Chapter 73

January 5, 2007.

Today is JS Company's annual summary meeting, but unlike last year, there are two additional attendees in the large conference room.

They are Liu Xing and Choi Ji-na, who have been following Liu Zaitian for some time.

Liu Zaitian is currently seated at the head of the conference table, with Jin Seong-woo sitting to his right, followed by the heads of various departments.

"From 2006 to now, the total number of trainees in our company has decreased from 102 to 32. Most of those who left cited the lack of hope for debuting. However, those who remain are mostly elite-level trainees, ready to become artists. But due to the lack of a clear debut plan, our company's influence in recruiting new trainees has diminished to almost nothing." The speaker is the head of the JS Trainee Department, Jiang Zhicheng, who has repeatedly reported issues with the trainees' morale.

"I understand. Seong-woo, do we have any plans for debuts this year?"

"Temporarily no. Based on the current overall level of the trainees, the only one who meets the debut standard is Lee Ji-eun. However, she is too young, so I believe the best time to plan her debut is in 2008." Jin Seong-woo, who is well-informed about all matters in the company, answered without hesitation.

"Since that's the case, Minister Jiang Zhicheng, you should know what to do, right?" Liu Zaitian closed the trainee manual he had been reading and looked up, speaking softly.

"Yes!" With a clear plan for debuting artists, it would be easier to reassure the trainees.

"Now, I have something to say about trainee management." Liu Zaitian doesn't know or care how other entertainment companies in Korea operate, but for JS, things must be done his way.

"Since the company is about to debut artists, I hope you can establish a standard for their treatment. This standard should ensure the artists' benefits while also allowing the company to make a profit. This is very important. After all, although JS is not lacking in funds, we are not a charity organization."

"Regarding our company's trainees, since most of them are quite young, management can be a bit stricter, but physical punishment is strictly prohibited. The quality of their food and accommodation must be improved. If I hear any complaints, the responsible person must explain to me. Additionally, while there is competition among the trainees, I hope it remains healthy. Any behavior that crosses the line must be strictly prohibited. To foster a family atmosphere, we can hold regular group meals each month. Of course, trainees should dine with trainees, and staff with staff. As for those of you here, I doubt you would be welcome in either group, so we will have to dine together."

"Those are the main points. The details can be discussed and refined by you."

"Here, I want to reiterate one point. When the parents of these trainees entrust their children to us, they do so with hope and trust. We must live up to this trust and take responsibility for managing and educating them. Even if they don't debut, we must ensure they return home healthy. Do you understand?"

"Understood!" Everyone responded in unison.

It's important to note that although JS is nominally a joint-stock company, it is entirely owned by Liu Zaitian. Without the interference of other shareholders, his word in JS is like the will of God, and no one would be foolish enough to defy it.

Moreover, compared to other companies, these senior managers have some knowledge of the company's background, which, though limited, has given them immense confidence and awe.

Combined with their top-tier salaries, it would be very difficult for anyone to want to lose this job.

Sitting quietly to the side, Choi Ji-na's mind has been in turmoil since the meeting began. For so long, Liu Zaitian has presented himself as a lazy, gentle, and well-behaved young man, sometimes playful, but always the perfect younger brother. This is the first time she has seen him in such a dominant and authoritative manner.

For a moment, the two vastly different images clashed in her mind, leaving her thoughts in a chaotic mess.

However, compared to Choi Ji-na's confusion, Liu Xing's eyes revealed a sense of longing. He has already learned from Jin Seong-woo about JS's background, which is an unparalleled platform and a stepping stone to a larger world. He truly hopes to be more than just an observer and to truly participate in it.

After the meeting, Liu Xing and Choi Ji-na left the conference room with the crowd.

Jin Seong-woo, however, stayed behind, as he had other matters to report.

"Seong-woo, is there anything else?" Liu Zaitian asked, seeing the conference room door closed.

"Yes, KBS has invited us to plan a variety show, which will air on Sunday afternoons," Jin Seong-woo said.

"KBS? They're not too slow to react." With the ongoing popularity of shows like X-Man and Infinite Challenge, SBS and MBC have dominated the variety show market, especially as the popularity of variety shows has led to significant increases in advertising revenue and merchandise sales. KBS, naturally, is not willing to be left behind.

However, while KBS has excelled in drama production, they are less familiar with variety shows, so they have extended an invitation to JS.

"Alright. Seong-woo, you can respond to KBS and tell them I agree. As for the profit-sharing, you can discuss that with them. I will start assembling a team to plan the show." Liu Zaitian nodded, calculating that the timing was about right.

"I understand." Jin Seong-woo responded, feeling a surge of joy. As the CEO of an entertainment company, he is well aware of the significant boost a popular variety show can bring to an artist's influence and fame. If Liu Zaitian's show for KBS achieves the same success as Infinite Challenge, it will be a tremendous help to JS.

Not only will it secure KBS's friendship, but it will also provide an excellent platform for promoting artists.

"By the way, Seong-woo, I have one more thing to inform you." Liu Zaitian took out a folder and placed it in front of Jin Seong-woo.

"What is it?" Jin Seong-woo was puzzled but opened the folder at Liu Zaitian's gesture. The moment he read the contents, a wave of intense joy enveloped him.

"Given your years of hard work and our company's upcoming collaboration to debut artists, after careful consideration, you will receive a 5% annual dividend as a reward. If you have no objections, please sign here!"