Chapter 1032: Message 4949 (2)

I frowned when I heard I was one of the company's owners, and everyone on set stared at me in shock. That included PD Yoo Sun-Hwa, who had just been threatening to quit the company.

"Mr. Lee! What do you mean Chief Jung owns the company?"

Director Lee Gi-Do scratched inside his ear before answering. "I just came from a meeting with the president and Chairman Kim Ae-Ryeon of Daechon Inc. We were discussing Daechon Media's acquisition of part of SBC's shares. Turns out Chief Jung is one of Daechon Media's major shareholders. Which means he'll naturally become one of SBC's owners too."

"That's ridiculous..."

Daechon Media had announced plans to acquire stakes in terrestrial and cable broadcasters to withstand pressure from the broadcasting and media industries. However, because it couldn't purchase shares in the state-owned KBC or the effectively state-run MBS, it could only acquire up to a 10% stake in the privately owned SBC.

I didn't know exactly how much they planned to acquire, but judging by Lee Gi-Do's attitude, it seemed to be a fairly substantial amount.

"So, PD Yoo. This isn't something I can decide and neither can our president. We can't exactly tell one of the company's owners to get lost, can we?"

Yoo Sun-Hwa's eyes darted around.

"PD Yoo. You've worked hard all this time. Good luck wherever you go, and maybe someday..."

At that moment, Yoo Sun-Hwa suddenly exploded. "Who said I was leaving the company? I said I was leaving this show!"

"What?"

"I'll take my hands off this program, so bring someone else in to direct it. You should listen more carefully. Anyway, I'm leaving."

Shamelessly changing her story, Yoo Sun-Hwa abandoned both Black Soul and Director Hong Ah-Yoon before storming out of the set.

Whoooosh.

A cold gust of wind blew in through the open studio doors. Everyone stared blankly after her disappearing figure before Lee Gi-Do let out a disbelieving laugh.

"That brat. She's top-tier at directing, but she's also top-tier at running away." He then turned toward Hong Ah-Yoon, who was still standing there in a daze. "Director Hong. What are you going to do?"

Without answering, Hong Ah-Yoon shot me one glare before shouting toward Black Soul on stage. "Hey! What are you all standing around for? It's over, so get down here."

The members of Black Soul climbed off the stage with obvious dissatisfaction written across their faces. Seo Yo-Hwan, who was twenty-five, and Alex Jang, who was twenty-four, especially glared at me without bothering to hide their hostility, perhaps because we weren't that far apart in age.

They were completely unaware of what was about to happen to them a few moments later.

As Black Soul filed out through the exit, Hong Ah-Yoon fixed me with a hard stare. "I never imagined you'd set your sights on a broadcasting station too. Con-grat-u-la-tions. Guess it's getting hard to call you some lowly talent agent now, isn't it?"

She said congratulations, but her tone was nothing but a curse.

I answered with a bright smile, "Keep the Black Soul kids away from our I.O.A girls. If it happens one more time, I'll burn HK Entertainment to the ground. Understood?"

Hong Ah-Yoon snorted angrily. "Burn HK Entertainment down? Don't make me laugh. Tell your I.O.A girls to stop throwing themselves at our boys!"

I had given her more than enough warning, but she had no intention of listening.

'Fine. Then I'll simply give you exactly what you want.'

***

CP Kang Dae-Woong hurried over and immediately began preparing the shoot.

"We'll resume filming the remaining scenes for Part One right away. The kids are still a little shaken, so we'll bring in Chief Jung, Managing Director Wang Long, and Team Lead Sasuke earlier than planned."

As Kang Dae-Woong quickly brought the chaotic set back under control, Lee Gi-Do finally relaxed and smiled at me. "Chief Jung, about what I said earlier about you being one of SBC's owners—you know I was exaggerating a little, right?"

At the moment, I owned 10% of Daechon Media. And Daechon Media was currently negotiating to acquire just under 10% of SBC's shares. A stake that size would be enough to influence the appointment of SBC's directors, but not enough to go around calling yourself one of the owners. After all, TSN Inc., SBC's true controlling owner, still held a 45% stake.

I nodded. "Of course."

