I Will Raise This Family to Greatness - Chapter 21

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————

Chapter 21
Jeon Jae-hyung was watching Samjeon Electronics’ new advertisement with Lim Sun-mi.
It was an advertisement where Sung-guk and the Just Members blended together beautifully.
Lim Sun-mi smiled softly.
“Before this, whenever I thought of Samjeon Electronics ads, I’d think of an elegant female model first, but now I think Sung-guk will come to mind.”
“The image is definitely much more approachable. As a special commemoration of Samjeon Electronics completely changing its image, I’m thinking of holding a showcase with Sung-guk and the Just Members. What do you think?”
“It sounds good. When a model or advertising concept changes so suddenly, the public might feel a sense of disconnect. Honey, what about doing some sponsorships?”
“Sponsorships?”
“The Just Members are releasing a new album next month and moving to a new dorm, I think. When they move, what if we sponsor all the products in their new place with Samjeon Electronics products? Let me also look into Sung-guk’s family.”
“I was already planning to be aggressive with sponsorships anyway, so that’s a great idea.”
Jeon Jae-hyung took a sip of water and glanced at his watch.
It was 7 p.m.
“Should we go to that French restaurant you like this evening?”
“I’ve prepared something really special tonight.”
Lim Sun-mi smiled softly, then took Jeon Jae-hyung’s hand and led him to the kitchen.
Bossam was laid out on the dining table.
“It’s bossam. Did you make it yourself?”
“Of course not. I went to that One Uncle Bossam place where Sung-guk’s father works. I was curious, so I secretly had a manager bring some last time and tried it—it was absolutely delicious.”
“Really?”
Jeon Jae-hyung looked at the bossam with a skeptical expression.
“Just try it first. If it’s not good, we can go straight to that French restaurant you mentioned.”
Jeon Jae-hyung picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of bossam, and tasted it.
The warm bossam was so tender it melted away on his tongue.
Jeon Jae-hyung immediately picked up another piece.
“Oh my, it suits your taste too?”
“Yeah. It’s pretty good.”
Coming from Jeon Jae-hyung, who had sampled the finest delicacies from around the world, this was the highest praise.
Lim Sun-mi smiled contentedly and pulled a beer from the refrigerator.
“By the way, I’m thinking of changing talent agencies.”
“Shinsung Entertainment has been doing well by you so far.”
“I was really disappointed after seeing how they treated Sung-guk.”
“What do you mean?”
“They’re ruthless. I introduced Sung-guk to an agency, and they presented him with an outrageous slave contract at first. Fortunately, it seems Sung-guk’s current manager helped him out back then, so he switched. Now that I’m up for renegotiation, they’re already subtly spreading rumors about our relationship in the industry.”
Jeon Jae-hyung’s brow furrowed.
The practices of the entertainment industry were well-known to him.
But unlike the era when his father, Chairman Jeon Ju-shin, had built his business, Jeon Jae-hyung believed things needed to change.
“Don’t worry. We can easily suppress gossip like that. But have you decided on a new agency?”
“Not yet. What if I went to Sung-guk’s company?”
“That’s a one-person agency with just Sung-guk.”
“Honey, I’m Lim Sun-mi. There are barely a handful of dramas and films in South Korea that don’t feature Lim Sun-mi. With just me moving, that agency would be set for life.”
Lim Sun-mi flashed a confident smile.
Vice President Jeon Jae-hyung gazed at her with satisfaction.
At the same time, he felt an odd sensation that he and I kept getting tangled up together.
* * *
“Sung-guk, just take this inside with you.”
“Yes!”
I answered quickly and accepted the bouquet of flowers.
The concept of this program was a housewarming special for Just’s new dorm as part of Samjeon Electronics’ advertising campaign.
The fact that Samjeon had secured a prime Sunday evening time slot on a variety show spoke volumes about their influence.
Kim Mi-young brushed my bangs to the side—they’d grown quite a bit.
“Sung-guk, we should get your hair done next week.”
[There’s a salon I know well in Cheongdam-dong. Would it be alright to book there, Manager Kim?]
I shrugged my shoulders.
“Oh my, Sung-guk!”
A familiar voice came from behind me.
Lim Sun-mi approached me with a beaming smile, her footsteps quick and light.
“I didn’t expect to see you here too, Manager.”
“It’s been a while.”
