Ju Yung-In was currently the only cash cow of JU Entertainment, and JU Entertainment was a subsidiary of Hoop Entertainment. This meant that if Ju Yung-In got caught in a dating scandal with some actor, it wouldn't just end there—the parent company's stock price would take a hit as well.

'Do they have any idea how hard I worked to raise that stock?'

Maybe that was why, but irritation surged up, and my voice came out sharper than I intended. "Who is it? Who's hitting on Yung-In?"

President Ahn Yung-Hee answered in a low voice, "Gi Do-Hyuk."

Gi Do-Hyuk was a 40-year-old star who had started acting at the age of five. Up until three years ago, he had been a box office success, alternating between excellence awards and grand prizes at major film festivals.

But more than his acting career, he was even more famous for his powerful family background. His father's side was filled with judges and prosecutors—a prestigious legal family—while his mother's side included three bank presidents. There were even rumors that his family wealth exceeded hundreds of billions of won.

And now that Gi Do-Hyuk was going after Ju Yung-In, who was fifteen years younger than him.

"Is—" I felt my voice rising, so I gestured toward the hallway. "Let's talk outside."

"Alright."

The moment we stepped out of the room, I raised my voice. "Is Gi Do-Hyuk out of his mind? He's hitting on Yung-In with a fifteen-year age gap?"

"You know how people in this industry don't really care about age. I usually handle most things myself, but Gi Do-Hyuk's a bit difficult. That's why I want you to step in and deal with him."

Since I had received help from Ahn Yung-Hee, it was my turn to return the favor. And more importantly, I had another reason to block Gi Do-Hyuk from getting close to Ju Yung-In. Behind his gentle and refined image lay an almost pathological level of possessiveness.

Before the regression, there had been an actress named Yoo Sun-Jung, twenty-nine years old, whom Top Entertainment had managed. She had been in a relationship for five years. Then Gi Do-Hyuk met her and started pursuing her. Naturally, Yoo Sun-Jung rejected him since she already had a boyfriend.

That was when his obsession began to show. Using his power, Gi Do-Hyuk destroyed her image. He planted rumor articles, spread strange gossip throughout the broadcasting industry. And he didn't stop there. He blocked loans for the startup company run by her boyfriend and dragged him through endless lawsuits, pushing him to the brink.

In the end, her boyfriend begged her to break up. Yoo Sun-Jung had no choice but to silently nod. After that, Gi Do-Hyuk dated her. However, it didn't even last three months before he discarded her.

From then on, Yoo Sun-Jung lived like a hollow shell. Back then, she hadn't even been under my management, but I still couldn't stand it and went to confront him. And that day, I could still vividly remember the way he sneered at me, waving a stack of one-million-won checks.

-So what? I just lost interest in her. Why? Want me to compensate her with money?

Even now, it still bothered me that I hadn't punched that smirk off his face. So if someone like Gi Do-Hyuk had set his sights on Ju Yung-In, there was no way this would end easily.

I nodded and said, "Understood. I'll take responsibility for this and handle it."

Ahn Yung-Hee's face lit up. "Then can you come to the film set tomorrow?"

"Why the film set?"

"Because Gi Do-Hyuk is appearing as a cameo right now."

Director Ahn Jung-Hae's Missing – The Lost Ones was a film based on a disappearance case that had taken place in Gwacheon twenty years ago. Choi Dong-Woo of Ace Entertainment played the culprit, Lee Tae-Gil. Ju Yung-In took on the role of Oh Jung-Hyun, a mother who ran a snack shop. And Miso was giving a passionate performance as Lee Soo-Yeon, the daughter who was kidnapped alongside her mother.

Near the end of the film, they needed a cameo actor to play a senior detective opposite Choi Dong-Woo. And Gi Do-Hyuk had personally reached out. So filming had already started last Saturday.

"With a 'five-million-guarantee check' volunteering to appear, Mr. Ahn couldn't exactly refuse."

Whether it was a lead role or a cameo, Gi Do-Hyuk had never appeared in a film that drew fewer than five million viewers. That was why he had earned the nickname "five-million guarantee." It was no wonder Ahn Jung-Hae had accepted so easily.

Still, there was one thing I was curious about. "How's Yung-In reacting?"

Ahn Yung-Hee let out a short laugh. "Do you even need to ask?"

Ju Yung-In was the type who chose her own men. That hadn't changed before or after the regression.

"So she didn't give him the time of day."

Ahn Yung-Hee nodded. "Exactly. She drew a clear line, treating him strictly as a sunbae. And because of that, his talent agent has been calling me every single day, asking to set up a meeting."

