Chapter 108: The Boss

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While Jiang Yihan was diligently preparing for his third album and a movie, everyone only began to take notice with the arrival of November that a crucial issue was brought to the forefront: Jiang Yihan’s contract renewal. As Jiang Yihan’s popularity soared in South Korea and his fame grew, various companies learned that the contract between ABC and Jiang Yihan was nearing its expiration. They eagerly extended their olive branches to Li Ran, his manager, hoping to sign Jiang Yihan under their own banners. Among them were major entertainment giants like MS, JYP, YG, and Mnet Midea. Surprisingly, ABC was not in a hurry to reveal their terms.

After reviewing the offers from several companies, Li Ran discussed them with Jiang Yihan. Since Jiang Yihan’s initial contract was signed at a high price, the current valuation had naturally risen. The two-year 500 million won deal from before had earned ABC considerable respect within the industry for Lee Dong’s boldness. Over the past two years alone, Jiang Yihan’s contract brought ABC revenues exceeding 10 billion won, allowing the company to repay a large portion of its debts. As a result, the bids from various companies were quite staggering.

“Lazy Cat,” Li Ran began, “these companies have all put forward their offers: MS proposes 10.5 billion won over five years; JYP offers 5 billion over three years; YG proposes 8 billion over three years; and Mnet Midea, which is a bit ambitious, offers 10 billion over three years. What do you think?”

Though taken aback by the figures, Jiang Yihan pondered carefully. “What’s your take? I’m particularly curious why Uncle Lee Dong hasn’t revealed ABC’s conditions yet.”

“I’m curious too, but President Lee said there’s no rush. I don’t know what he’s thinking,” Li Ran sighed before analyzing the situation. “Currently, MS proposes a five-year contract, maintaining their usual long-term investment policy. Given their strength, the offer is reasonable. JYP’s style doesn’t quite fit you, so they didn’t put in much effort; their mid-range offer seems more like a test to gauge our stance. Honestly, their price is the market norm. As for YG, their offer is somewhat puzzling: the timing and price are very appealing, even surpassing MS’s bid. They’ve worked with you before, and their interest in you makes sense, as your hip-hop style aligns well with their brand. At the moment, I favor YG the most. Lastly, Mnet Midea is a newly established company with substantial financial backing. We frequently appear on their MCD music program. Their offer suggests they want to invest heavily in you, which is worth considering.”

“So you mean YG and Mnet Midea are the most promising? We’re reserved about MS, and JYP seems to be probing, right?” Jiang Yihan mentally reviewed the options. “When will you meet with them? I want to hear some details. I’m leaning toward YG but have no idea what Uncle Lee Dong thinks—truly puzzling!”

Li Ran had indeed worked hard negotiating with these companies. MS and Mnet Midea were the most proactive, but MS insisted on a five-year contract with no reductions. Mnet appeared the most cooperative in attitude. YG was the most appealing. Just as Li Ran and Jiang Yihan found themselves at an impasse, ABC’s representative arrived.

Sitting across from them was still Lee Dong, but his smile now bore a complex mixture of emotions—happiness, disappointment, anticipation—all present simultaneously, which made Jiang Yihan and Li Ran more curious about the upcoming discussion.

“Yihan, 12 billion won over three years—that’s our company’s offer to you. We can discuss other terms later,” Lee Dong got straight to the point without much preamble. The terms shocked both Jiang Yihan and Li Ran, as they were far beyond what ABC’s current situation could reasonably afford compared to all other bids.

“Uncle Lee, are you serious?” Jiang Yihan asked uncertainly.

After Lee Dong confirmed, Li Ran raised his concerns. “Uncle Lee, forgive my candor, but from what I know, no company is as financially flexible as you describe.”

Lee Dong’s chest heaved slightly—a subtle movement Jiang Yihan noticed—there was something unusual about Lee Dong indeed.

