Chapter 87

87. Things to Get Used To

"This is the average amount that top stars receive. Excluding a few unconventional actors, the maximum annual exclusive contract is generally around 700 million won."

Jinhyuk's fee, which was in the tens of millions after High School 2, had suddenly increased tenfold, twentyfold.

Feeling the emotional impact of the aftermath of *The Story of Hong Gil-dong*, which was almost a phenomenon, was one thing, but seeing it translated into money was a completely different matter.

A contract worth 500 million or 700 million won was still an unrealistically large amount from the perspective of an ordinary salaryman who could barely afford to buy a house.

It was understandable that Woo Bong-soo's hands would tremble at the thought of having to decide on such a contract.

Seeing Woo Bong-soo's excited face, Manager Lee Gwang-soo said,

"It might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but you'll get used to it soon. Since you're Jinhyuk's parents, you'll have to get used to it too. This is just the beginning."

Manager Lee Gwang-soo smiled.

Woo Bong-soo, still hiding his tension, awkwardly smiled back.

Really, will I get used to it?

***

"Uh, how much...?"

"Well, it's... a bit over 40 billion won..."

Jinhyuk's mother, Kim Sun-hwa, felt as if an earthquake was happening in her pupils.

Why wouldn't it? Even Woo Bong-soo, who was saying the amount, felt as if his mouth wasn't his own. Talking about tens of billions of won, something you'd only hear in the news.

"Of course, that's the contract amount, and we need to deduct management fees and taxes..."

Such explanations didn't even register in Kim Sun-hwa's ears.

"That's just... the most urgent CF contract for now... in the future..."

"Ah, stop it. Honey, stop talking."

Kim Sun-hwa waved her hand.

"My heart is pounding so much. Honestly, I'm a bit scared."

When her colleagues asked if her son was leaving the mart, Kim Sun-hwa just laughed inwardly.

She had no intention of relying on her son's success to live, nor did she want to give up her job and daily life.

But when her husband, Woo Bong-soo, started talking about tens of billions of won, her heart sank rather than feeling happy.

After her son showed a changed appearance, Kim Sun-hwa was already very happy. She didn't want to break this small, precious daily life.

Even when Jinhyuk succeeded with High School 2, she thought it was possible to maintain this life.

But in the face of such enormous success and a different level of economic change, could she protect her beloved family and daily life?

Her and her husband were one issue, but she was also worried about her son. Jinhyuk was more mature than any other child, but he was still a child, just 19 years old.

In front of such a massive success, could her child protect his own life?

"Success at too young an age often brings misfortune."

"Do you two have anything you want to do?"

Jinhyuk, who had been quietly observing the two, finally spoke. The couple looked at Jinhyuk.

"You've worked hard for a long time. How about taking a break, doing something you want to do, and planning for the future?"

Just as Woo Bong-soo was about to say something, Kim Sun-hwa, unusually, cut him off.

"No."

Kim Sun-hwa shook her head firmly. Her husband, Woo Bong-soo, looked surprised.

Kim Sun-hwa, who rarely used such decisive and strong expressions, said,

"Jinhyuk, I... I'm already very happy."

Kim Sun-hwa said to Woo Bong-soo,

"Honey, don't forget our promise. If you quit your job and start a business relying on Jinhyuk..."

"Oh, honey, you're overthinking it."

Woo Bong-soo smiled, understanding his wife's concerns.

"What business? Can anyone start a business? This job fits me perfectly. There's no big stress these days. It's really good."

It was true. Around the time he had dinner with Seo Yeon, his boss, who had been tormenting him, suddenly changed.

Kim Sun-hwa said to Jinhyuk,

"Jinhyuk, you... I believe in you, but many people's lives are ruined by success at too young an age. So, always be humble and don't get too excited by success..."

Her nagging, which was not really nagging, continued for a long time. Jinhyuk, who had missed such nagging in his previous life, felt it was always good.

"Please don't worry. I think the same way as you do, Mom."

Jinhyuk, who had lived a rough 34-year life and returned, couldn't possibly not understand what Kim Sun-hwa was worried about.

