Chapter 21
Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyeong was watching the new Samjeon Electronics commercial with Im Seon-mi.
It was an ad where Seong-guk and the members of 'Just' harmonized well together.
Im Seon-mi smiled faintly.
"Until now, when I thought of Samjeon Electronics ads, I always pictured elegant female models first, but now I think I'll recall Seong-guk first."
"It certainly has a much friendlier image. To commemorate Samjeon Electronics drastically changing its image, I was thinking of holding a special showcase featuring Seong-guk and the 'Just' members. What do you think?"
"Sounds good. After all, if the models or ad concept change suddenly, the public might feel a sense of disconnect. Honey, how about providing sponsorship?"
"Sponsorship?"
"I heard the 'Just' members are releasing a new album next month and moving dorms. How about sponsoring them with Samjeon Electronics products for their new dorm? Maybe look into Seong-guk's family situation too."
"I was planning on being aggressive with sponsorships anyway, that's a good idea."
Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyeong took a sip of water and checked his watch.
It was 7 PM.
"Shall we go to that French restaurant you like for dinner tonight, Seon-mi?"
"I prepared something very special today."
Im Seon-mi gave a slight smile, then took Jeon Jae-hyeong's hand and led him to the kitchen.
A platter of bossam (boiled pork wraps) was on the table.
"It's bossam. Did you make it yourself?"
"No way… I bought it from
"Really?"
Jeon Jae-hyeong eyed the bossam with a dubious look.
"Just try it first. If it's not good, we can go straight to that French restaurant you mentioned."
Jeon Jae-hyeong picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of bossam, and tasted it.
The warm pork was so tender it practically melted away in his mouth.
Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyeong immediately picked up another piece.
"Oh my, does it suit your taste too?"
"Yes. It's quite good."
This was the highest praise possible from Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyeong, a man who had tasted delicacies from all over the world.
Im Seon-mi smiled with satisfaction and took beers out of the refrigerator.
"By the way, I'm thinking of changing agencies this time."
"Shinseong Planning? They've done a good job for you so far, haven't they?"
"I was very disappointed seeing how they treated Seong-guk's side."
"What do you mean?"
"They bully the weak and kowtow to the strong. They presented Seong-guk's family, whom I introduced to the agency, with an absurd slave contract at first. Thankfully, Seong-guk's current manager helped out then, so I think they moved over to him. My contract is up for renewal soon too, and they're already subtly leaking rumors in the industry about whether our relationship will continue or not."
Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyeong frowned.
He was well aware of the practices within the entertainment industry.
However, like his father, Chairman Jeon Ju-shin, who had built the business, Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyeong also believed things needed to change from how they were back then.
"Don't worry. We can easily block mere gossip. But, have you decided on a new agency?"
"Not yet… What do you think about me going to Seong-guk's agency?"
"Isn't that a one-person agency with just Seong-guk?"
"Honey, I'm Im Seon-mi. You can count the number of dramas and movies in South Korea that don't feature Im Seon-mi on one hand. Just me moving alone is enough for that agency to make a living."
Im Seon-mi smiled confidently.
Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyeong looked at her fondly.
At the same time, he felt a strange sensation, as if he and Seong-guk were becoming increasingly intertwined.
"Seong-guk, just take this inside."
"Okay!"
I quickly replied and accepted the flower bouquet.
As part of the Samjeon Electronics promotion, the concept for this program was a housewarming party for 'Just's new dorm.
Just seeing how they scheduled a special broadcast segment on a prime-time Sunday entertainment show made Samjeon's influence clear.
Kim Mi-yeong brushed my now somewhat grown-out bangs to the side.
"Seong-guk, you need to go to the hair salon next week."
[There's a salon in Cheongdam-dong I know well, could I ask them, Manager Kim?]
I shrugged.
"Oh my, Seong-guk!"
A familiar voice came from behind.
Im Seon-mi, beaming, trotted over to me.
"Manager-nim, you're here too."
"It's been a while."
Im Seon-mi acknowledged Kim Mi-yeong.
I instinctively touched my chin.
[Why is Im Seon-mi being so friendly to Kim Mi-yeong? Don't tell me… Is it near the end of her agency contract?]
