Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Sedatives and sleep medications such as zolpidem have a distinctive bitter taste. However, if they're mixed into orange juice, the sweetness of the juice and the natural bitterness of the orange can mask the taste, making it difficult to notice that anything has been added.

If alcohol was consumed beforehand, the tongue became dull, making it even harder to detect whether medication had been dissolved into the juice.

"The reason Team Lead Sa In-Gyu had you drink orange juice earlier was to see whether you're someone who normally drinks it. He also wanted to check for any unusual reactions, like a citrus allergy."

Even something as simple as drinking a beverage a person normally wouldn't consume could help a forensic pathologist determine the cause of death.

When I explained that Sa In-Gyu had likely been testing things in advance, Kim Eun-Yung's face turned pale. "No way... That's why he wanted me to try the orange juice?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Then what about the juice I drank earlier? What if there was already something in that too?"

"Was it the juice Team Lead Sa In-Gyu brought?"

"No. I drank the one that was already sitting in front of me."

"Then no. It takes time to add and dissolve something into it."

"Sigh... thank goodness." Kim Eun-Yung let out a relieved sigh.

However, this wasn't the time to relax.

"Pull yourself together. Nothing's been resolved yet."

"Ah... right..."

"Now make your choice. Are you going to do what Team Lead Sa In-Gyu tells you to do, or are you going to stand with me?"

Kim Eun-Yung nodded frantically. "I'll do whatever you tell me to do, Mr. Jung."

"Good. Then start by telling me every detail of Team Lead Sa In-Gyu's plan."

Kim Eun-Yung immediately began repeating everything she had been told. "On the morning of the 21st, he told me to leave behind a suicide note blaming Tae-Poong oppa and then take about fifty sleeping pills. He said I should drink some alcohol too so it would look convincing. Since the pills taste bitter, he suggested drinking orange juice with them. Then once the medication kicked in, he'd take me straight to the emergency room. He said fifty sleeping pills wouldn't kill me anyway."

Modern sleeping pills were different from those in the past. Taking fifty of them alone generally wasn't enough to cause death.

However, if other drugs were mixed into the orange juice beforehand, the situation could become life-threatening. And if alcohol was involved as well, the risk would be even greater.

"Team Lead Sa is right about one thing. Fifty pills alone probably won't kill you. But if he mixes other drugs into the orange juice you're supposed to drink, you'll be saying goodbye to this world for real."

Kim Eun-Yung stared at me in shock. "Th-Then what am I supposed to do? Should I call 112 right now?"

"And report him for what? Giving you orange juice?"

"Well..."

"Or did you record any of this? If you did, you could file a complaint."

"No..."

"Then you can't. They'll just deny everything."

"Then what if I run away to America right now?"

"America would be even more dangerous."

Korea's extensive security camera coverage and strong public safety made committing crimes much more difficult. I also had connections through the prosecution that could help if necessary.

In America, however, no one would be able to protect her. That was why this had to be settled now.

"Then what do I do?"

"Just do exactly as I tell you. If you follow my instructions, nothing will happen to you."

From that moment on, I began explaining everything Kim Eun-Yung needed to do.

***

After listening to my instructions and asking several follow-up questions, Kim Eun-Yung finally stood up.

Just before leaving Room 3, Kim Eun-Yung bowed her head toward Lee Tae-Poong.

"Oppa... it's all in the past now, but... I'm really sorry. Once this is over, I'll go back to America and never return to Korea. My family runs a Korean supermarket there. I'll give up on becoming a celebrity completely."

Lee Tae-Poong nodded with a calm expression. "Okay."

Realizing that Lee Tae-Poong had no romantic feelings for her, Kim Eun-Yung stood there for a long moment before leaving behind a single parting remark and disappearing.

"Goodbye... Oppa."

The moment the door to Room 3 closed, I immediately asked Lee Tae-Poong, "Tae-Poong, are you okay?"

A lonely smile spread across Lee Tae-Poong's face as he pressed a hand against his chest. "I thought I was okay, but I'm really not. My chest keeps stinging."

"I'm sorry. I tried my best to keep you from having to see her."

Lee Tae-Poong lowered his hand from his chest and smiled. "Why are you apologizing, hyung? Besides, no matter how much I disliked her, someone's life was on the line. I had to do what I could."

That kindness of his could be frustrating at times. At the same time, it also made me want to look after him even more.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

I couldn't bring myself to say out loud that I hoped he would never lose that kind heart.

"It's nothing."

Lee Tae-Poong let out a carefree chuckle. "Anyway... I came here because I'm trying to leave the past behind and move forward. I want the second act of Lee Tae-Poong's life to start with forgiveness instead of revenge."

I respected Lee Tae-Poong's kind heart that allowed him to forgive people. Still, there were things in this world that should never be forgiven.

