Chapter 1043: Princess and the Maid (3)

"What are you planning to do, Chief Jung?"

I answered Director Kang Ji-Yung calmly. "They barged into our company and tried to intimidate us. Before I worry about making Bo-Bae the lead in Happy & Happy, I need to make them pay for that."

Kang Ji-Yung's eyes widened. "Don't tell me... you're planning to march into HK Entertainment?"

"Yes."

They had the nerve to storm into Hoop Entertainment in broad daylight where everyone could see them. And they had dared to threaten our company's president. There was no way I was going to let that slide.

Kang Ji-Yung's eyes lit up. "Should I come with you?"

"No. I'll go alone. Unlike them, I'm not going to barge in with a crowd. Going by myself will hit them much harder."

I couldn't very well reveal my relationship with President Hong Jin-Gyu, so I couldn't bring Kang Ji-Yung along.

"The place is probably in complete chaos because of you right now. They're saying the company might even shut down."

"Don't worry. I have a plan."

"A plan?"

Smiling, I called Hong Jin-Gyu, the second son of HK Inc.

Hong Jin-Gyu had recently become president of HK Distribution. And HK Distribution was the company financing HK Entertainment, effectively making it the one that controlled it. If Hong Jin-Gyu accompanied me, getting all the way to the president's office at HK Entertainment wouldn't be a problem.

After a few rings, Hong Jin-Gyu answered.

-Oh, Chief Jung. I've been so busy these past few days that I forgot to call. You've been doing well, right?

Over the past week, the succession war within HK Inc. that I had set into motion was still raging. But since Gong Gi-Seok had been handling things on my behalf, there hadn't been any need for me to contact Hong Jin-Gyu directly.

Even so, there wasn't a trace of strain in Hong Jin-Gyu's voice. With Gong Gi-Seok and the ghost Victoria secretly supporting him behind the scenes, he seemed to be gaining the upper hand against his older brother, President Hong Myung-Gyu.

"Yes. I've been well."

-That's good to hear. But I thought you said we'd be communicating through Chief Gong from now on. So what's up?

"I need your help with something."

At once, a hint of smugness crept into Hong Jin-Gyu's voice.

-Haha! So there are times when Chief Jung needs my help after all? All right, let's hear it.

"It's about HK Entertainment."

-Ah, HK Entertainment... That's somewhere I can throw my weight around now.

"So you'll help me?"

-Of course I will. But, Chief Jung... everything's give and take, isn't it? If I help you, what's in it for me?

Hong Jin-Gyu's shallow little power play almost made me laugh. He hadn't even gained full control of HK Inc. yet, and he was already trying to flaunt his authority. He was completely unaware that the real owner of HK Distribution was Victoria.

'Fine. Keep dreaming for a little while longer, Hong Jin-Gyu.'

Until the HK Inc. succession battle was over, I couldn't afford to provoke him too much. That said, I couldn't let him think he held all the cards either. If I did, there was no telling what he would try before we split HK Inc. in two. I supposed it was time to remind him that he wasn't indispensable.

"I understand. I'll handle it myself."

The moment I finished speaking, I hung up.

[Call Ended.]

As soon as I pressed the button, Kang Ji-Yung stared at me in shock. After all, I just hung up on someone who might become the next chairman of HK Inc.

"Chief Jung... are you sure that was a good idea? I heard Hong Jin-Gyu never lets things go..."

Just then, Hong Jin-Gyu called back in a hurry.

Buzz.

[Caller ID: President Hong Jin-Gyu]

I gave my phone a little wave. "Don't worry. He's the one who needs me."

Until he secured the chairman's position, there was no way he could afford to lose me. If I ever decided to switch sides and support his older brother, Hong Myung-Soo, his entire situation would be turned upside down.

I deliberately let the phone ring for a while before answering in a curt tone.

"What is it?"

Hong Jin-Gyu's hurried voice came through immediately.

-Come on now. You hung up just because I made one little joke? It was only a joke, a joke. I was just teasing you so I could get you to buy me a meal someday. There's no need to be so cold.

'Yeah, right.'

He had probably been planning to ask how he could acquire more shares, how to drive Hong Myung-Soo out faster, or maybe even how to speed up his appointment as president of HK Department Store. His intentions were painfully obvious.

Pretending not to notice, I replied.

"I see. I thought you were reconsidering our relationship. I suppose I overreacted. My apologies."

