Chapter 820: The Maximum Shareholder?

-Your share is 18%. In other words, you are going to be the maximum shareholder of Hoop Entertainment.

I was going to receive 15% of Hoop Entertainment's shares—12% from President Choi Man-Sik and an additional 3% that Chairman Choi Eun-Tae had promised to grant me. But when a hidden portion of Choi Man-Sik's shares surfaced, that amount increased to 18%. I also had 0.5% in shares through employee stock options and public offerings. Combined, I would own 18.5%.

The problem was that President Kang Gam-Chan currently held 18%, which meant I would surpass him by 0.5% and become the largest shareholder.

Choi Eun-Tae would still hold 20% even after gifting me shares, but his were held under borrowed names through Daeheung Savings Bank and Future Imagination Savings Bank, disqualifying him from being the sole largest shareholder.

While I was still taken aback, Choi Eun-Tae continued.

-Anyway, come to the hospital in Gwanghwamun now. We need to discuss this largest shareholder issue.

I immediately objected. "I'll be right there. But just so you know, I don't want it."

The moment I became the largest shareholder, reporters would track my every move. Then, I wouldn't be able to stay active in the field.

More importantly, it could shake Kang Gam-Chan's position. Rumors would fly about the management being unstable or the largest shareholder having ulterior motives. Gossip tabloids would churn out stories daily.

At that moment, came Choi Eun-Tae's laugh.

-

Hahaha

. We'll talk when you get here. I'll hang up now.

Click.

The call ended.

Choi Eun-Tae had to be aware of the issues that could arise from me becoming the largest shareholder, so I couldn't understand why he laughed as he hung up.

Regardless, I couldn't just sit still. I stopped eating and got up from my seat. "I'm sorry, but something urgent came up. Please enjoy the rest of the meal without me."

Yoo-Jin, who had been gnawing on a short rib and sucking her fingers, stared at me. "Huh? You're leaving without even eating properly?"

"Sorry. Something came up with Mr. Chairman. I need to go."

"It's not something bad, right? You look really serious."

"Don't worry. It just caught me off guard, but it's nothing bad."

I smiled at Yoo-Jin and everyone else, then hurried out.

I had no desire to be the top executive buried in paperwork, unable to look after my talents just like before the regression. I still needed to raise Choi Deok-Bae and Park Sang-Gyu, who weren't quite top stars yet, and later bring up Jang So-Yeon and Yeon Bo-Ra as well.

***

At Choi Ik-Seon's Rehabilitation Hospital located in Gwanghwamun, I headed to the top-floor VIP room where Choi Eun-Tae was staying.

When I opened the door, Kang Eun-Gi was tending to him. He hadn't changed his surname yet due to various complications, so he was still going by Kang Eun-Gi instead of Choi Eun-Gi.

Next to him, Kang Gam-Chan and Director Kang Ji-Yung of Hoop Entertainment were sitting casually around the bed, peeling tangerines.

From his bed, Choi Eun-Tae greeted me with a hearty smile. "You got here fast."

I gave a polite bow and continued where we left off. "Yes, sir. And as I said earlier..."

That's when Kang Gam-Chan interrupted. "Yoon-Ho, I don't mind if you become the largest shareholder of Hoop."

Kang Gam-Chan was the founder of Hoop Entertainment. And yet he was saying he didn't mind if I became the largest shareholder.

"Mr. Kang, this isn't what we agreed on... it's not the original plan."

The original plan was for Kang Gam-Chan to be the largest shareholder, with me supporting him.

Kang Gam-Chan shrugged. "So what if the plan changes a bit? Why don't you take this chance and run things yourself, Yoon-Ho? I'll just take it easy and help Bo-Ra grow."

"Mr. Kang!"

Hoop Entertainment had been created by Kang Gam-Chan, who had seen the worst of the entertainment industry, with the dream of managing celebrities the right way. It was to nurture talented kids and support entertainers who had no backing. I couldn't just swallow up the company that carried Kang Gam-Chan's life's work.

When I firmly refused again, Choi Eun-Tae let out a soft chuckle and said, "

Haha

. Don't be so quick to turn it down..."

However, I cut in firmly. "No, Mr. Chairman. Even the 15% we originally agreed on is too much. I believe the additional 3% you uncovered should go to someone who's protected Hoop all this time."

"Who would that be?"

"Ms. Kang Ji-Yung sitting right here would be perfect."

