Chapter 380: Gift

I wondered if Choi Ji-Yung's dating life was something worth getting upset about, but Yoo-Jin's expression was too serious to interrupt.

When Yoo-Jin remarked what was wrong with a talent agent dating a celebrity, Choi Ji-Yung agreed enthusiastically. "Right? Exactly! With my age, why should I worry about such things? Really!"

"Why should age matter, anyway? If we went outside together right now, everyone would still see you as the younger sister."

Choi Ji-Yung's face lit up. "

Pfft.

Just hearing that makes me feel good. But the problem is, he still hasn't confessed. It's baffling how he's stuck in such outdated thinking in this day and age."

"Seriously, Mr. Park is being way too stubborn."

Then Choi Ji-Yung and Yoo-Jin suddenly turned their gazes toward me.

"Mr. Jung, what do you think? You're also a talent agent, so what are your thoughts on Woo-Min oppa?"

"Yeah, tell us. Do you think it's a problem for a talent agent to date a celebrity?"

I didn't know why the conversation had turned to me, but guilt washed over me for some reason. After all, I was the one who brought up the topic.

"Maybe Mr. Park is just being cautious. After all...if a celebrity's dating life is revealed, it could impact their popularity."

Choi Ji-Yung pouted and gave me a sideways glance. "Who doesn't know that? But if we keep worrying, when are we supposed to date? I might end up spending the rest of my life alone at this rate."

I found myself at a loss for words. "Well, that's..."

"So why don't you lend me a hand, Mr. Jung? Give Woo-Min oppa a little nudge," Choi Ji-Yung suggested.

I was put on the spot once again. Just as I struggled to respond, Lee Ji-Yeon chimed in.

"Come on, you two. Why be so old-fashioned? Ji-Yung, why don't you just make a move yourself?"

Choi Ji-Yung tilted her head. "You have a point."

Lee Ji-Yeon continued, "Then go ahead and confess today! Otherwise, you'll be left alone forever. Or just threaten to not show up for your schedule if all else fails."

Lee Ji-Yeon knew exactly what talent agents feared most.

A grin spread across Choi Ji-Yung's face, showing she fully intended to take that advice to heart.

Yoo-Jin also joined in the laughter for some reason, though I couldn't shake an uneasy feeling about it.

At that moment, Choi Ji-Yung exclaimed with a refreshed look as if finally resolved. "First, I'm gonna eat some crabs and gather some strength!"

Lee Ji-Yeon laughed and encouraged Choi Ji-Yung.

Just then, the king crab I had ordered finally arrived.

"Oh! It's here!"

Choi Ji-Yung hummed a little tune and went to the door to receive the food. "Thank you. Oh, and here's a tip for you."

Clearly in high spirits, she handed the delivery driver a generous tip of 20 thousand won.

Meanwhile, I carried the box over to the table. Opening the Styrofoam box, I found a perfectly steamed, four-kilogram king crab arranged neatly inside.

Salty steam rising from the bright red crab tempted me to snap off a thick leg right then and there.

Soon, Choi Ji-Yung returned and took her seat. "Thank you for the meal, Mr. Jung!"

"I look forward to your continued support."

When I offered Choi Ji-Yung a claw, she winked at me and cracked open the massive claw with gusto.

Crunch!

Everyone quickly grabbed a leg and prepared to dig in.

As everyone was about to take a bite of the tender white crab meat, Choi Ji-Yung shouted with a claw in her hand, "Today, I'm going to confess for sure!"

I thought perhaps I should message Park Woo-Min and warn him that he might end up pricked by a crab claw if he turns down her confession today.

"Alright. Let's eat first then talk!"

At Lee Ji-Yeon's cue, we all started devouring the sweet and salty king crab with gusto.

Slurp.

Chomp.

Crack.

Snap.

With everyone focused on eating, only the sound of us tearing into the crab filled the living room.

***

Inside Room 201 of Window Villa located near Samseong Station, Colonel Baek sat at the dining table and organized incriminating information on celebrities on his laptop.

His client, Kim Dong-Soo, wanted dirt that would keep stars under his control. The ten billion won advance payment from Jiang Wei was supposed to yield two S-class celebrities' secrets for Kim Dong-Soo's X-FILE.

Because the price tag was 5 billion won per person, the work required significant time to prepare.

"

Sigh.

"

Colonel Baek leaned back and stretched his arms. On the screen was a list of the S-class celebrities he had managed to uncover so far.

"Ace Entertainment's Ahn Sang-Min, TK Entertainment's Park Eun-Bin, TNT Entertainment's So Yi-Yung, Bless Entertainment's Choi Dae-Yeon... all of them reek of scandal," he muttered.

He had managed to pull together a list of about five S-class stars so far. Once his men gathered more intel, he planned to select two to hand over.

Just then, he heard knocking.

Knock-knock, knock-knock-knock, knock-knock.

