Chapter 86: Trojan Horse (2)
"Lately, do you know who the actors in our Actor Division 3 consult first when discussing their next projects?"
Lee Gi-Cheol’s expression gradually hardened as he listened to Kim Dong-Soo’s words.
"Is it Jung Yoon-Ho?"
"Yes, sir. The actors are so proactive that we can't stop them from approaching him."
Kim Dong-Soo and Lee Gi-Cheol had been receiving large sums of money from various production companies in exchange for influencing the actors’ decisions in choosing their next projects because the actors tended to choose projects that were strongly recommended by their own companies.
It did not matter whether the project would succeed or fail as they would typically receive the money before the projects were even released.
For this reason, they had been able to generate substantial funds without any major issues until now. Unfortunately for them, with Jung Yoon-Ho’s involvement now, it became difficult to continue creating these under-the-table deals.
Lee Gi-Cheol asked with a flustered expression, "Don’t tell me...that even the S-grade stars you personally manage are wavering?"
The rebates from the projects involving the top stars Kim Dong-Soo managed were beyond one’s imagination. Lee Gi-Cheol was asking if Jung Yoon-Ho was interfering even with those actors.
Kim Dong-Soo shook his head. "No, I've taken care of those actors myself."
The relieved Lee Gi-Cheol let out a sigh.
"It looks like we’ll need to get Jung Yoon-Ho out of Actor Division 3 as soon as possible."
"Hah, this is just unbelievable!"
Lee Gi-Cheol suddenly felt as if the sweet coffee made by Jung Yoon-Ho had turned into bitter poison.
***
"Yes, sunbae. PD Choi Eun-Soo really likes those ginseng extract sachets. So bring a few when you go to see her."
"Really? Are you sure about that?"
"Forget it then, if you don’t believe me."
“Oh, come on. You know that’s not what I meant.”
"And she’s a health enthusiast so she always keeps ginseng, deer antler, and black garlic around her... Oh, right. You know the whole black garlic they sell these days? Bring some of that too."
"Okay! If Dong-Jin hyung gets cast as the lead, I’ll give you a huge treat."
Assistant Manager Jung Sung-Gon, owing me a favor, dashed out of the break room after hearing my advice.
Actor Sung Han-Yung, who turned thirty-five years old this year, clicked his tongue as he watched Jung Sung-Gon leave and asked with a confused expression, “Tsk, tsk. Why are all talent agents asking you about this information? Wasn’t that guy in this industry five years before you?”
"Yes, sir. He was."
"But Mr. Jung. How do you know all this stuff?"
"..."
I didn't answer but just smiled contentedly.
"Ah, here you go again. You always have secrets, don’t you, Mr. Jung?"
Sung Han-Yung playfully teased me and then stood up as he dusted off his pants.
"By the way, when are you going to review my new project contract, huh?"
"You should submit it to the legal division for review."
"No. The review takes too long there. Just take a quick look at it for me."
I agreed to review Sung Han-Yung’s new project synopsis and contract.
At that moment, Lee Gi-Cheol and Kim Dong-Soo entered the break room. The staff started to leave like a receding tide. I, too, bowed my head and was about to leave, but Lee Gi-Cheol and Kim Dong-Soo stopped me with a stiff expression.
"Assistant Manager Jung, follow me!"
Kim Dong-Soo had an ominous look in his eyes.
***
In Lee Gi-Cheol's office, the coffee I had made was left half-drunk on the table in front of the sofa.
Lee Gi-Cheol’s voice was laced with anger. "You! What have you been up to lately?"
"What do you mean, sir?"
"Why are you going around doing things nobody asked you to do?!"
Lee Gi-Cheol’s thunderous voice echoed across the room. He was furious that I was mingling with other actors instead of just taking care of Ju Yung-In. He even accused me of treating the company like a playground.
'Why do you think I’m mingling with other actors? It’s obviously to thwart your schemes.'
Since I joined Actor Division 3, I realized that these two had been making money through double contracts and kickbacks with various production and broadcasting companies. I immediately tried to get hold of the financial details, but there was no evidence as the transactions were all made in cash.
For this reason, I changed my strategy. Instead of reporting my suspicions to the higher-ups, I decided that I would throw a wrench in their plans for as long as I remained in Actor Division 3.
