Chapter 996: Do Not Mess With Me! (2)

On the sheet of paper I spread out in front of Chairman Jo Hyun-Gu was the name of the secret private organization he had created to install Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon as president.

[People Who Open a Righteous World]

-Chairman: Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon.

-Secretary General: Chairman Jo Hyun-Gu. (Overall Coordinator)

-Treasurer: President of A Hotel.

-Member 1: Vice President of B Industries.

-Member 2: President of C Law Firm.

-Member 3: Executive Director of D Electronics.

The reason I knew the name of this organization and its members was because of something that happened before my regression.

Before the regression, unlike this timeline, Park Sang-Gon successfully led his party to victory in the by-election and went on to be elected president without much difficulty. The very next day, Jo Hyun-Gu held a banquet in Samcheong-dong to celebrate Park Sang-Gon's election victory.

Several entertainers had been invited to that banquet, and following Kim Dong-Soo's instructions, I had escorted So Yi-Yung, who was then signed under Top Entertainment, to the traditional restaurant in Samcheong-dong.

As her talent agent, however, I wasn't allowed inside the banquet hall. Instead, I had to wait in a lounge beside the parking lot, warming myself with coffee while waiting for So Yi-Yung to come out.

The banquet that had begun at six in the evening didn't end until five the next morning. After loading a completely drunk So Yi-Yung into the back seat, I drove her home. On the way there, So Yi-Yung, who had been sprawled across the back seat, suddenly started rambling about things I hadn't even asked about.

-Oppa, do you know what those people were saying today? They said they're the people opening a righteous world. Is a world where they call in actresses and make them pour drinks really a righteous world? I don't mind since they paid me a lot, but none of them are normal. Not a single one. Seriously...

After that, Jo Hyun-Gu held several more banquets. Each time, So Yi-Yung attended and later bragged about the valuable information she had heard from them and the business cards she had received. Because of that, I knew in detail the identities of more than thirty members and exactly what their goals were.

In Jo Hyun-Gu's case, his objective was to use the power of the presidency to crush the other three major media companies and make his newspaper the overwhelming number one in the industry. However, if a list containing Park Sang-Gon's name were made public before he was even officially a presidential candidate, Jo Hyun-Gu's grand plan would collapse into nothing.

The owners of rival media companies would see it as a perfect opportunity to weaken Spotlight Daily and tear into him. Park Sang-Gon's political enemies and the opposition parties would attack relentlessly, claiming that the media and politics had colluded.

"If the existence of this organization comes to light, Assemblyman Park will immediately cut ties with you, Mr. Jo. However, if you choose to overlook what Chairman Kim Ae-Ryeon and I are trying to do, I'll make sure this list remains buried," I said.

The moment I finished speaking, I released the paper I had been holding between my fingers.

Flutter.

The sheet drifted down and landed in front of Jo Hyun-Gu.

Crunch.

Jo Hyun-Gu reached out with both hands and crumpled the paper. Then he stared at me silently for a long time before finally asking in a trembling voice, "Who... did you get this list from?"

"Do you really think I'd tell you?"

I could see Jo Hyun-Gu's eyes moving as he considered how he should deal with me. He had realized that simply knowing about this organization and its membership list made me a significant threat. In the end, however, he made the wiser choice.

"If I don't interfere with your and Chairman Kim's entry into broadcasting, are you saying that nothing related to this organization will ever become public?"

"Yes. I don't particularly want to fight with you either, Mr. Jo."

"That's the entire list?"

I had deliberately written down only five names besides Park Sang-Gon. If I had listed all thirty-plus members, he wouldn't have negotiated with me. He would have tried to bury me by any means necessary.

I nodded. "Yes. That's all of it."

Only then did Jo Hyun-Gu let out a long sigh. "Fine. Then I won't obstruct Daechon Media's entry into broadcasting any longer."

'It's done.'

The thought that I had finally forced the last remaining media mogul to his knees made me let out a small sigh of relief.

At that moment, Jo Hyun-Gu added, "However, I have one condition."

'A condition at a time like this...'

"Mr. Jo. Are you saying you don't mind if that list becomes public?"

"Of course not. But the fact that you proposed burying it means you don't intend to take this all the way either, doesn't it? And if that's the case, then it also means I'm entitled to set at least one condition of my own. Isn't that right?"

As expected, the old fox still had plenty of bite. Even in this situation, he was looking for a way to profit.

I said, "Let's hear it. But if it's a ridiculous condition, I won't tolerate it."

"It's not a bad proposal, so don't be so tense."

"Then let's hear the condition."

"Join hands with me. Become my business partner, just as you've done with Chairman Kim Ae-Ryeon!"

"You want to join hands with me?"

