Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 468: Dancer's Dream (5)

"If you bring my daughter back and make her continue my legacy, I'll give you one of my buildings."

Before the regression, I had heard that Yeon Hwa-Seon owned a significant amount of land in Seoul including several buildings.

Although it was difficult to make a fortune solely through traditional dance, her wealth was thanks to her father, who had been a farmer in Gangnam before it became an urban hub. His land eventually became Yeon Hwa-Seon's as she was his only child.

Now, she was offering one of those buildings.

When I was caught off guard by the sudden proposal and hesitated, Yeon Hwa-Seon repeated, "Why aren't you answering? I'll give you the Yoo-Jin Building located near Hoop Entertainment. It's worth about two billion won."

"Yoo-Jin Building?"

Because the name matched Yoo-Jin's, I knew exactly which building she was referring to. It was an old five-story building, but it was worth far more than two billion won.

Though the building itself wasn't large, its attached parking lot was exceptionally spacious. Including the parking lot, the land alone was worth at least fifteen billion won. And with redevelopment, its value could rise significantly.

"You look like you don't believe me. But for someone like me, a successor is far more important than money. I'm being completely sincere."

For Yeon Hwa-Seon, a Human Cultural Asset, the continuation of the traditional dances restored by her mother and herself was her life's greatest value.

But I didn't care about money either.

"That won't be necessary, Ms. Yeon. It's enough for me to see you healthy and actively promoting Korean dance for a long time. I don't need anything more."

Yeon Hwa-Seon tilted her head in confusion. "What is it, Team Lead Jung? Is the building too small for you?"

"No, it's not like that, Ms. Yeon. Also, Yoo-Jin Building is worth far more than two billion won including its parking lot. Please check its value carefully. It's at least fifteen billion won, if not more."

Yeon Hwa-Seon turned to Seo Yoon-Ji. "Yoon-Ji, is that true?"

"Yes. I reported it to you six months ago. Even then, the land alone wasn't two billion won. It was about twelve billion won. It's probably over fifteen billion won now as Mr. Jung said."

"How can land be that expensive?"

"...That's what I've been telling you. You should check your assets more often."

"Why bother when I have you? I'm busy enough with dancing."

Clearly, Yeon Hwa-Seon had no interest in matters outside of dance. Still mumbling, she looked back at me. "So this is a better deal for you. Why refuse? Whether it's two billion won or fifteen billion won, it doesn't matter to me. A successor is more valuable than any piece of land."

However, I already owned shares in Yetterang and planned to earn royalties from the 'Jung Coffee' recipe. I had enough money to last a lifetime. I also didn't want to accept monetary compensation for something like this.

But I decided to ask Yeon Hwa-Seon for something different: to protect Seo Hee-Joo's dream.

"I don't care how much it's worth. Instead, I have one request."

"A request? What is it? Tell me. If it means securing a successor, I'll agree to anything."

Seeing Yeon Hwa-Seon's eagerness, I calmly replied, "Please delay having Hee-Joo follow in your footsteps for a few years."

Yeon Hwa-Seon tilted her head again. "What? What do you mean...?"

"From what you've shown today, I understand how important finding a successor is to you. But Hee-Joo's dream is just as precious to her as your dream is to you. Please let her pursue it."

"Stop beating around the bush and speak plainly."

"Even if she becomes an idol, the lifespan of such a career is only 5 to 7 years. After that, it naturally declines. After Hee-Joo has fully experienced her time as an idol, I'll make sure she follows your legacy."

Yeon Hwa-Seon fell into thought. Her desire to quickly secure a successor seemed to clash with her maternal instincts as the internal conflict was written all over her face.

***

After a long silence, Yeon Hwa-Seon finally lifted her head. "This isn't quite what I expected... but if you manage to get Hee-Joo out of that fraudster's company, will you take responsibility for her?"

"Yes. Soon, our company will launch a global idol group. I plan to include Hee-Joo in that team."

"And after the contract ends, you'll make sure she continues my legacy?"

"Exactly. I'll take full responsibility and secure her promise to follow in your footsteps."

"Can I... trust you?"

Yeon Hwa-Seon's expression showed concern about whether a promise set years into the future could truly be kept.

"Yes, I promise."

At that moment, the sound of fabric rustling filled the tent as the flap opened.

Yoo-Jin entered, carrying a cloth-covered basket. "I brought something for you to eat, but... why is the atmosphere so serious?"

Yeon Hwa-Seon turned to Yoo-Jin and asked, "Yoo-Jin, how much do you trust Team Lead Jung?"

As this was about her successor, Yeon Hwa-Seon was understandably cautious.

That's when Yoo-Jin responded without a second's hesitation, "I trust him with everything."

Yeon Hwa-Seon was startled by Yoo-Jin's firm answer, "Really?"

"Yes. Yoon-Ho oppa is someone who does everything in his power to keep his promises. He would never do anything to harm his actors. So if he says he'll do something, I'll trust him with everything."

Hearing Yoo-Jin's declaration filled my heart with emotion. Just knowing she had that level of trust in me made me feel like I had the whole world.

