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Director Kwak had been planning to deliver an ultimatum to the outsourced directors today anyway. He had long given up hope. Still, he had held onto a slight glimmer of it. He had wished that art director Lee Yoon-hee, at least, would stay with the film until the very end.
“You said CEO Park Dojun contacted you?”
“Yes. He made an unexpected request, saying it was for the sake of the film.”
Director Kwak’s gaze was fixed on the USB placed on the table. The heavy flow of the atmosphere soon focused on Lee Yoon-hee.
“What did he say?”
“He said Chairman Yoo of GN was trying to take our film.”
“Hmm.”
“At first, I didn’t believe it. Why would they... a film that’s already in production...”
“Indeed.”
“CEO Park said GN would try to isolate you, Director Kwak.”
“...”
“I didn’t think much of it, but then the directors’ atmosphere started to change strangely.”
“You mean that happened in Jeju Island?”
Lee Yoon-hee brushed back her hair and nodded.
“One day, while resting at the accommodation, the camera director secretly called the outsourced directors.”
“...”
“He said he had been in contact with GN.”
The person who had contacted the camera director was Han Jintae. He told the directors he would sign exclusive contracts with them and entrust them with all films produced by GN. Furthermore, he made empty promises of large-scale investments. It was an irresistible offer for directors operating small production companies.
“After that conversation, the next day, I was passing by the camera director’s room.”
The camera director had the rough-cut footage he had worked on with Director Kwak displayed on his laptop. She was about to pass by without much thought, but she overheard the phone conversation.
‘Yes, Chief Secretary Han Jintae! The rough-cut footage is long, so I’m rendering it at a lower resolution. I’ll email it once it’s done, so please put in a good word with the Chairman.’
The camera director had been facing management difficulties recently. Lee Yoon-hee recalled him complaining that it was hard to maintain his business.
“Everyone brushed off what the camera director said. As soon as that happened, pressure started coming in.”
“How so?”
“Projects that were scheduled to proceed were suddenly canceled, and even payments were delayed with various excuses.”
“Oh my!”
“Eventually, this person named Han Jintae came to the office with men, and...”
She never thought GN would stoop to such tactics. It was an unwinnable fight for powerless outsourced companies.
“CEO Park Dojun, anticipating this, asked me to collect evidence related to GN.”
“Is that what’s on this USB?”
“Yes. It also contains footage taken at a gathering organized by Chairman Yoo right after we returned from Jeju Island.”
Director Kwak immediately checked the USB. It contained a recording of Chairman Yoo trying to sweet-talk him into allowing Director Kwak’s film to be produced and distributed by GN. Not only that, but it also contained a recording of a phone call with Han Jintae and evidence of threats.
“It seems I owe my life to Director Lee Yoon-hee.”
“Because of CEO Park Dojun’s request, I couldn’t tell you, Director Kwak.”
“It’s alright.”
“After that, Chairman Yoo organized another drinking gathering, but I didn’t go.”
Lee Yoon-hee had temporarily closed her office. Han Jintae had been persistent, so she had also set her phone to reject calls. Director Kwak couldn’t just stand by and take this. He decided to inform the leading directors and actors in the film industry about this.
________________________________________
As Youngjae left the studio, Haejoo breathed a sigh of relief. She was silently praying never to see him again when Dojun entered the waiting room.
“What did you say to him for Manager Youngjae to leave so willingly?”
“Just played a little word game.”
Dojun came out dressed in the clothes Chief Secretary Song had brought him. He also returned the tuxedo, which was a Luca creation.
“Thank you for all your hard work today.”
“It’s nothing. Would it be okay if we all took a group photo together?”
Dojun and Haejoo readily agreed. It would have been perfect without Youngjae, but the results were good, so they were satisfied. A moment later, Dojun took Haejoo and Hyunseong outside.
“Let’s go eat.”
“Me too?”
“You’re now a Jinoh Group employee. Chief Secretary Song is still here; you can’t leave first.”
Dojun, in a playful mood, threatened Hyunseong. Hyunseong, visibly intimidated, glanced at Chief Secretary Song, who then ruffled his hair.
“You come with Chief Secretary Song.”
Dojun, holding the car keys, got into the car Haejoo had arrived in. A languid breeze blew, carrying the cooler evening air, unlike the daytime.
