Call dad, Zhang Yuanying: Dad!

Chapter 144: Call Me Daddy, Jang Won-young: Daddy!

At the set of "queen of tears."

"Kim Hee-won, I am very grateful for the opportunity you've given me to play the lead role in 'queen of tears.'"

Kim Ji-won bowed 90 degrees and said, "But, I'd like to ask, why did this opportunity fall to me?"

"There are so many excellent senior actors, more famous than me, with better acting skills, yet you chose me?"

Kim Ji-won's humble-bragging made the crew members feel a mix of envy, jealousy, and resentment.

This humble-bragging was impressive.

Why choose you?

Because you're awesome, of course.

Park Sung-joon smiled and said, "Kim Ji-won, you don't need to underestimate yourself."

"Since Director Kim specifically requested you for the role, he must have his reasons."

"Director Kim recognizes your acting skills."

"Acting has little to do with fame, and as for acting skills, that's something that needs to be refined over time."

"As for casting, it's naturally best to find the most suitable person."

Park Sung-joon, a senior actor in the entertainment industry, spoke, and everyone naturally nodded in agreement.

It could be said that Park Sung-joon was the most senior actor in this crew, apart from Director Kim and his team.

"This..."

Kim Ji-won was speechless after being praised like that.

Kim Hee-won nodded, "Park Sung-joon is right."

"Kim Ji-won, you must cherish this hard-won opportunity."

"Young Master Zhao recommended you to me."

"There's a banquet tonight to celebrate the start of filming for our 'queen of tears' crew."

"You should thank Young Master Zhao properly then."

Everyone looked at Kim Ji-won with envy.

Especially Lee Joo-bin, who had originally set her sights on the lead female role.

Unfortunately, it was already decided.

She could only settle for the second female lead role.

Park Sung-joon thought to himself, he knew who this Young Master Zhao was—the son of a congressman.

He was arguably the most influential person on this set.

Even Kim Hee-won had to follow his lead.

Kim Ji-won was the person Young Master Zhao specifically named to promote.

Park Sung-joon naturally flattered Kim Ji-won, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he was fawning over her.

This also gave everyone the illusion that the actress playing the lead role, Kim Ji-won, had some connections, didn't she?

Even senior actors in the entertainment industry had to lower themselves to curry favor.

Kim Hee-won also had a pleasant demeanor.

Park Sung-joon enthusiastically introduced the crew members to Kim Ji-won.

"annyeonghaseyo!" Lee Joo-bin said, "I'm Lee Joo-bin, playing the second female lead in this drama."

"Hello."

"My name is Kim Ji-won."

Kim Ji-won said indifferently.

She was still pondering Director Kim's words about thanking Young Master Zhao tonight.

She had no interest in getting to know any senior actors.

"I'm Kwak Dong-yeon."

Soon, evening arrived.

In a high-end restaurant.

Kim Ji-won arrived here with a heavy heart, and Jang Won-young patted her hand, signaling her not to be afraid.

This gave Kim Ji-won a slight boost of confidence.

Walking into the restaurant, a waiter immediately came to greet them.

As soon as Kim Ji-won entered, she saw Park Sung-joon.

"Ji-won, you're finally here."

Park Sung-joon was as enthusiastic as ever, saying, "Everyone's been waiting for you, Director Kim, Director Jang, and... Young Master Zhao is also inside."

"Mm."

Kim Ji-won replied very coldly.

Of course, it wasn't directed at Park Sung-joon; her impression of Park Sung-joon was still good at the moment.

But she suddenly saw someone inside!

Kim Soo-hyun was actually there?!

Kim Ji-won's mood instantly turned extremely cold, colder than an Arctic iceberg.

Park Sung-joon also sensed Kim Ji-won's emotional change and changed the subject, saying, "Is this your friend?"

"She looks familiar."

Jang Won-young's fame was quite well-known.

Park Sung-joon in the entertainment industry had also heard of her.

"Hello! My name is Jang Won-young, and I'm Ji-won's friend."

"Hello, everyone, please take your seats!" Park Sung-joon nodded.

When enemies meet, their eyes turn red with fury.