For the past month, I had deliberately approached talent agents and actors by sharing knowledge and information to get close to them. Some senior talent agents and team leaders like Kang Myung-Gil were displeased and said I was overstepping, but their opinions didn’t matter.
Now, it was time for me to pretend to be oblivious.
"What do you mean by that...?"
Kim Dong-Soo frowned and intervened. "Are you seriously asking because you really don't know?"
"Sir, I have no idea what this is about. I haven't missed any of Miss Ju Yung-In's schedules and there have been no issues on set. I've been getting along well with other employees and actors in Division 3 as you instructed."
Kim Dong-Soo had been trying to pull me into his line for the past month and I had been pretending to go along with it. Thanks to this, his guard was down which allowed me to move as I wished.
Kim Dong-Soo glared at me and gritted his teeth. "...There’s three days left until you go back to Division 2, right?"
"Yes, there are three days left until the promised one month, but it's not like I can return to Actor Division 2 whenever I want. Now that Mr. Kang is back from Japan, any personnel reassignment requires his approval. Right?"
Lee Gi-Cheol frowned. It was easy for them to transfer me to Actor Division 3, but sending me back to Actor Division 2 would require Kang Gam-Chan's approval.
I decided to take the opportunity and agitate them even further. "But, you know, Actor Division 3 isn’t so bad. Everyone's been really kind to me."
Bang!
Lee Gi-Cheol slammed his fist on the desk.
"Just get Ju Yung-In to sign the renewal contract and go back to your division. We can even send you back today if you manage to get her signature."
‘What? He wants me to get Yung-In's signature on the contract? This is unbelievable. They were the ones who clearly said they would handle Ju Yung-In's contract.’
"But how can a mere assistant manager handle Miss Ju Yung-In's contract?"
My valid point only infuriated them more. They couldn’t bear it any longer and seemed ready to punch me at any moment.
‘Renewing Ju Yung-In’s contract isn’t my job. That’s your job.’
"Ugh. Fine, go back to work!"
"What perfect timing. It's about time to pick up Miss Ju Yung-In. I'll leave first then."
Seeing them seething with anger, I hid my laughter and left the room.
***
Ju Yung-In was barely suppressing her irritation.
She had successfully managed to transfer Jung Yoon-Ho to Actor Division 3, but her plan to make him her personal talent agent was going nowhere.
'How could he give such a cold response when someone as beautiful as me is suggesting we work together?'
For the past two weeks, she started making all sorts of unreasonable demands and nitpicking. Yet, Jung Yoon-Ho had never blinked his eyes once and handled all her requests smoothly.
'It's really annoying how well he does his job.'
The way he managed her schedule was impressive. Even the common disruptions and regular last-minute cancellations in her busy schedule had vanished. On top of that, rumors were circulating on set about how comfortable it had become to work with Ju Yung-In ever since Jung Yoon-Ho took over.
But the truth was that Ju Yung-In hadn't done anything herself. With each passing day, her desire to win Jung Yoon-Ho over only grew stronger. Yesterday, she even attempted a blatant seduction, suggesting they have a drink after a long day. She argued it was a casual invitation and it was not part of the schedule.
But Jung Yoon-Ho promptly declined.
-It's 9 o'clock. I’m off work and it’s time for me to leave.
Although they were less than 500 meters from Ju Yung-In’s house, Jung Yoon-Ho coldly parked the car on the side road and attempted to call a taxi. Unable to bear it anymore, Ju Yung-In poured out curses and drove herself home. Ju Yung-In was in shock after being rejected so decisively and repeatedly every day.
Ju Yung-In grumbled while looking in the hand mirror. "Ah, look at my bloodshot eyes."
At that moment, the doorbell rang.
Ding dong.
Ju Yung-In abruptly stood up and headed to the intercom as soon as the bell rang.
"Who is it?"
-It's Jung Yoon-Ho. It’s time to go to the filming location.
"Come on in and wait in the living room."
After hanging up the intercom, Ju Yung-In hurriedly rushed to her bedroom.
"Makeup! I need to fix my makeup!"
However, she got dumbfounded and frustrated again the moment she grabbed the doorknob.
"Ah, seriously. What am I doing right now?"
