boyutpedia Chapter 449: Hwangryong Film Association (3)
Chapter 449: Hwangryong Film Association (3)
Chapter 449: Hwangryong Film Association (3)
It seemed urgent, but I couldn't give him what he wanted for free. The one in a hurry was Yang Doo-Soo, not me.
For this reason, I pretended to hesitate slightly. "I'm not sure if we can manage the time, Mr. Yang."
Yang Doo-Soo immediately responded. "We'll use our broadcasting headquarters' helicopter if we have to, so time won't be an issue!"
I had also considered using a helicopter instead of a car.
When I appeared hesitant, Yang Doo-Soo urgently offered a deal. "Team Lead Jung, let's just get through today, alright? Then I'll ensure Tae-Poong, Ha-Na, and Cherry Blossom all get on the variety shows they want. Even if there's a new rookie, I'll get them in too. What do you say?"
Yang Doo-Soo, an entertainment PD with fifteen years of experience at SBC, was on friendly terms with the station's entertainment director. Additionally, he was the producer of the weekend variety show Welcome to Weekend Pension, which had a 13% viewership ratings.
A PD of such caliber was promising that I could pick any show for my talents.
I asked, "Are you promising this?"
"Yes, I'm telling you! Even rookies, I'll make it happen."
Having secured Yang Doo-Soo's promise, it was time to choose the singer for the performance.
'Who should I call?'
Jo Ah-Yeon wanted Kang Ha-Na, but there was another option for singing 'New Beginning'.
That option was none other than vocal trainer Seo Yeon-Woo. Currently preparing for his singing debut with the Hwaranjeon original soundtrack, Seo Yeon-Woo had performed 'New Beginning' as much as Kang Ha-Na during her training days.
'Should I call Yeon-Woo?'
After a brief hesitation, I shook my head. In such an urgent situation, even an experienced singer might falter. I didn't want to put that burden on Seo Yeon-Woo.
Moreover, the stars of the Hwangryong Film Association were the actors no matter what. Even if Seo Yeon-Woo sang exceptionally, he might be overshadowed.
This wasn't the right moment for him. Seo Yeon-Woo needed a proper debut stage.
That left only one person: Kang Ha-Na.
"Mr. Yang, then I'll call Ha-Na. But make sure her performance fee is guaranteed."
Yang Doo-Soo looked incredulous. "Seriously, Team Lead Jung. You're saying that in this situation?"
'What? Kang Ha-Na is one of my celebrities, isn't she?'
A talent agent should never undersell their performers even in situations like this. This was the reason for the talent agent's existence.
"Now that I think about it, Ha-Na has a fear of heights. I wonder if she will be able to take a helicopter~ If she can't, we might miss the timing."
When I feigned reluctance, Yang Doo-Soo finally shouted in desperation. "F-fine! I'll match the second part's performance fee! Deal?"
I smiled and bowed deeply. "Thank you so much, Mr. Yang!"
Yang Doo-Soo clicked his tongue. "You are quite something, Team Lead Jung. You're negotiating even now. Anyway, call her quickly. I'll contact the SBC helicopter captain."
"Okay!"
While Yang Doo-Soo made his calls, I phoned Do Ran-Hee.
As expected, Do Ran-Hee confirmed they hadn't left yet.
"Stay put with Jong-Hoon and the others. I'll send a helicopter to your location."
-Got it.
"And bring Seon-Woo along too."
-Huh? Why Seon-Woo?
"The moment we arrive, the performance will start. He'll need to coordinate on-site rehearsals. There's no one else who can handle it in this situation."
-Understood.
I immediately called Bang Seon-Woo, who was working in the underground recording studio. After explaining the situation, he agreed to meet Do Ran-Hee and depart together.
-Got it. Then send me the part Miss Ju Yung-In sings via Kk Talk. I'll discuss with Ha-Na how to structure the duet while we're in the helicopter.
"Alright, I'll leave it to you."
Eventually, it was decided that Kang Ha-Na, Kim Jong-Hoon, and Bang Seon-Woo, along with a few talent agents, would travel by helicopter.
Ideally, I would have also liked to bring Cherry Blossom who were set to perform the second opening stage. But it wasn't possible due to the helicopter's capacity.
After finishing the instructions, I hung up.
But just as I ended the call, Yang Doo-Soo's face looked pale. "Uh, Team Lead Jung."
"Yes?"
"...Is there any way to get a helicopter?"
"What do you mean by getting a helicopter?"
"Sigh. Our helicopter just landed, but it needs 40 minutes for refueling and a quick inspection before it can fly again."
The current time was 8:10 p.m. The performance was at 9:30 p.m, but Kang Ha-Na needed to arrive by 9:00 p.m. to rehearse at the minimum.
Using the SBC helicopter would take 20 minutes round trip. But adding the time it took to get from the landing site to the venue meant they would arrive just before the performance.
Fortunately, there was another solution.
I asked, "You'll cover the helicopter costs, right?"
"Of course!"
"Then give me a moment. I'll make a call."
"Sure."
I immediately called Shin Jong-Ki, the president of LT Entertainment. He answered quickly despite the background noise, likely because he was at the same Incheon Pyramid Hotel.
-Oh, Team Lead Jung, what's going on?
"Mr. Shin, do you know of any helicopters available for night flights?"
