CRT Ch 10

As news of Yejun’s exclusive contract hit the headlines, interview requests flooded in. Offers for commercials, dramas, and films poured in as well. Even Asia showed interest in Yejun, allowing Songhyul to reap significant benefits. Yejun, though bewildered, couldn’t hide his excitement.

Despite the long-awaited news, Seok Ryu couldn’t fully rejoice. Several days had passed since his encounter with Cha Yilhyun at the theater. He had staked out the officetel, the company, and every path Cha Yilhyun frequented, attempting to persuade him multiple times, but all efforts failed.

Typically, when someone was swayed by Seok Ryu, their pupils dilated, and their mind grew hazy. In rare cases, some even fainted.

But Cha Yilhyun, far from fainting, engaged in staring contests with Seok Ryu. He even resorted to childish tactics, like pretending to poke Seok Ryu’s eyes, and won every time.

The most confounding part was Cha Yilhyun’s cryptic behavior. His gaze and actions toward Seok Ryu suggested he was swayed, but when passed to Yejun, he remained indifferent to him. Seok Ryu, facing such a target for the first time, fell into a panic.

Calling the workshop without a critical injury was taboo. Above all, Seok Ryu dreaded the possibility of his persuasion success rate being downgraded because of this. He didn’t want to endure such humiliation over one person, Cha Yilhyun.

There would be countless opportunities to persuade him in the future. No matter how sturdy a steel door, persistent knocking would eventually open it.

That morning, Manager Byun stormed into the officetel, apparently having heard about the incident with Jo Namheon, and berated them belatedly.

“Some guy who’s not even a manager causes trouble on the first day?! There are stalkers swarming outside—what if they saw you acting out? Their telephoto lenses and night vision gear are top-notch!”

Since Seok Ryu had delivered a persuaded Jo Namheon to Yejun, the issue wouldn’t escalate further. Even if it did, Director Kwak would handle it, as that was why Seok Ryu had offered him up.

The previous night, Jo Namheon had come to apologize, but Yejun was cold. Yejun usually embraced those who had slighted him once they became devotees, but Jo Namheon was an exception. It seemed Yejun’s resentment toward him would linger for quite a while.

Now a loyal vassal, Manager Byun glanced at Yejun through the rearview mirror, his eyes brimming with affection.

“I was a bit harsh yesterday, wasn’t I? I’ve been eating nothing but chicken breast to bulk up, so I’ve been on edge.”

“No, it’s fine! I’ll work hard to ensure your reputation stays spotless, Manager!”

“Look at how sweetly Yejun speaks! I’d strip to my underwear to get you a CF deal! A few places are already showing interest in you, you know?”

“Thank you! I’ll do my best!”

Yejun stood up in the backseat of the moving car to bow. Just days ago, he had been flustered by people’s sudden changes, but he was gradually adjusting. Manager Byun’s reputation as a manager was excellent. His well-timed flattery was perfect for Yejun, who lacked confidence.

People captivated by the garnet’s power initially found their drastic changes disorienting. But they dismissed it as a feeling and quickly adapted. In an era with little time for leisurely reflection, this was the ideal environment for Seok Ryu to showcase his skills.

Seated in the passenger seat, Seok Ryu lowered the window to escape Manager Byun’s cologne. Byun, humming a tune, suddenly glared at Seok Ryu.

“Hey, starting tomorrow, you drive! I get really sensitive when someone else is driving, so be careful.”

“No need to worry. I don’t have a driver’s license.”

“What?! Why are you telling me this now?!!”

Screech———!!

As the red light came on, Manager Byun slammed on the brakes.

💎

From the moment Yejun joined Songhyul, he had to tackle an intense schedule of acting lessons, language studies, and workouts.

Seok Ryu, too, had much to learn during his probationary period. He took on tasks he’d never encountered before, like washing Manager Byun’s BMW and delivering condolence money for directors’ family events. Riding the subway remained a challenge. He didn’t forget to persuade useful people whenever he had the chance.

Sitting on a hallway bench, Seok Ryu used Yejun’s phone to study the Green Tea and Macchiato webtoon. Only full-time employees could request company phones. Yejun had promised to buy Seok Ryu a phone once the contract payment came in.

The drama, starring Jo Namheon and Kim Jiyul, was a romance about a heroine who inherits a traditional teahouse and competes against a franchise coffee shop. The idea of Jo Namheon in a fresh romance made Seok Ryu eager to see what divine acting looked like.

