Chapter 33

Pure Love Macho easily surpassed MBS and achieved the top rating in its time slot.

【Time Limit: 5 minutes 11 seconds】

The three-day time limit was also almost over.

"Already four days without going home."

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a stroke of genius in my personal office.

Over the past few days, I sought ways to improve my skills outside the system.

It was similar to the method I used at the loan office before.

After dipping my head in the light, I practiced writing my own scripts.

"The script I wrote isn't bad either…."

It was training to prepare for places where I might not be able to stay for long in the future.

Comparing my scripts with the system's also helped improve my skills.

Perhaps because the code of regression is so versatile.

「The Regressor Who Erases Memories」 steadily maintained its appeal.

"Let's do one final check."

Looking at the system, I wrote the first part of the third act, where the female lead was shocked.

No matter how hard she tried to avoid the man, she couldn't.

- How do you always know where I am?

- Do you know how many times I've gone back in time to see you?

- ... What are you talking about?

- Now, you're the only one who remembers me among the people around me.

- Explain it to me in a way I can understand!

Squeeeek─!

At that moment, a car suddenly jumped onto the sidewalk and crashed into the two protagonists.

A truck that no one expected suddenly crashed into them.

The female lead's appearance distorted the protagonist's daily life.

- Grrr, cough.

Thud, thud─

The driver checked the two and then called someone.

- Finally solved it.

Park Sung-wook wanted to lift his head, but his body wouldn't listen.

- I hit a man too, please take care of the cleanup.

The mysterious assassin then turned and disappeared.

The male protagonist, filled with anger, vowed revenge.

Then, time reversed.

The world was separated into puzzle pieces.

And the pieces quickly fell into place.

- Grr, you dog... I definitely remember your voice.

This seems to have a significant role for the antagonist.

If we can cast an actor of Mr. Choi Man-ho's level, it would be best.

After that, I rechecked the content of the fourth act.

The protagonist's journey of repeatedly regressing to win the female lead's affection.

Of course, it wasn't easy to get close, and it was only in the final scene that she showed a slight reaction.

- How do you know so much about me?

- Well, compared to the number of times I've regressed, I hardly know anything.

- Huh?

And the black organizations of Busan began to appear in earnest.

Now, it felt like a real crime thriller drama.

"Phew... There's nothing left to fix now."

I collapsed onto the makeshift bed in one corner of the studio.

The next day, morning.

Ding, ding, ding, ding─!

The alarm pierced my eardrums and tormented my ears.

I struggled to lift my eyelids.

"Ah... I'm so sleepy."

After staying up for several nights and being engrossed in the script, fatigue was setting in.

Now that I've done well in the competition with MBS, I can focus on the next work.

"Haaaam."

Ding, ding, ding, ding─

I immediately called Manager Jung.

I guess I can see him if I go up a few floors in the elevator.

- Hello.

"I'm done. Up to the fourth act."

- What?

"「The Regressor Who Erases Memories」."

- Oh... Already!?

"Yes. Set up a meeting with Director Song right away."

After speaking directly, I waited for Seo-rom's response.

- Well, I was already planning to meet with the director today.

"When?"

- In a few hours. I was going to go alone...

"Let's go together."

- Yes. Can you be here by 9 AM?

"Five minutes."

- What?

I realized now.

'No one knows I'm here, right?'

I don't think anyone knows I've been here for several days.

Only Kang Chul-jung and Kang Jun know, and they brought me food.

"I'm at the Tempest office. I haven't gone home."

- Well... You can take a shower and come.

"That would waste water."

- ... At least wash your face.

"Ah, no time…."

- Ah, do it.

"Okay."

Click.

"Finally, Tempest!"

Where else can you find a production company that cares about an author's dignity?

* * *

Manager Jung Seo-rom received three scripts from Jin-woo.

Hesitation─

However, there was a part that stuck out when reading the middle of the second act.

"He's a scion of a wealthy family…."

Of course, it wasn't intentional on the part of writer Kim Jin-woo.

Still, the female lead's background couldn't help but be a concern.

"The content is perfect, though."

Originally, the production company, after the director, was the one who requested the most script revisions.

Requests to modify lines that could harm commercial value were standard.

And according to the contract, a PPL specialist assistant writer could be brought in.

"There's nothing to fix."

It was so well-written that it was hard to believe how quickly it was completed.

I could understand why Yoon Min-seo was so disappointed.

Scenes that couldn't be seen in the first act were now vivid in my mind.

It was a script that could be imagined just by reading it.

Moreover,

"Hyun-ji really suits this role."

