Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Lee Mal-Soon's request to bring me to Singer Division 1 caused a stir in the meeting room and I was a bit surprised myself.

Even though I had discreetly taken some measures, I didn't expect Lee Mal-Soon to need me to that extent.

Cha Sang-Jin stammered at Lee Mal-Soon's outburst. "I'm sorry, but what do you mean, Mrs. Lee..."

Lee Mal-Soon responded, "What? You said you'd do everything, didn't you? This is what I want. Can you do it? If you can, I'll stay in Singer Division 1."

Though Lee Mal-Soon was straightforward in her demands, Cha Sang-Jin couldn't take her words at face value.

"Sigh~. Ma'am, if you have complaints, please speak openly. I don't understand why you're acting this way just because Team Lead Jung planned some trivial lunch boxes and goods!" Cha Sang-Jin complained.

At that moment, Lee Mal-Soon's face contorted with anger and she slammed her handbag on the meeting room table.

Bang!

The studs on the handbag hit the table and made a sharp sound.

"Some trivial lunch boxes? Some trivial goods? Chief Cha, you better watch what you say. Do you know how happy my fans were at the concert because of those 'trivial lunch boxes and goods'?" Lee Mal-Soon yelled.

Lee Mal-Soon began to berate Cha Sang-Jin with veins bulging in her neck out of anger.

"M-Ma'am..." Cha Sang-Jin stuttered in shock.

The event Lee Mal-Soon provided including high-quality lunch boxes with simple letters inside and affordable goods definitely thrilled her fans.

"What do you think is a talent agent's job? Isn't it to help a celebrity like me not fall behind trends? Huh?" Lee Mal-Soon reprimanded him.

Only then did Cha Sang-Jin realize his mistake; his expression turned troubled.

Lee Mal-Soon started looking around the meeting room.

"I want to sing and stay active in this industry until I die. But to keep feeling this way, I need those 'trivial changes' you speak of. And Team Lead Jung is the one who can make those changes."

The staff in the meeting room began to clear their throats awkwardly as Lee Mal-Soon's voice grew louder.

Lee Mal-Soon looked at Cha Sang-Jin. "Chief Cha. I know you've worked hard for me until now, but it seems like this is the end for us."

"I made a mistake. I can do what Team Lead Jung did for you too. I'll do better from now on, so please..." Cha Sang-Jin pleaded.

However, Lee Mal-Soon's expression turned cold at that moment. After all, she had explained enough and persuaded enough.

Then, Lee Mal-Soon spoke coldly, "Chief Cha, you weren't like this before. Why are you being so petty?"

As Cha Sang-Jin dragged the situation, Lee Mal-Soon glared at Lee Gi-Cheol with her charisma cultivated over 30 years and said, "Mr. Gi-Cheol, this is making me feel uncomfortable. Do I have to keep listening to this?"

Lee Gi-Cheol frowned and stood up. "No, ma'am. You don't have to. We'll do as you wish. I'm sorry for making you come all the way here."

Lee Mal-Soon nodded when Lee Gi-Cheol apologized.

Then, Lee Gi-Cheol asked, "But please let me ask just one question. Are you planning to move divisions with Team Leader Yang as well?"

"Of course. Why? Is there a problem with that?" Lee Mal-Soon questioned.

If Lee Gi-Cheol's answer was no, Lee Mal-Soon would definitely leave the company.

Lee Gi-Cheol made a bitter look on his face for a moment before speaking. "No, I just wanted to confirm to make sure. We'll handle it that way then."

"Thank you, Mr. Gi-Cheol," said Lee Mal-Soon.

Only then did Lee Mal-Soon's face soften. But instead of turning around to leave the meeting room, Lee Mal-Soon looked at me and said, "Team Lead Jung."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I'm sorry for acting hastily without consulting with you. I heard you got scolded without knowing why. Is that true?" Lee Mal-Soon asked.

"It's fine. Please don't worry about it," I replied politely.

Lee Mal-Soon smiled slightly.

That's when I instinctively realized it was a chance to score more points.

"Oh, and ma'am."

"Yes, Team Lead Jung?"

"May I say something even if it seems meddlesome?"

"Say anything you want."

"At the next dinner show you're having, please consider allowing your fans to come on stage through a story lottery," I suggested.

Lee Mal-Soon lacked interaction with her fans. She was a skilled singer recognized by all, but she thought she had to appear mysterious to her fans like the old-time singer she was.

But she shouldn't do that anymore.