"Sounds like typical Gi Do-Hyuk."

"Anyway, I didn't tell Yung-In about those calls. With her personality, if she found out, she'd tear the whole set apart."

"Understood. I'll go to the set tomorrow."

"Thanks. Seriously, I can only count on you for this."

After deciding to handle Gi Do-Hyuk at the filming site the next day, I returned to the hospital room with Ahn Yung-Hee.

Saying I should get going, I gave my farewell to Yoo Se-Na, who was lying in bed. "Ms. Se-Na, forget about the entertainment industry for now and focus on recovering."

Yoo Se-Na nodded. "That's what I should do. And Mr. Jung... could you maybe speak to me more casually? I'm part of JU Entertainment now, a subsidiary of Hoop."

If the artist wanted it, there was no reason for me, as her talent agent, to draw a line.

"Alright, Se-Na. Just take care of your health first. Once you've recovered, we'll take off again."

"Yes, oppa. And... I'll definitely repay this debt."

Before the regression, Yoo Se-Na had made the same promise. And after becoming a successful actress, she kept it with an incredibly generous gift. I found myself wondering what it would be this time.

Just then, Ju Yung-In pouted and complained. "Wow, what's this? You kept your distance from me for so long, but you accepted her right away? Yoon-Ho oppa, don't you think that's a bit unfair?"

"That's not really something you should be saying."

If anything, Ju Yung-In had been the harsh one. At one point, she hadn't even treated me as a person.

Ju Yung-In avoided my gaze slightly as she replied, "Tch. Even so..."

As Ju Yung-In grumbled, Yoo Se-Na let out a small laugh. "Yung-In's gotten a lot softer while I wasn't around, huh?"

Ju Yung-In narrowed her eyes and snapped, "Se-Na unnie! Actually, no, what unnie—do you want to fight me? Let's fight!"

Yoo Se-Na pulled the blanket over herself, leaving only her head peeking out. Then she blinked innocently, putting on a pitiful expression. "I'm a patient, you know?"

Ju Yung-In clenched her fists, not knowing what to do. "Ugh... just hurry up and get better!"

"Okay! I will."

This might be Yoo Se-Na's first time standing on her own, but her path ahead wouldn't be a dark one. Because now, she had people like this standing by her side.

Just like that, I ended up bringing in yet another future top actress under our subsidiary. Which meant it was time for me to focus on getting rid of the leech clinging to Ju Yung-In.

'I'll see you tomorrow, Gi Do-Hyuk.'

Strangely enough, just thinking about it made my irritation rise again.

'What's wrong with me?'

***

After wishing Yoo Se-Na a speedy recovery at the hospital, I returned to Hoop Entertainment. President Kang Gam-Chan had called for a meeting with only the chiefs, so I dropped off my bag and headed straight to the meeting room.

Thud.

As soon as I opened the door and walked in, all the chiefs and executives except me were already gathered. The moment they saw me, they all greeted me with bright smiles.

"Wow~ Chief Jung, you're here."

"Chief Jung, I heard Yoo Se-Na decided to join JU Entertainment?"

"As expected of Star Jung."

"These days, whenever you leave the company, I find myself wondering what kind of news you'll bring back next."

The unexpected welcome made me hesitate for a moment. Even if Yoo Se-Na had joined JU Entertainment, a subsidiary of Hoop, the conflict with CK Entertainment was still ongoing. That meant appearances for each department's top talents on cable shows had dropped below thirty percent.

And although I had provided the upcoming project list and strategies for May through August, none of the casting contracts had been finalized yet. Everyone should have been under pressure from their actors, so there was no reason for them to be this pleased.

Unable to understand, I carefully asked, "Thank you... but did something good happen?"

At that moment, Director Kang Ji-Yung smiled brightly and explained. "A few hours ago, the head of SBC's variety division called Mr. Kang. He said they'd allocate spots for Hoop Entertainment across their top variety shows. Apparently, it's all thanks to your hard work."

Project I.O.A had surpassed 13% viewership, achieving record-breaking ratings. So as a reward, they were offering to place our talents in their variety programs.

"Really?"

"Yeah. They said they know about the situation with CK Entertainment and want to support us moving forward."

It was no wonder the chiefs were so happy.

Chief Gu Seong-Cheol also shrugged and added, "And that's not all. The new head of variety at KBC contacted us too. They asked for a list of talents to place in three new shows and four existing ones. Said they'd make sure to put them into programs competing against CK Entertainment's lineup. Times have really changed! Just the year before last, when those division heads called, we couldn't even straighten our backs while answering."

