Chapter 453: One Person Worth a Hundred

"What's the big deal? They're just Powertuff Girl dolls."

Five dolls leaned against the wall in the smallest room of the Pyramid Hotel penthouse. Each doll stood two meters tall and was wrapped in transparent plastic with a large ribbon tied around its neck.

These were custom-ordered gifts specially made for Miso, who loved the Powertuff Girls.

I hugged the packaged Blossom doll and grinned brightly. "They're awesome, right?"

Sae-Ri shook her head in disbelief. "Yoon-Ho oppa, seriously? All five of them are two meters tall? Isn't that overkill?"

"No, no~ The Powertuff Girls are only complete when all five are together. If just one were big, it'd get lonely."

"Wow. You're unbelievable, Yoon-Ho oppa."

"Anyway, come on. Let's carry them out. Miso is waiting."

Humming the Powertuff Girls' theme song 'We're All Powertuff!', I carried the doll out of the room.

When we showed up with the dolls, everyone gathered in the living room froze in shock.

"Whoa~ No way!"

"Why are those dolls so huge?"

"And there are five of them!"

Cries of disbelief echoed through the room, but Miso's eyes lit up like hearts.

Miso squealed with delight, "Wow!"

'

It's a success!

'

No matter what expressions anyone made or what they said, all that mattered was that Miso smiled.

I gently placed the doll beside Miso. The four others who followed me carefully set down the remaining 2 meter Powertuff Girl dolls.

"This is your birthday gift, Miso. Well? How do you like it?"

Surrounded by the five massive dolls, Miso beamed as if she had the whole world. "This is the happiest day of my life, Uncle Yoon-Ho!"

For me, it was also the happiest moment since the regression. This was a moment I had thought I would never witness again. Seeing Miso smile like this made it all worth it.

"Me too!"

***

I spent a dreamlike day with Yoo-Jin and Miso yesterday, eating delicious food and playing in the jacuzzi in the penthouse.

When I arrived at work the next day, I parked in the underground garage and checked my planner.

[Everyday V12]

[Date: December 2, 2020]

[Fortune of the Day: Financial luck is extremely good.]

The Fortune of the Day feature only appeared when it had high accuracy, and seeing it early in the morning put me in a great mood.

"Not just good but extremely good? This must mean a bonus... How much will it be?"

Hoop Entertainment was known for rewarding its actors and singers generously when they delivered results. Since Lee Tae-Poong had won Best Actor Award at the prestigious Hwangryong Film Association, the reward was bound to be substantial, just as today's fortune reading predicted.

Feeling upbeat, I stepped out of my car with light steps. When I reached the elevator, I noticed a banner hanging on the wall.

[(Congratulations) Hwangryong Film Association Best Actor Award – Lee Tae-Poong (Celebration)]

"Mr. Kang seems to be in high spirits."

No one from Hoop Entertainment won an award last year. Perhaps that's why Kang Gam-Chan was more delighted than anyone about this year's win at the Hwangryong Film Association.

As I took the elevator up to the office, the sunbae talent agents from Actor Division 2 greeted me with congratulations and brought up yesterday's events.

"Team Lead Jung, maybe it's time for you to debut as a celebrity too."

"You didn't lose out at all even in the two-shot with Tae-Poong!"

"Whoa~ It's the gorgeous talent agent!"

"You were trending at number two in real time search rankings. Next time, aim for number one!"

Thanks to Lee Tae-Poong mentioning me during his acceptance speech at the Hwangryong Film Association, my face appeared on screen for nearly a full minute in a two-shot. As a result, the term "Lee Tae-Poong's gorgeous talent agent" trended in the top ten real-time search rankings all day yesterday.

I said, "Believe it or not, a few new agencies actually contacted me and asked if I'd consider becoming a celebrity. They even gave me business cards!"

My playful comment made the talent agents burst into laughter, as they knew better than anyone that I had no such intentions.

The company staff couldn't hide their excitement over the rare big win. However, the celebration was short-lived. After settling at my desk, I called for a meeting with the talent agents of Team Jung.

Today was December 2nd.

The busiest month of the year for entertainment companies had officially begun.

