Chapter 137

“Did the meeting go well?”

Drama Department Director’s Office.

Director Ha Tae-oh, who had just sat down, asked PD Lee Min-hwa while looking at her. His expression was clearly one of dissatisfaction.

He could roughly guess what had happened at the meeting.

“I hear PD Baek Tae-soo promoted his drama quite a lot, didn’t he?”

“…”

Just “promoted,” was it?

PD Baek Tae-soo had essentially been forcing his drama into the prime time slot, no matter what.

The other PDs were already looking to PD Baek Tae-soo for cues which left PD Lee Min-hwa extremely frustrated.

Of course, *Sky Garden* was an ambitious drama for a public broadcaster. However, they had prepared thoroughly, and they’d certainly devised ways to overcome its weaknesses.

“Fortunately, nothing was decided on the spot, but I think we’ll likely have to share the slots.”

Monday-Tuesday dramas, Wednesday-Thursday dramas.

The probability of this kind of division was high, and even during the meeting, PD Baek Tae-soo had persistently tried to assign *Sky Garden* to an ambiguous time slot.

Naturally, PD Lee Min-hwa had opposed it, so it didn’t happen…

“Recently, PD Baek Tae-soo has been particularly forceful about these kinds of things.”

PD Lee Min-hwa sighed as she spoke. Seeing her like this, Ha Tae-oh quietly watched her.

Recently, PD Baek Tae-soo had become much more aggressive in asserting his own opinions compared to before. Previously, he had a tendency to carefully operate from behind the scenes.

The prime example being his relationship with writer Im Jin-ha. He had always preferred manipulating things from behind the scenes rather than putting himself out front.

But recently, his attitude had changed. He was more upfront, acting like a leader guiding the team.

Considering the existence of a Drama Department Director, his behavior could easily be seen as arrogant. For this reason, PD Lee Min-hwa had found yesterday’s events particularly perplexing.

Had this been the PD Baek Tae-soo of usual times, he might have at least publicly supported *Sky Garden,* chosen by Director Ha Tae-oh.

“Yesterday, Vice President Lee called me.”

“What?”

Then, Ha Tae-oh, who had been quietly listening, spoke.

He’d heard that Vice President Lee was absent for personal reasons, but could it be that he was summoned by the vice president?

“Apparently, there will be an organizational restructuring at KMB soon.”

Organizational restructuring?

It was surprising, but not impossible. While *Dream Future* had been doing well recently, until now, dramas from KMB hadn’t been performing well.

“There will be several changes, but… the biggest one involves the Drama Department.”

“Our Drama Department?”

“I’m not sure if ‘our’ applies here anymore.”

Ha Tae-oh recalled the story he heard yesterday. The vice president had a very serious look on his face.

It seemed there had been much opposition, but the president had forcefully pushed the matter through. Ha Tae-oh roughly guessed the reason.

To gain an advantage in the power struggle with the vice president.

“The Drama Department is going to split into Division 1 and Division 2.”

“Excuse me?!”

PD Lee Min-hwa gasped and quickly covered her mouth. Split the Drama Department into two parts?

Why?

“The president argues this is to enhance competitiveness.”

The president plans to split the Drama Department into two parts to make them compete with each other. He’s also expanding and empowering the Drama Department in preparation for upcoming OTT dramas.

Generally, that was the meaning.

“Could PD Baek Tae-soo’s recent front-lining be related to this?”

“It’s because PD Baek Tae-soo is the most likely candidate for the Director of Division 2.”

Originally, PD Baek Tae-soo was thought to be next in line to become Director of the Drama Department. His seniority matched Director Ha Tae-oh, and his performance had been solid.

However, he had to step back after his defeat by PD Ha Tae-oh.

“Surely, it can’t be…”

“I’m not certain, but it’s impossible to say this hasn’t influenced anything.”

The current president of KMB had a close association with PD Baek Tae-soo.

Seoul Baekcheon Arts University — their alumni connections were deeply interwoven.

PD Baek Tae-soo belonged to President Hwang Jung-hwan’s faction. Director Ha Tae-oh, on the other hand, was effectively aligned with the vice president’s faction.

Even though personally not interested in company politics, that’s how things somehow turned out.

“Would splitting the Drama Department really be a bad thing?”

