“The sales have risen slightly compared to last week.”
“Huh, so the ad actually had some effect after all.”
Ad Division Team Leader Kwak Hyun-woo sighed in relief.
It wasn’t unwarranted, since he’d momentarily wondered if sponsoring *Sky Garden* had been a mistake.
“I was genuinely startled when I heard the first night ratings hit six percent.”
“Yeah, but it rebounded the next day, right?”
The ad team members exchanged those kinds of conversations with uplifted smiles.
After all…
‘Recent sales for Aids have risen quite a bit recently.’
In truth, Aids’ sales had increased significantly.
Oddly enough, the reason was the “Joo Seo-yeon Challenge” effect.
A number of exercise YouTubers had featured Aids chairs, drawing more attention from potential users.
Specifically…
“The chair feels sturdy, I really like it.”
“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure how it feels sitting on it, but the back support feels solid, which is nice!”
Reviews of that nature piled up.
Before the launch of the new product, the ‘sturdy chair’ notion had already taken root.
This solidified an image improvement that couldn’t be easily bought with money.
Up until now, Aids’ durability hadn’t exactly been renowned.
“Will *Sky Garden* really take off? The sales have gone up, so I guess this far is okay.”
Hearing Kim Assistant’s words, Kwak Hyun-woo nodded.
Such is the nature of human greed.
The sales have already risen significantly, and with them, a slight boost from *Sky Garden*. This was already more than enough to achieve Aids’ annual target.
Sponsoring *Sky Garden* might be questionable, but choosing Joo Seo-yeon as the ad model for Aids was a choice without regrets.
“It’ll do well.”
Kwak Hyun-woo said it confidently.
He had good reason—words Seo-yeon had spoken during the ad shoot.
“The ad would do better airing when the fourth episode of *Sky Garden* premieres.”
Seo-yeon had stopped Kwak Hyun-woo who was rushing to release the ad immediately.
When asked why…
“I looked at the script, and starting from the fourth episode, it seemed like it would start improving.”
Episode 4.
Since two episodes had aired this week, it meant to start next Thursday.
As it stands, *Sky Garden* has twenty episodes total. So, starting at the fourth episode would mark slightly past the beginning.
Though it felt a bit ambiguous.
‘Really, will it turn out well like she said?’
Even with these doubts, Seo-yeon’s words felt surprisingly trustworthy.
There was a magnetic charm in her words, making them ring true.
That must be her charisma.
“By the way, didn’t the rival drama on KMB air its third episode yesterday? How was it?”
“Oh.”
At Kwak’s words, the expressions of the other employees turned hesitant.
In their position, they hoped the Monday-Tuesday drama *Grand Game* wouldn’t do too well.
Because if it didn’t, the ratings of the drama they sponsored, *Sky Garden*, would skyrocket.
“Extremely well-received.”
Kim Assistant replied calmly and showed Kwak his phone.
[The *Grand Game* has shattered records again! Ratings at 15%.]
[This quarter’s KMB drama is showing a fearsome rise. The Grand Game is moving towards the highest ratings of the year.]
[Will it beat this year’s highest-rated drama *Dream Future*]
Fifteen percent.
That was five percent higher than *Sky Garden* which achieved a 10% rating at its second episode.
***
“Congratulations, Miss Mi-eun.”
“This is good news all around. Thanks to all of you.”
The set for *Grand Game* was buzzing with positive atmosphere because of its impressive 15% rating.
“Honestly, when I heard about the second episode’s ratings for *Sky Garden*, I was shocked, but at this point, we have nothing to worry about.”
“Right, there’s no way it will get higher than this.”
“It seems all viewers were drawn to the second episode out of curiosity. The content’s unique.”
Such conversations were overheard among other actors on the set.
While cordially conversing with those around her, Ko Mi-eun smiled inwardly.
‘We’re winning.’
Upon reviewing the script, it seemed there wouldn’t be any major hiccups until episode six.
The only sticking point was…
‘There’s a distinct absence of romance.’
When she asked the director about it…
“Ah, don’t worry. They’re discussing it upstairs.”
“Discussing it?”
Ko Mi-eun unintentionally questioned, quickly covering her mouth, realizing her query could be misconstrued as dissatisfaction with the director.
It seemed they were contemplating adding romance to the script, which, of course, Mi-eun thought was a given.
“Commercial dramas ultimately cater to the public’s preferences. How many quality dramas failed because they didn’t cater to the audience’s tastes?”
