Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 417: Not On My Watch (2)

"First of all, spread the word discreetly. Tell people that the company is struggling financially after acquiring Gwanwoo Entertainment. Maybe even hint that Hoop Entertainment could go under."

Gu Seong-Cheol tilted his head. "Why would we do that?"

"If employees hear that the company might collapse, how likely are they to invest in employee stocks? No one wants to put their money into shares that could turn worthless overnight."

The strategy was simple: create a cloud of uncertainty. By seeding fear about the company's stability, I was confident we could discourage people from purchasing the 'employee shares' that Choi Man-Sik planned to distribute.

The volatility of entertainment stocks made this a plausible scare tactic. As expected, my explanation elicited a wave of grins from the team leads who began chuckling like villains in a movie.

"Hehehehe."

"Hahaha!"

Gu Seong-Cheol barely suppressed a laugh and said, "Ahem, so...we spread rumors to deter their side from buying stocks while our side quietly snaps them up. Is that it?"

"Exactly."

"When do we start?"

"After the Hwangryong Film Festival at the end of the month. Let the excitement from the festival die down first and that's when the rumors will have the most impact."

"Right before the year-end bonuses are distributed would be perfect."

"That's a great plan."

But there was one precaution.

"Make sure our people are informed ahead of time. If they fall for the rumors too, the plan will backfire."

"You can count on us! We'll handle that."

At that moment, Ju Yung-Hoon laughed the most mischievously before he chimed in. "Hehehe. Yoon-Ho, can we use your name for this?"

"My name?"

"Yeah. If we spread the word that you're not buying stocks, no one else will dare. Who'd want to invest in shares even 'Star Jung the Fortune Teller' is avoiding?"

It was a surprisingly effective idea. I smirked and nodded. "Then I'll publicly take a position against buying the stocks—for now."

"And we'll tell our people you'll buy eventually so they should get ready to invest."

With this plan in motion, we aimed to secure as much of the 30% employee stock allocation as possible.

It was moments like this that confirmed the value of working with trusted allies. In this life, I wasn't alone.

With my network of allies, whether it was Kang Gam-Chan leading the company, Seo Jae-Ill tracking Choi Man-Sik, or others like Choi Eun-Tae and Choi Yung-Ho countering Park Sang-Gon and Colonel Baek, I felt a sense of certainty.

Even Wang Long and his father were holding off Jiang Wei overseas for me.

This time, I was confident we could stop Kim Dong-Soo and Choi Man-Sik while safeguarding Hoop Entertainment.

***

After discussing our plans, I turned to the team leads. "That aside, how are preparations for Tae-Poong at the Hwangryong Film Festival coming along?"

The Hwangryong Film Festival set for late November would prominently feature Beyond the Boundary, the blockbuster film starring Lee Tae-Poong. The film had drawn an astounding 14.7 million viewers.

Its main competition was Fog Horde, a blockbuster by Director Kim Seok-Pil which attracted 10.2 million viewers. However, it was widely agreed that Beyond the Boundary had the edge.

Gu Seong-Cheol's smile faded slightly as he gave his report. "The online voting wrapped up smoothly and we're currently lobbying the jury candidates."

The Hwangryong Film Festival used a weighted voting system with ten jury members each casting a vote and the public vote. Jury members were typically industry veterans such as film directors, editors, or network executives.

Gu Seong-Cheol explained that he had identified the likely jurors and started reaching out with a lot of late nights and drinking sessions instead of money. He also added jokingly that his liver was starting to have problems from too much drinking.

I bowed my head slightly. "Thank you for your hard work."

"Hard work? This is nothing. How could we not help after everything you've done this year? What kind of sunbaes would that make us?" Gu Seong-Cheol replied.

Oh Duk-Gu nodded and chimed in, "Exactly. You focus on moving forward. We've got your back."

Park In-Ki scratched his head and added, "I mean, how could I not repay you after you saved my neck?"

This camaraderie, which I had never heard of before in my past life, struck a chord deep within me. I was reminded of the immense impact my choices had on those around me.

Feeling a wave of gratitude, I stood and bowed deeply to the sunbaes working hard for Lee Tae-Poong's Hwangryong Film Festival's grand award. "In that case, I'll take care of all your hangover cures and energy drinks until the end of the year."

"Hahaha! Our youngest Team Lead is on the rescue for our livers!"

The room burst into laughter, making the mood light and victorious.

***

Meanwhile, Kim Dong-Soo sat in a secluded room at a café near Hoop Entertainment. With the room securely shut, he was on a burner phone call with Colonel Baek. "I wired you ten large. Confirm it."

-It's in. 1 billion won just arrived.

"Good. Then send me the first file immediately as promised!"

Kim Dong-Soo had sourced a new financier through Lee Gi-Cheol, currently incarcerated. Until Jiang Wei's funds became accessible, this new backer was his lifeline.

Kim Dong-Soo's arrangement involved introducing aspiring idol trainees and celebrities willing to enter "sponsorship arrangements" to elite patrons including business moguls, politicians, or entertainment executives. In return, he was able to make 1 billion won.

