Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 459: Treviang (3)

It had been five years since Seong Eun-Soo took on the role of team lead of the Choreography Division.

Although getting a promotion in the Choreography Division was rare, compensation and treatment she received were comparatively excellent due to her position as a team lead nurturing numerous dancers.

However, she had misused the company credit card for personal purchases for two years despite getting a good treatment. When her actions were discovered, she began pleading earnestly.

With black mascara-streaked tears and disheveled hair, Seong Eun-Soo cried, "Mr. Kang! Please forgive me just this once! I promise it won't happen again, okay? Sob."

However, no one in the meeting room sympathized with her. After all, she had berated young talents who had sacrificed their youthful years to succeed.

Shortly after, security personnel summoned by Kang Gam-Chan entered the room.

Ahn Chang-Hoon left voluntarily, declaring he would exit on his own. "Don't touch me! I'll go by myself!"

In contrast, Seong Eun-Soo refused to leave and struggled desperately. "Mr. Kang! Ms. Kang! I'm sorry!"

Eventually, she was carried out of the room while her cries echoed down the hallway like a resounding wail.

As she was expelled from the meeting room, the schedule in my planner vanished.

[Everyday V12]

[Date: January 13, 2021]

-11:00 p.m. <Schedule Deleted>

(Deleted Schedule: Choreography Team Lead Seong Eun-Soo's misuse of corporate card (Meeting: Internal Disciplinary Committee convened.))

***

After Seong Eun-Soo was removed from the meeting room, I revealed that Han So-Yoo was now aligned with Kang Gam-Chan's line, who burst into laughter. He was delighted that all the division chiefs in the singer divisions had joined his side.

Kang Gam-Chan said, "We'll have to reach a suitable agreement with Seong Eun-Soo. Mutual lawsuits would harm us too much."

He then clarified that his harsh actions were meant to support Han So-Yoo and reiterated his resolve to terminate Seong Eun-Soo.

Han So-Yoo hesitated before responding, "You didn't have to go that far for me..."

Kang Gam-Chan answered, "Of course I had to. Think about what would happen to Treviang if something happened to you, the one taking care of the kids. We can't let that happen."

After a pause, Han So-Yoo replied, "I understand. I'll follow your instructions, Mr. Kang. And I'm sorry for opposing you all this time, thinking of myself as part of the Suhyaejong line..."

Kang Gam-Chan dismissed her concerns. "Oh, forget it. The problem always lies with those in higher positions. You, working on the ground, have no blame."

Turning toward me this time, Han So-Yoo added, "And Mr. Jung, I'm truly grateful for your help with this matter."

I answered, "Don't mention it. We're all part of Hoop Entertainment, after all."

Han So-Yoo nodded with a smile. "True. We're all part of Hoop Entertainment."

The vision I had for Hoop Entertainment was gradually coming to life.

At that moment, faint whispers from outside the meeting room reached us. It seemed Do Ran-Hee and the Treviang members had left the practice room, curious about what had transpired.

Kang Gam-Chan called out toward the door. "Come on in."

As if waiting for his cue, the meeting room door opened with a click.

The members of Treviang, still drenched in sweat, filed in one by one. "Hello, Mr. Kang!"

Kang Gam-Chan replied with a warm smile, "Hello, girls. I've heard a lot about how hard you've been working. So, what brings you here?"

He feigned ignorance intentionally, aiming to close the gap between them with a longer conversation.

At that moment, Oh Ji-Ah stepped forward nervously. The tension on her face was hard to miss. After all, the group had often been caught in the middle of the Suhyaejong line and Kang Gam-Chan's line.

Oh Ji-Ah managed to say despite the awkward situation, "We came to ask about what will happen to Ms. Han."

Kang Gam-Chan chuckled and responded reassuringly, "Don't worry. Nothing will happen to her."

With that, Treviang erupted into cheers and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Mr. Kang!"

"Thank you so much!"

"We'll work even harder!"

Hearing Kang Gam-Chan's answer, Treviang ran to Han So-Yoo and embraced her tightly. They were still sweat-drenched, but Han So-Yoo hugged them back like a mother without a moment of hesitation.

Han So-Yoo encouraged, "Let's succeed together so no one can look down on us!"

Treviang shouted in unison, "Yes, ma'am!"

***

Right after Seong Eun-Soo was kicked out, Kang Gam-Chan convened a meeting for the team leads.

The staff from the Suhyaejong line who entered the meeting room looked visibly uneasy, likely due to the commotion caused by Seong Eun-Soo's departure.

Once all team leads and higher-ranking staff had gathered, Kang Gam-Chan issued his first directive to Han So-Yoo. "Chief Han, replace Treviang's choreography and review their music video. It's urgent, so don't worry too much about the cost."

Han So-Yoo replied, "Yes, Mr. Kang."

Next, Kang Gam-Chan turned his attention to the only assistant manager in the room, Choi Eun-Jin, the second-in-command of the choreography division.

