Chapter 818: What Fate is (1)

-This is Chief Park Sang-Han from Taeseong Entertainment.

The moment I heard Park Sang-Han's voice, I didn't hesitate for a second and tapped the 'mute my voice' option on the phone.

Taeseong Entertainment was a company that lured naive kids like Yeon Bo-Ra who didn't know much about the world with promises of stardom, only to send them off for hospitality work.

Though he used the title 'Chief,' Park Sang-Han was essentially the real boss with a figurehead president in place. So whenever problems arose, the figurehead took the fall while Park Sang-Han disappeared from view.

And unlike five years from now, at this point in time, Taeseong Entertainment was just a tiny office. If I missed this opportunity, I might not get another chance to track Park Sang-Han down. In the meantime, Park Sang-Han would create even more victims.

Park Sang-Han was someone I had desperately wanted to catch before my regression. Now that he had shown himself, I had to get him.

So after muting the call, I turned to Yeon Bo-Ra. "Bo-Ra, would it be okay if I held on to your phone just for today? You're going to get nonstop calls from talent agents and reporters like this guy, and stuff like that should be handled by your talent agent. I promise I'll return it tonight."

Yeon Bo-Ra didn't hesitate and nodded calmly. "Sure. I heard celebrities usually leave their phones with their talent agents. Is it because of calls like this?"

"Yeah, exactly. Reporters, random people—they'll all be calling. I just need to filter a few things today."

"Okay. But I'd still like it back before the evening just in case my friends try to contact me.

Oh

, and the passcode is 0357."

"Got it. I won't do anything except screen unknown numbers, so don't worry."

"Okay!"

Now that I had Yeon Bo-Ra's phone, I immediately turned to Director Kang Ji-Yung. "Ms. Kang, I think we should call Ran-Hee and have her take Bo-Ra and her mother on a tour of the DH Villa first."

Just then, Sung Ji-Yeon raised her hand. "Mr. Jung! I can show them around myself!"

"

Ah,

Ji-Yeon. I actually need to talk to you about something separately. Mind waiting a bit?"

There was something Sung Ji-Yeon needed to help me with to catch Park Sang-Han.

Sung Ji-Yeon nodded. "Okay, got it."

That's when Kang Ji-Yung grabbed her bag and stood up. "Come on, there's no need to bother someone who's already got a lot on their plate. I was just about to head out anyway. I'll take them on my way."

"Thank you very much."

As Kang Ji-Yung got up, she turned to Yeon Bo-Ra and Yoo Jung-Hee. "Shall we?"

Yeon Bo-Ra and Yoo Jung-Hee stood and gave a small bow.

"Then we'll head out first."

With that, Kang Ji-Yung led Yeon Bo-Ra and Yoo Jung-Hee out.

Clack.

As the door to the president's office closed behind them, President Kang Gam-Chan, who had been silent until now, looked serious.

"Yoon-Ho, what's going on?" he asked.

It was typical of Kang Gam-Chan's sharp instincts. He clearly sensed there was a reason behind all this.

I slowly said, "Park Sang-Han... this guy's a scumbag broker who tricks innocent kids dreaming of becoming actors into becoming hospitality entertainers. I think he contacted Bo-Ra to try and rope her in."

"What?"

Sung Ji-Yeon's eyes went wide with shock. "Seriously?"

"Yeah."

At that moment, my phone vibrated.

Beep.

[Call ended.]

Probably because he hadn't heard anything for a while, Park Sang-Han had hung up. But almost immediately, the phone began ringing again.

Buzz~

"I'll explain everything in detail later, but first I need to arrange a meeting with this guy."

"Okay."

I turned to Sung Ji-Yeon beside me. "Ji-Yeon, can you pretend to be Bo-Ra and ask him to come to her house?"

I had kept Sung Ji-Yeon behind so she could speak as if she were Yeon Bo-Ra.

Sung Ji-Yeon nodded. "Should I tell him to come near Boramae Station?"

"Yeah, just somewhere around there. Say you're leaving the securities firm and will be home in an hour."

"Okay."

I put the call on speaker and set the phone down in front of Sung Ji-Yeon.

Click.

-Hello? Still can't hear me? Hello!

Sung Ji-Yeon took a deep breath and replied.

"

Oh,

my phone's acting weird. I can hear you now."

-

Ah

~ I see.

Hahaha

. Great. Miss Yeon Bo-Ra, I saw your name online and that's why I called. You're just the type who should be in showbiz. At Taeseong Entertainment, we'd treat you like royalty. What do you think? Interested in becoming a celebrity? For someone like you, we could offer a signing bonus of around 200 million won, no problem.

