Raise Three Idols Well And They’ll Launch a Confession Attack

Chapter 23

After hearing Team Leader Seon’s evaluation in a whisper, I had to send Soeun, who would later create a whirlwind with her pure image in commercials, off myself.

As I deeply apologized and mentioned that working with TwoBear would be difficult, Soeun suddenly erupted into a storm of curses and stormed out on her own.

I stood there, unable to grab her, staring blankly as I received a message.

It pointedly criticized the representative’s arrogance.

The assertion that she wouldn’t step foot in such a filthy agency was a bonus.

…It seemed like she had a fiery personality more than I expected.

Still, I didn’t want to give up just yet.

“It feels a bit awkward for me to say this, but bringing them in wasn’t easy.”

In a tiny agency with only three staff members, including the boss, how could it be easy to bring in talented hopefuls?

I merely wandered through various middle and high schools, relying on memories of having attended somewhere.

There was even a police report about a strange person at school.

Even when I finally succeeded in meeting them, mentioning the name TwoBear brought forth suspicious gazes questioning whether I was a fraud.

TwoBear Entertainment didn’t have a website, let alone a promotional Instagram account, so it was natural to be met with skepticism.

In the midst of such obstacles, I gave it my all.

Using the knowledge of a time traveler, I sweet-talked and coaxed them.

I squeezed out every conceivable story, crafting it as if TwoBear Entertainment had a grand vision.

But even after dragging them to TwoBear, the results were all like this.

“If we talk solely about talent, these kids could debut in a group right away.”

They all had at least one A-rated ability among the key stats.

The rest were at least B.

In terms of pure potential, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they were just a step below Gyeoul.

Plus, there was a future of success looming, making it feel like a sure win at the lottery.

“Wouldn’t it have been okay to see at least a bit of their ability before evaluating them?”

“No, I can’t budge on this point. I want someone who doesn’t stink.”

“I’m considering that aspect too. But isn’t the standard a bit too strict?”

Cheon Aram looked at me as if she felt pity for the struggles of Team Leader Seon.

“I can understand how frustrated and angry you must feel as Team Leader Seon. But right now, I’m lowering the threshold for evaluating odors as much as I can. Honestly, isn’t it impressive that you keep picking up kids that might explode like landmines? …Team Leader, if you keep such kids around, you might get backstabbed later. And it would be a big one too. Those kinds of kids are scary when they turn away.”

…How did she know? Could it be that she is also a time traveler?

That was a painfully accurate observation.

From my standpoint, having been backstabbed hard while being a pushover before my regression, it stung even more.

No, I was considering their personalities in my own way.

Was my judgment really that lacking?

I wasn’t neglecting to think about their character.

I took Cheon Aram’s words seriously and chose people wisely.

I vetted them thoroughly, considering how they treated other staff and whether there were any bad rumors circulating in the entertainment industry.

The three I brought in were carefully selected under such conditions.

At least, they had never created a scandal.

Thinking about how I had been backstabbed made my judgment seem a bit shaky…

Then suddenly, a question popped into my mind.

“What kind of smell do I have?”

Cheon Aram’s eyes sparkled as if she had heard something amusing.

Though it was rude to think that way about my superior, her gaze resembled a poisonous snake playing with a mouse.

“Well… don’t you think there’s a possibility that you might smell?”
“Don’t you think it’s impossible for me to do that?”

“I know myself well. I definitely smell like something.”

Cheon Aram didn’t deny my words.

“Honestly, I can’t believe I’m the only one left who passed through President Cheon’s keen sense of smell.”

“You overlooked it before, didn’t you?”

“Back then, I thought there might be some desire that I could overlook. But now it doesn’t seem like that’s the case.”

Or it could mean that I chose people who would backstab me, but that doesn’t make sense…

“Has your thinking changed now?”

“Yes, it has. I’m just an ordinary person with a desire for success.”

In reality, I’m also a more selfish person.

Otherwise, I would be trying to become that kind of person.

“If I don’t smell, it might raise doubts about President Cheon’s ability.”

