Chapter 96

I stopped typing on my laptop and stared intently at the approaching figure.

'6-hour time limit...'

It can't be a coincidence.

The system knows where the actor is.

I already knew it could read my thoughts.

"Hello, Actor Jo Yongman!"

"Hmm, what brings you here...?"

Actor Jo Yongman asked with a puzzled expression.

"Ah, well, thanks to Actor So Chae-dam, I managed to come in..."

"At this hour?"

"Well, the air here is nice. Has an air purifier been installed in the lobby? Haha."

"...."

At that moment, someone intervened between us.

A deep voice buzzed in my ear.

"Chae-dam sometimes comes to work alone at night and even sleeps at the company."

"???"

Is that true, So Chae-dam?

I turned my head to find the source of the voice.

"Uh...? Huh."

I gasped at the sudden appearance of a top-tier actor.

Mr. Yoo Dong-geon, who portrayed the king who founded Joseon in 'The Dragon of Snow.'

Among the actors I've met so far, only Actor Choi Man-ho could be compared to him.

"Hello, sir!"

"I didn't expect to meet a young writer here. Nice to meet you."

"Thank you. Haha..."

Despite being a first meeting, he playfully patted my shoulder.

He was known for his hearty personality, and it seemed the rumors were true.

With my current Gold level, it's impossible to register with the system.

However, using a benefit, I can check the compatibility.

【Based on the user's will, Pre-investigation (Lv 2) is being used.】

【The actor matches the role of 'Yi Sun-sin' by 97%.】

【The actor matches the role of 'Seonjo' by 94%.】

【The actor matches the role of 'Yoo Seong-ryong' by 90%.】

'Wow...'

I almost gasped out loud in surprise.

Ding Dong─

【You have completed the 'Triple Crown 90 UP!' mission.】

【You have completed a hidden mission and received a special reward.】

【You have earned 2 points of Benefit Reinforcement Points.】

As if reading my mind, Actor Yoo Dong-geon smiled and said,

"Then, let's meet again next time..."

"Ah...!"

'I heard he mostly stays at home.'

There's no guarantee that I'll see him again.

It felt like I couldn't say it if not now.

"Sir...!"

"Hmm?"

"Would it be okay if I formally propose a casting?"

"Hmm...?"

His puzzled expression demanded a more detailed explanation.

"I have a meeting with Director Kuk Jin-hyun of KBC soon."

"Oh, so it's a historical drama?"

"Yes!"

Since he had already worked with Director Kuk, the response came easily.

"I was actually looking for a project..."

"Then, um..."

"I don't do just any project. Hehe."

Despite his playful tone, his serious gaze pierced through me.

"If it's okay, I'll have the script sent to you and Director Kuk."

"Hmm? Both of you?"

"I want to cast both of you."

I looked at Actor Jo Yongman, who was standing there blankly.

"...."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Then, Actor Yoo Dong-geon replied with a solemn expression.

"I'll consider it positively."

* * *

A while later, on the day of the meeting with KBC's Chief Joo Tae-hong.

Manager Jung Saerom headed to the meeting place with Jin-woo.

Usually, Team Leader Byeon would also come, but he was swamped with work lately.

There were countless meetings scheduled, such as with Disney Play, Director Song Gwan-soo, and CG Director Gook Joon-rok.

"The script will be delivered to Bamboo Entertainment after today's meeting."

"Yes. In fact, I received a text asking when the script would be delivered today."

"Really? From Mr. Yoo Dong-geon?"

"Yes, here it is..."

Jung Saerom stared intently at Kim Jin-woo instead of the smartphone he was showing her.

'How did he manage to...'

Actor Yoo Dong-geon was known for only going between his home and the company.

It was impossible to meet him by chance without going through a connection.

'I can't understand it at all.'

In fact, I had long given up on judging Kim Jin-woo by common sense.

A short while later,

The two arrived at a restaurant near KBC at the appointed time.

The same Korean restaurant where the 'Memory Erasing Reincarnator' meeting took place.

"Ah, Writer Kim Jin-woo is here?"

"Hello, Chief Joo. Director Kuk."

After the formal greetings, they ordered food and the conversation naturally turned to casual topics.

Every aspiring writer dreams of becoming a star writer.

What would be the best part of being such a writer?

There are many things, but the most important one is...

"Script? Haha. Do you really need to see it? It's a Kim Jin-woo work!"

"Come on, at least take a look."

Isn't it the trust of the executives who decide the schedule even before seeing the script?

Especially since Chief Joo Tae-hong had backed it as a pilot program during the reincarnator project.

"Hmm... It's a historical drama?"

"Yes, Chief Joo."

"Wow, how did you know I was thinking about a historical drama?"

"Who else but me would know Chief Joo's mind?"

"Haha. You're good with words."

Suddenly, Chief Joo's eyes sparkled as he said,

"Recently, there's been a lot of talk about raising the subscription fee."

"Really?"

"The situation at KBC isn't good."

"Ah..."

Honestly, it's more beneficial to pay for Netflix or Disney Play.

Viewers' standards have risen, and they expect great content.

