CHAPTER 120

As expected, Kang Gam-Chan was someone who knew how to paint on a grand canvas. He didn't care about money as long as he could show everyone that Hoop Entertainment was a company that protected their celebrities no matter what. Despite the potential cost of legal fees reaching into the hundreds of millions, he was determined to make a stand. Such a stance would not only fend off arbitrary attacks on the celebrities already in Hoop Entertainment but could also aid the acquisition of distressed celebrities from other companies.

Kang Gam-Chan was a visionary who turned every crisis into an opportunity. I was impressed by his strategic approach.

Screech!

When we arrived at SBC's underground parking, Executive Secretary Lee Sang-Moon announced, "We've arrived, sir."

Only after yelling at the phone for a while did Kang Gam-Chan nod his head and end the call.

"Let's go. And you can head home early today. This might take a while," Kang Gam-Chan said to Lee Sang-Moon.

"I'm okay, Mr. Kang. I'll wait."

"I'm always grateful for you. Let your wife know in advance that you have your day off tomorrow."

Lee Sang-Moon smiled and nodded.

Then, we got out of the car and headed toward the elevator, where he unexpectedly pressed the button for the 12th floor.

'Twelfth floor? That's where the executive meeting room is located.'

I wondered why we were meeting with the executives of SBC, but the heavy atmosphere made me hesitant to open my mouth first.

As we ascended to the twelfth floor, we exchanged brief greetings with the PDs and ADs we met. Looking at the way they exchanged glances, it seemed that they were aware of the day's events. After all, Jung Yoo-Jin was still topping the live search rankings.

Ding!

Upon reaching the twelfth floor, we entered the meeting room with closed blinds. The room was filled with more people than I had expected. From SBC, there were Jung Sam-Ryong, Lee Ki-Do, Woo Ji-Han, and Na Hoon-Seok. From Blue Dragon were Jo Eung-Gu and Kang Soo-Hoon.

"Oh, you're here, Mr. Kang."

Kang Gam-Chan exchanged greetings with the staff from SBC and Blue Dragon.

"It's been a long time. I should have visited more often, but I've been busy with overseas tasks recently."

He then introduced me and Gu Seong-Cheol to them with a chuckle.

"This is Chief Gu from Actor Division 2. And this is Assistant Manager Jung Yoon-Ho, who is also a talent agent of Jung Yoo-Jin."

For a moment, I wondered if I had heard Kang Gam-Chan right. He was referring to me as an assistant manager even though my official promotion hadn't been announced yet.

Surprised but grateful, I greeted everyone with enthusiasm.

"Hello, everyone! I'm Jung Yoon-Ho from Hoop Entertainment!"

"It's nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you. You are full of energy, perhaps because of your young age. Why don't we sit down?"

I calmed my beating heart and exchanged greetings with the executives whom a first-year newbie couldn't normally encounter.

We all sat down, but no one touched the drinks or snacks on the table as we were waiting for someone.

Then, SBC's president, Kim Gab-Soo, entered.

Everyone quickly stood up to show respect. Although Kim Gab-Soo was five years younger than Kang Gam-Chan, he appeared much older, perhaps due to stress.

"Oh, please sit down. This isn't the military."

Those who stood up upon Kim Gab-Soo's entrance sat down in unison.

"I'm sorry I called for a meeting at this time."

'Well, I'm sure everyone would have come to the meeting even if it were three in the morning. After all, it's the president of SBC who called for the meeting. Of course, people would come running at 11 PM.'

"Hmm, hmm. It's nothing too serious…"

'Oh, it's definitely something serious if someone says that. Why would he call for a meeting at this time if it's over something trivial?'

"I called the meeting because I really enjoyed today's episode of The Human Stories on Jung Yoo-Jin. Mr. Na, what were the viewership ratings again?"

"We reached 15.5% near the end, sir."

"Hahaha. Did everyone hear that? 15%! And it's a documentary."

I wasn't surprised because I had already heard the viewership ratings in advance from Na Hoon-Seok, but the staff from Blue Dragon's publicity team all looked astounded. Even Jung Sam-Ryong and Lee Ki-Do looked surprised.

"The Human Stories…reached 15%?"

Looking at Na Hoon-Seok winking at me, I figured that I was the only person, other than the president, that he had informed.

"We hit the jackpot even before starting the shoot for the drama. So I called Hoop Entertainment and Blue Dragon here so we can come up with plans in advance."

Everyone gasped in amazement and exchanged congratulatory handshakes.

Kim Gab-Soo nodded in satisfaction and continued speaking. "So, Mr. Jo. I was thinking of sending The Human Stories team to the drama set. Would that be okay?"

"Pardon? You want to send a documentary team to the drama set?"

"Yes. It seems like a pity to end The Human Stories just like that. We're planning a second part focusing on Miss Jung Yoo-Jin. In return, we're thinking of increasing the production budget. How does that sound?"

Kim Gab-Soo seemed eager to capitalize on the success of The Human Stories, given that it had achieved a remarkable 15% viewership rating.

After a moment of consideration, Jo Eung-Gu of Blue Dragon responded positively with a bright expression. "Well, that's totally fine by me as long as we don't have to worry about the documentary team and can focus on our own work."

"Ha ha ha. I appreciate your understanding."

Adding a documentary team to a drama set was usually a cause for concern. But with the promise of increased production funding, it was an offer hard to refuse.

"That's all settled, then. Oh, and Mr. Kang, didn't you say you have something to discuss?"

Kang Gam-Chan stood up and bowed slightly upon Kim Gab-Soo's call. "An actress from our company has caused such a disturbance this time. I apologize."

The others waved off his apology.

"Oh, Mr. Kang. There is no need to apologize."

"Please raise your head. Ha ha ha."

After his apology, Kang Gam-Chan spoke up. "That being said... I was thinking of contributing to the drama's production. How about 1 billion won?"

The room fell into a stunned silence as everyone's jaws dropped at the generous offer.