“Being an actor is special.”
“You did well in front of the camera, Dojun.”
“Because you were next to me.”
“By the way, when do you think the film shoot will resume?”
“Soon.”
Today, Dojun received a message from Lee Yoon-hee. She said she couldn’t endure it any longer and would go to see Director Kwak. Han Jintae was shaking up the peaceful film industry. If this matter came to light, GN was highly likely to face significant humiliation.
“How about Korean beef for dinner?”
“Sounds great!”
Dojun headed to a famous Korean beef specialty restaurant. This place, which only handled the highest grades, required a reservation a month in advance. As they finished parking and stepped out, Hyunseong’s mouth dropped open.
“Are we having our company dinner here?”
“You’ve been through a lot today; eat as much as you want.”
“By any chance, CEO, is there a place for me at Jinoh Group too?”
“Not yet. We’ll have to create one.”
“Ah...”
Hyunseong wasn’t particularly disappointed. He figured he wouldn’t be sitting at a desk anyway. As they entered, a staff member in uniform bowed respectfully.
“I’ll guide you to your reserved table.”
As the four people followed the staff member, another customer seemed to enter from behind, and a familiar voice called out to Dojun.
“Isn’t that CEO Park Dojun?”
Dojun instantly recognized the voice, imbued with shallow character. It was truly regrettable to encounter him while with Haejoo. Reluctantly, he stopped. As he subtly turned his head, he felt the sharp gazes of Han Jintae and Chairman Yoo. Soon, a subtle battle of wills arose between Dojun and Chairman Yoo. Chairman Yoo seemed to expect Dojun to come and bow his head.
“If you’re here to eat, eat quietly and leave.”
Though aimed at Han Jintae, the remark touched Chairman Yoo’s pride. When Dojun cut him off, a heavy voice then flew at him.
“How about acting like a proper businessman?”
Only then did Dojun stand face to face with Chairman Yoo. Sending Haejoo behind him, he drew a faint smile on his lips.
“It’s only right for the person who recognized the other first, when they’re not even acquaintances, to act with some sense.”
At that moment, Chairman Yoo’s brow furrowed. The young upstart’s advice was quite audacious, bordering on reckless. Han Jintae was just as flustered. No one treated Chairman Yoo this way. Yet, he tucked his bristled tail.
“I made a mistake in my eagerness to greet CEO Park Dojun. This is Chairman Yoo Jinho of GN.”
Only then did Dojun take a step. He walked past Han Jintae and offered his hand to Chairman Yoo.
“I am Park Dojun, CEO of Jinoh Group.”
“As the rumors say, you’re full of spirit.”
Dojun offered a handshake but didn’t bow his head. He treated Chairman Yoo as an equal. Chairman Yoo observed him closely. His aura was so immense that even his outwardly handsome appearance was overshadowed. Han Jintae was an incomparable presence. This was why his youngest son, Jinhan, was bound to become nothing more than a useless rag.
“Then, please enjoy your meal.”
“Recently.”
As Dojun was about to turn away, Chairman Yoo narrowed his eyes. The lack of composure in his tone clearly showed his sharpened edge.
“I hear Jinoh Group is investing in Director Kwak’s film?”
“That’s right.”
“I heard your wife is appearing in that film.”
Chairman Yoo asked, stating facts he already knew, as if disclaiming them. Dojun’s lips twisted at the annoying behavior, but the crude warning didn’t stop.
“I hope you don’t forsake your duty, considering the considerable favors you’ve received from GN Entertainment.”
He was speaking to Dojun, but it was meant for Haejoo to hear. Her shoulders trembled subtly as she hid her face, avoiding eye contact. Dojun’s lips curled sharply upwards. Han Jintae held his breath at the madness in his eyes.
“Isn’t it ridiculous for the Chairman’s son to mess things up and then dump the responsibility on an agency actor?”
“What?”
“The favors bestowed upon us are so overwhelming that I intend to release the film into the world no matter what.”
“A young man relying solely on his bravado will face a rude awakening.”
“Having a lot of money and being old doesn’t make theft acceptable.”
“...”
Chairman Yoo’s wide eyes filled with blood. Dojun coldly watched as his face instantly turned crimson.
