Chapter 10

Contract (2)

"......What, a fee?"

At PD Song Man-woo's response, the production manager sitting opposite him frowned deeply.

"How can someone with an unclear filmography from the past to the present even think about a fee? It's absurd to talk about a fee from the very beginning!"

The production manager suddenly became agitated. Of course, his current behavior was natural. Moreover, he belonged to C-Blue Studio, a large domestic production company. From his perspective, Kang Woo-jin was no different from an ordinary person.

With a very secretive past.

For such a person to talk about a fee before anything even started? To the production manager, who had been involved in countless productions, it was an absurd action. He had never seen an actor like that. Therefore, the production manager's voice rose.

"No matter how unique Kang Woo-jin is, this is unacceptable. It shouldn't even exist. It should just be a matter of PD's speculation."

"That's true, but—"

Even the bigwig PD Song Man-woo felt somewhat the same. The idea that he was trying to raise his fee was just his speculation. However, Kang Woo-jin was a unique individual he had never seen before. What about his acting skills?

They surpassed even veteran top actors with over ten years of experience.

Moreover, the heavy atmosphere, determination, and aura he had shown so far. 'Super Actor' who appeared out of boredom. Could such a person really not have the nerve to negotiate a fee from the start?

'Even Park Eun-mi, the writer, openly showed that she was smitten.'

It wasn't just Park Eun-mi. PD Song Man-woo and Hong Hye-yeon, who saw Kang Woo-jin in the meeting room today, and everyone else were captivated by him. If he realized this, it seemed quite possible that he would negotiate his fee.

In other words,

'This is the first time I'm in a position where I have to chase from the start, which is a bit awkward.'

From the current situation, Kang Woo-jin was the one in control, and the other side was the one being controlled. PD Song Man-woo, who had been lost in thought with his arms crossed, then turned his head.

-Whoosh.

He turned to Park Eun-mi, who was sitting on the left. She was already looking at PD Song Man-woo, wearing a headband. Her expression was stern. Park Eun-mi's resolve was firm.

She said,

"I don't really understand, whether it's speculation or not."

She declared it briefly and firmly.

"Just one thing. Don't skimp on the money."

It was so heavy and chilling that it felt like a threat. Her short statement contained many meanings. It was as if she was saying, 'If you skimp on the money and lose that kid, I won't let it go.'

Soon, PD Song Man-woo shrugged and turned his gaze to the production manager.

"Manager Lee, I want to live long. Anyway, whether it's speculation or not, shouldn't we take care of Kang Woo-jin's fee?"

The production manager sighed deeply.

"PD, Writer, we also have our position, don't we? There's also an industry standard. No matter how special Kang Woo-jin is... if it leaks, it could cause a stir in the entire industry."

"I know, I know. It is a bit of a headache."

PD Song Man-woo, recalling Kang Woo-jin's face, then said,

"But—treating him like just another rookie or unknown is a bit strange, isn't it?"

"That, that's—"

"Ordinary unknowns or rookies can't even get supporting roles by charming directors and writers. And he came here alone without an agency."

A moment of silence followed. PD Song Man-woo broke it first.

"Let's do it this way. Considering the rumors and the dirty looks, we'll break the average for the fee, but we'll include a confidentiality clause in the contract."

"......Just to ask out of concern. PD, how much do you think Kang Woo-jin's fee should be?"

"Hmm—right. But didn't you feel it today? He's sharp. He's smart. I don't think he'll overdo it. Given that, he must have set his value at a reasonable level."

PD Song Man-woo, who was speaking with a hint of a smile, picked up a nearby piece of paper and started writing numbers.

"Let's consider this the maximum. What do you think?"

At that moment, in Kang Woo-jin's one-room apartment.

Kang Woo-jin was lying down, unaware that his fee was being set. He wasn't sleeping. He was lying on his side, watching a drama on his phone.

"......"

In fact, Kang Woo-jin had been in this state for quite a while. He had arrived home from the meeting around 6 PM and it was now 11:30 PM. Although it had only been about 5 hours, it felt like over 15 hours to Kang Woo-jin.

Why?

As soon as he got home, Kang Woo-jin entered the alternate space several times. He had read almost all the characters in 'Elegant Eldest Daughter' Part 1, except for 'Cafe Waiter,' which had been updated in the alternate space.

Of course, these were actions that included experiments.

After finishing reading the characters, the drama Kang Woo-jin was now watching was 'Elegant Eldest Daughter' Part 1. He was watching it repeatedly. He was observing the actors' performances, the differences between the script and the direction, and the gap between the background he experienced in the alternate space and reality.

Thanks to this, Kang Woo-jin realized,

"Definitely, now I understand why this drama failed."

Setting aside the direction, the actors' performances were terrible.

"Isn't this actor supposed to be a famous person?"

Given that Kang Woo-jin had read all the characters in the script in the alternate space, he could clearly evaluate them. It was as if the actors in the drama were imitating Kang Woo-jin.

