Godsent Top Star [EN]: Chapter 14

014. Free Lifespan (1)

2021.11.14.

“That place is really expensive, you know? But because our Seonghyun *oppa* [term of endearment for an older brother or male friend] is playing a *chaebol* [conglomerate/wealthy family] role, they were practically begging us to get sponsored first. They even custom-made outfits just for *oppa*, you know? And it’s not just one outfit, I don’t even know how many there are already.” His hairstyle, which used to grow freely, was now neatly styled with wax. And that wasn’t all. Kwon Seonghyun’s aura as he strode forward with a straight posture was so sharp that people couldn’t dare to talk to him carelessly. If you saw him outside, you would definitely think he was the son of some *chaebol* family. However. “Did you wait long? I’m sorry. I rushed out of the salon to make it on time, but the traffic was terrible… Oh my goodness. Yeonwoo-ssi! Why are you carrying such heavy things? Did Gyuhan *hyung* [term of endearment for an older brother or male friend] tell you to carry them?” “No. It’s not that.” “*Hyung*. I told you to have Yeonwoo-ssi wait in the van. Why did you make her carry the coffee? Making Yeonwoo-ssi suffer… Yeonwoo-ssi. Did Gyuhan *hyung* drag you out on purpose? And even make you carry coffee?” He approached with a charismatic appearance, but that’s what he said. ‘The inner core is still the same.’ What’s the point of looking like a sleek and cold *chaebol* heir on the outside? His inner core is still like a big dog that circles around its owner. The manager jumped up and down. “Hey. No, I didn’t. Why would I drag Yeonwoo-ssi out on purpose?! I didn’t make her carry the coffee either?!” But Kwon Seonghyun didn’t seem to hear him and continued to speak. “You’re not trying to establish military discipline just because you got the manager position, are you, *hyung*? I’ll be really sad if you are. Give me the coffee. How could you carry this heavy thing? And Yeonwoo-ssi. If Gyuhan *hyung* is bothering you, you can tell Dongja-ssi.” “No, what did I do!” He was smiling, but somehow his smile felt forceful. “I said I would come out with you. The manager looked like he was having a hard time carrying it alone, and I was curious about the broadcasting station and wanted to see it first. Oh, and I can carry the coffee. It’s not that heavy.” “Ah… Is that so? Yeonwoo-ssi, you’re so kind. But still, give me the coffee.” I could feel the manager’s grateful gaze. I don’t know why, but it even felt like he was looking at a savior. “It’s okay. It would be strange for the actor to carry it and the manager to have empty hands.” “Who cares who carries it. Anyway, you were curious about the broadcasting station? You should have said so. We could have come earlier. Do you want to take a look around now? There are quite a few things to see here.” “Hey, Seonghyun-ah…? It’s almost time for the meeting…?” “There’s no one who would complain if we’re a little late, right? Um… The director and writer will understand too. I’ll go take a quick look around with Yeonwoo-ssi.” The manager’s gaze turned to Yeonwoo. ‘Please stop this guy!’ His expression was desperate and earnest. “Kwon Seonghyun-ssi.” “Yes.” “Let’s go to the meeting.” “Aren’t we going to look around?” “You said people should have a sense of responsibility. Breaking a set appointment is something only amateurs do.” “Ah, that’s right. Responsibility. You’re right.” Kwon Seonghyun nodded lightly as if he understood. “It’s like Yeonwoo-ssi is helping me by taking responsibility for me, right?” “Yes. Well.” It wasn’t wrong. “Then let’s go to the meeting first. Yeonwoo-ssi, I’ll definitely show you around later.” The manager quickly guided them, afraid that he would say something else. When he opened the door to the conference room, most of the seats were already filled, as if many people had already arrived. People stood up one by one and greeted Kwon Seonghyun. “Seonghyun-ssi, it’s been a while! You’re all dressed up so nicely!” “Director Heo. How have you been?” “I’ve been doing well. This is our house madam, writer Min. She made a fuss saying she had to bring Seonghyun-ssi as the male lead this time.” “Director. Don’t say weird things. Seonghyun-ssi. Nice to meet you. I’m Min Suji. Please take care of me.” “The pleasure is all mine, writer.” While Kwon Seonghyun was greeting the director, writer, and the actors who had arrived earlier, Yeonwoo began to hand out coffee to the people, following the manager. “Oh, you didn’t have to do this…” “There’s only a really bad coffee shop around here, but you deliberately bought expensive Star Coffee. Kwon Seonghyun-ssi has a great sense.” The people who recognized the famous coffee brand praised him endlessly. Yeonwoo was about to hand the coffee to writer Min Suji when. “Are you a rookie?” “……?” “Are you in Kwon Seonghyun-ssi’s agency? Judging by your unfamiliar face, it seems like you haven’t been here long? An actor? An idol?” “Yes?” “I’ve been a little curious since you came in, but which one are you? Ah, are you a model?” “No, I’m not any of those three.” “Then?” “I recently started working as Kwon Seonghyun-ssi’s assistant manager.” “A manager?” Her eyes, with dark circles, widened. “Is your agency crazy?” “……?” “Why would they make someone like you a manager? Ah. You said you recently joined, right? So they deliberately put you here to get a feel for the atmosphere of this industry. That makes sense.” Writer Min Suji, who was muttering to herself, nodded as if she understood. “You should have auditioned. It’s a waste… You would have been much more suitable.” “……?” Come to think of it, writer Min Suji was also considered one of the top in that industry. There was even talk that she was a genius when it came to romantic comedies. ‘Kwon Seonghyun is like that too, so are all geniuses a little strange somewhere?’ It somehow made sense. “Matching the time and opportunity is also a skill, so there’s nothing I can do. Anyway, I’ll enjoy the coffee.” Writer Min Suji turned around, accepting the coffee directly from Yeonwoo’s hand. Behind her, a small, fern-like hand followed. [Uh? That……?] “I know, so be quiet.” I had noticed since writer Min Suji approached. A small, cute child who looked about the height of her waist was holding onto the hem of her skirt.

