Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 474: Jinseong Inc (4)

Jin Sung-Joon's office was furnished with luxurious pieces emphasizing a modern black-and-white theme. With only the essential furniture present, the space reflected his practical personality.

As I took a seat on the sofa Jin Sung-Joon directed me to, I checked my planner regarding Jin Myung-Gyu's upcoming schedule.

[Everyday V12]

[Date: December 11, 2020]

- 10:00 p.m <Weekly Star>: "Eulwang-ri Drunk Driving Accident. Exclusive Scoop: Jinseong Inc's Heir A and Actress B in a Secret Rendezvous!"

In just a few days, the Eulwang-ri traffic accident will occur. The "A" mentioned in the article referred to Jin Myung-Gyu, and "B" was the rookie actress Ahn Yoo-Hyun. However, the report by Weekly Star would be edited within a day.

The narrative would change, stating that "A" was Jin Myung-Gyu's secretary and "B" was Ahn Yoo-Hyun's talent agent. Additionally, the drunk driving claim would shift to blaming black ice on the road which caused the car to skid and hit the guardrail.

However, I already knew the truth as Ahn Yoo-Hyun's talent agent had confided in me back then. He revealed that Jinseong's legal team, the police, and Weekly Star's editorial staff had colluded to cover up the incident.

Although there were no casualties, it was still a clear case of wrongdoing and also Jin Myung-Gyu's affair.

Now, I planned to disclose this incident to Jin Sung-Joon.

At that moment, Jin Sung-Joon took a seat on the sofa and apologized. "First, I'd like to apologize for our vice chairman's behavior."

Jin Ah-Ram followed and said, "I'm sorry. Our eldest brother and sister can be... a bit uncontrollable at times."

I shrugged it off with a casual gesture. "It's nothing. I'll just think of it as dealing with a demanding celebrity."

After years of dealing with difficult celebrities and power trips, minor incidents like this hardly fazed me anymore. Besides, unlike the past when I only endured, I now had ways to strike back against someone like the vice chairman of Jinseong.

I added, "But still, it seems there's a lot of internal friction within the company. Is it always like this?"

Jin Sung-Joon let out a wry chuckle. "Yes, it's bad enough that they try to sabotage something as simple as launching a coffee product. Even Ah-Ram has a near-enemy relationship with our eldest sister. We're siblings, but as competitors for the heir position, it's anything but familial."

Jin Sung-Joon didn't bother hiding the fact that he and Jin Myung-Gyu were locked in a succession battle for Jinseong Inc, nor that his sister was in a similar fight within Jinseong Hotels & Resorts.

Then it was time to reveal my intentions to get involved in this succession war.

Looking directly at Jin Sung-Joon, I said, "In that case, are you open to delivering a blow to both of them?"

Jin Sung-Joon nodded. "Are you willing to help me?"

"Yes."

Both Jin Sung-Joon and Jin Ah-Ram's faces lit up. "And how do you propose we do that?"

"First, you should assign someone to keep an eye on Vice Chairman Jin Myung-Gyu."

Jin Sung-Joon's eyes gleamed with interest. "Have you uncovered something again?"

"No, it's nothing like that."

"Then what is it?"

"There's a rumor circulating among talent agents that Mr. Jin Myung-Gyu is having an affair with Ahn Yoo-Hyun from Ace Entertainment."

I shared what I knew and framed it as gossip from within the industry.

Jin Sung-Joon's expression brightened, clearly intrigued by the unexpected revelation. "Is that true?"

"Yes."

"Do you have any specific details, like dates or...?"

"I heard that Ahn Yoo-Hyun cleared her schedule entirely on December 11. According to her talent agent, she was planning to go to Eulwang-ri for some fresh air. But honestly, it's almost unheard of for a rising actress to clear her schedule like that."

"So you're saying it's highly likely the two will meet that day?"

"Yes, the chances are quite high."

Hearing this, Jin Sung-Joon quickly pressed the intercom button.

Beep.

The door to the office opened and Yeo Jin-Soo stepped in. "Did you call for me, sir?"

"Prepare four teams to move on December 11. Two teams will discreetly follow my elder brother, and the other two will trail Ahn Yoo-Hyun from Ace Entertainment. Report to me in real time and make sure they're not discovered."

"I'll begin preparations immediately."

As Yeo Jin-Soo left and closed the door behind him, Jin Sung-Joon clenched his fist with an excited expression.

That's when Jin Ah-Ram turned to me and asked, "Is there anything for me?"

"Yes, there is."

"And what would that be?"

"It's about Sejin Resort, the one you showed me the financial statements for earlier."

Jin Ah-Ram blinked in surprise. "Sejin Resort? What is it?"

"Our company's actor, Cha Tae-Hoon, was chosen as the model for Sejin Resort's advertisements. But they said they would pay the advertising fee with promissory notes."

