Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 511: Aftermath

Ju Yung-In approached us with a grin. "Since we ran into each other anyway, let's all head to the president's office and talk there."

"Talk about what?"

"I'll explain upstairs."

She mentioned that the parking lot might not be the best place for a conversation, so we decided to head up.

Unsure of her intentions, I called Kang Gam-Chan.

-If Yung-In's fine with it, I have no problem. Bring her up.

"Yes, sir. We'll head up now."

With Yoo-Jin and Miso by my side, we joined Ju Yung-In and Ahn Yung-Hee in the elevator, heading straight to the president's office.

***

Once everyone had taken their seats in the president's office, Kang Gam-Chan was the first to speak. "Ace must be in chaos, huh?"

Ju Yung-In answered, "Don't get me started. While the Southern District Prosecutors' Office and the National Tax Service were conducting raids, the Central District Prosecutors' Office stormed in as well. The whole place got turned upside down and everyone's out of it."

"Yeah, it'll be a mess for a while," Kang Gam-Chan replied. Clearing his throat, he continued, "By the way, Yung-In. I wanted to say thanks. Thanks to your tip, we managed to block Ace Entertainment's scheme before it could happen."

After warning me that Ace Entertainment would strike, Ju Yung-In had continued feeding information to Kang Gam-Chan as well.

Ju Yung-In smiled, her eyes crinkling. "I'm glad to hear that."

"So, what's the reason you wanted to meet today?"

Ju Yung-In kept her expression calm as she replied, "Did you know Ace Entertainment is on the verge of splitting up?"

Im Sung-Hak and Jang Sung-Min were arrested and Park Chan-Hyuk was being investigated without detention. Each chief was also frequently summoned for questioning. Meanwhile, Lee Chan-Dong had gone missing after his initial interrogation.

As a result, aside from Im Sung-Hak, the next largest shareholders—Ahn Seok-Choon, Lee Hyung-Jin, and Choi Dong-Gi—were now considering dividing the company.

Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "Well, it's a situation that makes sense. But why mention it?"

"If the company splits, my contract gets nullified."

Kang Gam-Chan's expression hardened. "Wait... Are you saying you want to come back to Hoop Entertainment?"

Considering Ju Yung-In's current fame, signing her would be a massive win for the company. However, Kang Gam-Chan wasn't one to easily take back a celebrity who had left. Even if it meant more profit, he feared it might send the wrong message to current actors that they could leave anytime and still return. For that reason, he was reluctant to re-sign Ju Yung-In, even though he had personally discovered and nurtured her like a daughter.

Ju Yung-In seemed to have expected this and spoke up. "No, I'm not here because I want to transfer to Hoop Entertainment."

"Huh? Not Hoop?"

"No. I plan to establish a one-person agency, so I need your help."

Starting a one-person agency wasn't difficult, but only an S-Class celebrity who didn't need extensive promotion could make it successful.

"Someone like you should have enough money to start your own agency."

Ju Yung-In shook her head. "Money's not the issue. I'm missing something more important."

"And what's that?"

As she spoke, her gaze shifted to me. "An eye for good projects."

Ahn Yung-Hee chimed in from beside her. "To be honest, we've never seen anyone with an eye for projects like Mr. Jung. We'd like to borrow that expertise. In return, we'll offer you as much equity in the company as you want."

While Ahn Yung-Hee spoke, Ju Yung-In glanced at me hesitantly. "I know I make you uncomfortable, oppa. But aside from that, I really hope you'll help. In this industry, one bad project can send your career into freefall."

Kang Gam-Chan fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. Then he looked at me. "Yoon-Ho, what do you think?"

Ever since my regression, I had kept my distance from Ju Yung-In. Nevertheless, I owed her a debt considering how much she had helped in the conflict with Ace Entertainment.

Still, I wasn't sure how Yoo-Jin would feel about it, so I turned toward her. Yoo-Jin was hugging Miso tightly with a smile.

Unable to guess what she meant, I asked directly, "Yoo-Jin, why are you smiling?"

Yoo-Jin said, "It's nothing... I just realized how much things have changed."

"Changed how?"

"When we first met, I wanted to tear Yung-In's hair out. But now... I don't feel that way anymore. I guess I grew attached somehow."

Across from us, Ju Yung-In giggled softly. "Yeah, I guess we did. Not sure if it's good or bad, though."

Yoo-Jin shrugged. "Oppa, I don't think this is my place to interfere. Besides, with Yung-In's level of fame, wouldn't this be great for our company too?"

