It hadn't even been a full week since Jjapsso's new items were unveiled.
"Jurim."
- Yes, Chairman Nam. What is it, all of a sudden?
"Must there be something going on for me to call?"
- Isn't that usually the case for someone as busy as you, Chairman Nam? More or less.
Chairman Nam, seated in the back of the sedan, brought up a screen on the monitor with a faint smile playing at her lips.
"That's right. I heard the 'Hyeonak Challenge' is trending among young people these days, and I suddenly thought of you, so I called."
A sigh traveled through the receiver.
Jurim was likely well aware of the Hyeonak Challenge.
It had started when a few new recruits of Hyeonak uploaded a video titled 'Cute Hyeonak Newbies.'
As an item video utilizing cotton candy caused a huge sensation, Jjapsso's items—which had only been distributed within Hyeonak—began trading for staggering sums.
The views on a pop-art-style video that an influencer filmed while appearing trapped in cotton candy surpassed 200 million in no time, and after that, reviewing Jjapsso's items spread frighteningly under the name 'Hyeonak Challenge.'
Chairman Nam scrolled up the screen and checked the view count.
"It'll reach 300 million soon, won't it? The attention people are directing toward that craftsman in your guild is tremendous."
Jjapsso's items, thanks to their childlike sensibility, were received by young influencers as having a stylish pop-art vibe.
And to YouTubers who reviewed electronic devices, they were received with anticipation for magic engineering devices with new options.
'Jurim really brought in an incredible fellow. How can he be so lucky?'
Until now, items excluding potions had been solely for Hunters.
There must have been skepticism about whether they would be useful to ordinary people.
But thanks to Jjapsso, expectations for the popularization of items began to grow.
By unveiling items combined with toys, Jjapsso opened a new horizon.
From the perspective of people's needs, the issue of utility was already a thing of the past. The core issue would be who first and most quickly took the lead in the mass-market popularization.
She had already roughly spoken with Chairman On; what remained was Jurim's side.
A faint smile gracing her lips, Chairman Nam spoke.
*
- Jurim. Won't you open a pop-up store at my department store?
A leisurely nap time.
Jurim, reclining in a chair and answering listlessly while holding Geuru, asked back in confusion at Chairman Nam's words.
"Yes?"
At that, Geuru, who had been nestled in his embrace, raised his head sharply.
Jurim rocked the child lightly as if nothing were wrong.
- You're planning to sell transformation toys anyway, right? Starting with that, I want to try popularizing the items of that Hunter called Jjapsso. I told Chairman On about it; didn't you hear?
Jjapsso! It was Geuru's doing. Geuru focused on eavesdropping, his eyes shining.
Jurim continued the call with Chairman Nam regardless of what Geuru was doing.
"Ah, I heard about that from my father earlier. He said Gnovation would be creating a general mass-market brand."
At the address "Father," Chairman Nam let out a soft laugh.
- Yes, that's exactly it. By the way, you came up with a cute idea, which isn't like you. Is it related to that friend called Jjapsso? If it's alright, I'd like you to introduce me to him sometime.
"...That seems difficult. I'm sorry."
- I had a feeling you'd say that. Just how incredible must this person be for you to hide them away so tightly? Anyway, the pop-up store is fine, isn't it? We're planning to use the entire main event hall on the first floor of our department store. How many types of items do you have enough stock of right now? Send over some samples we can display too.
"Samples..."
- Yes! Can you imagine how much more you could earn if you get on board during this nascent stage of the magic engineering item market?
Jurim pressed a finger to the corner of his eye with a tired face.
He had little interest in business.
The reason he had made the magic wand was because of the wish of a five-year-old industrial spy who wanted, more than anything, to transform.
He had no intention whatsoever of making money or expanding a business from it.
Moreover, it was anything but good for him if Jjapsso continued to gain fame.
Therefore...
"...That's a bit..."
...He was on the verge of saying it was difficult.
Geuru, who had been secretly eavesdropping on the call while nestled in his arms, climbed down to the floor.
