Top Management Chapter 116-117

Chapter 116: What Comes and Goes Beneath the Water, a Trade (3)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

Just as I hung up the phone, the elevator to the side stopped accompanied by a mechanic sound.

Did I press the button for that one too?

When I looked inside, a person was already inside. He was an unfamiliar face to me, but seeing as his eyes widened at the sight of me, it seemed he knew who I was. Before the elevator doors closed, the man grumbled,

"Your company's great. It can instantly crush a honest article."

He was the jerk reporter. As soon as I realized this, I jammed my arm between the doors.

My company was good? An honest article? It seemed he was dissatisfied that the nonsense article he worked hard to write was going to be deleted, but if it was dissatisfaction, our side had more.

I got on the elevator and said,

"Do you have any ill feelings towards Songha or me?"

"What ill feelings? I understand you're not in a good mood because of my article, that's my job. Also, a celebrity's every movement is newsworthy. It's not like you don't know this."

"Even if I acknowledge that there's nothing I can do about a celebrity's personal life being newsworthy enough to be an article, I just can't understand why you would publish an article of complete fantasy if you didn't possess any ill feelings towards us."

The jerk frowned when he heard my words."

"I admit that I exaggerated a little, but it's not a complete fantasy."

"Then what part of your article is fact?"

"Now, really. I'm already pissed at the fact I have to write a correction. Since the higher-ups are working out a deal, a powerless reporter like me has no choice but to do as they say, but why do you of all people act like you don't know? I already know what kind of relationship you have."

"Ah, what is this 'relationship' that I, the party involved, don't know about?"

"You say that like you-"

The jerk began saying in an irritated voice before stopping.

Then, with a flustered face, he looked at me and muttered,

"Err, then…"

"Then?"

"No, no. I really thought that the two of you were dating, but seeing your reaction, I realize that I might have been mistaken. If that's true, then what I wrote might actually be a fantasy."

The jerk rambled incoherently before adding,

"To you."

Although I waited in the lounge for a long time, there were no signs that Lee Songha would be coming down.

Did she have that much to talk about with CEO Baek Hansung?

I was staring at the elevator when Kim Hyunjo came out from the stairs. Looking at me, he nodded.

"Did you tell Kwanwoo to drive Songha home? Good job. Right now, it's best if-"

"No. She hasn't come down from the CEO's office yet."

"What are you talking about? They were done talking ten minutes ago?"

Then where did she go?

When I called her, her phone rang but she didn't pick up. There definitely wasn't an elevator that came down from the seventh floor. I sent her a message asking where she was before going up to the seventh floor. I couldn't find any trace of her.

I opened the emergency exit door as well, but it was empty. Just as I was about to close the door, I discovered a familiar head on a stair landing.

It was Lee Songha.

She was tightly holding her phone with both hands and was crouched down as though she was embracing all the agony and suffering in the world by herself. It looked like she sighed as her slender shoulders moved up and down.

Frowning, I was about to go down the stairs when I stopped. Lee Songha was wiping her tears with her sleeves. After slapping both cheeks, she jolted up from her spot and ran down the emergency stairwell.

… Was she crying just now?

"Sorry, oppa. I was late because I had to go to the washroom."

It seemed she actually went to the washroom as her face was clean.

"What did you talk about with the CEO?"

"It was as you said. Be careful of scandals. Don't date people."

Lee Songha replied with a faint smile.

Was she acting in front of me?

I thought she had no talent for lying because she would always be caught right after and tell the truth, but what was this? If I didn't see her in the emergency stairwell just now, I might not have noticed it.

"You…"

I swallowed my words. Employees were glancing at us.

I couldn't say anything. It wasn't a good time to disappear somewhere with her either.

Just as I thought I should order the recruit to take her home and call her later, Lee Songha lowered her head slightly and said,

"I am sorry that I made things difficult for you because of the scandal, oppa. It's all my fault."

"What is it your fault? It's because of that reporter."

"If… Even if you aren't assigned to me, you will continue to be Neptune's manager. Also, they are going to assign you to an actor better than me."

"What?"

"That's why… If that happens, you don't need to worry about how I clung to you."

So…

What?

I called her inside my minivan.

Like always, she answered her phone after a few rings.

-Oppa?

"There's no one listening now so continue what we were talking about before."

I went straight to the point. Lee Songha intentional said in a calm voice.

-Though I clung to you so you wouldn't leave, there are other actors interested in you. Others besides Son Chaeyoung.

