Episode 134

For a brief moment, Jin Baek-ho, who had stepped out to get some fresh air, offered Seon Taeyang a cigarette.

“Take it.”

In fact, this was no ordinary cigarette that he offered to just anyone.

The cigarette called Hwang Haseo was a luxury item sold to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the renowned Cheonbyeolseong. At the time, it was an extravagant product with a price exceeding 5 million won per carton.

It had a rough aftertaste and a distinctive pungent aroma that he loved, but since it was a limited edition, even with money, it was hard to find. He cherished it and smoked it sparingly.

So, offering it to someone wasn’t a light gesture for him.

It was a sign of recognition, not seeing the person in front of him only as a business relationship, but as one where he wasn’t calculating profit and loss.

If any of Jinkang’s employees knew the meaning behind it, they would have taken the cigarette with trembling hands, but Seon Taeyang, perhaps unaware of its significance, politely declined.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I’m actually quitting smoking now.”

It was a move that only Seon Taeyang, not being part of Jinkang, could make. However, Jin Baek-ho, feeling embarrassed, responded in a somewhat irritated tone.

“This is quite a rare one…”

“Haha, sorry. But as the closest adult to the kids, I’m stubborn about not wanting to smell like smoke. I guess I’m what they call an old-fashioned person.”

“Old-fashioned, huh… yeah, kids do need someone like that.”

Though refusing the cigarette wasn’t entirely pleasant, his response was quite satisfying.

Jin Baek-ho knew well that it was extremely rare for someone to confidently speak those words in front of him.

‘Yeah, it would have been easier if this guy had just asked me to allow him to get involved with Yeoreum back then. Instead of an idol who has to face that dreadful public opinion again.’

As he thought that, Jin Baek-ho silently lit his cigarette and took a puff of smoke, before getting to the point.

“To be honest, I don’t care much about my daughter’s success.”

Seon Taeyang seemed to have many words to say in response, but remained silent.

Seeing his attitude, Jin Baek-ho nodded and continued speaking.

“Success is fine. Yeoreum will be happy. But beyond that, I don’t care. Improving Jinkang’s image? The brand value that might increase from that? None of that matters to me. I didn’t invest just for that.”

Jin Baek-ho loved his family. Perhaps more than Jinkang itself, which resembled his life.

“What’s important is Yeoreum’s happiness. Helping her out of stubbornness, and offering my full support—it’s all because I think this is the way for her to be happy. Keep that in mind.”

“I understand. I also intend to do my best to make Yeoreum a happy idol.”

Jin Baek-ho shook his head and spoke.

“Knowing it is not enough. Let it be etched into your bones. If Yeoreum cries like she did during her rhythmic gymnastics days, I will not forgive you.”

Under the weight of Jin Baek-ho’s imposing threat, Seon Taeyang gave a small smile and spoke.

“I think we’re on the same page regarding that matter.”

“On the same page? What does that mean?”

“If such a thing happens, I won’t be able to forgive myself.”

“…”

He wiped away the small smile that had appeared on his lips and looked at Jin Baek-ho with the utmost seriousness.

“I will protect her. No matter what.”

Jin Baek-ho, meeting that gaze, took a drag from his cigarette and turned his head slightly, unable to hide the satisfaction that was about to form on his lips.

Turning his back on Seon Taeyang and exhaling smoke into the sky, he thought to himself.

‘Maybe because Yeoreum takes after her mother, she’s got a good eye for men.’

Time passed quickly.

Recording, mixing, setting up the choreography, shooting the music video, album packaging, finalizing promotional strategies, establishing TwoBear’s channels and SNS, article requests, planning the showcase, and negotiating broadcast schedules—all the small details were quickly handled in no time.

Of course, all of this was made possible by Seon Taeyang, with his knowledge of the past, Jin Baek-ho’s investment, and Cheon Aram’s connections in the broadcast industry, allowing them to create a lavish quality that no ordinary new agency could even imagine.

However, even amid all of this, one thing was still undecided.

“Yeoreum, what do you want your stage name to be?”

“My stage name?”

Yeoreum, already having heard from Seon Taeyang about how TwoBear would promote her, understood the need for a stage name. Therefore, she had already thought of one.

“…Sunny.”

