Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 227: Opportunity (2)

In my past life, Yetterang's stock price increased about 20 times within a year of being listed.

And Ahn Seok-Hoon was asking if he could pay for the advertising contract with those stocks instead of cash because they were short on cash due to the expansion of the new cosmetics production line.

It was an offer we had to accept no matter what.

But Kang Ji-Yung had a troubled expression. "While it's not unheard of for advertisers to offer in-kind payments, Hoop Entertainment has never accepted such an offer, Mr. Ahn."

"We understand it's a difficult proposal. But I'm afraid we might miss a golden opportunity if we wait until next month when our financial situation improves," Ahn Seok-Hoon explained.

Despite Ahn Seok-Hoon's persuasion, Kang Ji-Yung still looked troubled. While I was thinking about how to persuade Kang Ji-Yung, Yoo-Jin spoke up first. "Mr. Ahn, I have a question."

"Yes, Miss Yoo-Jin. Please ask anything you want."

"What is the brand name?"

At that moment, Ahn Seok-Hoon started talking about the new brand as if he had been waiting for this question.

"This product is planned to be released under the name Miso (美笑). It's a functional product that has UV protection as a basic feature, and also offers skin moisturizing and regeneration effects which is suitable even for women with sensitive skin."

‘So Yetterang has already developed a line of functional products,’ I thought to myself.

In my past life, the functional product line was named after Ahn Seok-Hoon's second daughter, Da-Yeon. But this time, they were planning to release it under the name Miso.

Moreover, Yetterang's functional cosmetics were known for their excellent quality. Subsequently, they would get world-renowned researchers to work on furthering the product's efficacy. It was clear once again how quickly Yetterang was growing.

Yoo-Jin had a big smile on her face perhaps because she liked the name Miso.

"The brand name is the same as Miso's name," remarked Yoo-Jin.

"Yes, I got the idea for the brand name after seeing Miss Yoo-Jin and Miss Miso in the Cocari Sweat commercial."

The brand name Miso (美笑), which means beautiful smile, used the same Chinese characters as Miso's name.

Miso's name meant charming smile when read in Korean, but it was written as 美笑 in Chinese characters. Yoo-Jin's sister had given Miso her name with the hope that she would grow up to be a pretty and smiling child.

But as if by fate, Ahn Seok-Hoon had named the brand Miso (美笑).

Yoo-Jin looked at me. "Oppa, I want to do this advertisement regardless of the money. Can I take on the stock payment?"

The worry about how to persuade Yoo-Jin disappeared in an instant.

I added, "Of course. Yetterang is doing so well these days that you won't lose anything by taking the stock. I guarantee it!"

I barely managed to hold back from saying that it would increase several times over.

Only then did Yoo-Jin speak with a relieved expression. "Then I definitely want to sign this contract. I tried the Yetterang products that Sae-Ri gave me and they were really good. I have a good feeling about the new cosmetics too. I like the name as well."

Ahn Seok-Hoon's face brightened at the compliment about the good products.

"Thank you, Miss Yoo-Jin. As Mr. Jung said, you won't suffer any loss if you hold onto our stock!"

Since the actress herself wanted to do it, Kang Ji-Yung also agreed. After all, Yoo-Jin decided to take on all the burden that the company had about receiving in-kind payments.

"If the actress wants it, of course we should accommodate her. We have no complaints with such conditions," said Kang Ji-Yung.

From then on, the conversation continued with Kwak Moo-Hyuk. The contract was drawn up in such a way that the company would receive 1 billion won in cash and the remaining 2 billion won in stocks would go to Yoo-Jin.

Only then did Ahn Seok-Hoon smile brightly. "I look forward to working with you, Miss Yoo-Jin."

"Likewise. Please make Miso cosmetics a success," said Yoo-Jin with a smile.

The difficult problem was solved in an instant.

At that moment, Ahn Seok-Hoon's younger brother, Ahn Myung-Hoon, who had accompanied him, looked at me and asked, "Mr. Jung, is it alright if we inform the media later that Miss Yoo-Jin invested in our company?"

Such requests were common as it was a method of increasing the company's value by gifting stocks to celebrities and subtly spreading the fact. When the company's name was mentioned in the securities firm's rumors circulating in Yeouido, it alone had the effect of raising the stock price as individual investors bought stocks.

When I glanced at Kang Ji-Yung, I got a signal to proceed as I saw fit. I expressed conditional approval to Ahn Myung-Hoon. "I guess it will be okay after the current drama is released."

Ahn Myung-Hoon smiled and replied, "Thank you so much. Then we will add that clause to the contract. We also need to do our best in preparation for the listing."

