Chapter 449: Hwangryong Film Association (3)

It seemed urgent, but I couldn't give him what he wanted for free. The one in a hurry was Yang Doo-Soo, not me.

For this reason, I pretended to hesitate slightly. "I'm not sure if we can manage the time, Mr. Yang."

Yang Doo-Soo immediately responded. "We'll use our broadcasting headquarters' helicopter if we have to, so time won't be an issue!"

I had also considered using a helicopter instead of a car.

When I appeared hesitant, Yang Doo-Soo urgently offered a deal. "Team Lead Jung, let's just get through today, alright? Then I'll ensure Tae-Poong, Ha-Na, and Cherry Blossom all get on the variety shows they want. Even if there's a new rookie, I'll get them in too. What do you say?"

Yang Doo-Soo, an entertainment PD with fifteen years of experience at SBC, was on friendly terms with the station's entertainment director. Additionally, he was the producer of the weekend variety show

Welcome to Weekend Pension

, which had a 13% viewership ratings.

A PD of such caliber was promising that I could pick any show for my talents.

I asked, "Are you promising this?"

"Yes, I'm telling you! Even rookies, I'll make it happen."

Having secured Yang Doo-Soo's promise, it was time to choose the singer for the performance.

'

Who should I call?

'

Jo Ah-Yeon wanted Kang Ha-Na, but there was another option for singing 'New Beginning'.

That option was none other than vocal trainer Seo Yeon-Woo. Currently preparing for his singing debut with the

Hwaranjeon

original soundtrack, Seo Yeon-Woo had performed 'New Beginning' as much as Kang Ha-Na during her training days.

'

Should I call Yeon-Woo?

'

After a brief hesitation, I shook my head. In such an urgent situation, even an experienced singer might falter. I didn't want to put that burden on Seo Yeon-Woo.

Moreover, the stars of the Hwangryong Film Association were the actors no matter what. Even if Seo Yeon-Woo sang exceptionally, he might be overshadowed.

This wasn't the right moment for him. Seo Yeon-Woo needed a proper debut stage.

That left only one person: Kang Ha-Na.

"Mr. Yang, then I'll call Ha-Na. But make sure her performance fee is guaranteed."

Yang Doo-Soo looked incredulous. "Seriously, Team Lead Jung. You're saying that in this situation?"

'

What? Kang Ha-Na is one of my celebrities, isn't she?

'

A talent agent should never undersell their performers even in situations like this. This was the reason for the talent agent's existence.

"Now that I think about it, Ha-Na has a fear of heights. I wonder if she will be able to take a helicopter~ If she can't, we might miss the timing."

When I feigned reluctance, Yang Doo-Soo finally shouted in desperation. "F-fine! I'll match the second part's performance fee! Deal?"

I smiled and bowed deeply. "Thank you so much, Mr. Yang!"

Yang Doo-Soo clicked his tongue. "You are quite something, Team Lead Jung. You're negotiating even now. Anyway, call her quickly. I'll contact the SBC helicopter captain."

"Okay!"

While Yang Doo-Soo made his calls, I phoned Do Ran-Hee.

As expected, Do Ran-Hee confirmed they hadn't left yet.

"Stay put with Jong-Hoon and the others. I'll send a helicopter to your location."

-Got it.

"And bring Seon-Woo along too."

-Huh? Why Seon-Woo?

"The moment we arrive, the performance will start. He'll need to coordinate on-site rehearsals. There's no one else who can handle it in this situation."

-Understood.

I immediately called Bang Seon-Woo, who was working in the underground recording studio. After explaining the situation, he agreed to meet Do Ran-Hee and depart together.

-Got it. Then send me the part Miss Ju Yung-In sings via Kk Talk. I'll discuss with Ha-Na how to structure the duet while we're in the helicopter.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you."

Eventually, it was decided that Kang Ha-Na, Kim Jong-Hoon, and Bang Seon-Woo, along with a few talent agents, would travel by helicopter.

Ideally, I would have also liked to bring Cherry Blossom who were set to perform the second opening stage. But it wasn't possible due to the helicopter's capacity.

𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

After finishing the instructions, I hung up.

But just as I ended the call, Yang Doo-Soo's face looked pale. "Uh, Team Lead Jung."

"Yes?"

"...Is there any way to get a helicopter?"

"What do you mean by getting a helicopter?"

"

Sigh

. Our helicopter just landed, but it needs 40 minutes for refueling and a quick inspection before it can fly again."

The current time was 8:10 p.m. The performance was at 9:30 p.m, but Kang Ha-Na needed to arrive by 9:00 p.m. to rehearse at the minimum.

Using the SBC helicopter would take 20 minutes round trip. But adding the time it took to get from the landing site to the venue meant they would arrive just before the performance.

Fortunately, there was another solution.

I asked, "You'll cover the helicopter costs, right?"

"Of course!"

"Then give me a moment. I'll make a call."

"Sure."

