Chapter 433: Interview (3)

After giving a direct call to MBS' President Choi Sang-Byung to report the situation at

Weekly Star

, I contacted Oh Bok-Hee and Han Woo-Ju as well. Of course, I intentionally left out Choi Min-Jun's name.

Choi Sang-Byung ended the call with a cold voice. Meanwhile, Oh Bok-Hee, who was at the MBS station, erupted in a rage and spat out curses. Han Woo-Ju simply responded that she would head to the station. After all, targeting Yoo-Jin meant jeopardizing the success of

Hwaranjeon

.

By only thinking of his own actors, Yoo Kang-Seok had overlooked something important.

As soon as my call ended, Choi Min-Jun asked awkwardly with a nervous expression, "Uh, Team Lead Jung,

hahaha

... W-we're still good, right? I even promised to return the money earlier."

Choi Min-Jun knew that if MBS' top executives came after him, he wouldn't be able to withstand it. Understandably, Choi Min-Jun's face was filled with tension.

I replied, "Don't worry. I won't ever mention your name. In return, please make sure today's mess is cleaned up neatly."

"Y-yeah, of course. Oh, and you can look forward to today's article. I'll make it the best."

"I'll hold you to that."

The worst article was about to transform into the best one. Moments like these reminded me that I might be better at threats than persuasion.

At that moment, Choi Min-Jun stood up and pointed outside. "Team Lead Jung, shall we head out for the rest of the interviews?"

"Yes, let's do that."

With the tables turned, my shoulders and steps brimmed with the confidence of a triumphant general returning to the meeting room.

***

Jang Moon-Ki unleashed a series of sharp and high caliber questions after taking over as the interviewer.

-You're appearing in this drama alongside Miso again following your previous project. However, now, you're not playing a mother and daughter. How do you view Miso as a fellow actress?

-This is your first time tackling a historical drama as the lead actress. How do you feel about carrying such a significant role?

-Miss So Yi-Yung was cast as the lead in the rival drama

Queen Jeong-Hee

. Many fans are anticipating the competition between you two. Could you share a word of encouragement?

-Miss Jung Yoo-Jin. As an actress, what are your dreams and goals?

Jang Moon-Ki seamlessly shifted from reflecting on the project to delving into the actress herself. His questions demonstrated his status as a seasoned reporter.

Meanwhile, Yoo Kang-Seok approached me quietly, smiling and seemingly unaware of the call from MBS.

He spoke as though everything was business as usual with a friendly tone. "Team Lead Jung, what exactly did you say to make Chief Editor Choi cough up all the money? That guy always complained that no amount was enough."

I had been cordial to him until now, partly because he seemed eager to bring me on board as vice president. But not anymore. The moment he tried to play games with Yoo-Jin, Yoo Kang-Seok became my enemy.

"I'm not in the mood for jokes with you, Mr. Yoo," I replied coldly.

"

Ah

, my apologies. I just can't help but laugh every time I hit a wall dealing with you, Mr. Jung."

"Enjoy your laughs while you still can."

"What do you mean by that?"

At that very moment, Yoo Kang-Seok's phone started ringing. I was certain it was a call from MBS.

"Why don't you take that call?"

"Why? Is Hoop Entertainment planning to sue me?"

"You'll know once you take the call."

Yoo Kang-Seok pulled out his phone from his pocket. Without a clue, he answered in a cheerful voice. "Oh! Yes! Mrs. Oh, how are you doing? By the way, I left some red ginseng extract in your office last time. Did you receive it well?"

That's when Oh Bok-Hee's booming voice erupted through the phone.

-You can keep all the red ginseng to yourself!

"Excuse me?"

-I heard you tried to ruin my lead's interview. Have you lost your mind? Or are you looking for a fight with me? No, at this point, you're just declaring war on MBS, aren't you?

