Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Upon realizing that Lee Tae-Yeon and her husband had been involved in internal dealings, Son Hyung-Tae ultimately acquired the film adaptation rights for 300 million won.

Lee Tae-Yeon nodded. "I understand. 300 million won it is. I'll inform my husband accordingly and tell him to enter into a contract with CK Entertainment."

-Hahaha. Understood. And please don't hold onto what just happened. Such things happen at work, right?

Having felt the full force of Son Hyung-Tae's power, Lee Tae-Yeon remained silent. Then, she added, "Well, I'll be off now. I have to go for my daughter's shoot."

-And your daughter's name is Yi-Ji, right? Please let her know that I have high hopes for her acting in the future.

"...I will." Lee Tae-Yeon answered reluctantly and stared daggers at me. Her eyes reflected her resentment for my interference with her plans.

Nonetheless, I calmly met her gaze. "Aren't you leaving?"

"I'm going!" Lee Tae-Yeon shouted before turning to leave.

Once she was gone, Ahn Jung-Hae, who had been holding his breath, shouted into the speakerphone. "This is Director Ahn Jung-Hae! Mr. Son, thank you so much! I'll do my best!"

-You'd better. I went through a lot to obtain the rights clashing with Ms. Tae-Yeon. If the outcome is a mess, it'll be embarrassing for me, won't it?

"D-don't worry about that. I won't disappoint you."

-I'm not worried. With Team Lead Jung's guarantee, why would I worry?

Knowing that Son Hyung-Tae had jeopardized his relationship with Lee Tae-Yeon because of my recommendation, I felt a silent obligation to ensure the film's success.

Nonetheless, I knew that if the film drew five and a half million viewers, it would more than justify the cost of Son Hyung-Tae going against Lee Tae-Yeon. In fact, it might attract even more viewers with Miso cast in the lead child role instead of Yang Yi-Ji.

I assured him, "Don't worry, Mr. Son. And thank you for today."

-Don't mention it. I'm glad you contacted me directly rather than President Shin for once.

"Hahaha. Promises must be kept."

While talking with Son Hyung-Tae, I grew curious about news of his nephew, Jo Jae-Kyung. Son Hyung-Tae had mentioned sending him to America, but I decided not to ask and to just end the call since it was a sensitive topic.

Just then, Son Hyung-Tae brought the topic up.

-Oh. By the way, have you heard about Jae-Kyung?

"No, I haven't."

-That punk went with his mother to his grandfather asking for help, so I couldn't send him to America.

"Is that so?"

-Yes. That's why I followed your suggestion earlier even if it was a bit much.

Since CK Inc.'s Honorary President Son Dae-In, also Son Hyung-Tae's father and Jo Jae-Kyung's maternal grandfather, had stepped in, I couldn't do anything about it.

-Oh, and will you attend the Hwangryong Film Association in a few days?

"I'll be there."

-Good. Then see you there.

"Yes, sir. Take care."

Click.

I let out a deep breath after hanging up the call. Though my relationship with Lee Tae-Yeon had worsened, it didn't bother me much. Ever since Miso's acting completely overshadowed Yang Yi-Ji's, our relationship was effectively irreparable anyway.

At the very least, I was relieved to have switched investors.

That's when I noticed Ahn Jung-Hae and Park Hyun-Soo crying and asked, "Why are you crying on such a good day?"

At that moment, Ahn Jung-Hae grabbed me in a hug. "Thank you! Mr. Jung!"

Park Hyun-Soo also embraced me.

'To be squeezed between two men wearing thick jumpers…' I thought.

"Uh, first of all, please let go of me..." I said, trying to wriggle my way out.

At that moment, Miso, who had finished her shoot approached us. Tilting her head in curiosity, she squeezed herself between Ahn Jung-Hae and Park Hyun-Soo before suddenly hugging my leg.

Miso looked up at me with a playful grin and clung tightly to my leg. "Uncle Yoon-Ho, are we playing hugging games? Then I want to hug Uncle Yoon-Ho too! Yay!"

'Oh dear, Miso. There's no such thing as a hugging game.'

Nonetheless, I had no intention of pushing Miso away.

Just then, Yang So-Ri also approached us with a teasing smile. With her arms outstretched, her expression seemed to ask 'Should I join in for a hug too?'

This was getting out of hand.

I quickly gestured for them to stop and calmed everyone down before heading toward the waiting tent.

***

Inside the waiting tent shared by Miso and Yoo-Jin, I discussed Miso's next project with her.

"Miso. Mr. Ahn's next work is based on a true story from 20 years ago..."

I shared the script of Missing – The Lost Ones written by Ahn Jung-Hae with Miso.

