Time to Make a Decision (1)
-I heard a rumor that Mr. Choi Jun-Woo had been frequenting Club BLUE daily since the end of last year. So, I staked out. Now that the prosecutors have secured the CCTV footage, everything will soon come to light.
According to Jang Moon-Ki's words, there was a high possibility that Choi Jun-Woo would appear at Club BLUE today as well.
At that moment, Oh Duk-Gu, having exchanged greetings with the staff on-site, approached me as he buttoned up his coat.
"Brr, it's cold. What are you up to?"
"Oh, I'm pondering over the casting proposal for Lee Ji-Yeon's new drama."
"Is that so? Why not just ask a reporter on the scene for information on Choi Jun-Woo?"
"Because they won't give it to me."
"Hey, you know it could be just a rumor. Don't struggle for nothing and just go with Ms. Lee's script. I've read it too and her script is excellent."
'Of course, the script itself was great and had no problems.'
If I didn't know what was going to happen, I would have comfortably chosen Lee Ji-Yeon's script as well.
"Mr. Oh, could you please take Yoo-Jin with you to the wrap-up party tonight?"
"Are you planning to skip the party?"
"Yes."
After contemplating for a while, Oh Duk-Gu offered me a piece of advice.
"Be careful. Don't do anything that will get you into trouble. These days, there are a lot of people who are envious of you."
'I know that better than anyone else.'
It was no surprise that the number of envious people would increase when a fresh newbie did well and earned the favor of the company's president. What was surprising was the unwavering trust that Division 2's sunbaes had in me.
"Thank you for your concern."
"Don't mention it, I'm merely looking out for my team."
Oh Duk-Gu spoke as if it was only natural for him to take good care of me.
"But if no new information comes in today, let's follow the higher-ups' decision, Yoon-Ho. You've been doing well so far, so don't stumble over this trivial matter now. Okay?"
"I understand, sir."
Indeed, it was a stretch to try to convince someone using only words in the absence of any evidence.
"Cut~! Great work, everyone. It was perfect. Miss Eun-Yung, Miss Yoo-Jin."
Yoo-Jin had finally concluded her last shoot for her first drama.
"Great job, everyone."
"Miss Yoo-Jin, thank you for the hard work."
"Thank you."
The actors who had finished their shoots began receiving flower bouquets from the staff. Yoo-Jin, whose acting shone in the latter half of the drama, was being treated like a main lead.
I was overwhelmed and my heart swelled with emotions when I saw her smiling so brightly.
She had been destined to be fired by Lee Ji-Yeon right after her debut but she was now a significant supporting character for as many as six episodes until the extended 26th episode.
Moreover, she landed an advertisement deal and formed connections with A-list writers like Lee Ji-Yeon and Kim Soll-Ip.
Yoo-Jin's life, which could have been shadowed by darkness, was shining brightly.
'Yes, watching this scene unfold before me was the reason I traveled back in time.'
But the real challenge had yet to begin. As fast as one rose to fame, one could also fall with just one blow in the entertainment industry.
That was why I couldn't let Yoo-Jin get involved with Choi Jun-Woo.
At that moment, Yoo-Jin left behind the applause of the staff and walked towards us holding an armful of flowers.
"Oppa, how was my acting?"
'What's there to say? Her acting was simply radiant.'
I took the bouquet from her and gave her a thumbs up.
"It was the best."
Yoo-Jin smiled broadly at my praise.
"Ah, and here's a gift."
"Huh? What is it?"
I pulled out two heart-shaped locket necklaces I bought on the day I received a bonus pay.
"Wow. It's a pair."
"Yes. I got one for Miso and one for you. I thought it would be nice if you both put your pictures inside."
Inside each silver heart-shaped locket, there was a space just big enough for a thumbnail-sized photo of Yoo-Jin and Miso.
"It's pretty, but isn't this expensive?"
"No, it's cheap. Keep up the good work and I look forward to continuing working with you."
"Me too, oppa."
Yoo-Jin smiled brightly and nodded her head. Then I noticed there were tears welling up in her eyes.
It seemed like Yoo-Jin cried over everything. Yet I inexplicably felt emotional as well and turned away.
"Then Mr. Oh, please take good care of Yoo-Jin."
"Sure. Take care."
"Where are you going? Isn't there a dinner party soon?" Yoo-Jin asked.
"There's something urgent I need to settle."
"Then make sure to come to dinner even if it's late. We're having Hanwoo[1]today!"
'Now that I think about it, it's been a while since I've had Hanwoo.'
Gulp.
I unknowingly gulped at the thought of having Hanwoo.
In my past life, I was lying in a hospital bed, unable to eat anything, and surviving only on IV drips.
Ever since I traveled back in time, the only meat I'd eaten was canned braised beef from Yoo-Jin's home and beef soup.
Nonetheless, I forced myself to turn away and head towards Club BLUE where Choi Jun-Woo might appear.
Ugh!
'I'll make Choi Jun-Woo pay for making me miss out on Hanwoo.'
***
I arrived in front of Club BLUE, which was located in the basement of the Le Cœur Hotel in Gangnam.
"Ah, seriously! Stop pushing."
"Are you sure the ZIZAK oppas are coming today?"
"They're already here and have booked a room. SingSing oppa sent me a photo. Look."
A group of young women dressed in miniskirts and long coats seemed excited about the arrival of the idol group ZIZAK.
Another group of young men looked excited about having a birthday party.
"Don't you think our style is on point today?"
"Absolutely, sir."
"Hey, watch your language! Do you want to out yourself as a soldier?"
"I-I'm sorry, Sergeant Choi, I mean, hyung."
'What a pity.'
Anyone could tell they were soldiers from their crew cuts and the way they talked, which meant they would probably be turned away at the entrance.
I moved my car away from the bustling entrance of Club BLUE to a side street near the entrance of the Le Cœur Hotel parking lot.
'A famous guest like Choi Jun-Woo would probably take the VIP elevator in the hotel to go down to the club.'
Screech.
I parked the car where I could see the hotel parking lot entrance. Then, I turned off the engine and waited patiently for Choi Jun-Woo.
One hour passed, then two.
Screech.