<Episode 78>
[Spade Joker’s outfits today are legendary. Seriously insane. Today is the best.]
↳ Seriously. Ha… They even put berets on Cain and Leejoo.
↳↳ And they put them on in opposite directions… when I saw the group photo today, it was so cute.
↳ The stylist here really works their butt off, I’m telling you.
↳ Didn’t they say they hired someone new recently?
↳↳ Yeah. They fit our kids perfectly. I hope they stay for a long time.
[But today’s outfits are all luxury brands. CEO… your wallet is okay, right? It must’ve cost a lot to dress all the members. I’m worried about the company’s finances.]
↳ But I’m curious. Will Spade come out next week wearing something similar?
↳↳ LOL right? Is that even possible?
↳↳ I’m guessing it’s impossible. Clothes this expensive? They’ve never even dressed A-Pen in something this pricey.
↳↳↳ ????? Not even A-Pen? What? That’s ridiculous. Do you know how much money A-Pen has made for them? Didn’t A-Pen basically build that company building?
↳ Financial concerns lol… it should be fine now, right? Spade Joker keeps ranking #1. Album sales, rankings, everything’s at the top. This isn’t the old Ramos Entertainment anymore. Plus, now even the CEO goes on variety shows and earns money too LOL
[This isn’t some kind of strategy by the CEO, right? Just a coincidence… right? CEO, if you prepared these outfits because you were mad that a group called Spade has been copying everything, from the name onward, please wave a trump card.]
↳ LOL, even the “wave a trump card” thing is something the CEO would imagine.
↳ CEO, whatever it is, thank you for these outfits.
↳ Please wave that trump card enthusiastically. I’ll be waiting.
↳ If possible, please wave a Joker card.
***
“Well, well. It’s been a while, CEO Joo Youngjun.”
I happened to run into Joo Youngjun at a restaurant… pure coincidence.
“Running into you here, of all places. This isn’t exactly the kind of restaurant young people like you would come to.”
It was a subtle jab at me.
This restaurant was famous as a place frequented by high-ranking figures for business purposes.
“Ah, are you perhaps here for a meeting between families?”
‘Look at this. If it’s not a jab, why say something like that?’
He was mocking me… implying that a young brat who didn’t understand business had no reason to be here.
“A meeting between families? I didn’t know this place was famous for that. Did you perhaps have your own meeting here, CEO? If so, I’ll make sure to use this place when I have mine someday.”
I returned the jab with an innocent expression, as if I knew nothing.
‘You may not realize it, but I’ve dealt with people like you for years. Do you think I wouldn’t catch that?’
I mocked him lightly in my mind.
He had probably expected me to get flustered or to say I was here for business.
And the moment I gave such a naive answer, he would’ve fully intended to toy with me.
“It seems we’ve been talking too much among ourselves while we have an esteemed guest here. Nice to meet you. I’m John Raid Lombardi, CEO of Ramos Entertainment. You’re the CEO of K-From, correct?”
I greeted the CEO of the large production company K-From, who was dining across from Joo Youngjun.
“You know me?”
The K-From CEO asked, his face brightening.
“Of course. I was very impressed by an interview you did in the past.”
“My interview?”
“Yes. You said you started your production company because you love movies. I’m the same. I came to Korea from the U.S. because I love K-pop and ended up starting an entertainment company.”
To my answer, the K-From CEO extended his hand.
An invitation to shake hands.
Joo Youngjun’s lips twitched as he watched. The K-From CEO only offered handshakes to people he liked.
I immediately took his hand and responded politely.
“Were you just about to leave after finishing your meal?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Then you must have a bit of time left.”
“Yes, as you said, I have a little time.”
As the K-From CEO and I engaged warmly, Joo Youngjun’s eyes began to fill with irritation.
‘For a businessman, he’s far too transparent.’
I clicked my tongue inwardly.
Of course, the K-From CEO didn’t notice his expression. No matter how temperamental Joo Youngjun was, he had enough sense to hide it from others.
But for some reason, he didn’t bother hiding it from me… I could see it clearly.
“Then please, have a seat for a moment. Since you and CEO Joo already know each other, it shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
“That’s right.”
Joo Youngjun answered stiffly.
‘He must be pretty annoyed.’
But I couldn’t quite figure out why he was having a meal with the K-From CEO.
