Chapter 797: School Bully Rumor (1)

"Yes. I plan to give Chief Jung 3% of Jinseong Hotel & Resort."

At its current valuation of roughly 1 trillion won, that 3% stake was worth close to 30 billion won. At its peak valuation of 2 trillion won, it would be worth 60 billion.

Jin Dae-Woon had just declared he would give nearly 30 billion won worth of stock not to a family member, but to an outsider.

Naturally, Choi Eun-Tae's voice dropped in suspicion.

-What's your angle? A penny-pincher like you wouldn't hand over that kind of money without a reason.

"Why wouldn't I have a reason? Chief Jung is an indispensable partner to my heirs. Just like you and I were in our younger days. Giving him a stake to keep him close to my kids? That's a bargain."

A moment of silence fell. Then Choi Eun-Tae responded in his famously flat, emotionless tone.

-Fine. Then let me give you one piece of advice.

"What is it, hyung-nim?"

-I don't care what else you do. But if you ever try to use or manipulate Chief Jung for your own schemes... I won't let it go. Just like twenty years ago.

Twenty years ago was when Jinseong Inc. was still finding its footing. At the time, Jin Dae-Woon had made a reckless financial move that nearly collapsed the company. It was Choi Eun-Tae who had saved him with a large emergency loan.

But relying solely on their long-standing relationship, he deliberately avoided repaying the money even when the due date arrived. It was because he had his eye on a new investment opportunity. So instead of paying back the debt, he launched a new venture.

Back then too, just like now, Choi Eun-Tae had given him a warning in his emotionless voice—he had survived the crisis, so it was time to repay the debt.

Trusting in the power of Jinseong Inc., Jin Dae-Woon brushed it off saying he would pay back even more later. As a result, he had nearly lost everything at the hands of Choi Eun-Tae. In the end, Jin Dae-Woon had to swallow his pride, rush to Myeongdong, and beg on his knees for mercy.

Now, those memories came rushing back and snapped Jin Dae-Woon fully alert. But just as strong as the flashback was his deepening curiosity about Jung Yoon-Ho.

"Who the hell is Chief Jung for you to go this far to protect him, hyung-nim?"

-That's none of your concern. Just like the rest of the world will wonder why you, the chairman of Jinseong Inc., gave company stock to someone who's not even your family.

Jin Dae-Woon had no response. After all, Choi Eun-Tae was right that people would think strangely of Jinseong Inc. handing over the share of Jinseong Hotel & Resort to Jung Yoon-Ho. Everyone would assume Jung Yoon-Ho had backing, but they would wrongly assume that backing came from Jin Dae-Woon himself and not Choi Eun-Tae.

It felt like he had been cleverly outmaneuvered, but there was no taking it back now.

"

Ahem.

Well... Chief Jung is capable and he's done a lot for my children. That's all there is to it."

-Nice deflection. Anyway, I've said what I wanted.

Oh.

And from what Chief Jung told me, it seems Sung Hak-Soo's little scheme was resolved cleanly. There's no need for me to step in, right?

"You'd better ask him directly."

-Fair enough. Let's catch up over a meal sometime.

Click.

When the call ended, Jin Dae-Woon's lips curled into a sly grin.

"Well, this just got interesting."

It was already surprising enough that Choi Eun-Tae had gone out of his way to protect someone, but to issue a warning to the chairman of the 25th-largest conglomerate was even more surprising.

That meant one thing: Jung Yoon-Ho wasn't just important but he was someone worth going to war with a major corporation over.

"Did he find some hidden son late in life?"

Jin Dae-Woon turned to Seok Han-Joong.

"Start digging. I want everything on the relationship between Chief Jung and Chairman Choi Eun-Tae. Right now."

"Understood, sir."

"

Oh

, and not a word about today's call with Chairman Choi should come out, so watch your mouth. Not to anyone. I won't let valuable information like this leak."

"As you command. But Mr. Chairman. About that 3% you mentioned... were you being serious?"

"Yes. With Chairman Choi Eun-Tae involved, we need to offer at least that much if we want to keep Chief Jung."

"Yes, sir.."

"

Oh

, and... find out if there's a woman next to Chief Jung."

Seok Han-Joong's eyes widened. "You're not thinking of pairing him with Acting President Jin Ah-Ram, are you?"

