Chapter 62
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 062
Chapter Title: From Now On
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The day after the Newflix drama production presentation.
D-1
Anteing the public release the next day, Shin Yi-han naturally received a flood of good news.
"All our head office staff stayed late into the night and watched the entire first part?!"
"The reactions were amazing! There was so much backlash about not showing the second part!"
The positive feedback from the internal preview screening at Newflix headquarters had come in.
"Thanks to that, we've decided to run big ads on our overseas mobile homepages starting with this release! We're even planning proper outdoor advertising!"
According to Jennifer Kim, they'd even decided to ramp up overseas promotion.
With the drama release looming, it was reassuring news piling up.
Of course, the most joyful news among them was undoubtedly...
"Yi-han! Sniff! Sob!"
Just 23 days after the independent film's release.
Cumulative audience: 1 million achieved.
"We're good! We're really good...!"
More precisely, it hit 1.07 million that evening. Shin Yi-han couldn't help smiling all day long.
"Good. Really good."
Shin Yi-han was purely delighted.
Not only was it an unprecedented box office hit for an independent film,
but compared to his previous life, it had racked up ten times the cumulative audience.
Unlike the harsh times back then, everyone was acknowledging it and applauding.
"Man, different is really different."
The internet was abuzz everywhere with praise for Innocent Boy.
Reporters and audiences alike.
Shin Yi-han especially loved that. It felt like the work was truly being recognized.
"Waaah! Sob! Hic-sob!"
Kwak Hoon was bawling his eyes out over the phone.
Shin Yi-han chuckled and headed straight to Red Film.
He was the one who first suggested celebrating the 1 million milestone with a party,
and this was definitely a day to share with everyone.
"Shin Yi-han!"
"Gasp! Actor Yi-han!"
The moment Shin Yi-han arrived at Red Film.
"I thought I'd only see you at the special stage greeting!"
"Hasn't it been too long?!"
The staff welcomed him first, since it had been hard to see his face due to the additional filming for the Newflix drama.
"You were practically living at Red Film not long ago...! It felt so empty without you!"
Really? Shin Yi-han grinned broadly at those greeting him.
From the script reading to the shoot for Hell of Others,
they were faces he'd seen often while holed up in the editing room with Kwak Hoon for a while.
"We'll be seeing plenty of each other anyway. We've got to make another movie with us, right?"
Shin Yi-han said with a bright eye smile. Since he planned to keep making films with Kwak Hoon, it was only natural.
"Gasp!"
"No way, with us again?!"
The surroundings erupted at once.
"Of course."
"...!"
Jackpot! It would be an honor for us! The staff flipped out with exaggerated reactions at his single reply.
Shin Yi-han couldn't stop smiling.
It was even more so because, adding his previous life, these were people he was more familiar with.
"Innocent Boy did this well...! A next one already. Can't wait!"
"Right? And we get to see you act up close again! Ugh!"
Shin Yi-han laughed along with the staff.
Not to mention, in his previous life, he hadn't seen them this thrilled even during Innocent Boy.
"Their expressions are completely different too."
Seeing the staff's faces full of smiles, Shin Yi-han felt a wave of emotion.
He couldn't help comparing his past memories with the present.
Yeah. In his previous life, far from the Red Film staff purely rejoicing at Hell of Others' success,
he remembered them busy dealing with malicious comments and rumors pouring in alongside the positive reviews.
He'd mentioned it once before.
Even with no proper promotion or virality, Innocent Boy had hit 90,000 viewers through word of mouth alone in his previous life.
Yet there were more people trying to drag them down.
And those were joyful yet tough times.
Unfortunately, that's how Innocent Boy was back then.
The debut work of an unknown writer and unknown director.
As it suddenly blew up, along with the attention came weird rumors.
I had no choice but to choose that faceless writer,
since even leaving the room was hard with my burns.
About that.
"Speculation and rumors."
Isn't he some crazy person?
How ugly must he be to not show up at official events?
This newbie's got a high nose, bad luck.
Maybe even a criminal.
Looking back now, those absurd words hurt so much back then.
