Cherry Blossom Today (4)
The greetings took over five minutes which was way longer than expected.
As we rushed back to the waiting room, Sae-Ri hurriedly followed from behind and complained that her leg hurt.
"Yoon-Ho oppa, I think I pulled my hamstring. It feels like it's torn!"
Although she mentioned the word hamstring, she was rubbing her calf.
'That's not where the hamstring is, Sae-Ri.'
"Sae-Ri. That's not where the hamstring is."
Upon Yang Eun-Bi's logical response, Sae-Ri shot her a sharp glance.
"I know!"
'Sae-Ri. If you know where the hamstring is, why is your hand behind your knee this time?'
"You most certainly don't~."
When Yang Eun-Bi laughed, Sae-Ri stomped her foot to express her frustration. Her leg seemed completely fine, and her hamstring far from being torn.
"Hmph! Why do you always act like you know everything, unnie?"
"I don't. How can anyone know everything?"
Even though Sae-Ri was pouting, she was no match for the logical Yang Eun-Bi.
However, calming Sae-Ri down was the priority.
"Sae-Ri. Why does it matter where the hamstring is? You're fine as long as it's not torn. Anyway, I'll buy you some pain relief patches later. Let's go inside for now."
"Right? It just needs to stay attached and that's all that matters. And please buy the scentless patches!"
"Okay."
Sae-Ri's face brightened as if she had found an ally. Yang Eun-Bi shook her head, indifferent to the matter.
Thankfully, we finally arrived at our only sanctuary in the broadcasting station—the waiting room. I felt relieved.
"Guys, I'll be right back. I'm going to the…"
I was about to say I was heading to the washroom. However, the door opened and Lee Dong-Min, the chief of Singer Division 2, appeared in a sharply tailored suit and a 24K gold chain.
"Oh? Mr. Lee. You're here!"
"It's our dear chief~."
"Haha, yes, yes. How's everyone doing today?"
"We are doing good, Mr. Lee."
Lee Dong-Min exchanged enthusiastic high-fives and greetings with Cherry Blossom. He was once a famous producer, but now he only played a management role.
"Hello, Mr. Lee."
Lee Dong-Min, who was joking around with Sae-Ri while holding hands with her, turned to me when I greeted him.
"Oh! I heard someone from the Actor Division 2 was coming to help today, but I didn't think it would be you, Star Jung. Thanks for the hard work. These kiddos aren't bothering you, are they?"
Lee Dong-Min said as he winked. Thanks to his congeniality and friendliness, he was well-liked by everyone in the company.
"Excuse me, Mr. Han. Is it okay if I step out for a moment?"
Seeing my urgent expression, Lee Dong-Min nodded.
"Haha, you seem urgent. Go ahead."
"Thank you, sir."
I gave a quick bow to Lee Dong-Min and rushed toward the emergency exit where Choi Eun-Hyuk was.
***
"Mr. Choi. Our group Floren can fill that vacant spot immediately. You've seen our girls on Radio Big Fun dancing to 'Bling Bling', haven't you? The crowds loved them. Do you remember?"
"True. The members of Floren are all tall which makes their dance appealing."
Upon carefully opening the door, I was relieved to see that the two were still in conversation.
The girl group, Floren, from CNS Entertainment, was famous for their good performances as all members were over 170cm tall. Moreover, they had once showcased their dance moves for 'Bling Bling' on MBS' variety show Radio Big Fun.
Even if a scandal about a member of Floren being involved in school bullying were to surface a week later, that card wasn't on the table right now.
Under Kang Hyee-Dong's persistent persuasion, Choi Eun-Hyuk seemed increasingly inclined to accept his suggestion.
This was why timing was so important—but until they set foot on stage, I still had a chance.
As I nervously waited for my turn with sweaty palms, Choi Eun-Hyuk suddenly spoke out of the blue.
"I'll keep it in mind for now. If you decide to accept my proposal, please call me right away."
"I'll contact the company and get back to you within two hours. No, I'll get back to you within an hour."
A look of dismay was evident on Kang Hyee-Dong's face.
"Alright. Let's talk again then."
'Proposal, huh? Does that mean there are conditions attached?'
Choi Eun-Hyuk wasn't the type to accept bribes and ruin his reputation since he had already climbed the career ladder. This meant there was only one possibility left—a guest appearance request.
At that moment, several of Choi Eun-Hyuk's programs came to mind. Currently being a PD for KBC's music show Music Stage, he would also branch into variety shows next month onwards.
'Wait a minute. Then…'
I quickly checked my planner and looked up the viewership ratings for the variety show that would be managed by Choi Eun-Hyuk.
[Everyday V10]
[Date: April 24th, 2020]
-10:05 PM: KBC MusicLand First Broadcast Viewership Ratings 9.5%
'Here it is.'
I had never been so thankful for diligently noting down the viewership ratings of various shows in my planner in my previous life. With its debut broadcast on a Friday evening achieving 9.5% in viewership ratings, the show would be a massive success.
Since they always featured a girl group as guests, I figured they must be recruiting a group to feature right now.
While Choi Eun-Hyuk might be using this condition as a leverage to boost the uncertain viewership ratings of the show, it was an offer good enough for me to accept.
'I'm definitely in.'
After making up my mind to accept the offer, I patiently waited for Choi Eun-Hyuk to enter the hallway. When Kang Hyee-Dong made a call somewhere else, Choi Eun-Hyuk put out his cigarette and entered the hallway.
Creak.
When the door leading to the waiting room hallway opened, I greeted Choi Eun-Hyuk with a bright smile.
"Hello, Mr. Choi Eun-Hyuk. I'm with Cherry Blossom from Hoop Entertainment. Please look favorably upon our girls."
"Ah, yes. I'm a bit busy right now."
Choi Eun-Hyuk seemed uninterested and looked like he had no intention to engage in a conversation. Then, I vaguely recalled that Choi Eun-Hyuk was acquainted with Lee Dong-Min.
Without much thought, I name dropped Lee Dong-Min in order to catch his attention.
"I've heard a lot about you from Mr. Lee Dong-Min. I hope for your kind consideration."
Choi Eun-Hyuk, who was about to walk past me, stopped.
"You heard about me from Dong-Min hyung?"
'Yes! I hit the mark. But Dong-Min hyung? Were they that close?'
I hadn't known that, but I persisted and went on.
"Mr. Lee told me to pay special attention when meeting you, Mr. Choi."