The role she would play, Lee Soo-Yeon, was one of the kidnapped children in the story. She was the only one to survive among the victims and a key character who revealed to the world that the missing individuals were actually kidnap victims. She was one of the four central roles in the film.

After hearing the project details, Miso replied excitedly, "Yes! I want to do it! But I have to tell Mom too..."

"I already told her earlier."

I had gotten Yoo-Jin's approval in advance when I saw Ahn Jung-Hae.

"Then I want to start filming right away!"

As this was a film where the child actor played a particularly significant role, Miso was already brimming with enthusiasm. Since today was the final shoot at this location, Miso seemed ready to dive into the new project immediately.

Ahn Jung-Hae looked pleased and said, "I'll start production as soon as possible!"

Miso clapped her hands in delight. "Yay~!"

Yang So-Ri smiled and asked, "Miso, should we start makeup now? Take a seat."

Miso promptly sat down with a happy expression. "Yes, ma'am!"

With Miso's consent secured, there was only one more thing left to do.

"Mr. Ahn, what's the production company's situation like?" I asked.

When Ahn Jung-Hae shrugged and glanced at Park Hyun-Soo, he scratched his head before answering on Ahn Jung-Hae's behalf. "Honestly, it's not too great. The initial investment of 50 million won was used to pay severance to departing employees."

I asked, "Then how have you managed the script work so far? It must have incurred various expenses..."

Looking at Ahn Jung-Hae nervously, Park Hyun-Soo confessed, "The company is currently running on Mr. Ahn's wife's part-time earnings."

Ahn Jung-Hae looked embarrassed. "H-Hyun-Soo, why bring that up?"

However, their honesty about the situation made things easier.

I replied, "Then we need to stabilize the production company first."

I suggested resolving their debts through investment to ensure stable operations. Having a financially secure production company would make it easier for CK Entertainment's Son Hyung-Tae to invest in the film.

Park Hyun-Soo asked, "So you're saying you'll invest in the production company as well?"

I nodded. "Yes, one of Reverse Entertainment's affiliates will invest."

Reverse Entertainment had a small investment firm among its subsidiaries. Originally established as a loan company by the Kanghan gang, it had cleared most of its debt portfolio under Kang Eun-Gi's guidance and was now preparing to invest in films and dramas.

Furthermore, Lee Soo-Chan had asked me to notify him if I found a promising company.

"Reverse Entertainment... isn't that run by former gang members...?"

"Yes, that's correct. Kanghan Entertainment, originally founded by the Kanghan gang crime organization, has changed its name. They've turned over a new leaf and are determined to work hard in this industry. I'll vouch for that with everything I have."

For Reverse Entertainment, this was an opportunity to rehabilitate its image through successful investments. For Ahn Jung-Hae, it was a chance to replenish his empty bank account. It would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

However, the fact that the former gang members ran the company left Ahn Jung-Hae conflicted. "Hmm..."

"If it makes you uncomfortable, I can look for another option. But I promise their terms will be the best."

At that moment, Ahn Jung-Hae spoke up. "No, it's not about the loan... we're already using one, so that's not an issue. It's just..."

"Just what?"

"I'm honestly worried they might use me for money laundering."

I immediately shook my head. "The members of Reverse Entertainment are basically my siblings I grew up with in the orphanage. If anything goes wrong, I will take full responsibility. To ensure that, I will personally invest in your company as well."

"Even you, Mr. Jung?"

"Moreover, we'll include a clause in the contract stating that you can reclaim the production company shares at any time."

When I laid out such favorable terms, Ahn Jung-Hae looked puzzled. "Why are you going so far for this?"

"Because the more production companies that create good works, the better it is for entertainment companies like ours to survive."

Though I spoke honestly, there was another reason.

After the success of Missing – The Lost Ones, Ahn Jung-Hae would immediately start working on a sequel. The sequel, Missing 2 – The Story of That Day, would achieve even greater success than its predecessor.

[Everyday V12]

[Date: December 24, 2025]

-7:00 p.m. Director Ahn Jung-Hae. Missing 2 – The Story of That Day Box Office: 12 million viewers.

The current project Missing – The Lost Ones was based on a true story from 20 years ago. However, the upcoming sequel Missing 2 – The Story of That Day was inspired by the "Gwacheon Child Serial Disappearance Case" which would occur in early 2021 over six months.

The reason I was investing in Ahn Jung-Hae's company was that he had tirelessly investigated the case after the first child disappeared and even during the disappearance of the fifth child, gathering material for his film in my past life.

Unfortunately, the culprit was never found. That's why I intended to invest in the production company, build a connection with Ahn Jung-Hae, and get involved in the imminent serial abduction case. After all, I was the only one in the world aware of this upcoming event.