Even though she had woken up early and already done her makeup, she found herself acting in a way that she couldn’t even understand herself. But as soon as she heard the front door opening, she dashed into her room.
She convinced herself that all she wanted was just to fix a little flaw in her eye makeup.
***
It was March 16th and I was at the filming location of Blue Sky.
The filming of episode 10 was nearing its end. Ever since I promised to take care of Ju Yung-In, I hadn't had a direct conversation with Yoo-Jin at the location. But of course, I would go over to Yoo-Jin’s place after 9 PM to check her schedule and script. But we only communicated via KkTalk on set because Ju Yung-In was always watching me with hawk eyes.
[Lovely?Yoo-Jin : Yoon-Ho oppa. There’s only three days left until you come back, right?]
[Talent Agent Jung Yoon-Ho: Yeah. The department transfer order from Ms. Kang should come out today.]
[Lovely?Yoo-Jin : I guess I have to try my best to rise to the lead role as soon as possible to keep my talent agent from being taken away...]
[Talent Agent Jung Yoon-Ho: Please do. I’m begging you, Miss Jung Yoo-Jin.]
Lately, Yoo-Jin often talked about trying her best to rise to stardom soon to prevent me from being stolen away again and called me her talent agent. It wasn’t a special phrase but I felt mixed emotions whenever I heard it.
At that moment, Kang Soo-Hoon’s voice echoed on set.
"Cut! Okay! Good job, everyone! Let’s move on to the next scene after a quick makeup check for Miss Yung-In and Mr. Sung-Jin."
The scene where Sung Blue, played by Ju Seong-Jin, and Kim Sky, played by Ju Yung-In, first acknowledge their feelings for each other had just wrapped up successfully.
But Ju Yung-In suddenly shook her head.
"Mr. Kang, can we please take a short break before the next scene? I'm not feeling well today."
Kang Soo-Hoon looked disappointed. "Hmm. Then we'll shoot scene 118 first. Please let the assistant director know when you're ready again."
At that moment, Ju Yung-In headed toward the waiting chair while clutching her forehead and staggered. The staff around her tried to help but they couldn't support her because their hands were full with their equipment,
That’s when I instinctively moved toward her. Catching her just before she hit the ground, I held Ju Yung-In in my arms.
"Mr...Jung."
Ju Yung-In looked up at me with an exhausted expression. Cold sweats on her forehead made her act look plausible, but I immediately realized she was feigning illness.
‘I’ve seen you pull this act before.’
However, her panting was so realistic that the alarmed and startled staff rushed over.
"What happened? What's going on?"
"Miss Yung-In, are you okay?"
The chaos ensued as the lead actress collapsed. People were fanning her and fetching water.
Even Kang Soo-Hoon's face turned pale. "Mr. Jung, quickly take her to the hospital. No—should we call 119 instead? Yes, maybe that's a better idea. AD Choi, let’s hurry and call 119."
"Yes, Mr. Kang."
But I raised my hand to stop them.
"No, that’s not necessary. I'll take her to the hospital myself."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Miss Ju Yung-In often has anemia. It's nothing serious, so don't worry too much."
"Then please call me as soon as the examination is over."
I reassured the staff and lifted Ju Yung-In. She wasn't too heavy because she always maintained her weight to look skinny on camera. I placed her in the back seat of her luxury van and drove to a nearby hospital.
Five minutes into the drive, I opened my mouth while looking at the rearview mirror.
"It's time to get up now."
Ju Yung-In flinched. No matter how good her acting was, she couldn't fool me. After all, I had been her exclusive talent agent for many years in my past life.
"I know you’re faking it, so you can stop acting now. You'll be embarrassed when the doctor tells you nothing’s wrong."
Ju Yung-In opened her eyes wide and sat up. "How did you know?"
"..."
I parked the car in a nearby lot without saying a single word and turned toward the backseat to face her.
"It's not the first time I've seen actors act out due to stress. Let's take a quick rest here for a bit and then go back. Unnecessary articles might come out if we take too long."
Ju Yung-In glared at me. "Whose fault do you it is for me to act this way?"
‘What? How the heck should I know?’
Seeing my silence, Ju Yung-In frowned and asked again, "Really? You really don't know?"
"No, I don't."
Ju Yung-In leaned toward me and shouted.
"It's because of you!"
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