***

Once the Team Jung talent agents gathered in the meeting room, I addressed the pressing issues first.

"Now that Tae-Poong has won the award, the scrutiny on our team's celebrities will intensify. Please be more vigilant than ever."

I shared anecdotes from interactions with industry talent agents during the awards and reception, emphasizing the need for caution.

"Make sure to meticulously monitor any complaints circulating among on site PDs and staff. If there are any conflicts with other agencies' actors or talent agents, report to me immediately."

At that moment, Lee Yung-Jin asked a question. "Mr. Jung, when will we get additional manpower? At this rate, it'll be tough to handle the year end schedules in December. Plus, shouldn't we already have replacements lined up with the promotion coming next month?"

To prepare for the merger with Gwanwoo Entertainment filled with Suhyaejong graduates, Kang Gam-Chan and Kang Ji-Yung had been actively recruiting talent agents and actors. However, the new recruits had yet to be assigned to Actor Division 2.

I answered, "They'll be assigned starting this week, so don't worry. We're getting a mix of rookies and experienced hires."

Only then did the staff let out sighs of relief. After all, every helping hand would be desperately needed in December.

I continued the meeting. "Also, limit the number of TV appearances for Tae-Poong to two this week. The filming schedule for

Jiri Mountain

is already packed, so it's impossible to add more."

The release date for

Jiri Mountain

was set for late January, while the TVM's

The Foodie Nomads

featuring him and Haru had been scheduled for February. Lee Tae-Poong was now living the true life of a star with no room for rest.

At that moment, Kim Mi-Hye raised her hand. "Mr. Jung, then what about interview requests? The reporters are constantly asking for interviews."

"Convert press interviews into pre-recorded sessions using a questionnaire. Coordinate with the Promotion Division for assistance."

"Even so, I'm reaching my limit managing Mr. Tae-Poong alone. Could we get just one more person assigned soon?"

"Just a moment."

I excused myself and made a phone call.

Hearing a phone ring outside the meeting room, I called out. "Eun-Sol, come on in!"

Click.

The door opened, and Cha Eun-Sol stepped in.

"Hello! My name is Cha Eun-Sol. I'll be handling the promotional work from now on. I look forward to working with you all. Please take good care of me!"

Cha Eun-Sol introduced herself energetically and walked over to stand beside me.

She was my secret weapon. Before my regression, Cha Eun-Sol had been a top-tier homema, but in this life, I had recruited her to join my team. Unparalleled in photography and editing, Cha Eun-Sol was a one-person powerhouse.

Seeing Cha Eun-Sol, Kim Mi-Hye's face instantly brightened.

After all, Cha Eun-Sol had taken and edited the photos of Yoo-Jin's last fan meeting. Her excellent work had halved Kim Mi-Hye's workload that day.

Kim Mi-Hye said, "Eun-Sol! How have you been?"

Cha Eun-Sol answered with a smile, "It's been a while, Ms. Kim."

At that moment, Kim Mi-Hye hesitated and asked me a question. "By the way, has Eun-Sol's early admission been announced yet?"

I replied, "The official exam results aren't out yet, but she should be accepted as long as she meets the minimum requirements."

Since Cha Eun-Sol was majoring in photography, her early admission results would be announced earlier than other majors. However, due to her high school attendance requirements, she would need to go back and forth between school and work, taking on site photos for

Jiri Mountain

and

Hwaranjeon

in the meantime.

Kim Mi-Hye sighed in relief and asked Cha Eun-Sol, "Eun-Sol, where are you staying? I doubt your university dorms have opened yet."

"I found a place at DH Villa right next to the company."

"DH? But isn't that place super expensive?"

DH Villa located just twenty meters away was a luxury villa completed only a week ago.

Smiling brightly, Cha Eun-Sol replied, "Mr. Jung arranged it for me."

Everyone showed envious expressions. But in truth, renting DH Villa cost almost nothing because I had received permission from an acquaintance to use the villa nearly for free.

As Cha Eun-Sol finished her introductions and was about to sit next to Kim Mi-Hye, I called out to her. "Eun-Sol, wait a moment."

"Huh? What is it??"

"You need to take this."

