Chapter 95: Time to Make a Decision (1)

Chapter 95: Time to Make a Decision (1)

The drama Beauty in All Direction would have a viewership rating of 21.5%. It was a work by Writer Lee Sang-Ah, and the female lead, Park Soo-Yeon, would end up bagging the MBS Best Actress Award.

Knowing the potential of this drama made me feel conflicted. After all, I was confident Yoo-Jin had the potential to stretch her acting skills and aim for more. But keeping promises with writers was crucial to staying in this industry. On top of that, I didn't think Beauty in All Direction would fit Yoo-Jin's filmography.

I concealed my regret and turned Cha Soo-Yeon down. "I'm sorry, but we're already in talks with Ms. Lee Ji-Yeon for our next project."

"Woah, with Ms. Lee Ji-Yeon?”

“Yes.”

“Is it the one that got canceled recently?"

"That’s the one."

Cha Soo-Yeon cleared her throat and stepped back slightly.

"I guess we have to step back if the opponent is Ms. Lee. I'll let the president know. But please do meet with us at least once before you finalize your next project. You know we have several top-tier writers, right?"

"Yes, I know. And it doesn't even have to be a top-tier writer as long as the script is good. An actor’s success is not always determined by the writer's fame."

Cha Soo-Yeon's face relaxed a bit. "You know what you’re talking about. A drama's success may depend on the writer, but an actor's rise and fall is a different story. Mr. Jung, I’m only asking this out of curiosity, but are you really in your first year?"

I smiled and replied, "I'm technically in my second year now since April 1st has passed."

Cha Soo-Yeon burst into laughter saying that didn’t make a difference. "Anyway, good luck with your future projects as well. Of course, focusing on this drama is the priority."

Cha Soo-Yeon left with a slight smile on her face.

The way production companies treated Yoo-Jin had changed drastically after just two episodes. All the hard work and running around was definitely paying off.

But this was just the beginning for Blue Sky.

***

Stamp!

Kang Gam-Chan stamped the contract termination agreement sent by Ju Yung-In. "Send this to Ace Entertainment today."

"Just like this? We could push for more conditions, sir," suggested Kwak Moo-Hyuk.

However, Kang Gam-Chan shook his head. "Whether we like her decision or not, Yung-In is an actress who was discovered and nurtured by our company. Let's send her off nicely without any fuss."

"Yes, sir."

"More important than that, what's the status of Cherry Blossom Eun-Ah's situation?

"Eun-Ah's father demanded a written confirmation through his lawyer. He wants to know Cherry Blossom's expenses and he said he will only pay off a quarter of that amount."

"So he's going to take that route, huh? Team Lead Kwak, you know what to do, right? Follow Yoon-Ho's plan."

"Yes, sir. Assistant Manager Jung has really thought this through. We plan to delay our response until the end of the month.”

Kang Gam-Chan chuckled. "Alright, you can go now. Director Kang, you can stay."

Thump.

Kang Gam-Chan let out a long sigh after the door closed.

Now, Ju Yung-In had truly left Hoop Entertainment.

"Tsk. I don’t understand why Yung-In was in such a rush. If she had stayed with us until the viewership ratings climbed higher, she could have gotten 20% more than what she's getting now."

"What can we do? That was her own decision."

Kang Gam-Chan had also heard about the shock Ju Yung-In received after the first episode aired.

"At least she has a conscience, agreeing to share the profits from this drama with us."

"But it's hardly a significant amount."

Ju Yung-In had made amends for terminating the contract a few months early in her own way, While it was a substantial amount, running into hundreds of millions, it paled in comparison to Ju Yung-In's net worth.

Kang Gam-Chan sighed as he looked out the window. But he soon made up his mind and gave an order. "Focus on supporting Yoo-Jin from now on."

Kang Ji-Yung nodded at Kang Gam-Chan’s instruction. "That was already the plan. Oh, right. Are you attending the final interviews for the new employees next Monday?"

When Kang Gam-Chan shook his head, a flicker of interest crossed Kang Ji-Yung's eyes because Kang Gam-Chan had always personally checked on new trainees and employees.

"Handle those matters at your discretion from now on."

Kang Ji-Yung gathered the approval documents. "Understood. I'll take care of it."

But Kang Gam-Chan added one more thing that stopped Kang Ji-Yung in her tracks. "And hire the sharpest new employee to assist Yoon-Ho. He's going to be very busy moving forward."

Kang Ji-Yung was taken aback. "You're not already considering training Assistant Manager Jung for a team lead position, are you?"

