Chapter 72: Just How Big Is This Going to Get?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 72: Just How Big Is This Going to Get?
Things were spiraling out of control.
[Netscreen Producer vs. Game of Scenes Producer]
[The Event Match of the Century!]
[Who Will Emerge Victorious?]
[Shotgun vs. Assault Rifle]
└ Is this match actually happening? They’re not just making a fuss and then making up, right?
└ Please, stop talking and just use your fists already.
└ This looks like the real deal.
[UFC Chairman Expresses Desire to Host Match Between the Two Producers]
[UFC Chairman: “I am dead serious. If you leave it to me, I will coordinate everything to ensure it’s the greatest showdown possible.”]
└ LOL, these journalists have nothing better to do, so they’re trying to bait us with this.
└ (Actual interview video of the UFC Chairman.mp4)
└ Wait, this is real???????
└ Wow, I seriously want to see this. I don’t care if the tickets are over a million won, I’m definitely going.
└ This matchup makes my heart swell…
I was speechless as I looked at the clippings Jang Ji-hye showed me.
“Even the UFC Chairman is stepping in?”
“Yeah. They say they’re seriously coordinating the schedule right now.”
I mean, just how much of a ‘fun event’ is this going to become?
I was incredibly grateful to the two producers.
“Unnie! The UFC Vice Chairman just arrived in Korea! He says he wants to meet you!”
“Wait, even though the scale has gotten this big, are they really letting an amateur like me be the referee?”
Jang Ji-hye gave my shoulder a light smack.
“Have you lost your mind? Why would an actress be a referee?”
“But both of them said at the beginning that they wanted me to judge.”
“You’re supposed to just sit in the VIP section, flash your Gumiho smile, and watch. Why on earth would you referee?”
“What do you mean, ‘Gumiho smile’? What kind of bizarre thing is that? I don’t know anything about that.”
“It’s the one you make when you’re in front of delicious food, when you’re leaving work, or when you’re at the Hermès store…”
“Agh! I’ve never done that! Never!”
*
The UFC Vice Chairman really did come to see me.
I had a meeting with him at the Lunaris Art Hall, accompanied by Curator Han Ji-woo.
Only after he had spent a good while shaking my mental state with a barrage of compliments about my appearance—translated by Han Ji-woo—did the Vice Chairman finally get to the point.
“Netscreen and Game of Scenes have reached a final agreement to hold a match with their pride on the line. They’ve even signed appearance contracts. There’s no turning back now.”
Thump-thump. Thump-thump.
And? Are you giving me the referee spot? I’m really confident I’d do a great job!
I’ve even memorized the UFC rules and watched tons of videos of legendary matches!
‘Since it’s an amateur event match, it would obviously be more fun to use an amateur referee.’
“The only thing the two of them harmoniously agreed upon was that the event match should be held in Seoul.”
Thanks to my Latin, I could understand the sounds, but there were too many words whose meanings I didn't know.
I really need to dig into English properly. I have to film Game of Scenes Season 2, after all.
“We would be honored if the actress Lee Yu could also attend as a VIP guest and grace us with her presence.”
Is that it? What about the referee? You’re not letting me do it?
To my disappointment, I only received a VIP invitation. They said they were leaving the refereeing to the professionals.
They even said they’d pay me. Something called ‘appearance money.’
They’re paying me to just watch?
“Just having Lee Yu there to watch will make it a huge hit. More than anything, the participants of the event match desperately want you there.”
Five million dollars? So, roughly 7 billion won?
I felt a bit dazed.
‘They’re giving me money just to sit still and watch something for my own entertainment? Instead of me paying for a ticket? Is this the American style?’
As soon as I get home, I’m going to have to beat up my younger brother for not nagging me more fiercely to become an actress sooner.
It was a shame I couldn't be the referee, but as Jang Ji-hye said, I had to maintain my image.
“And an autograph, please… and if possible, a photo together…”
“Ah, yes. I’ll do that for you.”
Since he brought good news, I put my heart into signing the autograph and took a photo with him.
Really, it’s not that big of a deal.
“I’m looking forward to the next seasons of both works. Please continue your active career.”
“Thank you.”
The Vice Chairman left looking a bit reluctant, and I continued my tea time alone with Han Ji-woo.
“I personally prefer the silver-haired Elf side. It has a mysterious quality. Not that I like the black-haired Elf any less. I just like both.”
“Th-thank you…”
I had more or less grown accustomed to Jang Ji-hye’s ‘Elf attacks,’ but having Curator Han Ji-woo suddenly go on about ‘Elf this, Elf that’ made my mental gears grind again.
“I’m thinking of starting the bidding for the Lee Yu-jin Concert Hall construction soon.”
“Isn’t Baekhyun Construction handling that?”
“Just because we’re in the same affiliate group doesn’t mean we’re all close. The construction CEO’s wife is my sister-in-law, and she’s quite a spiteful person.”
“Ah, in that case, it’s probably better not to give it to Baekhyun Construction.”
