Miso held the letter paper tightly in both hands and began reading the letter aloud to me. Thanks to you, I was able to graduate from kindergarten today without any trouble. If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't even be in this world. I'm so, so thankful, and I love you as much as the sky and the earth! But I don't know how to repay you. So I've been thinking about it for ten nights, a hundred nights, and I still don't know! Maybe it's because I'm still young. Maybe once I study harder, act better, and grow up bravely, I'll figure it out then. So please stay by my side for a long, long time like now until I become an adult and can repay you. And thank you so, so much for always loving me—more than the ocean, more than the universe! I'll be an even better person from now on. With lots and lots of love, Miso." After reading the letter, Miso grinned. "Hehe. The end." Miso had died before the regression, so this was a scene I had only been able to dream of. But now that things had changed, I was even receiving a thank-you letter at her kindergarten. My heart swelled and a shiver ran through my entire body. I stood blankly for a moment, unable to tell if this was a dream or reality. All I could do was just watch Miso smile. At that moment, Yoo-Jin beside me grabbed the hem of my shirt. "Oppa... are you okay?" "Oh, yeah. I'm okay." I finally came to my senses and responded with a bright expression, making a heart above my head. "Miso, congratulations on your kindergarten graduation~~!!" That's when all the parents gathered in the kindergarten began clapping in unison. As the applause filled the small auditorium, Miso smiled and ran over. She spread her tiny arms wide and pulled both Yoo-Jin and me into a big hug. Yoo-Jin and I hugged Miso tightly at the same time. At that moment, my heart, which had felt frozen, began pounding like crazy. My chest filled with a sense of fulfillment as if I had everything in the world, and there was nothing more I wanted. After all, the brightest jewel in the world was in my arms. After the long hug, I asked Miso why she hadn't sent a letter to Jung In-Ji. Miso replied confidently, saying she had read the letter aloud and delivered it in person first thing this morning downstairs since Jung In-Ji was the oldest. The teary eyed Jung In-Ji kept showing off the letter from her handbag. I smiled. "Well done, Miso." After that, I held Miso in my arms and watched the other children read their letters. As every other kindergartener finished reading letters to their parents, the auditorium slowly turned into a sea of tears. Especially when Han-Ul and Eun-Byul read their letters, everyone was crying. These two, who had nearly died, had now regained their health and could begin a new life. After finishing their letters, Han-Ul and Eun-Byul ran into the arms of Deok-Bae, Chae Sang-Woo, and Lee Mi-Ri. Then they handed me their letters, too. Those letters filled with heartfelt gratitude were more than enough to move me deeply. Once the letter-reading event ended, it was time for the lunch buffet Yoo-Jin and I had prepared. When the high-end dishes from Jinseong Hotel arrived, the parents and children cheered. After about an hour of mealtime, it was finally time to say goodbye. Since all the graduates would be attending the same elementary school, they were set to meet again at the entrance ceremony in just about two weeks. Nevertheless, the children began crying as if their world were ending. "Miso... sniff... you won't pretend not to know me in elementary school, right?" "Us too! If you pretend not to know your friends, you're a traitor!" "I'll never betray anyone! Traitors are bad people!" The little boys who had dared to confess their 'love' to Miso were sniffling, but they were crying so sadly that I decided to let it slide for today. Meanwhile, the parents in the back smiled as they recorded videos of their children's tearful faces. When it was finally time to say goodbye, the kindergarten director came out to the entrance, waving both hands and blessing the children's futures. "Stay healthy, everyone~ Be kind in elementary school~ And study hard~~" Miso hugged the director and said ten times that she will come visit often, then reluctantly let go and got in the car. Just like that, Miso's kindergarten graduation ceremony came to an end. The day after Miso's graduation was February 14th—Valentine's Day. The current time was 5:30 in the morning. I forced my sleepy eyes open and got out of bed. Even though it was a Sunday, I had a mountain of things to do with all the online and offline Valentine's Day events, and the Seoul regional preliminaries of Project I.O.A finally taking place. I quickly showered after getting out of bed and headed to the office. While waiting for the elevator in the basement parking lot, employees who had just gotten out of their cars approached to congratulate me. "Mr. Go Jae-Soo's going to Hollywood? Is that for real?" "Seriously, Chief Jung. You're amazing. How do you send a rookie actor straight to Hollywood?" "I heard the appearance fee alone is a million dollars." "Now even most lead actors won't be able to lift their heads in front of Mr. Jae-Soo. I'm so jealous." LT Entertainment had released an article announcing that Go Jae-Soo would debut in Hollywood through a contract with Director James King. Thanks to that, the entertainment industry, already ablaze from the sold-out success of Jiri Mountain, was on fire again. Even the employees at our company couldn't hide their envy every