Chapter 62

### Villain Only Acting 062

### Suspicious Professor (2)

- I'm sorry... It turned out this way...

"Director, thank you for letting me know so quickly."

- What are you going to do now?

"Mr. Kim and I need to discuss it. The final decision is up to him. What can a mere PD do? I get pressured by the broadcasting station, star writers, star actors, and criticized by the audience. So, I can't help but be defensive."

- If being defensive is your stance, then after two more defensive moves, you'll take over the station and control the broadcasting.

A low, hollow laugh echoed over the phone.

Jang Seung-won could sense that Yang Joon-gyu had given up on the current situation.

"I'll check the catering one more time. Is it really an impossible situation?"

- You know how old-fashioned the vice president is. He probably thinks that once a historical drama comes to us, it won't dare go anywhere else. The head of the department has already given up.

"KBC was the king of historical dramas, but that was a long time ago. Now, everyone says OTT historical dramas are more interesting."

- What do you think is interesting about putting zombies in the Joseon era? He doesn't understand.

"Anyway, I understand."

- Seung-won.

"Yes, Director. No, Hyung."

- The head of the department and I did our best. Don't be too resentful.

"The wall of the weeping vice president is insurmountable. I understand. Thank you for your hard work."

After hanging up, Jang Seung-won took a moment to compose himself and then pressed the call button.

"Writer, this is Jang PD. Can we talk? It's about the KBC schedule. Yes, it seems we won't be able to air it."

Jang Seung-won finally decided to take out the resignation letter he had been keeping in his heart.

"KBC can't air it. There's no hope here. I'm planning to leave too."

***

After signing the contract for the "Storage Room" sequel, Hwang In-joon kept in touch with Jeong Seo-hoon frequently.

- Find some time soon. I'm not joking; Seung-bin really wants to have a drink with you. So does Chae Ji-hyun. There are many actors who want to have a drink with you.

"Sure, I'll go whenever you arrange it with a good heart."

- Out of personal curiosity, what do you think about Chae Ji-hyun?

"Excuse me?"

Jeong Seo-hoon was momentarily puzzled.

He wondered if Hwang In-joon was misunderstanding something.

'I don't want to have a falling out with a director who can put me in front of the camera over a woman.'

- I just think Ji-hyun has a soft spot for you.

"Ji-hyun is beautiful and charming, but I haven't thought about anything other than acting."

- Really? That's a shame. I thought you two would make a good pair.

Jeong Seo-hoon was puzzled again.

This meant either Hwang In-joon and Chae Ji-hyun had no relationship, or Hwang In-joon was subtly testing him while pretending not to know. The latter seemed unlikely given Hwang In-joon's character.

- Actually, I put you two in the same room during the party because I wanted you to get along.

Hwang In-joon's statement left Jeong Seo-hoon slightly confused.

They really had no romantic relationship.

'Then why did she come to my studio without contacting me that day? Do directors and actors usually share passwords like that?'

And how did she know he was there without the director saying anything? Why did she come?

- I think we can expect good news from the Baekryong Awards this year. There's no domestic film that can surpass our 'Storage Room.'

"Baekryong Awards? What's that?"

- Oh... As an actor, not knowing about the Baekryong Awards is a big deal. But it's the most prestigious award in the film industry right now.

"There's a lot to learn besides acting. Thank you for letting me know."

- I'll send you a summary of the general knowledge an actor should have.

"That's not necessary. Just give me the titles or keywords, and I'll study them myself."

- Sure, I'll do that. I'll try to arrange a meeting soon.

As soon as the call ended, a call from top star Cha Do-jin came in.

"Yes, Senior Cha Do-jin."

- Are you free today? Let's have dinner together.

"I don't think I can today. I have plans to eat with my family."

- That's a shame. By the way, I heard you're looking for a management company. Have you signed a contract yet?

"No, I'm taking my time to think about it."

- Come to our company. I'm the CEO, and I'm friendly. I'll make sure you get good conditions and proper care. Come to our company.

"······I'll seriously consider it."

After the success of "Storage Room," former co-stars from past projects have been contacting him more frequently.

Even Hwang Ra-hee, who played a friend of Yoo Jeong-a in "Illegible," has been sending messages when he least expects it.

He was seriously considering putting his phone on silent due to the constant ringing.

<Professor Lee Se-jong>

The most burdensome call to receive.

Jeong Seo-hoon took a deep breath and answered the phone.

"Yes, Professor. It's Jeong Seo-hoon."

- Congratulations on the success of the film.

"Thank you. Have you seen it?"

- Not yet. I haven't been to a cinema in the past ten years. But I bought several tickets and ordered the DVD. I'll watch it when I have time.

"You don't have to. Thank you very much."

- But these are the works of my favorite student. I need to collect them and watch them carefully to boast about them.

Jeong Seo-hoon hesitated about whether to bring up the issue he had been pondering.

If he starts filming "Hegemony," it will be difficult to return to school in the first half of next year.

