Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 533: Backside (3)

Kim Bu-Ho started his business at a fruit and vegetable shop called Daechon Market, and over several decades, he built Daechon Inc., focusing on distribution and department stores.

Later, he expanded into chemicals, construction, hotels, and oil-related businesses, elevating Daechon Inc.'s rank to 17th in the business world. Currently, he held the position of honorary president and had stepped back, but he was someone who could easily resume the role of president whenever he wished. He was also a hometown sunbae and lifelong rival of President Hong Moon-Gyu of HK Inc.

Because of this, even Kim Ae-Ryeon showed no fear of HK Inc. and had offered me the banquet hall at Daechon Hotel.

However, Kim Bu-Ho was someone I was uncomfortable with. After all, I played the biggest role in getting his eldest daughter, Kim Ae-Ja, arrested. Fortunately, thanks to Kim Ae-Ryeon lending me a hand, Kim Bu-Ho still did not know that I was involved in that matter. But once he learned the truth, he would no doubt unleash all his fury on me.

I asked, "Does Mr. Kim know I was involved in Kim Ae-Ja's arrest?"

"No, not at all. Why would I do something to get scolded? I made sure my sister only knows it as something the media did as well, so don't worry."

However, no secret lasts forever in this world. I couldn't let my guard down.

"Then why does he want to see me?"

"Beats me. He didn't even tell me, but one thing's for sure—Dad has high expectations. I bragged a lot about you, Chief Jung."

There was a feeling from her smile that something good might happen. Yet, no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't figure out why Kim Bu-Ho wanted to see me. Although I knew about Kim Bu-Ho, I had only met him a handful of times before the regression.

At that moment, Kim Ae-Ryeon's phone rang. After answering, she nodded and ended the call. "Dad's here. Shall we go up?"

Since I was already at Daechon Inc., I figured I should meet him.

"Understood. Let's go."

I left the vice president's office with Kim Ae-Ryeon.

*** fгeewebnovёl.com

We went up to the 50th floor, the highest floor of Daechon Inc.'s headquarters.

The hallway was covered with luxurious carpets and the walls were lined with famous paintings. It felt as if I were in an art museum on the way to the president's office.

When we arrived at the office, a secretary greeted us with a polite bow. "He is waiting for you."

Kim Ae-Ryeon asked, "Is the chief secretary with him?"

Go Dong-Han, the fifty-three-year-old chief secretary, was like a shadow who followed Kim Bu-Ho everywhere.

The secretary nodded. "Yes, he is with him."

"Alright."

Kim Ae-Ryeon and I walked through the door the secretary opened for us. The spacious office on the 50th floor was decorated like a noble's mansion drawing room straight out of a movie.

Kim Bu-Ho was sitting on the sofa in a suit, waiting for us. Standing next to him was Go Dong-Han.

"Dad, we're here."

Kim Bu-Ho slowly stood up. He had a skinny frame and a height of over 180 cm. Even at the age of 76, his back was as straight as a young man's, and his eyes remained sharp, belying his age.

With a gentle voice, Kim Bu-Ho closely observed me from head to toe. "We finally meet, Chief Jung Yoon-Ho."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Kim."

Kim Bu-Ho withdrew his gaze and extended his right hand. "Since we've met, let's shake hands."

"It's an honor, sir."

When I grasped his hand, I could feel his hardened calluses.

Despite his neat appearance, dressed in fine clothes as if he had never struggled a day in his life, he was someone who had survived countless brushes with death. After losing his parents in the Korean War and becoming an orphan, he had to do whatever it took to survive.

Kim Bu-Ho chuckled and said, "You really did train at a high level. I can feel unusual strength in your hand."

"Oh, my apologies. I must have gripped too hard."

"No, it's fine. It's a sensation I haven't felt in a long time."

After the handshake, Kim Bu-Ho smiled and gestured for me to sit on the sofa. Once seated, he smiled and spoke up. "I hear Chief Jung is the hottest in the entertainment industry these days."

"You flatter me."

"It's not flattery. From what I've looked into, every word is true."

Though the conversation started lightheartedly, I was curious about what he really wanted to say.

Sensing my gaze, Kim Bu-Ho smiled faintly and finally revealed why he had called me. "Actually, Daechon is planning to enter a new business. That's why I called you."

"What kind of business are you referring to?"

"Entertainment. And I want you to lead it."

"You're saying Daechon Inc. is entering the entertainment business?"

"Yes. And as for capital... Let's say about a hundred billion won. What do you think? Would you like to become the president of Daechon Entertainment?"

Unexpectedly, an enormous offer had landed in front of me.

***

Daechon Inc. was a conglomerate based on department stores and distribution, branching into hotels, resorts, construction, chemicals, and various other industries.

Since there was little room for further expansion domestically, they had recently been pushing into Asian markets. The problem, however, was brand recognition in these countries. As Daechon Inc. was focused mainly on distribution, few people abroad were familiar with the company.