To compete with young trot singers rising with the audition show boom, interaction with fans was essential. After all, a pop culture artist behind the times would only be left behind.

"A story lottery?" Lee Mal-Soon asked with curiosity.

I nodded. "Yes. It would be an unforgettable memory for the fans if they could talk with you on stage. And one more thing—please hold an event for those who can't afford to come to the dinner show as a charitable act."

At that moment, Lee Mal-Soon began to laugh heartily as if relieved. After laughing for a while, she barely managed to stop before speaking.

"Team Lead Jung, keep saying whatever comes to mind like you are now in the future. Understood?"

"Then you mean what I suggested will be..."

"Of course, I'll do it. The one thing I've learned in 30 years in this industry is that you'll be forgotten if you don't adapt to the changes. But the older I get, the more afraid I am of change. So don't fear change and talk to me whenever you feel the need to like now. I'll follow. Understood?" Lee Mal-Soon replied.

I nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

The meeting room suddenly became noisy as everyone looked surprised that the demanding Lee Mal-Soon accepted my advice so easily.

Lee Mal-Soon nodded with a relieved expression. "Then I'll get going. Good work, everyone."

When Lee Mal-Soon left the meeting room with Yang Hong-Seok, Cha Sang-Jin sat down with a pale face. He looked like he was doomed.

At the same time, the atmosphere in Singer Division 1 hit rock bottom after realizing they had lost both Golden Road and Lee Mal-Soon.

On the other hand, Lee Dong-Min and the members of Singer Division 2 were triumphant. Cherry Blossom had completely replaced Golden Road's position and they now managed Lee Mal-Soon.

Taking advantage of the moment, I checked my planner.

But at that moment, I saw all the schedules related to Cha Sang-Jin had disappeared from the planner.

'No way. Could Chief Cha really be fired?' I wondered.

Thinking about it, Cha Sang-Jin had made irreversible mistakes with the Golden Road scandal and Lee Mal-Soon's transfer. It made no sense for him to keep his position in such a situation.

As the meeting was about to end, Kang Ji-Yung spoke to Lee Gi-Cheol. "Mr. Lee."

"What is it?" Lee Gi-Cheol asked.

"You must keep your promise."

"Wh-what promise?"

Kang Ji-Yung smiled coldly at Lee Gi-Cheol and replied, "This is very disappointing. I thought you'd keep your promise, Mr. Lee."

Kang Ji-Yung was referring to the promise Lee Gi-Cheol had made to Yoo-Jin. It was the promise to apologize for suspecting me recklessly and not to call me without certainty again in the future.

In front of all the staff at the meeting, Kang Ji-Yung was demanding that the promise be fulfilled without blinking an eye.

"You want me to do that here?" Lee Gi-Cheol asked in disbelief.

Kang Ji-Yung nodded. "Yes. A promise is a promise, isn't it?"

"Ugh..." Lee Gi-Cheol frowned deeply and reluctantly spoke to me. "Team Lead Jung."

"Yes, sir."

"I caused trouble by doubting you without checking the details this time. I'm sorry. I apologize... There won't be a next time," Lee Gi-Cheol apologized unwillingly.

His voice was low unlike usual but loud enough for everyone in the room to hear it.

It was the first apology I received from Lee Gi-Cheol even including my previous life.

I held back my bursting laughter and spoke calmly. "Please be careful next time, Mr. Lee."

Lee Gi-Cheol's face turned red. Simultaneously, the team leads and talent agents began to murmur while looking at each other.

At the same time, the way they looked at me started to vary when they saw that the highest-ranking member of the Suhyaejong line had bowed his head to a mere two-year competitor from the rival line—some had expressions of disbelief while others with curiosity.

Kim Dong-Soo started glaring at me with a resentful look, but I received his gaze with a calm expression.

'Can you hear the sound of Suhyaejong line cracking, Kim Dong-Soo?' I thought.

The moment Kim Dong-Soo turned his head in displeasure, the meeting that left a significant wound on the face of the Suhyaejong line ended.

***

After finishing the early morning meeting, I headed straight to the TVM set located in Ilsan where the filming of Master of Mukbang was already in full swing.

I called out to Lee Yung-Jin, who was engrossed in monitoring the works on set, "Why did you arrange to meet Ho-Jun hyung particularly at TVM?"

"Because Ho-Jun hyung is also filming a TVM drama now. Birth of a Hero. Don't you know?" Lee Yung-Jin replied.

Sung Ho-Jun, scouted by Kim Dong-Soo, was currently filming Birth of a Hero which had a 10.3% viewership rating on TVM.