Lee Gi-Do smiled. "Hahaha. Good. I know what kind of person you are, Chief Jung, so I'm not really worried. I just wanted to say it in case. If those words come from you, quite a few people might feel uncomfortable."

The station staff would certainly be uneasy, but more importantly, he meant the chairman of TSN Inc. wouldn't appreciate it.

"Don't worry. I'd never say something like that myself," I said.

"Ahem. Thanks for understanding. By the way, what did you mean earlier when you said Black Soul had a bad reputation?"

"Oh, just rumors from their underground days about their womanizing."

It wasn't too late to mention the drugs after I had evidence. The impact would be enormous, and if I acted too hastily, I wouldn't be able to uproot the suppliers connected to them.

"True enough. The girls are only just debuting, and getting caught up in a scandal involving male idols with shady rumors wouldn't do anyone any favors. Still, Chief Jung, from now on, talk to me before you do anything. All right?"

"Of course. Who else do I have besides you, Mr. Lee? Besides, if I'd been able to reach you earlier, I wouldn't have stepped in myself."

"Fair point. From now on, I'll make sure you can always get hold of me."

"Thank you. Then please keep serving as an SBC director for a long, long time."

At that moment, Lee Gi-Do's face lit up. He understood exactly what I meant—that I would use Daechon Media's influence as a shareholder to help secure his position.

"Uh... forever? Hahaha. W-Wait. Does this mean we should start speaking formally to each other now...?"

"Come on. Don't do that, Mr. Lee. Not between us."

The corners of Lee Gi-Do's mouth curled up even higher. "Right. Between us. Okay. Well, I should get back now. I stepped out after getting a call while I was talking with the president and Mrs. Chairman. Want to come with me?"

"No. I need to look after the kids while they're filming."

The issue with Black Soul appearing on the same program had been resolved, but Everyday's warning about the drug incident still hadn't changed. I couldn't leave just yet.

After all, it meant those Black Soul bastards were still targeting the girls.

***

"Okay! Cut!"

The filming for Part One came to an end.

Kang Dae-Woong jumped to his feet and gave me a thumbs-up. "I knew it. Once Chief Jung started steering the conversation, the whole atmosphere came alive. Since you're already here, how about joining Part Two as well? The kids relaxed with you beside them, so they're talking more naturally, and their expressions look much more comfortable."

The I.O.A members had been so nervous that Wang Long, Sasuke, and I were brought in earlier than planned. From that point on, the girls finally started opening up. As they shared stories about everything they had experienced with me over the past twelve weeks, the conversation began flowing naturally.

I nodded. "All right. I'll join the filming for Part Two as well."

"Perfect. We'll start in twenty minutes, so get changed and I'll see you then."

The I.O.A members followed behind me, repeatedly bowing to the staff as we left. I led the girls, still buzzing with excitement over their first variety show appearance, toward the waiting room. The ten members paired off in twos and trailed after me like ducklings following their mother. Curiosity and nervousness were mixed on every face as they looked around at everything.

The moment we stepped into the waiting room, all the tension disappeared and the girls immediately began bouncing around excitedly.

"Wow! I can't believe we're actually filming a variety show! It finally feels real that we're really I.O.A now!"

"You heard the MC say I was the cutest one, right?"

"Wasn't she talking about me?"

"Hehe. Maybe."

They had fought through fierce competition to get here, but at this moment they were simply girls their own age, getting excited over every little thing.

However, I couldn't just stand there smiling along with them. Now I had to prepare for the group drug incident that Everyday had warned me about.

"Lina, could you come here for a second?"

While laughing with the others, Wang Lina walked over to the corner of the waiting room where I was standing.

After bowing politely to both Wang Long and Sasuke standing beside me, Wang Lina looked at me. "Yes, Mr. Jung. What is it?"

"I heard you're related to Alex from Black Soul. Is that true?"

Wang Lina hesitated before answering, "Yes. We're distant cousins on my mother's side."

"Did Alex acknowledge you earlier?"

"We only exchanged a quick greeting. That was it. We didn't part on good terms when we were kids. If this is because I never mentioned it before, I'm sorry. We haven't been in contact for years, so I never thought he'd acknowledge me."

I assured Wang Lina it was fine before asking why. "You said you didn't part on good terms. What happened?"

