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Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 493: December 12 (2)
Chapter 493: December 12 (2)
[Everyday V12]
[Date: December 12, 2020]
-05:30 p.m: [NEW. Jung Yoo-Jin]
Kangdong Kyunghee University Hospital Funeral Hall. Miso died. (Accident)
The planner said that Miso will die again, just like that day one year ago.
At that moment, I cursed at the god who governs fate in my head.
'Fuck! This can't be happening! Fuck you!'
I worked so hard to save Miso. Even if changing fate was difficult, trying to lead Miso to death again as if it were her original destiny made my blood boil with anger.
Only then did I realize why I had strange dreams last night and why Everyday had been warning me since morning. But at the same time, I also realized something else. Everyday was a weapon that could stand against the god of fate.
'Thank you, Everyday! At least you're on my side.'
The current time was 2 p.m. If an accident were to happen like last year, it would probably be in about an hour. But no matter how much I looked around, I couldn't see anything particularly dangerous.
'Considering what happened earlier, I should avoid getting in a car and stay inside a building for as long as possible before leaving.'
I forced myself to calm down and think rationally. To save Miso, I had to keep making the right choices, just as the planner instructed.
At that moment, an old acquaintance sitting in Office 301 greeted me. "Oppa, you're here."
Ju Yung-In, who was sitting beside Ahn Jung-Hae, waved at me. Next to her, Ahn Yung-Hee bowed slightly. Maybe it was because of last night's dream or today's planner entry, but meeting Ju Yung-In didn't feel like a coincidence.
'Fate is really twisted.'
If I ever met the so-called god of fate, I would love to punch him in the face. The fact that fate was difficult to change didn't just apply to Miso's death, but it seemed to apply to Ju Yung-In as well.
I simply returned Ju Yung-In's greeting with a neutral expression. "How was the shoot in China?"
Ju Yung-In answered, "It just wrapped up yesterday."
"Then what brings you here?"
"Oh, Mr. Son Hyung-Tae of CK Entertainment asked me to take on the role of Miso's mother, Oh Jung-Hyun."
"Mr. Son Hyung-Tae?"
"Yes."
The upcoming film Missing – The Lost Ones had its film adaptation rights acquired by CK Entertainment from YH Venture Capital, and CK Entertainment was now handling the investment and distribution.
If Son Hyung-Tae, the absolute powerhouse, had personally offered the role, there was no way to refuse. After all, Ju Yung-In was currently the hottest actress in Asia with the release of Battlefield of the Wolf just around the corner.
Ahn Jung-Hae also looked satisfied. "Actually, I was contacted about it this morning. But since it's someone like Miss Yung-In, I gave my approval right away."
Ahn Jung-Hae glanced at me and checked my reaction. He looked a little guilty as if he felt bad for not telling me sooner even though I had helped save him from YH Venture Capital.
However, his decision wasn't wrong because casting decisions were originally made by the director, the distributor, and the investors. As a talent agent, I only got involved when I held the title of casting director. Otherwise, I had no right to interfere.
Furthermore, meddling in casting could easily lead to unnecessary rumors. If directors started seeing me as a burden, they might start avoiding me altogether.
I simply responded with a calm expression. "Casting is entirely the director's authority. You don't have to worry about me. And Miss Yung-In is more than qualified for the role."
Only then did Ahn Jung-Hae's face brighten. "Ha ha ha, I knew Mr. Jung would understand."
I had a different goal in mind regarding Ahn Jung-Hae and this film anyway. My main objective was to get closer to him and be introduced to the informant who provided the story for Missing 2 – The Story of That Day, because only Ahn Jung-Hae knew the informant who had inspired the real-life Gwacheon Missing Case that would occur a few years later.
However, my focus kept drifting back to Miso. While Yoo-Jin and Ju Yung-In had exchanged greetings, Miso was still hiding behind Yoo-Jin, unable to properly greet Ju Yung-In.
