Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 764: Younger Siblings (3)

We descended to the underground entrance of Club Rosé.

Go An-Na stepped ahead of me and said, "I'll try talking first. If that doesn't work... put him to sleep."

"Got it."

Go An-Na knocked on the closed room salon door in a specific rhythm.

Tap, tap. Tap tap tap.

A young man's voice came from inside.

-We're not open yet.

"Dong-Jin. It's me, An-Na. I'm here to see Madam unnie. Is she in?"

Click.

A large man in his early twenties opened the door. He glanced at me, then spoke to Go An-Na. "Noona. It's not a good time. Madam said not to let anyone in."

"Dong-Jin. I don't have much time, so listen carefully. A girl came in just now, right?"

"...Yeah. Why? Is she someone you know?"

"Yeah, she's a friend of mine. Her younger siblings were kidnapped and brought here. Did you know about that?"

Yang Dong-Jin's pupils shook in confusion. "What? Kidnapped?"

"You really didn't know?"

"Not at all."

Just in case they came through the back, I showed him the van number I got from Choi Go-Yoon. "Do you recognize this license plate?"

Yang Dong-Jin's face turned red. "That's... the car my hyung-nim uses."

That meant the kidnappers were employees of Club Rosé. Which also meant, thankfully, the kids were all inside.

"No wonder they told me to come in early today. It was so they could pull this kind of crap? Damn. I'm done with this place."

Yang Dong-Jin fumed like he was ready to quit on the spot. Then an idea struck me. He seemed fit, knew Go An-Na, and respected boundaries. He would make a decent talent agent.

"You're Mr. Dong-Jin, right?"

"Ah, yes. If you're An-Na noona's friend, then you're basically my hyung. Just speak casually."

"Alright. Then, Dong-Jin, do you know how to drive?"

"I drove the division commander's car in the army."

"Perfect. Once this is over, come work in the entertainment industry with me."

"Sorry, what?"

Go An-Na winked at the startled Yang Dong-Jin. "Congratulations, Dong-Jin. You've got a new job."

"Uh... uh..."

I handed Yang Dong-Jin my business card. "Make sure you call. And get out of here. Things are about to get messy."

Yang Dong-Jin bowed. "I'll definitely reach out."

"Good. My people are waiting outside, so show them this card and explain. Otherwise, they might beat you half to death."

"Yes, yes."

Yang Dong-Jin gave another bow and hurried up the stairs.

"Well then, shall we go rescue those kids?"

Go An-Na cracked her knuckles. "I'll take care of Madam."

"Deal!"

***

We made our way through the narrow passage and reached the end of the hallway. Then, I heard voices murmuring ahead.

I whispered to Go An-Na, who was right behind me. "Hold on. Stop."

"Got it."

Carefully, I peeked around the corner. In the main hall stood Jo Won-Joo with six burly men, and a woman who looked like the madam stood behind them with her arms crossed. Jang So-Yeon was hugging her younger siblings—Jang Jun-Hyun and Jang Yeon-Joo. However, Jang Jun-Hyun's shirt was disheveled, likely from getting hit while protecting his sister.

I wanted to charge in and knock every one of them out, but I held my emotions back and started recording video first. We had to make sure these bastards ended up behind bars.

Just then, Jo Won-Joo spoke to Jang So-Yeon. "I'll say it again, so listen carefully. A reporter will be here soon. All you have to do is admit that, back in high school, you seduced Lee Seon-Hoo, the manager of the NP convenience store near Gangnam Station."

Still holding her siblings, Jang So-Yeon cried out. "I absolutely won't!"

Lee Sun-Hoo was the one who had told Jang So-Yeon to take expired lunchboxes, then threatened to sue her for theft a month later. He had said he would drop the charges if she became his girlfriend, even promising her spending money.

However, Jang So-Yeon refused and begged his wife for help. The wife, instead of offering help, slapped Jang So-Yeon across the face after accusing her of seducing her husband. In the end, Jang So-Yeon had nowhere to turn, received no pay, and was kicked out.

Once we were done here, I needed to expose that place too along with the reporters who will be showing up today.

"Cut the crap and just give a good interview when the press gets here! If not, you'll never see your siblings again!"

When Jo Won-Joo nodded, the men beside him pulled Jang So-Yeon and the kids apart.

"Let go of me!"

"Waah! Nooo!"

Jang So-Yeon screamed toward the kids being dragged away. "Jun-Hyun! Yeon-Joo!"

Jang Jun-Hyun and Jang Yeon-Joo were pulled toward the back exit.

