Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 718: Star Talent Agent (1)

Chae Seok-Hyun came grunting down the stairs, carrying three acrylic display cases each about a meter long.

Inside each was a different model sword, each uniquely designed. Roughly 70 centimeters in length and crafted from paper, the handles and guards were made by layering and folding small paper pieces to form beautiful curves with even the blades sharpened to a fine edge. The silver lacquer finish gave them a metallic sheen. The craftsmanship was so impressive, it felt more like fine art than a child's hobby.

Kang Eun-Gi and I were left speechless.

"Whoa, this is incredible."

"Right?"

Children with autism sometimes produced astonishing results in specific areas. Though they often struggled with communication and social skills, their deep focus on a single interest could lead to exceptional outcomes in fields that demanded concentration. For example, Joseph at Angel Orphanage loved numbers so much that he helped Sister Grace and my mom with accounting. Thanks to his help, no computer was needed.

"Ugh..." Chae Seok-Hyun carefully placed the three acrylic cases in the living room. "These are the motorized swords of I-Bic, Tech-Bic, and Power-Bic that I made. I want to give one to Uncle Yoon-Ho."

What Chae Seok-Hyun offered were the swords used by the three hero robots in Robot Warrior I-Bic. The robots were I-Bic, the strong and determined leader; Tech-Bic, the brainy strategist; and Power-Bic, the physically powerful brute.

All three used Hyper-Vibration Swords, and these were the replicas Chae Seok-Hyun had made. I-Bic's sword was gold, Tech-Bic's was blue, and Power-Bic's was pink. Now, Chae Seok-Hyun was asking me to pick one.

"You're giving this to me?"

"Uncle Yoon-Ho punished the bad men and protected Seok-Hyun. So now I don't need all these swords anymore."

Chae Mi-Hyun chimed in beside him. "Each of those took Seok-Hyun about six months to make. He wouldn't even let me touch the cases before..."

In the show, the three swords combined to form the Trident Sword—a legendary weapon with incredible power. Chae Seok-Hyun had kept all three beside his bed, asking them to protect him. But now he was offering one to me, because I had punished the ones who bullied him.

These weren't just handmade models. To Chae Seok-Hyun, they were priceless treasures. I wanted to tell him it was okay and that he could keep them. However, I couldn't say no at the way he looked at me with those bright, expectant eyes. After all, refusing would mean rejecting his heart.

Then Seok-Hyun turned to Kang Eun-Gi. "And Uncle Eun-Gi, please choose one too. There are three, so one for me, one for Uncle Yoon-Ho, and one for Uncle Eun-Gi."

Kang Eun-Gi immediately grasped what the gift meant. He glanced at me and mouthed, 'Don't choose I-Bic's sword.'

'Of course not. That's his favorite, right?'

With I-Bic's gold sword off the table, only the blue Tech-Bic and pink Power-Bic swords remained. We both nodded and pointed at the acrylic cases. However, both of us pointed at the blue Tech-Bic sword. Neither of us had the guts to pick the pink one.

Seeing that, Chae Seok-Hyun's face clouded with confusion. "You both chose the same one? Uh... uh... what should I do?"

The moment I saw him panicking, I knew I had to decide quickly.

'Yeah. Real men choose pink.'

I shifted my finger toward the box with the pink sword. "Power-Bic is the strongest, right? I'll take the pink one."

Only then did Chae Seok-Hyun let out a sigh of relief.

"Okay! Uncle Yoon-Ho gets Power-Bic, Uncle Eun-Gi gets Tech-Bic, and I get I-Bic. Now that the three of us are together, we're unstoppable!"

As Chae Seok-Hyun shouted with excitement, the earlier embarrassment faded away.

'That's right. Pink is power.'

Once the swords were chosen, Chae Seok-Hyun dashed back upstairs, saying he would wrap them himself.

Thump, thump, thump.

With that gift full of Chae Seok-Hyun's heart, Kang Eun-Gi and I both felt our chests warm. But just then, we received a gift we hadn't expected. Chae Mi-Hyun, eyes brimming with emotion, took our hands in hers.

"This is the first time Seok-Hyun has called anyone by name like that... Thank you, Mr. Kang. Mr. Jung."

The real gift Chae Seok-Hyun had given us wasn't just the swords. It was the bond we had formed with the queen of romantic comedies herself, Chae Mi-Hyun.

***

When Chae Seok-Hyun finished wrapping the gifts, his cheeks were flushed. He had so much fun playing with visitors that he had worn himself out. Still, he stubbornly shook his head and refused to nap.

Chae Mi-Hyun began coaxing her little brother. "Seok-Hyun. Let's take a nap, okay?"

"No! If I nap, Uncle Yoon-Ho and Uncle Eun-Gi will leave!"

"It's okay. Because of the filming, they'll be back in Jeju often. They'll come see you again."

"Really?"

"Really."

Kang Eun-Gi stepped in to help calm him. "That's right, Seok-Hyun. And I'm staying the night and leaving tomorrow, so don't worry."

I nodded in agreement. "Same here. I'll leave after dinner. So take a nap, okay?"

