Chapter 219

I understand . So its hard to get permission to do business, am I right?

Lee HyunJi was putting her hand on the keyboard with her cell phone between her neck and shoulders . She showed her marvelous skills of giving instructions to Jung HyeJin and Yoo JungMin by alternating her glances between them and the shelf .

Unlike Yoo JungMin, who had no clue what to do, Jung HyeJin brought exactly the doc.u.ments Lee HyunJi wanted .

Yoo JungMins eyes gleamed in amazement .

s...o...b..e, how did you know that the director wanted those doc.u.ments?

Jung HyeJin felt proud hearing that .

It works once you get used to it .

Maybe Im not used to the job . I dont understand anything when the director is like that .

When Yoo JungMin made a teary expression, a mans voice could be heard from behind .

Maybe youll be able to guess when you consider what kind of work the director is doing?

President .

It was KangYoon who came down from the rooftop .

It was kinda their fault for leaving the door open for ventilation and not noticing his arrival .

KangYoon smiled as he spoke .

Miss HyeJin had a hard time at first working with the director . Its always difficult when you first start . Youre doing fine as you are now, so youll become better sooner or later .

After encouraging the two, KangYoon walked to Lee HyunJi who had just finished her call .

She relayed what she talked about over the phone .

FinesTok gave me a call . They told me that it wont be easy to get permission to do business .

I did expect that but still Its because of the companies that are already there, isnt it?

I think so, yes .

Lee HyunJi sighed before speaking .

It wont be easy getting into a market dominated by a few companies . President Ha SeYeon also seemed to be preparing for a long fight .

I should have a meeting with her soon . I have a couple of ideas in my mind so I think well get something good out of a conversation .

After speaking, KangYoon returned to his seat and turned on his PC .

KangYoon was looking over the account of Kim JaeHoons concert before turning around to Lee HyunJi .

Director . Dont you think its about time we set up an intranet system?

An intranet?

Lee HyunJi tilted her head at KangYoons words .

Shouldnt we invest in getting trainees or doing alb.u.ms with the money rather than setting up an intranet system? We arent big enough to warrant an intranet, and also you know that MG is the only place with an intranet . I dont think its necessary .

She usually didnt object to KangYoons ideas, but she had her doubts this time .

However, KangYoon voiced his opinion calmly .

Maybe we dont need it right now . But if we set up the intranet right now, well be able to work more efficiently when the company grows . Moreover, we are going to expand in the acting performance department starting with Min JinSeo . So I think an intranet will become a must in at least 2 years .

2 years, huh

Lee HyunJi contemplated .

In reality, having their own intranet would make work much easier . They would have a clear plan to work towards and reports would become easier, saving time .

The problem was the initial cost .

Since they had to consider security, it would cost a lot .

It would cost as much as a release of one alb.u.m if they decide to use money . This was why she was having a hard time agreeing .

Noticing her worries, KangYoon continued to speak .

Saving time is the same as saving money . I feel that its worth investing .

Well, I guess youre right if we consider the future .

If you think that now is not the right time, we can do it later . I want to set up an intranet sooner or later . After all, youre more knowledgeable when it comes to taking care of the companys internal matters Ill leave that to you .

Okay . Oh, I almost forgot .

Lee HyunJi clapped as though she remembered something .

You do know that we have a dinner appointment tonight, right?

You mean the one with President Choo? Yes . I remember that .

Im not that enthusiastic about it though President Choo is quite a shrewd man .

KangYoon burst out laughing when she said that .

When it became evening, KangYoon and Lee HyunJi headed to a high-cla.s.s j.a.panese restaurant where President Choo ManJi was waiting .

This place was known as the holy grail for those talking business, so it was hard to eat here .

Guided by an employee, they were led to a room where President Choo ManJi and Joo YeAh, from DiaTeen, were waiting .

Welcome . Oh, HyunJi!

President Choo ManJi seemed glad to see Lee HyunJi and was about to give her a hug but was firmly rejected by her so he made an embarra.s.sed expression .

Hey, its between us .

. Theres a young girl here, please be formal, president .

When Lee HyunJi pointed at Joo YeAh, President Choo ManJi instead burst out laughing .

Its fine . She already knows what there is to know .

. .

Lee HyunJi snorted before sitting down .

When KangYoon shrugged his shoulders and looked at President Choo ManJi, he also looked back with a leisurely att.i.tude .

I said it back then but you were really impressive at the party . The guys from my company could do nothing but cry at the actions of the government, but you decided to go and give them a lesson . Hahaha, It actually made me feel really good .

KangYoon smiled sheepishly .

I just said what was on my mind . It would for the better if the people of our industry get some firm support from the government . But most of the time, they are late to the party so I think I was just a little bit frustrated .

Its not just you . All of us know it . Its just that we arent able to express it properly . Those people have black hearts .

Hahaha .

They then talked about recent matters .

As they were eating, President Choo ManJi talked about the matter he called them here for .

Actually I brought you here today because of an important matter .

What is it?

When KangYoon made a confused expression, President Choo ManJi continued to speak with a serious expression .

Actually, DiaTeen is going to China soon . We got a contract, and we had a photoshoot scheduled this week as well . However, Hayas Department Store decided to delay the photoshoot .

Hmm

When I looked into the reason, I was able to get the intel that Yerang was doing something with Hayas . I dont know what exactly went on behind the scenes, but I was able to get that Wincle from Yerang was being discussed as a strong compet.i.tor for DiaTeen .

So to sum it up, Yoonseul and Hayas were doing business together but Yerang decided to jump in .

Urgh .

President Choo ManJi groaned in anger .

