Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

While Jung Soo-Hyuk was on the phone with Kang Gam-Chan in front of Club Lucy, I called Lee Tae-Poong.

As I expected, Bang Sang-Yung had sent an actress to approach Lee Tae-Poong. Even though the paparazzi who had been planning to take pictures had already switched to our side, we had to prepare since anyone could take pictures with just a phone.

"Where are you right now, Tae-Poong?"

-Me? I just finished fitting and am on my way home.

"Stop. Don't go home and head straight to my place."

-Huh? Why?

"A reporter is following you."

I left out the part about the actress planning a physical approach on him and only mentioned the paparazzi. After all, the attack wouldn't amount to much if I could prevent them from meeting.

-A reporter is following me?

"Yes. My place in Cheonho-dong has much better security than your home right now. Let's have you stay at my place tonight."

Currently, Yoo-Jin's house in Cheonho-dong had security posts set up on both sides of the alley 100 meters from the house. These were installed with the residents' permission after Yoo-Jin's popularity soared, strictly controlling outsiders' access.

Because of this, no one except the residents could approach Yoo-Jin's house.

-Okay, I'll turn the car around now.

"I'll let Mrs. Jung In-Ji know, so go rest in the guest room on the third floor. We'll talk in detail when you get here."

-Got it, hyung.

Even after I hung up, Jung Soo-Hyuk was still on the phone with Kang Gam-Chan.

"Understood. Then we'll wait here."

Jung Soo-Hyuk hung up and pointed to Club Lucy as he spoke.

"Bank President Choi Yung-Ho is coming here now. Chairman Choi Eun-Tae sent him."

Choi Yung-Ho was essentially Choi Eun-Tae's right-hand man. His involvement meant Choi Eun-Tae was personally stepping in.

I asked, "Are they seriously holding a board meeting at this hour?"

Jung Soo-Hyuk nodded. "When I informed Chairman Choi of Director Bang's embezzlement, he immediately gathered the shareholders. The recording was decisive."

Choi Eun-Tae, who had allied with Kang Gam-Chan, planned to convene an emergency board meeting to propose Bang Sang-Yung's dismissal.

Officially, they should notify the shareholders of an extraordinary general meeting and proceed with the termination. But Choi Eun-Tae preferred to act first and handle the formalities later. After all, no one dared to question his decisions anyway.

Jung Soo-Hyuk's face showed a light-hearted expression. "They want us to join them later. But before that, shall we grab a bite at the street vendor here?"

"Sure. If we're about to face a storm, let's fill our stomachs first."

"Right."

"But what about surveillance?"

Jung Soo-Hyuk picked up the phone and instructed another information team. "Yes, it's me. We'll be eating, so keep a close watch on the entrance and emergency exits. Contact me if anything comes up."

After entrusting the surveillance to another team, Jung Soo-Hyuk and I walked to the food cart[1] with our arms over each other's shoulders.

***

At the cart, I called Jung In-Ji after ordering udon.

Hearing about Lee Tae-Poong's situation, she readily agreed.

-Of course, I have to help. Afterall, I'm getting paid by Hoop Entertainment, too. I'll take care of him if you're late, so don't worry.

"Thank you so much."

-There's no need for thanks. It's just the right thing to do. Oh, also, Miso wants to talk to you.

"Sure."

When the call was transferred, Miso spoke in a slightly sleepy voice. It was only 9 p.m., but it was already time for Miso to get sleepy since she usually slept around 10 p.m..

-Uncle Yoon-Ho~ Why aren't you coming home yet?

"Miso, why aren't you sleeping yet?"

-I can't sleep because you and Mom aren't here.

Yoo-Jin was currently filming in Gyeongju and Miso was with Jung In-Ji on the first floor. Miso grumbled that Lucky, Mimi, Baekseolgi, Injeolmi, Happy, and Love were all asleep, so she had no one to play with.

"Still, you need to get ready for bed and sleep well. After Uncle Tae-Poong receives his award the day after tomorrow, I'll spend the whole day with you."

-You promise?

"Okay, I promise."

-And... um... you didn't forget my birthday, right?

Miso's voice hinted at a tinge of concern.

"Of course not. December 1. How could I forget your birthday? That's why I said I'd spend the whole day with you. I even took leave."

I had been waiting for Miso's birthday to arrive ever since my regression. Hwangryong Film Association was on November 30, and the day after would be Miso's birthday. Though busy with matters concerning Lee Tae-Poong, I had already made preparations for that day.

Miso's voice filled with joy upon hearing my response.

-Really?

"Yes, really."

-Yay!! Then, I'll go to sleep now!

