Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

"It looks like I'll have to turn that role down," Ju Yung-In replied.

Contrary to my expectations, Ju Yung-In let it go without a second thought.

Puzzled, I asked, "I told you it's a good project, didn't I? So why?"

Ju Yung-In smirked. "Oppa, I can tell just by looking at your face. 'Queen Jeong-Hee? Sure, it's a good project. But it won't stand a chance against us.' That's what you're saying, isn't it?"

The fact that she could read that much from my expression was impressive. I always thought I had a decent poker face, but somehow Yoo-Jin and Ju Yung-In were the exceptions.

With a carefree look, Ju Yung-In added, "I've already had to deal with losing to you and Yoo-Jin up close in the same drama. Now you want me to get crushed as part of the competitor drama too? No thanks. I've got my pride."

Ju Yung-In backed off so easily that it left me puzzled. I turned to Ahn Yung-Hee. "Mrs. Ahn, is she really not going to take the role?"

"It's fine. Honestly, I wasn't keen on competing against your team anyway. We're planning to focus entirely on China for now. We'll save the real fight for next time."

Ahn Yung-Hee also seemed unusually quick to retreat. It didn't sit quite right, but pressing them on a decision they had already made didn't feel appropriate either.

Deciding the conversation had run its course, Ju Yung-In smoothly changed the topic. "Anyway, enough about that. I brought a coffee truck all the way here, so the least you can do is buy me a meal, right?"

Yoo-Jin answered for me. "Fine. I'll treat you. Let's eat together after the morning shoot."

Ju Yung-In pouted playfully. "Why don't you sit this one out? I want to eat with Yoon-Ho oppa."

Yoo-Jin frowned. "Wooow look at you! You're dragging my talent agent off without my permission?"

Ju Yung-In, usually so headstrong, now pleaded like she was genuinely desperate. "Come on~ I came all the way from China so let me be just this once. You've got to at least treat me to a meal out of courtesy, don't you think?"

Eventually, Yoo-Jin gave in. "Fine, but just for today."

"Got it. I'm flying back tomorrow anyway."

Though Yoo-Jin still looked slightly disgruntled, she begrudgingly stepped back.

Ju Yung-In turned to me with a bright smile. "Oppa, what are you going to buy me?"

Since Ju Yung-In helped out today, buying her a meal seemed like the least I could do. "How about gukbap? Sounds good?"

Warm gukbap felt perfect for the chilly weather.

Surprisingly, Ju Yung-In, who typically wouldn't settle for anything less than a fine dining restaurant, agreed immediately. "Deal!"

It was unexpected, but a promise was a promise.

She had certainly played her role as today's "savior" perfectly, just like the horoscope of the day had said.

***

We moved to the cabin set where the next scene would be filmed. Upon hearing Ju Yung-In had arrived, the staff worked with noticeable enthusiasm.

While the lighting crew bustled about, Yoo-Jin sat quietly and reviewed her script. She let out a faint sigh, clearly aware of Ju Yung-In watching her. Given their history of competition, it was no surprise that Yoo-Jin felt the pressure.

I asked, "Are you okay?"

Yoo-Jin smiled softly and nodded. "Yes, I'm fine."

However, Miso sitting beside Yoo-Jin shook her head. "Uncle Yoon-Ho! She's not fine. Mom's lying right now."

Miso, sharp-eyed as ever, immediately noticed that her mom wasn't quite her usual self.

Yoo-Jin gently cupped Miso's cheeks with both hands. "Miso. You're not supposed to say things like that, okay?"

Miso mumbled with her cheeks stretched like mochi. "Sorry, Mom~ Don't be angry~"

Miso's speech slurred adorably.

Yoo-Jin let go of Miso's cheeks and softly patted her face. "Pfft. I'm not angry, Miso. I'm just nervous because my rival is watching."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You know what a rival is, right?"

"Uh-huh. I learned about it. For me, Gong-Ju and Yi-Ji unnie are rivals! I can't lose to them!"

"That's right. I don't want to lose to Auntie Yung-In either."

