Tempest Entertainment, 1st Floor Cafe.
Click, clack—
Manager Jung Saerom made her way over in her heels and sat across from me.
Feeling guilty, I hurriedly tried to explain the incident from two days ago.
"Um, about the other day, I'm sorry..."
"Writer-nim."
"Yes?"
She looked me straight in the eye and began to speak.
"I'm the one who should be sorry."
"T-to me?"
"I looked at your laptop without your permission. I apologize."
"Ah..."
I thought she would immediately start cursing me out for being a con artist.
But the fact that she was calling me "writer" must mean the work was quite good.
"I'm the one who should be more sorry. That day..."
"Are you interested in working with us?"
Manager Jung was direct even when bringing up important matters.
'She's like a workaholic machine who only thinks about work.'
Looking at her piece by piece, she seemed like a person from a completely different world than me.
Her unrealistic beauty, and the way she apologized first to me, the one who had deceived her.
She felt as distant as a Hollywood top star.
"If you say work, what kind of work are you referring to...?"
"Just a moment."
Even though we were making eye contact, I felt embarrassed on my own and turned my head away.
To be having a conversation with a woman so breathtakingly beautiful.
I could feel the magnitude of the power the system had given me.
Slide—
The paper she casually took out was labeled "Contract."
It seemed she had already finished setting everything up while I was briefly gone.
"Are you interested in casting actor Ji Seongho?"
"In, in my project!? Ji Seongho!?"
"Of course."
Next to her, Ji Seongho was beaming, asserting his presence.
'Of course, he'd want the main male lead role, right?'
I had already fixed the lead role for the project, but I couldn't help but hesitate.
It would have been better if this had happened before I went to see Jaejun... no, Mr. Im Jaejun.
How could I do the crazy thing of kicking out Ji Seongho and casting Im Jaejun?
He was on a completely different level from an actor who appeared as an extra in a web drama.
However, Manager Jung's next words eased my worries.
"The sub-male lead. Give him to our Seongho."
"Pardon?"
"He can be a bit playful usually, but he's a professional when it comes to acting."
"Ah, ah..."
"I felt it from the beginning, and after seeing up to the middle of Part 3, I was certain. It's a really great role."
Perhaps misinterpreting the reason for my hesitation, Manager Jung continued to add on.
"The sub-male lead... I would love that. Honestly, it's more than I deserve."
"I'm glad we're on the same page. Hoho."
I, too, was relieved that I wouldn't have to change the main lead.
'I almost had to say something apologetic to our Jaejun.'
Soon, she gently pushed the contract towards me.
It seemed she was trying to sign a contract already, but wasn't this too premature?
"Still, we're not at the stage to sign a contract with an actor yet..."
"This contract isn't for Seongho; it's for you, Writer-nim."
"Pardon?"
"You're aware that Tempest Entertainment also functions as a production company, right?"
"Of course, I know that."
Don't tell me...!
"Why are you so surprised? It's not uncommon for a production company and a writer to be tied together as a team."
"That's true, but."
"Writer-nim, I want an exclusive contract."
The offer was so unexpected that I was simply astounded.
An exclusive contract after seeing a script that wasn't even three parts long.
And Tempest Entertainment wasn't some mediocre company you had to worry about going bankrupt.
Under the company's protection, I wouldn't have to worry about Writer Lee Minjoo.
"Um, then, what would be the per-episode writer's fee for this project...?"
"Usually, in the case of rookie writers..."
I was desperately hoping she would say 2 million won.
"If you sign an exclusive contract, we'll give you a salary of 60 million won for 5 years, and 5 million won per episode for this project."
That wasn't all.
A system that provided a studio and two professional assistant writers.
Moreover, their salaries would be paid by the company, so I wouldn't have to worry about it.
Manpower to handle everything from crucial data research to consulting and typo correction.
They were less like assistant writers and more like excellent company employees who handled miscellaneous tasks.
"Options based on performance will be specified in the contract."
This was so good that it was actually starting to feel a bit burdensome.
These were unbelievably good conditions for a rookie writer.
"This is a little sudden."
"Yes. I know. Please take your time to think about it. When we meet next time..."
