Chapter 596: Moral Laws in Family Relationships (1)

"I'd like Mr. Lee Tae-Poong and Miss Jung Yoo-Jin to become the main models for Jinseong Hotel & Resort. We'll match their advertising fees at 1.1 billion won annually each."

Models for Jinseong Hotel & Resort received the best treatment in the hotel industry. Currently, Yoon Joo-Yeon of Ace Entertainment and Jo Sun-Jae of TNT Entertainment were the models, and they were reportedly paid around 800 million won each.

But now Jin Ah-Ram was offering 300 million won more than that. That alone was surprising, but what truly shocked me was what came next.

"And for the events hosted at Jinseong Hotel, where VIP guests from home and abroad attend, we'll always send invitations to the two of them and to you, Mr. Jung. The appearance fee will start at 20 million won each time."

Jinseong Hotel & Resort hosted many events every year and Jin Ah-Ram was now saying she would invite Lee Tae-Poong and Yoo-Jin to every one of them. Receiving 20 million won in appearance fees every time was impressive enough, but even more valuable was the opportunity to meet foreign VIPs and build connections.

Sure enough, Jin Ah-Ram brought that point up herself.

"I wouldn't say this to just any talent agent, but for some reason I think you could do something big with those VIPs. Do you like the offer?"

I nodded and said, "It'll be a huge help for negotiating global endorsement deals or launching celebrities overseas. Thank you so much for the consideration."

"As expected, you get it right away. And don't call it consideration. You're the one who brought me this far. This is the least I can do to repay you."

Jin Ah-Ram was someone who believed firmly in give and take.

"Oh, and if I officially become the president of Jinseong Hotel & Resort... the next reward will be something even better."

Even this was already a considerable reward, so I couldn't imagine what the next one would be.

But since we were already allies, I responded without hesitation. "Now I absolutely have to make sure you become the president, just so I can find out what that next reward is."

Jin Ah-Ram smiled and held out her hand. "That's a promise!"

I took her delicate hand and nodded. Jin Ah-Ram was generously rewarding me for helping make her acting president.

Though she was backing her older brother—who had protected her from their half-siblings since childhood—as the future chairman of Jinseong Inc., it felt like she might just become chairwoman herself at this rate.

Just like that, our mission to bring down President Jin Myung-Hee and raise Jin Ah-Ram as the frontrunner in the succession race had succeeded.

Ding.

The elevator arrived.

Jin Ah-Ram got off on the 5th floor to manage the situation at Jinseong Hotel & Resort. Jin Sung-Joon and I got off on the 1st floor, then headed toward the adjacent Jinseong Foods building.

We had to finalize the product test for the upcoming launch of THE Best next month and plan its marketing strategy.

***

In the TNT Entertainment president's office, President Yoo Kang-Seok and Na Tae-Hwan, who was soon to become a director at KBC, sat with serious expressions.

Ever since CP Bong Sook-Hee resigned, she had been out of contact and wasn't even at her home. Na Tae-Hwan had come to check if Yoo Kang-Seok had seen her again, but Yoo Kang-Seok was equally stunned by her sudden resignation.

"Why on earth did Bong Sook-Hee step down as president on her own?"

Na Tae-Hwan frowned as he answered. "She didn't tell me the full details either. But I heard that just before her resignation, Jung Yoon-Ho visited her office. I suspect he threatened her."

"What? You're saying someone like President Bong Sook-Hee, who had the full support of the Broadcasting Commission, gave up her position because of some talent agent's threat?"

Yoo Kang-Seok couldn't understand it. No matter how capable Jung Yoon-Ho was as a talent agent, the idea that he could topple a KBC president candidate was unbelievable.

But since Na Tae-Hwan had no explanation either, he began asking about Bong Sook-Hee's younger sister next.

"Have you checked in with Angel Media Consulting?"

Na Tae-Hwan nodded. "Yes. The place was in complete disarray and there were no staff. It was full of lawyers and people from a junk removal company. Looks like they're going through the shutdown process."

"

Huh

... unbelievable."

He had been worried due to the lack of contact and he had been planning to visit them after the weekend once things calmed down. However, he hadn't expected to lose contact with both Bong Sook-Hee and Bong Soon-Ja in the meantime.

Bang!

At that moment, the president's office door burst open and Secretary Bang Sung-Chang rushed in.

"Mr. Yoo!"

"Hey! Can't you see I have a guest?!"

"I-I'm sorry. But something urgent just came up."

Normally, Bang Sung-Chang would have stepped back, but this time, he stood his ground.

Yoo Kang-Seok calmed himself slightly and asked, "What is it? Go on."

"Jinseong Hotel & Resort just informed us they're terminating the advertising contract with Jo Sun-Jae."

"What?"

The exclusive model contract with Jinseong Hotel & Resort had been a lucrative one for five years, paying 800 million won annually. And now it was about to vanish in an instant.

"What happened? Is it because of today's acquisition fiasco? Maybe they're tightening the belt company-wide?"

