Chapter 66

"Overseas Sales Team 3, Kim Nayoung" script reading on set.

Actors from Tempest Entertainment and various other management agencies were present.

The cast, including Yoo Seol-a, were seated in a row at a U-shaped table.

The production team temporarily dispatched from MBS moved busily to capture every expression of the actors.

"Hello, I'm Director Ko Hyun-rae. I'm confident that this work will be a success."

Director Ko announced the start of the script reading with his characteristic relaxed expression.

He then continued, transforming a sad story into a playful tone.

"In fact, I recently faced an incredible opponent in 'Shooting the Sun' and was knocked down."

"Ha ha ha."

"But the writer who created that great work is now on our side? I can't stand it."

Director Ko, who even brought up painful memories, expressed his determination for this work.

It meant that he was ready to put everything into this new work, burying the failure of his previous work.

"Here, we have the next generation's star writer, Writer Kim Jin-woo!"

After finishing his last words, Director Ko Hyun-rae looked at me.

"Hmm…."

I slowly looked around at the actors seated at the long table.

The moment I first saw Yoo Seol-a in the waiting room of the music broadcast.

The memories of hanging out with Ki Hyun-soo at the club.

The time I did volunteer work at the welfare center with Yeo Min-seo.

The memory of going to the sauna with Lee Jin-ho not long ago.

"There were really many events while writing this work."

Each day was meaningful.

Of course.

All of it was an effort to write the script.

Despite feeling heavy from a cold, I pulled myself together and continued.

"I believe this is a dream team rarely seen on MBS. Rather than immediate results, I hope it becomes a work that represents the genre and is remembered for a long time."

Upon hearing my words, some people looked at me with serious expressions.

I didn't hide my ambition to surpass TVM's "Intern."

Soon, the actors began introducing themselves one by one.

"Hello, I'm Yoo Seol-a, playing the role of Kim Nayoung. Please take care of me."

At this moment, everyone was focusing on her words.

But all I could see was the hat she had briefly taken off and placed on the table.

'I need to ask her to give it back.'

The black hat that Yoo Seol-a had brought.

I never imagined she would wear it regularly.

What would come to mind if I mentioned the theater group's hat?

If I took it back, even the kind Yoo Seol-a would be hurt.

"Writer?"

"Yes?"

"Today, the first scene is to be explained by the writer…."

"Oh, that part is for me to do."

Hyojoo naturally took over, and together with Assistant Director Na Jisu, she proceeded with the script reading.

* * *

Saerom received a call and pondered seriously.

Tempest Entertainment and Writer Kim Jin-woo were at a critical juncture.

A joint production proposal from Disney Play and Tempest Entertainment.

Naturally, it was a request for Writer Kim Jin-woo's next work.

"Director Joseph Lee…."

The passion to discuss the next work with such a big-name director was undeniable.

Anyone in the industry would know what a huge opportunity this was.

"If we team up this time…."

We might cross a point of no return with Netflix.

Once we co-produce a drama, it would be impossible to straddle both sides.

Disney Play.

The second-largest company, hot on the heels of Netflix.

Some experts predicted that Disney Play would claim the crown of the OTT market in 2024.

They were showing appropriate moves in North America and absorbing various content.

"From such a megaplatform…."

How far has Writer Kim Jin-woo's talent gone, having topped the charts for several weeks?

Of course, it wasn't a long-term reign.

"Pure Macho, Number One for Two Weeks! Disney Play Asia Reaches the Top!"

The news was released recently, but people didn't pay much attention.

At least in Korea, it was far behind Netflix.

"But this isn't America…."

In South Korea, where 9 million people use Netflix.

Knock, knock—

Director Saerom responded to the knocking.

"Come in."

Team Leader Byun entered, immediately presenting a document.

"Director, the conditions for the memory-erasing regressive… from Netflix."

"Huh? Ah…."

She quickly checked the document.

"…The conditions have improved significantly."

"Yes, they've offered conditions that can't be compared to 'Pure Macho.'"

"…."

There must be a reason for the sudden change in attitude.