Shin Yi-han let out a hollow laugh inwardly.
"There was just so much jealousy and envy."
Not to mention, in his previous life, Innocent Boy drawing more attention wasn't just from critics and word of mouth.
[The Tragic Fall of a Genius Writer]
[Rookie Writer with a Face No Different from a Monster]
Ironically, it was because my photo became the talk of the town.
It made his attempt to hide behind Kwak Hoon pointless.
His face was exposed.
A blurry photo capturing his hideous, burn-scarred face perfectly.
Back then, he...
Was joyful about his first scenario's success only briefly.
Before hurriedly hiding in his room again.
Some might think it was nothing,
but it hurt quite a bit back then.
Even after time passed and he revealed his face, he couldn't go out without a mask and hat.
Recalling his previous life, Shin Yi-han gave a bitter smile.
"Yi-han!"
But dwelling only on those memories wouldn't do.
Everything was completely different now.
"You're here! Sob! Sniff! But what do I do? The tears won't stop!"
Hell of Others was already soaring high.
"Hic-sob!"
Kwak Hoon, who had gone to the bathroom and spotted him late,
"Our movie hit a million...! A million! Does this make sense?! Waaah! Sob!"
was wailing even louder than when they won the grand prize at the film festival.
Pfft. Shin Yi-han finally burst out laughing.
Though he stepped back from the tears and snot.
Shin Yi-han said happily.
"Alright! Let's go eat something delicious!"
"Yes!"
"Yesss!"
It was party time.
"Sniff?! Yi-han! Take me too!"
Hanwoo had sashimi this time, since they'd had it a few times already. Expensive sashimi.
Crispy shrimp tempura on the side,
chewy, glistening salmon and flounder.
And premium tuna sashimi that melted smoothly in your mouth with a touch of wasabi.
"Ugh! To think our film company is having sashimi for a party...!"
"It's all thanks to Actor Shin Yi-han! Living the high life!"
"Feels even tastier because Shin Yi-han is treating!"
Seeing the people he cared about happy, Shin Yi-han burst into laughter.
He wanted to treat them over and over.
His pay from the Newflix drama Hell of Others had filled his pockets,
and he was the writer of Innocent Boy, which hit 1 million.
His wallet had no choice but to open wide.
Ah, but.
"Yi-han! I'm seriously getting a new car! Scrap the golden Matiz, something totally awesome!"
This might be the last time he treated.
"What about this? Next one up! They say the ride is killer!"
Kwak Hoon was showing off pre-saved car photos on his phone.
He'd have to change cars later.
"Director. How about something else instead of a car?"
"Uh, yeah...? Like what?"
Shin Yi-han smiled slyly and whispered away from the staff.
Actually, he hadn't come to Red Film just for the party.
"Use all the money we made this time on our next film. I'll even put in my full acting fee."
It was also because of the next project he'd decided on during the additional shoots for the last one.
His second scenario.
"Huh?"
Kwak Hoon's eyes widened at Shin Yi-han's words.
Next project?
And spend all the earnings...?
It was a bold proposal.
"N-No way, Yi-han, you...?!"
But his surprise was short-lived; Kwak Hoon's eyes sparkled.
How could he not salivate?
The next project after Innocent Boy!
Kwak Hoon's heart raced as much as the 1 million milestone.
Gasp. But he lowered his voice, mindful of those around.
"You already wrote a new scenario...?!"
Kwak Hoon whispered.
"No. I'm going to start writing it now."
"......"
Just the plan for now, it seemed. Kwak Hoon was a bit disappointed.
Shin Yi-han laughed at Kwak Hoon's ever-changing expressions.
"I'll write it soon. Just prepare the budget."
"Uh... Title? Plot?!"
At Kwak Hoon's question, Shin Yi-han pondered briefly before speaking.
No point saying it was a blockbuster commercial film that would hit at least 7 million—they wouldn't believe him anyway.
And he'd definitely oppose if he heard the plot.
"Tamra."
Recalling the film he'd made in his previous life,
Shin Yi-han answered straightforwardly.
