The file that Chief Choi Go-Yoon sent me was a photo showing Chief So Ji-Min from Singer Division 3 smiling and chatting with Bok Ah-Yung. So Ji-Min came from the same Gwanwoo Entertainment background as Yoon Dong-Gu. Seeing that woman there could only mean one thing—Yoon Dong-Gu had meddled again.

'Yoon Dong-Gu. So this is how you're playing it.'

Right now, Yoon Dong-Gu was anxiously waiting for Monday's disciplinary committee meeting. That was because I had already eliminated most of the weaknesses he held over the celebrities in Singer Division 4. Feeling increasingly cornered, he had secretly tried to scout the aspiring singer Bok Ah-Yung, hoping to use her to control Bok Seon-Ill, the last remaining connection in his division.

'Not happening, Yoon Dong-Gu.'

I was in the middle of working to get Yoon Dong-Gu fired, and I couldn't let this plan succeed.

So I gripped my phone tightly and said to Bok Seon-Ill, "I'll go meet with Ah-Yung right away."

Bok Seon-Ill nodded and gestured. "Yeah, okay. And when you see her, tell her I'm sorry for yelling earlier, will you?"

His affection for Bok Ah-Yung ran deep. Before his elderly parents stepped in to raise her, he had taken care of her alone when she was just a baby.

I nodded. "Understood. I'll be sure to tell her."

"Thanks. And Chief Jung, please... take care of me and Ah-Yung. You're the only one I trust."

I gave Bok Seon-Ill a deep bow, then stepped out of Recording Room 3. As I headed to the parking lot, I called Choi Go-Yoon, who was keeping watch over Bok Ah-Yung.

Before the ringtone even finished, he picked up.

"Mr. Go, do you have any idea what they're talking about?"

-I'm afraid I can't hear their conversation.

The timing couldn't have been worse. Bok Ah-Yung had gotten into a fight with Bok Seon-Ill that morning over her dream of becoming a singer. That made it impossible to predict what she might do out of rebellion. She had also just come of age, meaning she could sign a contract without needing parental consent.

Taking this into account, I quickly made a request of Choi Go-Yoon.

"Alright. I'm heading over. In the meantime, I need you to follow my instructions."

I asked him to buy me time so that So Ji-Min wouldn't get a chance to act on Bok Ah-Yung.

-Understood.

Then I made another call, this time to a different helper, to keep my identity concealed.

***

At the entrance of Yetterang Apgujeong branch, Bok Ah-Yung had just finished her morning shift and stepped outside the packed store for a break. That was when a woman in a black suit handed her a business card and asked if she had ever considered becoming a celebrity.

She checked the card, and the woman was none other than So Ji-Min from Singer Division 3 at Hoop Entertainment, the agency her eldest brother worked for. No matter how badly she wanted to be a singer, there was no way she would sign anything without the approval of the brother who loved her so deeply.

"No. I... I can't do anything without my big brother's permission," Bok Ah-Yung said as she handed back the card.

So Ji-Min didn't take the card back but smiled. "Not your dad but your brother? Is he that scary?"

"He's a bit uptight, but he's not scary. Still, I really can't do it without his okay."

"Hmm. You might regret passing up this offer. Are you sure about that?"

For a moment, a thought crossed Bok Ah-Yung's mind. Maybe if she got recognized by one of her brother's colleagues, she could convince him.

"Um... could I at least take a test? Just to see how skilled I really am?"

So Ji-Min smiled again. "Of course. In fact, every agency does that before a contract. If they don't, they're probably scammers. So come take a skill test, and maybe a camera test too. No pressure."

When scouting a kid who clearly wanted to be in the entertainment world, family opposition was guaranteed. But once the kid stepped foot in the agency, the chances of sealing the deal shot up to 90%. That was because talent agents had countless tricks for successful scouting.

"Alright. I'll go change out of my uniform."

"Okay."

Bok Ah-Yung smiled and turned to head back into the store.

Just then, a tall man in a hoodie approached her and So Ji-Min. "Ms. Bok Ah-Yung?"

Bok Ah-Yung stopped in her tracks. "Who... are you?"

The man gave a slight bow. "I'm Chief Choi Go-Yoon from Hayoon Entertainment. I saw your university band club's introduction video and came to find you. If you don't mind me asking, are you signed with any agency?"

Bok Ah-Yung was stunned. "Did you say Hayoon Entertainment?"

It was a company run directly by the daughter of the vice president of Daechon Inc. Not many people knew about it yet, but it was already rumored to be financially powerful as a partner in Project I.O.A.

