Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

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.

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 TheMorning 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."

Upon returning to the meeting room, I immediately put on an act.

"I apologize. I hope we can meet under better circumstances next time."

If I showed an attitude of indifference, they would have no choice but to do so as well. It was only when both parties had laid all cards on the table would the real negotiations begin.

However, the demeanor of Ahn Ji-Yoon seemed off for some reason.

"Hold on a moment. Mr. Jung. I'd like to speak with you in private."

"With me?"

"Yes. Just the two of us."

I wondered what had transpired while I was away as her attitude toward me had completely changed.

"Why don’t we just speak in here? At the end of the day, I still have to report everything to Mr. Gu anyway."

When I refused to leave the room, using Gu Seong-Cheol as my excuse, Ahn Ji-Yoon sighed and held out her phone.

"Is this you, Mr. Jung?"

On the screen of the phone that Ahn Ji-Yoon held out, my face appeared in a news article.

[Life-threatening car crash. The hero who saved Jang Jun-Hyuk.]

-Officer Kim Chun-Soo from Kangdong Fire Station revealed that the person who rescued Jang Jun-Hyuk was a Talent Agent at Hoop Entertainment.

-Today, talent agent of actress Jung Yoo-Jin, Mr. Jung risked a life-threatening collision on Cheonho Bridge to save top star Jang Jun-Hyuk.

-...Meanwhile, the talent agent of Miss Jung Yoo-Jin, known widely as the Burger Queen’s Burger Maiden, had also recently saved...

(Comments)

-I saw it with my own eyes at the scene. He used his own car to block Jang Jun-Hyuk's car and rescued him. It was crazy! I thought my heart was going to explode.

-He looks more like a model than a talent agent. He’s tall and dresses well.

-The celebrity is the beauty from Burger Queen in Cheonho-dong and the talent agent is just as handsome. What a pair.

-Is there no fan club for this talent agent oppa?

-Should I make one? A fan club for the handsome talent agent? Lol.

‘Woah. The article is already up?’

Although the comments were full of nonsense, Ahn Ji-Yoon looked flushed after reading the article.

At that moment, Ahn Ji-Yoon made me a new offer.

"50 million won per year!"

But there was a condition attached.

"On the condition that Mr. Jung also appears in the advertisement!"

Ahn Ji-Yoon was looking at me with greed in her eyes.

But I firmly exclaimed.

"No way!"

When I immediately responded, Ahn Ji-Yoon looked puzzled.

"But why? If you and Miss Yoo-Jin both appear in the advertisement, we can offer the 50 million won that you wanted. And of course, we'll provide a separate advertising fee just for you as well."

But I shook my head once again.

"No. I have no intention of appearing in an advertisement."

Ahn Ji-Yoon sighed and looked at me sideways.

"Come on. Be honest. It's a good opportunity to get your face out there on TV. There are many talent agents who want to be on television."

‘That's because they have other ambitions.’

Many talent agents used their broadcasting contacts to transition into entertainers or broadcasters.

However, I had no such intention—though the offer of an additional 5 million won in return for just my appearance was quite tempting.

"You really are impenetrable, aren’t you, Mr. Jung? Fine. What's your price? Let's discuss."

"Shorten the contract duration to six months and maintain the advertisement fee of 50 million won. And if it's a series of advertisements, the fee will be renegotiated. In return, I promise Yoo-Jin won't appear in any bread-related ads."

Given that it might have been a steep condition, I specified that Yoo-Jin wouldn't accept any other bread ads.

"Not a year, but six months?"

"Yes."

Ahn Ji-Yoon was dumbfounded upon hearing the conditions I put forth and abruptly stood up.

"You are asking for way too much, Mr. Jung. This can't be done! Miss Yung-Sook. Let's go. Let's just look for another model."

"Oh, yes. Alright."

The startled Lee Yung-Sook stood up as well with a perplexed expression.

However, I continued with a smirk on my face.

"Sales of Burger Queen haven't been good recently, have they?"

Suddenly, Ahn Ji-Yoon, who was on her way out, stopped and flared up.

"That's not true! I don't know where you heard such baseless information, but our sales are excellent!"

Ahn Ji-Yoon didn't seem to have much talent for negotiation.

‘They are trying to replace their main ambassador, Park Eun-Bin, within just three months of hiring her. Yet, she is claiming that sales are good? Who would believe that?’

Her flushed face and defensiveness were evident enough to convince anyone that she was lying.

"With Park Eun-Bin's declining popularity, the sales of burgers would have surely dropped as well. Doesn’t your company need some kind of countermeasure?"

"W-why would you say such a thing?"

"You seem to be mistaken as we are not the ones who are at a disadvantage. I wonder if you're aware that Lotterina has also been reaching out to us."

Ahn Ji-Yoon's face turned a shade of red. Mentioning Lotterina was a bluff, but it seemed to have worked.

"Oh, and are you aware of the current state of comments left on Park Eun-Bin's social media?"

Each time an idol switched to acting, they often faced harsh criticism for one simple reason: they couldn’t act.

In Park Eun-Bin's case, the situation seemed particularly dire. Comments like “pathetic acting,” “the most cringe acting ever,” and “just stick to singing,” filled her social media page.

As I continued discussing the public's assessment of Park Eun-Bin, Ahn Ji-Yoon's face grew redder.

"I told you! That's not true!"

After fussing for a while, Ahn Ji-Yoon managed to calm her frustration.

"Huff, huff. I apologize. I got a bit heated. But Lotterina won't offer as much as us. Do you know how cheap their publicity department is?"

"Well, we'll see about that."

I sneaked a glance at Gu Seong-Cheol. Then, Gu Seong-Cheol cleared his throat and spoke.

‘It's showtime.’

"Ms. Ahn. Yoo-jin will appear in a new drama in March."

"And?"

"Well, the writer of that drama…hm, should I say it or not? It's someone extremely famous."

Gu Seong-Cheol's relaxed tone began to soften Ahn Ji-Yoon's expression.

'Wow. Mr. Gu has excellent acting skills. A perfect ten out of ten.'

Ahn Ji-Yoon became more contemplative at Gu Seong-Cheol’s ambiguous words.

Growing impatient, I subtly hinted to Gu Seong-Cheol.

"Mr. Gu, should we just eat at Lotterina tonight? Their new menu is quite good these days."

"Oh? Are you talking about the Double-Double? Yeah, my daughter loves it. Deputy Head Kim of Lotterina's publicity department sent me lots of free coupons. Might as well use them today."

At that moment, Ahn Ji-Yoon exclaimed urgently.

"Wait! Hold on, Mr. Jung!"