"That's true. Investing in her agency could bring significant profit."

Yoo-Jin gave her approval. "Then I'm all for it."

Miso, watching her mother, also nodded. "Me too, Uncle Yoon-Ho!"

"You too, Miso?"

"Yeah! Auntie Yung-In saved me, remember?"

With both Yoo-Jin and Miso supporting the idea, I had no reason to object. Besides, strictly speaking, I had no authority over the company's investments. Those decisions belonged to Kang Gam-Chan. Considering Ju Yung-In's assistance during the conflict with Ace Entertainment plus the early warning that helped me prepare, supporting her seemed fair.

I turned to Kang Gam-Chan and voiced my judgment solely from a business standpoint. "Given Miss Ju Yung-In's track record, I don't see why Hoop Entertainment should pass up this opportunity."

Kang Gam-Chan asked, "Does that mean you'll continue helping her select projects?"

"I can't commit to minor projects like variety shows, but I can help with dramas and films."

After all, Ju Yung-In had always chosen to appear in the projects I picked. Although she missed Hwaranjeon due to a Chinese film, she would have taken the role if not for that conflict. At her current level of fame, no production company or director in Korea would dare refuse her.

Ironically, supporting her project selection wouldn't hinder Yoo-Jin's career. Without my help, Ju Yung-In might try to take roles from the dramas or films I chose for Yoo-Jin.

Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "Since both Yoo-Jin and Yoon-Ho approve, we'll seriously consider investing. But there's one condition."

Ju Yung-In's face brightened. "Name any condition and I'll agree."

Maintaining a stern expression, Kang Gam-Chan stated firmly, "We must have the right to withdraw the investment at any time."

At that moment, I understood what Kang Gam-Chan meant. If Ju Yung-In ever became a threat or a hindrance to Hoop Entertainment, he would cut ties without hesitation. Although he still cared about her, he knew exactly where his priorities lay.

Ju Yung-In paused with a serious expression, thinking for a moment before she nodded. "Alright. But not within the first year. I'm human too, and I might make mistakes. It wouldn't be fair to pull the investment over minor slip-ups caused by inexperience."

"Fair enough. We'll go with that."

Now that the key discussion was over, it seemed like a good time to step out and give them privacy.

I stood up and said, "It looks like the important part's settled. We'll leave you two to talk."

Kang Gam-Chan nodded slowly. "Alright. And good luck with the recording later."

"Thank you, sir."

With that, I led Yoo-Jin and Miso out of the president's office.

***

While waiting for the elevator, I turned to Yoo-Jin and asked, "Yoo-Jin, why were you so quick to support Yung-In?"

Still holding Miso in her arms, Yoo-Jin grinned. "What about you, Oppa?"

"Partly because she saved Miso last time, but also because it's obvious she's going to show up in the projects I choose anyway. You know what they say—keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

Yoo-Jin giggled. "Is Yung-In an enemy now?"

"Well, not exactly. It's just a figure of speech. But seriously, why did you agree so easily?"

Yoo-Jin smiled with a knowing look and whispered, "Because no matter what Yung-In does, I know it won't change you, oppa."

"Is that so...?"

Her voice carried a quiet confidence. "Yep. Plus, I wanted to help Hoop Entertainment too. Come to think of it, maybe I should've invested as well."

Having saved up all her earnings, Yoo-Jin had several billion won sitting in her bank account.

"Do you want me to ask if you can invest too?"

Yoo-Jin shook her head. "No, I was just joking. Unless... you're the one starting the company."

This content is taken from freёnovelkiss.com.

I laughed and joked back. "Really? I'll be counting on your investment someday, then."

"Of course~"

Suddenly, Miso raised her right hand high. "Uncle Yoon-Ho! Me too! If you start a company, I'm investing too!"

"Do you even know what investing means, Miso?"

"Uh-huh! It's like giving water and fertilizer to a tree so it can grow big and tall!"

Miso stretched her arms wide to show just how big the tree would grow. It seemed someone had taught her the concept of investing, though they must have skipped the part about potential losses.

"Miso, you know, bad investments can lead to bankruptcy and..."

"No way! Uncle Yoon-Ho will never go bankrupt!"

Miso's unwavering confidence left me speechless. "Uh... thanks, Miso."

Miso grinned from ear to ear.

Having just earned the “top-tier blue-chip stock” rating from two future investors, I straightened my shoulders and held out my hand. "Alright then, shall we head to the recording studio, future investors?"

