When I opened the door to Hoop Entertainment's sixth floor meeting room, the chiefs and team leads of every division were gathered with confused expressions.
Among them was Kim Dong-Soo, whose face was pale. His eyes stared blankly into space as if he never imagined Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak, whom he put in so much effort to recruit, would cause trouble.
'That's right. I looked just like that too the day I collapsed…' I silently remarked.
In my past life, I lost consciousness and collapsed after hearing about my wife's affair from reporter Gu Min-Ji. When I regained consciousness in the hospital later, my face in the mirror looked just like that of Kim Dong-Soo's right now—pale without any blood flow.
I stared at him and thought, 'You shouldn't have messed with me, Kim Dong-Soo.'
I wouldn't have gone this far if Kim Dong-Soo hadn't tried to split Hoop Entertainment and had Nalsae investigate to trample me.
After all, I had never made the first move on things that hadn't happened since traveling back in time.
However, Kim Dong-Soo acted just as I had anticipated and was trying to split Hoop Entertainment.
'I can't stop here.'
After all the employees above team lead level had gathered, Lee Gi-Cheol spoke with a flushed face. "I called for a meeting because of Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak."The team leads in the meeting room reacted with confusion.
"What do Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak have to do with us? Please don't tell me...are there any actors in our company who hung out with them?" Gu Seong-Cheol asked.
Lee Gi-Cheol frowned at Gu Seong-Cheol's question. "Those two... are actors scheduled to join our company. Remember? Chief Kim Dong-Soo mentioned them before."
For a moment, a buzz of confusion spread.
"So the S-class actors we talked about bringing in at the last meeting were those two?"
"That's right."
Although Kim Dong-Soo had said he would bring in S-class actors, he never mentioned anyone's name except Sung Ho-Jun.
Even though a few executives including Kang Ji-Yung and Gu Seong-Cheol had expected such a situation, everyone looked utterly surprised since it was the first time their names were mentioned directly.
Lee Gi-Cheol's shocking statement made Bang Sang-Yung speak up immediately. "Chief Kim, how far has the contract progressed? Surely, you didn't give the down payment too, did you?"
Kim Dong-Soo spoke with trembling pale lips. "The down payment…it's already been paid."
Bang Sang-Yung's face twisted in frustration. "Hey, you fucking idiot! That makes Hoop Entertainment entangled in this case too!"
The commotion grew and all the employees' faces turned dark.
Kang Ji-Yung urgently asked, "Mr. Kim. Did you give the full down payment?"
Kim Dong-Soo shook his head like a docile lamb. "I've given only half for now. I was supposed to give the rest this week……."
A slight relief appeared on Kang Ji-Yung's face. "That's fine. That's manageable. Let's all get our stories straight here."
Kang Ji-Yung looked around at everyone's faces and began to take control of the situation.
"We were in the process of recruiting those two, but we discovered unexpected misbehavior. So we are trying to terminate the contract. Make sure everyone agrees on this. Understand? And be careful not to leak any strange rumors to the reporters."
Simultaneously, the panicked team leads began to calm down and relax.
'As expected. Well done, Kang Ji-Yung,' I observed.
Kang Ji-Yung had perfectly articulated what I was about to say.
Once Kang Ji-Yung suggested a plan, Bang Sang-Yung immediately agreed. "I agree with Ms. Kang's opinion. Team Lead Sung! Prepare a press release immediately!"
Sung Min-Suk, the team lead of the publicity division, nodded. "Understood. I'll send out the press release as soon as it's ready."
Perhaps feeling relieved that they had averted a crisis that could have hit the social news, everyone started to relax a bit.
However, I requested to speak.
Kang Ji-Yung gestured. "Team Lead Jung, feel free to speak up if you have any opinions."
"Can we delay that press release for a few days?" I asked.
"Why? Time is of the essence right now…"
Everyone looked at me for a moment. Receiving everyone's gaze, I began to explain in a calm manner.
"Our company's name hasn't even come up yet. So if we respond too hastily and our name is mentioned, wouldn't that be more troublesome? The repercussions could be bigger."
Some agreed with me, but Actor Division 3 thought differently.
Ju Ho-Sung shouted angrily, "Team Lead Jung! Where do you get off making such ridiculous statements? It's common sense that proactive measures are important in situations like this!"
'I have more years of experience in the industry than you, Ju Ho-Sung!' I remarked inwardly.
