Game Director from Hell - Chapter 33: Jo Ayoons Crisis (2)

The current problem: Jo Ayoon’s dismal scores on her mock university entrance exam.

This is generally incomprehensible.

In principle, mock university entrance exams are quite easy.

With just the knowledge equivalent to that of a middle school student, one can easily achieve the passing score. Furthermore, with additional study, aiming for a high score isn’t that difficult.

This was the common perception, and indeed, the assessments followed suit.

So, let’s draw a conclusion.

“Ayoon, have you been studying at all?”

Jo Ayoon hadn’t been studying at all.

For the past year, aside from Han Seorim’s classes, she hadn’t dedicated any extra time to studying. Her abysmal scores were proof of that.

It wasn’t entirely impossible.

“Han Seorim must have been busy too.”

Han Seorim was, after all, the Studio Art Director. She was not just casually busy, but rather, she was extremely passionate about her work, to the point where she spent several times more hours on it than others. Even recently, that was the case. From designing God to completing modelling, and continuing with the modelling for the next chapterm. She was the most busy after me. Even though she worked as a tutor, she couldn’t entirely focus on it. In this situation, it became even more apparent.

In my early college days, I had some experience tutoring for college entrance exams, so I understood. Studying was an area where success was impossible without the student’s own determination. Han Seorim’s passion and Jo Ayoon’s determination might not necessarily correlate.

After some speculation, I finally arrived at an answer.

“Hehe…”

Jo Ayoon laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of her head.

An attitude that showed no awareness of the problem at hand.

But that wasn’t all. Her shamelessness was so bold that it seemed like something you’d expect from future Jo Ayoon.

Suddenly, I remembered something from her childhood.

It was like the feeling I got when watching a TV show where a digital monster partner in a manga evolved into a skeleton dinosaur instead of a steel dinosaur.

In other words, Jo Ayoon had evolved into the darkness, with black instead of pink.

“Well, I’ve been busy…”

Jo Ayoon avoided my gaze.

Her nonchalant attitude in this dire situation made my fist clench involuntarily.

“I can’t leave it like this.”

I made a phone call to Jo Ayoon’s practical skills tutor, leaving Jo Ayoon aside for the moment.

In this situation, all of Jo Ayoon’s university entrance plans would crumble, so we needed a strategy.

Fortunately, there might be hope in the practical skills part.

“To be honest, if we polish it a bit more, there won’t be any problems with the practical skills. Ayoon has a good sense of it. However…”

“…The lowest score, right?”

“…Yes, if you’re aiming for a prestigious music university, focusing on that area might be the right choice. Because the practical skills exam is like a gamble… Do you understand what I mean?”

I understood.

Still, it was the Korean College Entrance Exam, a prestigious music university entrance exam that was considered the best in Korea. The term “practical skills 100%” meant that all the top students, both current and repeat exam takers, would be competing fiercely in this fiery battlefield.

It was especially true in this era.

In 2010, and the next year when Jo Ayoon would take the practical skills exam, the private education market in Korea was hotter than ever before.

Entrance exams required strategy.

Relying only on Jo Ayoon’s practical skills and neglecting the written test was risky, as there could be unknown variables.

In the Korean College Entrance Exam, achieving the minimum required score was not optional but a necessity.

The same applied to the mock university entrance exams.

“Jo Ayoon.”

“Yes, um…”

“I think I need to personally handle your mock university entrance exam prep. Eight hours a day, every day.”

“Ugh…”

“Don’t expect me to be as lenient as Han Seorim. You better be prepared.”

Jo Ayoon’s complexion turned pale.

Ah, this familiar feeling of coldness. It’s been a while.

Hellic’s overall director, Chun Yeonho, temporarily stepped down.

Now, it’s time for me to return to being the devil of university entrance exam tutoring.

***

The remaining time is roughly 50 days, and there is no room for leisure, which is practically akin to death.

Reflecting on my past experiences and the current generation of students I’ve taught, it’s essential to start with correcting basic lifestyle patterns.

Jo Ayoon, as a dropout, often stayed up all night and slept during the day, which was not a good habit.

Fortunately, I could quickly identify the cause.

“Ayoon, you reached the fourth advancement, right?”

“Yes! I’m a Grand Magician now!”

“Quit the game. Focus on the mock university entrance exams.”

“Alright…”

That darn Maple Saga. Jo Ayoon was still hooked.

In the past year, she had gone from being a level 60 character to a high-level user, surpassing level 130.

Yes, it’s embarrassing for me as a game director to say this, but… “You’re addicted to the game.”

Jo Ayoon was indeed addicted to the game.

“Um, then just one hour a day…?”

