Chapter 113
Chapter 113
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: Rumors Upon Rumors Upon Rumors (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"This incident needs to be wrapped up cleanly, without any noise, don't you think? It's true that guy's stirred up more trouble than necessary, putting us in a bind, but even without that, the story of being stranded for days carries the risk of spinning out in a bad direction at any moment. As you know, Yeonwoo, the entertainment industry is a place where baseless rumors can harm innocent people. A casual remark from one of the staff at a drinking session could spread like wildfire among insiders the very next day. A thoughtless post on SNS could spawn some bizarre rumor."
"In that sense, maybe it's better that guy went ahead and blew it all up at once. Rumors that spread quietly like that are a pain to trace back to the source. In a way, him flipping the table in one go might've been the right call..."
But Kwon Seonghyeon quickly corrected himself.
"Wait, I must be losing my mind, Yeonwoo. Thinking that guy did well? I must be out of my head."
"..."
"We reviewed the footage, and it's clear you yourself are in the clear. But your career matters, so we should end this cleanly. Nip it in the bud. As thoroughly and perfectly as possible."
Strictly speaking, a movie and its actors are inseparable. No matter how divinely an actor performs, if the film tanks for whatever reason, they're just an actor in a flop. A recent example was Yeon Do-hee.
She was flawless in dialogue delivery, emotional acting, and eye lines—nothing to fault.
But.
[Do-hee, the Icon of Misfortune: Will This Film Be Any Different?!]
Despite headlines like that, Yeon Do-hee's film career oddly never took off.
"In other words, it could happen to anyone."
Even an actress with Do-hee's fame and skill could end up with a nickname like that if her movies bombed. He could see why the company was stepping in.
He got that much.
The problem came after.
"But Yeonwoo."
"Yes?"
"You're not the problem, but there is a problem."
"Yes...?"
What kind of nonsense is that?
But that was just the beginning.
"Yeonwoo, stepping up for others was noble and selfless, but it was way too dangerous. Rain pouring like that, voices barely audible over the downpour, and you went out there alone? What if something had happened?"
"..."
Soft and gentle tone.
But the words weren't so soft.
"Going out alone like that, without taking anyone? Reckless. Rescue would've been tough in those conditions too. You could've slipped on a wet leaf and gotten seriously hurt. You're already so skinny—why court that danger solo? And you're not even single."
"Yes...?"
Single? What body?
"If something happened to you, what about the people waiting for you?"
"They'd manage on their own, wouldn't they?"
Kwon Seonghyeon, well. He's in this ambiguous state where he could turn into a wandering spirit and separate from his body anytime.
That's why he's stuck with me—penalties, lifespan vending machine, all that combined.
"If I die, isn't it all over?"
We're all just trying to survive.
Meaning, death ends it.
"Of course, I don't want to die."
But he couldn't be responsible for the afterlife.
To Kwon Seonghyeon, though, it was different.
"...As Dongja-ssi said."
"Yes?"
"No good. Since you won't look after yourself, I'll have to keep watching out for you."
"..."
He'd already explained once.
Adrian, the survival expert ghost, was with him, so he could handle it alone.
Of course,
"How can I trust a ghost completely? What if it had bad intentions...?"
He'd been stumped by that counter.
Still,
"Nagging, but it's not a bad feeling having someone worry."
Compared to his isolated past, this was progress.
"Anyway, the company will send someone for a strategy meeting soon. That's what companies do. Got it?"
"Got it."
Yeonwoo nodded roughly.
Advice from an industry veteran like Kwon Seonghyeon wouldn't be wrong.
He just hadn't expected it like this.
"I'm the acting chairman from Yeonwoo's agency."
The company rep appeared in a tailored suit hugging his frame, complete with glasses.
It was none other than Kwon Seonghyeon.
* 'Why are you here of all places...?'
Even Yeonwoo, seasoned as he was, was a bit flustered.
Everyone else gawked too.
"...We were told a representative would come...?"
The assistant director recovered first, thick-skinned as he was.
"Yes. And here I am."
"...Is there even a representative?"
"We'll talk about that later. Not important today."
Today's Kwon Seonghyeon was different from usual.
