Bang!

When I threw open the branch manager's office door and stepped inside, Director Kim Chul-Soo and Branch Manager Ahn Geuk-Hyun were gripping each other by the collars.

Kim Chul-Soo was so furious that he was speaking informally to Ahn Geuk-Hyun, who was ten years older than him. "You're saying you'll lower the interest rate if I trick Haru into signing the contract? Are you even human? What kind of father sells out his son?"

Ahn Geuk-Hyun, equally enraged, dropped his business tone and snapped back. "Hey! Let go of me! Haru's not even your real son, so why are you making such a fuss?"

"What? Watch your mouth."

The moment Kim Chul-Soo clenched his fist, I shouted urgently. "Mr. Kim! You must not use violence!"

If Kim Chul-Soo committed assault and ended up detained, it would play right into HK Entertainment's hands. They would offer to get him released in exchange for Haru's transfer.

Fortunately, Kim Chul-Soo froze at my voice. However, he shouted in rage.

"Mr. Jung, you were right! This bastard said he'd lower the interest to 2 percent if I persuaded Haru and brought back the signed contract. He even promised to designate our hospital as the official medical checkup center for HK Inc.'s Suwon branch!"

Becoming a designated medical institution for a major conglomerate would bring in enormous revenue. In other words, Ahn Geuk-Hyun had tried not only to lure him with a lower interest rate but also to lobby him with additional benefits. And when that failed, he had provoked Kim Chul-Soo by bringing Haru into it.

Then Ahn Geuk-Hyun sneered again. "Don't twist my words. I only mentioned it because a high-ranking HK Entertainment executive of mine praised Haru so highly. I just asked if there was any intention to transfer. I made a suggestion so everyone could benefit. And honestly, isn't this a bit much? Haru's not even your biological son, is he?"

At that, Kim Chul-Soo raised his fist again. "What did you just say, you bastard—"

This wouldn't end well. I rushed forward and pulled Kim Chul-Soo away from Ahn Geuk-Hyun.

"Please calm down, sir."

"Mr. Jung, let me go! I can't forgive this bastard!"

"You can't do this. He's provoking you on purpose. That's exactly what he wants!"

"How can I stay calm when he says Haru isn't my son?"

Kim Chul-Soo, who wasn't even good at fighting, struggled desperately to throw a punch.

And then, from behind us came Haru's trembling voice. "Dad... please calm down."

The moment the word dad left his lips, Kim Chul-Soo, who had been blazing with anger, stopped as if by magic and turned to look at Haru.

At the same time, Kim Chul-Soo spoke urgently to me. "Mr. Jung. I won't throw a punch. Please let me go. I'm begging you."

Blocking the path toward Ahn Geuk-Hyun, I released my grip. Kim Chul-Soo hurried to Haru and wrapped him tightly in his arms.

"Haru, you are my son. No matter what anyone says in this world, you're my son. So don't listen to a word that bastard says. Understood?"

Haru nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Dad. I understand. So please calm down and leave this to Yoon-Ho hyung."

"Sigh. Alright... alright. But cover your ears. Hurry."

At Kim Chul-Soo's desperate request, Haru covered both ears with his hands. Even if raised voices would still reach him, the gesture alone seemed to steady Kim Chul-Soo's breathing. Thankfully, by acting quickly, I had prevented Ahn Geuk-Hyun's provocation from escalating further.

Now it was my turn.

After taking a deep breath, I stepped toward Ahn Geuk-Hyun. "Did you receive instructions from HK Entertainment?"

Ahn Geuk-Hyun's eyes darted around. Then he suddenly shouted toward the door. "Hey! Section Chief Kim! Section Chief Kim! What are you doing? Get these people out of here!"

Section Chief Kim Cheong-Gi rushed in with two security guards. "Mr. Ahn!"

At that moment, I turned to Kim Chul-Soo and held out my hand. "Your phone, please."

Kim Chul-Soo pulled it from his inner pocket and placed it in my hand.

I raised the phone slightly and looked at Ahn Geuk-Hyun. "Shall we make your entire conversation public? We recorded everything from the beginning."

"Re-recorded?"

"Yes."

Ahn Geuk-Hyun's face drained of color. Then he barked at Kim Cheong-Gi, "Wait! Everyone out!"

