Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 405: Choi Deok-Bae (3)

I handed a handkerchief to Deok-Bae, who was shedding tears.

After wiping his tears with the handkerchief, Deok-Bae and I sat next to each other on the chairs in front of the emergency room.

While waiting for Kwak Moo-Hyuk to arrive, we shared many stories that allowed me to understand how difficult it had been for Deok-Bae.

Shortly after, Kwak Moo-Hyuk arrived. "Team Lead Jung, is this the guy?"

"Yes. He doesn't even have an ID, so he needs to be registered. Please help him become Han-Ul's guardian. If that's not possible, I will become Han-Ul's guardian instead."

Kwak Moo-Hyuk scratched his head with a troubled expression. "There's a lot to handle, huh?"

"Yeah, but this guy will become a cornerstone of our company."

Kwak Moo-Hyuk glanced Deok-Bae up and down. "He's ruggedly handsome and his bronzed skin makes him look manly. Well, your choices have always been spot-on."

"Do you think so too, Mr. Kwak?"

"Yeah. Oh, and Mr. Kang told me to give him all the help he needs, so leave the rest to me."

When Kwak Moo-Hyuk promised to help with everything, Deok-Bae bowed his head deeply and thanked him.

Kwak Moo-Hyuk responded, "You should thank Team Lead Jung here. He's the one who vouched for your identity, after all."

Deok-Bae nodded.

Not long after, Park Dong-Jun arrived at the emergency room with his grandmother.

I waved my hand. "Oh, Dong-Jun, right over here..."

"Oh, hyung!" Park Dong-Jun exclaimed with a bright smile upon seeing me.

After finishing a conversation with the administration chief, Kwak Moo-Hyuk asked who Park Dong-Jun was.

Park Dong-Jun flinched and shrank his neck. However, I didn't mention that he was involved in pickpocketing.

"It's a long story. But anyway, he's also someone I decided to help," I explained.

Kwak Moo-Hyuk laughed heartily. "Haha! Team Lead Jung, how about taking this opportunity to convert to a clergyman? Like your mother."

I scratched my head and replied, "I've actually thought about it before, but it's not easy. By the way, can't we file a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver who injured Dong-Jun's grandmother?"

The reason Park Dong-Jun's grandmother was bedridden was because she had been hit by a car while collecting waste paper at dawn. However, the police refused to file a case, saying they couldn't catch the culprit.

Knowing this, I couldn't just ignore their situation.

At that moment, Kwak Moo-Hyuk signed the cross and answered, "Yes, Father."

Kwak Moo-Hyuk's face was a mix of mischief and admiration.

***

After leaving the boys with Kwak Moo-Hyuk, I visited Seo Jae-Ill at the Seoul Central Prosecutor's Office.

Since it was midnight, Seo Jae-Ill was the only one left in the office. After a brief greeting, I gave a quick summary of the events at Seoul Station.

Seo Jae-Ill laughed in disbelief. "It hasn't been that long since I last saw you, but you've already accomplished so much in such a short time?"

"Well..."

"Should I recommend you for an award certificate or something?"

"No, Mr. Seo."

I had no interest or use for such a commendation.

After I gave a simple statement as a witness, Seo Jae-Ill assured me that there wouldn't be any issue settling this matter since the Wangpal gang had many other charges.

I was about to return to the hospital when Seo Jae-Ill stopped me. "I've found some information on the police officers who were absent during Mr. Eun-Gi's assassination attempt at the hospital."

When Kang Eun-Gi was transferred to the hospital after he had been stabbed in prison, the police guarding the entrance to his ward temporarily left their post. As such, the assassin managed to enter with a knife and attempt to kill Kang Eun-Gi.

Since the assassin remained silent, the only lead was those officers.

Finally understanding why he had called me at such a late hour, I asked, "Did you find a lead?"

"Yes. One of Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon's aides was seen meeting with those officers, but it wasn't the aide who was found hanged last time."

This was encouraging news.

"So are you going to investigate Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon right away?"

"No. If we proceed recklessly, it could fail again like last time. I plan to gather more evidence first."

Last time, the case was blocked because one of Park Sang-Gon's aides took the fall for everything. This time, Seo Jae-Ill was determined to gather undeniable evidence and see it through.

I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. "Phew."

Seo Jae-Ill smiled. "Oh? What's that sigh all about? Don't tell me you thought I was slacking off all this time?"

'To be honest, I did,' I remarked inwardly.

Nonetheless, I couldn't admit that in front of a prosecutor. "Of course not. Absolutely not, Mr. Seo."

"Mr. Jung, you're terrible at lying about things like this. Haha." Seo Jae-Ill laughed for a while before handing me a cup of coffee he had prepared in the office.

He continued, "There have been many eyes watching me, so things have been delayed. But I've truly been working myself to the bone. Also, don't worry too much about President Choi Man-Sik. I've already marked the shady dealings of Future Imagination Savings Bank."