These high-profile clients always sought discreet relationships with rising stars, ensuring there was no shortage of demand. For this reason, finding new backers didn't seem to be an issue in the future.

Despite his disgust at the role he now played, Kim Dong-Soo knew this was necessary to stay afloat until he could regain his footing at Hoop Entertainment. To secure S-class actors for his comeback to Hoop Entertainment, he needed the sensitive information in Colonel Baek's X-FILES.

At that moment, Kim Dong-Soo received a notification.

[Email from COLONEL_100 has arrived.] Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Kim Dong-Soo opened the file cautiously and muttered a warning. "If this is useless, you'll regret it."

-Don't waste time talking. Just check it. And remember, have the advance ready for the next batch.

"Alright, alright! And since I've sent you 1 billion won, send me information about two more S-class celebrities."

-Okay. I'll contact you again as soon as it's ready.

Click.

When the call ended, Kim Dong-Soo angrily let out a curse under rough breath. "Fuck. How dare this piece of shit who makes a living off of stalking others talk to me like that..."

Kim Dong-Soo complained about Colonel Baek for a while and crunched on the ice from his cold coffee before opening the X-File.

However, the file's contents were beyond Kim Dong-Soo's expectations.

[X-FILE: Oh Joo-Hyun]

Current Agency: Ace Entertainment

Age: 32

Profile(real): 172 cm, 53 kg, C-cup

Roles: Lead in Fogged Blossoms, Supporting actress in Iron-Blooded Girl...

Evaluation of Peers: Acting skills 4/5, Singing Skills 2.5/5, Variety Skills 1/5

Strengths: Sophisticated appearance, Capable of leading films and dramas, Fit physique from regular workouts, Natural beauty with minimal cosmetic enhancements, Charismatic speaker

Weaknesses: Social media addiction, Gambling addiction, Shopping addiction.

Personality: Arrogant and dismissive

Liabilities: Financial troubles due to excessive spending, 5 billion won in private loans and personal debts, no upcoming commercials or projects: considering sponsorship offers

Attachments:

1. Photos of gambling in a VIP casino in Macau

2. Private photos from a one-night stand with a Hong Kong model in a VIP suite

...

[Created on: November 14th, 2020]

Kim Dong-Soo was fuming at the exorbitant price Colonel Baek demanded for the information. However, he couldn't help but be astonished upon seeing the X-FILE.

"This is... beyond imagination," he muttered.

Had he known the details were this specific, he would have paid 1 billion won per actor, not 1 billion won for two. With this level of detail, he could easily leverage an S-class actor to earn tens of millions yearly without them ever leaving his grasp.

"With information like this... it's too valuable to just use carelessly."

Initially, Kim Dong-Soo planned to confront the subject directly with the evidence and blackmail them. But with these details, it wasn't necessary to even show the photos.

The gambling addiction, VIP status at a Macau casino, and financial struggles considering sponsorship were enough to secure the target. The data itself was a treasure trove and a leash that would ensure control.

If the target ever betrayed him, only then would Kim Dong-Soo consider revealing the photos as a threat. He would ensure they could never escape his grip.

A sinister grin spread across Kim Dong-Soo's face as he imagined the possibilities. With more information like this, he could undoubtedly become the king of the entertainment industry.

Just then someone came knocking on the door.

Knock, knock.

Kim Dong-Soo urgently closed his laptop before viewing the second file. "Who is it?"

-Mr. Kim. It's me, Yang Tae-Min.

Kim Dong-Soo let out a sigh and responded. "Come in."

The door creaked open, and Yang Tae-Min entered.

Yang Tae-Min was Jung Yoo-Jin's first talent agent and was an assistant manager with four years of experience. He was also from the Suhyaejong line but failed to secure a promotion to team lead.

Additionally, Yang Tae-Min was the only one from the Suhyaejong line who had distanced himself from Ju Ho-Sung.

"Mr. Kim, you look thinner than usual," Yang Tae-Min remarked.

"I've had a lot on my mind lately. But never mind that. Have a drink. It's on me."

"Thank you, sir."

Yang Tae-Min rang the bell and ordered a caramel frappuccino in a takeaway cup.

As he completed the order, Kim Dong-Soo asked, "How are things at the company?"

"President Choi Man-Sik had committed to funding three movies with budgets of 15 billion won, 11 billion won, and 20 billion won each. However, they all fell through right before signing."

Hearing about the collapse of deals worth 46 billion won, Kim Dong-Soo smirked. "Don't tell me this is Jung Yoon-Ho's doing again?"

Yang Tae-Min nodded. "It sure is. Apparently, that man aired the talent agents' dirty dealings and now it's chaos over there."

"What about the actors?"

"Since the investments fell through, many actors have moved to Team Lead Jung's side. So far, seven talent agents and ten actors have transferred."

"Jung Yoon-Ho, that bastard. He's looting our treasury clean."

