Haha.. I Just Got Lucky.
J&J Entertainment's headquarters towered over the city, and on its top floor, Seo Eun-seong stood before a heavy door, trailing behind his manager Kim Tae-ho.
"Phew... Eun-seong, don't be nervous. The president isn't here—the director will be instead. She's razor-sharp with business, so no slip-ups, got it?"
Kim Tae-ho swallowed hard, seeming more tense than Eun-seong himself.
Director? Is she that scary? Eun-seong tilted his head, puzzled. It was rare to see Tae-ho this on edge.
But the five girls clinging to Eun-seong like limpets were buzzing with excitement.
"Tae-ho oppa? What's there to be nervous about? It's our own company!"
"Yeah, Bear Doll, just sit tight. We'll handle everything."
Seo Ha-rin and Choi Eun-jin linked arms, strutting forward with puffed-up confidence. Lee Ah-hyun, Kim Chae-yeon, and Gomin-ji nodded eagerly, volunteering as his sturdy backup(?).
"Phew... alright, let's go in."
Kim Tae-ho sighed and cautiously pushed open the door.
Before them unfolded a spacious executive office with luxurious interiors. At its center, behind a massive desk, a woman reviewed documents.
"Director, I've brought Seo Eun-seong."
Kim Tae-ho snapped to attention and bowed deeply. The Siren members who followed shed their usual playful vibes, offering quiet nods.
"Hello..."
Eun-seong started to greet her, but then...
"......"
The woman lifted her gaze from the papers. Her jet-black bob fell sharply. Striking red lipstick contrasted her pale skin. A fitted black two-piece suit over a crisp white blouse hugged her form, her crossed legs revealing sheer black stockings and sleek black stiletto heels. She was the epitome of a cold, haughty, sexy career woman—polished perfection.
So that's why Tae-ho hyung was so tense.
Eun-seong instantly understood why Kim Tae-ho had called her "razor-sharp."
But upon seeing her face clearly, his eyes widened in shock.
"Huh? Ji-yeon noona?"
The casually cheerful nickname burst from Eun-seong's lips.
"Hey? Seo Eun-seong?"
Kim Tae-ho's face drained of color in an instant. Calling the real power behind J&J Entertainment—the infamous Ice Witch, Director Oh Ji-yeon—"noona"?
He wanted to clamp Eun-seong's mouth shut right then.
But...
"Nice to see you! Eun-seong, right?"
Oh Ji-yeon's sharp gaze melted away like a lie, her expression softening.
"How've you been?"
Her red lips curved into a gentle smile. The Ice Witch's smile. Kim Tae-ho gaped at the surreal sight.
"Whoa, noona, why do you look even cooler now? You seem like a totally different person!"
Eun-seong strode forward, beaming with delight.
"Pfft. Different person? You've just grown taller—you're still as bright and pure as ever. You've turned out well, my Eun-seong."
Oh Ji-yeon rose and patted his shoulder lightly.
"What is this? How do you and the director...?"
While Kim Tae-ho reeled in shock, only Eun-seong and Oh Ji-yeon radiated warm familiarity.
"Eun-seong... you know the director...?"
Kim Tae-ho finally asked in a trembling voice.
"Oh? Tae-ho hyung doesn't know? It was around my first year of high school, I think? Back when Ha-rin first joined as a trainee, I saw her often. Noona was a senior in college then, right?"
Eun-seong explained the backstory.
"That's right. That chubby, cute bear who loitered outside the company every day to pick up Ha-rin—that was you, Eun-seong."
Oh Ji-yeon laughed, reminiscing.
"Was that so, Director?"
Kim Tae-ho felt deflated. The director everyone at the company feared had this connection with Eun-seong?
"Right! Noona, aren't you the president's eldest daughter?"
Eun-seong suddenly recalled.
"Whoa, I remember now. You bought tons of pork cutlets for Ha-rin and me back then."
Yes, the kind neighborhood noona who always looked out for them during pickups was Oh Ji-yeon.
"I had no idea you were running the company in the president's place. You're a true career woman. So cool."
"Thanks. But seeing you today is the real surprise."