At that moment, I realized this was an opportunity to ask about the timing of the listing—and it was also an opportunity to know when to buy stocks.

"Mr. Ahn, if it's not too much trouble, may I know when that might be? We also need to prepare for media responses," I asked.

Ahn Myung-Hoon explained, "The timing of the listing depends on the success of this Miso (美笑) brand. In fact, the margin for our teen cosmetics line Yeji is small, so it doesn't make a significant profit despite its popularity. My brother insisted that products for kids should be made cheap, so..."

It didn't seem like it would take long. In my past life, Yetterang's functional products were so popular they were hard to buy.

At that moment, a thought crossed my mind. ‘If they are short on cash, should I ask them to sell some stocks to me too?’

I thought that the 100 million won I had could be a big help to Yetterang who was short on cash right now. While I was pondering how to bring it up, Ahn Myung-Hoon made a suggestion as if reading my mind.

"Mr. Jung."

"Yes?"

"Would you be interested in purchasing our stocks by any chance?"

My heart almost stopped.

The opportunity to buy stocks that would multiply several times over before the listing had come to me naturally. Moreover, I could expect much higher returns than buying them right after the listing if I bought the stocks now.

I wanted to accept it immediately, but I barely held back and asked, "May...I ask why you are making such an offer?"

"Oh, if you're not interested..." Ahn Myung-Hoon muttered.

I quickly explained myself. "No, I am. I'd love to buy it even if it means pouring in the entire 100 million won in my account. I'm just curious why you're making this offer to me."

Ahn Seok-Hoon smiled. "I know well that our contract with Miss Yoo-Jin for the advertisement following the previous one with Cherry Blossom was possible because you thought highly of our company. I wanted to repay you for your consideration."

Ahn Seok-Hoon honestly explained the situation. The company was able to grow thanks to my efforts, and he wanted to give me the opportunity to buy stocks as a reward.

"I had no intention of selling stocks to anyone before the listing... but it's different with you and Cherry Blossom, Mr. Jung," said Ahn Seok-Hoon.

The offer was out of pure goodwill. In that case, I was more than glad to do so.

I expressed my gratitude and accepted the offer. After all, this was an opportunity that wouldn't come again. "Thank you. I will gratefully accept your offer."

"I'm glad. Oh, and you can buy up to 100 million won worth of stocks as you mentioned. The price per share is 5,000 won; is that acceptable?"

"Yes, that's fine. I will buy up to 100 million won worth."

My voice trembled slightly as I responded. Although it was 100 million won now, it was actually stocks worth tens of billions.

When our conversation ended, Kwak Moo-Hyuk handed over Yoo-Jin's advertisement contract. "Alright. Please sign right over here."

"Okay."

"Yes, understood."

Yoo-Jin and Ahn Seok-Hoon each signed to finalize the contract. Then we also agreed to meet separately in a week to draft my contract.

"Please take good care of us in the future, Mr. Jung."

"Yes, you too."

After finishing the advertisement contract, Ahn Seok-Hoon and Ahn Myung-Hoon stood up.

"Then we'll see you later at the company for your signature, Mr. Jung."

"Yes, Mr. Ahn."

Thanks to introducing Cherry Blossom as the advertising model, I unexpectedly got the chance to own Yetterang's stocks.

***

After seeing off the Ahn brothers, I went up to the director's office.

As I sat on the sofa, Kang Ji-Yung clicked her tongue. "Both of you are really gutsy. Why are you so happy to receive stocks that might turn into worthless paper?"

Yoo-Jin smiled. "Who knows? That money could multiply several times over. And I've never failed when I followed Yoon-Ho oppa's suggestions."

Kang Ji-Yung grinned. "Ah, then the company should have taken stocks instead of cash."

"It's too late now, Ms. Kang," Yoo-Jin said teasingly.

This time, Kang Ji-Yung looked at me. "But you won't have any money left if you convert 100 million won into stocks. What are you planning to do, Team Lead Jung?"

"We'll get our bonuses at the end of the year, right?" I responded.

Kang Ji-Yung smiled and said playfully, "Well, I guess you do get a share of the team's profits. Then buy me a meal if Yetterang's stocks hit the jackpot."

"Of course, I'll..."

At that moment, Yoo-Jin suddenly interrupted me. "I'll buy you the meal, Ms. Kang."

"You, Miss Yoo-Jin?" Kang Ji-Yung asked with surprise.

"I've always received help from the company, but I feel like I haven't done anything for you. I'll buy you meals more often from now on, Ms. Kang," Yoo-Jin said earnestly.