Li Ran continued, “By my calculations, the company still owes Yihan. When acquiring TVXQ’s contract, part of Yihan’s fees were used upfront. Later, to help the company repay debts and escape crisis, some of Yihan’s commissions were diverted to the company. So, much of the company’s current obligations rest on Yihan. Although the company no longer faces debt crises, stock market fluctuations caused significant losses. While Yihan’s efforts earned the company over 10 billion won in profits, most of that money went toward debt repayment. So the company’s current profits are modest, and it’s impossible to allocate such a large sum. Uncle Lee, aren’t you aware of that?”

Despite Li Ran’s doubts, Lee Dong maintained his smile, though with a hint of sadness. “Indeed, Li Ran, your analysis is mostly correct. Our company still owes Yihan significantly. Stock market fluctuations caused losses as well. Two years ago, we were deeply in debt, but Yihan’s success has turned things around. Still, we cannot afford to pay 12 billion won over three years right now.”

“Then why…” Jiang Yihan started but stopped, waiting for Lee Dong to continue.

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The office fell into silence. Lee Dong adjusted himself before speaking. “Yihan, Li Ran, you must be wondering why our company hadn’t made any offer on your contract before, right?”

Lee Dong dodged the earlier question and posed the very one Jiang Yihan and Li Ran were curious about. They exchanged a glance and nodded unconsciously.

“Actually, our company has been undergoing restructuring, so we didn’t have the time or decision-makers to propose anything regarding your contract,” Lee Dong’s words stirred a wave of shock.

“Restructuring? What does that mean?” Li Ran quickly asked.

“It means restructuring. Although our company turned profitable and is steadily improving, there were stock issues after the incident with Yihan in April. Someone began acquiring our company’s shares. We wanted to save the company but lacked the funds.” Lee Dong sighed—the burden of money weighs heavily on everyone. “Until October, the other party suddenly stopped acquiring shares and contacted us to propose restructuring. But their stocks didn’t exceed mine, so negotiations continued without formal restructuring.”

Lee Dong took a sip of water, feeling more at ease after explaining. “Li Ran, do you remember when we were looking for proof of Yihan’s evidence, and I said we needed a boss to help? You asked who he was, right?”

Li Ran recalled the figure—indeed, both PD Lee and Sister Yin’s matters were resolved by this person. Suddenly, Li Ran blurted out, “Could it be…?” Then he glanced at Jiang Yihan, hesitating.

Jiang Yihan, kept in the dark, frowned with determination gleaming in his eyes. After much hesitation, Li Ran finally spoke, “Could that boss be the owner of Zi Yi?”

“What?” Lee Dong and Jiang Yihan exclaimed in surprise, though in different ways: Lee Dong was shocked Li Ran guessed correctly, while Jiang Yihan was stunned by the connection to Zi Yi. Suddenly, a flash of insight relaxed Jiang Yihan’s brow, and all his doubts began to connect.

“Remember? Since Lazy Cat entered the industry, Zi Yi and us have been closely linked. At first debut, the advertisements we landed included giants like Samsung and Zi Yi. If Samsung’s involvement was due to recommendations from Jang Dong-gun or Lee Hyori, then Zi Yi’s support seemed inexplicable. Later, Yihan’s films, including the recent collaboration, were strongly backed by Zi Yi, which was unusual for a large corporation. So, about that investigation and the boss behind the scenes, I boldly speculate it was the owner of Zi Yi because his care for Lazy Cat was overly intense.”

Jiang Yihan pieced everything together, the answer was clear to him, only awaiting final confirmation. Yet knowing the truth didn’t bring him joy; instead, it deepened his frown and disquiet.

Lee Dong sighed and shook his head. “Li Ran, your deduction from these clues is impressive. Yes, that boss is indeed the owner of Zi Yi.”

Li Ran shook his head. “If I were truly perceptive, I would have known earlier and refused all his help.” He glanced at Jiang Yihan before lowering his head.

