<Episode 37>
“Hello, viewers. Let us introduce today’s guest.”
“Hello. I am John Raid Lombardi, CEO of Ramos Entertainment.”
The studio recording began.
“Wow, how is a CEO this handsome?”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
“How are we supposed to live without getting jealous?”
Before properly watching the observation footage and reacting to it, they started with a light conversation.
“We heard you’ve had trouble because of your name?”
“Well, it’s not exactly a common name in Korea. And although my appearance has a somewhat exotic feel, it’s not to the point where people think I’m not Korean.”
The panelists nodded and reacted to my words in their own ways.
“So when I first hand out my business card, people tend to look at me suspiciously, wondering if I’m a scammer.”
The MC burst into exaggerated laughter.
“That makes sense. Everyone, take a good look. He’s not a scammer… he’s the CEO of the agency that has Spade Joker. He’s from the U.S., that’s why. Please remember this face and name.”
He finished speaking while gesturing toward me.
“But don’t you have a Korean name at all?”
“No.”
“How about making one on this occasion?”
“I’m fine with that.”
There was no way I could say no here. It was a variety show anyway… I assumed they’d just come up with something funny rather than seriously think about it.
“You said you’re of mixed heritage, right?”
“Yes.”
“Is your mother Korean?”
“Yes.”
“What is your mother’s name?”
“She is Lee Sunja.”
Back in the first episode, not long after I came to my senses, I had investigated basic personal details about John Raid Lombardi.
I knew nothing about him, his parents’ names, hometown, or university, so it was a necessary step to avoid suspicion.
‘See? If I hadn’t looked it up beforehand, I would’ve ended up being an unfilial son who doesn’t even know his mother’s name.’
“Is that why your name is John?”
“I’m not sure about that. I’ve never asked.”
I shrugged it off casually.
I had to.
This name was just something I pieced together from names I heard in a Western movie while playing a game.
So digging deeper into it would be troublesome.
“I see. Then let’s use your mother’s surname, Lee. It also sounds similar to ‘Raid.’ Now, what name would be good? Everyone, throw out some ideas.”
“How about Lee Raedo? It sounds like ‘Raid,’ said quickly.”
“What about Lee Seokjun? I just based it on your image.”
“No, you all lack creativity. Since he has an exotic image, we should go with something like Lee Ian… something that sounds English.”
Each panelist suggested names they had thought of.
It felt like they were being more serious than expected.
‘That’s surprising. I thought they’d go the variety-show route.’
I had expected them to throw out random “Lee”-starting words like ex-convict, transmitter, war, telephone pole… but they didn’t.
“Which name do you like the most?”
“I like Lee Raedo the most.”
“What? That one? Are you serious?”
“See! I told you I have the best sense!”
Reactions split sharply.
The panelist who suggested “Lee Raedo” cheered with both hands raised, while the others frowned.
‘It only sounds okay because my expectations were so low.’
“CEO, I never expected you to like a name like that.”
“Same here.”
The other panelists looked at me as if blaming me.
‘It’s not like I’m actually going to use it anyway.’
“Then, CEO John Raid Lombardi’s Korean name is decided as Lee Raedo.”
At the MC’s words, the panelists clapped reluctantly, except for the one who suggested it.
“Now, let’s take a look at CEO Lee Raedo’s daily life.”
The VCR started playing.
Watching my own house on screen felt strange.
“CEO, you’re more modest than expected.”
One of the panelists commented in surprise.
“Considering the size of our company, this is more than good enough.”
Perhaps they assumed that, as a CEO, I lived in a luxurious mansion, but that was a mistake.
A three-room apartment in central Seoul.
Even this was beyond what John Raid Lombardi could afford with his own assets.
If not for his parents’ wealth.
‘Looking at the company’s state, even this is excessive.’
As the footage showed me washing up and getting ready, the panelists continuously reacted.
Professionals, indeed.
“Wow, you look good even without dressing up. Do you go to work in a suit every day?”
“Yes.”
“Do the other employees wear suits too?”
“No. Except for the general manager and me, everyone wears casual clothes. I told the general manager he could dress casually unless there’s something special, but he insisted on wearing suits every day, saying he has to since he also serves as my secretary.”
At some point, the me on screen left the house and headed toward the parking lot.
