The S-Rank Paparazzi Reincarnates as an Idol - Chapter 81

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 81
“The settlement ratio is 8 for the Entertainment Agency and 2 for the artist. That’s the standard for new recruits in this industry. Many places take a brutal 1:9 split, but we set it higher out of consideration for our artists.”
“I see.”
Despite my hollow response, my mind had turned ice cold.
‘These thugs.’
“Si-woo, are your questions resolved?”
“No. You say this is the standard for new recruits, but we’re not exactly standard, are we?”
The atmosphere in the Conference Room visibly hardened.
“Ha. I suppose that’s why you speak differently—coming in first at the Audition.”
Seo Yun-kyung let out a hollow laugh as she responded.
“Thank you for the compliment.”
My response must have been inadequate, as the director’s eyes narrowed.
“I’m just saying this because contracts are important, after all.”
‘Should I backpedal right now?’
I looked at my teammates, their eyes bright and clear like baby birds waiting for food, then shook my head.
‘I’ll take the hit.’
I spoke directly, staying just within the line.
“Weren’t we in a different situation from ordinary trainees—debuting directly through the Audition?”
‘We didn’t have to go through trainee life, so our initial investment costs are lower than others. We already have significant recognition too.’
“I’d like to ask if the contract ratio is adjustable so we can maintain a mutually beneficial relationship long-term.”
In other words, I was saying: if you want us to stick around and do well together, change the contract ratio.
Sometimes a team needs someone to play this role.
‘Besides, I’m not planning to do this idol thing for long anyway. Once I complete my Quest, I’ll live my own life.’
Unlike those guys with their desperate dreams, money was crucial to me—and this was an extremely sensitive issue.
‘Because my Younger Sibling’s Hospital bills have doubled.’
Major hospitals had their reputation premium; the medical bills were no joke.
Kim Sun-yu was helping out now, but I couldn’t keep relying on his generosity forever.
“Of course, we can adjust the ratio for a smooth relationship with our artists. Do you have a specific number in mind?”
‘They don’t want to lose us, so they’ll meet us halfway.’
We’d be signing with them regardless, but our Team was an absolute golden goose—a money-maker.
Debuting with the highest viewership ratings and recognition, we were a safe product with guaranteed success to some degree, making a ratio adjustment worth attempting for newcomers.
Besides, they couldn’t afford to squeeze us dry and discard us at the start—they needed us too, making this deal possible despite our rookie status.
“5:5.”
“…That’s not happening!”
The director’s sharp voice echoed through the Conference Room.
I knew it wouldn’t fly either.
But when negotiating, you always start by inflating the numbers.
“Then what ratio did you have in mind, Director?”
“7:3 is our absolute best. We can’t go lower.”
“Since you’re already spending, why not go a bit further? How about a clean 6:4?”
“…Pardon?”
“We’re genuinely confident we can do well. If the ratio is higher, I think we’ll work even harder with greater motivation!”
“Cha Si-woo. That won’t work. The Company has already established fixed standards.”
Watching the director’s expression noticeably stiffen, I nodded as though bestowing a favor.
“I understand. Then let’s compromise at 6.5:3.5.”
A 6.5:3.5 ratio was actually quite high in this industry, even for a debut idol.
For the record, everything I knew about idol industry ratios came from the gacha-drawn ability “I’m a Legal Expert!”
‘This thing is genuinely useful.’
The 24-hour usage limit was unfortunate, but its utility was exceptional.
“Ha-ha! This is interesting.”
It was the Division Director who spoke instead of the director lost in thought.
When the Division Director’s hearty laughter rang out loudly through the Conference Room, everyone’s gaze turned toward him.
“Agreed.”
His voice was low and thick.
“…!”
“Really?”
“Division Director, that won’t do!”
The atmosphere in the Conference Room shifted instantly.
Watching Director Seo Yun-kyung, who objected most vehemently, the Division Director tapped the table twice with his finger.
“Director Seo. I’ve made the decision—why is it a problem?”
When the Division Director’s low voice resonated through the Conference Room, silence fell instantly.
‘Do these two have a bad relationship normally?’
Director Seo Yun-kyung, who lifted her head, wore an expression full of dissatisfaction.
“Division Director, the Company must operate according to profit. They haven’t even debuted yet, and such unprecedented treatment…”
Park Jung-ho, the Division Director, raised his palm.
The sharp gesture was as good as telling her to stop speaking.
Director Seo Yun-kyung’s eyebrows furrowed subtly.
“That’s precisely why I said it’s good. Honestly, have we ever had a new recruit with this level of ambition? For now, just trust me and follow my lead.”
“…Division Director!”
Director Seo Yun-kyung’s voice turned cold.
“Will I only be heard if we escalate this to a board-level matter?”
‘At this rate, they’re going to fight.’
In the tense atmosphere, the Division Director chuckled briefly.
With a relaxed smile, he shook his head while stroking his abdomen.
“No. Not board-level.”
The Division Director turned his head and gave me a once-over.
That gaze contained both calculation and anticipation intertwined.
“However.”
The Division Director spoke again, looking at the director.
“This is indeed a matter that touches on the Company’s future.”
“Division Director, this could set a precedent…”
“A precedent?”
Park Jung-ho’s low voice cut through the words.
“We’re already creating exceptions left and right. It’s impossible to run every aspect of the Company strictly by the book.”
He tapped the table with his finger once more.
