Chapter 648: Comeback (3)

[Everyday V12.2]

[Date: February 14, 2021]

-10:00 p.m. [NEW. Kim Sae-Ri] Kim Sae-Ri. Fumbles repeatedly on KBC's

Music Stage

. "Achieving first place postponed to next week."

'

Sae-Ri making repeated mistakes on stage?

'

I couldn't believe it. Sae-Ri might be timid and a bit boastful, but she was incredibly strong in real situations. Unlike the past, once she began her solo activities, she had grown mentally in leaps and bounds.

That was the reason I just couldn't accept that Sae-Ri would crumble all on her own. So I was convinced this had to be due to outside interference.

Immediately, I suspected Park Eun-Bin, who had just entered the waiting room.

Park Eun-Bin wasn't the type to go around greeting other waiting rooms first. And besides, she and I had a terrible history. She probably hated the idea of visiting our room, which meant she was here for a reason.

I stood up and greeted her first, because I didn't want to give her any reason to find fault with me. "We should have come to greet you first. We're sorry we're late."

Park Eun-Bin smirked and responded with a sarcastic smile. "Long time no see, Mr. Jung. Well, waiting room greetings are for whoever has time. Don't worry about it."

Dressed in a pink two-piece outfit, Park Eun-Bin smiled with her eyes. Maybe she had some procedures done during her break, because the once haughty and arrogant impression she gave off had softened into something more puppy-like.

Just then, Sae-Ri, who had been sitting behind, stood up and slipped out beside me. Even though I had tried to block her, she greeted Park Eun-Bin with a voice stronger than I had expected.

"Sunbae-nim, congratulations on your return!"

Park Eun-Bin smiled. "I should be congratulating you. I heard you were practically guaranteed first place today, huh?"

"I'm not sure yet."

"Drop the modesty. From what I heard from the staff, it's pretty much a done deal. You've grown, haven't you?" Park Eun-Bin said with a slight provocation.

Sae-Ri replied with a smile in her eyes. "

Aww

~ who knows. It's not over till it's over, right?"

She was proudly repeating what I had told her before as if she wasn't scared of someone like Park Eun-Bin at all.

'

When did you grow up this much, Sae-Ri?

'

Suddenly, my heart started to race without me realizing. Sae-Ri, who had ranked first on music shows for ten consecutive weeks and then for twelve, was no longer a little kid. She had become a confident singer who could stand tall and meet Park Eun-Bin's gaze head-on.

I couldn't help but smile with pride. But unlike me, Park Eun-Bin started to get flustered. Even though it had only been a few months, Sae-Ri's demeanor had changed dramatically.

Park Eun-Bin stuttered, "Is... is that so? Well, good luck on your first place then."

"Thank you, sunbae-nim! And truly, congrats on your comeback."

When Sae-Ri sincerely congratulated her, Park Eun-Bin's face twisted again. Sae-Ri was smiling brightly, clearly showing that she no longer saw her as a threat.

At that moment, Ma Dong-Pal spoke to me. "Chief Jung. Can we talk for a moment?"

'

Leave Park Eun-Bin here alone with Sae-Ri and talk just the two of us? No way

.'

No matter how bold Sae-Ri had become, I wasn't about to leave her alone with someone as crazy as Park Eun-Bin. Of course, the equally crazy Do Ran-Hee was nearby too, but there was no need to stir up trouble.

I told Ma Dong-Pal, "Let's just talk here."

"

Sigh.

You really can't just do as you're told once, can you? I said come out. It's not something Sae-Ri should be hearing."

"If it's something Sae-Ri shouldn't hear, then I don't need to hear it either."

"You little punk!"

Ma Dong-Pal's expression twisted sharply and he was about to raise his voice. Just as I subtly reached for my phone to start recording, he began to calm down and breathed heavily.

"Hey. Chief Jung."

"Yes. Go ahead."

"It's about President Kim Dong-Soo and President Yoo Kang-Seok. Still not interested?"

