Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 775: Finding the Director (2)

To scout Yeo Ik-Hwan, I headed to Suhyaejong's Jongno campus with Choi Eun-Seok, the chief of Actor Division 1 and an old classmate of Yeo Ik-Hwan. It was because Yeo Ik-Hwan was giving a special Saturday lecture at the school this afternoon.

After a long drive, we arrived at the front gate of Suhyaejong—formally known as the Seoul National University of the Arts. The majestic buildings blended old and new in perfect harmony. Maybe it was because this was my first time visiting since the regression, but my heart felt oddly stirred.

"It really has a sense of grandeur, probably because of its long history."

Founded in 1919 as the Gyeongseong Arts Academy and later renamed after liberation, Suhyaejong had become Korea's top comprehensive arts university. Because of that, its influence in Korea's entertainment and arts scene was immense. While some of it had turned into a tightly bound cartel, their contributions to the development of the Korean cultural industry couldn't be denied.

"Well yeah, it's been over a hundred years. Plus, they're backed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The support is solid."

Admiring the birthplace of Korean culture, we made our way toward the elegant lecture building. Just as we passed the bust of King Lear at the entrance, I couldn't help but let out a small gasp of admiration.

That's when Choi Eun-Seok gave me a quiet warning. "Still... Chief Jung. Just a heads-up. The people in Suhyaejong's film department? They really don't like you."

After all, I was the one who had brought down Gong Hak-Beom, the school's most revered director. But I reassured Choi Eun-Seok. Unlike before, Suhyaejong no longer intimidated me.

"Don't worry. Those people don't pose much of a threat to me anymore."

"Huh? You sound really confident."

Just as I was about to explain, my phone buzzed. It was a reply to the proposal I had sent earlier via chat.

[Assistant Professor Yeo Ik-Hwan: Sorry, I just saw this now—I was in class. I appreciate the offer to direct a film, but I'm not planning to take on any more directing work.]

When I showed it to Choi Eun-Seok, he frowned. "Well, that complicates things. It doesn't seem like something we can just push through by force..."

"Just leave it to me, Mr. Choi."

I knew better than anyone how Yeo Ik-Hwan found his way back to filmmaking before the regression.

"Hmm, alright. So we just need to get a meeting, right?"

"Yes. And I'd appreciate it if you could help steer the conversation in the right direction when the time comes."

What Yeo Ik-Hwan wanted more than anything was stability for his family. I planned to guarantee that and bring him back as a director.

However, Choi Eun-Seok looked hesitant."The thing is... Professor Han Beom-Soo won't like you bringing Director Yeo in like this, you know? He was Director Gong Hak-Beom's direct protégé too."

"I know. But I don't think it's about Mr. Gong anymore. It's because he's about to lose his number-one lackey."

In an old episode of Star Focus Research I saw before my regression, Yeo Ik-Hwan had confessed that Han Beom-Soo treated him like a slave. After kneeling and begging just to get a teaching position, he had to act like a personal assistant to the professor. He ran errands, covered classes, and even drove him around at night.

Yeo Ik-Hwan's wife, Sung Yeo-Jin, had to work at Han Beom-Soo's wife's shop, help cook, and even make kimchi for the household. Because their livelihood depended on it, neither of them ever dared to protest no matter the humiliation.

Choi Eun-Seok sighed deeply at the word 'slave.' "Well, Director Yeo's always been softhearted and he could never say no to unfair demands. I bet he's still struggling even now. He's been kind and gentle to a fault since college."

I nodded. "Exactly. That's why we need to bring him in. Not as a slave, but as a director."

"Alright. Let's figure out a way to help him."

Ten minutes remained until the end of Yeo Ik-Hwan's lecture on directing and mise-en-scène. Choi Eun-Seok and I sat on the bench outside the classroom, waiting for the class to end.

***

The current time was 5 p.m. The classroom doors opened, and students began pouring out from both the front and rear entrances.

