Cheat day

Hongdangmu Entertainment

I met PD Park Sang-cheol from the WTV Entertainment Department through Cha Ji-chan’s introduction.

He is tall and thin with a friendly demeanor, giving him a neighborhood uncle vibe, but he is an amazing person who has succeeded in all the works he has directed.

“Say hello.” PD Park Sang-cheol.”

Cha Ji-chan suggested that I greet Baek Woo-jin.

Hello. It’s for side dishes.

Hello. This is Baek Woo-jin.

“Thank you for taking the time despite being busy.” This is Park Sang-cheol.

That’s right. I’m super busy, but I made time because you said it was PD Park Sang-cheol.

I was startled and turned my head.

Baek Woo-jin was smiling calmly and cheerfully.

Park Sang-cheol burst into a pleasant laugh.

“It’s an honor.” “Alright, please go in.”

Unusually, we sat around and started our meal at a dongtae-tang restaurant with separate rooms.

It is said to be the favorite regular spot of PD Park Sang-cheol.

“Today, I don’t have any particular reason; I just really enjoyed the discussions you two have been having lately.” Ji-chan said we were close, so I asked if we could have a meal together.

It means not to feel burdened.

Today, it also means not to bring up work-related topics.

I nodded moderately and checked the status of the pollack soup.

Radish, tofu, green onion, and pollack are roughly included, but if you look closely, they are very delicate.

By adding plenty of pollock entrails and roe, the broth inevitably has a deep flavor, and since no gochujang is used, the broth is clear.

When I came in, I noticed there were many customers, so the ingredient turnover will be smooth, and naturally, the stock will stay fresh.

It’s not normal.

To gain my final confidence, I picked up a piece of diced radish and ate it.

Jujiseung said that winter radishes are delicious, and indeed, they have a crunchy texture and the seasoning is slightly sweet.

The kkakdugi is delicious, so this place is definitely a good restaurant.

“You’re busier than I am, PD.”

Baek Woo-jin opened his mouth.

“Isn’t it too precious a time just to have a meal together?”

It seems that PD Park Sang-cheol was momentarily at a loss for words due to Baek Woo-jin’s audacious attitude.

The lively atmosphere outside and the mood in this room have become quite different.

“If it’s this good of a dongtae-tang, it’s worth making time for.”

I pointed to the dongtae-tang to lighten the mood.

We used the whole fish from head to tail, and there were a lot of innards and eggs too. Seafood dishes are all about the ingredients, and since there are many customers, it means there’s a virtuous cycle of good ingredients continuously coming in and going out. Moreover, this radish. I’m crazy. Did you know that winter radish is delicious? It’s not super spicy, and it’s really crunchy.

After finishing his speech, PD Park Sang-cheol, Cha Ji-chan, and Baek Woo-jin all blinked.

“It’s delicious……. Try it. Originally, it’s customary to eat kimchi first when you come for a soup dish.

Let’s eat one more piece of kkakdugi, PD Park Sang-cheol laughed heartily.

“Hahaha!”

“Hey, weren’t you not really interested?” You’re really proactive.

“What are you talking about?”

Cha Ji-chan, who was listening, clicks his tongue in admiration. I don’t understand the English, so I ask again, and they laugh.

“Wherever I go, I have something to say.” I’m so serious about food. You speak well. So use me. That’s what I’m saying.

I said it to break the awkwardness, but I guess it came off that way.

“Ugh.” I was a bit rude because I didn’t recognize the character. It’s not just Mr. Woojin who comes straight ahead, but also Mr. Chanyong who does the same.

PD Park Sang-cheol drank water.

“I was going to tell you slowly so you wouldn’t feel burdened, but since it’s come to this, I’ll just do it.”

Cha Ji-chan was serving the cod soup onto a small plate, so I reached out, but he shook his head.

It means to talk comfortably.

“We’re preparing a program where we gather YouTubers to find and explore popular restaurants.” Places like old traditional shops or traditional markets. These days, since the age of TV viewers is getting higher, we targeted that demographic, but we also plan to upload it to YouTube. These days, young people somewhat expect such places to be considered trendy.

“Please look forward to the viewers who will be tuning into our broadcast.”

Baek Woo-jin added a comment.

“That’s right.” So I’m in the process of finalizing the guest list, and I found the Baekban Debate really interesting. You two have great chemistry. Mr. Chanyong used to do mukbangs, so he expresses himself really well, and Mr. Woojin also has a lot of knowledge about food.

That’s right. I know a lot. If you and Chan-young are going to use it, you don’t have to worry about the script.

“Hahaha!”

Baek Woo-jin was positive about appearing from the beginning.

Seeing you express your intentions so actively, it seems like you’re trying to negotiate better terms for your appearance.

“It feels reassuring.”

PD Park Sang-cheol often agrees with Baek Woo-jin’s words but hasn’t changed his attitude.

The words he just said are roughly what I heard from Cha Jichan as well.

Since Baek Woo-jin is actively expressing his willingness to appear, we could move on to discussing the conditions, but he still hasn’t revealed his cards.

The cautious demeanor gives the impression of a seasoned veteran.

“You’re a pilot, right?”

“Yes.”

“What are the conditions for regular scheduling?”

“We’re still coordinating.”

Still a defensive attitude.

However, according to Cha Ji-chan, it is said that the regular schedule has virtually been decided.

It’s thanks to PD Park Sang-cheol, who created hit works every year for 15 years.

“You’re still preparing, but you have feelings for me and Chan-young, right?”

“Haha. That’s right.”

“What about the others?”

“Well, there’s no one yet.”

It’s hard to tell if there really isn’t anything decided yet, or if he just doesn’t want to reveal the scale of the program.