Recently, Kim Dong-Soo and Yoo Kang-Seok had teamed up with Chief Ryu Shin of Hwayeon to try and get their actors cast in a Hollywood film. However, the deal fell through because of me.

I was curious what this was about, but protecting Sae-Ri came first.

I firmly said, "If that's the topic, let's talk after the show."

In the end, Ma Dong-Pal turned around in frustration. "Fine! Damn it! If you don't want to hear it, forget it! Hey! Eun-Bin! Let's go!"

Ma Dong-Pal stormed out of the waiting room.

Seeing this, Park Eun-Bin looked at me with a crooked smile. "You haven't changed, have you, Mr. Jung? Always thinking you're right, never afraid."

I shot back without hesitation. "Not sure who's the fearless one here, Miss Eun-Bin. After everything I did to you, you still had the guts to try something again?"

Park Eun-Bin trembled as if trying to say something back. "You're... such a jerk!"

I smirked and held back my reply inside.

'

Right back at you.

'

Park Eun-Bin stared at me for a moment, then spun around.

Bang!

When the waiting room door slammed shut, I quickly checked my planner.

[Everyday V12.2]

[Date: February 14, 2021]

-10:00 p.m. [NEW. Kim Sae-Ri] Kim Sae-Ri. Fumbles repeatedly on KBC's

Music Stage

. "Achieving first place postponed to next week."

Unfortunately, the schedule entry hadn't disappeared yet.

'

So this wasn't it?

'

However, I couldn't relax yet with some time still left before the live performance. I didn't know when Park Eun-Bin or Ma Dong-Pal might try something against Sae-Ri.

In any case, I turned to reassure her. But unexpectedly, Sae-Ri's expression was bright.

"Sae-Ri, are you okay?"

Sae-Ri nodded. "Of course I'm okay~. And Yoon-Ho oppa, I think I finally get what you were trying to say. Ignore Park Eun-Bin and just focus on what I need to do, right?"

I couldn't help but smile at how proud I was. "Sae-Ri. You've really grown up. You barely even need my help anymore."

Just then, Sae-Ri grabbed my arm tightly and shook her head. "Nope. I haven't grown at all!"

Her sudden childlike behavior made me chuckle. "

Hahaha

. Alright, alright. Now let go of my arm. It's gonna cramp up."

Sae-Ri was gripping my arm so tight that it was cutting off circulation. She looked up at me and asked cautiously, "You're not going to leave me, right?"

"Of course not."

Only then did Sae-Ri slowly let go. "Then we're good!"

Now that I was sure her mental state was steady, I planned to meet with KBC's

Music Stage

PD, Cha Tae-Hee. Since everything happening on site was reported to the PD, I figured she would be the one who could pinpoint where the problem might be.

"Alright then, you two hang in there. If anything comes up, call me right away. I'm off to see the PD."

"Okay~~."

I headed straight for the control room to meet with Cha Tae-Hee to make absolutely sure Sae-Ri won first place today.

***

In front of the control room, several talent agents from different companies were waiting to meet the PD. They were there to ask Cha Tae-Hee or CP Ahn Dong-Gyu of KBC's

Music Stage

to give their singers even the slightest advantage.

Yet today, the atmosphere was different. The talent agents were completely tense, pressed tightly against both hallways leading into the control room.

Just as I was about to ask what was going on, a harsh voice exploded from inside.

-Hey! Ha Jo-Eun! What the hell is this bullshit you're spouting all of a sudden? What do you mean you're the new CP?

-The appointment letter is out, go check it.

-Wait, are you doing this because I blocked Park Eun-Bin's comeback?

-How would I know?

-Damn it. But I let her in eventually. Pink Diamonds had a no-show, so I gave up the spot. Isn't that enough? And now you're kicking me out?

-Look, I don't know about all that. Just go back to your office and read the notice.

-Screw this. Who announces a personnel change on the same day? I've only been in charge of this music show for two months. Don't talk nonsense. Just get lost!

-Even if you whine like that, it's no use. And you get lost!

