Chapter 776: Finding the Director (3)

When I stepped out of the room, appetizer plates were scattered everywhere.

Sung Yeo-Jin was crouched on the floor gathering them, while Ahn Gil-Tae, director of General Affairs at Suhyaejong, was relentlessly pointing fingers at her. He was gesturing toward his luxury suit, now stained with appetizer sauce.

"Fuck! Hey! What the hell are you gonna do about this? Do you have any idea how much this suit costs? You'd have to save your salary for half a year and still might not afford it!"

Sung Yeo-Jin stopped picking up the plates, pulled out a napkin, and quickly bowed her head. "I'm sorry sir! Please, just wipe it off for now..."

"Wipe it? Are you kidding me? You did this on purpose, didn't you? You're pissed that I've been working your husband hard lately, right?"

"No, not at all, sir... I would never. But please, let's clean it first and..."

They clearly knew each other. That was no surprise, as this restaurant was a favorite among Suhyaejong professors.

Startled, Sung Yeo-Jin tried to wipe the sauce off Ahn Gil-Tae's suit with a napkin.

Just then, Ahn Gil-Tae snapped and raised his hand as if to slap Sung Yeo-Jin. "You filthy thing, don't you dare touch me!"

In that instant, I rushed over and grabbed Ahn Gil-Tae's wrist. "You're really going to hit someone because of a little sauce on your suit? Isn't that too much? Just wipe it off and take it to a luxury dry cleaner. Problem solved, isn't it?"

Ahn Gil-Tae, who looked to be in his mid-40s, turned around and shouted. "What the fuck? Who the hell are you?" He was so agitated he swore before even seeing my face, then belatedly recognized me. "Chief Jung Yoon-Ho?"

After the Director Gong Hak-Beom incident, it was said there wasn't a soul at Suhyaejong who didn't know my name. That rumor, at least, turned out to be true.

Still holding Ahn Gil-Tae's wrist, I turned to Sung Yeo-Jin. "You're Ms. Sung Yeo-Jin, right? I came to speak with you. Do you have a moment? It's about your husband."

Sung Yeo-Jin blinked in surprise. "My husband?"

"Yes. It's a good proposal, I promise. There's nothing to lose by hearing me out."

As far as I remembered, Sung Yeo-Jin was immensely proud of her husband's work in film. She had done everything she could to support him, so if I offered him a directing opportunity with good terms, she would be thrilled than anyone.

But before I could explain, Ahn Gil-Tae thrashed his arm and yelled again. "Hey! Let go of me! I said let go!"

Clearly, I had to deal with Ahn Gil-Tae first.

"Ms. Yeo-Jin, let's talk shortly."

Firmly holding Ahn Gil-Tae's wrist, I called Chairman Choi Eun-Tae. The phone rang twice before he picked up.

-Chief Jung. What's going on?

"Hi, Mr. Chairman. The director of General Affairs at Suhyaejong is throwing his weight around on a potential recruit's family. I was hoping you might lend some support."

Choi Eun-Tae was from the ninth graduating class of Suhyaejong and donated massive sums to the school every year, making him an immensely influential figure. Until now, he had stayed out of any trouble involving Suhyaejong to avoid exposing our connection to President Choi Man-Sik. Now that Choi Man-Sik was isolated in Japan, he had told me to call if I ever needed help.

Meanwhile, unaware of who I was even calling, Ahn Gil-Tae shouted, "Calling in favors at Suhyaejong? You're trying to get a sponsor involved, huh? Go ahead, try it! You think I'm scared? And you, fucker! I'll make sure both you and Hoop Entertainment go down."

Ahn Gil-Tae was an alumnus of Suhyaejong, related to the university's vice president, and nephew of Jang Tae-Hyuk—the next candidate for vice minister of Culture. That kind of pedigree meant no one dared touch him at Suhyaejong.

For this reason, he stood there and brimmed with confidence, completely clueless about who was on the line.

At that moment, I heard Choi Eun-Tae's laughter in my ear.

