I was currently serving as the chief of Actor Division 4, overseeing a few singer teams under me and running things under the name "Division Jung." And now they were asking me to take over Singer Division 4 entirely.

"Me? Head of Singer Division 4?" I asked back.

Bok Seon-Ill nodded. "Yes, Chief Jung. No, Yoon-Ho. I'd like you to take charge of our Division 4 singers as well and manage them."

"I've been swamped lately. I've delegated most of the work already."

There had been too much going on recently, so Team Lead Eun Ji-Yoo and Team Lead Baek Hee-Yung had been handling most of the singer division work. Even with Project I.O.A., I only showed up on broadcast days. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

As for the issue between Bok Seon-Ill and Bok Ah-Yung, I had stepped in because of Chief Yoon Dong-Gu. If not for that, I wouldn't have even dared to get involved.

At that moment, Jeon Tae-Mi cut in. "Even with how busy you are, you made Cherry Blossom, Kang Ha-Na, Seo Yeon-Woo, Project I.O.A, and even Treviang all succeed. So just do that much for us too. Okay? Can't you just check in on us once in a while?"

Then Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon chimed in through video call.

-Yes. We're not asking for much. We just want to be under you, Mr. Jung.

-That's right. Leave everything else as it is and just look after us occasionally.

Bok Seon-Ill also spoke up, earnestly asking for a favor. "Yeah. We'll handle everything as usual. So just check in on us from time to time."

'From time to time? That's easy to say. But when is it ever just from time to time?'

Even checking in on one person occasionally nearly killed me.

Then Kang Gam-Chan looked at me and pleaded. "Chief Jung, if you need more people, I'll assign them to you. Why not take it on? You're only overseeing overall management anyway and leaving the detailed work to the team leads, aren't you?"

Kang Gam-Chan knew better than anyone how busy I was because of Yoo-Jin and the members of Devoted. Yet the fact that he kept pressing meant there had to be a reason. I figured it would be better to agree for now and look into the situation later.

I was just about to say yes.

That was when Chief So Ji-Min from Gwanwoo Entertainment stepped forward in opposition. "I'm sorry, Mr. Seon-Ill and everyone else. You're not even the entirety of Singer Division 4. You can't just decide on the chief position like this."

Bok Seon-Ill and the singers frowned, but So Ji-Min ignored them and continued protesting to Kang Gam-Chan.

"Mr. Kang. I apologize, but if you decide executive-level appointments based on the opinions of entertainers, how are we working-level staff supposed to do our jobs without feeling uneasy?"

Kang Gam-Chan looked at her incredulously. "What? Uneasy?"

"Yes. I know this may be blunt, but when we work, there are times we have to move in the company's interest even if our stars are dissatisfied. But if you make personnel decisions based solely on the stars' opinions, who's going to take on the dirty work and risk being disliked by entertainers? Everyone will just read the room and avoid doing real work."

"Hahaha. And so?"

"What I mean is, please recognize the efforts of the talent agents who have worked hard all this time. If Chief Jung takes over Singer Division 4 as well, then aren't you basically telling Team Lead Choi Song-Min and Team Lead Ahn Gyu-Hee to leave the company?"

"So what you're saying is that Team Lead Choi should become chief?"

"Not necessarily, but he is first in line."

At that moment, Baek Sung-Beom, the chief of Actor Division 5, joined in, trying to promote the former Gwanwoo Entertainment talent agents to chief positions.

"There is merit to Chief So Ji-Min's point. Besides, we don't even know whether Berry Six and the other singers Chief Yoon brought in share the same opinion as the Singer Division 4 artists here."

Kang Gam-Chan was about to respond but instead turned to me. "What do you think about all this, Chief Jung?"

I answered so quickly it was like I had been waiting for that question. "There is merit to the argument that the talent agents' efforts should be recognized."

Kang Gam-Chan's expression dimmed slightly. "I see..."

Just then, I gave a small smile and continued. "Yes. In that case, how about leaving the decision of whether I take over Singer Division 4 to Mr. Choi Song-Min and Ms. Ahn Gyu-Hee, who has led Singer Division 4 until now? Of course, that's on the premise that both team leads remain in their current positions."

Choi Song-Min was someone with a strong hunger for success, and Ahn Gyu-Hee had quite a strong desire for money. Still, despite those ambitions, both of them had decent character and were quick on the uptake, so I decided to take the gamble. If the two of them chose me, I would accept the position as the chief of Singer Division 4.

Everyone looked stunned, especially Choi Song-Min and Ahn Gyu-Hee. They seemed genuinely surprised that I intended to keep them in place.

In that instant, So Ji-Min and Baek Sung-Beom shot the two team leads sharp looks, silently urging them to refuse.