Seo Jae-Ill explained that he was taking a safe approach which would take time, but he was sure that both of them would be dealt with thoroughly. Based on the information I had provided, Seo Jae-Ill had been preparing to take down both Choi Man-Sik and Park Sang-Gon.

"So don't worry. We'll see it through to the end this time for sure," Seo Jae-Ill assured me with a smile.

Once the investigation was complete, Choi Man-Sik would no longer be able to influence Hoop Entertainment. Then, I would finally be able to drive out the Suhyaejong line and Kim Dong-Soo from Hoop Entertainment.

The things I had been longing for were gradually becoming reality.

***

I returned to Seven Star Hospital at 1 a.m.

Kwak Moo-Hyuk had to return to the office to handle matters concerning Deok-Bae and Park Dong-Jun.

When I arrived at the emergency room and made a call, Deok-Bae hurriedly came out. "Hyung, you're here."

"How's Han-Ul doing?"

"He's doing much better than before. He's actually been looking for you. Do you want to see him for a bit?" Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Shall I?"

I followed Deok-Bae and headed inside the ward.

On bed number three, Han-Ul lay with an IV needle in his left arm and an oxygen mask on. When I waved at Han-Ul, he smiled shyly and opened his mouth to speak.

The sound was muffled because of the oxygen mask, but I could understand his words as he spoke slowly.

"It's...Superman... Uncle..."

'Superman Uncle?'

Han-Ul said I swept in with my coat flapping behind me like a Superman and saved his life.

At that moment, I felt a lump in my throat.

"I'm not Superman. Your hyung is the one who carried you and ran after leaving the building," I replied.

Han-Ul spoke with difficulty with his eyes crinkling into a smile. "You...are...Superman."

The pure and innocent smile in Han-Ul's eyes seemed to wash away all the pain of running desperately for him.

I nodded with a smile. "Alright, if you say so. How are you feeling now, Han-Ul? Better?"

Han-Ul nodded and smiled shyly again. Han-Ul's once pale and bloodless face now had a healthy flush, rosy like a peach.

Unlike the cold room he had been in before, this place was filled with warmth.

I cheered him on. "Han-Ul, hang in there for a little longer. You'll be staying in the hospital for a few days. And once you're discharged, we'll move to a clean new house. Okay?"

At that moment, Han-Ul suddenly turned to Deok-Bae with a surprised expression. "I... don't want to go... to an orphanage... I won't go."

The startled Deok-Bae quickly explained the situation. "Han-Ul, that's not it. We're not sending you to an orphanage. From now on, I'll be working with Superman Uncle here and he's going to find us a new home. I'd never send you to an orphanage. You trust me, right?"

With Deok-Bae's gentle assurance, Han-Ul nodded with a relieved expression.

I said, "That's right, Han-Ul. So don't worry about anything and just focus on getting better, okay?"

At that moment, Han-Ul looked up with a worried expression.

"Han-Ul, what's wrong? Are you hurting somewhere?"

"Superman... Uncle... if the hospital bill... costs a lot... my hyung... will have a hard time..."

Han-Ul was now worried about the hospital bills burdening his brother. He was only seven years old, yet his care for his brother was deeper than that of most siblings.

I smiled and comforted Han-Ul. "Han-Ul, you don't need to worry about that at all. Your hyung is going to make a ton of money from now on."

"Really...?"

"Of course. So let's get better soon, do all the things you want to do, and go to school. How about that?"

Han-Ul looked up at Deok-Bae. "Hyung... can I really... do that?"

Deok-Bae gently hugged Han-Ul. "Yes. From now on, I'll do everything for you. Anything you want. But promise me this—if you're in pain, tell me. Don't hold it in. What would I do without you?"

As Deok-Bae's tears fell, Han-Ul smiled shyly in his brother's arms. "Okay, hyung... I promise... I won't do that again."

I felt a sting in my eyes upon seeing the two brothers embrace in tears.

Moments later, a nurse approached to administer an injection. "Han-Ul, your smile looks so nice."

Han-Ul smiled again with his eyes crinkling, making the nurse smile softly.

"Han-Ul, you are going to grow up to be as handsome as your hyung."

Hearing this, Han-Ul looked even happier.

As the nurse prepared the injection, the nurse spoke again. "Han-Ul, do you like your hyung?"

Han-Ul nodded. "Yes. My hyung... is the best... in the world."

Deok-Bae's lips curled into a smile. It was clear why he was willing to do anything for his little brother.

The nurse remarked how heartwarming the two were as she tended to Han-Ul with even greater care.

After administering the injection and checking on his condition, the nurse turned to me to provide an update. "His fever has dropped significantly and his breathing has improved. You can rest a bit now. I'll contact you as soon as a room becomes available."

"Ah, by the way, how is Mr. Park Dong-Jun's grandmother doing?" I asked.

"Hmm... She complained about back pain. But after the examination, we found no issues with her bones. However, she is severely malnourished. She should recover quickly with proper meals and rest."

