Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 515: Merry Christmas

'A letter?'

Miso handed me two envelopes, one blue and one pink.

"Hohoho. Miso, can I ask what these are?"

Miso struggled to keep her sleepy eyes open as she spoke. "They're... letters."

"Letters?"

"Yes. My wish is to deliver these letters! Santa grants wishes, right?"

I considered explaining that Santa Claus wasn't a genie from a magic lamp, but rather someone who gives presents to children who listen to their parents. However, seeing Miso fighting off sleep with wide eyes, I couldn't bring myself to say it.

Since Santa Claus visits every house anyway, it seemed reasonable to say I could deliver them.

"Well of course, this Santa Claus can do anything. And since it's Miso's wish, I have to grant it."

Miso's face lit up. "Then please give these letters to my mom and dad in heaven. That would be my present."

My mind went blank. I hadn't realized that Miso had been waiting all year to meet Santa for this reason.

'What do I do?'

I didn't know how to answer without shattering her innocence.

As I hesitated, Miso looked at me with sad eyes. "Is it not possible...? I... I've been so good all year, waiting for Santa..."

Miso had never once complained even while acting, despite all the challenges she faced for someone her age. And it turned out it was all because of these letters.

Miso spoke again. "I don't need any other gifts. Just please deliver these letters... please? That would be the best present for me."

I saw Yoo-Jin nod behind Miso. She was telling me to take them for now.

'Yoo-Jin is right. Why not?'

What mattered was that Miso felt her heart was being heard.

"Hohoho. Alright, Miso. You've been such a good girl all year and listened to your mom, so I'll grant your special wish. I'll make sure these letters are delivered. Hohoho."

Miso finally smiled brightly. "Thank you, Santa!"

She threw herself into my arms. Thanks to the thick padding in my Santa suit, Miso didn't realize she was hugging me.

Just then, Miso suddenly sniffed the air. "Huh? That's my favorite perfume! But why does Santa smell like Uncle Yoon-Ho?"

When the confused Miso tilted her head, I quickly thought of a way out. "Hohoho. I know everything Miso likes. So, with a little magic, I made it so you could smell your favorite scent."

I lied to protect her innocence, and Miso's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow~ That's so cool!"

"Alright then, Miso. Will you let go of me now? I have to visit other children too."

Miso gasped and quickly let go. She thought if I was late, other kids wouldn't get their presents. "But... there's no chimney here. How will you leave, Santa?"

At that moment, the still half-asleep Yoo-Jin stepped in. "Oh? Santa's here. You got your wish, Miso. Did you have a good talk with him?"

Miso turned to her. "Yeah!"

"Then let's go to bed with me. Watching Santa use his magic would be rude."

Miso hesitated, then nodded. "Oh, uh! Okay. But Mom, Santa already granted my wish... so what about that?"

Miso looked at the school supplies under the Christmas tree, unsure of what to do now that she had already received a gift.

I stepped in. "Since you have been such a good girl and listened to your mom so well, I am giving you that as an extra present."

"Really?"

"Of course. Miso, congratulations on starting school next year. So be a good girl again next year, okay?"

Miso let out a relieved sigh. She had been worried that giving her two presents might put me in a difficult situation. "Santa, see you next year. Bye~"

Miso waved enthusiastically. Then, she finally took Yoo-Jin's hand and headed toward the bedroom.

Watching Miso's innocent actions, I slowly opened the door and stepped outside. I figured I should probably learn an escape trick or two for next year.

***

Once outside, I took off the Santa costume and waited for Yoo-Jin to contact me. A little while later, I got a Kk Talk message from her.

[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Oppa, can you read Miso's letter and send me a picture?]

[Jung Yoon-Ho: You want me to read it?]

[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Yes. You should know what Miso wrote too. It's okay, just read it and send me a picture.]

[Jung Yoon-Ho: Alright. Hang on.]

Since Yoo-Jin was busy putting Miso to bed and couldn't come out, I opened the first letter with her permission. Miso had filled the page with her adorable handwriting.

[To Mom in Heaven!]

Mom!

It's me, Miso!

I asked Santa to help me write this letter.

Are you happy in heaven with Dad? You're not sick anymore, right?

I'm doing well here.

Auntie Yoo-Jin really, really loves me like a real mom.

When I'm sick, she cries even more than I do, and when I'm happy, she smiles even brighter.

I used to have to call her 'Auntie,' but now I can call her 'Mom.' All my friends are jealous of me these days.

So don't worry!

I brush my teeth every morning, drink my milk at lunch, wash my hands in the evening, and even keep a diary now.

I've grown 3 cm taller and gained 5 kg since last year.

I found Lucky and Mimi again, and Baekseolgi and Injeolmi are growing well every day.

