Chapter 868: Bok Seon-Ill and Bok Ah-Yung (3)
Before the regression, a tabloid reporter revealed that Bok Seon-Ill had a secret daughter.
And in front of the swarming press, Bok Ah-Yung gave a bold interview. She said she had already suspected that Bok Seon-Ill wasn't her brother, but her father. He cared and loved her far too much for just a brother, and people at school had always joked that she was like a female version of Bok Seon-Ill since they looked so much alike.
Believing in that boldness from back then, I had planned to tell her the full truth. Fortunately, Bok Ah-Yung already knew Bok Seon-Ill was her real father.
"When did you find out?" I asked.
Bok Ah-Yung huffed, frustrated. "Why does that even matter? You said someone's blackmailing my big brother, right? Not a reporter? It's someone from the company... Is it Chief Yoon Dong-Gu?"
"Yes."
"I knew it. That guy gave off bad vibes the moment I saw him. That sleazy grin—ugh. That bastard! I swear, if I ever get my hands on him—"
Bok Ah-Yung flailed her slim arms like she might storm out right now and rip all of Yoon Dong-Gu's hair out. Bok Seon-Ill had told me she was shy, timid, and cried easily. Clearly, love had blinded him.
I erased my assumptions and spoke to this fierce, unshakable version of Bok Ah-Yung. "For now, sit down and take a breath."
Bok Ah-Yung took a deep breath and plopped into her seat, then downed her iced coffee in one long gulp. "Phew... My dad... Ugh. Sorry. I've called him big brother all my life. Saying dad feels way too awkward. Can I just keep calling him big brother? Is that okay?"
"Of course. That's fine."
"Oh, and Mr. Jung. Can you drop the honorifics with me? You speaking so formally makes me super uncomfortable."
I nodded, doing what I could to make her feel at ease. "Alright. Sure."
"Anyway, he's probably panicking all alone, right? I bet he is. That guy's prickly and a total pain, but the second something happens to me, he loses it."
"Yeah. He told me to protect you no matter what, even if he gets hurt."
"What's that supposed to mean? If he gets hurt, what am I supposed to do then?"
Though Bok Ah-Yung was venting her frustration, I could see the worry clearly written on her face.
"But if it gets out that he has a secret daughter, won't that ruin him? That kind of thing ends celebrities' careers."
I shook my head. "Not necessarily. That's only when they've done something wrong. And Mr. Bok Seon-Ill hasn't. Besides, with me here, you don't need to worry. I'll make sure neither of you get hurt."
Before the regression, the public had turned against Bok Seon-Ill when the article first broke. However, when the truth came out—that he hadn't filed a birth certificate because he was a single father, and once people learned their story—public opinion flipped. They became fans of the father-daughter duo.
Bok Seon-Ill had even held a press conference to apologize to his fans and announced that even if he had to retire, he would do whatever it took to protect his daughter. That moment had changed everything.
"But... even in a situation like this, you still want to sign me? Are you sure it's okay?" Bok Ah-Yung asked.
"Yeah. If you want company support, then you need to be part of the family. Oh, and of course I'm offering to scout you after seeing the videos of you singing at your freshman welcome party and your high school festival. Your talent's real."
Bok Ah-Yung let out a breath of relief. "Then what should I do now?"
"First, we're going to reveal your identity to the public."
"You're not going to hide it... but announce it instead?"
"Right. If we don't do it now, this secret is going to rot away at both your lives."
Bok Ah-Yung nodded. "I figured this day would come someday. But did you get my big brother's permission? I know we fought, but I don't want that going public without his okay."
Just as much as Bok Seon-Ill loved her, Bok Ah-Yung loved him too.
"Of course I'll get his permission. I'm going to meet him now and tell him to his face that I'm going to make you a star."
"Ah, yep! Then I'm in too."
Bok Ah-Yung gave a bright smile. Her cheerful energy seemed to be contagious, because I found myself smiling back before I even realized it. It really felt like fortune was falling into my lap.
"By the way, if we're going to sign a contract, I have to check a few things. Some of the questions might be a little uncomfortable, so I hope you understand."
"Go ahead. Ask me anything."
