Jin-gyo’s eyes widened in mock shock.

“When someone asked if I was close with you, I said yes, but I was a bit worried if that was the right answer.”

“Who asked you?”

“Just someone.”

At the same time as a wistful smile appeared on Young-in’s face, Jin-gyo had a man’s face flash before his eyes. Unlike before, he now hoped his guess was wrong and changed the subject.

“Have you been at SL for about a week now?”

“Yes.”

“How is it? Doesn’t seem like you’ll run away soon?”

“I have to observe a bit more, but the company seems to have a good system and isn’t bad. But there might come a day when I suddenly want to quit.”

If she did quit, it would probably be because of Cha Seong-hyuk.

“I appreciate you wanting to make me walk with my head held high, Senior, but it’s not necessary. I’ll just take your kindness to heart.”

Like other management companies, but especially SL Entertainment, there was fierce competition for sales between teams. It was well-known enough in the industry that even Jin-gyo was aware.

“SL Entertainment is good enough for me. It’s not a sacrifice for you, it’s a win-win. If you had gone to some ridiculous company, I would’ve been more cautious too.”

Young-in could no longer refuse. She didn’t want to.

“Senior, are you sure you won’t resent me if I suddenly quit?”

“I won’t resent you. I’ll miss you, though.”

As Jin-gyo smiled, a smile also spread across Young-in’s face.

“Then let’s sign the contract.”

“I’d like to meet with the CEO first.”

“…The CEO?”

Young-in’s lukewarm response was due to recalling the uncomfortable atmosphere between the two men two days ago. She couldn’t readily agree.

“There are some conditions I need to confirm before signing.”

“Can I ask what those conditions are?”

“Don’t worry, it’s not something absurd like a signing bonus of 10 billion. I just think it’s better to speak to the CEO directly.”

Young-in didn’t think he would propose an unreasonable condition.

“Just a moment, Senior. Let me check if the CEO is available for a meeting now.”
Young-in picked up her mobile phone from the table and called the CEO’s office. Then, she spoke to the secretary who answered the phone.

“I’m Chae Young-in from Management Team 5. Actor Seo Jin-gyo is considering an exclusive contract with our SL Entertainment and would like to discuss the contract with the CEO. Could you please check if the CEO has some time available?”

She wondered, hopefully not a refusal?

Although she tried to appear calm, Young-in’s heart was pounding.

Fortunately, the meeting was arranged.

Seong-hyuk had agreed to the meeting, postponing a scheduled conference, not because he was excited about the possibility of Seo Jin-gyo joining SL Entertainment, but rather he thought it better to have the two in front of him.

Jin-gyo was the first to offer a handshake to Seong-hyuk.

“Nice to see you again.”

Seong-hyuk took his hand.

“I heard you’re considering an exclusive contract.”

The assurance from Young-in that he wasn’t the type to come to the company during working hours for personal reasons seemed to be true.

“I came to plead for a contract so I can work with Team Manager Chae Young-in.”

A look of discomfort flickered across Young-in’s face. Seong-hyuk was displeased with Jin-gyo belittling himself to praise Young-in.

“I have a few definite answers I need to get, that’s why I asked to see the CEO.”

“Please, take a seat.”

Young-in and Jin-gyo sat on the left and right sides of the sofa, respectively, opposite the CEO’s seat.

Jin-gyo naturally started the conversation, looking at Seong-hyuk in the main seat.

“If it’s not rude, may I ask you something?”

“I’ll decide whether it’s rude or not after hearing it.”

Only Young-in made a face of disbelief in secret, while Jin-gyo was quite composed.

“Before joining SL Entertainment, where were you?”

“I was with SL Automotive’s U.S. branch.”

“Ah, I thought so.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I just had a feeling you were in the U.S.”

Seong-hyuk, not wanting to respond to such illogical reasoning, changed the subject.

“Let’s get to the main point.”

Jin-gyo willingly followed his lead.

“I have a few conditions I want.”

“Go ahead.”

“I have a long-time manager. I’d like to contract with them as well.”

“No problem.”

“I gave my manager a month’s vacation. In the meantime, I need a manager to accompany me on schedules and take care of me.”

“We’ll assign you a competent and experienced manager.”

“I have someone in mind.”

“Who is it?”

Seong-hyuk guessed who Jin-gyo would name, and his guess was correct.

“Chae Young-in.”

Both men’s gazes simultaneously turned towards Young-in.