Oh, Baekseolgi is my new puppy, and Injeolmi is my kitten. They're so cute!

Mom, I've become really famous now.

I appear on TV often—can you see me from heaven?

I'm working hard so you can watch me. I hope Santa can tell me if you're watching.

This year has been really, really happy for me, and I hope it was for you too.

I'll write you another letter next year.

Oh, and just like you wished when you named me, I'll always be a happy and smiling Miso.

So please never forget me and keep watching over me from heaven.

Mom, I love you so, so much.

-From Miso, who always misses you.

The words were bright and cheerful, but the longing for her mother was deeply woven into every line.

A sharp pain gripped my chest. For an entire year, Miso had been good because she wanted to send this letter to her mom in heaven. Even though she didn't know if it would ever reach her, she endured everything just for the chance to send it.

My hands trembled as emotions welled up inside me. I needed to take a picture, but my hands wouldn't stay steady. After taking several deep breaths, I finally managed to steady my hands and capture a clear photo after multiple attempts.

Letting out a deep sigh, I moved on to read Miso's letter to her father.

[To Dad in Heaven!]

Dad!

It's me, Miso!

I couldn't write a letter last Christmas, but I'm finally writing one now.

You know what? I really, really missed you this past year.

I was so jealous whenever Yoon-Jin, Yeon-Seo, and Ho-Yeon came to kindergarten holding their dad's hand.

I'm sorry. I know you must miss me too, but I still whined in my heart about missing you.

But don't worry anymore.

Uncle Yoon-Ho gives me airplane rides, carries me on his back, and even lets me ride on his shoulders like a horse.

He plays with me just like you would have. He also gives me lots of compliments and tells me I'm pretty.

Now, all the kids are jealous of me! Uncle Yoon-Ho is super popular at my kindergarten!

So please, don't be sad. I'm happy now.

Dad, you're the one who sent Uncle Yoon-Ho to me, aren't you? So that he could love me in your place?

If that's true, please let Santa Claus tell me next year.

And Dad, I hope you're happy in heaven too. Please stay well with Mom, Grandpa, and Grandma.

I'll write you another letter next year.

Dad, I love you. I love you so, so much.

-From Miso, who always wants to play with you.

Each word was carefully written with deep sincerity, especially when she said she loved him.

Tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision. I couldn't take a picture for a while.

'How could something as simple as giving airplane rides or letting her sit on my shoulders mean so much?'

Before I came into her life, Miso had only dreamed of experiencing those things.

Along with the overwhelming sadness, anger surged within me. If fate truly existed, I wanted to demand answers. It didn't have to take away every single person Miso loved—her parents, and her grandparents,

At the same time, I made another firm vow. Since I had saved Miso, I would make sure she experienced all the happiness in the world.

"I'll make sure she gets a letter back next year."

Wiping away my tears, I took a picture of the letter and sent it to Yoo-Jin via Kk Talk.

[Jung Yoon-Ho: Yoo-Jin... here's the letter photo.]

Shortly after sending it and just as I was about to leave, Yoo-Jin's message popped up.

[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Oppa... thank you. The debt I owe you for being so good to Miso... I'll repay it forever.]

Yoo-Jin was grateful that she got to learn Miso's true feelings because of me. She kept thanking me for being kind to Miso.

But in truth, I was the one who was grateful. Because of them, the deep pain and regret I had felt before my regression had completely disappeared.

"I should be the one saying thanks."

Even as the cold winter wind blew, the warmth in my heart wrapped around me and made it impossible to feel the chill.

***

December 26th, the day of the year-end joint concert had arrived.

The time was now 3 p.m. In just four hours, the joint concert would begin.

Right now, the event staff and performers were busy with final preparations. As for me, I had only just woken up after staying up late last night for rehearsals and equipment checks.

I got out of bed at the hotel near COEX and quickly washed up before heading to DX Hall.

Beside me was Lee Yung-Jin, who had shared the hotel room with me. As we descended in the elevator, I glanced out through the transparent glass windows. The winter sky was a crisp and clear blue.

Lee Yung-Jin let out a sigh of admiration. "Ah~ The weather's perfect. After the concert, I'm definitely going out with Ran-Hee~"

His face was practically glowing. Sleeping well at the hotel last night probably helped, but I knew there was another reason.

I asked, "Your girlfriend treating you well?"

Last night, Lee Yung-Jin and Do Ran-Hee had officially announced that they were dating.

"Of course. Ran-Hee is surprisingly thoughtful, you know?"

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

'Thoughtful? My butt.'

I felt like Lee Yung-Jin and I had very different definitions of that word.

"Wait, weren't you two already together for a while?"