Lim Sun-mi greeted Kim Mi-young warmly.
I instinctively touched my chin thoughtfully.
[Why is Lim Sun-mi being so friendly with Kim Mi-young? Could it be… her talent agency contract is ending soon?]
The most active period for entertainers, aside from filming, was right before and after their agency contracts expired.
Lim Sun-mi took my hand and smiled brightly.
“Sung-guk, I’m coming to the housewarming today too. We’re all exclusive models for Samjeon Electronics, after all.”
[I know that well.]
I squeezed her hand firmly.
Tycoons shake hands while simultaneously calculating order of precedence, deciding how many minutes to speak with each person, and planning which topics to bring up.
Right now, this was the perfect timing for me to discuss something very important with Lim Sun-mi.
If I could recruit just Lim Sun-mi, this place—currently like my one-man agency—might begin extraordinary growth.
“Hmm….”
The reality was that in manufacturing, the major conglomerates had already established their dominance, making it nearly impossible for new tycoons to emerge in South Korea.
But the entertainment industry was different.
A single well-managed group could lead an entertainment company to become a global powerhouse.
I gently tugged on Lim Sun-mi’s arm.
“Sung-guk, what is it?”
I spread my arms wide.
It was a gesture asking for a hug.
“You want a hug?”
“Yes!”
“My goodness, our Sung-guk really doesn’t shy away from anyone, does he?”
[Of course I will. We saw each other often in my past life too.]
I nestled into Lim Sun-mi’s arms.
The Director hurried over and gazed at Lim Sun-mi and me with a pleased smile.
“The two of you entering like that looks wonderful on camera. Alright, let’s begin filming. Sung-guk, do your best!”
“Yes!”
“Opening the door!”
The moment the Director gave the okay signal, the camera started rolling.
As the door opened, the Just Members greeted Lim Sun-mi and me warmly.
The Just Members’ dormitory, now that they’d left the semi-basement, was a luxury villa in Gangnam.
Sunlight streamed in beautifully, and each member had their own room.
What caught my eye most, however, was the Samjeon Electronics appliances.
Samjeon Electronics products were positioned throughout the space.
By tomorrow, I imagined Samjeon Electronics retailers would be flooded with calls asking about the appliances in the Just Members’ dormitory.
* * *
“You worked hard, Sung-guk.”
Lim Sun-mi stroked my cheek as she spoke.
“You worked hard too, Lim Sun-mi.”
Kim Mi-young approached.
I quickly seized the moment, took Lim Sun-mi’s hand, and went to Kim Mi-young.
“Gatti. Gatti.”
“Sung-guk, what are you saying?”
“Gatti. Gatti.”
I did my best to roll my tongue, but as a three-year-old, this was the best I could manage.
“It sounds like he’s saying ‘together.'”
Lim Sun-mi chimed in with perfect timing.
[She really does have good instincts, Sun-mi.]
I nodded eagerly.
Kim Mi-young caught on and looked at Lim Sun-mi.
“If you have time, would you like to join us for a meal? We’re planning to take Sung-guk out for jjajangmyeon since he worked so hard.”
“I’d love to. I actually just finished a drama and have some free time lately. I’ll make a reservation at the Samjeon Hotel’s Chinese restaurant. Let’s go there.”
[I’m finally going to taste the Samjeon Hotel’s jjajangmyeon!]
My mouth was already watering.
When I lived as the heir to the Samjeon Group, I could eat it whenever I wanted, but since being born into this family, I’d never even dreamed of it.
Even the neighborhood jjajangmyeon sold in front of our house made me want to cry.
I shrugged my shoulders.
“Sung-guk, are you dancing?”
[Should I show them more?]
I shrugged my shoulders more enthusiastically and even clapped my hands.
“Giggle.”
“Wow, Sung-guk has another hidden talent.”
Lim Sun-mi broached the subject with evident delight.
Mother, who had arrived late due to picking up Min-guk from kindergarten, was now watching me with a warm gaze.
“Sung-guk seems to be in a good mood?”
[Well, it’s just a mood. Let me show you some shoulder dancing. We’re heading to Samjeon Hotel for jjajangmyeon—this much aegyo is just service!]
* * *
[Ah, behold this lustrous hue of jjajang. The glossy sauce mingled perfectly with assorted vegetables and beef—a fantasy incarnate. Beneath it lies springy noodles that, when twirled with chopsticks, create the legendary jjajangmyeon of Samjeon Hotel, the most celebrated in all of South Korea!]
