Chapter 49: Fate is Gathering (2)
Standing near Miso, Yoo-Jin smiled softly at us as she held the script in her hands. Glancing over, I noticed Miso's cheeks slightly puffed up in a pout.
‘Wait. Could it be? Did the two boys have a change of heart?’
I decided to visit Miso’s kindergarten soon to talk to the two boys myself.
‘How could their love change so quickly!? How dare they hurt Miso’s feelings!’
But before addressing the issue, it was important to cheer Miso up first.
"Miso?"
Miso slowly turned her head toward me when I called her name. "Yes?"
"Do you have any places you want to visit? I think I'll be getting a break soon. Shall we go somewhere together?"
Miso suddenly sat up and looked at me with sparkling eyes, pondering where to go. At that moment, Yoo-Jin mouthed silently.
'Snow sleds and Cherry Blossom?’
I figured that Miso must have read the articles of Cherry Blossom that were uploaded yesterday.
"Miso, how about we go to a snow sled park?"
Miso's face lit up with joy, making me glad I brought it up. "Really?"
"Of course. Should we make a pinky promise?"
Miso came over and hooked her little finger with mine. "Pinky promise! Uncle Yoon-Ho, you’re the best!"
As Miso bounced around happily, Yoo-Jin set her script aside and hugged Miso. "Wow, good for you, Miso! You're going to the sled park, huh?"
"Yes! Hehe."
"How happy are you out of ten?"
Miso stretched her arms wide in a big circle. "Eleven out of ten!"
I was a bit concerned that Yoo-Jin would get recognized but thought that we could disguise her identity with ski clothes and goggles. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since I last went sledding by myself. The thought of being able to go to the sled park again made me feel grateful for traveling back in time.
While Miso was in the washroom, Yoo-Jin, who had been reading her script, asked. "But oppa, are you sure it's okay to spend your break with us? You have been spending so much time on us that you hardly have much time for yourself, and now you’re even going to spend your break with us..."
Yoo-Jin was concerned that I had no time for myself, after dedicating almost all my time to them.
"Don't worry. I’m going because I want to go. And besides, I don't have anyone else to spend time with."
"Still, you should get some rest..." Yoo-Jin looked apologetic.
But ever since I saved Miso, my longstanding insomnia had disappeared. Seeing Miso always made me feel more relaxed and sleep better.
"It's okay, don't worry about it."
"Alright. Then I'll give you a treat at the sled park."
"Wow, such generosity from a highly paid actress!"
Yoo-Jin playfully waved her hands, still not used to the idea of being addressed as an actress. "Oh, stop it. I heard you’re the one who asked for higher pay for that ad. It’s all thanks to you. Also, you know I'm not used to being called an actress."
When Miso returned from the washroom and saw us laughing, she asked. "Mom, why are you laughing?"
Yoo-Jin simply smiled at Miso who complained it wasn’t fair that we were having fun without her. "It's a secret."
Miso's cheeks puffed up like an angry pufferfish.
"Hmph!"
Clearly, she wasn't happy about being left out of the fun conversation. Yoo-Jin then tickled Miso to lighten the mood.
"We were just talking about buying you lots of treats at the sled park~."
Miso’s puffy cheeks deflated in an instant and she burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Mom, stop, it tickles!"
Moments like these made my life worth living. I spent the entire day helping Yoo-Jin practice her script and assisting Miso with her picture diary. Thanks to this, Miso told me about what happened with those two boys who confessed to her.
"Jin-Goo and Chul-Min secretly told Jeong-Yeon they love her too! Then, Jeong-Yeon said she loves them both as well!"
When Miso fumed, I exhaled with frustration.
‘Man, these kids and their love stories are no joke!’
"I can't believe those boys! So, what did you do?"
When I asked with curiosity, Miso answered in an angry voice. “I told them I won’t play with them anymore.”
Miso looked quite determined as she placed her hands on her hips.
"Good for you, Miso. You really need to draw the line in such situations."
Miso nodded proudly, before declaring her punishment for the boys. "So I'm not going to talk to them for two days."
‘Huh? Just two days? Miso, don’t you think you’re being too forgiving?’
***
The next day at work, Gu Seong-Cheol called me over as soon as I arrived.
"If Lee Tae-Poong really has camera shyness... let's give Kim Dong-Soo a taste of his own medicine."
