Chapter 10: The Playful Kim Minjeong.

"Director Lee, this is the Kim Min-jeong I mentioned."

Krystal Jung introduced her to Lee Min-woo, the director of S.M. Entertainment's Rookie Development Department. Having spent so many years in the industry, even if her relationship with the company had soured due to her sister, the connections she had built remained. It would have been a waste to visit without putting them to use. Ming Yan had once helped Krystal navigate certain resources, so returning the favor now felt appropriate.

As for her best friend... well, there wasn't much an outsider could do about a couple’s personal affairs. If she criticized him too much, her friend would only get upset.

"He's not as bad as you say." Krystal felt a wave of irritation just thinking about her friend's stubbornness. Regardless, she certainly wouldn't say a kind word about her ex-boyfriend; her approach was strictly "no contact."

Ming Yan extended his hand. "Director Lee, nice to meet you. I am Ming Yan."

This was the moment for an elder to step in; he couldn't very well let the little one handle it herself.

"Ming Yan-ssi, my daughter is a huge fan of yours. She didn't miss a single episode when *Descendants of the Sun* aired," Director Lee said with a warm smile.

Setting aside the favor for Krystal, Ming Yan was a top-tier actor in his own right. The entertainment industry was a small circle, and you never knew when a connection might come in handy; the most important thing was one's value.

"Actually, I just did my part in a minor role; the real credit goes to the staff behind the scenes," Ming Yan replied. His practiced social grace surprised Kim Min-jeong. "When I was still a student, it was people like you who discovered me."

He didn't mind misrepresenting Kim Eun-sook’s role for the moment; his mentor was easygoing enough to forgive him. If not for her keen eye for talent, he might still be just a student today. Of course, there was nothing wrong with being a student, but the path of an actor offered a much broader horizon.

Director Lee’s smile grew even warmer, clearly pleased with the actor’s humility. "And this child is your..."

"Min-jeong is my niece. She received a scout's card at a dance event in Yangsan, so she’s been wanting to come in for an audition." Ming Yan had initially intended to track down that specific scout, but now that he was speaking directly to the head of the department, there was no need to dwell on the details.

It was time to get straight to the point.

"She’s a beautiful child. She has real potential," Director Lee said, his eyes lighting up when he looked at Kim Min-jeong.

Having started his career as a scout, his eye for talent was sharp. The fifteen-year-old was like a budding flower, and her potential was evident at a glance. "Star quality"—the concept popularized by JYP’s Park Jin-young—was broad, but experienced professionals could spot the spark instantly. Kim Min-jeong at least had the potential.

Ming Yan’s own looks were undeniable; he held his own standing next to Song Joong-ki and even won the Best Couple Award at the Asia Artist Awards, surpassing the main leads. Kim Min-jeong shared a distinct resemblance to her uncle. Any minor flaws didn't matter; she was still young, and as the saying went, a girl changes eighteen times before adulthood. The foundation was excellent.

"Thank you for the compliment, Director Lee."

"It’s no compliment. I’m just stating the facts."

Unlike her sister, Krystal was impatient with this kind of networking, so she pulled Kim Min-jeong aside for a quiet chat. It was baffling how such a well-behaved child could have such an eccentric uncle.

***

"Krystal, let me buy you dinner," Ming Yan suggested after they left the S.M. building.

"Don't bother. It's better if I stay away from you," Krystal said, her face expressionless. It looked a bit intimidating, but only those who knew her understood that was just her natural resting face.

Ming Yan looked aggrieved. "Krystal, that’s so hurtful."

"Do you have any messages you need me to pass on?" Krystal asked before leaving.

"No."

"Good."

Krystal didn't hesitate, stepping on the gas and vanishing from their sight. Deep down, she actually admired Ming Yan’s decisiveness. Breaking up shouldn't be a drawn-out, messy affair; lingering was hardly the mark of a man. Still, his niece was a good kid—quiet and pretty.

Ming Yan shook his head helplessly. Krystal had always been like this; she didn't bother putting on an act in front of people she knew. Her help today was more than he could have expected. A scumbag he might be, but that didn't stop him from maintaining friendships.

"Uncle, what car is Krystal unnie driving?" Kim Min-jeong asked. She found the older girl incredibly cool, perfectly embodying the image of an independent woman in her young mind. Krystal had debuted around the same age Min-jeong was now.

Ming Yan recalled, "An Audi. Do you like it?"

He remembered the "Little Ice Princess" was a brand ambassador for Audi.

"I just think it looks very cool."

"Min-jeong, it’s not the car that’s cool, it’s the person. You should strive to become someone that cool yourself." From an idol’s perspective, Krystal was a great role model; the "Little Ice Princess" hadn't become famous just because of her sister.

"Uncle, does Krystal unnie drive a better car than you?" Kim Min-jeong suddenly asked.

"Uh..."

Ming Yan was about to answer when he caught the suppressed smile at the corner of the girl's mouth. *Well, well,* Kim Min-jeong was learning to joke. Perhaps there was something to the bond of blood; they had grown quite comfortable with each other in just two days. Maybe raising a child wouldn't be as difficult as he thought.

Ming Yan changed the subject. "Min-jeong, what do you want to eat?" Krystal wasn't joining them, but they still had to eat.

"I'm fine with anything, Uncle." Kim Min-jeong wasn't familiar with Seoul, so she left the choice to him. Yesterday's hotpot had been a success.

"How about Korean BBQ?"

"Okay."

Kim Min-jeong had a slightly round face; she was clearly a little foodie at home. It looked like she would have a tough time with dieting once she became a trainee. After meeting Director Lee today, while her entry into S.M. wasn't set in stone, the probability had increased significantly, though she would still need to pass internal auditions.

Ming Yan had already started considering schools for his niece; getting into an arts high school shouldn't be a problem.

By the end of the meal, Kim Min-jeong’s belly was round once again. There was no helping it; her uncle always took her to the most delicious places, and she couldn't help but overeat.

"Min-jeong, how is your singing?" Ming Yan asked on the way back. He knew she had been scouted for her dancing, but she would definitely need to sing during the evaluation.

"Mom says I sing better than you, Uncle."

"Your mother is really..."