The Sacred Manager Life - Chapter 98
As the team leader said, the media showcase was surprisingly calm.
Since only journalists and industry insiders were present, it was somewhat expected.
The only moment photographers reacted like fans was during the photo time.
“Their visuals are flawless, huh?”
“They’re totally different from when they were on variety shows. How did these girls ever flop?”
“Doesn’t Jung-ah have such a likable vibe? She’s exactly the type guys would adore.”
“Both new members are great. Where did they even find kids like this?”
The girls, dressed in dazzling butterfly-themed outfits, fit the stage perfectly.
Yeoreum, perhaps relieved by the kiss beforehand, remained poised and relaxed throughout.
Lina, with her top-tier sociability, shone effortlessly during the talk segment.
Sera’s unique vocal tone and powerful voice tore through the stage as the main vocalist.
Chie, fluent in Korean, even dropped some proverbs during the talk time.
Jung-ah’s performance, despite initial concerns, was flawless—she followed every cue meticulously.
The music video, previously available only as a teaser on MU Tube, was unveiled for the first time.
The dramatic journey of the five butterflies and the girls on the big screen left everyone speechless.
“Wow, that was seriously…”
A few journalists sat frozen, their hands hovering over keyboards, eyes glued to the screen.
The MC, a former announcer, introduced the members with witty remarks, and they performed two songs—one at the start and one at the end.
After the performance, the reaction was so subdued it was almost awkward.
A few people lifted their hands to clap but quickly lowered them after sensing the mood.
Only the sound of camera flashes and typing keyboards filled the air.
“Told you, right? At least they’re diligently snapping pics and writing. The articles will drop fast—check SNS trends soon.”
Cheers and applause are for fans—right now, the sound of shutters and furious typing is more welcome.
The event continued with a talk segment, stage photo time, and ended with Q&A.
“As you mentioned, it was a situation where we weren’t sure if we could make a comeback…”
Some journalists, possibly aware of the comeback story, asked them to share details about their meeting with me.
Others inquired about the interview footage or the relationship between me and Cha Soyeon.
The members poured their hearts into answering these questions, advocating for my and Cha Soyeon’s sincerity.
Yeoreum, especially, praised me fervently, like a priest speaking for the divine.
“If it weren’t for our manager-nim, we wouldn’t be standing here today.”
“When we argued about changing dorms, remember what he said…?”
“He rushed to Busan to find those bastards the moment he heard Sera was missing.”
“When I first saw Jung-ah, I wondered if this would work—but in the end, manager-nim was right.”
Stories previously untold to the press surfaced, and Q&A stretched longer than expected.
Still, everyone left satisfied, saying they got plenty of good material.
The showcase wrapped up with prize giveaways and promotional handouts.
“Hmm~ The scent of the stage. Nothing compares.”
“Wasn’t the reaction too dead? I got spooked earlier.”
“They’re here to write articles, not cheer. Think of them as judges.”
Back in the waiting room, the girls were busy dissecting the showcase’s vibe.
Though the evening slot remained, this was already a successful start.
I handed out drinks and snacks while praising them.
“You killed it. I watched from the front—the journalists were mesmerized, just not clapping. We’ll monitor the articles and comments, so don’t check reactions until you’re back at the dorm. Got it?”
““Yes.””
I headed to the parking lot to fetch some luggage.
A shiny new van, recently acquired, welcomed me.
Roomy enough for five with space to spare.
Now this feels like a real girl group.
As I opened the door to grab a box, it suddenly shut behind me.
Turning, I found Yeoreum grinning cheekily.
“Kiss time~”
She pulled me toward the seat.
“What if someone sees? We might get caught.”
“Ah, the journalists are all gone. With tinted windows, no one even knows we’re here.”
Her eyes, brimming with desire, locked onto mine.
“The kiss this morning wore off. Refuel me so I can crush the evening performance. You’ll do that, right?”
She climbed onto my lap.
That dawn kiss must’ve awakened something primal in her.
Her face wasn’t that of an innocent idol but a woman starved for love.
“Haah… Manager-nim…”
She clung to me, pressing her lips against mine.
Channeling all the energy from the showcase into me.