“The real question is whether these kids are worth becoming that exception.”
“I’m confident you’ll find they are.”
Every eye in the Conference Room turned back to me.
“We won’t settle for just debuting. We’ll become world-class idols and bring the Company profits that more than justify your investment.”
“How far are you looking ahead, Si-woo?”
“Our Team will become world-class idols that everyone recognizes.”
‘Because I have a goal I absolutely must achieve.’
Since the final Quest’s completion condition was becoming a world-class idol, I planned to give my all to our idol activities.
“Ha ha ha!”
The Division Director’s hearty laugh echoed through the Conference Room once more.
“I like the ambition of these new idols. You’ve impressed me. I’ll accept your proposal.”
‘Done! Now I don’t have to worry about money.’
“However, there is a condition.”
A condition meant I’d actually made it to the negotiating table.
“What is it?”
“This proposal will be performance-based. Win the Rookie Award at the Year-End Awards Ceremony this year.”
“…!”
“If you do, I’ll give you the 6.5:3.5 settlement ratio you want. But if you fail, it becomes 9:1.”
I thought he was a bear, but the Division Director was a fox.
‘The Rookie Award is… practically an impossible condition.’
The Rookie Award was the highest honor given to the most acclaimed new idol of the year, evaluated comprehensively on music performance, buzz, fandom growth, and stage impact.
For idols, the Rookie Award was their first official achievement and essentially the starting point of their career.
But the problem was that there was a time limit.
Only rookies who had debuted about a year ago could receive it, which made it virtually impossible for us to win this year’s award.
Our debut was confirmed on the Idol Audition Program on July 31st—yesterday.
In other words, with so little of the year remaining, we simply didn’t have the time.
‘It’s August now. Is he joking?’
To win the year-end Rookie Award, we’d need to release new music as quickly as possible and promote it, but in reality, this was nearly impossible.
“Can you do it?”
Even if we prepared a song as fast as possible, it would take at least a month before debut.
‘And that’s only if we pull all-nighters.’
Winning the year-end Rookie Award essentially meant achieving the highest rookie honor within three months of activity.
‘He’s got a sinister plan to make that ratio 9:1.’
I was contemplating how to refuse when it happened.
Ding.
[Main Quest (2): Receive the Rookie Award at this year’s Year-End Awards Ceremony. Success grants a reward. Failure drops all stats to E.]
‘Why do the Quests keep getting harder?’
[Do you accept? Note that refusal counts as Quest failure.]
…If all my stats drop to E, wouldn’t my idol career be finished?
‘I still have no choice.’
Thanks to the System, all my careful deliberation became pointless.
It had become a necessity rather than a choice.
“I can do it. I’ll make sure to bring back the Rookie Award.”
“…!”
‘It’s not completely impossible, so why not give it a shot?’
I had accomplished every absurd and brutal Quest up until now.
‘Even with low odds, if I stake my life on it, something will work out, right?’
“Wow, Cha Si-woo, you’re quite the man. Do all the other team members agree as well?”
I turned my gaze to the side at the Division Director’s words.
Since we operated as a team rather than individuals, this wasn’t a decision I could make alone.
“Yes.”
“I agree.”
“Me too.”
“Agree!”
“Yes.”
Contrary to my worries, not a single person objected.
“Your teamwork is already impressive. Good. Let’s confirm the settlement terms conditionally.”
“Yes. And when we settle later, please include a detailed itemized statement of the cost deduction items.”
Cost deduction items include training fees, dormitory fees, costume expenses, styling, management operation fees—essentially all costs the Company deems necessary.
Typically, idols receive their settlement after these items are deducted, but Entertainment Agencies often play games with this money.
“Ha ha. This is the first time I’ve seen a rookie request something like this before even receiving their settlement.”
“I just prefer everything to be clear.”
“Understood. If you receive the Rookie Award, we’ll unconditionally meet all your conditions. Is there anything else you’d like to ask?”
In essence, the Rookie Award was an impossible condition, so he was basically saying to try if I could.
‘Right.’
“Yes. And regarding Article 9.”
“Again… what’s the problem?”
Article 9 was densely packed with content regarding activity scope and restrictions.
“Minors can’t legally engage in activities late at night, correct?”
In fact, minors are restricted from activities between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Of course, exceptions exist for performances, broadcasts, or cases with parental consent and approval from relevant authorities.
“Cha Si-woo, you can’t do idol activities while following every law.”
“Still, these are children in their growth years. I’d like to limit activities after 10 PM as much as possible, excluding performances and broadcasts.”
“Hmm….”
“And if they wish, I’d like to request that they be allowed to pursue their education simultaneously.”
“Understood. Since this is a legal matter, let’s make the adjustments.”
The discussion over the contract terms continued.
Once I began citing legal precedent, Kim Sun-yu—who had been cautious at first—now chimed in confidently beside me.
‘Of course. He’s experienced in this field, so he’d naturally understand the nuances better than most.’
And Rua made his contribution as well.
“NO, this clause would be grounds for immediate litigation if this were overseas! It’s dangerous!”
The clause Rua had flagged concerned intellectual property and copyright provisions.
“…Very well. All the clauses you’ve mentioned will be applied once you receive the Rookie Award this year.”
After such a prolonged negotiation, the Division Director and his staff appeared increasingly exhausted.
“Really?”
‘Then that’s absolutely perfect.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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