Then Jo Won-Joo turned to Jang So-Yeon again. "So? You gonna cooperate or not?"

"You really think you'll get away with this?"

"Of course I will. But what makes you so confident, huh?"

That's when Madam Hong Yeon-Doo clicked her tongue. "You're too soft, oppa. Why bother talking? Hit her! You know pain is what makes people obedient."

"Didn't you hate touching the merchandise?"

"It's fine. Girls like her need to be broken in before they're useful."

'Merchandise? Broken in?'

Now I could see why Hong Yeon-Doo was involved. She planned to keep Jang So-Yeon working at her club once she left the industry.

'You're all dead today.'

Now that I had the footage, it was time to punish them. But just as I was about to step out, something shocking came out of their mouths.

"You really are ruthless, Yeon-Doo."

"Me? Please. If we're talking ruthless, this girl's mother takes the prize. She sold her own daughter to me after reporting her husband to the police."

Jang So-Yeon's face went pale. "W-What? Did you say my mom?"

Hong Yeon-Doo giggled. "Aww, surprised? That's what you get for messing with your mom's cash flow. She ditched you. Again."

Apparently, because Jang So-Yeon's stepfather Jang Bok-Gil had been arrested and stopped sending money, her mother sold her off. It was just like when she had abandoned Jang So-Yeon at the orphanage.

Tears began to stream down Jang So-Yeon's face from the shock.

Jo Won-Joo smirked. "Honestly, it's been rough since Bok-Gil hyung-nim got taken in. But thanks to you, I'm finally catching a break. I appreciate it."

That's when Jang So-Yeon couldn't hold back anymore. "My talent agent oppa is never going to let the two of you get away with this!"

Hong Yeon-Doo clicked her tongue. "She really thinks she's a star now just cause she made the news? Wake up, girl. Starting tomorrow, you're working here. And by then, your talent agent won't even know where you are."

Jo Won-Joo nodded in agreement. "Yeah. You really think that great talent agent of yours is gonna come chasing after someone who's hit rock bottom? Get real. You know what kind of world we live in."

That's when I slowly stepped out into the hallway. I stared down those animals and shouted with all the rage I held in. "If my talent's out there somewhere, I'll find her no matter where that is... even if it's the bottom of hell!"

At the sudden sound of my voice, Jo Won-Joo and Hong Yeon-Doo spun around in shock. "Y-You? How did you..."

"How do you think, you fucking bastard? The Lord led me here!" I shouted as I hurled a tray from the table straight at Jo Won-Joo's face.

Clang!

The tray of snacks slammed into his face.

Jo Won-Joo clutched his face with both hands. "Ugh."

At that moment, I closed the distance and drove my fist into his gut.

Thud.

"Urgh."

Jo Won-Joo doubled over, then dropped to his knees.

"Ghhh..."

Jo Won-Joo groaned in agony. However, I didn't knock him out on purpose. This scumbag had kidnapped a high schooler and a child barely five years old. He needed to pay for what he did.

"You don't even deserve to be knocked out in one punch!"

Wham!

"Gah! Gah! Ugh!"

I started beating him, striking only the spots that hurt the most. Jo Won-Joo couldn't hold back his screams and began flailing. Before he could even say 'stop,' I slammed my fist into his jaw.

Smack.

Thud.

Jo Won-Joo collapsed, unconscious.

'Alright, that's one down.'

As I turned to handle the other one, Jang So-Yeon, her face streaked with tears, cried out to me. "Oppa! Jun-Hyun and Yeon-Joo were taken away!"

I gave Jang So-Yeon a gentle smile. "Don't worry, So-Yeon. My team's already at the back door."

Jang So-Yeon looked relieved and nodded. At that moment, Hong Yeon-Doo, now panicked, looked around nervously.

Right then, Go An-Na stepped out with her eyes blazing. "Where do you think you're going, Madam unnie? You've got nowhere left to run."

"A-An-Na..."

When Hong Yeon-Doo called her name, Go An-Na shouted with her voice echoing. "Yeon-Doo unnie—no, forget it. I don't even want to call you that anymore. You put people to work after dragging them in? Are you insane? What kind of backwater, 1980s crap is this?"

"I-I didn't mean to..."

"And don't even say my name. You disgust me. Oh, and by the way? I recorded everything you said, so don't bother denying it."

"An-Na... let me explain—"

"I said, don't call my name!"

Smack!

With a roar, Go An-Na slapped Hong Yeon-Doo hard across the face. Hong Yeon-Doo passed out and rolled across the floor, ending up sprawled beside Jo Won-Joo.

Clap clap.