Kim Ji-won was still a bit timid; she glanced over and saw a young man sitting at the head of the table.

The young man had a somewhat effeminate appearance, with pale skin, unlike the complexion of a normal person.

"Ji... Kim Ji-won." Kim Soo-hyun called out.

Kim Ji-won ignored him, pulling Jang Won-young to sit in a corner.

Keeping her distance from Kim Soo-hyun and the others.

"Kim Ji-won, sit over here!"

Kim Soo-hyun stood up and came over, whispering menacingly, "You sit next to Young Master Zhao!"

"Get lost!"

Kim Ji-won said coldly, not even looking at Kim Soo-hyun.

"You..." Kim Soo-hyun felt humiliated.

He was actually publicly disrespected by Kim Ji-won in front of so many people.

Kim Soo-hyun thought to himself, you wretched woman, one day I'll make you pay!

As soon as Kim Ji-won appeared, she automatically became the center of attention.

Everyone also understood that the female protagonist of this banquet was Kim Ji-won.

Some people were curious, why did Kim Ji-won bring an irrelevant person?

Some of them recognized her, isn't this the rising star of the Idol world?

Why was an Idol attending their "queen of tears" dinner?

Ever since Kim Ji-won sat down, the gloomy young man opposite her hadn't moved his gaze.

Beautiful!

A great beauty!

She was truly too beautiful!

Zhao Zhengzhe stared intently at Kim Ji-won, like a hunter eyeing his prey.

It must be said that Zhao Zhengzhe had been preying on beauties in the entertainment industry for many years, having seen countless women.

What kind of aloof, loli, or fiery women hadn't he seen?

Kim Ji-won truly captured his heart.

I must have this woman!

Park Sung-joon, on the side, carefully observed everyone's expressions, especially Young Master Zhao's.

He knew!

An opportunity had arrived!

Park Sung-joon said, "Ji-won, you are the lead actress of our 'queen of tears.'"

"How about we all toast you?"

"A toast!"

"Drink up!"

Everyone cheered.

Kim Ji-won's expression was a bit grim; she didn't want to drink, but Park Sung-joon had been kind to her.

Surely, she couldn't refuse even a single toast, could she?

"I'll toast everyone!"

"Thank you, Director Kim, for the opportunity, thank you, Senior Park Sung-joon, for your care, thank you..."

Kim Ji-won shifted her gaze to Zhao Zhengzhe at the head of the table and said, "And thank you, Young Master Zhao."

With that, she drank it all down.

"Good!"

"The lead actress can really hold her liquor!"

"Another one! Another one!"

Kim Hee-won raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet, saying, "First, on behalf of the directing team, I officially announce that the original cast of 'queen of tears' has been confirmed!"

"I'll tell everyone the basic personnel."

"The lead actress is Kim Ji-won, the lead actor is Kim Soo-hyun, the second male lead is Park Sung-joon, and the second female lead is Lee Joo-bin."

"And our investor, Young Master Zhao!"

"A round of applause!"

Kim Hee-won led the enthusiastic applause.

The applause echoed.

"Kim Hee-won, I toast you!"

"Young Master Zhao, I toast you three times, please feel free."

"Young Master Zhao."

2

A banquet of networking and social niceties thus began.

When Kim Ji-won learned that Kim Soo-hyun was the lead actor in this drama,

her expression was more unpleasant than anyone else's.

She had already fallen out with Kim Soo-hyun and recognized the true colors of that scumbag.

Now you're telling Kim Ji-won that she has to act with Kim Soo-hyun for an entire drama?

She'd rather die!

"Kim Ji-won, why are you just standing there blankly?"

"Come quickly and toast Young Master Zhao!"

Kim Soo-hyun said.

"It's all Young Master Zhao's credit that you can be the lead actress in this drama, and also for me being the male lead."

"We should both toast Young Master Zhao properly."

"Young Master Zhao, come, we both toast you."

Kim Ji-won felt as disgusted as if she had swallowed a fly, saying, "Kim Soo-hyun, if you want to toast, that's your business."

"Don't drag me into it!"

Kim Soo-hyun's expression changed: "Kim Ji-won, don't be ungrateful!"