As a drama fanatic, Oh Bok-Hee wouldn't hesitate to confront even the president of a major network if anything threatened her projects. At this moment, red ginseng or even premium mountain ginseng was the least of her concerns.

"No, no, that's not true. It's just a misunderstanding. I was simply..."

-Do you think I'm stupid? Save your useless excuses and get over here right now! Our president wants to see you!

"...Understood."

When Yoo Kang-Seok ended the call, he turned to me with fiery eyes. "Did you do this, Team Lead Jung?"

"Why ask when you already know?"

"You're playing dirty now, aren't you?"

I smirked as I replied. "Dirty? It's funny to hear you say that when you used money for lobbying. I used my network. I won that round of lobbying, so don't start whining. Now, hurry up and head to the station. Everyone there seems to be boiling with rage."

Yoo Kang-Seok glared at me silently.

I met his gaze before I added, "Let me warn you. If something like this happens again, it won't end so easily next time. I'll personally set off a bomb on TNT Entertainment."

In my past life, I had learned a great deal about TNT Entertainment. The only reason I hadn't leveraged this knowledge yet was that the chaos following its downfall would pose a big obstacle to my actors' success.

Yoo Kang-Seok's body trembled slightly. After instructing a TNT's talent agent to bring So Yi-Yung over, he disappeared.

Though I didn't get him to promise he wouldn't do it again, it didn't really matter. He wouldn't dare try for the time being anyway.

In the meantime, the interview wrapped up successfully.

***

A few hours after I got home, Yoo-Jin's name topped the live search rankings. This was thanks to the flood of articles written by Jang Moon-Ki.

[Jung Yoo-Jin Takes on Her First Historical Drama.]

[The Beautiful Lead of

Hwaranjeon

, Jung Yoo-Jin.]

[Acting Genius Jung Yoo-Jin Ventures into Historical Drama!]

[Hwaranjeon

's Jung Yoo-Jin vs.

Queen Jeong-Hee

's So Yi-Yung!]

[In-depth Interview with Jung Yoo-Jin: A Twenty-Four-Year-Old Actress and Mother.]

(Comments)

-Wow~ Is this reporter Jung Yoo-Jin's fan or something?

-The photos of Jung Yoo-Jin turned out stunning. Total life shots, aren't they?

-LOL. Did this reporter have a change of heart? They used to write nothing but clickbait garbage.

The articles about Yoo-Jin received overwhelming praise. On top of that, Weekly Star went all out with post-editing to make Yoo-Jin look like a goddess.

Later, Jang Moon-Ki called to share more good news. He told me a promotion slot for team leads was opening up next year and he was confident about his chances. Jang Moon-Ki also mentioned that he would personally handle my team's interviews from now on, ensuring Yoo Chae-Min would never get near my actors.

While I was receiving this joyful news, Oh Bok-Hee called as well.

-Mr. Jung, don't worry. I gave President Yoo a proper scolding. Miss Han also said she won't stay quiet if this happens again.

"Are you saying you'll cut TNT's actors from the project?"

-To be honest, l would love to. However, it's hard to find a young actress who can match Miss Yoo-Jin's level. Instead, Writer Han says she'll shave Min Gyu-Ri's head if it happens again.

In the latter half of

Hwaranjeon

, Princess Do-Hwa is exiled to a temple after losing in a power struggle. Han Woo-Ju was determined to add a close-up scene of Min Gyu-Ri's head being shaved, making it impossible to use a body double.

I thought, '

Min Gyu-Ri can kiss the shampoo and cosmetics ads goodbye if that really happens.

'

"It seems Miss Han is extremely angry."

-I didn't expect her to get so furious either. Anyway, President Yoo ended up kneeling and begging before leaving, so there's no need to worry anymore.

"Thank you so much."

-Actually, we should be the ones thanking you for stopping the article. Our president mentioned he'd like to see you in person soon.

"Understood."

-Also, we'll see each other in Gyeongju two days from now. We can't lose to KBC or So Yi-Yung after going through all this, don't you think?