That was when Ju Yung-In waved toward Miso. "Hi, Miso~"
Miso peeked out slightly and looked at Ju Yung-In before quickly hiding behind Yoo-Jin again and responded in a small voice. "H-Hello..."
"Miso, you're still so shy around me~"
At Ju Yung-In's words, Miso gripped Yoo-Jin's skirt tightly.
I gently placed my hand on Miso's shoulder. "Miso, are you okay?"
I expected Miso to shake her head, but she nodded at me firmly instead. "Yeah!"
It seemed like I would need to sit down with her one day and ask why she was so wary of Ju Yung-In.
I said, "Miso. Since you're in the same movie now, you should say a proper greeting. Don't you think so?"
Miso hesitated for a moment. Then she stepped out from behind Yoo-Jin after hearing my words. She clasped her hands together and gave a small bow toward Ju Yung-In. "I look forward to working with you, Auntie Yung-In!"
"Of course, I will."
Only then did Ahn Jung-Hae sigh in relief. "Alright then. Let's confirm the two of you for the cast and start discussing the schedule."
Once everyone was seated, Ahn Jung-Hae began explaining the timeline.
"For now, we're planning to hold auditions for the remaining roles in early January. It's a little later than originally planned, but since CK Entertainment is backing us, it shouldn't be an issue. Production will begin around mid-January... and the release is expected between March and April. Also..."
Now free from all his previous debts, Ahn Jung-Hae was clearly excited at the prospect of focusing solely on filmmaking.
For quite some time, the discussion about the schedule continued.
***
After finalizing the schedule and going over some details, Ahn Jung-Hae stood up and spoke. "Then I'll see you all at the auditions."
Just as we were about to leave after setting our next meeting for early January, a strong gust of wind blew through the slightly open third-floor window.
Whoooosh.
And then, the window slammed shut with a loud noise that echoed through the office.
Thud!
Surprised, Park Hyun-Soo went around locking all the windows in the office. "We really can't just leave windows open, can we?"
Taking advantage of the moment, I checked my planner. The current time: 2:50 p.m and the schedule entry still hasn't disappeared. A year ago, Miso's accident had occurred at around 3 p.m. If things were the same as last year, then the next few minutes were the most dangerous.
However, I couldn't predict what kind of accident would happen to Miso no matter how much I thought about it.
'What exactly is supposed to happen?'
Since I had no way of knowing, I decided to stay inside this building rather than get in a car to ensure Miso's safety.
'I'll wait in the lobby and leave once the schedule entry disappears.'
It seemed best to take the emergency stairs down and stay in the lobby until the danger passed. After saying my goodbye to Ahn Jung-Hae, I took Yoo-Jin and Miso and left the office.
When Lee Soo-Chan offered to see us off, I said to him, "Soo-Chan, I'm planning to hang out in the lobby for a bit before heading out. Is that okay?"
The lobby of Reverse Entertainment was well-equipped with facilities for visitors to rest.
Lee Soo-Chan answered, "Of course! I'll buy you a drink at the cafeteria in the lobby."
"No, I'll treat you."
I headed toward the emergency stairwell instead of the elevator with the intention to take the stairs down. Lee Soo-Chan looked puzzled, but he followed without complaint since it was only the third floor.
Clunk.
I pushed open the stairwell door. Yoo-Jin and I each held one of Miso's hands tightly as we carefully descended the stairs. Just in case, I also gripped the handrail firmly with my free hand as I stepped down.
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Then, I noticed Ju Yung-In following us. She was someone who never took the stairs and always complained that they hurt her feet. Yet here she was, willingly using them.
Seeing this made me think about how much fate had changed. However, I still couldn't understand why Miso's fate remained the same.
Halfway down from the third floor to the second, Yoo-Jin turned to Ju Yung-In and asked, "Yung-In, why are you taking the stairs?"
"The elevator was all the way at the top floor. It's not like this is that high up anyway. And our car is coming to the lobby, so I have to go to the first floor either way."
"Oh, I see."