Yejun’s role, Seunghyun, was a spoiled rich kid who had a one-sided crush on the heroine. Thanks to the webtoon’s popularity, fans’ expectations were sky-high.

Right after Yejun’s contract article was published, the PR team was overwhelmed with malicious comments and protest calls. The company’s atmosphere was divided, with most questioning Songhyul’s decision to choose Yejun.

Seok Ryu wanted to turn the thousands or tens of thousands of detractors into Yejun’s devotees. But meeting each one to lock eyes was necessary, and failing to persuade meant waiting for a reset and trying again, making it impossible in the short term.

Thus, Green Tea and Macchiato was an opportunity Seok Ryu couldn’t afford to miss.

Aspiring actors poured out after their class. Some were teary, others beaming. They reminded Seok Ryu of guardian stones fiercely competing to be chosen. The difference was that they sought the love of many, while a guardian stone craved the love of one.

Yejun emerged last, spotting Seok Ryu and hurrying over. When Seok Ryu handed him a water bottle, Yejun drank with a flushed face.

“My vocalization was totally off today, and the teacher chewed me out.”

The acting coach had trained stars like Yoon Inoh, Lee Taeon, and Jo Namheon. Seok Ryu immediately added her to the follower list. After succeeding on the second attempt, she was now devotedly supporting Yejun.

Her strictness didn’t mean she wasn’t loyal to Yejun. Even as devotees, people’s inherent traits remained, so they expressed loyalty in their own ways. Seok Ryu had worried Yejun would be worn down by the actors’ cliques, but he was adapting better than expected.

Yejun glanced at Seok Ryu while checking his phone.

“Have you learned anything about you’re doing with SNS? My followers are practically gone, so it’s pretty quiet.”

“I could post some famous quotes or poems to liven things up. I once served a great writer.”

“People find text-only posts boring. You need photos or videos.”

“I’ve served painters and photographers too. One even won a Pulitzer.”

“You’ll scare all my followers will run away.”

Just then, Manager Byun returned from a meeting.

“No other schedules today, so let’s head home.”

In the elevator, Manager Byun sighed repeatedly. His grim expression since the meeting felt ominous. Seok Ryu exchanged a glance with Yejun before asking, “Is there another problem with the contract?”

“What are you talking about? It’s definitely approved.”

“Then did Green Tea and Macchiato fall through?”

“No, it’s just… ugh.”

Seeing Yejun’s anxiety, Manager Byun fidgeted uncomfortably. As soon as they got in the car, he spoke hesitantly.

“If this leaks, we’re in big trouble… Hey, trainee! Blab about this anywhere, and you’re done!”

Manager Byun lit a cigarette, striking dramatic poses.

“Yejun, ever heard of the novel The Lake of the Gods?”

“No way! It’s so good I read it three times. But why…?”

Manager Byun paused, lowering his voice.

“Songhyul’s preparing to adapt The Lake of the Gods into a drama.”

“For real?!”

Yejun, startled by his own voice, quickly covered his mouth. His expression suggested something big was happening. Seok Ryu listened closely to Manager Byun.

“The lineup’s insane. Lee Taeon, Yoon Inoh, Jo Namheon, and director Choi Chansik!”

Yejun gasped, freezing.

“L-Lee Taeon too? Director Choi only does films—how…?”

“So, Choi demanded 500 billion won to turn down the drama. But our crazy CEO just paid it. Taeon’s Choi’s muse, so of course he joined.”

“That’s great, but why do you look…?”

“Actually, during today’s meeting, there was some tension between the CEO and Director Kwak over the Biryu role…”

“Biryu?”

Yejun’s eyes widened, unfamiliar with the name. Manager Byun continued.

“Inoh was initially considered for Biryu. He’s been vocal about wanting to play Biryu if The Lake of the Gods became a drama. Even in fan polls, Inoh won by a landslide, so everyone thought it’d be him.”

Manager Byun shook his head.

“The CEO opposed it, and it fell through.”

“He opposed Inoh?”

“When Inoh’s Biryu role got scrapped, he went ballistic, threatening to cancel all his commercials and dramas… ugh!”

Yejun lowered his dark eyes, a mix of confusion and joy in them. Seok Ryu tried to follow the conversation but couldn’t grasp it. What was The Lake of the Gods? Who was Biryu, and why were Yejun and Manager Byun so excited? Manager Byun glanced at Yejun, seeming to have more to say.