Before the regression, even when she was having a terrible time with Kim Dong-Soo and Choi Man-Sik trying to take over Hoop Entertainment, she comforted me when I was losing heart.

Unlike me, when Kang Gam-Chan collapsed with a brain tumor, she stayed and protected Hoop Entertainment's talents and talent agents to the very end. She deserved those extra 3% shares—not because she was Kang Gam-Chan's daughter, but because she loved Hoop Entertainment more than anyone.

But this time, Kang Ji-Yung shook her head with a clear and decisive tone. "Hoop Entertainment is what it is today because of you, Mr. Jung. Why would I take those shares? I don't want them."

"I won't say I contributed nothing, but even that was only possible because you and Mr. Kang had already laid the foundation."

While I was out in the field, Kang Ji-Yung had handled all the behind-the-scenes coordination. The tasks she dealt with required a lot of effort, went unrecognized, and earned only complaints.

Kang Ji-Yung protested, "Still, I already own 7%. That's enough. So..."

Just then, Choi Eun-Tae cut Kang Ji-Yung off with a hearty laugh. "Goodness, how is it that not one of you wants shares even when I'm offering?

Hahaha

."

Kang Ji-Yung fell speechless.

Seizing the moment, I addressed them all. "I appreciate that you all care for me. But just this once, please respect my decision."

Before the regression, I had lost everyone here. Some were disappointed in me and cut ties. Some had let go of life itself, and I could never see them again. However, everything had changed after the regression. So if I was going to protect these relationships, I couldn't become the largest shareholder.

More importantly, there was one critical issue that prevented me from accepting that offer. It was the looming schedule entry that still existed in my Everyday planner, showing Hoop Entertainment's split.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: November 11, 2022]

-1:00 p.m.: Top Entertainment Founding Ceremony.

As long as that schedule entry remained, I needed to be in the field. I had to eliminate every internal and external threat trying to split the company.

At that moment, Kang Gam-Chan looked at me and asked quietly, "Yoon-Ho. Do you remember saying you'd make Hoop the number one company in the industry?"

"Yes, sir."

"Everyone here believes the fastest way to make that dream come true is for you to become the largest shareholder of Hoop Entertainment. That's why none of us objected. Even so, are you still going to refuse?"

Kang Gam-Chan's words filled with acknowledgement made my chest tighten.

Nevertheless, I looked him straight in the eye and said clearly, "I'll keep my promise to make Hoop Entertainment number one no matter what! But I won't do it by racing ahead on my own. I want us to get there together with you leading the way and Ms. Kang supporting from behind. Wasn't that the promise we all made?"

Every child wanted to grow up. But every adult, once they have lived through it, wished they could go back. Such was because they realized just how immense the shade casted by their parents once was.

That was why I needed Kang Gam-Chan. Unlike before the regression, Kang Gam-Chan was alive and still standing beside me. That gave me the freedom to move forward.

Most of all, I no longer wanted to do everything alone. I knew how painful that crushing loneliness could be more than anyone in this world.

Kang Gam-Chan watched me speak with a gentle, affectionate smile. "You silly kid. What's so great about an old man like me..."

I couldn't say anything in response.

'

Old? You still look like you could flex your muscles and win a fight

!'

Kang Gam-Chan let out a resigned laugh and shrugged at Choi Eun-Tae.

Then Choi Eun-Tae nodded with a calm smile and said, "Well then. If Chief Jung insists, I'll hand over the 3% to Director Kang Ji-Yung."

"Thank you, sir."

Thankfully, the outcome remained as planned. Kang Gam-Chan would still become the largest shareholder. Kang Ji-Yung would now hold a total of 10%, and I ended up with 15.5%.

At that moment, Kang Gam-Chan gave me a soft, lingering look and smiled. "Yoon-Ho."

"Yes, sir?"

"Thank you for saying we'd go together..."

A lump rose in my throat.

"Not at all, Mr. Kang."

That single sentence meant more to me than any 3% stake could ever be worth.

Then Choi Eun-Tae said with a smile, "Well, we've got some things to discuss among ourselves. Yoon-Ho, you go on out with Eun-Gi for a bit."

I nodded. "Yes, Mr. Chairman."

Kang Eun-Gi put down a tangerine peel and walked over to me, whispering quietly, "Seriously, what am I gonna do with you? Turning down free shares? You must be out of your mind."

I shrugged. "Hey, that stuff gives you indigestion if you eat it wrong."

"Please. You could swallow an elephant and still digest it just fine. You might fool others, but not me."