If it was Kwak Hye-Jin, the KBC variety division head, I had met her just a few days ago with Lee Tae-Poong over the futsal variety show People Who Can Kick a Ball.

She had initially refused to schedule it due to pressure from CK Entertainment, but eventually agreed and reconciled with us. And now, something must have changed because she was offering to place our talents in shows competing directly with CK's biggest hits. Even the newly scheduled KBC show People Who Can Kick a Ball alone could accommodate quite a number of our talents.

In any case, the sudden surge in variety opportunities had brightened the company's entire mood.

Just as I was feeling satisfied that my efforts had paid off, Baek Sang-Beom, Chief of Actor Division 5, muttered under his breath, "Still... the roles we lost in the drama side haven't been recovered yet..."

'Of course.'

If the former Gwanwoo Entertainment chiefs stayed quiet, that would've been more surprising.

I was just about to stir things up, when Vice President Kim Gwan-Woo suddenly started scolding Baek Sang-Beom loudly. "Chief Baek! What do you think you're doing right now? How long are you going to cling to CK Entertainment blocking our appearances? And on top of that, you're going to complain but still ride on the coattails of our variety side? Huh?!"

"Ah, Mr. Kim. That's not what I meant... I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing to me? You should be apologizing to Chief Jung! Even animals recognize the one who feeds them. Hurry up and apologize! Do you even know how many opportunities Chief Jung has brought to your actors?!"

'...What is this?'

I had never expected help from Kim Gwan-Woo. All I ever wanted was for him not to get in my way. And yet now, he was taking my side. This was a situation I had never anticipated, and it left me momentarily unsettled.

In the end, Baek Sang-Beom began apologizing to me. "I'm sorry, Chief Jung. For our Division 5 actors, we've had more cancellations than new variety offers coming in. I got frustrated and made a mistake, so please try to understand things from my point as well. You're the more capable one here, after all."

It was a stiff and reluctant apology, but an apology nonetheless. And it was being made here, in front of all the chiefs. I had to accept it.

I nodded. "I understand. Please raise your head."

At that moment, my eyes met Kim Gwan-Woo's. He gave me a faint grin as if to say he was now on my side. I nodded back with a polite smile of thanks as if I, too, now considered him an ally. However, that wasn't how I really felt. I didn't trust him. My planner still contained the timeline for the founding of Top Entertainment.

If anyone in this company were to join hands with Kim Dong-Soo and betray us to split the company apart, it would be Kim Gwan-Woo. So until everything was truly over, nothing was over.

'I don't trust you, Kim Gwan-Woo.'

Of course, I wasn't foolish enough to let that show.

"I look forward to working with all of you."

"Good. Then let's all do our best going forward! Hahaha."

For the first time since CK Entertainment's attack began, laughter returned to the meeting room. Kang Gam-Chan looked slightly puzzled, but after seeing how I handled things, he chose to let it pass.

"Alright. Then shall we begin today's meeting?"

And just like that, another workday began.

***

After the meeting ended, everyone dispersed. Kim Gwan-Woo followed Jung Yoon-Ho to the elevator as he headed out to the filming site of Missing – The Lost Ones. The elevator doors opened, and Jung Yoon-Ho stepped inside.

Before the doors closed, Kim Gwan-Woo spoke. "Wait a moment, Chief Jung."

"Oh, yes, Mr. Vice President."

"Let's forget about the past and work well together from now on, alright?"

Jung Yoon-Ho held the elevator door open and nodded. "Understood, sir. I'll consider us one team from now on."

"That's the spirit. These days, when I go out, I even introduce myself as Kim Hoop. Kim Hoop! Doesn't it sound nice?"

At Kim Gwan-Woo's corny joke, Jung Yoon-Ho visibly shuddered. "Y-Yes. It sounds... great."

"Alright then, work hard at the filming site today. I'll set something up soon, so let's grab a drink and have a proper talk."

"Yes, sir."

"Go on down first. We've got something to discuss here."

"Then I'll get going."

Ding.

As Jung Yoon-Ho finished his greeting, the elevator doors closed. Beside him, Baek Sang-Beom—who had been assisting—made an uneasy expression.

"Mr. Kim. Even if they hold more shares, do you really have to go that far to flatter him? What was that? Kim Hoop?"

With only his close aides around, Kim Gwan-Woo spoke more casually. "Hey. You've got to know where to lie down before you stretch your legs. What happens if you just charge in blindly? With Chief Jung rising like that, what do you gain from clashing with him? You wait for the right moment. The right moment."