“It doesn’t seem like it’ll produce good headlines, but in any case, we should prepare for various outcomes.”

Ha Tae-oh said this with a faint smile. Honestly, he also knew this situation wasn’t favorable.

It wasn’t because of PD Baek Tae-soo. The real issue was the loss of manpower that would occur as a result of the Drama Department’s division.

“You don’t need to worry about *Sky Garden.* After all, we can’t go into this fight already losing.”

PD Lee Min-hwa nodded in agreement at that.

‘So that’s why.’

Even with all hands on deck for *Sky Garden,* which already demanded maximum effort, PD Baek Tae-soo had been lending support to his drama. Not just Baek Tae-soo — any drama in his faction that was scheduled for production was receiving significant support.

Now, the reason was clear: to empower the new Division 2 of the Drama Department.

‘Even his attempt to seize the prime time slot.’

PD Lee Min-hwa gritted her teeth. Now that she understood the situation, she had no intention of losing.

Besides, she had immense confidence in her new drama, *Sky Garden.* Her confidence only grew stronger after seeing the drama reading.

‘Sooyeon Joo.’

She was often praised as having no real rival in her generation when it came to acting prowess. Typically, media critics are quite harsh when evaluating the acting skills of young actors.

Even famous actors known for their acting talent were heavily criticized during their youth — accused of mere physical acting or called disrespectful to the craft.

But Sooyeon was different.

‘Thinking about it, there are quite a few talented young actors these days.’

Notable examples included Seohui Cho and Jung-woo Park. Even with recent rising stars, about three names immediately came to mind.

Still, among them, Sooyeon Joo stood out the most. During the latest script reading for this drama, even seasoned actors in their forties showered Sooyeon with praise.

The only issue raised was…

“She doesn’t seem to have fully grasped her character yet.”

“If she does, her performance will definitely improve.”

That’s what some voices said. PD Lee Min-hwa hadn’t noticed this problem, but the actors seemed to have sensed it.

‘In any drama, the protagonist is the most crucial.’

Still, PD Lee wasn’t worried. With Sooyeon Joo, she was confident this issue would be swiftly overcome.

‘PD Baek Tae-soo.’

She had no intention of losing to that annoying individual.

Meanwhile, what was Sooyeon Joo, the key to *Sky Garden,* doing right now?

“Seoyeon, are you even listening…or not?”

“…”

Seoyeon was getting scolded by the class president, Gil Da-hyun.

***

There was one unavoidable challenge for every high school student. Even for Seoyeon Joo, this was a situation she couldn’t escape.

‘Test!!’

To be honest, Seoyeon hadn’t been very concerned about tests since entering high school. She’d generally just gone through the motions ever since then.

Her mother, Sua, only cared that she grew up healthy, so she’d never been particularly pressured. To her, tests were just a side issue in her life as an actor.

Still…

“Hmmph! Cough! Cough!”

“… Why are you laughing?”

“What? I didn’t offer this to make you laugh!”

Seoyeon’s test scores were confiscated by Young-bin along with his graphic card. But it got to the point where she developed a bit of pride in the matter.

“Among this semester’s exams, I’ll rank within the school’s top 30 students.”

Seoyeon told Jiyeon this. And Jiyeon’s reaction?

“Yeah, sure, Sooyeon. You can do it.”

She nodded her head with obvious effort, clearly thinking, “Here’s she’s rambling again.”

Seoyeon felt it was too much. Factually, her interest in this semester’s test wasn’t just because of Young-bin’s mockery; it was to immerse herself fully into her role as ‘Lee Yoo-joo’ in *Sky Garden*.

Plus, it was for managing her own image.

“That makes sense.”

Jiyeon commented with a serious expression.

“Once you’re in the drama, whether you like it or not, you’ll be a hot topic. Especially since your character ‘Lee Yoo-joo’ is one of the smartest students and an honor roll regular.”

Lee Yoo-joo not only had her brother’s portfolio but was also portrayed as a genius in her own right. In the drama, Yoo-joo was a monstrous character who had never let go of the top rank.

“Once your genius academic performance is highlighted in *Sky Garden*, you might find headlines like ‘The model student in Sky Garden failed to crack mock exams.'”

“Really?”

