Chapter 23

22. Common Management Tasks

Jung-woon was able to finish tidying up before the dwarves' summoning time ended. Tae-ju was very pleased with the garden the dwarves had decorated. When he asked if they needed anything as a gift, they replied that they wanted cotton candy rainbows. Although he had cut a lot of them to make vinegar, there were still more than half left, so Tae-ju happily cut the cotton candy rainbows to give as gifts.

Tae-san and Dan-dan were also checking out the newly decorated garden, moving around to see if they liked it.

Tae-ju went to check the area where Hui and the fruit trees were planted. According to Eryl, the fruit trees needed nutrient-rich fertilizer for a while. It was also good to let them rest without harvesting fruit for a few days.

"Hui, let's not pick any fruit for a few days. The trees need a rest."

"Okay, Tae-ju. The trees need to rest."

After leaving the orchard and heading towards the greenhouse, a fragrant floral scent wafted through the air. The wildflowers he had planted around the garden and near the stone walls now emitted a strong fragrance.

"Hehe."

"Tae-ju, why?"

"It's nothing."

After moving the wildflowers, Tae-ju remembered the scene where the fairies wiped their foreheads with their palms. They hadn't even broken a sweat, but he had seen them do such actions and laughed heartily.

"It really looks good this way. Even though my DP is almost gone."

"Yep, Tae-ju. It really is."

When Tae-ju checked, he found that only a few ten thousand DP were left. He had had over a million DP, but now it was all used up. However, since he had already built a maze in the greenhouse, it seemed he wouldn't need to use DP for a while.

*

Tae-ju noticed that the roles on the list his manager had brought were quite diverse. Previously, only roles that matched the image from the planning meetings were selected, but the new list included roles like a neighborhood thug and a bullied student.

"The roles are more diverse now. Did you only pick the ones I can audition for?"

"Yes, the busking shoot starts in early June. There will be pre-meetings and readings before that, so I'm not sure how many I can actually do."

"Hmm. Can I audition for the PC room thug, hit-and-run witness, and secret admirer roles?"

"Let's prepare for those."

Gyeon-woo thought the roles Tae-ju had chosen didn't really suit him. While his acting skills were sufficient, it was clear that Tae-ju wanted to have diverse experiences. This was a good attitude for an actor.

"This month, I'll only be auditioning."

"Haha. What about the variety show?"

"Ugh, don't even mention it. It was so chaotic. It wasn't easy. Tae-san did better than me."

While talking, Tae-ju described how Tae-san interacted with the MCs and acted cute. If the show aired, Tae-san would definitely gain more fans.

*

Tension filled the office. As an actor management agency, it was rare for everyone to gather to monitor a variety show. But this week was different because two actors, Bae Dong-seok and Lee Tae-ju, were appearing on a variety show called "A Small Neighborhood Trip."

"Team leader, shouldn't we also write an exclusive contract for Tae-san?"

"Hmm. I'll consider it."

"Hahaha."

"Hehehe."

The office was filled with anticipation at the news that Tae-san would also appear on the show. Everyone in the office liked Tae-san because he was so cute and friendly. When Tae-ju brought him in, the sound of people taking photos never stopped.

"Alright, let's start. Everyone, focus."

After Bae Dong-seok appeared in a variety show with his pet, his menacing image was shed, which was a fortunate turn of events. He had long struggled with cruel roles due to his appearance. However, it was a bit problematic that Tae-ju got involved in this.

The first image an actor creates can last a long time. People often remember an actor by the role they played, even if they don't know the actor's name. The impact of a role's image is significant. Moreover, many people tend to incorporate the role into their daily life, so Team Leader Woo wanted to give Tae-ju good roles whenever possible.

'I hope he comes across well.'

*

Since it was a variety show that started at 11 PM on a weekday, the ratings weren't very high. However, many people kept the channel because the drama before it was quite popular. Thanks to this, the variety show featuring Bae Dong-seok and Tae-ju started with decent ratings.

"The community reactions are not bad. The actors and the two MCs are eating so well that there are many positive comments."

"Indeed. It seems like a snack crisis has broken out. Most people are talking about ordering delivery."

"Let's order some snacks too. I want tteokbokki and kimbap."

"I already ordered it. Don't worry about it and focus on work."

As soon as tteokbokki appeared on the screen, Kim Esa ordered a snack set through a delivery app. The employees cheered, and Kim Esa, who performed a victory ceremony, sat back down and watched the screen with the employees.

The bulletin board was already a mess due to the three cast members' voracious appetites. Instead of discussing the content of the program, there were heated debates about what was delicious and how to eat it better. The employees of Triz also joined the snack battle. Opinions varied on whether the tteokbokki broth with seaweed was better or if eggs were better.

'Tae-ju, have you eaten dinner?'

On the screen, Bae Dong-seok was asking about the meal in a gentle manner.

"Hehe."

"Kuk."

"How can he be so good? He didn't even notice they were following him."

The employees laughed at Tae-ju's clumsy appearance, from not noticing the MCs following him to the silly dialogue in the elevator.

"Gyeon-woo, is Tae-ju usually this clumsy?"

Kim Esa's question was difficult to answer. Saying yes would seem like criticizing his actor, but saying no would contradict the scene where Tae-ju blocked the front door and was easily moved by Bae Dong-seok.

"Oh! There are comments recognizing Tae-ju. They say he's the young master from 'Love Rain.'"

"But the most common comment is that he looks like a common neighborhood unemployed person."

Wow!

