Chapter 82

# Chapter 082

Min Kyung-sub became a manager at Garo Entertainment.

It seems that everyone understood when Min Kyung-sub left Success Entertainment, as he often clashed with Yoon Sang-yul there.

“Did no one try to stop him?”

“Mr. Kim tried to persuade him. I was about to soften, but then I remembered Yoon Sang-yul’s face, and all my sympathy vanished.”

He is a tough person.

In the previous life, when Kim Tae-hoon tried to calm him down, Seong Pil would always calm down.

Min Kyung-sub should have left Success Entertainment right away, but he found it hard to do so because he had grown attached to Kim Tae-hoon.

“Anyway, welcome.”

Seong Pil passed on the necessary business knowledge to him.

He also introduced him to the members and had a meal with them for ice-breaking.

Since Min Kyung-sub would be the person most frequently with the members, it was important to make a good first impression.

“Your tone is similar to Manager Park’s.”

“Really. Can’t you do an impression of him, Uncle?”

“Araya, be quiet.”

“Wow, it’s just like a crazy dog!”

Fortunately, Min Kyung-sub got along well with the members.

“Oh, your SNS and YouTube are well-managed. It’s not easy to gather so many followers and views before debut. Did you do it, brother?”

“At first, but there’s a person named Jung Ji-eum who composed our debut song. She helped a lot.”

“Of course.”

“...”

Seong Pil put Min Kyung-sub in a headlock.

“Of course? You said ‘of course’? What are you, man?!”

“Manager Park is bullying Manager Min!”

When Seong Pil and Min Kyung-sub turned their heads, Rika was pointing at them with a shocked expression.

“You shouldn’t bully people! Violence is bad!”

“Kyung-sub, did I bully you?”

“No. I learned a valuable lesson.”

“You’ve been brainwashed! Stockholm Syndrome!”

“But why are you all coming down?”

“It’s class time.”

“Oh, it’s already that time. Everyone, be at the car by 5 minutes. I’ll turn on the air conditioning for you.”

Min Kyung-sub went outside.

Rika, saying that she couldn’t leave Min Kyung-sub alone, dragged Jo Ara away.

“Why am I...”

Baek Seol-ha, swept up in the atmosphere, followed Rika.

Jang Ha-yang, who was about to follow, suddenly changed direction and came to Seong Pil.

“Manager, where is this?”

Jang Ha-yang showed him a photo on her phone.

It was a photo of Rika that Seong Pil had taken at Naksung Park.

“Naksung Park Castle Road.”

“The lighting is beautiful. I think photos taken here will be beautiful.”

“Yeah. It’s a famous spot for night views. Couples often come here for dates.”

Jang Ha-yang looked at Seong Pil with a meaningful gaze.

“Why? Do you want to go?”

“Yes.”

It was an immediate and unhesitant answer.

“Then, shall we all go together on the weekend? We should go after sunset, so I can pick you up at the right time. If you use public transportation, you’ll have limited time to play.”

“Ah... Ahaha, yes. That would be nice.”

“Just enjoy yourself. You guys don’t go out much even on your days off. If you stay inside all the time, you’ll lose your energy.”

“Yes, I will.”

“Sister, come quickly!”

Rika came to get Jang Ha-yang. She bowed her head and got into the car.

‘It’s convenient.’

With a road manager, things are definitely more convenient.

In the past, he would have had to constantly check the members’ schedules and movements while working.

On his way back to the office, Seong Pil reflected on Jang Ha-yang’s reaction.

‘She wants to have fun.’

Once the choreography is complete and the song production is finished, the members will have no time to rest.

He wanted to give them a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Perhaps his wish reached the heavens, and the opportunity came.

“What is this?”

“It’s a Neverworld free pass. I got it from my sister.”

The word ‘sister’ coming from Hong Gyu-hun’s mouth was quite awkward.

It must refer to his actual sister.

“I’m still considered a boyfriend. I have no interest, so you guys can share it appropriately.”

There were four passes in total.

Garo Entertainment has four employees.

Seong Pil, Han Goo-in, Son Hye-bin, and Min Kyung-sub.

Jung Ji-eum is not a full-time composer, so she cannot be considered an employee.

“I’m fine.”

Han Goo-in refused.

“I’m not particularly interested in amusement parks. If I go, people will gather, and I won’t be able to enjoy it.”

“PD Son, I’m not trying to belittle you. Do you really have many fans?”

“Do you want to go out and see for yourself?”

He has a lot of confidence.

Indeed, Son Hye-bin is said to receive offers for observation variety shows these days.