From the sound of it, Ahn Dong-Gyu had just been transferred to another department, and his peer, CP Ha Jo-Eun, had taken his place.

'

This is bad news

.'

Before the regression, Ha Jo-Eun and I had been complete opposites. She not only secretly accepted bribes but also treated entertainment company staff and performers like dirt. I had to grovel endlessly whenever I met her because everything depended on her mood.

Suddenly, it struck me that the reason Sae-Ri was going to fumble on stage today might be because of Ha Jo-Eun.

Before the regression, she frequently accepted bribes from TK Entertainment. And if she intentionally sabotaged Sae-Ri's chances at first place, it could revive the hype around Park Eun-Bin's comeback. In the worst case, I might even have to take her down.

Just then, the control room door burst open.

Bang!

Ahn Dong-Gyu stormed out, cursing. "Screw this! I'm done with this crap!"

Right behind him, Cha Tae-Hee ran out. "Sunbae! Wait!"

Startled, the talent agents quickly bowed their heads. Ahn Dong-Gyu, seething with rage, didn't even glance at them as he walked away. Cha Tae-Hee followed, apologizing to the talent agents.

"Sunbae! I told you to wait, didn't I?"

As the two disappeared, the control room door opened again. Ha Jo-Eun stepped out, looking pleased with herself.

Dressed in a tight black suit, the woman in her forties glanced at the line of talent agents and said, "Well, what a perfect gathering. Let me make you all a cup of coffee. Come on in."

When a public broadcast CP offered coffee, it was standard etiquette to act like it's a royal gift—even if it's poison.

Sure enough, the other talent agents bent over backward to flatter her.

"Oh no~ Let me make it for you!"

"Just a moment! I'll brew some strong espressos for everyone!"

"Espresso? Please. Mrs. Ha only drinks iced Americano, even if it's freezing outside! Mrs. Ha! I'll get you a fresh one from the café downstairs!"

Even though Ahn Dong-Gyu had looked after the performers, the moment his reassignment was announced, they all immediately abandoned him. Now, they were scrambling to curry favor with Ha Jo-Eun.

She looked satisfied as she nodded at their display, then turned her gaze to me and smirked. She had a look that said, 'So what are you going to do now?' More precisely, a look that told me to hurry up and bow my head too.

Nevertheless, I made a different choice from all the others here. Even if Sae-Ri might stumble on stage and her shot at first place was shaky, I wasn't going to bow to Ha Jo-Eun. I couldn't go back to the way things were before the regression and live off flattery.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Ha. It seems you already have plenty of people to make coffee for you, so I'll come by another time."

Ha Jo-Eun replied coldly, "Chief Jung. What's the point of waving at a bus that's already left? The new one just arrived."

She was coaxing me to join her. And at the same time, I heard the whispers from the other agents nearby.

-Is that guy nuts?

-Wow, Chief Jung really has guts. He just turned down the new CP's offer?

-What's he thinking?

-Guess he got cocky from all the praise and lost his touch.

-He's not even guaranteed first place today. He might get tossed aside for this.

Everyone started criticizing me loud enough for Ha Jo-Eun to hear. And they weren't wrong, as refusing to align with the new music show CP was almost suicidal.

But that was only if you're a regular person who doesn't know the future. For someone like me, who does, this was the right choice. Because Ahn Dong-Gyu, who just stormed out, still had a promotion listed in Everyday four years from now.

[Everyday V12.2]

[Date: March 15, 2025]

-04:00 p.m.: Congratulatory wreath delivered to KBC's new Director of Variety, Ahn Dong-Gyu.

Following the future only I knew, I walked away. "Well then. Everyone, take care."

The hallway instantly buzzed.

-That idiot. I knew he'd screw up one day, ever since he started walking around with his head held high.

-Chief Jung is done for.

-What's he going to do, chasing after a CP with no power left?

I heard their murmuring but ignored them and quickened my steps.

'

Just wait. I'll show you who the real idiot is.

'

***

Curses and heavy breathing leaked out from behind the door of KBC's break room.

