Top Management Chapter 194-195

Chapter 194: A Way that Suited Me (6)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

"Seo Jijoon and Im Joo…"

The director groaned. His words were cut off by a sigh. He rubbed his temples as he mumbled, 'Oh, what a headache.' The way he looked at me changed. It was as though I was a pain in the neck instead of a lucky charm.

"Jung Sunwoo. You need to calm down. I think you just said that without thinking."

He tried to reason with me. His att.i.tude was different from his normally not-so-serious self.

I glanced next to me. The one who needed to calm down seemed to be someone else. The Team 2 Leader's face was dark. He glared at me with a menacing look. If he could kill with his gaze, my body would have been torn off limb by limb and scattered on the carpet.

The director said,

"I understand how you feel. I get it, but if you're going to stir trouble, it should be within your capabilities. How do you plan on dealing with the aftermath if you take them with you? Are you crazy?"

I was shockingly calm right now.

I thought I would have trouble breathing or my hands would be shaking once I said those words, but it came out so nonchalantly as if I was deciding what I was going to eat for dinner. My body and mind moved naturally like a stream.

Examining my reaction, the director shook his head.

"Let's act like that didn't happen. Let's do that, CEO."

"Hmm, personally check with them."

Rather than agreeing with him, CEO Baek Hansung replied with an order.

"… Check?"

"Seo Jijoon and Im Joowon's opinion."

Taken aback, the director's b.u.t.t jolted. I also flinched.

I had thought that they wouldn't outright reject the idea if Seo Jijoon and Im Joowon revealed their intentions to join my team since companies tended to cater to actors on their level. However, I didn't think it would proceed so quickly.

I had thought he would ask something more from me. His actions made me wonder if the Team 2 Leader had fallen out of CEO Baek Hansung's favor.

I gave CEO Baek Hansung a doubtful look. Our eyes met. Like the director, he also looked at me differently. On one hand, it looked like he was watching an amateur's cute actions, but on the other hand, it looked like he was pleased.

Either way, it seemed like he had hoped I would act like this.

He looked at me and Song Inho before gesturing with his chin,

"You two should step out. I think the Team 2 Leader and I need to have a talk."

The Team 2 Leader was silent. His gaze simply stabbed at my back.

I brushed my seat and got up. After saying goodbye, I brought Song Inho out of the CEO's office. I was walking while guessing at what kind of conversation would take place when I didn't hear any footsteps following me. I turned around, and Song Inho wasn't unable to regain his senses like he was being washed down a current. His no longer tearful face looked dazed.

"Hyung, is this all? Is it fine like this?"

"We'll have to make it fine."

I lightly raised my shoulders when the CEO's office burst open. The Team 2 Leader rushed at me like a mad boar. Just as I thought he was going to hit me, I was. .h.i.t with his fist. Another fist made its way towards me as I faltered.

"Team 2 Leader!"

"Hyung!"

I didn't plan on getting hit twice without making a sound. I quickly pulled my head back. The Team 2 Leader's fist narrowly brushed pa.s.sed the bridge of my nose. Song Inho and the director rushed over when I grabbed his arm. Then they grabbed the Team 2 Leader's shoulders and pulled him off me.

I pressed my aching cheek and swallowed. There was a disgusting taste in my mouth. Maybe something ripped.

"Hyung, are you all right?"

The Team 2 Leader stopped Song Inho, who was coming over.

"Song Inho! What's your problem? What did I not do for you?!"

"Team leader."

"If there was something you didn't like, you should have said so. What are you doing?!"

Song Inho's face distorted miserably. The Team 2 Leader continued to shout,

"Do you think I'll let you or that b.a.s.t.a.r.d off after suffering like this? I told you that this industry was small. Do you think good rumors will spread about a guy who abandons his benefactor as soon as he makes it big? Worthless personal…!"

"The rumors should be that the actors were moved during an internal restructuring."

I replied while taking a step forward.

"He's the rising star of W&U. Weird rumors won't be good for the company either. It'll make things difficult for the PR Team. Also, even if he changes teams, he's still part of the W&U family. I don't think you should say things like not letting him off no matter how angry you are…"

Threats had to be made by the right person in the right place.