"So?"

-If they change who you're assigned to, they said they would assign you to an actor more famous and more experienced than me. So forget about how I clung to you. You don't have to worry about it.

Just what did they talk about for her, who became nervous whenever the topic of changing teams came up, to say this? Although I knew this wasn't her true thoughts, I still felt emotional.

It felt like the thing that had been proudly filling a part of me was deflating.

Tapping the steering wheel, I said,

"Are you serious?"

-Yes. Even though we won't be able to work on my personal schedule together, we can still work together through Neptune. Also, if I quickly become successful, I will take you, no, if you're alright with it, we can…

Now look at that.

"Okay. I clearly heard your untruthful words so now tell me what you really think."

-These are my thoughts.

"No, they aren't."

-They are.

"What made you think this all of a sudden? Why? Do you not want to work with me?"

-No!

Her voice was deafening.

A flustered voice that didn't know what to do followed.

-That's not it. It's not that I don't want to work with you, it's all my fault. I messed everything up. The scandal was because of me…

"So why is it because of you? Though I don't know what you talked about with the CEO, I told you to leave it to me because I had a plan."

Pausing momentarily, Lee Songha said in a dragging voice.

-Even if you had a plan, it probably wouldn't work.

"You just don't know it, it's quite decent."

-It still probably won't work. The CEO… saw the photo.

"Photo? What photo?"

-The one that was going to be released after the scandal article but the CEO blocked.

The Daily Fact reporter did say something about a deal.

"A photo of you and me? What do we have to hide? What kind of photo was it?"

After hesitating for a long time, in a voice that seemed like she was saying her last words, she confessed.

-When you were sleeping…

"When I was sleeping?"

-I molested you.

I was taken aback by this. Did I hear her correctly?

"What did you do?"

-Moles-

"No, explain without using that word."

So I did hear her correctly.

-Before, on the day we ended early in the morning, I touched your face while you were sleeping and a photo was taken of that,

"Why, no, though it is flustering, was there something on it?"

-I-I also think I put my finger in your mouth.

"… Oh, you did."

-Sorry, oppa.

She said in a trembling voice like she was being executed after finishing her last words. Though I had countless things I wanted to ask her, I asked the most important question.

The question I had held back last time.

"Sonha, do you perhaps li-"

A shout rang in my ears.

-No!

"A correction was published so was the scandal really a rumor?"

Jung Hyesung asked while scooping the whipped cream off a brownie.

"Of course, it was."

"That's a shame. I was happy that something new came up."

Although she licked her lips as though she was disappointed, she didn't seem to completely believe my words. Her gaze, looking at me, was filled with curiosity. Since it would do me no good talking to the paparazzi about my personal life, I immediately got the point.

"And the files?"

"Ah, that."

Jung Hyesung's eyes narrowed.

"But how did you know that I was looking into a drug scandal? I was so curious about this that I couldn't sleep."

"I have a lot of friends with good hearing."

"That's strange. I also know a few people, and the only person who's especially close with you is Reporter Park Woojeong from G-Today. This isn't something you can hear from a newbie reporter. Who could it be?"

"I can't tell you that because it's a secret."

I smiled brightly as I replied. Jung Hyesung asked me a few more times before shaking her head, seemingly giving up. Then she took out a lipstick from her palm-sized purse.

"Here."

"What I wanted were the files."

"This is a USB drive."

"Ah."

When I opened the lipstick lid, it really was a USB drive. I inserted it into my laptop to check and found photos I had been hoping for. Though these photos weren't absolute evidence, they were good enough for me to use.

"Since it could be leaked, don't save it separately on a phone or laptop."

"You don't have to worry about that."

"There aren't the best ones since you might hand them over to some other reporter."

"If I needed to gift a reporter a newsworthy item, I would have told them something I know. What good would it do for me if I made enemies out of the paparazzi?"

"Well, now it's your turn."

Jung Hyesung twirled her fork as she said this.

"Look into Mr. Sung Dowon."

This was the information that had the lowest risk yet highest leverage among what I knew. As expected, Jung Hyesung's eyes glittered.

"Since he's a time bomb that could explode at any moment, it'll probably be best if you looked into him quick."

I added before putting the USB drive in my pocket and standing up.

With a smiling face, Jung Hyesung asked,

"But since we already handed Star Search the proper files and told them about the leak, they'll probably publish an article within a day or two. Then the discussions regarding Royal Family's male lead would fall through so is there a reason why you need those files now?"

