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A chilling atmosphere spread, centered around Haejoo. Youngjae, the new manager who had been so confident, couldn’t hide his embarrassment.
“I know you’re flustered, but you’ll have to accept it.”
“Who sent you?”
“Mr. Park and I were hired through GN headquarters. Until recently, I was actor Min Taeseok’s road manager.”
Min Taeseok was a senior, an acclaimed actor, and a global star to Haejoo. Only then did Haejoo recall Youngjae’s name, which she had vaguely heard.
“You can relax your guard; my experience should be trustworthy enough.”
“Why did you come here, leaving Min Taeseok sunbaenim?”
“GN offered me a scout position, seeing actress Lee Haejoo’s potential.”
“I’m sorry, but I haven’t heard anything about that beforehand.”
Haejoo didn’t distrust Youngjae. She was merely suspicious that GN sent him as soon as Hyunseong was fired from the company. Moreover, a manager with Youngjae’s level of experience was a burden for Haejoo. While Director Kwak’s film was attracting attention, its box office success couldn’t be determined until its release. Chairman Yoo was deliberately doing this—sending a tempting fruit that couldn’t be refused, so she would be monitored.
“It was probably difficult to tell you beforehand, as the negotiation was done dramatically.”
“Do you know if the director knows you two are here?”
“We just arrived and saw Ms. Lee Haejoo, so we greeted her first.”
Hyunseong was crestfallen. He never thought Han Jintae would send such a big shot in the manager world as Youngjae. If this was the case, there was no place for Hyunseong. Even if he stayed with Haejoo, it was clear he’d just run errands and then be dismissed.
“Then our agency hasn’t even approved this yet.”
“GN Entertainment’s permission isn’t needed.”
“What did you say?”
“As I said before, I signed a contract with GN.”
“That’s absurd.”
“We’re not here to interfere. Ms. Lee Haejoo’s situation requires systematic care.”
Haejoo raised her hand as if to stop him. Youngjae’s words implied that even Jinhan had no right to stop them. Anger surged within her, and she didn’t want to talk.
“I have a scheduled appointment; I don’t have time for this. Hyunseong, let’s go.”
“Yes, Noona.”
Haejoo took only Hyunseong and passed through the main entrance. Youngjae and Mr. Park followed, stepping onto the central staircase as if it were their right. Haejoo’s gaze kept turning back. Youngjae’s gaze alone was overwhelming, and her stomach began to churn. She was supposed to go straight to the meeting room but turned towards Jinhan’s office instead.
“Director.”
Just then, the magazine editor-in-chief, an editor, and a photographer were already in the office, talking with Jinhan. They greeted Haejoo brightly upon her arrival. Having worked with them before, Haejoo also exchanged cheerful greetings.
“Editor-in-chief, it’s been a while. Mr. Hwang, you’ve been well too, right?”
The atmosphere was amicable. Until Youngjae showed his face in the office. Jinhan, who had a rare smile on his face, hardened darkly. He signaled to Haejoo with his eyes and made a plausible excuse.
“Editor-in-chief, Mr. Hwang, would you mind going to the meeting room first? I need to consult with Haejoo for a moment.”
“Of course.”
The guests followed the staff member guiding them and left the office. As the door closed, a dry breeze immediately arose. Only then did Jinhan offer Youngjae an unwelcome greeting.
“Manager Kim Young-jae, what brings you here?”
“Didn’t you receive a call from Chief Secretary Han Jintae?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“That’s strange. He told me I just needed to go.”
Jinhan had the manager team leader’s phone. Looking at the message Han Jintae sent, it only said that Hyunseong would be cut, and a new manager would be sent. There was no mention of who the person would be or when they would be sent. Jinhan hadn’t been given any notice at all.
“Who did you sign a contract with?”
“I have a separate business, so I signed a one-year contract with GN.”
It was an embarrassing situation for Jinhan. Despite being Chairman Yoo’s son, he was being treated as if he weren’t recognized as a manager of GN Entertainment.
“I cannot accept Manager Kim Young-jae without my consent.”