"Wait a moment. They're paying the ad fee with promissory notes?"

"Yes. They claimed that since Sejin is being acquired by Jinseong, they can't freely move cash."

"Promissory notes instead of cash for an ad fee, huh... How long is the term?"

"It's not just a few days. It's a three-month note."

Jin Ah-Ram's eyes widened in shock. Advertising fees were usually paid in cash and a three-month promissory note was highly unusual, especially for a company like Sejin, which reported annual operating profits of 32.5 billion won.

I said, "That doesn't make sense. A company of that size should easily have five hundred million won on hand. Don't you think something's off?

Jin Ah-Ram agreed. "Exactly. They wouldn't issue a promissory note unless they were out of cash."

"That's why I'm leaving it to you to decide how to use this information."

At that moment, Jin Ah-Ram gave me a sly smile and asked, "I'm just asking out of curiosity, but... if it were you, what would you do in this situation?"

After a brief moment of thought, I shared a standard approach. "If it were me... I'd suspect accounting fraud. I'd overhaul the entire accounting team and have them review the books. Then, I'd reveal any wrongdoing to the Chairman. That would surely put Ms. Jin Myung-Hee in a difficult position."

Jin Ah-Ram's expression brightened upon hearing a way to deliver a blow to her enemy. "You're right. If my father found out, he'd be furious."

But instead of looking away, Jin Ah-Ram kept her eyes fixed on me as if expecting something more.

I asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Do you have another idea?"

There was indeed another way: allowing Jin Myung-Hee to proceed with the acquisition of Sejin Resort. The resulting losses would tarnish her reputation as an incompetent leader, just as it had before my regression.

But I chose not to share this option, as revealing it would make me complicit in its consequences.

I drew a clear line and replied firmly, "That's beyond what I can comment on."

The visibly disappointed Jin Ah-Ram pouted. "So there is something more. Come on, tell me. Please?"

Just as Jin Ah-Ram started pressing me, Jin Sung-Joon intervened. "Ah-Ram, that's enough."

At her brother's sharp tone, Jin Ah-Ram reluctantly backed off.

As I acknowledged Jin Sung-Joon and Jin Ah-Ram's goodbyes, I glanced at my phone again to check the planner entry. However, the entry still remained.

[Everyday V12]

[Date: January 13, 2021]

- 3:00 p.m: Actor Division Meeting. (Agenda: Discovery of accounting fraud post-acquisition of Sejin Resort. Cha Tae-Hoon's advertising fee unpaid.)

'Is she really planning to use the second method?'

It seemed like Jin Ah-Ram intended to trap her sister in this mess while ensuring her own escape. For a moment, I realized just how bold and calculating Jin Ah-Ram could be.

Quickly averting my eyes from the phone, I turned my gaze back to her. I could tell my suspicions were correct upon seeing the deep thought etched on her face.

At that moment, Jin Sung-Joon spoke to me in a subtle tone. "The talent agent profession is far more impressive than I expected. I never imagined someone in your position would be so well-informed."

The value of an information depended on how it was used. Before my regression, I hadn't realized how to leverage scandals involving celebrities. But now, I knew better. Every small piece of information, which I once thought trivial, could hold immense value.

"You flatter me. I've shared all the information I intended to, so I'll take my leave now."

As I was about to rise, Jin Ah-Ram snapped out of her thoughts. "Wait a moment, Mr. Jung. I have something for you."

Jin Ah-Ram hurriedly reached into her bag and pulled out a sleek, black card gleaming with golden lettering.

[JS. JAR-NO.1]

'Whoa. Is she really giving me this?'

What she presented exceeded anything I had imagined.

***

What Jin Ah-Ram gave me was the JS Club Card. Few people even know about the existence of this card as it was issued exclusively to the Jinseong Inc's royal family and figures at the level of corporate tycoons or high-ranking political leaders.

With this JS Club Card, one could access any Jinseong Hotel & Resort nationwide and use all facilities free of charge. It even allowed you to rent out an entire annex of a Jinseong Resort, known for its top-notch security.

'She's seriously giving me this?'

I had only ever seen this rare card once before my regression, when Choi Man-Sik used it to meet a Chinese partner.

Now, Jin Ah-Ram was handing one to me. "Please accept this, Mr. Jung."

I hid my surprise and feigned ignorance. "What is this?"

"It's a card that allows you to use our Jinseong Hotels & Resorts for free. Wherever you present it, a personal butler will be assigned to you. Whether for lodging, rentals, or drinks, you can use it as much as you like without worry. And of course, the security is impeccable."

"Why would you give me such a card?"

"Well, it seems like you've decided to help my brother and I."

But I shook my head without hesitation. Though I had decided to get involved in their succession war, a gift of this magnitude would come with equally hefty strings attached.