For example, they might know that Disney Play is interested in Writer Kim Jin-woo's next work.

Click—

Saerom closed the document and said to Team Leader Byun.

"Team Leader, I have a lot to think about today. Please go to the script reading in my place."

"Ah, yes. I understand."

Thump, thump—

She closed her eyes as Team Leader Byun left her office.

"What should I tell Writer Kim Jin-woo?"

Even without an exclusive contract, is it right to ask him to trust my judgment?

Isn't he the type who will surely reach the top if he continues to grow steadily without taking risks?

"Manager Angela…."

She's definitely shrewd.

Knowing that she couldn't recruit Writer Kim Jin-woo with money, she even brought in a Hollywood director.

"What does money mean to someone who made 500 million won in half a year?"

* * *

'Ah, I want to make money.'

Jaejun is in a new project now, so why doesn't he bring in more ads?

Or, Uncle Kang Cheol-jung needs to push Kang Jun a bit more.

Sleep is something you can do when you're dead.

"Okay, actors! Break time is over, let's get back in!"

Hearing Assistant Director Na Jisu's words, the actors gathered again.

Maybe it's because of my cold, but even this time felt long.

'Just a couple more hours, and it'll be over.'

After a short break, the script reading resumed.

Assistant Director Na looked at Lee Jin-ho and explained the next scene.

"Son Sang-hoon, who wants to escape the drinking hell but finds it difficult, worries about muscle loss alone."

Suddenly, Lee Jin-ho's eyes flashed sharply.

"How can I lose the muscles I've built? These drinking sessions are making it hard to even do 500 squats these days!"

When he says it like that, it feels genuine.

In real life, he goes to the gym whenever he has a chance.

"I'll definitely tell them I'm skipping the drinking session today. Really."

Then, actor Lee Seung-yun, playing the manager, took over the line.

"Ha… This kid still doesn't know my temper."

"That's not it, Manager."

"Shut up."

Something is wrong with the line…?

Why would you bash your head in at work?

"Um, sir."

"Ah, mistake! It was an ad-lib. Ha ha ha."

"…."

Why did you do that ad-lib?

"Let's continue the script reading."

"Sir, then the next scene is…."

I slowly watched the back-and-forth between Lee Jin-ho and teacher Lee Kyung-yun.

'Lee Jin-ho is really good, isn't he?'

I thought he was the weakest among the lead actors.

But looking back, he had the lowest system compatibility rate.

'Wait, Lee Jin-ho…'

Suddenly, I wondered if the system compatibility rate could change.

If his acting skills have improved recently, it should naturally go up.

Using the benefit enhancement points, the cooldown is only two weeks, so it's not a burden.

【Using Pre-Research (Lv 2) based on the user's will.】

【The actor matches the role of 'Son Sang-hoon' by 87%.】

It's risen a lot.

It was definitely in the mid-70s.

'So it can go up.'

It might be a result of his passion for the role, acting skills, and appearance.

After a while, the script reading ended.

The actors stood up one by one, saying "good job."

I quickly stood up to see Yoo Seol-a.

"Um, Yoo actress."

"Yes?"

"About the hat."

"Yes? Ah! I didn't even get to thank you properly…."

"No, that's…."

"Thank you so much."

Seeing the world star bow, I involuntarily bowed as well.

Then, she looked at me with a wide smile, as if waiting for me to say something more.

"…. Good luck."

"Yes! You too, Writer!"

Watching Yoo Seol-a walk away, I felt a sense of pride.

She was so high up that I could only look up to her half a year ago, but now she's in my work.

Yeah, who would connect me with the theater group just because of a single word?

As Yoo Seol-a said, it's common sense to think of the drama "Intern."

Ding—

At that moment, a message arrived from Director Saerom.

[Can we talk for a bit after the script reading?]

We soon said goodbye to the production team and left the script reading site.

"Hyozoo, let's go."

"Yes, Oppa."

Driver, assistant writer, interpreter, and manager.

Hyozoo and I headed to Tempest.

