Godsent Top Star [EN]: Chapter 113

Rumor of Rumors (2)

113. Rumor of Rumors (2)

2022.02.21.

“This matter… Shouldn’t we wrap it up neatly, without making a fuss? It’s true that he stirred things up more than necessary, which is troublesome. But even if that weren’t the case, the story of being stranded for several days could always backfire. As Yeon-woo knows, the entertainment industry is a place where all sorts of groundless rumors can harm innocent people. A staff member’s thoughtless remark at a drinking party could spread like wildfire among insiders the very next day. A single phrase posted on social media without much thought could create bizarre rumors.” Kwon Seong-hyun paused, then continued, “In that sense, it might be better that he stirred things up like this. It’s more cumbersome to trace the source of rumors that spread subtly. So, in a way, it might be good that he laid it all out at once…”

However, Kwon Seong-hyun quickly corrected himself. “Wait, I must be crazy, Yeon-woo. To think that he did well. I must be out of my mind.”

“……”

“After receiving and checking the video, it’s clear that Yeon-woo herself isn’t the problem. But since Yeon-woo’s career is also important, it’s best to wrap this up cleanly. We need to prevent any further issues, as cleanly and perfectly as possible, if we can. Strictly speaking, a movie and the actors in it are inseparable. No matter how brilliantly an actor performs, if the movie flops for some reason, they’re just an actor who appeared in a failed movie. A recent example is Yeon Do-hee. Yeon Do-hee, who is filming with us, is excellent in every aspect, including her lines, emotional acting, and eye contact. But…” He sighed. “[Unlucky Icon Yeon Do-hee, Will This Movie Finally…?!] Yeon Do-hee’s movie career has been strangely unsuccessful, to the point where articles like this appear. In other words, anyone could end up like that. Even an actress with Yeon Do-hee’s recognition and acting skills could get such a nickname if her movie fails. I can understand why the company is trying to step in and take action. I understood that much. The problem was what came after.”

“But Yeon-woo.”

“Yes?”

“Yeon-woo herself isn’t the problem, but there *is* a problem.”

“Yes…?” *What kind of contradictory nonsense is that?* But that was just the beginning.

“Yeon-woo. It’s admirable and selfless that you stepped up for others, but it was too dangerous. It was raining so hard, and the sound of your voice was almost drowned out by the rain. What if something had happened to you out there?”

“…?”

Softly, gently. The tone is gentle, but the content of the words is not so gentle.

“It was reckless to move alone like that, without taking anyone with you. It wasn’t easy to go out and rescue people. If you had slipped on a leaf, you could have been seriously injured. Why did you put yourself in such danger when you’re already so thin? And in your condition.”

“Yes…? What condition?”

“If something had happened to Yeon-woo, what would the people waiting for Yeon-woo do?”

“…Wouldn’t they just live their lives?” Kwon Seong-hyun is in an ambiguous state, not knowing when he might become a spirit and separate from his body. That’s why I’m next to Kwon Seong-hyun, for the penalty, the lifespan vending machine, and various other reasons. *Isn’t it all over when I die anyway?* This is all to make a living. In other words, it’s all over when you die. *Of course, I don’t want to die.* Anyway, it’s difficult for me to take responsibility for what happens after death. But it seems different for Kwon Seong-hyun.

“…As Dong-ja said.”

“I can’t let this happen. Since Yeon-woo doesn’t care for herself, I have no choice but to keep taking care of her.”

“…?” I already explained it once. There’s a survival expert ghost named Adrian, so I can move around well on my own. Of course,

“How can we trust ghosts? What if they have bad intentions…?” I was blocked by the objection. Well, still. *It sounds like nagging, but it’s not a bad feeling to have someone worry about me.* Considering the days when I couldn’t mingle with people, this is a huge improvement.

“Anyway, the company will soon send someone to hold a countermeasures meeting. This is what companies are supposed to do. Got it?”

“I understand.” Yeon-woo nodded vaguely. Kwon Seong-hyun, a veteran in the entertainment industry, wouldn’t be wrong. I just didn’t expect it to be implemented like this.

“I’m the acting chairman from Yeon-woo’s agency.” A company representative appeared, wearing a well-fitted suit that seemed custom-made, and even glasses. That person was none other than Kwon Seong-hyun. *
Why are you here…?* Even Yeon-woo, who had been through thick and thin, was a little taken aback. Everyone else seemed to feel the same way, as their eyes widened.

“…I heard an agent was coming…?”

The assistant director, who had some experience, was the first to regain his composure. “Yes. That’s why I’m here.”

“…Is there even an agent?”

“Let’s talk about that later. That’s not important today.” Today, Kwon Seong-hyun was a little different from usual. Instead of his usual dandy casual style, he was wearing a formal suit, with his hair neatly slicked back. With glasses on, he looked more like a businessman than an actor. Although he was too handsome for that.

“…Is that okay?” Yeon-woo quickly whispered to Kwon Seong-hyun. Shouldn’t the public relations team or the management support team be here for a countermeasures meeting?