Permission was granted—but I had only one day to secure Lee Tae-Poong's recruitment.
"You made the right decision, sir."
"Just remember, let’s start with a one-year short-term contract. Do you think he will accept that?"
The offer was only a short-term contract, but I wasn’t disappointed as this was expected. After all, the company couldn’t risk spending lots of money just based on my words.
"I’m sure he will," I affirmed.
"Alright, then. Team Lead Oh, did you get the contact number?"
"Yes, Mr. Gu. I got Mr. Lee Tae-Poong's personal number from a colleague at his previous agency."
"Great. Let’s call him. Tell him we'd like to meet regarding a recruitment offer."
When Oh Duk-Gu called Lee Tae-Poong, his slow voice came over the phone after a few rings.
"Hello, this is Team Lead Oh Duk-Gu from Hoop Entertainment."
-Hoop?
"Yes, I’m Team Lead Oh Duk-Gu from Hoop's Actor Division 2.”
-Oh, I see...
Oh Duk-Gu explained our intention to discuss a contract, revealing that we know Lee Tae-Poong’s current situation with his agency very well. "We can accommodate your requests as much as possible... So could we meet to talk?"
Lee Tae-Poong hesitated but soon asked a question.
-Could you perhaps also recruit my talent agent as well?
Thanks to my heads-up, Oh Duk-Gu responded without hesitation. "Of course. Whether it's a professional talent agent, family member, or friend, we can accommodate one person—though we'll need to discuss the salary."
Lee Tae-Poong's voice brightened.
-Then how about meeting up tomorrow afternoon at 3 PM?
But I shook my head at Oh Duk-Gu. According to my planner, Kim Dong-Soo was still scheduled to meet Lee Tae-Poong tomorrow at 1 PM.
[Everyday V10]
[Date: January 14, 2020]
-01:00 PM Cheongdam-dong H Villa, Lee Tae-Poong recruitment meeting.
Kim Dong-Soo would undoubtedly offer Lee Tae-Poong a significantly higher amount than what we could propose. We had to meet Lee Tae-Poong today or he might end up signing with Kim Dong-Soo.
Oh Duk-Gu saw my gesture and responded. "We would like to meet you today if possible. We won’t take up too much of your time."
Lee Tae-Poong remained silent for a moment.
-Then, could you come right now? I have an appointment in three hours.
"We'll leave immediately."
-Okay. I’ll be waiting.
When the call ended, I quickly gathered my belongings.
"Take this just in case. I got them from the legal division."
Gu Seong-Cheol handed me some documents. Even if it was only a tentative agreement that we were trying to secure with Lee Tae-Poong, having it written on paper would prevent future issues.
That was when Kim Dong-Soo and Ju Yung-In unexpectedly appeared at our office.
“Wow, you guys must be busy, huh?”
Ju Yung-In was dressed in a flowing sky-blue dress appropriate for her role of Kim Sky in Blue Sky. Judging from her fancy outfit, it seemed that she had something on her schedule today.
“Do you have an interview today?”
Kim Dong-Soo nodded and mentioned they had an interview scheduled with Baro Star, one of the top three entertainment magazines. Typically, if more than one actress from the same company were to star in the same drama, they would do joint interviews. However, Kim Dong-Soo had not informed Division 2 about this interview, seemingly trying to get revenge for yesterday.
Gu Seong-Cheol stared at Kim Dong-Soo and Ju Yung-In for a moment before speaking.
“Is that so? Good luck with your interview.”
Kim Dong-Soo made a curious expression at Gu Seong-Cheol's calm reaction. Thanks to his calm reaction, Kim Dong-Soo and Ju Yung-In were utterly perplexed as they had expected more of a reaction from us.
“Oh, okay...”
Gu Seong-Cheol then turned to Oh Duk-Gu and me, telling us we needed to hurry. I could see the corner of his lips slightly lifted because we were on our way to outsmart Kim Dong-Soo right now.
Leaving behind the confused Kim Dong-Soo and Ju Yung-In, we made our way to the underground parking lot.
Vroom!
When I started the engine, Gu Seong-Cheol quietly muttered, "Let's secure Lee Tae-Poong’s recruitment today no matter what."
“Yes, sir.”
The provocation by Kim Dong-Soo spurred Gu Seong-Cheol’s determination to recruit Lee Tae-Poong.
‘What a surprise that Kim Dong-Soo can be helpful sometimes.’
