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Chapter 24: Flowers Bloom Even in Winter (1)

“Hmm. You really think so?”

“Yes. Also, Yoon-Ho said he had a good dream today. Given the good dream, I think the show will do well. I have a good feeling about this. Let’s get the girls on the show.”

It didn’t take long to convince Lee Dong-Min and Han Myung-Ho. The fact that Cherry Blossom had a pretty light schedule turned out to be an advantage in this situation. Moreover, it was evident that Han Myung-Ho trusted me deeply.

“Alright then. Team Lead Han, you stay here. Yoon-Ho, you come with me to negotiate the deal.”

“Me?”

Han Myung-Ho smiled at my question.

“Yes, you. I searched for Choi Eun-Hyuk and scoured the entire broadcasting station for the whole day but didn’t even manage to see his face. It seems like it’s your lucky day, so you make the move.”

Han Myung-Ho seemed to have high hopes for me.

“What are you waiting for? CNS Entertainment is also on the move, aren’t they? We need to be a step ahead. Let’s hurry and get moving.”

“Yes, sir.”

I followed Lee Dong-Min who seemed even more anxious than me.

***

“Fixed appearance for a month? Dong-Min hyung. This is a golden opportunity for a second-tier idol group to appear on a variety show. You know that guaranteeing their appearance for half a year is practically a privilege, right? I’m only making this incredible offer because of our close relationship.”

“Privilege, huh? Well, I’m not so sure about that. You never know if what you’re holding in your hand is medicine or poison until you’ve tasted it. This is your first venture into the world of variety shows, isn’t it? What if the viewership ratings suck?”

While Lee Dong-Min appeared unfazed, Choi Eun-Hyuk seemed exasperated.

“Wow, starting with a low blow, are we? Are you here to negotiate or quarrel with me?”

“To negotiate, of course.”

“Why are you acting like you’ve got the upper hand here? Cherry Blossom isn’t in a position to refuse my offer, and you know that better than anyone else.”

“What do you mean I’m acting like I’ve got the upper hand? Haven’t you seen my girls’ video? Do you honestly think Cherry Blossom will remain second-tier forever? We’re meticulously preparing for our third album. Once it’s released, Cherry Blossom will become incredibly huge.”

Lee Dong-Min’s negotiation skill was remarkable. I was ready to step in at any moment if necessary, but it seemed there was no need. After all, Lee Dong-Min was bluffing about investing billions in an album that hadn’t even been produced yet.

However, I couldn’t fault him for that strategy; I would have done the same in his position.

Eventually, Choi Eun-Hyuk let out a deep sigh and gave his final offer.

“Three months! They have to appear regularly for three months, or the deal is off. Take it or leave it!”

When Choi Eun-Hyuk shouted in an irritated voice, Lee Dong-Min held out his hand with a smile.

“Cancel the deal? No way. I’ll take it!”

Choi Eun-Hyuk sighed once again as he shook hands with Lee Dong-Min.

“You never make anything easy, do you?”

“Come on, don’t exaggerate. We’ve been managing Cherry Blossom with lots of care. They will grow fast, just wait and see. I wouldn’t be making this deal with anyone else either. I’m doing this just because of our close relationship.”

“Oh, stop talking nonsense and buy me a meal one day.”

“I will buy you many meals if the show goes well. Just name what you want.”

Choi Eun-Hyuk grumbled as Lee Dong-MIn laughed. Their expressions were now relaxed and they teased each other playfully.

“Oh, and Mr. Jung. Please prepare well for today’s stage. When Cherry Blossom’s new song is out, feel free to send the promotion materials via KkTalk. I’ll try my best to help.”

“Thank you so much! We really appreciate it!”

Once Choi Eun-Hyuk left, Lee Dong-Min sat down and sighed.

“Phew.

He’s definitely no pushover.”

As Lee Dong-Min loosened his tie and took a deep breath, cold sweat trickled down his forehead.

‘Huh? Could his confident attitude have been a bluff all along?’

“What? Is it your first time seeing someone so nervous like this?”

“...Were you actually nervous?”

“Hey, how can anyone not be nervous in this situation? That guy is not only in charge of year-end music shows, but he is also a main PD of regular music shows. Of course I was nervous to negotiate with him. But I’m relieved that the negotiation went well.”

Lee Dong-Min wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and gave a bright smile.

“Anyway, you did a good job. Thanks to you, Yoon-Ho, we were able to seize this great opportunity. I’ve been feeling bad that I couldn’t promote our girls these days. I owe you a big one today.”