It seemed her condition had worsened due to not eating well after being hit by the car.

"Thank you for letting me know. Also, could you place Han-Ul in a shared room with Dong-Jun's grandmother?"

"Sure. I'll arrange that."

After the nurse left, I realized what I needed to do.

"Deok-Bae, Han-Ul—stay here for a bit. I'm going to visit Dong-Jun's grandmother."

Leaving Han-Ul in Deok-Bae's care, I went to visit Park Dong-Jun and his grandmother.

At bed five, Park Dong-Jun sat beside his grandmother and held her hands tightly with tears streaming down his face.

His grandmother, Yang In-Ja, gently patted his head, trying to console him. "Me being like this has made things so hard for you, hasn't it?"

"No, Grandma. It's not hard for me at all." Park Dong-Jun answered bravely, but his eyes were full of tears.

I waited silently until their conversation ended, then cleared my throat to make my presence known. "Ahem."

Startled, Park Dong-Jun's grandmother tried to sit up. "Ugh..."

"Please lie down, ma'am."

Park Dong-Jun's grandmother paused with a sigh and spoke with regret. "You've done so much for us, yet I haven't been able to properly thank you. I don't even have the face to meet such a kind benefactor."

It seemed she had mistaken me for a benefactor.

"Not at all, ma'am."

After exchanging simple greetings, I sat next to Park Dong-Jun.

"Ma'am. How do you plan to make a living once you recover?"

Park Dong-Jun's grandmother answered calmly, "My grandson is still young... I'll have to go back to collecting scrap paper."

"Instead of doing that, could you please help take care of Han-Ul and Deok-Bae? I'll give you 2 million won a month."

From my earlier conversation with Deok-Bae, I knew that Park Dong-Jun's grandmother had a soft spot for Han-Ul and took good care of him. Hence, I made this proposal.

Park Dong-Jun's grandmother looked startled. "You are offering such a large amount to someone like me?"

"Yes. Deok-Bae will debut as an actor soon, so someone will need to handle the household chores. Moreover, we can't leave young Han-Ul alone. They need a live-in guardian and I'm too busy to do it myself."

"But there must be someone better than me..."

"No. From what I see, you're the perfect fit. Please live with Deok-Bae and Han-Ul. I'll also provide for rent and living expenses separately."

Park Dong-Jun's grandmother blinked in surprise. "Would an old woman like me be of any use...?"

"I heard you've always taken good care of Han-Ul. So please help us."

As I sincerely requested, Park Dong-Jun's grandmother glanced at her grandson, then closed her eyes and nodded. "Then I'll roll up my sleeves and look after Han-Ul. Deok-Bae and Han-Ul are like my own grandsons, after all."

"Thank you so much. We'll prepare for the move as soon as you're discharged."

I handed Park Dong-Jun's grandmother my business card just in case.

At that moment, Park Dong-Jun looked at me. "Hyung, um... is there anything I can do?"

"You?"

Park Dong-Jun nodded and added, "You've done so much for us and I should do something too. I don't need money, so at least let me run errands for you."

Hearing his earnest desire to repay the favor, I laughed and responded. "Then... go study."

"I'm sorry?"

"You're only sixteen. What work? Don't joke around. Once your grandmother is discharged, focus on studying."

Despite his large frame, Park Dong-Jun was still a kid. He looked at me nervously. "But I don't go to school..."

"Is cram school there to learn how to make soup? Take the GED and go to high school properly."

Park Dong-Jun lowered his head with a pout. "Okay..."

His grandmother smiled warmly. "My dear Dong-Jun is in big trouble now. He's terrible at studying... What will he do?"

Park Dong-Jun's face turned red. "G-Grandma! You know I do well at anything once I try!"

This year, my bonus at Hoop Entertainment alone exceeded 500 million won excluding my annual salary.

Supporting their livelihood was no problem for me at all.

***

The next morning as soon as a two-person ward became available, I moved Han-Ul and Park Dong-Jun's grandmother into room 1653.

After settling them in, I instructed Park Dong-Jun to stay on watch and stepped outside the hospital for a while.

I needed to purchase some essentials, catch a short nap, and then deal with the issues of resident registration and birth certificates for Deok-Bae and Han-Ul.

Just as I was about to head home, I received an unexpected call from Oh Bok-Hee.

[Caller ID: PD Oh Bok-Hee]

Worried something had happened at the Gyeongju filming site, I quickly answered the call.

-Mr. Jung, I'm sorry to bother you so early in the morning.

"No worries. Did something happen?"

At that moment, Oh Bok-Hee made an unexpected request.

-Could you possibly introduce a male actor in his late teens? A role has suddenly fallen through.

As it happened, Deok-Bae was nineteen years old.

It felt as though all his past struggles were being rewarded as an opportunity seemed to have opened up before him.

After all, the role suggested by Oh Bok-Hee wasn't just any ordinary role.