"That's right. If I'm being honest, the reason I wanted this private meeting in the first place was to improve our relationship. So help me make Spotlight Daily the undisputed number one newspaper. In return, I'll help you and Hoop Entertainment become the best in the industry."

If Spotlight Daily, the newspaper with the largest circulation in Korea, ran favorable articles about me, success might come quickly. Nevertheless, I had no intention of joining hands with him. The goal of my second life was to stand alongside good people.

"I'm sorry, but I can't accept that condition."

"Think carefully. If you refuse, I won't be able to sit quietly either."

"And what exactly are you planning to do?"

"Well, for example, I could dig into every single person around you and expose them to the world whenever they make the slightest mistake. If the children from your orphanage got hurt while roughhousing, I'd run articles branding them as violent delinquents. If the nun who raised you made even a one-won mistake on a tax document, I'd paint her as a tax evader."

I had made the right choice by refusing his offer. The fact that he was already bringing up my family the moment things stopped going his way proved he was capable of far worse. Still, I had no intention of sitting back and taking it.

'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.'

He had threatened my family, so there was only one way to respond.

"Then if that's what you're planning to do, I suppose I'll have no choice but to expose every detail about your granddaughter Ms. Jo Yeon-Seo."

Twenty-four-year-old Jo Yeon-Seo was Jo Hyun-Gu's most cherished youngest granddaughter. She was a beauty on par with Jin Ah-Ram, Acting President of Jinseong and known as the Ice Princess, and Lee Ha-Yoon, Daechon's Smile Princess. Since Jo Hyun-Gu always kept bodyguards around her and never allowed her to meet men, her nickname was Rapunzel.

Unlike his other descendants, who were known for causing scandals that embarrassed Spotlight Daily, she was widely regarded as pure and innocent. With her marriageable age approaching, young men from both political and business circles were all eager to win her hand.

However, I knew her true nature. And I also knew that she was currently involved with the very bodyguards assigned to protect her.

"What do you mean, her true nature? My Yeon-Seo is incredibly innocent!"

"Innocent... Do you really think I'd be unaware? Me, of all people? The same person who knows the name of your secret organization?"

Very few people knew the truth about Jo Yeon-Seo right now. Yet, five years from now, Jo Yeon-Seo would go through a divorce from HK Inc. that would become one of the biggest scandals of the century and show everyone exactly what a train wreck looked like.

Lies wouldn't work on someone who had already seen that future.

Jo Hyun-Gu looked at me with obvious tension. "So you're genuinely dangerous. Just how much do you know?"

I simply stared back without answering. Jo Hyun-Gu held my gaze for a long moment in silence. In the end, however, he let out a long sigh and backed down.

"I'll stay out of your business with Chairman Kim Ae-Ryeon. In return, don't ever speak a word about Park Sang-Gon or Yeon-Seo. If even one of those matters becomes public, I'll take this to the very end as well."

"Understood. In that case, make sure you keep your promise not to interfere with Daechon Media's entry into broadcasting. Understood?"

Jo Hyun-Gu abruptly rose from his seat. "Fine!"

Answering curtly, he spun around and strode out of the private suite.

I had done it. I had forced even the monster that controlled Korea's media industry to kneel before me.

***

Click.

Kim Ae-Ryeon, who had been waiting outside, rushed into the room and looked me over from head to toe. "Chief Jung, are you okay?"

"Yes. I'm fine."

"Really? He didn't get any leverage over you or anything, did he?"

Jo Hyun-Gu was known as one of the people with the most information in all of South Korea. Naturally, she looked worried that he might have uncovered some weakness of mine.

I shook my head and answered, "Not at all. And he promised he won't interfere with our entry into broadcasting anymore."

Kim Ae-Ryeon stared at me in surprise. "I don't know what kind of card you prepared, but it looks like it worked perfectly."

"You could say that."

"I'm curious, but... you're not going to tell me, are you?"

"No, I'll tell you. But you absolutely can't mention it to anyone outside."

"It must be serious, huh?"

"It is."

Kim Ae-Ryeon took a deep breath before nodding. "All right. Let's hear it."

"'People Who Open a Righteous World.'"

"Huh? What is that? Sounds like the name of a volunteer group where retired uncles and aunties get together to deliver coal briquettes."

"The name sounds harmless, but it's actually an organization created to make Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon president. And I had their membership list."

Kim Ae-Ryeon's expression immediately hardened. "What the hell? That's proof of collusion between politics and the media."

"Yes."

"No wonder. I was wondering why Chairman Jo looked so defeated. I've never seen that expression on him before." Kim Ae-Ryeon fell silent for a moment, deep in thought, then looked back at me. "But judging by the fact that he just walked out, you've agreed to bury it?"

"Yes."

That was when Kim Ae-Ryeon spoke with a serious expression. "You probably have your own plans, but... why not expose it?"

