Flowers Bloom Even in Winter (1)
"It seems like a good idea. Even though the recording would take up a full day, our schedules are relatively light until the college festival season begins in April when the flowers bloom. That said, it might be tough in the long run, but I'm sure we could manage for about three months."
Han Myung-Ho said that there shouldn't be any problems if the recording is limited to just one day a week.
"Hmm. You really think so?"
"Yes. Also, Yoon-Ho said he had a good dream today. Given the good dream, I think the show will do well. I have a good feeling about this. Let's get the girls on the show."
It didn't take long to convince Lee Dong-Min and Han Myung-Ho. The fact that Cherry Blossom had a pretty light schedule turned out to be an advantage in this situation. Moreover, it was evident that Han Myung-Ho trusted me deeply.
"Alright then. Team Lead Han, you stay here. Yoon-Ho, you come with me to negotiate the deal."
"Me?"
Han Myung-Ho smiled at my question.
"Yes, you. I searched for Choi Eun-Hyuk and scoured the entire broadcasting station for the whole day but didn't even manage to see his face. It seems like it's your lucky day, so you make the move."
Han Myung-Ho seemed to have high hopes for me.
"What are you waiting for? CNS Entertainment is also on the move, aren't they? We need to be a step ahead. Let's hurry and get moving."
"Yes, sir."
I followed Lee Dong-Min who seemed even more anxious than me.
***
"Fixed appearance for a month? Dong-Min hyung. This is a golden opportunity for a second-tier idol group to appear on a variety show. You know that guaranteeing their appearance for half a year is practically a privilege, right? I'm only making this incredible offer because of our close relationship."
"Privilege, huh? Well, I'm not so sure about that. You never know if what you're holding in your hand is medicine or poison until you've tasted it. This is your first venture into the world of variety shows, isn't it? What if the viewership ratings suck?"
While Lee Dong-Min appeared unfazed, Choi Eun-Hyuk seemed exasperated.
"Wow, starting with a low blow, are we? Are you here to negotiate or quarrel with me?"
"To negotiate, of course."
"Why are you acting like you've got the upper hand here? Cherry Blossom isn't in a position to refuse my offer, and you know that better than anyone else."
"What do you mean I'm acting like I've got the upper hand? Haven't you seen my girls' video? Do you honestly think Cherry Blossom will remain second-tier forever? We're meticulously preparing for our third album. Once it's released, Cherry Blossom will become incredibly huge."
Lee Dong-Min's negotiation skill was remarkable. I was ready to step in at any moment if necessary, but it seemed there was no need. After all, Lee Dong-Min was bluffing about investing billions in an album that hadn't even been produced yet.
However, I couldn't fault him for that strategy; I would have done the same in his position.
Eventually, Choi Eun-Hyuk let out a deep sigh and gave his final offer.
"Three months! They have to appear regularly for three months, or the deal is off. Take it or leave it!"
When Choi Eun-Hyuk shouted in an irritated voice, Lee Dong-Min held out his hand with a smile.
"Cancel the deal? No way. I'll take it!"
Choi Eun-Hyuk sighed once again as he shook hands with Lee Dong-Min.
"You never make anything easy, do you?"
"Come on, don't exaggerate. We've been managing Cherry Blossom with lots of care. They will grow fast, just wait and see. I wouldn't be making this deal with anyone else either. I'm doing this just because of our close relationship."
"Oh, stop talking nonsense and buy me a meal one day."
"I will buy you many meals if the show goes well. Just name what you want."
Choi Eun-Hyuk grumbled as Lee Dong-MIn laughed. Their expressions were now relaxed and they teased each other playfully.
"Oh, and Mr. Jung. Please prepare well for today's stage. When Cherry Blossom's new song is out, feel free to send the promotion materials via KkTalk. I'll try my best to help."
"Thank you so much! We really appreciate it!"
Once Choi Eun-Hyuk left, Lee Dong-Min sat down and sighed.
"Phew. He's definitely no pushover."
As Lee Dong-Min loosened his tie and took a deep breath, cold sweat trickled down his forehead.
'Huh? Could his confident attitude have been a bluff all along?'
"What? Is it your first time seeing someone so nervous like this?"
"...Were you actually nervous?"
"Hey, how can anyone not be nervous in this situation? That guy is not only in charge of year-end music shows, but he is also a main PD of regular music shows. Of course I was nervous to negotiate with him. But I'm relieved that the negotiation went well."
Lee Dong-Min wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and gave a bright smile.
"Anyway, you did a good job. Thanks to you, Yoon-Ho, we were able to seize this great opportunity. I've been feeling bad that I couldn't promote our girls these days. I owe you a big one today."
"Please don't mention it. I didn't really do much. It was Cherry Blossom's amazing performance that secured this opportunity."
Lee Dong-Min patted me on the shoulders as if he was proud of me.
"You're a humble man. Anyway, you should personally inform the girls about this. Tell them they got one more performance for the second part of Idol Daejun."
"You want me to tell them?"
"Well, you're the one who made this possible, so you should be the one to tell them this good news. I'll also let Mr. Gu know that we owe you big time."
Lee Dong-Min's words warmed my heart. This wasn't a world where people climbed over each other to get ahead—I was with people who helped and cared about each other. This was the life I had always wished for.