Translator: Nox

Chapter 19

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Days passed before the meeting unfolded inside Time Entertainment’s central tower.

Hanwon stared at the CEO, confusion etched on his face. “Exactly what sort of journal project do you expect us to capture on camera?”

The executive grinned, savoring the moment he’d orchestrated from the start.

He leaned forward. “One focused on family life with kids. Why repeat yourself so often? Youth shouldn’t mean such short memory.”

Hanwon shot back without hesitation. “My recall’s fine—yours might be slipping. Lee Doha and Yewon haven’t signed on, yet you’re pushing ahead with this broadcast idea?”

Lee Doha shifted uncomfortably, his features twisting in reluctance as he voiced what he never imagined admitting.

Raising Yewon was a fresh commitment, and thrusting her into a family-rearing program felt far too intense right now. The pressure would crush her.

The CEO countered smoothly. Research showed Yewon once pursued acting. That suggested a natural pull toward the spotlight. She might welcome the chance.

Lee Doha’s expression turned rigid at those words.

Children often cheered at the idea of television without grasping the reality. Revealing painful home secrets could reopen deep wounds for her.

Money would silence any prying journalists, the CEO assured. Arrangements could seal every leak.

Absolute privacy never lasted in their world. Besides, Yewon’s striking features meant inevitable exposure if acting called her. Why not confront it young? Industry veterans knew raw truth always triumphed.

Her ambitions might shift with time, Lee Doha warned.

She’d seemed resolute, though. He’d chatted with her during Lee Doha’s brief absence and grew eager to nurture her talent.

Memories surfaced from their initial encounter. Alone with her then, he’d probed gently about past roles heard through whispers.

Blood ties held true power. Had those early scenes sparked joy?

The comment had been casual filler at first. Her brief part barely counted as experience—more like a hobby trial for most.

He’d dismissed it lightly in his mind. Simple fun, nothing profound.

Yet her response burned clear. She craved the craft now, tomorrow, even into adulthood.

The CEO let out a low whistle, jabbing a finger toward Lee Doha’s profile.

Fortunes flowed from such visuals in his career. Picture Yewon harnessing the same—pure windfall for everyone.

Their resemblance promised her success without question. No sharp agency head would overlook that potential.

He flashed a bold smirk. Pairing it with a GLEET family series guaranteed buzz and ratings gold. Perfect launch for a young performer. From her angle, that family tie was an unbeatable edge.

Lee Doha bristled. Framing a girl’s path around blood relations cheapened her.

Overly cautious, the CEO chuckled. Fine, he’d watch his words. Agreement reached? Time to reach Producer Hwang Jio.

Exposure remained off-limits for now, Lee Doha declared. Even if Yewon yearned for it, protectors guided minors toward caution. His stance stood firm: refusal.

He pivoted sharply and exited, conversation ended. Weon trailed close behind.

The CEO tracked their departure, eyes alight with calculation.

Playing hardball, were they?

He harbored strategies of his own.

Yewon emerged moments later, knuckles pressing weary lids.

Aromatic steam from simmering broth and steaming grains pulled her forward instinctively.

Cooking in an empty house? Curiosity propelled her steps despite the puzzle.

Weon stood at the stove—an astonishing sight—tending the pots.

Her gaze swept the space warily.

He wasn’t alone. CEO Park lounged nearby, nursing black brew behind his signature sharp frames.

Why show up at dawn like this?

Tension gripped her over his odd presence. She scanned for Lee Doha first.

Weon answered casually. “He ran out to fetch some for me.”

“Kimchi’s essential—who skips it at home? Lacks basic humanity. No true Korean space goes without.”

Outrageous remark about her uncle.

Weon stirred on. “Spicy tofu broth incoming. Eggs rolled crisp too.”

Him crafting those? Doubt flickered in her stare upward.

The scents rang genuine, at least.

Yewon eyed him steadily.

“Kid, drop the glare already! Family knows kitchen tricks. Truth is, I’m our crew’s sole master chef.”

She hadn’t voiced suspicion aloud.

Guilt softened her. A light tug on his leg came with her chuckle.

His pout dissolved into warmth.

“Adorable enough for one pass.”

“Park yourself easy, Yewon. Let Uncle Weon handle the heavy lifting.”

“Wait—I’m stuck with all that?”

“Who then? Me? Her? Abuse the old or the young—your call.”

Silenced, he focused on the pan, folding whites neatly.

CEO Park nodded toward the facing chair. “Take a seat here, Yewon.”

Audition vibes hung thick in the air.

She complied without protest, as Yeongeo urged.

He coughed lightly, awkward at soliciting a child.

“Uncle, need a hand with something?”

Shock widened Yeongeo’s view.

Her instincts cut too sharp.

Lee Doha’s boasts of her sharpness once seemed biased affection.

Her insight pierced straight. “Obvious—grown-ups summon kids for requests.”

He stifled amusement. She carried wisdom beyond years.

Resolve hardened within Yewon. Acting demanded agency backing.

Time Entertainment fit ideally—aware of her past, capable, reliable.

Strike now to join them.

“Hey, chief—lay off the shady deals solo with her. Wait for supervision.”

Weon cut in urgently, sensing backlash from Lee Doha brewing.

“No schemes here, fool. Guardianship? You’re present.”

“Hitched to Lee Doha makes you kin anyway.”

“Absurd! Cut that nonsense before it ruins prospects!”

“Hush. Yewon, hear this: prime gig landed for GLEET. Courtesy of PD Hwang Jio—”

Her prompt reply startled him.

“Maker of 【Goodbye, Mother】, 【Sweet My Buddy】, 【Flying Family】!”

Yeongeo’s jaw slackened as titles poured from her.