I shrugged as I said,

"I want to show off."

As soon as I arrived at work, I went to find Kim Hyunjo. Although Jung Hyesung said it could take one or two days, I had to move fast because it wasn't certain.

"Chief, I have something urgent to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Are the team leader and Team Leader Park, no, is the CEO here today?"

When I asked this, a strange expression flashed on his face.

He examined my complexion and said,

"Yeah, they are probably all in one room. The CEO's office."

"His office?"

"A person from Well-Made Production came. Even though a correction was published stating it was a mistake, it seemed they were concerned since it was a scandal."

The timing was great.

"That's great."

"What is?"

"What I want to talk about actually relates to them as well."

Kim Hyunjo's expression became odd when he heard me.

"Hey, if you're going to talk about the scandal, just wait a bit. Younghoon hyung said he would talk to the CEO. I understand you feel frustrated and victimized, but rather than you personally taking action, it's better-"

"It's not about my scandal. I have something I want to show them."

"Show them?"

"Yes, this."

When I took out the USB drive from my pocket and showed Kim Hyunjo, his expression became even weirder. His face showed that he thought my mental state wasn't very good right now.

"It's a USB drive."

I inserted it into my laptop and showed him its contents.

Looking at a few photos while tilting his head, Kim Hyunjo's eyes suddenly widened.

Then he opened and closed a few times before asking,

"Hey, is this…?!"

"It's him."

"Oh my god."

I immediately headed to the seventh floor. The team 3 leader, having received a message from Kim Hyunjo telling him to come out right now because it was urgent, was waiting for me in front of the CEO's office.

He came over and his gaze alternated between Kim Hyunjo and me before clicking his tongue.

"Yeah, so I understand you guys are frustrated-"

"That's not it, hyung."

"This is the matter at hand."

I showed the team 3 leader my laptop.

"What is it?"

"A real scandal."

The team 3 leader looked puzzled at my words as he stared at the screen. Soon, his eyes widened. His expression was almost one of astonishment.

"Wait, is thi-!"

"It is."

Kim Hyunjo, who seemed quite out of it, said. The team 3 leader's mouth opened.

"Oh my god."

"That's what I said."

After staring at the screen, the team 3 leader suddenly jolted to his senses.

"Lucky Charm, you, how did you, no, is this real?"

"Yes."

"Let's go in."

The team 3 leader swallowed his saliva, opened the office door, and entered first.

I saw a few familiar faces through the open door. General Manager Sung from Well-Made Production and their head of marketing. Across from them sat the director. Though I didn't know why he was there, the team 3 leader was smiling next to him.

And, finally, CEO Baek Hansung.

While the team 3 leader was quietly informing the CEO, one by one, the other people's gazes fell on me. Finally, CEO Baek Hansung looked at me as well. His composed face contained a faint hint of surprise.

I took a big step into the office.

/ /

Chapter 117: What Comes and Goes Beneath the Water, a Trade (4)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

Just as I hung up the phone, the elevator to the side stopped accompanied by a mechanic sound.

Did I press the button for that one too?

When I looked inside, a person was already inside. He was an unfamiliar face to me, but seeing as his eyes widened at the sight of me, it seemed he knew who I was. Before the elevator doors closed, the man grumbled,

"Your company's great. It can instantly crush a honest article."

He was the jerk reporter. As soon as I realized this, I jammed my arm between the doors.

My company was good? An honest article? It seemed he was dissatisfied that the nonsense article he worked hard to write was going to be deleted, but if it was dissatisfaction, our side had more.

I got on the elevator and said,

"Do you have any ill feelings towards Songha or me?"

"What ill feelings? I understand you're not in a good mood because of my article, that's my job. Also, a celebrity's every movement is newsworthy. It's not like you don't know this."

"Even if I acknowledge that there's nothing I can do about a celebrity's personal life being newsworthy enough to be an article, I just can't understand why you would publish an article of complete fantasy if you didn't possess any ill feelings towards us."

The jerk frowned when he heard my words."

"I admit that I exaggerated a little, but it's not a complete fantasy."

"Then what part of your article is fact?"

"Now, really. I'm already pissed at the fact I have to write a correction. Since the higher-ups are working out a deal, a powerless reporter like me has no choice but to do as they say, but why do you of all people act like you don't know? I already know what kind of relationship you have."

"Ah, what is this 'relationship' that I, the party involved, don't know about?"

