Chapter 61

At home, I checked my bank account balance and tried to shake off the emptiness in my heart.

"It's just the way of the world."

Money, after all, is meant to circulate.

That's why it's called money.

Even though it's a shame to spend it, what can I do?

[Bank Savings: 72,131,105 won]

"I might as well think positively."

It's not like I spent 500 million... There's still 70 million left!?

From now on, I'll try to upgrade the system as slowly as possible.

"Still..."

Considering that I signed a contract with actor Jin-ho today.

It seems that the Tempest side has a strong belief in me.

"Or... maybe it's that Manager Jeong trusts me."

It's both gratifying and burdensome to be trusted.

"Why would a pretty sister do that?"

At that moment, my younger sister, who had approached me without me noticing, spoke to me.

"Ah, you scared me. How long have you been here?"

"It's 10 o'clock now. Time to erase memories and regress."

"Ah!"

"Wow? You don't even know it's time for your own drama."

"I've been busy. Preparing for the next work."

Soon, Hee-jung picked up the remote and changed the channel to KBC.

"Speaking of which, you're really amazing, big brother."

"Huh?"

You succeeded.

And to hear such words from her.

"About the second season of Camcosa. How do you manage to write a web drama script while preparing for the next work?"

".... You have to earn it when you're young."

Actually, this time I only got a hint for the plot and wrote it with my own skills.

In the end, it seems that the attempt to boost Kang Jun was successful.

"Aren't you the one who showed me the script for the second season of Camcosa?"

"Huh?"

"It's not as lively as before, but..."

"..."

"It's still interesting. It has a subtle charm."

She's subtly sharp.

"Is that a compliment?"

"Well, you could say that."

"You're also a good actor."

"Whatever."

"Really."

"Whatever, even Se-rom said you did well in a text message. Hee-hee."

Why did she say that?

It might spoil the kid.

".... Not that much."

"Tsk."

"Just keep it like this."

To the point where you can put it in my drama without getting criticized.

Soon, the broadcast time for "The Regressor Who Erases Memories" approached.

Today's episode will end the war with the Busan organization and move to Seoul.

Ding--

At that moment, a text message from an unknown number arrived.

Usually, I would glance at unknown numbers and ignore them.

[This is Joo Sang Media's Joo Sang-chul. If you have time, I would like to meet you.]

"Joo Sang Media...?"

It's a somewhat rustic name, but its influence cannot be underestimated.

Especially, it's a company that can hold its own in the industry, like the chaebol second generation-founded Tempest Entertainment.

"What is it?"

Since I have a Japan schedule tomorrow.

Knock, knock--

[Tomorrow I have an overseas schedule, so let's make an appointment later.]

I postponed the meeting to a later date.

Ding--

[Understood. I'll contact you.]

He seems to have a bulldozer-like quality, being in business.

Moreover, I remembered what Manager Jeong said a while ago.

'But the investor of this work wants to meet you.'

I can't help it. I have to meet him.

"I need to pack."

"Huh? Ah, Japan?"

"Yeah."

I was about to move to my room when my sister spoke to me.

"Se-rom really takes good care of you, big brother."

Well, that's true.

"I know. I appreciate it."

"Give her a gift or something. You've made a lot of money, right?"

"...."

Your big brother lost 500 million in a day.

He spent it on a money-eating system.

'Gift... What would be good?'

Whenever I see Manager Jeong Se-rom, she's always wearing luxury brands.

She seems to have a few cars.

Her family seems well-off, but I'm not sure what gift to give her.

".... I'll finish packing."

* * *

The next day,

I sat in the passenger seat of the car driven by Hyo-ju and headed to Incheon International Airport.

"But, Hyo-ju."

"Yes?"

"Why are you dressed so fancy?"

You're wearing a flowy dress and your makeup is at its best.

Even to my eyes, which are used to seeing you without makeup, you look quite good.

"It's because I'm going with Team Leader Byun."

".... Are we going on a trip?"

Looking at the large straw hat on the back seat.

It doesn't really match the dress.

Did you copy something from an anime?

