Chapter 255: Getting Rid of Potential Danger (2)

Until now, Ryu Shin had been pressing me thinking he had the upper hand. However, the tables had turned.

For the first time, I saw confusion in Ryu Shin's eyes when he heard Maroon's name.

"How do you know Maroon!?" Ryu Shin shouted as he lost his composure.

"Mr. Ryu Shin, you should worry more about your own affairs. I wonder if you can keep that prestigious chief secretary position with your lack of information," I replied snarkily.

Information was a weapon in this industry, especially when holding information that your opponent lacked.

Ryu Shin's eyes were darting around like crazy as he grew anxious. He clearly wanted to call and verify my words immediately but was struggling to hold back in front of me.

"Well, I'll leave you to it. Go ahead and make your calls."

When I stood up, Ryu Shin gritted his teeth and said, "You're... someone who shouldn't be left alone."

I glared sharply at Ryu Shin and replied, "I'll take that as a compliment."

Ryu Shin was now wary of me. Seeing his hardened expression, I issued a final warning. "And if you plan to come after me, be prepared to put everything on the line. I'll show you everything I know and can do."

At that moment, I saw a flicker of fear in Ryu Shin's eyes.

I looked at the silent Ryu Shin for a couple of seconds before slowly turning away. When I opened the door, two men in suits blocked my way as if they had been waiting.

I clenched my fists and briefly considered fighting my way through. However, Ryu Shin called out from behind. "Let...him go."

The two guards hesitated with their fists clenched.

"Mr. Ryu, just let us know if there's any problem. We'll make this guy kneel before you immediately."

I could see the guards' eagerness to fight in their eyes. Then, Ryu Shin shouted at them angrily, "Just let him go! You can't stop him anyway!"

The burly men glared at me and gritted their teeth. "Consider yourself lucky. You're walking free because Mr. Ryu had mercy on you!"

"Mercy, my ass," I scoffed.

'

I'm the one who had mercy on him

,' I remarked inwardly.

I ignored the guards' growling nonsense and calmly walked out of Evian.

***

Left alone in the room, Ryu Shin leaned back on the sofa.

"If what that guy said is true, it means my information has been cut off since I came to Korea... And mentioning Maroon's name means he wasn't entirely making things up."

Maroon was the team lead of the first team in the secretary's department and also Ryu Shin's right-hand man. Maroon had been tasked with assisting Jiang Wei while Ryu Shin was on his mission to recruit Jung Yoon-Ho.

Having trained Maroon for five years, Ryu Shin was furious to hear that the former had betrayed him.

Nonetheless, Ryu Shin couldn't act solely based on Jung Yoon-Ho's words. Even though he had his own suspicions, he still needed evidence.

Ryu Shin hurriedly picked up the phone and called Yang Zhi, the team lead of the third team in the secretary's department—another one of his close aides.

"Yang Zhi, are we currently in conflict with Shanghai New Media Inc.?"

-Yes, sir. Late last night, an order suddenly came through the Party to redistribute broadcasting channel rights. They told us to hand over 30% of our channels to Shanghai New Media Inc.

"I see..."

Even if it was an order from the central Party, it was an enormous pressure that could shake the core of the company.

'That guy was right,'

Ryu Shin thought.

This meant there was one last thing to verify.

"Yang Zhi! Why didn't you report such an important matter to me?"

Yang Zhi responded in a flustered voice.

-Y-you instructed us to report important matters to Team Lead Maroon first, didn't you? I reported it to Team Lead Maroon at dawn. Wait, did he not inform you?

It was past 9 p.m. Maroon would typically have called to report any important information by morning.

Once again, Jung Yoon-Ho's words were correct.

At that moment, Ryu Shin trembled with anger. This meant Jung Yoon-Ho's information was more accurate than he had imagined.

At the same time, he began to understand why Jiang Wei was so desperate to bring Jung Yoon-Ho in by even offering a blank check.

Ryu Shin frowned. '

I made a mistake.

'

Considering Jung Yoon-Ho's information network, it would have been better to tempt him rather than attack him. If that failed, offering large sums to the celebrities under his management would have been the next move.

Unfortunately, that was now a missed opportunity.

"Damn it..." Ryu Shin cursed under his breath.

Ryu Shin admitted he had made the wrong choice. At the same time, he acknowledged that Jung Yoon-Ho was a highly intelligent man with a firm resolve.