And today, the filming was scheduled right next to our set.

Lee Yung-Jin explained he had arranged the meeting in the waiting room to avoid rumors about me meeting Sung Ho-Jun.

"Wow. Look at you doing great, Yung-Jin," I praised him.

Lee Yung-Jin shrugged his shoulders. "I should definitely be promoted to assistant manager at this rate, don't you think?"

I smiled and replied, "I'll consider it if you bring Ho-Jun hyung to our team."

Lee Yung-Jin squinted and put on a serious face. "But isn't that something you should handle, Mr. Jung?"

"Why the formal language all of a sudden?" I asked.

"Thinking about it, it's work hours right now," Lee Yung-Jin replied.

'He's pouty. Okay, I should stop joking around,' I thought to myself.

I smiled and told Lee Yung-Jin, "I'll put in a promotion request for you when Master of Mukbang ends, so don't worry."

Only then did Lee Yung-Jin's face brighten. "Okay, Mr. Jung!"

Meanwhile, I made eye contact with Haru who had just finished his makeup.

"Haru, good luck today. You got this!!" I cheered him on.

"Thank you, hyung," answered Haru energetically as he headed to the set which was a replica of the studio apartment.

Haru stood on the set and sent a signal to begin. "I'm ready, Ms. Yoo."

The moment Haru stepped in front of the camera, he immediately switched to filming mode and impressed the staff.

"That kid was born to act."

"Indeed. He's quick and has no NGs."

"The filming speed is 20% faster than usual thanks to him."

"How did Team Lead Jung find such a talent..."

My shoulders lifted involuntarily hearing the staff's constant praises about Haru.

"Alright. Quiet on set. Ready for shoot. Scene 30~ Ready~ Action!"

Haru stretched and began to act when Yoo Hyun-Ji shouted through the megaphone. His acting and voice were so natural that I didn't have to worry about anything at all.

Thanks to that, I left the scene to Lee Yung-Jin and headed to TVM's waiting room to snatch Sung Ho-Jun, whom Kim Dong-Soo was trying to recruit.

***

Avoiding the production staff's eyes as much as possible, I headed to Sung Ho-Jun's waiting room in TVM.

Knock, knock.

"Who is it?"

"Hello, it's Jung Yoon-Ho."

The door clicked open without a word, and Sung Ho-Jun's talent agent and brother, Sung Yung-Jun, greeted me in a low voice. "Come in quickly before anyone sees you."

Without even being given time to exchange business cards, I hurriedly went inside the waiting room.

Inside the waiting room was the slender Sung Ho-Jun sitting on the sofa while playing a mobile game. Sung Ho-Jun was humming and tapping his feet with Bluetooth earphones in his ears.

Seeing this, Sung Yung-Jun frowned. "Hyung, Mr. Jung is here."

But Sung Ho-Jun couldn't hear Sung Yung-Jin's voice with Bluetooth earphones in his ears.

When Sung Yung-Jun shook his head and was about to approach Sung Ho-Jun, I stopped him.

"What is it, Mr. Jung?" Sung Yung-Jun asked.

"I can wait a moment until he's done," I said.

"But it's rude to keep a guest waiting..."

"It's fine. He'll be done soon anyway."

Sung Ho-Jun used to enjoy playing mobile games even in my past life. He used to be an RPG game enthusiast, but he switched to mobile games he could play on set due to filming constraints.

While Sung Ho-Jun was immersed in mobile games, Sung Yung-Jun and I exchanged business cards and introduced ourselves.

"Yung-Jin hyung talked a lot about you, Mr. Jung. He says you're doing great these days," said Sung Yung-Jun.

"That's not true. I've been overrated for sure," I replied humbly.

"Oh, come on. Your reputation has spread even among the talent agents in our company."

While introducing myself to Sung Yung-Jun, I subtly brought up the topic of exercise. Because we had a lot in common as former athletes, our conversation flowed smoothly.

At that moment, Sung Ho-Jun put down his phone after finishing his game and stood up.

'It's been a long time, Ho-Jun hyung,' I remarked inwardly.

Sung Ho-Jun was a meticulous and self-disciplined person, but he was someone who could be very generous outside of business settings.

And Sung Ho-Jun was quite close to me.

Hiding my delight, I took a deep breath and greeted him. "Hello, I'm Jung Yoon-Ho."

At that moment, Sung Ho-Jun gave a peculiar smile before speaking. "Were you waiting for me to finish my game by chance?"

Ristretto's Thoughts

He sure was

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