The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol - Chapter 22

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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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22

[Obscure Idol Tycoon is doing its best to prevent spoilers ^^]

“Sigh….”
“Ho-yoon, we’ve arrived.”
“Ah, yes.”

I got out of the car following the Manager. Whether we held a Showcase or charted, the Company Building remained just as dilapidated as ever.
The Manager continued speaking beside me.

“Don’t worry too much. About meeting the CEO, I mean. I don’t think it’s going to be bad news.”

The Manager kept fretting over me. This guy—when you really look at him, he’s genuinely kindhearted.

“Your performance this time was absolutely incredible on the charts, so maybe he’s planning to push us hard?”

…The problem was just how relentlessly optimistic he was.
I chuckled softly and followed him into the CEO’s Office. The CEO was on a call with someone, but the moment our eyes met, he grinned as if he were looking at money rolling in.

‘Is this what self-loathing feels like?’

“Ah, Ho-yoon’s here.”
“CEO, hello.”
“Hold on a second, let me finish this call. Yes, yes. My apologies. Seo Ho-yoon from The Dun just walked in.”

Why was he smiling so widely? He was even selling my name….
An oddly unsettling feeling crept over me, so I began observing his expression carefully.

‘Could it be a casting offer?’

The Manager sat beside me and bounced his leg even more anxiously.

“H-h-ho-yoon. Want some water?”
“…Manager, please calm down.”

Perhaps the Manager was even more worried than I was.
The CEO said yes, yes, and hung up the phone. Then he looked at me with satisfaction.

“Our Ho-yoon, the journey wasn’t too difficult, was it?”

‘Our Ho-yoon?’

“Thanks to the CEO’s consideration, it went well. The Manager took great care of me too.”
“Haha! Still quite the smooth talker, I see.”

I subtly praised the Manager in front of the CEO to calm him down. The CEO seemed delighted, laughing continuously as he settled into the sofa across from us.

“I heard you charted.”
“Yes, we were fortunate.”
“You guys really caught a lucky break this time. You caught that Robber, the song was good, the planning was solid… and you charted too. But the best part of all that? That’s you, Ho-yoon.”
“Haha.”

‘Get to the point already.’

I laughed like a machine.

“Don’t even think about the penalty clause anymore.”
“Yes, that’s a relief.”

Even as he praised me openly, distrust washed over me first. You know how it is—life doesn’t flow that easily.
The CEO and I continued our conversation, both of us hiding our true thoughts behind smiles.

“CEO, did something good happen today?”
“Oh, is it that obvious?”
“Yes.”
“…”
“Very much so.”

At my blunt answer, the Manager broke into a cold sweat, but the CEO simply laughed heartily.

“I have two pieces of news for you. Ideally, I would have called all The Dun members—”

Both pieces of news couldn’t be bad.

“First, we’ve secured a dormitory for you all.”
“….”

It had been far too long coming. We should have arranged this a year ago when the group debuted.

“You won’t have to keep commuting back and forth anymore. Especially Lee Chae—I’ve been worried sick about how difficult it’s been with her home being so far away, having to live alone.”

‘You weren’t worried at all.’

“And Jung Da-jun is still a minor, so… after careful consideration, we decided to provide the dormitory.”

‘You didn’t give it a second thought.’

“That’s wonderful news. We’re grateful for your consideration.”

The words came automatically. As I recalled Jung Da-jun’s ankle swollen crimson from the strain, the CEO grinning before me became all the more insufferable.
Though I couldn’t entirely fault him—The Dun had never had the funds to provide dormitory accommodations.

“At the same time, I discussed it with the Planning Team, and we’ve decided to film behind-the-scenes footage of the dormitory and upload it to YouTube. You can move in starting today.”
“Wow, Ho-yoon, this is amazing!”

The Manager clapped excitedly. Meanwhile, my expression remained flat. In truth, disappointment weighed heavier.

‘I thought this was about securing sponsorships.’

“Yes, understood. I’ll inform the members separately.”
“Good. I’m grateful to have you, Ho-yoon. You’re so dependable.”

Was that all?
The music video behind-the-scenes footage would be released gradually anyway, so it hardly mattered.
The Planning Team had worked hard, and the CEO was taking credit as if he’d been the one looking out for us all along.
Well, it wasn’t a terrible idea. I shrugged and asked.

“Is that everything?”
“My goodness, Ho-yoon. You shouldn’t be in such a rush.”

The CEO chuckled and tapped his phone.

“We’ve got a variety show offer coming in for you guys.”
“A variety show?!”

The Manager spilled water all over himself—it was the kind of scene that reminded me of those viral clips of people spilling orange juice.

“Oh, ah, I’m so sorry.”
“Manager, here.”
“Our kids are already getting variety show offers…?”

The Manager’s eyes grew misty with emotion. I grabbed some tissues from the table and tossed them his way.

“Th-thank you. Ho-yoon.”
“Yes.”

The Manager sniffled, but my attention had already shifted entirely to the CEO.

“What kind of variety show?”

Weekly Star would be fine too. We could definitely generate some viral moments from that.
Variety shows—what a realm where so many stars could rise. It’s the domain where unknowns suddenly explode into fame. That’s why I’d worked in variety production myself.
Weekly Star? Or behind-the-scenes footage? Given The Dun’s current recognition, it probably wouldn’t be broadcast television—likely cable instead.
What’s trending on cable these days? My mind was already spinning through possibilities when the CEO smiled and spoke.