"Do you have no gratitude at all?"

"Without Young Master Zhao, do you think you'd be where you are today?"

Jang Won-young couldn't stand it anymore: "Kim Soo-hyun, are you even human?"

"I see it now, you sold our Ji-won out! Traded her for a male lead role?"

"You're truly not a person!"

"Don't talk nonsense!"

Kim Soo-hyun said, "Who do you think you are? My business with Kim Ji-won doesn't concern you!"

"Kim Ji-won, you better think carefully."

"No need to think!"

Kim Ji-won said coldly, "Worst case, I won't act in this drama; I don't care about being the lead actress!"

"And Young Master Zhao, I hope you stop wasting your efforts on me in the future."

"It's a waste of time!"

"Won-young, let's go!"

With that, Kim Ji-won grabbed Jang Won-young's hand and directly left the place.

Everyone was dumbfounded, looking at each other.

What's going on?

Is Kim Ji-won that fierce? Aren't you afraid of being blacklisted and banned?

Offending directors and capital bigwigs in the entertainment industry.

Will you still be able to work in the entertainment industry in the future?

Should she consider selling pancakes instead?

Kim Soo-hyun's face was extremely grim, staring intently at Kim Ji-won's retreating back.

Damn wretched woman!

Slap, slap.

A slap landed directly on Kim Soo-hyun's face.

Park Sung-joon did it!

"Park Sung-joon, you sibal, why did you hit me?!"

Park Sung-joon explained, "Young Master Zhao told me to hit you, to teach you a lesson."

"Young Master Zhao?"

Kim Soo-hyun turned to look at Zhao Zhengzhe, who was also looking at him with a half-smile.

Kim Soo-hyun knelt on the ground and said, "Young Master Zhao, I'm sorry, I..."

11

1

"Who told you to make Kim Ji-won leave in anger?"

Zhao Zhengzhe said very unhappily, "I'm very angry right now, and Kim Ji-won isn't here anymore, so what now?"

Zhao Zhengzhe was truly fed up with Kim Soo-hyun; he originally wanted to use a gentle approach to win over Kim Ji-won, this icy beauty.

Unfortunately... this idiot in front of him messed it up.

"Young Master Zhao... what do you say we do? I'll do whatever you say."

Kim Soo-hyun knelt before Zhao Zhengzhe like a child who had made a mistake.

"Everyone else, out!"

Upon receiving the signal, Kim Hee-won ushered everyone out of the private room, leaving only Zhao Zhengzhe and Kim Soo-hyun.

"I'm very angry right now, Soo-hyun!"

"You know what to do, right?"

Zhao Zhengzhe skillfully took off Kong Yiji's pants, and the next five hundred words are omitted.

Kim Hee-won shook his head as he exited the private room, thinking, these second-generation rich kids really know how to play!

Zhao Zhengzhe was bisexual.

As long as you were good-looking and had a bit of fame, he didn't care if you were male, female, or transgender.

He wouldn't even spare your backside.

Kim Hee-won instinctively felt a chill down his spine; thankfully, he was an old-fashioned man, and Zhao Zhengzhe wasn't interested in him.

Otherwise, he really wouldn't want to be associated with Zhao Zhengzhe.

At that moment, a Jay Chou song suddenly played.

Chrysanthemum wilts, wounds all over the ground.

Hilton Hotel.

Kim Ji-won told Jang Won-young, "Worst case, I won't work in the entertainment industry anymore."

"Selling fried rice cakes, selling pancakes, I might still be able to support myself."

"Pfft..." Jang Won-young scoffed, "Do you think they'll let you go just because you're not in the entertainment industry anymore?"

"First, let's not even talk about whether your fried rice cake skills are good enough, if they're edible, or if you can even set up a stall."

"Or if you can make money."

"With that face that brings disaster to the country and its people, you're destined to be coveted by many men."

"This is a fact that no one can change."

Kim Ji-won said dejectedly, "Is it a crime to be beautiful?"

"An innocent man is punished for his wealth!"

"Then I'd rather die!"

Kim Ji-won said pessimistically, "Even if I die, I won't submit to them!"

