The moment I said I would back her up, Han So-Won's big eyes went wide. "You're saying you'll back me up, Mr. Jung? Why?" "Because I see star potential in you." A talent agent might say this to any aspiring celebrity, but the same words carried a different weight depending on who said them. Especially if it came from someone who managed the top actors and singers these days. I nodded. "Yeah. No matter who you're up against, I'll make sure your hard work gets the recognition it deserves." At that moment, Han So-Won's slumped shoulders straightened. Her gloomy face lit up. Still sitting on the bed, she clasped her hands and bowed deeply. "Thank you~~!!" When her flattened bobbed hair swayed and fell over her face, I couldn't help but smile. Just seeing her polite and cheerful demeanor had an uplifting energy. By the way, I didn't know who was behind the ENT_jjirasi account, but I figured I would have to look into it someday. 'There must be so many kids discouraged by those kinds of rumors.' Han So-Won let out a relieved sigh as she raised her head. "And don't read articles like that. They're just written to get clicks and they're no help at all." Han So-Won quickly shoved her phone into her pocket. "Got it, Mr. Jung!" Now that the misunderstanding was cleared, it was time to deal with her other problem. "Shall we go see your aunt now?" "I told you that I'm backing you up." "Wait... that's what you meant?" "Of course. In your current condition, you wouldn't just fail the audition. You'd probably get eliminated right away in the finals. So first, let's move you out of your aunt's place and into the company dorm so you can start building your strength. Even if you don't pass Project I.O.A, you can still stay in the dorm." "Oh my gosh~! Thank you!" In an instant, Han So-Won's high-pitched voice rang through the examination room. After getting some rest and fluids, she seemed to have regained her energy. Her voice finally had power again. Kim Soo-Myung flinched and touched his ear, startled by her volume. "So this is your usual volume, huh?" Han So-Won scratched her head with an embarrassed look. Kim Soo-Myung looked her over and then spoke to me. "Mr. Jung, are you taking her out now?" "Yes. If you'll allow it, I'd like to discharge her for today and re-admit her afterward." Kim Soo-Myung looked at Han So-Won in thought. "Judging by her voice, she seems to have regained a lot of strength... she responds well to treatment.... Okay, let her go for now and bring her in for daily outpatient treatment." "But if her condition worsens even a little, bring her back immediately." After granting her discharge, Kim Soo-Myung gave Han So-Won direct instruction. "And So-Won, carry chocolate or other high-calorie snacks with you for now. You've got hypoglycemia." Then, I pulled a small chocolate from my pocket. It was one I got on Valentine's Day. Han So-Won took it with a bright smile and tucked it into her pocket. "Alright, shall we go?" Still groggy from her nap, I supported Han So-Won as she wobbled, helping her into her shoes. She packed her bag and hugged her lucky doll tightly to her chest. The moment we stepped out of the exam room, the automatic doors of Life Clinic opened. Lee Ho-Jae came rushing in, panting. "Hyung-nim, I'm here." "Good. The check-up is done, so let's go together." After saying goodbye to Kim Soo-Myung, we headed toward Han So-Won's aunt's house in Yongsan—all the while thinking about how to deal with that inhuman aunt and uncle. Han So-Won's aunt lived in a two-story standalone house in Yongsan. It was built on a plot of land about 70 pyeong in size, with a water tank and a small rooftop room on the roof. There was even a yard and the house was larger than I expected, which surprised me a bit. I didn't expect someone living in such a nice house to be mooching off their niece's living expenses. 