Only then did Chae Seok-Hyun relax and head up to the second floor to sleep. As he did, Park Eun-Chan entered the first-floor living room. The crew from The Omniscient Viewpoint immediately began retrieving the SD cards from the fixed cameras.

Park Eun-Chan gave Chae Mi-Hyun a warm smile. "We got more good footage than I expected. Good work, everyone."

"Thanks for being so considerate, Mr. Park."

"No, really—I'm the one who's grateful. It couldn't have been easy filming with your brother being ill."

After reassuring Chae Mi-Hyun that everything would go well, Park Eun-Chan turned to Kang Eun-Gi. "And President Kang."

"Yes?"

"You did great today. Watching you and Seok-Hyun get along like that was really heartwarming."

"Thank you."

"Take good care of them over the weekend, and let's shoot in Seoul next week."

Meanwhile, the crew had finished switching out the SD cards. "Mr. Park. Battery packs and cards are all replaced. We just need to swap them again at midnight and 6 a.m."

"Got it. And before coming in for a swap, make sure to contact Ms. Mi-Hyun first."

"Yes, sir. No worries."

After the staff gave a quick bow and left, Park Eun-Chan turned back to me with a thoughtful look. "Chief Jung. Today's footage will stir up a lot of buzz."

From Chae Seok-Hyun's initial guardedness to the moment he opened up and gave us gifts, not a single frame would go to waste.

"I told you it would go well, didn't I?"

"I'll admit. I was a bit worried, but it turned out better than I expected. I didn't think you'd be so good at taking care of that kid. And it's helped things look better with Ms. Mi-Hyun too." After thanking me, Park Eun-Chan suddenly grinned. "Oh, and the segment with Deok-Bae and Oh Sung-Yeon airing tonight—you'll want to see it."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You'll see."

With that cryptic comment, Park Eun-Chan waved and left, closing the door behind him. Tonight at 11 p.m., The Omniscient Viewpoint will air the episode featuring Deok-Bae and Oh Sung-Yeon, who I had recently signed.

I had already heard multiple times that the edit was great, but now I was left wondering what exactly he meant by expecting something.

***

The time was now 10:30 p.m.

I handed Chae Seok-Hyun the smartwatch I had prepared and showed him how to use it. Just in case something happened, I had saved emergency contacts to speed dial: number 1 was Chae Mi-Hyun, number 2 was Kang Eun-Gi, and number 3 was me. I even set the watch's background screen to Robot Warrior I-Bic.

After having dinner at Chae Mi-Hyun's house and spending a while playing with her younger brother, I returned alone to the hotel. Kang Eun-Gi stayed behind to look after Chae Mi-Hyun and Chae Seok-Hyun, his first stars as their new talent agent.

Back at the hotel, I headed to Yoo-Jin's room to wake her. She had asked me to make sure she was up by 11 so we could all watch The Omniscient Viewpoint together in the VIP lounge.

Knock knock.

When I knocked on her door, Yoo-Jin called out from inside.

-Yes~ Oppa, come on in!

As her talent agent, I had a key to her room anyway.

Beep.

I let myself in and saw Yoo-Jin still lying on the bed, video chatting with someone.

"Who is it?"

Yoo-Jin mouthed the name. 'Miso.'

'Ah.'

I treaded carefully and sat beside her. Yoo-Jin must have been tired after the full day of filming, but her eyes sparkled with joy.

On the screen, Miso was in pajamas, wearing her school backpack, marching in place while singing.

『Ding ding ding goes the school bell~』

As Miso sang, she raised her right hand and pretended to ring a bell. Then she cupped her hands to her mouth and called out with a bright smile.

『Hurry and gather round~』

Seeing Miso sing and dance so excitedly made Yoo-Jin light up with laughter.

"Miso, did you learn that song at school?"

-Nope! I made it up. Oh! It's Uncle Yoon-Ho! Uncle Yoon-Ho~~

Miso spotted me on the screen and waved excitedly.

"Hey, Miso. Why aren't you asleep yet?"

-I was getting ready for bed. But I'm waiting because Mommy and Deok-Bae oppa are on the show tonight!

"Okay. But if you get tired while watching, don't stay up too late, okay?"

-Okay~~

After a few more words between Miso and Yoo-Jin, the call ended with a soft click.

Yoo-Jin suddenly jumped up from the bed. "Oppa. I'm recharged! Let's go!"

She said her energy had returned thanks to the call with Miso.

"Alright, let's go~!"

***

Yoo-Jin and I left the room and headed toward the VIP lounge.

While walking down the hallway, Yoo-Jin asked, "Oppa, how's the company listing going?"

"So far, things are looking good. President Choi Man-Sik is stuck in Japan and can't do much, and we've been steadily gathering white knights. Plus, we still hold the majority of employee shares."

"That's a relief. But isn't Park Sang-Ah, the one who's supposed to marry President Choi Man-Sik, the real problem? I heard she's no pushover."

We held every advantage, but Park Sang-Ah—daughter of Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon—and her people were doing whatever they could to sabotage the IPO.

