Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 554: Na Tae-Yang (3)

In front of Director Jang Hoon of NEX Media Inc., I suggested CK Entertainment and LT Entertainment to Na Soo-Ji as possible distributors for Doppelgänger.

Na Soo-Ji blinked in surprise and asked again, just to be sure. "Y-You can really introduce us to CK and LT?"

I nodded. "Yes. I can even get it confirmed."

At that moment, Jang Hoon shouted in desperation. "Hey, Chief Jung! Isn't that a bit much? How the hell is a talent agent like you gonna secure a distributor, huh?"

Na Soo-Ji looked skeptical too, as it wasn't easy to get distribution from CK or LT. There were countless steps and a long wait before investment decisions were finalized.

"If you don't believe me, I'll just show you."

I didn't hesitate to call Shin Jong-Ki, the president of LT Entertainment. He picked up right away and gave an enthusiastic response.

-If it's Director Na Tae-Yang... I can greenlight up to 4 billion won.

Just like that, Shin Jong-Ki confirmed the investment and even promised distribution. Jang Hoon looked completely dumbfounded, like he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Alright, I'll be in touch soon, Mr. Shin."

-Sure. If it's a casting handled by you, I might even consider increasing the budget. Just reach out anytime.

Click.

I hung up and looked at Jang Hoon. His face was full of disbelief.

"H-How... how are you directly talking to Mr. Shin..."

I gave him a faint smile. "He's taken a bit of a liking to me."

Once they heard Shin Jong-Ki's promise, Na Soo-Ji's confidence surged and even Na Tae-Yang straightened his shoulders for the first time.

Since we had come this far, I decided to drive the nail all the way in.

"Oh, and now that we're at it, I should give the president of CK Entertainment a call too."

Right in front of Jang Hoon, to keep him from trying anything foolish, I called Son Hyung-Tae, the president of CK Entertainment.

As expected, Son Hyung-Tae also answered with enthusiasm.

-I'm good for up to 4.5 billion won. But isn't Director Na Tae-Yang tied to NEX? His sister works there too, right?

"Director Jang Hoon rejected the actor I'm backing and blew everything up. So now, both Mr. Na and Mrs. Na are free."

-NEX is really losing it. Picking a fight with you, Chief Jung... tsk tsk.

Though NEX Media Inc. had been on a winning streak, with its distribution market share rising to 12%, Son Hyung-Tae spoke as if the company was doomed simply for crossing me.

"Oh come on~ aren't you overestimating me a little?"

-There you go again. You're too humble, that's the problem.

Son Hyung-Tae laughed for a while and then asked, just in case.

-By the way, have you already talked to LT about this one too?

"Yes, it just sort of happened..."

-Oh really? Well, in that case, I'll invest more than LT no matter what, so work with me instead. How about it? Let's do Doppelgänger together, Chief Jung.

Although Son Hyung-Tae was enthusiastic, I gently backed off because this wasn't my decision to make alone.

"The final decision... will be made after consulting with the director. I'll get back to you."

Son Hyung-Tae sounded a bit disappointed.

-This... feels like a bad sign.

"Haha. Not at all. I just haven't had the chance to discuss it with the director yet."

-Alright then. Just get back to me as soon as you can.

"Will do."

After hanging up, I looked around. Jang Hoon was now completely silent, unable to say a single word.

"If you'd like to interfere, go ahead. But be ready to deal with the consequences. The presidents of LT Entertainment and CK Entertainment care just as much about their profits as you do."

Jang Hoon avoided my gaze and couldn't offer any comeback. Thanks to that, I turned to Na Soo-Ji and Na Tae-Yang with ease.

"Well then, shall we step out and choose a new distributor?"

And just like that, we left Jang Hoon alone in the restaurant and walked out.

As we strolled toward a nearby café, I said to them, "How about we all grab a soda?"

Na Tae-Yang responded with a wide smile. "I'd love that."

