Chapter 33: Contract
I slid open the door to the VIP hospital room and found a handsome man, towering over 180cm, lying on the bed.
He had an IV hooked to his arm and his broad chest was draped with all sorts of medical equipment.
"Seung-Hoon, did you bring the black bean noodles?"
Jang Jun-Hyuk looked for the black bean noodles without taking his eyes off his phone.
“Come on, hyung. How would I bring black bean noodles into the hospital room?"
A playful complaint came out of Jang Jun-Hyuk's mouth.
"Hey, you call yourself a talent agent when you can’t even bring me black bean noodles? Try to do something about it. Would you not even fulfill a dying man's wish for a bowl of black bean noodles?"
"Stop talking nonsense and greet the person who saved your life. Mr. Jung Yoon-Ho is here."
When Jang Jun-Hyuk met my eyes, he smiled brightly.
"Are you feeling alright?" I asked.
"It’s painful but it's bearable. Don’t stand there, please come closer. It's a bit difficult for me to get up in this state right now..."
Jang Jun-Hyuk seemed unable to move due to the IV lines attached to his body.
"Ah. Yes."
As I approached him, Jang Jun-Hyuk grabbed my hand.
"Thank you so much. If it weren't for you, Mr. Jung Yoon-Ho, today would have been my memorial day."
Jang Jun-Hyuk smiled playfully before suddenly gripping his chest and letting out a low groan.
"Ughhh."
Lee Seung-Hoon quickly came to Jang Jun-Hyuk's side to support him.
"My goodness, I told you to be careful! The doctor said not to laugh or move, remember?"
Jang Jun-Hyuk pouted in response to Lee Seung-Hoon’s nagging.
"All you ever do is nag. I only laughed because I was happy to see Mr. Jung, who even gave me a kiss."
‘All I did was mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and he calls it a kiss!?’
I frantically waved my hands in denial.
"Mr. Jun-Hyuk, I had no choice but to do that to save your life!"
‘Begone, lips of Jang Jun-Hyuk! Get away from my memory!’
Seeing me sweating in embarrassment, Jang Jun-Hyuk laughed teasingly.
"Well, let’s put that aside. If there's anything you want, please feel free to ask. Think of it as the reward for saving my life. I'll give you anything you want if it's within my means."
"Oh, but I didn't do it for a reward."
Jang Jun-Hyuk shook his head at my reply.
"I know, but still. There's no such thing as just receiving and not returning the favor in my life!"
I said it was okay, but Jang Jun-Hyuk seemed to have no intention of listening.
"If you don't accept my offer, I'll just go lie down in front of Hoop Entertainment and make it seem like I was caught in a scandalous situation because I was kissed while unconscious."
The thought of a scandal involving a top star was chilling.
‘I can't win this.’
"Alright. I’ll accept it, just to avoid the scandal."
"Ha ha ha. You made a wise decision Mr. Jung."
When Jang Jun-Hyuk gestured, Lee Seung-Hoon approached me to pass me something—it was a car key with a triangular star logo.
"I heard your car was wrecked in the accident. Please take mine."
‘What? Jang Jun-Hyuk must be out of his mind after a near-death experience.’
"Mr. Jang. This is too much for a gift."
"Too much? Is my life worth less than this?"
I could picture the 100 million won Binz E-Class car in my mind but I hadn’t saved Jang Jun-Hyuk’s life to receive such a reward. Moreover, there were practical issues to consider.
‘Insurance and fuel costs must be crazy.’
Driving such a luxurious car carelessly could lead to bankruptcy.
"I appreciate the gesture, but honestly, a foreign car is too much for a talent agent."
I politely cited the reasons I couldn’t receive the car. However, to my surprise, things began to move in a different direction.
"Ah, if it's the maintenance costs you're worried about, then... Seung-Hoon, switch the car to a lease and keep the fuel card topped up every month for Mr. Jung."
"Will do."
‘Wait. Is he being serious right now?’
At this point, it became difficult to refuse Jang Jun-Hyuk’s offer any further. Regardless of whether they had good or bad personalities, top stars were accustomed to having things their own way. Further refusing this favor would be no different from openly inviting a conflict.
I eventually accepted the car keys with an awkward expression.
"Then, I'll gratefully... make good use of it. Thank you."
Only then did Jang Jun-Hyuk’s face light up with a smile.
"Ha ha ha. You're the first person I've seen who's so uncomfortable receiving a gift."
I just scratched my head at Jang Jun-Hyuk’s words, who seemed to find the fact that I refused his offer interesting.
"Oh, and since you're here, I have a favor to ask."
"A favor? Please feel free to tell me."
Jang Jun-Hyuk spoke with a more serious expression than before.