A few recognized me and whispered to each other, thanks to my appearances on MBS' The Omniscient Viewpoint and the Real Ramen commercial. Yet since it was a Saturday, everyone was eager to leave and quickly streamed out of the building.

Eventually, Yeo Ik-Hwan emerged last, walking out with slow and tired steps. The moment I saw him walking with a tablet clutched to his chest, I bent at the waist in a deep bow.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Yeo!"

Yeo Ik-Hwan flinched and looked at me in surprise. "So you really came all the way here..."

"I figured it was only right to make the offer again in person."

Yeo Ik-Hwan glanced around nervously, clearly worried someone from the film department might spot us. From the look on his face, it was obvious he had no intention of accepting my offer. He was probably afraid that leaving his stable job at the university would only bring more hardship on his wife and family. However, I had come prepared with an offer strong enough to shake that resolve.

Just then, Choi Eun-Seok stepped forward and greeted him. "Hey, Ik-Hwan. It's been a while, huh? What's it been, five years?"

Since Choi Eun-Seok and Yeo Ik-Hwan were classmates in college, they were already familiar.

"Yeah, it's been a while. But why are you here?" asked Yeo Ik-Hwan.

"Obviously to help scout you back as a director."

Yeo Ik-Hwan shook his head. "Don't bother. You know my situation."

Choi Eun-Seok responded firmly. "No. Honestly, I didn't. You never came to reunions, and you never talked about your life to anyone. All I knew was that your films hadn't done well."

"Really?"

"Yeah. But Chief Jung here knew more about your struggles than I did. That's why I'm telling you—please hear him out. This is a really good opportunity for you."

Choi Eun-Seok hadn't been at the earlier lunch, so I had informed him about Yeo Ik-Hwan's situation during the drive. He was shocked to learn how little he knew about his friend's hardships and became all the more eager to help scout him.

"Look, I told you I'm done with directing."

"Come on. Hear him out just for my sake, will you?"

Pressed by Choi Eun-Seok's sincerity, Yeo Ik-Hwan turned back to me. "Alright... I have dinner plans with the department chair soon, so I'll give you twenty minutes."

"Thank you, sir."

"Let's talk in my office."

I nodded and followed him into the faculty room.

***

Once seated in Yeo Ik-Hwan's office, I laid out the terms.

"For the film She Was Beautiful, the script has already been thoroughly vetted by LT Entertainment. The lead role will be played by Jung Yoo-Jin, whom I manage. LT has committed to fully supporting the production and distribution. And as for directing compensation, we're offering five hundred million won plus ten percent of net profits."

It was a significantly better deal than anything he had received even after his debut film's success. On top of that, LT Entertainment's guarantee of investment and distribution practically eliminated all risk. Even the man who had sworn never to direct again looked visibly shaken.

"You're serious? You'd offer all that to someone like me, who ruined three films in a row?" Yeo Ik-Hwan asked.

"To be honest, I believe those other films didn't give you the environment to show your strengths as a director. This time, I'll handle everything so you can focus solely on directing."

Yeo Ik-Hwan's current salary as an assistant professor was about fifty million won a year. What I had just offered him was essentially ten years' worth of that in upfront pay plus a share of the profits. Though he had said he would never direct again, I could see him wavering under the weight of such a massive offer. For a moment, I thought we had him.

Just then, he clenched his fists and shook his head. "I'm sorry... It's an incredibly generous offer, but I truly have no intention of returning to directing."

Before my regression, Yeo Ik-Hwan had made his comeback under far worse conditions. Yet now, Yeo Ik-Hwan was saying no under this far better deal.

Choi Eun-Seok couldn't understand it and jumped in. "Come on, Ik-Hwan. This is the best deal you're ever going to get. With this kind of money, you could wipe out your debt and make a fresh start. Your wife deserves a break too, don't you think?"

Yeo Ik-Hwan gave a faint, bitter smile. "And what if I fail again? I don't want to put Yeo-Jin through that anymore. Even with five hundred million won, it's still less than a lifetime of teaching and a pension. And honestly... I don't think I can direct a movie anymore."

