Chapter 483: Unexpected Event (1)

"If CK Foods refuses the offer, I intend to sell this recipe to Jinseong Foods."

Yang Eun-Jung hesitated for a moment.

-W-why is Jinseong being mentioned here!?

'

Why? Because Jinseong Foods is one of the few competitors your company has.

'

Especially since Jin Sung-Joon, a Harvard graduate and a model student, took over the company, their sales in frozen foods and meal kits have skyrocketed. As a result, CK Foods was also on edge about its competitor.

"I got quite close to Mr. Jin Sung-Joon during our recent coffee collaboration. He told me to contact him anytime I have a good product."

Yang Eun-Jung fell silent.

"So what will you do? This oyster soup here is incredible! I have a strong feeling it will sell well! But if you don't want it, I'll contact Jinseong."

That was when the other side raised the white flag.

-Wait! Stop! Fine, we'll do it! Just tell me your terms so I can discuss them with the president.

CK Foods was currently managed by Son Jae-Hyuk, the third son of CK Inc.

"I ask for 0.3% of sales."

-No way. Maybe if it's 0.1%.

Determined to put up a fight, Yang Eun-Jung resisted.

"Come on. You're cutting it way too low, Ms. Yang."

-It's still a no.

Eventually, I called 0.25% as the final figure after some back-and-forth.

Yang Eun-Jung, however, stood firm at no more than 0.2%.

"My apologies, but I have no intention of compromising further. Please convey this to the president and get back to me within two hours. If I don't hear from you, I'll be taking this to Jinseong."

-Fine. But don't expect a response in less than two hours. I recorded this conversation, just so you know.

"Understood."

At that moment, Yang Eun-Jung muttered in frustration.

-Honestly, you drive such a hard bargain all the time.

"

Ha ha

. Thank you for the compliment."

She grumbled about how nothing, from appearance fees to advertising costs, ever came easy when dealing against me.

However, I had no choice but to be firm when the opponent was such a major corporation. If I showed any sign of weakness, they would perceive me as an easy target. And in such a case, it was clear they would exploit their position with the resulting damage falling squarely on my actors.

It was something I had experienced far too often in my previous life. This time around, I wouldn't let it happen.

***

Two hours later, Yang Eun-Jung called back.

-Okay, let's go with 0.25%. But there's a condition.

"What condition is it?"

-The taste must be something both I and the food development team can approve of.

"That goes without saying."

-And the president wants to meet you.

"The president wants to meet me?"

-Yes. Within this month. And don't tell anyone about it.

I didn't know what the president was thinking, but I had no choice but to agree.

"Alright. Understood."

-I'll contact you once the president's schedule is set. Also, I'm heading over now, so I'll see you there.

I ended the call and went to Han In-Sung right away to inform him of the negotiated terms.

I said, "I'll confirm the contract for you tomorrow. And if you have any questions in the future, feel free to call me using the business card I gave you."

Han In-Sung answered, "Thank you so much. I don't know how to repay you, Mr. Jung."

"You promised me a pot of oyster soup, didn't you? I didn't do this for free, you know."

Han In-Sung laughed heartily. "You're right. I'll make plenty and send it your way. Once the next round of norovirus is over, I'll even send you some fresh oysters."

After exchanging pleasantries, Han In-Sung pointed to a building halfway up the mountain.

"Oh, and I've prepared accommodations for your team there. You can stay in one of the staff dormitories tonight."

It was an old dormitory from when they operated an oyster farm twice the size of the current one.

"Thank you."

I informed Yoo Hyun-Ji that lodging had been arranged.

Upon hearing that she could save on accommodation costs, Yoo Hyun-Ji couldn't help but smile broadly. "Let's move our stuff right away. And with the place being this close, we might even finish filming faster."

After filling ourselves with delicious oyster soup, we unpacked at the dorm Han In-Sung had already warmed up. Thanks to the nearby accommodations, the crew even managed to shoot a few more night scenes.