* * *

Arriving at Tempest Entertainment's office a short while later.

After hearing Director Saerom's proposal, I couldn't find a reason to hesitate.

"50 million won per episode?"

"Yes."

"Directed by Director Joseph Lee?"

"Yes."

"Let's go."

"Yes?"

I smiled, satisfied with Disney's generous script fee.

They were offering a huge sum that only top-tier writers could receive.

"Writer, it's a good opportunity, but…."

"Let's go!!!"

"…."

Saerom paused for a moment and continued with a serious expression.

"You might never be able to work with Netflix again."

"I was already prepared for that with 'Pure Macho.'"

"…. Thank you for trusting me."

"???"

"You're going based on my judgment alone."

It's because of the money.

"I didn't expect you to take on such a difficult challenge, even with a guaranteed smooth path."

It's because they're offering a lot of money.

"As a producer, I'll do my best too."

Actually, I don't even know what the work is yet.

"Let's talk about the next work after this one is finished."

"Of course."

Saerom smiled slightly and said to me.

"You don't seem to have any doubts about making such an important decision."

"Hmm, is there a reason to doubt? It's a good opportunity."

"…. Aren't you afraid of failure?"

Failure.

If there's a director who can perfectly recreate the drama I've seen in the system.

We might achieve an unbelievable rating.

The only failure is if the director can't fully capture the script I've written.

I have no greater fear than that.

'The system's ability is real.'

The continuous success of 'Pure Macho' and the subsequent records.

Now, with the third drama production underway.

"Director Saerom."

"Yes."

"I've never failed yet."

"…."

"You're the first witness. Proof of my real ability."

I can say this because I know about the system.

To others, it might sound like someone living in their own world.

But Director Saerom, who was looking at me, smiled slightly.

"Yes, I'll prove it. The writer's ability is real."

"…. Thank you."

Knock, knock—

At that moment, someone knocked on the office door.

"It's probably Sung-ho, actor Ji Sung-ho."

"Ah, really?"

"Yes. We're choosing the next work together."

"Ah, then I'll leave…."

Soon, Ji Sung-ho opened the door and entered.

The moment I saw him, the system sent a familiar signal.

Thump—

An alert that appears when I discover the main character of a new work.

After Seemi, Kim Hyun-ji, and Yoo Seol-a, the main character for the fourth work was decided.

【A new actor has been discovered.】

I looked back and forth between the smiling Ji Sung-ho and Director Saerom.

"Director."

"Yes?"

"Let's postpone actor Ji Sung-ho's next work for a while."

"What do you mean…."

"He's the main character of my next work."

The two of them stared at me with wide eyes.

"Then I'll leave now."

"Ah, yes."

After finishing the greetings and leaving the office, I thought deeply.

Now that I have a clue for the next work, the immediate problem is.

"First, I need to finish this drama quickly."

It doesn't matter where the location is.

Even if I get sick again, I'll accept it.

Ding—

【Three consecutive writings have been activated.】

From now on, I need to think twice before making a decision.

【Content: Overseas Sales Team 3, Kim Nayoung, Episodes 13-15】

【Genre: Office, Company, Ensemble】

【Location: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Desert Safari】

【Time Limit: 18 days】

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

【※ Deposit Amount: 0 won / 30 billion won】

"Hmm, yeah. That's how it usually is."

In addition to the benefits, a new tag was added to the location for the first time.

【Details: To find the writing location, find the blue light first.】

Is this the method to find the system in the desert?

No, this is clearly wrong on a common-sense level.

"Okay, so how am I supposed to find the blue light?"

There's no answer.

Tap, tap—

I immediately picked up my smartphone and sent a message.

[Hyozoo, you're the writer while I'm gone, okay?]

[But report on important matters.]

* * *

Two weeks passed.

Whoosh—

A dry sandstorm brushed past the turban.

"I found it."

"What? What did you find…."

A single line of blue light stretching into the desert.

Under the night sky, cold light stretching like a beacon.

Pointing in that direction with one hand, I said to the guide.

"Let's go that way."