"No. The Chairman himself guaranteed that the company would cover the shortfall. In fact, they're increasing staff by 10% and planning even more aggressive investments to take the number one spot in the industry. They said a mere 100 billion won can't shake Jinseong's foundation."

Jinseong Inc. was showing off its enormous capital power with bold actions. Thanks to that, the plummeting stock price had stopped after just a 10% drop.

"Then why drop the ad? Sun-Jae has a new film coming out in February. They should know how much more valuable the ad becomes once that film's released."

Bang Sung-Chang hesitated before answering. "Well... I asked a friend in Jinseong Hotel's management department, and... apparently, after Chief Jung Yoon-Ho from Hoop visited headquarters today, they got orders to replace the ad models with Lee Tae-Poong and Jung Yoo-Jin."

"You're saying President Jin Myung-Hee made that call?"

"No, she was replaced. Director Jin Ah-Ram is now acting president, and this was her first official directive."

Yoo Kang-Seok's body began trembling in anger. "It's Jung Yoon-Ho again?"

Grit!

Since there was a guest in the room, Yoo Kang-Seok had to grit his teeth and hold back his rage.

"Damn it. Schedule a meeting with Director Jin Ah-Ram. Call the planning team and start working on countermeasures."

"Yes, sir."

But Bang Sung-Chang still didn't leave.

"What now? You've got more to say?"

"Yes, sir. Actually... Gyu-Hwan is dodging all his appointments in a rather suspicious way. It looks like he's protesting not being cast in

Haze.

"

"What's his problem? That matter was already settled."

"This too... seems to involve Jung Yoon-Ho."

"What did you say?"

At TNT Entertainment, talent agents regularly inspected the stars' cars and black box footage to monitor their activities. And in one of those logs, a meeting with Jung Yoon-Ho had turned up.

"Here too... and there too... It's always Jung Yoon-Ho. Damn it! Tell Gyu-Hwan to come straight to my office when he gets in!"

"Yes, sir."

Bang Sung-Chang bowed quickly and exited. Yoo Kang-Seok was breathing heavily, unable to calm his rage.

At that moment, Na Tae-Hwan saw his chance and spoke up. "President Yoo. What do you say we deal with Jung Yoon-Ho together?"

As someone about to become a full director, Na Tae-Hwan needed a reliable partner who could sometimes assist with sponsorships and handle entertainment connections. There was no better partner than an entertainment company.

Especially now that Bong Sook-Hee had disappeared, he had to lead the charge himself.

Yoo Kang-Seok asked, "Do you have a plan?"

Na Tae-Hwan nodded with a sly grin. "You know that the production company Mirinae is undergoing a rehabilitation process, right? And their drama

Haze

is officially greenlit."

"I've heard."

"There's a rumor that President Han plans to transfer part of Mirinae's shares to Chief Jung."

"But doesn't President Han have grown children? Why would he give shares to Jung Yoon-Ho?"

"Because when his company collapsed, his children turned their backs on him. But here's the thing... All three kids are ambitious. One's a doctor, one's a professor, and one's a lawyer. And they've got considerable influence."

At that moment, a smile crept onto Yoo Kang-Seok's face. "If the shares of a drama production company, possibly worth tens or hundreds of billions, end up in the hands of the wrong person... those children won't just sit and watch, will they?"

"No. They'll probably try to sue Jung Yoon-Ho."

The two men's eyes met.

"If we play this right, we might actually screw Jung Yoon-Ho over. Can we meet those children right now?"

"Actually, I've already scheduled a meeting with them right after this with you, Mr. Yoo."

"Let's go."

Thus, an alliance was forming between KBC's Na Tae-Hwan and TNT Entertainment's Yoo Kang-Seok.

***

After wrapping things up with Jin Ah-Ram, Jin Sung-Joon and I visited the food lab to taste the final test version of THE Best. Though it was mass-produced, there wasn't much difference from the prototype I had originally provided.

I scheduled Lee Tae-Poong's ad shoot for THE Best early next week, then returned home.

Today was the day I would say goodbye to Han Yoo-Sik and Lee Ah-Eun, the couple who had been living with me in the same house. Of course, they were just moving next door, so we would still be practically living together.

I first packed the bedding and pillows that Jung In-Ji had lent us in a gold-colored bundle from the room Han Yoo-Sik and Lee Ah-Eun had been using. Since they only had enough luggage to fill one suitcase, everything had already been packed.

Just before stepping out the front door, Jung In-Ji held Lee Ah-Eun's hand and wiped away tears.

"You're only moving next door, but why does it feel so empty?"

Lee Ah-Eun replied while holding her hand. "I feel the same, unnie."

The two had started calling each other sisters, and now looked heartbroken like they were parting for good.

Then Han Yoo-Sik cleared his throat and said, "You can always come here when I'm at work. Why are you acting so sentimental?"

Lee Ah-Eun shook her head. "That's different."

Han Yoo-Sik looked confused. I felt the same way, but for some reason, it didn't seem like the right time to say it out loud. Especially since the normally sweet Lee Ah-Eun was giving her husband a side-eye.

