Siblings Work in Business (121)
“Since it’s a fantasy, I think a fairy tale atmosphere would be good…”
“A fairy tale? Oh… A fairy tale would be nice!”
Although it was a short night, we finally reached a conclusion after much deliberation.
Eun-ji’s decisive nature was a big help, as I wasn’t the type to dwell on things.
A few days later…
Eun-ji and I entered the new office building, feeling a bit nervous.
It was a place we frequented, but perhaps because we were bringing a concrete proposal and storyboard…
We were a bit nervous as we entered the CEO’s office.
“Oh, just a moment, let me finish this.”
“Take your time.”
“Haha. Have a seat and wait for a bit.”
“Okay.”
The CEO seemed to be in the middle of something, his eyes glued to the monitor.
As he spoke, I looked around. The CEO’s office, although larger than before, wasn’t that different.
The sofa had been replaced by a large table and ten chairs, presumably for meetings, with a few folding chairs in the corner.
Gray wallpaper.
Bookshelves filled with documents.
And awards the CEO received while working with Toxin and other senior artists.
Perhaps because it was too cramped before…
There seemed to be at least three times more awards displayed in the new office.
As I was looking at the awards and trophies, the CEO, seemingly having finished his work, asked,
“So, what did you want to show me?”
Since we had already discussed the other details over the phone, there wasn’t much to explain.
“This.”
I handed him the proposal.
The CEO seemed surprised by the thickness of the document as he took it.
Then, he started reading it carefully.
“Is there a specific reason you want to do this?”
“The recent conflict within E% seems to stem from the discussions about our past, so I thought it would be good to address it through the ‘Footsteps’ music video.”
“Not a bad idea. The storyboard looks like an animation. 3D or 2D?”
The CEO, after listening quietly, pointed at my crude drawings.
“Maybe a mix, like the ‘Wise’ music video, or… what do you call it? Like a book, but three-dimensional…”
“A pop-up book?”
“Oh, yes! That’s it! I think that would be good.”
“Ooh, that sounds interesting.”
The CEO seemed to like the idea, nodding repeatedly as he continued reading the storyboard.
“I’ll have to contact Dark Ocean to check their schedule, but…”
Director Go Tae-seo from Dark Ocean, who directed the “DUO” music video…
I was excited, instinctively knowing that he would create something beyond my expectations.
“We can start production during ‘Wise’ promotions and have it ready by the end.”
The CEO said, checking our schedule.
“Can we start promoting ‘Footsteps’ right after ‘Wise’ ends?”
Eun-ji and I asked excitedly.
The CEO tapped his finger on the table.
Eun-ji, meanwhile, was bobbing her head to some rhythm in her head.
The CEO always emphasized the importance of rest.
Perhaps worried about us constantly wanting to work, he sighed and said,
“Since you’re going with the animation format, your schedule won’t be too hectic, so it should be fine.”
He thought for a moment, then made a decision.
“Let’s do it. Eun-ho finally wants to tell his story, so we should support him.”
“Huh?”
The CEO just smiled without further explanation.
Eun-ji, seemingly understanding his meaning, smiled brightly and nodded vigorously.
I, however, had no idea what he meant.
After discussing the details of the storyboard…
The CEO picked up the phone and dialed an extension.
“Bo-yeong, when you’re done with your current task, come to my office with Gi-hoon.”
After hanging up, he gave the two staff members who entered detailed instructions about contacting Dark Ocean and scheduling a meeting.
Perhaps because he had staff now…
‘His hairline started receding around this time…’
The CEO’s M-shaped forehead wasn’t as prominent as before the regression.
“Why?”
“Huh? Oh.”
He seemed to have noticed me staring at his hair.
“Nothing.”
“That’s strange.”
CEO, you’ll be half-bald later.
I couldn’t say that directly, it would sound like I was making fun of him.
…Just as I thought that…
“CEO.”
“Yes?”
“Your forehead seems to be getting wider. Hair loss can happen quickly, so you should eat a lot of black beans and seaweed.”
Eun-ji said.
‘Oh dear.’
At Eun-ji’s unexpected comment, I facepalmed, feeling like melting cheese.
Eun-ji, seeing my reaction, looked at me with a puzzled expression.
Bo-yeong and Gi-hoon, or whoever they were…
…were struggling to suppress their laughter, their eyes squeezed shut, their lips tightly pressed together.
The CEO, his face slightly red, yelled,
“Both of you, go home!”
“Hehe, okay.”
Eun-ji’s cheerful reply only seemed to annoy him further.
“Go home and get some sleep! You look like you pulled another all-nighter. If you show up at the radio station with dark circles down to your chins—”
Perhaps because she pressed the ‘hair loss’ button…
The CEO’s lecture mode was activated, and he started talking non-stop, his speed rivaling a rapper.
I felt bad for Bo-yeong and Gi-hoon, who were now subjected to the lecture along with us.
After about 5 minutes…
‘Lee Eun-ho.’