"...Are you saying you're only pretending to reconcile?"

"Exactly. So you'd better start reading the room too. If you stay on good terms with him, you'll benefit from it. See for yourself. Today alone, the networks are throwing work at us."

Only then did Baek Sang-Beom's expression brighten. "I see... you've got a plan."

"Of course!"

"Hahaha. Got it. I'll keep my head down for the time being."

"That's right. I'm looking into things on my end too, so just hold out a little longer. Jang-Bi will be back soon once his suspension ends."

At that moment, Chief So Ji-Min, who had been standing beside them, asked cautiously, "But how long do we have to wait?"

Kim Gwan-Woo's eyes gleamed. "Until that bastard makes a mistake!"

At his words, Baek Sang-Beom let out a hearty laugh. "Even if it takes ten years, a gentleman's revenge is never too late."

"Oh? You've been reading lately, huh? That sounded pretty refined."

"I've been studying a bit. Anyway, let's head down. Let's grab a solid lunch before getting back to work."

"Sounds good. I heard there's a new eel rice bowl place nearby that's really good. Let's go there."

"Yes, sir!"

Baek Sang-Beom pressed the elevator button. But watching the two of them all fired up, So Ji-Min couldn't hide her confusion.

'Is he really waiting for Jung Yoon-Ho to make a mistake? Will that day ever even come?'

***

After arriving at the Gwacheon set, I parked and looked around. Missing – The Lost Ones was based on a real serial disappearance case from twenty years ago, so the set was lined with shabby two-story houses, just like back then.

And on the hillside set to the left of the residential area, the culprit Lee Tae-Gil's house and basement had been constructed side by side. The crew was busy setting up lighting halfway up the hill, constantly checking the time.

At that moment, the AD called out loudly, "We start filming in ten minutes!"

Ahn Jung-Hae tilted his head. "Where's Ms. Yung-In?"

"She stepped away for a short break."

"Okay. If she's not back in five minutes, go get her."

"Yes, sir!"

"And lighting team—when you set up the basement scene, it's coming out too dark. Come here and take a look at what we just shot."

"Yes, sir."

Ahn Jung-Hae monitored the previous footage while moving briskly around the set.

Even though the investor-distributor had changed, everything seemed to be running smoothly. However, the real problem started now. If a scandal broke about Gi Do-Hyuk targeting Ju Yung-In, it could affect the entire production.

It was already time we were supposed to meet in the parking lot, yet neither Ahn Yung-Hee nor Ju Yung-In were in sight. I ended up calling Ahn Yung-Hee. The phone kept ringing, but no one picked up.

"What's going on?"

Since Yung-In's scene was scheduled in ten minutes, I figured I could wait a bit. I stepped out of the car to stretch. As I breathed in the cold air, I spotted Cha In-Seo, the youngest assistant director, running in a hurry.

She was twenty-four, a fresh graduate who had just entered the field, and her expression was full of urgency.

"Ms. In-Seo! What's wrong?" I called out.

Cha In-Seo stopped when she heard my voice. "Mr. Jung!"

"Why do you look like that? What happened?"

"It's about Ms. Yung-In."

"What about Yung-In?"

Cha In-Seo pointed toward the restroom behind the parking lot. "Mr. Gi Do-Hyuk is blocking Ms. Ju Yung-In from leaving over there!"

'Gi Do-Hyuk? Blocking Ju Yung-In?'

I immediately asked, "Where?"

"Over there, by the restroom behind the parking lot—"

I didn't even wait for her to finish and ran. I couldn't believe what Ahn Yung-Hee had been worried about was happening the moment I arrived.

"I'll go ahead. Follow me!"

Leaving Cha In-Seo behind, I rushed toward the restroom about fifty meters away.

And there, next to the restroom, I saw Ju Yung-In, her arm being grabbed by a tall man in his forties.

'What is this, some third-rate movie cliché?'

At that moment, Ju Yung-In, still being held, spoke sharply as if warning Gi Do-Hyuk. "Sunbae. If you want to be treated like a sunbae, let go of my hand."

Gi Do-Hyuk scoffed, still gripping Ju Yung-In's wrist. "Hey, Ju Yung-In. What did I even do? I just want to talk. Why are you playing hard to get?"

I didn't know where Ahn Yung-Hee was, but dealing with this came first.

Catching my breath, I shouted at Gi Do-Hyuk, "Let go of her before I break that hand."

'A top star? Give me a break.'

Right now, Gi Do-Hyuk was nothing more than a one-day extra villain messing with Ju Yung-In.