Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 714: Changed Status (2)

Escorted by the general manager of H2 Hotel, I arrived to find 65-year-old CEO Park Tae-Seok and his 60-year-old wife, Lee Jin-Sook, waiting for me. Beside them sat a silk bundle wrapped in multiple layers.

With a gentle smile and a polite tone, Park Tae-Seok offered another apology. "Chief Jung, I'm sorry to call you in so early."

"Not at all, sir."

"I felt so bad about last night that I just couldn't sleep. We came down to personally serve you and your team breakfast."

Lee Jin-Sook also expressed her apologies and gestured toward the bundle. "We brought some homemade abalone porridge[1] and radish water kimchi[2]. If you have time, please join us. We also packed a traditional sweets gift set[3]. You can take it with you later."

A top executive from one of the industry's leading hotels, ranked seventh overall and within the top seventy conglomerates, was offering me breakfast and gifts in person.

I hadn't expected it, but I kept my reaction neutral. After all, there was almost certainly more behind their visit.

"Thank you. May I bring the rest of my team in?"

"Of course."

I immediately called Jung Sang-Bong and Choi Dae-Gi, asking them to gather everyone.

As soon as I ended the call, Park Tae-Seok leaned in slightly and made a quiet proposal. "Also, as part of our apology... we'd love to have Mr. Deok-Bae and Miss Sung-Yeon model for H2 Hotel. Would that be possible?"

The breakfast, the gifts, and now an ad offer was a well-mannered attempt to keep last night's incident from becoming public.

'Of course. Nothing comes free in this world.'

Still, they knew how to handle an apology properly. The assistant manager was already being dealt with, and both Ahn Chae-Hyung and Choi Seok-Hwan had been taken into custody. I had no reason to refuse.

I smiled and said, "We'd be honored."

"Haha, no. We're the ones who should be thanking you. You saved H2 Hotel from scandal by not involving the police."

"That was the assistant manager's mistake, not yours."

"Hahaha. Is that so?"

"It is."

As I responded lightly, the tension in Park Tae-Seok's expression eased and his smile grew brighter. "By the way, I heard some PDs from the broadcast station were involved too... I just don't understand why they treat you so poorly. These days in our circle, the word is that teaming up with Chief Jung leads straight to success. Hahaha."

Lee Jin-Sook nodded with enthusiasm and added, "That's right. You're quite the name among the wives in the business world too. When we heard that CEO Lee Yung-Ah from LML's Black Label brand got your help, we were shocked. A talent agent who even knows fashion? It's impressive. Oh, and a few of the ladies actually think you'd make a great son-in-law. What do you say? Are you interested in being introduced to someone?"

Even back when I was vice president at Top Entertainment, I had never heard things like this. The business world operated within strict hierarchies and exclusive inner circles. It hit me just how much my status had changed.

I answered, "That's very flattering. But I'm not looking to date anyone right now."

Lee Jin-Sook looked genuinely disappointed. "Really? Well, if you change your mind, please let me know anytime."

She then turned to the staff and began unwrapping the silk bundles, helping them lay out the abalone porridge and radish water kimchi.

While she did, Park Tae-Seok lowered his voice slightly. "You're already doing great, but... may I offer one piece of advice?"

Coming from someone who had expanded a local business into a national powerhouse, I had every reason to listen.

"I'm all ears."

Park Tae-Seok met my gaze and spoke with measured calm.

"Right now, you're managing Jung Yoo-Jin, Lee Tae-Poong, Haru, Jung Miso, Deok-Bae, and Cherry Blossom—all of them top-tier stars. But the way the broadcast station treated you means they still don't understand who they're dealing with."

Park Tae-Seok began to get worked up, his voice rising.

"That's why you need to assert what you bring to the table and demand treatment that matches your current stature. Otherwise, they'll keep underestimating you. If it were me... I'd go straight to the executives and settle this face-to-face."

I hadn't expected advice like that to come from someone outside the industry, let alone Park Tae-Seok. It gave me pause. He wasn't wrong—if I went straight to the top and made my case, the way I was treated would change quickly. That had been the case back when I was vice president of Top Entertainment before the regression.