"Have you ever been involved in school violence? I mean anything from bullying, being bullied, hitting someone, to getting hit..."
Bok Ah-Yung shook her head firmly. "Nope. Not at all. And I was extra careful because my big brother is Bok Seon-Ill."
"Any issues with drinking, drugs, gambling? Anything that could be a red flag?"
"None."
"I'll be double-checking everything later, so if there's anything you slipped up on, now's the time to tell me."
At that moment, Bok Ah-Yung finally started glancing at me a little nervously.
'Wait, what was that? Is there something I don't know?'
Gulping slightly, I asked her, "Is it about a guy? If you're seeing someone, just let me know. Even if it's minor—"
Before I could finish, Bok Ah-Yung squeezed her eyes shut and bowed her head deeply like she was confessing a mortal sin. "I've never even dreamed of dating because of my big brother. I'm what you'd call an involuntary lifelong single. But... um... in this phone game called GOGOSTOP, I'm holding about 10 billion won worth of virtual cash. I'm one of the top three ranked players! I've been gambling online. I'm so sorry!"
'Huh? She's ranked number three in Korea's top Go-Stop app?'
I was so stunned I couldn't speak.
'Should I be training her as a singer or a professional Go-Stop player?'
"..."
When I stayed silent, Bok Ah-Yung peeked up with one eye, worry written all over her face. "Does this mean I can't be a singer anymore?"
"I-I mean, it's surprising, sure. But playing a game doesn't disqualify you from being a singer. And it's not even illegal."
Bok Ah-Yung let out a huge breath of relief. "Phew, thank goodness."
She looked genuinely terrified, so much that I almost laughed. Bok Ah-Yung was more eccentric than I expected. She was almost like a mix between Sae-Ri and Do Ran-Hee.
There was just one last thing I needed to ask.
"But there's one thing I'm curious about. How... exactly did you figure it out? About your birth?"
Bok Ah-Yung struck a pose like she was adjusting invisible glasses. "A year ago, my dad was hospitalized. He'd always told me he had type A blood, same as me. But it turns out he's type O. My mom is type O too. And when both parents are O, the child can only be O, right? So that meant I couldn't be theirs. That's when I started to piece it together—thanks to my superior deduction skills!"
"You never thought you might've been adopted?"
"Pfft, no way. My big brother's childhood photos and mine look exactly the same. And... I mean, I don't know all adoption stories, but I doubt someone would go as far as my big brother did. Overprotective doesn't even cover it."
"Overprotective?"
"Yeah. If he weren't a singer, I bet he'd have packed me lunch and shown up at school every day. Honestly, it'd be weird if I didn't figure it out."
"I see."
"Still, since my big brother's a celebrity, I didn't want to be a burden. So I pretended not to know and just lived my life. He's got a new wife and a family now, and they have kids too."
Bok Seon-Ill's current wife already knew about Bok Ah-Yung. But clearly, Bok Ah-Yung didn't know that. I figured it was best I tell her now.
"Sorry to spring this on you, but... your sister-in-law knows about your relationship with Mr. Bok Seon-Ill."
"My sister-in-law knows?"
"Yeah. Though I don't think the two sons know."
That's when the shock finally showed on Bok Ah-Yung's face. "S-She knew all this time... and still treated me so kindly?"
When I nodded, Bok Ah-Yung's once-feisty eyes filled with tears. "She's just... too kind, that sister-in-law of mine. Sniff."
I handed her a handkerchief. Bok Ah-Yung wiped her tears and blew her nose with gusto. "Snrrk!" Then, realizing what she had done, she suddenly yelped, "S-Sorry! I didn't mean to blow my nose!"
'Too late.'
"It's fine. You can keep it."
"I-I'll buy you a new one."
"Pfft. Go ahead."
Clutching my handkerchief tightly, Bok Ah-Yung made a quiet vow. "I'm going to be so good to her from now on."
With a mentality like hers, I had no worries about her surviving the entertainment world.
"Alright then. Let's get your contract signed and help your big brother out."
"Can we get back at Chief Yoon Dong-Gu too?"
"Of course."
