Chapter 43
Chapter 43
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: The Girls Earning Their Keep (4)
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The meeting wrapped up in record time.
Normally, it would've dragged on forever just sizing each other up and hashing out contract details, but Jang Hana was firmly in the beggar's position right now.
In a market where even one model who could pull in the crowds was gold, she'd landed a monster catch.
They had to snag her at all costs, so they greenlit every single term, steering the whole deal straight into Mirni's favor.
...To the point where it felt downright excessive.
"Wait, is this really okay?"
Mirni cocked her head, puzzled, and Jang Hana nodded firmly.
"Yes, perfectly fine."
"......"
"Please see how dead serious we are about Pink Cat-nim."
"O-okay...?"
"We're not just handing out freebies willy-nilly. We're investing because we see real potential."
"Investing?"
"Truth is, it's still under wraps, but since you're Pink Cat, I'll let you in on it. We've got big plans brewing."
"Plans?"
"Yep. Plans."
For two grueling years, Jang Hana had pounded the pavement on her hands and knees, and this massive project was finally coming together!
It wasn't some fly-by-night clothing gig—billions were on the line. Whether her shopping mall escaped the red or sank into oblivion hinged entirely on this.
Then bam, celebrity scandals erupted left and right—DM gates, the works—making models even scarcer and turning the whole ordeal into a bloodbath.
Jang Hana had thrown money around boldly enough, but landing a true heavyweight was a stretch. And scraping the bottom of the barrel? Not an option!
That's when she met Mirni!
'She's the hottest rising star out there—totally worth going all-in for!'
Mirni had no clue, but 'Pink Cat' was basically their golden ticket right now.
The team had been buzzing about signing her as a model long before they even met. Jang Hana was convinced it was fate.
'Bumping into her on a blind date setup...? If that's not destiny, what is!'
Sure, her mom, dad, and uncle had wailed on her back till it was raw. But who cared about a sore backside?
The company came first!!
"Me? That big a deal?"
"Pink Cat-nim, you seriously undervalue yourself! You've got the Model Academy business card, and you even popped up on TV once, right?"
"You know about that too?"
"True fans know everything. That's how I recognized you on sight!"
"Oh... right."
"Anyway, just know how badly we want you!"
"...Got it."
For some reason, Mirni took a real shine to Jang Hana.
It wasn't just the flattery—the girl was genuinely sweet and earnest...
"Um, by the way... how's Yuseong doing? I-I wanna apologize and treat him to a meal..."
"......"
Nope, still hated her guts.
"Oh, and what about makeup? If you need someone, we can hook you up..."
"...Nah, I'm good. Got somebody solid in mind."
"Ooh, they're good, huh?"
"Bit of a weirdo, but her skills are top-notch."
"...?"
"Her name's Kanpeu."
"???"
Alicia scowled like she'd hit rock bottom in humiliation and bellowed.
"You dare order me to play servant?! Me of all people?!"
To Alicia Moon Night, high elf royalty, nothing could be more degrading than being told to slave away.
"I'll pay you."
"You think you can buy me?!"
"Ten thousand an hour."
"You little...!"
"Twenty."
"We're settling this today!"
"Fifty."
"......"
"Deal?"
"...Nngh!!"
Alicia choked back a groan, furrowing her brow for entirely different reasons.
Fifty thousand an hour...
'How many waffles is that?'
Alicia firmly believed Earth's greatest invention wasn't the smartphone or electricity—it was the waffle.
Midgard had waffle-like desserts, sure, but she knew damn well they didn't hold a candle to the ones at every Korean cafe.
The baking method, the flavor... and above all...!
'Nothing beats Nutella!'
Those tongue-meltingly sweet Nutella waffles were devilishly good—no exaggeration.
Alicia could've lived off waffles for every meal and been blissfully happy. Fifty grand meant at least ten of 'em, and now she was deep in dilemma.
"You know Fat Waffle? The spot from TV. Their waffles are a whopping five centimeters thick, and get this—it's right by our shoot location. Work for me, and I'll buy you some."
"......"
An offer she couldn't refuse.
Leon tilted his head, puzzled.
"Alicia's good at makeup?"
"She's great. From straight-up cosmetics to full disguises."
"Disguises?"
"Humans have tons of slave hunters who target elves specifically. So elves learn basic disguise techniques before venturing into human lands. Alicia's no exception."
"She's got some real chops, then."
"...Chops? That's putting it mildly."
"Huh?"
Creeeak.
The door swung open, and out stepped Alicia. Her usual icy visage cracked with the faintest smile.
Like she was quietly pleased with herself?
Then Mirni followed, and it clicked why she looked so smug.
"...M-Mirni?"