Oh Ji-yeon propped her chin, scanning Eun-seong appraisingly. His chiseled jawline blended boyish charm with rarity. Broad shoulders and standout physique to boot.
"Your popularity's no joke these days, Eun-seong. I loved Glorious Outing. You owned the screen."
"Haha... I just got lucky. It's all thanks to Director Choi Do-hyun and screenwriter Kim Seong-hyun."
"Sure. But how did you lose all that weight? In my memory, you were this super chubby, adorable kid. You've completely transformed."
At Oh Ji-yeon's question, Kim Chae-yeon and Gomin-ji perked up their ears.
They'd never heard the full story of why Eun-seong had slimmed down so ruthlessly.
"Why I lost the weight?"
Eun-seong scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly.
"Haha... well..."
He glanced at Seo Ha-rin beside him.
"Not long ago, the world found out I'm Ha-rin's oppa."
"Yeah, our company had a headache covering it up."
Oh Ji-yeon frowned slightly. As Eun-seong said, J&J had struggled back then.
"But... the reactions were weird. Ha-rin's so pretty, but why's her real brother such a fat bear? Some even said she was hiding me because she was embarrassed."
"......"
The office fell silent at Eun-seong's calm confession.
"I didn't care about the insults to me. But I hated Ha-rin getting misunderstandings and hate because of it. Can't smear my little sister's face, right? She's my one and only sibling."
Eun-seong stroked Ha-rin's hair as he continued.
"So I gritted my teeth, went to Nepal, and shed it all. I wanted to be an oppa she could proudly boast about anywhere."
"......"
Eun-seong's heartfelt words, delivered matter-of-factly.
"Oppa..."
Ha-rin's eyes reddened as she listened. She already knew, but hearing it straight from him again choked her up.
"You idiot... when did I ever say I was embarrassed...?"
Ha-rin sniffled, clutching his sleeve tight.
"Tch. That Bear Doll... too nice for his own good."
"It's Eun-seong oppa, after all."
Choi Eun-jin and Lee Ah-hyun blinked back tears, noses tingling.
Especially Kim Chae-yeon and Gomin-ji, hearing it for the first time.
"Ugh, insane? Real deal oppa? Straight out of a movie script, Seo Eun-seong?"
Kim Chae-yeon covered her mouth in awe.
"Eun-seong orabuni... so romantic... I'm touched..."
Gomin-ji teared up and clung to his other arm.
Oh Ji-yeon kept her smile, but inside, she was deeply moved.
From kid to now... his kind heart for his sister never changes.
Handsome looks, overwhelming physique, screen-devouring presence. And unwavering devotion enduring bone-grinding pain for his sister. In this industry, she'd seen countless celebs, but a raw gem like Seo Eun-seong with flawless character was a first.
I have to keep Eun-seong by my side. Contract him to our company, no matter what.
Oh Ji-yeon concluded her cool calculation.
She rose and gestured to the reception sofas.
"Alright, everyone sit. Great story, but that's enough emotion. Business is business. Ready for the real deal?"
Her voice shifted back to "director" mode.
"Yes, understood."
Eun-seong swallowed and sat opposite her.
The full exclusive contract negotiation began.
"Tae-ho, pull up the contract."
At Oh Ji-yeon's order, Kim Tae-ho swiftly offered a tablet PC. The screen displayed J&J Entertainment's standard exclusive contract.
"Our company wants Eun-seong 100%. You know that, right?"
"Yes, thank you for the kind words."
"Rookie actors usually sign 5-7 years to recoup training and investment. So, 5 years to start..."
Oh Ji-yeon opened professionally.
Right then—
"Director, hold on."
Seo Ha-rin, beside Eun-seong, shot up her hand.
The sniffling sister was gone; a sharp-eyed negotiator had descended.
"Director, make it 4 years."
"Huh...?"
Oh Ji-yeon's eyes widened slightly. Kim Tae-ho freaked.
"Ha-rin! What are you doing in front of the director?"
"Quiet, Tae-ho oppa. This is my oppa's life on the line."
Ha-rin brushed him off and stared Oh Ji-yeon down.
