Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

"My wish is that next year, I'll be able to enjoy cherry blossom viewing again with everyone here, just like this year. And of course, that includes Mr. Lee Taek-Hyun in the hospital as well."

Several of the people in front of me had already had their lifespans changed.

President Kang Gam-Chan had originally been destined to die from a stroke, but I got him to undergo a medical examination and helped him avoid death. Chairman Choi Eun-Tae, before my regression, had died without ever reuniting with his son, Kang Eun-Gi. After all my efforts, he met his son and survived.

Kang Eun-Gi had also been fated to die from a stabbing before my regression, but because I saved him, he was reunited with his twins and was now living happily. Kim Hyun-Ja had likewise been destined to pass away within a year, but after joining Hoop Entertainment, her lifespan had been extended. And Miso, too, had been destined to die, yet because of me, she had begun living a completely different life.

That was why I hoped the lives added by these altered destinies would continue on. For me, that was my one and only wish.

After hearing my wish, Choi Eun-Tae burst into hearty laughter. "Well, at my age, living even one more year is already a great blessing. Next year, let's all come back and enjoy the flowers in my yard again."

Kim Hyun-Ja smiled warmly and added, "Chief Jung is such a kind-hearted person. I'll take good care of myself and come again next year with my husband."

I smiled and nodded. "Please do."

Everyone talked about gathering again next year without fail. Then, I added one more thing.

"And if I catch another cherry blossom petal next year, I'll make the exact same wish. And the year after that, I'll wish for the same thing again."

Choi Eun-Tae let out a booming laugh. "You little rascal... At this rate, I'll end up living forever."

"If it were up to me, I hope that happens."

"I can't promise forever, but I'll do my best."

"Yes, sir!"

Everyone's faces seemed brighter than before.

At that moment, Miso stretched out both hands and tightly caught a falling cherry blossom petal. Then she squeezed her eyes shut and shouted, "Please make Uncle Yoon-Ho's wish come true!"

After earnestly making her wish, Miso opened her eyes and smiled at me. "Uncle Yoon-Ho, I made a wish, so it'll definitely come true."

"I hope so, Miso."

But from that moment on, something unexpected began.

Lee Mal-Soon reached out and caught a cherry blossom petal as well. "Me too, me too. I'll wish for Chief Jung's wish to come true."

After that, Jung In-Ji, Writer Lee Ji-Yeon, and everyone else made the exact same wish. They said that if enough wishes were piled together, it would surely come true. However, there was one person who didn't reach for a petal.

Choi Eun-Tae looked at her and asked, "Yoo-Jin, why aren't you saying anything?"

Yoo-Jin smiled softly. "I'm going to make a different wish."

"What kind of wish?"

Everyone tilted their heads in curiosity. Just then, a powerful gust of wind swept through.

Whoosh.

A shower of cherry blossom petals began falling all at once, and Yoo-Jin stretched out both hands, gathering as many petals as she could. She closed her eyes and lowered her head. The expression on her face was so solemn, almost as if she were conducting a memorial rite, that no one dared speak.

After praying silently, Yoo-Jin opened her hands and blew the pile of blossoms from her palms into the air. "Done!"

Just then, Miso tugged on her mother's hand and asked, "Mom, what did you wish for?"

"It's a secret!"

"No fair. There are no secrets. Everyone said their wishes out loud!"

"Miso, did they teach you at kindergarten that you're supposed to say your wishes out loud?"

Miso looked conflicted. She wanted to know her mother's wish, but she couldn't lie either. After fidgeting for a long while, she made a bold move.

"I don't know! If you won't tell me, then I'm not eating!"

Miso puffed out her cheeks and started throwing a tantrum. However, her stomach betrayed her.

Grrrrumble.

Yoo-Jin giggled and pointed at Miso's belly. "Something over there seems to be asking for food."

"That wasn't my stomach!"

"Then whose was it?"

"That's..."