Miso finally nodded as she was satisfied with the explanation. "Ohhh~"

Yoo-Jin then turned to me. "Oppa, make sure you monitor me properly today. If I slip up, tell me right away, okay?"

Yoo-Jin admitted she was slightly on edge and asked me to help keep her in check. It wasn't just Min Gyu-Ri's usual provocations that were bothering her, but Ju Yung-In being here added even more pressure.

I nodded. "Of course. Don't worry about it."

Just then, Miso tilted her head. She chimed in enthusiastically as she was always eager to mimic her mom. "Uncle Yoon-Ho! I want you to monitor me too!"

"Alright, Miso. I'll keep an eye on you too."

At that moment, the staff called out, "Miss Yoo-Jin, we're starting the shoot!"

Yoo-Jin rose from her seat and walked toward the set as Miso cheered her on. "Mom, you got this!"

It was as if Yoo-Jin intended to show Ju Yung-In exactly what she was capable of.

***

The scene being filmed today was Scene 25 of Episode 7.

Princess Do-Hwa accompanied by her attendants sided with Princess Yu-Hwa and began destroying the looms that the peasants were using for weaving. Princess Yu-Hwa arriving on the scene would discover the destruction and confront Princess Do-Hwa in a physical altercation.

Since the script required a fight scene between Princess Do-Hwa and Princess Yu-Hwa, Min Gyu-Ri and Yoo-Jin rehearsed their choreography under the supervision of Stunt Director Ahn Seok-Chil.

Oh Bok-Hee checked with the staff on the preparations and called out to the actors, "We'll get started as soon as the lighting is ready, so please be prepared."

While the lighting team hurried to finish setting up the lights, the actors took their positions. Extras playing peasants sat in front of the looms inside the set, while Min Gyu-Ri, her bodyguards, and her maids stood waiting in the yard. Yoo-Jin remained offstage behind the cabin.

Oh Bok-Hee turned to Min Gyu-Ri with a script in her hand and began repeating herself. "Gyu-Ri."

"Yes, Mrs. Oh?"

"Be careful. If Miss Yoo-Jin gets hurt, it'll be a huge problem. Got it?"

Min Gyu-Ri nodded with her expression showing some irritation. "I got it. That's the third time you've said it, though."

"Is it? Sorry. Anyway, just be careful and take care of yourself too."

Hearing the repeated warnings about not injuring the lead actress clearly didn't sit well with Min Gyu-Ri as her face showed it plainly.

Oh Bok-Hee then turned to Yoo-Jin with similar instructions. "Miss Yoo-Jin. Be as careful as you can but make it look intense. You know what I mean, right?"

"Yes, ma'am. Don't worry."

Yoo-Jin's ability to read between the lines and understand even poorly phrased instructions coming from her years of part-time job experience was showing.

Meanwhile, Ju Yung-In had somehow slipped to my side and asked, "Oppa, doesn't Min Gyu-Ri keep messing with Yoo-Jin?"

"What? How did you know?"

"You saw what happened with the coffee earlier, didn't you? When I said I didn't know who she was, she deliberately spilled coffee on me. A girl like that? She'd never leave Yoo-Jin alone. She's too self-absorbed to just stand back and let someone else shine."

At that moment, Ju Yung-In's old self came to mind and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Why are you laughing?"

"It's nothing."

"Hmm? That's suspicious. You're not comparing me to her, are you?"

She hit the mark, but I firmly kept my mouth shut.

"Oh my goodness, that's it! I knew it. Wow, this is just too much." Ju Yung-In grumbled.

However, I didn't bother responding and simply turned my head.

At that moment, Scene 25 of Episode 7 began.

"Alright, we are starting the shoot. Ready~ Action!"

Min Gyu-Ri stormed into the cabin set with her skirts swirling, flanked by her attendants and bodyguards.

『There'll be no weaving without looms. Break everything, everyone!』

Crash!

The bodyguards swung their swords to smash earthen jars and looms, instantly turning the scene into chaos.

Min Gyu-Ri looked around before grabbing a laundry paddle sitting on one of the earthen jars and swinging it gleefully.

『Hahaha! How satisfying! Yes, smash it all! Break it to pieces!』

At that moment, Yoo-Jin burst onto the scene with her voice ringing out powerfully.

