Chapter 9

JTBS Drama Department.

Director Jeong Saerom visited with an employee in tow.

Drama Production Head Bang Hyungtae closed the script and spoke up.

"Where did you find such a writer?"

"By chance. That's all I can say."

"Director Jeong, you not only have talent but also luck on your side."

"Indeed."

Saerom's eye for scripts was exceptional.

"Did you really recognize this after just the first episode?"

"Yes, well…."

Even Bang, who had seen countless scripts, was unsure after just the first episode.

However, after reading all three episodes that had been released so far, he acknowledged it as a very good work.

"Actually, we've been lacking writers lately. This is great."

"In fact, I proposed an exclusive contract, but he refused."

"Oh… That's a shame."

"If he shows his best in this work, it will be fine."

"Hmm, how much production budget are you planning to allocate, already laying the groundwork…."

"Director."

Saerom continued in a serious tone.

"Director Sung Kiho, didn't he wrap up his last project last week?"

"Oh… Director Sung? He said he wants to take a break…."

"Are you unwilling to pair him with this project?"

"Hey, what kind of hurtful words are those…."

"A good work deserves a talented director."

After a moment, Bang said with a bit of difficulty.

"You know he doesn't usually work with new writers."

"I'll do the convincing. Just give me the permission."

"…Alright. If Director Sung agrees, I have no problem."

In fact, Bang Hyungtae was a bit hesitant to pair JTBS's ace director with a new writer.

While it's true there aren't any good works right now, there's always the possibility of a hit.

The drama market is like a jungle; a blockbuster could drop at any time.

'Would Director Sung take a gamble with a new writer? That guy must be crazy.'

While he acknowledged the quality of the work, he believed there were limits to a new writer.

These days, viewers decide whether to watch a drama based on the writer's name.

With star writers lining up to work with Director Sung, he wouldn't risk his career.

"Instead, why don't we pair two young talents? This could be a good opportunity for Yoo Cheon…."

"Director, I just heard that Director Sung agreed."

"What, what!?"

"By the way, the employee who came with me has a personal connection with Director Sung."

"…."

"Such a coincidence. I must be lucky."

Saerom maintained her smile while speaking nonchalantly.

'Got me…!'

From the beginning, she had set the stage, and he had played right into her hands.

Now, it was awkward to get angry.

"In return, I'll secure the production budget based on the ratings up to episode 6."

"Can you do that?"

"Of course. I despise production companies that waste the budget without results."

"Ah… Ha ha. Alright, then."

One step forward, one step back.

Allocating the production budget based on ratings is a significant benefit for the broadcasting station.

In this situation, it's also awkward to interfere with the choice of director.

"Director, shall we end the meeting for today?"

"Sure, let's do that."

Judging that there was no more to gain, Saerom stood up without hesitation.

On the table in the director's office, only the three-episode script remained.

"…That guy has no human touch."

In fact, the work she brought had a childish title but a strangely compelling quality.

If not, she wouldn't have been dragged around by production companies like today.

After all, the influence of broadcasting stations in Korea still far exceeds that of entertainment or production companies.

"Regardless, Jisunho will definitely become a star."

Even if the drama fails, the character will surely leave a lasting impression.

I could understand why Tempest Entertainment was pushing so hard.

* * *

"Ah, so that's why the heroine was so worried. Then, in episode 2, scene 34, you wrote that she should look sad. Why is that?"

I don't know. Stop asking already.

'Question killer…'

Being with my first love, Se-mi, is precious, but this is really too much.

"Se-mi, you've been asking questions for two hours. My throat is a bit sore…."

"Oh, wait! I'll go get some throat candy!"

"No, that's not what I meant…."

Tap-tap-tap—

Does she realize she's a popular idol?

Even if it's near the company, she's going to a convenience store without a cap.

"Is it okay to go often?"

In one episode, there are about 100 scenes, and the heroine appears in at least 40 of them.

If she asks three questions per scene, that's over 200 questions.

"It's normal for my throat to be sore."

Actually, this script is just a written version of a drama I've seen.

Moreover, my expression and descriptive abilities improve when I touch an unknown light.

"I'm a viewer too!"

Honestly, I hoped to get some hints about my ability by meeting Se-mi.

I've only written in Im Jinju's studio.

I haven't met many celebrities in real life.

Perhaps seeing Se-mi is one of the independent variables.

Rattle—

At that moment, someone opened the door to the empty lounge.

"Hello, I'm Mireung."

"Ah, yes."

Mireung, the leader of Purple Girls, one of the two members who succeeded in acting.

"What brings you here…?"

"I heard from the other writers I just met."

"Really? What…?"

"That you caused a commotion in Im Jinju's studio and left."

"…"

His tone was polite, but the content of the conversation was very uncomfortable.

"…So?"

"I'm really sorry, but please don't shake up our youngest member."

"What do you mean?"

"Se-mi read the script all day yesterday."

"Is that so?"

How commendable.

"That makes me even more anxious. It's not a producible work, after all."

"Why do you think so?"

"Well…."