Originally, Jin Dae-Woon disliked the idea of Jung Yoon-Ho and Jin Ah-Ram becoming close. The reason was because Jung Yoon-Ho reminded him of his own bold and fearless younger days. On top of that, the man was competent. He was afraid that if those two joined forces, Jinseong Inc. might end up belonging to the Jungs, not the Jin family.

But now, his thinking had changed.

"Chief Jung said in an interview a few days ago that he'd never leave the entertainment industry. A guy like that isn't after Jinseong's management rights. That makes him someone worth keeping close. Besides, with the old man from Myeongdong backing him, there's no one better suited for Ah-Ram."

"That's true. There's no one else his age quite like Chief Jung. I'll look into it right away."

"Good. If that guy becomes one of ours at Jinseong, the whole Korean conglomerate ranking is going to change. There's no doubt about it."

Just imagining Jung Yoon-Ho and Jin Ah-Ram growing Jinseong Inc. together made the corners of Jin Dae-Woon's lips curl upward.

"Eun-Tae hyung-nim. Let's share the good stuff, shall we?

Hahaha.

"

Forgetting Choi Eun-Tae's warning not to exploit Jung Yoon-Ho, Jin Dae-Woon began dreaming of a future where Jinseong entered the top ten of Korea's business world.

***

The next morning, a team lead–level meeting was called. The team leads, who hadn't heard the results of the executive meeting the day before, couldn't hide their amusement as they caught up on the overnight developments.

-Wait, our Hoop is signing an MOU with Jinseong Inc.? Since when were we this big?

-I heard Chief Jung went one-on-one with the chairman of Jinseong?

-My knees shake just meeting a big exec, but what kind of guts does Chief Jung have?

-

Sheesh

, that guy really is something else.

Everyone seemed so excited that I could hear the murmuring from where I stood.

Kang Gam-Chan calmed the room before turning to me with praise. "Chief Jung, great work yesterday. I thought it'd be a win just to defuse Jinseong's pressure, but you actually managed to secure an MOU agreement."

"It was only possible because you trusted me, Mr. Kang."

"I trusted you because you're worth it."

Just then, Vice President Kim Gwan-Woo hesitated before speaking up. "Mr. Kang, then what should we do about recruiting Min Gyu-Ri?"

Kang Gam-Chan immediately frowned. "Vice President Kim... you didn't take money from Min Gyu-Ri, did you?"

"N-no, sir!"

"Then don't bring up any entertainers from TNT Entertainment for the time being! We're preparing for an IPO, and even a falling leaf could be a threat. What are you thinking, saying something like that when you're a vice president?"

Though the Best Detective Agency hadn't yet found evidence of Min Gyu-Ri's misbehavior, it no longer mattered.

Kang Gam-Chan then called on Chief Lee Dong-Min from Singer Division 2. "Chief Lee."

"Yes, Mr. Kang."

"What's your plan for the directive that came in from the Ministry of Education last night?"

Originally, the Korean, Chinese, and Japanese students participating in

Project I.O.A

had gotten permission from their respective ministries to substitute in-person schooling with online education and earn credits that way. Yet recently, public sentiment had turned critical, questioning how these kids could skip school to appear on an audition program.

Eventually, the Korean government sent a directive late last night requiring domestic trainees to attend morning classes at least three days a week.

"I tried to get it reduced to two days a week, but that didn't work out. For now, it looks like we'll need to shuttle them back and forth ourselves," answered Lee Dong-Min.

"That could lead to internal information leaking. Are you prepared for that?"

"We've had the kids sign confidentiality agreements again. We've made it clear that leaking information could lead to disqualification, even if they pass."

"Alright. And since we'll be announcing eliminations this week, be mindful. There are sixty-six trainees being cut."

"We're planning to help any of the eliminated ones who want to find a new agency. And to comfort them, we've also secured a 3-day, 2-night Seoul tour package with accommodations at the Jinseong Resort in Yeongjongdo, courtesy of their sponsorship."

"Good. Even if they don't end up with us, we should still do the decent thing. Don't worry about the cost. Let's make sure they remember the competition as a good experience."

"Yes, sir."

Kang Gam-Chan gave instructions that no other entertainment company would have considered, asking us to soothe the hearts of the eliminated trainees. Before the regression, I never realized how big a decision those instructions were. As expected, Kang Gam-Chan was someone worth trusting and following.

Then, Kang Gam-Chan turned to Team Lead Eun Ji-Yoo with another question. "The amusement park event with Cherry Blossom and the fan club is tomorrow, right?"

