Episode 120

Kim Seon-ye, who had completely fallen due to the responsibility of the crisis caused by the manipulation of votes and support from MNet, was made to take full responsibility by the higher-ups at MNet, the very organization that had been her greatest shield, and was forced to leave ‘Girl 100.’

During this process, she screamed, “How could Team Leader Seon do this to me?” and struggled a little in an ugly manner, but with the active measures taken by Cheon Aram and Jin Yeoreum, she was easily subdued.

After that, it was Ye Han-na’s time.

From the time we started discussions, she had been running around, trying to gain leadership as the main writer by drawing in the ‘Girl 100’ production team. She had cleverly gathered key people from Kim Seon-ye’s collapsing faction and successfully guided them to express their voices under her control.

Based on that, she negotiated with the PD appointed by Kim Seon-ye, and by handling the situation cautiously, she secured control over ‘Girl 100.’

Moreover, instead of turning all the agencies that participated in the vote manipulation into enemies, Ye Han-na and I limited the evidence to focus only on Flower Entertainment, which made it easier to gain the support of those who wanted a quick resolution to the incident.

She solidified her position as the undisputed power behind ‘Girl 100’…

-No, the new PD is really incompetent! Even if I brought my Russian Blue cat, Trixie, it would be more helpful than this person. At least Trixie looks cute when she sits!

She was gossiping about the PD who replaced Kim Seon-ye over the phone.

“Still, with such a person coming in, I don’t think you’ll face difficulties in carrying out your plans, Ms. Ye Han-na, so you shouldn’t feel too uncomfortable.”

-No, there’s a limit to everything. I’m not joking, this person does nothing. But because there’s someone above them, all the decisions have to go through them, which just ends up having a negative impact on the manpower. Sigh, I never thought I’d be reminded of that psycho Kim Seonye, but I do kind of miss her… No, wait. Thinking about that crazy woman who threatened to fire me brings me back to my senses. Since the beginning of my employment, she…

When picking the top three people in the world who hated Kim Seon-ye, Ye Han-na would be on that list, and when she started cursing her, there would be no end, so I quickly interrupted and changed the subject.

“By the way, how was the future direction of ‘Girl 100’ decided?”

-Oh, I need to get my act together. That was decided in the meeting just now, and I was calling to let you know, but I ended up going off track. Well… first the bad news, the project group has been canceled. The thing is, if we continue, rumors of manipulation will keep coming up, so there is no choice. Right now, we’re doing everything to throw as many bombs as possible at Kim Seon-ye, but if the project group continues, the fallout will spread to MNet and the agency. Of course, not doing it won’t stop the fallout completely, but there’s no reason to add more fuel to the fire in a house that’s already burning.

“That was actually what we wanted. Given our schedule, having Gyeoul waste time on the project group would be a hindrance.”

-Oh my, are you planning a debut?

I smiled lightly at her question.

“Probably, I’ll be able to confirm it soon. For now, I can only say that very specific discussions are taking place.”

-Wow, did you talk about the number of members too?

“We’re planning for about four members.”

-Oh, congratulations! I can’t wait to see Gyeoul debut. A group with the genius Gyeoul will definitely succeed. Speaking of good news, we’ve decided to complete all 12 episodes of ‘Girl 100’ as planned. Also, we’ve decided to hold a final live concert for the viewers… Of course, the text voting for the debut group was naturally canceled.

“Wow, is that really true? That’s such good news.”

This was very rare news. The reason I wanted to stir up the ‘Girl 100’ controversy towards the end was to allow Gyeoul to fully benefit from the promotional effect of the final live concert.

“But why is MNet doing this? Usually, if there’s controversy, it’s more common to resolve it quickly.”

-That’s the conventional judgment, but because of this whole commotion, ‘Girl 100’ has gained an unprecedented level of buzz in MNet’s history. The backlash was quickly cut off too. So, if we just attach a noble reason like ‘finishing what we started,’ or ‘making things right,’ we can even say we’re doing this for the fans, so even if we get criticized, we’ll still profit… Oh, and we’re going to sell concert tickets for money.

MNet is truly ruthless.

-I’ll do my best to help Gyeoul’s narrative through this process. While part of it is due to seeing Team Leader Seon, as a broadcast writer, I can definitely pour my efforts into someone like Gyeoul.

“Wow, I truly appreciate it, Ms. Ye Han-na. I feel like I’m receiving too much.”

