Return of the Genius Photographer

“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept that offer.”

Jung Woong’s eyes widened for the first time in his life at Woojin’s response.

Anyone who knew him would be shocked by such an expression of emotion.

Jung Woong stood there, as if turned into a stone pillar, clearly taken aback.

Kang-sik, standing next to him, was equally astonished.

Who was Jung Woong, after all?

Wasn’t he a figure who could be described as the guardian of South Korean photography?

With his fame, wealth, and countless experiences, what photographer wouldn’t dream of being offered a position by him?

If it were a photographer of similar stature to Jung Woong, such a refusal might be understandable.

But the one refusing was a mere high school student.

A virtually unknown photographer just entering the field.

“Perhaps you don’t know who we are?” Kang-sik asked Woojin, bewildered.

The question stemmed from the conclusion that if Woojin didn’t know about Jung Woong and himself, he might not understand the value of the offer.

“How could I not? Photographer Jung Woong is extremely famous.”

But even this assumption was completely off the mark.

“And Professor Lee Kang-sik, you’re a professor in the Department of Photography at Chung-Ang University. I found your book Discourse on Aesthetic Photography very impressive.”

“Have you taken any of my classes?” Kang-sik asked, surprised.

“I haven’t attended any classes, but I’ve read a few of your books on my own.”

At Woojin’s relaxed mention of his book, Kang-sik, who had been trying to remain composed, was left speechless.

The book Woojin mentioned was a textbook used for major courses at the university.

Given its content and depth, it was a daunting choice for self-study.

If Woojin’s claim was true, it indicated an extensive background knowledge.

With such a thorough understanding, Woojin should fully grasp the current situation.

Why, then, had he rejected Jung Woong’s offer?

Even though there’s a fine line between genius and madness, Kang-sik couldn’t fathom Woojin’s thought process.

Watching their reactions, Woojin inwardly smiled.

‘Good, I’ve set the tone to my advantage.’

From the moment these two approached him, Woojin had a good idea of why they had come.

It was no surprise that someone like photographer Jung Woong, who never made pointless visits, had come up with a proposition.

‘I didn’t expect it to be an offer to become his disciple, though.’

Knowing how selective Jung Woong was, Woojin had indeed been surprised by his offer to take him on as a disciple.

He hadn’t expected Jung Woong to think so highly of him.

To Woojin, who had longed to connect with him, this was an ideal opportunity.

Accepting his offer immediately would have made sense.

‘But the disciple part is a bit disappointing.’

Jung Woong and Kang-sik likely hadn’t anticipated Woojin’s reaction.

Considering their abilities and social status, rejecting their offer was akin to throwing away a golden opportunity.

‘They probably thought I’d accept without hesitation.’

Any ordinary photographer would have jumped at the chance without a second thought.

Learning under a master photographer was a rare opportunity that usually required immense luck or skill.

Additionally, the mentor’s influence would significantly smooth the path to success in the network-driven photography industry.

But Woojin was no ordinary photographer.

Though he appeared to be a high school student on the outside, his mind was that of a seasoned veteran who had seen and done it all in the photography world.

To grab at an opportunity without dignity was something his pride wouldn’t allow.

Moreover, becoming a disciple would undoubtedly reduce his freedom to work independently.

So, what he desired was a relationship that offered more freedom than that of a disciple.

Even if he accepted the offer, he needed to change it to suit his preferences.

Strictly speaking, the offer to become a disciple was ultimately a contract between Jung Woong as a client and him.

To secure a better contract, he needed to shift the atmosphere in his favor.

He had to amplify his worth so they couldn’t refuse his proposal.

And he was confident that acting this way would captivate Jung Woong’s interest.

While Jung Woong might not know him, Woojin knew him well.

“I would prefer a partnership with you, Photographer Jung Woong, rather than becoming your disciple.”

When he stated his preference,

“Hahaha!”

A hearty laugh echoed through the exhibition hall.

Numerous eyes turned to them instantly.

The stares were those of people annoyed by the loud noise, but Jung Woong didn’t care; he was amazed.

“You’re truly audacious! I’ve never met anyone like you! You’re completely unpredictable.”

Jung Woong’s voice was so animated that everyone around was startled.

He continued, genuinely pleased.

“Fine! I’ll grant you whatever you wish. Come to my studio whenever you want.”

Jung Woong responded as if Woojin’s conditions were insignificant.

His reply was so unexpected that it left Woojin momentarily at a loss.

“Yes. I’ll contact you again when I’m ready to visit.”

“Alright. I’ll be waiting for your call.”

Thus, the conversation with Photographer Jung Woong ended dramatically.

After explaining the situation to his curious parents, Woojin wandered around the exhibition hall for a bit before heading home.

With the prize money from the contest and the connection he had established with Photographer Jung Woong,

He couldn’t predict what this new development would bring forth.