Just as Kang Gam-Chan had done for me, I handed Cha Eun-Sol a business card.

『Hoop Entertainment's Promotion Division Staff Cha Eun-Sol』

The surprised Cha Eun-Sol stared at the card. "But I'm...just a part timer. You're giving me a business card too?"

Part timers rarely received business cards as giving someone a card signified that the company officially recognized them as a part of their staff.

"Of course you should have a card because you're part of our team. Besides, I would have already brought you on as a full time employee if it weren't for your university studies. A business card is no big deal."

Cha Eun-Sol looked moved and held the business card tightly.

In times like these where it was almost impossible to find jobs, it was a tremendous blessing to be genuinely desired as an employee.

"Thank you so much..."

"No problem. Let's do our best together, Eun-Sol."

"Thank you, Mr. Jung! I'll work hard!"

When Cha Eun-Sol bowed deeply, all the Team Jung talent agents began clapping.

"I look forward to working with you."

After repeatedly bowing and expressing her gratitude, Cha Eun-Sol carefully tucked the business card into her pocket and sat next to Kim Mi-Hye.

We then proceeded to check the schedules for Yoo-Jin, Haru, Go Jae-Soo, and Duk-Bae before transitioning to the Singer Division's meeting.

"Ms. Eun, how's the preparation for the year end joint concert going?"

Eun Ji-Yoo answered, "Everything's fine for Cherry Blossom, Kang Ha-Na, and Mr. Seo Yeon-Woo. But I'll need to check on Treviang from Singer Division 1."

On December 26th, Cherry Blossom, Kang Ha-Na, Seo Yeon-Woo, and Treviang from Singer Division 1 were set to perform a joint stage.

Rehearsals for the setlist were proceeding smoothly, and the singers in Singer Division 2 were fully focused on concert preparations. Nevertheless, since Singer Division 1 had yet to be checked, I instructed Do Ran-Hee to handle it immediately.

Do Ran-Hee answered, "Yes, Mr. Jung. I'll take care of it today."

Next, I turned to Eun Ji-Yoo again. "How's Yeon-Woo's debut preparation going?"

"It's scheduled for the same week as

Hwaranjeon

's first broadcast."

"Please make sure everything is on track."

Eun Ji-Yoo replied confidently, "Don't worry, you can count on me."

The next thing on the agenda was to check scheduling for the ticket sales.

"When do the ticket sales for the joint concert open?"

"December 6th at 8 p.m."

"So that's four days from now. Scalpers will likely be rampant that day. How are we preparing for that?"

"I'm meeting with the representative from Ticket Park tomorrow. I'll report back afterward."

Since year end concerts were a prime target for scalpers, I intended to take this opportunity to address the issue.

"No, there's no need for that. Let's go together tomorrow."

"Yes, Mr. Jung."

Next, I reviewed the schedule for the year end music festivals hosted by the three major broadcasters. These year end music festivals were a summary of the year's achievements and required joint performances with other groups.

At that moment, Do Ran-Hee grumbled. "Mr. Jung, when will the Hoengseong Girls High School girls arrive? Ms. Eun and I are barely managing to maintain Cherry Blossom's music chart rankings on our own."

Cherry Blossom had achieved six consecutive weeks at number one with their new song 'My First Love Story.' But recently, a female solo singer Lim Ga-Joo, who gained popularity with a ballad she had released at the end of the year, and the male-female duo LaLaLa Band were rapidly climbing the charts to challenge Cherry Blossom's lead.

To counter this, Eun Ji-Yoo and Do Ran-Hee had been preparing promotional materials and handling media responses, resulting in sleepless nights.

Do Ran-Hee added, "If the Hoengseong Girls High School girls are late, at least treat us to some beef for our hard work."

'

Ah, so that was her real goal.

'

When we secured a venue for the last year-end concert, we had beef to celebrate. Ever since then, Do Ran-Hee had been singing about beef every time she saw me.

'

But there's no chance of that this time.

'

Seizing the moment, I called out toward the meeting room door. "Come on in, everyone!"