I shouted back at the reprimanding Ju Ho-Sung. "Why do something that will obviously link our company's name with Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak when everyone is paying attention to them?"
Ju Ho-Sung gritted his teeth and glared at me. "Just because you're a team lead doesn't mean you're the same as me! You have much less experience than I do!"
At that moment, Bang Sang-Yung interrupted the conversation. "Hold on. That's not it. I think Team Lead Jung is right this time."
Bang Sang-Yung retracted his earlier opinion, admitting he had been too hasty in his decision. Ever since our talk in the shower room, Bang Sang-Yung had started siding with me.
Then, Lee Gi-Cheol opposed Bang Sang-Yung's words. "Chief Bang, what's wrong with you? What if false rumors spread before we even get a chance to explain? Don't you know it'll be too late to make excuses by then?"
"Even so, we don't need to make a stupid confession to something we didn't do. Do we?"
"Hah! Listen to this guy talk! A stupid confession, he says!"
From that point on, a heated argument ensued over who was right. I felt sorry for Actor Division 1 and 2 who were unnecessarily caught in the argument without any idea, but there was no other way to prevent Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak from joining Hoop Entertainment.
At that moment, the intercom in the meeting room rang.
Beep~~
Lee Gi-Cheol immediately hushed everyone. "Everyone, be quiet!"
As the commotion subsided, Lee Gi-Cheol answered the intercom. "What? Sung Ho-Jun is here? To this place?"
The meeting room began to buzz with commotion once again.
Although the marijuana issue with Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak was a big problem, they thought revealing Sung Ho-Jun's transfer to Hoop Entertainment could divert public attention.
Because of this reason, Lee Gi-Cheol also wore a happy expression as he took the intercom.
"Sung Ho-Jun said he has something to discuss with Chief Kim Dong-Soo? Then tell him to come to the meeting room! Right now!"
'What perfect timing,' I thought.
I knew Sung Ho-Jun would be coming today, but I didn't expect him to come at this moment. Nonetheless, what was bound to happen would happen. I took a deep breath and waited for Sung Ho-Jun to enter the meeting room.
After a while, the door to the meeting room opened and Sung Ho-Jun entered with his talent agent, Sung Yung-Jun.
"Why do you all look so gloomy? Did I come at a bad time?" Sung Ho-Jun remarked.
Lee Gi-Cheol exclaimed with exaggerated gestures, "No~ No~ Not at all. Please come on in, Mr. Ho-Jun."
Lee Gi-Cheol greeted Sung Ho-Jun and nudged Kim Dong-Soo. Only then did Kim Dong-Soo come to his senses and stand up.
"Here's Mr. Sung Ho-Jun, who will be a huge support to our Actor Division 3. Let's welcome him with applause…"
However, Sung Ho-Jun interrupted Kim Dong-Soo's words with a grim expression.
"No, Mr. Kim. I think there's a misunderstanding here."
"I'm sorry?"
Sung Ho-Jun stared at Kim Dong-Soo and spoke. "I'm sorry, but I can't join Actor Division 3."
Sung Ho-Jun drew a firm line before they could even properly greet each other.
Kim Dong-Soo looked at him with a bewildered expression. "M-Mr. Ho-Jun. What do you mean all of a sudden?"
Kim Dong-Soo's face showed signs of continuous shock. Despite this, Sung Ho-Jun didn't even blink an eye.
"I clearly said I'll only work with you if you can get me a role in Mr. Lee Han-Soo's next project," Sung Ho-Jun replied.
Kim Dong-Soo nodded and answered, "Yes. Chief Jung Eun-Seok promised that you'll definitely get the lead role if you audition!"
Sung Ho-Jun scoffed. "Mr. Kim. Don't you know there's a big uproar among the Divine Punishment staff to kick out Chief Jung? The staff found out about Chief Jung's affair with the camera director's wife, and now they can't even hold the auditions!"
Kim Dong-Soo stammered. "Th-that can't be…No. L-let me contact him right now and check…"
Sung Ho-Jun ignored Kim Dong-Soo's words and looked at Lee Gi-Cheol. "I can't work with someone like Mr. Kim who is slow with information and breaks promises."
Lee Gi-Cheol was visibly flustered, not having expected Sung Ho-Jun to be so blunt. "Mr. Ho-Jun, please calm down and…"
However, Sung Ho-Jun continued to pressure Lee Gi-Cheol relentlessly. "Forget it. Since Actor Division 2 is doing well these days, I'll just join Actor Division 2."