"You say that like you-"

The jerk began saying in an irritated voice before stopping.

Then, with a flustered face, he looked at me and muttered,

"Err, then…"

"Then?"

"No, no. I really thought that the two of you were dating, but seeing your reaction, I realize that I might have been mistaken. If that's true, then what I wrote might actually be a fantasy."

The jerk rambled incoherently before adding,

"To you."

Although I waited in the lounge for a long time, there were no signs that Lee Songha would be coming down.

Did she have that much to talk about with CEO Baek Hansung?

I was staring at the elevator when Kim Hyunjo came out from the stairs. Looking at me, he nodded.

"Did you tell Kwanwoo to drive Songha home? Good job. Right now, it's best if-"

"No. She hasn't come down from the CEO's office yet."

"What are you talking about? They were done talking ten minutes ago?"

Then where did she go?

When I called her, her phone rang but she didn't pick up. There definitely wasn't an elevator that came down from the seventh floor. I sent her a message asking where she was before going up to the seventh floor. I couldn't find any trace of her.

I opened the emergency exit door as well, but it was empty. Just as I was about to close the door, I discovered a familiar head on a stair landing.

It was Lee Songha.

She was tightly holding her phone with both hands and was crouched down as though she was embracing all the agony and suffering in the world by herself. It looked like she sighed as her slender shoulders moved up and down.

Frowning, I was about to go down the stairs when I stopped. Lee Songha was wiping her tears with her sleeves. After slapping both cheeks, she jolted up from her spot and ran down the emergency stairwell.

… Was she crying just now?

"Sorry, oppa. I was late because I had to go to the washroom."

It seemed she actually went to the washroom as her face was clean.

"What did you talk about with the CEO?"

"It was as you said. Be careful of scandals. Don't date people."

Lee Songha replied with a faint smile.

Was she acting in front of me?

I thought she had no talent for lying because she would always be caught right after and tell the truth, but what was this? If I didn't see her in the emergency stairwell just now, I might not have noticed it.

"You…"

I swallowed my words. Employees were glancing at us.

I couldn't say anything. It wasn't a good time to disappear somewhere with her either.

Just as I thought I should order the recruit to take her home and call her later, Lee Songha lowered her head slightly and said,

"I am sorry that I made things difficult for you because of the scandal, oppa. It's all my fault."

"What is it your fault? It's because of that reporter."

"If… Even if you aren't assigned to me, you will continue to be Neptune's manager. Also, they are going to assign you to an actor better than me."

"What?"

"That's why… If that happens, you don't need to worry about how I clung to you."

So…

What?

I called her inside my minivan.

Like always, she answered her phone after a few rings.

-Oppa?

"There's no one listening now so continue what we were talking about before."

I went straight to the point. Lee Songha intentional said in a calm voice.

-Though I clung to you so you wouldn't leave, there are other actors interested in you. Others besides Son Chaeyoung.

"So?"

-If they change who you're assigned to, they said they would assign you to an actor more famous and more experienced than me. So forget about how I clung to you. You don't have to worry about it.

Just what did they talk about for her, who became nervous whenever the topic of changing teams came up, to say this? Although I knew this wasn't her true thoughts, I still felt emotional.

It felt like the thing that had been proudly filling a part of me was deflating.

Tapping the steering wheel, I said,

"Are you serious?"

-Yes. Even though we won't be able to work on my personal schedule together, we can still work together through Neptune. Also, if I quickly become successful, I will take you, no, if you're alright with it, we can…

Now look at that.

"Okay. I clearly heard your untruthful words so now tell me what you really think."

-These are my thoughts.

"No, they aren't."

-They are.

"What made you think this all of a sudden? Why? Do you not want to work with me?"

-No!

Her voice was deafening.

A flustered voice that didn't know what to do followed.

-That's not it. It's not that I don't want to work with you, it's all my fault. I messed everything up. The scandal was because of me…

"So why is it because of you? Though I don't know what you talked about with the CEO, I told you to leave it to me because I had a plan."

Pausing momentarily, Lee Songha said in a dragging voice.

-Even if you had a plan, it probably wouldn't work.

"You just don't know it, it's quite decent."

-It still probably won't work. The CEO… saw the photo.

"Photo? What photo?"

-The one that was going to be released after the scandal article but the CEO blocked.

The Daily Fact reporter did say something about a deal.

"A photo of you and me? What do we have to hide? What kind of photo was it?"