"To be frank, I want to join your company."
"You want to come to Hoop Entertainment?"
"Yes. Seung-Hoon will explain the reason to you."
Then, Lee Seung-Hoon began to explain the difficult situation that Jang Jun-Hyuk had encountered due to the day's events. While most of the broadcasting schedules disrupted by the accident were substituted with future appearances, there were a few advertisers talking about lawsuits.
"Lawsuits?"
"Yes. As you know, today's accident made it public knowledge that there is a problem with Jun-Hyuk hyung's heart."
"That's true."
"The problem is that Jun-Hyuk hyung was in the midst of advertising several health supplement products."
"Ah!"
Though it was not intentional, having an unhealthy image seemed to be harming the hiring company's product image.
"I get the picture."
"This is why we shouldn't do health supplement ads... those companies are sensitive about these things."
Lee Seung-Hoon laughed helplessly.
I felt sorry for the advertisers who had suffered damage. But to blame Jang Jun-Hyuk like this on the very day of such an unforeseen accident was preposterous. It seemed the companies were using the accident as an excuse to seek compensation.
“Given the situation, we have to quickly secure a large agency that can help us. I found out today that Hoop Entertainment’s legal team is famous for doing a good job.”
I realized once again just how dangerous the situation had been when Kang Myung-Gil tried to sign a contract with Jang Jun-Hyuk using my name.
Acknowledging the tricky situation, I responded to Jang Jun-Hyuk's proposition.
"Do you mind if I quickly make a call to the company? It’s just that I can't decide on the recruitment alone."
Recruiting a top star like Jang Jun-Hyuk would at least require a managing director to be involved in the negotiations.
"Not at all, please go ahead. Please tell them we won't be difficult about the conditions."
Looking at Jang Jun-Hyuk smiling as he spoke, I felt unsure whether he was joking or serious.
I stepped into the hallway and called Gu Seong-Cheol.
“Jang Jun-Hyuk wants to join our company? For real?”
"Yes, he insists on working with Division 2. So please inform Ms. Kang about this matter. Also, something happened earlier before I arrived..."
After I relayed information about Jang Jun-Hyuk’s contract, I also told Gu Seong-Cheol about how Division 3 tried to secure the contract using my name.
In response, Gu Seong-Cheol couldn't contain his anger and repeatedly burst into shouts.
***
The chiefs’ meeting at Hoop Entertainment had concluded.
Many significant issues had been discussed but the main topic was the recruitment of Jang Jun-Hyuk.
Gu Seong-Cheol confronted Division 3 for their attempt to intercept Jang Jun-Hyuk’s contract, but Kim Dong-Soo kept making excuses till the end, claiming it was a misunderstanding.
Kim Dong-Soo’s excuse was that he had heard that TK Entertainment was trying to poach Jang Jun-Hyuk, so he intended to secure the contract first and then transfer it to the Actor Division 2 where Jung Yoon-Ho was.
Gu Seong-Cheol dismissed Kim Dong-Soo’s excuse as nonsensical but Kim Dong-Soo insisted on his excuses to the end. Then, he quickly left the meeting room, mentioning that he was in the midst of negotiating a contract with another top star, Cha Tae-Hoon.
"That sneaky snake. His words are always so slick."
Gu Seong-Cheol grumbled about Kim Dong-Soo as he left the meeting room. Then, Lee Dong-Min followed him out and opened his mouth.
"Just let it go. After all, you brought Jang Jun-Hyuk into your division."
Lee Dong-Min tried to console him, but Gu Seong-Cheol could not contain his frustration.
"I feel so sorry for Yoon-Ho. It’s such a shame that I can't do anything against that asshole."
Gu Seong-Cheol lamented his inability to act against Kim Dong-Soo's obvious lies.
Then, Lee Dong-Min snickered at Gu Seong-Cheol's reaction.
"Why does it seem like a green newbie is doing a better job than you?"
Gu Seong-Cheol hit back immediately at Lee Dong-Min's teasing joke.
"And what about you? I heard you wouldn't have secured Cherry Blossom's end-of-year stage without Yoon-Ho’s help."
Lee Dong-Min's face turned red. "Why, you little...!"
"You’re the one who started it first!"
The sparks ignited by Kim Dong-Soo had spread to both Gu Seong-Cheol and Lee Dong-Min.
After a moment, the two felt a bitter taste in their mouths.
"...What are we even doing?"
"I have no idea."
"Chief Gu, are we getting old?"
Gu Seong-Cheol chuckled. "Could you say that in front of Mr. Kang?"
"Are you crazy? Of course not."