We had rented out LT Amusement Park entirely for a fan event the next day.

Eun Ji-Yoo nodded. "Yes. We're starting with the official rebranding ceremony to rename the fan club to 'Blooming,' and we've been preparing thoroughly all night."

"I heard reporters will be there too. Make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Understood, Mr. Kang."

"Alright. Sounds like we've covered everything. Let's get to work, everyone!"

All at once, everyone stood up with energy except for Kim Gwan-Woo and a few from his group.

***

After the meeting, I headed down to Division Jung. I briefed my team on the meeting and issued a company-wide standby order.

"If anything happens at school, it could directly affect this week's elimination vote. Keep everything in check, and if you get a call from a school, head there immediately."

"Yes, Mr. Jung!"

All they had to do was make it through the first four morning classes, but today, time seemed to crawl.

Finally, the first period ended. Right then, school check-in photos started popping up on the fan board of the

Project I.O.A

app.

[PROJECT : I.O.A]

[Subscribers: 1,073,324]

[Fan Board]

-Wow, amazing. All the I.O.A trainees came to school today. (Go Eun-Seo from Hanil Arts High, with proof pic)

-There's an elimination this week, and they still had time for school? (Choi Yeon-Mi from Sungji Arts High, with proof pic)

...

Fans were posting pictures of trainees in their own classes, bragging about how their pick was doing great.

Just then, hateful comments began to stand out on the board.

[Fan Board]

-But isn't Sung Na-Ra going to apologize to the FIVE Angels fans? (Sung Na-Ra at Hanil Arts High)

-She left FIVE Angels for I.O.A? Where's her conscience?

-She broke up the group and even transferred schools from Hanjeong Arts to Hanil Arts?

-I told my friend who's voting for Sung Na-Ra to drop her.

-Should we open a group chat for people wishing for Sung Na-Ra to get eliminated?

Sung Na-Ra, the former standout member of FIVE Angels, was currently ranking first on

Project I.O.A

. However, she also had the most haters. Since FIVE Angels had disbanded right after her departure, their fans blamed her for breaking up the group.

'

It's getting worse.

'

Sung Na-Ra had been sweating day and night trying to win over even her haters, saying she understood how they felt and would work hard to turn them into fans. Yet if things escalated further, I was ready to release a video from the past showing that Sung Na-Ra had actually been bullied, proving it wasn't her fault that FIVE Angels disbanded but rather the others'.

Just then, the door burst open, and Woo Yeon-Hee, a member of Cherry Blossom and one of the

Project I.O.A

judges and co-MCs, rushed in.

Bang!

"Mr. Jung! Did you see the comments about Na-Ra?" Usually calm, Woo Yeon-Hee couldn't hide her frustration today.

"Yeah, I saw them. It was within expectations and we're prepared, so calm down."

"But this is elimination week. What if all that hate gets Na-Ra cut?"

"There's no way Na-Ra will be eliminated over this. Don't worry and—"

Just then, my phone buzzed.

Buzz~

[Notification: March 29, 2021 – New schedule entry has been registered for Woo Yeon-Hee.]

A new schedule entry had popped up, so I opened it right away.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: March 29, 2021]

-01:00 a.m.: [NEW. Woo Yeon-Hee]

[Entertainment All Star] Cherry Blossom's leader Woo Yeon-Hee speaks out on Sung Na-Ra, who was eliminated this week over a school bullying scandal.

[Baro Star] Woo Yeon-Hee's bold statement: "Even if everyone turns on Na-Ra, I still believe in her!"

According to Everyday, Sung Na-Ra, currently ranked number one, would be accused of being a school bully and was being eliminated because of it.

'

If she were the victim, maybe. But the perpetrator

?'

It had to be a false rumor. Still, even if it was untrue, a rumor like that could cause serious damage before the truth came out.

That was when I caught something else: the bullying accusation was said to happen this week. However, the kids had only gone to school today. This meant it was going to happen today.

I immediately stood up to head to the school.

"Got it, Yeon-Hee. Leave the hate comments to me. I'll also check in with Na-Ra and make sure she keeps her head straight."

I promised to support Sung Na-Ra and keep her spirits up on the way to Ilsan after morning classes ended.

Nevertheless, Woo Yeon-Hee insisted on coming too. "I'm going with you."

Since Woo Yeon-Hee was a graduate of Hanil Arts High, where Sung Na-Ra now attended, it would be easier to get in with her there.