After a moment of dazed silence, Yeon Hwa-Seon slowly nodded. Then she looked at me with a warm expression. "Team Lead Jung, I'm sorry for doubting you. Can I entrust my daughter's and my dream to you?"

"I'll do my utmost."

When I bowed my head, Yeon Hwa-Seon smiled contentedly. "Alright, Team Lead Jung. I'll do as you suggest."

Finally, her permission was granted.

I let out a sigh of relief and quickly explained the situation to Yoo-Jin, who had been watching curiously.

Suddenly, Yoo-Jin chimed in and offered help. "Oppa, let's go to Seoul together later."

"Why?"

"To help persuade Hee-Joo."

Even though we were in Gyeongju, Yoo-Jin was already set on heading to Seoul.

"You're in the middle of filming. You can't just leave. Do you think Seoul is right next door or something?"

"I'll go quickly and come right back."

"Forget it. You focus on your shoot, okay?"

"Fine. But oppa, make sure to bring Hee-Joo back. Alright?"

"Of course."

"Promise me."

Insisting that I promise in front of Yeon Hwa-Seon, Yoo-Jin extended her pinky. I was embarrassed, but I linked my pinky with hers with no other choice.

"Promise. Sealed."

Satisfied, Yoo-Jin finally set the basket on a small table and arranged a steaming bowl of red bean porridge with a white plastic spoon.

Apparently, she had heated the porridge because she was worried that Yeon Hwa-Seon might catch a cold after performing on stage in just her sheer Korean traditional undergarments.

Yoo-Jin said, "Anyway, Ms. Yeon, please eat up before it gets cold."

Yeon Hwa-Seon glanced at me with a chuckle. "The actress and her talent agent are just alike."

Yoo-Jin tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You're both so full of warmth."

Yoo-Jin smiled and waved her hand dismissively. "Well, we're both 'Jungs,' after all. They say people with the surname Jung are full of warmth."

"Oh, is that so? I'll keep that in mind."

Yeon Hwa-Seon laughed and picked up her spoon. Her face, now brightened by the warm porridge, was much more cheerful than before.

With Yeon Hwa-Seon's permission secured, it was now time to find Seo Hee-Joo and persuade her.

***

After regaining her strength from eating the red bean porridge Yoo-Jin brought, Yeon Hwa-Seon corrected the actresses' movements one by one.

Once the one-on-one coaching was complete, Yeon Hwa-Seon approached me. "Team Lead Jung, could I have another cup of coffee?"

"As many as you'd like."

Her tone was much friendlier now that we'd grown closer.

Just then, Oh Bok-Hee grabbed a megaphone. "Alright, everyone! As soon as the actresses are ready, we'll start shooting!"

"Yes, Mrs. Oh!"

On the stage platform where the princesses would perform their dance, the actors playing the King and Queen were seated. Beside them were Oh Ji-Heon portraying Buyeo Gyogi, King Uija's younger brother, and Park Myung-Hwan portraying Buyeo Yoong, King Uija's son.

Oh Ji-Heon was a seasoned supporting actor from TNT Entertainment, and Park Myung-Hwan was a leading-support actor from Ace Entertainment.

As other minor and supporting actors took their positions, Yoo-Jin and the other two actresses headed to the stage below.

The upcoming scene, Episode 7, Scene 17 of Hwaranjeon, depicted a fictional event set in 643 AD. In the drama, Baekje had driven Silla to the brink of destruction which forced Silla to decide whether to seek humiliating peace or continue fighting.

Buyeo Gyogi and Buyeo Yoong, emissaries of Baekje, proposed terms of surrender, demanding one of the three princesses as the third concubine for Buyeo Yoong, the Crown Prince of Baekje.

At the demand to give one of the future Queen of Silla as the concubine of Baekje's future King, the Silla officials who had been advocating for peace were too humiliated to speak up. Enraged by the demand, the three princesses chose to express their resolve for resistance through the Jinhonmu instead of the dance prepared to welcome the emissaries.

This was the scene they were about to film.

The actresses reviewed their scripts one last time before preparing themselves.

Oh Bok-Hee did a final check on their readiness before speaking into the megaphone. "Alright, let's begin. Ready... Action!"

At the cue, Yoo-Jin, Han Sang-Hee, and Min Gyu-Ri stepped onto the stage. Dressed in white fur garments, the three concealed the silk cloths for the Jinhonmu within their sleeves.

As the three princesses ascended, Oh Ji-Heon, playing Buyeo Gyogi, turned to Park Myung-Hwan, playing Buyeo Yoong.

『Ha ha ha! They said the three flowers of the Silla royal family were unmatched beauties, and it seems they weren't exaggerating. Wouldn't you agree, Crown Prince?』

『Indeed, Uncle. All three are so stunning it's a shame to take only one.』

『Ha ha ha! Then why not marry all three princesses into our great Baekje royal family? What do you think, Crown Prince?』

『I like that idea. It would strengthen the bond between Baekje and Silla. Don't you think, Uncle?』

As the arrogant Buyeo men exchanged their remarks, Yoo-Jin, Han Sang-Hee, and Min Gyu-Ri bowed their heads and gritted their teeth in frustration.