“I’m quite capable, Yeon-woo.”

“Can I really trust that?”

“Of course.” [Truth] The status window popped up in front of me, cluelessly displaying the intention. And to top it off.

“Don’t worry. If it doesn’t work out, I’m here, so we’ll figure something out.”

“Yes?”

“Well… the best way is good, but if that’s not possible, we can always use alternative methods, right?” That’s not wrong.

“You trust me, Yeon-woo? I’ll take care of everything.” And at the same time.

-Ding! [Harvestable lifespan: +3 days] A familiar notification window popped up. *Ah, it’s been a while, huh?* The reason why Kwon Seong-hyun became a veritable lifespan vending machine. It’s because he constantly makes unnecessary requests that cost him lifespan. Well, he doesn’t seem to be aware of it at all. *Anyway, the fact that this popped up means it’s really genuine.* Intention Detection already told me, but seeing the lifespan pop up like this means he’s really serious.

“First of all… I understand.”

“Good. Don’t worry. I’ll solve everything perfectly.” He smiled confidently, like a sure thing. He nagged so much back then… It feels like all that worry was a setup for this moment, and it wasn’t just my imagination.

“Um… then, Mr. Kwon Seong-hyun…?”

“You can call me the agent.”

“No. How could we dare call Mr. Kwon Seong-hyun that…?” The conference room was thrown into chaos by the unexpected appearance of this person.

“Director. Director Ji. Snap out of it!”

“Um… Assistant Director. Director Ji is going to get bruised. You should stop hitting him.”

“Ah. Right. I’m not myself either.” The assistant director took his hand off Director Ji’s arm, which he had been unconsciously hitting. Whether he was hitting his arm or not, Director Ji already looked like his soul had left his body.

“Today, I’m here as the agency representative, so please take care of me.” Kwon Seong-hyun smiled brightly. After that, he stormed through like a whirlwind. *Is that human really going to do well? He didn’t just come here for nothing, did he?* Despite Yeon-woo’s worries, Kwon Seong-hyun seemed to lead the atmosphere throughout the meeting. His flowing speech was quite skillful. Apart from Yeon-woo’s distrust, Kwon Seong-hyun was quite capable, as he said. Even more so than expected. Moreover, Kwon Seong-hyun’s unexpected appearance wasn’t just that. He was also very skilled at using his charms in the right places.

“So, why don’t we proceed right now, at the perfect timing, without worrying too much?”

“W, well… I know the timing is good, as Mr. Kwon Seong-hyun said, but we’re not ready yet…”

“What preparation?”

“We haven’t had enough time to edit properly, so we don’t have much completed footage. The environment was so poor at the time that the filming wasn’t smooth, so we need to add post-correction for that…”

“Wouldn’t that be over soon?”

“Yes? Soon? No, that’s… including the beginning and end, it’s almost a week’s worth of footage…”

“I heard you’ve already made some progress. I think you can finish the rest soon. Don’t you think so? Everyone on Director Ji Woon-jae’s production team is known to be talented, so I have high expectations.” He smiled brightly. Just like now. The impact of Kwon Seong-hyun’s smile was enormous. What should I say? It was like everyone was suddenly knocked out in one shot.

“Umm… I’m really grateful that you think so highly of us… But do people really say that about us…?”

“Of course. Everyone knows that Director Ji Woon-jae’s visuals are beautiful. Of course, no one doesn’t know that the staff who worked with Director Ji Woon-jae are just as amazing.”

The fact that the staff can’t come to their senses and are being swayed by Kwon Seong-hyun right now is proof of that. From the assistant director to the youngest staff member, everyone was in a strangely excited mood at the gentle praise.

“B, but it’s difficult to proceed right now…”

“Is it really difficult? It’s good for the movie and protects the actors to proceed as quickly as possible.”

“Um… if we go into emergency mode and stay up all night… I think we can make it…” Watching the assistant director answer like that, Kwon Seong-hyun smiled with satisfaction. The strange thing was that none of the staff showed any signs of disliking the fact that the assistant director was talking about working all night.

“I knew you could do it. Thank you. Thank you for helping us like this. Everyone is so kind.”

“Ah… well… we have to help each other in the world…?” Even at the moment when the forced all-nighter was confirmed, the assistant director waved his hand with an awkward smile. *They all look like they’re possessed by something.* Are those people going to be okay like this? *Looking at it this way, it’s a really excellent selection…* Kwon Seong-hyun skillfully extracts the desired answer, tightening the noose without giving any room for rebuttal. It feels more like watching a persuasion than a meeting. Looking at it, Yeon Do-hee, her manager, and even the head of Yeon Do-hee’s management were just blinking, watching Kwon Seong-hyun draw out the results like a snake slithering over a wall. The people from other agencies were the same. *Come to think of it…* Yeon-woo looked at the employees of the other agencies, who were just sitting there like sacks of barley on the table. No matter how overwhelming Kwon Seong-hyun’s presence is and how eloquent he is.

*They couldn’t say a word.*