Seeing Jinhyuk's trustworthy eyes, Kim Sun-hwa nodded slightly, looking a bit relieved.

"So, from now on, just keep living as usual..."

"But, Mom."

"Hmm?"

"I'm really sorry."

At his son's apologetic words, the couple looked at Jinhyuk in surprise.

"We need to move."

"Move?"

After High School 2, it had already become a problem. The old, shabby building where Jinhyuk's family lived had no security or control.

Fans kept coming, somehow finding their way.

The neighborhood residents, who found it amazing and good to have such a star in their area, were understanding, but the situation was already causing inconvenience to the neighborhood.

With the growing safety and privacy issues, it was no longer possible to overlook them.

"Ah..."

The couple, who knew the situation well, couldn't say anything in response.

"As you know, it's difficult to stay here. I'm sorry."

"We need to look for a new home. An apartment with controlled access. And..."

Jinhyuk smiled at his parents.

"I understand your feelings and agree entirely. But as a son, I have my own position. If you refuse the gift I want to give to my parents, I'll be disappointed."

The couple, hearing such mature words from their son, couldn't find anything to say.

Even if they wanted to stick to their principles, there were inevitable parts. It couldn't be exactly the same as before. A new life that they had to adapt to had definitely begun.

***

"Hey, Manager Woo! Are you leaving early today?"

The boss approached Woo Bong-soo with an unusually friendly smile.

Such a friendly greeting for someone leaving early was a face he couldn't see even when he worked overtime and left in the past.

The boss, whose attitude had changed since meeting Seo Yeon, treated Woo Bong-soo even more warmly after *The Story of Hong Gil-dong* aired.

"Wow, *The Story of Hong Gil-dong* was really great. How is our Jinhyuk doing? He can finally take a break now."

When did he become "our Jinhyuk"? The boss called him that.

"Yes, thanks to you, he's doing well."

"Good, good. Pass on my regards to Jinhyuk. Ah!"

The boss suddenly looked as if he had just thought of something, but in contrast to his expression, he carefully took out a piece of paper he had prepared.

"Could you ask Jinhyuk for a few signatures? Ah, since I know Jinhyuk a bit. My kids are going crazy... Would it be too much to ask?"

"No, sir. It's just a few signatures. I'll bring them to you."

Woo Bong-soo took the paper.

The boss looked at Woo Bong-soo gratefully, but his true feelings were different.

'Why are you pretending to be someone you're not and making people uncomfortable by coming to this small shop?'

Min Seo-yeon had clearly said he thought of him as 'Dad' and even mentioned being a savior.

Who was Min Seo-yeon? The daughter of Yoon Sung-hee, the board member of Sungdo Hospital, and Yoon Sung-hee was the youngest daughter of the KJ Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the country.

People living in a world far above his. When Seo-yeon called him 'Dad,' he should have realized it.

That Woo Bong-soo must have a connection with the KJ Group.

Otherwise, how could his son suddenly become a nationwide star?

Moreover, the fact that he had starred in two dramas with Min Seo-yeon was undeniable evidence that Woo Bong-soo's son, Woo Jinhyuk, had the backing of the KJ Group.

The boss deduced this.

Why? Why was he doing this kind of commoner cosplay? He had seen it in dramas. A member of a wealthy family doing commoner cosplay for some reason.

If you're going to do cosplay, do it properly. Damn, parents can't win against their children, can they? Damn.

After realizing this, he felt extremely uncomfortable every time he saw Woo Bong-soo. But if he showed any more dislike, it would be the end. He had to smile.

Who knew when these fickle wealthy people would end their commoner cosplay?

The boss cautiously asked,

"Manager Woo Bong-soo."

"Yes, sir."

"Are you planning to continue working here?"

When Woo Bong-soo looked surprised, the boss hurriedly waved his hand.

"No, no, not that. Your son has become a nationwide star. I feel bad for you working in such a small company. Manager Woo Bong-soo, you could start your own business and do it beautifully..."