Na Soo-Ji grinned too. "For me, a soda and an iced Americano."

"Deal~!"

***

We arrived at XTX, a café near Hwaryong.

Na Soo-Ji chugged her soda, then gulped down her iced Americano with an excited voice. "Phew~ If I'd known it'd feel this good, I would've just worked with Mr. Jung from the start!"

Na Tae-Yang shivered slightly from the soda and spoke with gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Jung."

"There's no need to thank me. Now, just let me know which distributor you'd prefer—CK or LT."

"Got it."

At that moment, Na Tae-Yang cautiously asked, "Then... can we go ahead and cast Mr. Park Sang-Gyu as the lead in Doppelgänger?"

Since Park Sang-Gyu was my actor and I had opened the door to CK and LT, they were now leaning toward finalizing the lead without a live audition.

However, I shook my head.

"No."

Both of them looked puzzled. "Huh? Why not?"

"I do want Sang-Gyu hyung-nim to play the lead. But if we make that decision now, we'd be no different from Director Jang Hoon."

We had already received first-round video auditions from quite a few actors. Choosing the lead without further notice could trigger backlash due to fairness issues. And since the script turned out well, not just S-class actors but many others had also submitted auditions. Ignoring all those efforts could cause serious problems.

The best approach would be to hold live auditions and let Park Sang-Gyu win with his performance. Of course, I fully intended to help him win. If he were to beat S-class competitors and land the role, that alone could serve as powerful publicity for him.

Na Tae-Yang understood and nodded. "Alright. We'll hold on-site auditions as you suggested. The casting will be based purely on skill."

"That's what I was hoping for."

It wouldn't be easy, but I was confident that Park Sang-Gyu could outperform the others in a dual role.

Na Soo-Ji lowered her head slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Jung. Tae-Yang finally gets a chance to choose the right actor."

I gave her a wide grin. "Then... could I ask a small favor?"

"What kind of favor?"

"Could Mr. Na call my actor? Mr. Park Sang-Gyu's wife was in a vegetative state and regained consciousness today. In the midst of that, he still managed to film his audition. If the director personally told him he passed the first round and was invited to the live audition next week, it would mean the world to him."

Na Soo-Ji looked amazed. "He acted like that under those circumstances?"

"Yes. He's got an incredible mental game."

"Wow. That's seriously impressive."

Na Soo-Ji clicked her tongue in awe and turned to Na Tae-Yang.

"Tae-Yang, you have to call him. This is a must."

Na Tae-Yang nodded. "Yeah. I'll tell him he passed the video round and to come to the on-site audition next week, right?"

"Right. That'll be the best kind of congratulations for him right now."

"Got it."

Na Tae-Yang straightened up.

"All set."

I placed a video call to Park Sang-Gyu right away.

[Video Call In Progress]

On screen, Park Sang-Gyu was massaging Lee Sa-Yeon's hand.

-Oh, Yoon-Ho. What's up?

"Hyung-nim. I'm here with Mr. Na Tae-Yang. I'll pass you over. Please take the call."

-Wh-What? Mr. Na?

As Park Sang-Gyu stammered in surprise, Na Tae-Yang leaned toward the camera.

"You've passed the first round of the video audition, Mr. Park Sang-Gyu. I'll see you at the live audition next week. I look forward to an even better performance then."

When the director personally delivered the news, Park Sang-Gyu trembled with emotion and bowed his head, struggling to hold back tears. His mouth moved as if trying to say something, but no words came out.

"Oh, and by the way, please don't gain any weight. We'll be filming the villain role, Kang Chul-Min, first, and your current condition is perfect."

Though the live audition was still to come, he was already giving specific instructions. Park Sang-Gyu's performance must have left quite the impression.

Drip. Drip.

Thick tears streamed down Park Sang-Gyu's cheeks.

-I will absolutely do that.

"I'll see you next week."

With that, the final member of the original team, Faithful—Park Sang-Gyu—was ready to rise.