'Yeah, Tae-Poong. You forgive them. I'll be the one who takes revenge.'

Keeping those thoughts hidden, I said to him, "I'll take care of everything else, so don't worry about it. Go home and get some rest. I'll let you know when it's over."

"Okay, hyung. Though... can I have a drink today? Let's have a farewell drink together since I'm saying bye to the past."

'That's right, Tae-Poong. Let's wash away the past with a drink and let it all drift away.'

I smiled and said, "Sure. Not too much, though. Just one light drink."

"Okay."

I immediately pressed the call button on the table.

***

It was 1:00 a.m. on May 21st.

In the middle of the living room of Unit 501 in the Gangnam officetel that Sa In-Gyu had arranged, fifty white sleeping pills were piled neatly on top of a white medicine packet. Beside them sat a bottle of soju and a bottle of orange juice.

Staring at them, Kim Eun-Yung frowned in irritation. "The pills are one thing, but you're telling me to drink soju straight from the bottle without even any snacks?"

"You need to drink it on an empty stomach for the pills to kick in faster. Don't worry. The moment you take them, I'll call 119 right away."

Kim Eun-Yung spoke hesitantly. "But... do we really have to do this? Isn't there another way?"

"If we don't go this far, do you think the sponsor will still invest money in you? Nothing in this world is free. You know that."

"What if I really die...?"

"I told you, you won't die. If fifty sleeping pills were enough to kill someone, doctors would be getting cursed out every day. Besides, I'm here. What are you worried about?"

"Sigh... okay."

"Good. And if you don't want to drink straight soju, mix it with some orange juice."

Sa In-Gyu then handed her a 300-milliliter bottle of orange juice. The cap showed signs that it had already been opened, but Kim Eun-Yung pretended not to notice.

"I'll just take the pills and drink the juice afterward. By the way, what about the suicide note?"

"Here. I already prepared it."

Sa In-Gyu handed over a sheet of A4 paper. It wasn't handwritten. It was a suicide note printed from a computer.

-It's especially hard today to stop myself from wanting to see you, Tae-Poong oppa.

...

I wanted to meet you and talk things over, oppa, but I was threatened that they wouldn't let it slide if I approached you at Hoop Entertainment.

Chief Jung Yoon-Ho was especially terrifying, so I couldn't bring myself to come see you.

I wanted to apologize in person for what happened back then, but I guess I won't be able to anymore. I'm really sorry.

...

The fake suicide note was filled from top to bottom with accusations against Lee Tae-Poong and Hoop Entertainment.

The moment she read it, Kim Eun-Yung realized just how foolish she had been. "Sigh..."

"Hey, the more you think about it, the harder it'll be on you. Just down it in one shot and swallow the pills. Then I can call the paramedics."

"Okay. I'll drink it. But if I do this, who's investing in me? Why haven't you told me that yet?"

"Someone important."

"That's exactly what I'm asking. Who is this important person? My life is on the line here. Don't I have a right to know?"

Sa In-Gyu furrowed his brow before answering carefully. "They're from Daechon."

"Daechon? You mean that woman who just became chairman, Kim Ae-Ryeon?"

"No. From the former chairman's side."

"The former chairman? Chairman Sung Hak-Soo, the so-called legend among salaried employees?"

"Yeah. Happy now? So hurry up and drink."

That was when it happened.

The frightened expression vanished from Kim Eun-Yung's face, and she suddenly shouted, "Fuck. Chief Jung was right after all. You're trying to kill me, aren't you?"

"What?"

Kim Eun-Yung turned toward the front door and yelled, "Help—"

Smack!

Sa In-Gyu lunged forward and clamped a hand over Kim Eun-Yung's mouth. "Have you lost your mind?!"

"Mmph! Mmph!"

Kim Eun-Yung struggled with all her strength, but she couldn't overcome Sa In-Gyu's grip.

"You joined hands with Chief Jung behind my back? Fine. Then I don't have a choice. I'll just change the story to you getting drunk and jumping off the balcony."

"Mmph! Mmph!!"

With her mouth covered, Kim Eun-Yung began thrashing around desperately.

At that moment, the front door swung open, and several men in black suits rushed inside.

Click.

"Let her go, you bastard!"

The suited men charged forward and tackled Sa In-Gyu.

Thud.

Sa In-Gyu's arm was twisted behind his back, and his head slammed into the floor.

"Urgh! Who the hell are you people?!"

At that moment, a man wearing a perfectly pressed suit stepped forward from the back. It was Prosecutor Park Jung-Jik.

"I'm Prosecutor Park Jung-Jik from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. Mr. Sa In-Gyu, you are under emergency arrest for attempted murder."

