CHAPTER 108

Although I had declined a personal offer for a Burger Queen ad before, the situation was different this time. Sacrificing a bit of myself was not a big deal at all.

Na Hun-Seok smiled, pleased with my response. Although he worked in the documentary department, he was still a broadcaster who was focused on and cognizant of viewership ratings.

"Understood, but should we inform the Drama Department as well about this matter? I feel like things would be easier that way. However, I'm not sure how much I can disclose?"

"Please speak only to Mr. Jung Sam-Ryong for now. We will personally reach out to Ms. Kim Soll-Ip."

"Right, that makes sense since Miss Yoo-Jin was recommended by Ms. Kim Soll-Ip."

Then, we started discussing how to structure the story for the episode of Human Stories. The shoot for SBC's Human Stories was scheduled to start the day after tomorrow and the broadcast was scheduled for the end of January.

Na Hun-Seok announced the set schedule and said confidently, "Miss Yoo-Jin is too precious to be trampled by a scumbag like Joo Kang-Yong. I will do my best to create a good piece, so don't you worry."

Na Hun-Seok was known to be a gentleman, yet he couldn't help but curse at Joo Kang-Yong, demonstrating his determination to get back at him.

"Thank you so much. We're counting on you."

After exchanging greetings, we immediately went about our respective tasks.

***

When I arrived at Kim Soll-Ip's house, she was busy with script revisions but got up to greet me. Upon hearing about Yoo-Jin's situation, she quickly became concerned as Yoo-Jin was one of the main characters of Blue Sky and negative press would impact the ratings of the drama.

"I promise the situation will be resolved before the drama airs, Ms. Kim. It might even boost the viewership ratings."

Kim Soll-Ip looked puzzled. "What do you mean, the viewership ratings will increase? Even though a key supporting character gets mentioned in a tabloid article?"

"Without the rivalry issue with Ms. Lee Ji-Yeon, there's no way for Blue Sky to receive a strong push from SBC now."

Kim Soll-Ip seemed convinced and nodded.

"So, if Yoo-Jin's name is mentioned in those…sigh, I'm sorry. If Yoo-Jin's name is mentioned in those tabloid articles, it will naturally bring up the name of Blue Sky. If you could bear with it..."

At that moment, Kim Soll-Ip's eyes sparkled. "So, you're saying it's better to have bad publicity than no publicity at all."

'Exactly. After all, noise marketing is a form of marketing.'

"That's right, Ms. Kim."

Kim Soll-Ip smiled. "Then, let's try it. But how is Miss Yoo-Jin doing right now? It will be hard on her once those kinds of articles are published..."

"This is just a phase. Once it's over, she can live freely without hiding her relationship to Miso. That's what Yoo-Jin is focusing on."

"True, it's not something that can be hidden forever. Please tell her I'm rooting for her."

Then, the door opened with a squeak.

Writer Lee Ji-Yeon entered.

"Huh? Yoon-Ho~? Chief Gu? When did you guys get here?"

Seeing Lee Ji-Yeon's cheerful face, I was at a crossroads.

'Should I tell Lee Ji-Yeon this story or not?'

However, Lee Ji-Yeon immediately noticed something was amiss as soon as she took off her shoes.

"What's going on? I can already tell you're hiding something. I'm Lee Ji-Yeon, you know. Not even ghosts can deceive me."

Eventually, upon Kim Soll-Ip's cue, I decided to tell Lee Ji-Yeon what was happening. Besides, Lee Ji-Yeon was the writer for Yoo-Jin's next work, In the Name of God, and I had to prevent her from forming prejudice against Yoo-Jin due to Joo Kang-Yong's articles.

After hearing my story, Lee Ji-Yeon made a suggestion.

"Yoon-Ho~ When does the shoot for the Human Stories documentary start?"

"We start shooting next week."

"Is that so? Then, could you send the documentary team over to me for a bit?"

Lee Ji-Yeon was known to have an aversion to being photographed. For this reason, she strictly prohibited the making film team from filming her even during her script readings.

"Ms. Lee. Does that mean...?"

"I'll offer a few words of help. Don't you need it? If not, never mind."

"No, we definitely need it! We really need it!"

Extremely grateful for her kindness, I quickly stood up and bowed.

"Thank you so much, Ms. Lee."

Kim Soll-Ip also said she'd appear in the documentary as well to provide some good insights. She would mention Yoo-Jin's diligence in acting, her enthusiastic attitude toward her work, and her kind treatment of her fellow actors.

As if things couldn't get better, I received good news from Kang Ji-Yung, who was in charge of having a conversation with the broadcasting station. She had received a promise from Jung Sam-Ryong, the CP of Blue Sky, that he would protect Yoo-Jin's role from any external pressure.

Now, the only thing left was meeting the most crucial person who could defeat Joo Kang-Yong—Reporter Choi So-Hye. I thought it would be hard to meet with such a high-profile daily newspaper reporter, but meeting Choi So-Hye turned out to be surprisingly easy.

Choi So-Hye, the team lead of the entertainment and culture department of Central Daily Newspaper, one of the top three newspapers, happened to be drinking buddies with Kang Ji-Yung.