Meeting With The Agency

Flex Entertainment was bustling with activity even though it was still early morning. On the 5th floor, Chanhyuk and the other employees under the Actor Acquisition Department were all gathered. They were dressed more formally than usual.

Dongwook, who had sent the email two days ago, was both excited and nervous. Thankfully, Minjae quickly replied and they were able to successfully set a time and date for the meeting.

"Everything's already in order. I'll go down now and see if he's here." Dongwook quickly informed his co-workers before making some final arrangements, ensuring that everything was in order. 

"Alright." 

"Goodluck!"

Soo-Ah and the other employees tidied up their desks and ensured the meeting room on the fifth floor was pristine. They wanted to look extra presentable for today even if they were also busy. 

They were willing to work extra hard today for that 2-day paid leave.

On the other hand, their boss, Chanhyuk, repeatedly paced back and forth in his office. He was mentally running through potential conversation topics in his mind. He was quite nervous as he didn't know what to expect about Minjae. 

However, he knew there would only be 2 possible results after the meeting. 

It was either he'd be disappointed or surprised.

Chanhyuk could only hope it was the latter one. 

***

Minjae stood proudly outside the towering glass building of Flex Entertainment. He visited this agency once when he was still in his youth. It has already been a decade and a lot of things have changed since then. 

He couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia. He remembered that this was once his dream agency. However, due to some unexpected circumstances, he wasn't able to sign. 

Minjae, instead, signed with Starlight Entertainment. Starlight Entertainment was also one of the top agencies in Korea. He stayed there for a few years before he decided to become independent and created his own agency instead. 

Starlight Entertainment was neither good nor bad. It provided him with the resources he needed. It was one of the reasons why he succeeded in his previous life. It was just that, the management wasn't the best and the rules of the company were too restricting. 

Being under an agency meant he had rules to follow. He wasn't allowed with so many things, and he also had a quarrel with the management. He got tired of it, so he decided to quit. 

He may have gotten more freedom, but honestly, it was hard to create his own agency. It required a lot of money and connection, one that he had yet to build in this life. 

"Do I just enter the building? I'm quite nervous." Minjae whispered to himself.

It was an unknown feeling for him. He really felt as if he was starting again from the bottom. 

Taking a deep breath, Minjae adjusted the collar of his polo shirt. He was dressed more formally. He couldn't be more thankful for the clothes he got from the system.

"Alright, time to enter…" Minjae let out a sigh before entering.

Inside, the lobby of Flex entertainment was bright and full of people. The floor was made out of marble and the walls were painted in white, giving an open and inviting feeling. There was also a massive LED screen in the middle of the lobby, showcasing the agency's current stars and talents. 

Minjae quickly approached the reception desk.

"Hi. I'm Nam Minjae. I'm here for Kim Dongwook. I have a meeting with him." Minjae uttered unsurely to the smiling attendant, who immediately became attentive to the words he said. 

"Please give me a moment, Sir Minjae." The attendant respectfully muttered before fidgeting on the telephone as if calling for someone. After a few seconds, the man turned to him again and said, "Please wait for a moment, Sir. Mr. Dongwook is already on the way." 

A moment later, a man in his late 20s appeared with an easy smile. He was tall and lean, with neatly combed black hair and a pair of round glasses that gave him an approachable yet professional look.

"Hi! Minjae, right? I'm Dongwook. It's a pleasure to meet you." Dongwook extended his hand cheerfully. He was slightly surprised after seeing Minjae. He looked exactly like the photos that were sent to their site. 

"The pleasure's mine. Thanks for sending me an invitation." Minjae smiled, shaking Dongwook's hand firmly. 

"Of course! Let me take you upstairs. Our director is very eager to meet you."

Dongwook led Minjae to the elevator. The two of them shared light conversation as they ascended to the fifth floor where their office was located. Minjae appreciated Dongwook's friendliness as it helped him be comfortable in the new environment. 

When they reached the 5th floor, Chanhyuk stood waiting outside the elevator's door. He was standing proudly, dressed sharply in a tailored suit. He had a welcoming smile that widened even more when he saw Minjae and Dongwook together. 

"Minjae! Welcome!" Chanhyuk stepped forward, shaking Minjae's hand warmly. "It's great to finally meet you in person. I'm Joon Chanhyuk, the head of the department."

"Thank you for having me, Sir Chanhyuk" Minjae replied, his voice steady but polite. 

Chanhyuk stared at Minjae, examining him. The young man's look might not be the best but it was certainly above average. Minjae's features were sharp and his posture was confident. Yet, what struck Chanhyuk the most was the aura of determination that seemed to radiate from him.

"Come on in. Let's chat in my office." Chanhyuk said, gesturing Minjae to come with him to his office.

"Sure, Sir." 

"Good luck, Minjae." Dongwook offered Minjae a sincere good luck. He hoped that this man was the one they were looking for. 

Chanhyuk led Minjae to his office. His office was spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. Minjae took a seat across from his desk. He made himself comfortable, even clasping his hands to appear more prepared. 

"So, Minjae," Chanhyuk began, leaning back in his chair, "tell me a bit about yourself," he started, wanting to know more about the man.

Minjae abruptly nodded, keeping his tone modest. He was already expecting this question. 

"I grew up in a small town, Sir. I've been an orphan when I was young. I left and a kind old woman took me in. Life's been… well… a lot challenging, especially when the old woman died." Minjae sighed, "Thankfully, I'm still here."

'So he doesn't come from wealth or privilege' Chanhyuk raised an eyebrow, intrigued. 'And he even came from a poor background. How unfortunate.' 

"How are you surviving then?" 

"I'm currently working at a convenience store but it's barely enough to keep me going." Minjae answered honestly. "That's why I'm hoping to catch a break in the industry."

Somehow, he knew how well these agencies love a good background story.