Nevertheless, Choi Song-Min ignored those looks and turned to me. "Mr. Jung."

"Yes?"

"Will you guarantee autonomy for each team?"

"You've seen how freely Division Jung operates. I imagine it would be far more autonomous than it is now."

"I know. But song selection and core promotional strategies aren't autonomous, are they? Since you're busy, could you at least leave those decisions autonomous for Singer Division 4?"

After asking his question, Choi Song-Min stared at me intently. I knew it was a battle of wills, but I smiled as I answered. After all, he was someone I intended to bring under my wing.

"If you want full authority, shouldn't you outperform me first?"

'Produce better results than I did.'

If he could do that, I told him I would acknowledge complete autonomy.

For a moment, Choi Song-Min glared at me in silence, then finally let out a deep sigh. "Damn it. Fine! I'll surpass you, Mr. Jung. But until then, please take charge of Singer Division 4 and push me hard. Make me grow fast!"

As expected, he had realized that he could achieve even greater success under me.

"I'll work you to the bone. And then please, take the chief position from me."

"Understood!"

That made one. Next was persuading Ahn Gyu-Hee.

But as soon as Choi Song-Min gave in, a shocked So Ji-Min shouted in protest. "Hey! Team Lead Choi! Are you really going to do this?"

Choi Song-Min casually picked at his ear. "Why not? I've made my decision. If you want to argue, take it up with my chief now. Why are you yelling at a team lead from another division?"

So Ji-Min looked flustered by the sudden change in attitude. "T-Team Lead Choi. I've looked out for you all this time..."

"We're the same age. When did you start treating me like a hoobae just because you joined earlier? Looked out for me? Don't say weird things."

So Ji-Min's mouth snapped shut.

Then Ahn Gyu-Hee, smiling brightly, asked the very question I had expected. "Mr. Jung~ Then I have one question."

I nodded. "Go ahead."

"In that case, can each team in Singer Division 4 receive incentive distributions just like Division Jung does now?"

Under DIvision Jung, part of the settlement amount generated by the artists after expenses was shared between the chief and the team leads.

"I can't promise the 2% that comes directly from the artists, since that's voluntarily given by them. But you'll receive the same 1% preserved at the company level, as well as the portion I contribute from Division Jung."

"Really?"

Right on cue, Bok Seon-Ill spoke up. "If Chief Jung takes over Singer Division 4, I'll contribute 2% of my settlement as well. If Chief Jung is in charge, our net profits will soar anyway. What's another 2%?"

Jeon Tae-Mi quickly chimed in. "Me too. If Chief Jung becomes our chief, of course I'll give it."

On the video call, Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon answered as well.

-Us too.

The artists were talking about hitting 20 billion won in revenue this year and were willingly offering to share 2% of their settlement amounts.

At that, Ahn Gyu-Hee answered in a bright voice. "Then I'm all for Mr. Jung taking over Singer Division 4. And honestly, I've always liked you, Mr. Jung."

Baek Sung-Beom looked incredulous. "Ahn Gyu-Hee, since when did you like Chief Jung that much?"

"Oh my? Mr. Baek, why are you making things up? I've always loved the number four and the character Jung, you know? Of course, the incentives are nice too. And... to be honest, Mr. Yoon who went off to the U.S. was such a cheapskate. I didn't like him."

At Ahn Gyu-Hee's blatant betrayal, So Ji-Min's anger exploded. "Hey! It hasn't even been that long since Chief Yoon went to the U.S., and you're already badmouthing him? Are you really going to be that disloyal?"

"I'm the one who doesn't get it. Ms. So. Why are you defending someone who isn't even with our company anymore? And honestly, whenever we had company dinners with Chief Yoon—no, Yoon Dong-Gu—it was always pork belly. But with Division Jung, it's always premium Hanwoo. Do you know how much I love Hanwoo?"

'Excuse me. That was because of Ran-Hee. We didn't only eat Hanwoo. We had chicken and pork belly too...'

I wanted to shout that out, but this was definitely not the atmosphere for it.

As the argument dragged on, Kang Gam-Chan swiftly put an end to it. "Okay! From this moment on, Chief Jung Yoon-Ho will also take charge of Singer Division 4. And if any of the Berry Six members, Singer Division 4 artists, or staff want to move to another division, I'll allow it."

By addressing even the unspoken concerns, Kang Gam-Chan left no room for anyone from Gwanwoo Entertainment to object further. And just like that, I ended up managing Singer Division 4 as well, now that Yoon Dong-Gu was gone.

At the same time, Everyday notified me that the Singer Division 4 artists had registered their intent.