Unlike her usual self, Wang Lina fidgeted and struggled to continue. "Well..."

"Lina. Even if it's something unpleasant, tell me exactly what happened. That way we can prepare in case anything happens."

After letting out a quiet sigh, Wang Lina nodded. "You know my family is pretty well known in diplomatic circles, right? Even back in Beijing."

Wang Lina's father was a senior official in China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and her family had been a prominent diplomatic family since her grandfather's generation.

I nodded. "Yeah, I know."

"Alex's family was well known in diplomatic circles too. But Alex relied on his family's influence and grew up acting like a complete delinquent."

"And then?"

"When Alex was in middle school, he confessed to Mei, who was my closest friend. When she rejected him, he got drunk with his friends and went after her. They beat her really badly. She lost all her front teeth and even suffered facial fractures. She was hospitalized for a long time. When Mei's grandfather finally found out what had happened, he went after Alex and swore he'd kill him. That's why Alex's family fled to Canada."

"When he was in middle school... he beat a girl nearly to death just because she rejected him?"

"Yes..."

The reality in China was on an entirely different level. Not only Wang Lina but even Wang Long couldn't hide the bitter expressions on their faces. In the end, I was the one who had to reassure them. The circumstances might differ, but things like this happened all over the world.

"I understand. Still, Alex's the one who committed the crime. Why are the two of you hanging your heads? Look up."

Wang Lina cautiously raised her head. "Yes, Mr. Jung."

"So Alex can't go back to China anymore?"

"That's right. He can't. Well... he won't. If he goes back, he'll be beaten half to death. Besides, he's Canadian now anyway."

"I see. In that case, could I hold onto your phone just for today? If Alex tries to contact you, I want to make sure he can't approach you ever again."

"Okay."

Wang Lina took out the company-issued phone and handed it to me. While promoting in Korea, the only people who contacted her were the company, the other I.O.A members, and her parents.

"Here you go."

After taking the phone, I smiled at her. "I'll give it back later. And don't worry about Alex. I'll make sure he never lays a finger on you again."

Wang Lina's face brightened as she nodded. "Yes, Mr. Jung!"

"Good. You can go now."

Smiling, Wang Lina ran back to the other girls.

Wang Long clicked his tongue. "When you say it, Yoon-Ho, the kids believe you without the slightest doubt. To them, you must be Superman."

"Superman? Hardly. More importantly, Wang Long, your bodyguards are still around the station, right?"

Wang Long wasn't just the Managing Director of Shanghai New Media. He was also the son of Wang Min, the Deputy Secretary of Shenzhen. That was why four former special forces bodyguards accompanied him everywhere.

"Yeah. Two are outside and two are waiting inside the station. Why?"

"Call them in for a minute." I grinned. "I'm going to use them to bait Alex."

I knew Black Soul's personalities better than anyone from my days at Top Entertainment, so I was certain Alex Jang wouldn't be able to let what had happened earlier go.

"How are you planning to bait him?"

"Well..."

Buzz.

At that moment, Wang Lina's phone vibrated in my hand.

[Caller ID: 010-5933-2XXX]

A call came in from an unknown number before disconnecting almost immediately. A text message followed right after.

[Sender ID: 010-5933-2XXX]

[Lina, it's me, Alex. Sorry about earlier. Director Hong insisted I get back to filming, so I had to cut in. Oh, and my mom heard I was going to see you today, so she asked me to give you a little gift. Could we meet for a minute? I know you don't like me, but it's from my mom, so please accept it. It's to congratulate you on making I.O.A.]

The impatient fish had jumped out of the water before I had even cast the bait.

"Hold on, Wang Long. They made the first move."

The "gift" Alex Jang mentioned was almost certainly something laced with drugs. Even before the regression, this was exactly how he operated. He approached people under the guise of kindness before exposing them to drugs without their knowledge.

It was the perfect opportunity to gather evidence. I immediately texted back, pretending to be Wang Lina.

[Where are you?]

[Come out of your waiting room and head to the restroom on the right. I'm in the hallway beside it.]

[Wait there. I'll be right over. Just give me the gift and leave.]

After finishing the exchange, I showed the messages to Wang Long. His expression hardened.