"Cut the nonsense. Let's go."

With that, Kang Eun-Gi and I left the hospital room, still bickering playfully.

I hadn't taken the shares, but in return, I had earned something far more valuable—unshakable trust from people money couldn't buy.

Click.

Outside the hospital room, I told Kang Eun-Gi to wait a moment and stole a glance at my Everyday planner.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: November 11, 2022]

-1:00 p.m.: Top Entertainment Founding Ceremony.

The schedule entry still hadn't disappeared. But now, I felt confident that I could stop it.

After all, Hoop Entertainment was no longer a company I had to protect alone. It was one we would all protect together.

***

The moment Jung Yoon-Ho left, Choi Eun-Tae smiled. "That kid. He's stubborn as whale tendon. Infuriating little rascal."

Kang Gam-Chan chuckled. "You say that, but your face is full of smiles."

"It drives me nuts that he refuses even when I'm offering, but still... I'm proud of him. Proud. At his age, choosing people over money isn't easy. You know that better than anyone."

"Yes. You're absolutely right."

"Anyway, I'm envious, President Kang. With someone like him as your successor, you don't need to worry about Hoop Entertainment's future, right?"

Choi Eun-Tae had clearly identified Jung Yoon-Ho, not Kang Ji-Yung, as the successor of Hoop Entertainment.

Yet Kang Gam-Chan answered without even blinking. "Exactly. Thanks to Yoon-Ho, I can sleep peacefully these days. But you've got a solid successor too, Mr. Chairman. Eun-Gi's Reverse Entertainment is doing quite well, isn't it?"

"Well, he's no Yoon-Ho, but...

ahem

. Still, that boy's got a unique decisiveness about him."

Even during their exchange, Kang Ji-Yung, once rumored to be Hoop's next in line, continued peeling her tangerine without a care.

Choi Eun-Tae glanced at Kang Ji-Yung and asked, "You're not disappointed, Ji-Yung?"

Kang Ji-Yung shook her head. "Not at all. Honestly, I've always been more of a businesswoman than a talent agent. Meanwhile, Chief Jung is the one who's truly inherited my father's vision."

"Ji-Yung, you have such a generous heart. Thank you for thinking that way."

Then, Kang Ji-Yung gave a sly little smile. "And knowing Chief Jung's personality, I doubt he'd ever treat me unfairly. Even if he ends up with all the shares, he'll probably dump the management work on me anyway."

"Well, Yoon-Ho's not a cold-hearted guy."

"

Tch

. Still, because of him, it looks like I won't be getting much rest either."

Despite her complaints, Kang Ji-Yung felt grateful to Jung Yoon-Ho for carrying on her father's wishes.

'

Thank you, Chief Jung

.'

And with that, Choi Man-Sik's 3% stake was transferred to Kang Ji-Yung.

That was when Choi Eun-Tae straightened his posture and put on a serious expression. "Alright, that's settled. But there's one thing you both need to know."

Kang Gam-Chan and Kang Ji-Yung nodded.

"Go ahead, Mr. Chairman."

"Please, we're listening."

Choi Eun-Tae let out a deep sigh before speaking. "They say talent shines through like a needle in a pouch. Chief Jung's the type who'll try to stay confined to the entertainment world to protect the ones he loves. But from what I've seen, there are already plenty of people out there who've noticed him and they're eyeing him."

Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "Yes, Mr. Chairman. We've sensed that to some extent too."

"Right. So, what I'm asking is... just as Yoon-Ho is trying to protect you both, can you protect him as well? If you promise to do that, I'll grant you anything you ask of me."

To Choi Eun-Tae, Jung Yoon-Ho was not just a friend of his son but a benefactor. And if it meant protecting someone like that, there was nothing he wouldn't do.

Then Kang Ji-Yung replied firmly and clearly. "Sir, I think you're forgetting the fact that Chief Jung is the future of Hoop. Whether you asked us or not, we'd risk our lives to protect him."

Kang Gam-Chan nodded in agreement. "What kind of president or largest shareholder can't protect his own people? Even if you hadn't asked, I'd still protect our Yoon-Ho."

At that moment, Choi Eun-Tae reached out and clasped their hands. "Thank you. Both of you."

And just like that, the three of them joined hands with a shared vow to protect Jung Yoon-Ho.

***

Today was the day after Hoop Entertainment's stock hit its triple upper limit. The IPO had been a resounding success, but I still had a packed schedule ahead. I had to protect Hoop Entertainment, raise the remaining talents to stardom, and turn my first talent, Yoo-Jin, into a top-tier actress.