However, his suggestion came with one major drawback. As soon as I started locking horns with the broadcasters, enemies would multiply just as quickly. And when that happened, it would be my celebrities who paid the price. I had been through that once before, so I had no intention of taking his advice about confronting executives.

Still, thanks to Park Tae-Seok, I was able to look at my own standing more objectively. I was grateful for that.

"Thank you for the advice."

Park Tae-Seok let out a breath. "I may have overstepped, but please think of it as a word of support from a businessman who's rooting for you."

"Not at all. You've helped clear my head."

I wouldn't follow Park Tae-Seok's method, which felt like stomping in like a conquering general.

But I did intend to demand proper treatment in my own way.

***

The atmosphere on the Hwaranjeon Maritime set was electric. Last night's episode 16 of Hwaranjeon had pulled in 31.2% viewership ratings, and everyone was energized from the start of the day.

"Alright! Let's hit it hard today too!"

At Oh Bok-Hees shout, the crew kicked into gear.

Standing next to me were MBS Director Yang Tae-Sik, Variety Department Head Han Seok-Yung, and Drama Department Head Kim Gyuk-Sik. Originally, we were supposed to meet in the H2 Hotel lobby after they had seen the two PDs who had gotten into the fight, but I asked them to come here instead.

Then Kim Gyuk-Sik turned to me and asked, "Chief Jung, why'd you ask us to come here? We've already dealt with PD Ahn and we're letting PD Choi go too. Plus, we said we'd increase Oh Sung-Yeon's screen time, didn't we?"

Kim Gyuk-Sik had promised to give Oh Sung-Yeon a bigger role in The Infinite Job Hunt Era, their Monday–Tuesday drama. And Han Seok-Yung had tried to smooth things over by offering to make one of my talents a semi-regular on a variety show of my choosing.

However, I wasn't interested in a 'take this and leave quietly' kind of deal.

I suggested, "I'd like you to judge Miss Oh Sung-Yeon's acting in person before deciding how much to expand her role."

"Is that really necessary?"

"If her performance doesn't meet expectations, expanding her role could hurt the production. I think it's best if we find a solution that satisfies everyone."

Kim Gyuk-Sik considered it for a moment, then asked, "So what you're saying is, if her acting's not good enough, we don't need to expand it?"

"Exactly. But what if she's better than you expected?"

"Then we'll expand it further. But you have to promise you won't argue either way. Alright?"

"Understood, sir."

Kim Gyuk-Sik turned to look at the set. Filming was already underway. Today's scene for Oh Sung-Yeon featured a confrontation with the First Queen asking about what happened between Princesses Yu-Hwa and Princess Do-Hwa. Playing the role of Aso, Oh Sung-Yeon had to stage an entire performance to protect Princess Yu-Hwa by refusing to give up a single piece of information.

It wouldn't be easy, especially not opposite Lee Tae-Yeon who had years of experience and was known for giving zero slack to newbies. Yet if Oh Sung-Yeon pulled it off, it would leave a lasting impression. This was exactly how I intended to demand proper treatment—not with politics, but through proof.

'Seeing is believing.'

My plan was to show the talent's ability right in front of their eyes and earn the recognition that came with it.

"Ready~ action!"

At Oh Bok-Hees shout, Oh Sung-Yeon's performance began.

***

First Queen's chamber.

In the First Queen's chamber, the flickering oil lamp cast dancing shadows across the faces of the First Queen, played by Lee Tae-Yeon, and Princess Jeong-Hwa, played by Han Sang-Hee.

In front of them, Oh Sung-Yeon playing the role of Aso was kneeling low, her forehead nearly touching the floor.

Lee Tae-Yeon looked down at her and spoke in a cold, scornful tone.

『You wretch. Speak the truth at once. Is it true that last night, Princess Do-Hwa tried to kill you and your mistress?』

As soon as the scene began, Oh Sung-Yeon bowed so low her nose was almost on the ground and rubbed her hands together in desperation.

『Aso doesn't know anything, please... please, just spare me this once...』

Tears gushed from Oh Sung-Yeon's eyes. She didn't care about her face or appearances, but she just cried with everything she had.

The sudden burst of raw emotion made the crew quietly gasp in awe. Even Lee Tae-Yeon looked slightly startled, though she quickly snapped back into character and snapped at her harshly.