Today, I’ll gladly be her charger.
The fan showcase kicked off at the same venue at 8 p.m.
Having done it once, the girls looked far more relaxed than in the morning.
“Noona, why are you so hyped up now?”
“Manager-nim gave me something tasty.”
“What? Oppa gave you something? Why not me?”
“Ahaha.”
Yeoreum could only deflect with laughter.
Not her usual energy.
Performance days require caution.
Unlike the morning, the crowd was here to enjoy the show—so the vibe was electrifying.
Since the showcase was livestreamed on MU Tube, photo bans weren’t enforced.
Few DSLRs, but smartphone flashes erupted from everywhere.
Cheers and applause sent the idols soaring—praise moves even whales to dance.
Revved up, the girls practically shredded the stage, feeding off the audience’s energy.
The flow mirrored the media showcase, with bonus segments for fans—mini-games, random chats, and gifts.
When encore requests flooded in, they performed Love Connect, their only hit.
Yeoreum’s revamped choreography stole the spotlight effortlessly.
An hour and a half later, the fan showcase wrapped triumphantly.
The reception?
Of course, it was stellar.
—Fine Ent should reflect on burying these girls for 2 years
—Already joined the fan cafe. My foresight strikes again
—Butterfly is fire. Listen to it. I said it twice
—Drop the full MV already
—Jung-ah got me acting up
—This btch at it again
—When’s the audio drop?
Back at the dorm, the girls scrolled through comments, rolling on the floor laughing.
With mostly positive feedback, I relaxed too and linked favorable posts via SNS.
“Rest well tonight. We’ll discuss music shows tomorrow at the office.”
““Okay.””
Like earlier, Yeoreum followed me to the parking lot.
“I need a recharge to sleep soundly.”
She opened the car door and climbed in first.
Tonight’s final task: a kiss recharge.
Ryu Yeoreum posted a few photos in the group chat.
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(Photo)
(Photo)
(Photo)
Successful_Yeoreum: The showcase went great. I think we’ll nail this comeback.
No.1_Soyeon: Congrats. Tell the girls they did well. Juwon must’ve worked hard too.
Gwangmyeong_Ayoung: Unnie never forgets to mention Juwon-ssi.
No.1_Soyeon: Obviously. My man ran around all day—he deserves praise.
Gwangmyeong_Ayoung: Anyone here who doesn’t claim Juwon-ssi as theirs?
No.1_Soyeon: Good point.
Honey_Yuna: Sorry, just saw this. Congrats, unnie! Watched the stream and read all the comments.
Successful_Yeoreum: Thanks. Now that we’re family, let’s hang out more.
Honey_Yuna: Yay~ (enthusiastic emoji)
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After the chat, Ryu Yeoreum called Cha Soyeon.
Video call.
“You don’t look happy just because the showcase went well. Something better happen?”
“How’d you know?”
“I’m quick on these things. Juwon-ssi related, right?”
“Yeah…”
“You kissed him properly, huh?”
“Does it show on my face?”
“Wasn’t that your ultimate goal? Waiting for it more than the comeback?”
“Hehe, true.”
“So, how was it?”
Yeoreum recounted everything—from dawn to night—with unfiltered glee.
No, she bragged, embellishing details.
“When he touched my waist, I nearly lost it. Honestly… I wanted him to go higher, but he didn’t.”
“Juwon-ssi has his limits. Even if excited, he’d stop at the waist.”
“I’d have let him. Saw him holding back… missed opportunity.”
“Should’ve guided his hands up.”
“I chickened out…”
“No wonder it ended at kissing.”
“You haven’t even kissed him yet!”
“I’ll combine my first kiss and first time. After the waist and chest… you know what’s next. I’ll share my impressions afterward.”
“No need. He said after our dawn kiss, ‘Come back after tasting Soyeon.’ He keeps his promises.”
“Oh? He said that? Then, wanna do it together?”
“Huh?”
“Easier than him running back and forth. Sora unnie and Eugene unnie did it that way—Sora first, Eugene after.”
“Ah, uh… that’s…”
“Think about it. I’d consider sharing with you.”
The moment Shin Juwon’s name comes up, Cha Soyeon’s brakes disappear.