Kim Ji-won was truly at her wit's end; with nothing working out, she felt like death was her only option.

She really hadn't expected the entertainment industry to be so harsh, to the point of forcing her to a dead end.

Jang Won-young flicked Kim Ji-won's forehead, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Have you considered your parents, your family, and us, your friends?"

"Don't say such things again!"

"Then what do you suggest?" Kim Ji-won asked, "Do I have any other choice?"

Unless she found an even more powerful backer, someone who could make Zhao Zhengzhe wary.

Thereby dispelling Zhao Zhengzhe's covetous gaze on Kim Ji-won.

Where could she find such a person?

Someone with a stronger background than a congressman's son.

Let's not even talk about whether she could find such a person.

Even if she did.

What price could Kim Ji-won pay?

There's no such thing as love without reason!

Aside from her beautiful face, what else did Kim Ji-won have that someone would desire?

"Perhaps there's someone who can help you."

Jang Won-young hesitated repeatedly but still decided to help Kim Ji-won.

"Who?"

"Moshi moshi?"

"Who is it?"

"It's me!"

"You idiots, don't you know to announce yourselves when you call?"

"It's me, it's me, how could I tell who it was."

[Jang Won-young's negative emotional value +10]

"It's me! Jang! Won! Young!"

Lee Se-hyun had just come out of the Eastern Police Precinct shooting range, having practiced with his pistol for almost an entire afternoon.

He was resting in his car, getting ready to go home, when a call came in.

No caller ID.

Jang Won-young never expected that Lee Se-hyun, that scumbag, hadn't saved her contact information.

They were friends who had had intimate conversations.

It was really too...

Mainly, Lee Se-hyun didn't have the habit of saving contacts.

Even his girlfriend, Park Yeonjin, wasn't saved.

Treating everyone equally!

"If you have something to say, say it quickly, or I'm hanging up!" Lee Se-hyun said.

On the other end of the phone, Jang Won-young really wanted to hang up immediately, but she glanced at the pitiful Kim Ji-won beside her, who looked like a kitten.

Jang Won-young mustered her courage and said, "I... I'm asking you for a favor."

"A favor?" Lee Se-hyun was a bit speechless: "I thought Little Round Face missed me."

"Sigh, I didn't expect the first thing you'd say when we talk is asking for a favor."

"Hmph!"

"No more feelings, purely a transactional relationship."

"No... it's not!" Jang Won-young quickly said, she really wasn't that kind of person!

But now was not the time to dwell on such things.

"Then do you miss me?"

"A little."

"Say 'Daddy' and let me hear it."

[Jang Won-young's negative emotional value +10]

"Don't mess around..." Jang Won-young said, "I really have an urgent matter to discuss with you!"

"No time."

Jang Won-young was almost in tears: "I have someone next to me!"

"Someone? You should have said so earlier."

Lee Se-hyun said, "You can ask me for a favor, but you have to do me a favor."

"You help me, I help you, mutual assistance, right?"

"What favor can I help you with?" Jang Won-young asked, puzzled.

She was just a small Idol; what favor could she do for a prosecutor?

Jang Won-young was confused.

Lee Se-hyun said, "Oh Se-hyun and the others recently opened an entertainment company, didn't they?"

"I want to poach you to work for me, sign a contract of indenture, no objections, right?"

"Poach me?" Jang Won-young shook her head and said, "But I have a contract, and the liquidated damages are terrifyingly high."

"I can't afford it, and besides, Starship Entertainment might not even let me go."

After all, Jang Won-young was currently Starship Entertainment's only cash cow.

Before this cash cow's profits were fully exploited,

Starship Entertainment's executives would absolutely not let her go!

"That's not a problem!"

Lee Se-hyun smiled and said, "Where are you now? Send me your address."

"I haven't seen my beloved concubine in a long time."

"What beloved concubine!"

Jang Won-young's face flushed slightly, saying, "You think you're an emperor! How unvirtuous!"

Kim Ji-won, who was beside her, was surprised by this phone call from Jang Won-young.

Kim Ji-won wondered, who was on the other end of the phone?

Who made my goddess-bestie act like this?

Emperor and beloved concubine...