Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 452: Happy Birthday

'The name hasn't been decided yet?'

Before the regression, the product name had definitely been decided around this time. I anxiously opened the proposal, but the brand name field didn't have 'THE Best' written on it. Instead, it only said 'Ready to Drink (RTD).'

This was a mistake. Perhaps due to the many changes since the regression, the product name hadn't been finalized yet.

'What should I do?'

At that moment, I recalled something. Earlier, Jin Sung-Joon had questioned how I knew about 'THE Best.' This meant that the product name had already been decided internally.

'And another thing.'

I remembered that Jin Sung-Joon had personally chosen the brand name 'THE Best' before the regression.

In that instant, I decided to take a bold approach. "Actually, I heard rumors that you were preparing for a new coffee business. Since you always aim for the best, I also heard that you were leaning towards 'THE Best' as the brand name among the candidates. The name was so striking that it stuck with me."

Jin Sung-Joon hesitated for a moment before he slowly nodded. "Ah, I see."

He seemed pleased to hear that the name he chose was impressive. Fortunately, it seemed to go over well.

However, Jin Sung-Joon wore a disappointed expression and proposed another advertisement. "In that case, how about advertisements for ramen or snacks? It's time to change our advertising model, so let's work on that together."

"As long as it doesn't affect Tae-Poong's image, I'm open to it."

"You're refreshingly straightforward. I'll send over the proposal by fax. Let's set up a meeting soon."

"Yes, sir."

"Oh. And since we're talking, I heard that Miss Jung Yoo-Jin is also under your management. Would she be interested in doing a water advertisement?"

Jinseong Food's water brand was 'THE Pure.' This product was another one planned by Jin Sung-Joon himself. But unlike the coffee brand 'THE Best,' its excellent packaging design and water quality made it a massive hit.

This one was a must-have.

"Yoo-Jin is currently doing an ad for Cocari Sweat, but that's a sports drink. I believe there's no issue with her taking on a water advertisement."

"Got it. Then let's go with Miss Yoo-Jin for 'THE Pure.'"

At that moment, Jang Sam-Duk of TNT Entertainment joined the conversation. "Excuse me, Mr. Jin."

"Yes, Mr. Jang? What is it?"

"'THE Pure' was a product that received an advertisement offer for So Yi-Yung in our company just last week."

Jin Sung-Joon glanced at his secretary, Yeo Jin-Soo. "Is that true?"

Yeo Jin-Soo answered, "Yes, sir. Mr. Choi from the PR team had a meeting with Miss So Yi-Yung."

"Is that so?"

Nodding, Jin Sung-Joon turned to ask firmly.

"Mr. Jang. Unfortunately, I've decided to go with Miss Yoo-Jin as the model."

"W-what? But how can that be? Mr. Choi clearly said he..."

When Jang Sam-Duk raised his voice in protest, Jin Sung-Joon replied coldly. "Do I look like someone who needs to follow Mr. Choi's orders?"

As the third son of the Jinseong Inc's chairman and the executive director of Jinseong Foods, Jin Sung-Joon had no reason to follow the PR director's order. By leaning on Director Choi's name from the start, Jang Sam-Duk had crossed a line.

Realizing his mistake too late, Jang Sam-Duk bowed his head with a flushed face. "N-no. I'm sorry, Mr. Jin."

"I understand you're disappointed, but let's find another advertisement opportunity for Miss So Yi-Yung."

"Yes, I understand..."

Jang Sam-Duk bowed his head and shot me a glare before he left the reception. Likewise, Lee Chan-Dong also gave me a quick and sharp look before following him out.

As my actors grew more successful, envy and jealousy only seemed to intensify. But such reactions were part and parcel of being a star's talent agent.

Seeing this, Jin Sung-Joon chuckled. "Those people must think I'm an easy target because I'm young."

After sending Jang Sam-Duk off, Jin Sung-Joon turned to Yeo Jin-Soo and gave instructions.

"Secretary Yeo, arrange a round of golf with Mr. Choi. Make sure to smooth things over beforehand so there are no hard feelings."

"Yes, sir"

Then, Jin Sung-Joon extended his hand to me. "Well, I'll be counting on you from now on, Mr. Jung."

"Yes, sir."

At that moment, Son Hyung-Tae of CK Entertainment approached us at the reception party. With a wary expression, he suddenly raised his voice toward Jin Sung-Joon. "Executive Director Jin, what are you up to this time?"

When Son Hyung-Tae glared at him with a steely gaze, Jin Sung-Joon released my hand and smiled. "Ah, Mr. Son. I was discussing an advertising contract with Team Lead Jung."

"Advertising? Hah, young people shouldn't cut in line! Lee Tae-Poong is a talent CK had our eyes on!"