-Ahem... You really do have a frightening way of putting things.

"I don't joke around very often."

That seemed to hit a nerve. Silence lingered for a moment. Then, Hong Jin-Gyu continued.

-...Ahem. So... how can I help you?

Taking a firm stance had shifted the initiative back into my hands.

"Could you come to HK Entertainment with me right now? President Pi and a few of their entertainers threatened me earlier. I'm about to return the favor."

-What a bunch of idiots. They threatened you, Chief Jung? I can't even do that. Hahaha.

Hong Jin-Gyu laughed as though he found it genuinely amusing before quickly agreeing.

-All right. Let's go show them what an obnoxious member of the royal family can really do. Besides, I'd better stay on your good side if I want that chairman's seat sooner rather than later.

"I won't refuse the offer."

-Good. I'm at the HK Chemical building right now. Give me a call when you get here, and we'll head over to the building across the street together.

Click.

[Call Ended]

True to form, he got the last word in by hanging up before I could respond.

Chuckling to myself, I turned to everyone. "I'll be making a quick trip to HK Entertainment."

President Kang Gam-Chan, who had been talking with Moon Soo-Jung, looked over at me. "Are you sure you'll be all right? Really?"

"Please don't worry."

"Very well. If it's you, Chief Jung, I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Yes, sir."

"And... let's have another discussion about you becoming president."

"I just brought Ms. Moon Soo-Jung back. Why are you bringing that up again? Besides, I don't have the patience for that kind of hassle. I'm off!"

I hurried back to my car and slipped into the driver's seat.

As I started the engine, Kang Gam-Chan let out a hearty laugh. "That kid... All right, go on. And don't forget, no matter what happens, you've got me, Ji-Yung, and all of Hoop Entertainment standing behind you."

Hearing the strength return to his voice gave me strength as well.

"Yes, Mr. Kang."

After giving him a respectful nod through the window, I drove toward HK Entertainment.

***

I pushed open the glass doors of HK Entertainment's lobby and walked inside with Gong Gi-Seok. Employees who had been chatting in small groups around the lobby spotted us and immediately flared up.

"Jung Yoon-Ho! What the hell are you doing here? Have you lost your mind?"

"Hey, Chief Jung! Do you have any idea what kind of mess we're in because of you?"

"Chief Jung! Get over here!"

Every one of them bared their teeth at me with open hostility.

Then, behind me, Hong Jin-Gyu and Secretary Chief Oh Sun-Hee pushed open the building's glass doors and walked inside.

Hearing the commotion in the lobby, Hong Jin-Gyu bellowed, "What the hell are you all yelling for? Huh?"

Although HK Entertainment had announced its closure, it would still take another three months before the company officially shut down. During that time, HK Inc. had promised to continue paying everyone's salaries while helping them find new jobs.

That meant their remaining three months of pay, severance packages, future employment, and transfers to other subsidiaries all rested in Hong Jin-Gyu's hands. After all, HK Entertainment's financial lifeline was HK Distribution, which Hong Jin-Gyu now controlled.

The moment he spoke, everyone fell silent.

"And another thing. Isn't the company in this state because of Ah-Yoon and those junkies? All you've done is kiss Ah-Yoon's ass while looking the other way as your entertainers ran wild. And now you've got the nerve to blame Chief Jung? Do you have a death wish?"

Hong Jin-Gyu's relentless scolding echoed throughout the lobby. One by one, the employees who had been glaring at me lowered their heads.

Looking immensely satisfied, Hong Jin-Gyu muttered to himself, "That's more like it. When people see a member of the royal family, this is how they're supposed to bow their heads."

I quietly whispered beside him, "Somehow... it sounds like you're talking about me."

With a playful grin, Hong Jin-Gyu shook his head. "No. Why would I be? Anyway, what do we do now?"

"We're going to have a chat with President Pi Sang-Deuk and Ms. Ahn Yoo-Ra."

"Okay." Hong Jin-Gyu turned toward a man in his thirties. "Hey. You there. Team Lead Choi, right?"

Choi Hyun-Moo, HK Entertainment's management team lead, snapped to attention with his legs together. "Y-Yes, sir!"

"Where's President Pi?"

"Uh... I believe he's in the president's office. Actress Ahn Yoo-Ra arrived a little while ago, so they should be meeting."

As a management team lead dispatched from HK Inc. headquarters, Choi Hyun-Moo looked terrified of falling out of favor with the royal family and being shipped off to some miserable posting in Russia.