"Expose it?"

"Yeah. Chairman Jo Hyun-Gu is a snake. He'll never forget what happened today. And if Park Sang-Gon ever becomes president, he'll definitely try to get revenge. So I'm saying we should strike first."

There was some truth to what she said. However, the most important part was wrong.

"Don't worry. Park Sang-Gon will never become president."

Kim Ae-Ryeon blinked in surprise. "Huh? Why not?"

She clearly wanted an explanation, but I couldn't exactly tell her that Chairman Choi Eun-Tae was already targeting Park Sang-Gon.

"Let's just say there are reasons. Leave that matter to me and focus on establishing Daechon Media and acquiring the broadcasting station shares. The media owners won't be able to pressure us like they did today for quite a while."

"I still can't quite believe Assemblyman Park won't become president... but since it's coming from you, Chief Jung, I guess I'll trust you. Fine. I'll do that. Now let's eat. I'm starving."

"Yes, Mrs. Chairman."

Kim Ae-Ryeon pressed the bell on the table and instructed the staff to bring in the prepared course meal.

While we waited for the food, she suddenly asked, "Oh, right. How long are you planning to keep reporters banned?"

At seven o'clock tonight, KBC's Haze was holding its production presentation. Just like yesterday, however, only MeTubers had been invited while reporters were excluded.

I answered, "At this point, I'm not lifting the ban until I get an apology from the reporters."

"That won't be easy. Reporters have too much pride."

"Even so, they need to pay what they owe."

"True enough. Anyone who messes with Chief Jung should pay the price."

Just then, the staff rolled open the door and brought in the dishes they had prepared. The savory aroma of seafood scorched-rice soup, packed with shellfish and other seafood, immediately made my mouth water.

That was when a thought crossed my mind.

'President Son isn't going to sit quietly, is he...'

A moment later, I dismissed the thought and reached for a spoonful of the soup. After all, I knew his future just as clearly as anyone else's.

***

Son Hyung-Tae stood in Hwaryong's parking lot, waiting for Jo Hyun-Gu. The other media owners had already left, saying they would refrain from antagonizing Jung Yoon-Ho for the time being. His last remaining hope was Jo Hyun-Gu, the most influential media mogul in Korea.

At that moment, Hwaryong's doors opened, and Jo Hyun-Gu stepped outside with a grim expression.

Son Hyung-Tae hurried over and bowed. "Mr. Chairman."

"Hm. President Son. You're still here?"

"Yes. By any chance... Did the discussion go well?"

"Hmm. I was planning to help you if possible, but I'm afraid that's no longer an option. Any action against Chief Jung is being postponed for the time being."

It was the exact same response he had received from the other media owners. In that instant, disappointment got the better of Son Hyung-Tae, and he blurted out something he normally never would have said.

"Are you telling me the great Mr. Jo was frightened by some brat's threats?"

Jo Hyun-Gu's face instantly turned as cold as ice. "Frightened?"

Realizing his mistake, Son Hyung-Tae hurried to backtrack. "N-No, that's not what I meant..."

Jo Hyun-Gu's voice boomed across the parking lot. "I understand that you want someone to blame, but at the very least you should've figured out whether your enemy was a housecat or a tiger before dragging me into this!"

"What? What are you talking about...?"

"You idiot! Do you still not understand why I'm acting like this? That Jung Yoon-Ho fellow is far more dangerous than anything you described!"

Son Hyung-Tae blinked in confusion, and Jo Hyun-Gu snapped irritably. "For now, handle your own problems. I need to come up with countermeasures myself!"

Jo Hyun-Gu climbed into the car his chief secretary had brought around and drove away.

Vrooom.

Son Hyung-Tae couldn't understand what Jung Yoon-Ho could possibly have said to leave even Jo Hyun-Gu like that. However, there was no way he could retreat now.

"Fuck. You think I can't do anything without your help?"

Ignoring Jo Hyun-Gu's warning to take a proper look at Jung Yoon-Ho, Son Hyung-Tae pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Yeah, it's me. I'll do what we discussed yesterday. In return, I need you to handle one thing for me."

The moment he heard the response on the other end, a smile slowly spread across his lips.

"Jung Yoon-Ho. Do you really think the world is going to bend to your will?"

***

'It feels like the world is going to bend to my will.'

After forcing the media owners to back down and then enjoying a satisfying full-course meal at Hwaryong, I found myself humming under my breath, confidence overflowing.

After saying goodbye to Kim Ae-Ryeon, I headed straight for the Samsung Branch of Jinseong Hotel. Today was the production presentation for Haze, and the event was being held in the hotel's Grand Ballroom.

The official start time was seven in the evening, but MeTubers would begin arriving at three o'clock for advance filming, so I came early to check the venue setup.