Oblivious to the conversation, Miso was happily counting the stairs as she stepped down. "Twelve~ Thirteen~"
Because we were walking slowly to be cautious, it took quite a while to reach the first-floor lobby. Lee Soo-Chan opened the emergency exit door and held it open for us.
Clunk.
Just as we were about to step out, Ju Yung-In quickly reached out and grabbed my arm. "Oppa, can we talk for a moment? It's urgent."
A quick chat wouldn't have been a problem under normal circumstances. But right now, I couldn't afford it. "I'm sorry. No matter how urgent it is, I can't right now. Let's talk tomorrow."
Ju Yung-In looked troubled as if the matter to be discussed was serious. But at this moment, nothing was more important to me than Miso.
After hesitating for a moment, Ju Yung-In nodded. "...Alright. But promise me we'll talk tomorrow. It's about you, oppa."
"Got it."
I turned my attention back to my phone. The current time was 2:55 p.m. If things unfolded like last year, that meant only a few minutes remained until the incident.
Suppressing the growing sense of unease, I walked toward the open lobby with Yoo-Jin and Miso. The spacious lobby was filled with sunlight streaming in through massive glass windows. Right in front of them, a cafe and several comfortable chairs were arranged.
Ju Yung-In bid farewell first. "See you tomorrow, oppa."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow."
Ju Yung-In and Ahn Yung-Hee gave a slight bow before heading toward the exit.
Just then, I heard Ahn Jung-Hae's voice calling me. "Mr. Jung!"
I turned to see Ahn Jung-Hae stepping out of the elevator and hurrying toward me. "What is it?"
"Huff, huff... I forgot to mention earlier. If you have any supporting actors in mind, please recommend them. If it's your recommendation, I'll cast them no matter what."
As a gesture of gratitude, Ahn Jung-Hae was giving me the authority to suggest a supporting actor.
"Thank you. If anyone comes to mind, I'll let you know right away."
After ending the brief conversation, I turned back to Miso, only to realize she wasn't standing next to Yoo-Jin anymore. "Huh? Where's Miso?"
"What? She was just here..."
In the brief moment when Ahn Jung-Hae had approached us, both Yoo-Jin and I had lost track of Miso.
Frantically looking around, I spotted Miso. She was running toward the entrance, holding an orange scarf in her hand. "Auntie Yung-In! You forgot this!"
Ju Yung-In turned her head at Miso's shout. "Huh? Miso? What's wrong?"
"This!"
Ju Yung-In had already exited the building and Ahn Yung-Hee was even further away as she headed toward the parked car.
A cold chill ran down my spine. It was almost 3 p.m. If Miso stepped outside now, there was no telling what could happen.
Miso clutched the orange scarf and pushed open the large glass door and stepped outside. Without hesitation, I sprinted after Miso.
Ding~ Dong~
The clock in the lobby struck 3 o'clock. I clenched my teeth and pushed my legs harder to pick up speed.
'Please...'
Only about five meters remained.
At that moment, a desperate voice shouted from above.
-M-Miss! Get out of the way!
When Ju Yung-In looked up, her face turned deathly pale. Without hesitation, she bent down and wrapped Miso tightly in her arms as if shielding her from whatever was falling.
I was only a meter away now. Planting my feet firmly, I forced myself to a sudden stop. My momentum carried me forward, but I quickly stretched out both arms and grabbed onto the doorframe, barely keeping myself from toppling over.
Thud.
In the next instant, I lunged forward to grab both Ju Yung-In and Miso in a tight embrace. At the same time, I twisted my body forcefully.
Whoosh.
With both of them in my arms, I pulled them back into the building as I kicked the glass door shut behind us.
The sound of the lobby door slamming shut echoed.
Thunk.
At that moment, something crashed down onto the spot where Ju Yung-In and Miso had just been standing.
Boom!
A liquid burst out upon impact and splattered in all directions.
Splat.
Thick liquid coated the glass door, dripping down in slow streams. Before I could react, an even larger box came crashing down.
Thud!
This time, metal objects inside exploded outward like shrapnel.
