Chapter 127
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 127
Chapter Title: Gaining Parental Approval
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Mother was strongly against idols. She believed it was a hundred times better for her to become a stable civil servant than to chase after being an idol.
"Heavens... Idols are... There's no reason to choose such an uncertain path when a stable one is right there."
Father also cast his vote against it. He didn't get as upset as Mother, but he wasn't fond of the idea of idols either.
Most parents want their children to live stable lives. They hope they'll land good jobs, meet wonderful partners, and have adorable kids.
"Hey? Do you think being an idol is something anyone can do? Even kids more talented than you fail, so what makes you think you'll succeed?"
"That's right. Your mom's correct. Being an idol isn't for just anyone. It's incredibly hard to make it in that world. Think wisely."
Overwhelmed by their parents' fierce opposition, Seol-i shrank back. She hung her head, her face clouded with gloom.
Jin-seong cautiously intervened.
"Hmm... I've given it some thought."
All eyes turned to Jin-seong.
"My assets are worth tens of billions of won. I own buildings and apartments too. At the very least, our family can live without ever worrying about money."
"......"
"What you two want for Seol-i is a safe life, right? I can give her a safe one—no, a life of luxury."
"......"
"Whether Seol-i studies, becomes an idol, or starts a business, I can support her. She'll never want for anything her whole life."
"......"
"Our company is planning to launch an idol team soon. If Seol-i wants, I can put her in it."
"......"
The parents listened quietly to his words.
"......"
A brief silence followed.
Jin-seong spoke again.
"Truth is, Seol-i is great at studying, but the pressure and stress from it are overwhelming her. She looks fine on the outside, but inside, she's a wreck."
"......"
"Instead of forcing the life we want on Seol-i, shouldn't we support and cheer for the life she truly desires?"
"......"
The parents had no reply. Their fierce stance softened. It shifted from "No way!" to conflicted hesitation.
This was Mother's inner thoughts.
Inner Thoughts: My eldest son's words aren't wrong... Just the other day, he said he'd gift each of the younger ones an apartment when they turn adults... And that he'd back whatever they wanted...
This was Father's inner thoughts.
Inner Thoughts: Definitely. If our eldest helps his siblings, it doesn't matter what path they choose. He's got the money, and they can live stably.
Their resolute hearts wavered.
The parents trusted their eldest son absolutely. His standing in the family was immensely high.
In the end, he succeeded in getting their permission.
The parents relented and allowed Seol-i to pursue being an idol. Seol-i broke into a radiant smile.
They had dinner together.
The menu was seafood shabu-shabu and crab butter-grilled. They feasted on plenty of seafood. It was incredibly delicious.
As the company grew, Jin-seong's life changed a bit too.
He woke at 6:30 a.m. and arrived at the office by 7.
"Good morning, sir."
"Yes, President, good morning."
He started his day with English tutoring.
Woo Jin-seop was a Seoul National University student. He tutored for pocket money. Every morning, he came to YSP to teach English.
Language Achievement 4 has been created.
Language Achievement 4
1. Study a language for 45 minutes or more.
Reward: 10 Points
He studied English in the third-floor small conference room.
"President, your learning speed is impressive."
"Really? Am I that quick?"
"Yes. Quite fast, actually."
It had to be fast. He got an hour of tutoring in the morning, another hour at lunch, and did an hour of review and preview in the evening.
He studied English two to three hours a day, short or long.
"Secretary Han is..."
Woo Jin-seop trailed off, glancing at Secretary Han Ji-yu.
"A genius."
Secretary Han Ji-yu grasped ten things from one lesson. Her English was improving at an absurd pace.
Inner Thoughts: She's so pretty. The cool vibe, the calm expression, the high nose bridge—all perfect.
Inner Thoughts: I want to date her. Make her my girlfriend.
Woo Jin-seop had fallen at first sight.
'Secretary Han is pretty, sure.'
He closed Woo Jin-seop's inner thoughts window.
Secretary Han Ji-yu's beauty was stunning enough to turn anyone's head. Even Jin-seong had felt a flicker of temptation.
'Whatever. Focus on studying.'
The tutoring ended.
You have achieved Language Achievement 4.
You have acquired 10 Points.
"Teacher, have you eaten?"
"No, not yet."
"Let's go eat together."
"Thank you."
"What about you, Secretary? Eaten?"
"Not yet."
"Come with us."
They moved to the company cafeteria.
[Omurice Set]
[Doenjang Jjigae Set]
[Low-Calorie Set]
The cafeteria mains were these three.
Besides mains, there were sides like bread, sandwiches, ramen, cereal, cookies, fruit, milk, coffee, and more.