After hearing the series of knocks which served as a secret code, Colonel Baek opened the door with ease.

Click.

"Come on in."

A man in his thirties with a sharp look, shaved head, and hoodie entered. His name was Choi Jun-Ho, one of Baek's subordinates and a former associate of Choi Eun-Tae.

As Colonel Baek returned to the table, he asked, "What's the status with Ju Yung-In?"

Colonel Baek had tasked Choi Jun-Ho with investigating Ace Entertainment's S-class star, Ju Yung-In.

Choi Jun-Ho replied, "Reporter Gu Ji-Am isn't talking."

Choi Jun-Ho had instructed Gu Ji-Am of Entertainment All Times to trail Ju Yung-In in China, but Gu Ji-Am refused to reveal anything.

Colonel Baek sat at the kitchen table and raised an eyebrow. "So he must have found something, huh?"

"That's my guess, but he insists he came up empty-handed no matter how much I pressed him. He even warned us to stop asking for tips... he seemed a bit rattled," Choi Jun-Ho replied.

Colonel Baek smirked. "Jung Yoon-Ho. Looks like that guy has some solid backing."

Choi Jun-Ho tilted his head. "Pardon?"

Colonel Baek continued, "Otherwise, a guy as corrupt as Gu Ji-Am wouldn't keep quiet, would he?"

Choi Jun-Ho nodded in agreement.

"Do you still have the files on Reporter Gu Ji-Am?" asked Colonel Baek.

"Are you planning to meet him in person?"

Colonel Baek smirked. "With the amount we're getting from our client, of course I should. Besides, getting Ju Yung-In back would certainly please Kim Dong-Soo."

Choi Jun-Ho nodded and handed over a USB drive from his pocket. "Understood. Here's information on two more S class targets I've dug up."

Colonel Baek took the USB with a nod. "Keep gathering as much as you can. Kim Dong-Soo's a guy we can probably squeeze for the next ten years."

Colonel Baek was aware that Jiang Wei had temporarily halted his funding for Kim Dong-Soo. However, he figured Kim Dong-Soo would have little trouble finding a new source of money, so he wasn't particularly worried.

Nonetheless, he had specified that the second payment be ready before he handed over more files.

"What about the task of investigating President Choi's side?"

Colonel Baek recalled nearly getting caught by Choi Eun-Tae's men the last time he met Kim Dong-Soo at Taesung Chinese restaurant in Myeongdong. He managed to escape through an air vent thanks to the restaurant owner, but the owner was eventually captured by Choi Eun-Tae's subordinates.

Although the owner hadn't divulged anything yet, it was hard to predict how long he could hold out.

"I cut all loose ends, but they're still closing in," Choi Jun-Ho replied.

"Then we'll have to change all the safehouses. Make sure the team knows the addresses and meets in person—no phone or text."

"Yes, understood."

"Alright then, get going. I need to head over to China. When I'm back, I'll meet with Reporter Gu Ji-Am."

𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"Safe travels, sir."

Colonel Baek packed his laptop into his bag and put on his hat. Then, he left the villa with his characteristically silent steps.

Five minutes later, Choi Jun-Ho also exited the villa and vanished in the opposite direction to continue gathering celebrity scandals for Kim Dong-Soo's X-FILE.

***

When I returned home, I took Yoo-Jin and Miso up to the second floor before heading up to the third to check on the gift Ju Yung-In had sent.

As I opened the door to the third floor, I saw a large gift box from her placed in the middle of the living room.

Just then, Haru, who had gone down to Suwon, walked out of the bathroom.

"Oh? Haru, when did you get back?"

"Ah, I arrived about thirty minutes ago."

Though I was curious about Ju Yung-In's gift, I was even more interested in how things were with Haru and Natalia.

"So? Did you find a good place for your mom?"

"Yeah. It was amazing! Mom loved it, so we signed the contract right away."

Hue Officetel owned by Womans' Jang Ji-Hye's husband was equipped with VIP security features.

"And how's her condition?"

"Her health has improved, but her memory hasn't changed much since last time. She still remembers everything about me though."

"That's a relief at least."

"Oh, and she wanted me to give you this."

Haru handed me a yellow envelope which contained a letter handwritten by Natalia.

[To Mr. Jung.]

-Thanks to your care, my health has greatly improved. It seems the lawsuit with Haru's father will also be resolved smoothly...

It was a heartfelt letter repeatedly expressing gratitude and assuring that she wouldn't forget the kindness I had shown her. She even mentioned that she would check in on Seo Yeon-Woo's grandmother when she comes to Seoul next time, saying that was all she had to offer.

Her presence was enough of a blessing and a gift to me. Thanks to her, Haru could smile so brightly now.

"Haru, tell your mom I truly appreciate her gift."

"Huh?"

"She'll understand if you say it that way."

Somehow, I felt she would know what I meant.

Haru nodded in agreement. "But, hyung..."

"What is it?"

"I need some advice."