And now, just like So Ji-Min warned, he was proposing a contract without even conducting a test. It was exactly what a scammer would do.

Bok Ah-Yung asked, "You came here to sign me without even a test?"

"I've seen your band club video and your performance at the Bucheon Youth Song Festival. Our internal review said you're ready to debut right away. That's why I came."

"Really?"

That was when So Ji-Min stepped in front of Bok Ah-Yung, bristling. "I was already talking to her about scouting. You can't just show up and pull this."

"What does it matter who talked to her first? What matters is who gets her to sign." Ignoring So Ji-Min, Choi Go-Yoon turned to Bok Ah-Yung. "Have you signed anything?"

"N-No."

He gave So Ji-Min a dismissive look. "Then the one just hanging around should step aside, don't you think?"

So Ji-Min shot back, "And who's just hanging around? I was planning to scout her after a proper test. And you call yourself a talent agent? I've never seen you before. How about showing me your business card?"

Choi Go-Yoon shrugged. "I don't have one on me right now."

"A talent agent without a business card, huh?"

"Yeah. I'm off today, so I didn't bring it."

So Ji-Min scoffed loudly. "Hah! Total scammer."

"What?"

"You're just using the fact that Hayoon Entertainment is a new agency to ride on the name and poach talent. Aren't you? Scammer!"

They were standing right in front of the Yetterang Apgujeong branch, packed with people. The word "scammer" instantly caught public attention.

"A scammer?"

"What's going on?"

"Looks like two agencies are fighting over that pretty girl to scout her. But one of them doesn't even have a business card."

"Wow, maybe he really is a scammer?"

As the crowd buzzed, Choi Go-Yoon just laughed louder. "Our executive is nearby. You'll find out soon enough whether I'm a scammer. But if I'm telling the truth, you'll owe me an apology."

So Ji-Min didn't respond to him. Instead, she turned to Bok Ah-Yung. "Ms. Ah-Yung, a talent agent without a business card isn't real. You follow him and something bad could happen. Come with me—"

Just then, a blazing red Ferrori pulled up to the curb in front of Yetterang Apgujeong.

Screeeeech.

It was a Ferrori SF90 Stradale, priced near a billion won.

Men and women alike swooned over the sleek bodywork, and as the crowd gaped, the driver's side door opened with a click. The woman who stepped out of the car was wearing a pink suit. It was none other than Lee Ha-Yoon, the president of Hayoon Entertainment.

"Mr. Choi, did you get the contract?" asked Lee Ha-Yoon.

So Ji-Min's face went completely pale. She had been one hundred percent sure this was a scam, but now the third-generation chaebol herself, Lee Ha-Yoon of Hayoon Entertainment, had shown up to validate the man's claims.

"H-How... President Lee Ha-Yoon came here...?"

Lee Ha-Yoon furrowed her brow. "And you are?"

"I'm So Ji-Min, Chief of Singer Division 3 at Hoop Entertainment."

"Ah, Ms. So." Lee Ha-Yoon gave a small shrug and smiled with her eyes. "Yes. So? Is there a reason I shouldn't sign with Ms. Bok Ah-Yung?"

So Ji-Min clenched her teeth and shouted. "Sure, Hayoon Entertainment's been spending a lot lately, but the entertainment industry isn't that easy, Ms. Lee. You may not know because you lack experience in this field, but signing talents so recklessly is just throwing money out on the street."

Lee Ha-Yoon smiled sweetly. "I appreciate your concern for my finances, but I'm sure you know that even if this investment fails, it won't even leave a scratch on my wallet. Not that I think it'll fail, of course."

At that, the bystanders who had been watching the scene began to giggle.

-She said it won't even scratch her wallet. Pfft. Who is this woman, a chaebol?

-Obviously. She showed up in a Ferrori. What else?

-Wait, Hayoon Entertainment? Isn't that the company run by Vice President Kim Ae-Ryeon's daughter from Daechon Inc.?

-Then that must be Lee Ha-Yoon?

-Yeah. She looks really calm, but she says what she wants, huh?

-Wow, total chaebol energy.

Any resistance So Ji-Min tried to muster was instantly crushed. It was infuriating, but nothing worked in front of a third-generation chaebol's financial firepower.

"Damn it."

So Ji-Min turned to leave.

Just then, Choi Go-Yoon caught her by the wrist. "Hey. Aren't you forgetting something?"

With her face flushed red, So Ji-Min lowered her head halfway. "Sorry. Happy now? Let me go!"

