Chapter 67

Of course, a fixer is merely someone who solves problems on behalf of others. Not someone who sets up an entertainment agency to debut a lost little lamb as an idol.

Thus, what started with a light-hearted “Let’s just give it a shot!” kind of atmosphere had no choice but to turn into a rather long strategy meeting.

No matter how captivating Aisha’s unusual appearance might be, objectively speaking, her resume was nothing more than that of an unpopular idol who quit after only three months.

Moreover, starting over as a trainee at this point wasn’t feasible since she was already in her early 20s—quite old for an idol.

In short, no matter how you looked at it, the best option now wasn’t to invest time conventionally but to take a risky gamble that could bring big returns.

“How about a TV program? Like an idol competition where she can rise to stardom in one go! Honestly, with Aisha’s overwhelming face, first place is practically guaranteed!”

“I think using the internet aggressively would be better. We can create a viral marketing sensation to tempt agencies into headhunting her. Companies generally prefer recruiting people who are already proven.”

“But… considering what happened with Kodeoria, wouldn’t it be safer to join a reliable company? If we rush her debut again, there’s no guarantee something similar won’t happen…”

These opinions from Alice, David, and the manager respectively reflected each of their personalities.

First, Alice suggested entering an idol competition program where abilities could shine through—a reflection of her upright nature that valued honesty and integrity.

On the other hand, David proposed internet-based promotional strategies like viral or noise marketing—showcasing his preference for fast and efficient methods, even if they were somewhat extreme, as long as they weren’t illegal.

Lastly, the manager, whose presence here was questionable, advocated for starting anew with a safe agency. It seemed he believed the safest path was the quickest, given the bad experience with Kodeoria.

While quietly observing the manager, Alice suddenly spoke.

“By the way, mister, are you even allowed to be here? Didn’t they say anything on your side? Are you a traitor?”

“N-no! I completely quit when I left earlier! I’m fully on Aisha’s side now! Please believe me!”

“Alice, forgive him once. I trust our manager now, unlike before. He won’t do anything strange this time, right?”

“T-that’s right! Of course not!”

“…But if you quit as a manager, shouldn’t we stop calling you ‘manager’ now?”

As Alice glared daggers and the manager pleaded earnestly, Aisha lightly laughed and defended the manager.

Even if he made mistakes in the past, if he sincerely regrets them and tries to make amends, isn’t that enough? She exuded the magnanimity of a wise elder.

While David muttered to himself, puzzled by the trio,

Raven sighed lightly and summarized the discussion.

“Hmm, I don’t think those Kodeoria folks will just sit back and watch her debut peacefully. They’ll probably interfere somehow, whether it’s through a TV program or the internet.”

“That’s…”

“Indeed, that possibility seems quite high.”

There’s no law stating that troublemakers won’t repeat their antics. Moreover, now that they’ve parted ways, thinking they’d let Aisha debut smoothly is… rather optimistic.

And while competition shows are susceptible to manipulation and interference from higher-ups, viral marketing could backfire severely once exposed, making it less than ideal.

So, how could Aisha become an idol without facing interference from Kodeoria? The Fixer Office once again fell into deep contemplation.

‘It’s tough. At this point, Kodeoria is among the top three companies in the industry. Even with a fixer, escaping their influence solely through individual power is nearly impossible.’

Huh? If Kodeoria is one of the top three, why not just go to one of the other two competing companies?

Well, that’s easier said than done. Given the conflict with Kodeoria, unless Aisha’s success is guaranteed, the other companies will hesitate to take her in.

And besides, if becoming an idol were so easy, everyone would be scrambling to become trainees at big companies. There’s no such thing as an easy job in this world.

Thinking this to myself, I munched on some snacks I had pulled out from somewhere.

Still, a conclusion should come soon. No need to worry too much.

Just then, Raven opened his mouth as if recalling something forgotten, stroking his chin.

“Hmm. So essentially, we just need to avoid interference from those Kodeoria folks. Right?”

“But either way, their influence is too great; it won’t be easy.”

“Hmph, no matter how influential they are, they can’t reach everywhere.”

For example? Curious gazes turned toward Raven.

Everyone wondered where in this industry could escape Kodeoria’s grasp when he confidently spoke.

“I know an idol fixer. Let’s leave it to them.”

An idol fixer? Alice, who had been in Night Haven for less than a year, tilted her head, confused by this combination.

However, in contrast, Aisha and her manager instinctively covered their mouths, shocked.

They clearly hadn’t expected Raven, not particularly famous among fixers, to have connections with an idol fixer.

Amidst all the surprise and questions, I nibbled on a chocolate ring, eyes sparkling quietly.

An idol fixer, huh? That person from the original work, right? This is getting interesting!

Feeling my heart race purely, I enjoyed this situation to the fullest.

*

By the time the sun had set, Night Haven’s night was illuminated only by neon signs.

Having moved to a tall building downtown, we met the idol fixer.

She was a cute girl with striking purple twin-tails reminiscent of red grapes.

Her sharp, upturned eyes and mischievous face brimming with playful teasing.

Her apparent age seemed around middle school to high school.