Jinhan drew a clear line. He was polite, but resentment simmered within him.
“I understand Director Yoo Jinhan’s opinion well. Anyway, I signed the contract, so please call GN separately.”
Youngjae was no pushover either. Jinhan expected he would receive a substantial amount of money for acting this way.
“There’s no need to call and talk. Please leave.”
Reluctantly, Youngjae turned to leave. As he left, he didn’t forget to advise Jinhan.
“You’ll probably accept it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t ask me; try calling them yourself.”
Youngjae and Mr. Park left GN Entertainment. Only then did Haejoo ask Jinhan.
“What’s going on?”
“First, let’s have the meeting.”
Haejoo deliberately brought Hyunseong to the meeting room. She couldn’t help it; she worried he might face difficulties if left alone.
“Did you wait long?”
“No.”
Haejoo, shedding her heavy mood, participated in the concept meeting. The editor-in-chief made an unexpected suggestion regarding the content for this autumn’s photoshoot.
“Originally, I was thinking of going with a bold outfit.”
“Really?”
“But since there’s also a joyful occasion for Haejoo, how about an autumn wedding concept?”
“A wedding?”
“It will be beautiful with a sensual production.”
The prepared portfolio was specially designed for pregnant Haejoo. Her lips curved into a bright smile at the sight of the fantastical designs.
“It’s so beautiful.”
Haejoo had never worn a wedding dress even in her acting roles. In reality, she lived as a couple with Dojun, but they hadn’t had a proper wedding ceremony. Perhaps that’s why wearing a wedding dress felt even more special. The meeting proceeded for two hours and then concluded.
________________________________________
...
At the same time, Jinhan couldn’t focus on work. As he repeatedly watched the second hand of the wall clock spin, his phone rang. It was the manager team leader’s phone.
“It’s me.”
-Ah... Director?
Han Jintae’s voice, sounding flustered, unpleasantly pierced his ears. Jinhan then opened his mouth with annoyance.
“Did Father also order you to send a new manager?”
-Chairman is busy, so I’m proactively handling such matters.
His slick reply made anger surge to his throat. Jinhan clenched his fist, thinking he had shot himself in the foot by not letting go of his greed.
“I’m warning you, stop here.”
-I should inform you that a new candidate to lead GN Entertainment will be decided soon.
“Before I leave here, Chief Secretary Han, you’ll be cut first.”
-Chairman needs me.
“Know that I will absolutely not accept Manager Kim Young-jae.”
There was no benefit in continuing the conversation with Han Jintae. Whatever he said to Chairman Yoo, it went through Han Jintae, so he needed a different approach. That’s when one person came to mind. He sighed, but for now, there was no other answer, so he picked up the phone.
________________________________________
The day of the photoshoot arrived. The past few days had been quiet since the conflict with Youngjae. Hyunseong confidently went to work with Haejoo as usual, and the manager team leader was fired. Jinhan’s decision allowed Haejoo to feel somewhat relieved.
Waking up early in the morning, she stood in front of the mirror. Unable to exercise as before, she stretched and checked her body condition.
“It would be a big problem if I gained weight.”
Dojun approached her from behind, concerned. Dressed only in pajamas, revealing his sturdy upper body, he wrapped his arms around Haejoo’s shoulders.
“You’re skinny.”
“Not in front of the camera.”
“I only see bones.”
“The film shoot is the problem. I lost so much weight in Jeju, it would be a big problem if there was a difference.”
Haejoo finished her grooming with basic skincare. She ate barely anything, and Dojun’s gaze sharpened.
“Eat more.”
“If I’m hungry, I can have a snack in between.”
“What if you collapse again?”
“They’ll film considering I’m pregnant.”
Haejoo was excited about wearing a wedding dress. Dojun asked, seeing her beaming smile, wondering what made her so happy.
“Are you that happy?”
“The outfit I’ll be wearing today is a wedding dress.”
Dojun hadn’t had a wedding ceremony with Haejoo yet. He wanted to see Haejoo in a wedding dress, but it kept getting delayed. He felt unnecessarily sorry at her childlike excitement.
