Chapter 78

78

"…PD?"

"Yep! The main character was a TV show producer."

Only then did I become a little interested. When I met his gaze, Jung Dajun's face lit up, and he handed me the script as if urging me to read it.

Since I had promised to read it, I figured I could take a quick look. As I took the script, Jung Dajun smiled.

"Bro, your thoughts will change once you read it."

I naturally scoffed.

"No way."

.

.

.

...It could be.

After practicing, I returned to the dorm in the early morning, feeling utterly exhausted, but once I started reading the script, I couldn't stop. As a result, I had to go to a meeting with the planning team in a half-asleep state, having barely slept for a few hours.

'What a mess.'

"How is it, bro?! Isn't it super fun?!"

"Yeah, it's fun."

It was indeed fun. After finishing the script in the morning, Jung Dajun had a reason for calling out the next script like that.

While Korean dramas often focus on the plot twists to capture ratings, they also sprinkle enough hooks between each twist to maintain interest until the end.

Moreover, while ensuring the authenticity of the TV station, they quickly gloss over parts that need to be skipped, maintaining the tension.

This was a story about two main characters, disguised as a romance.

The male lead is a rookie PD who just joined the broadcasting station, but his original setting is that of a wealthy businessman (a must-have element for drama ratings). In reality, his wealthy family had ruined the female lead's family, so he hides his feelings for her.

"Writer Kim Sook-hee is really a genius, isn't she?"

"Genius."

I said it matter-of-factly, but to me, that wasn't the important part.

"Right, right! And isn't Lee Jung-hoon really like you, bro?"

"…Hmm."

Yeah, that's what bothers me.

I slowly rubbed my lips.

"Jung Dajun, do you think so too?"

"Of course, what's the problem?"

'Camera, please'—the character Lee Jung-hoon is 33 years old, not much older than the main character Yu Jung-hwa, but he is a top graduate, a top recruit, and a PD who has followed the most elite path, guaranteeing ratings, unafraid to do anything for them.

A character with a rude personality, willing to do anything for ratings… yeah.

'Doesn't this sound familiar?'

"Ah, another rerun! I'll watch a summary video before we start!"

"Uh-huh."

Jung Dajun babbled for a while, then disappeared into his room, saying he needed to watch a summary video on his phone.

Left alone, a system window appeared.

Ding!

[It seems I understand what you, Seo Hoyun, are thinking...]

You appeared at just the right time.

I stared at you and threw out a question.

"Hey."

I waved the script.

"This is just me, isn't it?"

That's right.

Lee Jung-hoon PD? Don't kid me, this is just a copy of my life.

Of course, as a supporting character, my personal life is completely excluded, but this rude personality is definitely mine.

Sure, the tone and character might be similar, but the job and actions can't be this identical.

"What is this? You know, right?"

This can't be a coincidence. As I stared at the system window, the silent one reappeared.

[Seo Hoyun.]

"Why."

Then, suddenly, you sent me a link. ...Not a dialogue window, but something shown through a search function, which was a first, making me slightly open my mouth.

The title was [High Self-Love: Narcissism, and Its Treatment?]

[Hello!! (Emoticon)

Today, I will tell you how to treat narcissism! (Emoticon)

Many people around you are affected by it ʊʊ (Emoticon)

Sometimes it can be confusing, right? (Emoticon)

So today, let's learn how to treat narcissism!! (Emoticon)]

"..."

Is this really about treatment?

The more I read, the more meaningless it seemed. As I opened my mouth in disbelief, the system window added one more line.

[Your self-love is really overflowing... ㅎㅎ Read this once!! Recommended!!]

= Preventing Excessive Self-Awareness and Regaining a Healthy Life.

I glared at the system window, sighed, and bowed my head.

'You bastard...'

You're really feeding me crap. I put down the script and tapped the table.

"So?"

What are you trying to sell?

"Then, should I, a narcissist, check if I really have excessive self-love?"

[...What?]

"I sometimes feel confused, so if I confirm whether it's real or not, maybe I can be treated?"

As I said this, the system window went silent. Just a moment ago, it was showing meaningless blog lists like a phone X, but now it's running away because it's hit a nerve. This strange reaction made me more certain.

'How can I find out?'

Jung Dajun won't know I'm interrogating Kim Jae-yeon, and reading the script again won't give me any more hints.

So, the conclusion is...

'I have to ask the writer directly.'

I organized my thoughts and put the script back on the shelf. Jung Dajun, who had apparently finished watching the video, looked at me with a longing gaze, but I had no intention of giving it to him.

Just then, the members, who had finished preparing to go to the company, came out of the room and asked.

"Hoyun. What was that meeting with the planning team about?"

"We're making our own content for YouTube."

"Huh?"

Kim Sung-hyun tilted his head, not understanding what I was saying. I kindly explained again.

"A rural healing program."

"...Huh?"

Kim Sung-hyun asked again, thinking I was talking nonsense, but I just smiled.

Why is this?

I actually really like healing programs.

***

Rural Healing Program.

A concept that has worked in South Korea for almost 20 years.

"Huh? Can you repeat that?"

So, when I proposed the idea, the planning team, who had been making a 'here we go again' face, looked strangely surprised. The other members seemed to be imagining something exciting, their faces glowing with anticipation.

Yeah, enjoy it now.

"A rural healing program."

"Um... You mean original content?"