time they saw me as Go Jae-Soo, who had just debuted in a supporting role, was being paid a million dollars. I accepted their congratulations with ease, saying it was just luck, and soon began receiving requests to get their actors cast as well. I nodded. "Since it's set during the Korean War, it should be possible. I'll bring it up." "Wow~ as expected of our Chief Jung." "Seriously. If it works out, I'll treat you to a meal!" In an instant, the space in front of the elevator filled with people singing my praises. That's when the elevator arrived. We all got on the elevator together. But just as the doors were about to close, Ju Ho-Sung rushed in. Once the doors closed, Ju Ho-Sung casually brought up Go Jae-Soo. "But why Go Jae-Soo instead of Tae-Poong? I heard they asked for Tae-Poong." "Tae-Poong will go when a lead role offer comes in later," I answered. "Huh? What's wrong with you? Tae-Poong did win the grand prize, but that only holds weight in Korea. If you blow this chance, Tae-Poong will just end up disappointed. Don't you all think so?" Ju Ho-Sung began stirring up the talent agents around him. But since I had already promised them I would look into roles for their actors, no one sided with him. I chuckled at Ju Ho-Sung's petty antics and replied. "That's your opinion, Mr. Ju." "What? What did you just say?" Ju Ho-Sung looked completely flustered, clearly not expecting a direct retort. The elevator reached the fourth floor and the doors opened. Before getting off, I looked him straight in the eye and said firmly, "If you keep working with such a narrow mindset, you'll be left behind. Korean content is red-hot right now. Before long, they'll all come looking for us on their own." It was advice only I, who knew the future, could give. Yet just as I expected, Ju Ho-Sung didn't understand a word and only scoffed. "Just because you're doing well lately doesn't mean you can run your mouth like that." 'Well, that's life. Some are meant to succeed, others aren't.' If someone still won't listen to a person who's even regressed, then there was nothing more to say. "Let's see how it goes." With those words, I turned away. When I entered the meeting room on the fourth floor, the talent agents from Singer Division 2 participating in Project I.O.A, Director Ahn Ye-Eum, Do Ran-Hee and Team Lead Eun Ji-Yoo, and Team Lead Baek Hee-Yung from Division Jung were all seated with tense expressions. Also seated, fully made up and equally tense, were composer Bang Seon-Woo, lyricist Jang Ye-Bin, and choreographer Park Seon-Nyeo, who were all working on the songs for Project I.O.A. They were all nervous because starting today, they would appear on camera for the regional preliminaries of Project I.O.A. "Sorry I'm the last one to arrive," I said. Lee Dong-Min shook his head. "Not at all, Chief Jung. Mrs. Ahn and I just got here too." After greeting the Singer Division 2 talent agents whom I hadn't seen in a while, I took my seat and the meeting began. The first to speak was Ahn Ye-Eum, who was overseeing the project. "Starting today, the Seoul regional preliminaries of Project I.O.A will begin. A large number of applicants signed up, so let's meet expectations." Over the next month, regional auditions would be held in Korea, Japan, and China. From February 14th, each country would have a two-week selection period—And Korea alone had a hundred thousand applicants. Japan had ten thousand and China had two hundred thousand despite having restrictions, such as a maximum age of 23 due to the young ages of I.O.A core members Ling Ling and Seo-Hee, and a requirement for basic Korean ability. "Even after filtering through the first online screening, we still have to see a thousand people in Seoul over the next three days, so stay sharp. And don't do anything that could get us caught on camera. We never know when or where we're being filmed. Got it?" Project I.O.A was the show to select idol members for I.O.A, an idol group under Hoop Entertainment. Not only the selection process but also the company's management of the idols would be televised. If anything went wrong, it could damage the company's reputation. Lee Dong-Min continued. "The SBC filming crew will arrive in thirty minutes at 7. As Mrs. Ahn said, just be careful and focus on your tasks. Then there shouldn't be any major issues." At that moment, Do Ran-Hee raised her hand. "Then what's today's staffing arrangement? If the I.O.A team moves to Jangchung Arena with the broadcasters, who's handling the music show site today?" Today, Sae-Ri had a high chance of taking 1st place with 'Firefly Bridge,' surpassing Seo Yeon-Woo's 'Hwayeonga.' This was because Yoo-Jin and the Goblin's screen time had recently increased in Hwaranjeon. Normally, I would've gone, but with the first preliminary round of Project I.O.A to oversee, I couldn't make it today. So I told Do Ran-Hee, "For now, you take care of Sae-Ri. I'll head to Jangchung Arena, and if time allows, I'll try to swing by the music show later." At that, Do Ran-Hee looked disappointed. "Ah~ I thought I'd be on air today~ Tch. Oh well. If it's for Sae-Ri, I guess I'll have to sacrifice this beauty." 