The offer clearly appealed to him, but the string of failures had crushed his confidence. He was ready to settle into a life as a professor, aiming for promotion and eventual retirement benefits.

However, there was one major flaw in that plan. The one exploiting him—Han Beom-Soo—was planning to give the associate professorship not to Yeo Ik-Hwan but to his direct hoobae, Assistant Professor Ahn Joon-Sung from the directing department.

Just for a moment, I considered telling him since I already knew what his future held. Yet looking at him now, I knew he wouldn't believe me anyway.

That's when Choi Eun-Seok blurted out in frustration. "Come on, Ik-Hwan. Just trust Chief Jung for once. The script's already solid. All you need to do is the basics. Five hundred million? With that 10% cut of the profits, you could be looking at two billion! This one project could bring you back as a director and secure you enough to live comfortably forever. So why not take it?"

"I'd only earn that if the movie succeeds. And I'm telling you that I'm not confident."

Choi Eun-Seok looked ready to keep pushing, but I stopped him. Yeo Ik-Hwan's mental state was far too fragile right now. A tactical retreat was the better move.

I said, "In that case, we'll take our leave for today."

"I really do appreciate the offer... but I'm sorry."

I bowed to Yeo Ik-Hwan and led a still-fuming Choi Eun-Seok outside.

As we stepped out, Choi Eun-Seok exhaled sharply, clearly frustrated. "We almost had him. Just a little more pressure and he would've caved. Why stop now?"

"This isn't something you can force."

"Huh? You've got another plan or something?"

I smiled. "Even if Mr. Yeo says otherwise, I saw him waver. Which means it's time to get help from the one person who can truly move Mr. Yeo."

Choi Eun-Seok caught on immediately who I was talking about. "Wait... you're not talking about his wife, are you?"

"I sure am."

"Do you even know where she works?"

"Yes. She works at an Italian restaurant right across from campus. I'm heading there now. Are you coming with me?"

There was a reason people said to strike while the iron's hot. And after seeing Yeo Ik-Hwan hesitate, there was no reason to delay. I was confident his wife could convince him and stabilize his emotions.

"Of course I'm coming. But an Italian place? Which one?"

"Florence."

Sung Yeo-Jin worked at Florence, the restaurant run by Ye Ji-Hyun—Han Beom-Soo's wife. While Han Beom-Soo had made a slave of Yeo Ik-Hwan, Ye Ji-Hyun had done the same to Sung Yeo-Jin. A husband-and-wife duo were exploiting them both.

Choi Eun-Seok frowned. "Jesus... no wonder Ik-Hwan never talked about his life. Everything makes sense now."

"Yeah. And I'm sure the few people who do know kept quiet for the sake of Mr. Yeo's pride."

"Damn... I'm ashamed to call myself Ik-Hwan's friend."

I offered Choi Eun-Seok a few words of comfort and headed with him to Florence, just outside the school.

***

The Italian restaurant Florence was located at the entrance of Suhyaejong's Jongno campus, run by Ye Ji-Hyun, the wife of Han Beom-Soo.

Ye Ji-Hyun was a skilled chef who had even studied abroad and appeared on TV occasionally. She had once done a collaborative show with Haru called Beauty's Cooking Class at TVM, so she and I were on familiar terms.

Sung Yeo-Jin worked here, handling both serving and dishwashing duties. However, her monthly pay was a meager 1.5 million won. Although it was a blatant violation of minimum wage, Sung Yeo-Jin couldn't complain. It was because her husband's promotion and chance at a professorship were at stake.

As we stood before the elegant façade of Florence, Choi Eun-Seok sighed. "Seriously? She's working here of all places? It'd be better if at least one of them worked somewhere else that pays more."

"Ms. Sung Yeo-Jin used to work at a BBQ restaurant. She made two million a month in less hours, but Chef Ye Ji-Hyun brought her here."