Not just her face, but her adorable clothes naturally drew attention—a dazzling star full of charm!

The one and only idol fixer in Night Haven, Rurika, smiled sweetly and spoke.

“Dropping by unannounced at this hour, which country’s etiquette is this? Could it be the aftereffects of having a bullet lodged in your forehead still linger?”

Whooosh.

An icy chill settled over the office, like being stabbed with an icicle dagger.

Upon closer inspection, while Rurika’s lips curved into a smile, her eyes remained cold and expressionless.

How terrifying can a cute face get?!

Perhaps due to her vivid display of displeasure at the sudden visit,

Alice, trembling with fear, clung tightly to me.

At such close proximity, the usual heaviness at the back of my head felt even more pronounced.

However, Raven appeared unfazed by Rurika’s menacing words, casually picking his ear with his pinky as he calmly responded.

“You said I could come anytime. Remember crying and saying that when we disbanded?”

“B-baka! That was just emotional talk! You think I meant it?! Idiot! Die!”

Rurika flushed red and lunged at Raven with a kick.

Even looking like a cute middle schooler, a fixer is still a fixer.

The power and speed behind her attack sent shivers down anyone’s spine.

But Raven, seemingly accustomed to such attacks, casually sidestepped Rurika’s kick with ease.

“Die! Die! If you’re coming, do it faster next time! Damn crow bastard! Just because you’re a senior!”

“Ah, sorry, sorry. You looked busy. I can’t just visit someone on TV without a reason, you know.”

“Ugh! Geez… Just come over, why would I chase you out!”

Rurika flailed punches and kicks at Raven, creating explosive sounds in the air.

Eventually, exhausted and panting, she plopped down, finally feeling relieved.

Wait, so just throwing fists around like that works?

As I marveled anew at human potential, Aisha, dazed and watching the scene unfold, cautiously asked Raven.

“Uh, excuse me… What exactly is your relationship…?”

“Hmm? Well… Let’s say we were once in the same group. To be precise, I was this kid’s senior.”

“Pant, pant… That’s, like, ancient history from ten years ago.”

It seemed Aisha was quite taken aback by how close Raven and Rurika appeared to be.

I would have been surprised too in her position.

Rurika was among the upper tier of Triple Fixers and a living legend counted on one hand as an idol.

Yet the fixer we randomly picked due to lack of funds had a senior-junior relationship with her?

How could anyone not be surprised? Understandable, totally understandable.

But as they conversed, perhaps she regained enough composure.

Wiping the sweat from her forehead, Rurika turned to Raven and asked.

“So, why the sudden visit? Did you come to show off your lover? She’s pretty cute.”

“M-me? Ah, no!”

“Oh, then maybe that one over there? Oh my, that one’s cute too. Is that a kimono? Very stylish.”

“Eh? No! It’s not like that! Why would I be with Mr. Jin!”

“Eh? Ah, sorry. I’m a bit slow with these things. You really hate it, huh….”

After poking fun at Aisha and Alice, Rurika scratched her cheek awkwardly as they both vehemently denied any such relationship.

Poor Raven got rejected twice after confessing zero times.

He briefly pressed his forehead, then shrugged it off with a nonchalant expression and spoke.

“Never mind that. Actually, I came to ask a favor. Here’s the gist…”

Raven succinctly explained everything to her.

From Aisha being stalked and seeking help, to the stalker turning out to be the head of the office managing her.

And though she cut ties and returned to her original self, Aisha still couldn’t give up on her idol dream.

But worried about Kodeoria’s schemes, they sought her help in finding a good solution.

After hearing everything, Rurika… responded with a disinterested expression.

“Yeah, I get it. So, why me?”

I understand the story, but why should I bother getting involved?

She displayed an extremely cold attitude, as if saying just that.

In a way, it was understandable.

Sure, Aisha is pitiable, and Kodeoria is despicable…

But that doesn’t mean we should extend a helping hand.

As both an idol and a businesswoman, she made a rational judgment devoid of emotion.

However, Raven, expecting this reaction, gestured for Aisha to come closer.

As Aisha hesitantly approached, he pointed to her face with his finger, as if to say, take a look yourself.

“Well, what… Hmm, what should I say. I… uh, no, sigh…”

Glance, glance.

Perhaps Aisha’s face was even more breathtaking up close.

Each time Rurika glanced at her, she faltered involuntarily, stuttering.

Seeing Rurika already halfway convinced, Raven told Aisha to try what she did before.

What she did before?

Aisha tilted her head momentarily, then nodded as if it were no big deal. Clearing her throat, she shouted:

“Listen up, you brats! If there’s anyone bothering you, tell this beautiful older sister everything! I’ll crush every single one of their heads! Got it!”

“Phahaha! Ahaha! Gwahahaha!”

Rurika collapsed on the spot.

The stark contrast between Aisha’s pitiable demeanor and her sudden rough, gravelly voice left her utterly bewildered.

Hadn’t she been fuming just moments ago? Now she was rolling on the floor clutching her stomach?

David and Alice exchanged glances.

This might actually work.

Finally, a green light appeared amidst the sea of red signals ahead.

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