Before Mireung could finish, I spoke first.

"Because I'm blacklisted by Im Jinju?"

"…Yes."

"Mireung, the reason the drama can't be produced isn't that."

"Really?"

"It's mostly because it's not a good enough work to produce."

"That's true, but…."

I asked Mireung, who was stalling, in a calm tone.

"Have you read my script?"

"No, I haven't."

"Then, Mireung, you're making a judgment without seeing my work?"

"…"

I had a rough idea of her intentions.

The group had agreed to cameo in Im Jinju's work.

First, she was worried that my actions might disrupt the schedule.

Second,

"Are you afraid Se-mi will be blacklisted by Im Jinju because of me?"

"That… Yes, that's right."

A valid concern as a leader.

It's proof of the immense power of a star writer in the drama industry.

'The rumors of internal conflicts in the group were just tabloids. Seeing how worried she is about the youngest member…'

I was about to say that production had started.

But before I could, Se-mi entered the lounge.

"Writer, here's the throat candy… Mireung-ssi?"

"Ah, yes. Se-mi."

Se-mi, with her small face, looked puzzled.

Mireung quickly made an excuse.

"We were just talking about your work."

"Huh? What were you talking about?"

"Well, I said I want to appear in your work if possible. Even as a supporting role or a minor character."

"Wow, really? I'd love that!"

She seemed to have blurted it out, convinced the drama wouldn't be produced.

Ding—

But the notification on my smartphone easily dispelled her concerns.

It was a fresh message from Director Jeong Saerom.

[The meeting with the JTBS director is set. I'll send the details and schedule in a file.]

The two Purple Girls looked at me with puzzled expressions as I smiled.

"Mireung, you should keep your word."

"Me?"

"You said you want to appear in my work, even as a supporting role or a minor character."

"What do you mean…?"

"My work will be produced by JTBS."

Of course, the official scheduling will be confirmed after casting.

But I wanted to boast a little to the two in front of me.

Especially, Se-mi, who looked at me with wide eyes, unable to believe it.

"Writer! Is it true?"

"Yes."

"Yay!"

She hugged Mireung tightly and ran around innocently.

'Why not me…?'

It would have been better if Mireung hadn't come in.

Next time, I'll only tell Se-mi good news when we're alone.

I then opened the file sent by Director Jeong Saerom to check the detailed schedule.

'Is Jisunho coming to the first meeting with the director?'

While it's not uncommon, it had a different meaning to me.

"Se-mi."

"Yes, Writer."

"The meeting with the director is set."

"Really? So it's really being produced…."

"Come with me to the meeting."

"Can I come?"

"Of course."

There's no rule that only Tempest Entertainment can bring actors.

It's better to firmly secure Se-mi's role.

'I didn't think I could cast her myself.'

She might have thought I would give up if I hesitated.

But in my work, Se-mi is indispensable.

No one else would fit the role of the female lead.

"I'll tell the manager."

"Se-mi."

The two members left the room together.

Until the last moment, Mireung looked at me with a strange expression.

* * *

"There's still one more mountain to climb."

Actually, Se-mi was just the beginning.

Compared to Jae Jaejun, she's an easy level.

Thanks to this, I could inform Director Jeong about Se-mi's attendance with a relaxed mind.

Of course, I expected a reply but planned to ignore it coolly.

"Ah, I need to go write the fourth episode. If I don't hurry, it will get really urgent."

I needed to take it easy since I had to write on my phone.

Rattle—

I opened the lounge door and stepped out, only to find an unexpected person waiting for me.

"O Hyun-sik…?"

"Ah, I happened to hear it outside."

"Really?"

"Congratulations. You're really getting a project?"

Why does his congratulatory message sound so disgusting?

If Hyo-ju hadn't told me, I might have taken it seriously.

Envy, jealousy, anger, resentment.

Now, I can see the clear emotions in O Hyun-sik's glaring eyes.

I regret the time I spent thinking he was a close colleague.

"Thanks. For the congratulations."

"Be careful. This writer might try to interfere if she finds out."

Like a cat worrying about a mouse.

"Hyun-sik."

"What? Why?"

"You can do it too."

"…What?"

A crack appeared in the expression Hyun-sik had maintained.

"You have talent, so you can debut. Keep it up."

"Ah… Yeah. Thanks."

Thump.

I patted Hyun-sik's shoulder lightly, like a caring colleague, and walked past him.

His face visibly stiffened.

His lips twitched slightly.

It was an interesting experience to see what I couldn't see before.

'Im Jinju…'

Star writers had almost director-level power in broadcasting stations.

They might even launch a proper interference operation before I start.

Fortunately, she's currently busy with a project and won't have the time.

Especially since I, who was responsible for half the script, have left.

"Im Jinju… Don't cross the line."

If you want to ruin someone's life, you have to be willing to risk your own.

Suddenly, I recalled the recording of the abusive words she spewed before leaving.

It might not shake her position as a star writer, but it could shake her mental state.

"She couldn't even keep her composure after a few curses."

She curses others but isn't prepared to take it herself.