"Yes, sir~"

Laughing, Yoo-Jin and Miso stepped into the elevator, and I followed them in. Together, we headed to the underground recording studio.

***

Cherry Blossom, Seo Yeon-Woo, Kang Ha-Na, and Treviang were waiting in Room 4, the largest room in the underground recording studio.

The purpose of today's session was to record the original soundtrack for Hwaranjeon under Seo Yeon-Woo's guidance. They also needed to do a final vocal check for the upcoming year-end joint concert happening in three days. In other words, it was both an original soundtrack recording session and a rehearsal for the concert.

"Hyung! You're here."

"Yoo-Jin unnie, sit here."

"Miso, hi!"

Today's recording was for Hwaranjeon's original soundtrack titled 'Beyond the Memories.' It would play during the scene where Princess Yu-Hwa regains her lost childhood memories, and Bang Seon-Woo had poured his heart into composing it.

Gathering everyone, Bang Seon-Woo led a ten-minute vocal warm-up. "Alright, let's start with Miss Yoo-Jin and Miso."

Yoo-Jin and Miso stepped into the recording booth. With their earphones on and days of practice behind them, they were ready. Yoo-Jin reached out her hand, and Miso held it tightly, taking a deep breath.

Bang Seon-Woo adjusted the controls, watching the two through the glass. Kang Ha-Na and the other Team Jung members cheered them on from outside.

"Yoo-Jin, you got this!"

"Miso, you too!"

Bang Seon-Woo pressed the microphone button. "Okay, let's go. We'll do a few takes and adjust as we go, so just relax and sing from the heart."

Yoo-Jin and Miso smiled, giving him the okay sign.

Bang Seon-Woo pressed play, and the instrumental began. "Three, two, one... cue!"

Click.

At that moment, a soft drumbeat resonated through the room and set a dreamy, emotional tone.

Yoo-Jin began to sing, her voice perfectly matching the rhythm.

『Flickering fireflies brush the moonlit mirror~

Dark clouds scatter like fleeting winds~

Time and time become one~

Severed bonds reconnect~』

Her voice was passionate at times and heart-wrenching at another. Reaching out as if grasping for lost memories, Yoo-Jin poured her emotions into the song. Her sorrowful voice blended beautifully with the melody.

Then, Miso sang her part as young Princess Yu-Hwa. Her clear and innocent voice reflected the warmth of childhood memories—running and playing in her mother's embrace. It contrasted yet harmonized perfectly with Yoo-Jin's emotional tone.

As the song built to the chorus, the two held hands and harmonized.

『Together again~』

Their breathtaking duet lasted for four minutes and thirty seconds before fading into silence.

Click.

The recording button popped up. A lingering silence hung in the studio as everyone processed the emotions poured into the song. It was as if the characters themselves had stepped into the booth, expressing every emotion the lyricist had envisioned.

Bang Seon-Woo sat there momentarily stunned before turning to me. "Hyung... this is going to be a hit."

I nodded without hesitation. "Yeah. No doubt about it."

The others, snapping out of their daze, burst into cheers.

"Wow! That was incredible!"

"Yoo-Jin unnie, you were amazing!"

"Miso, you sounded like a real singer!"

The girls clapped and cheered, making Yoo-Jin and Miso beam with joy.

"Thank you!"

With the first recording a success, Cherry Blossom and the others took turns recording their respective original soundtrack tracks. Each song for Hwaranjeon turned out so well that I could already imagine them dominating the music charts.

Once everyone had finished their first takes, I gathered them together. "As long as you perform like this during rehearsals, you'll be fine."

"Yay!"

"Yoo-Jin and Miso. You two are special guests, so don't stress too much. It's okay if actors make a few mistakes. Besides, if you sing too well, the singers might feel intimidated."

Yoo-Jin and Miso giggled and nodded. "Got it!"

With three days until the concert and two days until the rehearsal, everything seemed on track.

"Oh, and about the concert schedule—"

Buzz.

At that moment, my phone vibrated and showed a notification from Everyday.

[Notification: A new schedule entry has been added for 'Kim Sae-Ri' on December 26, 2020.]

[Notification: A new schedule entry has been added for 'Yoo Eun-Ah' on December 26, 2020.]

December 26 was the day of the joint concert.

"Hold on a second, guys..."

Pausing, I checked the notifications. But what I saw made my heart skip a beat.

'What the...?!'