Miso promptly handed the phone back to Jung-In-Ji and went to bed. After asking Jung-In-Ji to take good care of Miso, I ended the call.

Jung Soo-Hyuk smiled beside me. "Miso seems to be growing up so well. It's nice to see, Team Lead Jung."

"I feel the same. I can't believe she's already about to start elementary school."

"And that's not all. If someone doesn't know Miso these days, they'd probably be accused of being a spy."

"That's true."

Previously, Miso had been a neighborhood idol, but she had grown so cute and charming that she was now a national child actress. She had also grown taller and heavier. Seeing Miso grow so much always made me smile.

At that moment, two bowls of udon were served. The udon in the aluminum pot was topped with chili powder, chopped green onions, seaweed flakes, and a fish cake skewer.

I said, "This one's on me."

Jung Soo-Hyuk subtly brought up the card payment from earlier at Club Lucy. "Of course. After swiping twenty million won at Club Lucy earlier, you should at least cover a bowl of udon. Ha ha ha."

"Should I order you another bowl?"

"Oh, no! At my age, I can't eat much even if I want to. Ha ha ha."

Having uncovered Bang Sang-Yung's weakness, everything seemed amusing to him.

"Let's eat."

From then on, we began slurping the chewy noodles and blowing on them to cool them down.

Slurp, slurp.

The noodles slid smoothly into my mouth, making a soft sound as they went. I then blew on the seaweed and sipped a hot spoonful of broth. The savory, sweet, and mildly spicy fish cake broth warmed my chilled body.

Next, I chewed on the fish cake in the udon. Its bouncy texture made me chuckle as it swirled around in my mouth.

As we were finishing our udon, a call came to my phone.

[Caller ID: Reporter Han Yeon-Hong]

'Huh? I wonder what's going on?'

It was Han Yeon-Hong from Star Patch, whom I had met in front of JJ Studio. Wondering if something had happened, I put down my chopsticks and answered the call.

"Yes, Ms. Han."

Instantly, Han Yeon-Hong's bright voice came through.

-Just now, that man Oh Ji-Seok had a drink at a sushi restaurant and then came out. He scolded the road talent agent for driving here in this cold weather and punched him. I caught it all on camera.

It was now 9:10 p.m. There were less than 48 hours until the Hwangryong Film Association.

And now, Oh Ji-Seok backed by judges from the Suhyaejong alumni judges, had caused a physical assault incident.

"Can you publish the article right away?"

-Of course. Oh, and I just got a Kk Talk message saying the actress has been sent to Mr. Tae-Poong. They want the pictures sent to them as soon as they're taken. What should I do?

"What's the actress's name?"

-They said it's Choi Min-Hee.

Choi Min-Hee from Ace Entertainment was a rookie actress known for hanging around PDs, someone who would eventually crumble on her own without any interference.

"Just ignore it. Also, Director Bang will be dealt with by tonight."

-Really? Then I'll just focus on covering Oh Ji-Seok.

"Alright. I'll look forward to your article."

As soon as I hung up, news came that Choi Yung-Ho's party had arrived at Club Lucy.

"Team Lead Jung, let's head out."

"Okay."

I quickly placed some money on the table and left the food cart.

Two vans pulled up at the entrance and as Choi Yung-Ho stepped out of the vehicle, ten others followed him.

After exchanging a few words with his group, Choi Yung-Ho walked straight into the club. The security guards didn't block him. Instead, they bowed at a 90-degree angle and allowed him in.

About five minutes later, Choi Yung-Ho emerged with a pale-faced Bang Sang-Yung and Lee Dong-Gu.

Bang Sang-Yung shouted, "Let me go!"

Lee Dong-Gu also said with a frustrated expression, "W-why are you taking me too? Huh?"

The two were dragged out without even their coats and carried like luggage by burly men.

"Quiet down. Chairman Choi Eun-Tae wants to see you, so stop complaining and get in the car."

"C-Chairman Choi wants to see us? Why?"

Choi Yung-Ho warned, "You talk too much. Just shut up and get in the car, okay?"

"F-fine."

The moment they heard Choi Yung-Ho's threat, the two obediently climbed into the van. Then Choi Yung-Ho and his men quickly left the front of Club Lucy.

Watching the scene, Jung Soo-Hyuk smiled. "Looks like it's our turn to go as well, huh?"

"Yes."

Just then, an article written by Han Yeon-Hong went live.

[(Exclusive) Late Night Assault Incident. Strong Contender for Hwangryong Film Association's Best Actor Award, Oh Ji-Seok, Involved in Talent Agent Assault.]