[Is that the protagonist of Yin energy? Judging by the distinct form, it seems to have a considerable amount of power?] The child spirit wriggled in his pocket. “No. It’s not that child.” [It’s not?] “Hey, why don’t you take off that cumbersome animal body?” [I need a body to talk to the actor!] “Right. You can’t see such obvious things because you’re in an animal body.” [What is it? What’s there that makes you say that?] Fortunately, the large conference room was chaotic, filled with people greeting each other and receiving coffee. No one was paying attention to Yeonwoo, who was speaking in a small voice, moving only his lips slightly. “This place is a gold mine.” Yeonwoo’s eyes scanned the interior. At first glance, it was a vibrant scene heralding the new beginning of a drama. But the situation that Yeonwoo saw was a little different. “I know why the Yin energy was strong. It’s full of thoughts, here.”

***

Thoughts. In simple terms, it means that negative grudges are congealed and materialized. It’s a concept similar to a living spirit, but it’s not like a soul has completely fallen out like a living spirit. It is a concrete form of a strong negative wish that has gained power, and these kinds of things easily increase in volume and move with their own will. In short, it’s easy to think of it as a kind of living curse. [Thoughts? There are bloodsuckers?] You may have heard of these words. -I just feel sorry for those people. I don’t know what that old man is doing without dying. Those kinds of people don’t die quickly. I don’t know how they can live so well while sucking the blood of their descendants. The object of reference can be anyone. A person who is obsessed with business and tries to use not only the names of their husband or wife, but also the names of their children who have just become adults. A person who spends money extravagantly and beyond their means, and even uses private loans and passes the debt on to their family. A person who always causes accidents and takes it for granted to ask for money from their family or siblings. And so on. People who prioritize their own desires and suck the blood of those around them are called bloodsuckers. ‘The point is the endless desire.’ Bloodsuckers stick to the people around them and try to satisfy their desires. In the form of thoughts. Once a thought is attached, it does not easily fall off. That alone is enough to do its part. This is because ordinary people are bound to be swept away and affected by strongly attached thoughts. [How many?!] “Quite a few? Most of them have more than one.” There are more than one or two of those things, and they fill this large conference room quite a bit. Not to mention the number, there are quite a few that are quite large. Even writer Min Suji has one, so isn’t that all that needs to be said? [I didn’t see it!] “That’s why I told you not to wear a body?” [Heeing. You might not be able to see thoughts because they’re not spirits. Please understand.] Yeonwoo lightly ignored the child spirit’s whining and scanned the inside again. Again, thoughts are not beings with souls. But that in itself is already synonymous with strong desire and resentment. In other words, ‘Thoughts also have a lifespan, right.’ So far, all the people Yeonwoo had gained lifespan from had a desperate ‘wish.’ It was only natural that thoughts, which are the epitome of wishes, also had a lifespan. ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ The answer came simply. Generally, these kinds of thought masses are not easily seen. Perhaps the uniqueness of the entertainment industry, where all kinds of desires swirl, created this situation. ‘I’m glad I came to the broadcasting station after all.’ It was quite a sight to see the thoughts that could not be found outside neatly stored. It was like a broadcasting station where all kinds of desires are concentrated. 10 days. 7 days. 21 days. 42 days. 8 days……. Countless lifespans floated above the thoughts. There is something even better. It is the characteristic of thoughts. There is no need to fulfill their wishes or grant what they want. All you have to do is eliminate the scattered masses of thoughts. Those things have already achieved their purpose by existing apart from the main body. All Yeonwoo has to do is diligently pick up the free lifespans scattered on the ground. “I knew my gut feeling was right.” The corners of Yeonwoo’s lips slightly lifted. “It’s like a harvest season in the rice paddies.”

***

As Kwon Seonghyun, the undisputed top star, took the lead in greeting everyone in a friendly manner, the atmosphere in the conference room continued to be amicable. But not everyone participated in that atmosphere. “Min Yerin-ssi is a bit late? It’s almost time for the meeting.” One of the middle-aged actors who was cast as a supporting role grumbled with a dissatisfied expression. “She’ll be here soon. She contacted us saying the traffic is too heavy.” The staff who heard the story appeased the cast member. “No. Even the great Kwon Seonghyun came early and greeted everyone like this, but who does she think she is, showing up last?” Although she was a supporting actress, she had built up a considerable amount of recognition in the entertainment industry for a long time. She often showed her face in supporting roles, so viewers would say, ‘Ah, that actress?’ “Is it all about having a powerful agency? I heard that Min Yerin squeezed in another person from her agency this time? If you come with a tagalong like a suckerfish from the first episode, how will it go well? Min Yerin will probably do this and that at the agency again.” One disadvantage was that his agency was only a small management company. The actor who was originally selected for the Grim Reaper role was a junior from the same agency, but he was pushed out because Min Yerin’s agency was doing a package deal. Such things happen frequently, but of course, he couldn’t feel good. “That damn power trip. What kind of acting are you doing when you can’t even act properly? You should just stick to dancing and singing like you always do. Tsk!” The staff could neither do this nor that, and just kept laughing awkwardly. At that time. Click! The door opened and a sophisticated, pure-looking beauty entered.