Chapter 37: The Request

Park Hae-jin hesitantly began.

“It’s not just that… I’ve decided to leave the company and go independent. So, about that…”

At those words, Sang-woong, on the other end of the line, fell silent for a moment before letting out a booming cheer.

“Finally, the day has come! Great decision! A real man should start his own business! Congratulations, little brother!”

Hae-jin was caught off guard by Sang-woong’s explosive enthusiasm. He’d expected cautions like “It’s too soon” or “Be more careful,” but this was an unexpectedly positive reaction.

Sang-woong quickly got to the point. “So, what’s this favor? Need startup funds? Don’t hold back—tell me honestly. How much do you need?”

“No, it’s not about money. I’ll figure out the funding somehow,” Hae-jin said, hesitating before continuing. “Dad mentioned that the new building you set up is really quiet and has great air. Amazing scenery, too, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right,” Sang-woong replied, curious about where this was going.

Hae-jin cautiously broached the subject. “So… I was wondering if I could use one of the empty units in that building…”

The reason Hae-jin abruptly left the company to go independent was rooted in a complex and ugly incident, one he could hardly bring himself to talk about.

Hae-jin had discovered a new singer, Lee Hye-won, and stood by her as her manager. Her first album flopped, but Hae-jin didn’t give up. She threw herself into practice day and night, and thanks to her efforts, her second album began to gain attention from the public and critics, marking her as a rising star.

She was on the cusp of soaring.

But her shining dream was blocked by the vile desires of the agency’s CEO, Kang Joo-ho. He made repulsive, immoral demands of Hye-won. When she, who loved music with pure passion, firmly refused, Kang Joo-ho wielded his power like a weapon.

He canceled all her broadcast appearances and event schedules and scrapped the production of her third album, which she’d poured her heart into.

For a rookie singer just starting to gain recognition, this was tantamount to a death sentence in the industry.

Hye-won lost the strength to endure. Her burning passion for her dream shattered against the cold wall of reality, leaving her no choice but to retire from the entertainment world.

Watching her, Hae-jin’s face hardened. He couldn’t stand by as her dreams, built on sweat, tears, and pure dedication, were sullied and crushed. As her manager and as a human being, he refused to let it slide.

Rage boiled in his heart, overwhelming his reason. He decided he wouldn’t hide or run anymore.

He had to fight.

To fight, he needed a weapon—solid evidence to expose Kang Joo-ho’s vile actions to the world.

After a difficult and risky effort, Hae-jin obtained an audio recording capturing Kang Joo-ho’s disgusting demands and blatant threats against Hye-won.

He succeeded, but his heart pounded wildly. For a mere manager to stand up to the CEO took immense courage.

There was no time to hesitate. His desire for justice and determination to protect Hye-won pushed him forward.

Confirming the evidence on the USB drive in his hand, he didn’t waver. He stood and marched toward the CEO’s office.

Bursting through the door, Hae-jin stepped inside. Kang Joo-ho looked up with an openly irritated expression.

The office was quiet, but tension hung thick in the air.

“Manager Park? What’s this, no knock? I’m busy. What do you want?” Kang Joo-ho asked, not hiding his displeasure.

Hae-jin met his gaze unflinchingly and spoke, his voice low but laced with steely resolve. “Stop harassing Lee Hye-won.”

It wasn’t a request—it was a clear warning, a quiet declaration that he wouldn’t stay silent if Kang crossed the line.

Kang Joo-ho faltered for a moment but quickly plastered on a sly smile. “What’s wrong with you, Manager Park? Did you eat something bad? Barging in like this—what’s your deal?”

Hae-jin cut him off coldly. “Drop the act. I know all the vile things you’ve done to Hye-won. And I have proof.”

At his resolute words, Kang Joo-ho’s face stiffened instantly.

Hae-jin pulled prepared items from his pocket and tossed them onto the desk: printed screenshots of text messages with Hye-won and a small USB drive containing the damning audio.

