I Want to Be a VTuber-Chapter 260: Clash (1)

GH Group Headquarters

The newly established Overseas Cultural Projects Team, designed specifically for their OTT drama productions, was abuzz with activity. A heated meeting was underway.

"Did everyone see the Violl ad that went up today?"

"Of course."

"Was this deliberate? I doubt Violl could know this much about the Korean entertainment landscape."

For the team, the rising attention toward their lead actress was a good thing. Kang Taejin, the director present at the meeting, had a rare smile gracing his face.

The Violl ad had transcended being just an ad, turning into a viral meme in the best way possible. It was remarkable how Ju Seoyeon’s starkly contrasting images were fueling the public’s fascination. Most people associated her either with Cha Seoa’s cold-blooded villainy or with the lively, quirky persona she showcased on variety shows.

These images were a perfect fit for Mine, where the lead required an intense, commanding presence. However, the ad had brought back her image as Princess Yeonhwa—a serene, graceful royal.

"Truly a dual-faced actress."

"This new dimension is great. The buzz is undeniably positive."

"That said, New Like Group getting involved is concerning."

This content is taken from fгeewebnovёl.com.

Kang Taejin sighed. He had known New Like was keeping a close eye on Ju Seoyeon, especially with Cho Sehee, the chairman’s daughter, constantly by her side.

"It’s unusual for an actress to be caught in a tug-of-war between GH and New Like."

"Normally, we’d just sever ties with one side completely..."

The executives glanced cautiously at Kang Taejin.

"If it becomes known that we pressured an actress, the backlash could be severe."

Kang Taejin spoke calmly, his tone cold and measured. The son of GH Group’s chairman, he had earned his position through sheer capability, climbing to his role as director with ruthless efficiency. His unyielding demeanor made it hard to meet his gaze directly.

‘A double-edged sword,’ one of the executives thought. ‘We can’t afford to oppose him recklessly.’

In truth, removing ego from the equation, this situation wasn’t entirely bad. GH and New Like were both titans in Korea’s cultural industry. Having an actress who was the focus of both companies was rare, but also beneficial.

If Mine succeeded, it would boost GH. Conversely, if New Like’s web novel adaptation succeeded, GH could still leverage Seoyeon’s heightened profile. The real issue lay in corporate pride.

"If they’re trying to use us, we can use them in return," Kang Taejin stated.

"That’s not wrong."

"If New Like raises Ju Seoyeon’s profile, it benefits us regardless."

"Still, with the Princess Yeonhwa image dominating, we need to accelerate Mine’s production timeline."

Mine capitalized on Seoyeon’s current powerful, commanding image. If the grace and nostalgia of Princess Yeonhwa overshadowed it, it could undermine the project.

‘Like father, like daughter,’ Kang Taejin mused. Despite the smooth flow of the meeting, he felt a tinge of unease. He had always found himself at the center of major decisions, but this time, Ju Seoyeon’s presence brought an unpredictable scale to the situation.

Seoyeon was shielded by Cho Sehee on one side and supported by himself on the other. Both GH and New Like were treading lightly, avoiding overt conflict. Yet the underlying competition was fierce—Mine had to outperform whatever New Like’s adaptation produced. This was, after all, a matter of pride.

"This situation must be driving other production companies crazy."

"Perhaps. It’s unlikely anyone suspects GH and New Like are both behind one actress."

The room erupted in muted laughter, though the scenario wasn’t entirely implausible.

*****

"Web novel adaptation into a drama?"

Seoyeon had heard about it before, but it seemed like things were progressing faster than expected.

She had initially guessed it would happen in the latter half of next year, after Mine and Director Jo Bangwoo’s film had wrapped up.

‘So that’s why Sehee sent me that long text and called me out of nowhere yesterday,’ Seoyeon thought.

The previous evening, Sehee had bombarded Seoyeon with a lengthy Kakao message followed by a phone call.

[Seoyeon, I swear I had nothing to do with this!]

"It’s fine."

[Should I say something to my dad? Actually, I already did, but I can say more if you want!]

"It’s really fine."

[I don’t want my dad using my friends for company stuff, okay? This was totally his idea, not mine!]

"It’s okay, really."

Sehee seemed genuinely worried about whether Seoyeon would feel pressured, but in truth, Seoyeon didn’t mind at all.

What actor would refuse a lead role being handed to them? Besides, Seoyeon had already received a call directly from the chairman himself.

[Can you perhaps reassure Sehee about this?]

"Sure."

[This is honestly a good opportunity for you. I’ve heard the cultural division has big ambitions for this project.]

"Understood."

[If you’re upset, I apologize. It wasn’t my intention to spring this on you without asking.]

"I’m not upset. I just wasn’t sure how to respond."

Who would’ve thought the chairman of New Like Group would personally call her? Seoyeon had simply been caught off guard.

‘Getting a corporate chairman’s apology... that’s a first.’

It seemed even the seemingly indomitable New Like chairman wasn’t immune to his daughter’s influence.

‘I guess no father can truly win against his daughter.’

Still, Sehee must have been relentless to make her father act so cautiously. The chairman appeared stubborn, yet Sehee had managed to carve out her path as an actress despite his objections.

"How should I proceed?" Seoyeon asked her manager, Park Eunha.

"They suggested having a meeting today to discuss it further."

Seoyeon nodded. She had no objections to participating in the project.