Go An-Na dusted off her hands. "Useless trash that doesn't even qualify for recycling."

Seeing both of them unconscious, I turned to Jang So-Yeon. "So-Yeon, stay with An-Na for a bit. I'll go get the kids, alright?"

"O-Okay."

I pulled out my phone and called Choi Go-Yoon, who was waiting outside.

"Has anyone come out the back yet?"

-No, still quiet.

This meant the guys who took Jang Jun-Hyun and Jang Yeon-Joo hadn't left the premises.

"I'm wrapping things up inside. Start moving in from both the front and back entrances. I'm about to knock out the guys at the back, so take care of them when I do."

-Back entrance? Alright. Got it.

I hung up and slowly headed toward the back door.

***

Click.

I opened the thick door that blocked the narrow passage by the store's rear exit. At room 1 near the back exit, I saw four employees of Club Rosé surrounding the kids, cracking crude jokes.

'Time for a beating.'

I sprinted toward them and shouted to Jang Jun-Hyun, "Jun-Hyun, cover Yeon-Joo's eyes!"

Jang Jun-Hyun instinctively shielded Jang Yeon-Joo's eyes. And in that instant, I moved like lightning.

"W-What the..."

The first guy's jaw snapped sideways and he dropped unconscious.

"Who the hell—"

The second one doubled over as my fist sank into his stomach. Then the third and fourth—both their jaws cracked and they collapsed.

Thud, thud.

In the blink of an eye, they were all down. I had gone a bit overboard to ensure the kids' safety, but not one of them even managed to scream.

"Jun-Hyun, are you okay?"

Jang Jun-Hyun nodded. "Yeah, hyung!"

I straightened Jang Jun-Hyun's crumpled clothes and spoke gently. "You held out well. You were scared, weren't you?"

Jang Jun-Hyun bit his lip and said firmly, "No. Noona said you'd come. She told me not to worry."

Just then, Jang Yeon-Joo pushed away Jang Jun-Hyun's hand from her eyes. Her tear-streaked face was flushed.

"Yeah! Unnie said Uncle was coming! So I wasn't scared at all!"

However, they were a high school boy and a five-year-old girl. Of course they were scared. I stretched out both arms and pulled them into a tight hug so they could feel safe.

"You did so well."

Their breathing slowly steadied as they calmed down.

"Want to go see So-Yeon now?"

"Yeah!"

"Mhm!"

Holding their hands tightly, I led them back into the main hall.

At that moment, Jang Jun-Hyun and Jang Yeon-Joo ran before throwing themselves into Jang So-Yeon's tearful embrace.

"Noona!"

"Unnie~~! Waaah!"

Jang So-Yeon clutched them tightly. "Guys! Sob!"

Tears flowed as the three of them reunited.

Moments later, the Best Detective Agency team entered through the back, dragging the unconscious employees of Club Rosé into the hall.

Finally, I let out a sigh of relief and checked Everyday.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: March 18, 2021]

-10:00 p.m.: <Schedule Entry Deleted>

(Deleted Schedule Entry: [NEW. Jang So-Yeon]

<Entertainment Everywhere> "Rising model Ms. J's messy school days exposed—shocking testimony from acquaintances."

<Entertainment All Times> International luxury brand model Ms. J. "In high school, she seduced the convenience store owner where she worked part-time, breaking up his family."

<Baro Star> "Model Ms. J, now in the spotlight, declares retirement from the entertainment industry."

(Emergency Meeting: Jang So-Yeon goes missing after admitting to baseless rumors in an interview. Prepare countermeasures for potential damage to company image and IPO valuation.))

Knowing now that Jang So-Yeon's mother was behind today's events, I had to focus on capturing the true culprit.

"So-Yeon. Is it okay if I handle things my way from now on?"

Still holding the kids, Jang So-Yeon nodded. "Please do."

After a brief thought, I decided to call Prosecutor Seo Jae-Ill's girlfriend since he still hadn't responded.

From the other end, Sae-Ri's bubbly voice came bouncing through the phone.

『Aing~ Aing~ You're so mean~~』

Her ring tone was the long-forgotten black mark of Cherry Blossom. It was their first album's song, 'Aing~ Aing~ You're So Mean~.'

-Hello? Mr. Yoon-Ho?

It was Prosecutor Ahn Hyun-Jung, Seo Jae-Ill's girlfriend. She spoke in a soft, delicate voice.

"Ah, yes."

-Don't worry about oppa. He's just tied up in an audit right now, so he can't take calls.

"That's a relief. I was worried something might've happened."