Ahn Dong-Gyu, who rarely lost his temper, was livid. He had just been told to step down from his role without any clear fault.

-Damn. They really emailed the reassignment notice. What is the president thinking? Does he really think Ha Jo-Eun is on his side?

-Come on, sunbae~ You're the one in President Oh's faction, right?

-

Sigh.

What do you mean I'm in his faction? You know I hate the idea of factions. That's exactly why I ended up like this.

-That's not it! Sunbae, go talk to the president. Ask him what happened.

Currently, KBC was divided between President Oh Han-Guk's faction and Director Na Tae-Hwan's. That division happened because I had caused the downfall of the former presidents. Former KBC president Park Chan-Sik was dismissed, and his successor Bong Sook-Hee resigned, leaving a vacancy.

Oh Han-Guk, then a KBC director, took the role of president, while Na Tae-Hwan, who had been Bong Sook-Hee's top supporter, became a director. As a result, two factions formed. However, most of the KBC directors were backing Na Tae-Hwan.

Though everyone believed the newly assigned Ha Jo-Eun was in Oh Han-Guk's faction, the truth was the exact opposite.

Since the two in the break room clearly didn't know that, I decided to go in and talk to them. I needed to understand the details before planning a countermeasure.

Knock knock.

I knocked on the break room door.

Cha Tae-Hee's high-pitched voice called out from inside.

-This room's taken! Please go to another break room.

I ignored the voice and opened the door.

Swing.

Inside, I saw Cha Tae-Hee and Ahn Dong-Gyu fuming. They were about to explode again but paused when they recognized me.

"Oh? Chief Jung? What are you doing here...?"

Ahn Dong-Gyu looked at me in surprise. He clearly didn't expect me, the talent agent of top rank contenders Sae-Ri and Woo Yeon-Hee, to chase after him instead of bowing to the new CP.

"Would you both like a cup of coffee? It's my treat."

When I asked casually. Ahn Dong-Gyu frowned. "Chief Jung. I appreciate the loyalty, but what if you end up on the new CP's blacklist?"

"So what if I do? I'd rather stick with you for the long run."

Ahn Dong-Gyu shook his head. "Thanks, really, but this isn't it. Go back and butter up CP Ha. Isn't Sae-Ri aiming for first place today? It's her first solo win and you shouldn't mess it up. Go."

"No. Even if I did, CP Ha Jo-Eun wouldn't warm up to me. She's Mr. Na Tae-Hwan's person, isn't she?"

Ha Jo-Eun was widely believed to be part of Oh Han-Guk's faction, but I knew she was actually playing both sides. Before the regression, during a private conversation, she had confessed to me during a private conversation that she was aligned with Na Tae-Hwan.

"What... did you say? She's with Na Tae-Hwan?"

"Ask the ADs from Mrs. Ha Jo-Eun's previous show,

Singer Song

. You'll find out right away."

Ahn Dong-Gyu looked flustered. "So are you saying that my reassignment was actually Na Tae-Hwan's doing?"

"Most likely, yes. Mr. Na Tae-Hwan probably pressured the president into inserting his person into the show."

"No wonder... I thought the president wouldn't just drop me like this. It felt off."

Cha Tae-Hee nodded. "Exactly, sunbae. So let's talk about what we're going to do. Are you really just going to accept this and hand the music show over to CP Ha?"

Ahn Dong-Gyu sighed. "Then what am I supposed to do? Pull her out?"

"We have to! What, we just sit back and take it? With CP Ha's personality, she'll kick out all our staff and fill the show with her own useless picks!"

"That's true, but... how would we even pull her out?"

The two of them lamented that there was no way to remove Ha Jo-Eun, who had just been officially appointed today.

But I wasn't so hopeless—I had a way. After a moment of thought, my conclusion was clear. To secure Sae-Ri's win, Ha Jo-Eun had to be removed from

Music Stage

.

I took a deep breath and began to reveal the truth that only I knew.

"There is a way!"