'People with money are worse.' With that thought, I asked Han So-Won, "So-Won, where's your room?" Han So-Won blushed and pointed cautiously toward the rooftop where the water tank was. "That's my room." "The one next to the water tank?" "Yes. My aunt and uncle use the first floor, and their two daughters use the second floor." I was dumbfounded. If she weren't a minor needing a guardian, it would have been way better for her to live in a studio apartment. "Aren't there any empty rooms on the second floor?" I asked. "Right now... there aren't." "What do you mean 'right now'? Did you originally live on the second floor?" "Then why did you move to the rooftop room?" "Min-Ju, who's the same age as me,; and Hyun-Ju, who's two years younger, are both idol trainees. It wasn't in the first two months, but in the third month, Hyun-Ju said she needed a dressing room..." The small dressing room that Yeo Hyun-Ju is using now used to be Han So-Won's room, but she had been kicked out to the rooftop. That was also when her mother reduced her allowance from three million won to two million won. It was so ridiculous that I couldn't even speak. "Does your mom know about this?" "No... I couldn't tell her. I was afraid if I did, my aunt would make me move back to Daejeon." I knew I wouldn't be able to let this slide quietly. At that moment, a car approached from the end of the road. It was the car of Kwak Moo-Hyuk, the head of the legal team, whom I had called. He slowed down when he saw us and parked right behind our car. Kwak Moo-Hyuk got out of the car, slightly out of breath. "Have you been waiting long?" "No. You're right on time." Those who passed the Project I.O.A audition were managed by Hoop Entertainment. So legal matters were also handled jointly by SBC and Hoop Entertainment. That was the reason I called in Kwak Moo-Hyuk to sort out Han So-Won's situation properly. As I said that, everyone, including Han So-Won, moved toward the front door. Han So-Won reached for the doorbell. I asked, "You don't have a key?" "I used to have one, but after I lost it, they never made a new one for me." This was getting more ridiculous by the minute. All I could do was let out a hollow laugh. "Hahaha..." Just then, I felt someone firmly grab my arm. When I turned, it was Lee Ho-Jae shaking his head. "Hyung-nim, hold it in. You came here to resolve this legally, right? Ugh..." I shook off Lee Ho-Jae's hand and replied, "Hey, calm yourself down first. I'm fine." Even though I said I was fine, thanks to Lee Ho-Jae stepping in, my anger did settle down a little. 'Yeah, he's right. Now isn't the time to get emotional.' To properly confront Han So-Won's aunt and uncle, I needed to stay cool-headed. I took a deep breath and composed my expression. Then I turned to Han So-Won and said, "Let's go in." Embarrassed by the situation, Han So-Won pressed the doorbell. Ding dong~ Ding dong~ The loud chime echoed through the yard. Suddenly, a sharp girl's voice came through the speaker. -What the heck. Han So-Won. Why are you here so early? And who are the people with you? "Uh, Min-Ju. I passed the audition today, so I came with people from the company." It was Yeo Min-Ju, the older daughter, who claimed to be training to become an idol. -Today... wait, did you get into Project I.O.A? Hold on, is that Chief Jung Yoon-Ho next to you? "Yeah. That's right." -Hey! When did you even apply? You said you didn't apply! Flustered, Han So-Won stammered. "I did apply. But first, I need to talk to Aunt and Uncle, so please open the door." Then, Yeo Min-Ju called her mom over. -Mom! Come quick. Han So-Won got into the audition! Ugh, what the hell! A moment later, a middle-aged woman's voice came on. -So-Won, you applied to the audition without telling us? The door didn't open, and more questions kept coming. Han So-Won started shifting her feet nervously. "Aunt, I brought guests with me. Please open the door quickly." -How dare you interrupt an adult like that! Answer the question first! To think they wouldn't even open the door with all these people standing here was absolutely absurd. I figured it was time to say the magic words, something like 'Open sesame.' I immediately jumped into the conversation between Han So-Won and her aunt. "Ma'am, there's the matter of the signing bonus, so would you please open the door?" -Signing bonus... what? "Yes. Didn't you know that a small signing bonus is given to those who pass for Project I.O.A?" -Oh my, really? Why didn't I hear about that? "It's only disclosed to the final contestants." Instantly, the tone of that sharp voice softened. -Alright, come in. My husband is here too. 