"Also, wouldn't that be best for you as well?"

"What?"

"If it was just Inho, maybe there would have been rumors about his personality or something, but if three move teams, wouldn't it look like you are the problem? This industry is a small place. You would lose face if some weird rumors spread."

"You b.a.s.t.a.r.d!"

The Team 2 Leader's mood grew more dangerous. The director, who gestured to me to act moderately from the back, eventually facepalmed. He steadfastly held onto the Team 2 Leader's shoulders as though he was worried punches would fly again.

Huffing, the Team 2 Leader glared at Song Inho.

"I don't know how he persuaded you, but don't think…!"

"I begged him to take me."

Song Inho said in a subdued voice. The Team 2 Leader flinched.

"My problem? I told you countless times, yet how can you not know?"

Song Inho let out a frustrated sigh.

"I can't follow your methods. I'm suffocating. Like you said, I'm scared that rumors about how ungrateful I am will spread. However, if I stay with you, I feel like I will come to hate acting. That scares me more."

The more he spoke, the more heavily the Team 2 Leader huffed. He looked like he didn't know what to do with all the shame, betrayal, and rage he felt. The director clicked his tongue and signaled me with his eyes. I took Song Inho and got in the elevator.

As soon as the doors began to close, Song Inho collapsed against the wall.

"Are you okay?"

"I should be asking you that, hyung."

"Well."

I saw the Team 2 Leader between the closing doors. He was glaring at me without taking a single step. I stared back at him. His face distorted even more. Soon, the elevator began to move. Rather than the Team 2 Leader's face, the s.h.i.+ny elevator doors reflected my face.

My face looked refreshed like I had been reborn.

Song Inho threw away all his grief after a drink. He was crawling around my living room when I grabbed him and flopped him down on my bed. I struggled a lot because he wouldn't let go of my ankle. The world had become quiet by the time I was able to wrap him up in my blanket.

I emptied the remaining contents of the bottle. My mind was still sober even though I poured down liquor like it was water.

Only my heart seemed to beat more loudly.

I looked out my window, which reflected the streetlights and neon signs outside, before calling someone.

-Who is it?

"It's me, mom."

-Ah, I had forgotten I even had a second son. Do you know how long it's been since you last called?

Her voice hid her sadness.

"Has it been a while?"

-A while? It's been harder to hear your voice than when you went to mandatory military service. Your father lets you off, saying that no news is good news and that it's good that you're busy, but this is excessive. You're obviously busy during the week. Busy on weekends and holidays. Are you the only one that's this busy?

"We all are. Sorry, I'll try my best to come down for Thanksgiving."{1}

I said while checking my calendar. Would I be able to take a day or two off?

-How are you? Are you stressed at work?

Hmm, I did clear away a man who was stressing me out.

"I'm fine. Ah right, I've been promoted."

-Promoted? To what?

"Team leader."

My mom's dazed voice went up a pitch. Chewing on octopus tentacles, I framed the events leading up to my promotion in a good way. My mom listened for a good while before she said in a serious voice.

-Okay, I'll keep this to myself.

"It doesn't matter if others know. This isn't a secret."

-Really? I've become used to watching what I say after you appeared on TV.

My mom laughed awkwardly before adding.

-Though I am happy that you're appearing on TV because you're successful and being promoted for doing a good job, do most people get promoted this quickly? The higher up you are, the more responsibilities you take on. I'm worried.

"… I wouldn't have accepted if I didn't think I could handle it."

-If things are tough, talk to your brother. If it's still not resolved, then come down.

My mom, who was advising me, suddenly laughed.

-I'll pa.s.s you the phone!

"Huh?"

-Your father's pestering me, knowing that I'm about to hang up.

I unconsciously smiled. After talking with my father, I decided to call my brother. I chatted with the quadruplets for an hour on speakerphone. I had thought that no other life was as dynamic as mine, but the quadruplets didn't lose out.

After them, I called Neptune, then Seo Jijoon and Chief Lee Bongjoon as well as Im Joowon and Chief Sung. I think I heard that I was crazy at least fifty times while explaining what happened today. In fact, one of them even messaged me saying that.