Sung Yeo-Jin had studied fine art and had a good eye for decor and visual design. For this reason, Ye Ji-Hyun wanted her to help select artwork and design the interior of Florence. But once that was done, she had her serve and did kitchen work after closing.

"Interior, art curation, serving, and dishwashing? My god... those two really are monsters. Chief Jung, let me do the talking. I'll convince her to get her husband to take the job."

"No. I'll speak with her. I just need your support."

"Sigh... alright. Just say the word if you need anything."

After calming down the still-fuming Choi Eun-Seok, I opened the door to the Italian restaurant, Florence.

Ding.

The bell chimed as the door swung open.

A cheerful server with a name tag that read Yoo Yeo-Jung approached us with a bright smile. "Do you have a reservation?"

I shook my head. "No."

"Ah, okay. Then how many in your party?"

"Just the two of us, please."

"Got it. I'll take you to your table."

Just then, I stopped Yoo Yeo-Jung. "I'd like the VIP course menu. Is that possible?"

"Absolutely."

The VIP course here ran about three hundred thousand won per person. And I had chosen it on purpose—not just for the quality, but because VIP tables came with a dedicated server unlike regular tables. My plan was to request Sung Yeo-Jin as our server and speak with her directly.

"If it's VIP, would it be alright if I served you myself?" Yoo Yeo-Jung asked.

VIPs tipped well, so Yoo Yeo-Jung's voice was eager. However, today wasn't her day.

"I'm sorry, but today we'd like Ms. Sung Yeo-Jin to be our server. This gentleman here is a friend of her husband."

Yoo Yeo-Jung looked a bit troubled. "Okay... but Yeo-Jin unnie is already assigned to another VIP room right now. What should I do?"

I slipped her a fifty thousand won tip. "Then please serve us for now, and bring her over once she's finished with the other room."

Yoo Yeo-Jung's face lit up instantly. "Of course. I'll seat you in the room next door. Please follow me."

We followed her into the VIP section, where the private rooms were grouped together.

***

We were guided to VIP Room 2. Since Sung Yeo-Jin was currently serving in VIP Room 1, we waited for the appetizers.

Just then, we heard commotion outside.

Crash!

-Ahhhh~

The sounds of dishes breaking were echoing outside the room.

-Hey! Watch where you're going, damn it! Do you know how much this outfit cost?!

Chaos erupted in the hallway. As I was wondering what had happened, Yoo Yeo-Jung entered with our appetizers. Her face was pale.

"What's going on out there?" I asked.

Yoo Yeo-Jung responded in a trembling voice. "Uh, well...Yeo-Jin unnie...she bumped into a guest in the next room and spilled all the food."

"A VIP guest? Who was it?"

"Ah... it's Director Ahn Gil-Tae of General Affairs at Suhyaejong. He's got a nasty temper... what are we going to do..."

'What are we going to do? Simple—we go help.'

Just as I stood to leave, Choi Eun-Seok grabbed my arm. "Chief Jung. I'm not against stepping in, but think carefully. Ahn Gil-Tae isn't someone to mess with. His second cousin is the vice president, and his wife's cousin is Jang Tae-Hyuk—the head of cultural policy at the Ministry of Culture. That guy's one of the top dogs right under the vice minister."

As the General Affairs director, Ahn Gil-Tae held power over hiring, salaries, and financial decisions. He was practically a king on campus. And Jang Tae-Hyuk was a first-grade senior official handling key national cultural policies.

Still, I didn't bat an eye. "That's quite the family. But it doesn't compare to mine."

"Who, President Shin Jong-Ki at LT Entertainment? No way. Even he can't touch Jang Tae-Hyuk. Word is he's next in line for vice minister."

"No. Mr. Shin isn't my connection."

"Then who? Who's backing you, Chief Jung?"

There was a reason I could stroll around this enemy territory without blinking. Because now, I had solid backing.

I slowly opened the VIP room door and gave Choi Eun-Seok the answer. "My friend's father."