Chapter 773: The Press Conference (2)

As soon as the question about whether I lived in the same house as Yoo-Jin came up, the small auditorium began to stir.

-Isn't that basically picking a fight?

-Or maybe he's got a solid source.

-If it's true, this'll be a huge scoop.

I knew exactly what the viper Park Hyung-Sik was trying to do. If I admitted that we lived in the same house, he would write an article framing it as a confirmed relationship between us.

So I answered his question like this. "That's completely unfounded."

At that moment, the reporters in the room murmured.

-Wait, did Reporter Park get it wrong then?

-

Ugh

, I got excited for nothing.

-No way. The viper might be nasty, but he never talks nonsense...

-Then what's going on?

Park Hyung-Sik snapped. "Chief Jung. I know everything, so don't drag this out. Keep denying it and you might embarrass yourself even more!"

I shrugged. "I'm not lying. I don't live in the same house as Miss Jung Yoo-Jin."

"

Hah

! Are you kidding me? Chief Jung, you do live with Jung Yoo-Jin!"

A few reporters who had been listening to our exchange began typing furiously on their laptops.

However, I stayed perfectly calm and replied without even blinking. "My housemate is Haru."

Tap... tap.

The reporters stopped typing and they all looked confused.

Speaking up so everyone could hear, I continued with a clear and patient explanation. "I do use the same dormitory building as Miss Jung Yoo-Jin, but Haru is the one who lives with me. And let me say this now—if any of you print misinformation, we will respond firmly. Let's avoid unnecessary conflict, please."

My infamous reputation for ruthlessly exposing Entertainment Big News and Entertainment All Times was well known among reporters. Maybe that was why a few who made eye contact with me began hitting their backspace keys.

Tap tap tap tap.

Still, Park Hyung-Sik didn't give up.

"Hey, Chief Jung! I told you that I came here fully informed. I know Jung Yoo-Jin lives on the second floor and you're on the third. You're telling me that's not the same house? Huh?"

The reporters pulled their hands off their keyboards and watched us, eyes full of curiosity about how this would end.

Again, I spoke so all could hear. "That's exactly right. But our dorm is a multi-unit house. It's a three-story building where each floor is individually registered. Why are you calling it the same house?"

Anticipating something like this, I had already filed to change the property from a multi-family to a multi-unit dwelling. Unlike a multi-family home, a multi-unit residence allowed each floor to be registered separately, and each unit could be leased or sold just like a studio apartment building or a condo. In other words, it was officially designated as Hoop Entertainment's dormitory.

"

Sigh

~ Don't play word games with me! You two are dating and trying to avoid attention by living in the same house! Aren't you?! Huh?"

Reporters, who had been watching our conversation closely, began frowning. As reporters, they should have been the ones baiting me into a slip-up for a story, but instead, he was the one who had lost control and made a mistake.

'

Well, people see what they want to see. Got you, Park Hyung-Sik.

'

I immediately flipped the tables on Park Hyung-Sik using the information I had. "Isn't it true that you live in the same apartment complex as Reporter Lee Seol-Hee? Apgujeong Flora Apartments, Building 101?"

Park Hyung-Sik's face twisted. "Y-yeah, but what's that got to do with anything?"

"Are you two dating?"

Park Hyung-Sik's pupils started trembling. "W-what?"

"Just now, didn't you say that merely living in the same building was suspicious enough to imply a relationship? Then by your logic, aren't you dating Reporter Lee too?"

Park Hyung-Sik was a married man with a middle schooler child, while Lee Seol-Hee was single. And the truth was, the two of them were having an affair. I knew that and started cornering Park Hyung-Sik with it.

Flustered, he shot up from his seat with his face flushed red and shouted, "You son of a bitch! You think you can say whatever you want?"

"I could say the same to you, Mr. Park. Words have consequences. Do you know how important a celebrity's image is? You can't just say things like that just because we live in the same building!"

"I-I-I...!"

I didn't even give him a chance to stammer and kept pressing him. "And if any rumors spread after today, I'll assume they came from you, Mr. Park. And I'll be demanding damages from both you and Spotlight Daily Newspaper for your comments. Keep that in mind."

Unable to respond, Park Hyung-Sik began trembling. The other reporters started murmuring after witnessing our exchange.

-Damn. Reporter Park got steamrolled.

-Still, his reaction is kinda suspicious. He snapped out of nowhere instead of pushing back.

-Maybe he is having an affair with her.

-Come to think of it, they were always a little too close for just colleagues.

-Are they having an affair?

-Should we dig into it?

Park Hyung-Sik whipped his head around and yelled, "You bastards! It's not true! Fuck!"

Seething, Park Hyung-Sik let out a stream of curses, grabbed his laptop, and stormed out of the room.

Bang.

The door to the small auditorium slammed shut.

'

So long, Reporter Park

.'

I gave a small wave toward the space he had just vacated and turned back to the press. "Are there any other reporters who wish to speak on this matter?"