As Miso's face crumpled, Choi Eun-Tae stepped in as her savior. "I skipped breakfast this morning, so it must've been me."

Miso's face immediately brightened, and she flashed him a double thumbs-up. "See, Mom? It came from Grandpa's stomach."

Yoo-Jin looked at Choi Eun-Tae and laughed helplessly. "Mr. Chairman, honestly... You're going to spoil her."

"Ahem. Sorry. Still, I'm too curious to let it go. So what was your wish?"

Yoo-Jin looked at me and smiled softly. "I wished for lots of happy things to happen to Yoon-Ho oppa. Thanks to Yoon-Ho oppa, we're all able to gather here and laugh together like this."

"Happiness, huh? What kind of happiness?"

"Well, lots of things. Making lots of money... getting a girlfriend..." Yoo-Jin's voice gradually trailed off.

At the same time, everyone turned toward me with knowing smiles. I had always said that talent agents couldn't date entertainers while working as talent agents, so I had no idea why Yoo-Jin had made a wish like that.

Yet unlike my rational mind, my heart began pounding. The thumping echoed in my ears, but as someone who had regressed, I did my best not to show it.

Then Miso suddenly puffed out her lips and shouted, "Mom! Cancel that wish! Cancel it! Make a new one! Uncle Yoon-Ho is too busy to get a girlfriend! No way!"

Planting her hands on her hips, Miso voiced her fierce opposition to my love life. She looked ready to throw herself onto the ground if necessary, insisting that I absolutely could not get a girlfriend. The moment she did, everyone burst out laughing.

Miso tilted her head and looked at Yoo-Jin. "Mom, why is everyone laughing? Huh?"

Yoo-Jin chuckled and pulled Miso into a tight hug. "It's nothing. Okay. Just like Miso said, Yoon-Ho oppa isn't allowed to date while he's a talent agent, so I'll make a new wish. Please let Yoon-Ho oppa make lots of money and stay healthy. And don't let him even dream about dating some other woman. Happy now?"

Miso beamed and nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! That's perfect!"

With a satisfied expression, Miso snuggled into her mother's arms. She looked completely pleased with herself for successfully preventing me from getting a girlfriend. After calming Miso down, Yoo-Jin looked at me and quietly giggled.

At that moment, the heartbeat that had briefly settled thanks to Miso started racing again.

Thump. Thump.

Maybe I was intoxicated by the atmosphere created by the falling cherry blossoms. Today, my heart seemed to be malfunctioning.

***

A week passed after the cherry blossom outing. During that time, Lee Ji-Yeon revised the script for Land of Happiness and held auditions, while Project I.O.A successfully completed its tenth week of broadcasts.

Cherry Blossom's new song and Seo Yeon-Woo's new release alternated between first and second place on the three major music programs, completely pushing Valhalla's 'Bad Man' out of the top three.

Many other things had happened as well, but the biggest topic of conversation was the Ministry of Culture's public service advertisement that aired over the weekend. As a result, articles had been pouring in nonstop since this Monday morning.

[Director Park Bull-Chool's First Public Service Advertisement Venture. 'Youth, Once Again! Part 1 – Grandmother and Grandson's Song' Becomes a Sensation.]

[Ministry of Culture Confirms That 'Healing Dementia Through Arts and Culture' Produces Real Results.]

[The Magician of Box Office Success, Director Park Bull-Chool. Hit Public Service Advertisement Series Isn't Over Yet. Parts 2 and 3 Currently in Production.]

[President Kang Gam-Chan of Hoop Entertainment: 'The Healing Dementia Through Arts and Culture Project Is an Important Example of the Power of Culture.']

...

The advertisement Director Park Bull-Chool created with Seo Yeon-Woo and Kim Hyun-Ja as its main stars generated an explosive response.

The commercial told the story of a legendary trot singer suffering from dementia who had even forgotten her grandson's name. When her grandson, a trainee singer, knelt before her and sang one of her old hit songs, she gradually regained her senses and began singing along.