Although he was usually a bright man, his emotions were leaking as he couldnt hold his anger this time .

Lee HyunJi spoke with a serious expression .

At this point, you have a bad fate with them . Didnt President Kang s.h.i.+Myoung do something similar in j.a.pan?

Really, that man has a problem . He uses any means possible in order to earn money Hell fall hard one day .

President Choo ManJi sighed and drank some alcohol .

KangYoon toasted with him lightly as he spoke .

If its something that requires negotiation with a department store is it about being a model for the department store? Since its related to DiaTeen, I dont think this is music related If I remember correctly, the Hayas Department Store is quite large in China .

Yes . Its about being a model . Hayas is ranked within the top 5 of all department stores in China . Their growth is fast and is generally considered to rise to rank 3 within a year . The reason they picked DiaTeen as a model this time was a part of that .

In the department stores perspective, it is no wonder that they have to have deep considerations . Although the reputation of Korean stars went down a lot with the matters related to JinSeo last time, the singers still have it good so But isnt DiaTeen more popular than Wincle? They shouldnt be ignoring the reputations of the groups in Korea .

When KangYoon made a confused expression, president Choo ManJi sighed .

At first, I thought that too and didnt think much about this . But now that the photoshoot was delayed and the rumors that are floating around it made me uneasy . Moreover, even ETM Entertainment, who we planned this with, doesnt know why Hayas Department Store decided to do this . This will be annoying if this is because of lobbying or sponsors .

What was once a guarantee became postponed .

The Hayas Department Store wasnt a corporation that had a leisurely att.i.tude about doing things . The fact that they delayed in doing something was plenty to make president Choo ManJi feel uneasy .

Lee HyunJi quietly spoke .

Theres no reason for such a huge company to do sponsors like that . If its found out, their reputation will go downhill . Forgive me for saying this but I think they may have found Yerangs offer more tempting than Yoonseuls .

Although it might sound a little offensive, President Choo ManJi didnt mind and spoke .

Is it that after all? At this rate they might break the contract

Just as President Choo ManJi tried to cover his worried face with his hand, Lee HyunJi asked quietly .

President Choo . What is it that you really want to say?

President Choo ManJi fell silent .

This was an important moment .

It was quiet to the point that the ticking of the clock could be heard .

When President Choo ManJi hesitated to speak, KangYoon calmly .

You should tell us without worries . We know that this isnt easy for us either .

.

Eventually .

President Choo ManJis eyes looked resolved .

This matter about DiaTeen going to China, wont you do it with us?

The table fell silent once again .

***

After switching to World Entertainment .

Min JinSeo spent practically no time as a public figure .

For the first few weeks, she rarely left the apartment .

When she opened her eyes, she started watching movies, dramas, and reality shows on TV and wore the same training outfit for an entire week at a time . Thanks to that, her skin tone had become somewhat whiter, but she had also started gaining weight .

Despite this, Kang GiJoon did not tell her off or anything .

In fact, he helped her out by ordering fried chicken at night

Her current lifestyle continued for almost two months .

Min JinSeo eventually felt pressured by Kang GiJoons actions .

I feel sorry, Team Leader Kang, not to mention the president I do need to work .

She was extremely apologetic as she was on the phone with Lee HyunJi .

However, the voice from the other side was soft .

You worked hard until now . You must be burned out . You can rest as long as you want .

Thank you .

After the call, Min JinSeo threw her phone onto the sofa and lied down .

Im like a pig .

She pinched on her stomach which looked just right .

Although no one would say anything about her, the previous her would find this unacceptable .

Should I start jogging tomorrow?

She made a decision before standing up .

At that moment, the bell rang .

When she had a look at the intercom screen, she saw Kang GiJoon with snacks in both of his hands .

So you were resting .

Kang GiJoon smiled and started unpacking the soondae and tteokbokki that he brought .

Team Leader . Is it really fine if I dont do anything?

Yeah, its fine . You can just rest easy .

Ah, it feels somewhat awkward .

Min JinSeo found this funny since this kind of life was unimaginable while she was at MG .

She was beginning to get worried that she might be forgotten by the public after resting so long .

Its really fine . You can just rest without thinking about the difficult things .

But the company invested a lot of money in me

Nah .

When she said that, Kang GiJoon waved his hand .

Complicated stuff like that can come later . Ill tell you this . You were worth that investment . Thats why the president invested in you .

Really?

The president isnt the type of person to invest that kind of money just because he knows you . Or, is it that you want to make a comeback quickly?

Not yet . I just feel so apologetic . Both to sir and to you .

She wanted to rest a little more .

That was her honest opinion .

Apologetic, huh . Why dont you do this then?

Do what?

When Min Jins...o...b..inked, Kang GiJoon smiled and spoke .

You said you wanted to go to school, right?

Yes . what does that have

To go to school, you will have to study, right? Why dont you try studying since youre resting anyway?

Hm . Should I? Is there an academy or something I can go to?

If a celebrity decided to go to an academy or a cram school, it would instantly make it to the news .

Min JinSeo didnt want any attention on her yet other than through acting .

Noticing her worries, Kang GiJoon nodded .

Okay . You can start with online lessons . And if you need to, we can look into academies later . Your first objective is the college entrance exam .

Can I do it?

Its fine if you dont . Its just an experience .

Min JinSeo nodded with a smile .

Seeing that, Kang GiJoon made a satisfied smile as well .

Lets introduce her to many things in her rest period . The coming year will make her rise to new heights in her career . I think getting in love is also a good option but I wont be able to handle the consequences, so no .

Kang GiJoon wrote down the things necessary for the plans he had .