Just as I reached for the ballroom doors, a Kk Talk message arrived from Miso.

[❤Miso Angel❤: Uncle Yoon-Ho, I've finished wrapping all the dolls for the presentation gifts. Yay! (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و ♡]

Ever since Miso had learned how to use cute emoticons, she had been using them constantly.

[❤Miso Angel❤: And I prepared a gift for you too. (ღ'ᴗ'ღ) I'll see you later~ ♡♡]

A smile naturally formed on my face. Miso always thought of me. I was curious about what she had prepared, but there was work to do. I simply replied that I would see her later and headed into the ballroom.

The moment I stepped inside, the venue was already buzzing with preparations. At the center of it all, Jin Ah-Ram was directing the staff as they installed transparent partitions between the tables.

"Make sure there's as little audio interference as possible when the MeTubers record their broadcasts."

"Yes, Ms. Jin!"

The MeTubers would be livestreaming and interacting with viewers while watching the production presentation. Since the tables were positioned close together, recordings often picked up the voices of MeTubers seated nearby. After hearing about the issue, Jin Ah-Ram had quickly come up with a simple solution.

"Thank you for going this far," I said.

The moment Jin Ah-Ram spotted me, she broke into a bright smile. "It's nothing. This is the least I can do."

It seemed that Jin Ah-Ram was somewhat bothered by how close Daechon Inc. and I had become lately, because she was looking after me several times more than usual. We continued discussing sponsorship matters while preparing for today's presentation.

At that moment, Team Lead Kim Mi-Hye's shout from outside the ballroom echoed through the hallway.

"Hey! What kind of bullshit is this? This isn't what we agreed on yesterday!"

The current time was 2:50 p.m. Drama Teller, the MeTuber with 2.05 million subscribers, and Drama Dori, with 1.22 million subscribers, were supposed to arrive any minute now.

Thinking some kind of problem might have occurred, I hurried outside.

To my surprise, there were no MeTubers in sight. Instead, Kim Mi-Hye was arguing with Yoo Song-Hak, the president of Utopia Network, the agency that managed the MeTubers.

"The situation's changed since yesterday. We can't send the MeTubers for the same price anymore. If you want them here, you'll need to increase the fee."

"Hey, are you kidding me right now? An agreement is an agreement!"

"We never signed a contract, did we? What agreement?"

Eighty percent of the MeTubers who had attended yesterday belonged to Utopia Network. The moment they learned that not a single reporter would be attending today, they saw an opportunity and demanded more money. Changing the terms midway through was unreasonable, but they had helped us significantly yesterday, so I still wanted to accommodate them if possible.

I approached and asked, "How much more are you asking for?"

The moment Yoo Song-Hak saw me, a smile spread across his face. "Mr. Jung. You've arrived."

"The MeTubers are supposed to be here soon, so let's skip the small talk. How much do you want?"

Yoo Song-Hak grinned. "Ten times more."

Yesterday, we paid five million won per channel. Ten times that meant fifty million won.

"Fifty million per channel?"

As I stared at him in disbelief, his smile widened. "The total views from yesterday's videos have already exceeded four million. You need to pay accordingly. And since no reporters are coming today either, that's the minimum we'll accept."

Had it been a reasonable increase, I might have agreed. However, this was absurd.

"I can do double. And I can also pay additional bonuses based on every hundred thousand views afterward."

Yoo Song-Hak shook his head while grinning. "Ten times. I'm not negotiating below that."

Kim Mi-Hye, who happened to be Yoo Song-Hak's high school classmate, immediately raised her voice. "Hey! Keep this up and we'll boycott every single one of your MeTubers from appearing with our celebrities in the future!"

Yoo Song-Hak casually picked at his ear. "Go ahead."

Utopia Network was currently drowning in losses. He needed money desperately, but even so, he shouldn't have had the confidence to act this arrogantly.

Then it clicked.

'This is Son Hyung-Tae's doing.'

Before the regression, Utopia Network had eventually collapsed under massive losses and been unable to overcome capital impairment. In the end, it was acquired and merged into DIVE, the MCN subsidiary of CK Entertainment. The discussions for that merger must have already begun by now.

If so, he was undoubtedly pulling this stunt because he had already secured himself a future through the acquisition. That meant negotiation was pointless. I figured I would have to use another method.

I nodded. "Understood. Then our partnership with Utopia ends here. Please inform all MeTubers under your company not to come."

The expressions on everyone's faces instantly filled with confusion. There were no reporters coming, and now the major MeTubers weren't coming either.

Their faces practically screamed the same question—"How are you planning to pull this off now?"

However, I already had a way to get through this situation. And I also had a way to serve both Yoo Song-Hak and Son Hyung-Tae a massive dose of payback.

'You two just made a very, very big mistake today.'