"Ha ha, is that so?"

Just then, the visibly flustered Shin Jong-Ki of LT Entertainment also came running to join the conversation. "President Son, what nonsense are you talking about after enjoying your meal? LT already laid claim to Tae-Poong first!"

All three of them were influential figures from so-called royal families. The fact that such powerful individuals were raising their voices over my actor filled me with pride. Moments like these were one of the rewards of nurturing talent.

When the two presidents mentioned Lee Tae-Poong, Jin Sung-Joon smirked triumphantly as if he had won a battle. "Ha ha ha, it looks like I narrowly avoided a disaster."

"What? You already signed a contract?"

"Yes, we finalized an agreement with Mr. Tae-Poong for a campaign in the food sector."

The two presidents looked visibly disappointed, while Jin Sung-Joon's expression grew even brighter.

At that moment, the MC called for the main sponsor.

-Mr. Jin! Could you say a few words?

Jin Sung-Joon turned to me and added one more thing before leaving. "Oh, and Mr. Jung. I'll arrange for all the guests staying in Room 1004 to be upgraded to the penthouse."

"Pardon? What do you mean..."

"It's a gesture of goodwill. For your information, all the events have also been prepared in the penthouse suite."

The Pyramid Hotel located in Incheon where the Hwangryong Film Association was held belonged to the Jinseong Inc. Naturally, Jin Sung-Joon had arranged complimentary upgrades to the penthouse suite—the hotel's top floor.

"Well, I'll be off now. Enjoy your time, Mr. Jung."

With that, Jin Sung-Joon bid farewell and disappeared.

At that moment, Son Hyung-Tae broke the silence. "Mr. Shin, don't you think these young people today are getting too bold?"

"Indeed. Back in our day, they wouldn't have dared. It's astonishing how they think nothing of encroaching on talent marked by their elders..."

The two presidents offered their own form of advice and warned me not to associate with Jin Sung-Joon in the future. But as an advertiser, Jinseong Food was leagues ahead of the entertainment companies.

I merely smiled in response.

***

Having finished his congratulatory speech at the reception, Jin Sung-Joon left the party early.

On his way to the parking lot, he turned to his secretary, Yeo Jin-Soo. "Secretary Yeo."

"Yes, sir."

"Who besides you knows about the brand name 'THE Best'?"

Hearing Jung Yoon-Ho mention 'THE Best' earlier had startled Jin Sung-Joon to his core. However, he had managed to conceal his shock behind his trademark poker face.

Even Yeo Jin-Soo had barely managed to maintain composure at that moment. "As far as I know, no one else is aware. Currently, the marketing team has narrowed the brand names down to two candidates: Premier and Primus."

"Right? No one else knows, correct?"

"Yes. 'THE Best' was a name you came up with yourself just this morning, wasn't it?"

Jin Sung-Joon tilted his head slightly in contemplation. "But how did that talent agent know the brand name? It felt like he knew that it wasn't written in Korean, that it was spelled in English. T, H, E."

Yeo Jin-Soo hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up. "Well, there's a rumor about this Team Lead Jung. They call him Star Jung the Fortuneteller. People say he has some kind of supernatural ability. Apparently, he's uncannily accurate at predicting the success of projects."

"Is that so? So he's like a real shaman? Someone who sees the future?"

"I'm not certain, but the industry seems to believe it. They say he's never had a failure so far."

At that moment, a greedy glint appeared in Jin Sung-Joon's eyes. "Never had a failure? That's intriguing."

"Mr. Jin, shall I arrange a meeting?"

Foll𝑜w current novℯls on ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm.

"No, start with a background check. Find out if it's true or not. Then... we'll approach him. If it turns out to be true, he could be a great card for us."

Jin Sung-Joon, who was vying for control of the next-generation management of Jinseong Inc, desperately needed an edge to compete with his much older half-siblings. Currently, his older brother and sister had their loyal people entrenched throughout the company.

Yeo Jin-Soo answered, "Understood. I'll conduct a full investigation into Jung Yoon-Ho and report back."

"Good. Oh, and speak to the hotel counter. Make sure he's treated like a state-level VIP. Let's leave a good impression so our next meeting goes smoothly."

"Yes, sir. I'll take care of it."

Having finished giving his orders, Jin Sung-Joon smiled to himself and murmured softly, "Never had a failure, huh? Well, well..."

For the first time in a while, Jin Sung-Joon wore a genuinely pleased expression.

***

After the reception party, I went to the top floor of the Pyramid Hotel with Lee Tae-Poong.

Ding!

The elevator doors opened to reveal two staff members waiting for us in the hallway. The impeccably dressed hoteliers introduced themselves as butlers, explaining that they functioned as personal assistants.