"Ah, no~ That was just a situationship. Yesterday was our official first day. Right after cleaning up the concert chairs at dawn on Christmas! I confessed while eating beef bone hangover soup. I made it real bold!"

'Confessing over hangover soup? He's lucky she didn't dump the whole bowl on him. Or maybe... Ran-Hee is just incredibly patient.'

I figured she must be, considering she actually accepted Lee Yung-Jin.

"Congrats, Yung-Jin."

That's when Lee Yung-Jin suddenly sighed. "Thanks... but in return... can you give me a big bonus? I need to feed Ran-Hee..."

"What, she wants you to buy her tons of beef just because you're dating? How much?"

Lee Yung-Jin nodded seriously.

"She wants a full-on beef feast once a month. In exchange, she's gonna buy me two or three game titles every month... though I probably won't have time to play them..."

"Ah, come on. I thought she was demanding beef every day or something."

Lee Yung-Jin shuddered as if the mere idea scared him. And then, he revealed why he had started rambling in the first place. "By the way, do you have a bad feeling about today? You've looked tense since earlier..."

He must have noticed my stiff expression since leaving the hotel and was trying to lighten the mood. Lee Yung-Jin was definitely the more thoughtful one between him and Ran-Hee.

I nodded. "Yeah. I've got a bad feeling."

"Why? Is something gonna explode? Collapse? Or maybe melt?"

Lee Yung-Jin's imagination was a little too vivid.

"No, it's not a feeling. It's an experience."

"Experience?"

I pointed toward DX Hall, where a huge crowd was gathering. "Look over there."

"Huh? What... what is that...?"

"What do you think? They're fans."

It was only 3:10 p.m. The concert wouldn't start until 7 p.m., but fans were already swarming the venue. That was because the concert merchandise sales would begin at 4 p.m.

"Brace yourself. Today is gonna be a battlefield."

I felt bad for crushing Lee Yung-Jin's sweet post-concert dreams, but no concert ever went smoothly. Especially not a sold-out one with 8,000 attendees.

Every single one of them had paid good money and were brimming with excitement.

It was our job to meet their expectations.

***

[The Unfading Cherry Blossoms and the Enchanting Voice—A Magical Encounter!]

Banners with the concert's title featuring Cherry Blossom and Kang Ha-Na were plastered all over the venue. Yet, despite the poetic words, the merchandise booth was absolute chaos.

Do Ran-Hee sweated and shouted out the update. "Mr. Jung! The Cherry Blossom t-shirts are sold out! And the hoodies are almost gone too!"

The t-shirts that had just sold out were the ones featuring caricatures of Cherry Blossom members. The front of each t-shirt had an individual portrait of Woo Yeon-Hee, Yang Eun-Bi, Yoo Eun-Ah, or Kim Sae-Ri, while the back had a design of all four of them hugging.

Just in case, we had produced one thousand shirts for each member. And yet, they had completely sold out in just 30 minutes. It was only 4:30 p.m.

"Whose sold out?"

Do Ran-Hee shook her head. "All of them!"

"What?"

Each t-shirt available in various sizes was priced at ten thousand won. Since we weren't aiming to make a huge profit from merchandise, we had focused on using high-quality, premium cotton that wouldn't stretch out easily. The result was an overwhelmingly positive response.

"We even set a five-per-person purchase limit."

"Yeah, but they're so cheap that everyone's buying them! And the hoodies are only thirty thousand won! They're grabbing those too!"

Celebrity merchandise was usually on the expensive side. However, Cherry Blossom's merchandise was not only cheaper than other girl groups' but also far superior in quality. No wonder it was selling like crazy. Kang Ha-Na's merch was also down to just a few remaining items.

Some people in the company had argued for raising the prices, but I knew I had made the right call seeing the fans' reactions.

"This is insane! You don't see merchandise of this quality at this price anywhere these days."

"Seriously, becoming a Cherry Blossom fan was the best decision of my life. Good job, me. I applaud myself."

"Agreed. Doesn't it feel like their agency actually cares?"

"If they keep making merch like this, I'll buy everything!"

"I heard Kang Ha-Na's merch is really nice too."

"Really? Maybe I should get something of hers too."

It was clear that I needed to increase the production volume next time.

Just then, Lee Yung-Jin commented, "Mr. Jung. This isn't so bad, is it? I mean, this doesn't seem like the war you were talking about..."

Having been used to brutal workloads, Lee Yung-Jin didn't think this was difficult enough to be called a war.

Right at that moment, a loud scream erupted from the merch line. "Kyaaaah!"

I pointed toward the commotion. "Still think so?"

Lee Yung-Jin's mouth snapped shut upon fully understanding what I meant by war.