200 million won offered to an unproven rookie was absurd. It made sense now why Yeon Bo-Ra was tempted before my regression. Even the 100 million we offered at Hoop Entertainment, already considered one of the best deals in the industry, paled in comparison.

However, that kind of offer was possible when the goal was to use someone for hospitality work because the sponsor fronted the entire signing bonus. And it didn't stop at 200 million, but 500 million was possible too. Of course, nothing in this world came for free.

'

The more you take, the more you owe

.'

Sung Ji-Yeon glanced at me, unsure what to say next. I mouthed the words.

'Act surprised. Then say you're heading home and tell him to come right away.'

Sung Ji-Yeon nodded and spoke again, her voice shaking.

"200 million... really?"

-

Hahaha

. Yeah. One hit and you're rich. I saw online that you're moving houses too. You'd burn through your cash just with the deposit, right? This is your chance to make some real money and show your mom some love. I'll make sure you become a star.

For those unaware of the darker side of this industry, his words were dangerously sweet.

-No one else will take care of you like we will. That said, if we don't meet now, my schedule's packed. Can you see me today?

Park Sang-Han was pushing hard and claiming his only availability was now, trying to rattle the target emotionally. Just like before the regression, Park Sang-Han was making his way to Yeon Bo-Ra like a magnet drawn by fate. However, he was unaware he was walking straight into the place he would meet his end.

Grateful for that twist of fate, I nodded to Sung Ji-Yeon.

Sung Ji-Yeon took a breath and replied.

"Then how about in an hour in front of my house? I'm just now leaving the securities firm."

-

Oh

~ that sounds perfect. Got it. Then send me the address.

"I'll text it to you after we hang up."

-Alright. See you soon.

Click.

As the call ended, Sung Ji-Yeon fumed, stomping her feet. "Mr. Jung! A 200 million signing bonus? That's a total scam, right? Who offers that kind of money to a rookie?"

"It could be a scam or not."

These days, even some BJs[1] earned hundreds of millions in a single stream. However, most of that money came with silent, shady deals.

Being well-versed in the industry's underbelly, Sung Ji-Yeon immediately understood what I meant.

"People like that need to be wiped out of this industry!"

Unfortunately, things like this had continued even up to the point of my regression.

I nodded. "I'll do my best to make that happen. Anyway, Ji-Yeon. I'm sorry, but can you come with me? He might call again on the way."

"Yes. I'll come with you."

"But stay locked in the car. I'll handle the rest."

Just as I was about to stand up with Sung Ji-Yeon, Kang Gam-Chan suddenly shot up from his seat. "I'm coming too."

Before the regression, Kang Gam-Chan had a connection to Yeon Sang-Jin. And now fire blazed in his eyes. Though he hadn't been in the field lately, Kang Gam-Chan had always been someone with a fierce personality.

That worried me a little.

"I can go alone, Mr. Kang."

"No. Bo-Ra is my actress too, isn't she?"

Crack.

Kang Gam-Chan's knuckles popped as he clenched his fist.

'

Right. We had agreed to co-manage her

.'

I had no choice.

I reluctantly nodded. "Understood. Let's go together."

"Alright."

I headed toward Boramae Station with the furious Kang Gam-Chan and Sung Ji-Yeon in tow.

***

Park Sang-Han, aware that Yeon Bo-Ra's house was a semi-basement tucked into a narrow alley, parked on a back street near the villa cluster by Boroamae Station and got out.

He called, and Yeon Bo-Ra picked up.

-I'm already home. You can just come inside.

"Alright."

After ending the call, Park Sang-Han whistled a little tune as he walked with excitement in his step.

"What a lucky break~"

With looks like Yeon Bo-Ra's, she should have been signed to an agency long ago. Yet for whatever reason, she hadn't started in entertainment yet.

"Thanks, Bo-Ra. I'll suck you dry down to the marrow~"

Clutching a fancy gift set of drinks in his left hand, Park Sang-Han arrived in front of Yeon Bo-Ra

s house.

Just then, his phone rang.

Buzz~

Recognizing the number, Park Sang-Han stepped away from the front door and answered with a slight bow in his voice. It was the sponsor who had seen Yeon Bo-Ra's photos and said she was his type. He had even promised big money if Park Sang-Han brought her in.

"Don't worry, sir. I'll ease her into it. Come on, you know how good I am. Though... the price is a bit high this time... Are you sure?

Ah

, 500 million?

Haha

. Yes, of course. Thank you, sir."

The sponsor wanted her delivered tonight, offering 500 million won.

"I'll be in touch shortly."

Click.