"What's a straw hat for a business trip?"

"My mom bought it for me."

"Oh, that's why it looks so pretty."

"Is it?"

"Yes. The ribbon is so cute. I want one too."

"Hee-hee. I knew you would, so I brought one for you too."

".... Thank you."

Before I knew it, I was wearing a straw hat too.

It's a bit awkward to take it off after saying it looks good.

Soon, we arrived at the airport and boarded the flight to Japan.

Next to me sat Manager Jeong, and behind us were Team Leader Byun and Hyo-ju.

That kid is grinning from ear to ear.

"She's really... something."

"Yes?"

"Ah, never mind."

Manager Jeong, sitting next to me, stared at me intently.

"Mr. Writer."

"Yes?"

".... What's with the straw hat?"

"My mom bought it for me."

"Oh... That's why it looks so pretty."

"Right? Here, I don't need it, so Manager, you can use it."

"..."

The plane arrived in Japan in no time.

At the airport, a representative from Fuji TV welcomed us.

"Hello, call me Ryo-ta."

He was a Japanese person who spoke Korean quite fluently.

"I'm Jeong Se-rom. Nice to meet you."

"The straw hat suits you. Ha-ha."

"..."

Fuji TV is a major pro-Korean broadcasting station.

It's the station that right-wing Japanese people hate the most.

Most Korean dramas are broadcast on Fuji TV.

Mr. Ryo-ta is a rather talkative person.

"The popularity of Pure Macho and Purple Girls in Japan is no joke."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. Many fans watch the dramas through other channels before they are broadcast."

Now I understand why they were so eager to buy the rights to "The Regressor Who Erases Memories."

In this day and age, watching dramas on the internet is nothing new.

There are even Japanese viewers who claim to be fans of the Regressor.

* * *

At the Fuji TV headquarters.

A PD welcomed us warmly and praised us through the interpreter Ryo-ta.

"Even though I didn't particularly enjoy the Korean wave, he says he has watched Mr. Kim's works multiple times."

"Please thank the director."

"Ah, yes!"

A little later, the meeting with Fuji TV ended, and we were free.

"It ended more smoothly than I expected."

"Thanks to you, Mr. Writer."

"I didn't do much..."

Manager Jeong Se-rom smiled and continued.

"Your presence alone was meaningful. The conditions became much better."

"Ah, really?"

"Yes, Mr. Writer."

Since I can't speak Japanese, I just nodded.

"Manager, do you have other plans?"

"Yes. Team Leader Byun and I are meeting with a Japanese investor."

"Then we should part ways here."

I need to go write.

"I'll stay at the hotel tonight and return to Korea tomorrow. Please keep that in mind."

"Understood. I'll see you at the hotel later."

"Yes, Mr. Writer."

Just as the three of us were about to leave,

One of us caught a bag from behind.

".... Hyo-ju, you need to come with me."

"Ah, right. Sorry."

This kid tends to follow Team Leader Byun out of habit.

But seeing how Team Leader Byun accepts it, it seems there might have been some progress.

"By the way, you speak Japanese really well."

"Eh? Of course. Didn't I tell you before?"

"...."

I didn't believe it then.

Would you believe it?

Looking at what you've done so far.

"Anyway, come with me. I need to go write."

"Ah, yes!"

On the way, I recalled the destination and checked the system.

[Location: Tokyo Shibuya, 'Tower Records']

It takes about 30 minutes by public transportation from Odaiba, where Fuji TV is located, to Shibuya.

Without Hyo-ju, I might wander around for an hour or two in this place where the language is a barrier.

"Tower Records?"

"Yes. It's a famous place, right?"

"Yes. It's the largest music store in Tokyo."

A building entirely dedicated to selling music content.

It's almost a landmark in Tokyo, attracting both locals and tourists.

Soon, we arrived at Shibuya, 'Tower Records'.

Various records, including American pop songs, anime OSTs, and J-pop.

Navigating the complex store, I eventually arrived at the K-pop section.

"What, is the system also a K-pop fan?"

