CH 23.2

“Hello.”

It was Oh Beom Soo, the manager from One Seven whom he had received a business card from earlier.

‘No wonder he kept staring at me. He must have something to say.’

Lim Seung Hyun purposely wandered alone in the deserted hallway, luring Oh Beom Soo to follow him.

“Yes, hello, Oh Beom Soo-ssi.”

“I contacted you yesterday.”

“Yesterday? Ah, through text.”

“Yes, the payment hasn’t been made yet…”

Was it about that rude text with just the account number and the amount? Lim Seung Hyun couldn’t believe it, but he composed his expression.

“I was busy with the task for the Master. I will process it today.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“But by the way, how long has it been since you joined AST Entertainment, Oh Beom Soo-ssi? I’m personally curious. I haven’t been with the young master for long.”

Could this be related to the interview free pass? Lim Seung Hyun’s face and expression, which seemed to wonder about it, instantly relieved Oh Beom-soo’s tension.

“It’s been three years. You must have gone through a lot. He was quite a troublemaker.”

“That’s right. The previous manager didn’t give me any formal handover, so I’m tackling it on my own.”

“It must be tough. Do you smoke?”

“No, I don’t.”

It was quite absurd for Lim Seung Hyung to observe this pretence of knowing the young master well when it has only been for 3 years. 

Without asking for Lim Seung Hyun’s permission, Oh Beom Soo lit a cigarette. Lim Seung Hyun’s expression flickered slightly, but Oh Beom Soo didn’t notice.

“So, is this kind of thing common?”

“Well, yes. If the company needs money, they just go to Yoo Yeon Seo’s Secretary.”

“I see. Who ordered you to do this?”

“Our CEO and the department head. It was great to secure investment funds. The kids’ activities have been consistent, and they even achieved a reverse trend…”

That’s enough. There’s no need to hear more. Not only the CEO and department head of AST Entertainment but even the manager who has only been with them for three years were taking using this situation to their advantage.

Suddenly, Lim Seung Hyun peeled himself off the wall and looked around in the middle of the hallway.

“Why are you…?”

It was an attempt to check for CCTV. Lim Seung Hyun quickly grabbed Oh Beom Soo’s neck with his right arm, overpowering him. His quick reflexes and agility, honed as a national army reserve, were still intact.

“Is it that easy for our young master to give you the money just as you said?”

“Ugh…”

“Are both the young master and Jusung that easy for you to take lightly? Then you should be prepared to face the consequences lightly as well.”

After hearing the significant words from Oh Beom Soo, Lim Seung Hyun delved into Yeon Seo’s account transfer records. There were records of sending a considerable sum of money that ordinary people wouldn’t even touch for seven years.

He then used Jusung’s information network to investigate AST Entertainment. For the first four years or so, the money Yeon Seo sent was invested in One Seven as intended.

But human greed knows no bounds. Once the CEO, department head, and manager realized that they could receive money without question, their personal greed began to drain a significant amount of money.

“Make sure to deliver this clearly to the CEO and department head. It would be better if they don’t make such dog-like demands in the future.”

“Ugh…”

“Understand that I’m not just speaking empty words.”

“Guh…”

“Answer me, Oh Beom Soo-ssi.”

He needs to breathe for him to answer! Oh Beom Soo flailed his arms, but Lim Seung Hyun’s arm remained motionless even when a grown man struggled against it.

“Lim Seung Hyun-ssi.”

“…Young master.”

“What are you doing there?”

Lim Seung Hyun’s eyes widened and looked towards the end of the corridor. Seeing his startled expression for the first time, Yeon Seo smirked. He’s doing well, so why is he getting flustered?

“Lim Seung Hyun-ssi.”

“Yes.”

“I told you to ‘handle it on your own,’ right?”

Lim Seung Hyun chuckled, understanding the subtle nuance.

“I am handling it on my own.”

“But don’t take too long. After it’s done, I have to go to my grandfather’s place.”

“Yes, understood.”

Yoo Yeon Seo waved his hand and walked in the opposite direction. In fact, he had been listening to Lim Seung Hyun and Oh Beom Soo’s conversation.

[…In exchange for my exit, I’ll invest in the company. However, only until the seven-year contract with the artists is over.]

He also knew the true nature of the money that flowed into AST. He thought it was loyalty for leaving without permission, but now that the promised period had passed, it was time to stop. Of course, he didn’t even know that he could still be treated like an ATM machine.

‘He wasn’t just crazy; he was a crazy fool.’

He felt a little sympathetic to the original host.

Having confirmed Yoo Yeon Seo’s departure, Lim Seung Hyun flicked the cigarette he took from Oh Beom Soo towards the wall near his ear. The sound of sizzling and burning was eerily audible.

“Guh, huhuh…”

“And one more thing.”

When his face turned red from lack of oxygen, Lim Seung Hyun took a step back. Oh Beom Soo slumped down, exhaling heavily.

“If you don’t hand over what you took from the back pocket, AST Entertainment will close its doors for good. Oh Beom Soo, you know what happened to Entertainment Jump, right?”

Going against the flow, you say? Then you should be able to repay it fully, right? Lim Seung Hyun looked down at Oh Beom Soo and tidied up his dishevelled appearance.

Oh Beom Soo’s frightened eyes and looked at Lim Seung Hyun. He remembered the Entertainment Jump that had attacked Yoo Yeon-seo after he was discharged from the hospital, even impersonating a staff and the sudden closure a few weeks later…

“Huh… Are you serious?”

“Well, take it as you understand. I hope we never cross paths again.”

Lim Seung Hyun smiled gently and patted Oh Beom Soo’s shoulder. He quickly headed towards the direction Yoo Yeon Seo had walked.

“Ah…”

Only Oh Beom Soo’s harsh breathing echoed through the deserted corridor.

But Yoo Yeon Seo wasn’t the only one who overheard that conversation.

“…What is all this nonsense?”

Lee Han Gyeol, who had been hiding on the opposite side of the corridor wall, swallowed his breath.

“Then… Could it really be true?”