Chapter 77

A conference room at Salt Actors.

The writer's proposal to have a dignified actor play a fierce villain.

People looked at actor Jeong with interest in response to Kim Jin-woo's suggestion.

"I'm fine with it…."

Jeong Hyung-gu subtly checked Director Joseph Lee's reaction.

After all, they would have to work together on the set.

From an actor's perspective, it was impossible not to consider the director's opinion over the writer's.

Soon, Joseph stroked his chin and hesitated.

"The role of Gwak Mudang is already scheduled for the next meeting, and we are considering other actors…."

At this, Manager Jeong Saerom spoke up for Kim Jin-woo.

"Director, can't we see a performance first? What do you think after watching it?"

"Hmm, alright. Let's do that."

Regardless of the power dynamics, it was possible to have a contracted actor perform.

'Huh…'

Saerom let out a sigh of relief.

It was fortunate that Jeong passed without a fuss; some people might have reacted with fiery anger.

'What is the writer thinking?'

Jeong Hyung-gu has a unique image.

An actor who has never played a villain in 15 years and has no such role.

A moment later,

As actor Jeong Hyung-gu, who had thoroughly studied the script, began his performance,

People's worries and doubts were completely dispelled by a single line of dialogue.

"…. I need to ride a spirit boat to use it."

Instantly, Director Joseph's eyes turned sharp.

"If you want, I can kill for you. Bring me a knife."

Saerom felt a chill as she watched his performance.

A very powerful shaman character.

A villain as cunning as a snake and as fierce as a lion.

He reveals his savage nature without restraint, even to his closest friend in the story.

"You need to use evil spirits to make money. Got it?"

"Ah, yes."

"Then, twist the old man's neck and bring him. I'll kill him before the flesh even flies."

"Yes, yes!"

The manager, who was delivering lines, was also taken aback by the perfect performance.

The intense gaze and the clearly visible malice.

It was violently and roughly delivered, something a normal person would find hard to handle.

"…. That's enough for now."

"Ah…"

Onlookers found it hard to break out of the immersion, more so than the actor.

Clap, clap, clap, clap─!

Standing ovation in the conference room where a casual performance was shown.

Director Joseph Lee stood up first and clapped for Jeong Hyung-gu.

"Hahaha. I didn't expect to find such talent in an unexpected place. I must be lucky today."

"Really? No, that's…."

"I'm sorry, but let's rewrite the contract. For the role of Gwak Mudang."

"Hmm…."

The manager nodded at actor Jeong Hyung-gu and left the conference room.

A selfish and narrow-minded shaman character.

Not just a simple villain, but a joker who brings tension to the entire work.

"I'll have to recast the role of Ha Tae-sung."

While it is an important role, it doesn't seem to fit actor Jeong Hyung-gu.

No other actor could do as well.

'How did the writer know…'

Saerom was amazed to find more surprises from writer Kim Jin-woo.

A clean-cut image, never having attempted a villain role.

It's surprising that he suggested such a radical acting transformation.

'How did he know…'

Especially at the last moment before the contract, he insisted despite the rudeness.

It shows how confident he was.

'What was his basis…?'

What could have given him such confidence at the last moment before the contract?

This goes beyond just good casting.

* * *

Tempest Entertainment's studio.

Tap, tap, tap─

The only sound in the studio was the tapping of the laptop.

"The seventh script is done to this extent."

Then, he sent it to Hyo-ju via PC chat and leaned back in his chair.

He wanted to finish the drama quickly and start writing a short drama script.

"Now, what's left…"

Just the final episode, the eighth part.

【Location: Wolgok Mountain, Moran Flower Cemetery, Randomly Assigned】

A midnight cemetery experience.

I've been looking forward to this for a while.

"Wolgok Mountain is really far."

It's probably about 150km away.

He searched the location on his smartphone.

There would be no people around at night.

"Who will I take this time?"

Creak─

At that moment, Hyo-ju came in and greeted him cheerfully.