『You filthy thing. I already know everything. Now shut up and look at this!』

Lee Tae-Yeon grabbed a small jewelry box from her left and shoved it forward.

Click.

The lid opened, revealing a pile of glittering gold and jeweled ornaments.

『If you just say that Yu-Hwa and Do-Hwa tried to kill each other, I'll give you all of this. You'll be called 'madam' and live in luxury in Seorabeol for the rest of your life. And if you wish, I'll even make you a personal maid to Jeong-Hwa. So, what will it be?』

With the corners of her mouth curled into a smirk, Lee Tae-Yeon lured her in, her voice sweet and venomous like a devil's whisper.

However, Oh Sung-Yeon glanced briefly at the open box and burst into a storm of sobs.

『I don't need anything I can't eat! Just please spare me...Waaah- Aso just wants to live...』

Her voice boomed loud enough to shake the set. Oh Sung-Yeon was pouring every ounce of strength into portraying Aso as a pitiful, desperate fool that she was purposely trying to act.

Oh Sung-Yeon's performance was so convincing that Lee Tae-Yeon began to show real irritation.

『This damn girl... Looks like you don't understand words!!』

Lee Tae-Yeon reached for the whip placed beside her chair. The moment the dark crimson whip came into view, Oh Sung-Yeon's acting soared to its peak.

『Hic... A-Aso's... gonna die!!!』

Without even being touched, Oh Sung-Yeon rolled her eyes back and collapsed sideways.

Thud.

Her limbs began to tremble as if she were having a seizure. The performance was so realistic that Lee Tae-Yeon stood there frozen, holding the whip in stunned silence.

Then, realizing she had been swept up by a rookie's acting, she shouted furiously.

『Has this girl lost her mind?! What's wrong with you?!』

Just then, the door to the chamber flew open and Yoo-Jin appeared.

Bang!

Yoo-Jin rushed to Oh Sung-Yeon's side and cradled her in her arms.

『What on earth did Aso do to deserve being treated like this?!』

『Don't speak nonsense. Why would I strike the girl? I only raised the whip. I never swung it!』

『You lie more convincingly every day.』

『I'm telling the truth!』

Lee Tae-Yeon protested indignantly, but Yoo-Jin ignored her and gently patted Oh Sung-Yeon's cheek.

Pat, pat.

Oh Sung-Yeon suddenly opened her eyes wide.

『Aaack... Y-Your Highness?』

『Yes, it's me, Aso. Let's get out of here quickly.』

『Waaah~ Why did you come so late? Aso thought she was going to die.』

Oh Sung-Yeon cried bitterly and hugged Yoo-Jin tightly. Yoo-Jin nodded and gently helped her up.

But the moment Oh Sung-Yeon turned her body, the expression of sheer terror and weeping vanished instantly, replaced by visible relief. Her shift in emotion was so swift and natural that it didn't just look sly but it was downright impressive.

"Cut~ Okay~~!! Great job, Miss Sung-Yeon!"

At Oh Bok-Hees shout, the crew erupted into applause.

"Wow, anyone watching would think Miss Sung-Yeon was branded with a hot iron!"

"Miss Sung-Yeon, how can you cry so effortlessly? That's hard even for seasoned actors!"

"Your last bit was perfect. Seriously, you looked like the ultimate survivor."

Pleased with Oh Sung-Yeon's performance, I turned to my side to check the reaction.

Kim Gyuk-Shik looked truly impressed. "Chief Jung. Oh Sung-Yeon's acting is way better than I expected."

Everything I had hoped for was now becoming reality.

***

As Oh Sung-Yeon's scene ended, Yang Tae-Sik, Han Seok-Yung, and Kim Gyuk-Shik were all visibly excited.

Executives rarely came to set, so they usually judged actors from edited footage. Seeing Oh Sung-Yeon in person—an actress I vouched for—they realized she was far more talented than expected.

And this was exactly what Park Tae-Seok had meant by demanding respect from executives. But unlike his aggressive approach, I had chosen a different path of showing them what my celebrities were capable of.