Kang Ji-Yung smiled. "What do you mean you haven't done anything for us? Miss Yoo-Jin, you're bringing in advertisements like this to benefit us. And even the Miso fish cake case before as well. You're a great help to the company."

"Still, I just want to treat you properly," Yoo-Jin added.

I suddenly felt a strange sensation. Both of them were clearly smiling, but it didn't seem like a genuine smile.

‘What the heck is going on?’ I wondered.

I couldn't understand the situation but thought it would be better to change the atmosphere quickly.

"Ms. Kang, how are Yoo-Jin's publicity efforts going?"

There were roughly ten days left until the first broadcast of In the Name of God.

Only then did Kang Ji-Yung turn her head and smile. "I'll meet all the press editors with the Publicity Division. Don't worry."

"Thank you."

"But do you think you can beat Festival of Money this time?" Kang Ji-Yung questioned.

Sensing a test in Kang Ji-Yung's question, I answered in a confident voice, "Definitely!"

"Wow~ then I bet Miss Yoo-Jin will win tons of awards, huh?" Kang Ji-Yung remarked.

"Of course, she'll bring home at least two," I said with a confident smile.

Kang Ji-Yung's face started to brighten. "Oh, by the way, are you taking good care of Mrs. Jin Yoo-Jung?"

Because Gu Seong-Cheol had taken full responsibility for the approval, Kang Ji-Yung didn't know that Yoo-Jin was Mrs. Jin Yoo-Jung.

When I was considering whether to tell Kang Ji-Yung the truth, Lee Gi-Cheol suddenly burst into the office door, yelling, "Director Kang Ji-Yung! Are you challenging me to go all the way?"

Startled by Lee Gi-Cheol's sudden outburst, Kang Ji-Yung tilted her head and asked, "What do you mean by that? You need to give me some context here."

"Mrs. Lee Mal-Soon has just informed us that she's moving to Singer Division 2! She said if her request isn't met, there will be no re-contract! What else could this be but a scheme by Jung Yoon-Ho and you?" Lee Gi-Cheol continued lashing out at us.

Lee Mal-Soon was a popular trot singer I had given advice on previously regarding an event. But apparently, she had requested to be transferred to Singer Division 2.

The fuming Lee Gi-Cheol also shouted at me, "Jung Yoon-Ho! What scheme did you pull this time?"

At that moment, I remembered an entry in my planner.

‘Come to think of it, was yesterday that day?’ I wondered.

[Everyday V10]

[Date: July 17, 2020]

-03:00 p.m. (Meeting Agenda) Lee Mal-Soon's 12th album <Trust Noona Just Once!> a big hit. Dinner show sold out. Schedule meeting. Singer Division 1 meeting room.

If Lee Mal-Soon made such a sudden request, it must have been because of last night's dinner show sell-out incident.

In my past life, Lee Mal-Soon's dinner show ticket sales had dropped below 50% for a while but regained popularity with her new song, leading to a schedule adjustment meeting.

And in that very meeting, Lee Mal-Soon had requested a change of division. She had asked to be transferred to Singer Division 2 while mentioning my name.

‘She's moving faster than I thought,’ I remarked silently.

Lee Gi-Cheol shouted with his face red with anger, "Jung Yoon-Ho! Aren't you going to answer? Did you poach Mrs. Lee Mal-Soon?"

Although I had met with Yang Hong-Seok regarding the event proposal, I had no direct contact with Lee Mal-Soon.

I had only anticipated that such an incident might happen, although it happened much faster than I had expected.

"It seems there's some misunderstanding. I've never even met Mrs. Lee Mal-Soon and I've never suggested moving divisions," I explained.

Kang Ji-Yung also stepped in to stop Lee Gi-Cheol. "Mr. Lee, it's inappropriate to accuse Team Lead Jung like this without any basis. Please calm down."

"Do you think this is the first time this guy has pulled such a sneaky trick? I'm not letting this go this time!" Lee Gi-Cheol barked.

Kang Ji-Yung frowned. "Do you have any evidence that Team Lead Jung has done anything?"

"Are you defending this guy in front of me right now?" Lee Gi-Cheol retorted.

"What? I'm not defending him but trying to sort out this situation!" Kang Ji-Yung defended herself.

"Who needs evidence? There's circumstantial evidence!" Lee Gi-Cheol yelled.

'Of course there's no evidence. How could there be evidence when I hadn't done anything?' I remarked inwardly.

But I had no intention of enduring this poor treatment any longer now that I was a team lead and no longer a first-year employee.

I looked directly at Lee Gi-Cheol and raised my voice. "Mr. Lee, don't you think it's a little too much to accuse someone without any evidence? Huh?"

My sharp tone left Lee Gi-Cheol visibly flustered.