Chapter 18

‘Should I buy a lottery ticket today?’

The scent of shampoo wafts from Semy, who is pulling on my arm.

Her hair tickles my nose as it flutters.

“Is script practice that important?”

“Huh? Oh, yes! Of course!”

Perhaps because there’s a script reading tomorrow, Semy’s acting spirit is burning brightly.

She looks so adorable, eager to go over the script right away.

Is this how one falls in love?

“Would you like to listen to music together, Semy? Our drama’s OST….”

“No, I won’t listen.”

“But, we’re in the same group.”

“The script reading tomorrow is more important.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Indeed, there’s no denying that.

Actors who can focus solely on their acting.

How could I have let such talent go to waste until now?

Each member has their own unique personality and talent.

If we had focused on individual activities from the beginning, rather than the complete group, we might have become even more popular.

“Semy?”

“Yes, Writer.”

To be honest, I want to be there too.

But right now, the music production is more important.

“Hmm, what should I do? I think I need to go back.”

“Huh? Where to….”

“To the music studio we just left.”

“No, no, I can’t go there…!”

“Why not?”

“Then, I’ll go with you!”

“???”

You said you wouldn’t listen to music.

A moment later,

When I returned to the recording studio,

Raimi was talking about music with Yuna.

“Oh, Writer, you’re back?”

“Yes, I came back because I liked the song.”

“Tch….”

Semy added a comment from the side, but I ignored it.

She’s pouting because I promised to practice acting with her but didn’t.

Soon, I sat down in a spot where light was seeping through and opened my laptop.

Raimi was surprised and asked me,

“Writer? What are you doing there?”

“I’m going to listen to the song and write at the same time. Is that okay?”

“It’s not impossible, but… why don’t you sit on the sofa? Why on the floor…?”

“I usually like to lean against the wall.”

“Oh, is that so?”

She reacted as if she didn’t understand but had nothing to say.

Honestly, it’s nonsensical to expect understanding of my transcendent system abilities.

However, Semy squatted next to me.

“I’m going to read the script here too. I like leaning against the wall.”

Raimi smiled lightly and asked me,

“Then, would you like to hear a new song?”

“Yes, please.”

It might be possible to register other songs in the system.

However, the second song I heard also activated the system.

Ding Dong─

【I have found music that matches the atmosphere of the work by 81%.】

【Would you like to add this music to the work? (Y/N)】

‘Is Raimi a genius?’

Working on popular drama OSTs is one of the ways an unknown composer can easily make it to the charts.

Especially with Raimi’s talent, having composed a significant number of songs for Purple Girls.

‘It’s a win-win situation.’

Not only that, but the vocals and tone matching the drama’s atmosphere are also important.

“You sing really well, Yuna.”

“Ah, thank you!”

Although she hasn’t yet topped the charts, she is highly underrated.

Purple Girls, and even among girl groups, she is a singer of considerable talent.

‘If our drama succeeds, she’ll be at the top in no time.’

Both the composer Raimi and the singer Yuna are on the rise.

Even I, who am not a music expert, can tell the songs are really good.

“This is too good to be used in my drama?”

“Come on, what do you mean by that?”

High-quality music that would fit a high-quality drama.

The melody is addictive and the atmosphere is captivating.

It reminds me of a song by Jang Bum-jung, who recently swept the OST charts.

‘Purple Girls are full of talent.’

They’re not just a popular girl group for no reason.

I can’t understand why they haven’t reached the top yet.

“Doesn’t Raimi compose most of Purple Girls’ songs?”

“Yes, most of the tracks….”

“What about the album title?”

“Ah, I’ve never had my song as the title track.”

Hmm, that might be the reason they haven’t reached the top.

After that, Raimi played about ten more songs.

I realized that the system only activates for music that matches the work by at least 80%.

‘It was similar when I registered Jang Bum-jung.’

The system works similarly to the function that activates when you touch a specific actor for five seconds.

When you listen to live music from start to finish, the system activates.

“Raimi, please pass the fourth and seventh songs to the music director.”