“Actually…”

Having started, Manager Byun hesitated, rubbing his jaw.

“During today’s meeting, Director Kwak pushed for you as Biryu.”

“Me?!”

Yejun’s emotions surged, then froze. Manager Byun shook his head.

“It got heated between the CEO and Director Kwak over this. Not Inoh, not you—they’ve auditioned thousands over three years, and they’re all no good. So who’s it gonna be?!”

Seok Ryu bit his lip. The loyalty sparked by the garnet was beyond ordinary comprehension. Cha Yilhyun’s dismissal of Yejun as an actor meant another failed persuasion attempt. Seok Ryu’s disappointment was indescribable.

Manager Byun comforted the dejected Yejun.

“Don’t take it too hard. The CEO’s obsessed with this drama—he founded the company for it.”

“Just being considered is more than I deserve. I’m not upset…”

Yejun forced a smile for Manager Byun. In that moment, Seok Ryu saw a seed of ambition sprout in his master’s eyes—a subtle, fervent spark only a guardian stone could detect.

Manager Byun started the car, lamenting, “But what’s the point of us getting our hopes up? Winsplay’s about to snatch the rights.”

💎

Manager Byun dropped Seok Ryu and Yejun at the officetel’s entrance before heading to a client’s mother’s 70th birthday celebration. As the black van drove off, Yejun spoke in an agitated voice.

“The drama Inoh mentioned was The Lake of the Gods! It’s not a project that’ll wrap in a year or two—can his black pearl hold out that long?”

“It’ll be tough to make it through this year.”

Even if Sanho’s body were restored miraculously, an incomplete origin stone couldn’t withstand the harsh bonding ritual. Not only a beautiful face but Yoon Inoh’s life itself was at risk.

Seok Ryu, itching with curiosity, asked, “What’s The Lake of the Gods? And who’s Biryu…?”

“It’s a massively famous fantasy novel—an epic saga of the kings of Songhyul, Chammae, and Boramae, three continents. Biryu is a vassal of Chammae’s king, a devastatingly charming man who captivates everyone, with fierce loyalty to his lord. Despite being a supporting character, he has a fan club. Hardcore fans even bought land to build Biryu’s tomb and hold memorial rites.”

“Why would they…?”

“That’s how popular he is. When Biryu killed himself, fans went wild, saying they’d die too. If it weren’t for that jerk Munyul, he’d have lived…”

Seok Ryu still couldn’t follow, but something extraordinary was clearly unfolding. Yejun continued, his expression darkening.

“If even Inoh got rejected, the Biryu casting will be brutal.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll deal with CEO Cha Yilhyun as soon as possible.”

“It’s not like you can control the success rate.”

Yejun’s words weren’t heartfelt, yet his effort to stay upbeat filled Seok Ryu with gratitude. But if Cha Yilhyun kept blocking their path, Seok Ryu’s abilities would face judgment. Whether his master would show mercy then was uncertain.

The realization that he’d been mistaken again brought not just defiance but despair. Why wasn’t it working? Could there be some kind of immunity? But Seok Ryu had never heard of such a thing from Heewan or seen it in research.

It was too early to give up. If he couldn’t persuade Cha Yilhyun directly, there were other routes. He’d heard the rights to The Lake of the Gods had gone to a company called Winsplay. Cha Yilhyun’s reckless pursuit despite this suggested he was out of his mind, determined to make the drama no matter what.

Even with the contract approved, Cha Yilhyun’s whims made it impossible to relax. This could be the perfect chance to turn their sluggish progress around in one fell swoop.

“I need to meet the writer.”

💎

Manager Byun gave Seok Ryu the address of Writer Isaac’s apartment, coincidentally in the same building as Yoon Inoh’s. Standing before the writer’s door, Seok Ryu mentally rehearsed. Yejun, trembling with anxiety, said, “If this gets back to the CEO, we’re done for!”

“That’s why we must persuade the writer. For now, I’ll focus on getting this door open.”

Seok Ryu positioned Yejun out of the intercom’s view. If things went south with the writer, Yejun could get caught in the crossfire. It was time to apply the experience and know-how Seok Ryu had gained serving a great writer.

He lightly pressed the doorbell. Writers often feared knocks, so a doorbell was safer for breaking the ice. As expected, there was no response. The writer was likely peeking through the intercom, waiting for the visitor to leave.

