Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 825: The Forces Behind the Scenes

"LT Inc.'s Director Jang Jong-Cheol called me. He said that no matter how Soo-Bin's audition turned out... I should pull her out. In return, he'd give Soo-Bin another project and he'd also push you, Sung-Soo, as the model for the new apartment complex LT Construction is launching. So... that's what happened."

The name behind it all finally surfaced.

'Director Jang Jong-Cheol.'

He was the right-hand man of President Shin Woo-Jin, the second son of the LT Inc., and a strategist who had played a decisive role in helping Shin Woo-Jin climb toward the chairman's seat.

I had met him once before my regression. Back then, when he was still an Executive Director, he had aggressively demanded kickbacks in exchange for giving Min Gyu-Ri an advertising deal.

At the time, Min Gyu-Ri's annual advertising rate was around 500 million won. Jang Jong-Cheol doubled her price to one billion won by booking her as a model for an LT Hotel campaign, then siphoned off 500 million won as a kickback.

The person who had overseen that contract at Top Entertainment was Kim Dong-Soo, and even as I watched from the sidelines, I couldn't understand why they would agree to something like that. From the agency's perspective, they were still only receiving 500 million won, but because the reported amount was higher, they had to pay more in taxes. It was a net loss.

However, that was when Jang Jong-Cheol's real cunning came into play. He secured Min Gyu-Ri five additional advertising deals with LT Inc. affiliates. Each of those ads was also set at one billion won, and each time he took 500 million as a kickback. From Min Gyu-Ri's perspective, she had gained an additional 2.5 billion won.

After that, Jang Jong-Cheol leaned on the media and had articles published stating that Min Gyu-Ri's annual advertising rate was one billion won. As a result, her market price across the industry magically doubled. In short, he had built slush funds for himself while making his partners a fortune.

And now, a man with a brain like that was the architect behind this incident.

'So this whole thing was Jang Jong-Cheol's design?'

In that instant, I realized that the schedule shown on Everyday had been divided into three distinct stages.

The first stage was eliminating the rival, Han Soo-Bin, and pushing Cha In-Hye into the role in She Was Beautiful. The second stage was branding Yoo-Jin and me as a power-tripping celebrity and talent agent. The final third stage was mobilizing reporters to spread false information from inside the filming set of She Was Beautiful, completely destroying LT Entertainment's image.

If Jang Jong-Cheol's plan had played out, not only Yoo-Jin and I, but even Shin Jong-Ki—who had been on a winning streak—would have had his reputation dragged through the mud. And as a result, Shin Jong-Ki would have lost the LT Inc. succession battle before it had even properly begun.

Fortunately, I had Everyday. Thanks to that, I was able to block the attack with relative ease.

'Thanks, Everyday.'

That said, more than the LT Inc.'s succession war, I couldn't forgive the fact that Jang Jong-Cheol had tried to mess with Yoo-Jin.

'Director Jang Jong-Cheol. You picked the wrong person to mess with.'

I knew enough about Jang Jong-Cheol to make sure he wouldn't survive this opportunity. If he went down, Shin Woo-Jin would effectively lose an arm. Either way, now that I knew who was behind everything, it was time to clean up this mess.

Just then, Hong Sung-Soo released Song Jin-Man's collar with an irritated click. Hong Sung-Soo was currently an advertising model for LT Hotel himself. This meant that even if he had known about Jang Jong-Cheol's proposal, he probably wouldn't have been able to refuse it either.

Thud.

"Damn it! You bastard! If something like that happened, you should've told me!"

Song Jin-Man rubbed his neck and let out a sigh. "And what would telling you have changed? Director Jang said if I didn't accept his offer, he'd cut your ads next."

"Still, you should've told me first."

"I didn't want to stress you out over something trivial. You hate worrying about small things. Handling stuff like this is my job anyway."

The way they looked out for each other was almost touching enough to bring tears to my eyes.

I spoke with open disdain. "So basically... Grassroots chose President Shin Woo-Jin, the second son and head of LT Hotel, over President Shin Jong-Ki of LT Entertainment. Am I right?"

Song Jin-Man panicked and cried out, "N-No, that's not it! Chief Jung, you know I was under pressure too, right? A tiny company like ours doesn't have any power. When the brothers of LT Inc. are fighting, if they say crawl, we crawl."

Before my regression, I too had bowed to the powerful. Yet even then, I had never sold out the future of an actor under my care. So I couldn't accept his excuse.

"So you saved Mr. Hong Sung-Soo and threw away Soo-Bin?" I cornered Song Jin-Man.

"Threw away?! No way! Soo-Bin was scouted for a supporting role in Presidential Suite, a drama funded by LT Hotel!"