A grin slid across Park Sang-Han's lips.

"Looks like I'm in for a real payday...

hehehe

."

Park Sang-Han's vile laughter echoed down the narrow alley.

At that moment, a cold voice called out behind him.

"You're laughing in this situation? Wow. This is unbelievable. Hey, Park Sang-Han. Mind having a chat?"

Instantly, the hairs on Park Sang-Han's neck stood on end. At the same time, Park Sang-Han spun around and hurled the gift box behind him, then bolted down the alley at full speed.

'

Shit

!'

That voice was the one he heard countless times in ramen commercials. It was Chief Jung Yoon-Ho of Hoop Entertainment. And for him to show up right now could only mean one thing—Yeon Bo-Ra had already been scouted by Hoop.

This was a setup. He had to run no matter what. If Jung Yoon-Ho got hold of his phone and the sponsor's contact list was exposed, it would be over.

"

Huff, huff, huff

..."

With breath burning in his lungs, Park Sang-Han finally reached the end of the alley. Just one more turn and he would be in his car. He charged around the corner, desperate to escape.

At that moment, Park Sang-Han slammed right into the chest of a massive man.

Thud.

"Fuck!"

Park Sang-Han cursed and tried to shove the man aside.

Whoosh~

However, the world suddenly flipped upside down.

Thud.

Park Sang-Han's back slammed into the ground. A sharp pain shot through him, and Park Sang-Han's consciousness cut out.

***

I gently set down the gift box Park Sang-Han had thrown behind and followed him slowly. Kang Gam-Chan was waiting at Park Sang-Han's car.

The moment we turned the corner, Kang Gam-Chan planted Park Sang-Han straight into the pavement.

Thud.

Park Sang-Han went down like a sack of bricks in an instant and didn't get up. Seeing Park Sang-Han lying limp and unconscious, my heart lurched.

"M-Mr. Kang!!"

Kang Gam-Chan exhaled deeply, his chest muscles tightening as he braced himself.

"I'm fine. I made sure his head didn't hit the ground."

It was a strange choice of words for someone claiming to be okay. It sounded more like he wouldn't have cared if a few bones had been broken. But with Kang Gam-Chan's powerful arms and chest still tensed, clearly trying to suppress his rage, there wasn't much more I could say.

'

Park Sang-Han. You should be grateful you're still breathing

.'

That's when it hit me that this might be why no one at Hoop Entertainment dared mess with the management. Kang Gam-Chan's sheer physical presence spoke volumes.

Kang Gam-Chan cleared his throat awkwardly. "What are you staring at?

Ahem

."

"Nothing, sir. What about Ji-Yeon?"

"She's safe in the car. Don't worry. But more importantly, we need to check that bastard's phone."

"Yes, sir."

I immediately checked Park Sang-Han's phone. Scumbags like him, who dealt with sponsors directly, always recorded everything. Sure enough, the phone was packed with audio files.

"Mr. Seo Jae-Ill's going to love this."

"Then call him now. The sooner, the better for the victims who deserve to be freed from their emotional prisons."

"Understood."

While Kang Gam-Chan clenched Park Sang-Han's collar, I called Prosecutor Seo Jae-Ill.

"Mr. Seo, it's Chief Jung calling."

Seo Jae-Ill's bright voice came through the line.

-

Ah

, yes, Mr. Jung. Thanks to your tip about the rental scam earlier, we were able to help a lot of victims. Fortunately, the suspect hadn't had time to move the funds, so we'll be able to return the money.

"That's a relief. Actually... I've got another favor to ask."

-Another?

"Yes. This time, we caught a talent agent doing filthy things to female trainees. I've got recorded calls, and the list of names is longer than expected."

At that moment, Seo Jae-Ill's voice turned icy.

-I'll send someone immediately.

With Seo Jae-Ill on the case, there was no need to worry about justice being served.

***

After handing Park Sang-Han over to prosecution investigators, I returned to the company with Kang Gam-Chan and Sung Ji-Yeon.

It hadn't taken long, but news articles were already popping up on the portal sites.

[T Entertainment caught scamming aspiring celebrities by posing as an agency.]

[Taeseong Entertainment's Mr. Park: accused of using trainees to provide hospitality to PDs and corporate execs.]

[KQ1 Group's Director B: Arrested by prosecution.]

[ANB Industries' Director A: Arrested by prosecution.]

...

'

As expected of Mr. Seo's work.

'

Seo Jae-Ill didn't care if the culprits were high-ranking. He always arrested everyone on the spot. Thanks to him, I could now finally breathe easy. I couldn't undo the past, but at least I had prevented future victims.