“Please don’t mention it. I didn’t really do much. It was Cherry Blossom’s amazing performance that secured this opportunity.”

Lee Dong-Min patted me on the shoulders as if he was proud of me.

“You’re a humble man. Anyway, you should personally inform the girls about this. Tell them they got one more performance for the second part of Idol Daejun.”

“You want me to tell them?”

“Well, you’re the one who made this possible, so you should be the one to tell them this good news. I’ll also let Mr. Gu know that we owe you big time.”

Lee Dong-Min’s words warmed my heart. This wasn’t a world where people climbed over each other to get ahead—I was with people who helped and cared about each other. This was the life I had always wished for.

***

“Ahhhhh! Really? For real? I’m not dreaming, am I?”

Upon hearing the news that they’d be performing in the second part of Idol Dejun, Sae-Ri was overwhelmed with elation, to the point where she seemed like she could fly and break through the ceiling.

Yang Eun-Bi, who was usually indifferent and cool, also hugged Sae-Ri from behind with joy, exclaiming that it was great news.

“Sae-Ri, this performance is really important to all of us. Let’s not make any mistakes today, okay?”

Han Myung-Ho watched Cherry Blossom’s joyful reactions with a fatherly smile before clapping to draw everyone’s attention.

“Alright! As you all know, the stage you are about to perform in the second part of the show is where you will be competing with other groups. Do you think you can win?”

A total of five girl groups would be performing their choreography on the stage today. This was not just about talent, but also about showcasing their charm and charisma.

From that point forward, things became hectic.

The makeup team rushed over and Lee Dong-Min stayed in the waiting room to make calls in every direction.

I quickly exchanged information with the company’s publicity department and sent materials about Cherry Blossom to the PD.

Just like that, one event in my planner disappeared.

[Everyday V10]

[Date: December 24th, 2019]

-09:30 PM <Deleted Schedule>

(Deleted Schedule: Opening spot for Petite More’s backstage performance collaboration.)

I had overcome one hurdle, but there was still a bigger challenge waiting for me ahead.

[Everyday V10]

[Date: December 24th, 2019]

-11:00 PM: Notification of budget cuts for Cherry Blossom’s 3rd album production.

The agenda about the budget cut at 11 o’clock still hadn’t disappeared.

***

“Oppa! You said securing just one backstage spot was a piece of cake! You boasted so confidently, but what is this!?”

Facing the anger of the Pink Diamonds members, their talent agent, Choi Myung-Gil, was sweating profusely.

“Hey, I only said that it’s worth giving a try because our president and Choi Eun-Hyuk have a great relationship. What do you mean I boasted so confidently?”

Upon hearing the news that there was a vacancy in Petite More’s backstage due to a heavy snowfall, Choi Myung-Gil immediately went to seek out Choi Eun-Hyuk. But by the time he arrived, he couldn’t even muster the courage to say a word because a replacement had already been found.

“Are you sure it’s not because you’re incompetent?”

“That’s not it! You know Team Lead Kang Hyee-Dong, the talent agent of Floren? Even he didn’t stand a chance. I heard he protested but Choi Eun-Hyuk didn’t even flinch.”

Choi Myung-Gil animatedly described the situation with his hands.

“Well, you should have at least tried something! We’re from TK Entertainment—we are the sister group of Petite More! If Pink Diamonds doesn’t get that backstage spot, then who will?”

Choi Myung-Gil found himself cornered at Gu Min-Ji’s sharp retort.

“Cherry Blossom.”

“What? Cherry Blossom?”

Gu Min-Ji looked as if she was about to faint at any moment. She thought it was absurd for Cherry Blossom, a group ranked lower than them, to perform in the second part of the show.

“Oh my goodness, this is ridiculous! How can this be?”

Creak.

At that moment, Ma Dong-Pal entered with a frown, mentioning that he could hear the noise from outside the waiting room.

“Who’s raising their voice like this? What’s this all about?”

“M-Mr. Ma.”

Choi Myung-Gil stood up abruptly and Pink Diamonds also rose to their feet as they bowed their heads.

“What’s going on here?”

Gu Min-Ji bit her lips and began to explain the situation. After hearing the story, Ma Dong-Pal asked with an irritated look on his face.

“And?”

“I’m sorry?”

“So? What do you want me to do about it?”

“Since we’re the direct hoobae of Petite More sunbae, can you speak on our behalf and...”

“Hey, Gu Min-Ji.”

“Yes, Mr. Ma.”

“Are you in your right mind? Don’t you know how much I hate people who can’t grasp the situation?”

When Ma Dong-Pal frowned, Gu Min-Ji and the rest of Pink Diamonds shivered.

