Chapter 7

Tempest Entertainment, 1st floor cafe.

Clack, clack—

Manager Jung Saerom sat across from me, her heels clicking.

Feeling guilty, I hastily tried to explain the incident from two days ago.

"Um, I'm sorry about the other day…."

"Mr. Writer."

"Yes?"

She stared intently into my eyes and spoke.

"I'm the one who's sorry."

"Me? You're apologizing to me?"

"I looked through your laptop without your permission. I'm sorry."

"Ah…."

I thought she would scold me for being a fraud.

Judging by how she called me 'writer,' it seemed my work was quite good.

"I'm more sorry. That day…."

"Are you considering working with us?"

Manager Jung was straightforward even when discussing important matters.

'She's like a workaholic, thinking only about work like a machine.'

Looking at her closely, she seemed to be from a completely different world.

Her unreal appearance, and the fact that she apologized to me, a fraud.

She felt as distant as a Hollywood top star.

"What kind of work are you talking about…?"

"Just a moment."

Even though our eyes met, I turned my head, feeling embarrassed.

Talking to such a breathtakingly beautiful woman made me realize the power the system had given me.

Swish—

The paper she casually pulled out was labeled as a contract.

It seemed she had already set everything up while I was gone.

"Are you considering casting actor Jang Sung-ho?"

"Me? Jang Sung-ho in my work!?"

"Of course."

Beside her, Jang Sung-ho smiled, trying to assert his presence.

'He must want the main male lead, naturally.'

Although I had already fixed the main roles, it was a tough decision.

If only I had gone to find Jaejun—no, Lee Jaejun—earlier.

How could I replace Jang Sung-ho with Lee Jaejun, a crazy move like that?

Jang Sung-ho and Lee Jaejun were worlds apart, even if Lee Jaejun appeared as an extra in web dramas.

However, Manager Jung's next words eased my worries.

"Secondary male lead. Please give it to Sung-ho."

"Really?"

"He can be a bit mischievous, but he performs well when acting."

"Ah, ah…."

"From the beginning, I felt it, and after reading up to the middle of the third part, I was convinced. It's a really good role."

Perhaps misunderstanding my hesitation, Manager Jung continued to add more reasons.

"Secondary male lead… That would be great. Honestly, it's more than I deserve."

"I'm glad we're on the same page. Hehe."

I was relieved that I didn't need to change the main lead.

'I almost said something I'd regret to Jaejun.'

She then subtly extended the contract.

It seemed too premature to sign a contract already.

"But we're not at the stage of signing a contract with the actor yet…."

"This contract is for you, Mr. Writer, not Sung-ho."

"Me?"

"Did you know that Tempest Entertainment also acts as a production company?"

"Of course, I knew that."

Surely…!

"Why are you so surprised? It's not unusual for a production company and a writer to form a team."

"That's true, but…."

"Mr. Writer, I want an exclusive contract."

Her unexpected proposal left me astonished.

An exclusive contract based on just a script that wasn't even three parts long.

Tempest Entertainment wasn't just any company that might go bankrupt anytime.

With the company's protection, I wouldn't have to worry about the issues caused by Im Joo's work.

"Um, how much would the per-episode fee be for this work…?"

"For new writers…."

I desperately hoped she would say 200.

"If you sign an exclusive contract, we'll offer you a 60 million won annual salary for five years, and 500 per episode for this work."

That wasn't all.

They would even provide two professional assistant writers for my studio.

Moreover, their salaries would be covered by the company, so I wouldn't have to worry about it.

The most important part was the support for research, consultation, and proofreading.

They were more like excellent company employees who handled miscellaneous tasks than assistant writers.

"Performance-based bonuses are also included in the contract."

On the contrary, this made me feel a bit pressured.

It was an unbelievable offer for a new writer.

"A bit sudden, though."

"I understand. Take your time. When we meet next…."

"No, wait."

I felt that if I thought about it for too long, I would definitely sign the contract.

Once signed, it would be the end of the matter.

So, I felt I had to decide right now.

"I'll decline."

"…Why?"

I couldn't say.

I couldn't just blurt out, 'Because I trust the system.'

If I had the ability to write a work that could captivate even experts like her.

My value would skyrocket in no time.

'Even if the ability disappears…'

It would be foolish to sign a contract without knowing when the ability might disappear.

That would mean enduring a miserable exclusive contract period.

I opened my mouth, which had been frozen, and firmly replied.

"Just for this work. Let's do it on a per-project basis. We'll discuss the next work when the time comes."

"Hmm, okay. It's a bit disappointing, but I understand. We'll do it that way."

Manager Jung didn't seem too concerned about my refusal of the exclusive contract.

Although she said it was disappointing, there was no sign of disappointment on her face.

I had expected this, but I was almost driven mad by the desire to reverse my decision.

"Manager Jung, if it's not an exclusive contract, what are the terms?"

The best offer for a new writer at Tempest Entertainment was 500 per episode.

The previous offer was the best she could make.

"Usually, for a per-project contract, we offer up to 400 per episode for new writers."

That was much better than I expected.

"But… I really like this work."

Saerom pulled out a new contract and crossed out the 400.

"500 per episode remains the same, and I hope we can maintain a good relationship in the future."

"Ah… Yes!"

How much did she like it?

I was about to sign, but I had to consider other conditions.

"Wait, just a moment!"

"Yes? Why?"

"I need to check something before signing."

"???"