"This doesn't feel right. Should I have the bodyguards take him down?"

I shook my head. "No. Tell them to stay near me and blend in like staff members passing by."

"Huh? Why?"

"Someone's definitely going to be secretly taking pictures. Have your men watch the area carefully and catch that person first."

"Then you mean..."

"That's right. It's a trap."

"True. Once photos are taken, there's no talking your way out of it. Got it. We'll catch the photographer, so don't worry."

"Thanks."

Leaving the rest to Wang Long, I took Wang Lina's phone and headed outside.

***

I arrived at the hallway near the restroom where we had agreed to meet. Alex Jang was leaning against the wall, grinning to himself, carrying a mint-colored paper bag in one hand and a pink one in the other.

"What are you doing?"I asked.

Alex Jang jumped in surprise and stared at me. "Chief Jung... why are you... here?"

Just as I had expected, away from the stage he spoke perfectly fluent Korean.

"Lina said she needed to change clothes, so she asked me to pick up the gift for her. What is it?"

I answered with an indifferent look, as though I had already forgotten everything that had happened earlier.

After a moment's hesitation, Alex Jang held out the large mint-colored bag and the smaller pink one. "I wanted to give them to her myself, but I guess it can't be helped. Here."

The mint-colored bag felt surprisingly heavy in my hand, while the pink one was much lighter.

"What's in these?" I asked.

"Oh, the mint-colored bag has cookies my mom baked. They're to congratulate I.O.A on debuting. Share them with the other members."

"And the pink one?"

"That's a doll for Lina."

"Got it. I'll make sure she gets them."

"All right. Thanks."

Alex Jang gave a slight nod and walked past me. Just then, I caught the corner of his mouth curling upward as he passed. Watching him, I smiled as well.

'Evidence secured.'

Knowing the future had made obtaining the evidence far easier than I had expected. But the truly important part was only just beginning.

Holding the bags carefully in both hands, I deliberately walked back toward the waiting room at a slow pace.

Thunk.

I closed the door behind me and stepped inside.

The moment he saw me, Wang Long shouted into his phone, "Grab that reporter!"

His security team had apparently been tailing the reporter already, because his first order was to take him down. Ten seconds later, Wang Long nodded while still holding the phone.

"They got him. The reporter started taking pictures of you from the moment you met Alex. They confiscated his phone and checked it. Doesn't look like he managed to send anything."

It was just as I had expected. Alex had planned to use the reporter's photos to break the story today.

At that very moment, the four entries on my phone's schedule vanished.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: June 6, 2021]

-8:00 p.m.: <Schedule Entry Deleted>

(Deleted Schedule Entry: [NEW. Wang Lina]

[Entertainment Big News] Popular members of the girl group I.O.A arrested in a group drug abuse case.)

...

"So... should we go deal with that reporter first?"

Just then, Sasuke pointed at the paper bags in my hands. "Hyung, what's inside those bags?"

I opened the mint-colored paper bag. It was filled with cookies.

I answered, "Cannabis cookies."

Sasuke's expression immediately hardened. "Wow... that's seriously sick. You'd never be able to tell just by looking at them."

Just as Sasuke said, cannabis cookies didn't carry the distinctive smell of marijuana, so there was no way to notice while eating them. Only after the symptoms appeared would anyone realize something was wrong. In other words, Alex Jang had deliberately chosen cannabis cookies so the I.O.A members would eat them by accident. It was exactly the same trick he had used before the regression.

"Yeah. That's what makes it even worse."

At that moment, Wang Long's eyes flashed with anger. He had invested an enormous amount of money into I.O.A, but more than that, Ling Ling—whom he treated like a younger sister—could easily have ended up eating one of those cookies as well.

"Yoon-Ho. You're not planning to let Alex get away with this, are you?"

"Do I look like someone who's going to forgive him?"

Seeing the coldness in my eyes, Wang Long slowly shook his head. "No."

"Good. Then come with me. We're going to wipe every last one of them out."

There was no way I was going to forgive Alex Jang for trying to drag his own cousin, Wang Lina, into drugs, or for trying to addict Go Eun-Seo, who was only a first-year high school student.

And if anyone stood in my way, I didn't care who it was but I would crush them even if it was HK Entertainment itself.