“If you can’t even trust your own child, do you think it’d be any different with others?”
Dojun glared at Han Jintae as if cutting him with a knife. For a moment, Chairman Yoo was speechless, turning into a stone.
“It seems like a game where the first person to pull out the bottom card wins, so I’ll enjoy watching. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Han Jintae, who didn’t understand Dojun’s meaning, grimaced. Chairman Yoo, on the other hand, coughed and turned his head away.
“Contact Chairman Kim and move the dinner location.”
“Chairman!”
Chairman Yoo stormed out the door. Dojun, who had turned to walk away, let out a wry chuckle. Haejoo, who had been nervous during the unexpected verbal sparring, asked cautiously.
“What do you mean? ‘Bottom card’?”
“Who do you think Han Jintae learned to act like this from?”
“Ah!”
“I’ve seen countless people like Chairman Yoo, and they always make the same choice in the end.”
“How so?”
“Those kinds of people have no family, nothing. They only care about themselves.”
Chairman Yoo’s true nature was unexpectedly exposed in front of Dojun. And it happened in front of Han Jintae, who was his subordinate. So, of course, he didn’t want to be in the same place as Dojun. Moreover, Han Jintae was quick-witted. It was amusing that Chairman Yoo bolted before Han Jintae could understand Dojun’s meaning.
“Let’s eat.”
Hyunseong’s eyes were almost popping out. Dojun’s demeanor towards Chairman Yoo was cooler than a fantasy protagonist.
________________________________________
“CEO Park Dojun!”
“Yes?”
“I respect you!”
Chief Secretary Song chuckled, and Haejoo patted Hyunseong’s shoulder as if he were cute.
“I’ll really work hard for Haejoo Noona.”
“Why don’t you learn about stocks while you’re at it?”
“No, I can’t do something like that. I’m sorry.”
Dojun chuckled at his quick refusal. A lavish spread was laid out on the table, and soon, Korean beef sirloin was placed on the charcoal grill. Haejoo enjoyed her meal, even forgetting her morning sickness.
________________________________________
Chairman Yoo moved the meeting place to another Korean beef specialty restaurant. He was quiet and had a dark expression throughout the meal. Usually, they would go for a second round of drinks, but today, they only finished their meal and left.
“What’s wrong, Chairman?”
“I’m tired.”
At Han Jintae’s signal, the driver headed to Chairman Yoo’s mansion. Han Jintae glanced at Chairman Yoo, who was leaning back with his eyes closed throughout the ride.
“I’ll meet Manager Kim Young-jae first thing tomorrow morning and then come back.”
“Before that, though.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
“From now on, get my permission before bringing in new people.”
“...Understood.”
Most things were handled by Han Jintae. He had gained Chairman Yoo’s trust by always finishing his work without any lingering issues. But this time was different. Whatever he did, there was friction, and he clashed with Dojun at every turn. Director Kwak was the biggest problem. He should have given in by now, but Dojun’s support made him unyielding. It would be troublesome if these series of problems accumulated.
“Chief Secretary Han.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
“To your eyes, Jinhan might seem like a softie, but he’s not.”
“What are you suddenly talking about?”
“The kid has a subtle punch. It hurts quite a bit when it lands.”
“...”
“Mistakes are allowed, but missteps are not.”
“...”
“From now on, you’d better properly bow your head in front of Jinhan.”
“I’ll be careful.”
Just then, the car stopped in front of the mansion. Chairman Yoo opened the car door himself and went inside. Han Jintae was seen bowing behind him. He knew that appearances could be deceiving, but he had kept Han Jintae close because he was convenient. However, it seemed that his usefulness was coming to an end, so he shook his head.
“You’re home?”
For some reason, Hwang Yeong-ok greeted Chairman Yoo upon his return from work. They had been sleeping in separate rooms for a long time, and the two were distant even within the house.
“Do you have something to say?”
“How’s Jinhan’s company these days?”
“It seems to have quieted down.”
“Isn’t the CEO position there going to be vacant soon?”
Chairman Yoo stared at Hwang Yeong-ok, who was taking his clothes. In response to his questioning gaze, she replied in a languid tone.
“Don’t even think about putting anyone else in that position but my son.”
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