[Everyday V13]

[Notification: Bok Seon-Ill has become a managed artist under Jung Yoon-Ho.]

[Notification: Jeon Tae-Mi has become a managed artist under Jung Yoon-Ho.]

[Notification: Oh Ji-Seon has become a managed artist under Jung Yoon-Ho.]

[Notification: Sung Hee-Yeon has become a managed artist under Jung Yoon-Ho.]

Only then did it truly sink in.

'Unified Division 4 Chief Jung Yoon-Ho.'

That was my new title.

***

Led by Vice President Kim Gwan-Woo, So Ji-Min of Singer Division 3 and her team leads, along with Baek Sang-Beom of Actor Division 5 and his team leads, stormed out of the meeting room in frustration.

Bok Seon-Ill and Jeon Tae-Mi followed after them, saying we would meet again soon before heading back to the hospital. The chiefs and team leads of Hoop Entertainment congratulated me on becoming the Unified Division 4 Chief and then stepped outside as well.

Afterward, Choi Song-Min and Ahn Gyu-Hee of Division 4, who had suddenly become traitors to Gwanwoo Entertainment, approached me. But unlike the talent agents from Gwanwoo Entertainment, their expressions weren't dark.

"Mr. Jung, what should we do now?"

At Choi Song-Min's question, I told them the first thing that needed to be done. "First, go to the Singer Division 4 staff and ask their intentions. Bring only those who want to work under me."

Choi Song-Min tilted his head. "Wouldn't it be better to have more people on our side?"

"No. I only want to work with people who share the same direction as I do. And even if not a single person follows us, that's fine. The two of you are enough for me."

At that moment, unexpectedly, Choi Song-Min and Ahn Gyu-Hee looked deeply moved.

'Huh? Why are they moved?'

Before I could even ask what had touched them, Choi Song-Min spoke excitedly. "Understood, sir! I'll let the team decide freely, and I'll move my things to the fourth floor right away. Ah, I'll also accompany Project I.O.A. to Yeongjongdo!"

Ahn Gyu-Hee, equally emotional, added, "Yes, Mr. Jung. I'll tell the staff to decide for themselves and pack up to move down immediately!"

The two of them bowed at a full ninety degrees and quickly rushed out of the meeting room.

Whoosh.

It felt like only the sound of the wind remained.

'Why are they acting like that?'

After everyone left, only Kang Gam-Chan, Director Kang Ji-Yung, and I remained in the meeting room.

Kang Gam-Chan approached me with a hearty laugh. "It seems everyone is falling for Chief Jung's charm."

"What did I even do?"

"What do you mean, what did you do? You changed their lives. Even if they didn't say it out loud, Team Lead Choi and Team Lead Ahn must have been extremely anxious. But when the company's top ace said he trusted the two of them, of course they were moved."

'Ah, so that was it.'

As I scratched my head, Kang Gam-Chan chuckled. "Oh, right. And I'm sorry for saddling you with an unexpected burden. In return, I'll assign Director Ahn Ye-Eum, Producer Kim Ae-Ran, the composers you brought in, and Ji-Yung here to support Singer Division 4. That way you can focus solely on Jung as it is now."

"That's a relief. But was there a specific reason I had to take over Singer Division 4 like this?"

Kang Gam-Chan's expression turned serious. "We've received information about the establishment of HK Entertainment, and their scale is no joke. To fight people like that, Hoop Entertainment needs to unite as one. I think you need to be the central axis."

It was just as expected. He wouldn't have made a request like that without a reason.

"Understood. But as you said, please make sure the support is solid. I'm already busy taking care of Yoo-Jin and the others."

"Of course. So..." Mid-sentence, Kang Gam-Chan suddenly placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'll be counting on you from here on out."

I didn't know just how large HK Entertainment was, but the hand resting on my shoulder trembled slightly.

At that moment, I firmly grasped his hand and replied, "Don't worry."

Even if it wasn't just HK Entertainment but the entire HK Inc. that came at us, as long as I was here, Hoop Entertainment would never waver.

Because I was the only regressor in this world protecting Hoop Entertainment.

***

Jinseong Resort in Yeongjongdo located in Incheon was centered around a five-star hotel with thousands of rooms. It was a massive integrated resort complete with a large-scale concert hall, a foreigner-only casino, a spa, a golf club, and even amusement rides.

But at present, due to a failed promotional strategy by former Jinseong Hotel & Resort President Jin Myung-Hee, it was running massive deficits, barely known to the public.

To turn that situation around, I had promised Chairman Jin Dae-Woon of Jinseong that I would promote the resort through Project I.O.A. and eventually transform it into a K-pop mecca. And now, I was on my way to Jinseong Resort in Yeongjongdo in a Binz Springer with Yoo-Jin, who was serving as a special MC for today's Project I.O.A., along with Lee Tae-Poong and Miso.