To overcome that weakness, they had acquired the fifth-largest food company in the country to strengthen their brand, but they were still fairly unknown to the public. Thus, they were now looking to establish an entertainment company to boost branding.

The idea was that once their actors and singers gained popularity, Daechon's name would naturally spread as well. But with a capital of a hundred billion won, it was an overwhelming amount just to start an entertainment company.

'With a hundred billion, this won't stop at just entertainment.'

If an entertainment company started with such capital, it would cause a major shake-up in the industry. And given the nature of conglomerates, it would undoubtedly expand further. It would evolve into a media conglomerate that directly produces dramas and films, just like the business Top Entertainment was running before my downfall in my previous life.

Kim Bu-Ho wanted to entrust me with such a massive venture, but I had never forgotten one universal truth.

'There's no such thing as a free lunch.'

I took a deep breath to calm myself. Kim Bu-Ho was not the type to give away anything without reason. No matter how much I grew the company, he would surely take it back one day.

More importantly, I had no intention of leaving Hoop Entertainment.

I was only twenty-eight years old now, with plenty of time ahead. So, I believed that one day, I would achieve something just as significant within Hoop Entertainment. That was why I decided to turn down Kim Bu-Ho's incredible offer.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not the right person for that."

Kim Bu-Ho smiled and replied. "No, that's the wrong answer. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes, you must grab it quickly. That's how life works. So, I'll give you another chance. Will you accept my offer?"

Kim Bu-Ho spoke as if his words were absolute, but I knew better. During the time I awaited death before my regression, I realized that how one succeeded was far more important than how much they succeeded.

I answered him with a calm smile without blinking an eye. "That may be how you live your life, sir, but I have my own way of living."

Kim Bu-Ho tilted his head. "That's strange. From everything I've seen of you so far, it's clear you aim for higher places. So why refuse such a great opportunity? Isn't Hoop Entertainment too small to fulfill your ambitions?"

"A company can always grow. And I want to see the results with the people I want to work with."

Kim Bu-Ho's eyes gleamed. "Your ambition is admirable, but do you really think the world is that simple? Maybe luck helped you rise until now, but from here on out, you'll face a whole new world. I'd say Hoop will soon be met with so much resistance that it'll be hard for it to grow any further."

His tone carried the weight of someone speaking from experience. However, I had already experienced it firsthand and had even regressed.

I calmly met his gaze and replied, "When you started Daechon Market and people told you it was too small to realize your ambitions, what did you say back then?"

Kim Bu-Ho flinched. It must have been a phrase he heard countless times while building his company. They must have told him to give up because he was trying to break a rock with an egg, but Daechon Inc. now existed because he broke that rock with that egg.

"You got me there. Haha," Kim Bu-Ho chuckled. "So, do you think you can follow in my footsteps?"

I answered, "They say everyone has their own path. I'm just following mine."

At that moment, Kim Bu-Ho suddenly burst into loud laughter. Eventually, he calmed down and spoke. "Ahem. Pardon me for laughing. But you're right. Everyone has their own path. If I offended you, I apologize. Let's forget my offer and get along well. After all, we'll be in the same business, won't we?"

It wasn't my intention, but thankfully, I had earned a favorable response from Kim Bu-Ho—although that might change once he finds out the truth about Kim Ae-Ja.

"Understood, Mr. Kim."

"Then let's go ahead and schedule the L.M.L fashion show we discussed last time."

I called Lee Yung-Ah. When I proposed holding the L.M.L Black Label show at Daechon Department Store, she gladly accepted.

-If you set up a stage at Daechon Department Store, we'd be grateful. And if you could also arrange for us to have a proper boutique there, that would be even better.

"Let's do that. But in return, Jung Yoo-Jin has to be the main model, CEO Lee."

-Of course, Mr. Kim.

"Good. Then let's hold the show at the department store after Hwaranjeon airs."

Roughly, the schedule for L.M.L's Black Label show was set. After ending the call, I chatted briefly and then left the office.

With the venue issue for the production presentation settled, it was time to meet Oh Bok-Hee.

***

After Jung Yoon-Ho left, Kim Ae-Ryeon returned to the president's office. Though there were plans to establish Daechon Entertainment, it was only a plan with nothing concrete yet, as it had never been intended to push forward so aggressively.

"Dad, why did you suddenly say you're establishing Daechon Entertainment? And with a capital of a hundred billion won? You never mentioned that."

Kim Ae-Ryeon raised her voice, but Kim Bu-Ho just smiled. "Haha. That kid... he's something else."

"Excuse me?"

"His eyes were so steady, I just had to push him. I wanted to see how he'd react."

"Still, don't you think you went too far?"

"Not at all. If I hadn't, he never would've shown his true colors."