The door opened and four individuals entered. They were Han Kkot-Nim, Park Han-Byul, Yang Ji-Woo, and Sung Ji-Yeon—the Hoengseong Girls High School girls who were known for their efficiency.

"Hello!"

"We're here!"

The sudden appearance of the Hoengseong Girls High School girls, the executives of Cherry Blossom's fan club, left everyone stunned.

Do Ran-Hee asked, "What? How did you guys get here?"

Han Kkot-Nim made a peace sign with her fingers and grinned. "

Hehe!

We all got accepted through early admission!"

Just like Cha Eun-Sol, all four girls had secured early admissions to Hongyeon University.

However, the moment the Hoengseong Girls High School girls appeared, Do Ran-Hee looked disappointed. It was clear she realized her beef hopes had been dashed.

I said, "Enough complaining, Ran-Hee. These executive members will help manage and run the fan club from now on."

Do Ran-Hee replied with a reluctant expression. "Fine..."

That's when Sung Ji-Yeon spoke up. "Oh, and we're having a rooftop barbecue at our dorm later. Our parents brought some beef."

Do Ran-Hee's previously dull eyes lit up in an instant. "Really?"

"Yes, they're unloading it right now at DH Villa across the street. They brought about fifty geun worth of beef divided by cut, so there should be plenty for everyone in the company. The rooftop is huge, so we can eat there."

'

Fifty geun!?

'

One geun was 600 grams, so 50 geun equaled a staggering 30 kilograms. And these weren't just any cuts. It included prime cuts like ribeye, chuck flap tail, brisket, tenderloin, and top sirloin.

Do Ran-Hee exclaimed with starry eyes, "Ji-Yeon, how about living with me forever?"

Eun Ji-Yoo pinched Do Ran-Hee's thigh to snap her out of it.

"Ouch!"

"Get a grip, Do Ran-Hee."

Momentarily losing her senses over beef, Do Ran-Hee finally composed herself. "I'm sorry."

Eun Ji-Yoo shook her head before asking the girls, "By the way, are you all staying at DH Villa too?"

Han Kkot-Nim nodded. "Yes."

"Eun-Sol mentioned she's staying there as well."

"We know. That villa belongs to Ji-Yeon's family. So we're all living there together."

"What?"

It turned out that the seven story luxury DH Villa located in front of the company had been built by Sung Ji-Yeon's grandfather. He was the president of Donghae Fisheries Inc. and owned fleets of squid and pollock fishing boats.

He adored his granddaughter so much that he built a luxury villa in Apgujeong just so she could comfortably enjoy her hobbies, even fan activities. Thanks to this, I was able to arrange a low-cost room for Cha Eun-Sol through Sung Ji-Yeon.

"So from now on, just leave on site cheering squads for Cherry Blossom and Ha-Na unnie to us! We'll pack the audience with our people!"

Impressed by Sung Ji-Yeon's influence and wealth, the Team Jung talent agents all made heart signs with their hands.

"Ji-Yeon, we love you!"

"Wow~ Ji-Yeon, you're the best!"

At that moment, I felt grateful I had approached the Hoengseong Girls High School girls when we first met. I once again realized fate truly works in fascinating ways.

Just then, my phone rang.

[Caller ID: President Kang Gam-Chan]

"One moment, please."

Since it was Kang Gam-Chan's call, I paused the meeting and took the call.

-Team Lead Jung, where are you right now?

"Hi, Mr. Kang. I'm in a meeting right now."

-Come to my office immediately. Mr. Jin Sung-Joon of Jinseong Foods is here in person to discuss Tae-Poong and Yoo-Jin's commercials.

"Mr. Jin himself came in person?"

At that moment, I recalled Fortune of the Day.

'It said that my financial luck will be extremely good, right?

'

If we signed an advertising contract with Jinseong Foods, my bonus would undoubtedly increase further.

After asking the team members to help guide Cha Eun-Sol and the Hoengseong Girls High School girls around the company, I headed straight to the president's office.

However, the financial luck I encountered there was entirely unexpected.

Ristretto's Thoughts

But how good-looking is Jung Yoon-Ho anyway? Lee Tae-Poong is known for his good looks, but if Jung Yoon-Ho looks just as good… Dang, must be nice