At that moment, Lee Dae-Ho, Lee Tae-Poong's cousin and talent agent who was driving, let out an impressive exclamation as he looked at the entrance. "Wow, this place is incredible right from the entrance."

On both sides stood massive marble pillars engraved with the letters JS, and between them hung an enormous banner.

[(Congratulations) Project I.O.A. Week 5 Broadcast (Celebration)]

[We wish all participants great success!]

Project I.O.A., which had begun with 132 contestants who passed the Korea-China-Japan preliminaries, now had 64 participants remaining across 16 teams. After today's competition, half of them would be cut, leaving 32 contestants across 8 teams. Since it was a 12-week program, the real race was about to begin and even my heart started pounding.

Just then, Yoo-Jin smiled brightly and looked at me with playful eyes. "Oppa, how's Han So-Won's condition? She was in Team 3 last week. She'll move up to Team 2 this week, right?"

As if to prove she was truly her daughter, Miso winked and asked as well. "Uncle Yoon-Ho, Na-Ra unnie is getting first place again today, right? Right?"

No matter how cute they acted, that was something I couldn't reveal.

"Beep. Classified information."

Yoo-Jin and Miso stomped their feet.

"Tell us!"

"Tell us, Uncle Yoon-Ho. Please? I'll give you ten Powertuff Girls stickers."

"Hey, Miso. That's not fair."

"Oppa, I'll buy you fried chicken."

Miso shook her head. "Mom, that's just what you want to eat."

Yoo-Jin stuck out her tongue. "You caught me? Hehe."

No matter how they tried to bribe me to reveal their favorite contestants' condition, I gave them a firm answer. "I'm not telling!"

Yoo-Jin and Miso booed playfully. "Booooooo~"

After a moment, Yoo-Jin finished teasing and asked me, "Oh, oppa. Watching [PROJECT : I.O.A], Eun-Seo seems to have changed a lot lately."

"Does she?"

"Yes. At first she was really prickly and seemed self-centered and aloof. But these days she looks like she's taking better care of the others around her."

"I think she changed a lot after helping Na-Ra during the anti-fan club incident."

"I want to see her in person."

"Let's drop by and see the girls before filming later. I'll introduce you then."

"Yes! That's awesome!"

"Uncle Yoon-Ho, me too!"

"Okay. You too, Miso."

"Yay!"

Just then, the hotel entrance came into view in the distance.

I turned to Miso in the back seat. "Oh, and you know you can only film until 10 p.m., right?"

Miso winked again and tried to act cute. "Uncle Yoon-Ho. Can't we secretly film longer? I want to be MC with Mom and Uncle Tae-Poong. Please?"

I made a sad face and answered, "Unfortunately, the country doesn't allow that. Good kids have to be asleep by then."

Minors weren't allowed to film past 10 p.m. When I reminded her of that, Miso replied with a dissatisfied expression.

"I'm not a kid..." Miso puffed out her cheeks, her lips jutting forward.

Her cheeks swelled up like a pufferfish. Ever since awakening as an actress, Miso had been insisting more often that she wasn't a child anymore.

Then, Yoo-Jin gently soothed Miso. "Why? I want you to stay a kid forever."

Pffft.

The air escaped from Miso's cheeks as her eyes widened. "Really?"

"Of course. That way Mommy can hold you like this."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yoo-Jin pulled Miso into her arms like a baby koala.

At that moment, Miso smiled shyly and burrowed into Yoo-Jin's embrace. "Then I'll stay a baby in front of Mom forever!"

"Really? Forever?"

"Yes! Forever!"

Yoo-Jin and Miso rubbed their cheeks together, giggling. Thanks to them, the Spriger van filled with warm laughter. As expected, no one calmed Miso better than Yoo-Jin.

A short while later, the car stopped at the entrance of the hotel's first-floor lobby.

Screech.

"We've arrived."

As I opened the door to step out, I noticed familiar faces waiting beyond the windshield. Acting President Jin Ah-Ram of Jinseong Hotel, President Jin Sung-Joon of Jinseong Foods, President Kim Gab-Soo of SBC, and CP Kang Dae-Woong of Project I.O.A. were all gathered together.

However, all of their expressions were dark for some reason.

'What's going on?'

I stepped out of the car, puzzled. "Why does everyone look so serious?"

At that moment, Kang Dae-Woong spoke on behalf of the group. "Sigh, Chief Jung. We've received word that HK Entertainment is targeting our broadcast."

HK Entertainment had finally begun to bare its sharp claws at me.