Physically, it seems almost impossible to attend school while filming a drama.

He didn't want to just rush through and meet the graduation requirements.

He wanted to finish his studies with a perfect ending, without any regrets, after six semesters of perfect attendance.

But Professor Lee Se-jong said something completely unexpected.

- Seo-hoon, about the historical drama you're planning to film. Can I meet the producer?

"Excuse me? The PD?"

***

Jang Seung-won met Kim Sang-hee at a cafe and explained the situation in person.

Kim Sang-hee listened calmly from start to finish.

Her composed demeanor, as if she had expected this, made Jang Seung-won feel a bit guilty.

When the explanation was over, Kim Sang-hei spoke.

"I'm disappointed. I wanted it to air on KBC, the home of historical dramas."

"I'm also very disappointed."

If they compromise on the production budget and the number of broadcasts, they could start production immediately.

But that was a deal Kim Sang-hei couldn't accept, and the KBC schedule was effectively dead.

Only the budget department and the second production department, who were trying to please the vice president, were unaware of this fact.

"What are you going to do now, PD?"

"I have to go elsewhere. I really want to produce this drama."

"Are you leaving KBC just to produce one drama?"

"I've already received a 900 billion won investment offer from NetPrime. With that money, I can choose any private production company. We can produce it there."

"Do you have any plans to set up your own production company?"

"I'm not cut out for business. I just want to direct."

"For me, as long as the script is good and I get my fee, it's fine. But it's a bit disappointing to hand it all over to NetPrime. I think it could be a long-term money maker if we keep it."

"That's exactly what I mean. The dramas you've written have been making a lot of money, both domestically and internationally."

Jang Seung-won also explained the offers from other broadcasting stations and production companies.

"SBC offered up to 150 billion won for a 24-episode series. They said it's fine to bring in external investments."

"Is SBC that short on money?"

"They've had a lot of major expenses recently, so they can only support up to that amount for now. They said they could provide more support if we wait a bit longer before starting production."

"I want to help Seo-hoon build his filmography while he's still young. I don't want to waste time."

"I understand that."

SBC's offer was a bit lacking compared to NetPrime's simultaneous broadcast and partial investment conditions.

"PD, I want to hear Seo-hoon's opinion. Is that possible?"

"Of course. He's the lead actor, and your top pick. It's only natural."

In the drama world, a star writer who holds a good script is the boss.

However, Kim Sang-hee was known for not being overly demanding or capricious, making her a good writer to work with as long as the quality standards were met.

"I'll call him right now."

Just as he was about to press the call button, a call from Jeong Seo-hoon came in.

"Wow, what perfect timing. You just called. Seo-hoon? This is Jang PD. I was just about to call you. Were you thinking about me too? Hahaha."

Perhaps due to the failure of the KBC production, Jang Seung-won was unusually bright and cheerful.

"I was going to talk about something important. It's a bit difficult over the phone. Can you come here? Writer Kim is here too."

- Can I bring someone with me? My university advisor wants to meet you.

"Your advisor? A professor from Korea University? Why would he...?"

- He wants to talk to you directly. Is that okay? He's a very distinguished professor.

"Sure, then. Bring him along."

After hanging up, Jang Seung-won looked at Kim Sang-hei and tilted his head.

"What's going on? Who else is coming? Something about an advisor?"

"Seo-hoon's advisor wants to meet me. They're both coming here."

"Why would a professor want to meet a PD?"

"I have no idea. It's strange."

***

A short while later, Jeong Seo-hoon entered, escorting a distinguished-looking man with white hair.

His hair was endlessly white, contrasting with his face that seemed to be between middle age and old age.

"I'm Lee Se-jong. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Jang Seung-won PD."

"I'm Kim Sang-hee. I'm writing the script."

Jang Seung-won felt subtly intimidated by the mysterious aura Lee Se-jong exuded.

His deep eyes seemed to be capable of absorbing everything in his path, as if he had a lot on his mind.

"I asked to meet you because I heard from Dr. Jeong that there's a problem with the production budget."

"Dr. Jeong...?"

"My father. He's friends with you."

"Ah, I see."

Meanwhile, Kim Sang-hee muttered in amazement, "His father is a doctor too? What kind of family background does he have...?"

"I can help with the production budget."

"Excuse me? Professor?"

Jang Seung-won's eyes widened.

Do professors have that much money? Or do they have a lot of wealthy connections?

'If he's a renowned professor at Korea University, it's possible... '

"Can I ask how much you can help with first?"

"How much is missing?"

"At least 300 billion won..."

"Ah, that's manageable with my personal funds."

Jang Seung-won felt his mind go blank at the calm, warm smile.

Is being a professor such a lucrative profession?

Or does he have a lot of money and chose to be a professor?

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

"Since it's a historical drama, the shooting period will be longer, right?"

"Yes, it will be."

"Our Jeong will be returning to school next year. His undergraduate schedule will overlap with the shooting. I want you to show some consideration during that time."

"Professor...?"

"Just one more semester. That's my request."