Chapter 115: Recruitment
“Go, together?”
The model’s eyes widened at Muyoung’s whisper.
What should she do? How could she navigate this challenge?
The gaze of the upper-class people surrounding them felt like arrows piercing her back.
Whoosh—
Muyoung silently placed her hand on his arm.
He gave her an unspoken nod, signaling there was no time to hesitate and to stay focused.
‘We must also think about what comes next.’
The music had a set duration.
She wasn’t sure how they’d handle it backstage, but if she stopped, it would cause a delay, and in the worst case, the final finale might be cut off.
“Uh…”
Not only had she fallen at a party hosted by Yusah, but now she risked ruining the entire show. Forget the atmosphere—her career could be in serious trouble.
“Let’s go. I can see the route.”
Muyoung wrapped his hand around her waist and escorted her.
The model naturally linked arms with him and leaned in. As she adjusted her posture, they exuded the aura of a photo shoot.
“Wow—”
At this moment, only Muyoung could help her. Bu-yong and Da-gyeong couldn’t walk with her.
Besides, this was something only a celebrity could pull off.
Boom! Boom!
The music built toward its climax.
The model gritted her teeth with each step, her pained whimpers audible only to Muyoung.
“Wow! Amazing!”
“Whoa—!”
Clap! Clap! Clap!
As Muyoung supported and guided her, the model gradually grew accustomed to the pain. The onlookers cheered, clearly enjoying the show.
They clapped lightly, laughing and applauding.
“But he’s really impressive. That actor, Ha Muyoung, right?”
“He just won Best New Actor at the Baeksang Awards.”
“A newcomer? He’s got guts.”
“Is he a model?”
“I don’t think so. I heard he isn’t.”
As if it were only natural for graceful, refined people to act this way, they watched Muyoung and the model with warm smiles.
“He’s very…”
And of course, all eyes were on Muyoung himself.
Not only did he effortlessly match the professional stride of the catwalk, but his steady gaze shone under the lights.
“He’s amazing.”
“Right. He’s like a count from a movie.”
“Hee-hee-hee! Yes, exactly!”
“I heard he’s filming a vampire movie. Maybe that’s the vibe he’s channeling.”
Even among the many young socialites making their debut, he stood out as uniquely dazzling.
Not just his looks, but the mysterious aura he exuded.
“Turn here.”
With each step, the model grew more accustomed to the pain and found her rhythm. The cool, provocative gazes of the two swept across the banquet hall.
And so, the pair safely completed their lap around the spacious hall.
“Thank you.”
Before heading backstage, the model whispered her thanks. Muyoung released her hand with a smile, and they both nodded lightly.
“Whoa!”
“Wow—!”
They had simply walked, yet…
Perhaps it was the setting of the party and the earlier accident?
The crowd seemed as delighted as if they’d watched a performance.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
As the crowd applauded, Muyoung slipped away from the lights and into the shadows. The other models also finished the show smoothly.
Click—
Then the lights came up, and Yusah took the microphone on the stage. His smile seemed especially cheerful.
“Good evening. On behalf of SJ Entertainment, I’d like to welcome you all to this charity party. I’m Yusah, Head of Investments at SJ. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
With his greeting, the party officially began.
Muyoung weaved through the crowd. Everyone he passed either grabbed his arm or stopped him to chat.
“Hello, Mr. Muyoung.”
“You were amazing earlier! Ha-hah!”
“Loved the movie.”
“Thank you.”
Bowing here, bowing there.
He couldn’t walk properly because of all the greetings. It was Da-gyeong and Bu-yong who rescued him. The two naturally pulled him away.
“Oh, it’s Da-gyeong. What’s up? You don’t usually come to events like this.”
“I came with my sister-in-law. Anyway, let’s go, Mr. Muyoung. This way?”
“Huh? Uh, yes!”
They found a quieter corner and grabbed some champagne. Muyoung gasped at the sweet drink.
“Wow!”
“You like it.”
“My throat was so dry.”
“You were so cool earlier! Even I, as a guy, would totally fall for you. This is huge!”
“Oh, I’d be in trouble if you did.”
Excited, Bu-yong poked his sides and gushed.
