“Our profit distribution rate is not that bad… We don’t distribute profits if the break-even point is below a certain level. The debt just keeps piling up. Other companies do this too.”

“Haha, let’s hear it out. How much do you want?”

The CEO calmed down quickly and burst into laughter. I also laughed as I replied.

“70-30.”

“For such a bold statement, you’re quite timid. I’ll think about it. If the company has 70%, other companies also have…”

What were you talking about?

“No, I meant I want 70%.”

As soon as I said that, everyone immediately fell silent. An oppressive hush filled the CEO’s office.

The CEO then removed his glasses and peered with squinted eyes.

“Hoyun.”

“Yes.”

“Are you… joking with me right now?”

“No, I’m not.”

“S-Seo Hoyun!”

The manager hastily tugged at my arm.

Manager, you should be protecting the artist in this situation. Why were you doing this? I suppose he had to say something since his salary came from the company.

“You seem very eager to get that one song, but the initial investment was quite challenging, Hoyun.”

I know. In fact, the company may lack competence, but they should be respectful towards profit distribution and the artists.

It’s also true that the group, which had been active for a year since their debut, was not disbanded immediately despite their lack of potential. More precisely, they were simply neglected.

“You don’t know if that one song will make you guys successful… It has to go viral.”

“Yes.”

“Unfortunately, there’s no member in The Dawn with that level of public recognition. Jiwon… was a trainee at a major agency before, so he might have connections, but you don’t do you?”

He spoke softly yet bluntly.

It was a valid point.

If I wasn’t here, it would have been a valid point.

It was time to speak up.

The CEO smiled awkwardly as if he had interpreted my silence as something meaningful.

“I’ll think more about the settlement. Don’t be too pessimistic for now….”

“CEO!”

Suddenly, someone who looked like a staff member rushed into the office. The CEO frowned at the staff member’s flustered appearance.

“Why are all the kids like this today?”

“Sorry, sorry. But it’s urgent… Oh! Seo Hoyun coincidentally is here too!”

“Coincidentally?”

Perfect timing.

I smiled and nodded. The staff member recognized me. The cue had arrived.

The staff member glanced at me with an expression I couldn’t discern – whether it was resentment or something else – and quickly said, “The company’s phone lines are down.”

“What?”

“Why?”

The manager appeared baffled. It was a small company, but they didn’t have any actors famous enough for their phones to be overwhelmed so suddenly.

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