Oh Bok-Hee was especially on edge as So Yi-Yung had previously captivated audiences in

Whirlwind

with her portrayal of Queen Jeong-Hee.

I assured her, "Don't worry. Yoo-Jin will do great."

-Of course.

Oh Bok-Hee ended the call in a satisfied voice.

Right then, I updated Yoo-Jin and Miso about the day's outcome.

Yoo-Jin answered, "That's a relief."

At that moment, Miso hugged Lucky, Mimi, and the rest of their little ones as she shouted with enthusiasm. "Lucky! Mimi! Seolgi! Jeolmi! Happy! Love! Everyone, thank Uncle Yoon-Ho! Uncle Yoon-Ho, you did great today~"

As Miso bent down to bow, the house filled with the lively sounds of animals.

"

Woof woof!

"

"

Meow~

"

"

Squeak~

"

"

Mewl!

"

Our house in Cheonho-dong had truly become a joyful animal farm.

***

Tomorrow was the day of the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT).

I planned to escort Lee Si-Yoon, who had nearly been killed by Woo Sung-Chan, to the exam hall and cheer him on.

Woo Sung-Chan had been sentenced to five years in prison after his first trial. He claimed that he couldn't remember anything due to being drunk, but the judge remained unfazed.

The court handed down an aggravated sentence, citing the prolonged bullying of Lee Si-Yoon and Woo Sung-Chan's calculated intent to harm. Shocked, Woo Sung-Chan's parents filed an appeal immediately. However, the mounting lawsuits from other victims of his actions threatened to increase his sentence even further.

That wasn't the only fallout.

'Woo Seon-Jae,' once the most prestigious traditional Korean restaurant in Jamsil, was forced to shut down following an expose by Choi So-Hye on their use of substandard ingredients.

After Woo Sung-Chan's family's downfall, Lee Si-Yoon began to recover his lost smile.

Additionally, Attorney Kim Chan-Sung helped Lee Si-Yoon secure a scholarship to support his studies and even helped Lee Si-Yoon's parents find stable jobs.

I called Lee Si-Yoon at 8 p.m. "Hey, Si-Yoon, it's me."

-Oh, Yoon-Ho hyung!

"Am I disturbing your studies?"

-Not at all. I'm just relaxing after dinner. Don't worry.

"That's good to hear. Listen, about tomorrow... I'll go with you to the exam hall. Just so you know."

-Huh? That's not necessary...

"Not necessary? I heard your parents are working tomorrow. I'll come and cheer you on properly, so look forward to it."

Lee Si-Yoon's voice brightened.

-Thank you, hyung. You're always looking out for me.

"Don't mention it."

-All right. See you tomorrow.

"I'll be there by 6:50 a.m."

-Okay!

Saving Lee Si-Yoon's life made him feel like a younger brother to me.

***

It was November 26th, 4 a.m.—the day of the College Scholastic Ability Test.

As soon as I woke up, I checked the news only to find every headline dominated by stories about the exam.

[College Scholastic Ability Test Day: Record-Breaking Cold!]

Delayed by a week compared to previous years, the CSAT was met with news reports warning of freezing weather.

I woke Yoo-Jin and Miso, making sure they dress warmly for the weather.

Miso slipped her arms into the down jacket I was putting on her with her eyes still closed and muttered, "Uncle Yoon-Ho... take me... with you..."

"I'm sorry, Miso, but I have somewhere else to go."

Miso shook her head while still half-asleep. "No... I want to go too."

My heart ached upon hearing Miso whimper, but I had no choice. I handed Miso over to Yoo-Jin after dressing her, and she instinctively clung to her mother like a koala.

"Mom... tell Uncle Yoon-Ho... to take me..."

Hearing Miso's mumbled plea, Yoo-Jin gently patted her head. "No, Miso. Uncle Yoon-Ho is busy."

