Chapter 15….
Seonglim Shinwoo Prime Residence 3rd Complex. A luxury villa designed like an independent unit. Priced at 4 billion KRW, it’s considered one of the most expensive villas in Seoul.
JM Entertainment CEO Lee Jong-mook was standing in front of Shinwoo Residence, near the moving truck.
“(Whisper) Nari unnie, why do you think the CEO came? I’m so nervous. Adults are scary.”
“(Whisper) What are you talking about, Mina? You’re an adult too, and you’re scared of adults?”
“(Whisper) Not just any adult. A really scary adult. One who might scold me.”
“(Whisper) Mina, your vocabulary… but I get what you mean. No, why would the CEO scold us? Even if he did, someone else would probably do it.”
“(Whisper) What if we mess something up today and he tells the team leader to come scold us afterward?”
“(Whisper) That could happen…”
Kids… I can hear everything.
Lee Jong-mook checked his reflection in the moving truck’s side mirror.
Do I really look that scary?
It stung a bit that young, pretty girls were intimidated by him.
Today was the moving day for the Nova Girls members.
In just a few days, the reputation of “Nova Girls” had shifted completely. People now recognized them as either, “Oh, those girls Kim Seok-gu mentioned!” or, “Oh, the girls Lens called from Muto!” The latter was becoming more common, which was a good sign.
Nova Girls was no longer a group waiting to disband. They had become popular. But with fame comes danger. Remember the Jang Taek-jin case where someone tried to kidnap Im Yoo-joo? Leaving Nova Girls at their old dorm was unthinkable.
Still… why did the CEO come on moving day? It was obvious. To show off!
In running any organization, appearances are extremely important. Sending a message like, “The company cares this much about your safety!” can make a huge difference. Extremes aside, it could even sway the outcome in court. Lee Jong-mook understood this deeply.
After the moving truck was mostly unloaded, he entered the house and spoke.
“Following the recent attempted kidnapping of Im Yoo-joo, our company has felt a strong sense of responsibility. We’ve decided to implement strict security measures, and this is the place we newly contracted. As your fame rises rapidly, external attention will naturally increase. Please keep this in mind—”
The Nova Girls listened with wide, round eyes. They were attentive but restless, eager to explore their new home. Manager Yoo Hyun-jae busily organized the items in the back.
What’s he thinking right now?
Jong-mook wondered. In truth, he was more concerned about him than Nova Girls.
Manager Yoo Hyun-jae, 27 years old, 182 cm tall, 71 kg. Blood type A. On paper, completely ordinary. He looked like a regular, handsome guy. But Yoo Hyun-jae was far from ordinary.
“Hyun-jae, the cleaning company will be here shortly to help, so you can take a seat and rest.”
“Thank you, CEO. I’m a bit worried. Many of the members’ belongings are small items, and I’m concerned they might get lost if the cleaning crew comes.”
“Really?”
He seemed meticulous, even cautious, but Jong-mook knew better. A timid person wouldn’t confront someone 20 kg heavier than themselves.
No matter how I look at him, I can’t figure him out…
Jong-mook was famous for reading people’s minds, a master of persuasion.
But in reality, mind-reading wasn’t as magical as people thought. It relied on probability and logic.
For example: someone eats three packs of ramen. They’re full and unlikely to want more. If that person suggests going for meat, are they genuinely hungry or do they have another motive? Mind-reading is analyzing such possibilities from different angles.
Yoo Hyun-jae had lived in poverty for 27 years. Then he received a 2 billion KRW house from Im Yoo-joo. His work conditions improved drastically. Thanks to Yoo, Nova Girls rose to fame, and he also became entangled with top star Im Yoo-joo. How would one feel? It’s like showing sunlight to someone trapped in a cave—amazing, thrilling, even overwhelming.
Yet Yoo Hyun-jae was just organizing. He wasn’t excited about his good fortune, almost as if he expected it all along.
No… that can’t be.
Meanwhile, Da-bin spoke.
“Thank you, CEO. We feel we haven’t performed enough to deserve such a fine residence yet… We will do our best to become stars worthy of the company’s support.”