'Yep. That's our Ran-Hee.' It seemed like Do Ran-Hee had put extra effort into her makeup today, hoping she would get to appear on TV. "There'll be plenty of chances to show off your beauty. So for now, just make sure Sae-Ri's stage goes well. Sae-Ri is right at the doorstep of 1st place today." "Oh, and since today is Valentine's Day, make sure to hand out chocolates to the fan club members. If you skip someone, it could be a big deal. Got it?" "Of course. When have I ever messed up something like that?" After that, Baek Hee-Yung took on Seo Yeon-Woo's assignment and the rest were assigned to Project I.O.A. Then, Lee Dong-Min asked Bang Seon-Woo if the first competition song was ready. "Seon-Woo, is the song done?" Bang Seon-Woo played the first song, titled 'IDOLS,' which he had tirelessly rearranged. With its catchy chorus and bouncy melody, the song was easy to hum along to and very memorable. Jang Ye-Bin had written cheerful lyrics that fit perfectly with the melody, and Park Seon-Nyeo had created a signature move called the click dance. "This will definitely go viral." When Lee Dong-Min let out a word of admiration, everyone nodded in agreement. "Good job, Seon-Woo." "Thanks for the hard work, everyone. Ms. Ye-Bin and Mrs. Seon-Nyeo, you too." Right then, I made a suggestion. "Mr. Lee, how about asking the Cherry Blossom girls to guide the song for us?" "Hm. But won't that create too stark a comparison?" "Once the audition starts, people will compare anyway. So how about asking the Cherry Blossom girls to record a guide video? That way, we can stir up buzz from the very beginning of the program." Without buzz, an audition program just faded away. So I suggested that we create something newsworthy. After thinking for a moment, Lee Dong-Min nodded. "Okay. Then Team Lead Han Myung-Ho will handle it. Get the girls to practice the song for the guide, put them in training gear for dance practice, and just do light makeup before filming." After giving the instructions, Lee Dong-Min added, "And since the schedules in Korea, Japan, and China are different, the video will be released only after everything wraps up. Until then, keep it confidential. Especially the three of you in lyrics, composition, and choreography—don't even show it to friends. Understood?" As the meeting continued, the filming time approached and everyone looked more nervous. For this project, my involvement was kept to a minimum, meaning Singer Division 2 and Division Jung's talent team had to handle everything else. They all seemed burdened by the scale of the project, but they would grow that much more if they succeeded. And once they grew, I was certain they would become the core talent leading the fast-growing Hoop Entertainment. After all, that was one of the reasons I decided to run Project I.O.A through our company. Lee Dong-Min's phone buzzed on the table. It was a message from SBC, notifying the filming crew for Project I.O.A had arrived. "Alright, this is it. Let's make some real waves." Just like that, another new journey had begun. I was tending to Woo Yeon-Hee and Yang Eun-Bi in the Jangchung Arena waiting room, who would be appearing today as judges. Woo Yeon-Hee got her makeup done in front of the mirror and kept taking deep breaths. But still uneasy, she looked into the mirror and said, "Yoon-Ho oppa, do you think we can do this?" I shrugged and said, "What's there not to do? You're Korea's top idol with 10 weeks at number one and now 12 consecutive weeks topping the music shows." No one in Korea questioned Cherry Blossom's skills. However, Woo Yeon-Hee still couldn't quite believe their success as if it were all a dream. I knew she was humble, but sometimes a little confidence was necessary. Just as I was about to tell her to believe in herself, Yang Eun-Bi smiled and chimed in. "Yoon-Ho oppa, don't worry. Yeon-Hee unnie is just being dramatic. We did rehearsal yesterday and it was amazing! Mr. Ji Yung-Sik even said we looked like professional judges." I hadn't attended the planning meetings, rehearsals, or the selection process for Project I.O.A on purpose, so I didn't know the details. Not only was I too busy, but I also wanted to give my colleagues a chance to grow. So I hadn't taken on a judging role at all but only advisory. At Yang Eun-Bi's words, Woo Yeon-Hee shook her head. "No, oppa. Eun-Bi always sees the best in whatever I do." "Oppa, don't believe Yeon-Hee unnie. Even if she hit number one for 20 straight weeks, she'd still say she's not confident. Got it?" Yang Eun-Bi looked at me with her hands clenched tightly. She looked so cute with her lips tightly shut that I couldn't help but smile. Normally, idols or actors with this level of success would be full of pride. Yet the girls I chose still held the same innocence they had when I first met them. "Why are you smiling?" Yang Eun-Bi asked. "Because you're pretty~" I had meant to add 'your heart' but forgot, and Yang Eun-Bi's cheeks and ears instantly turned bright red. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ Nove1Fire.net "Ah, seriously. What kind of thing is that to say all of a sudden!?" The so-called logic queen Yang Eun-Bi was weak against such direct compliments. Woo Yeon-Hee giggled beside her. "Yeah. Eun-Bi, you're pretty." "I said you're pretty~~" "I told you to stop~ ah, seriously." In the end, the two of them bickered like sisters, playfully teasing each other. At that moment, the door burst open and PD Ji Yung-Sik, the head of Project I.O.A, entered. "Oh, Mr. Jung! You're here too?" Ji Yung-Sik was brimming with joy. That could only mean one thing. I asked, "Did you find a good candidate?" "Hahaha. Are you reading my mind or what? Yes. Her name is Go Eun-Seo, contestant number 111. And she absolutely shines. She's radiant!" At that moment, I froze. Alongside Min Gyu-Ri, she had been one of my greatest sources of stress during my time at Top Entertainment.