The original drama had been a favorite of her late mother’s, despite its disastrous ending. Moreover, the web novel’s author had been an acquaintance of her parents.

With such connections, it would have felt heartless to turn the opportunity down.

‘And it’s too good to pass up.’

Though web novel adaptations could seem lackluster, the original work had been wildly popular during its run, capturing nationwide attention. If the ending could be fixed, it had the potential to become a massive hit.

‘I’ll make sure it happens.’

"Let’s set up the meeting," Seoyeon agreed.

"They want the writer, the screenwriter, and the director to join, so they’re eager for your input."

"Me? Should I even be involved in that discussion?"

"It’s a request from New Like. They clearly want you for this role."

Seoyeon nodded again, realizing this could give her more sway in shaping the project.

‘The original author... I wonder what they’re like.’

Seoyeon briefly thought about Yeohee.

A person who had been vaguely mentioned as a friend.

In other words, her father, Youngbin’s childhood friend.

"...This might feel awkward somehow."

Why did trials like this always come her way?

Seoyeon sighed as such thoughts crossed her mind.

"And there’s something else from the Viol side... I think we’ll need to discuss this further."

"Is it about the new commercial?"

"Yes, probably. Viol might be considering making you their advertisement model, just like Jungwoo."

"...Really?"

"It’s still in the discussion phase, but it’s definitely a possibility!"

Park Eunha looked ecstatic.

A luxury French brand advertisement.

It was an opportunity to instantly gain global recognition.

Yet Seoyeon couldn’t shake off a strange feeling.

"The power of Princess Yeonhwa is truly incredible..."

Not that she disliked it.

She didn’t dislike it, but still...

"Princess Yeonhwa vs. Ju Seoyeon: Who would win?""Don’t drag Princess Yeonhwa into some savage VS debate.""The princess wouldn’t even dine with such barbarians..."

The one thing that Ju Seoyeon’s fan café never argued about was Princess Yeonhwa.

At this point, Seoyeon was starting to wonder if this was a fan café for Ju Seoyeon or Princess Yeonhwa.

"Seoyeon, please remake Tales of the Hidden Moon just once.""Is this really the same smile? [photo]""The difference between Cha Seoa, Ju Seoyeon smiling, and Princess Yeonhwa smiling is hilarious.""How does such a lovely face become so fierce?"

Posts like this had been popping up frequently.

Seoyeon felt wronged.

She had only smiled like she normally did!

Of course, when method acting as Princess Yeonhwa, it felt like a switch flipped, completely transforming her.

She wasn’t sure why, but it could be because Princess Yeonhwa, as her "first role," held a special place for Seoyeon.

Or perhaps it was the traits inherited from her mother, Sua, manifesting.

"Anyway, to summarize, that’s about it. Shall we start heading out now?"

"Huh? Oh, has it gotten that late already?"

While scrolling through her fan café, Seoyeon checked the time.

Today was the day of her first meeting regarding Majin.

"But I’m a bit worried. Hollywood stars tend to be pretty stuck-up..."

At first, Park Eunha was excited to hear about Arthur Diaz’s participation, but she couldn’t help but feel concerned about such matters.

In truth, Seoyeon had heard a bit about him and nodded.

"It’ll be fine."

After all, Seoyeon had managed to get along (somewhat) with even the prickly Stella.

Now, she was confident in her social skills.

At school, Seoyeon had even become popular, a sharp contrast to before!

"Could it be... I’m actually a total social butterfly?"

Naturally, such thoughts ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) had started to creep in.

****

"How unpleasant."

Arthur Diaz was far from pleased with this situation.

If he had agreed to star in an OTT drama, that should have been the end of it, yet he had received a request for a meeting.

Frankly, it was a nuisance.

However, his curiosity was piqued.

"Are they really planning to shoot in such cold weather?"

"The story takes place in winter, so it should be fine."

"Hah."

He sighed at his manager’s explanation.

From start to finish, it was all irritating.

For one, there were too few people to greet him at the airport.

And the lead actor hadn’t even shown up yet.

He had expected her to greet him first.

"A Korean actress, wasn’t it?"

Whenever he joined a movie, the actresses always approached him first.

Given his career and striking appearance, they usually sought to gain his favor in any way possible.

That’s just how it was.

Naturally, he assumed this time would be no different.

Of course, there was no rule saying the Korean actress had to greet him upon his arrival.

But for him, it was just the way things were.

When he went to Thailand, even members of the royal family came to meet him.

Arthur Diaz didn’t make a show of it, though.

Even when displeased, he always maintained a gentle smile.

He was everyone’s prince.

He wasn’t about to tarnish that image.

Watching him, Stella had once remarked:

"Few people are as fake as you, you know."

A woman with an angelic mask.

Yet, the only actress he considered an equal.

In truth, he had learned much from her during their time working together.

He found her utterly irritating and refused to acknowledge her as his superior.

"Ju Seoyeon, was it? I just need to outshine her in acting."

Stella had admitted defeat to her in terms of acting.

So if Arthur could surpass Ju Seoyeon, wouldn’t that mean he had bested Stella as well?

With this in mind, Arthur Diaz stepped into the GH Group’s conference room.

And then—

"Stella told me that you learned acting from her, Mr. Diaz. Maybe that’s why the two of you share some similarities."

"..."

For the record, Seoyeon had meant this as a friendly comment.