‘What was he planning around this time again?’
I searched my memory, but nothing specific came to mind.
He had carried out many plans, but most had failed. Yet oddly enough, his external relations were still strong.
‘His social maneuvering skills really were something.’
The problem was that if it involved a giant company like K-From, it likely wouldn’t be a failure.
‘Is it about getting an A-Pen member into a film or drama?’
Among A-Pen members, three were also pursuing acting, and all three had started from supporting roles and earned recognition for their acting.
“By the way, that music video was made like a film… You did that recently, didn’t you, CEO Lombardi? I saw it myself. The Spade Joker members were quite good at acting.”
At the K-From the CEO’s words, I nearly lost my composure.
‘This guy really has no sense of boundaries.’
Of course, making a music video like a film wasn’t a new format, so even if someone copied it, there wasn’t much to criticize.
But someone who copied everything, from group name to goods lineup, now trying to copy the music video as well, was enough to make my blood boil.
‘A-Pen isn’t scheduled for a comeback anytime soon, so it must be Spade’s music video.’
He was like a leech… no, worse than that.
“Thank you. It was all thanks to actor Kang Woojin’s help.”
“What kind of relationship do you have with actor Kang Woojin? You seemed quite close… more than just someone who helped as the lead of the music video. Was it ‘Hansoo and Soohan’? Anyway, I heard you even attended the script reading for that drama together. He’s not planning to join Ramos Entertainment or anything, right?”
He said it jokingly, but it was clearly a probing question.
What kind of relationship did I have with Kang Woojin?
It seemed he had taken an interest in Woojin.
‘Well, from a production company’s perspective, he’s the kind of actor you’d want close.’
“That’s not the case. We’re just somewhat acquainted. You could say he’s like a close younger brother.”
It wasn’t a lie.
If Kang Woojin heard that I introduced him as a close younger brother to industry people, he’d probably be pleased.
“I see. Then is that also why you attended the script reading together?”
“That’s part of it, but the biggest reason is that I recommended that project to him. He once expressed that he wanted to change his image.”
The K-From CEO stroked his chin as he looked at me. There was a clear interest in his gaze.
“You really must be close.”
“We just became close rather quickly.”
“Kang Woojin is known for not having friends or close acquaintances in the industry. You must be something special, CEO.”
I simply smiled at his remark.
The reason I had gotten close to Kang Woojin so quickly was that I knew he was the composer Maru, and because I knew his true personality.
“I’m starting to take an interest in you as well, CEO Lombardi.”
“In me?”
“Yes.”
The K-From CEO pulled out a business card from his inner suit pocket and handed it to me.
“This is my personal contact. Let’s have a meal sometime.”
“Thank you.”
I also handed him my card.
“I don’t have a personal contact number, but if you reach out, I’ll respond right away.”
“Sounds good.”
While we were talking, the K-From CEO had completely forgotten about Joo Youngjun’s presence.
“Ah, and about A-Pen.”
“Yes.”
“They’re all quite good at acting.”
The K-From CEO subtly shifted the topic so as not to offend Joo Youngjun… bringing up A-Pen instead of Spade, which Joo would’ve preferred.
The transition was natural and seamless.
“Did they receive formal training?”
“At first, they were self-taught. They began professional training after appearing in dramas, but the duration hasn’t been long.”
“I see.”
“Are you interested in A-Pen?”
“Well, they’re all quite good at acting. From a production company’s perspective, they’re talents worth keeping an eye on.”
It was the most appropriate answer, neither fully committing nor outright rejecting.
“Hahaha, indeed.”
Joo Youngjun laughed heartily, hiding his true feelings.
‘Just hearing him laugh is irritating.’
“So then…”
“Yes?”
“I’d like to discuss things in more detail.”
Joo Youngjun’s gaze turned toward me.
It seemed like he was signaling for me to leave.
But I had no intention of stepping aside.
So I simply smiled gently, as if I hadn’t noticed at all.
“I believe I’ve already conveyed my intentions sufficiently.”
The K-From CEO spoke in a low voice.
“But we haven’t had a proper discussion yet–”
“That’s enough. As a production company CEO, I hear, create, and see countless stories. I’ve reached a point where I can see the rest just from hearing the beginning.”
At the K-From the CEO’s words, Joo Youngjun clenched his teeth tightly.
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