Chapter 470: Seo Hee-Joo (2)

The moment Choi So-Hye from Star Exclusive heard my tip, she couldn't contain her excitement.

-That's unbelievable. Do these kinds of kids still think they can debut as idols?

"Right? They think it was all just harmless fun."

-Unreal. Alright, I'll dig up everything on those bastards and expose them completely.

Choi So-Hye was particularly moved by the victim's story, a person who became a host after being bullied and subjected to school violence by them. She lamented that the victim could have lived a normal life like others had it not been for the bullying.

-School bullies deserve to be obliterated. Who do they think they are, messing with someone else's life?

"Please take good care of this."

-Got it. But Team Lead Jung, it sounds like those girls haven't given up on their debut yet. Am I right?

"Yes."

-Then I'll time the article to release myself. Is that okay with you?

It was clear Choi Seo-Hye intended to release the article after their debut. She believed it would be more impactful once the public knew who they were.

'

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Classic Choi So-Hye style.

'

"Do as you see fit. Oh, and I recommend digging into Ensemble Entertainment while you're at it. I'm sure there's no shortage of embezzlement going on there."

I had no intention of leaving Baek Jae-Ho's Ensemble Entertainment untouched either. If left alone, it would only create more victims.

-Got it. Leave it to me!

Choi So-Hye had never broken a promise to me. If anything, she had blown things up even more than I had asked. With her handling it, I no longer had to worry about Bae Eun-Jung, the VIKIZ members, or Ensemble Entertainment.

After ending the call, I turned toward the passenger seat.

Seo Hee-Joo sitting there made eye contact with me before lowering her head timidly. "Th-thank you, Mr. Jung. I really didn't know unnies were like that."

"Be careful from now on. The entertainment industry is full of adults who are different on the outside than on the inside."

"But... will you really make me an idol?"

"I will. But first, there's something I want to know."

Yeon Hwa-Seon had approved of Seo Hee-Joo becoming an idol, but only under the condition that she would eventually carry on her legacy. Before moving forward, I wanted to understand why Seo Hee-Joo wanted to become an idol.

Seo Hee-Joo answered, "You can ask me anything."

I asked, "Why do you want to be an idol? To be honest, following the path your mother laid out for you would make life much easier."

Seo Hee-Joo pouted slightly as if she had anticipated the question. "I felt suffocated."

"What?"

"Ever since my mom was designated as a national cultural treasure, everyone expected me to follow in her footsteps."

Seo Hee-Joo explained how she had loved dancing as a child. She enjoyed imitating her mother's moves and had enough talent to master most of them by the age of sixteen. But now, she felt like she was living in a prison her mother had built. Wherever she went, people told her she had to carry on her mother's legacy.

"That's what you hated so much?"

"Yes... and recently, even my mom, who didn't used to push me, started insisting that I take over her role. That's why I ran away. I wanted to show her I could do something else if I put my mind to it."

Judging by the fact that Yeon Hwa-Seon had begun considering a successor, she must have sensed her own health was deteriorating.

"So it's not like you don't dislike dancing."

"Not at all. If I hated dancing, I wouldn't have wanted to become an idol."

"Then do you think you might take over your mother's legacy someday? In the future?"

"In the future?"

"Yes. Not right away but maybe in about seven years, after you've proven yourself in your own way. After all, most idols move on to other things when they reach a certain age. What about then?"

Seo Hee-Joo furrowed her brow briefly before answering, "I haven't thought that far ahead, but it doesn't sound bad."

'

As expected

.'

This was just a minor rebellion, a temporary escape from the overwhelming pressures around her. With that in mind, shaping Seo Hee-Joo's future seemed like something I could easily manage.

"Then let me be direct. Our company is currently forming an idol group with trainees from Korea, China, and Japan. Would you be interested in joining the project?"

"You mean audition for it?"

"No. If you agree, we'll scout you directly. Asking someone as talented as you to re-audition after pulling you from Ensemble Entertainment would be an insult."

