Good Things Happen on Christmas (3)
Feeling unexpectedly shy at Lee Dong-Min's warm gaze toward me, I scratched the back of my head and asked.
"Why are you looking at me like that, Mr. Lee?"
"Yoon-Ho. I really think you deserve a promotion."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Mr. Han and I are actually in the midst of a serious discussion about producing a new song for Cherry Blossom. Come to think of it, you are much more competent than I am."
"Oh, not at all, Mr. Lee."
Lee Dong-Min chuckled.
"It's true. Anyway, let's discuss this further once we've finalized the new song. Star Jung, you're practically part of the Singer Division 2 as well, so I will let you know Cherry Blossom's schedule for the next album."
In any case, I felt a ray of hope for Cherry Blossom's future.
'A new song and Yetterang's cosmetics advertisement?'
I had a hunch that Cherry Blossom could grow as fast as Yoo-Jin.
Indeed, it was a merry Christmas today.
***
After parting with Lee Dong-Min, I headed straight to the meeting room.
"I'm here."
In the meeting room, Gu Seong-Cheol and a woman, who seemed to be in her late thirties, wearing horn-rimmed glasses were facing each other.
"Are you the talent agent of Miss Jung Yoo-Jin? I am Ahn Ji-Yoon, the publicity director of Burger Queen."
Ahn Ji-yoon introduced herself and extended her hand for a handshake. After shaking hands, the female employee next to her introduced herself as well.
"I'm Lee Yung-Sook, an intern from the publicity department at Burger Queen."
'Wait. Why is a mere intern attending an advertisement negotiation?'
"Why is an..."
As Gu Seong-Cheol and I wore puzzled expressions, Ahn Ji-yoon looked at Lee Yung-Sook and hastily addressed her.
"It's true that you're an intern now. But Miss Yung-Sook, you'll soon be a full-time employee—so you shouldn't introduce yourself like that."
Lee Yung-Sook's eyes widened in surprise.
"M-me? A full-time employee?"
"Oh, you haven't received the official notice yet. Anyway, Miss Yung-Sook, you are a full-time employee at Burger Queen, so please introduce yourself again."
Lee Yung-Sook seemed to have heard the news for the first time, but soon broke into a bright smile and greeted us again. Her tone and demeanor were noticeably different from her first greeting.
"I'm Lee Yung-Sook from Burger Queen."
As we sat down after the greetings, Lee Yung-Sook opened her tablet and began her presentation.
"As of today, whenever someone searches for Miss Jung Yoo-Jin on the search engine, Burger Queen also appears in the results. Likewise, when someone searches for Burger Queen, Miss Yoo-Jin's name comes up. This alone shows the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship between Burger Queen and Miss Yoo-Jin."
Seeing Gu Seong-Cheol's intrigued expression, Ahn Ji-yoon took over the presentation.
"We intend to sponsor whatever drama Miss Yoo-Jin appears in, including everything up to the extended 26th episode of the currently airing The Morning Takes Off."
"How did you know about the extension to the 26th episode?"
"Haha, this young lady here has many connections in the broadcasting industry," Ahn Ji-Yoon said as she pointed toward Lee Yung-Sook.
'She had an experience in the entertainment industry but she wasn't a PD or AD? Was she perhaps a junior writer?'
"For this reason, we are willing to increase the contract amount to 40 million won. The duration of the contract is one year."
Gu Seong-Cheol's jaw dropped in astonishment.
'He really can't hide his emotions, can he?'
"Mr. Gu mentioned that the final decision would be made by the talent agent of Miss Jung Yoo-Jin. We can even sign the contract today if you decide to take up the offer."
With the decision-making authority now in my hands, I thought I should negotiate properly.
"Ms. Ahn, I really appreciate your offer. But there are a few things I want to address before deciding on the amount."
When I took a tough stance from the start, Ahn Ji-Yoon's face scrunched up in displeasure.
"You know that 40 million won for a rookie actress is more than generous, right? We can't offer any more than that."
'Hah. There's no way I'm falling for that.'
"I understand. In that case, I suppose this meeting is over."
I stood up from my seat, indicating that there would be no deal.
"Yoon-Ho! Wait a moment!"
At that moment, the surprised Gu Seong-Cheol pulled me out of the meeting room and whispered so that no one inside could hear.
"Do you really intend to reject the offer?"
"Yoo-Jin is going to appear in the new drama from March and it would be the perfect time to raise her value. A one-year contract is too long, sir."
"But don't you think you're taking it a little too far? If this deal falls through, your promotion might be jeopardized."
Gu Seong-Cheol warned that those keeping an eye on my promotion would find fault.
But that didn't matter, because I was determined to make this deal happen no matter what.
"If writer Lee Ji-Yeon and Kim Soll-Ip both want Yoo-Jin, the buzz will only increase, right? It's certainly worth taking a risk, Mr. Lee."
"So, you're suggesting we use the publicity department of Burger Queen to leak this information and turn it into a news article?"
"Yes. Exactly that."
"Do you think Ms. Lee Ji-Yeon will stay silent about it? She might be upset if she realizes her name is being used."
"That's why we need to seek her permission in advance."
"Who's going to sound her out?"
I pointed at Gu Seong-Cheol with both hands.
"Of course, almighty Mr. Gu right here should handle it. I've only been here for a year, after all."
Gu Seong-Cheol's face crumpled.
"You cheeky brat. You're just going to pass this on to me? Only at times like this?"
When I gave a playful smile, Gu Seong-Cheol made a fist as if he was about to punch me.
'Yikes, I need to be careful.'
But being a first-year employee had its perks. Due to my limited experience, I could pass troublesome problems to others.
"Alright. I'll handle that part. Let's go back in and finalize the deal. Are you confident?"
"Yes. Without a doubt, they will contact us again. Let's just let them go for today."
"Indeed, they seemed pretty desperate from what I could see."
"Did you see the news today, sir? Yoo-Jin was the top trending live search until just a moment ago. It has now dropped to 8th, but she is still holding strong."
Gu Seong-Cheol patted my shoulder.
"As expected. Mr. Kang sure knows how to pick the right people. I never realized my boy would be this capable."
I felt somewhat awkward at his compliment.
"...Not at all, Mr. Gu."
"Don't be so humble. Just go in there and give it your best."
"Yes, sir!"
"But you mentioned being in an accident earlier, right? Are you okay?"
'So that's why he was looking at me from head to toe when I first got here.'
Gu Seong-Cheol explained he had belatedly received a report from Oh Duk-Gu.
I reassured Gu Seong-Cheol, who was looking at me with a worried expression, that I was fine.
"I'm tougher than you think. But... the estimated repair costs came out to be 1.2 million won."
Gu Seong-Cheol flared up at my words.
"The repair costs aren't what's important! I'm just glad that you are not hurt. We can fix the car later. After the negotiation today, you're calling in sick tomorrow! No, rest until the day after!"
"Thank you, Mr. Gu."
"Why are you thanking me? Let's go back inside and finish the negotiation. I'll buy you steak once the negotiation is over. After all, steak is the best remedy for pain."
My eyes lit up for a moment.
"I'll give it my all, sir."