The electronic document Seo Yoon-Ji showed me on the tablet contained details about providing me with a massive amount of financial support. [Sponsorship Agreement] -Yeon Hwa-Seon will sponsor the tentatively named 'Global Idol Girl Group' that Seo Hee-Joo will be part of. -The sponsorship amount is set at a maximum of five billion won over three years, but may increase through separate agreements. -All decisions regarding the use of sponsorship funds are delegated to 'Jung Yoon-Ho of Hoop Entertainment.' Not only was Yeon Hwa-Seon Seo Hee-Joo's mother and a National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder in Korean dance, but she was also a wealthy woman who owned land and large buildings in Gangnam. And she was currently offering to sponsor the group her daughter would be in. I now had another powerful supporter besides Wang Long. However, receiving sponsorship not from the company but from a celebrity's parents could cause issues down the line. For instance, they might later demand her daughter be the center or appear more frequently on shows because they had sponsored the group. Given Yeon Hwa-Seon's personality, that seemed unlikely. But since it could still create misunderstandings with future new members, I had no choice but to decline. "I'm sorry. I truly appreciate the offer, but I don't think we'll need the additional funding." Seo Yoon-Ji smiled gently. "If you're worried she might interfere, please check the last clause here." Seo Yoon-Ji pointed to the very bottom of the digital contract on the tablet. It read: Even if Seo Hee-Joo is unable to attend performances due to injury or personal reasons after debut, the sponsorship amount and schedule remain unchanged. For any amount requested by 'Jung Yoon-Ho,' 'Yeon Hwa-Seon' shall not inquire about its purpose or usage. "This isn't a bribe to treat Hee-Joo well. It's simply support from Mrs. Yeon to make your work easier, Mr. Jung." For a moment, I was at a loss for words. This was essentially saying she wanted to give the money directly to me. It was her way of expressing gratitude for saving her life. But I couldn't accept money that I didn't even need. "Please thank Mrs. Yeon for me, but tell her we'll be fine. Also, let her know that her full recovery is the greatest joy I could receive." When I declined again, Seo Yoon-Ji took a step back with a look of regret. "Understood. But if you ever need it, don't hesitate to say so. You can use the funds as soon as the contract is signed." Before the regression, I lived as if the world revolved around me and never opened up to those around me. I lived in solitude. But after the regression, more people and more money were gathering around me than ever before as I began to care for those around me and help others. Once again, I felt reassured that the path I chose in this second life was the right one. Just as I declined Seo Yoon-Ji's generous offer, the automatic door on the fourth floor opened. Ling Ling, Lily, Do Ran-Hee, and Zhou Shishi, who had been touring the company, walked in together. At that moment, Ling Ling spotted Seo Hee-Joo and quickly trotted over. Her bouncing steps made her ponytail swing up and down with each move. As Ling Ling approached cheerfully, Seo Hee-Joo, who was three years older, mustered her courage and greeted her warmly. Ling Ling smiled and responded brightly in clear Korean. "Hello, Hee-Joo unnie!" When fluent Korean burst out of Ling Ling's mouth, Seo Hee-Joo let out a sigh of relief. "Phew~ thank goodness. You really speak Korean well!" "Yes~ I studied really hard." "I'm glad we can communicate. I thought you only sang Korean songs well." "I learned a lot from dramas. But I still have a lot to learn, so please teach me a lot, unnie~" Even though I had told Seo Hee-Joo about Ling Ling's Korean skills, she seemed surprised it was to this extent. At that moment, Lee Dong-Min spoke. "Hee-Joo, don't worry too much going forward. One of the key requirements for the Global Idol Project is Korean proficiency." If they were preparing for years, language wouldn't be an issue. But since the plan was to hold auditions and debut in Korea within the next four months, Korean was essential. "Instead, Hee-Joo—you need to study Chinese and Japanese. English too." Seo Hee-Joo glanced around nervously. "I-I'm studying them." Then, Ling Ling linked arms with Seo Hee-Joo and said, "Unnie, I'll teach you everything. I'm good at Japanese too!" "Thank you. I look forward to working with you." "Sure! But unnie, please speak comfortably. You're older than me." Ling Ling clung to Seo Hee-Joo, smiling with her eyes and showing her charm. Seeing that, both Do Ran-Hee and Eun Ji-Yoo let out small sighs of relief. There was no need to worry about how to get the two close anymore. Thanks to recruiting well-mannered girls, it was possible. After that, we began the meeting about the Global Idol Project's broadcast program. First, Lee Dong-Min explained the audition process briefly to Seo Hee-Joo and Ling Ling. "Since you two have already been selected, we'll now hold auditions in Korea, China, and Japan to select the remaining members. Mrs. Ahn Ye-Eum is currently setting the schedule with SBC, and regional auditions in each