***

When I got home, I collapsed onto the third-floor living room couch without even washing up. Haru must have turned on the boiler ahead of time, because warmth had filled the entire room.

"Ah~ this feels amazing."

From the nonstop schedule that began on New Year's Day, my entire body felt drained. Finally, all seven members of Faithful were gathered. And now, even Park Sang-Gyu's wife had regained consciousness and he was on the verge of landing a lead role. A grin naturally spread across my face.

With my phone still in my right hand, I slowly spoke.

"Thank you... Everyday."

The names of the seven members of Faithful passed through my mind like a stream: Jung Yoo-Jin, Kim Sae-Ri, Yoo Eun-Ah, Lee Tae-Poong, Kang Ha-Na, Choi Deok-Bae, and finally, Park Sang-Gyu.

There had been countless dangers, but I made it this far thanks to Everyday.

Just as the corners of my mouth curled in joy, the door on the third floor opened, and Yoo-Jin and Miso walked in.

Clack!

It was now 8 p.m. They had come back to prepare for filming Hwaranjeon and The Foodie Nomads in the countryside. Their thick red and yellow puffer jackets showed they were dressed for the cold and probably stopped by to see me before leaving.

In their arms were Baekseolgi and Injeolmi, and Miso was even carrying a piggy bank under her left arm.

"Oppa~ we're back!"

"Uncle Yoon-Ho~~ were you busy?"

"Woof!"

"Meow~"

Matching Yoo-Jin and Miso's greetings, Baekseolgi and Injeolmi licked their tongues playfully and greeted me with barks and meows.

I sat up to welcome the two girls and the two animals. "Hey, you two. Getting ready to head to the set?"

"Yes!"

"It's cold, so make sure to bundle up. And take care of yourselves out there."

Both Yoo-Jin and Miso clenched their fists with determination.

"Of course!"

Then, the two pets in their arms began to fidget and cry.

"Woof woof!~"

"Meooow~"

While the girls were away, it was either Jung In-Ji downstairs or me who fed the pets. Maybe that's why both animals were trying to snuggle up to me.

Yoo-Jin and Miso placed Baekseolgi and Injeolmi down on the floor. Baekseolgi scurried over and jumped into my arms, panting with his tongue out.

"Woof woof!"

Next, Injeolmi walked over with her tail raised high and rubbed her cheek against my knee.

"Meeooow~"

Their overflowing affection made me smile without meaning to.

Yoo-Jin giggled and said, "It looks like Baekseolgi and Injeolmi love you more than they love us."

"All power stems from whoever feeds you!"

"True enough."

Miso giggled and also nodded.

Just then, I noticed Miso holding a small paper bag. "Miso? What's that?"

"Oh, right!"

Miso set the paper bag down.

"Heave-ho!"

Thump.

A dull sound followed and Miso pulled out a red piggy bank from the bag.

I tilted my head. "Huh? A piggy bank?"

"Yeah. Uncle Yoon-Ho, I want to use this to buy a gift for Princess Snow White Auntie."

"Princess Snow White Auntie?"

Yoo-Jin explained with a laugh. "She heard about it from Sang-Bong oppa earlier today that Mr. Park Sang-Gyu's wife woke up. So Miso started calling Sa-Yeon unnie 'Princess Snow White Auntie.'"

Miso chimed in brightly. "Yup! She's Princess Snow White!"

Because Lee Sa-Yeon had fair skin and had just awakened from her coma, it made sense that Miso nicknamed her after Snow White.

'When she fully recovers, I'll have to let Park Sang-Gyu and Lee Sa-Yeon know that he's the prince and she's the princess.'

Still, I was curious why Miso brought the piggy bank.

"But why the piggy bank?"

Miso responded proudly. "Because I heard Princess Auntie is still very sick. I want you to use this money to buy her a present."

Yoo-Jin pointed to the piggy bank and added, "Oppa, this is all the money Miso saved up from her daily allowances and running errands."