The employees, who were checking the community reactions on their laptops, all exclaimed in unison. Tae-san jumped into the screen and sat between the MCs.

Tae-san, who briefly showed his back, soon turned to face the camera and meowed along with Bae Dong-seok and the MCs.

"Wow. Not only did he cuddle earlier, but he's properly on screen now."

"Team Leader Woo, shouldn't we put Tae-san's profile on the portal?"

"I was going to ask Actor Lee Tae-ju. Gyeon-woo, send a message to Actor Lee Tae-ju asking if it's okay to promote Tae-san."

The employees looked at Gyeon-woo with hopeful expressions. Some were already selecting Tae-san's photos on their phones. When Gyeon-woo received a message from Tae-ju giving permission and expressing gratitude, he gave the okay sign. The employees immediately started posting Tae-san's photos and comments on the community.

'It seems we're paying more attention to promoting Tae-san than our two actors.'

"Kim Esa, didn't you shoot a video of Tae-san chasing a ball?"

"I already posted it. Do you want the link?"

"Yes, give it to me. We should all watch this."

"It seems the CEO is watching too. He's already liked it."

Putting aside Gyeon-woo's question, all the agency employees united to promote Tae-san.

*

Both the community reactions and the variety show ratings were good. Tae-ju and Bae Dong-seok's honest and genuine appearances were well-received. Their shocked expressions, dazed looks, and clumsy actions, which would not be seen in acting, were well-received by the audience.

Especially the last scene where they made sandwiches in the kitchen with their younger brother and the production team's thank-you message after the credits were very humanizing.

Although unintentional, the variety show appearance helped Tae-ju gain a diverse image and unexpected appeal. Even if they had managed his image according to the original plan, it wouldn't have been bad. Tae-ju's physical appearance was unique. However, gaining public favor early on was better. Despite the risk of being seen as a gimmick, the variety show appearance was ultimately beneficial for Tae-ju.

Bae Dong-seok also received good reactions, but the biggest beneficiary was Tae-san. Tae-san dominated the latter part of the show, teasing Tae-ju with MC Hyung-gyu, lying on the PD's lap, and being caught while attacking a hamburger steak. His adorable appearance and playful behavior captivated the audience.

"Team Leader Woo, another offer for Tae-san has come in."

"Where from?"

"From 'Entertainment World.' They want to interview Actor Lee Tae-ju and Tae-san."

"Interview?"

"Entertainment World is preparing a healing interview segment with animals. They noticed Tae-ju and Tae-san and want to interview them."

"Really? An interview?"

They are preparing a 5-7 minute interview while playing with animals. The interview will mainly cover light topics like daily life and recent news, aiming for a comfortable and warm atmosphere.

"The plan sounds good. It's once a week, and with travel time, it should take about half a day."

"True. Although the pay isn't high for a newcomer, having a regular spot early in their career will be very helpful for promotion."

"Great. I'll discuss this with Actor Lee Tae-ju and decide."

Proper planning and casting offers started coming in, not just using Tae-san as a topic. Team Leader Woo immediately informed Gyeon-woo and Tae-ju.

*

Tae-ju accepted the interview offer without much hesitation. It was a good opportunity for Tae-san to get used to the filming environment. He had been wondering how to handle Tae-san during filming. He even considered leaving Tae-san in the garden with Hui and Dan-dan, but that idea was rejected because Tae-san didn't like it.

Tae-woo and Yeon-woo were too busy to take care of Tae-san. They were juggling studies and their vlogging, leaving little time to play with the energetic Tae-san. As a result, he often relied on the company.

He thought that if Tae-san got used to the filming environment through such interviews, he could bring him to movie or drama sets in the future. Of course, he didn't want to push the young Tae-san too hard. He just wanted Tae-san to feel comfortable on set. Tae-ju gently scratched Tae-san's belly, who was lying on his back on Tae-ju's thigh.

"Looks like Tae-san will be more popular than me. Hehe."

"Meow."

Tae-ju sometimes wonders if Tae-san understands everything he says. His timing for responding is too good.

When he has more DP, he plans to open the red box. He hopes to find an item that translates animal language.

*

"Oops, I missed this alarm. It's unusual for Hui to miss it too."

Tae-ju found an alarm on his tablet indicating that the vinegar was ready. He had made it and left it in the warehouse before decorating the garden, but had forgotten about it. He must have been distracted by the garden decoration with the dwarves. He decided to check the barrel when he visited the garden today and picked up the script for the busking.

As the filming approached, Tae-ju not only read the script in the garden but also whenever he had free time in reality. He had already memorized the entire script, including the lines of his co-actors, but he couldn't put it down and kept reading it.

Tae-ju was living a different life now. There was almost nothing from his past in these moments. His surroundings were filled with different environments and people. The same would likely be true for future events.

Tae-ju had no intention of remaking movies or dramas he had already filmed. The only regret he had was the violin movie, but he would be satisfied after filming the melody.

At the time, he had performed the playing scenes himself, but the music used was played by a violinist. He hadn't had enough time to practice the piece properly, which left him with a lingering regret. However, he would definitely be satisfied after performing and playing the piece properly in the melody.

He hadn't seen the busking in his previous life. He had watched most of the movies and dramas that Jung Hwan-seon had appeared in, but there was no busking movie. It seemed to be a script that couldn't be filmed due to some issues.

A movie that didn't exist in the world was being made, and Tae-ju had debuted four years earlier than before. Although many changes might still occur, Tae-ju found it more enjoyable to blaze a new trail than to follow a path he already knew the end of.