"This project is that important. You understand, right?"

"Of course, haha."

Director Kuk Jin-hyun, who had been sitting quietly, quietly opened the script.

"Shall we have a drink first?"

"It's daytime, though."

"Come on, when does alcohol care about day or night?"

"...."

The atmosphere was already set for working together.

The conversation quickly turned to casting.

"Yoo Dong-geon, Jo Yongman, and Baek Yun?"

"Yes!"

"Hehe, as expected of Writer Kim Jin-woo, your scale is different."

"Hmm, maybe I'm a bit greedy?"

"No, that's how it should be. This is an ambitious work by Writer Kim Jin-woo! Haha."

".... Right."

While Jin-woo and Chief Joo were talking, Director Kuk Jin-hyun quietly spoke.

"Interesting. Possession by Kim Seong-il."

Recently, alternative historical dramas have been more popular than historical dramas.

Thanks to their light-hearted atmosphere, they can attract younger viewers.

"You've cleverly edited the parts where historical opinions differ."

"Hmm?"

"The part where Yoo Seong-ryong suggests sending a letter to Ming China..."

"Oh..."

"You followed the Imjin War records."

"Yes. In my work, I portrayed the prime minister as a competent character."

"Hmm..."

Indeed, many historians believe that Yoo Seong-ryong wrote the Imjin War records to his advantage.

For example, there's a part where the prime minister separately asks Kim Seong-il what to do if Japan invades.

It might have been written to defend his shameful actions of agreeing with Kim Seong-il.

"Interpreting history based on the given evidence is the writer's job."

"Yes! That's right."

Fundamentally, the system prioritizes something other than history.

"Very commercial. In a good way."

"Is that so?"

Maximizing scenes that stir up national pride.

Removing loose or unnecessary content.

"Hmm, you've watched a lot of historical dramas."

"Ah... Yes. Well. Haha."

"Then, have you seen any of my previous works...?"

Oh, why do you do that.

"Director, let's have a drink! A drink!"

"Ah, maybe. We can talk on the phone later."

".... Yes."

I shouldn't have brought it up.

I should have just said I'm not interested in history.

* * *

Meanwhile, another person had a drama scheduling meeting at a broadcasting station, just like Kim Jin-woo.

'I really sharpened my blade this time.'

Writer Lee Min-ju thought as she headed to TVM Broadcasting.

A 16-episode script she had written before even starting the drama.

Of course, script revisions are inevitable.

'It will be my masterpiece.'

Recently, Lee Min-ju's performance has been disappointing.

She failed twice in a row at SBC Broadcasting.

Especially her previous work, which slipped in the middle, left a particularly bitter taste.

Because the first half of the script was written by Kim Jin-woo, who then disappeared.

"I raised her, and she doesn't even know gratitude."

"Hmm?"

Her assistant writer, Oh Hyun-sik, who was driving, asked.

"No, are we almost there?"

"Ah, we've arrived."

Soon, Lee Min-ju moved to the meeting place.

She greeted Director Han Gi-sung of TVM, who had already arrived.

"It's been a while since we were on the jury together."

Once the queen of SBC, Lee Min-ju is now finding a new home.

She had planned to join the TVM jury from the beginning.

The director of 'Sky Blue,' which won the Baeksang Arts Awards last year.

He recently completed the filming of a four-episode anthology series by Hwang Hyo-ju.

"Didn't you usually do two anthology series?"

"Ah, Mingppum said she was still lacking and gave up on production herself."

".... Hyo-ju must be happy."

"Hmm, do you know Writer Hwang Hyo-ju? Close enough to call her by her first name..."

"Hmm? Ah, um... I was on the jury."

Only the third-place work was produced, despite giving up the first and second places.

While it might seem like a tear-jerking situation for TVM,

the connection with Writers Kim Jin-woo and Lee Min-ju was a good outcome.

The meeting was already scheduled and confirmed.

Han Gi-sung and Lee Min-ju immediately began discussing casting.

"How about Actor Lee Joo-hee?"

"Hmm."

In fact, Lee Min-ju had a specific actor in mind.

At first, she had a negative view,

but the actor's image and the work matched perfectly.

"Kim Hee-jung."

"Hmm?"

"Kim Hee-jung from Tempest Entertainment."

"...."

She had been keeping an eye on this actor after seeing her in a documentary with Kim Jin-woo.

"A newcomer?"

"Once you read the script, you'll see."

".... A wild, talkative character."

"Yes."

Recently, the popularity and buzz of 'How Far Will You Go to Write?' have skyrocketed.

After a series of top stars participated in the SNS relay, the program shed its documentary label.

Especially in the episode with Actor Kim Hee-jung, the chemistry with Writer Kim Jin-woo exploded.

The difference in ratings between episodes with and without Jin-woo was stark.

"Still, how can you cast a newcomer as the lead?"

"Director, you know the relationship between me and Writer Kim Jin-woo, right?"

"...."

"Frankly, I don't like Tempest Entertainment."

Director Han, not being a fool, recognized that their relationship wasn't good.