『Princess Do-Hwa! What on earth are you doing? Nevermind the weaving contest being at stake, but destroying these looms? How will the people survive?!』

Min Gyu-Ri turned her head sharply toward Yoo-Jin upon hearing her thunderous voice.

『Yu-Hwa unnie? How did you get here…』

Yoo-Jin marched toward Min Gyu-Ri with her eyes blazing and grabbed the laundry paddle in her hand.

『Ahh! What are you doing?!』

Min Gyu-Ri gritted her teeth and resisted with all her might. However, Yoo-Jin's strength overwhelmed her and the paddle was eventually wrestled away.

Min Gyu-Ri lifted her head and glared furiously.

『Why should I care if these vermin live or die?!』

That's when Yoo-Jin raised her right hand and swung it hard.

Smack!

The sound echoed through the set as Min Gyu-Ri's head snapped to the side. The slap was so forceful that Min Gyu-Ri stumbled backward and collapsed to the ground.

Thud.

'Is that an NG?'

The slap was supposed to knock Min Gyu-Ri back a step, not send her sprawling. Min Gyu-Ri's weak endurance must have been the problem. Also, Yoo-Jin had more strength than the average actress her age as she was used to carrying Miso around all the time.

Nevertheless, Oh Bok-Hee didn't call for a cut, so Yoo-Jin continued the scene. Yoo-Jin's voice trembled with anger.

『Vermin…? You better take back those words!』

Finally, Min Gyu-Ri exploded with anger and humiliation from getting slapped and being thrown to the ground.

『Even my mother doesn't hit me. Who do you think you are?!』

『What?』

『Yu-Hwa, you're going to die by my hand today!』

Fuming, Min Gyu-Ri shot up and grabbed Yoo-Jin's hair.

'What the hell…'

The script called for Min Gyu-Ri to grab Yoo-Jin's collar, not the hair. However, Oh Bok-Hee did not yell cut.

Yoo-Jin didn't back down and immediately grabbed Min Gyu-Ri's hair with both hands.

Grab!

Oh Bok-Hee still let the scene roll, likely too impressed by the intensity of their acting to interrupt.

Meanwhile, Miso stood up abruptly with hands on her hips like she was ready to jump in and fight. I quickly wrapped my arms around Miso from behind to calm her down.

I whispered softly into Miso's ear. "Miso, that's all acting, okay? And remember, you're not supposed to move until the PD calls cut."

Miso clamped her mouth shut and gave a firm nod, but continued to keep her eyes locked on Min Gyu-Ri, filled with unmistakable hostility.

Next to me, Ju Yung-In quietly murmured, "Oppa, Min Gyu-Ri's a real fighter, isn't she?"

I nodded. However, she was more like a clueless pup who didn't realize she was messing with a tiger.

Ju Yung-In smirked mischievously. "There's no way Yoo-Jin's going to let that slide. I wonder what she'll do…"

As if Ju Yung-In's words summoned the moment, Yoo-Jin gripped Min Gyu-Ri's hair tightly and started yanking her around. Min Gyu-Ri gritted her teeth and tried to hold her ground, but she couldn't match Yoo-Jin's strength.

『Aaaah! Let go! Let go of me! Yu-Hwa unnie! I said let go!』

『You let go first, Do-Hwa!』

『Let's let go on three! One, two, three—ahh! Why didn't you let go?! You're too strong!』

『Hah! You think I'll fall for such petty tricks?』

As the fight escalated, the two of them quickly lost all their royal composure and began brawling like ordinary sisters. Both were now yanking each other's hair furiously. Their hair ornaments tumbled to the ground and strands of hair started flying everywhere.

The extras playing weavers gasped in shock and trembled while the bodyguards and attendants stood frozen as they were unsure of what to do. Eventually, the guards managed to pull the two apart.

Thud!

However, Min Gyu-Ri's legs buckled and she fell ungracefully onto her backside again. It was such a perfectly timed moment that Oh Bok-Hee didn't hesitate to yell cut this time. "Cut! Okay! Wow! That was great! You two were so realistic!"