Woo Bong-soo had heard such suggestions before, even from other employees.

But it was a different matter when the boss, who had the power to hire and fire, said it.

"Sir, if I've made any mistakes, please let me know. I'll work harder."

Woo Bong-soo bowed seriously.

The boss's heart sank.

"No, no, what are you talking about? Mistakes? I didn't mean that at all. I feel bad. You know, the salary in a small shop like ours..."

Woo Bong-soo bowed even lower.

"No, sir. I'm very grateful. I'll work even harder."

The lower Woo Bong-soo's head went, the more the boss's face turned into a frown.

'Ah, really. Why is he doing this? Hey, why are you doing this to me! Show off in your own world!'

They say a frog dies when hit by a stone thrown in jest. The boss, a small shop owner, was risking his life with the wealthy people's jokes.

The boss felt like crying.

Woo Bong-soo, who had bowed, looked up and cautiously looked at the boss.

The boss, who had been frowning, suddenly changed his expression. It was an awkward smile.

"W-well... I'm grateful if someone as capable as you continues to work here..."

Damn.

Woo Bong-soo, who couldn't know what the boss was thinking, greeted him even more seriously.

"Thank you for saying that. Then, sir, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Huh? Oh, right. Be careful on your way home. Pass on my regards to Jinhyuk. Ah, and to your wife..."

Seeing the boss, who was greeting him more enthusiastically than ever, Woo Bong-soo tilted his head and left the company.

He headed to the large supermarket where his wife worked.

"Honey!"

His wife, Kim Sun-hwa, smiled widely at him.

"You're early?"

"Yep."

"Didn't the boss say anything about you leaving early?"

"Recently, the boss doesn't say anything to me at all."

"Really? That's strange."

"Maybe it's because of Jinhyuk."

Kim Sun-hwa, looking pleased, linked her arm with her husband's.

"Hehe. Meeting like this on a weekday afternoon feels like we're on a date."

"Hehe. Does it?"

"Jinhyuk said he's coming straight to the real estate office."

"Really?"

The two walked to the real estate office they had planned to meet Jinhyuk at.

***

At that moment, in the KBC Drama Department office.

The KBC Drama Department Director, Lee Sang-soo, wearing a brown wig and a neat dress, came out of his office and greeted everyone.

"Hello, I'm Lee Sang-soon."

The employees were in an uproar.

"Kyaa!"

"Director!"

"Wow, you look beautiful. Haha!"

The professional makeup team had done a great job on Director Lee Sang-soo's cross-dressing.

With his face blushing from embarrassment, the cross-dressing looked even better.

The VJ, who was filming the making of the drama, couldn't hold back his laughter and covered his mouth while capturing Director Lee and the employees on camera.

The tour of the main building began.

"Wow! Director! Congratulations on 53.3%!"

"Haha! Senior, you look great. How about coming to work like this sometimes?"

The employees and close juniors were all in shock.

"But, senior, isn't that a bit weak? If we hit 53% in the variety department, I'd wear a mini-skirt."

Some juniors, especially from the variety department, expressed disappointment.

"So, if you want to see me in a mini-skirt, Jinhyuk should do well."

"Hey, how can I make Jinhyuk do well? Even the agency president can't do that. And I'll pass on your mini-skirt."

Passing by the disappointed variety department,

"Ha-ha! Director Lee, you look great!"

Even the KBC president was holding his stomach laughing.

"Phew, is it all done now?"

"Yes."

The greetings were over.

After greeting all the departments, Director Lee Sang-soo collapsed into a chair, on the verge of a heroic death.

The *The Story of Hong Gil-dong* CP, Kim Young-soo, approached with a smile.

"Haha. Director, you've worked hard."

The director waved his hand, meaning he was too tired to talk,

"Director, Jinhyuk is going to appear on a variety show."

"Really?!"

The director, who was about to die, jumped up from his seat. The CP, looking at the director, said with a troubled expression,

"But, the variety show he's going to appear on is..."

The director, hearing the CP's words,

"What?"

Looked at the CP in surprise.