After hesitating for a long time, in a voice that seemed like she was saying her last words, she confessed.

-When you were sleeping…

"When I was sleeping?"

-I molested you.

I was taken aback by this. Did I hear her correctly?

"What did you do?"

-Moles-

"No, explain without using that word."

So I did hear her correctly.

-Before, on the day we ended early in the morning, I touched your face while you were sleeping and a photo was taken of that,

"Why, no, though it is flustering, was there something on it?"

-I-I also think I put my finger in your mouth.

"… Oh, you did."

-Sorry, oppa.

She said in a trembling voice like she was being executed after finishing her last words. Though I had countless things I wanted to ask her, I asked the most important question.

The question I had held back last time.

"Sonha, do you perhaps li-"

A shout rang in my ears.

-No!

"A correction was published so was the scandal really a rumor?"

Jung Hyesung asked while scooping the whipped cream off a brownie.

"Of course, it was."

"That's a shame. I was happy that something new came up."

Although she licked her lips as though she was disappointed, she didn't seem to completely believe my words. Her gaze, looking at me, was filled with curiosity. Since it would do me no good talking to the paparazzi about my personal life, I immediately got the point.

"And the files?"

"Ah, that."

Jung Hyesung's eyes narrowed.

"But how did you know that I was looking into a drug scandal? I was so curious about this that I couldn't sleep."

"I have a lot of friends with good hearing."

"That's strange. I also know a few people, and the only person who's especially close with you is Reporter Park Woojeong from G-Today. This isn't something you can hear from a newbie reporter. Who could it be?"

"I can't tell you that because it's a secret."

I smiled brightly as I replied. Jung Hyesung asked me a few more times before shaking her head, seemingly giving up. Then she took out a lipstick from her palm-sized purse.

"Here."

"What I wanted were the files."

"This is a USB drive."

"Ah."

When I opened the lipstick lid, it really was a USB drive. I inserted it into my laptop to check and found photos I had been hoping for. Though these photos weren't absolute evidence, they were good enough for me to use.

"Since it could be leaked, don't save it separately on a phone or laptop."

"You don't have to worry about that."

"There aren't the best ones since you might hand them over to some other reporter."

"If I needed to gift a reporter a newsworthy item, I would have told them something I know. What good would it do for me if I made enemies out of the paparazzi?"

"Well, now it's your turn."

Jung Hyesung twirled her fork as she said this.

"Look into Mr. Sung Dowon."

This was the information that had the lowest risk yet highest leverage among what I knew. As expected, Jung Hyesung's eyes glittered.

"Since he's a time bomb that could explode at any moment, it'll probably be best if you looked into him quick."

I added before putting the USB drive in my pocket and standing up.

With a smiling face, Jung Hyesung asked,

"But since we already handed Star Search the proper files and told them about the leak, they'll probably publish an article within a day or two. Then the discussions regarding Royal Family's male lead would fall through so is there a reason why you need those files now?"

I shrugged as I said,

"I want to show off."

As soon as I arrived at work, I went to find Kim Hyunjo. Although Jung Hyesung said it could take one or two days, I had to move fast because it wasn't certain.

"Chief, I have something urgent to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Are the team leader and Team Leader Park, no, is the CEO here today?"

When I asked this, a strange expression flashed on his face.

He examined my complexion and said,

"Yeah, they are probably all in one room. The CEO's office."

"His office?"

"A person from Well-Made Production came. Even though a correction was published stating it was a mistake, it seemed they were concerned since it was a scandal."

The timing was great.

"That's great."

"What is?"

"What I want to talk about actually relates to them as well."

Kim Hyunjo's expression became odd when he heard me.

"Hey, if you're going to talk about the scandal, just wait a bit. Younghoon hyung said he would talk to the CEO. I understand you feel frustrated and victimized, but rather than you personally taking action, it's better-"

"It's not about my scandal. I have something I want to show them."

"Show them?"

"Yes, this."

When I took out the USB drive from my pocket and showed Kim Hyunjo, his expression became even weirder. His face showed that he thought my mental state wasn't very good right now.

"It's a USB drive."

I inserted it into my laptop and showed him its contents.

Looking at a few photos while tilting his head, Kim Hyunjo's eyes suddenly widened.

Then he opened and closed a few times before asking,

"Hey, is this…?!"

"It's him."

"Oh my god."

I immediately headed to the seventh floor. The team 3 leader, having received a message from Kim Hyunjo telling him to come out right now because it was urgent, was waiting for me in front of the CEO's office.