The other members bowed along with Da-bin.
“…Very humble. Good.”
Jong-mook thought, What’s with her?
A girl group that had been ignored for over a year was now competing in the top 5 of music charts. Anyone would be excited, anxious about when the luck might run out. Yet Da-bin showed none of that. Her eyes burned with determination.
“I never imagined living in such a nice residence. Thank you so much.”
The youngest, Mina, added, but without excess excitement.
Observing closely, it wasn’t just Da-bin—everyone liked the new home, but there was a solemnity to their expressions, like preparing for a test. Perhaps they were mindful of music chart rankings.
“I’ll be leaving soon. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to ask. You rarely get to speak directly to the CEO, right? Haha.”
Da-bin, as if waiting, spoke.
“About that… I heard the next digital single will have a song selection meeting soon.”
“Yes, we’ll proceed next week. We’ve already picked candidates suitable for Nova Girls’ concept that are sure to succeed.”
Jong-mook noticed Da-bin wanted to say more.
“Thank you for your concern, but… it may be presumptuous at our level, but could I play a song I composed during the meeting?”
“You wrote it?”
“Yes.”
Jong-mook swallowed hard.
Look at this.
Nova Girls was doing well. JM, a large corporation, could provide songs from verified composers with high chances of success. Why did she want to write her own song now?
“…Can we listen to it now?”
“Just a moment. I have the demo file ready.”
She even made a demo? She’s serious.
Jong-mook put in the earphones and listened to Da-bin’s demo.
“Hmm…”
“How is it?”
He thought, …It’s good. But this isn’t just good; what is happening here?
To succeed as an entertainment CEO, one needs capital and judgment. Jong-mook had both. Hearing that a member composed a song was slightly concerning. The expectations for a singer-songwriter like Im Yoo-joo and an idol group like Nova Girls were different. Young talents often ignore that and insist on their own ideas.
Creating a hit alone is rare. Even if an idol wrote a song, it’s usually with professional guidance. Nova Girls’ leader, Da-bin, was only 22. This should have been an issue…
This wasn’t just a whim.
The song was light, catchy, balanced, and didn’t disrupt the group’s concept. The chorus was addictive, lyrics fitting, and yet thoughtful. This wasn’t a child writing by feel; she listed success factors and fulfilled them. Exactly like a professional producer.
“You wrote this alone?”
“Yes.”
“Your schedule’s busier these days. You didn’t have much time, right?”
“I did it in spare moments.”
“Hmm… I listened well. Honestly, it’s excellent. Let’s discuss it in the meeting. I didn’t know you had this talent.”
“If possible, could you also listen to the next file?”
“Next file?”
Jong-mook couldn’t process it.
“I made five songs in total…”
“Five? Huh…”
What? One song is possible, but five? That’s sheer determination, not just casual ambition.
“…They’re all good.”
“Really?”
“Yes. We’ll discuss them in the meeting.”
“What are the chances my songs will be chosen?”
“Well… probably one of the five will be developed. Quality is good, and having the members compose it themselves adds buzz.”
“Really?”
Finally, Da-bin smiled fully. After entering the 4-billion KRW residence, sipping premium tea, she finally relaxed.
“But… I’m amazed. Not just your talent, Da-bin, but your determination. How did you even think to compose during such a busy time? Did you think, ‘We’ll beat Im Yoo-joo and become JM’s flagship!’?”
“Oh, no. Not at all. Haha…”
Jong-mook’s expression hardened.
Wait… she’s serious?
He was a master of the entertainment industry. Couldn’t he read a 22-year-old girl’s expression? Her “No” was a lie. She truly wanted to surpass Im Yoo-joo!
Why? Before Nova Girls rose on the charts, she had been just a nervous, responsible girl.
Why the change? Could it be… no way…
“Haha… Da-bin, but between us, any complaints about the manager?”
“No. Complaints? No way.”
Da-bin answered immediately.
“Since Hyun-jae is doing everything alone, there might be minor issues. A new road manager will join next week, so don’t worry.”
