Chapter 575: Sung Gyu-Hwan

Han Yoo-Sik, who was on the phone, covered the microphone at the bottom of his phone and relayed Sung Gyu-Hwan's message.

"Sung Gyu-Hwan says his thoughts differ from the company's."

"Pardon?"

"He called to say he wants to act even without getting paid."

Sung Gyu-Hwan had contacted them directly, saying his opinion was different from his company.

Han Yoo-Sik continued, "He said he drove out without his talent agent and wants to meet right now. Can we call him here?"

In that moment, countless thoughts raced through my mind. If we took Sung Gyu-Hwan's side, it was clear there would be another clash with TNT Entertainment. But two years later, Sung Gyu-Hwan would rise as a successful and popular actor. If we could secure him, reviving the production company Mirinae would become much easier.

It seemed best to meet him for now.

I suggested, "Let's call him to the guest room on the first floor and hear him out."

"Got it."

Han Yoo-Sik gave Sung Gyu-Hwan the address of JU Entertainment. Fortunately, it wasn't far and we were told he would arrive within five minutes.

I headed to the first-floor guest room with Han Yoo-Sik.

***

Sung Gyu-Hwan was thirty-two years old this year.

He was a rookie actor that TNT had been nurturing with serious effort, sporting a short sports cut and an undeniably likable appearance.

Though he had been overshadowed by Yoo-Jin's success last year, he had gained attention from industry insiders for his notable performance as a kind island teacher in the drama

Mr. Fish

. Since then, he had garnered public interest through charismatic roles of ambitious men in the films

Taesan

and

Professor Society

.

The problem was that, due to his good looks and acting skills, TNT Entertainment had become overly ambitious about his next project. As a result, they blocked Sung Gyu-Hwan's appearance in

Haze

in favor of casting him in a bigger production.

Wearing a gray hoodie, padded jacket, and jeans, Sung Gyu-Hwan sat on a chair in the guest room, catching his breath before opening up. "The company said things without consulting me."

"But Gyu-Hwan, weren't you uninterested in the role? You didn't say a word when I visited your company."

"That's because they told me that staying quiet would help me get a better part. They also said the demand for more money was just negotiation to secure more screen time. That's why I kept my mouth shut."

"Was that the case?"

"Yes. I really wanted to do this project. The script is great, and more than anything, the female lead is Ju Yung-In, right? Even if I were asked to perform without getting paid, I would have done it."

Han Yoo-Sik sighed as he pondered. "Everything's good, but... this is an internal matter for the entertainment company, not the production company. I'm not sure what to say."

At that moment, Han Yoo-Sik looked at me.

"Chief Jung, is there no way?"

I answered, "There is a way, but..."

"What is it?"

"If I handle this my way, it might lead to a conflict with TNT Entertainment's president. Things are already tense between me and President Yoo Kang-Seok. If he finds out I gave this advice, it could escalate to a company-wide issue."

Sung Gyu-Hwan's expression turned conflicted. It seemed he hadn't considered the possibility of causing trouble for another company through his own decision.

Nevertheless, after a moment of thought, he spoke again. "Mr. Jung! I have eight months left on my contract. I was planning to renew with TNT, but next time, I'll sign with Hoop. Isn't that good enough? Mr. Jung?"

'

An offer from a future Hoop Entertainment actor, huh...

'

It wasn't intentional, but that changed things. After a brief moment of thought, I nodded. "Understood."

When I answered so easily, Sung Gyu-Hwan looked surprised. "Huh? Shouldn't we at least sign a contract or something?"

If this were before my regression, I would have recorded the situation on video. I would have said that I was just offering advice because the other party wanted it. But after the regression, I realized that I can't win over someone's heart through such methods.

Besides, being a regressor, I knew Sung Gyu-Hwan wasn't the type to lie, so there was no need for such procedures.

𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"It's fine. Your reputation precedes you so there's no need for that. Instead, if any issues arise later, just mention that you intended to transfer to Hoop."

Sung Gyu-Hwan looked at me again, determined. "Understood. Then what should I do now?"

"It's not that difficult. Just reject the offers you receive."

"Reject them?"

I nodded. "Yes. Until TNT Entertainment offers you a role in

Haze

, refuse every project they propose. No one has the right to force you into a movie you don't want to do anyway. But you must honor any schedules that have already been set."

Actors who have just debuted usually signed onto any role or commercial the company secured, fearing they might suffer disadvantages otherwise. However, once an actor gained popularity, it was the company that started walking on eggshells around them. After all, the revenue generated by a popular actor is beyond imagination.