He came over and his gaze alternated between Kim Hyunjo and me before clicking his tongue.

"Yeah, so I understand you guys are frustrated-"

"That's not it, hyung."

"This is the matter at hand."

I showed the team 3 leader my laptop.

"What is it?"

"A real scandal."

The team 3 leader looked puzzled at my words as he stared at the screen. Soon, his eyes widened. His expression was almost one of astonishment.

"Wait, is thi-!"

"It is."

Kim Hyunjo, who seemed quite out of it, said. The team 3 leader's mouth opened.

"Oh my god."

"That's what I said."

After staring at the screen, the team 3 leader suddenly jolted to his senses.

"Lucky Charm, you, how did you, no, is this real?"

"Yes."

"Let's go in."

The team 3 leader swallowed his saliva, opened the office door, and entered first.

I saw a few familiar faces through the open door. General Manager Sung from Well-Made Production and their head of marketing. Across from them sat the director. Though I didn't know why he was there, the team 3 leader was smiling next to him.

And, finally, CEO Baek Hansung.

While the team 3 leader was quietly informing the CEO, one by one, the other people's gazes fell on me. Finally, CEO Baek Hansung looked at me as well. His composed face contained a faint hint of surprise.

I took a big step into the office.

Chapter 117: What Comes and Goes Beneath the Water, a Trade (4)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

"What brings you here when we didn't call you?"

The team 2 leader was the first to ask.

Since I was interrupting a meeting, he would have been more direct under normal circumstances. However, he looked quite happy like a person who was finally about to poop after being constipated.

Seeing his smiling face, I could figure out what kind of discussion they were having.

I turned my gaze and looked at the people from Well-Made Production. An awkward expression flashed on General Manager Sung and the marketing head's faces. It was a different attitude compared when they were happy that promoting their drama would be a breeze when I became a hot topic.

If I was emptyhanded, I would have felt slightly upset.

Still, my lips turned crooked at my displeasure.

"Why are you here?"

"I came to do my job."

"What?"

"My job. I have something to show you regarding Songha and Royal Family's incident."

When I calmly said this, the Well-Made Production employees looked awkward.

The team 2 leader snorted.

"So calm at a time like this. Don't you know that you should lie low until things die down-!"

"Sit down comfortably. Don't just stand there."

CEO Baek Hansung cut him off. He gestured towards me.

"Let's hear what he has to say."

"CEO."

The team 2 leader shut his mouth while unable to control his expression. It seemed he couldn't bring himself to contradict the CEO as he just gave me an unfavorable look. It seemed this person didn't like anything I did, no, it seemed he just didn't like me in general.

Well, that feeling was mutual.

I handed CEO Baek Hansung my laptop and sat in an empty seat.

An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as he looked at the small laptop screen. At first, people glanced at my laptop out of curiosity, but it seemed they felt it was inappropriate to crane their necks to see as their gazes soon fell on me.

Besides the director. He didn't care and craned his neck out to see it.

The marketing head at Well-Made Production explained their circumstances with an apologetic face,

"I'm sorry things became like this, Chief Jung. While we benefited from you these past few days, scandals are double-edged swords. When a scandal breaks out regarding an actress, the drama's immersion might drop, and in extreme cases, the chemistry between actors may suffer.

General Manager Sung smacked his lips and added,

"We don't think there will be any problem since a correction will be made, but our investors are quite worried considered the amount of money being moved around. If you have someone else take care of Ms. Lee Songha's personal schedule until things die down, we think it'll be easier to persuade our investors."

"Of course, if it's something like that…"

The team 2 leader's face brightened at their words. I could clearly see that he intended on using this opportunity to change Lee Songha's manager completely and not until things die down.

The team 2 leader checked CEO Baek Hansung's reaction. CEO Baek Hansung was only staring at the screen with a delighted expression. It seemed the team 2 leader took his expression as an approving one as he readily nodded his head.

"Since issues regarding scandals are laid out in the contract, it is only proper we handle it properly so that there aren't any rumors. It's not like this is our first time doing business with Well-Made either."

The team 2 leader chattered happily like a fish in water.

"We didn't even need a meeting for a matter like this."

"Still, isn't this a problem regarding W&U's personnel?"

"It's not like an actor is changing. All we're doing is changing the chief assigned to her. We'll handle this without any hiccups through an internal meeting and make sure that something like this doesn't happen again."