After that, I took over answering Yeon Bo-Ra's phone and cleared the backlog of calls and tasks.

-Hello, Miss Bo-Ra? This is Jinyoung Planning...

"I'm sorry. Bo-Ra is already signed with Hoop Entertainment."

-Hello, this is Team Lead Jo Chan-Sung from Pilseung Entertainment built on trust, loyalty, and trend-savvy strategies. I was deeply moved by your story and photos...

"Hi, Mr. Jo. This is Chief Jung from Hoop. Sorry, but I already signed Bo-Ra."

-What the heck, Chief Jung? You scoop up every promising kid the moment they sprout! How are the rest of us supposed to survive? I'm about to get fired because of you!

"If that happens, give me a call. I'll scout you."

-

Ugh

, seriously. You always have a comeback. But you better mean it! If I get fired, I'm really coming for you!

Click.

After rejecting a flood of calls from other agencies, the article I had been waiting for finally appeared.

[Hoop Entertainment signs rookie Yeon Bo-Ra!!]

[Star of "Moving Out With Mom Post," Yeon Bo-Ra officially joins Hoop!]

[One post, one miracle?]

[Basement girl rises... on a rocket to the penthouse?]

...

[Yap Yap Community – Best Post]

[(Repost) Moving Out With Mom~]

(Comments)

- Wow, joining Blooming really turned her life around.

-Congrats!

-I heard she was scouted by Talent Agent Jung Yun-Ho.

-Yeah, if it's him, no wonder. He doesn't miss a single gem. Could Hoop Entertainment actually overtake TK and become No.1 at this rate?

-Seriously. Hoop is swallowing all the headlines.

-Hoop Entertainment's stock's gonna explode again tomorrow.

-I'm buying Hoop stock first thing in the morning.

...

As soon as the news broke that Hoop Entertainment had signed Yeon Bo-Ra, calls from other agencies stopped completely. At the same time, online communities were on fire.

Seeing Hoop Entertainment at the center of another hot topic, I couldn't help but smile.

"That should do it."

With the urgent business settled, it was time to deliver Yeon Bo-Ra's welcome gift.

Right then, Kang Gam-Chan burst into the company, slightly winded. "Yoon-Ho! I got it. Let's go."

Kang Gam-Chan had what I asked him to get.

"Thank you, sir. Let's go."

Together, Kang Gam-Chan and I headed straight to the DH villa.

Ding-dong.

From inside came Yeon Bo-Ra's cheerful voice.

-Who is it~?

"It's me, Bo-Ra. Mr. Kang's with me too."

-

Oh

! It's Mr. Jung and Mr. Kang, Mom.

Click.

The door opened, and Yeon Bo-Ra greeted us with a radiant smile. "Please come in, Mr. Jung, Mr. Kang."

It had only been a few hours, but living in a new place had already brightened her expression.

Gone was the musty, moldy smell of the semi-basement. The air here was fresh and the space warm.

Just then, Yoo Jung-Hee came rushing out from the bedroom, where she had been arranging bedding provided by the Blooming staff.

"Mr. Jung, Mr. Kang! Please come in!"

I smiled gently and asked, "Do you like the new place?"

"Yes! It's way better than I imagined. A built-in dishwasher, oven, microwave, induction stove, even the fridge. I never dreamed all of this would be included."

Seeing Yoo Jung-Hee so genuinely happy made Kang Gam-Chan grin broadly. "I'm glad it suits you, Mrs. Jung-Hee. But actually, we've got one more gift to give."

"Oh no! You've already given us so much. I feel terrible..."

"Not at all. This is a personal gift that Chief Jung prepared. Please don't refuse. It's something that holds a special meaning for both you and Bo-Ra."

"What is it?"

Without answering, Kang Gam-Chan smiled and handed me a USB.

"Here you go."

"Thank you for getting it, sir."

"Wasn't much. The editing room PD did the heavy lifting. You'll owe him a meal later."

"Absolutely. I'll treat him properly."

With the USB in hand, I turned to Yoo Jung-Hee and Yeon Bo-Ra.

"There's something I'd like to show you. Let's go to the living room."

I led everyone toward the 70-inch smart TV mounted in the DH villa's living room. While they looked on curiously, I plugged in the USB and hit play.

At that moment, a long, deep ship's horn rang out as a scene from Episode 11 of

People of the Harbor Village

filled the screen.

『Bwooooom~』

And there it was—Yeon Sang-Jin's incredibly handsome face lighting up the display.

This was the special gift I had prepared to welcome Yeon Bo-Ra into the company.

1. Broadcast jockeys. Think of them as streamers ☜