With hundreds of thousands of SNS followers, she can be considered an influencer.

“I’m not really into amusement parks...”

Min Kyung-sub also refused, and now it was Seong Pil’s turn.

Seong Pil took all four passes.

“Wow, what’s with Seong Pil? Using all four at once? Do you have three girlfriends?”

“Yeah.”

“Ahaha! You’re funny! It’s even funnier because you’re saying it seriously!”

“It’s what you brought up... I was going to give these to the kids. Is that okay?”

“Good idea. Do that.”

On Friday night, before the members went to their dorm, Seong Pil gathered them.

Seong Pil placed the free passes in front of them.

“Let’s all go together tomorrow.”

Baek Seol-ha’s eyes widened.

“Isn’t this expensive? Did Manager Park buy them?”

“No. The CEO gave them to me. You’ll all be busy soon, so let’s make some memories now. Don’t refuse and go.”

“How much are these?”

Baek Seol-ha whispered the price to Jang Ha-yang’s ear.

Jang Ha-yang, with trembling hands, picked up one of the free passes.

“T-this piece of paper...?”

“Calling a CEO’s gift a piece of paper. Well, is everyone okay? Let’s go and have fun tomorrow and rest until Sunday.”

“Yay!”

Rika, who was trembling with excitement after seeing the free passes, let out a joyful cheer.

Seeing this, Jo Ara patted Rika’s back, as if asking what she was so excited about.

“Sigh. You’re still a kid.”

The next day.

“Ara, I didn’t know you could dress up like this.”

“What?”

“Were you looking forward to it?”

“I wasn’t.”

“Why are your cheeks red? Do you like it that much?”

“Really, Uncle, stop being so annoying! Yes, I’m looking forward to it and it’s fun, so what?”

“Sigh, you’re still a kid.”

Jo Ara hit Seong Pil’s shoulder wildly.

After putting the members in the car, Seong Pil started to leave Seoul.

“Is Manager Park not coming with us?”

“Yes. If you need anything, tell Seol-ha. I gave her the company card, so use it freely without feeling burdened.”

“Okay.”

Jang Ha-yang seemed uncomfortable from the start.

“Is there something you’re worried about?”

“Ahaha, no. It’s my first time going to an amusement park. I might enjoy it. I just don’t want the CEO to waste money.”

“Oh, you’ve never been to an amusement park. It will be fun. Do whatever you want.”

Jang Ha-yang still looked anxious until they reached the entrance.

She had been like this ever since she heard the price of the free passes.

‘Ha-yang is sensitive to money.’

I hope she can enjoy herself without feeling burdened.

Seong Pil spent the time nearby until evening, and then went to the amusement park entrance after receiving a call from Baek Seol-ha.

As soon as he saw Jang Ha-yang, Seong Pil was speechless.

She was wearing an animal ear headband, holding a few balloons and a prize doll, and had children’s toy decorations all over her body.

Her face showed a satisfaction he had never seen before.

“Dream world... Neverland...”

She looked like someone who had been forcibly dragged from a dream to reality.

She still hadn’t shaken off the afterglow.

In contrast, the other members had no souvenirs and looked exhausted.

Seong Pil learned the reason from Baek Seol-ha.

“Ha-yang rode the rides without getting tired...”

She even thought it was a waste of time to eat, and they toured the entire amusement park.

Jang Ha-yang laughed so much that her voice was hoarse, and she attracted a lot of attention.

The members, trying to keep up with Jang Ha-yang’s energy, were completely drained.

As a result, they unusually slept in until lunchtime on Sunday.

“I want to go again...”

Until Monday, Jang Ha-yang was still dealing with the aftereffects.

“If you want to go again, you can. When you earn a lot of money later, we can go once a week.”

“I’ll buy the tickets then, so let’s go together. It wasn’t fun without Manager.”

“You talk well.”

“Really.”

Would a person who laughed all day and ran around like that? Still, I’m grateful for the words.

“Sure, I won’t refuse free things. Let’s go together when we settle the accounts later.”

“Yes, you must keep your promise. I’ll remember it. I remember.”

“Ah, I know...”

* * *

[Team Leader, hi.]

“Hey, hello. Why are you calling today?”

Shin Ah-reum let out a coquettish laugh.

It’s something you only hear when she has something to ask.

[My group, you know.]

“Poyu? Or the one Success Entertainment is preparing?”

[Poyu.]

The 9-member group, ‘Poyu,’ born from the Project Poyu, is slowly preparing for debut.

The management company in charge of Poyu is ‘Eum Entertainment,’ a company created by SMS Entertainment solely for Poyu.

