Chapter 96

Villain Only Acting Chapter 096

An Offer You Can't Refuse (1)

Although he had decided to pursue a master’s degree, Jung Se-hoon hadn’t yet told Professor Lee Se-jong about his decision. He was gauging the right time to bring it up.

One day during a break, Jeong Su-ryeon burst into the room early in the morning, holding a laptop.

“Hey, wake up. We need to check the fandom reactions.”

“Again?”

“Is it really that annoying to check the precious fans’ reactions who stuck with this newbie through all kinds of scandal storms?”

“I did it a few days ago.”

“You should check it regularly, right after the drama airs. Come on, look. I’ve picked out the most representative ones and organized them neatly for you.”

Jeong Su-ryeon had sorted out the key reactions from the V-Lab fandom.

[Clip of Daegun secretly peeking at Wonsun through the door crack]

-So intense;; The deep gaze is killing me

-What’s deep about it? lololol

-My dad, who doesn’t watch dramas, saw this scene and asked if the nanny and Daegun are secretly in love lol

-Hate and love are just a thin sheet of paper apart, that’s why there’s the word 'love-hate' yeah

-I watched this scene dozens of times before going to bed last night and in my dream, the scholar looked at me like that. FYI, I’m a 10-year PhD student in my dream; the scholar is a professor lol lol lol

-You had a good dream

“Yesterday, the V-Lab community was all over this scene all day long. Nothing else was discussed. Tsk, I don’t get why the viewers are so obsessed. Anyway, now that Wonsun is born, you’ll start appearing with a beard from the next episode, right?”

“Yeah, after some time has passed. As a director, don’t you know that?”

“Directors don’t have that kind of authority, little brother. We just run around, use our bodies, and shout. That’s all.”

“So when will you become the CEO of a broadcasting station?”

“Our AD Kim Hyun-tae needs to get a director position soon so I can take over his spot. If this keeps up, I might become an assistant director after thirty.”

The drama "Hageuk-sang" was now consistently achieving a mid-30% viewership rating.

“After all, period dramas are slow starters, but they have a solid audience base. I heard that even your parents have recently joined the bandwagon. If this keeps up, we might hit 40%. A 40% rating on cable is really, really huge.”

“Surely it won’t go that high, but it would be nice if it did.”

“If we exceed 40%, CV Cable should designate that day as a company holiday. You might be able to earn 200 million per episode for your next drama. You’re getting 150 million for this one, right?”

“Yeah.”

“With 32 episodes, wow, that’s 4.8 billion. But how much tax will you pay?”

“Roughly 2.25 billion. If we deduct Taesu’s salary, that’s what’s left.”

“2.25 billion? That much? Wow, the National Tax Service is really something.”

Jung Se-hoon clicked his tongue in agreement.

“By the way, besides Taesu’s salary, don’t you deduct other expenses?”

“Taesu’s salary is a definite legal expense, so I deducted it. But I don’t plan to deduct anything else.”

“Why not? The meals, gas, and depreciation of the car you use while working with me and Taesu can all be deducted.”

“Whenever there’s an issue, they pick on a specific celebrity to draw attention. Some celebrities even avoid giving any deductible expenses to avoid being targeted. I don’t want to give them any reason to pick on me.”

Jung Su-ryeon thought for a moment and nodded in understanding.

“True. You’ve already become an excellent scandal generator, so it’s better not to fix the melon vine’s string.”

“It’s not a melon vine, it’s under a pear tree.”

“Just let it slide. That’s why engineers are so... How will you even manage to date properly in the future?”

“I’ll handle it. Don’t worry. Yoo Jeong-a even said she likes it when I point out things to her. She’s happy to correct her misunderstandings.”

Jung Su-ryeon covered her mouth with her hand and glared at her brother.

“Yoo Jeong-a, who acts so proud on TV... Hey, do you still get frequent messages from Yoo Jeong-a?”

Jung Se-hoon silently showed his phone, revealing a stack of unread messages from various actresses he had acted with or was currently acting with.

“Let’s say Choi Ji-hyun and Han Se-hee are fine. Is it true that Yoo Jeong-a sent you twenty messages first? Wow. Lee Seo-hyun has five unread messages too. But why don’t you reply?”

“If I reply once, they keep dragging the conversation on. I can only cut it short if I reply right before lunchtime.”

“The fans of those actresses should know this truth. Ugh, I want to go and shout it out. The heart of a bamboo field farmer who cried out to the king must have been like this.”

At that moment, his phone vibrated with a notification.

[Professor Lee Se-jong] Jung, I’m meeting PD Jang today at noon. Are you coming?

[Professor Lee Se-jong] We’ll be discussing investment funds.

“Professor is meeting PD Jang today to discuss investment funds? Should I ask if I can come?”

“Investment funds?”

“Have you heard anything from PD Jang?”

“Not really. PD Jang didn’t mention anything about investment funds. But since the drama is doing so well, why would there be talk of investment funds? We’ve already recovered the production costs and more from the overseas broadcasting rights.”

"Hageuk-sang" had already earned more than the total production cost from broadcasting rights in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Negotiations for broadcasting rights in the United States, Europe, and Russia were still ongoing. Moreover, the drama was raking in money from live broadcasts, reruns, and late-night reruns, which were all sold out with expensive ads.

NetPrime had paid 300 billion for the OTT broadcasting rights alone, so they had no profit-sharing.

The total revenue would be split 60% to Lee Se-jong and 40% to CV Cable.

“Ah, I thought PD Jang was worried about independence. Maybe it’s related to that?”

“Independence...”