“Wow, I also thought those two were the best fit.”

“Really?”

“Do you have a good ear for music?”

“Ahaha, not really….”

Semy, sitting next to me, is looking at me with bright eyes, making me feel a bit uncomfortable.

‘It’s time to wrap up the script….’

Although there’s still plenty of time, it’s getting close to evening.

Since the music is almost sorted, I focused on writing the script again.

Especially, I compared it with the scenes I had already written.

A moment later,

Tap, tap, tap─

When I had almost finished writing the middle part of this episode,

I noticed the noise around me had stopped and looked up.

“Semy?”

Semy, who was squatting next to me, was sound asleep, making soft snoring sounds.

The other two members had already left the studio.

“She’s sleeping….?”

The other members should have taken care of her, but they seemed to lack a sense of camaraderie.

Semy must have been bored, but there was no reason for her to stay here.

Swoosh─

I gently made her lean her head on my shoulder.

Half of it was to satisfy my own desires, but her head looked uncomfortable.

‘I’m glad I was born as a writer.’

Soon, the studio was filled with the sound of my laptop and the soft snoring of the girl.

Even after the work was finished, she showed no signs of waking up.

I had no intention of waking her.

In the end, she slept soundly until the manager called her.

* * *

At the filming site of a YouTube channel with 3 million subscribers.

A long interview with a top star was in progress.

The comedian host asked a middle-aged man,

“Sir, can we talk about your work? Many fans are curious.”

“Well, what’s so special about an actor doing a work?”

The famous film actor’s appearance in a drama has been a hot topic.

This interview would focus on that.

“What was the reason for your appearance in a drama this time, rather than on the big screen?”

“Hmm, I have a connection with Tempest Entertainment….”

“Oh, so it’s a favor to your agency?”

“No, to be honest, I didn’t want to appear in a drama.”

“Really? Then….”

“I’m an actor, and the script was really good. Haha.”

The big actor, Choi Man-ho, who is often called “sir,” laughed.

He was known for not giving formal compliments.

The host’s eyes lit up and he added,

“Wow, to hear that from Choi Man-ho. The writer must be thrilled.”

“I’m happy to have received a good script.”

An actor who earns more than the combined fees of all the lead actors in a typical drama.

In this drama, he plays a role more important than the leads.

“Is the full name of the heir in the drama ‘Pure Macho’? Is that correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“What is the exact role you play?”

“The father of the male lead, the CEO of a conglomerate.”

“Wow… With Choi Man-ho playing the CEO, the drama is bound to be a hit, right?”

“The roles of the lead actors are more important than mine.”

While it’s a natural statement, it can be interpreted as meaningful.

“I heard the script reading is tomorrow.”

“Yes, it will probably be tomorrow.”

“Can you give a message to the junior actors?”

“Is this going to be broadcast immediately?”

“I’ll tell the editor to upload it by tomorrow morning.”

“Hmm….”

Choi Man-ho smiled and said,

“I was an unknown actor for 27 years.”

“Huh? Why do you say that all of a sudden….”

“I hope the junior actors understand the opportunities they have been given.”

“Aha, that’s right. It’s a given.”

“And I really dislike actors who treat acting like a joke.”

“Ah… Is that so.”

His blunt, manly way of speaking.

The host tried to smooth things over, but Choi Man-ho added one more comment.

He specifically asked that the last line not be edited out.

“Thank you for this long interview with Choi Man-ho, an actor we can always trust!”

The hidden mission was to edit a 15-minute video by tomorrow morning.

Five editors split the video, each editing 3 minutes.

Especially, the editor responsible for the last part was in a bind.

He had to soften Choi Man-ho’s aggressive comments.

* * *

The next day, on the day of the script reading.

I yawned and got out of bed in my room.

“Yawn, I couldn’t practice with Semy at all yesterday.”

When Semy was sound asleep, I couldn’t do anything.

She woke up in shock to the sound of her phone ringing from the manager.

She looked upset, saying it was too late and the manager should have woken her up.

She vowed to stay up all night to do well in the script reading.

