Chapter 8

I called Hyunjo several times, but it kept going to voicemail as if he was in a noisy place.

Fortunately, PD Go Juntae hadn't gone far. I hesitated for a moment in front of him.

Should I just tell him without saying anything to Hyunjo? What should I do?

Damn! What do you mean, what should I do? I don't know if it's a premonition or what, but Choi Geonyeong just ran over and pushed the PD there. As a result, Neptune got to appear on the show, and Choi Geonyeong became a treasure at the company.

I can't be a useless idiot who can't even take care of my own bowl. I'll just do it and see.

"PD sir!"

"Again...! Oh, a moment ago..."

"I'm Jeong Seon, the manager of Neptune."

PD Go Juntae's face relaxed.

"I didn't introduce the members properly earlier."

"You said they debuted two years ago, right? I knew Blackout was under W&U, but I didn't know they had a girl group. They only managed actors, didn't they?"

"That's why all the members look like actors."

If I had known, I would have brought my bag. There are profiles in there.

As a compromise, I showed PD Go Juntae the album on my phone. Luckily, I had saved the members' photos while searching the internet earlier.

"Hmm... There's a lounge over there, let's sit down for a moment."

After flipping through a few photos, PD Go Juntae led me to a small lounge next to the elevator. I followed, pressing my tense shoulders with one hand. I kept getting tense.

Sitting in the chair, I observed PD Go Juntae's expression and eyes. He was looking at the photos seriously.

Yes, look. Look more closely. The more you look, the prettier they'll seem.

"They are a group that W&U put a lot of effort into. They were selected from trainees at large agencies, so their skills are solid, they speak well, have good characters, and are full of enthusiasm."

I've never been more anxious in any of the presentations, interviews, or speeches I've given so far. I've never been more overwhelmed.

I kept being aware of my tone and posture to show confidence. I also paid attention not to seem too desperate. I kept thinking of more things to say.

The leader, Taehui, has explosive singing skills and excellent songwriting abilities. Elji looks like she'd say, "I'm the crazy girl of this area," but she actually enjoys teasing the members, especially Seoung. Seoung has a variety show personality and has appeared on cable shows several times. Song, the youngest, has an undeniable visual presence...

I don't even remember what I said halfway through. I just kept talking non-stop.

Recalling the profiles I saw in the car, the internet articles I kept looking for in the shop and waiting room, I talked about everything that sounded positive.

"Neptune. Neptune... It's not bad. The visuals are even better than Lemon Girls."

Fortunately, the PD's reaction wasn't bad. I swallowed and waited for him to make a decision.

"Why weren't they on the list? Did you exclude them because they're about to be in their third year? If we invite these guys to the show, can we also get some exposure for W&U's actors?"

"Excuse me?"

"W&U has many expensive actors who don't appear on variety shows much. I'm not asking for much, just enough to use as a teaser... What do you think?"

"That's not something I can decide. I'll check with the team leader and get back to you."

"Team leader?"

"I'm a new hire."

I didn't mention that today was my first day.

Good thing I didn't. PD Go Juntae laughed in a resigned way as soon as he heard I was a new hire. It was as if he was thinking, "What more can I talk about with a rookie manager like you?"

"Is that so? I thought... you were here for the music show today?"

"Yes."

"Then the members are here, and the team leader is also here?"

"They're probably on stage right now."

"Then let's see them after the show. All the members. I'll see them and then we can talk. Here's my card, please contact me."

"Understood."

I received the card with both hands, but something poked my back.

"What are you doing here?"

Turning around, I saw Im Seoung, breathing heavily.

"Hyunjo is trying to kill or save you right now. It's been less than a day, and you're already MIA during a live broadcast. What kind of person does that?"

"What are you doing here? The stage?"

"It's already over. I came here because the bathroom next to the waiting room was full. But right now, you're the problem! You have to feed four kids, and if you get fired on the first day, what will you do? You're losing fans, going MIA, and it's been a close call since this morning."

"Wait, why do I have to feed your kids?"

"Anyway, I'll help you, so think of an excuse quickly!"

Why is she like this? Is it because she just came off the live stage? She's extremely excited, like someone who's had a bottle of alcohol.

Suddenly, Im Seoung blinked.

"Who's that person behind you?"

Oh no! I have other things to deal with!

Turning around quickly, I saw PD Go Juntae looking at Im Seoung with interest. Im Seoung, seeing his expression, exclaimed.

"Oh! Were you looking for the fan I lost earlier? I'm really struggling!"

"No, that's not..."

"Hello! I'm Im Seoung from Neptune! Do you want an autograph?"

"I'm a PD."

"Ah!"

Im Seoung screamed and dramatically bowed her head.

I thought she was doing a deep bow.

"What do I do! I'm sorry, PD sir!"

