The Sacred Manager Life - Chapter 100

"Ranked 24th."

Chairman Park Beom-jun tapped his desk with his fingers while staring at the monitor.

"It's climbed from 51st at chart entry to this point," said Team Leader Yoon Sang-ho, sitting on the sofa.

"Will it go higher?"

"It’ll likely break into the top 20, but pushing further might be tough. The ones ranked above are all heavyweights—Red Blossom can’t compete with their popularity or fandom power."

"Still impressive."

"If their second album hadn’t flopped, a No. 1 would’ve been guaranteed… They fought hard, but the outcome was a tad disappointing."

"Don’t you think that’s too harsh?"

"Those reverse-charting acts last year? Even after topping the charts and winning nine music show trophies, they only shone for a few months. Right now, Red Blossom can’t even reach that level."

"For now, you mean?"

"Yeah, for now."

Park Beom-jun leaned back in his chair.

"You lost the bet, Team Leader."

"Yeah, I only called the chart entry. The ranking doesn’t matter. Now that they’ve come this far, I just want to see them finish strong."

"Missing that one big hit, that one punch."

"Not sure about a punch, but Juwon has connections willing to help."

"Who?"

"KBC’s Variety Bureau Chief Jang Tae-ho. We have an acquaintance, so I called. Appearing on talk shows or as variety guests would boost their exposure."

"And?"

"He said they were already preparing a spot—told me not to worry about Red Blossom."

"A variety bureau chief? How does he know Red Blossom?"

"Probably not the group—might know Juwon instead. Praised him like crazy, calling him a great guy."

"Wait, this punk Juwon was talking about gangsters earlier, and now a variety chief?"

"I asked how he knew Juwon, but he just laughed it off. Didn’t push further."

"Is Juwon some chaebol heir sneaking into the industry to learn the ropes?"

"Honestly, I’m starting to suspect the same. Unbelievable."

As he spoke, Yoon Sang-ho scrolled through the comments under Butterfly.

—Low-key addictive. Will be humming this for a while.

—Watch it with the MV. It’s a must.

—Why did it take so long for talents like this to shine?

—Flunked two albums only to rise like a phoenix.

—TF was Fine Ent. even doing to let them rot as nugus?

"That punk Juwon kept leading us around like a yo-yo."

Achoo!

His nose tingled.

‘Someone talking about me?’

‘Do the powers of prophecy react beforehand to warn about disasters? Like some superhero.’

[Hasn’t happened yet. Why would they ask someone who can’t even handle himself to save humanity?]

Burned.

‘Then why show me that accident…’

His phone rang.

The caller was PD Hyun Jeong-il from Music Bank.

"Yes, PD-nim."

"Juwon-ssi, are you free to talk?"

"Yes, go ahead."

His tone suggested good news.

Music show confirmed—so, variety next?

"Loved the showcase footage. Just deliver that same energy on stage. We’ll make you look amazing."

"We’d appreciate that. Sounds like you called with good news—variety, maybe?"

"Damn, you’re sharp. I actually called to check Red Blossom’s schedule."

Actors aren’t the only ones promoting on shows.

Singers and idols guest on talk/variety shows to promote albums too.

"Our schedule’s free until Music Bank next week. What’s the show?"

"Street Song—a busking program."

Busk—?

The accident from the prophecy flashed in his mind.

Seemed random then, but it all connected now.

"A junior PD’s project. Their guest suddenly bailed, so they asked me—thought of Sera and Jeong-a."

Summer and Chie handle dance, Lina raps, Sera and Jeong-a are vocals.

Sera’s voice, especially, is too unique to waste as a nugus.

"It’s promo during Red Blossom’s activities. There’s talk segments—I’ll ask them to prep scripts. Thoughts?"

"Sounds good. When’s filming?"

A last-minute fill-in meant shooting in two days.

After scheduling with the PD, he reported back.