Hours later, Yang Eun-Jung arrived with three members of the food development team. She thawed the pre-frozen oyster soup and tasted it before bursting into laughter. "

Ha ha

... Why does this soup make me laugh?

Ha ha

."

Humming a tune, Yang Eun-Jung scraped the bottom of her bowl clean and savored every bite. The development team followed suit, also leaving their bowls spotless.

Once the contract terms were reviewed and signed in no time, I posed a question to Yang Eun-Jung. "By the way, why does the president want to see me?"

Yang Eun-Jung shrugged. "I'm not sure. I really have no idea."

Though, I had a suspicion. Like his siblings, CK Foods' President Son Jae-Hyuk likely wanted to dethrone his eldest brother and take over as Chairman.

'

Well, I guess I'll find out when I meet him.

'

It seemed that avoiding the corporate battles of chaebols wouldn't be easy in this lifetime.

***

The next day, Lee Tae-Poong and Haru began filming on a barge to harvest oysters at 4 a.m.

However, Bae Yeon-Jin and Miso couldn't board on the barge as Han In-Sung was concerned about safety. Instead, their scene was revised to have them strolling along the bay and gathering seaweed.

Yoo Hyun-Ji led Team A filming on the barge, while Park Eung-Joon took charge of Team B for Miso and Bae Yeon-Jin's shoot.

Holding a megaphone, Park Eung-Joon called out nervously. "Alright, revised storyboard. Episode 2, Scene 33. Ready~ Action!"

As filming began, Bae Yeon-Jin walked slowly along the shoreline while holding a small basket. The gentle sound of waves crashing against pebbles accompanied her steps as she smiled contentedly.

Stopping in her tracks, Bae Yeon-Jin crouched and collected seaweed that had washed ashore.

Then, Miso carefully lifted her skirt to avoid getting it wet and tiptoed behind Bae Yeon-Jin like a cautious cat.

At that moment, Bae Yeon-Jin flinched. The startled Miso froze in place in response. When Bae Yeon-Jin didn't turn around, Miso placed a hand on her chest and let out a small sigh.

『Phew~』

The distance between them was now five meters.

As the waves gently rolled in and brushed against the pebbles, Miso resumed her steps. Her clever movements went unnoticed by Bae Yeon-Jin, who remained focused on gathering seaweed.

The waves came in once more and Miso took another step. Masking her footsteps with the sound of the waves, Miso drew closer to Bae Yeon-Jin's back step by step. The gap between them was now just one meter. Raising both hands, Miso prepared to startle Bae Yeon-Jin.

Whoosh

.

The sound of the waves filled the air. As the waves rolled in once more, Miso leaped forward and playfully patted Bae Yeon-Jin's back.

『

Rawr~

』

Miso mimicked the sound of a baby tiger.

At that moment, Bae Yeon-Jin whipped her head around, dangling a long piece of seaweed from her mouth and rolling her eyes back dramatically.

『

Yeek!

』

『

Aah!

』

When Miso screamed and jumped in place, the startled Bae Yeon-Jin quickly snapped out of character and extended both arms. With a swift motion, she caught Miso mid-jump.

『Sweetheart, are you okay?』

Wrapped in Bae Yeon-Jin's arms, Miso let out a relieved sigh.

『

Phew~

Mom, you really scared me!』

Bae Yeon-Jin chuckled.

『See? That's what happens when you try to surprise me.』

Miso smiled sheepishly. Then tilted her head curiously with her expression adorably puzzled.

『

He he

. Sorry. But Mom, how did you know I was coming?』

Bae Yeon-Jin stroked Miso's hair as she replied.

『Because of that little mirror over there.』

A small hand mirror that had washed ashore reflected Miso's movements from behind.

『So you wouldn't have known I was coming without it?』

『Probably not. You were so quiet, my clever little girl.』

『

Ah~

I was so close!』

Miso clapped her hands and feigned disappointment.

