Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 269: Return (3)

Kang Gam-Chan was always known for his good intuition.

His scouting of Yoo-Jin, who was working part-time at Burger Queen in Cheonho-dong, spoke a lot about his capability.

This time, that intuition was directed at me. He asked if I was planning to kick Kim Dong-Soo out of the company.

I took a moment to ponder my answer. Upon seeing that he was already half-sure and not wanting to betray the kindness and care he had shown me, I answered honestly.

"Yes. But it's not out of personal interest."

As soon as I finished speaking, Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "Hmm..."

Kang Gam-Chan murmured in a low voice and leaned back on the sofa. He then interlaced his fingers and fell into thought.

Kang Ji-Yung also remained silent, creating a sense of stillness in the meeting room.

After a while, Kang Gam-Chan finished his thoughts and looked at me. "May I ask why?"

"Because I don't want Hoop Entertainment to be split apart," I replied honestly.

Kang Gam-Chan stared intently at me. "What do you mean Hoop Entertainment will split apart?"

"It won't just split; it will leave a big wound as well. The company might even fail to go public as you planned."

Kang Gam-Chan tilted his head. "Even with me and Ji-Yung here? And with you?"

"Kim Dong-Soo has President Choi Man-Sik behind him."

Despite all my efforts ever since traveling back in time, there was one entry that remained unchanged in the planner.

[Everyday V10.1]

[Date: November 11, 2022]

- 01:00 p.m. Top Entertainment's founding ceremony.

I had been striving for two goals since traveling back in time.

The first goal to save Miso had already been achieved. However, the second goal to prevent the collapse of Hoop Entertainment and help the members of Faithful become top stars was still unachieved.

As long as the schedule for Top Entertainment's establishment remained, I couldn't rest easy.

Kang Gam-Chan let out a sigh. "In the end, Choi Man-Sik, that snake... is the problem."

Choi Man-Sik's nickname was the Viper of Myeong-dong.

As soon as Kang Gam-Chan heard my words, he understood the situation right away.

"I'm also looking for ways to deal with Choi Man-Sik, so don't worry too much," he added.

I hoped so, but I couldn't just wait blindly as long as the schedule for Top Entertainment's establishment remained.

"Yes, sir."

Kang Gam-Chan nodded and stared at me. His body had weakened, but his eyes were sharper than ever.

"Oh, and it won't be easy to kick out Chief Kim. Not just because of President Choi Man-Sik but because other shareholders are also supporting Dong-Soo over Gi-Cheol as my successor."

Nonetheless I had already anticipated that and was preparing something as a countermeasure.

I hesitated for a second and then spoke. "What if there were a major scandal? Something serious enough to make the headlines...?"

"Why? Do you know something?" Kang Gam-Chan asked.

"It's not been confirmed yet."

Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "Then proceed and report the progress to me. Remember not to take too many risks. When doing something big, it's important to do it well—but it's even more crucial to make fewer mistakes."

"But aren't you curious about what crime I'm investigating?" I asked.

Kang Gam-Chan smiled broadly. "I trust you'll handle it well on your own."

His unwavering trust in me filled my heart with emotions. "I will do my best, sir."

"Yes. Let's try to protect Hoop Entertainment as much as we can."

Then Kang Gam-Chan mentioned he was curious about something.

"By the way, Yoon-Ho. What do you think we should do about Director Lee Gi-Cheol?"

When asked if I had any plans to get rid of Lee Gi-Cheol as well, I smiled and answered, "It would be advantageous for us if he stays in the company."

An incompetent colleague often dragged down their ally. If Lee Gi-Cheol remained, he could continuously hinder Kim Dong-Soo.

Although there was a time he tried to undermine me, there would be no more of that after the incident with Lee Mal-Soon.

If the Suhyaejong line within the company got disappointed, they might join Kang Gam-Chan's line.

Kang Gam-Chan liked my idea of letting Lee Gi-Cheol stay in the company more than my ambition to get rid of Kim Dong-Soo.

"Ha ha. Look at this guy, always using his brain so well. Indeed, it's fortunate that such a person is the leader of the opposing faction. Let's do as you say."

Kang Gam-Chan patted my shoulder, saying this was just the beginning.

As his thick hand touched my shoulder, it felt like an empty corner of my heart was filling up.

***

Choi Man-Sik and Kim Dong-Soo were sitting across from each other at a table in the VIP room located in the high-end restaurant located in Samsung-dong.

Both had ordered the finest steaks but hadn't had a single bite.