-That guy yelling is Gil-Tae, right?

"Yes, it is. Did you hear him?"

-I did. I'll send someone right away. Where are you right now?

"At an Italian restaurant called Florence run by the wife of Han Beom-Soo, the head of Film at Suhyaejong."

-

Oh

, that place? Got it. Just wait a moment.

Click.

After hanging up, I let go of Ahn Gil-Tae's wrist. As I slid my phone back into my pocket, I pressed the record button.

Click.

Ahn Gil-Tae rubbed his wrist with a scowl. "Fuck. Who the hell did you call?"

"My friend's father."

"Your friend's father?"

"Yes."

"What the hell? Are you out of your mind? Do you have a death wish? What, is your friend's dad some corporate chairman? Nevermind, it doesn't matter even if he is. Bring him here, you asshole!"

'

Sure. That was the plan anyway. My friend's dad said he's sending someone over, so just you wait.

'

Right then, the door to the adjacent VIP room opened and a crowd spilled out.

Creak.

"What's going on?"

"What is this?"

"Director Ahn, why aren't you back in... What the hell?"

Han Beom-Soo—the head of the Film Department at Suhyaejong—Assistant Professor Ahn Joon-Sung, and Director Department Head Jung Sang-Cheol all stepped out and frowned when they saw me.

Han Beom-Soo turned to Ahn Gil-Tae. "Director Ahn, what's going on?"

Ahn Gil-Tae rubbed his wrist and replied. "Just look at my suit, sir. A server spilled food all over me, so I was trying to teach her a lesson. But this guy, Chief Jung, stepped in and interfered. He's seriously pissing me off!"

"Is that so?"

"Yes. And then he starts calling his friend's dad for help... Honestly, I'm not letting this guy or Hoop Entertainment off the hook."

While he ranted, I stepped aside and handed my business card to the worried Sung Yeo-Jin. "I'm Chief Jung Yoon-Ho from Hoop Entertainment. Don't worry, I'll help you."

Sung Yeo-Jin nodded. "

Oh

, I know who you are. And... I'll handle my own business."

Given that Ahn Gil-Tae and Han Beom-Soo could significantly influence her husband's promotion, Sung Yeo-Jin was clearly trying to manage this herself.

However, things wouldn't go the way she hoped. Han Beom-Soo, ten years older but still intimidated by the younger director, started turning on her.

"Ms. Yeo-Jin. Did you call Chief Jung here?"

"N-no, I didn't."

"Really? Then why is he getting involved with you?"

"Well..."

I answered him on Sung Yeo-Jin's behalf. "What, I'm supposed to stand by while someone tries to hit her over just a spilled sauce? She could've been seriously hurt."

Ahn Gil-Tae snapped. "What do you mean, just a spilled sauce? Do you even know how much this suit cost? It's a luxury import from Milan!"

Han Beom-Soo tried to calm Ahn Gil-Tae down again, then turned to me. "Chief Jung. I've heard the rumors, but I didn't realize you were this tactless. If you'd just looked the other way, this would've ended quietly. Do you even understand who Director Ahn is?"

'

End quietly? This is unbelievable

.'

I scoffed. "I'm not even a Suhyaejong alum. Why should I know his background?"

Han Beom-Soo's face hardened. "Is that so? Then whatever happens next is on you."

With that, Han Beom-Soo made a call somewhere.

"Honey, it's me. Can you come to the VIP room for a second? Oh, you're just outside? Perfect."

Click.

The moment Han Beom-Soo hung up, the door clicked open simultaneously. A woman in a chef's uniform stepped into the VIP area—It was Ye Ji-Hyun.

"What is going on here?" Ye Ji-Hyun asked.

Han Beom-Soo turned to his wife and explained. "A server spilled sauce all over the director of general affairs' suit. I've told you you need to train your staff more strictly, didn't I? You've got everything else right, but you're just too soft.

Tsk

."

Ye Ji-Hyun looked at me and Sung Yeo-Jin, her brow tightening. "I'll give her a proper... stern re-education."