I explained specific strategies to Sung Gyu-Hwan, who had yet to realize his own popularity.

"For someone like you, you can start being selective about your roles now. When you refuse, say you don't like the role or you dislike the co-star or the director. For commercials, say it's not your preferred style or you dislike the product. Then TNT will start asking questions. That's when you tell them you want to act in

Haze

."

Sung Gyu-Hwan asked with a conflicted expression, "If I do that, will the company really let me act?"

I grinned and answered. "It'll be resolved within a week at the latest."

For an actor as popular as Sung Gyu-Hwan, even holding out for just one day would cause chaos within TNT.

I thought about ending the advice there, but since we had come this far, I decided to go a step further to firmly win over his trust. This was a perfect opportunity to make a strong impression on Sung Gyu-Hwan.

At that moment, a memory surfaced in my mind. I asked Sung Gyu-Hwan to wait a moment and checked my planner.

'

Here it is

.'

[Everyday V12.2]

[Date: January 29, 2021]

-10:00 p.m.: TNT Entertainment's Sung Gyu-Hwan, legal dispute with cosmetics brand PJK. (Meeting Agenda: Advertising agency Cucurbit—bankruptcy and fraud.)

Before my regression, Sung Gyu-Hwan had signed a modeling contract with a new cosmetics brand called PJK and suffered greatly when the advertising agency, Cucurbit, had embezzled the advertiser's money and went bankrupt. Because of that, Sung Gyu-Hwan got entangled in a fraud case, suffered financial loss, and had to endure numerous court appearances.

Since that event remained unchanged in my memory, I started sharing information about it with Sung Gyu-Hwan.

"Mr. Gyu-Hwan, are you currently in contract discussions with PJK?"

Sung Gyu-Hwan widened his eyes and answered. "Yes. I'm scheduled to meet with the Cucurbit Agency the day after tomorrow."

"Whatever happens, do not sign a contract with them."

Sung Gyu-Hwan tilted his head, curious why I was specifically warning about that one when I had told him to reject all ads anyway.

"Is there something wrong with them...?"

"I've been hearing a lot of bad rumors about them recently. To be specific, there's a risk of bankruptcy."

"What? They're known for having a lot of cash on hand."

"Don't believe it. Their finances are likely hanging by a thread. There are even rumors that their president lost a large sum at an illegal casino."

Originally, Jang Woo-Chil, the president of Cucurbit Agency, was highly trusted in the industry, often receiving advance payments from advertisers and entertainment companies. However, after falling into illegal gambling, he lost a fortune and eventually started dipping into company funds. To cover it up, he deliberately declared bankruptcy.

Perhaps because his trust in me had grown, Sung Gyu-Hwan nodded without suspicions. "Understood. I'll absolutely refuse that deal."

After our conversation, Sung Gyu-Hwan looked visibly relieved.

At that moment, Han Yoo-Sik, who had been quietly watching from the side, teased me with a big grin. "Chief Jung really has a brilliant head, doesn't he?"

I scratched my head awkwardly, feeling a little embarrassed. "Shall we finally talk about our project now?"

From that point on, we talked at length about

Haze.

***

The next morning, I checked the news as soon as I opened my eyes. There were even more articles about One Sip Milk in the morning headlines.

[(Exclusive) One Sip Milk headquarters, police investigation inevitable.]

[Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, inspecting One Sip Milk's production facilities and testing milk contents.]

[(Exclusive) One Sip Milk faces massive fines!]

[One Sip Milk executive to visit Mr. Han Woo-Hyuk with an apology soon.]

[One Sip Milk's Director Y referred for police investigation.]

[One Sip Milk's abusive director: “I've committed an unforgivable crime.”]

There were reports that, due to the fabricated abuse scandal involving a celebrity and false advertising of their product, a police investigation into One Sip Milk was now unavoidable. Yoo Moon-Ho was even photographed kneeling and bowing his head, begging Han Woo-Hyuk for forgiveness.

'It's over for you, Director Yoo Moon-Ho.

'

That was satisfying, but even better were the entertainment headlines.

[Han Woo-Hyuk makes a comeback after 4 years!]

[Han Woo-Hyuk beats cancer to become the goblin of

Hwaranjeon

!]

[Han Woo-Hyuk displays charisma on set!]

Last night, the still cuts I had given to the promotion team had filled the entertainment pages.I was confident that when episode 4 of Hwaranjeon aired next week, it would make an even bigger splash. But for now, I was more than satisfied.