Considering that only Korean dramas have appeared so far, it might be true.

Or maybe it's because I'm Korean.

"I'll write here... Huh?"

What? Where did she go?

Looking around, I saw Hyo-ju laughing with a local part-timer.

She was already playing with a female part-timer her age, tapping her shoulder like a friend.

"That kid is crazy."

Soon, Hyo-ju got a chair from the part-timer and placed it in front of me.

"Sit here and write."

"...."

"Didn't you come to write a script?"

"Right."

"Oh, wow! There are Purple Girls records over there too!"

".... Write the script."

Almost an entire shelf was filled with Purple Girls records.

While other sections were quiet, a few people were always stopping by this one.

"The part-timer said the Purple Girls are really popular. She didn't believe me when I said I'm close to Mi-ryung."

".... When did she become your sister?"

"From today? .... Ah, right!"

"???"

"There's a fireworks festival at Sumida River today!"

"Where is that?"

"In Korean terms... like the Han River?"

"Call Team Leader Byun and go there for a bit in the evening."

"Hee-hee."

"She's playing with that sister over there now."

"Huh? She said her shift ended."

"Really? Then...."

Since I need to focus on writing, it's better if no one is waiting.

I think I can find my way back.

"I think it's fine to part ways here. See you at the hotel later."

"Yes, big brother."

With her walking away, I moved to the nearby light source.

I sat in the chair Hyo-ju brought and prepared to write.

Zzz--

At that moment.

'.... Let's write the script.'

A call came from a number I had registered before.

"Hello."

- Mr. Writer! How are you?

"Rae-mi?"

- It's been a while!

"Ah, yes. What's up...?"

Rae-mi, a member of Purple Girls and a hit composer.

I heard she's making a lot of money because all the group's songs have become hits recently.

- I'm in Tokyo now. I heard you're in Japan too.

"Yes, that's right."

I probably learned about it through the Tempest actors and Purple Girls members who are close.

- Where are you now?

"I'm in Shibuya, Tokyo... at Tower Records."

- Ah! I'll see you soon!

"Huh?"

Click.

".... What is this? When did we plan to meet?"

I was considering asking her to participate in the OST a while ago.

Judging from the faint laughter I can hear, she's not alone.

First, I need to write the script quickly.

I put my smartphone on silent for a moment.

Tap, tap, tap--

"Overseas Sales Team 3, Kim Na-yeon, Episode 8"

The third work, already in the middle.

Of course, this place is subtly mentioned in this episode.

"Next after Japan...?"

The Middle East... Is it finally appearing?

Since it's about overseas sales, it would be disappointing if the Middle East didn't appear.

This time, actress Yeo Min-seo goes to Dubai to negotiate with a buyer.

"Wow, our actress will have a tough time."

Visiting a skyscraper,

Watching others go on a yacht trip,

And visiting the desert in between.

"She's going to be very busy."

Honestly, I shouldn't be worrying about others right now.

Maybe I should be grateful that she's giving me a chance to prepare mentally.

"Our Hyo-ju... speaks English well too."

Seeing her speak Japanese, her language skills seem reliable.

Tap, tap--

I don't know how long I was focused.

After finishing the script and reviewing it from the beginning,

"Ah, how much time has passed..."

It was already past 6 PM, getting close to evening.

Checking my smartphone, I saw a pile of messages and missed calls.

[Big brother, I'll play with that sister and come back to the hotel late!]

".... Hyo-ju will probably come back on her own."

In addition to her, there were five messages from Rae-mi.

Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring--

I immediately called her.

- Mr. Writer!

Her voice was slurred.

- We're at a small izakaya in Shibuya now.

"We...? Who's with you?"

- Everyone except Mi-ryung and Se-mi.

"Is it okay for you to be out like this?"

- Ah, it's a really small bar, so we rented it for the whole day. It's fine!

All members of Purple Girls except the busiest Se-mi and Mi-ryung.

".... Did you get permission from the manager?"

- Yes! It's our free time!

"Um..."

- We're supposed to rest freely at the hotel.

So, is the hotel the bar?