That was the reason I was now driving toward LT Entertainment's headquarters for the open audition of Yoo-Jin's debut film,

She Was Beautiful.

Even on a Saturday morning, traffic was heavy.

As we stopped at the Samseong-dong intersection, Yoo-Jin, sitting in the back seat, let out a cheer. "Oppa! The entire entertainment page is about Hoop! Look at this!"

Since the car was stopped, I glanced at the phone Yoo-Jin held out.

[Hoop Entertainment, aiming for the top of the entertainment industry?]

[Hoop Entertainment's market cap approaches 750 billion won. Quickly closing the gap with TK Entertainment's 1.2 trillion.]

[At the center of K-entertainment—Hoop Entertainment's talents rise to dominance!]

[

Project I.O.A

clip videos trending daily.]

[What's national actor Lee Tae-Poong's next project?]

[Jung Miso begins filming for KBC's

Haze

this week.]

[Cherry Blossom's 'IDOLS' dance cover ranks among the week's hottest videos.]

...

Just like Yoo-Jin said, nearly every article on the entertainment page was about Hoop Entertainment.

"You're right."

"Doesn't this mean we've really made it?" Yoo-Jin hummed a tune as she scrolled through the headlines.

"Yeah. But you look especially happy today."

"Of course. Thanks to you, I don't ever have to worry about providing for Miso."

'

True, the reason she started acting in the first place was for Miso's future

.'

"So? Are you planning to take it easy now?"

I teased her, and Yoo-Jin shook her head vigorously, clenching her fist. "Nope. Now I have to work even harder to be the kind of mom Miso can be proud of."

"Wow~ that's gotta be tough, huh? Did you see the reaction to that clip from the

Haze

script reading? Miso's really on fire these days."

Ever since a video of Miso at the

Haze

script reading had been uploaded to Instargem, it had gone viral.

Yoo-Jin let out a deep sigh. "I know. That's why I've been going back to Ms. Choi Ji-Yung to train again. I'm not letting Miso beat me."

Miso was important too, but there was no way I could let my first actress lose confidence.

"Well, I still think your acting is the best!"

Yoo-Jin clenched both fists and grinned. "Obviously! Just wait and see."

As Yoo-Jin perked up, the light turned green.

I exclaimed, "Go, Jung Yoo-Jin!"

With that cheer, I gently pressed the accelerator and headed for LT Entertainment's headquarters.

***

Today's audition was for the role of Lee So-Mi, one of the key supporting characters in the girl group "Angel Wings" in the film.

Lee So-Mi would be a rival to the protagonist, Han Bit-Na. I had expected fewer applicants since it was a villainous role. However, I was wrong. There was an overwhelming number of applicants. Over 500 had applied just for the role of Lee So-Mi, and 50 had passed the first round of resume screening. Among those 50 were several active idols.

When I asked Managing Director Lee Eun-Joo what was going on, she explained that since Yoo-Jin, currently enjoying explosive popularity from

Hwaranjeon

, was starring in the film, even a supporting role was seen as a huge opportunity. Everyone wanted a piece of that spotlight.

Curious about the pool of candidates, I took the executive elevator up to LT Entertainment's offices with Yoo-Jin as instructed in advance.

Ding.

We got off on the second floor. At the end of the hall, I spotted Lee Eun-Joo and President Shin Jong-Ki. They were speaking with one of the applicants. And that applicant was none other than Cha In-Hye.

Cha In-Hye was a 22-year-old idol in her fourth year, the leader of the girl group GX5. While GX5 was a mid-tier group in terms of popularity, she was about to rise to fame by playing a supporting princess in the fusion historical drama

Cloud and Moonlight

, which would begin filming in July and air at the end of the year.

Cold, proud, and fiercely independent, Cha In-Hye portrayed a princess who overcame hardships alone and pulled it off perfectly. That role earned her the nickname "acting-dol," and she ended up boosting GX5's popularity in the process. Before the regression, she had never caused any issues.

'

She'd be fine for the role

.'

At that moment, Everyday sent a rare notification.

Buzz~

[Everyday V13]

[Notification: A new schedule entry has been registered for Jung Yoo-Jin on April 17, 2021.]

As soon as I saw the date, just two weeks away, I erased every good memory I ever had of Cha In-Hye before the regression.

'

Cha In-Hye... you dare stand in Yoo-Jin's way

?'