Pressing the bell repeatedly could feel aggressive, so Seok Ryu waited until the writer might retreat to their room before ringing again. Soon, a tense voice came through the intercom.

—Who is it?

“I’m from downstairs. You’ve been stomping around too loudly since yesterday—don’t you think it’s a bit much?”

Claiming to be a gas inspector would be easily debunked by the management office.

—I’ve been sleeping the whole time. It’s not me, so check somewhere else.

“If you’re skeptical, I can play the recording. With the police.”

—…

Fearful types were wary of escalation. The goal was to get the writer outside the door. The rest could be figured out after persuasion. After a while, the door lock clicked. The writer, with the safety chain on, peered through the crack.

“It’s really not me… Show me the recording.”

Seok Ryu seized the moment, locking eyes with the writer. Seeing his dilated pupils and slack mouth, Seok Ryu tested the waters, as the effect seemed slightly off.

“May I come in for a moment?”

The writer’s eyes darted behind his glasses before he slammed the door. Moments later, it reopened. Seok Ryu signaled Yejun, hidden behind the door, and stepped inside.

“I don’t usually let just anyone in…”

Writer Isaac was tall and lanky. The living room, shrouded in blackout curtains, felt timeless. The calendar was two years old. Scattered puzzle pieces lay unfinished on one side of the sparse room.

This initial moment was critical. Asking about the decor or the writer’s health could make them feel judged, closing their heart. No matter what followed, the wall wouldn’t come down. This type required extreme delicacy, regardless of the garnet’s effect.

Planning a drama without securing the rights, as Cha Yilhyun was doing, was beyond reason. But the writer was even more baffling. Songhyul’s financial strength and production quality were clearly superior, so why sell the rights to an inferior company like Winsplay? They must have made an extraordinary offer.

“Please, have a seat.”

At Seok Ryu’s invitation, Isaac sat hesitantly at the dining table.

“Is there really a recording? I hardly walk around…”

If Seok Ryu could secure the rights, even Cha Yilhyun would have to acknowledge him. Of course, the hero fulfilling the CEO’s dream would be Yejun. Every moment tested a guardian stone’s worth. The first step to placing the Biryu role in his master’s arms had begun.

💎

Left alone, Yejun snapped a photo of the writer’s apartment for proof. Crouching in the hallway, he fiddled with his phone. Since Seok Ryu hadn’t been kicked out yet, they’d likely cleared the first hurdle.

Ignorance was one thing, but hearing his name floated for Biryu sent his blood racing. It consumed his thoughts. But his rival was Inoh.

Inoh dominated as “Asia’s most beautiful face.” If he topped the virtual Biryu casting poll, the public’s choice was clear.

That Cha Yilhyun rejected even Inoh was astonishing. Equally surprising was his resistance to Seok Ryu’s influence. A sly smile crept onto Yejun’s face. Suddenly, he wanted to be recognized not as a guardian stone’s miracle but as himself.

Then, the elevator dinged, and footsteps approached. As the sensor light flicked on, Yejun’s heart nearly stopped. Cha Yilhyun and Director Kwak, accompanied by Secretary Yang, were walking down the hall. Yang, despite his large frame, followed with small steps.

“The writer seems really upset. What if he doesn’t open the door today either?”

Yejun leapt up, panicking. Caught between fleeing and staying, Director Kwak spotted him first.

“What are you doing here?”

Yejun froze, bowing deeply. He hadn’t dreamed these people would show up now.

Cha Yilhyun strode over, pressing the doorbell repeatedly. Getting no response, he tapped the door with long fingers. His face was breathtaking from every angle. He glanced briefly at Yejun, his expression ambiguous—either not recognizing him or pretending not to. Whether from fear of being caught or something else, Yejun’s heart pounded uncontrollably. He hadn’t deleted Cha Yilhyun’s photos from his phone. Facing Director Kwak’s scrutiny, Yejun stammered, “I-I came to see Inoh…”

“Yoon Inoh’s in the next building. Park Yejun, speak clearly.”

Cold sweat trickled down Yejun’s back under Director Kwak’s interrogation. Should he confess to meeting the writer and risk a scolding? But if Seok Ryu failed to win the writer’s heart, Yejun would bear the brunt.

“S-Sorry!!”

Yejun backed away and bolted.