"No. Just a moment."
Probably, if I thought about it for a long time, I would definitely sign the contract.
Once you sign, once you say you'll do it, it's over.
So, it felt like I had to make the decision right now.
"I refuse."
"...And the reason?"
I couldn't say.
The only thing I could spout was some bullshit like, "Because I trust the system."
If I have an ability that can produce a work that tempts even an expert like her.
It felt like my value would skyrocket in an instant.
'Even if the ability disappears...'
Signing a contract because I didn't know when the ability might disappear was a foolish thought.
In that case, I would have to grudgingly fulfill the miserable exclusive contract period.
Soon, I opened my mouth, which felt stuck, and answered firmly.
"Just this one project. Let's go on a per-project basis. I'll think about the next project when the time comes."
"Hmm, alright. It's a shame, but it can't be helped. We'll do that."
Manager Jung Saerom didn't seem to care much about the refusal of the exclusive contract.
Although she said it was a shame, her expression showed no hint of disappointment.
I expected it, but I felt like I was going crazy wanting to reverse my decision.
"Manager Jung, then what are the conditions if it's not an exclusive contract?"
The maximum condition offered to a rookie under an exclusive contract with Tempest Entertainment was 5 million per episode.
That meant the previous offer was the absolute maximum Manager Jung could offer.
"For a per-project contract, we usually sign with rookie writers at a maximum of 4 million won."
That was a much better condition than I had expected.
"But... I really see this project in a good light."
Saerom took out a new contract and crossed out the number 400.
"We'll keep the 5 million won per episode, and I hope we can maintain a good relationship going forward."
"Ah... Yes!"
Just how favorably did she view it?
I picked up a pen, wanting to sign right away.
But at that moment, I had to stop myself, thinking of other conditions.
"Wa-wait a minute!"
"Yes? What is it?"
"There's something I want to confirm before signing the contract."
"???"
I carefully checked the other clauses in the contract.
'That was a close call.'
As long as the system was writing the script, I had to be more careful than anyone about script revisions.
In other words, it would be a huge problem if I didn't address the main casting and PPL.
"Semi, do you remember the editor from the web drama back then?"
Purple Girls' youngest member, Semi, heard her manager's question and answered slowly.
"Um... of course I remember. He was a good speaker, that's why we did that project together."
"He said he has a good project this time and wanted to introduce it."
"Ah, really?"
"It's a lead role in a 16-episode series..."
"Wow, then of course I should do it!"
It wasn't that he didn't know how much Semi longed for acting roles.
The manager seriously contemplated whether he should tell her or not.
"This is the script. Looks like someone read it a lot. It's a bit tattered."
"I-I see. It's good to save on paper costs. Haha."
The manager had also seen the script, so he knew it was a really good work.
However,
"I'm sorry. But the writer for this is a complete rookie, and we don't even know if it will get produced."
"Ah, ah..."
As a manager, he felt a little embarrassed recommending such a project.
But it also meant the work was good enough that he wanted to show it to her despite that.
"I'll give it a read anyway."
"Okay."
Rumble—
At that moment, the van door opened and the other members came in.
The main dancer, Jae-eun, spoke loudly to the manager.
"Oppa, oppa! I just got a message from Writer Lee Minjoo."
"Oh, really? What did she say?"
"You know that drama with the hit ratings right now? The one I'm supposed to make a cameo in."
"Yeah. I know."
"She wants all of our members to appear!"
The members reacted enthusiastically to her declaration.
"KYAAAAAAH!"
"As expected, the ace of Purple Girls is Jae-eun."
"Unni, you're the best. Hehe."
Jae-eun's nose was high in the air.
Thanks to her, all the members were now going to appear in Writer Lee Minjoo's drama.
Although Purple Girls was a popular girl group, most of their fan base was male.
On the other hand, weren't most drama viewers female?
A hit drama that reached 20% ratings in just two episodes.
It was a golden opportunity to increase their female fan base.
"That's great."
Semi genuinely thought it was a good thing, but she felt a bit bitter somewhere.
It wasn't to the point of jealousy, but she couldn't control the feeling of envy.