I laid down on my sofa early in the morning. Then I flipped through the scenario I had started reading the night before. My mind filled up as I thought about Song Inho, Seo Jijoon, and Im Joowon's roles on top of Lee Songha and Nam Joyoon.

While I was at it, I brought out all the scenarios, drama proposals, and scripts. I cleared away the liquor bottles and side dishes from the living room table and spread out the actors' photos and posters. Then I looked at each of them.

It was a sleepless yet satisfying night.

I arrived back in Seoul after a three-day business trip to China. As soon as I left the airport, I was met with hot, stuffy air. It seemed the heat wave had arrived because my back became soaked even though I wore a t-s.h.i.+rt. Even the people walking on the streets looked somewhat withered.

My thirst burned my throat by the time I arrived at the company. I should buy a drink from a vending machine. No, an ice dispenser would be better. I got out the elevator thinking this and saw the lounge crawling with people.

"h.e.l.lo."

"Ah, h.e.l.lo, Team Leader Jung."

The mood was uneasy.

The way they were whispering to each other before going silent as soon as I got off the elevator. The way they staggered and nervously greeted me. Above all, the people who were calling me 'Team Leader Jung' were Team 2 chiefs who had recently disregarded me.

Had the incident with the Team 2 Leader surfaced?

I was looking around for someone to ask when the Team 3 Leader called me.

"Yes, team leader."

-Let's meet as soon as you arrive at work.

"I'm already here. I'm in the lounge right now."

The Team 3 Leader and Kim Hyunjo popped out of the office immediately after I said that. Then they each grabbed my arm and dragged me into an empty meeting room. Other employee's gazes followed me.

"What's with the mood? Is it because of the incident with the Team 2 Leader?"

There was no answer. Instead, I looked at the two sitting in their seats. They looked baffled. As they were well aware of what happened between me and the Team 2 Leader, they shouldn't be this agitated because of that.

"What is it?"

"The Team 2 Leader handed in his resignation letter this weekend."

"… Resignation letter?"

Kim Hyunjo nodded.

I recalled the Team 2 Leader's face, which I had last seen in front of the CEO's office. I had thought he would be up to something, but a resignation letter? He just up and left the company? What did he discuss with CEO Baek Hansung that day?

"It wasn't a threat or anything?"

"I thought the same thing when I first heard it too, but it's not. He received investments from China and is apparently planning on becoming independent. He said he had already discussed with his 'children', so he would take those whose contracts were almost up with him. Even excluding top stars like Son Chaeyoung and Jijoon, there are quite a few actors he had brought in."{2}

That's right. They made up the core of W&U's lineup of actors.

Actors like Song Inho and Seo Jijoon, who didn't align with the Team 2 Leader's methods, were a minority. The majority of actors whom the Team 2 Leader brought in from the free agency market approved of the Team 2 Leader's methods and skills. Like Son Chaeyoung in the past.

He was the type who seemed sensitive to betrayal after being stabbed in the back like that.

He said that he would turn his back on CEO Baek Hansung and take the actors who followed him with him?

"So? Did he actually leave?"

"He did."

Kim Hyunjo said, astonished, as though even he couldn't believe it.

The Team 3 Leader, who was quietly sitting there with his arms crossed, added,

"Alone."

"Pardon?"

"He left alone. I don't know if talks didn't go well or something didn't go as planned at the end, but the actors who were supposed to leave with the Team 2 Leader remained. That's why the Team 2 Leader barged into the CEO's office not long ago and caused a huge commotion."

Kim Hyunjo asked the Team 3 Leader,

"Do you think he'll come back?"

"I don't know."

"Even if he's received investments, without any trustworthy actors, won't he just waste away? Rumors will spread that he left the company on bad terms. Even if the CEO doesn't do anything, others will be cautious. Do you think actors will sign with him?"

"He's probably done trying to make a place for himself in the country. If he goes to China though, he'll probably at least make a living."