Miso buried her face into Yoo-Jin's arms and whined sleepily. "

Ugh..

."

"Oppa, we'll head out then. Please pass on our regards to Si-Yoon."

"Sure, take care."

Yoo-Jin calmed Miso down and placed her in the car before heading to Cheongju with Jung Sang-Bong and Lee Yung-Jin driving.

Meanwhile, Cherry Blossom split into two cars driven by Han Myung-Ho and Lee Ju-Yung, accompanied by Do Ran-Hee and Eun Ji-Yoo to head to Hoengseong.

It was now 4:15 a.m.

I checked my watch and drove my Merciless Bends to a rental apartment in Jamsil as I figured I might oversleep if I stayed in bed.

By the time I parked in the lot of Lee Si-Yoon's apartment, it was 4:30 a.m.

"Maybe I should get just a little more sleep..." I muttered.

I set an alarm, turned on the heater, and dozed off in the car.

***

In the underground parking lot of a club in Gangnam, Oh Min-Sik, the enforcer of the Eun-Gyu gang, checked a message on KkTalk before making a call. "Eun-Gyu hyung-nim, I just received photos of Lee Si-Yoon and Jung Yoon-Ho."

Sung Eun-Gyu, the boss of the gang and owner of SEK Entertainment, responded.

-Good. Woo Sung-Chan's parents paid a generous sum, so take Lee Si-Yoon and Jung Yoon-Ho to the factory and make sure they sign the agreements. If they refuse, don't let them go.

"Understood."

-And tell Lee Si-Yoon that we'll pick him up every CSAT season going forward if he doesn't sign this year.

"And what about Jung Yoon-Ho?"

-What do you think? Get him to promise that he won't meddle with Woo Sung-Chan again. Remember, that guy knows how to throw a punch so don't go alone. Take some backup.

"I'm already taking four others. But if he fights back hard, what should we do?"

-Just scare him and don't go too far. If we take it too far, it'll backfire. All we need are the agreements and his promise to stay away from Woo Sung-Chan. Don't forget that.

As the president of SEK Entertainment, Sung Eun-Gyu was planning to have Woo Sung-Chan undergo cosmetic surgery and relocate overseas to earn money once his sentence was reduced in the second trial. This was part of a deal with Woo Sung-Chan's parents.

"Yes, hyung-nim. I got it."

Oh Min-Sik ended the call and started the van.

He added, "You all heard that, right? We pick up Lee Si-Yoon first, then Jung Yoon-Ho. Bring the gear, but remember it's only for intimidation."

"Yes, sir!"

With that, the van carrying five gangsters began heading toward the rental apartments in Jamsil.

***

Beep beep beep.

The alarm woke me up at 6:30 a.m.

Sleeping in the car had left my body stiff. As I stepped outside for a stretch, I was jolted awake by the cold wind.

"

Ugh

... it's freezing," I groaned.

I was glad I had bought a scarf, gloves, and a long padded coat as a gift for Lee Si-Yoon.

The meeting time was 6:50 a.m. which left me with 20 minutes to kill. I checked my phone out of boredom.

To my surprise, the Horoscope of the Day had been updated.

[Everyday V12]

[Date: November 26, 2020]

[Horoscope of the Day: Be careful with your body.]

'

Be careful with my body?

' I wondered.

Since I had taken a day off, I planned to drop Lee Si-Yoon off at the test center and just relax for the rest of the day. Yet, the horoscope of the day which had a reputation for accuracy came with a warning.

'

Could it be a traffic accident? Food poisoning? Tripping over a stone and smashing my nose? What is it?

'

There was no additional information explaining why I needed to be cautious. Still, the warning made me double check my shoelaces and belt. To prevent slipping on the icy pavement, I even cleaned the dirt lodged in the grooves of my shoes.

"This should do the trick... right?"

Just then, a sedan pulled into the last remaining parking spot near the communal entrance right next to my car.