‘It looks like the writer’s causing trouble again.’
But wasn’t the writer behind *Grand Game* considered a star?
“Apparently, it isn’t the writer, but PD Mr. Baek seems reluctant. He’s being persuaded though.”
“PD Baek Tae-soo?”
“Yes. He seems hesitant but perhaps because *Sky Garden* has been doing well, he’s considering leaving out the romance angle.”
But the director gently patted Ko Mi-eun’s shoulder as if to reassure her.
“It’s true that inserting romance wrongly could ruin the artistic merit, but I’m not a fan either. However, the current script is excellent, so no need to worry excessively.”
The director grinned broadly and lightly patted Ko Mi-eun’s shoulder again—like saying, “Just keep going like this.”
‘If the director is this confident, there must be no major issues with the script.’
Then her victory was sealed.
She had no intention of losing to Joo Seo-yeon who was filming that peculiar drama, *Sky Garden*.
Even *Dream Future*, the biggest hit of the year, would be surpassed, and this year would be hers.
With such fiery determination…
Just as Ko Mi-eun was burning with motivation…
“I’m wearing a mask.”
“A mask?”
“The mask and costume I’ll use on *Masked Singer*.”
Seo-yeon was busily preparing to join a brand-new variety show.
*Masked Singer* was a program where contestants wore masks and competed musically.
With this setup, preparation was indeed extensive.
Only now, weeks after deciding to participate, had the airing date been finalized.
“Isn’t it too much to appear on a variety show while filming a drama?”
“Not at all. The exposure on variety shows actually benefits the drama.”
“Yeah, but…”
Surprisingly, the PD had proposed it.
To Ji-yeon, who hadn’t personally experienced such things and found filming dramas sufficiently draining, it was a baffling move.
‘Especially when she’s always making her broadcast appearances on schedule.’
Certainly, Seo-yeon knew exactly what Ji-yeon thought.
But, unlike Seo-yeon, Ji-yeon didn’t appear on variety shows. In actuality, she worked tirelessly as “Ramiel,” a virtual YouTuber.
It seemed like she had fewer days off, and her content was consistently robust, leaving Ji-yeon wondering how she consistently produced such quality content.
‘If only she’d tone down those collabs.’
There was one line Seo-yeon couldn’t bring herself to send via the streaming platform Super Chat as it might’ve caused a misunderstanding.
A magician.
Yes, even understanding how magicians operate made sense now since Seo-yeon was also gaining much from *Masked Singer*.
‘However…’
Recently, someone else had started appearing alongside Ramiel.
As before, the magic user had been crucial in Ramiel’s debut, this time Ramiel was helping a new character in her debut.
The concept was essentially a villainous noblewoman character adorned with cat ears.
Oddly outdated cat ears, but their portrayal of acting was incredibly striking.
There were, indeed, a number of cat-eared noblewomen characters among the VTubers, and although this meant more RP was required, the new character was excellent.
‘There’s something eerily familiar about her voice…’
Who could it be?
Seo-yeon was genuinely curious.
Regardless of her dissatisfaction, finding it interesting enough to throw around 200,000 won via a Super Chat.
“Tch, this measly amount doesn’t even register for me.”
She dismissed the chat abruptly. Seo-yeon’s Super Chat was a fleeting occurrence.
Who could it possibly be?
Was it for the purpose of making money?
Or was she satisfied solely with the broadcasting revenue?
Though, apparently, there was a plan to reopen the chat but with limits on the amount of donations.
‘No way to ask.’
Seo-yeon furtively glanced at Ji-yeon while pondering. But this wasn’t a question she’d answer.
She’d likely stick to her obstinacy.
After all, Ji-yeon knew Seo-yeon well.
“Still, don’t you think you’ve got conflicting schedules with ‘Ashen Crow’?”
“Yeah, most probably from next week onwards.”
“Seriously?”
Ji-yeon was astonished by Seo-yeon’s statement.
If true, it was possible Seo-yeon would face the ultimate king of *Masked Singer*, Ashen Crow, in his final battle.
Generally, after defending the throne approximately six times, the reigning king could choose to either unveil their face or keep it hidden.
Given the timing, if Seo-yeon won all her matches in *Masked Singer*, she’d be facing Ashen Crow in the final king’s battle.
‘Undoubtedly, Ashen Crow…’
Ji-yeon knew who Ashen Crow was.