“PD Jang didn’t mention anything to you? Maybe he didn’t want to burden you with non-work-related issues as an actor?”

“I should go to lunch and see what it’s about.”

Jung Se-hoon sent a polite text message asking for the exact time and place.

***

The meeting place was a quiet restaurant in Gwanak District.

It boasted a small but elegant interior, and there weren’t many other customers.

PD Jang Seung-won and writer Kim Sang-hee were already there waiting.

“Ah, Se-hoon. Come in. Did Professor call you too?”

“Yes. Writer, you’re here too?”

“I felt I should come. What if PD Jang was kidnapped to your master’s program by Professor’s smooth talk?”

“Haha, with the drama’s success, Professor can’t use the threat of investment repayment anymore.”

They exchanged light banter as Professor Lee Se-jong arrived.

He seemed to be a regular, chatting comfortably with the owner and placing his order.

“This is my long-time favorite place. The food is good, and it’s quiet because not many students come here, even though it’s near the school.”

“Maybe it’s because it’s a professor’s favorite place, so students don’t come much?”

“Our students love me. I’m sure that’s not the reason.”

Kim Sang-hee quietly closed her mouth at his calm response.

The food arrived, and everyone picked up their utensils in a slightly tense atmosphere.

“Se-hoon, have a drink. Finally, we’re sharing a drink here.”

“Ah, is this your first time at this place, Se-hoon?”

“Yes, it’s my first time.”

“Se-hoon was underage until he enlisted, so I couldn’t bring him here.”

“Oh, that’s the reason...”

PD Jang Seung-won nodded, realizing how young Jung Se-hoon really was.

“Se-hoon, what do you plan to do after ‘Hageuk-sang’ ends? Will you start a new project right away?”

“...”

Jung Se-hoon hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should reveal his intention to pursue a master’s degree now.

If it were just PD Jang and Kim Sang-hee, he could have mentioned it more comfortably.

“Have you decided on anything yet?”

“Scripts and screenplays keep coming in, but none of them really appeal to me. I want to keep my break as short as possible.”

“You have a great ambition for your work. I didn’t think you were that enthusiastic about your studies.”

A hint of regret flashed across Lee Se-jong’s face.

Jung Se-hoon noticed it but couldn’t tell what it was about.

“What do you two plan to do after ‘Hageuk-sang’ ends?”

“I’ve only directed period dramas, so I might take a break for a while. There’s no suitable period drama script right now, and a break will help me gather new ideas.”

“I’m ready to start a new project right away if Se-hoon wants. I have a stack of scripts waiting to be read.”

“Have you received any incentives for the drama’s success?”

The PD and writer exchanged glances before answering in unison.

“I’m a writer, so I only get my fee.”

“I’m getting a directing bonus from CV Cable. It’s a small amount compared to the professor’s investment returns, though.”

“Hmm.”

Lee Se-jong took a sip of his drink, deep in thought.

The PD and writer waited quietly, holding their breath.

“Se-hoon, you mentioned something before, didn’t you? About using the drama’s investment returns to start a production company.”

“Yes, I did ask that.”

PD Jang Seung-won looked tense, realizing that the conversation he had casually brought up before was now on the table.

“I knew you were going to bring it up through Se-hoon.”

“Professor, that’s...”

“I’m not uncomfortable with it. If I were, I wouldn’t have set up this meeting. I’ve made many investments, and I’ve learned that drama investments can be profitable.”

PD Jang Seung-won’s face brightened, and Lee Se-jong offered him another drink.

They clinked glasses, and PD Jang Seung-won downed his drink in one go.

“If we start a production company, will you be the CEO, PD Jang?”

“I’ll be the CEO, but I plan to bring in a professional CEO to handle the business side. I’ll focus on being the executive producer.”

“Do you have anyone in mind?”

“Yes, I know a few suitable people. They have a deep interest in films and dramas and have studied business.”

Suddenly, the meeting turned into an investment interview.

PD Jang Seung-won tried to hide his nervousness and answered calmly.

“I’m willing to put all the investment returns, including the principal, into the production company.”

“Professor!”

PD Jang Seung-won clenched his fist.

Putting in the entire principal means starting with a significant amount of capital.

“In return, there are a few conditions. Se-hoon should be included as a founder and board member.”

“That’s only natural if the investor requests it.”

“Professor, but I’m planning to pursue a master’s degree...”

Jung Se-hoon opened his mouth to mention his plans.

He had already decided to pursue a master’s degree, and his mentor was being so generous. He should express his gratitude and commitment.

But Lee Se-jong cut him off.

“Se-hoon, you don’t have to force yourself to come to the master’s program. I’m investing because I’m making a profit. It’s not to pay off your debt, so let’s not talk about the master’s program now.”

“Professor, but I...”

“Tsk. If you bring it up now, it’ll look like I’m pressuring you to join the master’s program by using the production company as a bait.”

“...”

PD Jang Seung-won and Kim Sang-hee silently gave a thumbs-up.

“PD Jang, and this is the most important condition.”

“Yes, please tell me, Professor. Or should I call you Investor?”

“I want Se-hoon to be the lead in our first production.”

“Oh, that’s only natural.”

“And I’d like the setting to be a university or a research institute, something like that.”

“Pardon?”

“Ideally, Se-hoon could play a professor or a similar role.”

“...”

“I want a drama that makes viewers admire and envy the romance and beauty of a master’s program in engineering. I enjoyed watching KAIST in the past, even though the historical accuracy was a bit off.”

In the awkward silence, Kim Sang-hee thought to herself.

‘Not just anyone can be a professor...’