-The scene of violence witnessed by this reporter while visiting a restaurant was beyond shocking.

-Top star Oh Ji-Seok unhesitatingly threw punches at a young talent agent who couldn't fight back.

-When attempts were made to stop him, the situation ended in the blink of an eye.

-Upon witnessing the true nature of Oh Ji-Seok who claimed to only enjoy exercising, this reporter was left in utter disbelief.

(Photo 1: Road talent agent rolling on the ground)

(Photo 2: Oh Ji-Seok striking the talent agent in the chest while he is down)

Han Yeon-Hong posted the article along with photos on the Star Patch online main page. Simultaneously, comments started pouring in.

(Comments)

-HeyOhJiPsycho: So being a star means you can beat people up? Arrest him immediately! Let's file a petition at the Blue House!

-SpecialForces24: What era are we living in? This guy's got no fear at all. He kept bragging he wasn't afraid of anything. Turns out it was true.

-OnionCrunch: I had a bad feeling ever since he showed off his muscles on variety shows. I must have been crazy to like that kind of person.

-CouchWarlord: Looking for party members to raid Oh Ji-Seok's house [1/4].

It was just past 9 p.m., and the number of comments was rapidly increasing.

I immediately handed my phone to Jung Soo-Hyuk.

After reading the article, Jung Soo-Hyuk chuckled. "At this rate… Oh Ji-Seok will have a hard time even staying on the nomination list, let alone winning the award."

The Hwangryong Film Association judges would vote on the selected films and actors on November 30 at 1 p.m. While Hwangryong Film Association usually didn't reflect personal issues in its decisions, a scandal of this magnitude would make it hard to uphold that principle.

If they voted for Oh Ji-Seok, they would face national outrage.

This game was mine.

Jung Soo-Hyuk stretched and spoke. "Alright, let's go bid farewell to Director Bang. Let's head to Chairman Choi Eun-Tae's residence in Myeongdong."

"Yes, sir."

Humming a cheerful tune, we each headed to our cars and drove toward Choi Eun-Tae's grand residence in Myeongdong.

***

As we entered Choi Eun-Tae's grand residence in Myeongdong, Lee Dong-Gu and Bang Sang-Yung were kneeling on the dirt floor beneath the raised wooden floor of the hanok.

On the platform above, Choi Eun-Tae, Kang Gam-Chan, and the other shareholders were seated, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a courtroom interrogating criminals.

Upon noticing me, Choi Eun-Tae gestured. "Team Lead Jung, come here."

"Yes, Mr. Choi."

When I approached the platform, Choi Eun-Tae pointed to the two kneeling men as he spoke. "These wretched men attempted to fabricate scandals involving your actor, Lee Tae-Poong."

Choi Eun-Tae's voice echoed with authority. I feigned shock and glared at Bang Sang-Yung though I already knew. "Mr. Bang, is this true?"

Bang Sang-Yung trembled and avoided my gaze.

Clicking his tongue, Choi Eun-Tae spoke again. "If there are no objections from the board, I propose we dismiss Director Bang for embezzlement. What do you think?"

At that moment, Bang Sang-Yung's head shot up in shock. "M-Mr. Chairman, that's not… it's not true!"

"If it's not true, explain yourself. If you provide a valid reason, I'll reconsider the decision."

Bang Sang-Yung hesitated with his eyes darting nervously around the room. His gaze eventually landed on Choi Man-Sik, who frowned deeply. Seeing this, Bang Sang-Yung quickly looked away.

At that moment, Choi Eun-Tae shifted his tone. Then his demeanor softened into a gentle and almost tempting one. "But, Director Bang…"

Hearing the unexpected gentleness, Bang Sang-Yung cautiously raised his head. "Y-yes, sir?"

"I don't believe you acted alone in this. So just be honest. If you tell the truth, I'll put everything on the line to protect you. Was someone behind this?"

Choi Eun-Tae's reassuring words caused visible turmoil in Bang Sang-Yung's eyes. At this moment, Choi Eun-Tae was trying to coax a confession about the mastermind behind this scheme.

Everyone in the room including Choi Eun-Tae already knew that Choi Man-Sik was the one pulling the strings. However, evidence was needed to justify taking action against him.

Meanwhile, Choi Man-Sik's expression grew visibly tense. If Bang Sang-Yung named him as the mastermind, he would lose all justification and face the consequences with no defense.

After a long moment of hesitation, Bang Sang-Yung shut his eyes tightly and finally began to speak. "Well… I… um…"

1. Food carts, or pojangmacha 포장마차 is something commonly seen in Korean dramas ☜

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