Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 341: Cha Do-Hee (3)

In some cases, small agencies, struggling financially and often burdened by chronic deficits, would eagerly include the daughter of a wealthy family in their debut lineup when she brought in money, hoping to become an idol.

In return, the wealthy family funded album production, outfits, operational costs, and music videos. So everyone from the president to the talent agents treated her like a princess.

However, it was impossible that Ace Entertainment, the top company in the industry, had a shortage of production funds.

This meant there could only be one reason.

Since entertainment companies were being criticized for their shady financial dealings with the ruling party leader, they needed the protection of Assemblyman Cha Sang-Tae.

That's why Im Sung-Hak was casually accepting something that usually only happened at small agencies.

It was absurd, but not entirely incomprehensible.

Even during my time at Top Entertainment in my past life, Kim Dong-Soo often resolved situations that were way over his head by relying on politicians.

'So the one in control here is Cha Do-Hee,' I thought.

I immediately turned my gaze to the sixteen-year-old Cha Do-Hee.

Cha Do-Hee blinked her large eyes and asked, "Talent agent oppa, did you come all the way here to ask us to take the article down?"

"Yes, that's correct," I responded firmly and politely.

Cha Do-Hee pouted and began to complain. "But why are you talking so harshly? I just answered what the reporter asked me..."

"How did you do the interview for such nonsense to be published?"

Cha Do-Hee stuck her tongue out slightly and answered, "The reporter just twisted what I said. You have no idea how shocked I was."

Looking surprised, Cha Do-Hee placed her hand on her chest. Her expressions changed so naturally that I thought she would be good at acting.

"Stop beating around the bush and answer me. What are you planning to do now?" I questioned her.

"I'm sorry~ I'll call my mom right now and ask her to have the article taken down. Is that good enough?"

I had met many people in my past life but never encountered anyone like Cha Do-Hee.

Usually, those who relied on their parents' influence refused to admit their mistakes and acted even more aggressively—like Director Jo Jae-Kyung.

However, Cha Do-Hee easily admitted her wrongdoing and even apologized. She even called her mom and asked her to handle the issue right away.

"Mom. Yeah, it's Do-Hee! Can you please have the article about Sae-Ri and Haru taken down? Huh? Yeah, that's the situation. Love you. See you at dinner~"

After finishing the call, Cha Do-Hee spoke nonchalantly."My mom said she'll handle it right away!"

At that moment, Im Sung-Hak sitting beside her joined the conversation. "Team Lead Jung, just wait a bit and the article will be taken down! Do-Hee made a mistake since it was her first interview, but we'll make sure she's more careful in the future."

It was obvious that he was lying just looking at his expression. However, arguing over that wasn't as urgent as having the scandal article about Sae-Ri and Haru corrected.

I made a request. "Mr. Im, Ace Entertainment should also release a correction article that Miss C is Cha Do-Hee here and her testimony is false."

Im Sung-Hak agreed. "Okay. Since Do-Hee made a mistake, I'll take care of it. We'll do as you say."

Surprisingly, Im Sung-Hak readily picked up the intercom and called the director of the promotion team. "Hey, it's me. Release a correction article right away. Include an apology to Hoop Entertainment as well."

Im Sung-Hak looked at me after ending the call. "Is that good enough?"

"I'll give you my response after confirming the article. And our president will be calling separately," I replied.

"Alright."

A moment later, I got a call from Do Ran-Hee.

-Mr. Jung! Entertainment Big News just called to say they're taking down the article! They'll post an apology article right away too!

Cha Do-Hee smiled brightly and said, "See? I told you my mom would handle it."

The issue was resolved faster than expected.

As the main tabloid article from Entertainment Big News was taken down, other related articles started disappearing quickly.

Cha Do-Hee continued. "By the way, can you please let me meet Sae-Ri? I want to apologize to her in person for what happened today!"

'No way,' I remarked inwardly.

Unless Sae-Ri wanted to meet her, I had no intention of letting that happen.

Since the urgent matters were now resolved, I decided it was time to put Cha Do-Hee in her place.

'If I let a person who was bold enough to use the media get away with it, who knows what she might do next,' I thought.

Cha Do-Hee persistently asked me with a playful charm if I could help her arrange a meet-up with Sae-Ri.

However, I responded coldly. "Miss Do-Hee, do you know that a bullying rumor is scarier for an idol than a dating scandal?"

"Oh, come on~ Who doesn't know that?"

"I'm glad you're aware. Then consider this a warning. If you dare spread any more nonsense about celebrities from our company, we'll release an article claiming that you bullied Sae-Ri."

Cha Do-Hee tilted her head. "What? Did Sae-Ri say that? That I bullied her?"

"Not just Sae-Ri but Haru said the same thing. If necessary, we can go to Andong to find more witnesses."

For the first time, Cha Do-Hee looked flustered. "Haru said that? That's ridiculous. He's not the kind of kid who would say something like that..."