“That proposal I made...”
“The one at the airport?”
“Yes. It’s still valid.”
“I don’t want to have a wedding when I’m big.”
“What does it matter?”
Haejoo shook her head vigorously. With her clear refusal, Dojun didn’t pursue the matter further.
“Can I come visit the set later?”
“Of course. I’ll tell Hyunseong to give you the studio location.”
He didn’t want to miss seeing Haejoo in her first wedding dress. Dojun, deep in thought, finished his meal.
“I’ll head to work first.”
“Be careful.”
Dojun was about to leave the entrance but turned around. He strode purposefully towards Haejoo, pressed his lips firmly against hers, and whispered.
________________________________________
“Delicious.”
“...”
At his suggestive remark, Haejoo’s face quickly flushed. Dojun chuckled and left for work, leaving Haejoo alone at home.
“He always does something like that.”
Haejoo was about to go upstairs to change clothes. The lights in the house flickered on and off repeatedly, then brightened again.
“I’m not scared anymore.”
The power outages that used to make Haejoo tremble no longer scared her. This too was becoming a faint memory, so she felt no particular emotion. Soon, it would be time for Hyunseong to pick her up. Haejoo packed the necessary props into her bag and went downstairs. Just then, a car stopped outside.
“He must be here.”
Hearing the engine, she quickly ran to the front door. But the person who greeted Haejoo politely wasn’t Hyunseong.
“How did you get here?”
“You’ll be moving with me from today.”
The person who drove the van to her house was Youngjae. Mr. Park was in the driver’s seat, checking the rearview mirror. Hyunseong was nowhere to be seen, so she asked.
“I clearly stated my wishes last time. Why are you here?”
“I’ll explain on the way.”
“Where’s Hyunseong?”
“He’s at the set, waiting.”
“Hey! Hyunseong isn’t your subordinate.”
Haejoo, agitated, raised her voice. Despite this, Youngjae checked the time and pointed to the open car door.
“You’ll be late for the shoot. Get in.”
“No. I’m not going like this.”
Haejoo made a gesture to go back into the house. Ignoring her, Youngjae calmly persuaded her.
“Even if you’re angry, you have to work. Hyunseong is at the set, so you can rest assured.”
Reluctantly, Haejoo got into the van. A discomforting silence filled the car on the way to the set. A short while later, Haejoo opened the car door herself and got out. The studio was bustling with preparations, and the staff, editor-in-chief, and photographer greeted her.
“Haejoo, you’re here?”
“I’m not late, am I?”
“Of course not. You can start with your makeup.”
Youngjae followed her from behind. Haejoo, highly wary, asked him to stop.
“You make me uncomfortable.”
“I’ll wait outside.”
She moved towards the makeup room. Just then, Hyunseong, who had been sitting listlessly, suddenly stood up.
“Noona!”
“What happened?”
Haejoo asked the makeup designer to step aside for a moment. Once they were alone, Hyunseong rubbed his face vigorously.
“Is Manager Youngjae outside?”
“Yes, I told him not to come in here.”
“Ugh, don’t even ask. When I left the house, some guys were standing guard outside.”
“Who?”
“It was Chief Secretary Han Jintae and his bodyguards.”
“What?”
Hyunseong, drained of energy since morning, sighed heavily. He peeked at Youngjae standing outside and continued his story.
“I was so scared I almost peed my pants.”
“Did they threaten you?”
“Yes, they told me to quit and leave.”
“You said you had a contract with me, right?”
“When I said that, they said I could only follow you for your personal schedule, and Manager Youngjae would handle official business.”
Haejoo bit her lower lip painfully. Unable to endure this, she walked towards Youngjae.
“I can’t work with people who resort to threats.”
“That was Chief Secretary Han Jintae...”
“Stop making excuses!”
Haejoo confronted Youngjae, who was taller than her, head-on.
“Unless you’re going to be truly on my side, please leave.”
Suddenly, the bright air in the studio grew chilling.
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