***
Screech.
"Wow. Nice house."
Lee Tae-Poong's residence was in a high-end villa neighborhood in Cheongdam-dong. Known for being a homebody, he apparently invested most of his CF earnings into his home. The tall, red brick walls gave off the vibes of a medieval castle rather than a house.
Ding-dong.
-Who is it?
"Hello. We are from Hoop Entertainment."
-Oh, okay. Please wait a moment.
Click.
After a brief answer, the oak-colored gate to the parking area lifted with a buzzing sound.
“We won’t have to worry about parking.”
The huge parking area offered more than enough parking space. As we entered upon parking the car, we noticed a gazebo in the grassy yard surrounded by outdoor curtains, creating a cozy atmosphere.
"That'd be a perfect spot for a barbecue, don’t you think?"
I quietly laughed at Gu Seong-Cheol’s remark, because it was indeed used for such purposes.
As we approached the front door, it opened as if someone was waiting.
"Welcome," greeted Lee Tae-Poong, whose good looks were so striking that even I was left speechless.
His long hair was casually tied up, but his effortless style seemed straight out of a magazine. With his tall stature, sculpted face, and long limbs, Lee Tae-Poong's simple home attire also reflected a sense of style.
Indeed, he pulled off and accentuated his clothing perfectly with his good looks. His striking good looks almost forced all of our gazes to stay fixed on him.
Lee Tae-Poong, accustomed to such attention, didn't seem bothered and led us to the living room.
Gu Seong-Cheol snapped out of his brief trance and coughed to clear his throat.
"Ke hem. He really is incredibly handsome."
"Yes, indeed. He looks even better in person," Oh Duk-Gu agreed.
However, this beautiful flower, named Lee Tae-Poong, had its thorns—thorns that only I could remove.
Upon arriving at the spacious living room, I spotted a huge TV. As a movie fan since a young age, Lee Tae-Poong had a diverse collection of DVDs on his bookshelf. However, not a single book was in sight, possibly due to his dyslexia.
‘Not even comic books, huh.’
"I’m sorry. I only have this to offer for a drink."
Lee Tae-Poong served us sujeonggwa[1] with pine nuts on the table.
"Thank you. We appreciate it.”
Gu Seong-Cheol and Oh Duk-Gu took a sip of cold sujeonggwa. Then, the two quickly moved on to the main topic after exchanging greetings, because they knew time was of the essence for everyone.
"If you join our company..."
Lee Tae-Poong quietly listened to Oh Duk-Gu’s explanation of our proposal. In the meantime, I was lost in my memories. In my past life, Lee Tae-Poong once whispered to me in the hospital, thinking I was asleep.
He probably didn’t know I was awake, but I still couldn’t forget what he said back then.
-Why would you die after saving me? Wake up. Please. You said you wanted to work with me again someday, didn’t you? Hyung...
His mournful voice resonated in my heart, but I couldn't respond as I was dying. Only now in my second life did this opportunity to work with Lee Tae-Poong again arise.
'Tae-Poong, I won't let you suffer this time.'
In my past life, it was only after a long time since he joined Division 3 that I managed to help him overcome his dyslexia. He had attempted suicide due to despair over his acting career. When I discovered the cause of his acting struggles, I found a way to treat his dyslexia.
But in this life, I planned to spare him that pain right from the start.
As Oh Duk-Gu finished explaining the contract terms, Lee Tae-Poong asked, "A one-year short-term contract?"
Gu Seong-Cheol candidly replied, "We're open to all other conditions but we want to be cautious with the contract duration. However, once your next project is confirmed, we'll immediately switch the contract to a long-term contract."
Lee Tae-Poong's expression grew serious as Gu Seong-Cheol spoke. At that moment, I gave Gu Seong-Cheol a cue. He then nodded and pointed to me as he spoke. "To be honest with you, Talent Agent Jung Yoon-Ho here strongly recommended you."
Lee Tae-Poong slowly turned to me and met my eyes. "This person?"
‘Yes, it's me, Tae-Poong.’
With all eyes on me, I nodded. "Yes. I was the one who strongly recommended you, Mr. Lee Tae-Poong. I have a plan prepared for you."
With that, I spread out the files I had prepared on the table.
At that moment, Lee Tae-Poong's eyes began to show a change, a flicker of interest sparked by my words.
1. Korean cinnamon punch ?
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