Chapter 22

Time passed faster than expected.

It had already been a week since I was promoted to Bronze.

"Now there's just one day left."

Today is the deadline I boldly announced in front of Director Sung and everyone else.

If only I had calmly said I understood when they told me to finish it within a month.

There are still two episodes left to write.

And the system doesn't activate at my will.

"Still..."

I recited in my mind the additional benefit I had recently obtained.

【Actor Change

Now I could see the system language even when not writing a script.

Though it was just a single line, the content was far from ordinary.

"There's even this in the system."

It's a skill.

A skill with levels.

"Is it really getting closer to a game system?"

Now, even if an actor is confirmed, I can change one of them.

Unexpected situations like school violence or injuries could occur.

Or, I could change an actor if I find someone more suitable for the role.

"But how do I level up?"

As always, the system was unhelpful.

Maybe the more I use the skill, the more proficient I become.

I might get a hint for leveling up.

"I should try using the actor change right in this work."

Of course, the actor will change in the system.

But I can't easily imagine what kind of interference it will have on my 'memory.'

Ding--

At that moment, a message came from someone.

"It's Jaejun."

[Author, Director Sung said you're going location hunting today, right?]

Actors usually don't care about the director's schedule.

Maybe because it's his first leading role, he's as informed as an assistant director.

Jaejun sent me a message in quick succession.

[Can I go with you?]

"Huh?"

There's no harm in an actor checking out the shooting location in advance.

Since the system is likely to activate when a registered actor is present.

[Sure, then. I'll let Director Sung know.]

After sending the reply, I prepared to leave.

Creak--

I opened the door and put on my shoes.

"Are you going out again?"

"Oh, yes. You're home."

My mother, who works late, saw me off.

She manages the accounting for a small company with fewer than five employees, which could go bankrupt at any time.

"It's good that your drama is doing well lately."

"Oh, well, it's not doing that well..."

"Here, I bought you a coat. Try it on."

"...Thank you."

I changed into the clothes my mother gave me and then turned back.

"Mom, if work gets too hard, you can quit now."

"What?"

"I'll earn money now. Dad is getting old, so you should wrap up the business..."

"Jinwoo."

"Yes?"

"I'm proud of you just being able to make a living through drama."

"Oh..."

"You'll be late. Go on."

"Yes, Mom."

She's so busy that I only see her once a week.

That's why I worry that she can't even leave on time.

On my way out, I thought deeply.

"If I can make a few works successful, I should set up a decent shop for them."

It would be better than their current business, which struggles to pay the employees.

If possible, I want to set up a shop where the work is easy, even if it doesn't make much money.

* * *

Director Sung, the cinematographer, and the production team.

Including the staff from Tempest Entertainment.

About a dozen people split into two cars.

'The place we're going to this time is mainly where the female lead will visit.'

The main shooting locations for the wealthy family were already secured.

Unlike the male leads, the female lead is an ordinary character.

The locations where Se-mi moves around are essential for sponsorships.

'Already arrived?'

I chuckled at Jaejun's message saying they had arrived early at the shooting location.

Indeed, newbies are newbies, showing a passionate concern for the work.

The system has chosen the actors... no, Se-mi as well, in a truly amazing way.

"Excuse me... Author."

At that moment, someone spoke to me.

Byun Hyeok-ju, a staff member from Tempest.

He follows Jeong Saerom, the manager, like a secretary.

"Yes, Team Leader Byun."

"I have something to say about this work..."

Team Leader Byun cautiously mentioned PPL (Product Placement).

"Ginseng...? At this point?"

"Originally, we planned to fill it with locations and surrounding props..."

I might have ended up in a bad situation by leaving the production team and getting a ride with the production company.

This is why it's important to choose your allies wisely.

"If you include this, it might make things a bit easier."

"Hmm..."

Thinking about it, there haven't been many PPL requests so far.

It's an impossible structure in today's drama market.

"Author, Manager Jeong Saerom told us not to mention it to you..."

I nodded at his continued words.

"So, you were considering my feelings."

"Yes, if Manager Jeong finds out I said this, I'm dead."

"Hmm... If there's anything like this in the future, please let me know."

"Yes? Ah, yes! Thank you."

Team Leader Byun mentioned that Manager Jeong Saerom's expression has been dark lately.

Hearing this, I realized her script urging has become much more intense.

She never used to do this, but recently it's become more frequent.

"Is it because you're putting too much effort into a newbie's work?"

"That, that's... I shouldn't say this in front of the author, but... yes."

Regarding casting and immediately putting the actor in a variety show.

I thought it was just because she liked my work, but maybe I was too happy.

There might be another reason.

"I understand for now."

"Yes, thank you."

"Wait a moment."

"Yes?"

"Please send me all the PPL materials by email."

"Me, all of them?"

"Yes."

I thought to myself.

'Actually, money comes first, not the quality of the work.'

Honestly, looking for artistic value in a work created by the system is a bit of a joke.

Making some money in the final parts 15 and 16 might not be bad.