They all shook their heads, clearly wanting no part in the fallout.

"Nah, Chief Jung. We've got other questions. Let's keep going, yeah?"

"Yeah. We've got a lot to ask today."

I smiled. "Understood. Then I'll hand the mic back over."

When I nodded to President Kang Gam-Chan on the stage, he smiled and accepted the mic. "All right then. Let's move on to something a little more productive."

Managing Director Kim Jang-Bi, acting as the host, pointed to one of the reporters. "Yes, Ms. Ahn?"

"Hello, I'm Reporter Ahn Soo-Jin from Star Vision. Regarding Hoop Entertainment's dramatic rise in sales over the past four quarters..."

As the reporter began her question, I took my seat.

Thud.

Next to me, Bank President Choi Yung-Ho chuckled. "Chief Jung, your sharp tongue's getting scarier by the day. Very impressive."

"You flatter me."

"Hardly. By the way, that guy Reporter Park—he's not really dating that reporter, is he?"

"He is. They're having an affair."

"...For real?"

"Yes."

Choi Yung-Ho clicked his tongue in disbelief. "Now that I think about it, the affair's one thing but the fact that you knew all that... Your intel network is terrifying. I'm just glad you're not my enemy.

Hahaha

."

I gave a small smile and glanced sideways to check Everyday.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: March 19, 2021]

[Fortune of the Day: Forewarned is forearmed.]

Fortune of the Day hadn't disappeared yet. That meant someone still in the room was planning to ruin the event. I subtly turned my head and caught sight of a few unwelcome faces. Given how many grudges I had built up, it was no surprise there were people here gunning for me.

But no matter who tried to sabotage today's press conference, I was determined to make it a success.

***

After Park Hyung-Sik stormed out, the press conference proceeded without a hitch.

Since Hoop Entertainment was preparing for an IPO, most of the questions were coming from business reporters rather than entertainment reporters. They were focused on article-worthy details, directing questions at Kang Gam-Chan and Finance Director Jung Soo-Hyuk.

Just then, an entertainment reporter grabbed the mic again.

"This is Reporter Han Joon-Sik from Baro Star. Congratulations on

Jiri Mountain

starring Mr. Lee Tae-Poong surpassing 10 million viewers this morning. I'd like to ask if there are any upcoming projects in the works?"

Kang Gam-Chan glanced at me. "I think this one's best answered by Chief Jung since he belongs to Division Jung... How about coming up to the stage?"

Originally, I was planning to go up only after Yoo-Jin arrived to handle questions. Yet since most of the entertainment questions were about Division Jung anyway, I had no choice.

"Understood."

I stood and walked toward the stage.

Kang Ji-Yung pulled out the chair to her right. "Please, sit here."

As I took my seat, I could see the sparkle in the reporters' eyes. After all, everyone knew that Hoop Entertainment's recent explosive growth was largely thanks to Division Jung.

"All right then, any questions about the stars managed by Chief Jung Yoon-Ho should be directed to him."

Kang Gam-Chan passed the baton to me. I grabbed the mic and took a deep breath. Today's press conference mattered because it would directly influence next Monday's IPO demand forecast. In other words, every word out of my mouth could move hundreds of billions of won.

My heart was pounding, but I looked the reporters in the eye and began. "Mr. Lee Tae-Poong is currently reviewing an offer to appear in Director Choi Sung-Moon's next project."

Han Joon-Sik looked shocked. "Wait, you mean he's working with Director Choi Sung-Moon again? Can you tell us what genre it is? Is it a sequel to

Beyond the Boundary

? As you know, fans have been eagerly awaiting one."

Director Choi Sung-Moon, one of Korea's most acclaimed filmmakers, had cemented his status again with

Beyond the Boundary

. Naturally, the mention of his next film got reporters buzzing.

"It's still under discussion, so I can't confirm anything yet. But I can tell you the genre will be historical drama," I answered.

Around this time in my previous life, Choi Sung-Moon had been working on

Rage of God,

a sequel to

Beyond the Boundary

. But now, he had put that on hold. Instead, he was developing a three-part historical epic titled

Hyeonjong: The King of the Original Text

, chronicling the life of King Hyeonjong—one of Goryeo's greatest rulers.

Hyeonjong was born as Wang Geon's illegitimate son, raised in a temple, and repeatedly had his life threatened by Queen Dowager Cheonchu before ultimately ascending the throne. Once king, he endured endless retreats during the Mongol invasions, but eventually reversed the tide and led Goryeo to become a major power in East Asia. It was a heroic saga that rivaled King Gwanggaeto's era. However, the story was too grand for a single film, so Choi Sung-Moon was planning a trilogy.

I had heard of this project before the regression, but it never materialized due to the Korean market being too small for such an ambitious historical series. For this reason, I left out the trilogy part and continued. Even just the mention of Choi Sung-Moon collaborating again with a Hwangryong Film Association-winning actor was enough to get reporters frantically writing.

"Next question..."