Then Han Sang-Hee, playing Princess Jeong-Hwa, spoke up.

『We three have prepared a dance to answer the requests of our esteemed guests.』

Park Myung-Hwan, as Buyeo Yoong, smiled slyly.

『That sounds entertaining. But which one of you will become my bride?』

While the princesses hadn't even considered granting his wish, Buyeo Yoong was already acting as though it were a done deal.

Yoo-Jin responded calmly.

『You will know the answer naturally by the end of this dance.』

『Very well.』

Yoo-Jin turned her body slightly with a faint smile. At that moment, her expression transformed into one colder than the Arctic wind.

A shiver ran through me, making me tremble without realizing it. The icy glare she directed at Buyeo Yoong was so intense it seemed to radiate murderous intent.

Moments later, Yoo-Jin took the center position while the other two actresses spread out to her sides. The beauty of the three princesses was undeniable, causing Buyeo Gyogi and Buyeo Yoong to smirk lasciviously.

Thump, thump, thump.

As the deep drum beats resonated across the set, Yoo-Jin and the two other actresses simultaneously pulled white silk cloths from their sleeves.

At that moment, the expressions of Oh Ji-Heon and Park Myung-Hwan twisted in shock as they leapt to their feet. They realized that the dance the princesses were performing was the Jinhonmu, a solemn dance to honor the spirits of soldiers who had perished in the war against Baekje.

『This is...』

At that moment, Yoo-Jin began a mournful vocal invocation and glared at the two emissaries.

『Hwooiiiyaa~』

In sync, Han Sang-Hee and Min Gyu-Ri also chanted the vocal invocation and joined Yoo-Jin in the dance.

Yoo-Jin's gaze toward Oh Ji-Heon and Park Myung-Hwan grew increasingly intense and exuded a chilling hostility. Her expression was so unsettling that even the staff froze in place.

Watching Yoo-Jin's performance, Yeon Hwa-Seon murmured softly in admiration, "Wow... I could learn a thing or two about expressions from Yoo-Jin."

Yoo-Jin's acting during the shoot was far sharper than it had been during rehearsal. Even Yeon Hwa-Seon, a Human Cultural Asset, was completely captivated by Yoo-Jin's dance.

Moments later, Yoo-Jin finished her performance and stood still like a statue.

Thump.

As the drumbeat ceased, Yoo-Jin's voice rang out, loud enough to shake the set.

『Crown Prince of Baekje! Tell your father, King Uija, this: The three princesses of Silla declare that they will fight against Baekje even at the cost of their lives!』

Yoo-Jin extended her hand with resolute words, sending the silk cloth in her grasp streaming forward.

At that moment, Oh Ji-Heon as Buyeo Gyogi and Park Myung-Hwan as Buyeo Yoong stood abruptly with icy expressions.

『The will of the Silla royal family is clear. As you wish... not even a blade of grass will be spared!』

The moment the two actors gritted their teeth exited the stage, Oh Bok-Hee's voice rang out, "Cut!"

With the shoot complete, the set erupted into cheers from the staff. They were astonished by Yoo-Jin's terrifyingly intense expression.

"Wow, as expected of Jung Yoo-Jin."

"Man... her gaze really carries that murderous intent."

"I was genuinely terrified."

Hearing the staff's glowing praise, I couldn't help but feel proud. After all, the acting prodigy Jung Yoo-Jin was my actress.

Feeling satisfied, I made my way to the parking lot.

It was now time to rescue Seo Hee-Joo from Ensemble Entertainment.

***

By the time I arrived in Seoul, it was past 11 p.m.

I had covered nearly one thousand kilometers today, leaving my body exhausted.

But I needed to act quickly to persuade Seo Hee-Joo so that Yeon Hwa-Seon could receive treatment for her brain tumor.

I reached Ensemble Entertainment located on a side street near Exit 7 of Gangnam Station and called Seo Hee-Joo using the number Yeon Hwa-Seon had provided.

But Seo Hee-Joo didn't answer.

"Is she still practicing?"

Late-night practices were common for trainees, so I parked in front of the building and sent a text, attaching a picture of my business card and stating that I would wait for her to come out.

Then, my phone buzzed.

[Caller ID: Seo Hee-Joo]

Seo Hee-Joo was calling me.

"Hello?"

However, the voice on the other end was a deep male voice.

-What business do you have with Hee-Joo?

The speaker was none other than Baek Jae-Ho, the president of Ensemble Entertainment. It seemed that Seo Hee-Joo's talent agent had informed him after seeing my message.

"Why are you answering her phone, Mr. Baek?"

-She's busy practicing. If you have something to discuss, talk to me.

"Then can we meet in person?"

-Come up to the fifth floor.

Hanging up the phone call, I got out of the car and headed toward the Ensemble Entertainment building to rescue Seo Hee-Joo from these fraudsters.