part 10

"Finally, the last schedule that requires confirmation is the closing ceremony of the Tamra Biennale. It's an unusual event since it's being held in Jeju island, but apparently many celebrities will attend. Not only is Korea's top gourmet burger franchise participating, but also VIPs from overseas are expected to be there, so they've requested your attendance." 

The employee who finished explaining handed a document to Seung-rok. 

Then, he subtly gauged his reaction. 

Seung-rok remained silent, sipping a cup of water placed on the table. 

Despite waiting, there was no response from him, prompting Eui-jin, the official executive for 'The ZERO,' to ask him directly. 

"Do you have any opinions?" 

One can easily picture a K-pop idol obediently following the company's instructions, much like a doll.

But that's an outdated notion for 'The Zero'.

Seung-rok, an idol who has been in the industry for seven years and has successfully completed multiple world tours, stood out.

Especially since he was the main vocal and lyricist behind all their hit songs.

His influence was absolute. Even the company owner couldn't force schedules on him.

Hence, the confirmation process naturally emerged, with Seung-rok reviewing all schedules. 

Eui-jin wondered if Seung-rok had some issue with the proposed schedule. 

But upon further consideration, it seemed unlikely. 

Seung-rok directly rejected schedules he didn't like.

That was part of Seung-rok's personality. 

However, today, his reaction was oddly delayed. 

It felt as though he wasn't fully focused on the meeting.

At first, Seung-rok appeared to be examining the materials provided by the headquarters staff.

His gaze kept drifting into space. 

Suddenly, he posed a question to everyone. 

"Is there any other problematic factor?"

Tension filled the meeting room in an instant. 

Eui-jin swallowed nervously. 

Classic Seung-rok. 

The guy who, even after losing both parents in a car accident, managed the necessary arrangements within three days and attended a fan meeting right after the funeral. 

Some might say he was cold-hearted.

But perhaps that was his way of mourning his parents. 

The moment Eui-jin saw Seung-rok overcome the grief of losing his parents and sing, he genuinely fell for him as an artist. 

Even though he was a K-pop agency employee, he was just an office worker. 

It was rare for an employee to genuinely like their company's artist. 

Yet, since that day, Eui-jin has become an exception. 

He poured all his efforts into supporting KROCK and his band, 'The ZERO.' 

Before he knew it, thanks to his unwavering dedication, Eui-jin's career skyrocketed within the company. 

Life was unpredictable.

While Eui-jin was having such thoughts, one employee's confident response reached his ears. 

"Major food companies, as well as government officials are conducting this event. You can rest assured." 

However, Seung-rok still seemed unconvinced. 

With an expressionless face, he continued his questioning. 

"That's not something we can be certain about. Even government-sponsored events can become problematic at times. Especially if the person in charge is a risky type. After all, it's all about human beings. Can we trust the person in charge?" 

One could argue that he was being picky. 

Yet, Seung-rok's secret to maintaining his popularity for seven years lay precisely in this cautious approach. 

In Korea, there is an old proverb which goes like this.

Stone bridge ahead, 

Give it a knock before you tread.

For Seung-rok, it was more like 'crush it before you tread'.

Not only did Seung-rok avoid drinking and partying, he also refrained from drinking with fellow members of the group.

He meticulously scrutinized advertising companies before he worked with them.

He rejected ads from problematic companies even if it meant financial losses. 

He preemptively blocked any potential issues. 

While he was daring in music, always pursuing innovation, he was equally risk-averse and conservative in his personal life. 

From cryptocurrency scams to sex scandals, Seung-rok remained unscathed amidst numerous scandals that rocked the entertainment industry. 

Perhaps the controversy surrounding his 'hidden sister/daughter' right after his debut had made him excessively cautious. 

As Seung-rok reviewed the materials once again, he seemed to discover something, fixing his gaze on a particular spot. 

Then, he blurted out. 

"The chief editor of The Jeju Times' is the event coordinator." 

The conference room fell silent for a moment. 

Eui-jin glanced at him and asked, 

"So? It's just a local newspaper in Jeju. What's the issue with a Jeju-based event being governed by Jeju media?"

Seung-rok tilted his head, revealing a bitter smile. 

"Not at all. Let me think it over and get back to you after the weekend. I apologize for taking time." 

With a polite yet firm gesture, he pointed toward the door. 

People started leaving the room.

As Eui-jin followed other colleagues out of the conference room, Seung-rok signaled for Eui-jin to stay. 

Now, only the two of them remained in the empty room. 

With only two of them left, Eui-jin started talking in usual informal tone, 

"What's up with the hesitation? You're not the type to delay decisions, even if you're picky as hell." 

People preferred a straightforward refusal rather than this prolonged suspense.

