Mission Complete and Blossoming with Flower
After wrapping up the awards ceremony and the afterparty dinner, Baek Woojin returned home well past dawn. The same old cramped five-pyeong room, rundown as ever. Had there ever been a time he entered without sighing? Except for today.
"This one thing changes the whole vibe of the room."
Woojin muttered as he placed the trophy on his desk. The golden trophy engraved with 51st Daehan Arts Awards TV Category Best Newcomer Actor Baek Woojin. The aura and energy it emanated filled the room completely. His nest, which had always felt empty and listless, now brimmed with passion and positivity.
"Really..."
Woojin murmured, pulling something from his pocket and setting it on one corner of the desk. Business cards he'd received from managers at various agencies during the ceremony. At a glance, there were easily over twenty.
"That's a lot."
He was a proven newcomer without an agency. That alone had drawn plenty of interest and offers. And now, with the Daehan Arts Awards Best Newcomer Actor added to his resume, it was only to be expected.
"Gotta wash up and crash."
Woojin quickly showered and lay down. The glamorous ceremony, receiving the award amid cheers from the crowd. The satisfaction of finally landing a sharp retort on Ahn Jong-hoon. The time spent with all those seniors, juniors, and colleagues celebrating him at the afterparty. The day's events flashed by like a montage.
What a happy day.
It felt like returning from a euphoric trip to the Nella Fantasia world. With a much lighter heart, Woojin closed his eyes. He wondered what grateful moments tomorrow would bring. Each day filled him with happiness and anticipation.
Bzzz. That was when it happened. Woojin was sure he'd closed his eyes, but suddenly his vision brightened. Opening them, he saw light emanating from the diary on his desk.
'Kyu-bo hyung?'
He bolted up and grabbed the diary.
'Huh?'
But the light was different from usual. Not the blinding burst that had engulfed him before, but a gentle glow like a lantern.
[This is Forensic Pathologist Choi Kyu-bo from the <Wanted> Long-term Unsolved Cases Investigation Headquarters. First off, thank you for putting up with my grumpy, difficult personality all this time.]
[I'm grateful that it was you, of all people, who brought me to life through your acting. It made me happy. Through you, I received more love than I deserved.]
[And thank you for faithfully completing my mission. Thanks to you, I was able to heal the wounds from my past that had held me back. My interest in forensic science has grown a lot too, all because of you.]
[The drama may be over, but I'll live on in people's memories. Now, as the human Choi Kyu-bo rather than a drama character, I'll continue my life in my world. I wish you a career overflowing with blessings. That's all from me. - KCFS Forensic Pathologist Choi Kyu-bo]
"Knew it, hehe." A smile spread across Woojin's lips as he read. Where'd that trademark snark go? Using polite speech, of all things.
Choi Kyu-bo had been his first life-changing character as an actor, a precious friend. Memories built with him. The two months lived as him. They brought tears to Woojin's eyes.
As if voice-guided, Choi Kyu-bo's playful tone echoed in his ears. Woojin picked up a pen.
[It was my fortune and gratitude that my first step was you, Choi Kyu-bo. Stay healthy.]
Woojin filled the blank space below with heartfelt words, one letter at a time. Hoping the message would reach him.
(1/10)
Progress: 10%
Reward: Capacity +10
He wasn't startled this time, even as the text popped up.
Shrrk.
The diary then floated from his hands, glowing brighter, just like before. Woojin closed his eyes against the dazzling light.
Thud.
Moments later, it dropped to the floor, the fierce light fading. In the darkened room again, something took shape atop the fallen diary.
'What's that?'
Woojin turned on the light to check.
Forensic Pathologist Choi Kyu-bo
It was a scalpel engraved with Choi Kyu-bo's name, the silver blade gleaming—the tool used for autopsies. His final gift, it seemed. Woojin placed it on an empty shelf, then lay back down.
'I'll never forget you. I'll always remember.'
With that vow in his heart, he drifted off. Moonlight through the window illuminated the scalpel all night.
After the 51st Daehan Arts Awards.