The child pulled out a large number of items from his bag and lined them up.
Then, meeting Jurim's eyes, he pretended not to have heard the phone call.
Trying to whistle when he couldn't, only airy hissing sounds leaked from his mouth.
"Fwee~ Fweek~"
How can he be so bad at hiding things?
The five-year-old before him was the very embodiment of desire, wanting to become famous and earn more money.
Especially these days.
For some unknown reason, he was frantic about not being able to earn money.
Asking when the payment for sold goods would come in, saying he wanted to receive it quickly.
Even when Jurim tried asking if his allowance was insufficient—thinking he gave him plenty—the child would only shake his head vigorously, saying that wasn't it.
In such a situation... if he refused here, it was only natural that the child, currently excited and setting up an item stall, would be disappointed with a devastated expression.
- Am I being too hasty?
Jurim looked at Geuru, who was pretending not to listen, and let out a sigh.
"It's fine. I'll organize what you mentioned and come see you."
- Really?
Chairman Nam, who had been preparing various arguments to persuade Jurim, asked back in surprise.
She found it odd that he agreed so readily, but for her, it was a welcome turn of events.
- Then I'll look forward to it.
Chairman Nam welcomed him with a brightened voice, then continued.
- Ah, and one more thing. Did you hear from your father about the model?
"The model?"
- We're thinking of putting up a large advertisement for the pop-up store outdoors, partly for department store promotion as well.
"Yes."
- We have someone in mind for that model.
"Pardon?"
Having heard the model's name from Chairman Nam, Jurim turned his gaze.
Geuru met his eyes and tilted his head, clueless.
Chapter Conflict From an Unexpected Place?
After returning home, Uju followed Geuru into his room and set his bag down in a corner.
He then asked once again.
"Jjapsso pop-up store?"
"Uh-huh."
"You're the model?"
"Uh-huh!"
On Geuru—a parachute golden-spoon model actively recommended by Chairman Nam and greatly pleasing to Chairman On—nodded vigorously.
"It's gonna be fun!"
He didn't bother adding that they would probably make lots of money too.
'I shouldn't look like a vulgar nouveau riche.' Steeling his resolve once more, Geuru cleared his throat, clasped his hands behind his back like a nobleman, and spoke.
"New experiences are important for a child's development, that's what he said. Geuru will try lots of different things without being scared."
It was merely something Kazuki had said that he had memorized verbatim, but Uju's lips trembled slightly at those mature words.
"R-really?"
"Uh-huh."
'Uju thinks Geuru is cool.'
Geuru rubbed his nose with the back of his hand like a cool adult.
"So I said I'll do it. The model."
"I see... The model..."
Then Uju, who had hung his head low, opened his mouth as if mumbling.
"...You'll look pretty."
"Huh?"
As Geuru asked back, Uju shook his head saying it was nothing, then spoke seriously as if having made up his mind about something.
"I'll help you practice."
"Really?"
When Geuru smiled brightly at him, Uju's face turned red.
"...!"
At that, Mephisto, who had been watching everything from atop Geuru's head, delivered a Mephisto Kick to Uju's face.
"Pip!"
"...?!"
"Hah!"
Geuru gasped and pulled at Mephisto, telling him to stop.
"Shh! You can't do that. Mephi, sit quietly over there."
"...Pee."
The sulking Mephisto perched on the edge of the bed.
In the meantime, Uju hurriedly rummaged through his bag and pulled out a tablet.
"Ahem, want to see photos that models took? There should be photos that might help."
"Mm-hmm. Wanna see."
Geuru stuck close to Uju's side.
Uju pushed the tablet further toward Geuru so he could see comfortably.
While looking through the photos, Geuru made various expressions with Uju and burst into giggles.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly.
They had said the adults would take care of the pop-up store, so he didn't need to worry about it; if he just finished the modeling work well......
Geuru would become rich and be able to save his dad!
'Ehehe!'
Excited as he was, Geuru failed to notice.
That Mephisto, sitting on the bed, was glaring at Uju with terrifying eyes.