"In a few years, oppa's value will be ten times this. We'll renew then with a fat bonus. Locking him for 5 years from the start is too harsh on him."
Top idol center Ha-rin's battle-hardened vibe exploded.
"H-Ha-rin? Watch your tone with Ji-yeon noona!"
Eun-seong panicked at his sister's boldness, sweating bullets.
"Shh, oppa, stay put!"
Ha-rin pinched his thigh and whispered.
Oh Ji-yeon stared, then burst out laughing.
"Haha! Seo Ha-rin, you've grown up. Fine, 4 years as you say."
"Director! 4 years is too company-unfriendly!"
Kim Tae-ho protested desperately, but she waved him off.
"Rookie Seo Eun-seong's stock is skyrocketing. We give this to get the signature. We can squeeze value in 4 years."
"......"
Kim Tae-ho shut up at her icy logic.
"Heehee, thanks!"
Ha-rin flashed a victory smile.
"Next, profit split. Drama/movie pay: company 5, actor 5 for rookies. Ads/events: company 6, actor 4. Thoughts?"
Oh Ji-yeon played her next card.
Then the "parasite squad" on either side of Eun-seong rose en masse.
"Director, make work pay oppa 6, company 4."
Ha-rin fired first.
"C'mon, Director~ You know Bear Doll's blowing up? Other agencies are lining up with blank checks. Gotta yield this much."
Choi Eun-jin chimed in slyly.
"Right. With oppa's buzz and visuals, ads will sweep. Ads/events should be 5-5, fair and square."
Even Lee Ah-hyun backed her up calmly and logically.
"You girls... is this why you tagged along...?"
Kim Tae-ho looked soul-crushed by the fearless idols' insubordination.
"Haha... noona, sorry. They care too much about me. Just go with company standard."
Eun-seong bowed to Oh Ji-yeon, embarrassed. He wasn't some mega-star—just a newbie with a 1-minute film bit. Felt like overreaching.
But...
"Hmm..."
Oh Ji-yeon tapped the desk, then spoke.
"Nah, deal. Ha-rin's proposal."
"Noona? I mean, Director?!"
Eun-seong jolted.
She kept yielding.
"Ha-rin's brought in massive revenue as our group center. Perks for her oppa are fair. Right?"
She winked at Ha-rin.
"And your value's surging, fact. But condition."
"Yes, name it."
"I give this sweet deal, you work like an ox as an actor. Got it?"
"Of course! I'll work till I drop!"
"Haha, good. Relieved now."
Oh Ji-yeon smiled, satisfied at his grit.
Incredibly, the contract closed with ultra-favorable "super special" terms for Eun-seong: full management support, dedicated car, hair/makeup team. Perfect.
"Whew, heart's racing."
Eun-seong signed the tablet with shaky hands.
"Done. Welcome, J&J Entertainment's first actor, Seo Eun-seong."
Oh Ji-yeon stood, offering a handshake.
"Please take care of me. I'll work hard."
Eun-seong clasped her cool yet soft hand and bowed.
"Well done."
Ha-rin and the parasites beamed, proud of(?) protecting him.
"Truly thanks, noona—I mean, Director."
"Sure. Contract sealed—time to announce our new actor Seo Eun-seong's first official schedule?"
Oh Ji-yeon crossed her arms, smirking meaningfully.
"First schedule? Already?"
"Yeah, Eun-seong. Shooting starts next week."
"More movie promo?"
"Not the movie."
Her gaze flicked between Eun-seong and the Siren girls.
"You know Siren's full album's coming?"
"Yeah, Ha-rin's been practicing nonstop."
"Right. The music video."
Her red lips parted again.
"You're the solo male lead."
"Pardon...?"
Eun-seong doubted his ears. Music video lead?
"Me? With them?"
He blurted in shock. The five girls behind him shrieked too.
"Kyaa! Director! With our oppa?!"
Ha-rin cheered first.
"Bear Doll as male lead? Oh ho?"
"Eun-seong oppa in our MV?"
The parasite duo was thrilled too.
And so, actor Seo Eun-seong's first lead role was his sister Seo Ha-rin's girl group Siren's music video.