Lee Dong looked puzzled by Li Ran’s words but continued after a moment. “At first, I didn’t know these details either. When Zi Yi acquired our company’s shares, I connected the dots. That boss met with me several times to discuss Yihan’s prospects and invested in Yihan’s first film. This recent film was independently financed. After the incident, that boss kept saying he wanted to help, and when we faced difficulties, they truly assisted us. The current restructuring was also initiated by them. They now hold more shares than I do and are the company’s largest shareholder.” Lee Dong sounded somewhat disheartened.

“But even as the largest shareholder, they wouldn’t sign us just to waste money, right?” Li Ran asked.

Before Lee Dong could answer, Jiang Yihan coldly interjected, startling both Li Ran and Lee Dong. “Did he tell you he also acquired YG and plans to merge? He has enough funds to support my future career. Is that so?”

“How... do you know?” Lee Dong was dumbfounded.

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Li Ran soon realized the truth and lowered his head, unwilling to face Jiang Yihan. When Jiang Yihan was angry, it was best to avoid provoking him, or else face the consequences—now was such a moment.

“Hmph, I knew YG and our company were connected. Even if so, suddenly sending me to train was one thing. President Liang said part of the reason was because of his friend, who happens to share my surname, Jiang. That’s when I felt something was off. YG wanting to sign me? I knew something fishy was going on, but I never suspected him—until now. Hmph!” Jiang Yihan’s tone was calm but filled with anger.

“Do you know that boss?” Lee Dong asked, puzzled.

“Hmph! If he wants to see me, do it face-to-face, or never at all.” Jiang Yihan now resembled the cold and stern Li Ran, capable of dropping the room’s temperature several degrees with his words, then rose and left.

Seeing Jiang Yihan storm off in anger, Lee Dong was momentarily stunned. He had never seen him angry before, so it was unfamiliar. He glanced at Li Ran, who was rubbing his temples, then looked to Li Ran, hoping for answers.

“Why him, of all people? Really!” Li Ran’s words made Lee Dong even more uneasy. “Uncle Lee, do you have that boss’s contact info? Where do you usually meet?”

“We always schedule meetings by phone first. Li Ran, what’s going on?” Lee Dong’s sudden panic seemed incongruous with his age of thirty; Jiang Yihan must have truly unsettled him.

“Uncle Lee, you should arrange a meeting with that boss and explain the situation. He will come to see Lazy Cat,” Li Ran sighed before revealing the answer Lee Dong had long sought. “That boss should be Lazy Cat’s father, Jiang Haotian. When I first saw the name Zi Yi, I should have connected the dots: Zi is from Zi Yi, and Yi from Yihan. I was careless.”

After saying this, Li Ran left. Only then did Lee Dong realize the complexity of the relationships and slapped his forehead. The boss’s surname was Jiang—he should have noticed earlier. Despite his usual shrewdness, he had overlooked this. Lee Dong knew little about Jiang Yihan’s family, but he knew the father and son didn’t get along. This explained Jiang Yihan’s reaction.

Lee Dong picked up the phone and dialed Jiang Haotian. “President Jiang, Jiang Yihan wants to meet with you. It seems he knows who you are now.”

Jiang Haotian was silent for a long moment before sighing deeply. “What’s meant to be will be. I understand. I’ll arrange a meeting with Li Ran.” After hanging up, Jiang Haotian rubbed his aching temples.

Jiang Haotian was a man in his forties, with some gray at his temples but still vigorous. His features faintly resembled Jiang Yihan’s but were more angular. It seemed Jiang Yihan inherited the best traits from both parents, giving him his charm.

Standing by the window, Jiang Haotian was haunted by painful memories swirling through his mind.

The story of Jiang Haotian, Zhou Bing, Jiang Yihan, and Jiang Ziyi was a different tale — one long past.

Lazy Cat’s rambling time is over. For questions about two updates, please check the pinned post in the review section. Updates come around 11 p.m. every night. Thank you all for your support!