Da-gyeong also smiled faintly and looked around.
“But was there something on the floor? Why did she suddenly fall?”
“Her heels were like chopsticks. Maybe she stepped on something.”
While Yusah delivered his congratulatory speech, they clinked glasses lightly among themselves.
Then, from somewhere, Joo Jungdan appeared. He seemed to have been looking for Muyoung—his clothes were disheveled.
“Wow, Ha Muyoung. You’re quite the catch.”
He smiled satisfyingly as he handed over a business card. It boldly displayed his name: Joo Jungdan, Vice President, Baekgun Entertainment.
“Let’s grab a meal sometime.”
Currently, Muyoung was working on an SJ-invested project, but there would be more films, right? And relationships between directors and actors weren’t set in stone—investment companies could always change.
Plus, many actors worked on multiple projects. In this ever-shifting industry, networking was crucial.
“We’ve got some great scripts.”
He meant they should catch up over a meal and talk movies.
Muyoung politely accepted his business card and replied.
His gaze fixed on Jungdan’s left shoe.
“Yes, thank you, Vice President. But your shoe is dirty.”
“Oh, earlier the model spilled food. Heh-heh. That was hilarious, right? The way she slipped on the tablecloth—total comedy.”
“…We were fine, though. That’s odd.”
Muyoung, Da-gyeong, and Bu-yong had been just as close to Jungdan.
Did he really step on something? Or was it on purpose?
Jungdan just shrugged and laughed at Muyoung’s words.
“It could happen. Are you coming to the after-party?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
“This might sound odd, but parties are my thing. Be sure to call. I’m bored, so I’m leaving early. Enjoy!”
Like the wind, he came and went.
Da-gyeong and Bu-yong exchanged awkward nods and naturally raised their champagne glasses.
“Why would he come to such a boring event?”
“Like Da-gyeong, he probably came with his sister-in-law?”
“Joking, brother?”
“Heh-heh. Actually, I was surprised too.”
“Why? He’s not allowed here?”
Muyoung asked, stepping between Da-gyeong and Bu-yong. He didn’t understand their complicated relationships.
“It’s not that he can’t come. He must’ve gotten an invitation somehow. But SJ and Baekgun are like sworn enemies. It’s funny they’d even send him one, and it’s funny he came.”
“Right. They’re not exactly on good terms.”
…
Could it be? So he tripped her on purpose?
No way!
Muyoung tilted his head, puzzled by Jungdan’s behavior. Whatever the case, if it was intentional, that’s really low.
‘Her heels were so high—she could’ve gotten seriously hurt.’
Ugh. If I’d seen it properly, I would’ve said something!
Frustrated by the lack of evidence, Muyoung tried to calm his racing thoughts with the cold champagne. Just then, someone gently grabbed his shoulder—it was Yusah.
“Mr. Muyoung?”
“Oh, Representative.”
“Thanks earlier. I was going to ask the event staff to help, but you handled it so well. The model’s been taken to the hospital. Thanks for your help.”
“No problem. It was nothing.”
“Heh-heh. I’m glad I invited you. I couldn’t even face the crowd earlier. You celebrities are amazing.”
“Your speech was great.”
He smiled and clinked glasses with Muyoung.
The sound rang out clearly.
“Oh, by the way, Joo Jungdan was here.”
“Oh, he just showed up.”
He hadn’t expected Jungdan to actually come when he sent the invitation. Yusah noticed the business card in Muyoung’s hand.
“You got his card?”
“Yeah, he suggested we grab a meal.”
“Meals are good, but be careful with that guy.”
There was no point in asking why?—he’d seen the Black Smog swirling around Jungdan’s arm.
Yusah joked,
“Because Baekgun’s got a big film coming out in Q4. It’s supposed to open around Chuseok and run for almost a month, which would overlap with your film, right?”
While no specific schedule had been set, he’d heard the goal was to release it after Chuseok, possibly even in October.
“Hmm. You mean…”
But a big film, one with that much buzz, would likely run from Chuseok through October.
“We’ll be competing, just like them.”
SJ versus Baekgun meant Street Sunlight versus some major release. Muyoung smiled faintly.
