Chapter 200

"I'll leave this to you."

Taesik took the folder the Korean literature teacher gave him before looking back at his phone, there was a text window on it.

[Do you have time for a call? I am Lee Junmin.]

Lee Junmin, Taesik had heard of the name countless times. This was the person who took care of Geunsoo and Miso, a person who had immense power in the acting industry. Why would someone so influential be contacting him out of nowhere?

'Besides that, how'd he know my phone number?'

Right then, he got a phone call.

- Did you get a message from Senior Junmin?

"Literally just now. So you were the one who gave him my number?"

- Yup. Call him if you can. He wanted to consult you about the instructor situation.

"Instructor?"

As confused as he was, he still called Junmin. The instructor situation was definitely an issue, so any help was very welcome.

"Hello? Is this Mr. Lee Junmin?"

- Ah, I didn't expect you to call so fast. Yes. This is Lee Junmin. I heard a lot about you from Miso. I've been meaning to speak with you for quite some time. Didn't expect our first interaction to be over something like this.

"I'm curious about what Miso told you, but I would like to know why you called me first."

- I heard moments ago about how you had some troubles over finding an instructor. I was wondering if I could introduce someone to you.

"An instructor, to me?"

- Yes.

"Thank you for the offer, but..."

Taesik almost smiled gladly before realizing something critical. Would he even be able to afford an instructor with their current budget? The club budget was cut in half this year due to the decline in club members, trying to get more budget by arguing about the awards from last year didn't even do anything either.

"We don't have a very high budget. I think it'd be difficult."

- You needn't worry about something like that. I'll take care of all of the fees. I'll pay for all the other fees involved with the club as well.

"All of it?"

- Yes.

A very welcome offer yet again. It did make Taesik start wondering though. What did this person want from him? No one would throw away their money without good reason, even donations have strings attached. Why was someone so big in the industry particularly interested in this club?

"I'm sorry if I come off as rude, but may I know why? The offer is a welcome one, but I'd like to hear a reason before accepting it."

- Sounds like you might refuse depending on my answer.

"Again, I'm very thankful and gladly welcome the offer. But I can't accept money for no reason. I apologize."

Strictly speaking, Taesik didn't know Junmin. He'd only ever heard of the man from his acquaintances and there was no way he would take money from a stranger. Not that the money was a bad thing, but the intent behind that money was always important. Taesik refused to teach children without knowing where the money came from.

- Can't you turn a blind eye just this once?

"I'm sorry. I can't."

He was truly sad he had to respond like this, especially with what the other side’s offering. Besides that, he didn't even know how to face Miso after this.

After a few more seconds, Junmin finally responded.

- I occasionally wonder when I look at Geunsoo and Miso. Just who managed to tame people as wild as them? I can't judge someone purely off of first impressions, but I think I’ve got a decent understanding of what kind of a person you are.

Taesik could detect some enthusiasm behind that voice. He decided to keep listening for a few more seconds.

- The reason behind the money is very simple. Maru and Daemyung are under me. I don't skimp out on money when it comes to my investments. I'll be there to help them so long as they have the talent.

"Maru and Daemyung?"

- That's right. The person I'm planning on sending as an instructor is one of my own as well. I don't know what to make of her morals, but she's a talented actor at the very least.

Don't know what to make of her morals? It was an odd comment, but Taesik let it pass for now.

- You should be well aware of the passion of the people involved matter far more than the ability of the instructor when it comes to competitions. I heard Blue Sky took first place at the nationals when it was first created even without an instructor. Is that correct?

"Yes. It's an old story though."

- That's a relief. The person who I was planning on introducing never actually taught anyone in the past.

"Wouldn't that be a little troublesome? The nationals are a lot different now compared to the past."

- I'm aware that it's going to be troublesome. But I believe I should only invest in the people who can overcome troubles by themselves. The instructor I'm going to send is going to spark some trouble among the children, but they'll end up becoming great stepping stones for each other.

"You mean to say that they'll motivate each other?"

- Precisely. Flowers left to grow in the same environment all bloom the same. I think change is required for growth.

"Will it hurt the children...?"

- I always act with the worst possible outcome in mind. In this case, there is no such thing. Because there's a student who will never succ.u.mb to the pressure no matter what my instructor does. He should be able to take care of it.

"Sounds like you trust Maru quite a bit."

- Haha, I'm surprised you caught on so fast. It seems we’ve reached similar conclusions about him.

Taesik smiled slightly. For sure, Maru could handle the situation regardless of what happens. Maru was even better than him when it came down to dealing with people at times.

- I think I've explained enough at this point.

"Yes."

- So you accept my help now?

