Chapter 45

The assistant director announced the start of the script reading for "The Regressor Who Erases Memories."

The production staff and actors waiting outside hurried inside.

I sat down and glanced around at the main cast.

‘There’s no top star like Mr. Choi Man-ho…’

The actors registered to the extent allowed by the system.

After upgrading to Silver, actors with up to 10 years of experience became applicable.

Most of them had a match rate of over 80%, so the completion of this drama would surpass the previous one.

Moreover, with KBC’s terrestrial broadcasting, the expectations would be higher than cable.

‘This is an opportunity…!’

An opportunity to leave a deep impression on the viewers!

Soon, Director Song Gwan-soo introduced himself and shared a brief sentiment.

“I’m Song Gwan-soo. I hope we can work well together. I’m not difficult, so please feel comfortable and treat me like family.”

If Director Sung Gi-hoon on the set was 'family-like,'

Director Song Gwan-soo was known to be a truly family-like director.

Clap, clap, clap—

Next, I stood up and shared my brief sentiment.

“I’m Kim Jin-woo. I think it will be a good work if everyone just acts as they usually do.”

After all, we have all the conditions in place for a masterpiece, even if everyone just acts as usual.

I also passed on some know-how to the lead actors.

‘I even pointed out some quite detailed aspects.’

Just as I saw in the drama.

Though too minor to be in the script, I had notes on them.

For example, the habit of touching the right ear during a conversation.

I even pointed out the deliberately clumsy parts in the tone of voice.

‘The actors all seem to be in good condition.’

After that, the lead actors started introducing themselves, followed by the rest.

After everyone finished their introductions,

Kang Jun began reciting his lines, and the formal script reading started.

* * *

The script reading proceeded smoothly.

Although I had read and revised the script hundreds of times, hearing it from the actors' mouths felt different.

Especially since my expectations for this work were as high as for the main character, the feeling was peculiar.

“The next scene is a confrontation between the two main characters.”

As soon as the assistant director spoke, Kim Hyun-ji’s eyes changed instantly.

Perhaps it was the aura that only Kim Hyun-ji, an irreplaceable newcomer, possessed.

“You always know where I am, how…?”

“How many times have I gone back in time just 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!”

The natural and smooth back-and-forth between Kim Hyun-ji and Kang Jun.

The production staff marveled at the lead actors' performances.

Kim Hyun-ji well expressed the subtle emotions I requested through messages.

Kang Jun, recognized since his youth, showcased his solid acting skills.

‘Wow… great diction!’

It felt like a rapper was speaking.

If this continues, the filming will go smoothly without any problems.

The next scene,

The main characters are hit by a suddenly appearing cargo truck.

It’s a scene where the main villain, a hitman from a mysterious conglomerate, appears.

Actor Shin Jo-hoon lowered his voice and said,

“…It’s done.”

Indeed, he was a next-generation villain actor who had been verified through "Pure Macho."

People couldn’t help but be engrossed in his performance.

“Even with the help of some men, I need you to clean up the mess.”

After using the cargo truck to take care of the person, he spoke in a low voice.

Shortly after, Kang Jun vowed revenge with a voice full of anger.

“Bastard… I’ll definitely remember your voice.”

The atmosphere at the script reading froze instantly.

It was as vivid as watching a drama.

Even after completing the assigned scenes, no one could speak.

Soon, the production staff applauded the actors who had finished their performances.

Clap, clap, clap, clap—

“This drama is really going to be a hit, isn’t it?”

“What kind of energy are you putting into the script reading?”

“That’s what a pro does. Hahaha.”

“Wow… I just got goosebumps.”

The lead actors, including Kang Jun, smiled awkwardly at the staff’s praise.

It was a simple smile from actors who had just delivered intense performances.

Then, the oldest actor, Kim Ji-sun, praised the lead actors' performances.

“You kids are not like the ones these days. You really act well.”

“Thank you. Haha.”

Kang Jun’s joke lightened the mood.

‘If Kang Jun becomes a star…!’

Would it mean I get shares in Tempest Entertainment?

They said they would pay in stock options, but I’m not sure how they will be distributed.

At that moment, Director Joo Tae-hong approached me with a satisfied look.

“Kim Writer, you’ve really created a masterpiece this time.”

“Ah, yes… Haha.”

“Maybe we can really expect something big at the end of the year.”

“Director! I don’t have such high expectations.”

Actually, I do.

I spend 30 minutes every night before bed.

“Director Song, when will the filming start?”

Hearing the director’s question, the director answered.

“We’ll start as soon as the location is confirmed.”

“Let me know if you need more staff.”

“Yes, Director.”

Director Joo Tae-hong’s words were as solid as a thousand troops.

We didn’t receive such full support from the broadcasting station during the JTBS days.

After that, I had to discuss location scouting with Director Song.