Woojin's phone was blowing up more than ever. Agencies vied for the rookie who'd made an insane impact with just one project. Their battle to sign Baek Woojin felt like an endless war.
It rang so much early in the morning that it woke him.
"Hm."
Business cards spread before him. No more delaying. He had to choose.
Putting off a firm answer wasn't respectful, and at this starting point, he needed an agency.
"Alright. This one."
He picked one up, about to dial, when—
"Hello?"
— "Woojin! How've you been?"
"Team leader, hello. I'm good. How about you?"
— "I'm good too! Always full of cheer and energy, you know."
— "Hey, Woojin. Anyway..."
"Yes?"
— "Made your decision?"
Kim Tae-gon cut straight to it. Woojin didn't hesitate.
"Yes. I have."
— "And the result is...?"
Gulp. He heard a dry swallow over the line. Woojin could picture Kim Tae-gon's tense face. Smiling, he said,
"I'll sign."
— "You mean..."
"Yes. Flower Entertainment."
A short gasp came through the phone.
— "Great choice, Woojin! When works for you?"
"Anytime."
— "Strike while the iron's hot. Sooner the better. I'll report to the CEO and set it up."
"Got it."
— "Calling right back. Hey, Min-seong! Woojin's signing with us. Check the CEO's schedule quick..."
Kim Tae-gon's urgent voice carried through even as the call ended.
— "Woojin. CEO says today works. You good?"
"Yes. Perfect."
— "See you at 4 then. Come to our office."
"Got it. See you soon."
Hanging up, Woojin lay back down. Another worry lifted, drowsiness hit.
"Ah, nice."
He savored the rare rest. Who knew staying home could feel this good. Time to sort thoughts on next projects too.
— "Time to get up~"
After a nap, a cheerful alarm roused him. Ready, he headed out on time.
"Welcome. I'm Flower Entertainment CEO Lee Eun-cheol."
He greeted Woojin warmly. Tall for his middle age, with a sturdy build from workouts. He could pass for a celebrity, not a CEO.
"Hello. Actor Baek Woojin."
"Nice to meet you. Have a seat. Kim, you too."
Woojin and Kim Tae-gon sat across from CEO Lee Eun-cheol. His neat, dapper suit and polite demeanor inspired trust and a strong first impression.
"Team Leader Kim worked hard to recruit you. Thank you for responding."
"No, thank you for the great offer to a rookie like me."
"As you know, Flower Entertainment is Korea's top actor agency. We'll support your broad activities fully."
"Thank you. Ah, CEO. Feel free to speak casually."
"No, we'll switch once we're closer."
Despite being much older, Lee Eun-cheol didn't drop formalities. Worlds apart from the 'Ahn CEO' he'd known. Like heaven and earth.
"Let's review the contract details."
He handed over the contract and terms. Even for a rookie, the conditions were generous. No poison pills, no reason not to sign.
Woojin signed.
"I look forward to synergy between you and Flower, growing together."
Synergy with Flower Entertainment. Exciting words. It had taken a long time to trust "growing with an agency."
No more chained to the past.
"Yes. I hope for a relationship built on deep trust."
As Woojin finished, Lee Eun-cheol stood, telling Kim Tae-gon,
"Team leader. Contact PR and release a press statement. Assign Woojin's manager."
"Yes, CEO."
"Woojin. Welcome to Flower again. Let's do great things."
Lee Eun-cheol smiled, offering a handshake.
"Yes. I'll work hard."
Woojin gripped it firmly, smiling brightly with confident voice.
Kim Tae-gon snapped a photo of the handshake, then rushed to PR with the news and pic.
Before the ink dried, the article spread:
Flower Entertainment's site already had Woojin's profile up.
The industry had seen it as a done deal, but the news still surprised many. Naturally, most were disappointed.
"Baek Woojin, that bastard..."
Someone from his sticky past read the article, face flushing red.
Bam!
Trembling hand slamming the innocent desk. Of course.
With the agency signing news out, attention focused. Woojin's top priority now: picking his next project.