Kim Ae-Ryeon knew better than anyone that her father was an expert at appraising value. And beyond objects, he was even better at evaluating people. So she was curious how highly her father valued Jung Yoon-Ho.

Kim Ae-Ryeon asked, "So, what do you think?"

"Didn't you see? He could easily handle running a company with a hundred billion won in capital. Maybe even more."

Kim Ae-Ryeon was visibly surprised. After all, she had never seen her father give anyone such praise. "Is he really that capable?"

"Yes. I don't know what kind of life he's led, but his depth is completely different. Not to mention his guts. I never thought a twenty-eight-year-old would stand in front of me without flinching... Haha. This is what makes life fun."

After laughing heartily, Kim Bu-Ho's eyes sharpened.

"But now, I want him."

"So what are you going to do?"

"I have to get him. Seems like Jin Ah-Ram from Jinseong has his eyes on him too, and I don't want to lose him."

At that moment, Kim Ae-Ryeon realized exactly what her father was implying. There was only one way to secure someone like Jung Yoon-Ho, who didn't chase after money and was still unmarried.

"You're not thinking of pairing him with Ha-Yoon, are you?"

Kim Ae-Ryeon's daughter, Lee Ha-Yoon, was twenty-three years old this year. And she was as beautiful as Jin Ah-Ram, who was known for her stunning looks.

"That's right. Ha-Yoon is twenty-three years old this year, isn't she? And that young man is twenty-eight years old, so they're a perfect match."

"Dad, she's still very young. And you promised to send her abroad for further studies after she graduates."

"If things go well with him, they can go together. Think carefully. I can guarantee you won't find another one like him in his twenties."

The more Kim Ae-Ryeon thought about it, the more she realized she wasn't as opposed to the idea as she had expected. After all, what Jung Yoon-Ho had achieved in just a few months was nothing short of remarkable. After some thought, Kim Ae-Ryeon agreed with her father's idea. Considering Jung Yoon-Ho's looks and abilities, it didn't seem like a bad match.

"Alright. I'll discuss it with my husband and Ha-Yoon, and we'll see how it goes."

"Do that. But from what I know, Ha-Yoon will probably jump at the chance. She's got a personality just like yours."

"Well, despite how she looks, she is quite ambitious."

"So you know that too, huh? Haha."

An unexpected plan was taking shape inside Daechon Inc. without Jung Yoon-Ho's knowledge.

***

After leaving Daechon Inc., I headed straight to MBS.

While parking in the basement, I spotted fans lined up in front of the MBS' Show! Music Center studio entrance. Among them, I saw the Hoengseong Girls High School girls, members of Cherry Blossom's fan club, managing other fans in line.

Nearby, Cha Eun-Sol had set up a large camera on a tripod while waiting for Cherry Blossom to arrive.

Today, Cherry Blossom was aiming for their eleventh consecutive first-place win on a music show with 'My First Love Story.'

"Everyone, stay in line!"

"Don't cross the line!"

While barking orders, Sung Ji-Yeon noticed me and waved. "Oh~ Mr. Jung! You're here early."

"I see you're working hard. When are the girls arriving?"

"They'll be here in about five minutes."

"Got it. Thanks for your support today. And if needed, use the card I gave you."

I had given Sung Ji-Yeon a corporate card just in case because sometimes, we needed to do reverse fan service on-site.

"Of course!"

"Okay. Good luck!"

"Good luck to you too!"

After greeting the rest of the Hoengseong Girls High School girls and Cha Eun-Sol, I headed to the drama division. First, I needed to resolve the venue issue caused by HK Inc.

When I arrived at Oh Bok-Hee's office, I reported that I had secured the Daechon Hotel for the Hwaranjeon production presentation.

Hearing that the venue was now twice as large, Oh Bok-Hee let out a sigh of relief. "The grand banquet hall at Daechon Hotel? That's even better!"

"Yes. It's near the original H Hotel location as well. But we should still be cautious for a while. President Hong Seok-Joon is targeting me."

"It's alright. Once the drama airs, we can cover for that."

While editing Hwaranjeon, Oh Bok-Hee was confident it would be a hit. Given her reputation for never compromising on drama quality, her confidence was as good as a guarantee of success.

Then, the door to the PD's office burst open.

"PD Oh! Oh? Chief Jung, you're here too!"

It was Ryu Han-Joon, the CP of Hwaranjeon. As he rushed in, his face was pale and drenched in sweat.

Ryu Han-Joon shouted, "This is bad! Real bad! Did you hear? HK Inc. pulled all their ads from the slots before and after our drama!"

'Exactly as I had expected.'

Watching the flustered Ryu Han-Joon, I calmly replied, "Don't worry. I've already secured new advertisers."

"Advertisers? From where?"

I smiled broadly and began naming the new sponsors who would replace HK. At that moment, everyone's eyes widened.

It was far beyond what they could have imagined.