Chapter 95: Time to Make a Decision (1)
The drama Beauty in All Direction would have a viewership rating of 21.5%. It was a work by Writer Lee Sang-Ah, and the female lead, Park Soo-Yeon, would end up bagging the MBS Best Actress Award.
Knowing the potential of this drama made me feel conflicted. After all, I was confident Yoo-Jin had the potential to stretch her acting skills and aim for more. But keeping promises with writers was crucial to staying in this industry. On top of that, I didn't think Beauty in All Direction would fit Yoo-Jin's filmography.
I concealed my regret and turned Cha Soo-Yeon down. "I'm sorry, but we're already in talks with Ms. Lee Ji-Yeon for our next project."
"Woah, with Ms. Lee Ji-Yeon?”
“Yes.”
“Is it the one that got canceled recently?"
"That’s the one."
Cha Soo-Yeon cleared her throat and stepped back slightly.
"I guess we have to step back if the opponent is Ms. Lee. I'll let the president know. But please do meet with us at least once before you finalize your next project. You know we have several top-tier writers, right?"
"Yes, I know. And it doesn't even have to be a top-tier writer as long as the script is good. An actor’s success is not always determined by the writer's fame."
Cha Soo-Yeon's face relaxed a bit. "You know what you’re talking about. A drama's success may depend on the writer, but an actor's rise and fall is a different story. Mr. Jung, I’m only asking this out of curiosity, but are you really in your first year?"
I smiled and replied, "I'm technically in my second year now since April 1st has passed."
Cha Soo-Yeon burst into laughter saying that didn’t make a difference. "Anyway, good luck with your future projects as well. Of course, focusing on this drama is the priority."
Cha Soo-Yeon left with a slight smile on her face.
The way production companies treated Yoo-Jin had changed drastically after just two episodes. All the hard work and running around was definitely paying off.
But this was just the beginning for Blue Sky.
***
Stamp!
Kang Gam-Chan stamped the contract termination agreement sent by Ju Yung-In. "Send this to Ace Entertainment today."
"Just like this? We could push for more conditions, sir," suggested Kwak Moo-Hyuk.
However, Kang Gam-Chan shook his head. "Whether we like her decision or not, Yung-In is an actress who was discovered and nurtured by our company. Let's send her off nicely without any fuss."
"Yes, sir."
"More important than that, what's the status of Cherry Blossom Eun-Ah's situation?
"Eun-Ah's father demanded a written confirmation through his lawyer. He wants to know Cherry Blossom's expenses and he said he will only pay off a quarter of that amount."
"So he's going to take that route, huh? Team Lead Kwak, you know what to do, right? Follow Yoon-Ho's plan."
"Yes, sir. Assistant Manager Jung has really thought this through. We plan to delay our response until the end of the month.”
Kang Gam-Chan chuckled. "Alright, you can go now. Director Kang, you can stay."
Thump.
Kang Gam-Chan let out a long sigh after the door closed.
Now, Ju Yung-In had truly left Hoop Entertainment.
"Tsk. I don’t understand why Yung-In was in such a rush. If she had stayed with us until the viewership ratings climbed higher, she could have gotten 20% more than what she's getting now."
"What can we do? That was her own decision."
Kang Gam-Chan had also heard about the shock Ju Yung-In received after the first episode aired.
"At least she has a conscience, agreeing to share the profits from this drama with us."
"But it's hardly a significant amount."
Ju Yung-In had made amends for terminating the contract a few months early in her own way, While it was a substantial amount, running into hundreds of millions, it paled in comparison to Ju Yung-In's net worth.
Kang Gam-Chan sighed as he looked out the window. But he soon made up his mind and gave an order. "Focus on supporting Yoo-Jin from now on."
Kang Ji-Yung nodded at Kang Gam-Chan’s instruction. "That was already the plan. Oh, right. Are you attending the final interviews for the new employees next Monday?"
When Kang Gam-Chan shook his head, a flicker of interest crossed Kang Ji-Yung's eyes because Kang Gam-Chan had always personally checked on new trainees and employees.
"Handle those matters at your discretion from now on."
Kang Ji-Yung gathered the approval documents. "Understood. I'll take care of it."
But Kang Gam-Chan added one more thing that stopped Kang Ji-Yung in her tracks. "And hire the sharpest new employee to assist Yoon-Ho. He's going to be very busy moving forward."