Besides when they were filming, the time entertainers were most active was right before or after their agency contracts expired.
Im Seon-mi took my hand and smiled sweetly.
"Seong-guk, I'm coming to the housewarming too today. We're all exclusive Samjeon models, after all."
[I know that very well.]
I squeezed Im Seon-mi's hand firmly.
Even when shaking hands, chaebols decide the order, who they talk to for how many minutes, and what topics to raise.
Right now was the perfect timing for me to discuss something very important with Im Seon-mi.
If we could just recruit Im Seon-mi, even this place, currently like my one-person agency, might begin tremendous growth.
"Hmm…"
The reality in South Korea was that it's almost impossible for new chaebols to emerge in manufacturing, as the existing ones have already solidified their positions.
But the entertainment industry is different.
One well-nurtured group can elevate an entertainment company into a global entity.
I gently tugged Im Seon-mi's arm.
"Seong-guk, what is it?"
I spread my arms wide.
It was a sign asking to be held.
"You want me to hold you?"
"Yess!"
"Aww, how come our Seong-guk isn't shy at all?"
[Of course, I'm not shy. We saw each other often in my past life too.]
I burrowed snugly into Im Seon-mi's embrace.
The director quickly ran over, looked at Seon-mi and me, and smiled warmly.
"It would look great if you two entered like that. Okay, let's start filming. Seong-guk, let's do well!"
"Okayy!"
"Alright, opening the door!"
As soon as the director gave the okay sign, the cameras started rolling.
As the door opened, the members of 'Just' greeted Im Seon-mi and me warmly.
Having escaped the semi-basement, the 'Just' members' dorm was a luxurious villa in Gangnam.
It received plenty of sunlight, and there were clearly rooms for each member.
And what caught my eye were the Samjeon Electronics appliances.
Samjeon appliances were placed everywhere.
It seemed likely that tomorrow, Samjeon Electronics dealerships would be flooded with calls asking about the appliances in the 'Just' dorm.
"You worked hard, Seong-guk."
Im Seon-mi said, stroking my cheek.
"You worked hard too, Seon-mi-ssi."
Kim Mi-yeong approached.
I quickly seized the opportunity, took Im Seon-mi's hand, and went to Kim Mi-yeong.
"Togeder. Togeder."
"Seong-guk, what are you saying?"
"Togeder. Togeder."
I tried my best to roll my tongue, but this was the best a three-year-old could do.
"I think he's saying 'together'."
Im Seon-mi interjected with perfect timing.
[As expected, Seon-mi noona has good sense.]
I nodded quickly.
Kim Mi-yeong, catching on, looked at Im Seon-mi.
"If you have time, would you like to have a meal with us? Seong-guk worked hard, so we were planning to get jajangmyeon (black bean noodles)."
"That sounds great. I have quite a bit of free time these days since my drama just finished. I'll make a reservation at the Samjeon Hotel's Chinese restaurant. Let's go there."
[Finally, I get to meet Samjeon Hotel jajangmyeon!]
My mouth was already watering.
When I lived as the heir to the Samjeon Group, it was something I could eat whenever I wanted, but since being born into this family, I couldn't even dream of it.
Just eating the neighborhood jajangmyeon sold in front of our house was enough to bring tears to my eyes.
I bounced my shoulders.
"Seong-guk, are you dancing?"
[Want me to show you more?]
I bounced my shoulders more vigorously and even clapped my hands.
"Giggle."
"Wow, Seong-guk has another talent now," Im Seon-mi commented cheerfully.
My mom, who arrived late because she had to pick up Min-guk from daycare, had arrived at some point and was watching me.
"Seong-guk is in a good mood, huh?"
[Ah well, since I'm in a good mood. I'll do a little shoulder dance today. We're going for Samjeon Hotel jajangmyeon, this much cuteness is service!]
[Ah, behold the glorious color of this jajang. The glossy black bean sauce perfectly mixed with various vegetables and beef. Beneath it, the chewy noodles waiting to meld with the chopsticks into one harmonious bite—this is the Samjeon Hotel's jajangmyeon, rumored to be the most delicious in all of South Korea!]