No dandy casuals—instead, formal suit, hair slicked back neatly.
Glasses too. More businessman than actor.
Though too handsome for it.
"......Is this okay?"
Yeonwoo whispered urgently to Kwon Seonghyeon.
Shouldn't PR or management support handle a strategy meeting?
"I'm quite capable, Yeonwoo."
"Can we really trust that?"
"Of course."
[Truth]
Intent Discernment popped up unhelpfully.
And not just that.
"Don't worry. If worst comes to worst, I've got your back. We'll make it work."
"Yes?"
"Well... the best way is ideal, but if not, we can always detour, right?"
Not wrong.
"Trust me, Yeonwoo? I'll handle it perfectly."
And simultaneously.
*Ding!*
[Harvestable Lifespan: +3 days]
Familiar alert.
'Been a while.'
Why Kwon Seonghyeon was a true lifespan vending machine.
Endlessly doling out pointless quests with lifespan on the line.
Though oblivious to it.
'Anyway, this popping up means he's dead serious.'
Intent Discernment already confirmed, but lifespan proved sincerity.
"Fine... I get it."
"Good. Don't worry. I'll resolve it all perfectly."
He grinned confidently, the picture of assurance.
All that nagging earlier...
Building up to this. No illusion.
"Um... Mr. Kwon Seonghyeon...?"
"Agent is fine."
"No, how could we possibly call you—"
The unexpected arrival threw the meeting room into chaos. Naturally.
"Director. Director Ji. Snap out of it!"
"Um... Assistant Director. Director Ji's bruising. Stop hitting."
"Oh, right. I'm out of it too."
The assistant director released Director Ji's arm, which he'd been unconsciously pounding.
Director Ji looked soulless, oblivious to the hits.
"I'm here as agency rep today. Nice to work with you."
Kwon Seonghyeon smiled brightly.
Then he stormed ahead like a tempest.
'Will that guy really pull it off? Not just showing up for nothing?'
Dispelling Yeonwoo's doubts, Kwon Seonghyeon dominated from the start.
His fluent rhetoric flowed seamlessly.
Despite Yeonwoo's skepticism, he was as capable as claimed.
More so than expected.
And his unexpected edge: wielding charm at perfect moments.
"So, no need to worry—just proceed now, at this golden timing?"
"O-Of course... I get the timing's good, but we're not ready yet..."
"What prep?"
"Not enough time for proper editing. Barely any finished footage. Conditions were awful, shooting uneven—needs post-correction too..."
"That should wrap quick, no?"
"Yes? Quick? No, that's... with before and after, nearly a week's worth..."
"Heard you've progressed some. Should finish the rest fast. Right? Director Ji Un-jae's production crew are all reputed pros. High expectations."
Bright smile.
Just like now.
The impact of Kwon Seonghyeon's grin was immense.
What to say—suddenly entranced, souls lost.
"Uh... so grateful you think so highly of us... But really, people say that...?"
"Of course. Everyone knows Director Ji's visuals are stunning. Naturally, his staff are top-tier too."
Proof: staff from assistant director to rookies, dazed and swept up.
Subtle excitement from his gentle praises.
"St-Still, proceeding now is tough..."
"Really? Pushing fast benefits the film and protects the actors."
"Hmm... If we pull all-nighters in emergency mode... maybe we can manage..."
Kwon Seonghyeon smiled satisfied at the entranced assistant director.
Oddly, no staff grumbled at the overtime pitch.
"As expected. Thanks for helping. You're all so kind."
"Ah... well... world runs on helping each other...?"
Even as forced all-nighter locked in, the assistant director grinned sheepishly, waving it off.
'They all look possessed.'
Is this okay?
'He's a brilliant pick, objectively...'
No room to argue—Kwon Seonghyeon ensnared tightly, expertly extracting desired responses.
Less meeting, more persuasion play.
Yeon Do-hee, her manager, even her agency's executive—just blinked as he slithered results through.
Other agencies' reps too.
'Come to think...'
Yeonwoo eyed the other agencies' staff, sitting like useless sacks.
Even with Kwon Seonghyeon's overpowering presence and eloquence.
'Not a peep out of them.'