“Hmm, I don’t think she stayed up all night practicing.”

It reminded me of my own last-minute studying before exams.

I wonder if fans who are as invested as I am would find her cute.

If this drama does well, fans who love Semy in Korea will increase rapidly.

Not to mention, with K-drama rights selling like hotcakes abroad, overseas fans can also be expected.

I checked today’s news on my smartphone.

“Trouble from the start.”

Choi Man-ho’s interview video was trending.

I hope the actors who have probably seen the video aren’t too nervous.

Especially Semy, who is easily influenced by external factors.

Ding─

Then, a message from Director Sung arrived.

[Writer, can you come an hour early for a brief meeting? Director Bang is calling.]

“Director Bang?”

Why would the director come to the script reading?

Especially for a drama he doesn’t expect much from.

If there’s a reason, it can only be one.

“Choi Man-ho.”

Tempest Entertainment must have brought in a top film actor, and he wants to see him.

Perhaps… I hope not, but I might get in trouble.

For example, if he asks me to revise the script.

* * *

“Revise it.”

“...”

Why is Director Bang doing this to me?

Is he just being mean?

“Director, have you read the entire script?”

“Of course. Choi Man-ho is in a JTBS drama, so I had to read it.”

“There’s nothing to revise in terms of completeness.”

“Really? I only saw 20 scenes for Choi Man-ho. Is that worth the high fee?”

“It’s not about the money….”

“The success of this drama depends on Choi Man-ho. Do you think otherwise?”

“The potential of the lead actors will explode from the middle to the end. Director Sung agreed….”

I glanced at Director Sung, but he avoided my gaze.

‘Oh no.’

He must be maintaining neutrality.

Or, he might agree with the director.

Bringing in a top actor for a mediocre project leads to problems like this.

‘I’ll make it a success to spite him. Really.’

With the system’s ability, I only need to succeed with my first three works to avoid such humiliation.

Creak─

Then, the door opened, and footsteps were heard.

Someone slowly walked in and said,

“I’m against revising the script.”

I turned my head at the deep voice and saw Choi Man-ho.

He was the most senior actor but arrived first at the script reading.

“Oh, hello, Choi Man-ho.”

“Hello, Director.”

“Haha, we worked together when I was at KBC.”

“Yes, you were an assistant director then. I remember.”

“I didn’t expect you to remember.”

“I was an unknown actor then, so I memorized all the staff names.”

Choi Man-ho exchanged pleasantries for a while before getting back to the topic.

“If my role is expanded, the drama’s appeal will decrease.”

“Come on, the amount is too little….”

“In movies, short scenes can have a big impact. My role is like that.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes, Director.”

“Well, if you say so. Haha.”

Choi Man-ho added one more comment to the deflated Director Bang.

“Let’s have a drink later. I’ll contact you after the script reading.”

“That would be great.”

Thanks to this, Director Bang left in a good mood.

I felt like I had gained a strong ally.

“Writer, I read the script. It’s interesting.”

“T-Thank you.”

I was at a loss for words, hearing this from a big actor.

I was even more surprised when he suggested exchanging numbers.

“I hope you write an interesting movie script next time.”

“Sure, I’ll definitely contact you!”

“Preferably not a romance… crime or noir would be better.”

“Ah, haha….”

That’s not something I can choose.

A moment later, the actors arrived one by one.

Most were stunned to see Choi Man-ho waiting for them, but the newcomers like Im Jae-jun and Jang Sung-ho were full of enthusiasm.

Their determined eyes showed they were well-prepared.

And, of course, Semy was the same.

“P-Purple Girls, Semy. S-Seniors, please take care of me….”

Huh? Something seems off.

Semy was worried about the script reading yesterday.

‘… She must have stayed up all night.’

Her bloodshot eyes and trembling hands showed her fatigue and anxiety.

Semy, who usually seems mentally fragile, was especially nervous today.

“I’ll be back in 20 minutes, so I’ll come back before then!”

In the end, her manager sought understanding and left for a while.

But it doesn’t seem like an easy problem to solve.

“I’m a bit worried….”