"If the team leader says so, then we're relieved."

Standing behind CEO Baek Hansung, the team 3 leader's brows wriggled. His expression read, 'He's enjoying himself.' My expression was probably the same. However, either of us cut into their conversation.

Because there would soon be an entertaining scene.

"Well, don't worry about this matter any longer. You already have more than enough on your plate with trying to decide on the male lead. You need to hurry up and sign someone considering the filming schedule."

General Manager Sung clicked his tongue and nodded his head.

"I was going to bring that up. When Yoon Taekyung and Park Dojin both said they wanted to do the project, we thought that we had hit jackpot, but choosing between the two is tough. The staff and investors are divided on who to choose."

"Of course, it's a shame to lose either one of them since they are both at the top in regards to global Korean stars."

Amused, I perked my ears at their conversation.

Since I already handed the evidence to CEO Baek Hansung, I no longer had to rush. I was also very excited to see their expression, especially the team 2 leader's, when they learn that one of those 'precious actors' would ruin everything.

"What are your thoughts, team leader?"

The team 2 leader rubbed his beard at General Manager Sung's question.

"Yoon Taekyung has a good personality, and Park Dojin seemed like a good person as well when I had dinner with him last time. It's a shame you have to choose one of the two, but no matter who you choose, it's certain that the drama will be a success."

"That's true. Our concerns seem like complaints when compared to our peers who are having a hard time even casting people."

What the heck were you saying when 'ruin' was dangling in front of you?

I laughed along with them as they laughed in satisfaction. Hahaha.

When the marketing head saw me laugh, she asked,

"How about you, Chief Jung? Which one do you think is best?"

Why was she asking me? Did she think that I had no feelings because I was laughing at a time like this?

When I showed my displeasure, she examined my expression, thinking that she made a mistake. Since she tried to retract her words and apologize, I simply shrugged my shoulders and replied,

"Well, it's fine. That was going to be my condition anyways."

"Pardon?"

"I think you need to undoubtedly cast Mr. Yoon Taekyung."

The marketing head and General Manager Sung looked at me strangely.

The team 2 leader had an expression that read, 'What nonsense is he saying now?' before suddenly frowning. He quickly stared at the laptop that CEO Baek Hansung passed to the director.

"Wait. Jung Sunwoo, don't tell me that 'your job' you were referring to just now was regarding Royal Family's male lead?"

"It is."

"It is?"

"Yes."

I nodded while hoping my nonchalant expression would get his panties in a bunch.

The team 2 leader opened and closed his mouth as if at a loss for words, and those from Well-Made Production looked taken aback. After glancing at them, the team 2 leader tightly clenched the sofa's armrest. He looked like he would shout if they weren't present.

Boiling with anger, he said,

"It seems you're mistaken because people around you call you 'Midas's Hand' and tell you that you have good senses, but do you think this is something you can just come in and comment on?"

I glanced at CEO Baek Hansung. He too was staring at me. It was still difficult to figure out what he was thinking. If I were to guess, he seemed to be amused.

Maybe something like, 'I wonder where someone like him came along?'

The team 3 leader behind him was giving me an amused look as well.

Since it seemed like they would let things slide if I rolled my tongue a little, I smiled and said,

"Well, like you said, this isn't something I can comment about, but I couldn't just let things be when the drama might flop at this rate. Then even Songha will be affected."

"What? Flop?"

"If they cast Mr. Park Dojin, the drama might completely flop."

Maybe it was because I said it so casually, but they all seemed to suspect they heard me wrong. While the team 2 leader opened and closed his mouth like a bearded goldfish, General Manager Sung, who was first to recover, said in a serious expression,

"The drama flopping, what are you saying? Why would Royal Family flop?"

"A scandal will break out."

"A scandal? If it's a scandal, then…"

While mumbling, a frown creased General Manager Sung's forehead.

"Ms. Lee Songha and…"

"That's a rumor. Also, how could a drama flop with a scandal like that? It's not like a dating scandal is something huge. It has to be at least a drug scandal for it to be huge."

The air in the office froze.

Their eyes went wide as they wore shocked expressions, especially the team 2 leader. He was quite a sight. Enjoying his dumbfounded expression, I looked at the director who was holding my laptop.

Astonished, the director asked,

"So the guy in these photos is really Park Dojin?"

"Yes, it is."

"Oh my. A druggie lead in a Korean-Chinese project. If this broke out while we were broadcasting, then we would have suffered greatly and the drama would have been a complete failure."