Kang Woo-jin had already taken on all the roles in the script.

In other words, from Kang Woo-jin's perspective, it seemed like the actors were acting as him. To him, their performances were quite poor.

"The lines are... empty, I guess?"

The actors' lines lacked emotion. They felt forced, just to fit the situation.

"Too bad, I wish they could have been more genuine."

Was this how someone felt when checking their own voice acting? Anyway, Kang Woo-jin didn't realize it, but he was gradually accumulating knowledge about acting. By repeatedly reading various roles, multiple emotions and expressions were overlapping in his mind.

A training method that others couldn't even imagine.

At that moment,

-Vroom, vroom.

Kang Woo-jin's phone, which was playing the drama, started to vibrate. It was a call, and the caller was

"This late at night?"

His friend Kim Dae-young. Soon, Kang Woo-jin, still lying on his side, put the phone to his ear.

"What."

Then, from the other end of the phone, Kim Dae-young said,

"Hey, let's meet after I get off work tomorrow. Also, about the promise to buy you meat."

He yawned and continued,

"Give me back the script and scenario you borrowed."

The next day, Friday the 14th, in the late afternoon.

It was past 8 PM. At that time, Kang Woo-jin was walking near Jungja Station. His outfit was similar: a padded jacket and jeans. However, he was wearing a cap today.

There was no reason to touch his hair when meeting his friend Kim Dae-young.

"Where are we?"

Soon, Kang Woo-jin looked around, seemingly searching for the pork belly restaurant Kim Dae-young had told him about. At that moment, his phone rang.

"Huh?"

Kang Woo-jin, checking the caller, tilted his head slightly. It was PD Song Man-woo. What's up? Anyway, Kang Woo-jin cleared his throat and answered the call.

"Yes, hello."

PD Song Man-woo greeted him from the other end of the phone. His tone was quite bright.

"Mr. Woo-jin, how are you doing?"

"Thanks to you."

"By the way, have you thought about the fee at all? I'm not criticizing, I'm just curious."

Fee? Kang Woo-jin, who had never thought about it, was taken aback by the sudden question.

"......"

Then, PD Song Man-woo, on the other end of the phone, took the initiative again.

"Mr. Woo-jin, while I can't know everything you're thinking, it must include the fee, right? Okay, let's have a more realistic conversation."

"......Realistic."

"Right, realistic. Thinking about it, Writer Park proposed the casting too hastily. I did too. We need to consider the conditions."

"......"

"Let's do it this way. We don't have much time either. We need to finalize the role of 'Park Daeri' soon. Think about it until today, and let's meet tomorrow to discuss the realistic conditions and make a decision on the spot."

The realistic conditions weren't clear, but Kang Woo-jin didn't mind. He was more inclined to do it anyway.

"Understood."

Following this, PD Song Man-woo, hearing Kang Woo-jin's solemn response, made a promise.

"10 AM tomorrow. The place is C-Blue Studio where we had the meeting."

A little later,

Kang Woo-jin and the burly Kim Dae-young were sitting across from each other, enjoying pork belly. The sizzling meat quickly disappeared into their mouths, and the soju to quench their thirst was refilled several times.

The current topic of conversation was,

"Hey, I told my coworkers that I met Hong Hye-yeon in person. They all envied me to death."

It was about the top actress Hong Hye-yeon. Of course, Kim Dae-young, a fervent fan of hers, had started the conversation.

"Even more, I made eye contact with Hong Hye-yeon that day. Haha, it's a lifelong regret that I couldn't take a photo with her."

Seeing Kim Dae-young, Kang Woo-jin snorted inwardly.

'Just for that? Huh, man, Hong Hye-yeon even called me by name. "Mr. Kang Woo-jin!"'

If he told this story, Kim Dae-young would probably fall over. But Kang Woo-jin didn't say anything for now.

At this point,

"Hey, Kang Woo-jin."

Kim Dae-young, who had stuffed a lettuce wrap with pork belly into his mouth, changed the subject.

"So, what are you going to do about your job change? You've already quit and been resting for about two weeks, right?"

Kim Dae-young, suddenly bringing up reality,

"Take a break and start looking around? If you keep this up, you'll end up resting for life. How about I ask the design team at our company?"

"Would a mid-sized company hire me?"

"No, I mean, I'll look for a contract position or something. Even as a contract worker, isn't a filmography important for a design-related job?"

"......"

At this, Kang Woo-jin looked at Kim Dae-young and asked,

"Hey, if—just if—you were an unknown actor and got cast in a big PD's or a great writer's work, what would you do?"

Instantly, Kim Dae-young's expression hardened.

"Lead role?"

"For the lead, let's say Hong Hye-yeon. The male lead, I don't know."

"Male lead doesn't matter. If the female lead is Hong Hye-yeon, man, even asking this question is a waste of time."

"Just yes?"

"Yeah, I'd go straight. With Hong Hye-yeon as the female lead."