“Actually, it’s not just because of personal feelings. Creating competition is the most advantageous for you, Yu-jin. If I give preferential treatment just because they’re in the same group, they get lazy and do a sloppy job.”
True. This is the woman who doesn't even easily accept a Baekhyun Phone CF even though her husband is the President of Baekhyun Electronics' Mobile Division. She’d be even tougher on her brother-in-law’s company.
“Right now, I’ve got Yunbyeol Phone and Baekhyun Phone competing for a CF, which has driven up the appearance fee quite a bit.”
“But I decided not to film any CFs for the time being.”
I wasn't feeling it. In the end, all they wanted from me was a ‘clueless’ concept where I had to act all innocent and fatal.
“I know. I’m just pitting them against each other to raise the brand value of ‘Actress Lee Yu-jin.’”
As expected, she had a grand plan. I wouldn't have known if she hadn't explained it.
“If it’s just about raising my value, that sounds fun. My mind might change later, after all.”
“Great. Then I’ll just keep raising your value. Sounds fun, right?”
“Yes, yes. It sounds very fun.”
Suddenly, the prop hairpin from Yeon Si-ho’s character that Curator Han Ji-woo was wearing caught my eye.
I was also wearing Eonnyeoni’s hairpin right now. The one PD Jang Hyun-soo gave me.
“Whether it’s a CF, a campaign, or a project, feel free to tell me whenever there’s something you want to do. That’s what an agency CEO is for.”
“Yes, thank you. Oh, and I really, really love the furniture you set up for me last time. I’m putting it to good use.”
“I’m glad.”
Thanks to Han Ji-woo providing all the missing furniture and appliances, my mom has been having the time of her life lately.
Every single piece looked incredibly expensive and high-end, so I didn't even dare to ask about the price.
*
The event match between the two producers was set to take place early next year.
The location was Seoul, but they were still in the process of scouting a venue.
‘They could just do it at the Gocheok Dome. Ah, but the seating capacity there is a bit too small.’
“Unnie, they say both of them have invited professional coaches and started intense training for the event match. They’re really bulking up.”
“Is there any more room for them to bulk up? I feel like they could just fight right now.”
“I guess they really want to crush their opponent.”
No matter who wins, it’s going to be a blast for me.
When I mentioned the $5 million appearance money, Jang Ji-hye and my brother’s eyes widened.
“They’re giving you money… just to watch?”
“I don’t really understand the Hollywood style either. Surprising, right?”
“Noona, that’s why I told you to become an actress sooner.”
“Well said. Why didn't you nag your brother more fiercely sooner! Now that I’m an actress, I’m making tons of money and I don’t get hit with confession barrage attacks anymore!”
“Agh! Ow! That hurts!”
“I’m just training you so you don’t get beaten up outside.”
I relieved my stress and enjoyed the tactile sensation by drumming on Timpani—no, Brother-pani.
“Yu-seok, did you say your dream was to have a camping car?”
“Heh heh… Are you going to buy me one? For real?”
“Don’t look at the price and just pick the best one. I’ll buy you one.”
“But I can’t get a license yet. I’m not old enough.”
“Are you stupid? Until you’re old enough, you can hire a driver or leave it to Dad.”
“Noona, are you a genius?”
My brother ran to his room in excitement to pick out a car model, and Jang Ji-hye watched him before speaking to me.
“Seeing you two siblings makes me feel lonely all of a sudden, being an only child.”
“You have me, and I’m more reliable than an older brother. Why are you lonely?”
“Your birthday is December 31st.”
“Jang Ji-hye, yours is January 1st. Our birthdays are only one day apart.”
“It’s not a one-day difference, it’s a 364-day difference. Would you like to call me Ji-hye Unnie from now on?”
I pretended not to hear and turned on LoL, but Jang Ji-hye clung to my back and rested her chin on my shoulder.
“Peter Pan trapped inside that fairy, are you listening? Would you like to call me Ji-hye Noona from now on?”
“Peter Pan has gone to the Rift. He can’t hear you.”
[Summoner: Rocktten Jupiter Bell]
Now it was time to give a harsh reality check to the talentless wannabes dreaming of going pro.
‘If that’s your talent and skill level, please just keep LoL as a hobby. That’s the path to your happiness.’
*
The producer event match kept growing.
Just how big was this going to get?
[Title: Producer Event Match to be Decided by Total Score Across 4 Disciplines]
- They say it’ll be Ssireum (20 pts), Jiu-jitsu (20 pts), Boxing (20 pts), and MMA (40 pts). The winner of each discipline takes the points.
“Just how much… fun are these people planning to give me?”
But that wasn't the end of it.
[Title: UFC Chairman Announces Inclusion of MMA Event Matches to Fill Boredom During Intermission. Top-tier Fighters Eager to Participate]
They were adding professional fighting matches to keep the excitement from cooling down while the two producers rested and prepared.