Cheon Aram rested her chin on the desk in the president’s office and said.

“True. Team Leader Seon definitely has a smell.”

I had expected it, but hearing it said out loud made me slightly uncomfortable.

“But Team Leader Seon is really unique. The smell is there, but it’s strangely… fragrant, maybe?”

“Fragrant?”

“It’s the smell of sweat… No, scratch that. Anyway, it has something addictive about it that’s not too overwhelming.”

It was hard to find a way to respond to that.

After being evaluated that my superior had an addictive sweat odor, my mind went blank.

“I guess I’m in the same boat? I’m trying to think of it as a good thing.”

“Have there been many cases like mine?”

“In my experience, Team Leader Seon is the first.”

My head started to ache.

I realized that my case was a unique one and wouldn’t help in the recruitment process.

The difficulty of ensuring Cheon Aram wouldn’t smell remained unchanged.

“I’ll say this so I don’t complicate things too much. I’m not looking for a completely odorless pure person.”

Cheon Aram added, as if she understood my dilemma.

“I’ve only seen a handful of people, including Soo-yeon. Expecting to find someone like that is just unrealistic.”

“So, to what extent is allowance possible?”

“Some smell is acceptable… for example, like Han Gyeoul.”

I was surprised by the completely unexpected comment and asked.

“Are you saying that she has a desire that’s willing to sacrifice others to get what she wants?”

Is it the natural-born loser Han Gyeoul who didn’t call the police because she was worried it would be a nuisance?

That makes no sense.

What kind of greed could a shut-in like Han Gyeoul have, who needed Yeji to push her just to attend auditions?

Oh, don’t tell me that pitiful comic female character is appearing here?

“Specifically, she gives off a scent when something particular is nearby.”

I grew suspicious at Cheon Aram’s words and asked.

“What’s that?”

Cheon Aram smiled teasingly and made a ‘shh’ gesture by covering her mouth with her index finger.

Then she said, “It’s a secret.”

“…Can’t you just tell me? As the team leader, I need to know about managing Han Gyeoul.”

“You’ll figure it out sooner or later, even if I don’t tell you.”

Cheon Aram chuckled, clearly enjoying the situation.

Then, suddenly serious, she said:

“Just so you know, our company has a no-dating policy?”
Gyeoul was practicing the dance moves she had to do for her dance academy assignment in the company training room.

Even though no one was watching, she was so into it that her red shirt was drenched in sweat.

I felt proud of her and wanted to treat her to something.

“Anything you want to drink?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I was thinking of stopping by a nearby café; I’ll buy you something.”

“I’ll have an Americano then.”

“Banana mocha cream frappuccino? Okay, got it.”

I already knew your taste, so why are you being shy in front of others?

Gyeoul nodded, maybe feeling embarrassed, but it looked like she wanted that more than an Americano.

Our little dork.

Make sure to eat a lot since you’re not on a diet right now.

I headed into a personal café right in front of the TwoBear Entertainment office.

I thought it would be less crowded than the big franchise café at the crosswalk, but I must have been mistaken.

Where did all these people come from? It was buzzing with activity.

Was this some famous place I didn’t know about?

Watching the long line, I started to think I should just switch my destination to the franchise café.

But since I was already buying drinks, I wanted Gyeoul to enjoy something delicious.

After a brief moment of hesitation, I decided to wait in line and take my chances.

While scrolling through the social media of future stars on my smartphone, I suddenly realized it was my turn.

“Welcome! You’ve arrived at Peanuts Coffee, where the aroma is irresistible! What would you like to order?”

The part-timer was struggling to manage the incoming orders all by herself as she asked me.

Watching her make milk foam while taking orders made me understand why this café was so popular.

The part-timer was incredibly cute.

Her dark hair shone a brown hue in the light, styled not for show but for ease of movement in a natural ponytail.

That natural look along with her puppy-like soft features emitted a fresh charm.

She looked like the quintessential first love everyone had in school.

The white blouse and black slacks she was wearing looked like they were from the lowest-priced line of an online shopping site, but she wore them with such grace that made them look decent.