“No. There’s nothing lacking. It’s fine as it is.”
“You listened to the radio, right? People like the chemistry between Im Yoo-joo and Hyun-jae, so more schedules might come up. Work will need division.”
“…I see.”
Da-bin’s expression slightly twisted, and Jong-mook noticed immediately.
An idol making headlines across the country, and a new manager changes her gaze?
He looked at Hyun-jae. He was placing small, color-coded boxes labeled with each member’s name: Da-bin (blue), Nari (green), Ha-young (red), Mina (yellow). Just by looking, he knew who each item belonged to.
I knew he wasn’t ordinary…
A shiver ran down Jong-mook’s spine. His previous evaluation of Hyun-jae had underestimated him. The ability to motivate others without revealing intentions—that’s leadership!
Can I do that? Light a fire in the heart of a 22-year-old idol?
Feeling uncertain about himself, he also knew he had to secure Hyun-jae. Hyun-jae needed a higher position to manage more people. He was certain of that.
“Hyun-jae, let’s talk in a cafe nearby before I leave.”
“Yes, CEO.”
Hyun-jae’s calm expression betrayed no calculation. Perfect. Jong-mook even thought briefly, Could it all be coincidence? The members just followed naturally? No. That doesn’t happen.
Everything was Hyun-jae’s doing, but he feigned ignorance. A true leader hides the calculation, appearing purely trustworthy.
Jong-mook took him to a quiet, room-style cafe.
“I’ll put the briefcase here.”
Hyun-jae took it, but his expression was odd.
Did he think I’d say something bad?
Jong-mook quickly spoke.
“Hyun-jae, I called you to discuss your recent achievements. We should provide proper compensation…”
Yet Hyun-jae’s eyes flickered anxiously. What was wrong?
“Hyun-jae?”
“Yes, CEO.”
“Anything bothering you?”
“Ah… no.”
“Feel free to speak honestly. Even if it’s criticizing me, there won’t be repercussions.”
“It’s not that. Maybe….”
When he continued, Jong-mook’s eyes widened.
“Are there discussions about Im Yoo-joo appearing in a film?”
Jong-mook couldn’t maintain his poker face. How did he know? Im Yoo-joo couldn’t have said—it wasn’t even asked yet. The synopsis had only been received today…
“That’s… correct, but…”
Jong-mook felt as if Yoo Hyun-jae were an alien.
Who are you, Hyun-jae?
Could it be that my hands will keep sprouting things?
I looked at my hands. Onion bracelets on my wrists, onion rings on my fingers. Would onion arm sleeves appear next?
At least the onion rings weren’t visible to others. Small comfort.
As I held the CEO’s briefcase, suddenly…
Uh… what?
The pink flower bloomed again on the onion ring. Tentacles from the stamens probed CEO Lee Jong-mook’s bag. A vision streamed into my mind, and a strong stench hit my nose.
[Film Master Director Park Woo-sik, Sex Scandals Shock Industry!]
[Actress Na Yu-mi Confesses: “Decades of Gaslighting Sexual Crimes”]
[Film <Fragment>, Full Production Halted]
[<Fragment> Lead Im Yoo-joo Takes Indefinite Break: “Too Exhausted”]
In the vision, Im Yoo-joo didn’t have her lively face. She limped sadly.
-
“My leg? I got hurt acting. The director kept saying my acting was wrong, that I didn’t understand human emotions, that I had to think deeper… I stayed behind, talking with him constantly. I was scolded. Not exactly abused, but touched a lot…”
-
“I knew he was that kind of person… I can’t regain my confidence. But he’s a master, so maybe I was really wrong… Did I pretend to understand emotions I didn’t? Sorry, Hyun-jae oppa. I want to rest for a while.”
I swallowed hard.
If this was the future…
“Are there discussions about Im Yoo-joo appearing in a film?”
The CEO confirmed. I was certain—the onion showed the future.
“Is it Director Park Woo-sik’s film?”
“How did… how could you know that?”
“It’d be better if it’s unrelated to that film.”
“…….”