“To be precise, it’s a survival competition program called ‘Shining Star.'”
“A survival competition?”

I slowly clenched my fist. The CEO nodded.

“You know PD Jung Moon-seon, right? The one famous for audition competition programs. It’s a project he was putting effort into, but he’s stepping back to do other variety work, so they’re looking for a new PD. Still, the recognition factor shouldn’t be too bad.”
“….”
“It’s like those trainee programs where they pick debut members. Apparently they’re gathering boy groups with moderate recognition and having them compete. The winner gets their own solo variety show and can participate in the next major competition.”

‘This is….’

I must have been living a pretty good life.
God was really giving me every opportunity.
I hardened my expression to suppress the satisfied smile threatening to break through, and the CEO seemed worried I might refuse, so he cautiously tested the waters.

“Why, are you worried about it?”
“C-CEO. Wouldn’t it be difficult for The Dun to appear on a show like that? Last time, half of the idol groups that went on a similar program ruined their image.”
“Ah, I’ll admit I’m a bit concerned too. That cable network usually tends to be… rather ruthless.”
“Ruthless doesn’t even begin to cover it! They’re notorious for demonic editing! They’re famous for pushing up idols from major entertainment companies while turning everyone else into extras, and there are groups that disbanded after their image was completely destroyed from spliced trainee clips—!”
“Hmm, I think it’s a good opportunity for raising awareness. Though you’re right, it might not be good in the long term.”

The Manager and CEO engaged in a heated back-and-forth debate. As negative opinions gained the upper hand, the CEO rubbed his chin and asked me.

“So, what do you want to do, Ho-yoon? If you don’t want to, I’ll respect that opinion too.”
“No.”

I slowly nodded my head.
Demonic editing? Image making?

“I want to do it.”

Why would I worry about that?
When I smiled very benevolently, both the CEO and Manager flinched. Plans were already stacking up neatly in my mind.

“I really, really, really want to do this. I’ll definitely convince the members. Please let us participate in Shining Star.”
“Uh, so… you do?”
“This is the first time I’ve seen Ho-yoon ask like this…”
“I’ll pass along the positive response. I’ll also relay the planning to the Manager’s side. But make sure to confirm with the members first.”
“Yes.”
“Go rest. You worked hard today.”

I bowed my head and left.
While stacking scenarios neatly in my mind.

***

“Ooh, pick up the card.”
“…”
“A clearer future shines~!”
“You’re dying.”

I was gathering basic necessities from home to move into the Dormitory.
After finishing packing, as I was about to head to the Dormitory, Seo Ho-jin was being so annoying that I flicked him on the head. There was a thwack, and Seo Ho-jin whined about it hurting.
I pulled my suitcase to the Entrance and continued giving endless reminders to Seo Ho-jin.

“Turn off the gas stove properly, and if you’re not using the air conditioning, make sure it’s off too. Don’t just order delivery all the time—cook something once in a while.”
“The nagging again….”
“Are you not going to listen to me?”

Seo Ho-jin chuckled even as I threatened him. This guy had definitely lost it lately. He’d been proud when I debuted as an idol at first, but now it seemed to amuse him.

“Hyung, you’re getting popular, huh? One of my classmates has your profile picture. They say you’re handsome.”
“Yeah?”
“So now I can’t message them anymore. I keep wondering if they’re thinking about you. It’s scary.”

Seo Ho-jin giggled. After looking at my pathetic younger brother, I made one request.

“Try not to tell people I’m your older brother. It just becomes a hassle.”
“I’ll follow your orders.”

It had always been that way. Even when I was a PD, I’d told Seo Ho-jin to hide the fact that I was his older brother whenever my face became somewhat recognizable. There were always people who’d pick fights with him, claiming I’d edited things unfairly (though I certainly didn’t think I hadn’t).
Especially when he was in middle or high school.
If it was like that even as a PD, it would be worse as an idol.

“Hyung, take care. Do well at the dormitory.”
“Yeah, you idiot.”
“Against all odds you worry~ but there’s no need, I’ll lead the way for you, ta-da!”

My expression darkened. Seo Ho-jin was holding back laughter, hiccupping slightly. He seemed absolutely delighted to have finally found something to tease his older brother about. I crossed my arms and shot back sarcastically.

“As I’m leaving….”
“Yes, the genius idol is departing now~!”
“You’re not going to cry and whine that you’re sad?”
“….”
“Huh? Are you crying? Are you?”

This time it was Seo Ho-jin’s expression that darkened. When I brought up the time I collapsed and cried my eyes out at the hospital, he pressed his head in embarrassment at his own dark history. I chuckled as I walked out.

“Don’t soak your pillowcase crying about missing your hyung~”
“J-just. Get out of here already.”

As expected… there’s something satisfying about teasing a younger brother with an age gap.

“See you later~.”
“Later!”

I watched the door slam shut, then pulled my hat down with satisfaction. On the bus or subway heading toward the Dormitory address, a song drifted from a street speaker.

[Say it once more, we call it the beginning]

Huh?! That’s our song.
I stopped abruptly and glanced at the Store. It seemed they were playing the top 100 from a Music Streaming Site.
Our song playing on the street meant one thing—we were still charting. A smile spread across my face.
The feeling was incredible.

·
·
·

“Why are you like that…?”
“Hah… you!”
“Do I look like a charting artist?”
“Kek… you’re glowing so bright I can’t see your face!”

Until these bastards started their nonsense.

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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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