'Mission accomplished.' I placed my hand on the slightly opened front door and looked back. "Ho-Jae, don't move until I say so. Just watch over So-Won, okay?" I then turned my gaze to Kwak Moo-Hyuk. "Mr. Kwak, is there anything I should be careful of?" "Chief Jung, you try to keep them talking as much as you can in there. If we can get any proof that the aunt and uncle abused So-Won, it'll work heavily in our favor legally. I'm sure you know what you're doing, but just in case." "I'll keep that in mind." Lastly, I looked at Han So-Won and reassured her once more. "So-Won, don't ever forget what I said about backing you up. No matter what happens in there, I'm on your side. Got it?" High schoolers might seem grown up, but they were really still kids. So I promised to protect her from whatever storm came her way, and gave her a smile. Color returned to Han So-Won's face. "Yes, Mr. Jung." I nodded and then opened the door. "Everyone, let's go in." After letting everyone go in first, I took out my phone and started a video call with Han So-Won's mother. She was wiping off sweat after finishing her cleaning job. "Ma'am, please don't hang up and just listen quietly until you see my face again." "You'll understand when you hear it. This is something you need to know for So-Won's sake." "Then I'll see you soon." I slipped the phone into my inner pocket and entered the aunt's house. The video call was now recording automatically. As we entered the living room, Han So-Won's aunt, Jung Soon-Ok, and uncle, Yeo Jin-Sung, welcomed us. Their daughter, Yeo Min-Ju, who had a rather pretty face, was glaring at Han So-Won with a scowl. Judging by her expression, she must have applied for Project I.O.A and failed. Then Jung Soon-Ok spoke in a nasal tone. "Come in, come in. Hahaha." As we followed her lead and sat in the living room, Yeo Jin-Sung said, "Hahaha. But why did so many of you come? Ah, right, I guess that's how it is for a contract." He answered his own question before we could respond. Then Jung Soon-Ok shouted at her daughter, who was standing off to the side. "What are you doing? Aren't you going to serve drinks?" Yeo Min-Ju snapped back, "Ugh, why do I have to do it!? So-Won can do it!" "You brat, mind your manners. Don't you see the agency people are here? Mr. Jung is here too!" Only then did the idol trainee Yeo Min-Ju realize and adjust her attitude. "Fine, I'll get them." Only after Yeo Min-Ju ran to the kitchen did Jung Soon-Ok forced a fake smile. "She's not usually like that. She's just tired from audition practice today. Please understand, Mr. Jung." I didn't care at all, but I still replied for formality's sake. "Sure." Letting out a sigh of relief, Jung Soon-Ok glanced at me and went straight to the point. "Um... how much is the signing bonus? We're So-Won's guardians, you know. Hahaha." "For those who pass the finals, unless there are specific issues, a standard amount of five million won is paid." Finalists of Project I.O.A received a basic signing bonus to ensure strict confidentiality during the group dorm period. "Five million won? Even if they're not in the rankings?" "Yes. It's a flat rate." Yeo Jin-Sung's face began to show greedy delight. "Hahaha. That's generous." "Exactly. Most other auditions don't give anything and just exploit the kids." Just then, Yeo Min-Ju returned with drinks. However, there were only three glasses of juice. There were already three of us—me, Lee Ho-Jae, and Kwak Moo-Hyuk—so even from this small detail, it was clear Han So-Won hadn't been treated well here. I asked, "Only three glasses? There are four of us." Jung Soon-Ok quickly spoke up. "Oh, So-Won doesn't like juice very much." 'Doesn't like juice, my ass. She loves juice.' "Really? So-Won said she likes juice." I held out a glass to Han So-Won deliberately. "So-Won, drink up. You like juice, don't you?" As Han So-Won took the glass, Jung Soon-Ok spoke with a flustered look. "O-oh my, So-Won's actually drinking juice?" Jung Soon-Ok quickly told Yeo Min-Ju to bring another glass, because I had already handed out the other two. As the awkward situation unfolded, Yeo Jin-Sung hurriedly changed the subject. "Th-then let's sign the contract. Since we're So-Won's guardians, we'll sign if you've brought the documents." "There's no need for signatures. The contract was already finalized with the documents submitted in the second round." Jung Soon-Ok's face lit up with joy. "Then the payment is automatically deposited?" "Then can we just give you the account number?" Currently, Han So-Won's aunt managed her bank account. That was the reason Han So-Won received her part-time wages through Cameo Bank instead. I shook my head and said, "No. The signing bonus will be deposited to the account she wrote down during the audition, not the one you hold." Jung Soon-Ok hastily said, "I'll give you a new account number. We manage