Ryu Shin started to act with urgency.

"Understood. I'll return soon! Don't let Maroon know I'm coming back!"

-Yes, sir. I will be waiting for you.

After ending the call with Yang Zhi, Ryu Shin quickly formulated a plan. After all, he had something to deal with before focusing on Jung Yoon-Ho.

"Since Mr. Jiang wants Jung Yoon-Ho so badly... I can use this to my advantage... Ah, I know just what to do."

Having come up with a solution, Ryu Shin called Jiang Wei directly.

"Mr. Jiang, this is Ryu Shin."

-How did it go?

"Before I proceed with my report, please send everyone away."

-Why?

"Please send everyone away, Mr. Jiang."

When Ryu Shin repeated his request in anticipation of Maroon's presence, Jiang Wei finally agreed.

-Everyone, leave the room.

-Mr. Jiang, what do you mean by...

-Didn't you hear me?

-I'm sorry, Mr. Jiang.

From the sounds over the phone, Ryu Shin realized Maroon had been right next to Jiang Wei.

-There's no one here now. Go ahead and speak. What happened to your talk with Jung Yoon-Ho?

"I'm sorry. A traitor ruined everything."

-What? Who betrayed us?

"I believe Team Lead Maroon, who is right beside you right now, informed Jung Yoon-Ho of my plans."

-What? Explain slowly.

Ryu Shin began explaining how Jung Yoon-Ho knew about the conflict with Shanghai New Media Inc., something even he was unaware of.

-Not only that, but Jung Yoon-Ho even mentioned Team Lead Maroon by name.

Jiang Wei, naturally suspicious, readily believed Ryu Shin's lies.

Suddenly, Jiang Wei's furious roar echoed through the phone.

-Get out there and catch that bastard Maroon!

The seething Jiang Wei yelled furiously amid loud noises.

-Chief Ryu, leave Korea immediately and come back! The war with Shanghai New Media Inc. takes priority!

"Yes, Mr. Jiang."

Ryu Shin breathed a sigh of relief as he ended the call.

"Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho, I owe you a huge debt. I'll make sure to repay it," Ryu Shin muttered to himself.

Ryu Shin gritted his teeth and walked out of the room. "I'm returning to China."

"Yes, Mr. Ryu!"

Then, Ryu Shin headed straight to Incheon Airport.

***

As soon as I arrived at work the next day, I sought out Kang Ji-Yung and Jung Soo-Hyuk to tell them about yesterday's events.

When I mentioned that I had rejected the blank check, their eyes widened.

"What?"

"What did you say?"

Looking at the startled Kang Ji-Yung and Jung Soo-Hyuk, I told them I wouldn't leave Hoop Entertainment. I said this was where I belonged and I didn't want to live as someone's complete subordinate.

Kang Ji-Yung stared at me. "Mr. Jung... don't you regret turning down such a good offer?"

I smiled and answered, "A good offer isn't just about money, right?"

"What's better than money?" Kang Ji-Yung asked.

"I think having good company is the best," I replied with a smile.

Kang Ji-Yung's eyes showed a hint of admiration.

At that moment, Jung Soo-Hyuk burst into hearty laughter. "

Ha ha

. It seems like Director Kang has learned something today."

"Indeed. This is quite humbling," Kang Ji-Yung said with a nod.

Kang Ji-Yung looked at me again. "Still, we'll give you the best treatment we can. And we'll officially record that you received the offer to be Hwayeon Media Inc.'s branch manager. That way, everyone will understand why you get better treatment."

"I won't refuse any care from you, Ms. Kang," I said playfully.

"What did you say?

Ha ha

."

Kang Ji-Yung burst out laughing in a loud voice which echoed throughout the room. As we were wrapping up our conversation, Kang Ji-Yung suggested having lunch together.

"Ji-Hye unnie suggested we have lunch together today. Do you have time? She said she wanted to repay the favor and get your help to solve a problem."

"A problem?" I asked.

Kang Ji-Yung shrugged. "That's all she told me."

I didn't know what she had prepared, but Jang Ji-Hye wasn't one to make idle promises.

"Understood. I'll see you later then."

***

We entered the pristine white circular door of the upscale Italian restaurant Eviche at Gangnam Station where a waitress checked our reservation and led us to the VIP room.