-You'll probably hear from him tomorrow. But what happened today? He told me before he left. If you ever need help, I have a hoobae at Central District. I can send someone over.

I shamelessly told her what had happened today. At that moment, her voice turned cold.

-How could people like that even exist? Absolutely revolting. Alright. I'll make sure my hoobae grinds them to dust.

That calm, almost whispery tone made her sound even scarier than if she were yelling. It was just as expected from the girlfriend of a guy like Seo Jae-Ill.

***

"Move! Move it!"

Jo Won-Joo, Hong Yeon-Doo, and the rest of the kidnappers were dragged out in cuffs.

Prosecutor Yoo Ahn-Jin from the Central District, who had sent over the investigative team, turned to me. "We've arrested the mother at her home too, so no need to worry anymore. Oh, and the NP convenience store manager and the reporters who were supposed to show up today? We'll take care of them too!"

Having heard that the mother had tried to sell her own daughter, Yoo Ahn-Jin was fuming.

"So now... is So-Yeon allowed to raise the kids herself?"

"Yes. And with a star like Ms. Jang So-Yeon, I'm sure the court will recognize her as their guardian."

Yoo Ahn-Jin mentioned having seen the fashion show article today. With Jang So-Yeon's rising fame, custody wouldn't be an issue. It had been a grueling day, but in the end, it turned into the best possible one.

When she heard they could live together now, Jang So-Yeon hugged Jang Jun-Hyun and Jang Yeon-Joo tightly again. "Jun-Hyun, Yeon-Joo. We can live together now!"

Because their mother had always neglected Jang Jun-Hyun and Jang Yeon-Joo, Jang So-Yeon had already been their mom in everything but name. Perhaps because of this reason, the kids looked visibly relieved that they would now be with Jang So-Yeon.

"Noona... you really went through a lot."

"It's okay. But are you hurt anywhere?"

"No. Just a scratch, nothing serious," Jang Jun-Hyun played it off with mature composure.

Jang Yeon-Joo looked thrilled, clearly more excited to live with Jang So-Yeon than she was scared of what had happened.

"Unnie, does this mean I can sleep next to you every night now?"

"Of course, Yeon-Joo."

"Heehee. Then tonight, can you read me Snow White?"

"I'll read it."

"Twice too?"

"Even three times."

Jang Yeon-Joo grinned and clung to Jang So-Yeon. "Then read it four times. Hehe."

Her playful, adorable tone melted everyone on the spot.

Seeing the kids cling to their big sister so naturally, Yoo Ahn-Jin looked reassured. "They clearly trust her as the eldest. I don't think you need to worry. But the kids probably experienced a lot of trauma, so I recommend counseling."

"I was planning on it anyway."

"You're very thoughtful. Alright then, I'll take my leave."

Yoo Ahn-Jin handed me her card and left, saying to call her anytime.

Still hugging the kids, Jang So-Yeon bowed to me. "Oppa... thank you for everything today."

Jang Jun-Hyun and Jang Yeon-Joo, nestled in her arms, also bowed deeply.

"Hyung. Thank you for saving us."

"Thank you, Uncle Yoon-Ho~!!"

I smiled. "Alright. So, how about we go check out your sister's place? It's really nice." Then I turned to Jang So-Yeon. "Oh, and Myung-Sik's being brought there right now by one of the Best Detective Agency guys."

The kids nodded. "Okay~"

I pulled out my phone to call Jang Myung-Sik. At that moment, my eyes widened.

[55 Missed Calls]

I had left the phone on silent, and the calls had piled up. About 40 of them were from variety show PDs and advertisers wanting to cast Jang So-Yeon after her debut at the Louis' Batton fashion show. However, the other 15 were all from Lee Yung-Jin.

"What's going on?"

Just as I was about to call back, another call from Lee Yung-Jin came in.

[Caller ID: Lee Yung-Jin]

I answered, and his urgent voice spilled out.

-Mr. Jung! You need to get back to the company right now!

"Why?"

-LT Entertainment's Mr. Shin Jong-Ki just showed up along with the director siblings, Jeon Soo-Do and Jeon Soo-Jung!

The Jeon siblings were genius directors who were invited to Cannes from their debut film.

"But I told you we're not doing Cannes."

I had been looking for Yoo-Jin's next project but had already drawn a clear line that we wouldn't be doing art-house films made for critics.

However, Lee Yung-Jin's reply blew my expectations wide open.

-The Jeon siblings say they want Yoo-Jin to star in their Hollywood debut.

'What? Those two are trying to take Yoo-Jin straight to Hollywood?'