The mention of Haru wiped the relaxed smile off Cha Do-Hee's face in an instant.

I warned her. "In any case, I don't let it go easily once I start something. So you better keep my words in mind!"

As the atmosphere turned serious, Cha Do-Hee looked at Im Sung-Hak as if pleading for help.

Recognizing her gaze, Im Sung-Hak turned to confront me. "Team Lead Jung, isn't it a bit too much to go after her just because she made one mistake? If you keep this up, we won't just sit back and watch."

Epil K and Lee Chan-Dong joined in. "Team Lead Jung, don't overdo it. Who targets someone before they even debut?"

I stared back at the three of them and replied, "Why did you mess with our artists in the first place? Didn't you learn anything after the ZIZAK members were wiped out?"

The boy group ZIZAK managed by Lee Chan-Dong was practically disbanded after messing with Cherry Blossom with Golden Road.

At that moment, the three glared at me as if they wanted to tear me apart.

Without batting an eyelid, I warned them again not to mess with our artists, even unintentionally, and then got up and left.

With the Entertainment Big News article taken down and the correction published, there was no reason to stay any longer.

"Mrs. Kim, let's go."

"Yes, Mr. Jung."

I checked my planner as soon as I left the meeting room.

[Everyday V11]

[Date: October 24, 2020]

-10:00 a.m. <Scheduled Event Deleted>

(Deleted Scheduled Event: [NEW. Kim Sae-Ri] <Entertainment Big News> Kim Sae-Ri. Assault on Girlfriend7's Cha Do-Hee. (Meeting agenda: Preparing for negotiations with Ace Entertainment.))

It seemed that directly warning Cha Do-Hee had been the right move.

I let out a sigh of relief and headed to Cherry Blossom's dorm to calm the startled Sae-Ri.

***

Cha Do-Hee couldn't shake her frown even after Jung Yoon-Ho left.

Im Sung-Hak tried to comfort her with a worried expression. "Do-Hee, don't worry too much. He's just trying to scare you."

At that moment, Cha Do-Hee shook her head and suddenly said something out of the blue to Im Sung-Hak. "Mr. Im, can we recruit that oppa?"

"Recruit? You mean Jung Yoon-Ho?"

"Yes. I want that talent agent oppa... I want him."

As Cha Do-Hee continued with her unexpected declaration, Im Sung-Hak cleared his throat. "Ahem. What do you mean you want him... Why so suddenly?"

"You know even you can't do anything against me because of my parents, right? But that oppa, he even had the guts to threaten me. And most importantly... he's handsome."

Im Sung-Hak looked troubled upon hearing her words as Cha Do-Hee was known to have a demanding personality.

"It's not as easy as it sounds, Do-Hee," Im Sung-Hak replied with a frown.

Cha Do-Hee glared back. "You always say things are difficult, Mr. Im."

Im Sung-Hak frantically waved his hands. "No, I'm not saying it's impossible..."

Im Sung-Hak hesitated, wondering if he should reveal that he had already tried and failed to recruit Jung Yoon-Ho.

At that moment, an idea popped into Im Sung-Hak's head which would make recruiting Jung Yoon-Ho possible. If all went well, he could even secure Ju Yung-In's contract renewal, since the recruitment of Jung Yoon-Ho was also a condition that Ju Yung-In had set.

Im Sung-Hak spoke up. "If you want something, of course we should make it happen. But recruiting that guy won't be easy. As you saw, he's got a lot of pride."

"So what do you suggest?" Cha Do-Hee asked.

"If your father helps us a little, it might be possible."

Cha Do-Hee's face brightened. "Well, there's nothing I can't get if I ask Dad. Alright, I'll talk to him."

As Cha Do-Hee hummed happily, Im Sung-Hak and Lee Chan-Dong exchanged glances.

"By the way, Do-Hee, it's time for practice. Didn't you say you'd never lose to Sae-Ri?"

"Oh, right. I'll go to practice now~"

Whenever Sae-Ri was mentioned, Cha Do-Hee's competitive spirit flared up.

***

As soon as I walked into Cherry Blossom's dorm, Sae-Ri blinked her eyes and ran over as she looked up at me, eyes brimming with tears. "Yoon-Ho oppa! What happened?"

I gently wiped the corner of her eyes and smiled. "What do you think? I took care of everything~"

"Sigh~ That's a relief."

The members of Cherry Blossom sighed in relief and comforted each other.

I placed the cheese tteokbokki and fried snacks I had brought on the table. "Everyone, eat this to relieve some stress."

"Thank you~"

The girls, who hadn't eaten anything since the chaos broke out in the morning, eagerly tore into the food.

While Cherry Blossom quickly unpacked the black bags with food inside, I took Lee Ju-Yung to the kitchen to brief her on what had happened at Ace Entertainment.

Lee Ju-Yung wore a surprised expression. "Huh? A sixteen year old did all that?"