country start this month. The first broadcast will begin next month." Ling Ling raised her hand high. "How many will you pick?" "At least one from each country, so probably at least three more. But we may add more depending on skill." With the group expected to be between five and nine members, Ling Ling nodded. Then, Seo Hee-Joo carefully asked, "Has the group name been decided yet?" "It's not final yet, but names that have been floated include Aphrodite, GI.GIRLS, Queen's Party, Bubble Tea, Fantasias, and Azeroth..." Seo Hee-Joo suddenly exclaimed in surprise. "I-I don't think Azeroth might not be the best choice?" "Don't worry. That was Ran-Hee's idea, but all the talent agents in Singer Division 2 already rejected it." Seo Hee-Joo looked visibly relieved. "Sigh~ thank goodness." Then, Do Ran-Hee stared at the two with intense eyes as if determined to convince them. "Hey, isn't Azeroth a cool name? We're in an age where there are endless idol groups. It means charging into the battlefield head-on and bringing enemies to their knees! Doesn't it sound more appealing now that you know the meaning?" Seo Hee-Joo and Ling Ling subtly looked away. Their faces clearly said 'no thanks.' Lee Dong-Min chuckled. "Ran-Hee, don't try to bait them with weird explanations!" Do Ran-Hee pouted. "Weird? Just hearing that name gives me goosebumps!" Lee Dong-Min shook his head and addressed Seo Hee-Joo and Ling Ling. "Ignore Ran-Hee. Anyway, lots of names have been suggested, but the strongest candidate right now is I.O.A.—Idol of Asia. It means becoming the top idol group in Asia." Although it was called global, the group would mainly operate in Korea, China, and Japan. That was why I.O.A was the most likely candidate. Right then, Seo Hee-Joo and Ling Ling nodded wildly. "I really like that one! It's so good!" Ling Ling even gave two thumbs up to express her enthusiastic support. Seo Hee-Joo looked ready to throw her hands up in celebration. "As long as it's not Azeroth, I like anything!" Seeing their reactions, Lee Dong-Min laughed. "Ran-Hee really made a big impact, huh." I.O.A was a great name, but the reason it was so well received was thanks to Do Ran-Hee. They say having a common enemy unites people, and it was true. 'Do Ran-Hee. Did you plan this all along?' I glanced over at Do Ran-Hee, but she still looked totally dissatisfied. 'Nevermind. Do Ran-Hee has no plan.' As the group name was decided, Lee Dong-Min smiled and nodded. "Alright. I'll pass your thoughts along to Mrs. Ahn." Lee Dong-Min sent a Kk Talk message to Ahn Ye-Eum, who was out at SBC, saying I.O.A sounded like a good choice. While the meeting continued, a call came in from Ahn Ye-Eum. [Caller ID: Director Ahn Ye-Eum] When I answered, Ahn Ye-Eum sounded excited. -Mr. Jung, is everyone together right now? "Yes, we're all gathered in the meeting room. I'll put you on speaker." Once I turned on the speakerphone, Ahn Ye-Eum immediately began going over the broadcast schedule. -We'll start interviews on February 14. The first broadcast is set for March 14. Starting in Korea, regional auditions would also take place in Japan and China with each country's auditions running for two weeks. In Korea, it would be from February 14 to February 28, Japan from February 21 to March 7, and China from February 28 to March 14. After completing auditions in all three countries, the first broadcast would air on White Day, March 14, at night. "That's only two weeks away. Isn't the schedule a bit too tight?" -We've already prepared a lot. And the candidates for the idol auditions are more or less lined up in all three countries. Plus, SBC is planning to spend properly on promotion. There's no need to worry. -Good. PD Ji Yung-Hyun asked me to pass this along. Hee-Joo and Ling Ling will need to participate in the regional auditions starting in two weeks, so make sure they start preparing. I had poached PD Ji Yung-Hyun from KBC, and now he was the main producer of Project I.O.A at SBC. "Got it. I'll start running them through the salon and dermatology appointments starting today." -And the broadcast title has been finalized as Project I.O.A. Since the show is about forming our girl group, it makes sense to promote the group name early on. -Okay. Also, we're talking with the SBC variety department head and PD Ji Yung-Hyun right now. Do you have any other ideas to add? At that moment, an idea hit me. I immediately turned to Wang Long and asked, "Wang Long, would it be possible to borrow a private jet?" Wang Long had arrived on one of the private jets owned by Shanghai New Media Inc. Since the girls would be traveling around Korea, China, and Japan, using a private jet during the audition show would be perfect. And the more impressive a show looked, the higher its viewership ratings would be. Wang Long grinned. "Of course. Just say the word. I'll provide it right away." I immediately shared the idea with Ahn Ye-Eum. "Since we can get a private jet, how about incorporating it into the program concept?" At that moment, Ji Yung-Hyun, who was next to her, burst out cheering. -Mr. Jung, are you serious?! Ji Yung-Hyun was so excited that he started rapping one of his signature lines from a past audition program. 