I could tell without checking her status window.

Her looks were at least an A-ranking.

“Can you place your order, please?”

The man behind me, irritated by how slow I was to order because I was admiring her, spoke in a slightly irritated tone.

I apologized and hurriedly ordered a banana mocha cream frappuccino and a green grape ade for the president, then made my payment.

While waiting for my drinks, I glanced around and noticed most of the customers were men.

It seemed like they had come to enjoy a pretty face after their lunch break.

I would estimate that the part-timer’s looks were worth it.

At this point, I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to suggest she try her hand in the entertainment industry.

Whether as an actress or an idol, she could make a living with her face anywhere.

Plus, I could introduce her and expand my connections.

The part-timer was sweating buckets, bustling around the small café’s kitchen.

She was working hard, trying to keep the orders from piling up.

To her, life seemed like a constant battle.

Watching her, I changed my mind about introducing her.

Telling someone living that kind of life to rely solely on their looks to enter the entertainment industry would be an insult, nothing more, nothing less.
The suggestion to trust and try my luck in the entertainment industry felt nothing short of an insult.

I braced myself for rejection, accompanied by a gaze filled with contempt.

Because of that, I decided to consider it just a fleeting connection.

In a country like Korea, talent overflowed.

There didn’t seem to be a need to stretch my reach to part-time workers.

I returned to the company holding a packaged drink.

*

I thought it was just a passing encounter.

“Welcome! This is Dr. Bread, the bakery that bakes happiness! Can I help you with your order?”

I met the part-timer again at the bakery while buying a salad for Gyeoul’s lunch.

I admired the coincidence slightly as I purchased the salad.
But that was not the end of it.

“Welcome! This is Prince Convenience Store! Can I help you with your checkout?”

Even at the convenience store where I stopped to buy a fatigue reliever.

“Welcome! This is Grandpa Small’s Gukbap. What would you like to order?”

I ran into the part-timer again at the Gukbap place where I intended to take out Soondae Guk for my older sister who wanted a drink.

All of this happened in just one day.

How many part-time jobs does she have in a day?

Thinking this was also fate, I simply greeted her.

“Good to see you again.”

“Ah! You’re that customer I’ve seen four times today, right? I’ve already built up some internal familiarity! But seeing you here, I wanted to greet you first, but I was worried it might feel uncomfortable for you…”

“No, it’s not that uncomfortable…”

“By the way, this is such a coincidence! Meeting at all four places I work! Honestly, I imagined this kind of scenario when I started the part-time job! I thought I might meet the same customer from morning till evening! I mean, the course is perfect, right? A cup of coffee in the morning, a croissant sandwich for lunch, strawberry mochi for a snack, and Soondae Gukbap for dinner! It’s the perfect course, isn’t it?”

Once the conversation began, the part-timer eagerly opened up as if she had been waiting.

She was like a puppy wagging its tail, completely devoid of vigilance.

“Ah! By the way, do you prefer Suyuk Gukbap over Soondae Gukbap? If so, why not give Soondae Gukbap a shot! The pig’s intestines here are really delicious! When you eat it with crispy, flavorful kimchi, it’s really the best! But isn’t it strange that there aren’t more people who know about this flavor combination?”

I didn’t expect her to be this talkative.

The part-timer looked at me with eyes that seemed to thoroughly enjoy this small talk.

I regretted starting the conversation and awkwardly glanced away.

Then our eyes met.

And just like that, the status window popped up.

[Name – Yoo Gaeul (female)]

[Appearance – A Potential A+]

[Vocal – A- Potential S]

[Dance – C+ Potential B]

[Rap – D- Potential B+]

[Acting – D- Potential D+]

[Entertainment – F Potential C-]

[She is an ideal candidate for a main vocalist. Strongly recommended for recruitment.]

Wait… her potential is S?

I gazed blankly at the status window filled with shocking information.

And a single thought barely popped into my head.

“Um… Customer, are you okay?”

I absolutely had to get this part-timer.

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