Especially since it might only be possible now.
That story, which had many flaws as a novice writer's work back then.
Turning it from 700,000 viewers
into a 10 million film.
"A zombie movie."
"...?"
Shin Yi-han revealed the genre outright and smiled as if already enjoying it.
"Uh... Yi-han. You serious?"
"Yes."
Ah, sure, it was out of left field.
"For real...?"
Nod. Shin Yi-han nodded.
Yes.
For real.
"But... zombies?"
"N-No! That's too random!"
Throughout the joyful Innocent Boy party, only Kwak Hoon's face was filled with worry.
"Not only is the vibe totally different from Innocent Boy."
"Isn't it too risky...? Zombies mean a big scale, and zombie films are niche in Korea to begin with..."
But those concerns weren't the point.
Whether to do it was entirely Kwak Hoon's call. Once he read the scenario, he'd decide for sure.
A positive decision, obviously.
Shin Yi-han was that confident. Kwak Hoon's reactions were consistent in both lives.
Ah, but before writing the scenario.
D-DAY.
[Newflix Drama Hell of Others! Releases Today!]
He could enjoy the drama first before starting.
Shin Yi-han curved his lips in excitement again.
Especially since some staff and actors were gathering today to binge-watch it together.
- Yi-han. Call if you get lost.
- Made it fine! Don't worry.
Shin Yi-han chuckled as he replied to Baek Eun-won's text.
This showed how serious Baek Eun-won was about the drama—opening his home despite not liking crowds.
They'd even binge the entire first part as time allowed.
"Alright, shall we head up?"
CEO Choo Gyeo-ul was with him too, thanks to Baek Eun-won inviting all managers.
"Let's... wrap up my last schedule with you...!"
Especially poignant was Choo Gyeo-ul's determined words, as she'd decided this would be her final project as his manager.
"Yes!"
Shin Yi-han replied energetically,
and Choo Gyeo-ul pouted. No, wasn't that answer too cheerful?
Shin Yi-han playfully grinned and pressed the elevator button.
Half-joking, but genuinely excited, his lips kept curving up.
"It's gonna be fun, right? Our Hell of Others."
"Sob. Yeah, that I totally agree with."
At Choo Gyeo-ul's begrudging smile, Shin Yi-han didn't hide his excitement.
What to say.
Having seen so many things change and still changing, his expectations soared.
Brilliant Sky's higher ratings, Murder's Delusion and Innocent Boy's multiplied audiences.
The results were already vastly different in many ways.
Especially since even in his previous life, it was Newflix's most talked-about OTT hit of the year.
"Wonder how it'll turn out."
He was honestly curious.
Not only had Geum Seong-je's role gone to him,
but protagonist Ban Ki-hyuk, main villain Koo Do-jin, and even other cast changes,
all the way to the ending that would reveal in the second part next month.
It had definitely changed.
Now he just had to check how.
"Ah, come on in."
When he rang the doorbell, homeowner Baek Eun-won opened the door.
"Whoa! Actor Shin Yi-han! CEO Choo! Come in!"
"Oh my. It's so nice having everyone together!"
Director Kil Mi-jin and writer Ko Ji-sook, who arrived early, waved happily.
"What. How can the maknae be last?"
Actor Koo Do-jin joked,
and
"Junior Yi-han! You're here?!"
Actor Choi Gyeol was there too.
With each actor's managers and some staff, it was a crowd, yet Shin Yi-han marveled at spacious Baek Eun-won's home.
"A top star... isn't just any top star, huh?"
Shin Yi-han bowed to everyone while surveying the vast house.
Wow.
It hit him suddenly how Baek Eun-won had been a top star from child actor days to now.
Not a speck of dust anywhere, and one wall entirely claimed by Baek Eun-won's photos—an insane scale.
"Alright, everyone, sit wherever you're comfortable."
And inside, what was this—a theater?
Following Baek Eun-won led to a room like a mini cinema.
Shin Yi-han smiled in admiration.
Not for nothing did he invite everyone.
"Okay! Release is soon."
Soon, they were all seated casually.