People in the office jumped to their feet. Then they hastily gathered next to the director. Whenever there was a 'click', their faces gradually grew more shocked.

"What-what is this? Is this really that Park Dojin bastard?"

"I-I think so. Even though it's blurry, the outline of his face and his facial features are…"

"What do you mean 'I think so'?! Ms. Kyunghee, did you know about this?"

"If I knew, I would have told you already! This is my first time seeing this!"

"This crazy bastard, he shouldn't have kept quiet about something like this…!"

While General Manager Sung and the marketing head's faces alternated between pale and red, the team 2 leader opened and closed his mouth with his gaze fixated on the screen. When he looked at me with confusion and disbelief, I simply shrugged.

The director, having handed them the laptop, looked at me and said,

"Lucky Charm, where did you hear about this?"

"Hmm, I'm also curious about that."

CEO Baek Hansung, who had been quiet all this time, added. The team 3 leader also said,

"Yeah, how did you find this when not even rats or birds knew about it{1}?"

"Even if rats and birds didn't know about it, the paparazzi did. I got it directly from the paparazzi."

The director was taken aback by my words.

"The paparazzi? You received this directly from the paparazzi?"

"You said you were going to meet reporters or something, so it was this?"

It looked like the team 3 leader heard a few things from Kim Hyunjo.

Hmm… It seemed now was the time to show off.

"I was looking around to make sure there wouldn't be any problems because this was an important next project for Songha when I came across some unpleasant information. I asked around and found this."

"Look at this wonderful charm."

The director came up to me and patted my shoulder as he laughed.

Just then, stammering, the team 2 leader cut in,

"This… This is really Park Dojin? You can't say with 100% cert-"

Since it seemed like he didn't want to face reality, I said with a brighter smile than before,

"These aren't the best shots. The paparazzi has better photos. They'll probably be published soon. If Park Dojin was cast, I think Star Search of Hong Kong was planning on releasing it when Royal Family was at its peak, but since this information was leaked because of me, they'll probably release it sooner."

I told them what I knew. The color drained from the two Well-Made Production people's faces, and when I mentioned Star Search, their faces went pale.

They looked at me with gazes filled with various emotions then looked at CEO Baek Hansung. After a long time, they finally recollected themselves.

"Chief Jung, CEO Baek Hansung, we'll contact you soon."

After tightly holding my hand and asking for CEO Baek Hansung's understanding, they quickly ran out to the office. I heard the sounds of them on the phone growing distant.

Something about stopping everything regarding Park Dojin's contract immediately and to keep a lid on it so that it doesn't leak to the press. To hurriedly schedule a meeting to resolve this before the investors are shaken by this news. Stuff like that.

The only ones left in the office were CEO Baek Hansung, the director, team 3 leader, and me.

Also, a red-faced team 2 leader staring at the laptop screen.

The team 3 leader smiled crookedly as he said,

"What? You had dinner with Park Dojin and he seemed like a good person? What 'good person'? What were you going to do if we signed an exclusive contract with him? My, my. Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine. How can I trust your eyes now?"

The team 2 leader couldn't utter a word despite being harshly mocked. Let alone arguing back, he looked more urgent to figure out a way to save his skin.

CEO Baek Hansung tapped his sofa's armrest as he said,

"Team 2 leader."

"Yes, yes, CEO."

"Take your hands off Lee Songha's matter now. Don't bring up changing her manager."

CEO Baek Hansung said slowly yet firmly before looking at me and saying,

"Regarding Lee Songha, I don't think there'll be a chief better than Jung Sunwoo in Team 2."

After a storm had gone by.

Looking like he was running away, the team 2 leader was first to leave the CEO's office. I felt refreshed. I hoped I didn't have to see him for a while.

The director and the team 3 leader chattered noisily. Of course, they were talking about me. I answered their questions as vaguely as possible and took my laptop and the USB drive. Then I looked at CEO Baek Hansung.

He had been observing me for a while now.

With a gaze that tingled my spine.

I cleared my throat. I planned on telling Lee Songha of today's victory once I received a definite answer regarding my position. This was because I had to sit her down in front of me and ask her a few questions.

Just as I was about to speak,

"You two can go and do your work."

CEO Baek Hansung said first.

"Chief Jung, I hope you can stay behind so we can talk. It's been a while."

{1} Pretty self-explanatory. Kept it literal to match the next sentence.

/ /

Chapter end