“No.”

“30 minutes?”

“No.”

Regarding this matter, I had also reached an agreement with Jo Ayoon’s parents.

• Ayoon’s exams are approaching. It seems like I need to step in personally now, and we need cooperation within the family for this part.
• Ah, whatever! What should I do first?
• Please disconnect the internet.

Cut!

That day, all the LAN cables at Jo Ayoon’s house were unplugged.

“Now, let’s move on to the lesson schedule and self-study plan.”

“S-Sir, when do I get a break?”

“After the entrance exams.”

“Ugh…”

“You can do it. I’ve tried it myself, and it’s more manageable than you think.”

Still, I wasn’t going to push her like the students retaking the exams.

At the very least, she should be guaranteed enough sleep.

“Now, let’s talk about your education plan. First, I’ve received your progress report from Seorim. You don’t lack memorization skills; you can understand things. Let’s move on to the second-year curriculum.”

Especially in math and science, Jo Ayoon showed weaknesses.

I planned to delve deep into these areas.

“S-Sir…”

Jo Ayoon groaned.

It starts now. I could forcibly cram knowledge into her head, but concentration was an issue of personal determination.

Sitting across from Jo Ayoon, I said, “I’m doing this for your benefit… I won’t nag you with the same old stuff. Think of it as a game. A hardcore difficulty one.”

“A game…?”

“There’s a reward.”

That’s what I said.

An extension of the promise, “I’ll buy you a gaming console if you score 100 on the dictation test.”

It’s on a slightly larger scale, though.

“I’ll do everything within my power to grant you anything you want. Just pass the mock university entrance exams.”

Jo A-yoon’s shoulders perked up.

Her eyes widened as if they were about to pop out.

“Anything…?”

“Anything. Within realistically achievable limits. Oh, except for asking for a different company.”

It wasn’t just empty words.

If she genuinely desires something, I’ll do my best to make it happen.

Jo Ayoon’s success is a matter of my pride and an issue related to the contract I signed.

“Anything…!”

A dry gulp sounded behind Jo Ayoon.

Her eyes darted around.

I don’t know what she’s imagining, but she definitely seems enthusiastic about it.

“Now, if there’s a reward, there should also be a penalty for failure.”

“Uhh…?”

“I’ll delete your game account permanently.”

“…”

Jo Ayoon froze.

Heaven and hell. Jo Ayoon had no other choice.

Anyway, that’s how the lessons began.

Do I really need to elaborate on the hardships during this process?

Let’s just say that I made her study, and made her study some more.

I’ll cut to the chase.

The 50-day journey was a success.

“My, my average score in the practice exams is 95!”

I’m not sure if this is the right thing to say at times like this.

“You did great. I’m so proud of you.”

In the end, I succeeded in proving myself.

…If my game company goes under, maybe I should consider opening an entrance exam academy.

***

Ah, Teacher! How can I ever repay this kindness…!

Now, during the modelling phase of Chapter 2, Jo Ayoon’s mother, upon hearing her mock university entrance exam results, sent ginseng to the office, expressing her gratitude.

The feeling of relief was the greatest, knowing that he had successfully passed a significant hurdle.

“Hehe…”

Jo Ayoon was also delighted to finally be able to play games again.

Her face, focused on sucking down the stick of ginseng, seemed truly content.

Now, there was only one homework left.

“So, Ayoon, you did well on the exams, but what’s your wish?”

I asked, curious about what request she might have.

Jo Ayoon blinked her eyes, then grinned and said, “I’ll tell you later.”

A cautious one.

Perhaps she intends to ask for something significant once the company grows further.

I can respect her ambition.

“Sure, it’s a big one, so take your time,” I said.

“Okay!”

And that was that.

Today, we had visitors in the office.

“Hey! Yeonho!”

Bang!

“Ugh…”

Jo Ayoon jumped up with a start.

Behind her, there was a guy entering the office with force.

To put it simply, he was Han Seorim’s older brother and my senior from college.

He was now in his fifth year of college, about to graduate as Han Jinkyung.

“How have you been?”

He had a robust appearance that made you think he was well.

“I’ve been well. Congratulations on your graduation.”

“Thank you! I’m finally feeling relieved.”

“What about finding a job?”

“I’m taking a little break for now. Nothing urgent, you know?”

It might not be urgent… but considering their wealthy household, he did seem more relaxed compared to others.

From what I overheard, it seemed like he didn’t have any plans to enter the programming industry and might end up taking over family affairs.

“Is this the office? Hey, you’ve found a nice place. Is this friend one of your employees?”

“Oh, hello…”

“Oh-yeah! Nice to meet you! By the way, you seem younger than me, but is it okay to address you informally?”

