Chapter 30

Master (2)

Huh? Four billion won? Kang Ujin was shocked beyond measure. He was already a bit surprised at three billion, but it suddenly jumped by a billion. It seemed like things were going as they pleased again. Why are you doing this all of a sudden? Kang Ujin desperately wanted to ask.

However, to Choi Sung-geun, Ujin was a giant monster actor.

Asking about his own value would only make Choi Sung-geun tilt his head in confusion. Despite the shock still lingering in his heart, Kang Ujin maintained his poker face as much as possible and repeated Choi Sung-geun's answer in a low voice.

"Four billion won?"

"Yes, it's possible, Mr. Ujin."

Kang Ujin felt a bit numb to reality. After all, when he worked at a design company, ten million won was a sum he could barely save in a year. Now it was being tossed around in a matter of seconds. It was bewildering. It was bewildering, but Ujin forced himself to remain calm.

There was no reason to refuse when it was being offered.

'That pig-tailed uncle is just mistaken. I'm innocent.'

Now he had to naturally continue the conversation. Very composedly. However, there was no need for a long conversation. A slip of the tongue was the enemy of the concept. If the lines were sloppy, there was a chance he would be seen as a minor player.

'Each moment is like walking on thin ice.'

No one knew, but Ujin was waging a fierce war within himself and came up with a line that was both sophisticated and cool.

"I'm curious about how that amount was determined."

Explain it. As expected, Choi Sung-geun folded his hands solemnly.

"Actually, these days there's a trend to avoid advance payments. Top stars often don't take advance payments and instead receive houses or other things."

"Ah."

"Rising new actors who have broken through with a couple of movies or dramas are similar. Including their trainee period, after seven years, they receive a luxury car when they transfer to a new agency."

"Yes, I'm somewhat aware of that."

"The key point is 'transfer.' Advance payments mostly occur when an artist transfers to a new agency. Whether it's an actor or an idol, there's usually no advance payment for the first contract. They always start as trainees. If the trainee shows promise, they might get a few hundred thousand won as pocket money."

Soon, Choi Sung-geun pointed at Ujin.

"But Mr. Ujin is a bit different. He's clearly a complete unknown, and he's only done two works, one of which is a short film. However, this is a rare case. You know that, right?"

"Please continue."

"However, to be frank, to the public, Mr. Ujin is still an ordinary person. In the entertainment industry, money ultimately comes from recognition. If an agency that doesn't know Mr. Ujin sees this advance payment, they would think we've gone crazy. His recognition is zero. On the other hand, agencies that saw Mr. Ujin at the script reading are willing to invest. They're looking at the future."

"..."

"Ultimately, it's about recognition, both for agencies and the public."

Choi Sung-geun paused for a moment.

"Mr. Ujin, your acting is amazing. I was moved by an actor's performance for the first time in a long time."

He continued his explanation.

"Getting him to join 'Profiler Hanryang' is also impressive. However, the entertainment industry is always uncertain. If 'Profiler Hanryang' fails, Mr. Ujin's anonymity will last longer. 'Detective Agency' is a short film, so the public won't see it much."

It wasn't wrong. Only Kang Ujin knew the hints about the future of the work.

"If that happens, the agencies that approached me and Mr. Ujin would have given four billion won to an ordinary person. Due to this uncertainty, regardless of Mr. Ujin's acting skills, other agencies won't give more than four or five billion. Other agencies even need approval from higher-ups."

Ah, rejection is just awful. While Kang Ujin was inwardly agreeing, Choi Sung-geun suddenly unfolded a transparent file. It was a contract.

"But in fact, the advance payment doesn't have much significance in this situation. It's just a gesture of respect or an acknowledgment of Mr. Ujin's acting. As you know, the key point here is—"

Soon, Choi Sung-geun pointed to a part of the contract with his index finger.

"The profit-sharing ratio and the contract period."

I see. Kang Ujin realized something new again. A bit of pretense might be needed. Well, he could use some of the things he heard from Director Shin Dong-chun. Ujin lowered his voice.

"I don't need money, time, or training."

Choi Sung-geun, who had been smiling, nodded.

"Exactly. That's a big advantage for any agency. I imagine that with Mr. Ujin's current status, he wouldn't be satisfied with the conditions from any agency. But as Mr. Ujin grows, an agency will be necessary."

"Yes."

"So I thought about it. What would be sweet for Mr. Ujin in addition to the advance payment? I think it might be a taste of the market, a test run?"

Choi Sung-geun, who had made a decision, pushed the contract towards Ujin.

"In short, we want you to get a taste of what bw Entertainment is like. You can decide whether to extend the contract after a year. What do you think?"

In response, Kang Ujin lowered his gaze to the contract and answered in a low voice.

"Please explain the contract."

At the same time, on a drama set.