He knew she had a falling out with Kim Jin-woo during the jury process.

"But they're hot right now, so what can you do..."

Refusing all Tempest Entertainment actors just because of Jin-woo would be foolish.

"Hmm, okay. I'll monitor her."

"The first episode of 'Seven Siblings of Oryu-dong.'"

At first, Director Han Gi-sung looked unimpressed at Hee-jung.

But his expression changed quickly.

"Hmm..."

Where did such an actor come from?

A spirited and talkative girl from a poor background, fitting a romantic fantasy.

A dark character in such a genre lacks appeal.

"The image matches the protagonist."

"Yes. A character who is endlessly light."

Lee Min-ju looked at Hee-jung sharply.

'How close can you be with Jin-woo?'

They only worked on a documentary together, and there's no other connection besides being from the same agency.

It's better to plant a spy in Tempest Entertainment before getting too close.

"Let's schedule a meeting."

* * *

With the pre-production of the movie almost complete and the drama scheduling secured,

'Soon, I'll have to hold a memorial service...'

Now, it's time for the script reading.

After that, the first movie shoot!

What a thrilling moment.

"I wish every day was like this."

"Me too."

These days, I've been studying by comparing my scripts with the system.

Especially, the 'Magical Girl' script in the 4th-floor lounge is a great study material with no time limit.

"Hyoe-ju, did you finish shooting the anthology drama? Congratulations."

"Thank you. Hehe."

"When will it air?"

"It's still a long way off."

".... Hang in there."

"Yep!"

Leaving Hyoe-ju and Mingppum behind, I headed to the lounge.

-4th floor.

I got off the elevator and opened the lounge door, but there was already someone there.

"Ah, I left my phone."

".... What?"

Lee Min-seo, who was reading the 'Magical Girl' script, spoke to me with a sullen expression.

"I left my phone in the workroom."

".... Are you avoiding me?"

"Come on, of course not."

"Hmm..."

Recently, Lee Min-seo has been complaining to me every time we meet.

She usually grumbles and says she understands when I give a vague response.

'No script revisions!'

Today, she has a lot to say to me.

Sure enough, as I was about to leave, she grabbed me and said,

"Writer, I'm having a hard time."

"Hmm?"

A new pattern.

Interesting.

"My acting career is at a turning point."

"???"

When did we start talking like this?

Isn't it supposed to be strictly business?

"The spandex costume is too thick."

"...."

"It's too hot."

This is the first time she's complained about the costume.

I wondered why she hadn't mentioned it before.

"Yes, you don't like the costume."

"It's not that I don't like it..."

Even Hollywood action heroes in spandex have similar complaints.

It's a tedious and uncomfortable process to wear a costume.

"Min-seo, do you know Spider-Man?"

"Hmm? Suddenly?"

"He drinks water through his eyes with a straw."

"...."

"Just saying. Haha."

Cheer up.

Ding Dong─

I was about to leave the lounge, fearing she would ask for another script change.

【Consecutive Writing has been activated.】

As always, the system activates without warning.

I'm grateful for the consecutive writing after a long break.

【Content: Imjin Year, Counterattack's Blade 5-6】

【Genre: Fusion Historical Drama, Alternate History, Modern Possession, War】

【Location: Chungju Tanjeomdae Park】

【Time Limit: 7 days】

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

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

Chungju Tanjeomdae Park.

Another Imjin War-related location.

I sent a text to PD Gil as usual.

［PD, how about Chungju Tanjeomdae Park for the next shoot?］

Since it's an outdoor shoot, there's no need for location scouting.

I think we can schedule it as soon as possible.

At that moment, a voice called out to me from behind.

"Excuse me, Writer?"

"Yes?"

I turned to Actor Lee Min-seo while sending the text.

"But you said you didn't have a phone."

".... I didn't, but I do now."

"Good. Sit down."

"Okay."

Soon, Lee Min-seo's lament continued for a long time.

Until I heard a strange ringing in my ears.

'Huh? Did I just hear a beep?'

Lee Min-seo ignored my injury and continued to complain.

"Writer, are you listening?"

"Hmm, probably?"

".... So, my mom..."

Why are you telling me about your mother?

* * *

Meanwhile, at the same time.

Manager Jung Saerom officially sent the two scripts.

President Gong Deok-hwan of Bamboo Entertainment checked the scripts with interest.

《Actor Yoo Dong-geon (Yi Sun-sin)》

《Actor Jo Yongman (Kim Seong-il)》

Tempest, which wants two of Bamboo Entertainment's top actors at the same time.

Even though Writer Kim Jin-woo is currently hot, it's not an easy decision for President Gong.

"Kim Jin-woo's new work..."

A writer who has already worked with So Chae-dam from Bamboo Entertainment.

However, 'Korean Horror Streamer' hasn't been released yet.

"Chae-dam's next work for Disney will be out soon."

A major streaming platform that launched in Korea just over a year ago.

It's half the price of Netflix but charges extra for movies.

"Probably 'Korean Horror Streamer' will be out in a few days."

The decision on the two actors' participation can wait until the results are in.

"I'm really curious."

Whether