Kang Ji-Yung was taken aback. "You're not already considering training Assistant Manager Jung for a team lead position, are you?"
Kang Gam-Chan grinned. "That's the plan."
"You're joking, right?"
"Of course not. I'm serious."
Kang Ji-Yung expressed her concern. "I know he is capable, but he's only been an assistant manager for a short time. There's going to be significant pushback from other staff."
But Kang Gam-Chan simply waved her off. "Let's see how Yoon-Ho manages his staff first. If there's no issue this time, we might give him bigger responsibilities. We'll handle any pushback."
Kang Gam-Chan was taking a gamble on Jung Yoon-Ho's growth. If he could shake up the veteran actors in Actor Division 3 on his own, surely he could handle being a team lead or even more.
"Hold on, Dad! You're not planning to shake up Actor Division 1 as well, are you?"
Unlike Actor Division 3 which was brimming with new top stars, Actor Division 1 hadn't recruited as many actors because they already had a stable lineup with their existing top stars.
However, Kang Gam-Chan was contemplating implementing changes even within the most profitable Actor Division 1.
"The folks in Actor Division 1 have become too complacent. It's time to give them a wake-up call."
Kang Ji-Yung gulped. "Do you think that’s possible?"
"I have a good feeling about this drama. Remember how Yoon-Ho turned down Lee Ji-Yeon’s offer to cast Yoo-Jin in her next drama and chose Blue Sky instead? If he grows, even the veterans in Actor Division 1 will start feeling the pressure."
Kang Ji-Yung remained silent for a long time but soon nodded. "Understood. Then I'll make the necessary preparations and consider a larger-scale approach.
Kang Gam-Chan looked at Kang Ji-Yung with a warm gaze and spoke in a relaxed tone as they were alone.
"Sounds good. And Ji-Yung, I'm sorry for dragging you into this."
Kang Ji-Yung pouted at Kang Gam-Chan’s apology for making her compete with the Seoul National University of the Arts line. "Ah, Dad. Don’t say that. I told you I came here because I wanted to."
Kang Ji-Yung felt emotional because of her father's unusually warm tone today. She always loved and respected her dad, but his words seemed to carry even more warmth lately.
'I wonder if Dad's health check-up results have come out yet. Surely, he's not sick or anything?'
Thinking she should ask her mom, Kang Ji-Yung hurriedly stood up. "I'll head out first."
Kang Gam-Chan joked around as Kang Ji-Yung got up. "Take care. And don't drink too much, my little barrel."
"Ugh, I don't drink these days! I can't even handle a single bottle now!"
"Really? Hmm. My sources tell me otherwise..."
"Dad!"
"Oops."
As Director Kang Ji-Yung stormed out, Kang Gam-Chan leaned back on the sofa. Then, he quietly muttered to himself.
"Brain tumor...that kid sure is something. How did he know I had health issues?"
Feeling unusually tired lately, he discovered a small brain tumor growing during a health check-up in March.
He needed more people to fill his potential absence with his impending surgery.
***
[(Notice) Miss Ju Yung-In has transferred to Ace Entertainment as of today.]
Upon arriving at the office, Kim Dong-Soo cursed in his room after receiving a KkTalk message.
“Fuck."
He was devastated to think he'd lose Ju Yung-In whom he had cherished so much in such a vain manner.
He had managed her schedule every single day without fail ever since Kang Gam-Chan assigned Ju Yung-In to him. Even after his promotion to the chief position, he still made it to the field at least once a week, though less frequently.
He had even confessed his interest in her recently, but Ju Yung-In did not accept his feelings. Kim Dong-Soo had thought she would eventually accept his sincerity, but she was gone now.
"It's all because of that jerk Jung Yoon-Ho!"
Kim Dong-Soo's anger reached its peak. Everything seemed to be Jung Yoon-Ho's doing.
"I should have crushed Jung Yoon-Ho long ago."
The fuming Kim Dong-Soo made a call.
A woman's sleepy voice answered.
-Hello?
"Jin So-Mi! When are you getting out!?"
-Ugh, seriously. Why are you yelling so early in the morning?
"Shut up and answer my question. When are you getting out!?"
-I'll be on probation in about three months.
Kim Dong-Soo growled. "Try to get out as soon as possible."
-Hmm? What's with the terrible mood? Did something happen?
"I have someone I need to crush. I need to dig into his background."
-Ah. I'm pretty good at digging up dirt on people.