Bok Ah-Yung looked concerned. "But that guy's a star producer. People say he's got a lot of power."
I smiled calmly and answered clearly. "I've got more."
Bok Ah-Yung clapped her hands together. "Oh, right! You're the second-largest shareholder of Hoop Entertainment, right? That reporter Jang Moon-Ki listed everything in that article. He said you're a mega-wealthy, super-ultra powerhouse who's shaking up the Korean entertainment scene."
"Beep. That's tabloid nonsense."
"Come on~ From what I've seen you do for me and my big brother, that article sounds pretty accurate. You should just go with it. Super Ultra Talent Agent. Or... S.U.T.A? Or maybe, Mr. S.U.T.A?"
Bok Ah-Yung's playful energy made me laugh.
"Call me whatever you like. Just don't worry. You can trust me."
"Yessir! Mr. S.U.T.A!"
With Bok Ah-Yung's situation handled, I immediately messaged Bok Seon-Ill via Kk Talk.
[Chief Jung Yoon-Ho: I met with B. She said she has something urgent to talk about, so I'll head to JU with her in 30 minutes. Let's meet there.]
To avoid running into Yoon Dong-Gu at the company, I suggested we meet at the nearby JU Entertainment building instead.
Bok Seon-Ill called right away.
-Chief Jung, did something happen to Ah-Yung?
"Oh, no, nothing like that. But I do think it's best if we talk in person."
-Is it bad? If it is, I'd rather know now...
Bok Ah-Yung, getting frustrated, shouted loudly enough for him to hear. "Oppa! Let's talk face-to-face! And it's good news, so stop worrying!"
-Ah-Yung? Alright. And hey... I'm sorry for yelling this—
At that moment, Bok Ah-Yung beat him to it.
"I'm the one who's sorry for being stubborn. And I'm hungry now, so buy me something yummy later."
-R-Really? Great! I haven't eaten either, so I'll get you something delicious. What do you want? Sushi? Hanwoo? I'll buy you anything. Just say it.
The way he panicked over her skipping breakfast said everything about how overprotective he normally was. Embarrassed by her doting dad-slash-brother, Bok Ah-Yung looked awkward.
"Stop it already, you're embarrassing me. Mr. Jung's right here."
-Oh, right! Got it.
I chuckled softly and spoke into the phone. "Then we'll see you shortly."
-Alright. I'll head to JU and wait. Chief Yoon wanted to meet today, but I told him I was practicing and postponed it.
"Good call."
-Okay. I'll be there now.
Click.
Yoon Dong-Gu asking for a meeting made it clear that he was definitely involved in this mess.
To handle it swiftly, I immediately called Kang Gam-Chan.
-Hey, Yoon-Ho.
"Mr. Kang. I'm sorry, but could you come to JU Entertainment now with Legal Chief Kwak Moo-Hyuk?"
-What's going on?
I explained it concisely that Bok Seon-Ill had a much younger sister, but was in reality his secret daughter, and that Yoon Dong-Gu was threatening to expose it, using it to manipulate Bok Seon-Ill.
Kang Gam-Chan erupted into anger.
-That bastard! He's using someone's painful family secret to torment them?!
"Please, sir. Stay calm. We need to handle this as quietly as possible."
-Right, right. I'll stay calm. You're the one taking responsibility here, so I won't interfere. Well? What's the plan?
"We're going to reveal the truth to the public ourselves and bring Ah-Yung under our company's protection. Oh, and I personally guarantee her talent."
-If you say she's good, then there's nothing more to say. I'll grab Chief Kwak and head over right now.
"Thank you."
After hanging up, I told Bok Ah-Yung to gather her things.
Then I headed to the next room to meet with Chief Choi Go-Yoon and President Lee Ha-Yoon. It was time to hear what she wanted in return.
***
As I entered the room, Lee Ha-Yoon greeted me with a bright smile. "Judging by your face, it went well."
I nodded. "It did."
"Then you'll grant me that favor now?"
"Of course. What is it?"
Lee Ha-Yoon smiled sweetly. "There's a VVIP party next week at Daechon Department Store. Could you attend with me?"