The set, divided into several sections, was in the final stages of construction. There, Song Man-woo PD, with his goatee, was seen walking around the set, checking various things.

"Can you hear that noise? It's squeaking, right?"

At that moment.

-♬♪

His phone rang. After checking the caller, PD Song Man-woo casually answered.

"Hey, Mr. Choi. Did you check the actor you're supposed to see at the script reading?"

A man's voice came through the phone. It was Mr. Choi from the large film company 'Box Movie.'

"Yes, I saw him. PD, you know, the guy who flipped the script reading room. Kang Ujin. Can you give me his number by any chance?"

"Number?"

"Yes. I actually gave him my business card on the day of the reading, but I haven't heard from him in a week. I've never seen this happen before..."

PD Song Man-woo, with his goatee, smiled as if he understood.

"Well, that guy doesn't move based on fame. He's a tough cookie. But I can't just give out his number, can I?"

"It's urgent."

"Hmm, I'm sure you're not trying to disrespect Box Movie—there must be some reason."

PD Song Man-woo's mind suddenly clicked.

'Box Movie contacted Kang Ujin—could he have started working with that director already?'

PD Song Man-woo recalled a recent article. One of the renowned directors in Korea had started a production with Box Movie. Considering the timing, the answer was quite simple.

'Are they trying to recruit Kang Ujin?'

It was a plausible possibility.

'If Kang Ujin joins that director's project... his filmography will be incredible.'

PD Song Man-woo, who was drawing a picture in his mind, suddenly smiled.

"If it's that urgent, I can ask Mr. Ujin for you?"

A few dozen minutes later, back in the bw Entertainment office.

Kang Ujin and Choi Sung-geun, the CEO, were sitting across from each other. The pig-tailed Choi Sung-geun was busy explaining the contract to Ujin in great detail. Ujin, while listening, subtly glanced at Choi Sung-geun.

'Whatever the case, this situation must involve several misunderstandings. Hong Hye-yeon must have influenced it.'

Certainly, she must have lent her support. This meant that he wouldn't get such conditions from any other agency. Upon reflection, there was no place as good as bw Entertainment. At the very least, that's what Ujin thought.

'Experience' is needed, with a 9:1 profit-sharing ratio and a one-year contract?

This trial contract was perfect for Ujin.

'Well, it's good to have connections. Having someone as influential as Hong Hye-yeon is a bonus.'

Ujin found the entertainment industry awkward. If his agency was also unfamiliar, it would be twice as tiring. After all, he needed to maintain a certain image, right? So, wouldn't it be better to choose a place where he felt more comfortable?

Kang Ujin made his decision without Choi Sung-geun knowing.

After about ten minutes, the passionate briefing by Choi Sung-geun ended, and he looked at Ujin across from him and asked.

"What do you think? I can assure you, I will do my best."

First, let's take a moment to relax.

"..."

Kang Ujin, with his poker face, created a pause in the conversation. His mouth opened a minute later.

"Mr. CEO, can we add two conditions?"

"Sure, I'll listen."

"One is not to ask about my past, and the second is that I will only do the projects I want."

"About the past... Yes, I got a rough idea from Hye-yeon. There must be some reason. For the projects, are you saying you don't want any recommendations at all?"

"No, I just want to make the decision myself."

In other words, he wanted the final say in project selection. Choi Sung-geun thought it was fine. It would be a problem if he didn't want to do any projects, but as long as that wasn't the case, it didn't matter. Choi Sung-geun smiled.

"Both are possible. We can add them to the contract."

Upon hearing the answer, Kang Ujin extended his hand. Dignity was essential in his movements.

"Please take care of me."

At that moment, Choi Sung-geun, whose eyes widened slightly, shook hands with Ujin and asked.

"Does that mean you're signing with me?"

"Yes."

Choi Sung-geun's mouth quickly stretched to his ears.

"Hahaha! Yes, yes. I'm laughing too much. It's been a while since I felt such excitement."

From there, Choi Sung-geun moved quickly. He quickly handed Ujin the revised official contract.

-Whoosh.

"Please take care of me, our second actor at bw Entertainment."

Kang Ujin signed. It was the moment he officially joined an agency. At the same time, he took out the business card he had brought and asked a sudden question.

"I received a business card at the script reading. They're a film company, but they asked me to contact them."

Choi Sung-geun's smile deepened upon receiving the card.

"Haha, impressive. You're getting offers right after signing. Let's see—what film company is it?"

At that moment, Choi Sung-geun's eyes widened.

'Box Movie??'

Box Movie was a major company. Choi Sung-geun quickly flipped the card over. The name of the card's owner appeared.

'Choi Do-min, a production PD and a key figure at Box Movie. Did he attend the script reading?'

A light bulb went off in his mind.