“One can’t say it won’t happen.”

The tenacity of journalists surpasses imagination. Especially when it comes to negative press, the scrutiny only intensifies.

“Moreover, competitors might even spread rumors.”

Jiyeon had been in the entertainment industry longer than Seoyeon. Having witnessed all kinds of situations, it was difficult to dismiss the possibility of such occurrences outright.

“Thus, giving a little attention to your performances won’t hurt, from an image management perspective.”

Soon, people from outside the school—even journalists—may start taking interest. Even within the school, people might start noticing her.

Surprisingly, Seoyeon was perceived by her schoolmates as someone who excelled academically.

Just by looks alone, she appeared extremely intelligent.

“There are such rumors in your class.”

“Rumors?”

“A gap in rankings where you’re mentioned.”

“…”

“The rumor has been spreading about who might occupy this gap.”

It was more like a campus legend.

With this comment from Jiyeon, Seoyeon was startled.

Class rankings were not public, and one had to ask around to know. However, there was one position that always remained conspicuously empty.

“Apparently, no one thinks it’s you.”

“It’s not me.”

“Alright, sure.”

Jiyeon didn’t believe Seoyeon, but Seoyeon felt wronged. She truly was not that bad in her previous life.

“Isn’t my memory only vivid for entertainment-related things?”

In her past life, Seoyeon had studied well. She had been close to getting into one of the top Seoul universities with her excellent grades.

Since she had those memories, she could achieve quite decent test scores without much effort, especially at Yeonhwa High School, which focused more on arts and sports rather than academics.

“Still, memories only last up to middle school. High school is all blurred.”

To be honest, she had skimmed over studying. Very much so.

Nevertheless, in this situation, Seoyeon decided to reclaim her honor.

“Me? I’m busy.”

“Huh?”

“Only a few days are left before the audition.”

“Oh.”

Besides, Jiyeon was a straight-A student. She had never ranked outside the top five in the entire school.

“Maybe Jiyeon should have been in *Sky Garden* instead.”

One of the rare entertainers who excelled academically. Despite this, Seoyeon hesitated to contact Soohee Jo. Her pride got in the way.

Moreover, Seoyeon was still a little upset about the Vtuber issue. She planned to remain sulky for a bit longer.

So, her choice became…

“Eh? Study?”

Gil Da-hyun blinked her eyes widely, staring at Seoyeon. Others nearby also held their breath and watched Seoyeon.

Sooyeon Joo!

An immensely popular student in the class.

Despite her popularity stemming mainly from her looks, she sat upright every day in her seat, completely engrossed.

An aloof figure due to the aura of a celebrity, which made it hard for anyone nearby to approach her easily. She looked so beautiful it was almost like a painting.

And then, this person suddenly spoke to Gil Da-hyun.

“What is it?”

Da-hyun looked bewildered. Seoyeon rarely spoke to her, after all.

Actually, after the “school festival,” Da-hyun had wanted to approach Seoyeon on many occasions. However, Seoyeon was too busy, so there hadn’t been much chance.

VARIETY SHOWS, DRAMAS, FILMS.

She juggled between all three consistently, leading to a drastic reduction in her attendance.

“Still, the principal seems to like it.”

These days at school, the principal’s favorite student was none other than Seoyeon. No matter where she appeared on screen, she proudly donned the school uniform.

“Exactly, what’s so great about the school uniform?”

Everywhere she appeared, she wore Yeonhwa High School’s uniform, naturally promoting the school.

Yeonhwa High School’s uniform became widely appreciated through her.

Yeonhwa Uniform is cute.

STFU.

Because Sooyeon wore it, it looks cute, fat bitches.

Shut up!

It was only natural for the rumors about Yeonhwa’s uniform being adorable to spread. Thanks to this, the number of students applying to Yeonhwa High School increased significantly this year.

“Hmm.”

Seoyeon hesitated for a moment but quickly nodded her head.

Among everyone in the cast of *Sky Garden*, the person whose image aligned most closely with Seoyeon’s was none other than Gil Da-hyun.

The epitome of a top student, perfectly crafted like an image. That was Gil Da-hyun.

“Would you like to study together?”

“Eh?”

At this sudden suggestion, Gil Da-hyun froze.

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