The Sacred Manager Life - Chapter 80

‘Is divine protection different from a gift?’

[Divine protection is about shielding someone. If a gift is power, divine protection is a shield.]

‘Then, she’s being protected by someone.’

[Yes. Judging by the color, she’s under Esther’s protection.]

‘Esther?’

[She was the queen of Persia. Despite being a foreigner, she won the king’s love due to her beauty. Though she faced countless enemies in the palace, she remained faithful to God and saved her chosen people—a true heroine.]

She’s a figure from scriptures, famously known for the verse, "If I perish, I perish."

[Under Esther’s protection, evil spirits like Satan cannot take hold. It’s like wearing spiritual armor.]

‘So, like Director Jang Tae-ho, the spirit of suicide can’t linger around her.’

[Exactly.]

The possibilities had expanded.

I’d assumed the girl group member I saw in the prophetic vision was her.

The fact that she caught my eye in reality meant she was someone I needed to save.

So, I simply thought preventing her suicide would be enough.

[Divine protection stops the spirit of suicide from taking root, but it doesn’t prevent suicide itself. Humans can still end their own lives through free will, even without a spirit influencing them.]

Back to square one.

[That girl might be in greater danger because of her divine protection.]

‘Why?’

[Esther’s nature is sacrifice. Since she’s under that protection, the girl must also have a strong sacrificial spirit. If someone nearby faces danger, she won’t stand idly by. Like Esther, she’d be willing to die if necessary.]

‘Meaning she might recklessly charge into danger.’

[You at least have a gift, but she doesn’t. If the situation exceeds what she can handle, obviously, it’ll be dangerous.]

‘It’s impressive she’s made it this far unscathed.’

[Looking at her past, she hasn’t faced major hardships—just things like yielding her share or taking punishment for friends. But this time will be different. If it’s beyond her ability, your prophetic gift must have shown her to you so you could save her.]

This must be the timing where my gift is needed.

Which means that girl is in real danger.

Whether it’s suicide or some other threat.

I needed to know who she was, so I searched for Honey Pop’s members.

The girl with the yellow aura was their leader, Seo Yu-na.

At 20, she was the oldest member.

Next was a 19-year-old who’d just graduated high school, and the other two were minors.

To Yeoreumi, they’d just be “a bunch of kids”—a very young girl group.

True to Esther’s “beautiful appearance” protection, Seo Yu-na had striking visuals.

But there was another captivating quality about her.

—There’s no way to describe it other than her oozing sex appeal.
—If I met her, I’d probably lose it on the spot lol.
—Crazy btch.
—If she were born 1,000 years ago, her looks would’ve ruined nations.
—If I were king, I’d never let her out of my arms.
—How can someone’s face be that provocative?

There was even a long analytical comment, likely from someone who studied physiognomy.

—Her rounded, crescent-shaped eyebrows suggest pleasurable texture. Her upturned eyes and clear, lake-like pupils have a magnetic allure. Large, ripe-red earlobes make her enticing. Her nose has a glossy bridge, enhancing satisfaction, and her full, vertically-lined lips indicate heightened sensitivity. In short, Yu-na is a once-in-a-generation seductress.

These reactions under her fancam weren’t surprising once I watched her perform—her drowsy, sultry gaze and sensual waves made it obvious why fans hyped her up.

‘She is spicy.’

No wonder that perverted congressman had his eye on her.

“I’ve decided to go to Actor Team 2. Don’t worry—it’s not like I’ve given up on bringing Juwon-ssi in as a manager.”

I wasn’t worried.

I was on the phone with Min A-young.

She’d signed with the company and joined Actor Team 2.

Since Cha So-yeon was in Actor Team 1, they likely placed A-young in Team 2.

“Juwon-ssi said he can’t join yet because of Red Blossom, so I stepped aside. It’s for Yeoreumi, so he doesn’t need to thank me.”

I never thanked you in the first place.

“The organization is undergoing major changes soon anyway, so we’ll meet eventually. I know you’re disappointed we’re not on the same team, but it’ll be resolved.”

Again, never said I was disappointed.

“Did the director mention anything?”

“I only heard things are changing. I don’t know the details.”

Why would the director discuss company restructuring with an actor?