The staff swarmed the scene to check on both actresses.

Yoo-Jin brushed them off calmly. "I'm fine, really."

She then walked over to Min Gyu-Ri who was still sitting on the ground and extended her hand. "Are you okay, Miss Gyu-Ri?"

With everyone watching, Min Gyu-Ri had no choice but to take Yoo-Jin's hand. "Ah… Yes, I'm fine, sunbae. I'm sorry for getting a little carried away."

Yoo-Jin smiled gently. "Hey, it happens when you're in the zone. Don't worry about it."

Considering how much rougher Yoo-Jin had been, that victory smile on her face said it all.

Ju Yung-In laughed beside me and nodded as though she had expected nothing less. "There we go. That's the Jung Yoo-Jin I know."

After the follow-up shots wrapped up, Yoo-Jin returned to her seat. "Oppa, do you think I went a little too far today?"

"No way. It was passionate and alive. Great acting."

However, Ju Yung-In gave the opposite response. "Oh, you totally went too far. I think you ripped half her hair out."

Yoo-Jin grinned mischievously and opened her left hand. A small handful of Min Gyu-Ri's hair tumbled to the ground.

Ju Yung-In stared in disbelief and burst into laughter. "Were you trying to make her go bald?"

Yoo-Jin shrugged her shoulders. "Hey, things happen when you're immersed in the role."

Just then, Miso looked up at Yoo-Jin with a worried expression. "Mom, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Miso. This kind of acting needs to look real, so I might have gone a little overboard."

"Phew, that's a relief. I was so worried."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Yoo-Jin smiled and scooped Miso into her arms while flexing her barely visible bicep with pride. "I never lose! Look, I've got strong muscles. I'm super strong."

"Wow~"

Miso poked Yoo-Jin's "muscles" repeatedly and burst into bright laughter.

***

Ju Yung-In, who insisted on having lunch together, had a last minute event and rushed back to Seoul. Instead, she sent me a KkTalk message.

[Ju Yung-In: Oppa, it was nice seeing your face after so long. :)]

For a brief moment, I couldn't shake the thought that maybe she had come not just to ask about the role but to see me.

'No way. That's overthinking it, Jung Yoon-Ho.'

I shook off the complicated thought and headed to the set for the child actors' afternoon shoot.

Unfortunately, the shoot didn't go as planned.

The child actors were supposed to wrap up filming today. However, Yang Yi-Ji, who played the young Princess Jeong-Hwa, ended up with indigestion after lunch and her scenes had to be postponed.

With the early wrap, we all headed back to Seoul together.

Delighted at the prospect of returning to the set soon, Miso sang happily in the car.

"Miso, are you excited?" I asked.

Miso beamed, clearly thrilled about dressing up in beautiful hanbok. "Yeah! I get to wear pretty princess clothes at the set!"

"Then I will buy you all those clothes someday."

"Really?"

"Of course~"

"Yay!"

Seeing Miso's bright and joyful face recharged me in an instant.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Lee Soo-Chan. "Hey, Soo-Chan. What's up?"

-Hyung-nim. We've officially signed the last actress, Oh Soo-Jin.

I had tasked Lee Soo-Chan with bringing all ten actresses who were victims of the hidden camera scheme orchestrated by Kim Dong-Soo and exposed by Nalsae under Reverse Entertainment's protection.

The primary goal was to protect the actresses from Kim Dong-Soo before their photos get leaked. If Kim Dong-Soo were to use those photos to blackmail them, I planned to hit him back hard with their help.

At that moment, Lee Soo-Chan's voice came through the phone again.

-Oh. And as you predicted, Kim Dong-Soo has started using the hidden camera photos as blackmail.

"Really? When did it start?"

-According to Oh Soo-Jin, it started about a week ago. The other actresses haven't mentioned anything yet.

Kim Dong-Soo's moves were unfolding exactly as I had anticipated.

"I'll head over now."

If things went well, this might be the perfect chance to finally put Kim Dong-Soo behind bars.

Ristretto's Thoughts

Okay, but is it just me or does Jung Yoon-Ho seem interested in Ju Yung-In?

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