Crack.
Bolts and nuts embedded themselves in the glass like grenade fragments, sending thin fractures snaking across its surface.
I stared at the scene.
Just moments ago, Ju Yung-In and Miso had been standing right there. If I had been a second late—
Fearing that something else might fall, I held Ju Yung-In and Miso tightly and rushed back into the lobby.
Catching my breath, I looked down at the two of them in my arms and asked, "Huff, huff... Miso, are you okay? Yung-In, you okay?"
Wide-eyed, both of them nodded frantically like startled rabbits.
"Y-Yeah! Uncle Yoon-Ho, I'm okay!"
"I'm fine too... Oppa, are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
I released them and checked my planner.
[Everyday V12]
[Date: December 12, 2020]
-05:30 p.m: <Schedule Entry Deleted>
(Deleted Schedule Entry: [NEW. Jung Yoo-Jin] Kangdong Kyunghee University Hospital Funeral Hall. Miso died. (Accident))
'It worked.'
Relief flooded me and my legs nearly gave out. That's when the voice from earlier replayed in my head.
'If detergent and a toolbox fell... what about the person?'
I had seen workers suspended on ropes and cleaning the windows earlier. That meant one of them could still be in danger.
Without hesitation, I turned to the entrance and shouted, "Check if someone's still up there!"
Everyone was frozen in shock but snapped out of it at my words.
Lee Ho-Jae, the closest to the door, rushed outside and looked up. "Hyung-nim! One of the workers is barely hanging on! O-One of the ropes snapped!"
At that moment, a desperate voice echoed through the air.
-Help me!
I yelled without thinking, "Someone call 119!"
Then I turned to Lee Soo-Chan, who was still in a daze.
"Soo-Chan, do you have any spare curtains in the building?"
If we tried to catch a falling person directly, we could get injured too. However, if we layered two curtains together, there was a chance we could soften the impact and prevent serious injuries.
Lee Soo-Chan answered, "We have an emergency air mat."
"An air mat?"
"Yes. President Choi Kang-Han bought one a while back without really knowing why."
"Perfect. Go get it now."
"Okay!"
Lee Soo-Chan quickly turned to his team.
"Go to the storage and bring the air mat and the blower!"
Lee Soo-Chan's men sprang into action without hesitation. "Yes, hyung-nim!"
Now that Miso's scheduled accident had disappeared from Everyday, I felt reassured enough to step outside again. When I looked up, I saw the worker's platform swaying precariously in the wind between the buildings. One of the safety ropes had already snapped.
"Help me!!"
I shouted as loud as I could to reassure him. "Hang on just a little longer! We're setting up the air mat right now, so just grit your teeth and hold on!"
As soon as Lee Soo-Chan's men arrived, I grabbed the air mat, unrolled it, and rushed to connect the blower. A loud mechanical noise filled the air as the red air mat began to inflate.
Whirrrr!
To keep the man from panicking, I continued shouting updates. "It's almost ready! Just a little longer! Your family is waiting for you!"
The worker, who had been struggling, clenched his teeth again and held on. "Ughhh...!"
As the air mat continued to inflate, we all shouted in unison as if our voices alone could help him hold on. "Just a bit more... Hang in there...!"
The air mat was about 90% inflated. At that moment, the man's grip failed and he slipped.
Thud!
The top of the air mat dipped dramatically under the impact.
The fallen worker let out a low groan. "Ugh..."
We scrambled onto the air mat to check his condition. "Are you okay?"
The man slowly opened his tightly shut eyes and shouted with pure relief, "I... I'm alive!!"
Only then did my legs give out and I slump to the ground. Turning my body toward the vast blue sky, I repeatedly raised my fist in defiance. If some so-called god of fate was trying to force things to go as destined, he could go to hell.
That's when my phone vibrated in my pocket.
Buzz.
[Would you like to update Everyday? YES/NO]
As if rewarding me for saving Miso, Everyday had an update available. I pressed the button without hesitation.
'YES!'