The Team 3 Leader scratched his disheveled hair. He checked the firmly shut door before leaning towards me. Then he asked in a quiet voice,

"Hey, you've also been offered investments from China, right?"

"… Pardon?"

"Does the CEO know that too?"

{1} FYI, Korean Thanksgiving is in September

{2} Remember, the Team 2 Leader treats actors like they are his own.

/ /

Chapter 195: Stop at Nothing, By Any Means (1)

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

I felt like cold water had been poured on my head.

Did CEO Baek Hansung know that I received an investment proposal in China?

"… Team leader, how did you know?"

I for one wasn't the type to chat about that.

"Lee Lyang."

The Team 3 Leader added,

"That guy seems to be really interested in you. I guessed when we went for drinks."

He was a representative of a Chinese agency company. I recalled his neat and urban face. His voice in which he proposed I leave W&U and go independent with Chinese investments.

I curtly replied,

"That happened a year ago."

"I know."

"I refused his proposal then."

"I heard that too."

Thinking back, I didn't regret my decision. I didn't plan on leaving W&U any time soon, and the foresight I had seen at the time made me uncomfortable.

Whenever I met Lee Lyang on business trips to China, he would bring the proposal up in the pa.s.sing, but talks never progressed. He even stopped mentioning it recently. This was something I had tossed in the corner of my mind until recently.

The Team 3 Leader rubbed his chin.

"CEO has never brought up any talks about investments, has he?"

"Never."

"Then that's fine. I was going to advise you to save yourself if the CEO happened to know about it. I was worried that sparks would fly to you because the Team 2 Leader created this wreck after accepting Chinese investments. If the CEO doesn't know, then that's that."

If CEO Baek Hansung doesn't know…

Can I say for certain that he doesn't?

"But if you've noticed, then the CEO might also…"

"No, Lee Lyang brought it up only because he was with me. He won't say a word in front of the CEO. If the CEO knew that such talks were ongoing beneath the surface, he would immediately change the agency we work with."

The Team 3 Leader waved his hand. Kim Hyunjo, who was listening with a serious expression, joined in,

"Wouldn't it be better to tell the CEO that something like this happened and that he refused? It just makes me feel uneasy."

"I don't know about that. There's no need to bother the CEO about something that's already in the past. Especially at a time like this."

"Ah, it really isn't a good time."

Kim Hyunjo scratched his head as he looked up at the ceiling. My phone on the table began to ring. I flinched when I saw the caller. The Team 3 Leader and Kim Hyunjo flinched in shock at the same time.

It was CEO Baek Hansung. What kind of timing was this?

"… h.e.l.lo?"

-I heard that you've arrived.

He spoke slowly. It was difficult to gauge his mood.

"Yes, I arrived not too long ago."

-Shall we meet?

"Right now?"

-Hmm, I do have something I want to ask.

What would it be? That he would want to ask?

Was it about the Team 2 Leader? I probably had a lot to do with him suddenly deciding to go independent.

Don't tell me it's about the Chinese investment matter?

That bothered me too because of what the Team 3 Leader said.

Even as I opened the door to the CEO's office, my mind was a tangled mess trying to figure out what the CEO's motives were.

"You're here?"

CEO Baek Hansung was standing alone in front of a wall. The wall was full of profile pictures of celebrities at W&U. CEO Baek Hansung's finger lightly brushed past them. Neptune, Lee Songha, Nam Joyoon, Pretty Girls, and even the actors the Team 2 Leader was in charge of managing.

"What are you doing? Sit. You must be exhausted after coming back from your business trip to China."

My shoulders reflexively stiffened when he mentioned China.

When I sat at an empty seat, CEO Baek Hansung came over. After experiencing some unexpected misfortune during the weekend and with the Team 2 Leader causing a ruckus, I had expected him to be different from normal.

Although I couldn't imagine CEO Baek Hansung's red face spouting curses as he jumped up and down, I at least thought his mood would be fiercer. He was the same as normal. What was he thinking behind his calm face?

"There was a project t.i.tled 'Telepathy' amongst the scenarios, right?"

"Pardon?"

"Amongst the projects brought to Lee Songha. The one with Director Cha Jaeho and Heo Kakyung as the lead. Don't you remember?"