It was barely an apology, but Choi Go-Yoon let her go with a smirk. He had only acted at Jung Yoon-Ho's request, and if Lee Ha-Yoon had shown up a bit later, it wouldn't have been wrong to call him a scammer.

"Alright. Off you go."

So Ji-Min spun around and quickly disappeared, already dialing someone on her phone.

-Hey, it's over.

Watching her go, Lee Ha-Yoon turned to look at Bok Ah-Yung, who stood there in a daze. "Ms. Ah-Yung, could we chat for a moment, just over there?" 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Bok Ah-Yung wanted to follow her. Nevertheless, she bit her lip and said, "Um... if I'm going to sign, I need my big brother's permission."

Lee Ha-Yoon glanced around and spoke in a low voice.

"I did my homework. I know you're Mr. Bok Seon-Ill's sister. And I know Mr. Bok is against you becoming a singer, right?"

Bok Ah-Yung flinched in surprise. "H-How do you know that?"

Lee Ha-Yoon pointed to the fifth-floor glass window of the building across the street. Bok Ah-Yung looked up. A man was waving at her from the window of the ROMEO café in the building across the road.

"I came here because Mr. Jung asked me to. He's so famous as the number one ideal type among female celebrities that he'd get recognized instantly, so he asked me to bring you to the café. And mind you, I'm a third-generation chaebol."

Bok Ah-Yung, staring at Lee Ha-Yoon's playful complaint, looked half out of her mind. Everyone knew Chief Jung Yoon-Ho was doing well in the entertainment world lately, but she never imagined he had enough pull to mobilize a third-generation chaebol.

***

From the full-length windows on ROMEO, Apgujeong's room cafe located on the fifth floor, the entire scene outside the Yetterang Apgujeong branch was clearly visible.

I had asked Lee Ha-Yoon to send an employee, but since she was nearby, she showed up herself and blocked So Ji-Min.

I saw Lee Ha-Yoon through the glass, talking on the phone.

-Mr. Jung. Ah-Yung said she's changing. I'll bring her over once she's out.

"Yes. Thank you."

-There's no need to thank me. You know this isn't free, right?

"Of course. I'll keep my end of the deal."

I had asked her a favor, and in return, I agreed to one of hers.

-Alright. See you soon.

As the call ended, I spotted Bok Ah-Yung hurrying back inside. While waiting for them to arrive, I checked the latest headlines. Jang Moon-Ki's article, "The Man Women Want to Marry Most," was still holding firm at the top of the entertainment section.

"When's this thing going to drop off...?"

Then, a call came in from President Jang Ji-Hye.

[Caller ID: Womans – President Jang Ji-Hye]

She must have decided which of the two cover versions Miso shot yesterday would go on the May issue of Womans. As I picked up, Jang Ji-Hye shouted excitedly.

-Chief Jung! I'm thinking of running both versions for the May cover. I just can't choose!

They both came out so well that Version A would be Hwaranjeon, and Version B would be Haze.

"Then will the freebies be the same for both covers?"

-Of course not!

"They won't?"

-I talked to Yetterang. They said if we expand Yoo-Jin's and your interview pages, they'll throw in the best freebies we've ever had. Especially if you lengthen your interview and hold some of their cosmetics.

"What?"

-This must be the power of being the man women want to marry most!

I had turned down their advertising request, so now they were coming at me from another angle. I considered refusing again, but if it was for Miso, I had no choice. I had to do it for the historic sales numbers of Miso's May cover!

"Understood. And while we're at it, how about adding interviews where the writers talk about Miso?"

-Are you talking about Writer Han Woo-Ju?

"Also Writers Lee Ji-Yeon and Kim Soll-Ip. If those three speak about her, it should generate some buzz."

-If it works out, I'd be so grateful!

"I'll check and get back to you."

-Deal!

I immediately called Miso via video to share the news.

[Video call in progress.]

On screen, Miso, Yoo-Jin, and the writers were all crowded around, eating cold buckwheat noodles[1]. Even after stuffing themselves with fried chicken last night, they had woken up and started slurping down an entire basin of noodles.

-Uncle Yoon-Ho! Hurry and come eat! These noodles are super good! Hehe!

Miso grinned wide, flashing her teeth. Except there was a piece of seaweed stuck in them.

I almost burst out laughing. Then Lee Ji-Yeon, twirling noodles with her chopsticks, called out.

-Yoon-Ho. If you don't come quick, we'll eat it all ourselves!

Gulp.

The noodles looked mouthwatering, but I couldn't give in.

"More importantly, about Womans..." I told them about the extra interview request and said clearly. "Since Miso is the cover model, please help her out."