Because she’s been a devoted fan, the final match was putting Ji-yeon in a dilemma. Whom should she support—Seo-yeon or Ashen Crow?
Honestly, she preferred supporting Ashen Crow.
But…
‘She’ll definitely get upset if I say that.’
Ashen Crow’s fandom aside, Seo-yeon would definitely get offended. She’d probably spam weird cat emojis, similar to how she did with PD Joo Seohui.
Then she’d probably keep going ‘hmmph!’ through all their meetings. Such annoying attitude.
“Still, have you decided on a song?”
“Song? Oh, Na-hee helped me.”
Seo-yeon’s opening song for the first episode would be from *Summer Girl*.
It sort of served as a token of respect from Seo-yeon.
Given that Na-hee might only stay with Ho Yeon Entertainment this year, she would definitely also perform with *Summer Girl*.
‘She should definitely be brought over to Nova Entertainment.’
Cha Na-hee was exceptionally talented in more ways than one.
As an idol, and as an actress, her current skills were commendable.
She was far too valuable to remain at Ho Yeon Entertainment, so Seo-yeon wanted to bring her over.
“Then, what’s the next song?”
“None particularly prepared.”
“What?”
Taken aback by Ji-yeon’s reaction with a “what?” Seo-yeon had nothing more to say.
Because…
“There’s no way I can advance past the first round.”
Even though her singing skills had improved to a commendable level, it wasn’t enough to win her matches in *Masked Singer*.
Regardless, her theme songs had gained significant attention from experts.
“Besides, failing to unmask wouldn’t be ideal.”
“That’s right.”
Seo-yeon participated in the variety show mainly for the promotion of her drama.
Thus, not unmasking would also create issues.
There’d be a risk of missing the right timing, and reaching the final King’s Match?
That was far-fetched.
After all, from Seo-yeon’s perspective, Ashen Crow’s standard was on a different level.
“Therefore, one song will suffice.”
Seo-yeon was confident.
Precisely one week from now.
***
“Again, Ashen Crow decorates the victory in the king’s battle.”
“Wow, already three times, huh!”
“If this keeps going well, we might have a new owner of the Hall of Fame after a long time, right?”
As the host and panelists conversed, Ashen Crow took his seat on the throne.
Frankly, such talk didn’t interest him.
Ashen Crow.
Truth be told, Yeo-hee was lost in her own thoughts.
‘Yesterday I met Joo Young-bin.’
‘Urgh!’
As she was downing a beer, Yeo-hee nearly knocked everything over and collapsed.
On the pretext of seeing each other after a long time, she had gone with the idea that he’d treat her to some free meat, only to hear him say something unexpected.
“Hey, hey, how’ve you been?”
“I guess.”
“Guess, what does that mean?”
At Yeo-hee’s reply, his narrowed eyes pierced into hers.
No matter how often she saw him, his expression was always as insufferable.
Like looking at others as mere commodities. Eyes devoid of any emotion.
She used to think so, but now she realized it was just the way he looked at people.
‘He must be worrying about something work-related. Let’s talk about it a bit later.’
The young man smirked as he said this.
In reality, his mood was good, which made him smile.
‘This time, I gave him tickets for *Masked Singer*.’
“Right, now, didn’t GH Group sponsor *Masked Singer*? … But why?”
Could it be, since Seo-yeon was participating, he was orchestrating a staged reunion?
That Young-bin boy.
Always thorough, once connected to Sua, he simply took her along and moved from the provinces to Seoul.
And yet, it was commendable that she tracked him down. More commendable, though, was the fact that they hadn’t properly exchanged messages for twenty years.
“It’s not because of you.”
Saying this, he didn’t elaborate further on the matter.
Even talking this much was a special treatment.
Afterward, Yeo-hee had been pondering the reason ever since.
‘Could it be?’
And now, she finally understood the reason.
‘Not really?’
The only reason Young-bin could have for giving her the tickets was one.
Because a family member was participating in *Masked Singer*.
And among Young-bin’s family, there was only one person fitting the bill.
Joo Seo-yeon.
The actress currently making waves as the one singing the theme song for *Sky Garden*.
Just as Yeo-hee had anticipated.
Next week…
“Alright, so the name is… Man-Lap Rabbit!! Hmm, pretty cool, huh? Can you give us a quick introduction?”
As the Man-Lap Rabbit proudly flexed his shoulders at the cool comment, Ashen Crow nearly slipped off the throne right then and there.
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")