Miso puffed her chest out with pride.

Grateful for her kind heart, I patted her head. "Wow~ You saved your allowance just to buy a gift? That's amazing, Miso."

When I praised her, Miso grinned shyly. "Hehe."

"Miso, what kind of gift do you think we should buy?"

She touched her temple with her finger and thought for a moment. Then, she clapped her hands as if something came to mind. "A pillow!"

"A pillow?"

Miso started gesturing animatedly. "Like, um... Mom, how do I explain this? I saw it on TV... it goes like... behind your neck and goes zzzzt~ massage massage~ and moves!"

Yoo-Jin giggled and answered. "A massage pillow."

"Ah, that's it!"

Miso confidently put her hands on her hips.

"A massage pillow!"

She figured that if they gave Lee Sa-Yeon a massage pillow, it might help her recover faster. Miso's kind heart really touched me.

"Alright. We'll make sure she gets one."

"Yay~~"

As I accepted the piggy bank, Yoo-Jin gently took Miso's hand. "Oppa, we're heading out for the shoot now. See you next week."

"Uncle Yoon-Ho, bye~"

I hugged Baekseolgi and Injeolmi and waved to the girls. "Good luck today."

Baekseolgi and Injeolmi barked and meowed right beside.

After seeing them off, I fed Baekseolgi and Injeolmi, then laid out a blanket in the living room and lay down.

Listening to Baekseolgi's soft snoring and Injeolmi's purring, I slowly drifted into a deep, sweet sleep.

***

After signing Park Sang-Gyu, the next two days flew by in a blur of weekend chaos.

It was January 11th, Monday, 5 a.m. As I woke in the early morning, headlines from the past two days were still flooding the entertainment pages.

[Golden Music Disc "Digital Song of the Year": Cherry Blossom's 'Hurry Up!']

- Cherry Blossom had an incredible year in 2020.

Dressed in elegant Chanelly gowns, the four stunning girls ultimately claimed the grand prize. Their uplifting 'Hurry Up!' had lifted the spirits of a weary nation, and their emotional 'My First Love Story' continues to top the charts...

[Golden Music Disc "Rookie of the Year": Kang Ha-Na – 'A New Beginning']

- A failed idol becomes a top-tier singer-songwriter.

Audiences were captivated by Kang Ha-Na's charming voice. She also snagged the "Best Duet" award with Kim Jong-Hoon for 'Soul Fire.' Her next song is already highly anticipated.

[Cherry Blossom Sets Record: 12 Weeks at #1 on Music Shows, Concludes Promotions]

- Cherry Blossom made history as the first to achieve this milestone since the format change. They stepped down after a 12-week streak at #1, now undeniably top-tier stars

...

[Golden Music Disc "Best Trot Award": Lee Mal-Soon – 'Trust Noona Once!']

-A dazzling comeback for veteran Lee Mal-Soon.

Behind her rise once again was none other than star talent agent, Chief Jung Yoon-Ho. Known as "the Midas touch," Chief Jung was credited by Lee Mal-Soon herself for making her win possible.

...

Cherry Blossom, Kang Ha-Na, and even Lee Mal-Soon all made the headlines. Thanks to the music festivals over the weekend, it wasn't just the artists who were having dreamlike moments. I was, too.

Because of that, I wasn't even feeling the usual Monday blues for the first time in ages.

The time was now 5:30 a.m. I finally got up and headed to the bathroom to shower.

Today was the day of the long-awaited merger ceremony with Gwanwoo Entertainment. It was scheduled for 7 a.m., in the basement auditorium of Hoop Entertainment, serving as both the New Year's kick-off ceremony and the merger celebration.

Only essential personnel were sent out for external work, and all team leads and above were required to attend.

But just as I was heading to shower, I got a buzz.

[Notification: Fortune of the Day has been updated.]

Seeing the alert, I opened up Everyday.

"Of course."

As expected, another wild day awaited me.

Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om