"Shut up. Everyone knows you charge a crazy amount for a single job!"
-Oh? You need to watch your language. Do you think getting out doesn't cost money?
Kim Dong-Soo didn't respond further.
-Alright, alright. I'll try to speed things up, so don't rush me. Even things that were supposed to work out won't if you rush.
"Sigh. Alright."
Just then, Jin So-Mi added one more thing before hanging up.
-By the way, I'm contemplating obtaining a lawyer's license this time. It appears essential for brokerage work. People tend to underestimate me too often, you know?
"A lawyer’s license?"
-You know how smart I am.
Jin So-Mi was known for her academic background in law even when she was running a bar. Despite the financial hardships that led her to bartending, she was very intelligent.
That’s when a lightbulb went off in Kim Dong-Soo's head. "Do you need a sponsor? I can help you."
-Wow, how generous of you. But you know I’m not looking for that kind of sponsorship, right?
"I'm interested in your brain, not your body. I'll pay well, so just work under me for ten years once you get the license."
Jin So-Mi's sharp laughter came through the phone.
-Don't try to take advantage of me. Make it five years or forget it. I can find another sponsor.
"Tsk. Playing hard to get, are you?"
-Then good luck, Mr. Sponsor.
Jin So-Mi promised to get out within two months and hung up the phone.
***
[(Notice) Miss Ju Yung-In has transferred to Ace Entertainment as of today.]
While watching Yoo-Jin's shoot, I received a KkTalk message announcing Ju Yung-In's transfer. Thanks to this, there was a stir in Actor Division 2’s group chat.
[Chief Gu Seong-Cheol: She's transferring even before the drama ends? Is she out of her mind?]
[Team Lead Oh Deok-Gu: What's this all of a sudden?]
[Team Lead Ju Yung-Hoon: I knew Ju Yung-In would cause trouble one day. An uncontrollable actress is just a waste of your time and effort no matter how much you invest in them.]
[Team Lead Park In-Ki: Thinking about all the times I've been troubled by Ju Yung-In, I should have given her a piece of my mind before she left...]
[Colleague Lee Yung-Jin: I heard from Assistant Manager Choi Eun-Woo in the legal division that the transfer itself was done yesterday. They sent the termination notice to Ace Entertainment today.
[Chief Gu Seong-Cheol: Assistant Manager Jung, did Ju Yung-In show up on set today? She's not our celebrity anymore, so don't get involved unnecessarily.]
[Assistant Manager Jung Yoon-Ho: Yes, I'll be careful.]
‘I know they told me not to worry...but how could I not?!’
It felt as though a horse I had carefully saddled and reined in had cast off all constraints and galloped into the wilderness. I wondered how Ju Yung-In, now without a restraining pin, would behave.
Speaking of the devil, a large van pulled into the parking lot. When the door opened, Ace Entertainment's Chief Lee Chan-Dong and Ju Yung-In stepped out.
For a moment, I was reminded of Ju Yung-In as my wife in my past life. Adorned in a more sophisticated designer two-piece suit than usual, complemented by limited edition jewelry and high heels, she was impeccably dressed in luxury from head to toe.
Ju Yung-In’s face radiated confidence, perhaps boosted by her lavish attire.
‘Of course. Money is her best vitamin.’
Assistant Director Yang Soon-Ho stopped in his tracks upon seeing Ju Yung-In.
"Huh? Miss Yung-In? How come you're here with Mr. Lee from Ace Entertainment and not with Mr. Kang?"
Ju Yung-In replied with a bright smile, "Oh, I transferred to Ace Entertainment today."
"What? In the middle of shooting a drama?"
"Don't worry. The transfer was smooth and there won't be any issues."
"But still, this is something that you should have communicated with us in advance..."
At that moment, Lee Chan-Dong reassured the perplexed staff with his characteristic gentle smile. "Hahaha. Surely you're not doubting Ace Entertainment?"
"O-of course not. It's not like that, but...."
Leaving the staff with Lee Chan-Dong, Ju Yung-In approached me with her high heels clicking.
"Mr. Jung, I'm sorry for transferring without saying goodbye. You're not upset, are you?"
"Upset? I feel I've let you down if anything, not the other way around."
"Haha. At least you're aware of that."
Ju Yung-In extended her hand first and offered a handshake. Her smiling face, hiding an underlying scheme, sent shivers down my spine.
Greed still lingered in her eyes, as evident as ever.
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