Kim Dong-Soo was once again stunned and Lee Gi-Cheol was in shock. At the same time, the employees of Actor Division 3 turned their gaze toward Actor Division 2.
Gu Seong-Cheol snapped at the glaring eyes. "What are you looking at? He said he wants to join Actor Division 2."
"Did Actor Division 2 pull some trick again?"
"Are you being serious right now? Do you have any proof?"
Shouting began between Actor Division 3 and 2, but Lee Gi-Cheol didn't even try to intervene and instead clung to Sung Ho-Jun.
"M-Mr. Ho-Jun, let's discuss this separately. Changing divisions is not such a simple matter…"
"That's not any of my concern, is it? I signed a contract with Hoop Entertainment, not personally with Chief Kim Dong-Soo. And if it's really that difficult, let's just cancel the contract."
Unable to bear Sung Ho-Jun's pressure, Kang Ji-Yung intervened and proposed a compromise. "Mr. Ho-Jun, why not give Actor Division 3 a chance first?"
However, Sung Ho-Jun firmly rejected Kang Ji-Yung's suggestion.
"If my conditions aren't met, there's no reason for me to join Hoop Entertainment in the first place. How can I expect to work together with Hoop Entertainment when things are already shaky before we even start?"
Kang Ji-Yung couldn't say anything further since Sung Ho-Jun's argument was valid.
Having lost Sung Ho-Jun after Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak, Kim Dong-Soo shouted in desperation. "Alright, alright! Fine, but why Actor Division 2? There's also Actor Division 1!"
Sung Ho-Jun stared at Kim Dong-Soo. "Didn't I tell you from the beginning? I heard Actor Division 2 is doing the best in Hoop Entertainment these days."
At that moment, Kim Dong-Soo's eyes turned toward me and said angrily, "Don't tell me…Is it because of Jung Yoon-Ho, that bastard?"
The furious Kim Dong-Soo lost his temper and started cursing at me.
Though I felt slightly guilty, I ignored his glare and feigned innocence.
When I didn't respond, Kim Dong-Soo began pleading with Sung Ho-Jun again.
"Mr. Ho-Jun, I admit I've been busy with other matters and neglected you. But I promise I'll meet with Director Lee Han-Soo again and persuade him. If that doesn't work, I'll give up then. Please give me just one more chance."
But Sung Ho-Jun only scoffed despite Kim Dong-Soo's fervent plea.
"Busy with other matters and neglected me, you say? The talent agent should look after the actor's situation, not the other way around. What kind of ridiculous excuse is that?"
Abandoning his humble demeanor, Sung Ho-Jun began speaking arrogantly.
In reality, a top star like Sung Ho-Jun could act freely and no entertainment company could control him. After all, the revenue they generated could influence an entire company.
Kim Dong-Soo's excuse saying he was too busy to look after a top star's schedule was the worst excuse.
Sung Ho-Jun frowned deeply and looked at me. "Team Lead Jung, do you share their opinion? Think carefully before you answer."
Although we had somewhat planned this together since Sung Ho-Jun said he would join Hoop Entertainment, he seemed serious about it. If I gave a foolish answer here, he would likely break our agreement too.
After making a decision, I stood up. "I've learned that a talent agent must prioritize the celebrity's schedule above all else. If you join our division, I will manage your schedule with utmost dedication."
The meeting room was stirred once again when I expressed my willingness to accept Sung Ho-Jun despite the potential conflict with Kim Dong-Soo.
With a satisfied expression, Sung Ho-Jun said to me. "Then please manage my schedule in Actor Division 2 from now on. That's my only condition for joining Hoop Entertainment."
Losing Sung Ho-Jun to me after losing Lee Mal-Soon previously, Lee Gi-Cheol shouted angrily in frustration. "Who do you think you are!? Do you think I'll allow such a thing to happen? I absolutely won't allow it!"
Lee Gi-Cheol's voice echoed loudly in the meeting room.
Creak.
At that moment, the door to the meeting room opened and a familiar deep voice was heard.
"I'll allow it."
Kang Gam-Chan, wearing a floral t-shirt and dark sunglasses, appeared in the meeting room.
Ristretto's Thoughts
Ristretto: OMG. What an iconic return!!! I missed him so bad 😭
Maggy: Omg yess!!!! I was just wondering when was Kang Gam-Chan ever gonna return :') but wow, floral t-shirt and dark sunglasses. Sounds like the man took the chance to go on vacation
Yojj: YESSSSSSSS
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