When I expressed my intention to invest, Ahn Jung-Hae seemed encouraged but still hesitant to make a decision.

At that moment, Miso raised her hand. "Mr. Ahn! Uncles at Reverse Entertainment are nice people!"

"Huh?"

Miso pointed to her bag. "Uncle Yoon-Ho! Please get my bag!"

"Sure, here it is..."

When I handed over her pink Powertuff Girls bag, Miso started pulling out various items. "This one's from Uncle Soo-Chan... this one's from Uncle Ho-Jae... and this one's from Uncle Dong-Hoon..."

Miso began listing the names of the Reverse Entertainment members.

I asked, "Miso, when did you get all these? They've never visited your house."

Miso tilted her head and held up a goblin stuffy. "They sent them by parcel! They even sent letters telling me to study hard and be good. So I wrote them back too."

Ever since Reverse Entertainment was established, the boys had been learning to care for others while working as talent agents. Now, they even sent gifts to the children at Angel Orphanage in Gwangju.

Those who weren't from Angel Orphanage supported the orphanages they came from. Miso must have received her gifts during those deliveries.

Perhaps due to Miso's indirect "endorsement" of the boys, the hesitant Ahn Jung-Hae finally made up his mind. "Fine! Let's do it! With the clause to reclaim the shares, I can walk away if it doesn't work out!"

"Thank you."

Excited, I immediately called Lee Soo-Chan.

After hearing about the situation, he readily agreed to my proposal.

-Understood. Let's discuss the contract when you come to Seoul.

"Alright. I'll visit your company."

-Oh, and if you need extras to play gangsters or workers during the film, let me know. Our guys can pull it off realistically. It'd be hard to find anyone as convincing as us.

Ahn Jung-Hae chuckled and made a request. "Please make that happen."

-Of course, Mr. Ahn.

With the investment issue resolved, I cautiously suggested something to Ahn Jung-Hae."You should call your wife."

Ahn Jung-Hae's face turned red. He cleared his throat several times, then took out his phone from his inner pocket. Its screen was cracked on one side and his hands trembled as he dialed.

As Ahn Jung-Hae spoke with his wife, his voice gradually began to falter. "Dear... I... I can finally make the film. The production company's debt has been resolved. I... I'm sorry for all the hardships I've caused you until now."

As Ahn Jung-Hae's eyes filled with tears, Park Hyun-Soo and I silently turned our heads away to give him some privacy.

***

After finishing the call, Ahn Jung-Hae spoke to me excitedly. "Mr. Jung, I'd like to watch more of Miso's acting before I leave."

"Of course."

Following Miso, who had already stepped out of the waiting tent, I headed toward the set along with Ahn Jung-Hae and Park Hyun-Soo.

The time was now past 6 p.m. and the sun had set, causing the set to be blanketed by darkness. The lighting crew members scurried around, busily adjusting the equipment.

"It looks like they're about to start," I remarked.

Yoo-Jin was standing nervously with her hands tightly clasped together. "Oppa, do you think Miso can handle a CG scene? I've tried it before and acting in front of a greenscreen feels really awkward..."

The scene they were about to shoot, Scene 50 from Episode 4, depicted the Second Queen using sorcery to save Princess Yu-Hwa who was dying after eating a poisonous mushroom.

In the scene, the Second Queen unveils her hidden mystical powers and exchanges her lifespan for her daughter's by performing a forbidden ritual. In response to her magic, the goblin BiHyungRang sends his summoned fireflies.

In the glow of the fireflies, the Second Queen transfers the majority of her lifespan to Princess Yu-Hwa.

Since the scene required a visual spectacle of numerous fireflies, one side of the princess's room had been set up with a greenscreen for the chroma key shoot.

I assured Yoo-Jin. "Don't worry. Miso will do great."

Even adult actors found it challenging to act by imagining things that weren't visible. Because of this reason, Yoo-Jin's concern for Miso was only natural.

At that moment, a commotion arose near the monitor area where Oh Bok-Hee was stationed.

"M-Mrs. Oh! P-Please wait! S-Stop..."

Oh Bok-Hee, who had been reviewing the storyboard in front of the monitor, suddenly grabbed the storyboard book and began striding toward the set. Geum Eun-Dong followed closely behind her and hurried to catch up.

'No way... Is she really going to do that?'

Oh Bok-Hee seemed ready to do something she had never done since the start of Hwaranjeon's production.

Ristretto's Thoughts

Ristretto: Hehe, I'm reading the next chapter right away

Yojj: I know a couple readers who're gonna rage that your comment…