Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 522: Best or Worst (3)

"Thank you for coming, Jason."

The person who had come to the scene was Jason Cho, whom I had helped during the Hwangryong Film Association.

Currently, he ran JJ Studio and was regarded as the top men's fashion designer in Korea. However, he originally designed not only menswear but also women's dresses. That was why I had asked Jason Cho to help with this matter.

"I really appreciate you coming today. This could damage your reputation..."

"If repaying my debt for the Oh Ji-Seok incident only takes this much, then it's a relief. Besides, posting on Instargem isn't a big deal. Don't worry~"

I had asked Jason Cho to write a post on Instargem as part of my plan to deceive Jo Jin-Hee. His Instargem, followed by around two hundred thousand people, was mainly tracked by fashion industry insiders and reporters. In other words, if Jason Cho left a comment about the fake outfit, there was a chance that Jo Jin-Hee would believe the 'false information' that Yoo-Jin's final outfit had changed.

"Then please upload the post once Yoo-Jin changes and comes out. There is no need for a picture."

"Got it."

With everything prepared, it was time to put the plan into action. I turned to Yoo-Jin standing in front of the dressing room. "Yoo-Jin, can you change into dress number one, the red mosquito net dress?"

Yoo-Jin saluted playfully. "Yes, sir!"

Lee Yung-Ah entered the dressing room with Yoo-Jin, holding a red mosquito net hat that covered the face with mesh and a qipao-style dress.

Next, I called for Lee Ye-Seo, who had now become a traitor. "Ms. Lee, please give me your phone."

"Here."

I took Lee Ye-Seo's phone and waited for Yoo-Jin to change.

At that moment, Jason Cho made a suggestion. "Mr. Jung, how about I show some admiration when I see Yoo-Jin's dress? If we're going to do this, we should do it right."

"Sounds like a great idea. Then just applaud when you see Yoo-Jin. We'll film Yoo-Jin first and shoot you separately."

"It's fine. I should at least look genuinely impressed for Jo Jin-Hee to believe it. If we're going to take her down, we need to be thorough, don't you think?"

I was worried about the video leaking, but Jason assured me it was fine and insisted on doing it properly.

"Sigh... Alright."

Now, it was time to film a fake video to make the counterfeit outfit seem real. Just then, my phone rang.

[Caller ID: Lee Soo-Chan]

As soon as I answered, I learned which company Jo Jin-Hee had joined.

-Hyung-nim, the person behind Jo Jin-Hee is President Gu Wang-Soo of HK Apparel. It looks like she's already secured a position there.

HK Apparel, the top clothing company in the industry, had held a grudge against me ever since Executive Director Hong Sung-Beom was taken down. It made perfect sense that they would pull something like this.

But in a way, this worked in my favor. If this plan succeeded, not only would Jo Jin-Hee go down but HK Apparel would take a serious hit as well.

"Thanks for the update."

-Of course, hyung-nim. I'll keep digging.

"Okay."

After ending the call, I shared the news about the company involved. Upon hearing it, Moon Yung-Mi smirked coldly. "HK Apparel... Now we can finally get revenge for everything they've done to us."

Despite being the number-one company in the industry, HK Apparel had persistently harassed LM Apparel. Fueled by that history, Moon Yung-Mi was now determined to deal a major blow to them.

As we spoke, Yoo-Jin stepped out of the dressing room. The sheer fabric of the red mosquito net dress extended from the hat down to her chest. The red cheongsam dress had a long slit down the side and various types of stickers were plastered all over it. It looked like a suitcase covered in stickers after traveling through countless countries.

Yoo-Jin looked at her reflection in the mirror and curled up slightly before sighing. "Oppa, let's get this over with quickly... I think I'm going to lose my mind."

Even Yoo-Jin, who had a strong mentality, found this outfit hard to handle.

"Yeah, I'll be quick."

Before recording the scene, I gave everyone a brief acting lesson and finished the rehearsal. I instructed them to clap and exclaim in admiration toward Yoo-Jin.

Once the acting guidance was done, I spoke to everyone. "Alright, rolling! 5, 4... 1, action!"

As soon as I called action, Yoo-Jin instantly struck a confident pose. With one hand on her waist and her hips slightly twisted, she looked as if she were standing in the middle of a Paris fashion show. At the same time, Jason Cho shot up from his seat and began clapping enthusiastically and Lee Yung-Ah gave him a grateful nod.

We continued filming with the feather outfit and high-collared dress with everyone cheering and enjoying the process. After wrapping up the shoot, I had Lee Ye-Seo send a Kk Talk message to Jo Jin-Hee.

The bait was set. Now, it was time to wait for the fish to bite.