The scene where Seo Yeon-Woo, who actually had a grandmother with dementia, and Kim Hyun-Ja, who was genuinely living with dementia herself, looked at one another with deep affection touched viewers' hearts and sparked an overwhelming reaction.

Surprised by the response, which was far hotter than expected, the Ministry of Culture urgently contacted us last night and asked if Yoo-Jin and Miso could also appear in Parts 2 and 3. I gladly accepted the request.

On top of that, an arranged version of Kim Hyun-Ji's comeback song, 'Youth, Once Again!', was used as the commercial's theme song, and the song itself quickly began attracting attention.

People everywhere were asking what that incredibly catchy song was, and thanks to that, by Monday morning, May 17, 'Youth, Once Again!' had proudly climbed into the upper ranks of the Melon chart.

[Melon Chart]

1. Cherry Blossom - 'Cherry Blossom'

2. Seo Yeon-Woo - 'Flower Rain'

3. Kim Hyun-Ji - 'Youth, Once Again!'

...

"Looks like our luck's overflowing."

Ever since recruiting Kim Hyun-Ja, everything had been falling perfectly into place.

Buzz.

The moment the clock struck seven in the morning, advertising inquiries began flooding my Kk Talk as if they had been waiting for it.

[LZ Health Managing Director Hong Moon-Taek: Chief Jung, how about 500 million won for a health supplement commercial featuring Mrs. Kim Hyun-Ja? We'll add another 100 million if Mrs. Kim Hyun-Ji joins as well.]

[President Yoo Han-Bong of Golden Cudrania: Mr. Jung, we're promoting the health benefits of cudrania fruit. There's nothing about it that goes to waste. We believe it would be excellent for Mrs. Kim Hyun-Ja. It's also beneficial for dementia prevention...]

The advertisements just kept coming. At this rate, aside from the ten billion won she had already received from Hanullim Music, Kim Hyun-Ja would likely generate enormous revenue this year alone.

After selecting a few advertisements worth recommending to her, I headed downstairs to the second floor where Yoo-Jin was staying.

Click.

As soon as I opened the door, I found a half-awake Yoo-Jin in the living room, holding hands with a fully energized Miso while doing stretching exercises and splits.

"Oww! Miso! Mommy's legs are going to tear apart! Stop! Stop!"

"Mom, no. You have to do it like me."

Yoo-Jin grimaced in pain as the split tortured her, while Miso urged her to copy her example. Determined to show her mother how it was done, Miso stretched her legs wide and bent forward at the waist.

The moment she did, Yoo-Jin released Miso's hand and began rolling around on the floor. "Ack... I've got a... cramp... cramp..."

Yoo-Jin was naturally athletic, but it seemed all the tension from filming the final episodes of Hwaranjeon while simultaneously shooting She Was Beautiful had built up in her body. Then, while lying on the floor, she spotted me and spoke in a dying voice.

"Oppa... I'm going to die soon."

I shrugged. "You're not dying."

At that moment, Miso jumped to her feet and scampered over to my side before tattling on her mother. "Uncle Yoon-Ho, Mom says she's tired lately, so she doesn't do her stretches."

I answered, "I see. Then you should keep a close eye on whether Mom exercises or not. And if she skips it, make sure to text me, okay?"

"Okay!"

Yoo-Jin groaned as she struggled back to her feet. "You two... I can hear every word, you know?"

Miso quickly covered her mouth with both hands and then bolted toward the bathroom at full speed. I walked over to Yoo-Jin, who was still sprawled on the floor, and held out my hand. She grabbed it, pulled herself up, and collapsed onto the sofa.

"Seriously, I need to start exercising properly. Going back and forth between two sets has completely wrecked my body," said Yoo-Jin.

"Yeah. Work out whenever you get the chance, and make sure you use the hot springs at the Gyeongju lodging often."

"Yesss, sir~"

"Oh, right. You do remember we're attending the Daechon Department Store charity gala tonight, don't you?"