Ma Dong-Pal had been in a bad mood ever since the news about Park Eun-Bin\'s unsuccessful transition to acting began circulating.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Ma. I was short-sighted.”

Gu Min-Ji bit her lips and bowed her head. Asking Ma Dong-Pal to speak on their behalf meant pleading for assistance to the high-ups. Requesting Ma Dong-Pal, the company’s second-in-command, to intercede with the PD for their benefit was clearly crossing the line.

Ma Dong-Pal looked at the Pink Diamonds members frozen on the spot and spoke in a calm voice.

Ma Dong-Pal was someone who employed a carrot and stick approach in training idols.

“Tsk. You know that I’m not trying to destroy your confidence or anything, right? If you had told me about this situation earlier, I would have been able to help you out!”

Upon hearing this, Gu Min-Ji hesitantly lifted her head and asked.

“That means...”

“What can I do when they’ve already made a decision on their end?”

Gu Min-Ji bit her lips. However, Ma Dong-Pal’s focus had now shifted elsewhere.

“And you—Choi Myung-Gil.”

“Y-yes? Yes, sir!””

“What on earth were you doing?”

As soon as he said that, Ma Dong-Pal kicked Choi Myung-Gil in the shin.

Thud!

“What were you doing as a talent agent such that this happened?”

“Ke heuk! I-I’m sorry.”

Seeing Choi Myung-Gil overwhelmed by the pain in his shin and bowing his head continuously, Gu Min-Ji’s face relaxed slightly, as if her irritation was being eased.

“Did you find out who the replacement is?”

“I-I heard that Cherry Blossom is the replacement.”

“Cherry Blossom? That four-member girl group from Hoop Entertainment?”

“Yes, sir. I clearly heard that Cherry Blossom is the replacement.”

Ma Dong-Pal’s eyebrows twitched in anger.

“That’s so annoying. Why do we keep getting entangled with Hoop Entertainment?”

With a frown, Ma Dong-Pal hurriedly set out to find Choi Eun-Hyuk. Despite telling Gu Min-Ji that there was little he could do, he still intended to give it a try. However, he did so not because he was looking out for Pink Diamonds.

‘Jung Yoo-Jin fucked up Park Eun-Bin, and now it’s Cherry Blossom’s turn?’

Ma Dong-Pal had a bad hunch about repeatedly getting entangled with Hoop Entertainment. He clenched his teeth as he planned to intervene in Hoop Entertainment’s plans this time.

***

As I waited for Cherry Blossom to come down after recording the first part of their stage, I saw Ma Dong-Pal approaching Choi Eun-Hyuk.

Seeing him engaged in an intense conversation with Choi Eun-Hyuk. It seemed like he was plotting something.

“Mr. Lee, don’t you think that guy’s trying to do something?”

But Lee Dong-Min simply smirked as he watched what was happening.

“Don’t you worry. Even though Eun-Hyuk may seem naive, he’s a tough cookie who wouldn’t flinch even if you pricked him with a needle. Bribery, my ass. If he throws money at Eun-Hyuk, he will only get irritated.”

‘Is he actually confident or is he bluffing again? It would be a real problem if Choi Eun-Hyuk ends up being convinced and switches sides.’

However, as the conversation continued, the laughter between the two disappeared and Ma Dong-Pal’s expression became distorted.

“See? I told you. I bet Ma Dong-Pal irritated him real good.”

Lee Dong-Min let out a sigh of relief with sweaty palms.

‘Yep. He was totally bluffing.’

But I pretended not to notice how nervous he was.

Watching Ma Dong-Pal storm off, Lee Dong-Min looked at me and said in a serious tone.

“Yoon-Ho.”

“Yes, Mr. Lee. It really turned out just as you said. You’re amazing.”

When I gave him a thumbs up, Lee Dong-Min said.

“That’s not it. Do you want to join Singer Division 2 by any chance?”

For a moment, my mind buzzed with the unexpected proposal.

It felt like I had used up my entire lifetime\'s worth of luck today, considering that I was receiving all sorts of incredible proposals.

‘From Yoo-Jin’s advertisement proposal, Kim Soll-Ip’s role proposal, and now a scouting proposal from Singer Division 2?’

I politely declined Lee Dong-Min’s offer, but he advised me to think it over and not turn him down immediately.

“I think Cherry Blossom really needs someone like you right now. If you join Singer Division 2, I’ll make sure to nurture and guide you as much as possible.”

Staring into Lee Dong-Min’s sincere face, I could not find a single trace of deceit.

‘Hm. What should I do about this?’