"What disturbing news you brought."

Choi Man-Sik fiddled with a glass of cold water as he spoke.

"So, you've lost Sung Ho-Jun and now Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak are done for?"

On the TV screen in the room, there was footage of Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-lak in handcuffs looking pale as they were being taken to a prosecution vehicle.

Kim Dong-Soo began to tremble at Choi Man-Sik's cold expression and tone.

"I'm sorry. I should have managed things better, but controlling actors isn't easy..."

"You're sorry, you say? Chief Kim, don't you think you've done too many things to apologize for?"

At that moment, Kim Dong-Soo got off his chair and knelt on the cold marble floor. "Please give me one more chance."

"That's quite bold of a useless person who only wastes money and fails in recruitment. Why should I keep you alive, Chief Kim?"

Kim Dong-Soo gritted his teeth with his head bowed. Then, he mustered his strength and shouted, "You need someone to handle dirty work to accomplish big things, don't you?"

Choi Man-Sik slowly crossed his arms and glared at Kim Dong-Soo. "There are many others who can provide me with celebrities."

Kim Dong-Soo quickly highlighted his value. "Are you talking about Director Lee? He's too dull-witted. And Team Lead Ju? He's too ambitious and would certainly cause trouble while supplying women!"

Choi Man-Sik smirked. "You're not wrong about that."

Hope flickered on Kim Dong-Soo's face.

Right then, Choi Man-Sik reached out his right hand and grabbed Kim Dong-Soo's throat.

"Cough cough cough...M-Mr. Choi!"

Kim Dong-Soo struggled for breath, but Choi Man-Sik continued in a leisurely manner.

"But there are more entertainment companies than just Hoop Entertainment, you know?"

"I'm, I'm... sorry... Please, spare me," begged Kim Dong-Soo.

As Kim Dong-Soo's face turned red, Choi Man-Sik sighed and let go.

"Huff- Ugh!"

Kim Dong-Soo began to breathe heavily and catch his breath. His back was drenched in cold sweat and his throat felt as if it had been ripped out.

Nevertheless, Choi Man-Sik was unfazed. "Never forget that people can always be replaced, Kim Dong-Soo."

"Yes! Yes, sir."

Choi Man-Sik wiped his hands with a wet tissue on the table. "Get up and sit down."

Kim Dong-Soo quickly stood up and sat back on the chair.

"What's your plan moving forward?" Choi Man-Sik questioned.

"I plan to appoint Chief Han So-Yoo in the vacant position in Singer Division 1. She is training a rookie team called Treviang, who could soon replace Golden Road," Kim Dong-Soo answered.

"Is there no hope left for Golden Road?"

"Chief Cha Sang-Jin went to Japan to try to get the girls to work on their music, but it's not going well."

Choi Man-Sik tilted his head. "Then just get rid of them. Why drag it out?"

"Well, um... Director Lee Gi-Cheol has put a lot of effort into raising that group, so he's reluctant to let go of them."

Choi Man-Sik fell in thought for a moment and then nodded. "He's quite stubborn. Just consider them gone. From what I've heard, their comeback seems unlikely."

"Understood."

Choi Man-Sik paid no attention even as Kim Dong-Soo bad-mouthed Lee Gi-Cheol.

Choi Man-Sik continued to ask, "By the way, what are you planning to do with the actors who bring in immediate revenue?"

"I plan to bring a few actors whose weaknesses I hold over to Hoop Entertainment."

"Look at this guy. Did you shoot some hidden camera footage or something?"

When Kim Dong-Soo couldn't respond, Choi Man-Sik snickered. "Whatever it is, handle it on your own. Is there any S-class among them?"

Kim Dong-Soo replied, "There's no S-class but just two A-class..."

Choi Man-Sik cut him off. "Then do as I say."

"How should I proceed?"

"You have a meeting with Shanghai New Media Inc. next week, right?"

Hoop Entertainment was planning to meet with the Shanghai New Media Inc. to explore opportunities for its stars to break into the Chinese market.

After all, people still found ways to make it through despite the Korean Wave ban. In China where connections were key, nothing was impossible if you had the right support.

Kim Dong-Soo nodded. "Yes, sir. A director from Shanghai will come to Korea with a team lead for the meeting. Team Lead Ju and I will greet them."

"I've looked into it too through my own connection. The director coming to Korea this time is known to be very influential. If we get on his good side and establish a partnership, the Korean Wave ban won't be an issue."

Kim Dong-Soo's eyes sparkled for a moment.