She said the name.

“I’ll go with Sunny.”

It was the name she had grown fond of.

Choi Jeongwoo, who came to the press showcase for the first girl group of the new agency TwoBear, Girl Revolution, cautiously looked around, wondering if he would recognize anyone.

To be honest, he didn’t want to be seen at the event.

“Phew, thankfully, no one recognizes me…”

“Oh, aren’t you Jeongwoo sunbae?”

“…Yeah, that’s unlikely. This industry is so small.”

However, contrary to his wishes, there was someone who recognized him.

It was Jeong Da-eun, his university junior and a member of the school’s broadcasting station.

“It’s been a while, Da-eun.”

“Wow, I knew it. You were wearing a hat and mask, so I wasn’t sure if it was you. Haha, I guess you didn’t want to run into someone you know.”

“If you knew, couldn’t you have pretended not to know me?”

Da-eun easily ignored Jeongwoo’s comment and asked.

“By the way, isn’t it a bit odd for someone like you to show up at a new agency’s showcase? I’ve heard you’ve been making big exclusive stories lately and have gained a lot of recognition in the company.”

“That’s true.”

That was right. Having graduated from university quickly and worked as an entertainment journalist at an online media company, Choi Jeongwoo was considered an important asset within the company.

He wasn’t the kind of personnel to be used for trivial tasks. Therefore, his presence here wasn’t due to a company assignment.

After all, the reason he was here was because of Seon Taeyang.

That was because he had owed Seon Taeyang a debt from his high school days.

At that time, he had fought with his parents over his career path and ran away from home. Seon Taeyang, who suggested he live together without hesitation, and Seon Dalrae, who took care of him with quiet but thoughtful attention, had left a significant debt in his heart.

He would agree to tasks like this without hesitation.

However, he didn’t feel like revealing such a lengthy story, so he simply said,

“It just happened that way.”

“Well… I wasn’t really expecting you to tell me.”

“…”

Da-eun, nodding understandingly at his words, changed the topic.

“Oh, right. It’s a new agency, but it’s a bit unique.”

“Is it that both Han Gyeoul and Oh Yoori are members, and they’re from Girl 100? Both succeeded in generating enough buzz, and there must have been other recruitment offers, so it’s strange that they chose a company with such an unfamiliar name.”

“Besides that, Yoo Gaeul, the main vocalist, is a celebrity who gained 13 million views just from her busking video. It feels like they’ve gathered all the trending kids recently, doesn’t it?”

“Gathering people just based on buzz won’t lead to anything good.”

While the two of them were talking, the members of the showcase took the stage and began greeting.

“It doesn’t seem like they just gathered based on buzz. All four of them could be visual centers anywhere. They really gathered some great kids.”

Han Gyeoul, with her cool yet elegant charm, looking chic.

Yoo Gaeul, who had a pure and gentle impression, reminiscent of first love.

Oh Yoori, who exuded a cute and lively aura, looking irresistibly adorable.

And lastly, Sunny, who had an elegant charm reminiscent of luxurious brand items.

Their professional makeup and styling made them exude a visual center quality, and they all had the kind of charm that could captivate anywhere.

“Wow… Isn’t the girl at the far left so beautiful? Even as a woman, I’m getting excited just looking at her.”

“Are you talking about the girl introduced as Sunny? Sure, they all have great visuals, but somehow, while the others seem like girls, she has a different vibe, more like a woman. Rather than saying she’s pretty, I’d say she’s beautiful… and she’s only 16.”

While visuals were the most important thing, it wasn’t just the visuals of Girl Revolution’s members that stood out.

Their broadcasting attitude, the smooth flow of conversation, and the chemistry between the members all felt naturally charming.

As soon as he entered the showcase, he felt that Seon Taeyang’s company was receiving substantial investment, which was unexpected for a new agency.

However, he didn’t have high expectations. Even with a lot of money, there’s usually a certain level of poor quality that remains in a new agency.

But this showcase felt like it had none of those shortcomings. In fact, it was almost perfect.

He had almost forgotten that it was a routine event, and as he started his thorough analysis as a reporter, Yoo Gaeul grabbed the microphone and spoke.

“Now, we’ll play for you the title track of Girl Revolution, ‘Traitor.’”