"I'll have the beef brisket doenjang jjigae set."
Jin-seong ordered the beef brisket doenjang jjigae set.
"Omurice set, please."
Woo Jin-seop went for the omurice set.
"Low-calorie set for me."
Secretary Han Ji-yu chose the low-calorie set.
Woo Jin-seop
Inner Thoughts: Company food is tastier than most restaurants.
Inner Thoughts: Honestly jealous of YSP employees. Want to work at a place like this someday.
Han Ji-yu
Inner Thoughts: Low-calorie set... Honestly the best... Light, filling, delicious... No weight worries...
Inner Thoughts: Eating low-cal in the morning boosts work efficiency twofold...
Inner Thoughts: The company cafeteria's our biggest perk.
Jin-seong smiled warmly.
Employee satisfaction with the cafeteria was sky-high. It even boosted their loyalty a notch.
'Let's eat well.'
The beef brisket doenjang jjigae set came with kimchi, three namul dishes, rolled egg, beef jjim, rice, and the stew.
'Delicious.'
Back in his office, he opened a book.
He planned to read until 9 a.m.
Reading Achievement 105 has been created.
He read leisurely.
At 9 a.m.
"President."
He got his briefing.
"We should be able to start the retirement lottery from next Monday."
"What's the staff reaction?"
"Very positive. Everyone's thrilled about extra retirement pay on top of the standard."
"Good. When they retire, they'll walk away with at least hundreds of millions, up to tens of billions."
"Pardon?"
Hundreds of millions at minimum?
Tens of billions at max?
The unreal amounts left Secretary Han Ji-yu momentarily dumbfounded.
"I'm good at investing. Even just parking it in safe assets long-term will make it grow big."
"......?"
A 20-year long-term investment in the S&P 500 would yield a fortune.
Jin-seong planned to mix S&P 500, Era of Success, and Bitcoin.
"We need to bolster the Cheongju operations. Too few staff for the rent, and welfare isn't up to par."
"Hmm... Good point. I'll head to Cheongju weekly to oversee things. Gotta grow that branch big."
Fridays in Cheongju, then.
"I'm thinking of nurturing idols. Handle it."
"...Idols?"
"Yeah. One boy group, one girl group."
"...Understood. I'll prepare. Lots to do."
He moved spots. Worked out at YSP Gym. Lunched with Ha-yeon, then interviews all afternoon.
Contracted three YouTubers: gaming reviewer, pet expert, psychology expert.
Set up a content team to consult, advise, plan, and manage risks for the YouTubers.
'Heh, company's keeping the growth train rolling.'
Headcount and revenue rising.
Still in investment phase with big losses, but he firmly believed black ink was coming soon.
'Gotta study.'
Studied English, read books. Sunset before he knew it.
Visited A-young's place.
"Oppa, sleep over at our house tonight."
"Sure. I'll crash comfortably. Plenty of rooms."
"Got it."
Jin-seong couldn't say no. A-young's eyes were too earnest.
Inner Thoughts: I want it so bad...
Lately, he hadn't properly been with A-young. Her desires had boiled over.
"Eat up lots."
"Not much, but dig in."
"Thanks."
He scored some baeksuk. Native chicken packed with octopus, abalone, ginseng, herbs, and more.
"Oppa, know Mom hit the jackpot?"
"Yeah, I know. Insane growth."
"Right?"
Lilith's mom, Lirisha.
She blew up for being Lilith's mother—and for being just as good at the game.
"Mom, can't you stream League instead of Star? Star feels too old-school."
"What's wrong with Star? Star's way more fun. A hundred times better than League for me."
"...Tch."
A smack landed on his back.
Double smack, even!
"Ow!"
Post-dinner gaming. Played 3v3 quick infinite. Regrettably, Jin-seong couldn't even pull 0.5 carry weight.
"Total noob."
"Such a noob."
"Ugh, you guys are pros."
They bused him.
[Ugh;; Gonna eat out for lunch;;]
[Main base storm go make chat suck]
Choi A-young, high templar, razed enemy mains with storms. Relentless storm rain broke their spirits.
[Tank reaver carrier recall fml fml fml]
[Ugh, totally abused]
[Remake. I'll wreck 'em.]
Mother-in-law crammed tanks, reavers, and carriers, then recalled to enemy mains.
Gamed late into the night.
"Oppa... I... need it bad..."
He hugged A-young.
No foreplay, just rough thrusting—and barely a few pumps in, she trembled in climax like an aspen leaf.
He ran into Seo Ye-jin by chance.
"Won't you try being an idol?"