At that moment, the excited Seo Hee-Joo shouted, "If you accept me, I'll train as hard as I possibly can!"

Seo Hee-Joo fidgeted excitedly in the passenger seat.

"But there's a condition."

"What condition? Just tell me!"

"You know idols need a character or image to stand out, right?"

"Yes. A unique character helps you rise quickly."

"Exactly. For you, I plan to create the character of a 'traditional dance girl.' I'll also mention that once your idol career ends, you plan to carry on your mother's legacy as her successor."

Seo Hee-Joo hesitated. "That's... the condition?"

I answered firmly, "Yes, that's the condition."

Seo Hee-Joo's hesitation deepened. If she had said she hated traditional dance, I would have approached things differently. But since she didn't dislike it, there was no reason for her not to consider it.

After some thought, Seo Hee-Joo asked, "But if that's the concept, wouldn't it mean I didn't achieve success on my own?"

I responded firmly upon hearing Seo Hee-Joo's desire to prove herself independently. "Sorry to break it to you, but your mother's name only holds weight in traditional dance circles. It won't mean much in this industry. At most, it'll provide a slight boost in public awareness during your debut. Success as an idol will depend entirely on your talent and hard work."

After hearing this, Seo Hee-Joo nodded slowly. "That's true. Even celebrity kids have a hard time surviving in this industry."

"Exactly. So if you accept my condition, I'll make sure you debut immediately."

After more contemplation, Seo Hee-Joo extended her pinky. "Promise me."

Though Seo Hee-Joo looked like an adult, her childlike gesture made me smile involuntarily. "Alright. Then you're agreeing to take on your mother's legacy someday, right?"

"As long as I'm free to do what I want during my idol career."

"Leave that to me. You're an important member of my team now. Do you really think I'd send you back to your mom right away?"

Seo Hee-Joo laughed. "No!"

"And don't forget to apologize to your mom for running away."

"I planned to do that even if I debuted at Ensemble Entertainment."

Despite only being away for two weeks, Seo Hee-Joo confessed she already missed home.

With that, I hooked my pinky around Seo Hee-Joo's and sealed the promise. "Alright."

"

He he

, no take-backs!"

Now that I had convinced Seo Hee-Joo, it was time to handle the final task: ensuring Yeon Hwa-Seon underwent a health check-up. From here on, I would need to switch roles and act like a wandering salesman.

"Hee-Joo, our company requires a health check before signing a contract. Let's schedule a two-day overnight health exam for tomorrow and the day after, then finalize the contract."

"You do health checks before signing contracts?"

"Of course. We need to know the condition of someone we'll be managing for years to ensure proper care."

Seo Hee-Joo glanced at me nervously. "Do I have to go to the hospital alone?"

As expected, the mention of a health check worried Seo Hee-Joo. I calmly proceeded with my prepared response. "A minor can't go alone. Your mom needs to come up anyway to sign the contract. If you're nervous about going alone, why not ask her to take the exam with you?"

Relieved, Seo Hee-Joo's face lit up. "That's a good idea. My mom has been complaining about feeling sluggish as she gets older."

At nineteen-years-old, it was natural for Seo Hee-Joo to turn to her mom when she felt uneasy, just as I had anticipated.

I said, "Exactly. Suggest her take the exam together. Our company even offers medical support for celebrities' families."

Seo Hee-Joo's face brightened further. "Yay~! I'll definitely tell Mom we should go together!"

Next, I made a video call to Yeon Hwa-Seon. Her face filled the screen and she spoke first before I could say a word.

-Where's Hee-Joo? Is she okay? Tell me she's safe!

Despite their estrangement over the matter of succession, it was clear Yeon Hwa-Seon was deeply worried since hearing her daughter had joined a shady agency run by a fraudster.

Hearing her mother's concerned voice, Seo Hee-Joo sitting in the passenger seat suddenly became emotional.

"Mom!"

I tilted the phone slightly so the camera captured Seo Hee-Joo. The moment Seo Hee-Joo's face appeared on the screen, Yeon Hwa-Seon anxiously asked.