“Yes…”

Jo Ayoon shrank back.

Han Jinkyung, the ultimate insider among insiders, seemed challenging for Jo Ayoon.

That aside…

“Please have a seat here. I’ll bring coffee.”

“Wow! By the way, where are Seorim and the other two?”

“They went out to gather some reference materials.”

Since the design concept for this game was a combination of various art techniques, the art team often had to visit art galleries to gather references.

The work was progressing smoothly, and I was keeping an eye on it.

Above all, Han Jinkyung’s sister was utilizing her time well even though it was Jinkung who has graduated.

That’s the end of the story about the art team.

Thud.

I handed a cup of coffee to Han Jinkyung as I sat down across from him and brought up the main topic.

“So, did you find out anything?”

The purpose of today’s meeting was to address a significant issue that our studio had been dealing with.

“You mean hiring programmers?”

“Yes.”

We were looking for a programmer—a person who was reasonably quick-witted, easy to work with, and capable of reducing friction.

When I thought about it, among the graduates who shared the same educational background, there had to be someone who met these criteria, right?

Still, this was a top-notch university in South Korea.

If they had completed their studies, they would likely have some level of understanding.

And within the group who graduated, there was Han Jinkyung’s, brother of Han Seorim, who excelled at building strong relationships.

I imagined that he would have stayed in touch with people like that.

My only conditions were two-fold.

They had to have decent academic records, and they should either be currently job hunting or considering leaving their current job.

“I’ve shortlisted a few candidates! Here’s the list.”

“Did they agree to this?”

“Of course! I already told them that they would be treated normally even if they are all job seekers!”

I easily obtained the list.

“Thanks. I’ll treat you to a meal sometime.”

“Sure thing!”

Good academic records come in handy.

***

Well, let’s stop here.

Now that I’ve highlighted the advantages of having a good educational background, it’s necessary to explain the downsides as well.

There are several fatal drawbacks.

“So, as a junior? You are junior, right? I’ve realized something while working in the field for about a year…”

The senior-junior relationship.

When I was a senior, I didn’t pay much attention to it, but once I became a junior, it became quite a painful aspect.

Especially when dealing with those who have some experience in the workforce and have gained confidence.

“…So, what I mean is, in the programming field, having experienced individuals is crucial.”

They are the prime examples of those I’ve personally met and interacted with.

First, the guy who had no intention of joining the company and just came to freeload and drink.

Second, the guy who demanded a salary that didn’t match his career level and showed no willingness to compromise.

Third, the guy who was the worst and would nit-pick the algorithms in Hellic’s code.

“I’ve played your game, and it feels like the code is written way too amateurishly. Oh? I tried fixing it on my own…”

He even copied my code to his Notepad, but even a quick glance showed how sloppy it was.

It’s either a pitiful attempt to showcase practical experience or a distorted image they’ve created.

Now, let’s try to understand their psychology.

They want a job, they want to maintain their seniority, and they want to have control over their work.

But they are desperate because they have nothing to showcase in their careers.

Seeing this, it seems they don’t have the skills needed for the job.

So, they resort to embarrassing actions like these.

It’s not rational judgment but rather impulsive decisions driven by impatience.

If I hadn’t regressed to a college student, I might have understood.

But the reality is, I already have 20 years of experience in the industry.

I can’t take this shallow nonsense.

“…I’ve heard what you said.”

Since I was in the position of receiving the introduction, I couldn’t scold them to their faces.

I quietly left the scene.

Several days passed like that.

“Now, is this the last one?”

I received a list, and there were eight candidates on it.

Three of them were no good, and four had completely different working styles.

Now, only one was left, and I couldn’t help but think that I might have asked for too much.

However, I couldn’t give up in advance, and I couldn’t cancel the appointment.

This time was a bit peculiar.

I received a message suggesting we meet at a café during broad daylight.

With a different start from before, the thought “Could it be?” naturally came to mind, and I was deeply moved when I arrived at the meeting place.

“Hello…”

Messy hair, thick-framed glasses that almost made his eyes squint, a checkered shirt, and a slender build to the point where you could see his wrist bones.

His gaze couldn’t meet mine, and his shrinking voice lacked confidence, making a particularly strong impression.

I also understand.

It’s prejudice.

It’s something that happens unconsciously.

“Oh, are you Mr. Goh Myunggyu sunbae?”

Trustworthiness radiated from his demeanour itself.

It’s something you instinctively think.

“Oh, this person is a programmer.”

That’s what I mean.

I guarantee it.

If I were the interviewer, I would have already given him a perfect score just for walking in.