"As strange as it sounds, I'll accept the offer. Thank you."

- We should meet when we have the time. It's a hobby of mine to enjoy a meal with someone I like.

Taesik hung up before heading towards the clubroom. He slowly made his way up to the fourth floor before making a surprised face. He looked at the place where the club used to be. It was empty.

'I think they were supposed to meet today.'

Taesik tried calling Maru. It was 5:45pm. There was a high chance Maru was still somewhere on school grounds. After a few bleeps, Maru picked up the phone.

- Yes, teacher?

"Are you at school?"

- No, we just came out. We’re about to grab a bite to eat.

"I see."

- Why did you...

"Mr. Junmin called me just now."

- What?

"He told me he'd introduce a new instructor."

- A new instructor?

"That's right."

- So I take it that instructor Miso is too busy?

"That she is. He did say he was going to send someone with no experience though. Is that fine?"

- If it's him, I'm sure he has a reason. I'm not worried. I don't think it's going to be very easy though given his personality.

"Hahaha."

Taesik definitely didn't need to worry, judging from the relaxed voice.

"Alright, we can talk more about this later then. How are the new kids? Three freshmen and one sophomore?"

- Yes. They all have interesting personalities, so it'll be fun trying to handle them. April's going to be a busy month.

"It better be, if you want to win at the summer nationals. And... You need to get on stage too."

In the last nationals, Maru watched from the audience. He watched with a very calm face, but Taesik knew that wasn’t the case for him inside.

- That's right. We'll go for some expensive beef when we get first place this time.

Right then, Taesik heard the voices of the club members nearby.

- Senior! I like beef too!

- Pork for me!

Loud voices, foreign ones at that. It definitely felt like a new year. A lot of troublesome things happened till now, but this was a new start.

"Have fun."

- Of course.

"Don't drink too much."

- Who do you think we are, teacher? We're going to enjoy a few glasses of milk and juice, that's all.

"That only makes me want to tell you to be more careful."

Taesik smiled lightly as he took the phone off his ear.

* * *

"Alright, let's go back to Seoul now."

"Finally?"

Suyeon asked as she jumped up from her seat. A full month passed since she first came to this villa. She got used to life here, but she also missed the city life quite a bit. Moonjoong talked about going back at the perfect time.

“I think I got the gist of it.”

Moonjoong spoke as if he was still lacking something. Suyeon was flabbergasted, his skill right now seemed more than good enough to her.

“I got the general plot of my next work as well, so I think it’s fine.”

“Thanks for your hard work. You must’ve suffered a bit coming all the way here because of me.”

“Not at all. I learned a lot thanks to you. I’ve had a great time writing here as well.”

Suyeon pouted looking at Moonjoong and Gwak Joon conversing with each other.

“I worked hard too, teacher.”

“Of course, of course. You worked hard, Suyeon.”

“Hehe.”

Gwak Joon clicked his tongue and stepped upstairs, he was cold to Suyeon until the very end. At least she learned that his real name was Gwak Joon, that alone was a bit of an improvement.

“Why couldn’t he just tell me that was his real name? He’s so twisted.”

“I think he’s a polite person.”

“He just has a mask on in front of you. He’s a mean, mean person.”

Moonjoong laughed her words away. A lot of things took place here, but it was good that she came. She managed to regain some of her sanity after that massive disappointment over not gaining popularity in a drama. She learned what it meant to be an actor through Moonjoong and she enjoyed some intellectual conversations with Gwak Joon. The best part was that she managed to get a lot closer to Geunsoo with this.

“Suyeon.”

Junmin came into the house as he called out to her, she stepped towards the man with a curious look.

“Yes?”

“Take care of some kids for me.”

“...What?”

“How’s your schedule looking?”

It was a sudden question, but not one she couldn’t answer.

“Nothing until this movie starts shooting.”

“You didn’t even audition yet and you’re already worrying about it? Have you received any other offers for roles?”

“You should know that better than me.”

“Still nothing? Good. Then do it.”

“Do I look like I’ll take care of a bunch of kids just because you tell me to?”

“Want me to ask someone else?”

“Wait, no, I’ll do it. Jeez, so cold. Can’t you just ask nicely?”

“Ask nicely?”

Junmin slowly turned towards her with a glare, Suyeon immediately retracted her smile.

“Just a joke. A joke.”

She put her arm around Junmin’s as she spoke. Of course, the man immediately pushed himself away.

“Things will get busy for you once you get to Seoul. Since you’ve never done anything like this before.”

“It’s just taking care of kids. How hard can it be?”

“Teaching kids is a lot different from taking care of them.”

“What?”

“Get ready, we’re leaving.”