"About what? You can tell me anything."

Haru hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Well... it seems like my mom and Mr. Kim are pretty close..."

"Is that so?"

Kim Chul-Soo, head of Suwon Hyo Nursing Hospital, was very fond of Natalia.

"Haru, what do you think about that?" I asked.

Haru hesitated and remained silent.

I probed further. "What is it? Are you worried about your dad?"

"No. Mom and Dad are getting divorced, so I'm not really concerned about that."

Haru showed no lingering attachment to his father, aware that holding onto it only hurt his mother.

"Then what's on your mind?"

"I'm just worried about Mom."

Haru felt that his mother was deliberately distancing herself from Kim Chul-Soo because she felt guilty about neglecting Haru for so long. Yet Haru genuinely wanted his mom and Kim Chul-Soo to find happiness together.

"Look at you, all grown up," I remarked with a smile.

'

Kids grow up so quickly. It's amazing how fast they mature,

' I thought.

I assured him, "I'll make time to talk with Mr. Kim and your mom. That will be after the divorce is finalized, of course."

Only then did Haru's face break into a wide smile. "Thank you! I'm so glad I talked to you about this, hyung."

I pat Haru on the shoulder. "Alright, then go get some rest. You must be tired."

"Okay. See you tomorrow."

Haru looked relieved and went into his room.

"Today really is full of good news," I muttered.

I smiled as I finally turned my attention to the box in the living room. There was a sticker on it labeled "JOY," which was Ju Yung-In's English name. She must have used it to avoid catching Yoo-Jin's attention.

When I cut through the tape, I found the box filled with premium black cases from high-end brands. Inside were an Ormani cashmere coat, two winter suits, a pair of shoes, and even a Hermos briefcase—an entire luxury set.

The suits fit perfectly as if tailored to my measurements, and even the shoes were exactly my size. I was momentarily stunned at how well Ju Yung-In knew my favorite brands, colors, and sizes.

'

How could she possibly know all this?

' I wondered.

The combined cost of these gifts easily surpassed that of a new car. Although it was already 10:30 p.m., I couldn't help but call her.

-Did you see my gift, oppa?

Ju Yung-In asked excitedly, but I composed myself and answered calmly.

"Yes, I saw it."

-

Hehe

, you're finally speaking casually. I like it. Keep it up.

"But this gift is a bit much. I'd say you spent around 30 million won?

-Wow~ You're good! How do you know luxury prices so well? Do you shop for your actors or something?

'

No. It's actually because you gave me the same types of gifts in my past life. That's why I'm familiar with them

,' I answered in my heart.

Back then, Ju Yung-In had insisted I needed to wear luxury brands to match her, just as she was doing now.

Shaking off the memories, I replied to Ju Yung-In.

"Still, it's too expensive. I feel uneasy accepting it."

-Oh, it's a custom order from Italy so I can't return it anyway.

Custom orders for luxury items took at least a month to complete, which meant she had placed this order even before the China incident.

"Custom order? When did you place it?"

-When you got me cast in

Wolf of the Battlefield.

But I got the bag here. Anyway, this is nothing compared to what you've given me, so wear it or don't—it's up to you. But I don't do returns!

Click.

With that, Ju Yung-In abruptly ended the call.

"Ju Yung-In, you really..."

I was at a loss for what to do with these gifts. After a long moment of hesitation, I closed the cases and carefully stored the box in the storage room. I decided I would only open it again after I had come to terms with my past memories of her.

***

The day after recruiting Go Jae-Soo, I was called to a meeting with Kang Gam-Chan as soon as I arrived at the company without time for our usual team briefing.

When I entered the president's office, Kang Gam-Chan was waiting with Kang Ji-Yung and Jung Soo-Hyuk and they were all wearing serious expressions.

I asked, "What's going on so early?"

"That bastard Choi Man-Sik proposed that we distribute 30% of the shares owned by shareholders to employees as stock options and company stock."

I frowned. "Pardon? He wants to release 30% of the shares?"

Our employee stock ownership program would allow employees to buy company shares at a discount. At that moment, I suddenly realized Choi Man-Sik's intent.

"He's planning to distribute shares to employees who'll follow his lead and then reclaim them later."

It was a tactic to weaken the shareholders' influence and win over the staff, ultimately paving the way for him to take over Hoop Entertainment.

Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "Exactly. I think he plans to give shares to the talent agents who are considering leaving their division for you and use this to keep them in line. In the end, he's aiming to devour Hoop Entertainment entirely."

"He's pretty crafty," I remarked.

"That's why I wanted to discuss it. We need to devise a countermeasure for this," Kang Gam-Chan said in a serious tone.

Choi Man-Sik's latest move was indeed bold. At that moment, an idea struck me like lightning.

Kang Gam-Chan noticed my expression and asked, "Do you have an idea?"

I grinned and nodded. "Yes. In fact, I think this might turn out to be Choi Man-Sik's biggest mistake."