***

Jo Jin-Hee had to complete the outfit by December 30th, in time for the MBS Acting Awards.

As soon as she received the design draft from Lee Ye-Seo, she headed to HK's headquarters' costume workshop. However, she received a Kk Talk message from Lee Ye-Seo just before entering the workshop.

The attached video showed Jung Yoo-Jin happily trying on avant-garde outfits, the kind seen in Paris haute couture fashion shows.

Even Jason Cho, currently regarded as Korea's top designer, was captured in the video as he marveled at the outfits.

The shocked Jo Jin-Hee immediately called Lee Ye-Seo.

"Chief Lee, what is this video?"

-Oh, that? The costumes just got changed, so I filmed it.

Lee Ye-Seo had previously said that phones weren't allowed in the fitting room due to strict security. However, because Jason Cho had unexpectedly shown up, she had to escort him inside, causing a brief security lapse.

Taking advantage of that moment, Lee Ye-Seo had recorded the video on silent mode.

"The outfit for the Acting Awards has changed?"

-Yes, it's been replaced with Jason Cho's design.

"But Jason only designs men's suits. He made Lee Tae-Poong's outfit for the Hwangryong Film Association! Why is he suddenly designing women's dresses?"

-You know he actually did more womenswear in New York, right? Apparently, he's been preparing to launch a womenswear line.

"What?"

-Anyway, the design you saw earlier will only be released in the next brand launch. For this year's MBS Acting Awards, Jason Cho's design will be used. I just wanted to give you a heads-up. We worked hard for nothing.

In the fashion industry, brand name recognition was everything. Jo Jin-Hee herself had often launched well-known designers' works instead of in-house designs. However, Jason's red mosquito net dress was excessively avant-garde and unconventional.

Just in case, Jo Jin-Hee asked, "So this is really Jason Cho's design?"

-Why are you asking that? Are you doubting me? Didn't you see him praising it in the video?

Hearing the slight irritation in Lee Ye-Seo's voice, Jo Jin-Hee backed off. If there was one thing designers couldn't tolerate, it was having their credibility questioned.

"No, of course not. Why would I doubt you? It just seems odd... And honestly, I think the original design was much better."

-Sigh~ Right? It looked better to me, too. But what can we do? A big-name designer calls it a 'fantastic' design! And since President Lee Yung-Ah is obsessed with prestige, she believes everything Jason says.

After venting her frustration, Lee Ye-Seo added.

-If you don't believe me, check Jason Cho's Instargem. He just posted that he partnered with L.M.L. at the scene earlier.

"Ah, okay. So this is the final design?"

-Yes.

"Alright. Let me know if anything else changes."

-Sorry, but this is the final fix. Security is getting even stricter now, so there won't be any more calls. Everyone in the design team is being locked in a hotel until the end-of-year performances. They're calling it security, but honestly, it's just to stop them from complaining about the change to Jason's design.

"Got it. Anyway, thanks."

-Don't mention it. Just don't forget to bring me into HK once things go well, okay?

"Of course. Trust me."

Click.

Jo Jin-Hee hung up the phone, feeling utterly confused.

"Is everyone crazy or am I the one who's out of touch with trends? Sigh... this is driving me insane."

Muttering to herself, Jo Jin-Hee still couldn't shake her doubts and logged into Jason Cho's Instargem.

[@Jason_Cho]

Looking forward to the MBS year-end awards stage.

A beautiful dress.

Partnering with L.M.L.

#MBSActingAwards #LMLDress #BestDesign #NoPhotosDueToSecurity #BestModel #MetMyMuse

(Comments)

-baro: Jason, are you seriously collaborating with Jung Yoo-Jin for this year-end awards show?

-lieorlie: Insane. This guy is the hottest designer right now.

-tellmetruth: If Jason is choosing Jung Yoo-Jin as his muse, that's a total game-changer. Her status is skyrocketing.

-amen99: Nah, let's be real. Jung Yoo-Jin's already on a higher level.

-paboto: Nope, in the fashion world, it's the opposite. At this rate, Jason might become Korea's Channy.

After seeing the Instargem post, Jo Jin-Hee had no choice but to believe it.

"Jason really partnered with them?"

At that moment, even Jo Jin-Hee had to accept it. Jason was a man of pride and he wouldn't post something like this lightly.

Grinding her teeth in frustration, Jo Jin-Hee headed straight to HK Apparel's costume workshop to start making the modified dress.

***

The person who would end up wearing HK Apparel's design was Park Yeon-Soo, a rising rookie from TNT Entertainment. Park Yeon-Soo had an innocent and naive appearance, but inside, she was filled with ambition, eager to climb the ranks.