A little later,

As soon as we arrived at the shooting location, I spotted Jaejun.

His outstanding appearance drew the attention of everyone around him.

I slowly approached to greet him, but at that moment, the system activated, and I stopped in my tracks.

Ding--

"Wow, the system really activates when I see a registered actor."

【You have been selected for the probability of writing two consecutive episodes.】

Two consecutive episodes...?

【Content: Heir of a Wealthy Family, Pure Macho 15-16】

【Genre: Romance, Wealthy Family】

【Location: Tempest Entertainment Strategic Planning Room】

【Time Limit: 2 days】

【※ Silver Upgrade: 110-110101-1011 (Virtual Account, W Bank)】

【※ Deposit Amount: 0 won / 100 million won】

"100 million? Are you kidding...?"

Then, is the next amount 1 billion?

The amount is rising absurdly.

"Ah, damn."

On the other hand, being able to write two consecutive episodes is a big benefit.

Thanks to this, I think I can finish the final episode today.

"If it's the Strategic Planning Room... Manager Jeong Saerom's office?"

It's probably a place where actor Ji Sung-ho often visits.

Just then, I saw Director Sung Ki-hoon getting out of the car the production team had arrived in.

Thud, thud--

I immediately approached him slowly and spoke.

"Director, I'm sorry."

"Oh, yes. Author Kim. What is it...?"

"Please go location hunting without me today."

"Huh? What do you mean suddenly?"

"I'll participate diligently from tomorrow."

"Hmm... Then, today we'll mainly check out the pre-selected locations."

"Yes, thank you."

Even if it's a promise no one cares about, keeping it makes me feel better.

Since I have the opportunity to complete the 16th episode script by today.

"Director, when did I say I would finish the script?"

"Huh?"

"Today. I'll message you later."

"Wow, you're going to write two episodes in one day...?"

Thus, I sought Director Sung's understanding and left the scene.

"If I work diligently, I can finish in 8 hours."

* * *

"At first, it was hard to believe..."

Jeong Saerom read the script up to episode 14, savoring each character.

"Really, almost finished in just three weeks."

Actually, I felt the same way when I first saw the first episode.

A charm that is hard to find in today's dramas.

Author Kim Jin-woo, who writes at a speed as if possessed.

Seeing him maintain this level of quality, there's no doubt about his skills.

"If this work fails, it's incompetence."

Selling the overseas rights would easily recover the production costs.

But ideally, I want to boost the ratings during the main broadcast to impress my father.

Not just a success, but a huge hit that will surprise everyone.

"First, I need to talk more with the head of the publicity team..."

Beep--

At that moment, a signal came through the office landline.

"Yes, what is it?"

-Manager, Author Kim Jin-woo is here.

"Isn't today the location hunting day?"

-That, that's... I'll check...

"Never mind. Tell him to come in."

-Yes, Manager.

Click.

"What is it? What's the sudden visit..."

I don't know the reason, but it's good since I had something to say.

Saerom took out a contract from the right drawer.

A five-year exclusive contract with a 100 million won annual salary.

Support for four assistant writers.

Guaranteed fees proportional to the ratings.

A contract that would be offered to authors who have had a few major successes.

Conditions that are not just generous but excessive for a newbie author.

A little later,

Author Kim Jin-woo slowly entered and bowed.

"Manager, I'm sorry for the intrusion."

"Sorry?"

"Yes, I want to write here."

"Hmm...?"

He was so confident that I didn't even feel it was strange.

While wondering what to say, I watched his actions.

He sat on the sofa and naturally opened his laptop.

"What are you doing now...?"

Tap, tap, tap, tap--

Is he crazy?

I don't know what he's doing without any reason or explanation.

Suddenly, I felt a strange sense of déjà vu, recalling our first meeting.

'Right... That's exactly how he looked then.'

The author who left a note at a café near the broadcasting station and disappeared.

I believed in his one-episode work and have been working hard ever since.

Now, the person who wrote the work I fell in love with is writing a script in my office.

Pfft--

"Still, you should have asked for permission..."

Saerom casually let it slide, but the other person seemed to be in no state to respond.

Tap, tap, tap, tap--

He was already in a trance, focused on the script.

Jeong Saerom slowly walked over to him.

For three minutes, she stared blankly at his typing.

'What kind of speed is this...'

The way he transferred the words from his mind without thinking.

It's not just that his writing speed is fast.

He was writing at a crazy speed, as if doing a typing exercise.

'The contract terms need to be revised.'

Writing at this speed, the quality of the script didn't drop at all.

The level of completion was so high that no revision seemed necessary.

No, it felt like he was putting more effort into the final part.

"Author, you're a genius. I can just believe in you."

I recalled what actor Ji Sung-ho once said.

"Right, you really are a genius..."

Saerom unconsciously spoke out loud.

He was completely focused on writing, seemingly unaware of her words.

'He must have finished the planning in his head and is writing it all at once.'

After that, she sat next to him and stared at the laptop.

Watching him maintain such concentration and speed.