I nodded. "Alright. Let's go together."

And so, I headed to Hanil Arts High with Woo Yeon-Hee to rescue Sung Na-Ra from an unbelievable situation.

***

"Let's stop here for today. Solve the exercises on page 32 by the next class. That's all!"

Second period English class ended in Class 2-2 at Hanil Arts High.

Sung Na-Ra let out a sigh and turned to her seatmate, Jung Jin-Ah, with gratitude. "Thanks, Jin-Ah. I wouldn't have managed anything without you today."

After FIVE Angels disbanded, Sung Na-Ra couldn't stay at the same school as the other members like Lee Jin-Sil, so she had transferred from Hanjeong to Hanil Arts High.

Thankfully, Jung Jin-Ah, a friend she had known since middle school, was at Hanil Arts High. That helped her settle into the new environment without much trouble. Even more, Jung Jin-Ah had once auditioned for

Project I.O.A

herself, so she knew exactly what Sung Na-Ra was going through.

Jung Jin-Ah let out a playful laugh. "Then you better treat me to some tteokbokki at the snack bar!"

"Deal!"

"Let's go!"

Sung Na-Ra apologized to the kids who tried to stop her with questions about the show, then slipped out with Jung Jin-Ah. They waved off greetings as they passed, with Sung Na-Ra shouting sorry as they rushed toward the basement snack bar.

But just as they reached the entrance, she bumped shoulders with a tall sunbae who suddenly appeared from the direction of the snack bar.

"

Ow

!"

Sung Na-Ra quickly bowed. "

Oh

, I'm so sorry, sunbae-nim."

However, the sunbae shouted back in a sharp voice. "

Hah!

Look at this girl. Just because you're a celebrity, you think you can run people over?"

Sung Na-Ra quickly looked up to see Park Ji-Hye, a sunbae in the piano department and the school's top student.

𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"I-I didn't mean to..."

"What do you mean you didn't? You think you're hot stuff now and don't care about anyone else?"

"No, that's not it."

"Yeah, sure. With that kind of ego, no wonder you left FIVE Angels and think you can still be a star. Incredible~ What a tough girl, huh?"

Park Ji-Hye was close friends with Lee Jin-Sil, one of Sung Na-Ra's former groupmates, and had been waiting for this moment since she heard Sung Na-Ra had transferred. Now that the opportunity had come, she was ready.

Just then, Jung Jin-Ah stepped in between them. "Sunbae, please stop. Na-Ra didn't do it on purpose and you know that."

"

Hah?

And who the hell are you?"

Sung Na-Ra quickly grabbed Jung Jin-Ah, trying to deescalate. "Jin-Ah, stop. And I'm really sorry, sunbae-nim."

Sung Na-Ra tried to apologize and move on, but that's when a group of girls spilled out of the snack bar. The four girls were all Park Ji-Hye's friends, notorious bullies at Hanil Arts High.

"Ji-Hye? What's going on?"

"Why are you fighting with a second-year?"

Park Ji-Hye turned to them. "These girls think they can bump into people just because they're famous. Seriously annoying."

"Is that so?"

"Wow, Sung Na-Ra. Guess ranking #1 made you fearless, huh?"

The four girls surrounded Sung Na-Ra and Jung Jin-Ah.

Jung Jin-Ah's voice trembled as she spoke. "S-sunbae-nims! If you touch her, the agency and the broadcasting station won't just sit back, you know?"

However, that only egged them on.

"Ji-Hye, should we teach them a lesson?"

"Can't believe you're putting up with this, Park Ji-Hye. Where's your fire gone?

Haha

!"

"Ji-Hye, you're really going to let them off that easy?"

Park Ji-Hye snapped. "Of course not! What do you think I am?" At the same time, Park Ji-Hye grabbed Sung Na-Ra's wrist. "I'm going to fix that nasty attitude of yours. Come with me!"

Being tall, Park Ji-Hye easily dragged the 159cm Sung Na-Ra away.

"

Ahh

!"

The rest of the girls surrounded Jung Jin-Ah as well.

"You're coming too."

"M-me too?"

"That's right!"

Just then, a piercing voice cut through the air.

"Let go of her!"

Everyone froze and turned toward the voice.

At that moment, Sung Na-Ra couldn't help but blink in disbelief. It was because the last person she expected was standing there shouting.

"Go... Eun-Seo?"