Slurp. Slurp. Slurp.
"Seong-guk, eat slowly."
[Mom, don't stop me. I had to reduce my baby food portions to diet because of the filming after so long. Today's my cheat day!]
With an expression of sheer bliss, I continuously shoveled down the jajangmyeon.
Im Seon-mi watched me with a pleased expression.
"Seong-guk really loves jajangmyeon."
"We order it for him occasionally, but he seems to like this place's jajangmyeon exceptionally well."
Mom wiped my forehead, damp with sweat from eating the noodles.
Im Seon-mi also watched me fondly.
"Now that Seong-guk knows the taste of Samjeon Hotel jajangmyeon, he won't be able to go anywhere else."
[I already knew the taste.]
I paused for breath for a moment.
Mom wiped the sauce from around my mouth with a napkin.
[Alright, shall we begin again?]
Slurp. Slurp.
I started inhaling the jajangmyeon once more.
"Seong-guk, eat slowly. Auntie will buy it for you again next time."
Im Seon-mi patted my head, then looked at Kim Mi-yeong.
"Actually, I'll pay today."
"No, it's alright. Thanks to you, Seon-mi-ssi, our Seong-guk received a lot of help too. We'll pay."
"Actually, there's something I need to discuss."
[Getting straight to the point, Seon-mi noona.]
I chewed the jajang thoroughly while keeping a close eye on Im Seon-mi.
People tended to speak freely about their own affairs when a non-verbal child like me was around.
Mom asked cautiously, "What is it you wanted to say?"
"First, I ask that what I say here be kept strictly confidential."
"Of course."
Kim Mi-yeong replied sharply.
Im Seon-mi put down her chopsticks and looked at Mom and Kim Mi-yeong.
"My contract with Shinseong Planning is ending this time."
Kim Mi-yeong's eyes sparkled.
Im Seon-mi immediately continued.
"I'm looking for a new agency. If it's alright, how would you feel about managing my work as well?"
Mom was so surprised she could only blink her eyes.
Kim Mi-yeong opened her mouth, her face calm.
"Seon-mi-ssi, you mean… you want to work with our agency?"
"Yes."
"Our agency is essentially a one-person agency with only Seong-guk. That also means we don't have the personnel to support Im Seon-mi-ssi."
"I know that well. Actually, as I thought about ending things with Shinseong Planning, I seriously considered starting my own one-person agency. To do that, I need trustworthy people, but it's embarrassing to say, there's no one I can trust among my family."
[I know. I know.]
I nodded while swallowing my jajang.
Anyone who knew anything knew that Im Seon-mi's family situation was the epitome of disastrous.
Her parents divorced after fighting over her income, and her mother went around committing fraud using Im Seon-mi's name.
Because of that, it was well-known that Im Seon-mi had appeared in movies and dramas under unreasonable conditions to clean up the mess.
Fortunately, Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-hyeong started looking out for her, which helped settle the parents' issues somewhat, but as a result, she had practically cut ties with her family.
"When I re-signed with Shinseong Planning, I did so under slightly better conditions. But now, more than just income, I want to work with peace of mind. I think I can definitely bring my own dedicated manager, so you don't need to worry too much about personnel."
Kim Mi-yeong paused for a moment.
[Even if it's a big catch, you can't just snatch it up without thinking.]
I slurped down the jajangmyeon.
"Seon-mi-ssi, let's keep everything discussed today confidential and exchange precise terms with each other. I'd also appreciate it if this remained secret from Shinseong Planning."
"I also want to move agencies as quietly as possible."
Kim Mi-yeong spoke cautiously.
"Perhaps… if there's anything that Shinseong Planning could hold against you, please tell us in advance."
"Things like that will have to be resolved if the contract terms align, right? But don't worry. The Samjeon side has promised to block that much. I'm still a Samjeon model, you know. My contract period still remains. Samjeon doesn't want any noise either."
Im Seon-mi was truly a professional.
"The timing is appropriate."
Kim Mi-yeong gave a faint smile.
I raised both hands and clapped.
Clap. Clap.
"Seong-guk, what are you so happy about?"
Im Seon-mi asked.
[Of course I'm happy! It means my company is growing!]