"Her mom helped, but she's got a natural talent for causing trouble. It's no wonder Sae-Ri dislikes her."

Lee Ju-Yung looked sympathetically at the living room. "So what do we do now?"

"Tonight, try to get more information from Sae-Ri about Cha Do-Hee."

The more we knew about Cha Do-Hee, the better we could prepare.

"Understood. I'll do that."

After giving Lee Ju-Yung a few more instructions, I returned to the living room. "Everyone, listen up while you eat."

The Cherry Blossom members paused their eating in unison.

"For the comeback stage, all of our team talent agents will be there to support you. So just focus on your performance. If reporters ask about this incident, direct them to the talent agents. Sae-Ri, make sure to tell them that Haru is just your childhood friend."

All four nodded.

"And Sae-Ri. Just so you know, your grandparents will be coming up for your comeback."

Sae-Ri blinked in surprise. "Grandpa's coming?"

"Yes, they're coming to see your performance."

With her grandparents coming, I didn't have to worry about Sae-Ri's mental state even if Cha Do-Hee tried to provoke her. After all, Sae-Ri would only want to show her best side in front of the grandparents she loved.

"Anyway, the new song turned out great, so let's aim for first place. We can't lose to someone like Girlfriend7, right?"

Sae-Ri responded enthusiastically and the rest of Cherry Blossom joined in.

"Of course not!"

"We got this!"

Just as they were shouting with determination, Sae-Ri's face suddenly fell.

"Sae-Ri, what's wrong?" I asked.

"I was supposed to cheer for Haru at his final match tomorrow. But now that my schedule's been canceled, I'm worried. Haru has no family..." Sae-Ri explained sadly.

"Canceled? Who said that?"

Lee Ju-Yung sighed and answered. "Mr. Bang Sang-Yung."

Then Woo Yeon-Hee added, "Yes, he said we should take it easy for a while since the activities are coming up."

Bang Sang-Yung was giving instructions to Cherry Blossom in his own way.

However, my approach was different.

At times like this, I preferred to boldly face the public rather than hide away.

"Don't worry, Sae-Ri. I'll report it directly to Mr. Kang, so just stick to your original schedule for tomorrow."

Sae-Ri's face lit up. "Really?"

"Of course! Who would dare stop you if you want to do something?"

Sae-Ri jumped into my arms. "You're the best, Yoon-Ho oppa!"

At that moment, all the exhaustion from today's struggles seemed to vanish.

***

After a whirlwind day, I woke up and immediately checked the entertainment news section.

The atmosphere in the entertainment news had completely shifted overnight.

[Hoop Entertainment files a 700 million won lawsuit against Entertainment Big News for malicious scandal articles.]

[Ace Entertainment issues another correction.]

[Cha Do-Hee from Girlfriend7 explains tearfully on social media: "Sae-Ri and Haru are childhood friends. I'm truly sorry to both of them."]

[Hoop Entertainment prepares to sue malicious commenters.]

Despite Entertainment Big News repeatedly publishing apology articles, Kang Gam-Chan refused to accept them and went ahead with the lawsuit.

He also threatened to sue Ace Entertainment, forcing them and Cha Do-Hee to issue public apologies again.

Thanks to Kang Gam-Chan's bold legal action, malicious comments quickly disappeared. The few remaining malicious commenters were swiftly dealt with by the Hoengseong High School girls.

Just as I was feeling relieved while reading the news, I heard Haru's voice calling me from the living room. "Hyung~ it's time to eat!"

"Okay~"

When I went out to the living room, the dining table was set with steaming white rice, soybean paste stew, rolled omelet, and four types of pickled side dishes.

"Why did you go through so much trouble this morning when you have a competition today? I was planning to make breakfast for you," I remarked.

"Ah, I was just practicing."

"Practicing?"

"Yes. This is the breakfast I'll be presenting on today's show."

The dish Haru had to prepare today was 'Three Meals a Day for a Precious Person.'

The meal he prepared for the competition was the first meal of the day, breakfast.

I scratched my head. "I don't know if I'm worthy of eating such a special meal."

"Come on~ Of course you are, hyung. Please try it and give me your feedback."

If Haru was cooking for a precious person, it was probably for his mother.

Feeling a bit guilty, I picked up my spoon. The steaming white rice was chewy and each grain seemed to burst gently in my mouth.

Next, I tasted the soybean paste stew. The savory and salty taste of the soybean paste combined with the soft tofu and perfectly cooked zucchini complemented the rice perfectly.

Lastly, the rolled omelet melted in my mouth, harmonizing sweet, salty, and umami flavors in a delightful way.

Lost in the deliciousness, I found myself eating eagerly. "This is amazing!"

Haru beamed brightly. "Really?"

Just then, a long-awaited message from Lee Soo-Chan arrived on KkTalk..

[Lee Soo-Chan: Hyung-nim, I found a lead on Haru's mother.]