"I don't think training's enough. What if word gets out that Florence is this unprofessional? Look at this. Our director's wearing a suit imported straight from Milan costing five million won a piece, and now it's ruined..."

Catching the implication in her husband's words, Ye Ji-Hyun turned her icy gaze on Sung Yeo-Jin. "Ms. Yeo-Jin. Take off your apron. Now."

"I'm sorry?"

"You messed up a serving, so take off the uniform. Why are you just standing there like an idiot? You're fired starting today!"

The sudden dismissal left Sung Yeo-Jin stunned, and she began pleading desperately. "Ms. Ye, I'm sorry. Please. Just this once. Please let it go."

Even if she got kicked out of here, someone as diligent and meticulous as Sung Yeo-Jin would easily find work elsewhere. But clearly, she was afraid that getting fired might bring consequences for her husband.

As Sung Yeo-Jin kept pleading, Ye Ji-Hyun snapped in annoyance. "Why are you begging me? You're begging the wrong person. I never keep employees who upset our guests. Unless you apologize and earn his forgiveness, don't even bother."

Ahn Gil-Tae chimed in. "Maybe if you get on your knees, I might forgive you. Otherwise, not a chance!"

Han Beom-Soo, his wife, and Ahn Gil-Tae—every one of them disgusted me so much I could barely stand it.

Just then, Sung Yeo-Jin started to lower herself to the ground.

However, I grabbed her arm before she could even bow and held her firmly upright. "That's enough. You've already apologized. There's no need to kneel."

At that moment, Choi Eun-Seok, who had been waiting in the VIP room, came out and stepped in. "If Ik-Hwan saw you like this, he'd be heartbroken!"

Seeing Choi Eun-Seok too, Sung Yeo-Jin's eyes started trembling. "Mr. Eun-Seok..."

"We're here to offer Ik-Hwan a director position. You don't need to bow your head to trash like this."

"You're offering my husband... a directing job?"

"Yes."

I took that opportunity to explain the terms to Sung Yeo-Jin. "We offered Mr. Yeo Ik-Hwan five hundred million won for the directing fee with ten percent of the net profit. LT Entertainment will provide full support. But he said he couldn't accept it because he didn't want to burden you."

"Is that true...?"

"It is. But think about it. If these people can do this to you so easily, what do you think they'll do to your husband? He'll never get that associate professorship. They'll just keep working him to the bone. And that spot Mr. Yeo wants so desperately? It'll probably go to that Assistant Professor Ahn Joon-Sung over there."

When I pointed at Ahn Joon-Sung, the likely future associate professor, Sung Yeo-Jin's eyes widened. She could endure abuse herself, but imagining her husband suffering the same broke her completely.

That's when Choi Eun-Seok added his voice beside me. "Ms. Sung, please trust Chief Jung. Nobody who's followed his advice has ever failed. So let's just walk away from this nonsense."

Then, Han Beom-Soo, overhearing us, scoffed. "You're giving Ik-Hwan a directing job? What a sick joke. That washed-up mess is a wreck. Who'd trust him with directing?"

That was the last straw. The moment Han Beom-Soo insulted her husband, the light in Sung Yeo-Jin's eyes shifted and her fists clenched tight.

Gritting her teeth, Sung Yeo-Jin looked straight at us. "Do you really mean it about giving my husband another chance to direct?"

I answered, "Why else would we come here? We're asking you to help convince him."

"Mr. Eun-Seok, can you promise too?"

Choi Eun-Seok assured Sung Yeo-Jin and said, "Of course. Honestly, if it weren't something this important, do you think I'd be here eating a VIP course meal? You know me. I carry a packed lunch every day."

Knowing Choi Eun-Seok's frugal habits, Sung Yeo-Jin placed her trust in him without hesitation. "Neither of you has any reason to lie, so... I'll believe you."

With resolve setting in, Sung Yeo-Jin turned sharply. And then she unleashed her fury on Han Beom-Soo.