Kim Gyuk-Shik turned to Yang Tae-Sik with a new proposal. "Mr. Yang. I think we'll need a new lead PD for The Infinite Job Hunt Era."

"Huh? But AD Lee Ill-Joon was set to finish the last 12 episodes, wasn't he?"

"No, that won't do. After what Chief Jung has shown us today, we need to match this level. Instead of handing it to AD Lee, we need a proper director."

"Who do you have in mind?"

"PD Kim Sung-Woon."

Currently, Kim Sung-Woon was MBS' top drama PD after directing In the Name of God. And now they wanted to bring him in as a replacement.

"You think he'll do it? He's our ace."

"I'll make it happen."

With that, Kim Gyuk-Shik immediately called Kim Sung-Woon.

"PD Kim. I've got a favor to ask. Please don't say no."

-What is it?

"I'd like you to step in as the lead PD for The Infinite Job Hunt Era."

-Me? Seriously?

Even though it was a hit with 18% viewership ratings, taking over someone else's project was a blow to a PD's pride. As expected, Kim Sung-Woon sounded reluctant.

-Sir... with all due respect..."

Yet Kim Gyuk-Shik cut him off.

"MBS owes a debt to Chief Jung."

-Wait, Chief Jung? You mean...

"Yes, Chief Jung Yoon-Ho."

-Don't tell me... Was the actress that PD Choi Seok-Hwan tried to harass one of Chief Jung's celebrities?

"That's right."

There was a pause. Then Kim Sung-Woon responded.

-You should've said so from the start. I'm in.

"Really?"

-Yes. It's not just MBS. I owe Chief Jung too, don't I?

Kim Sung-Woon said I was the one who helped make him a star and gladly accepted the position.

"Thank you."

Kim Gyuk-Shik hung up and looked at me.

"Chief Jung. MBS's The Infinite Job Hunt Era will now be helmed by our top PD, Kim Sung-Woon. And we'll make sure Oh Sung-Yeon's role is expanded."

"Thank you, sir."

This was it. I had earned recognition in my own way without burning bridges with MBS executives, and while securing greater opportunities for my actor.

***

After parting ways with the MBS executives, I drove over to Jeju Airport.

Next week, I had to help with filming Chae Mi-Hyun and Kang Eun-Gi's episode of The Omniscient Viewpoint.

Chae Mi-Hyun was planning to reveal, for the first time in her decades-long career, that she had a younger brother with an intellectual disability. For this reason, her nerves and worries were through the roof. However, I was confident I could make her fears feel like nothing.

While I was waiting in the parking lot after parking the car, I spotted Kang Eun-Gi, Chae Mi-Hyun, and her maternal cousin and stylist, Yoo Jung-Ae. They had their faces hidden with hats and sunglasses.

Behind them were the security teams keeping a distance and escorting Kang Eun-Gi. Security Team 1 was led by Lee Soo-Chan and the boys, Team 2 was from TOP Security, and Team 3 was sent by Choi Eun-Tae.

Honk!

As I honked the horn, Kang Eun-Gi, Chae Mi-Hyun, and Yoo Jung-Ae quickly rushed over and climbed into the car.

I smiled. "You must've gone through a lot to come all the way here."

"No, I should thank you for coming all this way," said Chae Mi-Hyun, bowing her head as she got in the back seat.

Chae Mi-Hyun's eyes were bloodshot. She clearly hadn't slept well last night.

Then Kang Eun-Gi hopped into the passenger seat beside me. "I heard you had a rough night, huh?"

"Yeah, but the rewards were pretty sweet."

Oh Sung-Yeon's screen time in The Infinite Job Hunt Era was increased by more than 20%, and I got permission to recommend a few supporting roles. On top of that, Kim Gyuk-Shik even told me to contact him directly for anything related to the drama department.

After sharing a brief recap of yesterday's events, I was about to start the car. But just then, my phone vibrated.

Buzz~

"Hold on a sec. Let me check this."

"Sure."

[Notification: Fortune of the Day has been uploaded.]

Curious, I checked the fortune. And the moment I read Fortune of the Day, a chill ran down my spine.

It warned that someone's fate would change today.

1. Abalone porridge ☜

2. Radish water kimchi ☜

3. Traditional sweets ☜