I carefully examined the other clauses in the contract.

'I almost made a mistake.'

With the system writing the script, I had to be extra cautious about script revisions.

In other words, I needed to clarify the main casting and PPL before proceeding.

* * *

"Semi, do you remember the web drama editor from last time?"

Semi, the youngest member of Purple Girls, slowly answered the manager's question.

"Of course, I remember. You spoke well, and we worked on that project together."

"He says he has a good work to introduce us to."

"Really?"

"It's a 16-episode series with a leading role…."

"Wow, of course we should do it!"

The manager knew how much Semi loved acting.

He seriously considered whether to tell her or not.

"This is the script. Someone has read it a lot. It's a bit worn out."

"Ah, that's fine. It saves paper. Haha."

The manager had also read the script and knew it was really good.

However,

"I'm sorry, but the writer is very new, and it's uncertain whether the production will go ahead."

"Ah, ah…."

It was a bit embarrassing for the manager to recommend such a project.

But it also meant the work was good enough to show.

"Still, I'll give it a read."

"Okay."

Rattle—

At that moment, the van door opened, and the members came in.

The main dancer, Jae-eun, loudly told the manager,

"Bro, bro! I just got a message from writer Im Joo."

"Really? What did he say?"

"There's a hit show with great ratings. I'm going to appear as a cameo."

"Okay, I know."

"He wants all of us to appear in it!"

The members reacted enthusiastically to her announcement.

"Yay!"

"Of course, Jae-eun is the ace of Purple Girls."

"Great job, sis. Hehe."

Jae-eun's pride swelled.

Thanks to her, all the members would appear in Im Joo's drama.

Although Purple Girls was a popular girl group, most of their fans were male.

On the other hand, most drama viewers were female.

A hit show with 20% ratings in just two episodes.

It was a golden opportunity to increase their female fan base.

"That's great."

Semi genuinely thought it was good news but felt a bit envious.

She couldn't control her feelings of jealousy.

'Jae-eun and I both only have one line of acting experience…'

The gap between Jae-eun and Semi's acting careers was vast.

Although Semi was satisfied with web dramas, it seemed she wasn't.

Semi then opened the two-part script she had received from the manager.

She couldn't ignore the request from the person who had helped her fulfill her acting dreams.

"Pure Macho… The title is cute."

She didn't say a word during the van ride, focusing entirely on the script.

Even after arriving at the dorm, she continued to read the worn-out script over and over.

* * *

I carefully examined the clauses in the contract.

The production company has the right to be involved in casting.

The production company has the right to choose investments and PPL to cover production costs.

These were obvious but difficult conditions for me.

Even if the main actors were already decided.

"Um, can we exclude PPL?"

"…Do you think that's possible?"

"I know it's tough, but…."

"Let me hear your reason."

"Um…."

The system doesn't consider PPL when writing the script.

"…For the sake of the work's quality."

"Ah, um. Yes, you need to be artistic, Mr. Writer."

It sounded sarcastic. Was it just my imagination?

"But, if it's a main lead, at least 2000, maybe even 5000 per episode, you know?"

"Ah, that's the problem…."

"The secondary male lead's role is significant. If we estimate your fee at around 100 million, how will we cover the production costs?"

The manager's smile was slightly mocking.

She was beautiful, but the thought of future criticism made me nervous.

"Um… So, what I mean is…."

"Go ahead."

I hesitated for a moment before dropping another bomb.

"Actually, I have actors in mind for the two main roles."

"Really? Who…."

"The main male lead can be cast for 100 per episode. The female lead is a popular idol with no acting experience, so… maybe 1000?"

"What a crazy…!"

Finally, Manager Jung Saerom couldn't help but swear.

Who would invest or place PPL with such actors?

"Ah, but I'm fine with 300 per episode… Hehe."

"Did you get hit in the head?"

"Overreaction…."

The intense reaction from Manager Jung was new to Jang Sung-ho, who was sitting beside her.

"Everyone, from the production company to the broadcasting station, makes dramas to earn money."

"I know that."

"It seems you're the only one who doesn't know the commercial value of your work."

Manager Jung's eyes were full of curses.

She looked at me as if I were a clueless newbie.

'I want to earn money too! This is so unfair.'

If it weren't for the system, I could have proven what kind of script a money-hungry kid could write.

"Ha… This script was written with the main roles already decided."

I couldn't give up the main roles, even if I had to exclude PPL.

Manager Jung looked at me with a strange expression.

"Let's hear it. Who are these main actors that captured your heart?"

"Purple Girls' Semi."

"…."

"It's a misunderstanding."

She glanced at me and continued.

"I haven't said anything yet."

"…You're looking at me with disdain. Right now."

"No, I don't. I usually look like this."

She spoke informally. Was it just my imagination?

"Phew… I'm scared to ask who the male lead is."

"Should I write it down?"

"Sure."

"???"

It was a joke, right?

"Casting is something that needs to be discussed. We can talk about it later."

"Yes, thank you."

I might be the only new writer who meddles with casting and PPL.

But the way she accommodated me and had this conversation showed that she really liked the work.

"I'll contact the broadcasting station and let you know once the director is decided."

"Ah, yes. I'll write for another hour and then get up."

"Okay, then."

Rattle—

Manager Jung and actor Jang stood up simultaneously.

I watched them leave, slowly.

Especially, I looked at Manager Jung and muttered to myself.

"A bit… cool."

It was almost a compliment, bordering on admiration.