The two shuddered at the thought of President Kang Gam-Chan, who, even at the age of sixty, was still robust enough to compete in triathlons every year.
It was then that Gu Seong-Cheol seemed to remember something and asked Lee Dong-Min.
"By the way, Chief Lee. Isn't Cherry Blossom going into their third album soon?"
"I’m not sure whether it will be a third album or a digital single... But we need to get right on it. Now that I think about it, I'm also too ashamed to face Yoon-Ho. I should've cut losses with the second album sooner. I only felt a pang of guilt after hearing Yoon-Ho's critique."
Gu Seong-Cheol nodded at Lee Dong-Min’s words. The recent changes in Jung Yoon-Ho's demeanor had even taken him by surprise.
"It's not too late if we properly handle it now. But let's do better to avoid any more embarrassment..."
"Speak for yourself, punk."
Gu Seong-Cheol and Lee Dong-Min shared a laugh as they looked at each other because they thought it was ridiculous that the chiefs were having this kind of conversation over a first-year rookie talent agent.
***
"Ready~ Action!"
It was December 28th, 2019.
On the set of the final episode 26 of Morning Takes Off, Yoo-Jin's passionate performance was unfolding.
"Did you just see Miss Yoo-Jin's tearful acting?"
"They say Lee Ji-Yeon has a sharp eye for actors. Looks like it's true."
"It's been chaotic with no good actresses in Chungmuro but here's a good actress. After this episode airs, she'll probably get a lot of love calls from everywhere."
"But isn't her appearance fee per episode only 100,000 won? I can’t believe it. 100,000 won for that acting skill, huh..."
"What can they do? That's the contract. She'll get what she deserves in her next drama."
As the viewership ratings crossed the 20% mark, the staff couldn't hide their excited expressions.
As articles about Morning Takes Off started filling the entertainment news sections, Yoo-Jin's stagnant Instargem also began to update actively.
[Jung Yoo-Jin @miso_1004]
[Posts 24, Followers 10k, Following 150]
It's cold. Too cold. I’m shivering.
(Photo: MorningTakesOff_ShootingSet_CheerUp.jpeg)
#MorningTakesOff #Midwinter #FreezingToDeath #Hungry #Yoo-JinIsOnADiet #LivingOnGreensOnly #Herbivore #EatingGreensEveryDay #GreensAgainToday
[Likes? 2,350]
(Comments)
-risa: Oh? Jung Yoo-Jin is back. Watching the drama and loving it.
-garosu10: The scene where you slapped Park Eun-Sung was the best! Didn’t know you had such great acting skills. My mom and I are supporting you.
-parknambong: I'm an original fan club member. Do you still live in Cheonho-dong?
-loveYJ: Yoo-Jin, I’ve been waiting for your comeback. Please visit the fan page.
-padopado: I hope the drama is successful! Well, it already is, so I hope your next drama will be a hit too!
Yoo-Jin's account name was smile angel. The company's promotion division managed the account, but Yoo-Jin wrote the posts herself.
"But who came up with these hashtags? Was it Yoo-Jin?"
‘I'll have to ask her after she finishes acting.’
Everything was going well but there was still one nagging issue.
"It was due today, huh..."
Choosing Yoo-Jin's next drama was giving me a headache.
‘Blue Sky or In the Name of God?’
Today was the day I had to decide which drama Yoo-Jin would appear in next. But Kang Gam-Chan had not yet found evidence related to Choi Jun-Woo's scandal. Because of this, Gu Seong-Cheol and Kang Ji-Yung were raising their voices every day, insisting on choosing Lee Ji-Yeon’s drama over Kim Soll-Ip’s.
'What should I do?'
I scanned through my planner and tried to retrace my memory.
[Everyday V10]
[Date: January 15th, 2020]
-11:05 PM (Report) Weekly Star News Flash. Choi Jun-Woo, caught at the entrance of Club BLUE, intoxicated and causing a disturbance. Arrested on the spot.
One month later, Reporter Jang Moon-Ki of Weekly Star would succeed in uncovering the truth about Choi Jun-Woo. When the horrifying photos and videos of a female victim, struck on the head with a beer bottle by the intoxicated Choi Jun-Woo, would be released, people would universally condemn him. Moreover, the situation would escalate rapidly as the cases of harm done to female actresses who had worked with Choi Jun-Woo in the past would also come to light.
To prevent Yoo-Jin's name from being entangled in such a filthy incident, I had to ensure at all costs that she would not be cast in In the Name of God.
'Right. The issue won’t be solved just by stalling for time. I need to take action today. What did Jang Moon-Ki say when he broke the exclusive story?’
"Ah, that's right!"
Only now did the statement made by Jang Moon-Ki at that time come to mind.
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