NOVEL WEB Chapter 231
Han Si-woo had a dream.
To create artists that would make a name for themselves all over the world, surpassing Korea.
To do that, Han Si-woo wanted to start his own company.
If things had gone according to plan, he would have founded his company right after Na Ah Ah’s project ended.
But instead, he took on the role of producer for Rookies.
‘Once Rookies disband….’
Once Rookies’ activities were over, Han Si-woo intended to set up his dream company right away.
But….
“Hello, Ye-rin.”
Here he was again, standing in front of Ha Ye-rin.
It wasn’t that he had put aside his dream for her.
Han Si-woo had returned to her for the sake of his own dream.
After sending Ha Ye-rin and Sang-gu away, Kang Hyung-man immediately started negotiations with Han Si-woo.
The reason he chose the term “negotiation” rather than “interview” was…
Because it was Brotherhood Planning that desperately wanted Han Si-woo, and Han Si-woo didn’t have much to lose.
‘…I was completely shocked when I first got the call.’
Han Si-woo was such a big name that even someone like Kang Hyung-man, who knew nothing about idols, recognized him.
For him, a big shot like Han Si-woo to willingly approach Brotherhood Planning?
That was just absurd.
“Alright, let’s….”
“As I mentioned in our call yesterday, I’m interested in the exclusive producer position at Brotherhood Planning.”
“……!”
Having spent years in the underground world, Kang Hyung-man was used to getting straight to the point.
But Han Si-woo was more aggressive than even him right now.
“…Honestly, I don’t get it.”
Here, being clever wasn’t as effective as being straightforward.
“Why would someone like Han Si-woo want to join a company like Brotherhood Planning?”
“…….”
Han Si-woo responded with a mysterious smile.
“I believe Brotherhood Planning has tremendous growth potential.”
“Even though your only affiliated artist is Ye-rin?”
“That’s more than enough.”
“…….”
Han Si-woo seemed to be overvaluing Ye-rin.
‘He certainly has an eye for talent.’
Unbeknownst to him, this raised Han Si-woo’s approval rating in Kang Hyung-man’s heart.
He seemed polite and, despite being a top star, didn’t throw a fit, so he thought he’d get along well with Brotherhood Planning’s family.
Of course, no matter how much of a mess Han Si-woo was, he was the talent that Kang Hyung-man absolutely needed.
If Han Si-woo came to Brotherhood Planning….
Most of Brotherhood Planning’s issues would be resolved.
In this situation, Han Si-woo was essentially the one with the upper hand.
But Kang Hyung-man had lots of money.
‘If it’s lacking, I can sell my building….’
Kang Hyung-man intended to continue negotiating with the mindset of accepting whatever amount Han Si-woo asked for.
But….
“Then let’s properly start the negotiations….”
“35% of the shares you own in Brotherhood Planning.”
“……!”
“If you include stock options that provide me with that when Brotherhood Planning goes public someday, I’ll start working right now.”
“…….”
Before Kang Hyung-man could even propose a number, Han Si-woo blindsided him.
Though it might have come off as a bit proud, Kang Hyung-man didn’t pick up on that.
Instead, he fell into deep thought.
‘35% of my shares….’
Brotherhood Planning was a company built solely on Kang Hyung-man’s capital without outside investment.
Thus, 35% of Kang Hyung-man’s shares was essentially 35% of the entire company.
Typically, someone who holds over 5% of a company’s stocks is known as a majority shareholder.
35% far exceeded that threshold.
Requesting 35% in shares was virtually akin to suggesting joint management.
Most executives would have likely rejected it.
However….
‘…Still within normal limits, I guess.’
Kang Hyung-man thought differently.
Brotherhood Planning had plenty of money, but there were things money couldn’t solve in this world.
Especially in the concrete-like and fiercely competitive entertainment market, Brotherhood Planning needed to enter….
The acquisition of Han Si-woo was not optional but essential.
In fact, Kang Hyung-man had even been considering offering 40% in stock options. Thus, he felt that 35% was a fair deal.
Convinced in his mind about offering 35%, he pondered what other clauses to include in the contract.
But….
“I….”
“……?”
With Kang Hyung-man silent, Han Si-woo seemed unable to hold back and spoke up.
“If 35% is too much of a burden, how about 32%?”
“……?”
Kang Hyung-man was unflappable, his default being a poker face and unmovable demeanor.
Han Si-woo, unaware of this, mistakenly assumed that Kang Hyung-man viewed his acquisition negatively.
“If 32% is too burdensome, 30%…?”
“…….”
“……28%?”
“…….”
“Ah…! Really can’t go lower! 25%…!”
Thus, while Kang Hyung-man remained silent, Han Si-woo continued to cut down his share percentage.
It wasn’t because Han Si-woo was a novice negotiator.
‘I really want to work with Ye-rin again.’
He was that eager to work with Ha Ye-rin again.
Kang Hyung-man thought of himself as an underdog, but so did Han Si-woo.
Thus, this negotiation between two underdogs ended with Han Si-woo self-destructing and Kang Hyung-man emerging victorious.
“Looking forward to working with you, boss.”
“Likewise, looking forward to working with you, Director Han.”
Han Si-woo joined Brotherhood Planning with a 25% stock option.
“From today, I’ll be working at Brotherhood Planning, hehe.”
“……”
…It had only been 30 minutes since Kang Hyung-man and Han Si-woo entered the meeting room.
In that short time, the top idol and the best producer in South Korea became the directors of the fledgling Brotherhood Planning.
“Ah, no…, Producer Han Si-woo, what’s going on….”