Just then, Bae Yeon-Jin asked gently.

『Anyway, sweetheart. Should we gather some seaweed together? When your brother and uncle bring back oysters, we can add them to the soup. I'll make oyster and seaweed soup in the camper later.』

『Yay! That sounds awesome! So, so awesome!』

Miso raised both thumbs enthusiastically, her face beaming with joy. She then slipped out of Bae Yeon-Jin's embrace and gathered seaweed beside her.

At that moment, Miso sang a cheerful tune out of nowhere.

『When my brother~ goes to harvest oysters on the barge~~』

She improvised a playful rendition of an island folk song as though it were a work song.

Bae Yeon-Jin casually chimed in and played along with Miso's ad-lib.

『Honey, don't you have a more upbeat song?』

Clearing her throat, Miso grabbed a stick she had found on the shore and pretended it was a microphone.

『When I dip my hands~ into the blue ocean~』

As Miso added energetic gestures to her cheerful singing, Bae Yeon-Jin joined in with a warm smile and sang along to the tune.

Watching the happy scene of seaweed gathering for

The Foodie Nomads

, the staff couldn't help but smile.

Park Eung-Joon called out, "Cut! Great work, everyone!"

The heartwarming bond between the mother and daughter left a strong impression on everyone. Even after the scene ended, the staff wore contented smiles.

Just then, the boat carrying Team A returned to the dock.

Yoo Hyun-Ji stepped off the boat, raising both thumbs in praise for Park Eung-Joon. "Nicely done, Eung-Joon. Letting Miso ad-lib without interrupting was bold, and it worked perfectly. Great job."

Having led a team for the first time, Park Eung-Joon bowed his head with a pleased expression. "Thank you, Ms. Yoo."

I felt there was no need to worry anymore upon seeing how smoothly everything was going.

***

It was break time, and everyone warmed themselves with coffee to ward off the cold. My actors also sat by the heater and sipped coffee I had prepared for them.

I said, "You're all doing so well that I don't have much to say. Keep up the great work as we move forward."

"Yes, Mr. Jung."

I then turned to Miso. "Miso. You'll be fine handling the rest of the shoot without me, right?"

Bundled in a thick coat, gloves, and a hat, Miso blinked in surprise. "Uncle Yoon-Ho! Where are you going, leaving me all alone?"

"I'm sorry, Miso. I need to head to Gyeongju for your mom's shoot."

Miso pouted her lip with a displeased expression. "

Hmph

, I want to go with you too."

"Stay here today and enjoy some delicious fried oysters[1] and oyster pancakes[2]. Once the shoot wraps up tomorrow, come to Gyeongju. We'll all head back to Seoul together after that."

Only then did Miso's expression brighten. "Okay! I'll do my best with the shoot and catch up with you later!"

Leaving the rest to Lee Dae-Ho and Jung Sang-Bong, I loaded the frozen oyster soup specially packed by Han In-Sung and headed toward Gyeongju.

***

Despite being diagnosed with brain tumor, the renowned Korean traditional dancer Yeon Hwa-Seon had visited the

Hwaranjeon

set in Gyeongju

With her usual composure, she guided the actresses through their choreography. She taught the sword dance to Lee Tae-Yeon, Yoon Joo-Yeon, and Jung Yoo-Jin. Next, she called Jung Yoo-Jin, Han Sang-Hee, and Min Gyu-Ri for lessons in the drum dance.

After demonstrating two consecutive routines, Yeon Hwa-Seon was visibly out of breath as she called Jung Yoo-Jin over. "Yoo-Jin, I may not be able to come to the set anymore. From now on, I'll send videos of the choreography and you'll need to learn it first and teach it to the others."

Soaked in sweat, Jung Yoo-Jin's eyes widened in surprise. "Me?"

"Yes. You're the only one here who can replicate my dances."