I nodded. "She's a bit of a headache, but don't worry. I'll handle it."

Then Yoo-Jin cautiously asked, "Um... Oppa. Yung-In said if I take on a new drama or film, the press coverage might help with the IPO. Is that true?"

"Yung-In said that?"

"Yeah."

It was true that positive news articles could boost investor confidence ahead of an IPO. And since Yoo-Jin was Hoop Entertainment's flagship star, even just an announcement of her next project, like her joining Hwaranjeon, could become a valuable headline.

"That's true, but..."

"Then how about picking my next project in advance?"

"But you're already swamped. You think you'll be okay?"

"Hwaranjeon wraps its tight schedule by next week, and things should ease up after that. I think it'll be fine. Besides, I really want to help. Miso and I both want to be part of the company you and Mr. Kang are building together."

Yoo-Jin said she wanted to help make Hoop Entertainment succeed, because she believed in me and wanted to see me lead the company. She truly was my white knight.

"Alright. I'll start working on it."

"Sounds good!"

I had several projects in mind—like Gyeongseong 1950 by Lee Ji-Yeon, The Lawyers by Kim Soll-Ip, and a few others I had been eyeing.

My plan was to present Yoo-Jin with the best one to make her Korea's undisputed top actress.

***

I arrived at H2 Hotel's VIP Lounge. Thanks to CEO Park Tae-Seok reserving it for our use, we were able to watch The Omniscient Viewpoint on a 100-inch screen in the VIP lounge.

Inside, Oh Sung-Yeon, Choi Dae-Gi, Deok-Bae, Jung Sang-Bong, and Lee Mi-Ri were chatting casually. Since we had filming the next morning, everyone was sticking to sparkling water, fresh juice, and fruit sticks. There was popcorn, biscuits, and other light dishes on one side, but no one touched them.

The show, airing from 11 p.m., was divided into two parts. Part 1 would feature Oh Sung-Yeon and her talent agent, Choi Dae-Gi. As the clock hit 11, the broadcast began with Oh Sung-Yeon introducing herself in the studio.

-Hello, I'm rookie actress Oh Sung-Yeon. I'm playing Sook-Ja in The Infinite Job Hunt Era and Aso in Hwaranjeon.

As soon as Oh Sung-Yeon's face appeared on-screen, Yoo-Jin shouted with excitement.

"Sung-Yeon! Congrats! You're officially one of Division Jung's people now~ Congratulations!"

"I should've joined from the beginning. I'm sorry for coming late."

"Oh please, no need! But what did your parents say? Weren't they the ones who recommended TK Entertainment?"

"They actually apologized. They've seen how well Hoop's doing. Also, my whole extended family is watching from home today."

Oh Sung-Yeon beamed with pride, having become the star of her household. It was clear how far Hoop Entertainment had come since my regression.

Just then, my phone vibrated.

Buzz~

[PD Park Eun-Chan: Chief Jung, we opened with 6.1% viewership ratings. It's looking good!]

Last week's trailer featuring Deok-Bae and me had already pushed the show over 8%. Now even the opening segment, usually the lowest rated, was pulling 6.1%. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Thirty minutes in, another message from Park Eun-Chan came saying that we hit 7.8%. The joy in the lounge was unmistakable at the unexpectedly fast rise in viewership ratings.

Then, Part 2 of The Omniscient Viewpoint began: The Deok-Bae & Talent Agent Jung Yoon-Ho Segment. Deok-Bae was on-screen, smiling in the studio.

-Hello, I'm Choi Deok-Bae.

His warm baritone filled the room, and the studio reacted instantly.

-Wow~ Mr. Deok-Bae, I bet people tell you all the time you have a great voice!

-So good-looking and even the voice is perfect?

-Are you a voice actor or something?

Compliments poured in as Deok-Bae smiled his signature eye-smile, making the studio cheer again.

Then I got another Kk Talk message from Park Eun-Chan.

[PD Park Eun-Chan: Chief Jung, we hit 8.3% the moment Deok-Bae came on! Feels like a hit tonight!]

It wasn't even halfway through Part 2, and we had already broken last week's trailer record of 8%. For a show that had struggled to surpass 5% and was nearly canceled, it was now leading its time slot.

Then came another buzz from Park Eun-Chan's Kk Talk message.

[PD Park Eun-Chan: Remember what I said earlier? That you can look forward to something?]

I recalled him mentioning at Chae Mi-Hyun's place that something good was coming.

[Chief Jung Yoon-Ho: Yes, but what is it already? You're killing me.]

At that moment, Park Eun-Chan told me something totally unexpected.

[PD Park Eun-Chan: The Deok-Bae & Chief Jung segment isn't ending at midnight. It will go on until 12:30. You can think of it as Part 2 and 3 combined. We got one full hour of you and Deok-Bae.]

At that moment, I realized the unexpected gift in today's fortune wasn't just Chae Seok-Hyun's gesture. It was this too—an extra 30-minute segment added to tonight's episode.

No program in the last three years had ever crossed 10% viewership ratings after midnight. Now, not even I could predict how far this show's viewership ratings and our momentum would go.