"W-What attempted murder? I was stopping Eun-Yung from killing herself!"

Park Jung-Jik crouched down and pointed toward the side of the television stand in the living room. "There. See that? The pink robot doll next to the TV."

Sa In-Gyu's eyes landed on the pink robot doll sitting beside Kim Eun-Yung's television. "What's... that supposed to be?"

"A security camera. Ms. Kim Eun-Yung requested personal protection, so it was installed here."

The color drained from Sa In-Gyu's face as he realized his actions had been recorded. Still, knowing that the camera didn't record audio, he shouted frantically, "Attempted murder? I refuse to admit that!"

That was when Kim Eun-Yung reached beneath the living room sofa and pulled out a phone that was still recording. "Everything that just happened was recorded on here. Right here, Mr. Prosecutor!"

Kim Eun-Yung handed the phone containing the recorded conversation to Park Jung-Jik. However, she didn't stop there. She also handed over the bottle of orange juice she had been given.

"And this juice... I noticed the cap had already been opened right before I was about to drink it. There might be some kind of drug in it."

"Well done." Park Jung-Jik passed the orange juice to one of the investigators and gave an order. "Secure the scene and collect every piece of evidence. Also, check this juice immediately and let me know if there's anything in it."

"Yes, sir!"

Watching his crimes being exposed so completely, Sa In-Gyu finally realized that the entire thing had been a setup. There was no way a fool like Kim Eun-Yung could have been this thorough on her own.

"Kim Eun-Yung! You got help from Chief Jung, didn't you?! Huh?!"

Sa In-Gyu shoved an investigator aside and tried to lunge at Kim Eun-Yung.

Before he could reach her, Park Jung-Jik grabbed the back of his neck and forced him down. "Put the cuffs on him and take him away!"

The investigators handcuffed Sa In-Gyu and practically carried him out of the apartment. Kim Eun-Yung left shortly afterward as well.

Once everyone had gone, Park Jung-Jik pulled out his phone and began sending a Kk Talk message.

***

The moment Honorary Chairman Kim Bu-Ho issued a summons, all fifty members of Daechon Inc.'s board rushed over to the conference room of Daechon Inc.'s Headquarters despite it being well past one in the morning.

Because the succession process had not yet been fully completed, former Chairman Sung Hak-Soo, who still held group shares, was seated across the table as well.

I sat beside Chairman Kim Ae-Ryeon. Just then, a Kk Talk message arrived from my brother-in-law, Park Jung-Jik.

[Brother-in-Law, Prosecutor Park Jung-Jik: We've secured all the evidence. Security camera footage of Sa In-Gyu trying to harm Kim Eun-Yung, the drugged orange juice, and the conversation between the two of them. Most importantly, we got Sa In-Gyu to admit with his own mouth that Sung Hak-Soo was behind today's events.]

The moment I heard that the first round of evidence collection in Gangnam had been completed, I checked Everyday.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: May 21, 2021]

-10:00 p.m.:

(Deleted Schedule Entry: [NEW. Lee Tae-Poong]

Shocking Report. Lee Tae-Poong Suspends Activities!

(Emergency Meeting: After hearing news of Kim Eun-Yung's death earlier today, Lee Tae-Poong is in shock and is even considering retirement. Countermeasures required.))

'Good.'

The schedule entry I had been waiting for had disappeared. The moment I saw it, I smiled without realizing it.

At that moment, Sung Hak-Soo, seated across from me, raised his voice. "Chief Jung. What exactly are you doing? You should be grateful just to be sitting here because Mr. Chairman allowed it, and yet you have the nerve to stare at your phone?"

Ignoring Sung Hak-Soo completely, I nodded toward Kim Bu-Ho. "It's finished."

Kim Bu-Ho nodded. "Good."

Sung Hak-Soo frowned and raised his voice toward Kim Bu-Ho. "Mr. Chairman. I don't know what you and Chief Jung are planning, but while everyone is gathered here, I want to make one thing perfectly clear. Most of the directors oppose the proposed one-to-one share swap between the newly established Daechon Media and Hoop Entertainment."

The threat in Sung Hak-Soo's voice prompted the directors sitting beside him to join in.

"Yes,Mr. Chairman. Please reconsider!"

"Daechon is entering the media industry, yet you're proposing a one-to-one exchange with a mere entertainment company? That's completely unreasonable."

"A one-to-one share swap with a company full of entertainers is an insult to our shareholders, Mr. Chairman!"

Kim Bu-Ho looked at Sung Hak-Soo and the directors supporting him before speaking in a quiet voice. "Our directors have certainly grown bold. It would've been nice if you'd shown this kind of spirit much earlier. Hahaha."

The board members immediately fell silent.

Their leader, Sung Hak-Soo, stepped forward once more. "However... if you truly intend to proceed as you wish, then I ask for one thing."