The Tempest Entertainment staff who participated in the script reading were also there.

‘Manager Jeong hasn’t been seen all day.’

Maybe he’s busy.

* * *

Buzz—

On the way home after finishing the script reading, I received a call from Manager Jeong Sa-rom.

“Hello.”

-Writer, are you busy?

“No, go ahead.”

-Netflix is not willing to change their terms.

Ah, that’s why Manager Jeong wasn’t seen all day.

-We plan to sign a contract with Disney Play. I thought it was right to tell you first.

“Oh, so my drama will be available on a video platform!?”

-Yeah, that’s right.

“Only Pure Macho?”

-Yes. We need to negotiate with KBC for The Regressor. Exclusive rights with Disney are difficult.

“Aha.”

Wow, this day finally came.

“Will you continue to sign contracts only with Disney…?”

-We’ll see.

“???”

-I was imitating your tone. It’s fun.

“…..”

-Okay.

Click.

“…Anyway, my work will be played on a major platform.”

A platform that has grown explosively over the past few years.

And its future growth potential is limitless.

Although it’s not yet enough to surpass Netflix, it’s definitely a huge platform.

“Exclusive rights are still on hold.”

The system seems to be malfunctioning again and isn’t activating.

I want to finish this work quickly and check the next one.

Ding—

“Huh? Ah….”

I picked up my smartphone and checked the message from Kang Jun.

I told him to send a group chat when he takes the title photo.

He listens well, like Im Jae-joon, which is commendable.

I immediately checked the photo Kang Jun sent.

The lead actors were standing in a row in front of a quite atmospheric background.

“Even the title photo is done.”

Now that the location scouting is almost finished, only the final part of the script remains.

“Then, writing 15 episodes by myself….”

Ding—

【Two consecutive writings have been activated.】

“You don’t want it, huh.”

Thanks to the upgraded level, two consecutive writings have been activated.

【Content: The Regressor Who Erases Memories 15-16 episodes】

【Genre: Time Loop, Romance, Crime Thriller】

【Location: JTBS Broadcasting Station Lobby】

【Time Limit: 1 day 17 hours】

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

【※ Deposit Amount: 0 won / 500 million won】

“JTBS Broadcasting Station….”

Since Pure Macho has already ended, I have to go there again.

Maybe it’s because I registered too many actors in the system.

The location has become truly random.

* * *

The next day, I visited JTBS Broadcasting Station early in the morning.

To wrap up "The Regressor Who Erases Memories."

“Today… already the second work is finishing.”

Posters and billboards of Pure Macho were hung around the station.

It was a natural result, given that it was a long-awaited hit.

All thanks to the people who believed in my drama.

From Manager Jeong Sa-rom to Director Sung Gi-hoon and the JTBS Drama Production Director.

I scanned the lobby and found my spot.

A place where a white light was shining, showcasing its presence.

Fortunately, it was a terrace-style area with a table and chairs.

“Good spot.”

I had to sit and work for at least 8 hours from morning.

If it takes a bit longer, it might take up to 10 hours.

I had to fill the script with expressions from my mind, excluding the lines, background, actions, and situation descriptions.

Although the system increased my expressive ability, I still needed to choose the necessary descriptions from the many words.

“I should read books when I have free time.”

Tap, tap, tap—

“The Regressor Who Erases Memories 15th episode”

It was time to deal with the various villains built up so far.

The male lead, Kang Jun, starts underground operations against the conglomerate.

The protagonist, who poisons political and legal figures.

And the significant roles of the two female leads who help him.

“This much….”

The roles of Kim Hyun-ji and Mi-ryung were equally important.

The female leads were deeply involved in the story's progression.

It was clearly different from Pure Macho, which was just a romance.

Finally, in the grand 16th episode, the buildup explodes in a finale.

The protagonist uses the wealth and connections he has built over a long time to quickly take over a large corporation.

In the process, Kim Hyun-ji faithfully performed her role as a spy within the conglomerate.

“Clean ending.”

The ending hinted at an open conclusion by showing the male lead's family regaining their memories slightly.

The drama ended with Kang Jun turning around and Kim Hyun-ji waving to him.

Tap, tap, tap—

【Time Limit: 43 minutes 23 seconds】

“Still time left.”

Although there was nothing more to edit in the drama, I continued to make minor revisions.

It’s better to check it one more time if there’s time left.

As time passed,

When the time limit was almost up,

People started to leave the station as it was time to go home.

“Hey, Writer.”

“Ah, Director Seo. Hello.”

“Writing here?”

“Ah, yes. Haha.”

People I had met during the JTBS days passed by one by one.

Among them was PD Jin from the variety show "Knowing Brother."

“Hey! Writer Kim. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“PD Jin, nice to see you again.”

“I saw you at the variety show department last time?”

“Yeah… Haha.”