Tae In spoke softly but firmly, her small stature belied by her assertiveness, causing the secretary to shrink further.

“I’m sorry.”

“Be more careful in the future.”

Tae In spoke with a breezy smile.

I need to get Ji Eun Kyung back quickly.

Smiling outwardly but gritting her teeth internally, Tae In entered the just-opened elevator.

In a rooftop room in Seoul, Hye Sung was sitting on a platform, enjoying the autumn sun. She opened a book she hadn’t progressed past one page in months.

“Ah, my phone.”

Remembering her phone, which had been left charging after running out of battery the previous night, she went inside to retrieve it. When she turned it on, it vibrated incessantly as if she had received a call.

“What’s this? 480 missed calls?”

Worried her phone number might have been leaked, Hye Sung hastily called her manager.

[Dash] Sister, why haven’t you been answering? I was worried.

“Sorry, my phone died last night, and I forgot about it after charging. But what’s going on? I have 480 missed calls.”

[Dash] Sister, it’s chaos right now. I’ll send you a link, check it out.

Hye Sung hung up and clicked on the link sent by her manager.

Oh Hye Sung Participates in Zero Waste Event, Upscycling Bags Sold Out!

Hye Sung, who attended a zero waste event organized by Taekang Group, caught attention with her upcycled products. In contrast, Executive Seo Se Ji of the event organizers faced controversy for using a crocodile leather bag and disposable straw and plastic cup.

Hye Sung browsed through the article and then checked her piled-up messages.

[Hye Sung, saw your article. You were really cool.] [I knew you’d make a comeback! Keep soaring high!] [Let’s meet soon. Call me when you see this.]

The messages were from colleagues who had abruptly cut off contact during her downfall.

Hye Sung opened her laptop and searched her name on a website.

The event photos dominated the page. Her pictures were also all over popular SNS posts.

Hye Sung’s participation in the zero waste event, where she showcased upcycled bags, had garnered attention.

Public opinion was positive. Many comments expressed support, stating they had always liked her or believed in her.

Despite feeling a bit creeped out by the thought that these could be the same people who had previously speculated about her character or predicted she would cause a big scandal, Hye Sung’s mood improved with the positive reactions.

‘This can’t be a coincidence.’

While checking other articles, Hye Sung scoffed.

Articles timed so perfectly as if prearranged?

It had to be Seo Tae In’s doing. No doubt about it.

Just then, her manager called. Hye Sung picked up, feigning composure.

“What is it?”

[Dash] Sister, the CEO is looking for you!

It was likely about re-contracting.

Having been in the entertainment industry for long, Hye Sung was quick to grasp the situation.

The company, acting like they wouldn’t renew her contract, now seemed to be changing their tune, seeing her recent rise in popularity.

It was a common occurrence in the industry. There was no need to take offense. Hye Sung was also planning to negotiate and potentially move to a different agency.

“I’ll come later, I have somewhere to be today.”
Hye Sung hung up the phone and closed her laptop.

The bags designed by Hee Won and manufactured by Yeong Won and Hyung Man were sold out.

What Tae In did was merely expose the already perfectly crafted bags to the world.

“Are the other items selling at a terrifying speed too?”

“They are already sold out.”

Hee Won and Yeong Won let out near-screams of joy. Jung Ri was dumbfounded, while Tae In nodded lightly, as if she had expected this.

Everything had gone as planned. Anticipating heavy traffic on the online site, they increased its capacity and produced a generous number of bags. It was an achievement impossible without the help of market merchants who had recently lost their jobs.

“But are you really going to do it?”

Hee Won asked with a hint of regret.

“What, donate?”

“Yeah, it seems like a temporary Oh Hye Sung effect. Donating more than half of the bag’s profits seems a bit…”

“Right now, promoting our brand is more important than immediate profits. And don’t worry, there will be no delay in paying the employees’ salaries.”

“I wish Oh Hye Sung would continue as our model. Ambassador marketing seems like a good idea. How about you go and ask her personally?”

Hee Won suggested eagerly. Initially skeptical, she seemed to grow more ambitious once she saw the results.

“She will come by herself.”

“Oh Hye Sung? She’s been doing well lately, why would she come here? Don’t get arrogant just because things went well once, Tae In.”

Tae In patted Hee Won’s shoulder confidently.

“Just wait and see. Be patient.”

And as if to prove Tae In’s words, a call came from Oh Hye Sung.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Tae In cleared her throat and answered the phone.

“Yes, why?”

[Dash] Where are you right now?

“In the office.”

[Dash] Give me the address. I have something to discuss.

“I’ll send it.”

Tae In hung up and sent the address to Hye Sung. Hee Won and Yeong Won looked at Tae In with skeptical expressions.

Exactly 20 minutes later.

Hye Sung entered the office, her red hair casually tied up and wearing a leather jacket. She brushed aside her stray hair and scanned the shabby office with an annoyed look before speaking.

“You really exploited me quite efficiently, didn’t you?”

Overwhelmed by her commanding presence, Hee Won and Yeong Won just gaped, too flustered to invite the employees to sit. Hye Sung, familiar with such reactions, casually pulled a metal chair and sat down in front of Tae In.

Tae In, as if she had anticipated this, smiled lightly.

“So, you’ve come here personally to ask me to use you again?”