Chapter 8

"Finally, I finished it."

Although it's only three episodes, today felt like the most relaxed I've been while writing.

Just then, a man approached as if he had been waiting for me to finish.

"Mr. Kim, I have a new contract for you."

"Who…"

"Mr. Jeong's instructions were to bring this contract on his behalf."

The contract included a clause promising maximum consideration for the lead casting and a clause stating that the script would not be influenced by PPL.

"The first installment of the contract fee, for two episodes, is ten million won, and you should receive it within two business days."

I signed the revised contract and provided my bank account details.

Thanks to this, it finally felt real that my work would become a drama.

Although the casting process and competition in the scheduling table are still ahead.

If things continue like this, it seems the production will go smoothly.

In reality, this was the best contract I could get as a new writer.

"I have to make it a success."

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, we have to make this work a success."

"Ah, yes! Of course, Mr. Kim."

Immediately after, I sent the third episode script via email and stood up.

"I'll set up a meeting with the director soon."

"Yes, good luck."

Before leaving the Tempest Entertainment building, I returned my temporary access card.

In return, I proudly received a permanent access card.

Even greeted the security guard, Mr. Tteokdae, warmly on my way out.

The difference between my entry and exit was like night and day.

"I'm glad the contract went well."

I shared this good news in the family group chat, which only has four members.

Not the useless younger sister but the parents I love.

[Kim Jin-woo: I signed a 16-episode contract. It seems I'll be making a drama soon.]

Father read and ignored it, but Mother replied immediately.

Ding--

[Mother: Go for it, our son! I believe in you, son. ^_^]

"...You don't believe me, do you?"

Even when I tell the truth, the reaction isn't satisfying.

I wonder how much I've been a bad son all this time.

Ding--

Immediately, my sister's message followed.

[Hee-jung: Really? -_- Are you old enough to be scammed?]

"Ah, to think this from a sister...!"

Comfort and sympathy are wasted between siblings.

I was going to be nice today after seeing her get scolded at the theater.

[Kim Jin-woo: OOO]

[Kim Jin-woo: Ah, a mistake. Haha]

[Hee-jung: BSSKK]

The small act of apologizing and the consideration to point it out.

Thanks to the strict family education in a warm home, our bond is special.

That same evening, Hee-jung only accepted the reality after seeing the contract...

"Liar!!!"

"Yeah, I know it's hard to believe, but this is our level now."

Hee-jung muttered to herself, unable to believe it.

"Our... Our Sung-ho oppa is going to be in your little project...!"

"That kid is your oppa. Ji Sung-ho is someone else's kid."

"Don't call my oppa a kid!"

"My oppa? Is the 'our oppa' you're talking about your real brother or Sung-ho oppa?"

"Of course, it's Sung-ho oppa, you brat!"

Indeed, our Hee-jung, though lacking in manners, has a good heart.

To love someone else's child more than your own brother.

"Alright. I have to go revise the script..."

"Wait a moment! Can I have Ji Sung-ho's autograph? Then I'll believe you."

Warm-hearted but lacking in conscience.

"Hmm, okay! As your oppa, I can do that... for 50,000 won."

"Huh?"

While I can make things easier for her since she works at the theater, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

"Autograph for 50,000 won. A video message encouraging Kim Hee-jung for 100,000 won."

"Ah, to think this from an oppa...!"

"Your oppa is Ji Sung-ho."

"...I'll take the 100,000 won one."

"Yes, customer, not a sucker."

A successful deal. This is creative economy.

I bought Im Jae-jun's number for 50,000 won and sold Ji Sung-ho for 100,000 won, a great profit.

I hope our Hee-jung, if she had a bad day at the theater, finds comfort in this paid service.

Ding--

At that moment, a message came from an unknown number.

But the content was even more malicious than a voice phishing scam.

"There's a limit to joking around."

Daring to insult my first love.

If they had pretended to be a broadcaster, I might have forgiven them with a broken finger.

Immediately, I called to teach the girl group impersonator a lesson about the law.

Ringing--

"Hey, you bastard! If you're Sem, I'm I'm Sem."

-... Is this Mr. Kim?

Shit. The voice is familiar.

Very similar to my Sem.

".... I want to add this line. It might be hard to pass the review, though."

-You just said Sem...

"Yeah. I'm considering changing the protagonist's name to Sem."

-Ah, I see.

Do you believe that?

-Mr. Kim, can I meet you?

"Really, it's Sem from Purple Girls...?"

-Yes, it's me. Hehe.

Being a writer is really great.

I'm glad I was born.

"When is a good time...?"

-I'm free around lunchtime tomorrow.

"Where should we meet?"

-I'll come to you, Mr. Kim.

"Ah, I'll come. Ms. Sem."

If this is the Sem I know, I'd die happy today.

Right at that moment.

Ding--

The familiar notification sound rang, and the next writing location was decided.

[Content: Heir of the Chaebol, Episode 4]

[Genre: Romance, Chaebol]

[Location: Rainbow Entertainment 1st Floor Lobby]

[Time Limit: 24 hours]

[※ Bronze Upgrade: 110-110101-1011 (Virtual Account, W Bank)]

[※ Deposit Amount: 0 won / 10,000,000 won]

"Rainbow Entertainment... It's Purple Girls' agency."

This time, the time limit was much more relaxed compared to before.