Though ratings weren’t high, its calm music focus had a loyal fanbase.

Only skilled singers appeared—perfect to showcase Sera and Jeong-a.

[Not even trying to avoid disasters now?]

‘You said forcing it isn’t the answer. Facing things head-on worked best. Same applies here, right?’

[If you say so. Still, be careful—it’s a disaster.]

‘You’ll protect me. Why worry?’

[Even I have limits.]

KBC Media Center —

"I’m Jang Yoon-joo. Heard a lot about you from my senior."

"Red Blossom’s manager, Shin Juwon. Pleasure."

PD Jang Yoon-joo moved from education to variety for her passion.

She envisioned blending soothing music with storytelling—hence Street Song.

"Most guests skew older, but we cater to teens/20s too. Talented idols occasionally appear—Sera-ssi’s voice stood out instantly."

PD Hyun had shared the showcase footage—Sera and Jeong-a caught her eye.

"Pick your songs or choose from our list. The concept is impromptu performances—raw skill matters."

Many artists gained traction through word-of-mouth here.

"Nice. Outdoor shooting since it’s busking?"

"Yeah. Cheonggyecheon this time."

Ah.

Now he knew why the prophecy showed him that accident.

The crash site—a bridge above, performers below.

No formal stage, just casual busking.

‘The accident happens during Street Song filming.’

[Prophecy only shows futures tied to you—possibly if you don’t intervene.]

Large-scale casualties.

Even if unrelated, he’d have investigated. Thankfully, it involved him.

After briefing the team leader, he headed to the dorm.

"Wondered what variety show it was—busking suits us."

Sera’s introverted, variety’s daunting; Jeong-a’s a rookie to broadcasts.

"No chatter-heavy shows—can’t let immature Lina go."

"Who’s immature?!"

Lina, Red Blossom’s variety ace, flared up.

"Either way, rapping’s your thing. Rap there, and you’ll look like a clown."

"Ugh…"

"My first variety…first variety…"

Jeong-a’s excitement made him wonder if she’d handle it well.

Filming Day —

The concept—capturing impromptu busking—meant prepping ASAP after arrival.

After greetings, he checked evacuation routes.

The disaster required quick crowd evacuation—escape paths were vital.

‘Four-lane road above, guardrails—speeding’s unlikely at the intersection…’

The structure seemed accident-proof, but he’d seen the future.

He secured stairway access leading directly below.

As setup ended, crowds gathered.

From his vantage point, he monitored traffic at the intersection.

Cameras and drones buzzed, filming the audience.

Showtime—the MC introduced the performers.

Each greeted warmly, the crowd cheering back.

Sera, second act, briefly introduced her song and played the keyboard.

A seasonal ballad’s intro flowed softly.

Gasps erupted as her vocals began.

‘Irreplaceable...’

Her unique tone, polished melody, and lingering rhythm enchanted.

The crowd gaped at her high notes; some teared up by the melancholic finale.

The roaring applause left Sera flustered.

Phones came out—many searching her name.

Future Red Blossom fans, no doubt.

Clapping behind them, he suddenly noticed—

‘There.’

A truck swerved violently after colliding with a signal-jumping sedan.

No need to see more—disaster imminent.

He vaulted the railing, barging into the performance area.

The MC panicked at his sudden appearance.

Grabbing the mic, he yelled—

"The bridge is collapsing! Evacuate NOW!"

Confused hesitation—he kicked a speaker, the deafening crack spurring screams.

"MOVE! BACK NOW!"

Chaos erupted as he bellowed.

The truck’s cargo spilled—this place would be rubble.

He shoved everyone outward.

A grinding screech—the overturned truck skidded closer.

Debris rained down.

Thankfully, most fled in time.

‘I can’t stay either.’

Sprinting toward the crowd, he slipped on scattered cables.

‘Ah, damn—’

Mid-air, then—

Thud.

Face-first, breath knocked out.

‘Should've moved faster.’