Slurp. Slurp. Slurp.
“Sung-guk, eat slowly.”
[Mom, don’t stop me. With the recent shoot, I’ve been dieting and cutting back on my baby food portions. Today is my cheat day!]
I swallowed the noodles with an expression of pure rapture.
Lim Sun-mi gazed at me with satisfaction.
“Sung-guk really does love jjajangmyeon.”
“We order it often at home, but he seems to love this restaurant’s version especially.”
Mother wiped the sweat beading on my forehead as I ate.
Lim Sun-mi also looked at me with affection.
“Now that Sung-guk knows the taste of Samjeon Hotel’s jjajangmyeon, he won’t want to go anywhere else.”
[I already knew the taste, though.]
I paused briefly to catch my breath.
Mother wiped the jjajang smudged around my mouth with a napkin.
[Alright, let’s begin again.]
Slurp. Slurp.
I resumed inhaling the noodles with fervor.
“Sung-guk, eat slowly. I’ll buy you more next time.”
Lim Sun-mi stroked my head, then turned to Kim Mi-young.
“By the way, let me treat you today.”
“No, please. Sung-guk has benefited so much from your help. We should pay.”
“Actually, there’s something I wanted to discuss with you.”
[Here it comes, Sun-mi.]
I chewed the jjajang deliberately while observing Lim Sun-mi intently.
People tended to speak freely around children who couldn’t talk, assuming their words were safe.
Mother asked carefully.
“What did you want to say?”
“First, I’d appreciate it if what I share here remains confidential.”
“Of course.”
Kim Mi-young answered decisively.
Lim Sun-mi set down her chopsticks and looked at Mother and Kim Mi-young.
“My contract with Shinsung Entertainment is ending.”
Kim Mi-young’s eyes gleamed with interest.
Lim Sun-mi continued without hesitation.
“I’m exploring new agencies. Would you be interested in managing my career as well?”
Mother’s eyes widened in shock, blinking rapidly.
Kim Mi-young opened her mouth with a composed expression.
“So what you’re saying is… you want to work with our talent agency, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Our agency is practically a one-person operation with just Sung-guk, which means we don’t have the personnel to support you.”
“I understand. To be honest, I’ve been seriously considering starting my own one-person agency after wrapping things up with Shinsung Entertainment. But for that, I’d need trustworthy people, and it’s embarrassing to admit, but there’s no one in my family I can rely on.”
[I know. I know.]
I nodded while swallowing a mouthful of jjajangmyeon.
Everyone knew that Lim Sun-mi’s family situation was an absolute mess.
Her parents had divorced over disputes about her income, and her mother had committed fraud using Lim Sun-mi’s name.
As a result, Lim Sun-mi had appeared in absurdly unfavorable films and dramas to clean up the mess—a well-known fact in the industry.
Fortunately, Vice President Jeon Jae-hyung had backed her up, which helped resolve the family situation somewhat, but she’d essentially severed ties with her family in the process.
“When I renewed with Shinsung Entertainment, I negotiated better terms. Now it’s not just about income—I want to work with peace of mind. I think I can bring my own dedicated manager, so you shouldn’t worry too much about staffing.”
Kim Mi-young paused for a moment.
[No matter how big a catch, you can’t just grab it recklessly.]
I slurped down my jjajangmyeon.
“Sun-mi, let’s keep everything discussed today strictly confidential, and we’ll exchange precise contract terms. I’d appreciate it if you kept this secret from Shinsung Entertainment as well.”
“I want to transfer agencies as quietly as possible too.”
Kim Mi-young broached the subject carefully.
“If there’s anything Shinsung Entertainment could use against you, please let us know in advance.”
“That’s something we’d need to resolve once our contract terms align, but don’t worry. Samjeon Group has already promised to handle that level of issue. I’m still a Samjeon model, after all, and my contract period hasn’t ended. Samjeon doesn’t want things to get messy either.”
Lim Sun-mi was truly a professional.
“The timing is perfect.”
Kim Mi-young smiled brightly.
I raised both hands and clapped.
Clap. Clap.
“Sung-guk, what are you so happy about?”
Lim Sun-mi asked.
[My company is growing—of course I’m happy!]

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————