Being a Suhyaejong alumni, she had thrived in Top Entertainment before the regression and was known for her gentle personality. Thanks to her kind nature, she had close bonds with many singers.

"The choreography division will now be led by Assistant Manager Choi Eun-Jin. I'll promote you to team lead in the upcoming personnel announcements."

Choi Eun-Jin stiffened and bowed her head. "Understood, Mr. Kang."

"Focus on assisting Mrs. Park Seon-Nyeo for now and ensure the year-end joint concert proceeds without a hitch."

"Yes, sir. I'll take care of it."

Park Seon-Nyeo's status had also grown tremendously compared to when I first met her. Now a popular MeTuber with five hundred thousand subscribers and the choreographer behind Cherry Blossom's hits 'Hurry Up!' and 'My First Love Story,' she was untouchable in the industry.

Seeing Choi Eun-Jin's swift response, Kang Gam-Chan smiled and added, "Assistant Manager Choi, observe and learn from Mrs. Park. We can't rely on her forever, can we?"

Choi Eun-Jin's face brightened instantly as she understood the implication. If she proved her capability, the choreography division would eventually be hers to lead rather than Park Seon-Nyeo.

She replied enthusiastically, "I'll learn everything I can!"

Kang Gam-Chan then instructed Ahn Ye-Eum, who had joined the company after an acquisition, to assist Singer Division 1.

With experience managing a company and producing girl groups, as well as her Suhyaejong connections, she was the perfect candidate to solidify Han So-Yoo's authority over Singer Division 1.

As Kang Gam-Chan tightened his grip on Singer Division 1, Ju Ho-Sung and the Suhyaejong line grew visibly anxious. However, there was no one left to challenge Kang Gam-Chan's authority with Bang Sang-Yung and Kim Dong-Soo out of the picture.

Finally, Kang Gam-Chan looked at me with a satisfied smile. "And Team Lead Jung!"

All eyes turned to me.

I answered, "Yes, Mr. Kang."

"To recognize your achievements at this year's Hwangryong Film Association, we will be awarding you a special bonus."

Not just me but everyone had anticipated this development. However, the amount Kang Gam-Chan mentioned exceeded my wildest imagination.

"Mr. Choi Eun-Tae, the company's major shareholder, instructed that a bonus of one hundred million won be awarded."

"Pardon?"

The meeting room buzzed with murmurs. It was the first time in the company's history that a bonus in the hundreds of millions won had been granted.

Kang Gam-Chan added casually, "It will be deposited today, so keep that in mind,"

"Yes, Mr. Kang."

The murmurs turned into a growing commotion as the room filled with eyes reflecting envy, surprise, and even jealousy.

But Kang Gam-Chan quickly scolded the staff. "Instead of just envying him, bring in an excellent actor and make them successful! If you produce results, what's stopping us from giving you two hundred million won instead?"

At Kang Gam-Chan's words, the jealous gazes turned to ambitious ones as if thinking they have a chance too.

With a mix of discipline and incentives, Kang Gam-Chan was uniting Hoop Entertainment into one cohesive team.

At that moment, my phone buzzed with a Kk Talk notification.

[Finance Division's Assistant Manager Jung Sung-Ah: Mr. Jung Yoon-Ho, your one hundred million won bonus has been deposited.]

I opened the Cameo Bank app to check my balance right away.

[Cameo Bank: Jung Yoon-Ho] [Deposit: 100,000,000 won (Bonus)] [Total Balance: 189,747,320 won]

Once again, Hoop Entertainment had deposited a net bonus of one hundred million won. Since I rarely spent my bonuses or salary, my balance was nearing two hundred million won even after purchasing shares in Yetterang.

I couldn't help but hum a tune.

At the same time, I renewed my vow to protect this company that properly rewarded my efforts.

***

It was December 3rd, the day after Seong Eun-Soo was kicked out. Waking up early at 5 a.m, I turned on my phone to check the news.

[TVM The Foodie Nomads Begins Filming!] [The Foodie Nomads. Follow the culinary adventures of the cooking nephew Haru and the grumpy uncle Lee Tae-Poong.] [TVM The Foodie Nomads, First Filming Location is "Gyeongju"]

With Lee Tae-Poong, Haru, and Miso all starring, The Foodie Nomads was set to begin filming in Gyeongju today.

Since Lee Tae-Poong was also working on Jiri Mountain, the show would primarily film in the southern coastal regions near Jiri Mountain for the time being.

Realizing I needed to hurry to reach Gyeongju by car, I headed to wake Haru. But when I opened the door, he was already up, washed, and reading his script.

I asked, "You're up already?"

Haru replied with his face showing a mix of excitement and nervousness, "Of course. It's the first day of filming."

"Are you confident?"

"To be honest, I thought I'd be less nervous since it's my second shoot. But I feel even more anxious."

Actors often said the more they understood acting, the scarier it became. Then there was only one solution in such cases.

"You know the best cure for that is practice."

"Yes."