'Jae-eun unni's entire acting experience is just a single line, just like me...'
The gap between Jae-eun's and Semi's careers had widened to be larger than the distance between heaven and earth.
She thought she could be satisfied with just a web drama, but it seemed that wasn't the case.
Soon, Semi opened the two-part script she had received from her manager.
It was a request from a grateful person who had fulfilled her desire to act; she couldn't just ignore it.
"Pure-hearted Macho... the title is cute."
She didn't say a word during the entire van ride, focusing only on the script.
Not only that, but even after getting back to the dorm, she continued to read and re-read the tattered script.
I meticulously reviewed the items in the contract.
The production company has the right to be involved in casting.
The production company has the right to choose investments and PPL to cover production costs.
Conditions that were all too natural but not easy for me.
Setting aside the main actors I had already decided on.
"Excuse me, can we go without PPL?"
"...Do you think that makes sense?"
"I know it's difficult, but."
"Let's hear the reason."
"Uh..."
Because the system doesn't write the script with PPL in mind.
"...For the artistic integrity of the work."
"Ah, hmm. Right. You have to do your art. Writer-nim."
It feels like she's being sarcastic. Is it just my imagination?
"By the way. You know that for a lead role, we have to think about at least 20 million, maybe even up to 50 million won per episode, right?"
"Ah, that problem..."
"The sub-male lead's role is also significant. If we roughly estimate your writer's fee at around 100 million... how do we cover those production costs?"
The corners of the manager's mouth, who was speaking with a bright smile, were slightly turned up.
She was so beautiful, but the fear of being cursed out in the future washed over me.
"Um... so, about that."
"Yes. Go ahead."
I hesitated for a moment before dropping another bomb.
"Actually, I have actors in mind for the two main characters already."
"Ah, really? Who..."
"For the main male lead, a fee of 1 million won per episode should be enough. For the female lead, since she's a popular idol with no acting experience, maybe around... ten million?"
"This is crazy...!"
Finally, a curse word escaped Manager Jung Saerom's lips.
If they cast actors like that, who would invest, and how could they insert any PPL?
"Ah, but I'd be satisfied with receiving only about 3 million won per episode... heheh."
"Have you been shot in the head?"
"That's harsh..."
As if finding Saerom's intense reaction refreshing, Ji Seongho, who was next to her, widened his eyes.
"The production company, the broadcasting station, we all make dramas to earn money."
"I know that too."
"It seems you're the only one who doesn't know the commercial value of your own work."
Manager Jung, who was spewing curses with just her eyes.
She had the exact expression of someone looking at a clueless rookie writer who doesn't know reality.
'I want to earn money too! This is so unfair.'
If it weren't for the script written by the system, I could have proven what kind of script a money-crazed bastard could write.
"Hah... It's because this script was written from the beginning with the male and female leads already chosen."
I could compromise on PPL, but I couldn't give up the lead roles.
Manager Jung gave me a strange look as I spoke firmly.
"Let's at least hear it. Who are they? The lead actors who have captured your heart."
"Purple Girls' Semi."
"..."
"It's a misunderstanding."
She gave me a slight glare and then continued speaking.
"I haven't said anything yet."
"...You're despising me with your eyes right now."
"I'm not? This is just my normal face."
I think she just spoke informally to me. Is that just my imagination too?
"Phew... I'm scared to even ask who the male lead is."
"Shall we make it a written report then?"
"Let's do that."
"???"
Was that a joke?
"Casting is something that requires discussion anyway. Let's talk about it additionally later."
"Yes. Thank you."
Probably, among all rookie writers, I was the only one meddling with casting and even PPL.
But the fact that she was conversing with me so accommodatingly must mean she really viewed the work favorably.
"First, I'll contact the broadcasting station, and once a director is decided, I'll be in touch."
"Ah, yes. I'll just write the script for about another hour and then leave."
"Alright. Then."
Scrape—
Manager Jung and Actor Ji stood up at the same time.
I stared blankly at the two of them as they slowly moved away.
In particular, I looked at Manager Jung Saerom and muttered to myself.
"She's a little... cool."
It was probably a compliment closer to admiration.