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Chapter 27
After the awkward moment passed, Yujeong had no choice but to openly avoid Gogeol. Her instincts were sending a clear signal that being alone with him was dangerous. Just as the meeting ended, Yujeong came out into the hallway, chatting with the staff.
“Ayoung, today’s meeting went well. You mentioned you found a fresh face last time—how’s the audition going?”
Well-known actors were usually welcomed with open arms for various projects, but unknown or rookie actors had to navigate multiple auditions to survive in the industry. No matter how attractive, without recognition, landing a leading role was difficult.
“Yes. Thanks to you, the auditions are going well. Although they’re adults, they’re capable enough to play the main character as a child actor, so we’re not being selective and letting them attend all auditions.”
In this field, actors of the same age might play either the protagonist or the protagonist’s younger version. If they’d end up as minor roles anyway, being cast as the younger version could be better.
“I see. I hope for good results.”
When Yujeong entered the CEO’s office, Secretary Yoon followed closely. To her, Yoon seemed like someone who enjoyed his work. Lately, however, he appeared to be enduring it with sheer persistence rather than enjoying it, due to the increased workload.
“You’re sleeping enough while working, right? You look exhausted.”
Yoon nodded seriously at her concern.
“My sleep schedule is strict, so there’s no need to worry.”
“Still, if it ever gets too much, let me know. We can adjust the schedule so you can rest a bit.”
“This is just the right pace for me. By next year, this tiresome competition will be settled anyway. I can rest afterward.”
Hearing Yoon’s resolute tone, Yujeong nodded. Sometimes it seemed that Yoon was more invested in this label competition than she was.
“In that case, I’m grateful.”
“Well, first, we need to discuss the contract for actor Gogeol.”
Checking the time, Yoon quickly got to the point, and Yujeong retrieved the relevant documents.
“The contract with Windflower on the Cliff has been successfully processed. It’s finalized through the lawyer, and the stylist and makeup artist portfolios have been forwarded to the actor.”
Everything had been handled smoothly, and Yujeong nodded, appreciating the clean management.
“Good. Keep handling things like this.”
Yoon scratched his head awkwardly. Sensing this, Yujeong sat down on the sofa.
“Sit here.”
Yoon hesitated before sitting properly.
“Um…”
“Speak freely.”
“A small issue has come up.”
Yujeong tapped the sofa arm slowly, thinking: if it’s a small issue, it can’t be about the contract. But if it really were minor, Yoon wouldn’t look so apologetic.
“Why are you taking so long to mention a small problem? This kind of tension makes me nervous.”
Yoon lowered his head deeply.
“The actor requested a different manager.”
Listening quietly, Yujeong realized it wasn’t as harsh as it sounded. Then she understood: if it weren’t serious, Yoon wouldn’t act as if he had committed a crime.
“Changing managers was expected. This isn’t a huge blow, right?”
Yoon delivered a more troubling update.
“There’s no one else to assign as the manager.”
“What do you mean? What about Hyunhoon?”
“He was replaced after making mistakes on the first day. He brought homemade meals to assist the actor with their diet, but it was deemed burdensome and rejected.”
Hyunhoon had been a capable manager, managing even Seora’s figure carefully, so he likely operated under the same standards.
“What about the other managers?”
“Rejected for similar reasons…”
Yoon scratched his head, looking around. The company had limited options: hire a new manager or assign someone from existing staff. They couldn’t just assign anyone, so it was tricky.
“Would the CEO consider taking over temporarily? The actor requested that you handle things until a new manager is appointed.”
Yujeong froze in surprise. Yoon, sensing it, stared at her black shoes nervously.
“The actor requested it?”
Seeing Yujeong’s icy gaze, Yoon hesitated, then shook his head.
“It wasn’t a demand. They were worried about stress if managers kept changing. They said they’d like to work with the CEO until a new manager is hired.”
“Oh…”
“They trust you, CEO, and relied on you when signing the contract.”
It wasn’t an unreasonable request. Placing an unfit employee as a manager wouldn’t solve anything. Taking time to find a proper manager was best. Yujeong exhaled slightly, tilting her head.
“I understand… in principle.”
“They said they’ll cooperate as long as the CEO is in charge temporarily.”
Yoon caught Yujeong’s hesitation, giving her a look that implied: will you refuse? There was no way she could turn it down coldly.
“Alright. I’ll talk with the actor then.”
Secretary Yoon was clever. As soon as Yujeong agreed, he handed over Gogeol’s schedule, as if he had seen Yujeong as prey from the start.
“I didn’t expect the CEO to come personally.”
“Because this actor is our label’s current rising star.”
Yujeong smiled warmly and offered her hand. Those who shook hands left the office happily, while Gogeol leaned against the doorframe, watching her.
“It’s been a while.”
His tender, affectionate tone made Yujeong avert her gaze and bite her lip. Even though it was probably an innocent question, her heart raced for no reason.
“Yes. Time really flies. How’s your acting practice going?”
Yujeong asked with a professional tone, prompting him to nod.
“Haven’t eaten yet, right?”
Yujeong glanced at the clock. It was too early for dinner, but she didn’t want to admit she hadn’t eaten, fearing trouble if she got food at Gogeol’s place.
“I might grab a sandwich nearby. I have another appointment soon.”
She used this excuse to avoid a meeting, but Gogeol chuckled.
“Perfect. Let’s go together.”
“Excuse me? You’ll eat a sandwich too?”
Didn’t he avoid outside food? Yujeong stared at him, and he shook his head.
“Costumes for historical dramas hide everything. I need to control my diet for my jawline.”
Yujeong laughed awkwardly. She didn’t need to go to the sandwich shop together. Her thoughts crowded her mind so much she barely noticed his gaze.
“What’s taking you so long? Lead the way.”
He held the door, prompting Yujeong to follow reluctantly.
Where had it gone wrong? Yujeong chewed her sandwich with furrowed brows. Had she known this meal would be so uncomfortable, she never would have suggested a sandwich for dinner.
“Eat properly.”
Gogeol watched her eat with a soft smile. Despite telling him several times to leave, she couldn’t resist his unreasonable insistence that watching someone eat when hungry gave him energy.
“…You don’t do this normally, right?”
“Normally, when?”
He tilted his head innocently, his soft hair swaying.
“When filming…”
Yujeong wanted to specify future work scenarios with him, but the words didn’t come easily. He avoided eating outside; this must be harder on him.
“Pretty much like today. Just watching someone enjoy their food makes me feel full too.”
Yujeong smiled awkwardly. Eating like this made her nervous and uncomfortable.
“Still, eating alone feels awkward.”
She tried to rise, but he laughed softly.
“Why are you avoiding me?”