“Is there that much hype for our film?”
He knew Yusah had invested $2 million to barely meet the $5 million budget.
To his question, Yusah shook his head.
“Honestly, I’m not sure about the film, but I have high hopes for you.”
“Oh? Why’s that?”
“It’s a business thing. We see the future in things that don’t yet exist.”
Given his work in film distribution and investment, he was deeply interested in the entertainment industry.
But had there ever been a newcomer who shook things up like this?
‘…No, right?’
Da-gyeong, Bu-yong, and Sa-ha watched the bewildered Muyoung and thought the same thing. He looks like a kid sipping drinks among adults.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing. Come on, let’s eat! The party’s just starting. Hello! This way. That’s the Vice President of FG Corp, and over there—you know him, right? Kim Ho-seung.”
Like a predator eyeing its prey, Yusah leaned in slightly, introducing people around him. Muyoung listened intently, committing each name to memory.
“Why’s Yusah like that?”
“Why do you think?”
Bu-yong watched the pair and asked Da-gyeong.
“He’s got his eye on him. Wants to develop him.”
“Oh, right. Isn’t he acquiring an agency soon?”
“Probably his second, actually.”
“He’s aggressive. He’s desperate to sign actors.”
Big corporations swallowing smaller ones was nothing new.
Da-gyeong and Bu-yong simply enjoyed the party, taking it all in stride.
“Mr. Muyoung really eats well.”
“I’m starting a diet tomorrow.”
“Heh-heh. Don’t overeat, or you’ll throw up later.”
Whatever.
When they said the party had truly begun, Muyoung was lost in a feast of delicacies. A meat extravaganza—tearing into it with gusto!
Then, as the clock struck midnight, he suddenly snapped awake.
“Mr. Muyoung? Where are you going?”
“Oh, I’m tired. I’ve got an early shoot tomorrow. It’s been fun! Oh, can I take this?”
“Of course. Help yourself. It’s for the guests to take home. Too bad you’re leaving already.”
“Sorry. Thanks for the meal!”
“See you next time.”
He grabbed a small food box and said goodbye to Yusah. He even waved to Da-gyeong and Bu-yong, who were chatting with others.
Meanwhile—
Honk!
“Whoa!”
Across the street from the hotel, Ko Gyeongmin waited for Muyoung. He’d dozed off and accidentally honked the horn. It was already nearing midnight.
‘I hope Muyoung’s doing okay.’
His schedule wasn’t completely clear, but there was a reason to send him to the party.
He’d adjusted his schedule slightly because this event could be a great opportunity. While skill and luck mattered, these gatherings could give prepared individuals a real boost.
Knock, knock.
“Brother.”
“Whoa! You startled me!”
Muyoung, who had somehow arrived, tapped on the driver’s window.
“Sorry. Did you wait long? You should’ve gone ahead.”
“No worries. It’s fine. I couldn’t leave you alone after drinking.”
As his manager, it was the least he could do.
At Ko Gyeongmin’s words, Muyoung gratefully held up the food box.
“Brother, thanks. Here, have some.”
“What’s this?”
“I don’t know the name, but it’s delicious, so I grabbed some.”
One by one, cars began leaving the hotel.
The party, which had burned brightly all night, was finally winding down.
On the drive home, Muyoung glanced at Gyeongmin. He felt incredibly tired, probably from the alcohol.
Yet Gyeongmin still had to drive and then go home.
“Want to crash at my place?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Brother, do managers usually do this?”
“What do you mean?”
“Cleaning up after actors who drink and party? I feel kind of bad.”
At Muyoung’s words, Gyeongmin chuckled softly.
“You really have no idea, do you, Muyoung?”
He’d cleared his schedule specifically to send Muyoung to the party because he believed it would be a great opportunity for his acting career. An actor’s growth was also a manager’s and company’s growth.
“Get some sleep.”
“Yes, sir.”
He’d definitely found a great partner. A family-like company! Muyoung silently thanked Ban-jjak-i and drifted off to sleep.
Ding.
[Mr. Muyoung, are you free for dinner this weekend?]
Though Yusah’s message arrived, Muyoung was already asleep, too deep in slumber to notice.