"One thing? And what would that be?"

"Transfer the construction, chemical, and securities affiliates to Ae-Ja's share and spin them off separately. If you do that, I won't oppose the launch of Daechon Media or the share swap in any way."

Kim Bu-Ho looked at him as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Split up Daechon? Hahaha. You shameless thief really have no limits to what you'll say."

"Mr. Chairman, I'd appreciate it if you chose your words more carefully."

"I'd rather not, you punk!" With a dismissive snort, Kim Bu-Ho pressed the intercom. "Send them in."

At that moment, the doors to the conference room opened, revealing President Hong Ill-Sung and Chief of Security Yoon Tae-Seok, both dressed in immaculate suits. The sight left Sung Hak-Soo stunned.

"Chief Yoon, why are you here? And why is Hong Ill-Sung perfectly fine?"

Without answering, Yoon Tae-Seok walked forward and placed a phone in front of Kim Bu-Ho. "My apologies, Mr. Chairman. Sung Hak-Soo ordered me to do something unforgivable in order to stop the establishment of Daechon Media. I couldn't follow those instructions, so I've come to report them."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yoon Tae-Seok played the recording stored on the phone.

-Chief Yoon. Sa In-Gyu said he's taking care of Kim Eun-Yung tonight, right?

-Yes, Mr. Chairman.

-Make sure the cleanup is thorough. And if Sa In-Gyu fails to finish the job, you handle it yourself.

-Me...?

-Of course. Why? Should I do it instead?"

-...

The moment the recording revealed instructions to commit murder, Sung Hak-Soo panicked and began throwing out excuses. "N-No! That's not what I meant! I was only half joking!"

For someone known throughout the business world as a master strategist, it was an embarrassingly pathetic excuse.

The directors aligned with him turned pale. "W-What is this...?"

At that moment, under the table, I sent a Kk Talk message to Seo Jae-Ill. While my brother-in-law handled the crime scene, this place was Seo Jae-Ill's responsibility.

[Chief Jung Yoon-Ho: Mr. Seo, I think you can come in now.]

Click.

The conference room doors opened once again, and a group of men in black suits filed inside. At the front stood Seo Jae-Ill, one of the aces of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, shoulders squared confidently.

"We're from the Central District Prosecutors' Office. Former Chairman Sung Hak-Soo is under emergency arrest for embezzlement, breach of trust, and solicitation of murder. Furthermore, the Daechon directors whose names I call from this point forward are under emergency arrest for embezzlement and breach of trust."

Besides Sung Hak-Soo, Seo Jae-Ill began reading off the names of the directors who had sided with him. While I had been preventing Sung Hak-Soo's scheme from succeeding, Kim Bu-Ho and Kim Ae-Ryeon had conducted an internal audit and handed all the evidence over to Seo Jae-Ill, filing criminal complaints at the same time.

"Mr. Chairman! Please spare us!"

Around twenty directors were dragged away by investigators, all of them begging for mercy.

Kim Bu-Ho remained completely unmoved.

After the named directors had been taken out, Seo Jae-Ill turned to the stubbornly silent Sung Hak-Soo. "Mr. Sung Hak-Soo. It's time for you to come with us as well."

At that moment, Sung Hak-Soo whipped his head around and glared at me. "Jung Yoon-Ho. It was you, wasn't it? You're the one who orchestrated all of this, right?"

I shrugged and put on an innocent expression. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"You little—"

Sung Hak-Soo lunged toward me, trying to grab me by the collar. Before he could reach me, Seo Jae-Ill seized him and slammed him onto the floor.

Bang!

"Where does a man who ordered a murder get off trying to attack someone else?!"

Sung Hak-Soo's back hit the floor hard, and he lost consciousness instantly.

It was game over.

***

After securing Yoon Tae-Seok's recording as evidence, Seo Jae-Ill left with the unconscious Sung Hak-Soo. Only Kim Bu-Ho, Kim Ae-Ryeon, and thirty visibly tense moderate directors remained in the conference room.

My work was finally finished, so I quietly rose from my seat. Miso had a production press conference for Land of Happiness today, and I needed to prepare for it.

"Then I'll be on my way."

At that moment, Kim Bu-Ho stopped me. "Chief Jung, how can you just leave like that?"

"It's already 1:30 a.m. I need to get ready for Miso's schedule today. We can continue the meeting another time."

"Hahaha. Very well. Then before you go, accept a gift from me for protecting Daechon. Ah, and I'd like to ask one small favor as well."

'A gift and a favor?'

He made it sound insignificant, but when those words came from the man who had built Daechon Inc. from nothing, they carried considerable weight.

'What exactly is he planning to give me, and what kind of favor is he about to ask?'