Presidential Suite was a thriller set in LT Hotel. It was scheduled to air on KBC in July and had received heavy investment from LT Hotel to promote their own brand. However, the drama wouldn't even break a 6% viewership ratings. It was a guaranteed flop. Trading a lead role in She Was Beautiful, a hard-earned opportunity, for a supporting role in that mess was absolutely ridiculous.

"Of all things, you picked that trainwreck? Did you even read the script?"

At the same time, Yoo-Jin quietly leaned toward Han Soo-Bin and whispered, "Soo-Bin. They offered me the lead in that drama, so I read the script. It's pure LT Hotel propaganda. Don't even look at it. It could become a black mark on your filmography. And from now on, if you're ever unsure about anything, call me. I'll help you anytime."

Most rookie actors had no choice but to go along with whatever their talent agents brought them. They lacked the experience to judge scripts, and they were often scared to refuse offers for fear of backlash.

But with a top star like Yoo-Jin offering mentorship, Han Soo-Bin looked instantly relieved.

'Nice one, Jung Yoo-Jin.'

I figured I could leave Han Soo-Bin to Yoo-Jin and focus on Song Jin-Man. He had crossed a line today, and he wasn't getting out of this without taking responsibility.

"Alright then. Let's talk about taking responsibility for your choice."

"Responsibility?!"

Song Jin-Man and Hong Sung-Soo started to defend themselves, but I didn't give them the chance. I called someone on speakerphone.

-Hey, Chief Jung. How did it go?

"Mr. Shin, I was right. I came here and confirmed that Ms. Han Soo-Bin wanted to take the role, but her agency blocked her. And I also found out who was behind all this. It's Director Jang Jong-Cheol of LT Hotel."

The moment the name of Shin Woo-Jin's right-hand man was spoken, Shin Jong-Ki raised his voice.

-What? Director Jang is behind this?

Hearing Shin Jong-Ki's voice, Song Jin-Man shot up in panic and reached toward me.

"Damn it! Chief Jung! What are you doing right now?!"

I quickly grabbed his wrist.

Smack.

"Careful. You're about to hit someone."

I made sure to stir the scene up so Shin Jong-Ki could hear everything. As expected. from the speaker came a roar.

-Who dares lay a hand on Chief Jung?!

Startled, Song Jin-Man dropped to his knees and shouted into the speaker.

"N-No, sir. Chief Jung must have misunderstood. Actually, the truth is..."

-Misunderstood? President Song, do you think I'm a joke?

"No, no! That's not what I meant, I just..."

Watching Song Jin-Man squirm made me want to let this all blow up in his face. However, the real culprit wasn't even in this room. More importantly, this was my golden chance to pull Han Soo-Bin out.

So I calmed Shin Jong-Ki.

"Sir, please calm down. It's nothing."

-Hm? Chief Jung, are you alright?

"I'm not the kind of guy who gets beat up, remember? What matters is, I have a way to resolve this but I'll need your help."

-Just say the word.

"In exchange for letting this go, I'd like to transfer Ms. Han Soo-Bin and cast her in our project."

I was trading forgiveness for a clean transfer. There was a short pause, then Shin Jong-Ki let out a reluctant sigh.

-So you're saying I should forgive President Song in exchange for that.

"Yes. These guys were just following orders. They don't have any real power."

Right on cue, Song Jin-Man jumped in desperately.

"Yes, that's right! If you'll forgive me, I'll release Han Soo-Bin right away. Please, sir!"

At that moment, Yoo-Jin quickly turned to Han Soo-Bin and asked, "Soo-Bin, you're leaving this company now, right?"

Han Soo-Bin, who had been holding her breath, nodded eagerly. "Yes. I want to join another agency and act with you, unnie."

Yoo-Jin smiled brightly. "So do I."

Bringing Yoo-Jin along had been the right move. Thanks to her perfect timing in confirming Han Soo-Bin's intent to leave, there was no room for anyone to back out now.

Just then, Shin Jong-Ki's voice came through the speaker, addressing Song Jin-Man.

-Sigh... President Song. I'll be needing Han Soo-Bin, so fax over the contract termination form immediately. And keep quiet about today. Understood?

Song Jin-Man let out a heavy sigh and bowed his head. "Thank you for your mercy, sir!!"

He bowed repeatedly toward my phone, placed on the table. I used that moment to check Everyday.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: April 17, 2021]

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

(Deleted Schedule Entry: [NEW. Jung Yoo-Jin]

<Entertainment Everywhere> "Top star Miss J explodes at girl group member turned actress on set."

