Chapter 35

Recently, KBC's Joo Tae-hong Director had been smiling non-stop.

"Isn't everything going a bit too smoothly?"

Kim, the writer of the currently hottest drama, 'Pure Macho.'

Song, the director of the once-popular work, 'Drawing the Stars.'

Isn't this the combination I've been longing for?

If we can cast suitable actors, there's a good chance it will work out.

"Conscientiously, I don't even hope for a blockbuster."

Just being able to hold my head high at the year-end awards ceremony would be enough.

Thinking about last year's award ceremony nominees, my face turns red.

Compared to SBC and MBS, we were far behind.

Last year's KBC Acting Awards opened amidst the ridicule of many viewers.

Worst of all, the ratings were the lowest among the three networks, in the single digits.

A single-digit rating during a time when the whole nation is glued to their TVs.

The humiliation I felt then is something I never want to experience again.

Knock, knock—

At that moment, a variety show PD came in and greeted Director Joo.

"Hello, Director. I'm PD Lee Beom-hyung."

"Oh, it's today, isn't it?"

"Excuse me?"

"You came at the right time. Director Kim sent you, right?"

"Ah, yes! Director."

The variety show director had asked him to persuade Director Song and to help with casting the actors.

He said they needed to fill in for a two-week pilot program.

The content was about bringing in actors to produce two episodes of a show.

"Ah, don't worry. I've already checked… Wait a moment."

"Excuse me…?"

"PD Lee, come by the drama meeting later."

"???"

It would be a two-for-one deal to introduce the new drama's lead actors.

The variety show director seemed to want only top stars.

"Cast top stars, and that's it. If not, it's fine."

If we can create a decent daily variety show with the lead actors, it would naturally promote the drama, wouldn't it?

"Hehehe."

Director Joo's mind was filled with thoughts about the drama.

Kim Jin-woo, the writer of the hottest drama these days.

Song Kwon-soo, the director who made a huge hit and shook the drama world.

I'm so curious about the synergy that could come from combining these two cards in my hands.

* * *

Tempest Entertainment 1st Floor Cafe.

Tap, tap—

I'm writing the fifth part in a now familiar space.

The protagonist is using his regression ability to corner the organizations in Busan.

And the common foreshadowing of him nosebleeding from overusing his ability.

"The limits of the regression ability have arrived…."

The male lead's planning in uncovering the background targeting the female lead was brilliant.

He had to express the pain and anguish in his performance better than anyone else.

I have to trust Kang Jun.

No, more accurately, I have to trust the system.

"I need to write at least one more episode."

To say more at today's meeting with KBC's Director.

Tap, tap—

Just as I was finishing and checking the fifth part.

Manager Jung Saerom approached slowly, her heels clicking.

"You've been working hard today."

The pleasant scent from her tickled my nose.

"Manager, what brings you here? The meeting is still…."

"Here."

She slowly handed me an envelope with a contract.

She mentioned the contract for this work.

"The per-episode fee is written at the top. Take a look."

"Uh…. Ten…. Ten million?"

For a 16-episode series, it's almost 200 million won, an enormous contract fee.

Considering the time it takes to write the script, it's a significant income.

"If it's insufficient…."

"No, no!"

Writers who receive 10 million won per episode are often treated as star writers.

It's not a title you can easily attach to your first work.

You need to be recognized for at least two consecutive works to be considered a star writer.

Even if Tempest recognizes me, to receive such good treatment.

"Actually, there's a bit of personal bias in the contract fee. Don't feel pressured."

"Excuse me…?"

"Personally, I'm grateful."

I couldn't take my eyes off her, who was smiling.

Most importantly, how should I interpret the word 'personal bias' she mentioned?

'Hey, you too…?'

Then, Saerom mentioned one contract condition.

"From now on, an assistant writer will be assigned to you."

"Excuse me?"

"One of our capable employees…."

"Wait a moment."

"Why…?"

"I don't need an assistant writer."

The main job of an assistant writer is research.

With the system, it's not a significant task.

"Rather, could you hire someone I know?"

"Who…?"

"A friend I met while working under writer Lee Min-ju."

There's no reason to refuse, but it would be better to have someone familiar.

They could help with location scouting and contacting extras.

"Hmm, then discuss it with Team Leader Byun."

"Thank you."

"Check the meeting place and time with the director."

"Ah, yes!"

"…Don't be late."

I could feel her sincerity in her last words.

* * *

Writer Lee Min-ju has been having a hectic time lately.

Or rather, the assistant writers under her have been working themselves to the bone.

"Damn. Should I quit?"

Oh Hyun-sik cursed and lit a cigarette.

He didn't seem to care about the non-smoking junior in front of him.

"Hyo-ju, doesn't Lee Min-ju seem crazy lately?"

"Well…."

The current work is half-collapsed and needs editing.

Meanwhile, she's planning to start a new work.

Naturally, the assistant writers are being pushed to the limit, making each day a living hell.

"Man… I envy Kim Jin-woo so much."

Just debuting is enough to make me envious.

He debuted with a groundbreaking work that surpassed 10% ratings on cable.

Rumors say he's already started writing his next work.

Despite the blockbuster only airing for four episodes.

"I just want to quit everything and marry a rich woman."

Hearing Oh Hyun-sik's words, Hyo-ju frowned.

'Crazy guy.'