"… I do."

I did.

I churned my mind, going through my memories to keep up with this sudden topic.

"It was a project we rejected because female lead's role didn't suit Lee Songha."

I remember that I had discussed it with CEO Baek Hansung and the director before making a final decision to reject it.

CEO Baek Hansung was smiling when I gave him a puzzled look.

"Is there a project you are thinking about for Lee Songha's next project?"

"There are a few decent ones, but we are looking through them with an open mind."

"Hmm, I actually owe Director Cha Jaeho a favor from a long time ago."

The conversation was taking an unexpected direction.

"I met Director Cha because he said he wanted to have a meal, but it seems like he's really interested in Lee Songha. He even said that they were willing to adjust a significant portion of the female lead's character if she agrees to do it."

My mind jolted awake. The matters regarding the Team 2 Leader and Chinese investments were completely swept from my mind.

Was he saying he wanted us to go with that project for Lee Songha?

I quickly recalled the scenario and female lead. The scenario was fine. It was a well-structured action thriller. I had considered this project for a good while because Heo Kakyung, famous for his box-office appeal, had already signed on it. However, this wasn't a project where the female lead s.h.i.+ned.

The female lead was simply someone with a pretty face and body who was the male lead's love interest. Even if it was a box-office success, all the attention would be focused on Heo Kakyung. How much would that character change through adjustments? It left a bitter taste in my mouth.

"If you don't have any projects you are seriously considering, why not listen to them once more?"

"And if the talks do not go well…"

"Then don't do it."

I immediately raised my head. CEO Baek Hansung calmly said,

"A favor is a favor, but if there's a better project, then, of course, we should do that."

"It feels like we're at the wrong party."

Im Seoyoung looked around with an awkward expression.

"It is the wrong party. Since it's the closing ceremony at a short film festival."

"I feel like a lot of people are looking at us. Like, 'why are they here?'"

"Guess they are fascinated."

Since this was a film event, most attendees were directors and production-related professions as well as actors. It was obvious that a girl group would stand out.

They were also dressed up since it has been a while since they last posed in front of a photo wall. The short film festival's photo wall was plain compared to the red carpets of international film festivals. Throwing Neptune into the mix, they stood out like flamingos in a dance of cranes.

"There are cameras everywhere."

LJ suddenly wedged herself between Lee Songha and me. Being pushed aside, Lee Songha frowned. LJ lightly shrugged.

"You had a scandal, so we need to be careful of any two-shots of you two."

"Yeah, keep apart from each other. In the wrong hands, a two-shot could become a love shot!"

Im Seoyoung joined in to support LJ. Lee Songha was pushed back two more steps. Her clear face was now starting to cloud over. Lee Taehee, who was swaggering behind us like she was taking a walk, comforted Lee Songha by patting her shoulders.

"Oh! Park Hweseung! Right, right? Oppa, right?"

Im Seoyoung stomped her feet when she saw the actor in front of the photo wall. I unwittingly laughed because it had been a while since I saw her act like this.

"Yeah, it is."

"Oh, our eyes met! He's coming over. What do I do?"

She fussed all on her own before becoming serious as she looked at her fellow members.

"We can't make a fuss just because we're in front of a movie actor. Let's pa.s.s by while greeting him in a natural way. So that it's not embarra.s.sing!"

"Hey, you're the only one causing a fuss. Is this your first time seeing a movie actor?"

Im Seoyoung shook her head at LJ's rebuke. Park Hweseung was like the celebrity of celebrities. He was an actor who barely made any appearances on TV and entertainment shows and was wholly focused on his acting career. It was difficult to see him outside of a film festival like this.

To be honest, my desire to ask for an autograph surged up my throat.

Park Hweseung walked up to us. His unkempt beard and unrefined appearance gave us the aura of a talented actor.

"h.e.l.lo!"

We didn't have time to cause a fuss because we were next in front of the photo wall. We had a simple handshake before going our separate ways when I heard Park Hweseung talk with his manager from behind.

"Wow, I got to shake hands with a girl group. Aren't you jealous?"