But he was certain it would benefit him.

He had a feeling that things were about to get very busy.

* * *

VOTUS Editorial Team 3.

On Monday morning, the team was busy with a meeting.

“Alright, everyone! Focus up! We’re handling the fashion section this month, remember?”

Managing Editor Yoon Jung-ah clapped her hands to gather the team’s attention.

“This issue is incredibly important to me, folks. Let’s do our best.”

“Yes! Our leader needs that promotion.”

“We’ll make sure it’s better than Team 1’s.”

“Right. Last time, Team 1 finished their special edition well and even got bonuses. Let’s do our best and earn that bonus too.”

Jung-ah smiled wryly at her team’s enthusiastic resolve.

‘We should have gotten the anniversary issue…’

It had been two months, but thinking about it still made her feel bitter.

VOTUS magazine was divided into three main sections: fashion, beauty, and features covering various societal issues and notable personalities.

Similarly, the magazine had three managing editors, each rotating to handle one section, which was VOTUS’s working method.

It was a fairly rational working method, and she had no complaints so far.

But two months ago, there had been a dispute over who would handle the anniversary issue.

While all sections were important, the identity of VOTUS being a fashion magazine made the fashion section the most crucial.

The upper management was also paying close attention, making it a significant factor in performance reviews.

‘By the original rotation, it should have been our Team 3’s turn…’

According to the rotation, it was customary for Yoon Jung-ah’s Team 3 to handle it,

But because it was a special issue, the other managing editors refused to acknowledge this.

Eventually, the dispute dragged on long enough that the higher-ups had to step in and assign the section themselves.

Even though it was a decision from above, for Yoon Jung-ah, it felt like she had been robbed of her rightful task.

Just hearing about the VOTUS anniversary special issue brought a surge of irritation.

Moreover, if the special issue had been of poor quality, it would have been a different story.

But it seemed Team 1 had also put their all into it, producing an outstanding piece of work.

Hearing rumors that the higher-ups were satisfied only added to Jung-ah’s discomfort.

‘Won Suncheol… that insufferable man. The last I heard, their photographer bailed, and they had to find a substitute in a hurry. How did they manage to get such photos?’

Clearly, the mysterious outcome differed from the rumors she had heard.

Team 1 had been so secretive that she couldn’t find out any more details.

“Chief?”

“Boss? What are you thinking about so deeply?”

Lost in her thoughts for a while, her team’s questions snapped Jung-ah back to reality.

No matter how much she lamented the past, it was gone.

Despite the setback, she had waited and waited for this new opportunity.

Even if it wasn’t a special issue,

Jung-ah was determined to give her all for this edition.

“Nothing. Let’s focus.”

Jung-ah started writing on the whiteboard in the meeting room.

– Topple! Won Suncheol!

“Oh, that’s not right.”

Still lingering in her thoughts, she had written something silly.

With a slightly embarrassed look, she quickly erased it and wrote again.

– Theme: Future.

“Alright, our theme this time is the future.”

“The future? Are you talking about introducing products that will become trendy? We do that every time.”

After she wrote the theme on the whiteboard, her team asked curiously.

“It’s not just about introducing products that are trending overseas.”

“Then what is it?”

“Think of it more as us setting the trends. We’re going to showcase fashion that will dominate the year.”

“Wow… That sounds challenging.”

Her team members were daunted by the explanation.

Though it sounded easy in theory, creating fashion that would lead trends was a daunting task.

“Don’t think of it as too difficult.”

Jung-ah encouraged her team.

“Trends tend to come full circle, right? We just need to present fashion that people will find fresh.”

“We’re going to need a lot of research.”

“Right. And the photographer is crucial. Capturing a trendy vibe is key. Does anyone have a photographer in mind?”

After Jung-ah’s explanation, she asked her team.

Her team members, who had been listening intently, began suggesting photographers one by one.

“There’s an online store I’ve been watching. It’s called 3rd Street Market. Its main clientele is young women, and the photos are stunning. Just seeing the pictures makes you want to buy.”

“Yeah, they upload new products every week. The quality of the photos is amazing. If a photographer can make clothes look that good, they could definitely do a trendy photoshoot.”

“Really? Okay. Then you contact them, get the photographer’s portfolio, and let me know.”

“Okay.”

“And reach out to any other photographers and get their portfolios. We’ll review them and decide.”

“Yes, boss!”

“Alright, let’s end the meeting here.”

The meeting of VOTUS Team 3 concluded this way.

Although many steps were left in selecting specific items and scheduling shoots with photographers, Jung-ah felt the start wasn’t bad.

But what Jung-ah didn’t know was that the plan she was staking everything on,

Much like Suncheol’s situation two months ago,

Would hinge on Woo-jin’s involvement.