China was a land of golden opportunities. It was common to earn hundreds of millions of won for a single advertisement or stage performance.

"I understand. I'll make sure to succeed no matter what," said Kim Dong-Soo.

Choi Man-Sik nodded and then asked, "By the way, how is the search for President Choi's son going?"

Kim Dong-Soo rubbed his bruised neck and replied, "There's...only nine more to check."

"Find him as soon as possible and bring me the results. I'm getting tired of waiting."

"Yes, Mr. Choi."

Kim Dong-Soo bowed deeply, but his body trembled slightly.

If they could bypass the Korean Wave ban, Kim Dong-Soo could reverse all of his past mistakes. In his mind, Kim Dong-Soo envisioned a future where all the company's actors tried to win his favor—And a future where Jung Yoon-Ho was kneeling at his feet.

'Just wait and see, Jung Yoon-Ho,' Kim Dong-Soo thought while gritting his teeth.

***

Ever since Kang Gam-Chan's return, the company quickly regained stability and Sung Ho-Jun's transfer was expedited.

Now, it was just a matter of signing the papers in the presence of both parties' lawyers and releasing the news.

Today, I was busy as always.

I was currently giving a brief on Yoo-Jin's drama In the Name of God in a team lead level's meeting.

"As you can see here, about 30% of the articles are about the drama."

When I clicked on the laptop, articles about Yoo-Jin appeared on the large LCD in the meeting room.

[In the Name of God Jung Yoo-Jin: Transforming with a fresh character!]

[Jung Yoo-Jin. Expanding her acting range!]

[Jung Yoo-Jin. Strong contender for this year's Drama Rookie Award!]

[Jung Yoo-Jin's luxury brand L.M.L, brand showcase on August 29 at Samsung-dong Art Hall]

[Seven Star Electronics: Jung Yoo-Jin as the model for the new dryer commercial]

Kang Gam-Chan laughed heartily at the articles. "Yoo-Jin is now undeniably a star."

"It's not enough. She hasn't had a lead role yet," I remarked.

As I continued to list the achievements of other actors from Team Jung, Kang Gam-Chan burst into loud laughter that echoed through the meeting room.

"Ha ha ha. At this rate, Actor Division 2 might surpass Actor Division 3."

Gu Seong-Cheol and the team leads of Actor Division 2 looked pleased. On the other hand, Kim Dong-Soo and the team leads of Actor Division 3's faces began to distort.

After listening to all the reports, Kang Gam-Chan spoke with a satisfied expression. "You've worked hard while I was away. But I noticed from the report that you've given other teams some opportunities. Why is that?"

"Because we are all part of Hoop Entertainment. It's only right that we become successful together," I said.

Everyone, except for Kim Dong-Soo and a few others, nodded in agreement.

Instead of focusing on my own success, giving other teams opportunities whenever I could had earned me extra points over the past few months.

Thanks to that, Kang Gam-Chan officially declared in front of everyone, "Then you deserve a reward for your contributions."

That's when Bang Sang-Yung suddenly interjected. "Indeed. Actor Division 1 also received various help from Team Lead Jung, so I support Mr. Kang's opinion."

"Huh. Even Chief Bang received help? Alright. Then we'll give bonuses to Actor Division 2 and a special bonus to Team Lead Jung. Anyone opposes this?"

No one dared to oppose Kang Gam-Chan's decision with Bang Sang-Yung highlighting my achievements.

While I was wondering how much the bonus would be, Kang Gam-Chan brought up the topic of the Chinese partner company.

"By the way, everyone knows that guests from Shanghai New Media Inc. are coming tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"The people coming tomorrow are Director Zhang Xuan and Team Lead Wang Long, who oversee the entertainment business. Here are their photos and profiles. Make sure to review and remember them."

The situation had changed.

In my past life, it was Director Zhang Hun who came. But this time, Zhang Xuan, a higher-ranking official, was coming.

Since they were sending a higher-level representative, there was a possibility of forming a proper partnership this time, unlike in my past life.

Then, Kang Gam-Chan dropped a bombshell.

"Director Lee Gi-Cheol, since they're sending a director-level employee, we should at least match their level. You will greet the guests along with Chief Kim and Team Lead Jung."

It was fortunate that I could meet Team Lead Wang Long, who would later become the president of Shanghai New Media Inc., as I had an important matter to discuss with him in person.

'But having to spend three days with Lee Gi-Cheol and Kim Dong-Soo!? Mr. Kang! What are you thinking?'