"I'm soo jealous. Sell me your palm."

That moment, Im Seoyoung's eyes popped with stars. She urgently shook my clothes.

"Oppa, oppa, did you hear that?"

"Yeah."

"I guess we're popular with movie actors?"

"Probably popular amongst middle-aged men."

I chuckled as I sent the girls off in front of the cameras. The photo wall was instantly overwhelmed with camera flashes. Their reactions were not much different from Park Hweseung. People gathered around to see the girls as they were changing their poses according to the reporters' requests.

"Aren't you Team Leader Jung Sunwoo?"

A middle-aged man came over in a friendly manner. His face looked familiar, but who was he? I looked through my memories and barely managed to remember. He was a production employee I had met at some ceremony. He glanced at the photo wall before asking,

"All of Neptune came?"

"Since Songha is here as a presenter, they asked Neptune to perform."

"Ah, I came over to find any good rookie directors…"

The employee glanced behind him. The people who had been following him like ducklings had been staring at me for a while. Having gathered their gazes once more, the production employee grabbed my shoulder.

"Now, say h.e.l.lo. You all know him, right? He's Team Leader Jung Sunwoo of W&U."

Their eyes glistened. The employee introduced them.

"They are the director and actors who submitted their project to a compet.i.tion."

No wonder. Their appearances were excessively neat for them to be production company employees. I shook their hands with a smiling face. I took special care in observing the director. While he was a rookie director who hasn't debuted yet, he could be next year's rising star.

Once the girls got out of the photo wall, we were introduced to and introduced ourselves endlessly. There were directors and actors, who were the main show tonight, as well as production and distribution company employees. There were even famous directors here to judge.

"Everyone's so good-looking. Particularly Ms. Im Seoyoung, you have a face meant for acting."

There were even directors selling snake oil.

"Me? My face?"

"Maybe it's because you're a singer, but your vocalization and expressions are good. You should act!"

"Me? There's no way."

Soon, having watched the scene that branded Im Seoyoung as an iconic figure for terrible acting, the director asked,

"Ms. Lee Taehee, are you not interested in acting?"

 While Neptune was laughing and chatting, I mixed in with the directors and production companies.

"I heard Director Jang Joonmo and Mr. Hweseung will be attending the afterparty. How about you, Team Leader Jung?"

"Ah, of course, we will."

Since all important discussions would happen there.

"I heard Ms. Son Chaeyoung will be doing a drama? She should do a movie. I have a decent project."

"Mr. Seo Jijoon seems quiet these days."

"I heard rumors that you were gathered a ton of scenarios and proposals. Did you find any decent projects?"

I always felt this, but rumors traveled quickly in this industry. It seemed like those who asked me about Seo Jijoon and Son Chaeyoung already knew about the incident with the Team 2 Leader. Their eyes stuck to me even more than before.

"What is the rumor about Ms. Lee Songha joining Telepath?"

"Telepathy? Director Chae's project? She's joining that?"

"Really?"

I forced my frowning brows straight. Rumors traveled fast, but gossip was even faster.

"It hasn't been decided. We are still examining it."

"Really? The investment distribution company was thinking that it was already decided."

"I guess there was some miscommunication."

Or they purposely leaked that information. I guess I should set the meeting earlier. I'll listen to them, but if it isn't good, I needed to properly refuse this time. CEO Baek Hansung also said to find something better.

A better project.

I had now looked through most projects. I was now in the process of re-reading projects in case I missed something. It was now time to decide on a project, but I still couldn't make a decision.

Was I expecting something too special? Did I have no choice but to pick one from my final choices?

The ceremony began while I was still lost in my thoughts. Having finished their performance in front of the movie screen, the girls sat next to me. Winning projects were introduced, and unfamiliar directors and actors were mentioned.

I was still lost in my thoughts as I clapped mechanically.

Lee Songha and Nam Joyoon were a given, but Seo Jijoon and Im Joowon needed new projects now. I wanted to get them something good. Since they readily sided with me, I wanted to get them good projects no matter what.

Just as I thought this.

Static filled my vision.

And my heart began to beat noisily.

/ /