Flustered, Jung Yoo-Jin waved her hands. "I don't think I'm capable of doing that."

"Someone has to."

After a moment of hesitation, Jung Yoo-Jin reluctantly nodded.

Meanwhile, Han Sang-Hee, a Korean dance major, and Min Gyu-Ri, who had trained in dance, frowned deeply. Neither of them had imagined that Yeon Hwa-Seon would use Yoo-Jin as an intermediary rather than introducing a new choreographer.

That's when Third Queen Yoon Joo-Yeon complained to Lee Tae-Yeon from across the set.

"Sunbae-nim, are you just going to stand by while Yoo-Jin acts all high and mighty because she's the lead?"

Smack!

Lee Tae-Yeon closed the script she had been reviewing. "I'm waiting for the right opportunity."

"And how long are you going to keep waiting?"

Yoon Joo-Yeon was visibly frustrated as her screen time had not increased as promised by the PD.

Lee Tae-Yeon was equally upset. Her daughter had been overshadowed by Miso, and Ahn Jung-Hae had embarrassed her. For this reason, she had been seething with resentment toward Jung Yoo-Jin. Now, being called out by her hoobae only fueled her irritation.

"Do you not have hands or feet? If it's bothering you so much, do something yourself!"

Yoon Joo-Yeon shrugged. "I'm planning to be a bit rough with her during the next scene."

Shortly after, the filming of

Hwaranjeon

's Episode 8, Scene 5 began. In the scene, the queens raised the atmosphere with a sword dance performance before heading out for a hunting competition.

At that moment, Princess Yoo-Hwa stepped in to perform the sword dance in place of the ailing Second Queen, Choi Ji-Young. This particular scene involved a few dangerous moments, such as the climax of the sword dance which featured threatening sword movements.

Lee Tae-Yeon asked, "Are you planning to act during the final part of the scene?"

Yoon Joo-Yeon smirked. "Yes. I want to test how brave Yoo-Jin really is."

Lee Tae-Yeon's cold smile revealed her satisfaction. "Then I might need to add my touch as well."

The two exchanged knowing looks and burst into evil laughter.

***

When I arrived at the

Hwaranjeon

set in Gyeongju, the scene was unusually hectic. Staff and actors alike bustled about, overwhelmed by the commotion caused by the arrival of numerous horses.

"Assistant Director! There's poop everywhere!"

"

Ugh!

I stepped in it again! How many times is this today?!"

The assistant director, too focused on his storyboard, grumbled as he accidentally stepped in horse droppings.

Meanwhile, the youngest member of the production team was frantically searching for the trainer. "Has anyone seen Mr. Kim Yung-Pyo, the trainer from Gwacheon?"

"Mr. Kim isn't here today."

The props team lead was also looking for instructors to test the specially crafted bows. "Have the archery instructors arrived?"

"No, they're grabbing a bowl of soup nearby. They'll be here soon."

"Good grief! Bring them here immediately! We need to rehearse!"

"Got it!"

With both the sword dance and the hunting competition scenes scheduled for filming today, the set was as chaotic as a bustling marketplace. On top of that, the danger involved in these scenes put the staff on high alert.

Despite the confusion, I remained unshaken. After all, I had handled far busier and more chaotic situations in the past, often managing unruly actors from Top Entertainment all by myself.

I asked Lee Yung-Jin to fetch some warm water while I prepared towels inside the waiting tent. This was because Yoo-Jin and Yeon Hwa-Seon had just finished the choreography practice and were heading toward me.

Buzz.

At that moment, a vibration caught my attention as Everyday pinged with an alarm.

[Notification: A new schedule entry for 'Jung Yoo-Jin' has been added for December 10, 2020.]

I quickly opened my planner to check the details. To my surprise, the schedule entry for today contained unexpected information.

'

Huh? What is this entry?

'

1.

Fried Oysters

☜

2.

Oyster Pancakes

☜