-Hee-Joo, are you okay? That agency didn't make you do anything weird, did they?

"No. I almost ended up in a group with delinquent unnies, but Mr. Jung came and saved me."

-Thank goodness... Thank goodness.

Hearing her mother's relieved tone, Seo Hee-Joo hesitated before speaking.

"Mom, I—"

But before Seo Hee-Joo could finish, Yeon Hwa-Seon cut her off and apologized first.

-Hee-Joo, I'm sorry. When I was your age, I also learned dance from your grandmother. Maybe that's why I've been forcing my wishes on you too much. I'm sorry. I know I have been putting too much pressure on you.

After the initial difficulty of apologizing, Yeon Hwa-Seon's words flowed naturally.

"It's okay, Mom..."

-No, it's not. You have your own life, but I was too overbearing. I even said we should cut ties... can you forgive me?

Hearing her mother ask for forgiveness, Seo Hee-Joo finally broke down and started crying.

"No, Mom. I'm sorry! When I said I didn't want to follow in your footsteps, it wasn't true. I just... I just wanted to try other things..."

As tears streamed down her face, Seo Hee-Joo promised to succeed her mother after pursuing her idol dream.

Both mother and daughter cried for a long while before finally calming down.

-Hee-Joo, you're ruining your pretty face with all these tears. I'm sorry. I'm still learning as a mother too, and I make mistakes. Let's promise to talk more from now on, okay?

"Okay. And I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean the harsh things I said to you."

Seeing the two reconcile in front of me lifted a weight off my chest, one that had been there even before my regression.

After wiping her tears, Seo Hee-Joo spoke.

"By the way, Mom. You need to come up tomorrow for the contract signing."

-Alright. I'll clear my schedule and head up right away.

"And... I need to get a health check too."

-A health check?

"Hoop Entertainment says I need one before signing the contract! But Mom, I'm scared to do it alone. Can you do it with me? It's been a long time since you had one, hasn't it?"

When Seo Hee-Joo stuck out her tongue playfully, Yeon Hwa-Seon smiled.

-My baby girl is still scared of health checks, huh?

"Well... a little."

Yeon Hwa-Seon laughed and agreed to her daughter's request.

-Alright. Let's do that. I'll come up early tomorrow morning.

"Okay! See you tomorrow~"

Before ending the call, I informed Yeon Hwa-Seon that I would be letting Seo Hee-Joo stay at Yoo-Jin's house in Cheonho-dong.

-Please take good care of my daughter.

"Of course, ma'am. Don't worry."

-I'm not worried. And... Thank you so much. I owe you a huge debt, Team Lead Jung.

Yeon Hwa-Seon vowed to repay the favor someday and ended the call.

***

The next day, Seo Hee-Joo and Yeon Hwa-Seon began their health checks after traveling up from Gyeongju.

It was a two-day comprehensive exam, and during the tests, a doctor urgently called Yeon Hwa-Seon and her talent agent into the examination room.

At that moment, a schedule in my planner disappeared.

[Everyday V12]

[Date: December 12, 2022]

- 11:00 p.m.

(Deleted Schedule: (Obituary) Human Cultural Asset Yeon Hwa-Seon. Gyeongju Hwa-Jin Hospital, Funeral Hall 1.)

'

It's finally done.

'

It was clear that Yeon Hwa-Seon's brain tumor had been detected.

Creak.

Seo Yoon-Ji walked out of the consultation room with a tense expression. "Mr. Jung, Hee-Joo. Can you come in together?"

Seo Hee-Joo tilted her head in confusion. "Why?"

Seo Yoon-Ji answered, "You'll find out inside."

I reassured the anxious Seo Hee-Joo as we entered the room together, where we learned about Yeon Hwa-Seon's condition. Though further tests were needed, the initial diagnosis suggested an early-stage brain tumor.

At that moment, Seo Hee-Joo burst into tears and clung to her mother. "Mom... I'm sorry... it's my fault... all my fault..."