"Haha. Your character is fresh and cute. Nice to meet you."

Im Seoung, looking like she had just caused a big accident, stomped her feet. Any man with a protective instinct wouldn't be able to get angry at her.

PD Go Juntae, with a much more relaxed face than before, patted her small shoulders to calm her down. He also motioned for me to call him.

"Talk to the person upstairs and contact me."

"Right, I'll contact you within 10 minutes."

I took Im Seoung, who was still confused, and ran again. I pushed through the crowd spilling out into the hallway, running like I was in a race. Im Seoung asked why I was running, but I didn't have time to answer.

We quickly arrived at the waiting room. The members were all inside, and only Kim Hyunjo and Choi Geonyeong were standing by the door.

Kim Hyunjo saw me first.

"Seoung, go inside."

"Brother."

"Quickly. The kids are changing clothes, so you should go in and change too."

Seeing Im Seoung's worried face, I pushed her in. I had a good talk with PD Go Juntae, so he wouldn't kill me, right?

"Where were you, going to the bathroom and coming back after the show was over?"

What should I do? He looks like he's going to kill me.

As soon as Im Seoung went in, Kim Hyunjo's neck veins bulged.

"Important business? What was so important?"

"It was... "

"More important than the kids' performance? Do you know this is a live broadcast? Are you going to abandon the kids and wander around when you work alone in the future? What will you do if there's a broadcast accident? Can I trust you with the kids?"

"I'm sorry. I met PD Go Juntae after going to the bathroom."

His angry voice suddenly stopped.

"What? Who?"

"PD Go Juntae from Next K Star. It seems a girl group that was supposed to appear on the show had a major accident, so they're looking for a replacement. I tried to call the team leader, but couldn't get through..."

"Before the show, in silent mode... So?"

"I managed to catch PD Go Juntae, showed him the members' photos, and introduced them."

"Good job. So?"

"The team leader asked if he could see the members and the team leader. I got his card."

I handed him the card. Kim Hyunjo looked at the card and my face alternately. His face, which had been grumpy and tired since I first met him in the morning, now showed a surprised expression.

"Of course he can see them. He can definitely see them."

Kim Hyunjo, who had been frozen like a lagging computer for a few seconds, hit my arm.

"Mr. Seon, call the PD and ask where he is. Go and catch him before he meets other girl group managers. Block him with your body. I'll call the team leader and the department head to update them. And Mr. Geonyeong, tell the kids to put their costumes back on and fix their makeup, and come out quickly. What are you waiting for, both of you? Run!"

"Yes, yes!"

I ran again, my feet sweating, to meet PD Go Juntae.

After that, things were out of my hands.

Everything happened in a whirlwind. While I was holding onto PD Go Juntae, Kim Hyunjo, who had finished talking to the company, brought the Neptune members with Choi Geonyeong. The kids looked confused but bowed politely in front of the PD.

The members talked with PD Go Juntae for a while. Even after they returned from the stage for the music show's number one announcement, the conversation continued. Fortunately, the atmosphere was good, and it seemed the PD liked the kids.

"Don't tell the kids anything yet."

After sending the members back to the waiting room, Kim Hyunjo grabbed me and Choi Geonyeong.

"If their expectations are raised and then dashed, they won't be able to sleep at night. Keep quiet until it's certain."

After that, Kim Hyunjo passionately expressed Neptune's strengths to PD Go Juntae, like a veteran salesman. He was so persuasive that even I was convinced. It seemed PD Go Juntae was also half-convinced.

"I need to talk to the writers, but I like them. They have good visuals and seem to have good personalities. But the ones who had the drunk driving accident also looked good on the outside. These days, kids are really..."

"PD sir, we are W&U. Have you seen any of our artists cause trouble in their personal lives?"

"Well, W&U is known for doing a good job."

The conversation became more relaxed as jokes were added.

"Then, PD sir, how...?"

"Even if it's urgent, I can't decide right away. We need to have a meeting internally. We need approval from the department head and the division head. It won't take long. When the drunk driving news breaks, the reporters will start calling, and we won't have time. We need to find a solution before public opinion turns against the show."

"Is the show's CP Mr. Choi Seongho?"

"Yes, Seongho."

"Our CEO said if Mr. Choi has time tonight, he'd like to meet and talk in person..."

"Is that so? Do you know him personally?"

"He said he met him a few times in the past."

"Then let me check. If it helps to move things along, I'm in."

PD Go Juntae, who was on the phone with the CP, sent an okay sign.

In the meantime, a meeting was quickly arranged between both sides. From W&U, the CEO, the management department head, and the management team 3 leader attended. From Knet, the CP overseeing Next K Star and the main PD, Go Juntae, attended.

ⓒ Jang Wusan

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