Han Yoo-Sik flinched slightly, then bowed his head to Jung In-Ji. "Thank you for everything over the past few days. Thanks to you, both my wife and I were able to find some peace from painful memories."

Jung In-Ji wiped her tears with a handkerchief and said, "Then come here for breakfast every morning, Mr. Han. I get lonely too."

"Would that be all right?"

"Of course."

After that rather informal farewell, we began the move.

I slung the bundle of bedding on my back and walked less than 30 meters to the new house. Han Yoo-Sik and Lee Ah-Eun followed with their suitcase, while Jung In-Ji pushed a cart with basic items loaded on it. In the blink of an eye, the move was done and it was already nearing an early lunchtime.

When asked what we should eat, I answered with exaggerated seriousness. "You have to order Chinese food for a move."

"True."

Han Yoo-Sik said he would treat us today and grabbed one of the flyers placed near the door.

"

Hmm.

Let's see. We should order something really good from the Chinese menu today..."

But then, my phone rang.

Buzz.

[Caller ID: Security Booth 1]

At the house in Cheonho-dong where Yoo-Jin lived, security booths were set up on both ends of the alley. They were installed with the approval of all the residents, and security guards stood watch 24/7. They only allowed in residents or pre-approved guests, and when there were issues, they would call me like this.

When I answered, the guard at the security booth spoke.

-Mr. Jung, there are some guests causing a disturbance at the entrance with a Bends.

"Call the police immediately. I'll take responsibility."

Even before, people like advertisers or reporters often showed up in fancy cars trying to meet Yoo-Jin, flaunting their status. And every time, I told the guards to call the police and that I would handle the consequences.

Most of them left quietly, but today was different.

-Um... normally we would, but... these people claim to be Mr. Han Yoo-Sik's children.

Han Yoo-Sik had three children:

The eldest, Han Joon-Tae, was a successful plastic surgeon. The second, Han Joon-Hee, was a professor specializing in media and also appeared on TV panels. The youngest, Han Joon-Sik, was the managing attorney of the law firm Seongui.

Han Yoo-Sik said he didn't even consider them his children anymore, but since they had come all this way, I couldn't ignore it without at least informing him.

"Excuse me."

I turned to Han Yoo-Sik, who was browsing the Chinese menu.

"Mr. Han. Your children are here."

Han Yoo-Sik froze.

He stopped flipping the flyer and let out a deep sigh. "You know that I have no children, right?"

Lee Ah-Eun, who had been looking at the flyer with him, answered firmly as well. "My children no longer exist in this world."

Their tightly sealed expressions were filled with a depth of anger I couldn't begin to grasp. In the end, I nodded.

"Understood."

At that moment, the guard continued.

-Mr. Jung, these people say they're going to sue you.

"Sue me? On what grounds?"

-They claim you've kidnapped their parents.

It was ridiculous, but legally speaking, they were still his children. And because of that, once a report was filed, the police would definitely investigate.

At that moment, Han Yoo-Sik, having overheard the call, spoke in a low voice. "Chief Jung. Let those trash in. It's time I told them clearly."

Lee Ah-Eun also nodded. "Yes, Mr. Jung. That would be best. We can't let you suffer because of us."

The two of them were declaring that they would cut ties completely with their children once and for all.

Eventually, I had no choice but to give the order to let them in.

***

Clunk.

The front door of the new house opened and Han Yoo-Sik's three children stormed in, full of arrogance.

The eldest, Han Joon-Tae, wrinkled his brow the moment he saw the old house, clearly displeased. The second, Han Joon-Hee, shook her head as soon as she saw the shoe rack. The youngest, Han Joon-Sik, looked around as if searching for something to criticize.

For people who had abandoned their parents, their expressions were far too smug.

Thirty-six-year-old Han Joon-Tae walked into the living room and sat down without permission. "Dad, seriously. If you were going to move, couldn't you have picked a decent place? What is this? No interior, and you're living in a dump?"

Thirty-four-year-old Han Joon-Hee immediately clung to Lee Ah-Eun, linking arms with her. "Mom, you must've felt hurt, right? I was having a tough time back then, so I couldn't help. I thought Joon-Tae oppa and Joon-Sik were taking care of things. I didn't know until much later."

Then thirty-three-year-old Han Joon-Sik chimed in. "I was struggling too back then. But now that everything's settled, let me take care of you both."

Their act was so shallow that even I could see right through it. But since it was Han Yoo-Sik's business, I said nothing.

Han Yoo-Sik stared blankly for a moment, then hardened his expression. "I don't know what you're scheming, but whatever it is...Fine. I'm glad you came. From today, we are nothing to each other."

Then Lee Ah-Eun pushed her daughter's arm away and spoke. "Same goes for me. Let's consider ourselves dead to each other, and from now on, let's all live our own lives."

The two of them had resolved to cut ties completely.

But just then, Han Joon-Tae curled his lips and began spouting nonsense.