Shouldn’t the employees be informed first?

The director summoned me.

If it were company business, he’d go through the team leader—calling me personally meant he had something to say.

“We’re dissolving Team 5.”

“You’re breaking your promise!”

I hadn’t meant to raise my voice.

After going through all that to save Red Blossom, now he’s shutting us down?

“Let me finish. It’s not like before you joined.”

Then say so from the start.

“We’re restructuring the entire company. Simplifying, we’re shifting from a team-based to a label-based system. Our internal teams have grown too large, so we’re spinning labels off externally.”

With artists being assigned teams individually, excluding core departments like A&R, planning, HR, and PR, there were already over 10 internal teams.

“We’ll either create new labels or acquire small agencies to expand. Overseas, Universal and Warner Music Group operate this way—GJ ENM does domestically.”

“So, you’re planning to turn Team 5 into a label?”

“Exactly. Team 5 will be our pilot project—the company’s first label.”

“If this is about restructuring, why involve me instead of Team Leader Park…?”

“Because this label is for you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Red Blossom and A-young will be under it. Red Blossom speaks for itself, and A-young might as well be your recruit. I’m giving you a label—run it.”

So that’s why he told Min A-young first.

Once the restructuring happens, she’d naturally end up under my label.

“But how is this label for me? Isn’t this just company restructuring?”

There’s no free lunch.

Going as far as handing me a label means he expects something in return.

“Remember the bet we made?”

“Yes—Red Blossom’s successful comeback.”

“The comeback date isn’t set yet, but given the current momentum, it’s as good as a success. With Team Leader Baek’s dedication, the album and stage are in good hands, and the tracks are solid. They landed a variety show at the right time and smoothed things over with the Music Bank PD. At this point, Red Blossom’s comeback failing would be harder than succeeding.”

True.

So far, it feels like the universe itself is backing their comeback.

“This restructuring is crucial for the company’s survival. People lump us with the Big 4, but let’s be real—we’re just trailing behind the Big 3. Without a killing blow, we’ll never surpass them.”

The director spoke with rare sincerity.

“That’s why I’m making you the starting point. The way you pulled Red Blossom up from nothing proves you’re perfect for this pilot project.”

Basically, he’s telling me to grow the label just like Red Blossom—no matter how unorthodox.

Rescuing people ended up working in my favor, but he wouldn’t know that.

“Unlike HQ, there isn’t a polished system in place yet, so you’ll be starting from scratch. But if you handle things like you did with Red Blossom, growth will come much faster. You can’t stay a road manager forever.”

[It’s good to climb higher. It helps when saving others.]

‘That so?’

[Joseph, Daniel, and Esther—those who reached power’s pinnacle wielded it justly. Like them, you’ve been chosen. Grow your strength. The world bows to the powerful. While most exploit it for selfish gain, you’ll be the world’s light and salt—the higher you rise, the more people you can save.]

Regardless of whether I deserve it, power does mean saving more lives.

A road manager and an executive operate on entirely different levels.

“You won’t be completely starting from scratch. We’re scouting suitable agencies to acquire. Even a startup label can’t launch with just two artists.”

They have artists but lack funding—so they’ll expand by absorbing smaller companies.

Listening to him, I recalled the scene from my prophetic gift where we spoke.

“Have you already decided which agency to acquire?”

“We’ve shortlisted a few. Why the interest?”

“Yes. With Red Blossom, trusting my gut worked out well. Since you’re handing me the label, I’d like to try that again.”

Anyone else would get shot down, but with my track record, he wouldn’t dismiss my input.

“Not a bad idea.”

As expected, the director took the bait.

He showed me a report from the planning team—Milky Way Entertainment was on the list.

I pretended to deliberate before pointing it out.

“Milky Way?”

"Yeah. They have a girl group called Honey Pop—I got a good vibe from them. Plus, Kai just moved over from SN."

"Hmm, I see..."

The director frowned, lost in thought.

He seemed conflicted about trusting my instincts.

I waited patiently.

"...The planning team will handle financials and operations. You scope out the people. Acquisitions don’t mean keeping every employee."

"Yes, Director."

And just like that, I set the stage for Milky Way Entertainment.