"Brother! They're saying you did a great job with the casting!"

"What? Go to the cemetery together?"

"…. Hello?"

He quickly stopped Hyo-ju, who was about to U-turn.

"Hey, I won't ask you to go together. Come back."

"…. Really?"

"Yeah."

I don't want to go with a coward.

It's just a path to death together.

"Brother, didn't you flip the casting of actor Jeong Hyung-gu on the set?"

"What?"

"Team Leader Byun said! You're a casting genius!"

"Hmm…."

Even I thought actor Jeong's performance was excellent.

A 15-year veteran actor is definitely different.

'With the casting almost finalized…'

The final episode, the eighth part of this work.

"Wolgok Mountain cemetery…."

No matter how I think about it, a cemetery is too much.

I can't tolerate such disrespect to the deceased.

"I won't go."

I'll write it myself.

Ding─

At that moment, his mother sent a few text messages.

[Son~ I feel so secure with the allowance you give me every month~]

[Cheer up~ I believe in my son~]

[(Emoticon)]

[(Emoticon)]

[(Emoticon)]

Mother.

Using emoticons doesn't make you look younger.

"…. I need to earn money."

Honestly, I can't go alone.

Do I have to use the Chaedam chance again?

He lifted his smartphone to send a message to her.

"Wait."

Going together again might strain my heart.

If she brings that annoying music box again, I'll throw it.

"Rather, today… hmm."

Yeah, it's been a while since we strengthened our sibling bond.

After all, bonds are strengthened in extreme situations.

Ring, ring, ring, ring─

He immediately skipped Soobul and called Hee-jung.

It's been a while since he called his younger sister.

-What's up? You're calling me.

"Hee-jung, congratulations on passing the audition."

-What's this, suddenly? I've been congratulated enough at home.

"True, but I didn't give you a congratulatory gift."

-…. A gift?

"Yeah."

It will be a memory you'll never forget.

No one can give such a precious gift.

* * *

A acting school in Gangnam.

A woman smiled surrounded by students congratulating her on the audition.

"Congratulations!"

"I knew you would do well!"

"Hee-jung, do we have a number?"

"Let's have a drink tonight."

Even students who never talked to her before were now flocking to her.

Hee-jung thanked them without any sign of dislike.

When the class started and the students left,

Jin-ho approached and sincerely congratulated her.

"Senior, you're really amazing."

"You're more amazing."

"Ah, I'm practically a parachute from Writer Kim…."

"Now that the filming is almost over, you're still saying that. You lack confidence."

"It's the truth."

Hee-jung chuckled.

"You did a great job."

"Hmm…. When does your drama schedule start, Senior?"

"In about a month."

"Then, until then…."

"I need to read the script."

"Oh."

Hee-jung's smile never left her face while reading the script.

"Did the writer congratulate you a lot?"

"Of course. My brother said he would buy me a pork cutlet today. Hehe."

"Really? A pork cutlet?"

"No, not just a pork cutlet, but a Masita pork cutlet!"

"…. What's the difference?"

"Ah, Latte stood in a 100-meter line to eat it."

Hee-jung's hidden old-fashioned side was slowly surfacing.

"It was a famous place near my house when I was in elementary school. I can't eat it now because we moved."

"Ah… a nostalgic food?"

"Yeah. I only ate it once when I was young, but it's the first time since then. My brother found out where he moved!"

"Good brother."

"Yeah. Maybe it's the nostalgia effect. I remember it as the best in the world."

"Ahaha. I want to eat it too?"

"I'll eat it today and confirm how delicious it is from an adult's perspective."

About 15 years ago, the pork cutlet shop he visited right before going to the dentist.

The memory of the dentist was scary, but the pork cutlet that day was unforgettable.

"Only my brother can do this."

"Well, I'll admit it today."

* * *

Joo Sang Media.

Saerom looked at the contract handed by Joo Sang-cheol and said,

"I didn't expect you to invest such a large amount this time."