『The world! The world! This goddamn world! ~ Change it! Change it! I'll change it all!~』 Hearing Ji Yung-Hyun's intense freestyle with actual rhyme, Ahn Ye-Eum giggled. -PD Ji is super hyped. I don't know what he's planning to change, but I think we can expect something fun. Anyway, I'll get back to the planning meeting now. After hanging up, I looked over at Seo Hee-Joo and Ling Ling in the meeting room. "You two can handle this, right?" Seo Hee-Joo and Ling Ling nodded. "Yes." There was only two weeks left until Project I.O.A began. "Alright. It's just the beginning, so let's give it our all!" Seo Hee-Joo and Ling Ling looked at each other and nodded. Then they raised their left and right hands above their heads and made a heart shape. "We are the future of Asia, we are I.O.A!" They shouted the cheer they had come up with on the spot. "Okay, let's go with that for now." Seo Hee-Joo and Ling Ling squealed with excitement, stomping their feet. "Alright, should we go meet with choreographer Mrs. Park Seon-Nyeo now?" Seo Hee-Joo and Ling Ling pushed back their chairs with a screech and stood up. As I followed behind them, Lee Dong-Min cautiously asked, "Chief Jung." "Do you know anyone this time? Hm? If you do, tell them to audition." I grinned and replied. "I do." There were some girls I definitely wanted to recommend. Before the regression, many had shined in auditions but were buried because they ended up with the wrong agencies. I planned to help those girls debut as part of I.O.A. Lee Dong-Min asked curiously, "Who are they?" "I'll tell you later." Lee Dong-Min grinned. "Now I'm excited." I smiled back. "Me too." The journey to find the future members of I.O.A., Asia's top idol group, had just begun. After introducing Ling Ling and Seo Hee-Joo to the talent agents of Singer Division 2, I showed them DH Villa, which would be their dorm. Then we greeted Park Seon-Nyeo before heading to my house in Cheonho-dong. Since Ling Ling had stayed at our place the last time she visited Korea, she greeted Jung In-Ji warmly. After a simple meal, I let Ling Ling and Zhou Shishi play with Miso while I headed to the Daechon Department Store main branch with Wang Long and Lily. Tonight at 10 p.m., Yoo-Jin was going to appear as the main muse of the L.M.L Black Label fashion show held on the top floor of the Daechon Department Store main branch. We arrived at the second basement level of the department store's parking lot and parked at 9:30 p.m. I got out, handed the keys to an attendant, and followed him with Wang Long and Lily to the VVIP-only elevator attached to B2. Yoo-Jin had already arrived two hours earlier with Yang So-Ri and Lee Mi-Ri and was preparing on the top floor. We planned to stop by briefly before the show started. As we approached the elevator, the staff recognized us and welcomed us warmly. "Welcome, Mr. Jung, Mr. Wang Long, and Ms. Lily." Because our guests were VVIPs, the elite staff from the head office's executive office were handling the escort. "Hello. Thanks for your hard work." Just then, a beautiful woman in her twenties with her hair neatly tied up and wearing the same outfit as the staff approached us from the far end of the hall. But she was someone I knew. "Mr. Jung~ you're just getting here?" "Ms. Ha-Yoon, what are you doing here...?" Lee Ha-Yoon was the eldest daughter of Kim Ae-Ryeon. And along with Jin Ah-Ram, she was known as one of the top beauties in the business world. Unlike Jin Ah-Ram who was called the Ice Princess, Lee Ha-Yoon was known as the Smile Princess for always having a cheerful demeanor. As such, she was quite popular among the men in the financial world. But I knew that behind that smile, she was even more calculating and emotionally detached than Jin Ah-Ram. She had a deep sense of elitism, as she was a nepo baby. So seeing her now, dressed like staff and escorting guests, was something I had never witnessed before I came back in time. She clearly wanted something, but I couldn't figure out what. Then Lee Ha-Yoon spoke kindly, "Since VVIPs are coming, I thought it'd be better if I handled the escort myself. And I also wanted to see you, Mr. Jung. I asked to meet because I had some questions, but you never made time for me. You know that's really unfair, right?" Kim Ae-Ryeon had said her eldest daughter, who majored in fashion and media, wanted to ask me something. But I had kept brushing it off, saying I was too busy. I didn't expect her to show up in person . Just as I was about to ask what she wanted to discuss, Lee Ha-Yoon's eyes turned past me. "Huh? What is she doing here?" Voices started murmuring behind me. I turned around to see a woman in her sixties wearing a luxurious leopard-print coat standing at the center. Flanked by a group of ten women in their forties and fifties, she were walking in a pack. But the woman in the center was someone I didn't expect to show up tonight. She was none other than Noh Hyun-Hee, mother of Hong Seok-Joon from HK Electronics and Hong Sung-Beom from HK Apparel—both of whom I had sent to prison. 'What is she doing here?' At that moment, she spotted me and glared before she started striding toward me. Click. Clack. Click. Clack. The sound of her heels rang out like the start of a war.