"And if you ever feel uneasy, call me anytime or get advice from Tae-Poong or the other actors."

"Got it."

"I'll come down to the set in a few days, so hang in there until then. Stay strong."

Unable to hold back his laughter, Haru said, "Hyung, you're just like my mom."

Haru teased me for worrying like Natalia. I was concerned he might see it as nagging, but I was relieved when he said he liked such attention.

After taking a shower, Haru and I headed to the second floor. When I opened the door, Yoo-Jin was already dressed and waiting as she will also be heading to Gyeongju today to continue filming for Hwaranjeon.

As soon as Yoo-Jin saw me, she spoke up. "Can't you come with us as well, oppa?"

"I wish I could, but I'm busy preparing for Cherry Blossom's ticket sales today."

Soon, I would need to visit the ticket sales agency to deal with scalpers targeting Cherry Blossom's year-end concert.

Yoo-Jin teased playfully, "Miso's going to beg you to come with her, you know. What will you do then?"

Before Yoo-Jin even finished, Miso's door burst open. Dragging a pink Powertuff Girls suitcase behind her, she stopped when she saw me.

"Huh? Uncle Yoon-Ho!"

Miso let go of her suitcase and ran toward me, only to halt abruptly. She clasped her hands together and bowed politely. "Good morning, Uncle Yoon-Ho!"

I replied, mirroring her playful bow. "Good morning, Miso!"

Miso giggled before stepping closer, tilting her head up to ask, "Uncle Yoon-Ho~?"

"Hmm?"

"Can't you come with us today?"

As expected, Miso clasped her hands and blinked her big eyes at me.

It hurt to say no, but I had no choice. "I'm sorry, but I have to catch the bad people trying to steal tickets for Cherry Blossom's concert."

I simplified the explanation about scalpers for her.

After pondering for a moment, Miso suggested earnestly, "Why don't you let the police handle it and come with me instead?"

I burst into a laughter. "Ha ha ha!"

It wasn't easy to explain why I, with my knowledge from before the regression, had to intervene personally.

I crouched down and extended my pinky finger. "I'm sorry, but the police need my help. I promise to finish as quickly as possible and come join you. Okay? I promise."

Miso hesitated but eventually linked her pinky with mine. "Okay. It's a promise!"

Though my workload was heavy, I couldn't neglect Yoo-Jin and Miso. Afterall, they were always my top priority.

After carrying their suitcases downstairs, I waited outside for Lee Yung-Jin and Jung Sang-Bong to arrive.

The cold wind blew as I spread my thick long coat and wrapped Miso in it like a penguin. Lifting her onto my feet, I waddled around the yard while holding her.

Miso shouted. "Ha ha ha! Uncle Yoon-Ho! One more round, please!"

"Okay, one more round for our special guest!"

Soon, the gate opened and cars pulled into the yard. Only then did I set Miso down and gave Lee Yung-Jin and Jung Sang-Bong some parting advice.

I called out as they waved from the car. "Take care and do well!"

After seeing them off, I changed into more formal clothes and headed straight to the ticket sales agency.

***

I arrived at Ticket Park Headquarters located in Sillim-dong.

This agency handled online and offline ticket sales for idol concerts and theatrical performances across Korea. We entrusted them with managing ticket sales for our eight thousand seat joint concert.

With three days left until ticket sales opened, articles about the event had already begun circulating.

[2020 Cherry Blossom & Kang Ha-Na Year-End Joint Concert!]

[Hoop Entertainment brings all its stars together to heat up the year-end!]

[Cherry Blossom's Year-End Concert: Exclusive Sales Begin December 6 at 8 p.m via Ticket Park!]

I waited in meeting room number seven, which also served as a guest waiting area, with Eun Ji-Yoo.

The door soon opened with a creak and Team Lead Lee Hwan-Hee entered.

"You must be from Hoop Entertainment. Nice to meet you. I'm Lee Hwan-Hee."

I replied, "Nice to meet you."

After exchanging pleasantries, Lee Hwan-Hee reviewed the details on his tablet. "The joint concert is scheduled for Saturday, December 26 at the COEX Convention Hall DX Hall. 8,000 seats from 7 p.m to 9 p.m. Correct?"

I confirmed, "Yes, that's right."

As he continued checking the preparations, Lee Hwan-Hee glanced at me curiously and asked, "But why did you come in person today? This is just a routine check-up."

Before I could answer, Eun Ji-Yoo spoke up. "Mr. Jung is really concerned about scalpers."

"Ah. That's understandable, especially for year-end concerts. But don't worry. The Ticket Park system can effectively block scalpers."

Lee Hwan-Hee reassured us confidently, claiming they could filter bulk purchases through bots. However, I knew from before the regression that such a system wouldn't be implemented for another five years.

The moment I was about to call out the bluff, my phone vibrated.

[Notification: December 26, 2020. A new schedule has been added for 'Kim Sae-Ri.']

December 26 was the concert date.

Everyday V12 was warning me that something far more serious than I expected was about to happen.