"Yes, I want it to be posted on our official channel."

Except for the planning team's youngest member, Lee Ji-hyun (who, of course, didn't look too happy either), everyone's expression changed from 'strange' to 'do we really have to do this now after just finishing our activities?'

"Can I ask why?"

The team leader sighed and raised a hand, as if saying, 'We'll end up doing it anyway, but let's hear the reason.' I smiled shyly and said,

"I want to communicate with our fans…."

"..."

"...It doesn't work."

I was quite sincere, but the reaction was too cold.

"Got it, I understand the reason. Isn't there enough bait with album-related activities? We need to eat and live even during inactive periods."

"Y-yes…."

"Alright, then. Moving on. What is the key point of this original content? What do you think, Kim Sung-hyun?"

"Um?"

Kim Sung-hyun blinked.

"Dance... practice?"

"Wrong."

"Song practice...?"

"Wrong!!"

"Is it getting more exciting...?"

It's a misunderstanding.

Let's show a good example.

"Lee Ji-hyun."

"Y-yes!"

"Give me a good answer. If you like idols, what do you want to know?"

"I'm into TwoD these days."

"I know. Just talk about your current favorite."

Lee Ji-hyun hesitated... and started to speak.

"I... I want to know what they eat, what they like-."

Everyone nodded, understanding, but Lee Ji-hyun couldn't stop.

"-how tall they are, their weight, their playlist, what umbrella they use when it rains, how they hold chopsticks when eating...?"

"..."

"...I'm suddenly getting angry. Why doesn't the original give these details?"

"Thank you, that's enough."

They probably shouldn't.

"...What?"

"What did I just hear...?"

As I stood there, the others were gaping at the unexpected content. I quickly stopped Lee Ji-hyun and started to wrap things up. It seemed I had to show the good example myself.

"It's about showing the daily life of TwoD. As Lee Ji-hyun said, what kind of food they like, what songs they enjoy, what they do on their days off... I think it's a good source to show."

Lee Ji-hyun frowned and kept muttering, "Writer, you're going too far," but Kim Sung-hyun still looked confused.

"Then, how can the fans' desired daily life be shown in a rural healing program?"

"Me!"

Then, Kang I-chae raised her hand.

"Yes, I-chae."

"I think I understand from what Lee Ji-hyun said. A self-sufficient rural healing program!"

"What do you mean by that?"

"We pick our own vegetables, chop wood, cook our own meals, and show each other playing, right?"

"Exactly, that's it."

"Will I-chae become even more perfect here...?"

"Stop praising yourself."

Kang I-chae sighed in admiration and patted her own shoulder. She then sent a sly glance at Sung Ji-won, who just smiled.

"We'll start with a pilot program and, if the response is good, turn it into a regular program."

"That means... location... equipment...?"

"Within a week, please."

"Within a week, please."

"..."

I smiled. No matter how much they resist, I can be even more unreasonable.

'After all, it's most fun when I can push people around!'

Honestly, the planning team is small, probably just a handful of people, but they have to handle all the entertainers under Daepa Entertainment, so they must be busy.

But I'm 120% serious about making TwoD better. It's only natural to do this to raise an idol.

Ignoring the planning team, who probably want to spit at me to feel better, I looked at the members.

"I'll talk a bit more. You guys go ahead."

"Bro, can I leave it to you?"

"Having you around would be a hindrance."

"Ouch, so cold!"

"Go."

"Beautiful I-chae is hurt, so I'll go first~. I need to prepare the T-shirts for the shoot!"

"T-shirts?"

"Look forward to it~."

Kang I-chae winked and got up first. I inwardly chuckled at her considerate departure.

'You really have a good sense, too.'

Now, all the members are experts at reading the atmosphere, but Kang I-chae is the best.

"Good job."

"Good job~!"

As the members and some of the planning team left, I, along with the manager, the planning team leader, and Lee Ji-hyun, confirmed that the members were gone.

"Strange…."

The planning team leader, sensing something, glanced around and spoke.

"What is it?"

"Surprisingly, you brought a very ordinary idea, which is surprising. Rural healing, it's a steady genre, but... you're Seo Hoyun. You wouldn't think of such a calm concept."

"Why not, I like healing."

"Ha ha ha ha. People usually want what they don't have, right?"

"True. Do you want it now, team leader?"

"..."

The team leader awkwardly laughed, then stopped. He then asked,

"What are you after? Do you want fans to say, 'Hoyun suggested this healing concept, Yoo Yoo. The genius idol even plans perfectly.'?"

"Ah, team leader. 'Hoyun pretended not to, but he actually wanted to do this kind of healing show. Yeah, let him do what he wants.' Isn't that it?"

"..."

Ding!

[...That's a plausible reaction, isn't it?]

So, you're monitoring the fans closely these days.

"...I hadn't thought that far, but it's not bad?"

"I'm really curious why Seo Hoyun is doing this…."

"What kind of upbringing could make him like this?"

He rubbed his chin, muttering, and the planning team leader and Lee Ji-hyun waved their hands, looking annoyed. I wanted to say that if you raise a younger brother ten years younger than you, you end up like me, but I held back and got to the point.

"Anyway, read this and let's talk."

As I handed over the proposal, the faces of the planning team and the manager changed rapidly. The content was about not having a script and relying entirely on the realistic reactions on the scene...

"I had a reason for sending the members out."

I added a spoonful of MSG.