"They are waiting in Room 7."

As we followed the waitress, I noticed the L.M.L logo on Kang Ji-Yung's chest.

"Ms. Kang, that outfit is..."

"Yes. It's from L.M.L. Looks good, right? Ms. Lee Yung-Ah brought it over for me."

"It suits you well," I remarked.

"Why do I feel like your compliment lacks sincerity?"

To be honest, I was thinking that the outfit would look better on Yoo-Jin.

Of course, Kang Ji-Yung had a figure that could pull off almost any outfit, but it was more Yoo-Jin's style.

"Do I need to put my soul into compliments too?"

Kang Ji-Yung laughed heartily. "I'm just joking. By the way, I also got clothes for Miss Yoo-Jin and sent them to Division 2. Have you seen them?"

"No. I've been so busy lately that I left the wardrobe management to Deputy Manager Lee Mi-Ri."

"There's a lot of pretty clothes, so make sure she wears them well."

"Yes, Ms. Kang."

As we were chatting and laughing, we arrived at Room 7.

"This is the place."

When the waitress opened the door, Jang Ji-Hye waved at us. "Oh, you guys are here."

Sitting across from her was Han Se-Hwa, who looked white beyond pale.

***

Han Se-Hwa avoided making eye contact with us.

Then, Jang Ji-Hye pointed to the seats next to her without blinking. "Sit here."

Kang Ji-Yung glared at Jang Ji-Hye. "Unnie, why did you bring this person here?"

"I told you I'd take care of the troublemaker," Jang Ji-Hye replied.

"Is making such an uncomfortable situation your way of solving a problem?" Kang Ji-Yung retorted.

Jang Ji-Hye looked directly at Kang Ji-Yung. "Don't you trust me? Just sit down for now."

Kang Ji-Yung frowned but approached Jang Ji-Hye and sat beside her.

I sat next to Han Se-Hwa who flinched. I ignored her and asked Jang Ji-Hye, "Mrs. Jang. Could you please explain this situation now?"

Jang Ji-Hye nodded. "Alright. First, President Han, let's start with an apology."

The sweating Han Se-Hwa bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Jang."

Jang Ji-Hye shook her head. "No, the apology isn't to me. It's to Team Lead Jung. He went through a lot of trouble because of your little prank."

Han Se-Hwa closed her eyes tightly at Jang Ji-Hye's sharp tone and bowed her head. "I'm-I'm sorry. I tried too hard to win against you and ended up going too far. I promise it won't happen again."

I didn't know what kind of threat Jang Ji-Hye had made before we arrived, but Han Se-Hwa didn't even dare to look at me.

Though I found Han Se-Hwa's actions absurd, I couldn't ignore the situation that Jang Ji-Hye had set up. After all, she wasn't someone who did things thoughtlessly.

Jang Ji-Hye looked at me and said, "Team Lead Jung, just accept the apology. From now on, President Han won't bother Yoo-Jin anymore."

Then, Jang Ji-Hye glanced at Han Se-Hwa and added, "Right, President Han?"

Han Se-Hwa nodded continuously. "Yes, absolutely."

She nodded her head so fast that it was almost a blur.

"I've made Yoo-Jin the main cover model for the September issue of

Womans

. If anything like this happens again, you won't just be dealing with me but you'll have to face MyungSung Inc. as well," Jang Ji-Hye said while still staring at Han Se-Hwa.

Han Se-Hwa swallowed dryly. "Yes, Mrs. Jang..."

Her eyes wandered aimlessly as she nodded.

At that moment, I understood why Jang Ji-Hye had set up this meeting. She was officially stating her stance as my backer.

More than that, Jang Ji-Hye's words caught my attention.

'

She made

Yoo-Jin the main cover model for the September issue of Womans?

' I wondered.

Jang Ji-Hye looked directly at Han Se-Hwa. "I'm done with what I had to say. Now, we're about to eat. Do you want to join us?"

Han Se-Hwa waved her hands frantically. "No, no, I'm fine. Please enjoy your meal..."

Han Se-Hwa glanced at me one last time before quickly disappearing.

As the door closed, Kang Ji-Yung looked perplexed and asked, "Unnie, what did you do to make that proud Han Se-Hwa act so submissive?"

Jang Ji-Hye smiled and began to explain what had happened.