-There's one used by the team filming at Jiri Mountain. It's currently near Jamsil. Why? What's going on?
Ju Yung-In answered with a smile. "I asked them to leave so you wouldn't feel uncomfortable."
"Did you think being alone with you wouldn't be more uncomfortable?"
Ju Yung-In leaned slightly toward me. "Not at all. Are you uncomfortable?"
"Forget it. I'm not saying anything."
Ju Yung-In giggled. "By the way, how's Yoo-Jin's Hwaranjeon shoot going?"
"It's progressing well, though the pace is a bit slow since it's early on."
"Oh~ really? Then how about Min Gyu-Ri? She seemed really prickly toward Yoo-Jin the last time I was there. Have they clashed again since?"
"Not since the day you visited."
It was slightly amusing to see Ju Yung-In worrying about Yoo-Jin. It seemed like she forgot how she used to be.
Perhaps noticing my expression, Ju Yung-In grumbled. "I'm not like that anymore!"
"That's true. Fair enough."
Seeing Ju Yung-In's pouty face, I subtly changed the topic.
"By the way, have you practiced your song much?"
Ju Yung-In straightened her posture and cleared her throat. "Want to hear it?"
"No, thanks."
Like most top tier actors, Ju Yung-In had good vocal projection. Her voice was clear and her articulation was excellent, so she sang reasonably well. I already knew this from before the regression, so I didn't feel the need to listen. It wouldn't change anything anyway.
"Hmph. Sometimes, it feels like you already know everything, oppa."
"There's still a lot I don't know."
Since the regression, many things had changed. Not only had I changed significantly, but so had Ju Yung-In in front of me.
I asked, "By the way, how's the filming in China going?"
"Why don't you show this kind of concern more often? You're my agent for China, aren't you?"
"You handle things well on your own. Why should I?"
Ju Yung-In pouted and started sharing about her experience filming in China. "I don't handle it as well as you think, so keep an eye on me. It's tough. The scale is big and they pay well, which is great, but... it's lonely not knowing anyone there."
It was hard to believe that the almighty Ju Yung-In felt lonely. "You brought your Korean staff and close aides with you. What's there to feel lonely about?"
"Ugh~ Am I not a person in your eyes? I act tough and don't show it. Anyway, I'm planning to return to Korean activities next year."
Ju Yung-In said she would come back to Korea after wrapping up Wolf of the Battlefield. Though she avoided starring in Queen Jeong-Hee, she intended to do other dramas and movies and even expressed a desire to compete with Yoo-Jin.
At that moment, a message from Yoo-Jin arrived.
[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Oppa, are you busy?]
Ju Yung-In glanced at the message and commented. "Reply to Yoo-Jin that you're enjoying some cozy alone time with me."
"Are you crazy?"
Following Ju Yung-In's suggestion would undoubtedly cause unnecessary trouble. Ignoring Ju Yung-In's giggles, I replied.
[Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho: No, I'm at Ju Yung-In's waiting room waiting for Ha-Na and Jong-Hoon to arrive]
[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Just the two of you?]
Ju Yung-In laughed, putting up two fingers and holding them to the sides of her head like antennae. "Does Yoo-Jin have some kind of radar for you, or what?"
I had only said I was at the waiting room, but Yoo-Jin immediately guessed we were alone. Maybe Ju Yung-In was right—Yoo-Jin might indeed have a radar.
I responded honestly to Yoo-Jin's message.
[Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho: Yeah, Chief Ahn Yung-Hee and Stylist Ji Soo-Hyun stepped out for a bit.]
[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Classic Yung-In. Say hello for me. Also, I sent kimchi from home. Did she get it?]
I said, "Yoo-Jin sent kimchi?"
Ju Yung-In answered. "Yeah, Yoo-Jin personally packed it and shipped it to me in China."
"Kimchi can be sent to China?"
"If it's packed tightly in small amounts, it's possible. Tell her I enjoyed it. I had no appetite, but her kimchi brought me back to life."
It was surprising that Yoo-Jin had sent kimchi. "When did you two get so close?"
"It's not really about being close. She's probably returning the favor from my last visit."
Ju Yung-In was likely referring to the coffee truck she brought during the Min Gyu-Ri incident. After hearing her explanation, I messaged Yoo-Jin back.
[Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho: She said she enjoyed it. Anyway, I'll head your way once things are done here.]
[Lovely♡Yoo-Jin: Okay~ See you later~]
After finishing the conversation, Ju Yung-In giggled.
"Why are you reading my messages?"
Ju Yung-In widened her already large eyes, making them even bigger. "My eyes are big, so my field of vision is wide. See?"
"Stop with the nonsense and start preparing for rehearsal."
"Got it."
It was now 8:30 p.m., and the helicopter would arrive soon.
"Drink some water before then."
I grabbed a 500ml water bottle nearby, emptied a bit of water onto a nearby plant, inserted a straw, and handed it to Ju Yung-In.
Sometimes, actresses would tilt the bottle to drink directly from it and end up spilling water on their clothes as they were distracted or immersed in their scripts. Yoo-Jin often did this.
By leaving some extra space in the bottle, they would realize before tipping it too far to avoid a mess.
But as Ju Yung-In took the water bottle, she looked at me with an emotional expression and suddenly began saying something unexpected.