and Jokbal set!”
“Tell her to eat while she works. And not to spill on the keyboard.”
“Team Leader-nim, thank you for your hard work today!”
“Take care!”
I left the restaurant, seen off by Answer and Choi Yoo-jun. Ro-si seemed to subtly want to come with me, but I deliberately ignored it.
***
♪♬
The petals are blooming
in the breeze
May the scent fly to your nose
♪♬
Another song to be included in Lee Yoo-ah's album was playing. All the songs were scheduled to be recorded in both Korean and English versions.
Lee Yoo-ah's clear and pure vocal tone had the effect of making listeners naturally close their eyes.
The faint smell of herbal jokbal rising from the table made the corners of my mouth lift.
Even though it was a combination that completely broke the mood, Lee Yoo-ah's song had the power to make everything feel right.
I slowly opened my eyes.
A slight smile also graced the face of Lee Yoo-ah, who was leaning against the sofa with her arms crossed.
She hadn't even debuted yet, but she exuded the aura of a celebrity, as if she'd already gotten used to the camera.
“…Pfft!”
Lee Yoo-ah suddenly burst out laughing.
“The smell of pig’s trotters really doesn’t fit the mood.”
“Your song is so good, I didn’t even notice the smell.”
“But Oppa, why do you still use formal speech with me?”
“I'm treating you like an artist. Besides, you sometimes call me Producer-nim, don't you?”
“That’s just my official title for you. Ugh, whatever. Anyway, hold on a second.”
Lee Yoo-ah went outside carrying the vegetable wraps.
She returned shortly after and began to portion out half of the bossam and pig’s trotters as she spoke.
“I had a feeling something was up. So they all went to film the music video. How petty.”
“But the CEO sent this for you to eat.”
“I guess so. That part is surprising… Oppa, can you come with me? It feels eerie thinking there’s no one else here.”
I headed to the security office with Lee Yoo-ah.
“Oh, right! The supplements you gave me, my parents are taking them well. They say they feel healthier.”
“That's a relief.”
*Knock, knock, knock.*
*Click.*
“What can I do for you?”
“It’s some bossam and pig’s trotters. I brought them for you.”
Lee Yoo-ah offered the meat with a bright smile.
“Oh my! You didn't have to give us something like this!”
“I washed the vegetables thoroughly, so please enjoy.”
The two members of the security team beamed.
Right. This was the Lee Yoo-ah I knew.
The Lee Yoo-ah who always took care of others so thoughtfully.
You're going to be a huge hit this time.
“Anyway, I followed your advice and went with a pop vibe, but I’m worried people might not like it.”
“What part?”
“It sounds like an album made for an international debut. I’m just a rookie, a pure-blooded Korean who’s never even lived abroad.”
A smile spread across my face without me realizing.
“You're learning English well, right?”
“Yes. I haven't missed a single class the director signed me up for. Ro-si helped a lot too.”
I sometimes saw Ro-si on the phone with Lee Yoo-ah and knew her English had improved a lot. Lee Yoo-ah was also completely ready to soar.
“Then you’ll be fine. Trust me.”
In front of the studio door, Lee Yoo-ah stared intently into my eyes.
“Don't expect too much from me. I'm really scared it will fail.”
“You underestimate yourself too much. Look at how much Answer is growing. I’m telling you, I have a good eye for talent.”
Lee Yoo-ah's eyes shone with a subtle light.
“…I really want to succeed.”
“……”
“That way, I can repay you, Oppa.”
I could feel Lee Yoo-ah clenching her teeth.
It seemed like she would be a great help to me one day.
Though that's not why I saved her.
I listened to her wonderful music while eating jokbal with Lee Yoo-ah.
The warm accompaniment soothed a tired heart, and the sweet vocals made the heart swell.
After taking Lee Yoo-ah home, I went home too.
Because I still had many things left to do.
***
With Choi Yoo-jun taking over as Answer's dedicated road manager, my workload had relatively decreased, but I always accompanied them on important schedules.
For example, a cover shoot for the global edition of the world-famous magazine 'Elegang'.
I had Choi Yoo-jun wait downstairs and went up to the dorm.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
“Yeees.”
The door opened with Ro-si's tired voice.
“Ugh, it's cold!”
Behind Ro-si, the Answer members, who were sitting on the floor and leaning against the sofa, weakly got up one by one.
I went to the trouble of buying them a sofa, but they're using it as a backrest instead of sitting on it.
I got in the car with the members.
“Ugh. It's cold.”
“Good morning, Answer artists. A pleasant morning to you all!”
Choi Yoo-jun exclaimed energetically.
“Hi, Yoo-jun Oppa.”
“Hi, Yoo-jun.”
But the members limply flopped into their seats.
“You didn't get a wink of sleep, did you?”
“…I guess so.”
When no one else answered, Ro-si replied.
They probably couldn't sleep, thinking about being on the cover of the world's top magazine, dressed in luxury brands.
“Try to get at least twenty or thirty minutes of sleep. No talking.”
Their makeup probably wouldn't look cakey or their skin dry, but I was worried if they could produce the expressions the photographer wanted.
“We'll head to Cheongdam-dong first.”
“Go straight to the studio, not the salon.”
“What? They’re not getting their makeup done?”
“Their dedicated artists will be doing it.”
“Ooh, that sounds fancy.”
I searched for a coffee shop that might be open near our destination.
Through the rearview mirror, I could see the Answer members, who had already passed out.
In terms of symbolic importance since their debut, this photoshoot was easily in the top three…