-Oh, stop. You’ve already done a lot for me, so I should do at least this much. Especially the help you gave when you invited me to the meeting… Ah, that’s a long story, let’s have a drink later and talk about it. Anyway, if there’s anything else I can help with, feel free to ask anytime. I’ve already received a lot of help from Team Leader Seon.

Even though I helped her with various tasks and used my rewards for it, Ye Han-na’s determination to repay the debt was likely due to her good character.

As expected, Cheon Aram’s ability to judge character was very reliable.

If I hadn’t met her in this life, I would have missed out on someone like Ye Han-na and ended up tangled with someone like Ban Seongcheol.

I should treat our President well.

“Anyway, I truly appreciate it. I look forward to working with you in the future, Ms. Ye Han-na.”

-I’ll be the one asking more favors. If anything progresses or changes, I’ll contact you again.

“Yes, then, I’ll see you next time.”

After finishing the call with Ye Han-na, I politely apologized to the person in front of me.

“I’m sorry for making you wait like this while I was on the phone even though I called you.”

“No, it didn’t take long at all. And I wasn’t bored at all because I got to enjoy this delicious cake.”

It was Seo Eun-byeol, who had struggled against Ban Seongcheol.

“…I’m glad.”

And she was also the woman who had been my lover in my past life.

“…Um, but what is it that you want to talk about?”

I gently asked Seo Eun-byeol, who was looking at me while sitting up straight, with a hint of tension.

“What do you want to do now, Eun-byeol?”

“…What do you mean?”

“Well, I want to ask you what kind of life you want to live from now on.”

“…”

Seo Eun-byeol hesitated as if she didn’t know how to answer my question.

Hoping to put her at ease, I smiled lightly and spoke again.

“Of course, if you think it’s too personal, you don’t have to answer, but I feel that the obstacles you’re facing right now might be too much for you to handle on your own. So, if you need some support in choosing the future you desire, I’d like to help.”

“…”

I knew the general situation she was in. After all, she was not just my lover, but also the artist I had managed first.

Seo Eun-byeol and I, who had joined ‘Girl 100’ with the cards we were dealt, naturally faced many obstacles and hardships. During that time, we shared a lot of personal stories beyond just casual conversation. That’s how I knew the burden she was carrying.

Her mother’s expectations, seeing her as the only hope; the repeated disappointments of failing to make the debut group; the constant efforts despite all odds; the dark touch of Ban Seongcheol that arrived like a disaster, and her heart full of scars.

Not a single one of those burdens could be taken lightly.

It was practically impossible for Seo Eun-byeol to bear all of this alone.

“I no longer want to be an idol. Instead, I want to find a job, help my mother, and become an adult who does meaningful work.”

It was the answer I expected. She was the type of person to say that.

In the past, she had begged me to believe in her and keep pursuing her idol career. But this time, she would choose a different path.

“Then, how about working in our TwoBear’s PR team?”

“PR team?”

“Yes, the PR team. We’re planning to create a department for it as we prepare for a debut. While it’s PR work, it won’t require professional knowledge. It might be good to try it out and learn the job at a gradual pace.”

If it was Park Miso, she’d teach and take good care of Seo Eun-byeol. Although Seo Eun-byeol lacked idol talent, she had good work skills and would quickly pick up the job.

“It wouldn’t feel like settling into a career, but more like temporarily exploring another path. I won’t assign you overwhelming tasks, and I was thinking it might be good for you to study for the entrance exams while earning a salary. You can also explore other career options. Whatever it is, I’ll make sure you have time to find what you really want to do.”

What she needed now wasn’t active support or expectations.

What she needed was time for rest to heal from the life she had lived, chasing crazy expectations from those around her.

Working in the PR team at TwoBear would be a good reason for that rest.

“…”

Seo Eun-byeol stayed silent, watching my reaction. After a long, subtle silence, she finally spoke.

“…Team Leader Seon.”

I was relieved when she spoke and said cheerfully.

“Yes, Eun-byeol. Please, speak freely.”

“Why are you going so far to help me?”

“…”

Her question brought back memories of the mistakes I made when I first met her in my past life, and the disaster that followed.

In the whirlpool of those memories, I said one answer.

“To avoid having regrets.”

“Team Leader Seon, have you arrived?”

“Yes, I’m here.”

And so, time passed, and it became the filming day for the final live concert of ‘Girl 100.’