Before I could finish, reporters all shot their hands up and eagerly asked more questions about Lee Tae-Poong. Nevertheless, I only revealed what was necessary, carefully rationing the information to keep their interest alive.

"We'll schedule a separate time for questions about Mr. Lee Tae-Poong. Are there any questions about other topics?"

Even with the Lee Tae-Poong line of questioning cut off, the flood of inquiries continued.

"Hi, I'm Reporter Choi Sung-Han from Big Star. On behalf of countless fans, when will Cherry Blossom resume their activities?"

"This is Reporter Yoo Heon-Jin from Star Gossip. Do you have any comments on Week 2 of

Project I.O.A.

?"

As the endless questions about stars under Division Jung poured in, I responded kindly and thoroughly, hoping to push Hoop Entertainment's stock valuation even higher.

***

The interview had been going non-stop for over an hour and a half when suddenly Lee Joon-Hee from Entertainment All Times took the mic. She was infamous for asking razor-sharp questions, and more than a few people had ruined their careers after getting tangled up in her traps.

"I have a question for Mr. Kang Gam-Chan."

Kang Gam-Chan replied with a jovial tone. "

Oh

, finally back to me. Go ahead."

"Have you ever heard of something called the 'Jung Yoon-Ho Risk'?"

'

Jung Yoon-Ho... risk

?'

The reporters all looked puzzled. Even I was hearing it for the first time.

'

What the hell is that supposed to mean

?'

Kang Gam-Chan looked puzzled too, clearly hearing this for the first time. "A risk involving Chief Jung? That's news to me. If there is a risk with him, it's only that he works so hard it makes everyone around him shrink back a little.

Hahaha

."

Kang Gam-Chan chuckled, but Lee Joon-Hee shook her head. "I don't mean that kind of risk. I'm talking about Chief Jung Yoon-Ho himself."

Kang Gam-Chan's brows furrowed slightly. "Chief Jung Yoon-Ho himself?"

"Yes. That's why I'm asking—it's been said that the division under Chief Jung Yoon-Ho is responsible for more than half of Hoop Entertainment's total revenue. Is that true?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"And I've also heard that Chief Jung Yoon-Ho has very close relationships with his celebrities. Is that true?"

"That's also true. There's no one who takes better care of entertainers than he does."

That's when Lee Joon-Hee's eyes gleamed. "Good, I'm glad you admit it. Then what happens if Chief Jung Yoon-Ho leaves Hoop Entertainment?"

The atmosphere in the small auditorium shifted dramatically.

-Why didn't anyone think of that?

-If he leaves, Hoop Entertainment's toast.

-What if Chief Jung goes independent and all the celebrities follow?

'

Ah. So that's the so-called Jung Yoon-Ho Risk.

'

In other words, if I left Hoop Entertainment, the celebrities would likely follow and the company's revenue could collapse.

'

So this is how she's going to play it, huh

?'

This kind of question was dangerously provocative for a press conference. Even if I had no intention of leaving, just raising the idea could make investors uneasy. A poor response could easily drop our IPO target price from twenty thousand won to ten thousand won.

I did know about some dirt on Lee Joon-Hee, but this wasn't the time for that. This time, the only answer was a direct and solid rebuttal. I had to give investors absolute confidence that I had no intention of leaving Hoop Entertainment.

'

Hmm... What's the best way to answer this

?'

Saying I held equity would just invite follow-up questions like "What if you sell it?"

While I hesitated, Kang Gam-Chan stepped in with a firm voice to buy me some time. "Chief Jung will never leave Hoop Entertainment!"

Lee Joon-Hee smirked like she had been waiting for that exact response. "People can't predict the future. Parents and children sue each other over money and cut ties all the time."

"

Haha.

That's only because you don't know Chief Jung. I'd stake everything I have on his loyalty."

Lee Joon-Hee let out a scoff. "I don't doubt your sincerity Mr. Kang Gam-Chan. But with all of Chief Jung Yoon-Ho's success, countless companies must be making better offers. How long can you hold on to him?"

Kang Gam-Chan looked like he wanted to respond, but I lifted the mic first. After all, I had found the answer that would convince everyone.

"May I answer that myself?"

Lee Joon-Hee responded like she was inviting me to try. "I'd prefer that."

"Have you ever abandoned your family, Ms. Lee?"

"What do you mean, abandon my family?"

"I mean the members of Hoop Entertainment are like family to me."

Lee Joon-Hee let out a mocking laugh. "You think a sentimental answer like that will persuade anyone? Everyone says that, then leaves anyway saying they wish each other well on their separate paths."

"Some people do. But I'm not one of them."

"

Ah

, sure~"

Her tone was dripping with disbelief. However, I had a more persuasive answer ready.

"That's how I feel personally. But now, let me give you the real reason why I won't be leaving Hoop Entertainment."

Lee Joon-Hee looked like she was ready to challenge anything I said. "And what exactly is that reason?"

I smiled gently and began to answer. And the moment I did, the entire room began to buzz like never before.