[Title: Korean Ssireum Association Pleads, “Please let us in too. We’ll work hard. Please?”]
Since the two were doing Ssireum, the Ssireum Association was begging to be part of the fun.
[Title: IBJJF President, Head of the World’s Most Prestigious Jiu-jitsu Organization: “A role to boost the audience’s excitement during intermissions? Please leave it to us.”]
The international Jiu-jitsu organization also came running to join the party.
[Title: WBC President: “Top-tier Pro Rankers are Ready to Deploy. Intermission? We’ll take responsibility! Just call us! We’ll provide the ultimate excitement!”]
The world boxing organization also poked its head in, wanting to play.
“Wow, just how big is this scale getting?”
“Noona, I think the box office revenue is going to be insane. This could seriously blow up to Super Bowl levels.”
“Eh, the Super Bowl is a bit much…”
“Yu-jin, I think Yu-seok’s hunch is right. This is unusual.”
On top of this, massive multinational corporations like Yunbyeol Group, Baekhyun Group, Apple Phone, Envidium, and others were rushing to become sponsors.
‘But why are they coming to me? I’m just an invited guest. I have no authority.’
I passed all sponsor contacts to Curator Han Ji-woo.
Major broadcasting stations from various countries also began a fierce competition to secure broadcasting rights.
[Caller: Curator Han Ji-woo]
“Yes, Curator. This is Lee Yu-jin.”
—The organizers want to auction off the VIP tickets. What are your thoughts, Yu-jin? They’re only selling exactly nine.
“Why do you need my thoughts?”
—They’re expecting wealthy people who want to see your face up close to jump in. They’re offering 20% of the sales proceeds.
“I am always prepared to breathe as close to my fans as possible.”
—Then I’ll relay that.
But since I was already getting $5 million in appearance money, being too obsessed with money felt a bit off.
“I’d like to donate the entire proceeds from the ticket auction to the treatment of pediatric cancer patients.”
—Yu-jin, if you’re even beautiful in heart like that, what am I supposed to do with my own heart? I understand. I’ll try to package your image as beautifully as possible.
Cough, cough… Han Ji-woo’s deals always strike at the most unexpected moments, making the impact even greater.
And so, the auction for the nine VIP tickets opened as the first official event of the match.
The organizers actively promoted the fact that I would be attending as a VIP spectator to draw attention.
└ Wow, you can watch the Elf right next to you throughout the match? While also enjoying a background of rich losers having a scrub fight? How can anyone resist this?
└ Rumor has it that ultra-wealthy people targeting the Elf have moved to Seoul. They’re probably all participating in the auction.
└ I heard the highest bid for a lunch with that legendary investor was 24.6 billion won. I wonder how much these tickets will go for.
└ The producer event match between Netscreen and Game of Scenes is already a once-in-a-lifetime fun match. On top of that, you get to sit next to the Elf? Hardcore fans with money will seriously risk their lives for this.
I couldn't look anymore and closed the window.
As expected, I shouldn't look at internet reactions. It feels like my soul is being drained.
“Noona! The total winning bid for the nine VIP seats is 310.5 billion won!”
“What? Don’t lie.”
“It’s true. They say the lowest winning bid was around 29 billion won. I guess the ultra-wealthy who wanted to sit in the VIP zone with you just went all out.”
I suddenly felt a chill.
‘Oh, damn. Don’t tell me I’m going to get hit with confession attacks? I’ve been feeling great because I haven't dealt with one since Kim Ho-jin.’
[Caller: Curator Han Ji-woo]
—The VIP ticket prices came out dozens of times higher than expected, so the organizers were greatly shocked. They’ve decided to give you 50% of the sales proceeds.
“Then does that mean almost 155.2 billion won can be donated to the treatment of pediatric cancer patients?”
—But the problem is that it’s too much money. Instead of donating to another organization, how about we establish the Lee Yu-jin Charitable Foundation and help pediatric cancer patients directly?
“I will simply follow your advice, Curator.”
Receiving ‘financial therapy’ made me feel much better.
‘How tragic it is to die before becoming an adult. Little ones, please live a long, long time.’
Handling the event match ticket proceeds this way was the path for me to continue being an actress with a good image for a long, long time.
So, this donation wasn't for the pediatric cancer patients; it was for my image.
‘I’ll have more than enough to spend for the rest of my life just from project fees and ambassador stipends anyway.’
“Yu-jin, Yu-jin, what are you going to wear to the LoL World Championship finals?”
“I’m going to wear the Hermès Outfit Template No. 3.”
“Whaaaat? Nooo!”
“What’s wrong with Template No. 3? It’s daily and clean. It’s perfect for a special day.”
“That doesn't look like an actress at all. I’ve prepared an ambitious styling. Just try wearing what I’ve picked out once, okay?”
“You prepared something super feminine again, didn't you?”
“It’s not ‘super feminine,’ it’s just pretty.”
I knew it.
“No? I’m not wearing it. I’m going to wear whatever I want.”