"Sir? Just now you said to throw them out—"

"Do as you're told! Why are you talking back? Get out!"

Kim Cheong-Gi bowed and ushered the security guards out.

Bang.

The office door slammed shut.

Then, unlike moments ago, Ahn Geuk-Hyun turned to me with a sly, pleading expression. "Chief Jung, let's not make this complicated. Let's keep it simple. Don't you need money? I'll approve whatever amount you want, personally. Hmm?"

"I don't need money. There's only one thing I want. Admit that you acted under instructions from HK Entertainment."

Ahn Geuk-Hyun's lips trembled as if about to speak, but in the end, he chose silence.

Thud.

He dropped onto the sofa and squeezed his eyes shut. "Damn it. Do whatever you want. I was only trying to connect HK Inc. and Director Kim for Haru's sake."

"Then let's hear exactly what was said."

I immediately played the recording Kim Chul-Soo had captured.

-Mr. Kim, HK Inc. is looking for a designated hospital in the Gyeonggi area. I think I can introduce you.

-Wow. If you can do that, I won't forget the favor.

-And I recently spoke with some higher-ups at HK Entertainment. Their treatment is the best in the industry. Since we're on the topic... Why don't you step in and persuade Haru? If you push this through, I'll slash the interest rate generously. I'll personally set it at 2 percent...

-If that's the case, I believe Haru has already declined.

-Come on! He's still a minor, isn't he? If you persuade Haru's mother and just get the stamp on the contract, it's simple, right?

Click.

I stopped the recording and stared at Ahn Geuk-Hyun. "If we release this recording to the press, will you still hold out?"

Ahn Geuk-Hyun's body trembled, but he still refused to admit receiving instructions. "Even so, nothing changes. I was just trying to connect a long-time client, HK Inc., with Director Kim. HK Entertainment has nothing to do with this."

'So he intends to take the fall alone, huh? Fine.'

I immediately called Choi Yung-Ho, President of Daeheung Savings Bank.

"Mr. Choi, it's me."

-Oh, Chief Jung. Don't worry about Haru's father's loan. We'll refinance it right away.

"Thank you."

-And I've sent someone over there. Discuss the follow-up with him.

"Understood. But just in case, we recorded Branch Manager Ahn Geuk-Hyun trying to manipulate Haru's transfer. He absolutely refuses to admit that HK Entertainment instructed him."

-Is that so? Put me on speaker.

"Yes, sir."

I immediately switched to the speakerphone. Then Choi Yung-Ho spoke in a low voice.

-I'm Choi Yung-Ho from Daeheung. You know who I am, right?

Ahn Geuk-Hyun's eyes darted frantically. "M-Mr. Choi?"

-That's right. Ahn Geuk-Hyun. Back in the day you took money from Japanese lenders and pulled shady stunts. And now you're taking money from HK Entertainment and causing trouble again?

"N-No, that's not true."

-Don't lie. You think I don't know you? If you want to stay in the banking industry, start talking. Chief Jung over there doesn't care about a small fry like you. He just needs HK.

Ahn Geuk-Hyun twitched. Then he suddenly rose from the sofa and dropped to his knees.

Thud.

"Mr. Jung. Please, let me off the hook just this once. I only thought that since HK Entertainment was interested in Haru, if I made a connection and looked useful, maybe I'd get a little something in return. That's all. I swear."

Ahn Geuk-Hyun began to sob and beg for his life. This guy was unbelievable. Even without any special talent for reading people, I had watched thousands of hours of actors performing. And he dared to put on fake tears in front of me.

I let out a hollow laugh, and Choi Yung-Ho's voice came through the speaker.

-Chief Jung. That bastard's acting. I fell for those tears once before. Don't believe him.

"I don't. It's obvious."

Ahn Geuk-Hyun waved his hands frantically. "N-No. I'm truly reflecting on my actions."

I ignored him, turned off the speaker, and continued the call privately. "He has no intention of confessing."

-If he's still like this even though he's afraid of me, then he must have taken quite a lot from HK Entertainment. So, what's your next move?

"I'll handle HK myself. Please thoroughly investigate his personal misconduct at least."