‘Yeah.’
‘Should we try it?’
‘Try what?’
‘The method the senior told us about.’
‘…Here?’
Just then, Eun-ji made a suggestion.
The tip Seo Seung-yeon gave us on how to escape the CEO’s lectures.
「“But don’t use it more than twice a week.”」
It was worth a try, as long as we followed the precautions.
‘On the count of three, we say it together.’
‘Okay.’
‘One.’
‘Two.’
Just as we mouthed “Three”…
“Wow! CEO!”
“You’re the best, CEO!”
Eun-ji and I yelled simultaneously, using our diaphragms.
“Wh— huh?”
As the senior predicted, the CEO was momentarily stunned, his lecture interrupted.
“We’ll go home as you said!”
“W-Wait.”
This was our only chance.
Eun-ji and I quickly bowed our heads and ran out of the office.
An awkward silence fell over the office after Eun-ho and Eun-ji left.
CEO Park, feeling a sense of déjà vu, stared at the door they ran out of.
‘Seo Seung-yeon, that brat—!’
He sighed deeply, as if he knew who was behind this.
“Hold on a second.”
Seo Seung-yeon, who was in the middle of a photoshoot, raised his hand and stopped.
“Why? Is there a problem?”
“Ugh, no. It’s just… my ear suddenly itches like crazy.”
“Haha. Is someone talking about you behind your back?”
Oh Hyun, watching Seo Seung-yeon scratch his ear, asked with a smile.
“No, why would anyone—?”
As the stylist hurriedly brought him a cotton swab, Seo Seung-yeon cleaned his ear and then retorted, finally feeling relieved.
Radio
—City Echoes, part 2. We have special guests today. Here’s a hint!
—‘Ah, this is… reality setting in.’ Does anyone know this song?
—Haha, as expected! Many of you seem to have guessed already. I’m actually a big fan.
—I’m so happy they’re here today, and they even brought a beautiful cake as a gift. I have a whole dessert buffet in front of me now. Chuckles
—Joining us for City Echoes, part 2, back with their new song ‘Wise’… E-UNG! The special sibling idols, E-UNG!
—Any questions for E-UNG, anything you want to say, send them in!
—#XXXX, short messages 50 won, long messages 100 won! You all know the drill, right?
—Then, we’ll be back with the lovely siblings, E-UNG, in part 2. City Echoes, echoing through the city.
Daegu Kkulkkulnae, the best grilled pork intestines, Star Pizza, a taste of heaven, Seoul’s best shopping, Reality Outlet, the feather-like comfort of Jumo’s Bed, and the ultimate driving experience, Gidae Motors.
The evening air had cooled down, and Eun-ho, feeling a bit chilly, wore a beige cardigan over his black slacks and short-sleeved white shirt.
Eun-ji, on the other hand, was wearing a comfortable outfit: a long, oversized black t-shirt that almost reached her knees and vintage-style denim shorts.
She was still wearing the moonstone necklace Seul-gi gave her during the uniform photoshoot.
Despite their simple, casual attire, they both had a captivating aura.
—We’ll be back with the lovely siblings, E-UNG, in part 2. City Echoes, echoing through the city.
While the host read the commercials, Eun-ho looked out the window and saw some familiar faces among the fans who often came to their offline events.
‘Lee Eun-ho! Lee Eun-ji!’
‘Oh my god! He saw us!’
‘Kyaaa!’
Eun-ho waved, and despite the thick window, he could almost hear their cheers.
‘What are you doing?’
Eun-ji, seeing Eun-ho smiling and looking out the window, mouthed the question, then turned to look.
Her face lit up as she recognized their E%, her eyes crinkling into a wide smile.
Her genuine smile seemed to amplify the fans’ cheers outside.
Then, as the commercial jingle started playing, Eun-ho and Eun-ji turned their attention back to the host.
“Hello, Senior. I’m Lee Eun-ho from E-UNG.”
“Hello! I’m Lee Eun-ji from E-UNG!”
Since the commercials were playing, it was a good time for small talk.
“Haha, oh my, how cute. We’ll do the official greetings later, after the commercials. Have a seat.”
The radio host, half-standing, gestured towards the seats across from her.
“Thank you so much for the cake! It’s delicious!”
“The CEO told us to bring a gift, so I chose something I thought you might like…”
“Oh my, really? You chose it yourself, Eun-ho?”
“Yes, haha.”
As Eun-ho chuckled, the host laughed and waved her hand.
“I was wondering how you knew I liked this! PD-nim, I’m taking this whole cake home, so no one touch it, okay?”
The PD made an OK sign, chuckling along with the host.
‘City Echoes.’
It was a radio show hosted by Son Seong-hee, a veteran actress in her mid-40s with 27 years of experience, famous for her distinct, addictive laugh.
‘Good thing her taste hasn’t changed.’
This was the same radio show where Eun-ji and I had the chance to perform “Some” before the regression.