Yang Tae-Min grimaced as he asked. "So what's your plan now, Mr. Kim? If this continues, our Actor Division 3 is in the most danger."

As someone who once had Jung Yoon-Ho under his division and now saw his rise, Yang Tae-Min was seething with frustration.

However, Kim Dong-Soo brushed off Yang Tae-Min's animosity with ease. "Let him run wild for now. In the meantime... cozy up to him. Make it seem like you're about to move to Actor Division 2."

"Excuse me? You want me to work under Jung Yoon-Ho?"

Yang Tae-Min's expression stiffened, prompting Kim Dong-Soo to chuckle.

"Haha. Of course not. Just probe him for information. See what he's up to."

"Oh..."

"And when the next round of promotions comes, I'll make sure you get promoted to a team lead. So don't worry."

Yang Tae-Min's sour expression immediately brightened. "R-Really? Do you mean it?"

"Yes. Didn't I promise that loyalty to me would come with real benefits?"

Yang Tae-Min shot to his feet and bowed deeply. "Mr. Kim! I'll pledge my eternal loyalty to you!"

"Sit down. There's no need to make such a fuss over it."

Yang Tae-Min settled back into his chair, his face glowing with joy.

Then, Kim Dong-Soo spoke up. "But there's something I need you to take care of..."

"Anything. Just let me know."

"Meet with the folks from Gwanwoo Entertainment before the merger and compile a list of promising candidates. Focus on sharp and capable individuals who are familiar with field operations. We need to act before Team Lead Ju Ho-Sung can snatch them up."

Yang Tae-Min tilted his head in confusion. "But isn't Team Lead Ju one of your closest allies?"

"An ally? Don't make me laugh. That snake is glued to President Choi Man-Sik and is busy building his own team. If I return, he'll be the first one I remove."

Sensing an opportunity, Yang Tae-Min cautiously asked, "Th-then what happens to Team Lead Ju's position?"

"Isn't it obvious? You'll take it, Tae-Min."

Before his dismissal, Kim Dong-Soo had been touted as the next president of Hoop Entertainment. The prospect of filling such a pivotal role made Yang Tae-Min's eyes sparkle with anticipation as he replied excitedly, "T-thank you, Mr. Kim! Truly!"

"That's enough. Go get started and I'll enjoy my temporary freedom for a while longer."

"Understood, sir!"

An employee arrived with Yang Tae-Min's coffee order. After bowing to Kim Dong-Soo, he accepted his drink and exited the room.

Alone, Kim Dong-Soo opened his laptop again to strategize how to return to Hoop Entertainment with an even stronger lineup than Team Jung. "Alright. Now...who's next..."

As he scanned the next X-FILE, his smirk widened. "This one's even better... Interesting."

With ambition and revenge burning in his eyes, Kim Dong-Soo resolved to return triumphant.

***

After ending the meeting discussion on Choi Man-Sik's employee share plans, I returned to my office to review our counter-strategies. That's when Sae-Ri from Cherry Blossom appeared. "Yoon-Ho oppa~ Hi~"

It was 9 a.m. on a Monday, and Sae-Ri was bursting with energy.

"Hey, what brings you here?" I asked.

Sae-Ri rushed over and demanded a high-five as she pouted. "You didn't congratulate me for four weeks at number 1!"

"Oh, right. My bad. Congrats on your four-week streak at number 1!"

Cherry Blossom's 'My First Love Story' had been dominating the charts, marking a major accomplishment.

Though it felt like coaxed praise, Sae-Ri grinned widely. "Thank you~ Thank you~"

"Alright, enough of that. Why are you here? Shouldn't you be resting at the dorm?"

"Oh, I wanted to see if Seon-Woo oppa finished my song!"

Bang Seon-Woo was currently working on the Hwaranjeon original soundtrack with two songs earmarked as Sae-Ri's solo tracks.

"Aren't you nervous about debuting them at the year-end concert and starting your solo career?"

Sae-Ri put her hands on her hips and exuded confidence. "Not at all! From now on, call me Singer-Songwriter Kim Sae-Ri."

"Singer-songwriter? That means composing and writing lyrics, you know."

"Uh, I'll do that eventually!"

I suppressed a smile upon seeing Sae-Ri speak confidently, knowing full well that Sae-Ri's boldness masked her apprehensions. For this reason, her solo debut was something I had been meticulously planning to ensure her success.

"Alright. Let's head to the basement studio. Seon-Woo said he'd finish the song today or tomorrow."

Sae-Ri cheered and bounced with excitement. "Yay!"

Just then, my phone rang.

[Caller ID: Do Ran-Hee]

Do Ran-Hee was currently at the COEX Convention Hall DX to finalize the venue for the year-end concert.

However, as soon as I answered the call, Do Ran-Hee's urgent voice filled the line.

-Mr. Jung! It looks like we won't be able to secure the venue for the concert.

"What? What do you mean by that?"

With just over a month until the year-end joint concert, news of venue trouble hit like a hammer.