"I'm sorry, but that's unnecessary. I can't accept something like this."

Jin Ah-Ram smiled. "If you knew what this card was, you wouldn't say that."

She hinted that the JS Club Card held more secrets. While I wasn't particularly interested in its benefits, the fact that Choi Man-Sik had it before my regression stuck with me.

I decided I needed to understand what this card really was. After all, Choi Man-Sik might still possess one in this life.

I asked, "What exactly is this card?"

"I'll explain once you accept it."

"What if I destroy it as soon as I take it?"

"Then it's destroyed, that's all. Don't feel pressured."

Though I didn't fully trust her, there wasn't much choice.

"Fine, I'll accept it for now."

When I took the card, Jin Ah-Ram's face lit up as she was satisfied that I had confirmed my allegiance.

I urged, "Now, please tell me what this card is."

Jin Ah-Ram nodded and explained, "This card is limited to just ten in total. When a new one is issued, it's only after retrieving and deactivating an existing one."

If only ten JS Club Cards existed, it was far rarer than I had anticipated.

"My father originally kept all ten cards, but he recalled and destroyed the previous set when the succession process began. Then he issued ten new cards and divided them among us children: two each for my eldest brother, myself, and the others. My father kept the remaining two for himself."

Jin Ah-Ram paused briefly and took a breath before continuing her explanation.

"And the VIP with this card can receive full support from Jinseong, including financial and informational resources. The hotels and resorts are just a formality."

Jin Ah-Ram pointed to the card's surface and continued.

"However, the amount you can use varies depending on the issuer. My initials, JAR, are here, and 01 means you're the first person I've given a card to."

It was far more impressive than I initially thought. It was a card granting access to Jinseong Inc's vast resources, ranked 25th in the business world and flush with cash. Of course, accepting this card meant helping Jinseong Inc achieve its goals.

"What's the support limit?"

"In my current position, I can back you with up to ten billion won. If I become the president of Jinseong Hotels & Resorts, that amount increases to fifty billion won."

'Whoa. Ten billion won in cash?'

The amount was staggering. However, this card wasn't just a tool but it was a shackle. It was essentially a declaration to throw my weight into the succession battle and help secure victory in return for spending their money as much as I wanted.

"So accepting this card means effectively announcing the participation in the succession war."

"Yes, that's the purpose my father intended. The future successors need capable partners, after all. However, once the next chairman is decided, all the cards will be collected."

"Then does that mean I'm backing you, Ms. Jin?"

Jin Ah-Ram shook her head. "No. I'll only go as far as becoming the president of Jinseong Hotels & Resorts. After that, I want you to support my brother."

"That arrangement is acceptable?"

"Yes."

Jin Ah-Ram's intentions to back Jin Sung-Joon were unmistakable.

I asked, "Do you happen to know who the other siblings issued their cards to?"

Jin Ah-Ram shook her head. "No, my eldest brother and sister don't share anything about their decisions. And Sung-Joon oppa here hasn't issued a card to anyone yet."

Jin Sung-Joon nodded in agreement. "That's correct. I haven't given a card to anyone, Mr. Jung."

It seemed there were no secrets between the two, as Jin Ah-Ram was fully committed to supporting Jin Sung-Joon as the next chairman.

'So who did Choi Man-Sik get his card from?'

In my memories, Choi Man-Sik used the JS Club Card around Christmas next year. It wasn't clear whether he had received it from Jin Myung-Gyu or Jin Myung-Hee yet, or if it would happen later.

For now, I decided it was best to hold onto the card. If I didn't spend the money, there would be no strings attached. Plus, knowing who partnered with Choi Man-Sik could help in the long run.

This added one more reason to back Jin Sung-Joon and Jin Ah-Ram. If Jin Sung-Joon became the successor of Jinseong Inc, Choi Man-Sik would naturally lose influence.

"Understood. I'll hold onto the card for now. But...please let me know if you find out who the other siblings issued their cards to."

Jin Ah-Ram smiled brightly. "Of course."

I rose from my seat and glanced at both of them. "Good luck with the matters I've shared with you."

Both Jin Sung-Joon and Jin Ah-Ram looked determined. "Yes, Mr. Jung. And thank you for siding with us."

Beneath the surface, Jin Sung-Joon and Jin Ah-Ram were much weaker than they appeared. But based on my memories from before regression, both managed to endure and grow their power over the next decade. After all, they had the capability to succeed.

But now that I was involved in this war, the outcome would overwhelmingly favor our side.

After leaving the Executive Director's office, I headed to the underground parking lot. That's when my phone rang suddenly.

[Caller: Go An-Na]

'Huh? Why is she calling?'

It was my childhood friend, Go An-Na, who had helped me last time at Club Lucy. Wondering what it could be about, I answered the call.

To my surprise, Go An-Na spoke about something completely unexpected.