After Park Bull-Chool's public service advertisement became a sensation, Daechon Department Store quickly announced an event called the Night of Support for Dementia Healing Through Arts and Culture. The Minister of Culture, Han Yung-Bok, was scheduled to attend, which meant numerous corporate executives would be showing up as well.

"Yep, I know. I should probably get a meridian massage before we go."

"Okay. I'll make a reservation."

Just then, fresh entertainment articles began appearing online.

[Daechon Inc.'s Third-Generation Heir Sung Joon-Sang Launches Authentic New York-Style DCH Burger Brand. Considering Top Star Jung Yoo-Jin as a Model. (Entertainment All Times)]

[Will Jung Yoo-Jin Transfer from Burger Queen to DCH Burger?]

...

'What is this?'

Sung Joon-Sang, the third-generation heir of Daechon Inc., was the eldest son of Sung Hak-Soo and had recently returned from studying in the United States. He was also the son of Vice Chairman Kim Ae-Ja, whom I had personally sent to prison.

If I hadn't removed Kim Ae-Ja, he would have been the person most likely to inherit Daechon Inc.. Now he was apparently launching a new brand called DCH Burger.

The problem was that I had never heard a single thing about DCH Burger.

"Yoo-Jin, have you ever spoken with anyone from DCH Burger?" I asked.

"Not at all. Besides, I'm Burger Queen's model. Whether it's DCH or DHC, I'm never going there!"

Declaring her loyalty, Yoo-Jin clenched her fist. After all, she always ate Burger Queen products because she was their advertising model.

Just then, my phone buzzed.

[Caller ID: PR Director Ahn Ji-Yoon of Burger Queen]

Ahn Ji-Yoon, who had dramatically increased Burger Queen's sales by recruiting Yoo-Jin, had since been promoted to director. The moment I answered, she practically shouted.

-Chief Jung! What is this DCH Burger nonsense? We still have an entire year left on our contract!

"I just saw the article myself and was surprised. We've never even had contact with DCH."

-Really?

"Yes. Entertainment All Times posted a rumor without verifying anything."

-Really? Really, really, really?

At that moment, Yoo-Jin leaned closer and spoke into the phone. "Ms. Ahn, don't worry. Once a Burger Queen, always a Burger Queen!"

Ahn Ji-Yoon let out a long sigh of relief.

-Phew... You scared me. Miss Yoo-Jin, thank you. When it's time to renew in six months, I'll continue offering the best treatment in the industry. So don't leave us. And if you want, I'll even sponsor Hwaranjeon!

She sounded so desperate that she was offering to sponsor hamburgers for a Silla-era historical drama.

'What is she planning to do? Make the buns out of tofu and the patties out of grilled meat skewers?'

Maybe it could work in a fusion historical drama, but Hwaranjeon definitely wasn't the place for it.

"There's no need for sponsorship. And please don't worry so much."

-O-Okay. Then starting today, I'll send a burger truck to the She Was Beautiful filming set every day...

'Not a meal truck and not a coffee truck, but a burger truck.'

Yoo-Jin's face immediately lit up. The moment I saw that, I hurriedly cut in.

"That's really not necessary. If Yoo-Jin eats burgers every day, she'll gain weight and have trouble filming. We'll gratefully accept the sentiment instead."

Yoo-Jin bared her teeth and clawed her fingers threateningly at me. I ignored the glare and continued.

-Got it. Then I'll make a donation at the Ministry of Culture event instead. See you tonight!

Determined to show up at the Daechon Department Store charity gala one way or another, Ahn Ji-Yoon hung up.

Click.

I picked up my phone to figure out what exactly was going on with this whole situation. Then another call came in.

[Caller ID: 010-900X-19XX]

I frowned at the unfamiliar number before answering. A young man's arrogant voice came through the phone.

-Hey, Chief Jung. It's me, Sung Joon-Sang from Daechon. Let's meet for a bit today.

'Sung Joon-Sang?'