“Judging by your house, I feel like your car would also be modest?”
My car appeared.
A black SUV from a luxury brand.
The MC and panelists all went, “Oh~” and looked at me.
“Still, CEO, you drive a nice car.”
“Appearance matters. If investors or business partners saw me driving a car so old it’s surprising it still runs, wouldn’t they feel uneasy?”
You shouldn’t obsess over appearances, but you also can’t ignore their influence.
“What about your house?”
“Unless I invite someone, there’s no reason for them to see it. Usually, when people ask where you live, you just mention the neighborhood and move on. So it doesn’t matter.”
The MC nodded in agreement.
“Huh? Why aren’t you listening to Spade Joker’s songs in the car?”
I had listened to their songs on the way to work before, but by the time I arrived, my ears were practically ringing.
…Of course, I couldn’t say that.
‘That would be digging my own grave.’
“You need to listen to various songs to develop a good ear.”
“Wow, such a proper CEO.”
Because we kept talking while watching, it felt like quite some time had passed, yet the me on screen hadn’t even arrived at the company yet.
[CEO.]
As soon as I arrived at the company, Han Suseok appeared.
“That’s the person you mentioned earlier, right? The general manager?”
“Yes.”
The camera stayed on Han Suseok’s face for quite a while.
[You speak formally to other employees, but you use casual speech only with your secretary?]
[He’s my junior from university, so it just stuck.]
[Oh, really? Is he the person mentioned in the interview… the one who followed you from the U.S.?]
[That’s right.]
The camera filming Han Suseok suddenly turned and showed my face.
[May we interview him?]
The cameraman and I exchanged a brief conversation.
“Wow, your staff really doesn’t miss opportunities.”
“Indeed.”
[Why are you asking me? You should ask him.]
“CEO, you look confused.”
“I didn’t understand why they were asking me.”
[It might interfere with his work.]
“Ah, CEO, you’re not very good at controlling your expressions.”
I tried to hide it, but once the camera zoomed in, there was no escape.
[If he wants to do it, I won’t stop him.]
With my answer, the scene switched to Han Suseok’s interview… the same part shown in the pre-release clip.
[Could you describe CEO John Raid Lombardi’s strengths?]
Han Suseok seemed to think for a moment before speaking.
“CEO, you seem nervous.”
“A little.”
It was natural; I had no idea what he would say.
‘Things have gotten better lately, but before this album production, I was nothing but a headache to him.’
[The CEO always keeps the promises he makes. No matter how long it takes.]
“Oh.”
“CEO.”
“Wow, hearing that from an employee must feel amazing. How do you feel?”
“Not bad.”
[He kept every promise he made to me. That’s not something easy to do.]
Han Suseok smiled faintly as he looked at the camera.
[Then why didn’t you leave when the CEO was going down the wrong path?]
[Because he wasn’t originally that kind of person. The CEO I knew was upright. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have followed him from the U.S.]
“Wow, you’re a respected CEO.”
I turned my head slightly and looked at Han Suseok.
He seemed embarrassed, lowering his head and staring at the floor.
‘He looked fine during the interview, though.’
Filming continued.
Even after two hours, there was no sign of it ending.
‘Being a celebrity really isn’t something just anyone can do.’
“Let’s take a short break.”
“Yes.”
Han Suseok rushed over to me.
“CEO, would you like some water?”
“No, I’m fine. More importantly, Team Leader Han, wouldn’t it be better if you head back first?”
“I’m fine.”
I had expected that answer.
So I chose a different approach.
“Then I have a favor. I’m thinking of making some Spade Joker goods.”
“Goods?”
“Yes. Like dolls or something.”
“Understood.”
“This time, I’m thinking of something simple, like plush dolls. Could you ask Spade Joker to draw some drafts?”
I was planning to properly produce official doll merchandise this time.
Previously, I had left the design entirely to designers.
‘But soon, it’ll become a trend for idols to design their own character dolls. Since promotions just ended, it’s a good opportunity for us to follow that trend too.’
“Also, make a simple list of reference goods from other companies. I’d like to review it right after filming.”
“Understood.”
As expected, giving him a light task worked better.
He could simply call Spade Joker to relay the request, and the reference list wouldn’t take long… so he’d even get some rest after finishing.
Comments (0)