I immediately called Shin Jong-Ki, the president of LT Entertainment. He answered quickly despite the background noise, likely because he was at the same Incheon Pyramid Hotel.

-Oh, Team Lead Jung, what's going on?

"Mr. Shin, do you know of any helicopters available for night flights?"

-There's one used by the team filming at

Jiri Mountain

. It's currently near Jamsil. Why? What's going on?

"One moment, I'll put you on speakerphone."

When I switched to a speakerphone, Yang Doo-Soo spoke hurriedly.

"Hi, Mr. Shin! This is Yang Doo-Soo!"

-Ah, PD Yang.

"The special stage has fallen through. And to fill it, we need to bring Ha-Na from Apgujeong. But our SBC helicopter isn't an option right now...

Before Yang Doo-Soo could finish, Shin Jong-Ki readily agreed.

-For the Hwangryong Film Association? Of course, I'll help.

At that moment, another voice chimed in over the line.

-Hey, Team Lead Jung! If it's urgent, you should've called me first! CK Entertainment has a helicopter too! Ours is newer than LT's!

It was Son Hyung-Tae, the president of CK Entertainment.

But Shin Jong-Ki didn't back down.

-President Son, Team Lead Jung specifically asked me. What's the issue here? Anyway, Team Lead Jung, where should I send the helicopter?

-Team Lead Jung, forget that! Use CK's helicopter! It's faster!

While Yang Doo-Soo's face lit up, I found myself in an awkward position. Two presidents were arguing over whose helicopter I should use and left me to make a choice.

Yang Doo-Soo's expression shifted, realizing my growing leverage. For now, I had to resolve the situation.

"Since I didn't know CK Entertainment had a helicopter, we'll use Mr. Shin's this time."

-See!?

-

Hmph!

The two middle-aged men responded like children.

Shin Jong-Ki continued.

-I'll send the helicopter to the nearest building to Hoop Entertainment. Is that fine?

"Yes, Mr. Shin."

After receiving the address of an LT Entertainment affiliated hotel nearby, I called Do Ran-Hee and instructed her to head to the hotel rooftop.

Once the call ended, Yang Doo-Soo sighed in relief. "Thank you, Team Lead Jung."

"In return, I'll need a staff pass. Before Ha-Na, Jong-Hoon, and Seon-Woo arrive, I need to check the route."

"That's easy. Ah-Yeon, get a pass for him."

"Yes, sir."

Jo Ah-Yeon glanced around and took a pass off an employee in the control room.

"Choi sunbae, let me borrow this!"

"Hey, then what am I supposed to use?"

"Sunbae, you're not leaving here anyway."

"I still need to go to the restroom or take breaks during intermissions."

"You have your employee ID!"

Jo Ah-Yeon decisively provided the solution and handed me the staff pass.

Now, I had to quickly prepare for the special stage happening in an hour.

***

Leaving the control room, I headed straight to the backstage area.

Jo Ah-Yeon pointed to Ju Yung-In's waiting room and briefly explained the layout. "That's Room 3. Turn left at the corner and it connects to the side stairs behind the stage."

"Got it."

"Alright, then I'm off. Please check the rest yourself and call me if you need anything."

Busy as she was, Jo Ah-Yeon quickly disappeared after saying that.

I first checked the route from the waiting room to the backstage, then opened the door to Ju Yung-In's waiting room.

Ju Yung-In was sitting on a spacious sofa, dressed in a red dress for the awards ceremony. The dress had short sleeves that slightly covered her shoulders, a sheer material for the upper body, and hydrangea embroidery in gold and silver thread around the waist.

Ju Yung-In waved her hand. "Oh, you're here."

Ahn Yung-Hee and Ji Soo-Hyun greeted me as well. After exchanging greetings with the talent agents, I sat next to Ju Yung-In.

I asked, "You've heard about the situation, right?"

Ju Yung-In nodded. "Yes. I heard that Oh Ji-Seok ran off?"

"Yeah."

"Well, he probably doesn't have the mental capacity to show up considering he's being investigated by the police."

"Anyway, are you okay with this?"

"Honestly, it's better for me. I'd rather perform with Ha-Na unnie and Jong-Hoon oppa than deal with Oh Ji-Seok."

The reason Ju Yung-In was chosen for the special stage was not only because she was a nominee for last year's Hwangryong Film Association's Best Actress Award but also because she was the lead actress in

Wolf of the Battlefield

.

At that moment, Ju Yung-In turned to Ahn Yung-Hee. "Mrs. Ahn, could you get me a warm drink?"

"Sure. Take your time and relax."

"And Soo-Hyun, could you step out for a bit too?"

"Yes, unnie."

Without giving me a chance to intervene, Ahn Yung-Hee and Ji Soo-Hyun left the waiting room as if on cue.

"What's with you?"

Ju Yung-In answered with a smile. "I asked them to leave so you wouldn't feel uncomfortable."

"Did you think being alone with you wouldn't be more uncomfortable?"

Ju Yung-In leaned slightly toward me. "Not at all. Are you uncomfortable?"