The charm of the main female lead, which couldn't be seen in the first act.

A different type of protagonist from the one in Pure Love Macho.

A character who maintains her position while engaging in a moderate push-pull with the male lead.

"Where is the drama Hyun-ji is currently appearing in being broadcast…?"

It's not a great drama, but Hyun-ji wanted to act, so I let her.

I wish I had waited a bit longer before casting her in a minor role.

It might feel a bit awkward if she goes from a minor role to a main female lead in the next drama.

"Team Leader Byun was right."

Signing a contract with writer Kim Jin-woo was the best decision this year.

The company's situation has improved significantly since then.

Especially, the strategy of severely limiting the commercial appearances of Im Jae-joon and Ji Sung-ho was the best decision.

Their fees soared to top-star levels due to the scarcity.

Instead of shooting multiple commercials, they could earn the same income while preserving their image by shooting just one.

"These days, other writers can't even get proper care."

Originally, managing more writers than Team Leader Byun was no problem.

But due to casting difficulties, more attention had to be paid to Kim Jin-woo.

"So…."

How much should the advance for the next work be set at?

This time, the advance will likely need to be renewed exceptionally.

Even if he had a successful debut, it's common to set the advance at around 8 million won for the second work.

"I should start with a basic fee of about 10 million won."

Honestly, I'm personally grateful to writer Kim Jin-woo.

My father's expression when he heard about Pure Love Macho will be hard to forget.

「The Heir of a Wealthy Family」 received the most investment, but he was the one who disliked its success the most.

"First, I need to meet Director Song."

I hope the production of the next work goes smoothly.

* * *

Song Kwan-soo stroked his chin as he read the script he had received in advance.

"Wow... I can't believe I'm directing this script."

When he first received the call from Tempest, he doubted his ears.

And in just a few days, he had assembled the best team members.

A cinematographer and lighting director who, like him, had left SBC.

Director Song Kwan-soo, who rose to the top with 「Drawing the Stars,」 firmly resolved to use this opportunity to create a work that surpasses his previous one.

Thud, thud─

At that moment, a familiar man walked in with a woman.

"Manager, what was the meaning of giving me the number of Kim Hyun-ji's manager?"

"The writer asked for it. He wants to visit the set."

"Ah, that's secondary. It seems you've acknowledged it, right?"

".... Let's talk about it later."

Director Song Kwan-soo stood up first and greeted Jin-woo.

"Nice to see you again."

"Ah, Director Song!"

The meeting between Director Song Kwan-soo and Tempest was peaceful.

Manager Jung Seo-rom smoothly led the conversation without giving Jin-woo a chance to intervene.

"I think this is a good point to sign the contract."

"Honestly... It's more than I deserve."

"Compared to Director Song, who directed 「Drawing the Stars,」 I'm lacking."

Director Song paused for a moment before continuing.

".... I was surprised to hear that you chose me among many freelance PDs."

"We only look at ability."

"Still, it might cause significant damage to Tempest Entertainment."

"I've already prepared myself, so don't worry."

Manager Jung Seo-rom smiled and reassured Director Song, looking more reliable than ever at that moment.

"Before we talk about casting... We need to decide on the broadcasting station, right?"

"To avoid being influenced by SBC, KBC or MBS would be the best choice."

I'm not sure if they would be willing to take on the burden at such stations.

Honestly, they don't need to take on such risks.

"Still, let's try. There's a good possibility."

KBC, which has entrusted Song with variety show production, must recognize him.

MBS, after being beaten by Pure Love Macho, can't help but recognize Jin-woo's work.

"I'll try KBC first. I'm currently shooting a variety show there."

"Yes, Director. I'll use my connections to connect with MBS."

'Hmm, I see. Now I understand why Manager Jung said she would come alone.'

It was a clean meeting where Jin-woo had no chance to intervene.

She had already finished the conversation and was looking at Jin-woo as if to ask if he had anything to say.

".... Let's go."

A little later, Jin-woo called someone, planning to visit somewhere.

Ding, ding, ding, ding─

"Are you Kim Hyun-ji's manager?"

- Yes. Who...?

"I'm writer Kim Jin-woo."

* * *

Among cable channels, there is a clear hierarchy.

There were also stations that consistently produced dramas despite low recognition.

One of them was MDN.

"It's almost my turn."

Hyun-ji stood on one side, reading the script multiple times.

The staff's nerves were sharp due to the recent poor performance of the drama.

'I've memorized all the lines…'

Even a minor role was originally supposed to be cast through auditions.

The staff's occasional glances were not friendly.

'I must be a parachuted