That was why she agreed to wear the same dress as Jung Yoo-Jin. However, when HK Apparel's dress arrived at the fitting room, it was completely unwearable.

Park Yeon-Soo turned to Yoo Kang-Seok and questioned him sharply. "Mr. Yoo, you're telling me this... is the dress Jung Yoo-Jin is going to wear?"

"That's right."

"How am I supposed to wear something like this to the Acting Awards?"

"They say the designers love it. And apparently, Jung Yoo-Jin was fine with it too. Look at this video..."

As if expecting this reaction, Yoo Kang-Seok played the video of Jung Yoo-Jin seemingly enjoying herself in the dress.

Park Yeon-Soo scoffed in disbelief. "Hah... is she insane?"

"I feel the same way, but what can we do? The designers are backing it. Don't worry too much. If you pull this off well, I'll make sure you're rewarded. Just focus on taking Jung Yoo-Jin down."

Yoo Kang-Seok had already strategized with Jo Jin-Hee and HK Apparel. By showcasing the same dress as Jung Yoo-Jin to the public, they planned to manipulate the media, making it look like the rising star Jung Yoo-Jin had stolen the dress from supporting actress Park Yeon-Soo.

"Sigh... fine. But you have to give me the lead role in the next project, okay?"

"Of course. That's why your acting tonight is crucial. You need to make sure everyone believes that red dress is yours when you step in front of the cameras. Got it?"

"Got it. Trust me."

Park Yeon-Soo sighed as she stared at the red mosquito net-style dress. Then, she reached out to claim it with a greedy glint in her eyes.

***

It was December 30th, the day of the MBS Acting Awards ceremony.

At 7 p.m., celebrities began showing off their outfits on the red carpet in front of the MBS headquarters. From rookie actors to top stars, they stepped out of their cars in order, waving at fans and reporters while flaunting their attire.

The current time was 7:40 p.m. According to Lee Soo-Chan, rookie supporting actress Park Yeon-Soo had teamed up with Jo Jin-Hee and HK Apparel.

Before my regression, she had caused a scandal by wearing a leaked design from Lee Ye-Seo. It was clear that she was the type to do anything to make a name for herself if given the opportunity.

Her scheduled red carpet appearance was at 8 p.m. Yoo-Jin, on the other hand, would be stepping onto the red carpet at 8:20 p.m. Right now, Yoo-Jin was changing clothes inside the van lined up for the red carpet while ensuring that no one would find out what she was wearing.

After receiving a call from Lee Mi-Ri confirming that Yoo-Jin had finished changing, I finally made my way to the back entrance of the MBS headquarters.

When I went inside, the hallways were bustling with staff rushing around. As I passed, some of them offered words of encouragement. After all, Yoo-Jin was nominated for Best New Actress for The Morning Takes Off and Best Actress for In the Name of God at tonight's MBS Acting Awards.

"Team Lead Jung, good luck today!"

"Hope Miss Yoo-Jin wins, Team Lead Jung!"

"Send my regards to Miss Yoo-Jin."

I politely greeted each of them before weaving through the corridors until I reached the waiting room area.

Inside Waiting Room 3, where Yoo-Jin had been assigned, Moon Yung-Mi and Lee Yung-Ah were already waiting for me with our talent agents.

"Team Lead Jung, you're finally here."

"Hello."

After greeting the two, I turned my attention to the large LCD TV in the room. The screen was live-streaming the 2020 MBS Acting Awards red carpet event.

Moon Yung-Mi looked a bit uneasy as she asked, "Team Lead Jung, what time is the girl in the fake dress supposed to appear?"

"She should be out at 8 p.m."

"Sigh... I hope she actually wore it properly."

I reassured them, because a crucial schedule entry had disappeared just a moment ago.

[Everyday V12.1]

[Date: December 30, 2020]

-11:30 p.m <Schedule Entry Deleted>

(Deleted Schedule Entry: <Entertainment All Times> [MBS Acting Awards "Best or Worst"] (Worst Dresser – Jung Yoo-Jin))

Now, all we had to do was wait.

Moments later, 8 p.m. arrived and a large white Springer Binz pulled up in front of the red carpet.

"There she is."

Everyone in the waiting room focused on the LCD screen.

Swoosh.

The side door of the massive Binz Springer slid open and Park Yeon-Soo slowly stepped onto the red carpet.

And the dress she was wearing was almost identical to the fake design we had handed over. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

'Got them.'

Now, it was time to deal a major blow to Jo Jin-Hee and HK Apparel.

"Mrs. Moon, Ms. Lee. Shall we begin?"