Lee Ji-Yeon responded with a sly grin. She had seaweed from the buckwheat noodles stuck to her teeth too.

-Absolutely!

At that moment, both Writer Han Woo-Ju and Writer Kim Soll-Ip grinned wide, also with seaweed stuck in their teeth.

-Yes, of course!

"Thank you!"

Then Yoo-Jin chimed in with a smile.

-Oppa, don't worry. We saved some for you.

'Of course, Yoo-Jin. You're the best. Also... you've got seaweed too.'

Grinning to myself, I ended the call.

At that moment, I heard a knock on the door.

Knock knock.

"Mr. Jung! We're here."

Lee Ha-Yoon and Bok Ah-Yung had arrived at the room café.

***

Across from us sat Bok Ah-Yung and Choi Go-Yoon. Lee Ha-Yoon and I took the left-hand seats.

"Thank you, Mr. Choi. And thank you, Ms. Lee Ha-Yoon."

I offered my thanks, then turned to speak with Bok Ah-Yung. She was tall—172 cm—with long straight hair, a delicate frame, and her father's striking features. The moment she saw me, she burst out excitedly.

"Mr. Jung! It's such an honor to meet you!"

Bok Seon-Ill had said she was a sensitive child, but seeing her now, she was full of energy.

I smiled. "Honor? There's nothing to be honored about. I'm just a talent agent."

"Oh, come on. You're the most successful person in the industry right now. And the man women most want to marry!"

The impact of Jang Moon-Ki's article was clearly worse than I thought.

"Ahem. Let's put that aside and get to the real conversation."

"Ah, right! Why did you want to meet me, Mr. Jung?"

"I wanted to scout you, Ms. Ah-Yung."

Because Yoon Dong-Gu had made a move, I scrapped the original plan. I had to scout her immediately. If I scouted her, Everyday would promote her schedule right away.

Bok Ah-Yung's eyes widened. "You want to... scout me? Not Hayoon Entertainment?"

Lee Ha-Yoon shrugged with a smile beside her. "Personally, I'd love for you to come to Hayoon Entertainment. But if Mr. Jung is targeting someone, getting involved usually isn't worth the trouble."

I nodded and turned to Bok Ah-Yung. "That's exactly why I asked to meet you. And I apologize for not coming to pick you up myself. There were circumstances."

Bok Ah-Yung waved it off. "It's okay, Mr. Jung. That article about you probably drew a crowd to the store. Even the staff at my branch all knew about it!"

"Who on earth keeps spreading that nonsense?"

Lee Ha-Yoon cheekily stuck out her tongue, then replied with a smug expression. "Why? It's not like I lied."

I couldn't argue with Lee Ha-Yoon, not when she had dropped everything to help me today.

With a small sigh, I focused on Bok Ah-Yung. "That's not it. There really was a reason I couldn't show up myself."

"A reason?"

After a brief pause, I turned to Choi Go-Yoon and Lee Ha-Yoon. "Could I ask you both to give us a moment? I'll come to the next room as soon as we're done talking."

Choi Go-Yoon stood up first, brushing off his clothes. Lee Ha-Yoon smiled and followed.

"See you next door when you're done. Don't forget the favor you promised me."

I was curious about what a third-generation chaebol's favor might be, but for now, Bok Ah-Yung came first.

Click.

The door shut as they stepped out.

'Now it begins.'

Right now, Bok Seon-Ill was trying to keep the fact that he was Bok Ah-Yung's real father a secret, fearing she would be shocked. However, I intended to tell her the truth that Bok Seon-Ill was her biological father. Only then could we strip Yoon Dong-Gu of his leverage and stop him from manipulating Bok Seon-Ill.

So I started by explaining why I hadn't appeared in person earlier.

"The truth is, Mr. Bok Seon-Ill is being blackmailed by someone at the company. And the reason I didn't show up earlier was because that woman you saw—Chief So Ji-Min—is from Gwanwoo Entertainment. If she saw me, Chief Yoon Dong-Gu would've realized what was going on, so I had to send someone else."

At that moment, Bok Ah-Yung suddenly shot to her feet. Her reaction was unexpected.

"Blackmailed? Wait, did they find out about me and my brother? Is that what this is about?"

'What? She already knew? She already knew Bok Seon-Ill was her father?'

The very thing Bok Seon-Ill feared the most had already been resolved. This meant taking down Yoon Dong-Gu just got a whole lot easier.

'Well, this might go more smoothly than I thought.'

1. Cold buckwheat noodles ☜