-Good. The HS vice president is on his way. I'll tell him to dig everything up. And I've sent someone from Daheung as well. Once this is over, head to Daeheung Savings Bank's Yeongtong branch and finalize the loan there.

"Thank you."

Just then, loud commotion erupted outside in the hallway.

"Welcome!"

"Where's the branch manager?"

"Ah, he's in the office... I'll guide you—"

"Move aside!"

The sharp click of dress shoes approached rapidly.

Bang!

The branch manager's office door burst open. Vice President Choi Gi-Tae, the 52-year-old vice president of HS Savings Bank, stormed in with a flushed face. Four suited men followed close behind him.

"Ahn Geuk-Hyun! Have you lost your mind?!"

His booming voice echoed through the office once more.

***

"Take him!"

"Yes, sir."

"Mr. Choi! Mr. Choi! I-I'm innocent!"

Ahn Geuk-Hyun was dragged out, shouting as he went.

'Goodbye, Ahn Geuk-Hyun.'

He never revealed the mastermind, but his career in finance was finished.

Thud.

As the door shut, Choi Gi-Tae let out a long sigh. "Chief Jung, I'll have that bastard thoroughly investigated and properly dealt with. Let's resolve this amicably. We'll lower the interest rate to 2 percent at our bank's expense. Ten years. How does that sound?"

HS Savings Bank was offering to take a loss just to lower the rate. But if I accepted an offer like that, it could come back to bind me later.

I shook my head. "No, thank you. Mr. Kim's loan will be refinanced through Daeheung."

"I-Is that so? Then... What about the recording file? What are you going to do with it?"

"If Ahn Geuk-Hyun opens his mouth about who's behind this, we'll consider burying it."

Choi Gi-Tae's eyes wavered. "That... as you've just seen, won't be easy..."

From what I had observed, he was probably right. Unless Ahn Geuk-Hyun confessed that HK Entertainment was involved, there was a high chance this story would be buried. With HK Inc.'s immense capital, an issue of this scale could easily be suppressed.

However, that didn't mean I had any reason to reassure them first.

"I'll wait. Let me know when you have an answer."

With a cold expression, I gave a brief farewell and left the branch manager's office with the others.

Click.

Once inside the car, I immediately checked Everyday.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: April 21, 2021]

-02:00 p.m.: <Schedule Entry Deleted> [NEW. Haru]

(Deleted Schedule Entry: The termination of contract with Haru. (Other: Transfer to HK Entertainment.))

Seeing the schedule entry disappear, I let out a quiet sigh of relief.

However, I had no intention of ending it here. The world worked on give and take. There was no concrete evidence, but all circumstantial signs pointed to HK Entertainment as the mastermind. From this moment on, I planned to go on the offensive.

'HK Entertainment. This time, it's my turn to attack. Be ready.'

***

In the director's office at HK Entertainment in Hannam-dong, Director Hong Ah-Yoon screamed into her phone.

"Damn it! Jung Yoon-Ho again? How the hell did he find out and show up?"

Kim Cheong-Gi from HS Savings Bank replied in a near-dead voice.

-I'm not sure about that, but you don't need to worry too much. Branch Manager Ahn may be many things, but he knows how to keep his mouth shut.

"They even recorded it! What's the point if he just denies everything? You think the public will buy that?"

-Th-Then what should we do now?

"The vice president. Is he there with you?"

-Yes, ma'am.

"Put him on. And you make sure your branch staff keep their mouths shut."

-Understood. One moment please.

After a brief pause, the call switched.

-Yes. This is Vice President Choi Gi-Tae speaking.

Hong Ah-Yoon forced down her anger as she spoke. "Vice President. I won't tell you to bury the whole thing. Just make sure HK's name doesn't come up."

-That's not entirely up to me. Chief Jung recorded everything...

"No matter what, we're going with the stance that we know nothing. You handle it as Branch Manager Ahn Geuk-Hyun's personal deviation. Overzealous loyalty. That sounds good, doesn't it?"

-Ahem. That may be difficult—

"Why are you talking so much? Do you want to cut off future dealings with HK?"

At that instant, Choi Gi-Tae's tone changed.

-N-No, of course not.

"Good. Then handle it that way."