These department store VVIP parties were exclusive events for only the highest-tier customers. Since Lee Ha-Yoon was the daughter of Vice President Kim Ae-Ryeon, the host, she had to be there. And the event required a partner.
She had done so much for me already, especially today, rushing over at a single call. It was my turn to repay the favor.
"Just let me know the dress code. I'll be there."
Lee Ha-Yoon clapped her hands, delighted. "I'll send the outfit by car. And thank you so much for saying yes."
However, there was just one thing nagging at me.
"Are you sure I won't be a burden at something like that? It's a VVIP event. I'm just a talent agent."
Lee Ha-Yoon stifled a laugh. "Pfft. You think you're just a talent agent?"
"Why are you laughing?"
"Come to the party and see for yourself. Then you'll understand your place."
'My place? What even is my place?'
***
After parting ways with Lee Ha-Yoon, I headed to JU Entertainment with Bok Ah-Yung.
In the meeting room on the third floor, Kang Gam-Chan, Kwak Moo-Hyuk, and Bok Seon-Ill were already there, chatting as they waited.
"I'm sorry we're late," I said.
Kang Gam-Chan shook his head. "You're not late. Take a seat. And you must be Mr. Bok Seon-Ill's younger sister. Nice to meet you."
"Ah, yes. Hello, Mr. Kang." Once seated, Bok Ah-Yung, as promised, bravely brought up the hard part first. "Oppa. I already know."
"...Know what?"
"That you're... my dad."
Bok Seon-Ill's eyes grew large. All the color drained from his face. "Ah, Ah-Yung... Well, the thing is..."
Bok Ah-Yung stood up and hugged Bok Seon-Ill tightly. "It's okay. Whatever the story is, nothing changes for me. Calling you dad might be a bit hard, but at least now, don't suffer because of me anymore. I'm not a kid anymore. So don't let them use me against you. Go ahead and reveal it. I'm fine with it as long as you are!"
She then explained how she came to realize Bok Seon-Ill was actually her father. Tears began to pour from Bok Seon-Ill's eyes, hot and unstoppable as if a dam of 20 years had finally broken. No one in the room dared to interrupt. We simply waited in silence for his tears to stop.
A few minutes later, Bok Seon-Ill wiped his eyes and nodded. "If you're okay with it, I have no problem revealing the truth."
"Then... Can I finally become a singer?"
Bok Seon-Ill's expression turned pained. "But if we go public about you being my daughter, people might start attacking you with hate comments for no reason. Wouldn't it be better to give up on this dream? This life is really tough, you know..."
Bok Ah-Yung shook her head. "You think that blood doesn't carry over? I'm happiest when I'm singing. And it's not just anyone. Mr. Jung said he'd take me on."
"Chief Jung did?"
"Yup!"
Bok Seon-Ill looked at me. "Is that true, Chief Jung?"
I nodded. "Yes. I'll make her a proper solo artist. She has strong vocals, and with her story, she'll gain attention quickly. She can make it."
Bok Seon-Ill paused, thinking deeply, then nodded. "If it's you, I trust her with you. Please take care of us—father and daughter. Or... brother and sister, I guess."
I smiled and said, "Of course. Let's proceed with the contract then."
Kwak Moo-Hyuk slid the contract over to Bok Ah-Yung. She signed it without hesitation, and Kang Gam-Chan approved it on the spot.
"Chief Jung. Let's place Ah-Yung under your direct management in Division Jung, but have Singer Division 2 handle day-to-day support," instructed Kang Gam-Chan.
"Yes, sir."
Just then, my phone buzzed.
Buzz~
As expected, a notification popped up from Everydaythe moment the contract was signed.
[Notification: Bok Ah-Yung is now under the management of Jung Yoon-Ho.]
[Notification: A new schedule entry has been registered for Bok Ah-Yung on April 12, 2021.]
April 12 was the exact day of Yoon Dong-Gu's disciplinary hearing.
"Excuse me for a moment."
I asked for a moment to check the new schedule entry in Everyday. What I saw there was a warning—something capable of shaking the lives of both Bok Ah-Yung and Bok Seon-Ill.
It was a sign of Yoon Dong-Gu's final, desperate move.
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