Kang Gam-Chan grinned. "That's the plan."

"You're joking, right?"

"Of course not. I'm serious."

-Oh? You need to watch your language. Do you think getting out doesn't cost money?

Kim Dong-Soo didn't respond further.

-Alright, alright. I'll try to speed things up, so don't rush me. Even things that were supposed to work out won't if you rush.

"Sigh. Alright."

Just then, Jin So-Mi added one more thing before hanging up.

-By the way, I'm contemplating obtaining a lawyer's license this time. It appears essential for brokerage work. People tend to underestimate me too often, you know?

"A lawyer’s license?"

-You know how smart I am.

Jin So-Mi was known for her academic background in law even when she was running a bar. Despite the financial hardships that led her to bartending, she was very intelligent.

That’s when a lightbulb went off in Kim Dong-Soo's head. "Do you need a sponsor? I can help you."

-Wow, how generous of you. But you know I’m not looking for that kind of sponsorship, right?

"I'm interested in your brain, not your body. I'll pay well, so just work under me for ten years once you get the license."

Jin So-Mi's sharp laughter came through the phone.

-Don't try to take advantage of me. Make it five years or forget it. I can find another sponsor.

"Tsk. Playing hard to get, are you?"

-Then good luck, Mr. Sponsor.

Jin So-Mi promised to get out within two months and hung up the phone.

***

[(Notice) Miss Ju Yung-In has transferred to Ace Entertainment as of today.]

While watching Yoo-Jin's shoot, I received a KkTalk message announcing Ju Yung-In's transfer. Thanks to this, there was a stir in Actor Division 2’s group chat.

[Chief Gu Seong-Cheol: She's transferring even before the drama ends? Is she out of her mind?]

[Team Lead Oh Deok-Gu: What's this all of a sudden?]

[Team Lead Ju Yung-Hoon: I knew Ju Yung-In would cause trouble one day. An uncontrollable actress is just a waste of your time and effort no matter how much you invest in them.]

[Team Lead Park In-Ki: Thinking about all the times I've been troubled by Ju Yung-In, I should have given her a piece of my mind before she left...]

[Colleague Lee Yung-Jin: I heard from Assistant Manager Choi Eun-Woo in the legal division that the transfer itself was done yesterday. They sent the termination notice to Ace Entertainment today.

[Chief Gu Seong-Cheol: Assistant Manager Jung, did Ju Yung-In show up on set today? She's not our celebrity anymore, so don't get involved unnecessarily.]

[Assistant Manager Jung Yoon-Ho: Yes, I'll be careful.]

‘I know they told me not to worry...but how could I not?!’

It felt as though a horse I had carefully saddled and reined in had cast off all constraints and galloped into the wilderness. I wondered how Ju Yung-In, now without a restraining pin, would behave.

Speaking of the devil, a large van pulled into the parking lot. When the door opened, Ace Entertainment's Chief Lee Chan-Dong and Ju Yung-In stepped out.

For a moment, I was reminded of Ju Yung-In as my wife in my past life. Adorned in a more sophisticated designer two-piece suit than usual, complemented by limited edition jewelry and high heels, she was impeccably dressed in luxury from head to toe.

Ju Yung-In’s face radiated confidence, perhaps boosted by her lavish attire.

‘Of course. Money is her best vitamin.’

Assistant Director Yang Soon-Ho stopped in his tracks upon seeing Ju Yung-In.

"Huh? Miss Yung-In? How come you're here with Mr. Lee from Ace Entertainment and not with Mr. Kang?"

Ju Yung-In replied with a bright smile, "Oh, I transferred to Ace Entertainment today."

"What? In the middle of shooting a drama?"

"Don't worry. The transfer was smooth and there won't be any issues."

"But still, this is something that you should have communicated with us in advance..."

At that moment, Lee Chan-Dong reassured the perplexed staff with his characteristic gentle smile. "Hahaha. Surely you're not doubting Ace Entertainment?"

"O-of course not. It's not like that, but...."

Leaving the staff with Lee Chan-Dong, Ju Yung-In approached me with her high heels clicking.

"Mr. Jung, I'm sorry for transferring without saying goodbye. You're not upset, are you?"

"Upset? I feel I've let you down if anything, not the other way around."

"Haha. At least you're aware of that."

Ju Yung-In extended her hand first and offered a handshake. Her smiling face, hiding an underlying scheme, sent shivers down my spine.

Greed still lingered in her eyes, as evident as ever.