"Forget it. I'm not saying anything."

Ju Yung-In giggled. "By the way, how's Yoo-Jin's

Hwaranjeon

shoot going?"

"It's progressing well, though the pace is a bit slow since it's early on."

"Oh~ really? Then how about Min Gyu-Ri? She seemed really prickly toward Yoo-Jin the last time I was there. Have they clashed again since?"

"Not since the day you visited."

It was slightly amusing to see Ju Yung-In worrying about Yoo-Jin. It seemed like she forgot how she used to be.

Perhaps noticing my expression, Ju Yung-In grumbled. "I'm not like that anymore!"

"That's true. Fair enough."

Seeing Ju Yung-In's pouty face, I subtly changed the topic.

"By the way, have you practiced your song much?"

Ju Yung-In straightened her posture and cleared her throat. "Want to hear it?"

"No, thanks."

Like most top tier actors, Ju Yung-In had good vocal projection. Her voice was clear and her articulation was excellent, so she sang reasonably well. I already knew this from before the regression, so I didn't feel the need to listen. It wouldn't change anything anyway.

"

Hmph

. Sometimes, it feels like you already know everything, oppa."

"There's still a lot I don't know."

Since the regression, many things had changed. Not only had I changed significantly, but so had Ju Yung-In in front of me.

I asked, "By the way, how's the filming in China going?"

"Why don't you show this kind of concern more often? You're my agent for China, aren't you?"

"You handle things well on your own. Why should I?"

Ju Yung-In pouted and started sharing about her experience filming in China. "I don't handle it as well as you think, so keep an eye on me. It's tough. The scale is big and they pay well, which is great, but... it's lonely not knowing anyone there."

It was hard to believe that the almighty Ju Yung-In felt lonely. "You brought your Korean staff and close aides with you. What's there to feel lonely about?"

"

Ugh

~ Am I not a person in your eyes? I act tough and don't show it. Anyway, I'm planning to return to Korean activities next year."

Ju Yung-In said she would come back to Korea after wrapping up

Wolf of the Battlefield

. Though she avoided starring in

Queen Jeong-Hee

, she intended to do other dramas and movies and even expressed a desire to compete with Yoo-Jin.

At that moment, a message from Yoo-Jin arrived.

[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Oppa, are you busy?]

Ju Yung-In glanced at the message and commented. "Reply to Yoo-Jin that you're enjoying some cozy alone time with me."

"Are you crazy?"

Following Ju Yung-In's suggestion would undoubtedly cause unnecessary trouble. Ignoring Ju Yung-In's giggles, I replied.

[Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho: No, I'm at Ju Yung-In's waiting room waiting for Ha-Na and Jong-Hoon to arrive]

[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Just the two of you?]

Ju Yung-In laughed, putting up two fingers and holding them to the sides of her head like antennae. "Does Yoo-Jin have some kind of radar for you, or what?"

I had only said I was at the waiting room, but Yoo-Jin immediately guessed we were alone. Maybe Ju Yung-In was right—Yoo-Jin might indeed have a radar.

I responded honestly to Yoo-Jin's message.

[Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho: Yeah, Chief Ahn Yung-Hee and Stylist Ji Soo-Hyun stepped out for a bit.]

[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Classic Yung-In. Say hello for me. Also, I sent kimchi from home. Did she get it?]

I said, "Yoo-Jin sent kimchi?"

Ju Yung-In answered. "Yeah, Yoo-Jin personally packed it and shipped it to me in China."

"Kimchi can be sent to China?"

"If it's packed tightly in small amounts, it's possible. Tell her I enjoyed it. I had no appetite, but her kimchi brought me back to life."

It was surprising that Yoo-Jin had sent kimchi. "When did you two get so close?"

"It's not really about being close. She's probably returning the favor from my last visit."

Ju Yung-In was likely referring to the coffee truck she brought during the Min Gyu-Ri incident. After hearing her explanation, I messaged Yoo-Jin back.

[Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho: She said she enjoyed it. Anyway, I'll head your way once things are done here.]

[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Okay~ See you later~]

After finishing the conversation, Ju Yung-In giggled.

"Why are you reading my messages?"

Ju Yung-In widened her already large eyes, making them even bigger. "My eyes are big, so my field of vision is wide. See?"

"Stop with the nonsense and start preparing for rehearsal."

"Got it."

It was now 8:30 p.m., and the helicopter would arrive soon.

"Drink some water before then."

I grabbed a 500ml water bottle nearby, emptied a bit of water onto a nearby plant, inserted a straw, and handed it to Ju Yung-In.

Sometimes, actresses would tilt the bottle to drink directly from it and end up spilling water on their clothes as they were distracted or immersed in their scripts. Yoo-Jin often did this.

By leaving some extra space in the bottle, they would realize before tipping it too far to avoid a mess.

But as Ju Yung-In took the water bottle, she looked at me with an emotional expression and suddenly began saying something unexpected.