“Did Ye-rin unnie get surprised? Haha.”
…Anyone hearing that Han Si-woo had joined such a startup would be shocked.
But I was more shocked than anyone else.
Because I had seen, in my past life, how successful the company he created had become.
Originally, he should’ve started that company right after Na Ah Ah’s project ended…
But suddenly, he became the producer for Rookies and now he’s joining Brotherhood Planning.
Why is someone who would surely succeed if he just started his company making such odd choices unlike in his past life?
Frustrated, I directly asked Han Si-woo.
“…Producer Han Si-woo. Didn’t you say you’d be starting a company?”
“Oh, I did.”
“But why did you join instead of starting one? Plus, Brotherhood Planning has nothing….”
What on earth would make him come to a fledgling company like Brotherhood Planning?
I couldn’t understand, but Han Si-woo laughed as if he found it amusing and said meaningfully.
“Why doesn’t Brotherhood Planning have anything? There’s one thing I cherish most.”
“One thing you cherish most?”
What could he possibly consider the most precious thing at Brotherhood Planning?
As I pondered that…
‘No way…?’
I suddenly remembered.
‘……Money?’
According to Kang Hyung-man, Brotherhood Planning had plenty of cash…
It seems Han Si-woo couldn’t resist the allure of money and had been brought in.
‘If he had started his own company, he could’ve made so much more money, but he couldn’t resist the moment’s temptation… tsk tsk….’
From my perspective, knowing the future, this looked truly regrettable.
“Could it be that you’re not satisfied with me coming to Brotherhood Planning?”
“Of course not.”
At the same time, I felt genuinely reassured.
With a sigh while still smiling, I reached out my hand to Han Si-woo.
“Thank you so much for coming and I feel reassured. Looking forward to working with you.”
As I extended my hand, Han Si-woo smiled and took it.
“I’ll work hard to raise you and Brotherhood Planning to the top as quickly as I can.”
It was a proud declaration, but having seen Han Si-woo until now, I could tell it wasn’t just empty words.
The cheat key of the idol world, the wild horse of the entertainment industry.
Was it good to be working again with someone like Han Si-woo…?
A sincere smile emerged on my face.
Now with Han Si-woo added to the existing members, it was me, Kang Hyung-man, Older Brother Sang-gu, and Han Si-woo, making four of us in a meeting.
The topic of the meeting was my debut.
“How about debuting as a solo artist?”
“……!”
Han Si-woo suggested my solo debut.
“If this were in the past, it would have been impossible, but… Ye-rin has improved her vocal range greatly during Rookies’ activities. I can assure you that Ye-rin can achieve excellent results even as a solo act.”
“…….”
Han Si-woo used the term “assure.”
If he was that confident, there must be considerable potential.
But….
“I don’t want to be a solo artist.”
“…….”
“Of course, being solo can be fun, but… I prefer being on stage with everyone. It feels supportive.”
I rejected the idea of a solo debut.
Having lived as part of Rookies, I naturally had reservations about doing everything alone.
“Well, if that’s how Ye-rin feels….”
“Let’s drop this topic.”
As if my will was the utmost priority, the three of them stopped discussing solos.
“Then we need to find some members….”
Finding talented idol members suddenly would be challenging.
However….
“Actually, I have some friends in mind.”
“…The boss?”
Kang Hyung-man spoke confidently, as if he had already thought this through.
I couldn’t help but be surprised.
‘It’s hard to suddenly find talented trainees like this?’
It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Kang Hyung-man, but I wondered if they might be subpar….
Looking at him with a hint of worry, Kang Hyung-man smiled and replied.
“They’re friends whose skills are guaranteed. Speaking of which, I should invite them for an audition tomorrow.”
“…Audition?”
“They’re friends who could potentially debut alongside you, so you’d want to make sure they’re suitable.”
“Oh….”
“Is everyone free tomorrow morning? The panelists will be me, Director Han, and Ye-rin.”
Thus, Brotherhood Planning ended up scheduling a sudden audition for the next day.
Though I was flustered by this unexpected audition for my fellow members, Kang Hyung-man wore a mischievous grin.
The next morning.
Even though it was a simple setting, it seemed the Brotherhood Planning staff thought they needed to maintain an appearance like a big company’s interview.
Seeing that setup, I felt tense and whispered to Han Si-woo beside me.
“Um, Producer Han Si-woo. I’ve never done an interview like this before… Do I even have the qualifications to evaluate someone….”
“Ye-rin, don’t overthink it; just judge whether you can work with this person or not. I’ll take care of the rest of their abilities.”
“But….
Suddenly having to choose my potential teammates… I was beyond flustered.
“Do you know who’s coming for the audition, Producer Han Si-woo?”
“Well, I’m not sure. The boss didn’t share the details… But I heard three people will be coming in for the audition.”
Three potential teammates….
What kind of people could they be?
“Director Han and Ye-rin. Everyone get seated. The candidates have arrived.”
“…Ah, yes.”
While I worried about what kind of people might come to audition, Kang Hyung-man got us seated and announced that the candidates had arrived.
I sat there in a tense anticipation.
‘Three people…. I hope they’re compatible with me….’
Then….
Knock, knock.
“Hyung, I’ve brought them in. We’ll be entering.”
“Okay.”
Creak.
With Older Brother Sang-gu declaring that he brought the candidates, the door opened.
And….
“……!!!”
Seeing the candidates’ faces, I burst into laughter without a moment to spare.
“Pffft, you’re hired. No question about it.”
There was no need to look further.
I instantly declared them hired.