“You little—! Do you know what you’re doing? You think you can keep working in this industry after this?” Kang Joo-ho raged, resorting to the same threats he’d used on Hye-won.

Hae-jin didn’t flinch. “This industry? There’s plenty to do in the world. But if this gets out, it’s not just your reputation—it’s your company’s image that’ll take a hit. Let’s see who loses more.”

His icy retort turned Kang Joo-ho’s face red with fury. Though trembling with anger, he couldn’t raise his voice.

Those with more to lose have more weaknesses.

“Fine. I’ll back off from Hye-won. Happy? Now get out,” Kang Joo-ho said, swallowing his rage.

But Hae-jin stood firm, unmoving, staring into Kang’s wavering eyes. “That’s not enough.”

Kang’s face twisted with blatant confusion. “What? I said I’d back off!”

“Your actions have already scarred Hye-won deeply. Her dreams were crushed, her future as a singer made uncertain. You stepping back doesn’t erase what happened,” Hae-jin said, his voice low and cold but backed by unyielding logic.

Kang’s irritation peaked. “What do you want then? Compensation? Is it about money?”

“We don’t want money. We want one thing: terminate Hye-won’s contract.”

Hae-jin’s words were deliberate, each syllable heavy, his gaze piercing Kang’s greedy eyes.

Kang’s face flushed even redder. “Terminate her contract? No way! Do you know how much we invested in her? Absolutely not!”

“You’re the one who ruined that investment with your greed. If this truth goes public, the damage to you and your company will be immense. Choose wisely.”

A suffocating silence filled the office. Kang’s face was a mess of anger and anxiety, his mind racing to find a way out.

But Hae-jin’s firm stance and logical pressure left him with no counterargument.

After a long silence, Kang finally spoke, admitting defeat reluctantly. “Fine. I’ll terminate the contract. But there’s a condition.”

“What condition?” Hae-jin asked, staying vigilant. He couldn’t let his guard down with someone so vile.

Kang, still radiating displeasure and defeat, spoke. “I’ll terminate the contract, but you and Hye-won keep your mouths shut. About everything discussed here, everything I did to her—not a word to the press or anyone. This stays buried.”

Hae-jin’s eyes narrowed slightly. It was a predictable scenario.

“That’s what we want too. We don’t want this leaking and causing unnecessary gossip or controversy.”

Hae-jin stood slowly. Tension lingered on his face, but deep down, heavy relief washed over him. He’d achieved the critical goal: Hye-won’s contract termination.

He had no desire to deal with Kang any longer. Leaving the office, he immediately met Hye-won to share the news, and they walked out of that filthy company together that day.

Now, he was confiding all this to Sang-woong.

“God, what a piece of trash! It makes my blood boil!” Sang-woong, having heard the shocking story, erupted in righteous anger.

“Hyung… I shouldn’t tell anyone this, but I’m telling you because I trust you. Please, don’t let a single word slip. It could cause big trouble for us,” Hae-jin pleaded again.

“Don’t worry. You think I’m a blabbermouth? No chance of that,” Sang-woong said firmly.

He finally understood why Hae-jin shared such a heavy story. It wasn’t just venting—it was tied to the favor he was about to ask. Hae-jin wouldn’t have opened up otherwise.

“Hye-won’s been through so much. She’s exhausted, physically and mentally, and needs rest. Plus, she has to prepare for her third album,” Hae-jin said, his voice tinged with guilt as he carefully continued. “So… she needs a quiet space to rest and work.”

His tone carried worry about burdening his brother.

Sang-woong cut him off with a wide grin. “That’s it? Of course, it’s fine! There’s an empty unit anyway—I can let you use it as long as you need!”

He didn’t hesitate. It was his brother’s request; no question about it.

“But… we’d need some soundproofing. And Hye-won might skip meals if she’s alone…” Hae-jin said, still unable to hide his guilt and hesitation.

Sang-woong caught on to what Hae-jin needed and replied confidently.