Since SMS Entertainment is the largest investor in Project Poyu, they must be feeling quite uneasy with Poyu embroiled in a school violence controversy.

“Why Poyu?”

[Well, I was going to ask Kyung-sub, but I thought he would get angry if I told him, so I called you, Team Leader.]

“If he would get angry, I would too.”

[There’s a CEO Kim Myung-won at Eum Entertainment. He gathered all the members yesterday.]

And Kim Myung-won said:

“I believe everyone knows the current situation of Poyu. The marketing and promotion situation is not good. Even if we debut, we might just receive criticism and disappear. So, if anyone wants to leave, they can. We will terminate the contract.”

[That’s what he said.]

In the previous life, Seong Pil only knew that Poyu had a forced debut, but he didn’t know about these details.

Kim Myung-won was a person with expertise in management at SMS Entertainment.

For him to say he would let members leave, he must have judged that Poyu had significant risks.

‘But no one left.’

The members who joined Poyu were all desperate to debut.

Their original agencies were not capable enough, and even if they returned, debuting would be difficult.

So, they stayed with Poyu with a do-or-die attitude.

Perhaps their desperation paid off, and Poyu achieved decent results.

[I want to hear your opinion, Team Leader.]

It would be better to receive such advice internally at Success Entertainment.

‘Is Ah-reum not treated well either?’

That can’t be the case.

Shin Ah-reum is scheduled to debut in the girl group project at Success Entertainment.

She is the most talented and has a good appearance, so the company wouldn’t treat her poorly.

“Thanks for choosing me as your advisor, but it’s better to get such advice from someone within the company.”

[Who? Yoon Sang-yul? CEO Kim? Kyung-sub is gone. And if I tell the people below, it will eventually reach Yoon Sang-yul.]

“Does Yoon Sang-yul dislike you?”

[No, I just don’t like the sight of him.]

She’s quite full of herself.

But Seong Pil had no intention of half-heartedly giving advice.

“Ah, this isn’t something to discuss over the phone.”

[Just tell me your thoughts.]

“What about you? Do you want to leave?”

[Well, to be honest, I think Poyu will fail.]

That’s understandable.

No one can guarantee Poyu’s success in the current situation.

Why would Kim Myung-won, in charge of Poyu, tell the members it’s okay to leave?

‘Probably, Kim Myung-won received less funding than initially promised.’

So, he’s trying to reduce the number of people.

He wants to reduce the number of people and maintain the highest quality possible.

In the previous life, his plan failed, and no one left. The forced debut was successful.

But Kim Myung-won, who doesn’t know this, must be in a dire situation.

[In that case, I think it’s better to return to Success Entertainment and focus on the debut group. That’s my opinion. What do you think, Team Leader?]

“Ah-reum, I think it’s better for you to stay with Poyu. Even if you only work for a year, you’ll earn several million won.”

[Several million won? And get paid immediately after a year of work?]

“That would help pay off some of the debt at Success Entertainment. You’ll also receive payments soon after debuting.”

[Do you think I’m stupid? How can Poyu earn that much? Will we get that much?]

“If you don’t believe me, why did you call? Anyway, that’s my opinion. The decision is yours.”

Honestly, Seong Pil is anxious.

In the previous life, Poyu achieved decent results, but this time, it’s uncertain.

Shin Ah-reum’s joining is a variable.

Of course, he doesn’t think her joining will be a negative factor.

‘But if Ah-reum leaves, Poyu will have the same lineup as in the previous life. Ah-reum’s thoughts might be correct.’

Focusing on the debut group at Success Entertainment is not a wrong idea.

The girl group being prepared at Success Entertainment will bring greater success than Poyu.

“I think both options look good. You decide.”

[Wow... What a sight to see an adult pass the decision to a child.]

“I’m a child. I’m upset because you’re teasing me. I’ll hang up.”

[Wait, wait, wait! So, it doesn’t matter whether I leave or stay? I can do as I please?]

It’s your life, your choice, and your responsibility.

These words stuck in Seong Pil’s throat and didn’t come out.

Since he’s already left Success Entertainment, he has no obligation to care for Shin Ah-reum.

But Shin Ah-reum is a sore spot.

“Either way, there will be a good outcome. I can’t guarantee it, but consider other people’s opinions too.”

[Got it. Thanks for the advice.]

It seems she has no intention of asking anyone else.

[And, one more thing. If I leave Success Entertainment, can I join your company?]

“No.”

[So cold. You’re like ice.]

“We’re also preparing for debut soon. We can’t suddenly accept new members.”

[Who said I want to