I was about to say, 'Why would a rich person want to meet you?'

But a more unpleasant thought came to mind, and I blurted it out.

"How about Writer Lee Min-ju? She's rich."

"…Are you crazy? There are things you can say and things you can't!"

"Never mind."

At that moment, a man approached and asked.

"Is anyone here Writer Hwang Hyo-ju?"

"Excuse me? That's me."

His 2:8 hairstyle wasn't at all outdated.

To put it in writer's terms, I fell in love at first sight.

'Why am I reacting like this…'

My heart was pounding so loudly I could hear it.

The man smiled gently and introduced himself.

"I'm Team Leader Byun Hyuk-ju from Tempest Entertainment."

"Ah… Yes!"

Hwang Hyo-ju answered with bright eyes.

"Hwang Hyo-ju, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"I love it!!!"

"Excuse me?"

"No, I mean, I'd like to."

* * *

Every broadcasting station has a high-end restaurant.

I arrived at a Korean cuisine restaurant near KBC.

"Let's have a drink."

"I don't drink well…."

"Why? Don't you want to drink with an old man?"

"No, no!"

KBC Drama Production Director, Joo Tae-hong.

In his 50s, he said something an old man in his 70s would say.

Director Joo poured a drink and said,

"Working with a popular writer and a big production, I must be lucky."

"Haha, it's my luck to drink with you, Director."

At that moment, the door opened, and someone entered.

"Hello."

"Ah! Director Song Kwon-soo. Please come in."

Director Joo had one goal from the start.

To make a successful drama this time.

Manager Jung's words about it being easy were no joke.

Making a drama that is both well-made and a hit is not easy.

But with the promised robust support, I can confidently ask for what I want.

"Please trust me with the casting."

"Haha. Friend, let's talk about that later."

Suddenly, Director Joo's eyes sparkled.

"Do you know someone who's waiting for you two?"

"Excuse me? Who…."

"SBC's Director Cha Chung-hyun and Writer Lee Min-ju had a meeting, didn't they?"

"…."

Such coincidences don't exist.

"…Aim to hit them?"

"Exactly."

"We have to win."

"Right? Then…."

Finally, the words I didn't want to hear came from Director Joo.

"Cast top stars. I'll support you."

It was a suggestion, but the situation made it feel more like a demand.

"Director Joo…."

"Hmm, why?"

"…Can you leave the casting to the director and me?"

For a moment, Director Joo's eyes narrowed.

"Are you confident?"

"…."

Honestly, I am. The system is 'real.'

But the answer Director Joo wants from me isn't that.

"Actually… I already have several actors in mind."

"Hmm, is that so?"

Director Joo stroked his chin, deep in thought.

"Can you surpass 'Pure Macho's' ratings?"

"Yes! Just give it to me."

Under the same conditions, a terrestrial network has an advantage.

Theoretically, it's more likely to succeed.

He smiled slightly and looked at the door.

"It's time for them to come…."

"Excuse me?"

Knock, knock—

The door opened, and an additional KBC PD entered.

"This guy is the ace of the variety department."

"…?"

Why is a variety PD coming in when we're talking about a drama?

"Because the variety director asked me."

"Excuse me?"

Suddenly?

"I want to make a pilot program."

"Excuse me? What…."

"Isn't it good to show the actors' faces before the drama starts?"

Suddenly, a halo seemed to appear behind Director Joo.

Just like a god…!

"I'm just asking for a favor to fill in for two weeks."

"Sure."

"Fill the casting board. I'll push it hard."

* * *

After the meeting with the director, I returned home.

"Pilot observation variety show."

A chance to introduce the lead actors before the drama starts.

Without being a top star, this is the best opportunity.

I habitually picked up my smartphone to check messages.

There were quite a few messages I hadn't checked for a while.

"Oh, Hyo-ju. You quit your job so coolly."

I immediately called her.

"Hyo-ju, did you leave Writer Lee Min-ju's studio?"

-Yes! I didn't think you'd keep your promise…!

"Well, I thought it would be good to have an assistant writer."

-It's hell over there!!!

"Why? How is it now?"

A junior who had shared hardships with me in the studio for several years.

It was nice to hear her complaints after a long time.

-Oh Hyun-sik makes weird jokes every day, and Writer Lee Min-ju—no, Lee Min-ju—curses every day…!

"Ah… Really?"

-Yes! I'll work hard under you, really.

"It's probably a dream job."

-What? I resigned expecting a lot of work because I'm the only assistant writer.

"Ah…"

Usually, there are three to four assistants supporting a main writer, so it's understandable to be confused.

Still, it's admirable that she resigned to help me.

"Welcome to the dream job."

-???

"Anyway, just come to work every day. Ask Team Leader Byun if you need anything."

-Team Leader Byun….? Got it! Hehe.

Ding—

At that moment, an alert sounded in my head.

【Content: The Memory Erasing Regressor, Part 6】

【Genre: Time Loop, Romance, Crime Thriller】

【Location: Busan Haeundae Restaurant 'Dom Dom Dom'】

【Time Limit: 7 days】

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

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

"Crazy…."

Now, I'm being sent to Busan out of the blue.

No, it's not that out of the blue.

I had a similar experience with 'Pure Macho.'

Back then, I was in Jeju for about two weeks.

"But if I have to go…."

I need to finalize the casting before I go.