"Ah, Director Oh Hyun-gu. You know him? One of the renowned directors in Korea. He's working on his next project with Box Movie. And Director Oh Hyun-gu and Choi Do-min are close. Ah! So... is Choi Do-min trying to recommend Mr. Ujin for Director Oh Hyun-gu's film?"

After a moment of thought, Choi Sung-geun, with his poker face, looked at Kang Ujin.

"Mr. Ujin, it would be good to meet this Mr. Choi. No, you should definitely meet him."

At that moment.

-Woosh, woosh.

Ujin's phone rang. It was a call, and the caller was PD Song Man-woo. Choi Sung-geun, who saw this, gestured for him to answer. Soon, Ujin put the phone to his ear.

"Yes, PD."

PD Song Man-woo's voice came through the phone.

"Mr. Ujin, you received a business card from Box Movie, right?"

"Yes, but how did you know?"

"Mr. Choi called me. He asked for Mr. Ujin's number. I told him it wasn't possible, but I said I would ask for you."

Look at the timing. He was just talking about it. At the same time, PD Song Man-woo murmured through the phone.

"Mr. Ujin, you can handle it, but meet with that film company. It won't be bad, it's a big company."

"Yes, PD. I'll contact them."

"Okay. I'll talk to you again."

-Click.

After hanging up, Kang Ujin briefly relayed the conversation to Choi Sung-geun. Now, Choi Sung-geun, Ujin's manager, quickly picked up his phone.

"I'll call Mr. Choi now."

Then, while talking on the phone, Choi Sung-geun said.

"You gave Mr. Ujin your business card, right? I'll explain in detail when we meet, hahaha. Yes, yes."

He was a bit surprised.

"What? You want to meet right now??"

Two hours later, around lunchtime, at Box Movie.

Box Movie occupied the 7th to 9th floors of a building in Nonhyeon-dong, and the hallways and office walls of each floor were lined with numerous movie posters.

All of them were movies produced by Box Movie.

Kang Ujin and Choi Sung-geun could be found in a medium-sized conference room on the 8th floor. Sitting in the middle of a U-shaped table, Ujin was secretly looking at the movie posters on the conference room walls.

At that moment.

"Late."

Choi Sung-geun, with his pigtail, tapped his finger on the table, slightly annoyed. It had been 30 minutes since they were supposed to meet Choi Do-min, and he still hadn't arrived.

"What's with the whining about not being able to contact Mr. Ujin?"

Thirty minutes was beyond the line. It was clearly a deliberate delay. Choi Sung-geun, taking off his rimless glasses, let out a small sigh.

At that moment.

-Creak.

The glass door of the conference room opened, and a short man entered. It was Choi Do-min.

"Hahaha, I'm sorry. I had to deal with something urgent on the way."

Kang Ujin, maintaining his poker face, shuddered inwardly.

'Ah—those lines. Damn, I heard them often at the design company. PTSD is kicking in.'

After a brief exchange of greetings, Choi Do-min smiled at the expressionless Ujin.

"Finally, Mr. Ujin? I've been waiting for you."

"I had a shoot."

"Ah, I see. But it took too long. Haha, I was a bit disappointed after not hearing from you for over a week. I thought, 'Is this actor, who's just starting to build his filmography, ignoring me?'"

Though he was smiling, Kang Ujin instantly sensed that the man was upset. His tone was tinged with disappointment.

At that moment, Choi Do-min placed a stack of papers on the table.

"I told the director everything, but I almost got scolded because Mr. Ujin didn't contact me. Ah, I'm not blaming you."

Choi Sung-geun, with his pigtail, asked the slightly waving Choi Do-min.

"Excuse me, Mr. Choi, is the director you mentioned Director Oh Hyun-gu?"

Choi Do-min's shoulders immediately tensed.

"Yes, that's right. Director Oh Hyun-gu. There's no need to hide it. The news is already out. Um, Mr. Ujin, you need to audition. But it's more like a formality. I think your performance I saw will be enough. Joining shouldn't be difficult."

Choi Do-min, with a smile, pushed the stack of papers forward.

"Here's the script. Take a look."

Ujin, picking up the script nonchalantly, first checked the cover of Director Oh Hyun-gu's script, then casually flipped to the first page. Meanwhile, Choi Sung-geun was already thinking.

'Is Mr. Choi Do-min openly pushing for this? If Ujin joins Director Oh Hyun-gu's project right after 'Profiler Hanryang,' the impact will be... '

At that moment, Choi Do-min confidently explained.

"Of course, the funding is beyond words. It's Director Oh Hyun-gu's next project, so investors are lining up with money."

Regardless, Kang Ujin casually flipped through the script. It looked like he was just skimming through it. Choi Sung-geun, who had been watching closely, stroked his chin.

'Mr. Choi Do-min is a fool, but he's good at his job. I can't let this crazy opportunity slip away because of this fool. If he's pushing, I need to play along.'

He reaffirmed his role.