"How dare you call my husband a wreck? He's just taking a break—just a short one!"

"What?"

"Mr. Han, my husband earned five hundred million off ten billion in investment. And you call him a wreck? Have you ever pulled in even ten thousand viewers outside of a short film festival? No, you couldn't! If you call my husband a wreck, then what does that make you?"

Han Beom-Soo had failed at every feature film attempt with only a few shorts under his belt. When Sung Yeo-Jin hit that nerve, the man who had stayed calm until now turned beet red and exploded.

"W-Where do you get off saying something like that? Fine! Your husband is fired! Fired!"

His wife, Ye Ji-Hyun, shrieked as well. "Get out! You ungrateful brat, how dare you raise your voice?"

At the two's lash out, Sung Yeo-Jin snapped. "Ungrateful? That's rich coming from an employer who doesn't even pay minimum wage!"

"What did you say?! You little—!"

Ye Ji-Hyun raised both hands, lunging to grab Sung Yeo-Jin's hair. At that moment, Sung Yeo-Jin caught both of Ye Ji-Hyun's wrists mid-air and twisted them back.

"

Agh

! Let go! Let go of me!"

"You think I took this crap because I was weak!?"

With a sharp shove, Sung Yeo-Jin flung Ye Ji-Hyun back, sending her stumbling straight into her husband's arms.

"

Ahhh

!"

As his wife reeled and collapsed against him, Han Beom-Soo exploded with rage. "How dare you lay a hand on her?!"

When Han Beom-Soo raised his hand threateningly, I immediately moved to stand beside Sung Yeo-Jin.

But just then, a loud voice shouted from behind us.

"

Huff, huff, huff

... Lower that hand right now!!" Yeo Ik-Hwan appeared at the entrance to the VIP room, his voice cracking with rage.

"Assistant Professor Yeo, are you yelling at me right now?"

"Damn right I am!!"

Unlike his usually calm demeanor, Yeo Ik-Hwan looked like he was ready to kill someone, glaring at Han Beom-Soo with a murderous intensity. Han Beom-Soo flinched and slowly lowered his hand.

Yeo Ik-Hwan caught his breath and turned to his wife with concern. "Honey, I heard everything outside. Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Sung Yeo-Jin, now in her husband's arms, shook her head. "I'm not hurt. But I'm sorry... this happened all because of me..."

"Don't say that. None of this is your fault." Holding his wife close, Yeo Ik-Hwan looked at me. "Mr. Jung. That offer you made earlier—does it still stand?"

"Of course it does."

Yeo Ik-Hwan nodded, then turned to his wife. "Honey, I... got a directing offer."

Still in her husband's arms, Sung Yeo-Jin calmed down and gave a faint smile. "I heard it from Mr. Jung just now."

"I'm sorry, but would it be okay if I took it?"

"You have to. I was always proudest of you when you were a director."

Sung Yeo-Jin's words left Yeo Ik-Hwan speechless for a moment. Then, after taking a deep breath, Yeo Ik-Hwan spoke with quiet determination. "Please... I'm in your hands, Mr. Jung."

At last, we had our director for

She Was Beautiful

.

"From this moment on, you can leave everything to me. I'll make sure every single thing you suffered gets paid back tenfold."

"What? How?" Yeo Ik-Hwan tilted his head curiously.

Just then, the door to the VIP area burst open and an older man in his sixties strode in with a younger assistant at his side.

Bang!

It was Bok Han-Joong, the president of Seoul National University of the Arts, and his chief secretary.

"Professor Han! Director Ahn! What the heck are you two doing?!"

Sweating profusely, Bok Han-Joong unleashed a storm of scolding on Han Beom-Soo and Ahn Gil-Tae. Han Beom-Soo, Ahn Gil-Tae, and Ye Ji-Hyun stood frozen, stunned into silence.

'

Wow, to think that the person Choi Eun-Tae sent wasn't just any lawyer, but the actual president of Suhyaejong

...'

My friend's dad was an absolute legend.