[Baro Star] "A celebrity talent agent with unchecked power—terrifying even the director. We investigate the 'abuse of power' who dictates casting decisions."

[Entertainment All Times]: "Center Miss C of a girl group skips music show taping after being humiliated on set by a popular actress's abuse of power."

(Meeting Agenda: She Was Beautiful shoot suspended. Preparing countermeasures against Cha In-Hye's baseless defamation. Urgent clarification interview to be arranged.))

Now that Han Soo-Bin had been rescued and cast as Lee So-Mi, all the unexpected crisis schedules had vanished.

Just then, a loud rumble came from Han Soo-Bin's stomach,

Grrrrrrrgle.

Han Soo-Bin's face flushed red. It looked like feeding her was the first order of business.

"Sir, may I bring Soo-Bin to join us for dinner?"

-Sure. I'll send you the address to the Original Grandma's Clay Pot Kimchi Stew place in Apgujeong. We're heading there now.

"Yes, sir."

With that, Yoo-Jin, Han Soo-Bin, and I stood up and left the president's office at Grassroots Entertainment. As we walked out, I glanced back. Song Jin-Man and Hong Sung-Soo looked absolutely ashen, like weeds that had just been stomped flat.

Now that Grassroots was cleaned up and Han Soo-Bin safely left, it was time to serve a bitter taste of justice to those truly behind this mess.

***

In the executive office of LT Hotel, Yes Entertainment's President Park Seo-Beom and Cha In-Hye, who had been humiliated at today's audition, were meeting with LT Hotel's President Shin Woo-Jin.

Shin Woo-Jin couldn't hide his affection and pride for Cha In-Hye, his maternal relative.

"In-Hye. Once about two weeks have passed after getting the role, get close with everyone. After that, just do as instructed."

Cha In-Hye nodded obediently. "Okay. And you'll really double the supply order for my dad's company, right?"

Her father's interior materials company was one of the limited suppliers of LT Inc. and held the biggest deals with LT Hotel and LT Construction, which Shin Woo-Jin controlled. That was the reason she had no choice but to obey the order to sabotage She Was Beautiful.

"Of course. I'll be meeting your father tonight too. Just trust me."

"Got it. Then I'll take care of this. Just leave it to me."

At that moment, Park Seo-Beom cautiously spoke up. "Um... if the operation succeeds and the film collapses, may I ask what happens to In-Hye's next project?"

Park Seo-Beom had agreed to participate because LT Hotel had promised to create a new project just for Cha In-Hye afterward.

Shin Woo-Jin chuckled. "Bring me any script you like. I'll back it as the lead investor."

Park Seo-Beom stood and bowed immediately. Even if Shin Woo-Jin was younger, he was poised to become the next chairman of LT Inc.—a true heavyweight.

"Thank you, sir!"

"Alright, don't overdo the flattery. Hahaha."

Despite his words, Shin Woo-Jin beamed with satisfaction.

"In any case, don't worry about LT Entertainment or that brat Jong-Ki. I'll handle it. I've already got the top distributor CK Entertainment and third-ranked NEX Media on my side. And when I take over the group, you two—In-Hye and Yes Entertainment—will finally have it made. So work hard like it's your own future on the line."

"Yes, sir!"

Just then, a sudden commotion erupted outside the president's office.

-Move!

-You can't go in!

Startled, Jang Jong-Cheol stood up reflexively. He wasn't sure whether it was the prosecution or the police who had come in unannounced, but this wasn't a place where just anyone could barge in.

Park Seo-Beom said, "Wait, I'll go out and quiet them down."

Shin Woo-Jin frowned briefly, then gave a nod. "Go ahead."

Bang!

Before Park Seo-Beom could go outside, the door burst open and ten men in black suits stormed into the president's office. Jang Jong-Cheol thought to shout, assuming they were from the police or prosecutors' office, but their lapels bore the LT Inc. badge.

"Director Jang Jong-Cheol. You're coming with us."

The one who kicked the door in was Choi Yoon-Jong, the chief of LT Inc.'s Audit Office.

Infuriated by the high-handed attitude of Choi Yoon-Jong, a man ten years younger than him, Jang Jong-Cheol snapped.

"Hey! Chief Choi. You punk. Do you even know where you are—"

Before he could finish protesting, Choi Yoon-Jong issued a firm order. "Take him."

"Yes, sir!"

The audit team flanked Jang on both sides.

"What? What is this? Let go!" Jang Jong-Cheol protested.

Shin Woo-Jin, stunned, shot up from his seat. "Hey. Chief Choi. Who ordered you to do this?"

