Good Bye
When Kang Gam-Chan announced a 1 billion won investment in Blue Sky, both Kim Gab-Soo and the head of Blue Dragon were delighted. Even though Yoo-Jin's likability had increased significantly after today's documentary's airing, the success of Blue Sky wasn't guaranteed.
'I can't believe it, 1 billion in cash? Our president really is generous.'
Such a collaborative partnership, where both parties were willing to share the production risk with the understanding that the net earnings would be shared upon success, was indeed a rare and valuable occurrence in this industry.
The elated Kim Gab-Soo burst into laughter. "Hahaha. But don't you think you are overdoing it a bit?"
"Well, we did cause some trouble this time. It's only right that we do this."
"Wow, it's our lucky day at SBC."
I held my laughter in because I found all of this funny. Blue Sky was bound to achieve the highest viewership ratings this year no matter what. Midway through the drama, both SBC and Blue Dragon would probably regret taking our company's investment offer. Instead of having the profit split two-way, it would now be split three-way.
And that was not all. If Hoop Entertainment took this opportunity and became one of the main investors, it would be difficult for the drama staff to mistreat our actors.
Jo Eung-Gu stood up to shake Kang Gam-Chan's hand firmly. "Thank you, Mr. Kang."
Grip!
The two men exchanged a firm handshake and a determined smile.
"Hahaha, why would you thank me? If the drama does well, we'll also benefit greatly. I'm just glad to have this investment opportunity."
"Huh? Is that so? Hahaha. Well, when the day comes, I'll look forward to being treated to a nice meal."
After the discussion was over, everyone spent the rest of the time bad-mouthing Ju Kang-Yong and wishing for the success of Blue Sky.
Yoo-Jin's rise was faster than I had expected. From a minor to a supporting role, she quickly gained the attention of even the president of SBC.
***
Leaving the SBC broadcast station, I sat in the passenger seat next to Kang Gam-Chan.
"How's Yoo-Jin doing at the hotel? Is she taking a good rest?"
"She's doing fine. I told her it was okay to eat everything in the minibar before leaving. She was jumping around so happily."
Kang Gam-Chan grumbled, "Do you know how expensive that minibar is? You might as well have robbed a convenience store!"
I scratched my head at Kang Gam-Chan's light reprimand. "...Coming from the man who had just spent 1 billion won..."
Kang Gam-Chan chuckled at my response. After all, the cost of a minibar at a hotel was nothing compared to a billion won.
After staring at me for a moment in silence, Kang Gam-Chan spoke in a calm voice. "Yoon-Ho."
"Yes?"
"Do you think this drama will be a success?"
"I think so. With the buzz it's created, the star power of Ju Yung-In, and Yoo-Jin's acting skills, it will be a huge hit. Besides, the script itself is fantastic."
As I spoke, Kang Gam-Chan looked at me intently and slowly opened his mouth again. "You seem to be quite logical in your reasoning, but it seems like there's something more than just confidence. Unless I'm mistaken..."
My heart skipped a beat for a moment.
'More than just confidence? Was it too obvious that I knew the future?'
I quickly shut my mouth, worried I had revealed too much.
"It's strange when you think about it. From choosing a rookie writer's script over Lee Ji-Yeon's to everything that's happened today…it all just seems to be going exactly as you had planned."
Flinch!
I felt a prick of anxiety under Kang Gam-Chan's sharp gaze.
"No, not at all, sir. It was all just a coincidence."
"Is that so?"
Kang Gam-Chan's eyes reflected a myriad of thoughts as he looked at me.
"Well, I guess it doesn't matter whatever it is. A cat that catches mice is a good cat, right? If the results are good, that's all that matters. Oh, and I have a gift for you... where did I put it..."
With a deep chuckle, Kang Gam-Chan rummaged through the armrest storage and pulled out a rectangular box.
"Open it."
"Yes, Mr. Kang."
Inside the wooden box were what looked like about five thousand business cards with my name elegantly embossed, made of much finer material than what I had been using.
[Hoop Entertainment]
[Jung Yoon-Ho, Assistant Manager]
"These are expensive custom-made cards. If you run out, just let the planning office know. I've arranged for a special batch just for you."
As I touched the laminated business cards, I was impressed by their quality. I was already an assistant manager just two months after my return.
"Just keep doing as you are now, even if people are jealous of you. And just so you know, the official notice will be out tomorrow."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Kang!"
Kang Gam-Chan patted my shoulder with a bright smile.
On my way back, I soaked in his sage advice.
***
As soon as I arrived at work, I parked my car in the underground lot as always and checked my planner.
[Everyday V10]
[Date: February 7, 2020]
-10:00 AM
(Deleted Schedule: Ju Kang-Yong of Entertainment Big News. Countermeasure meeting regarding tabloid articles about Yoo-Jin, school bullying, and abortion.)
There was no longer any need to worry about Ju Kang-Yong. He had vanished from my planner, and articles about him were constantly flooding in.
['Reporter Ju Kang-Yong extorted millions from celebrities and their agencies! Police considering urgent arrest'.]
['Jung Yoo-Jin of Blue Sky. Why was she targeted by Ju Kang-Yong?']
['The Human Stories: Jung Yoo-Jin's episode. A 15.5% viewership rating! - Moving the audience!']
(Comments)
-Reporter Ju Kang-Yong's victim report submission (Link: Ju Kang-Yong Victims' website)
-Kang-Yong, off to prison you go! (Waving hand emoji)
-Supporting Jung Yoo-Jin.
-National unity movement to watch Blue Sky (Link: Burger Queen's Burger Maiden, Jung Yoo-Jin Fan website.)
-Miso, stay strong! Miss Yoo-Jin, we are rooting for you!
-Miso already has perfect beauty at such a young age. When will my face ever be perfected? T.T
"Goodbye, Ju Kang-Yong."
After turning off the ignition and grabbing my thermos, I was about to head to the office.
That was when I heard a loud voice.
"Ju Kang-Yong, you bastard. How dare you turn on me?"
It was Kim Dong-Soo's voice. Blinded by rage, he seemed unaware of anyone else in the parking lot.
For a moment, I instinctively ducked behind the minivan's steering wheel.
Heading to his car, Kim Dong-Soo was fuming in anger. "What? You're going to leak Choi Sung-Ae's recording? Do you have a death wish? I can't stop a lawsuit with what power I have! Fine! If you want to die together, then go for it! Do you think only a few people are involved in this?"