"We'll be on standby outside the door 24/7. Please contact us via the intercom if you need anything at any time. Also, the soundproofing here is excellent so there's no need to worry about privacy."

The entire top floor was occupied by Suite 3001 used exclusively as the penthouse. After listening to their explanation, Lee Tae-Poong and I followed the hoteliers to Suite 3001.

Trailing behind, Lee Tae-Poong asked in surprise, "Did you rent this place, hyung?"

"No. The Executive Director of Jinseong Foods upgraded us. This hotel belongs to Jinseong Inc, remember?"

"Wow~ That's incredible. This place is no joke!"

"It's all thanks to you."

"It's because you're so good at this stuff, hyung."

Feeling a little awkward and shy about the awards speech from earlier had us deflecting the topic.

When we arrived at the penthouse entrance, it was 11:59 p.m. Thankfully, we made it just before midnight.

At that moment, one of the hoteliers holding the door handle spoke. "The gift you ordered has been placed in the innermost room."

I had arranged for Miso's special birthday gift to be delivered to the hotel in advance.

"Thank you."

"Please have a wonderful time."

The large white door swung open with a soft creak. The moment it did, the massive clock on the penthouse wall struck midnight.

It was Miso's birthday.

Before anyone else in the penthouse could say a word, I was the first to congratulate Miso. "Happy birthday, Miso!"

Miso saw me from the spacious penthouse living room and beamed as she ran toward me. "Uncle Yoon-Ho~~!!"

Before the regression, I had missed Miso's birthday because of a business trip to the provinces. I had promised her I would make it up to her the following year, but only after regressing was I finally able to keep that promise.

As Miso ran into my arms, the reality of having regressed hit me once again.

***

Holding Miso in my arms, I walked into the living room.

On the large table in the expansive penthouse living room stood a towering three tier cake. Next to the cake was a spread of various party foods surrounded by the celebrities and talent agents from Team Jung who had gathered to celebrate.

The penthouse was filled with event balloons, but far more than I had originally ordered.

'It looks like I owe Jin Sung-Joon.'

At that moment, Sae-Ri pulled out a red gas lighter. "Oppa, should I light the candles now?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Okay!"

On the three tier cake, there were seven candles shaped like 20cm tall Powertuff Girls characters.

But as Sae-Ri lit the candles, Miso began to look uneasy. The hats on the Powertuff Girl character candles were starting to slowly melt from the flames.

"Uncle Yoon-Ho! Quickly! The song! Sing the song!"

I placed Miso in front of the cake and began to sing the birthday song. "Happy~ Birthday To You~"

As I sang, all the celebrities from Team Jung joined in and loudly celebrated Miso's birthday.

"To our dear Miso~~ Happy birthday~ to you!"

As the song ended, the members of Cherry Blossom popped confetti cannons.

Pop, pop!

"Happy birthday, Miso!"

Miso formed a heart over her head with her hands and beamed. "Thank you~ so much~!"

As the celebration ended, Sae-Ri chimed in. "Miso! The Powertuff Girls hat is melting! Blow out the candles quickly!"

Half of the hat on the Powertuff Girl candle had melted. Startled, Miso blew hard at the candles. She blew with all her might, but the candles were so large that the flames wouldn't go out.

Panicking, Miso turned to Yoo-Jin for help. "Mom! Mom! The candle hats are melting! Help me, please!"

"Shall we blow them out together?"

"Yes!"

Yoo-Jin looked at me, silently asking for help. "Oppa, let's do it together."

"Alright."

At Yoo-Jin's cue, everyone gathered and blew air toward the candles in unison. Thankfully, the flames were extinguished before the leader of the Powertuff Girls completely lost her hat. Relieved that the characters remained mostly intact, Miso let out a sigh of relief.

Once the situation was under control, I spoke to Miso. "It's not over yet. You still need to receive your birthday present, don't you?"

Miso shook her head. "It's okay! Having everyone here to celebrate my birthday today is the biggest gift!"

"Are you sure you're not curious about the present I worked hard to prepare for you?"

Only then did Miso give a shy smile after hesitating. "Actually, I am curious. He he."

I called for volunteers to help me retrieve the gift I had prepared in advance. "Can I get four people to help me?"

At that moment, Sae-Ri immediately shot her hand up first. "Me! Me!"

"I'll come too, Mr. Jung."

Soon, Lee Yung-Jin, Do Ran-Hee, and Jung Sang-Bong also raised their hands.

I led the four into a small room. But the moment they saw the wrapped gift, their jaws dropped with their expressions stunned.

"Whoa~ This is insane! Yoon-Ho oppa, this is what you got for Miso's gift?"

"Mr. Jung, don't you think this is... a bit much?"

The four who got a sneak peek at Miso's seventh birthday gift couldn't hide their astonishment.