"What are you waiting for? Lead the way."

"Y-Yes, sir. Please follow me."

As our group started walking, the receptionist reached for the intercom.

Hong Jin-Gyu waved a hand. "Hey. Don't make that call."

"Y-Yes, sir."

The moment she set the phone back down, Hong Jin-Gyu stepped up beside me. "Let's walk side by side. There isn't a better way to show those idiots exactly where you stand."

"I won't argue with that."

Walking shoulder to shoulder with Hong Jin-Gyu, I headed toward the elevators. As if Moses himself had parted the sea, the employees of HK Entertainment bowed their heads and split into two lines on either side.

***

Led by Choi Hyun-Moo, we arrived outside the president's office. The moment the door swung open, I saw Pi Sang-Deuk and Ahn Yoo-Ra sitting together on the sofa, deep in discussion.

The instant he spotted them, Hong Jin-Gyu called out with open disdain. "Hey. What are you two doing in here?"

Startled, Pi Sang-Deuk and Ahn Yoo-Ra whipped their heads around. The moment they noticed me standing among the group, both of their faces turned ashen.

"Mr. Hong... what brings you here?" Pi Sang-Deuk looked at Hong Jin-Gyu with undisguised displeasure.

"What brings me here? I'm the one funding HK Entertainment. Is there somewhere in this company I'm not allowed to go?"

"Even so... I'm still the president. For now."

Pi Sang-Deuk, now sixty-five, and Hong Jin-Gyu, who was in his early forties, locked horns. Even with the company in the middle of its shutdown process, Pi Sang-Deuk insisted he was still the president of HK Entertainment.

That was when Hong Jin-Gyu looked at him with open disdain and turned to Oh Sun-Hee. "Hey, Secretary Oh. How much has President Pi managed to line his pockets during his short time as president?"

"Our intelligence team estimates roughly one hundred million won in entertainment expenses and another hundred million in kickbacks."

Every major corporation maintained its own intelligence division. The information they gathered stayed buried until the day it became useful.

"Oh? That's quite a haul for just a few months. Sounds like enough to get someone locked up."

"Yes, sir. We can charge him with embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty at any time, even after HK Entertainment has been dissolved."

"Really? Then file the complaint immediately."

"Yes, sir."

Only then did Pi Sang-Deuk leap up from the sofa and bow deeply. "M-Mr. Hong! Please... just this once, have mercy!"

Hong Jin-Gyu raised a hand, signaling everyone to stop, then clicked his tongue while staring at him. "See? Why couldn't you behave like this from the beginning? Some people only understand after they've been beaten into it."

Shaking his head, Hong Jin-Gyu strode over to the seat of honor on the sofa. Pi Sang-Deuk hurriedly backed away.

Without even acknowledging his greeting, Hong Jin-Gyu sat down, crossed his legs, and spoke arrogantly. "Old man, quit talking nonsense and sit down. I brought Chief Jung here because he's got something to say. Open your ears and listen carefully. Whatever he says... consider it the same as hearing it from me."

When Pi Sang-Deuk raised his head, his face was full of undisguised confusion. "What exactly is your relationship with Chief Jung...?"

"Oh? Didn't I tell you? He's my business partner. You could say he's the king talent agent who's going to make me king... No, my kingmaker."

Hong Jin-Gyu caught himself just after using the title I hated and quickly corrected it.

"That's absurd..." Even Ahn Yoo-Ra looked as though she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Hong Jin-Gyu waved his hand impatiently. "It makes perfect sense, so pay attention. Focus!"

Their expressions stiffened before they reluctantly turned to face me. Our eyes met.

In a calm, measured voice, I spoke. "I came here to collect the price for the threats the two of you made against Hoop Entertainment today."

Pi Sang-Deuk and Ahn Yoo-Ra both swallowed nervously. "The price?"

I answered politely. "I want both of you to retire from the entertainment industry before the end of today."

The demand was so far beyond anything he had expected that Pi Sang-Deuk exploded. "What? You insane brat! You think I'd ever agree to something like that?"

Ahn Yoo-Ra also shouted, "Yeah! I won't agree either!"

I looked at them with contempt. "Your attempt to shake our company apart failed. Were you really planning to avoid taking even that much responsibility?"