Kim Dae-young, finishing a shot of soju, continued,

"Would a big PD or a great writer even care about an unknown? They'd be like plankton. And the female lead is Hong Hye-yeon? Getting an unknown in such a work is a miracle."

"Is it that level?"

"Yeah, it's not a miracle, it's impossible. In such a blockbuster drama, there's no need to use an unknown. There are plenty of actors who want to do it. Even extras are hard to get, let alone supporting roles. The introductions through family, friends, and school connections would explode."

"Family, friends, and school connections."

"The entertainment industry is like that. It's a place where business is woven through family, friends, school connections, and even bad blood. Anyway, an unknown getting a role? You'd have to kill to get it. But such a thing wouldn't happen anyway."

"Hmm."

Sorry, but if that opportunity was right in front of you? Kang Woo-jin, who had been listening to Kim Dae-young's vivid explanation, asked another question.

"Then, if that one role was yours, how much would you get paid?"

"Fee? What's that? You're talking nonsense. It's not about how much you get paid, but you'd be extremely grateful for whatever they give you."

"Is it that low?"

"Hey, friend. I just said, getting an unknown in such a work is a miracle. If the miracle has already happened, how do you get paid? Well, they'd give you something, but for a new actor, 30,000 won per episode is a lot."

"30,000 won?"

"Yeah, but even 3,000 won per episode, you should be grateful. Getting cast is like a life-changing event."

Honestly, Kang Woo-jin thought it was a very low fee. Well, actors are freelancers, so it's not hard to understand, but 3,000 won is a bit low.

At that moment,

"Hey."

Kim Dae-young, filling Kang Woo-jin's empty soju glass, suddenly extended his hand.

"Since we're talking about works. Did you bring it? The script and scenario."

Kang Woo-jin handed over the paper bag he had brought. Of course, he had copied 'Detective Agency' separately, just in case. Then, Kim Dae-young, rummaging through the paper bag with his burly arm, continued,

"Did you read this? I gave it to you because you suddenly asked for it. Did you just use it as a ramen stand?"

"I read it. But the short film 'Detective Agency,' are they not producing it?"

"Ah, I heard from a friend that they are producing it. I thought it would be canceled, but apparently, an investor came forward."

"Oh? So, are they holding auditions now?"

"Maybe? My friend mentioned auditions, so there might be a spot. But for short films, the main and supporting roles are usually already decided."

Kang Woo-jin, who had been listening, suddenly crossed his arms. He seemed to be thinking about something. After a moment, he looked back at Kim Dae-young.

"That film, 'Detective Agency.' Do you know which production company or film company is producing it?"

Kim Dae-young, flipping the meat, narrowed his eyes.

"......You're acting strange. Why are you so interested in this field lately? You never cared before."

"Well, I just read it and found it interesting. So, I want to see it when it's released."

"......"

Kim Dae-young, looking at Kang Woo-jin across the table with a slightly suspicious gaze, shrugged.

"Okay, I'll ask my friend. I don't know the production company, but I'll ask."

A few minutes later, Kim Dae-young, who had been on the phone outside, sat back down in front of Kang Woo-jin.

"I sent you a link. It's a link to a film community. If you go to the link, you'll find information about 'Detective Agency.' Look it up yourself."

10 AM, C-Blue Studio.

In one of the meeting rooms at C-Blue Studio, two familiar figures were visible. PD Song Man-woo, wearing a light padded jacket and a beard, and a caddy with glasses. Writer Park Eun-mi was not present.

Anyway, both of them had quite serious expressions.

-Whoosh.

In front of them were a few transparent files scattered.

At that moment,

-Creak.

The glass door of the closed meeting room opened, and the production manager of 'Profiler Han Ryang' entered. Behind him was

"Hello."

Kang Woo-jin, greeting with a low voice, also entered. His appearance made PD Song Man-woo, who had been serious, smile slightly.

"Welcome, please sit down."

PD Song Man-woo pointed to the seat across from him. He then scanned Kang Woo-jin, who was moving slowly, trying to gauge his mood.

'Still as cynical as usual today.'

But it was in vain. It was hard to gauge anything from Kang Woo-jin's poker face. He had always been like this since the first time they met.

'His skill at hiding his true feelings—well, it's interesting when he acts, but it's quite different.'

Anyway, PD Song Man-woo pushed a transparent file towards Kang Woo-jin, who was sitting in front of him.

"Check it out. It's your contract and the script for 'Elegant Eldest Daughter.'"

"Understood."

Soon, PD Song Man-woo, who had opened the same transparent file, smiled and said,

"There are a lot of complicated words, but what I want to tell you right away is the fee we set for you, Mr. Woo-jin."

Kang Woo-jin, sitting across from him, looked at PD Song Man-woo with a cynical eye. Then, PD Song Man-woo, pointing to a spot in the contract with his index finger, said,

"Your fee is 250,000 won per episode."

It was more than 3,000 won. About 900 times more.

"What do you think? 250,000 won per episode."

At that moment, Kang Woo-jin's poker face twitched slightly.

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