"Haha. After seeing the success with Kim Na-yeon, I can't stop."

"…. Is that so?"

"Ah, that was a low-level expression. I apologize."

"No, it's fine. We work to make money, whether it's a production company or an investment company."

It was a meaningful statement.

Tempest Entertainment is a production company.

Joo Sang Media is an investment company.

He deliberately brought up the relationship between the two.

"Mr. President, thank you for helping with actor Lee Kyung-yun's casting for Kim Na-yeon."

"Thank you? I was thinking of giving a small help again…."

"Really?"

"I heard there's still one casting position left."

"Oh, yes."

The role of So Chaedam's father.

The role that was left vacant when actor Jeong Hyung-gu was cast as Gwak Mudang.

"How about actor Jin Guk-hwan?"

"…. How could I say no?"

A veteran actor known for his strict image.

A role that perfectly fits So Chaedam's father.

'While it's good to receive help…'

He must be aiming for Kim Jin-woo's next work.

Seeing Saerom ponder, Joo Sang-cheol called her softly.

"Manager Saerom."

"Yes?"

"Business is just business."

"…."

"Isn't that how it works in this industry?"

Saerom relaxed her expression and smiled back.

"You're right. Thank you."

"Sure. See you next time."

"Mr. President."

Maybe she was moved emotionally.

The most important thing is to prove the production company's capabilities.

To make Kim Jin-woo not regret his choice.

'That's what a producer should do.'

For some reason, she feels different when it comes to Kim Jin-woo.

It's right to worry and do the best.

She always learned and lived that way before meeting Writer Kim.

'I learned a lesson. Mr. President.'

Ring, ring, ring, ring─

Saerom stepped out of the building and received a call.

-Hello? Sister Saerom?

She called Writer Kim Jin-woo, but a woman's voice answered.

-Sister, Sister! It's Hee-jung!

"Oh, you're together?"

-Yes!

They've been in touch often since going to the club together.

She's been a close younger sister recently.

-Sister, my brother is taking me to a famous place!

"Really? Good brother."

-Yes, today! Hehe.

"Then, I'll talk to your brother tomorrow."

-I wish you could come with us!

"Sure, I'll go next time."

-It's a promise!

"Okay."

Click.

"…. What a harmonious family."

Unlike some families.

She doesn't like comparing with others.

But today, she felt a bit envious for no reason.

Saerom headed to Tempest Entertainment with a bitter smile.

* * *

About 20 minutes earlier.

Vroom─

I picked up Hee-jung in a car rented from Sooka.

On the way to the agreed location to pick up Hee-jung.

The younger sister couldn't hide her excitement.

"Brother, are you really treating me for passing the audition?"

"Sure am."

"Brother, you're different."

"What was I like before?"

"How? You're a good brother!"

"…."

"Anyway! I never thought I'd get to eat Masita pork cutlet again in my life."

"Right, I know. You were really looking forward to it."

"Yeah!"

The younger sister glanced at the navigation and looked puzzled.

"…. You said you'd buy me pork cutlet."

"Yeah, just a bit more."

"What's with Wolgok Mountain?"

"It's near the famous pork cutlet place. He moved far away. Why… are you bothered?"

"No, no… who said I'm bothered?"

"We couldn't eat it much when we were young because the line was too long, right?"

"Yeah! I still remember eating it when I was 8."

"Right. It was really delicious there."

It's not the taste that's remembered, but the memory.

"Let's go eat pork cutlet quickly."

"Yeah. Great!"

-Destination 150km away.

At that moment, the navigation on the smartphone made an unnecessary comment.

Since we only need to drive straight on the highway, I turned off the navigation.

"150 kilometers…. It's a bit far."

"…. Sweet fruits make you sick if you eat them too quickly."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. You're really lucky. No one has such a brother."

"Okay, Linzheng! Hehe."

I'll give a good lesson today… no, a really good lesson.

Where can you find such a brother in this world?