Eui-jin continued, "What's bothering you?" 

Seung-rok hesitated before answering Eui-jin's question. 

Strangely, the event coordinator's name weighed on his mind. 

It felt oddly familiar, even unsettling. 

Yet, he couldn't recall exactly where he had seen that name before. 

So, from Seung-rok's perspective, revealing it to the company seemed premature. 

At that moment, Eui-jin pressed on. 

"You've been out of sorts since last weekend. Flying back on a 1 a.m. flight after the concert. You usually stay focused on work during weekdays. Why the sudden change? Are you in a relationship or something?" 

"What nonsense, hyung," Seung-rok scoffed, deflecting the question. 

But inwardly, he felt something.

Last week and this week were no different for him. 

Except for one thing. 

He had met 'that woman.'

That was all, and otherwise, everything in his life remained mundane. 

But Eui-jin was right. 

Since meeting her, that woman's words kept haunting his mind, especially her rejection. 

In fact, Seung-rok wasn't accustomed to being rejected by anyone. 

After becoming a K-pop star, everyone wanted to be around him. 

Refusals were usually something he dished out. 

Today was a prime example. 

Even if his schedule was set, if something didn't feel right, he'd always be picky and hesitant. 

In such cases, his conclusion was usually a refusal. 

Why hadn't she followed through like others? 

From her perspective, the cost of accommodation would be troublesome. 

Besides, it wasn't like they'd be truly living together under the same roof. 

'Could she have misunderstood, thinking I meant living in the same building?' he wondered.

Lost in thought, he was snapped back into reality by Eui-jin's teasing voice. 

"When everyone else is on vacation, you shouldn't take a break too. You seem like you're about to burn out. Or maybe you got your eye on someone special, huh?" 

Seung-rok gave Eui-jin a very intense glare like a laser-beam.

It was a warning to stop teasing him. 

Eui-jin just chuckled. 

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. If you're done talking, I'm out." 

As Eui-jin opened the door and left, Seung-rok relaxed momentarily, taking a deep breath.

Just then, Seung-rok's phone blared loudly. 

It was the hotel manager calling.

"Apologies for interrupting during work. I have some information to relay," the manager's voice remained as sharp as ever. 

Seung-rok nodded. "Go ahead." 

If the manager had a hunch, it was usually worth considering. 

Currently, the manager oversaw Seung-rok's hotel and its golf course, but he also handled Seung-rok's other properties. 

Originally, the manager had been an aspiring idol trainee alongside Seung-rok. 

While Seung-rok pursued a career as a ballad singer, the manager had dreams of becoming a model. 

Both started late, struggling with dance and other basics of K-pop idol trainees. 

Unlike Seung-rok, the manager's debut didn't pan out. 

Despite being tall, muscular, and having a somewhat sharp face, he lacked that elusive 'spark' the company sought. 

Certainly, he didn't possess Seung-rok's magnetic charm. 

Perhaps he was more of a 'good student' type.

But living with the manager during training, Seung-rok appreciated his masculine qualities. 

As soon as Seung-rok started earning income after his debut, he enlisted the manager's help for various errands. 

Initially, it was about assisting him, but working together, Seung-rok benefited more. 

Especially during the period when Seung-rok's grandfather and Hayeon moved to Jeju Island, the manager efficiently handled tasks. 

Gradually, he became the steward of Seung-rok's estate. 

Now, with Seung-rok's business expanding, the manager had been promoted to oversee the golf course and the hotel. 

Seung-rok trusted the manager without a doubt. 

He always took full responsibility for his choices. 

Yet, he wasn't just a mechanical taskmaster. 

He maintained a close relationship with Seung-rok's grandfather and Hayeon. 

Having efficiently managed household affairs, Seung-rok could focus on his K-pop idol work. 

Moreover, the manager had a keen sense.

He detected issues beyond his official duties and promptly informed Seung-rok. 

Seung-rok admired this aspect of the manager. 

So even now, he wanted to trust the manager's instincts. 

"Do you remember the 'villain guests' at our golf course last time?" the manager asked. 

Of course, Seung-rok remembered. 

He had played golf with 'that woman'.

One of them also showed… himself at his golr course.

How could he forget? 

Seung-rok replied dryly, 

"I remember who they were." 

"Those people suddenly want to play golf in Jeju Island again," the manager continued. 

"No matter what tricks they try, we won't let them play at our golf course." 

"Of course, that's the plan. But there's something else that might interest you." 

"What's that?" 

Seung-rok raised an eyebrow. 

"The caddy… It's the same person as last time." 

Mina Choi. 

She's providing caddy service for those jerks again.

Seung-rok's lips tightened, as he sat up abruptly.