Pi Sang-Deuk glanced sideways before finally speaking. "We were only trying to scare you. We never intended to go through with it. You know what we were really after. We were just looking for a new company to work with. Maybe we got a little greedy because we wanted better treatment."

"That's right! Why would we want to destroy Hoop Entertainment?"

The instant Ahn Yoo-Ra spoke, her ears turned bright red. It was another obvious lie.

No longer interested in listening, I calmly mentioned two names to Pi Sang-Deuk. "Choi Sang-Myeon. Lee Sang-Hee. You know them, don't you?"

Pi Sang-Deuk's eyes flew wide open. He shot to his feet as though launched by a spring.

Assemblyman Choi Sang-Myeon was a three-term lawmaker representing Mapo District. And Lee Sang-Hee was the lead actress of the TVM drama Vampire Girls. The two had been in a sponsor relationship, and Pi Sang-Deuk had been the one who introduced them.

"Disappear quietly before I hand the press the full list of politicians and entertainers you've been matchmaking."

In reality, I knew nothing about any secret list Pi Sang-Deuk might have kept. The only reason I knew those two names was because, before the regression, Lee Sang-Hee had been signed to Top Entertainment.

Pi Sang-Deuk cried out in panic. "Chief Jung! If you expose that, you'll go down too. Do you think Assemblyman Choi will just sit back? That bastard's in bed with the local gangs!"

"I'll take care of my own problems."

Realizing there was no persuading me, Pi Sang-Deuk desperately turned to Hong Jin-Gyu. "Mr. Hong! Please, help me! If you stop that list from getting out, I'll do anything you ask! If there's any actress or singer you want, I'll deliver her to you today. Please..."

Hong Jin-Gyu let out a mocking snort. "Hey, old man. Weren't you listening? Chief Jung's my kingmaker. He's the only one who can put me at the very top, so I'm the one who needs to stay on his good side. Not some stinking piece of trash like you!"

"Mr. Hong..."

"Oh, shut up. I'll deal with Assemblyman Choi, so just do what Chief Jung tells you. I'll make sure your severance package is generous."

Pi Sang-Deuk trembled from head to toe. Realizing there was no escape, he ground his teeth and spat out a final warning. "Mr. Hong... you'll regret this decision. Mark my words."

"What? Are you threatening me now?"

"It's not a threat. It's advice. Chief Jung will never bow to anyone except President Kang Gam-Chan. I don't know how he managed to wrap you around his finger, but..."

At that moment, Hong Jin-Gyu suddenly kicked Pi Sang-Deuk square in the knee from where he sat on the sofa.

Thud.

"Urgh!"

Pi Sang-Deuk doubled over, clutching his knee.

"Why the hell does this fucking bastard talk so damn much?"

Even after Hong Jin-Gyu cursed him outright, Pi Sang-Deuk could only glare at me once before limping toward the door.

Bang.

Pi Sang-Deuk slammed it behind him as he stormed out.

Watching him leave, Hong Jin-Gyu looked coldly at Oh Sun-Hee. "Secretary Oh. Give him a nice severance package. Then classify the money as funds he embezzled together with Ah-Yoon."

"I'll have it taken care of today."

Neither Hong Jin-Gyu nor Oh Sun-Hee made any effort to lower their voices, even with Ahn Yoo-Ra standing right there. It was a warning that if she didn't surrender on her own, she wouldn't be spared either.

However, Ahn Yoo-Ra only looked flustered. She still refused to say she would leave the entertainment industry. Instead, her eyes darted around as she desperately searched for a way out.

Then again, a woman who had deceived Moon Soo-Jung for ten years and even tried to turn Moon Soo-Jung's daughter into her own daughter's maid was never going to walk away that easily.

Even so, I gave her one last chance. "So, Ms. Ahn Yoo-Ra... you still have no intention of retiring from the entertainment industry?"

Despite witnessing Pi Sang-Deuk's complete downfall, Ahn Yoo-Ra screamed back in defiance. "Of course not! I only helped Soo-Jung because I felt sorry for her! There were just a few misunderstandings along the way! So why should I retire? I'll never retire! Never!"

Ahn Yoo-R's voice thundered through the president's office. In that case, I had no choice but to retire her myself. However, she wasn't going to leave quietly. She was going to pay dearly for everything she had done to Moon Soo-Jung.

"Very well. Then prepare yourself."

Without another word, I began exposing the filthy secret Ahn Yoo-Ra had hidden ever since making her debut thirty years ago.