Chapter 1: Assistant Manager Kim Faces Reality

“Where should we request the cover art for the special award-winning piece?”

“Assistant Manager Kim Jangbung, do we really need to commission a cover? It’s just a special award.”

“What? Of course we do — that’s how the contract was written.”

“No, no. The contract says we’ll provide a cover, not that we’ll make one. Guess you’re still new to working life and don’t know how to read contracts properly.”

“Then what do you plan to do?”

“Go to the art team. They’ll give you some random cover. Just use that.”

“Manager, about the special award cover…”

“Oh that? Hold on, it was in the ‘Not Cormorant But Bulbul’ folder… Yeah, here it is. Take it.”

“This… doesn’t match the novel at all.”

“Huh? You actually read the novel, Assistant Manager Kim?”

“Well, it is part of my job.”

“I can’t stand those kinds of novels — the quality is so low. Ugh, and the way they describe genitals, it’s just gross…”

“Still, it’s one of our main revenue streams. Do you have anything more East Asian-themed, illustration-wise?”

“Ugh… there isn’t one. We’d have to commission a new one. Is that really necessary?”

“We signed a contract with the author…”

“Don’t stress about that stuff too much. It’s just a special award, right? Worth what, a million won? You think a million-won novel deserves that kind of effort?”

“…Yes, sir. You’re right.”

“Exactly. If the author complains, just talk them down or promise they’ll get more money from another platform later.”

“I’ll be going now.”

“Alright, work hard~ Oh, Manager Choi! That concept art for Bellnovel didn’t look that great. I told you to put in more effort.”

“Yes, I’ll revise the concept and upload it again.”