-However, since many people witnessed it, his other misconduct may come to light.

"Do whatever you want with that! Do I have to take care of that too?"

-Ahem. Understood.

"I'm hanging up!"

Hong Ah-Yoon slammed the intercom handset down violently.

Crunch.

One side of the intercom handset cracked from the impact.

"Damn it! Even this stupid thing has to break?! Fuck!"

Her irritation shot to the top of her head just as the door burst open and Vice President Ha Ill-Kwon, who had gone to Suwon earlier, rushed in.

Bang!

"Ms. Hong! We have a problem."

"What now?!"

Ha Ill-Kwon held out his phone. On the screen was an article about today's attempt by Ha Ill-Kwon and Hong Ah-Yoon to recruit Haru.

[HK Entertainment Attempts to Lure Star with Massive Signing Bonus (Star Exclusive Reporter Choi So-Hye)]

-HK Entertainment, which claimed it would serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the entertainment industry, is instead focusing on poaching prominent domestic celebrities with enormous signing bonuses, drawing criticism from insiders.

-Furthermore, while the company asserts that overseas expansion is its core business, suspicions have arisen that it intends to swallow nearly 90 percent of net profits from celebrities pursuing overseas activities.

-After obtaining HK Entertainment's contract through confidential sources and examining it closely...

(Comments)

-90% of overseas net profit? That's insane. They're basically taking everything. Are celebrities slaves?

-They're supposed to be a major corporation. Why are they acting like loan sharks?

-You invested 200 billion won. Act like it.

-So all they do is poach talent from smaller agencies and dominate the domestic market?

...

Fortunately, nothing about the bank recording had been published. However, the failed attempt to sign Haru alone was enough to send Hong Ah-Yoon's blood pressure soaring.

"Why does it say 90 percent of overseas net profit? We set it at 85 percent."

Ha Ill-Kwon lowered his head. No matter what he said, he would be cursed. Whether it was 85 or 90, it was exploitation all the same.

Hong Ah-Yoon, trembling with anger, bit the tip of her nail. "Can we sue for leaking contract details and get the article taken down immediately?"

"Only the percentages were mentioned, and even then it's framed as suspicion. A lawsuit would be difficult."

Hong Ah-Yoon was so angry that the vein at her temple throbbed violently.

Reporters would start calling soon. No matter how they pressed, they would have to deny everything and present a revised contract with a new overseas settlement ratio.

"Fine. Change the overseas profit split to 50:50 in all contracts. Say the reporter got it wrong."

"That still seems high..."

"Just do as I say! We can claim conditions changed later if needed. What, are we running a charity?"

"I'll see to it."

Just then, Hong Ah-Yoon's phone rang.

Buzz.

Expecting another reporter, Hong Ah-Yoon glanced at the screen. Contrary to her expectation, she saw a familiar name.

[Caller ID: Jung Yoon-Ho]

Hong Ah-Yoon fumed and answered sharply. "Jung Yoon-Ho. Do you really want to go head-to-head with me? Fix that article immediately!"

-You started this war the moment you touched Haru. And you even tried to use a bank branch manager to trap him.

Gulp.

Hong Ah-Yoon wondered how Jung Yoon-Ho had found out, but she feigned ignorance.

"A bank branch manager? What are you talking about?"

-Denying it won't help. I already know everything you did.

"I said no! And do you really think HK Inc. is a joke? How are you this fearless?"

At that moment, Jung Yoon-Ho's tone turned casual, almost mocking.

-The one without fear is you.

"What?"

-You must have underestimated this industry. I'll make sure you understand just how foolish that was.

"Hey! What exactly are you planning to do?!"

-You'll experience it yourself starting now.

Click.

Jung Yoon-Ho hung up unilaterally.

"This bastard. How dare he hang up on me?"

Hong Ah-Yoon was about to call him back when Ha Ill-Kwon shouted again. "M-Ms. Hong! This is bad!"

"What now?!"

Ha Ill-Kwon held out his phone once more. "Look at the articles."

Irritated, Hong Ah-Yoon glanced at the screen. In that instant, her blood pressure spiked to the top of her skull.

HK Entertainment, which had barely begun, was collapsing in real time.

"W-What is this?!"