One thing is clear, though: they’re not going to give away information easily to Baek Woo-jin, who wants to figure out the conditions, like how many cast members there will be, or whether it’s going to be a regular show.

But Park Sang-cheol must have a rough idea of what kind of terms Baek Woo-jin might expect. Since Baek has been on TV often, the general range of his appearance fee would be known.

“Oh, this is good. Hyung, this place is really nice.”

Cha Ji-chan marveled after tasting the pollock stew.

“Right? I come here often. It’s cheap too.”

“Exactly. For 30,000 won, this is a great deal.”

Now that I had a basic grasp of the situation, I needed to decide where I stood.

Like Baek Woo-jin said, a PD at Park Sang-cheol’s level wouldn’t meet with us just because he had time to kill. He must be interested in us and trying to figure out what we’re really like.

Baek Woo-jin has been tested on TV multiple times, so he’s probably focused on the contract terms. As for me, Park Sang-cheol would want to see if I’m suitable for the program he’s preparing.

Personally, if given the chance, I’d work hard.

The problem is, it’s hard to command a high appearance fee as a YouTuber with 180,000 subscribers. As the deputy at Hongdangmu Entertainment mentioned, I’m still someone with potential, not a proven card.

Even if Park Sang-cheol PD thinks highly of me, it would be difficult to negotiate for a higher contract.

“I want to be on your show, PD.”

“Cough.”

In the middle of weighing things up, Baek Woo-jin revealed his true intentions, causing me to choke on my food.

I calmed down after drinking the water Cha Ji-chan poured for me.

“I also want to work with Woo-jin on something fun.”

“But we need Chanyong-hyung for this.”

“Can I ask why?”

For the first time, Park Sang-cheol’s demeanor changed.

“Because without Chanyong-hyung, it won’t be authentic.”

Baek Woo-jin grabbed my belly fat.

Cha Ji-chan burst into a big smile, while Park Sang-cheol PD twitched his lips, trying to suppress a laugh.

I was so taken aback that I forgot to be mad, and Baek Woo-jin continued.

“The way he enjoys food, his vocabulary, his phrasing, his gestures—out of everyone I know, this hyung is the best at it.”

“…….”

“And when Chan-young and I are together, there’s synergy.” As you might know from watching the Baekban debate, there are aspects that don’t come out well in each broadcast. For example, I talk so much that I don’t realize the listener is feeling fatigued. Chan-young hyung interrupts my tempo before that. Making strange jokes.

PD Park Sang-cheol’s face became serious.

“Also, this guy doesn’t always say funny things; sometimes he tells boring stories, but I can support him then.” Since the PD also confirmed it, they must have said it was chemistry.

Producer Park Sang-cheol slowly nodded.

“And the PD is someone who effectively directs even ordinary items by clearly defining their target.” If that PD uses me and Chan-young together.

Baek Woo-jin kept a distance between the horses.

“There’s a reaction.”

It will succeed. It looks fine. There is a possibility.

It’s not a mix of such speculation and expectation.

With complete confidence, I am explaining why Baek Woo-jin and I should work with PD Park Sang-cheol, and why PD Park Sang-cheol should recruit us.

And by telling Park Sang-cheol that I am indispensable, I am raising my own value.

Instead of pinching your side, if you do this kind of work, I can even give you the meat from my left side.

“And the PD already knows about it.”

It means not to waste time.

Producer Park Sang-cheol quietly pressed the bell.

“Yes~ What do you need?”

“Please give me two bottles of soju.”

“Yes~”

Park Sang-cheol PD, who ordered the drinks, smiled.

“Since you know so well, there’s really nothing more for me to say.”

Baek Woo-jin did not bother to answer.

It seemed like he had finished what he wanted to say and was waiting to see how Park Sang-cheol would respond.

“Actually, such internal matters should be handled in a public setting.” It’s also confidential.

“…….”

“But, whatever.” Because you might make a mistake while drinking. Right?

Baek Woo-jin smirked at PD Park Sang-cheol’s sly behavior.

“So, you shouldn’t go around spreading stories you hear at drinking parties.”

Producer Park Sang-cheol clapped.

“Ah.” Our hearts are so in sync, aren’t they? “Hahaha!”

Please provide the text you would like to have translated.

Park Sang-cheol PD, who had quite a bit to drink, finally brought up the conditions.

“I can’t give you much during the pilot.” “But when it’s officially scheduled, we should give you the usual amount.”

No matter how close we are, I don’t even know the fee for one episode of Baek Woo-jin’s broadcast.

If you really want to know, I can tell you, but I don’t want to check such personal matters.

Baek Woo-jin nodded and fell into thought for a moment.

How is Mr. Chanyong? “Have you ever appeared on another show?”

“No.” There isn’t any.

“Mm.”

Producer Park Sang-cheol let out a long sigh and then lifted his head.

“I would like to give you my full support, but our company’s policy might not be satisfactory for you, Mr. Chan-yong.”

“Yes.”

It was already expected.

“So, here’s the thing.”

“Yes.”

“Can I cover the broadcast on my channel?”

“What do you mean?”

“Like I’m reviewing the program I appeared on.” It will at least serve as a small promotion for the program.

“……Hmm.”

In fact, from the broadcaster’s perspective, it could be hesitated.

If it’s not their own YouTube channel and the broadcast can be watched on a personal channel, the viewers will be divided.

There are often cases where it is conducted on large channels like Ugenius, as it is deemed to guarantee views and serve as a promotional effect in itself.

In small to medium-sized channels like mine, it can be difficult to handle.

“That’s what I should do for you.”

Producer Park Sang-cheol smiled.

Side dish store. By the time our show airs, won’t we have around a million subscribers?

“Yes?”

“Hahaha!”