Choi Yoon-Jong brought his hands together and bowed his head. "It was a special order from Mr. Chairman. Director Jang Jong-Cheol has committed several irregularities, including creating slush funds. Mr. Chairman ordered us to bring him in immediately."

"Slush funds? What slush funds?"

"I'm sorry. I can't say any more." After bowing again, Choi Yoon-Jong turned around. "Take him away."

Drag.

"Sir! Sir!"

Jang Jong-Cheol was dragged out by the audit team, each man holding one of his arms.

Thud.

As the scene played out so suddenly, Shin Woo-Jin hurriedly tried to call his father, the head of the group. However, the call wouldn't go through.

"Damn it. Why the hell isn't the old man picking up?"

The chairman of LT Inc. was always surrounded by secretaries in rotating shifts to ensure 24-hour phone access. If they weren't answering now, it meant the chairman didn't even want to take the call.

At that moment, Park Seo-Beom's phone buzzed. Startled, Park Seo-Beom moved to silence it, but froze when he saw the screen.

"W-What is this?"

Shin Woo-Jin turned to him in confusion. "What is it now?"

"Th-There's a dating scandal about In-Hye..."

Park Seo-Beom frantically showed him the phone.

[Girl group GX5's Member C dating Actor A? (Star Patch)]

A blurry photo showed Cha In-Hye arm-in-arm with popular actor Kim Sang-Tae as they entered a hotel. For now, all activities involving GX5 and the entertainment business would have to pause. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Shin Woo-Jin flared up. "What the hell is going on?"

Park Seo-Beom and Cha In-Hye bowed their heads as if they were guilty of a mortal sin. "W-We don't know either, sir."

Shin Woo-Jin couldn't process what was happening.

'What the hell is going on right now?'

This whole scheme had been meticulously crafted by his strategist Jang Jong-Cheol. He had been sure it would completely crush his brother Shin Jong-Ki. Nevertheless, everything was falling apart before it even began.

Grit.

His teeth ground audibly from the pressure of his clenched jaw. Now, having lost his right-hand man in an instant, Shin Woo-Jin panted heavily and snatched up the intercom before yelling at his secretary.

"Secretary Choi, find out what the hell just happened!"

-Yes, sir.

"And dig up everything on what Jung Yoon-Ho's been up to this time."

Jang Jong-Cheol had always claimed that things had started going awry ever since Jung Yoon-Ho began sticking to Shin Jong-Ki's side. In other words, he was saying that Jung Yoon-Ho had become Shin Jong-Ki's right-hand man.

Shin Woo-Jin instinctively believed Jung Yoon-Ho was behind this, and with clenched teeth, he made up his mind. It was his turn to strike back.

Just then, Park Seo-Beom spoke up. "Sir, please help us."

Cha In-Hye also pleaded with a pitiful look. "Please, save me."

At that moment, Shin Woo-Jin exploded at them. "Get out!!"

***

"Ahh~ that hit the spot!"

After eating the clay pot kimchi stew, I took a gulp of the icy dongchimi[1] broth at the entrance, and an involuntary sigh of satisfaction escaped me.

Right then, Shin Jong-Ki, who had just finished a call, walked over. When we first came here to eat the kimchi stew and I had reported today's events, his expression had been grim. But the moment I mentioned what I knew about Jang Jong-Cheol's kickback scandal, his face had started to brighten. Now, he was beaming.

"It's done."

Shin Jong-Ki said he had immediately persuaded his father to launch an internal investigation. Through that, they had confirmed the kickback scheme I reported and even discovered that Cha In-Hye had betrayed Shin Jong-Ki. As a result, both of them were now paying the price for today's events.

'Impressive, President Shin.'

True to his royal family status, Shin Jong-Ki was ruthless even with younger relatives when it came to the war for succession.

Shin Jong-Ki let out a sigh. I offered him another spoonful of dongchimi, suggesting it might help cool him down.

"Here, Mr. Shin. Have a sip. It'll help ease your anger."

"Thanks, Chief Jung."

Shin Jong-Ki knocked back the icy broth in one go. Shivering slightly, he set the empty bowl down.

"Ahh~~ now I feel alive."

With a lighter expression, he suddenly turned to me.

"I've decided, Chief Jung!"

'Huh? Decided what?'

"Decided what, sir?"

"Thanks to you, I hit my second brother where it hurts and earned points with Father... There should be a reward, don't you think? I was wondering what to give you, and I've just made up my mind."

"A reward?"

"Yeah. For you..."

I assumed the reward would be something like a raise in Yoo-Jin's appearance fee. However, what he said next went far beyond anything I had imagined.

1. Dongchimi: a type of Korean water kimchi made from fermented Korean white radish in a clear, tangy, and refreshing brine ☜