Although I had some doubts, having more time was definitely better.

I immediately sent a message to Sem.

[Sem, I'll come to Rainbow Entertainment around lunchtime tomorrow.]

Thinking about it, this ability started after I saw Sem.

Perhaps it was fate to meet her at Rainbow Entertainment from the beginning.

"Indeed, the location is not random."

* * *

The next morning.

Thanks to the Purple Girls' manager, I easily entered the entertainment company.

It seemed Sem had given prior notice.

"Our Sem is really kind-hearted."

I came two hours early for the fourth episode writing.

Sem also had a prior engagement two hours before our meeting.

However, upon seeing the light orb, I was speechless for a while.

"Really, this is over the top."

A variable I hadn't considered before.

Seeing the floating light orb that almost touched my head, I couldn't help but laugh.

Compared to today, the system seemed to be quite writer-friendly before.

"Standing to write... That's why they gave me more time."

Of course, the height was too high to use a laptop.

I had no choice but to write the script on my smartphone.

I had never written a script on a phone before, and it would definitely take much longer.

"Instead, the time is tight."

I quickly started writing the script on my phone.

The floating light slowly seeped into my head, gradually implanting memories.

However, the system wasn't very helpful today.

"Just a helicopter scene in the fourth episode..."

The main male lead dramatically appearing in front of the endangered female lead.

While the helicopter scene wasn't awkward or overly extravagant given the situation,

"Realistically, it's hard to write this as is."

Im Jin-ju, the writer, always says that writers and directors can't consider production costs while making dramas.

Of course, I, as a new writer, can't say that.

"I'll write it as is and revise it later."

In a romantic drama, the idea of using a helicopter wouldn't be well-received by the broadcaster or production company.

To be honest, I'm a bit unsure and anxious.

I can't fully trust the system yet.

As a six-year assistant writer, I can objectively say it's a good script.

However, there are countless excellent scripts that never get produced.

The hundreds of entries in writing contests prove this.

At that moment,

"Jin-woo oppa!"

I turned around at the sound of my name.

"What? Why are you here?"

"Oppa, how have you been? It's only been a few days, but..."

"Hwang Hyo-ju. How have you been?"

Until recently, we spent more time together than with our families.

Comrades who shared the arduous labor in Im Jin-ju's studio.

Unlike the weak ones who couldn't last a month,

Her perseverance was evident from enduring that hell for half a year.

She had a pretty face if she took off her glasses.

The dark circles under her eyes, as big as fists, showed how much she had suffered in the past few days.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Hyo-ju."

"Well, I came for a Purple Girls cameo role."

"Oh, the main dancer, Jae-eun?"

"No. All members."

"...What?"

It felt like I had been hit on the head.

"All members" naturally included Sem.

"Oppa, that's not the important thing right now."

"What are you talking about?"

"I found out today. You were removed from the co-writing for this project."

"..."

"Someone was encouraging Im Jin-ju! It was Oh Hyun-sik..."

At that moment, a voice came from afar.

"Hey, Kim Jin-woo! What are you doing here?"

Oh Hyun-sik, slowly approaching from the entrance of Rainbow Entertainment.

"...Thanks for telling me, Hyo-ju."

"Thanks, my ass."

"In return, I'll hire you as an assistant writer if I succeed. Double the salary."

"Phew, that would be great."

I glared at my former junior, who was getting closer.

'Oh Hyun-sik, that kid...'

He always seemed a bit aggressive, but I dismissed it as just his personality.

We were the same age, and I just treated him with the respect his seniority deserved.

After hearing Hyo-ju, I recalled Oh Hyun-sik's words and actions.

If it weren't for her, I might have never known.

We wrote together every day, yet he was doing dirty things behind our backs.

Oh Hyun-sik approached with a smug expression, his shoulders tense.

'So, when Sem said she had a schedule today...'

I was already tired from the system's antics today.

Unlike yesterday, it was a tumultuous day, but not in a good way.

Thud, thud--

"Jin-woo, what are you doing here? What's going on?"

Indeed, you only see what you know.

His friendly greeting, pretending to know nothing, felt very insincere.

"Obviously, I have something to do."

"Ah, really? I'm a bit busy, as you can see. Let's have a drink later."

"Damn..."

"Huh?"

"No, never mind. Let's meet next time."

The Purple Girls members were all staring at me, trying to figure out who I was.

Among them, I met Sem's eyes and wondered if I should introduce myself.

Since I'd see her again soon, there was no need to make things awkward now.

Oh Hyun-sik's next actions relieved me.

"Members, this is someone I worked with at our studio..."

"I'm Kim Jin-woo. Nice to meet you, Sem."

I deliberately called out one person and introduced myself.

The surprised Purple Girls members and Oh Hyun-sik.

Sem smiled and greeted me warmly.

"I've been wanting to meet you, Mr. Kim. You came early?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Well, then... We can talk longer. Hehe."

Sem's words made Oh Hyun-sik jump.

"Um, we have a concept meeting right now..."

"I think I can leave. Right?"

"No, what...?"

Then, Sem grabbed my collar and led me to an empty lounge inside the building.

Glancing back, Oh Hyun-sik's face was as rotten as an old egg.

"Sem, is this okay?"

"Of course. The manager approved it."

Sem, who was already beautiful, shone like a goddess in reality.