"...That's straight-up fraud."
Leon and Valian knew Mirni was pretty.
One of the kingdom's top beauties, who'd stolen more hearts than gold.
But neither guy was smitten.
Leon had his love, and Valian treated women like conquests—romance was a foreign concept to him.
Until now.
"Whaddya think~?"
A spring fairy stood before them.
Hair evoking cherry blossoms and vibrant new life, eyes brimming with vitality. Her porcelain skin was beyond fresh—it was otherworldly.
A woman already hailed as the kingdom's fairest without makeup? When she actually tried? What else could you call it but a scam!
"Hmph! I trust you'll keep your word."
"You got it."
The real MVP here? Alicia.
Her makeup was neither over-the-top nor understated—it amplified Mirni's natural charms to perfection, like a master's chisel birthing art from stone.
Alicia smirked arrogantly at her handiwork.
Still haughty and cold, but weirdly satisfied.
She was thrilled with the results.
"Luke, how do I look? Pretty~?"
"Cut the crap and scram."
"Tch, so mean..."
"I said cut the crap—?"
"......Yes, sir."
While everyone else gawked in shock, only Yuseong stayed stone-faced—hell, he barely glanced her way, just kept doing his thing.
Not even an enlightened monk could ignore her like that.
"...I'm asking seriously, Luke. Am I not pretty?"
"Cut the—"
"No, for real. I need an objective take."
"You blind to the drooling beasts over there?"
"Eh, those guys are... whatever."
Ignoring the suddenly besieged Leon and Valian, Mirni hounded Yuseong for his verdict. He sighed.
"Does my opinion even matter?"
"Yeah, it does."
"......"
"Y-you're Korean, right? Your tastes might be a bit different...! Yeah, that's it!"
"No idea what you're on about, but..."
Deeming it reasonable enough, Yuseong relented with a sigh.
"...Say there were a hundred models."
"Yeah?"
"And you had to pick just one. I'd pick you."
"......"
"That answer your question?"
"......"
Yuseong grumbled at the silent Mirni. 'Stubborn little contrarian...' But she didn't fire back right away.
...She just...
"Hee hee!"
Blushed with pure joy.
A blissful smile, like she'd savored the sweetest treat.
"Haa..."
Sylvia watched the pair's temperature difference and sighed in sheer frustration.
Shoot day.
They'd figured fitting model duty meant no big deal, but the set was legit spacious.
Guess it really was a major project—they'd spared no expense.
Mirni's entrance kicked off an immediate uproar.
"No way she's not a celeb."
"What're our agencies doing...? Letting a gem like that slip?"
"Insane... her face is tiny!"
"Yours is just huge, dummy."
"Screw you...!"
The buzz was everywhere, but they weren't complaining—giddy, even.
Prettier model? Happier crew.
Then they spotted the blonde foreigner tailing Mirni and nearly choked again.
"That's just her makeup artist?"
"Two total frauds...?"
"Damn... birds of a feather, huh."
Two otherworldly beauties invading the set felt straight out of a dream.
The synergy between the spring fairy and the fairy-tale forest princess was that jaw-dropping.
"Holy..."
The staff weren't the only ones floored—Jang Hana was losing it.
She'd shrugged off the "bringing her own artist" bit, but this? This was dragging in a goddess!
'Can I shoot her too somehow?'
Temptation hit hard.
Pink Cat was a catch, but pair her with that goddess-next-door? Peak jackpot!
But...!
"──What're you staring at."
Shiiiing!!
A chilling aura slithered down her spine, sending goosebumps everywhere.
'I-ice blade?'
Jang Hana swore she felt an icy dagger at her throat.
One glance and you'd freeze solid—hot blood be damned!
She averted her eyes and gulped dryly.
"Typical narrow-minded bitch. Get your kicks bullying the weak?"
"When did I bully anyone."
"What you're doing right now is bullying..."
"Hmph!"
Alicia tossed her chin up like she'd done nothing wrong, glaring contemptuously ahead.
Her human-hating bile bubbling over──!
Smack!!
"Aaaack!"
Alicia hit the deck with an embarrassing yelp.
"Goddamn, you get one eye twitch and you're off your rocker again? What set you off this time?"
Yuseong had walloped the back of her head, then laid into her regardless of her whining, before turning to Jang Hana.
"Sorry about that. Her personality's got issues—gets feisty. Don't take it to heart."
"...N-no, I'm fine. Really, don't worry."
"Alright..."
"......"
For some reason, Jang Hana felt like Yuseong was hoping she'd say otherwise.
'Nah, no way, right?'
"If she pulls that while I'm gone, just say the word. I'll drill some manners into her."
"......"
...Not her imagination after all.