I felt completely energized thanks to the good news in the morning. Stretching, I got out of bed and headed downstairs to have breakfast with Jung In-Ji, Han Yoo-Sik, and Lee Ah-Eun.

Today's menu was boiling hot beef soup with cabbage[1], salty rolled omelet dotted with seaweed and vegetables[2], well-fermented kimchi, and dried squid seasoned with gochujang and sesame oil that was liberally sprinkled with sesame seeds[3].

Thanks to the delicious soup and side dishes, I didn't even realize how I finished my meal and I emptied the bowl in an instant.

Just then, Baekseolgi and Injeolmi, having finished their meal too, came bounding over and clung to my legs.

"

Woof woof!

"

"Meow~

!"

Baekseolgi stood on two legs, begging for more food, and Injeolmi dug her toothpick-like claws into my pants and started climbing.

Poke, poke, poke.

Her claws pierced my tracksuit and pricked at my skin.

"Hey, you two already ate a ton of kibble!"

At my raised voice, Baekseolgi and Injeolmi flinched. Then they blinked their big eyes and stared at me.

"

Woof?

"

"

Meow~

"

"Trying to play innocent, huh?"

But apparently, they understood me because they refused to budge from my body. In the end, I gave up and pulled out some treats—a small dog chew for Baekseolgi, and a tube of Churu for Injeolmi.

With a treat in each hand, I looked at the two and said, "You two gonna behave?"

"

Woof woof!

"

"

Meow~

"

"Alright then, here you go."

Crunch crunch munch.

Lick lick.

Baekseolgi and Injeolmi went into a trance, focused entirely on the treats in my hands.

Han Yoo-Sik's wife, Lee Ah-Eun, looked at me with curious eyes. "Chief Jung. You're good with animals too, not just people. Is it because you're a talent agent?"

I was caught off guard by the unexpected remark. "Ah, well..."

Han Yoo-Sik let out a chuckle. "I think Chief Jung is just really good at charming both people and animals. You're really good at wrapping them up."

"Wrap them up?"

"I mean you wrap them up tight. Once someone comes into your arms, they can't get away."

He was talking about how I had tempted Sung Gyu-Hwan last night.

I scratched my head and said, "

Ahem.

That's a compliment, right?"

"Of course. It's a compliment."

"Thank you."

"Oh, by the way, about the house for us... Could you find one around this neighborhood if possible?"

Han Yoo-Sik said it was nice how Lee Ah-Eun and Jung In-Ji got along like sisters.

"I'm not sure if there are any vacant houses around here. I think we should check first."

At that moment, Jung In-Ji spoke up. "Chief Jung, I heard Deok-Soo's house next door is about to be vacant."

"Really? That's great. I'll go take a look later today."

Jung In-Ji and Lee Ah-Eun clasped hands and smiled with joy. Meanwhile, Baekseolgi and Injeolmi finished their snacks and detached themselves from me. The two of them huddled together in a corner like little babies and fell asleep in each other's arms.

After staring at the two for a moment, I got up to head to work.

But just then, my phone rang.

[(International Call) Caller ID: Wang Long]

Ling Ling's schedule, originally set for the end of last year, had been delayed again, and now she was scheduled to come to Korea at the end of this month. This was because the issue of transferring to a Korean school had taken more time than expected.

"Hey, Wang Long. What's up? Don't tell me her arrival's delayed again?"

-No, it's confirmed this time. January 31st, 2 p.m.

Finally, the schedule was firmly set.

"Okay. Then I'll be waiting at the VIP arrival gate that day."

-And Lily will be coming with me. We'll be staying for a few days, so just know that.

"Perfect. Yoo-Jin and Miso already said they'd let you guys stay at our place. Ling Ling and Lily can share a room with Yoo-Jin, and you can stay with me."

-Okay. That works.

Just as I was about to hang up after exchanging goodbyes, Wang Long brought up another reason for calling today.

-Oh, and Yoon-Ho. You remember Chairman Jiang Wei, right?

Jiang Wei was the head of Hwayeon Media Inc. and the man who once fixated on Yoo-Jin. He had tried to scout me but failed, turning into an enemy afterward.

"What about that guy?"

-Ah, the thing is...

At that moment, Wang Long started telling me something completely unexpected.

1.

Beef soup with cabbage

☜

2.

Rolled omelet

☜

3.

Seasoned dried squid

☜