He was the eldest son of Sung Hak-Soo; the so-called mastermind of the business world, and Kim Ae-Ja, whom I had sent to prison—the same arrogant third-generation chaebol who had just planted that DCH Burger article.

And now he was speaking to me in casual language right from the start.

"If this is about DCH Burger, I'm not interested, so please have the article taken down."

-Come on, don't be so stiff. Let's handle this nicely. If Jung Yoo-Jin agrees to be our model, I'll pay double what Burger Queen is paying. What do you think?

Realizing who I was talking to, Yoo-Jin clenched her fist and shook her head vigorously.

'Loyalty! Loyalty!'

I clenched my own fist in response and nodded. In any case, after Kim Ae-Ja and Sung Hak-Soo were pushed out, there was no future for Sung Joon-Sang within Daechon Inc.

"Double or ten times more, I'm not interested."

-Hey. A mere talent agent dares reject my offer? Listen, Jung Yoon-Ho. I've heard you're doing pretty well for yourself, but if you think you can treat the future owner of Daechon like this—

'Future owner, my foot.'

He was nothing more than a kite with a broken string.

"I'm hanging up. Have a nice day."

Click.

I had no intention of entertaining the games of some third-generation chaebol who had only recently returned from New York and didn't understand the situation.

I was already busy enough as it was.

***

After barely managing to get the DCH Burger article taken down and finishing the rest of my work, evening finally arrived.

Twenty minutes before nine o'clock, Yoo-Jin and I arrived at the twelfth floor of Daechon Department Store, where the Night of Support for Dementia Healing Through Arts and Culture was being held.

Ding.

The moment we stepped out of the elevator, countless eyes turned toward us.

President Jin Sung-Joon and Acting President Jin Ah-Ram of Jinseong Inc., President Shin Jong-Ki of LT Entertainment, and executives from numerous corporations—all of them acknowledged our arrival.

Just then, Vice Chairman Kim Ae-Ryeon of Daechon Inc., who had been standing near the entrance, welcomed us.

"Chief Jung. You're here."

"Yes, Mrs. Vice President."

After exchanging greetings, Lee Ha-Yoon, who was standing beside Kim Ae-Ryeon, smiled and asked, "By the way, Miss Yoo-Jin, I saw an article saying you're going to be the model for the DCH Burger brand Joon-Sang oppa is launching. Is that true?"

Yoo-Jin shook her head. "No?"

Kim Ae-Ryeon looked puzzled. "Then what's that article about?"

"Well..."

That was when a commotion arose nearby.

Murmur. Murmur.

When I looked over, I saw Sung Joon-Sang, Kim Ae-Ryeon's nephew, striding toward us alongside his secretary, Han Yoon-Seok.

"Auntie! Long time no see~"

Sung Joon-Sang even waved casually to Kim Ae-Ryeon, the very aunt who had become vice president after bringing down his mother and who had driven his father out of Daechon Inc.

Kim Ae-Ryeon let out a disbelieving laugh. "That clueless brat. What does he think he's doing showing up here?"

Apparently not hearing her, Sung Joon-Sang spotted Yoo-Jin and flashed a grin while waving his left hand.

Flash.

A Peter Philip watch worth well over a hundred million won gleamed on his wrist.

"Hey~ Miss Jung Yoo-Jin is here too. Nice to see you."

Twenty-nine-year-old Sung Joon-Sang greeted Yoo-Jin while openly flaunting his wealth. The moment he did, I stepped in front of Yoo-Jin. If she ended up talking to someone as irritating as Sung Joon-Sang, there was no way she would just sit quietly and tolerate it.

At that moment, Everyday sent a new notification.

Buzz.

[Notification: May 20, 2021. A new schedule entry related to Jung Yoo-Jin has been registered.]

'Huh? At a time like this?'

Wondering what it could possibly be, I checked the schedule entry. The instant I saw it, my fist clenched tightly.

'Sung Joon-Sang... How dare a bastard like you set your sights on Yoo-Jin?'