large sums through our own account." Han So-Won's aunt was trying to divert her niece's money by giving a different bank account. At that moment, I couldn't hold back anymore and began pressing them. "A different account? Are you trying to siphon off the money or something?" The two of them were clearly flustered by my sudden shift in tone. "What the hell are you talking about?" Watching the two of them get angry, I calmly replied, "You took So-Won's bankbook and OTP[1] and used them for yourselves, didn't you? We know everything, so don't even try to deny it. And now that she's passed the audition, we'll be managing So-Won from here on. So hand over her bankbook, seal, OTP, and debit card right now. Oh, and one more thing. As of today, So-Won is leaving this house." The two of them, who had been drooling over the signing bonus, now looked like they had been struck by lightning. However, they quickly collected themselves and started yelling at Han So-Won. "So-Won! Have you forgotten everything we did for you?" "You ungrateful brat! We took you in even though you had no one in Seoul, and this is how you repay us?" "Hey! Han So-Won. Didn't I tell you all talent agents, no matter how famous the company, are just scammers? And you brought these kinds of people here to disgrace your aunt and uncle?" "Right! What if this Chief Jung turns out to be nothing like his reputation and is actually a weirdo?" They shamelessly shouted, trying to defame me. At that moment, Han So-Won, remembering the promise I made to back her up, raised her voice and shouted with all her might. "You're saying you did me a favor? Is that what you call kicking me out to a rooftop room with no heating while taking two million won every month? Or giving me a broken fan in the middle of summer? That's your so-called favor? You threatened to send me back to Daejeon if I didn't listen, and you spent all the money my mom sent!" Han So-Won paused for a moment and continued. "Do you know how hard she works? How much pain she's in from working too much? And yet... and yet... How could you say something like that! And Mr. Jung is nothing like what you're saying!" Fueled by the IV and a surge of regained strength, Han So-Won unleashed all the anger she had been holding back. Her voice echoed through the living room. Her aunt and uncle hesitated, stunned. But then they quickly started yelling again. "Wh-what do you mean because of us... Honey! Did you hear what she just said?" "That's why I said from the start not to let her live here! Ugh!" Yeo Min-Ju also shouted, siding with her parents. "Hey! Han So-Won, are you crazy? What are you gonna do if you fail the audition? Planning to just give up and crawl back to your hometown?" At their collective threats, I gave a cold smile. "With So-Won's talent, she has a high chance of passing the audition. And even if she doesn't, I'll take full responsibility." At that moment, Jung Soon-Ok screamed. "We're her family! Who do you think you are to say you'll take care of her or not!? Just because you're famous now doesn't mean you can act ! You think my sister's gonna let this slide when she finds out?" I replied with a cold expression. "I think she'll be just fine with it." As I said that, I pulled out my phone from my inner pocket. [Video Call In Progress: Han So-Won's Mother] On the screen, Han So-Won's mother was still in her cleaning outfit with tears streaming down her face. She had just heard how the sister she trusted had cruelly exploited her daughter, and her eyes were filled with murderous rage. -Are you even human? Are you? How could you... how could you treat So-Won ? ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NovelHub(.)net Han So-Won's mother, Jung Hye-Soo, screamed in fury until her voice nearly gave out. Jung Soon-Ok tried to make excuses, but the more she spoke, the more pathetic she looked. Han So-Won and her mother poured out their long-suppressed anger and pain together. However, I had no intention of ending things here. I intended to make Jung Soon-Ok and Yeo Jin-Sung cry tears of blood. Jung Hye-Soo and Han So-Won were having emotional outbursts, releasing their pent-up rage. -You... you're not even my sister anymore! 'Alright then. It's my turn now.' 1. One Time Password generator device. It's mostly through text messages, but these OTPs are usually for very very important transaction nowadays. Or you don't have any other means to prove yourself at the moment. ☜