Maintaining a calm demeanor, Yeon Hwa-Seon gently stroked Seo Hee-Joo's shoulder as she sobbed. "How could this possibly be your fault? If anything, we caught it early thanks to you. It's in the early stages, so surgery will take care of it."

"But... but..."

Yeon Hwa-Seon spoke firmly. "What's there to worry about when my daughter is going to carry on my legacy? Don't worry. I'll work hard on my rehabilitation and stay strong for at least twenty more years. I won't collapse before you finish your training as my successor!"

Hearing this, Seo Hee-Joo hesitated and looked at her mother. "Mom, I... I could take over now..."

But Yeon Hwa-Seon put on a stern expression. "Seo Hee-Joo. Did I raise you to be this weak? Don't tell me you're thinking of giving up your dream because of me."

"No, it's not like that. It's just..."

"Hee-Joo, let's make a promise."

"What kind of promise?"

"That you'll take over for me only after becoming the best idol."

Tears streaming down her face, Seo Hee-Joo nodded. "Okay, Mom. I promise."

When Seo Hee-Joo hugged her mother again, Yeon Hwa-Seon smiled and said, "You're such a big girl now but still a baby."

Even as she apologized repeatedly, Seo Hee-Joo couldn't stop crying. The sight of her daughter in tears seemed more painful to Yeon Hwa-Seon than her own illness, as her eyes turned red with emotion.

That's when Yeon Hwa-Seon turned to me and made a request. "Team Lead Jung, please take care of my daughter. Can I trust you?"

"It's early-stage, so the surgery won't be too risky. Please don't worry, Ms. Yeon."

"Thank you, Team Lead Jung."

Soon after, the doctor announced that the surgery would be scheduled within the month. Yeon Hwa-Seon promised to record all the choreography needed for

Hwaranjeon

before then.

With this, I was able to secure the dreams of two dancers.

***

The day after scouting Seo Hee-Joo, I asked Ahn Ye-Eum and Lee Dong-Min, who were in charge of the global idol project, to evaluate her skills.

Meanwhile, I prepared thirty thermos bottles of sample coffee to deliver the recipe for Jung Coffee to Jinseong Foods' research lab.

Jinseong Foods' research lab, located next to the headquarters of Jinseong Inc in Samseong-dong, was highly regarded—more so than CK Foods, the industry leader.

As I entered the vast lobby of the thirty-story building housing Jinseong Foods' research lab, I approached the information desk to inform them I was here to meet Jin Sung-Joon.

The receptionist said with a bright smile, "Mr. Jin is in a meeting right now. Could you please wait on the lobby sofa for a moment?"

"Of course."

Carrying two heavy duffel bags filled with thermoses, I walked over to the lobby sofa. After sitting down, I checked to ensure the coffee recipe was secure. The sealed recipe was tucked safely in the inner zipper pocket of one of the bags.

At that moment, a group of employees walking through the lobby suddenly stopped and greeted someone loudly.

"Good afternoon, Miss!"

I instinctively turned to look.

Click, clack.

The sound of high heels echoed as Executive Director Jin Ah-Ram, the youngest daughter of Jinseong Inc's chairman, appeared.

At twenty-six-years-old, Jin Ah-Ram had inherited her mother's beauty. Her looks were enough to compete in Miss Korea and she was a Harvard MBA graduate.

Currently serving as an executive director of Jinseong Hotels & Resorts, she was poised to enter a fierce battle with her half-sister over control of the business. Her striking looks and icy demeanor had earned her nicknames like 'Jinseong's Ice Princess' and 'Jinseong's Cold Beauty.'

But then, something unexpected happened.

After receiving the employees' greetings with her usual stoicism, Jin Ah-Ram began scanning the lobby as if searching for someone.

When our eyes met, she broke into a radiant smile and called out warmly, "Mr. Jung~!"

I barely had time to process her out-of-character behavior before Jin Ah-Ram walked straight toward me and did something entirely unexpected.