"Everyone ready to watch?"
All faces brimmed with anticipation as they stared at the Newflix homepage.
"If it's mental prep... well, I'm already shaking?"
"Honestly, I'm nervous too. I've hyped it everywhere, so it has to do well."
Everyone grew subtly tense about the imminent Hell of Others.
"Ugh... Our reactions will come right away, right...? What rank do you think we'll hit on Newflix today?"
"Hm, let's aim for 2nd."
Then, 10 minutes before release.
"Even with dramas holding 1st, 2nd, 3rd lately?"
"Well, dunno about others, but Reborn Rich is huge, right?"
"Then I'll take 4th...! Release day expectations are always low anyway."
Director Kil Mi-jin and writer Ko Ji-sook's words sparked a ranking prediction game.
"Psh. How can the director lack confidence? Then I'll go 3rd."
Koo Do-jin quipped smoothly.
O! I'll take 2nd anyway!
At least 3rd for sure!
And as staff chimed in with their picks amid the chatter.
"1st."
1st, Baek Eun-won said flatly.
"For real?"
"Even so, doesn't word of mouth need a day~?"
"Whoa. Our lead's confidence is no joke? Possible on day one?"
Yes. Everyone laughed at Baek Eun-won's firm declaration.
"What about Actor Shin Yi-han?"
Naturally, the question turned to him.
"Uh..."
Shin Yi-han pondered briefly.
"O! Our actor's really good at this stuff!"
Choo Gyeo-ul beside him jumped in excitedly.
"Last time with Brilliant Sky, he nailed the first episode rating!"
"No way, really?"
"People who guess right keep getting it right."
"Good instincts! So, what for this one?"
Expectations lit up in their eyes at Choo Gyeo-ul's words.
Shin Yi-han grinned and said,
"Then I'll take Korea #1 and #5 on the East Asia global ranking."
"Uh, yeah...?"
It was such an absurd result that even the expectant crowd was baffled.
"No, while we're at it, English-speaking countries chart too."
Shin Yi-han chuckled softly and added.
"Good is good, right?"
Honestly, who could predict accurately? He'd just shot for the stars.
Even in his previous life, Hell of Others didn't get much attention in English regions.
But since Jennifer Kim said reactions were great, he threw it all in.
It had definitely gotten more interesting.
Rankings, overseas—whatever, it was surely better than before.
And at his words,
Puhaha! Everyone burst laughing.
"Ah, right! Good is good!"
"Aim high from the start!"
They all found Shin Yi-han adorable and enjoyed it.
"Tough on day one, but maybe it'll end up that way!"
"Yeah! Totally possible!"
Only Choo Gyeo-ul eyed him with slight regret.
Sob. She had real hopes.
"Just the big-dreamer type...!"
With Brilliant Sky's premiere, everyone called 5-6%, but he said 10% flat,
and it hit exactly, down to the decimal!
"Of course... it's impossible to hit again anyway."
Yeah... he got it right once, that's enough...
Choo Gyeo-ul nodded vaguely in acceptance.
"Okay! If Actor Shin Yi-han is right, I'll buy him a car!"
"Whoa, writer's going big."
Playful banter toward Shin Yi-han continued until Hell of Others dropped.
"I'll piggyback him around the block."
Actor Koo Do-jin joked with a laugh.
"Then! I'll cast Actor Shin Yi-han as lead in my next film!"
"That's just what you want, Director."
"Ah. Busted."
Pfft. Everyone laughed as they awaited the release joyfully.
"Whoa! It's up!"
And when it actually released.
"Awesome! Let's watch quick!"
All eyes sparkled toward the long-awaited Hell of Others first part.
Meanwhile, at Newflix headquarters.
A few hours after the release.
"Hey! Jennifer! Checking results already?"
The atmosphere at Newflix HQ was one of wanting to chat more with Hell of Others handler Jennifer.
"Jennifer! Hell of Others was so good! Wanna rewatch, gonna do it with family tonight!"
"Felt great, Jennifer!"
Thanks to the internal word of mouth for Hell of Others.
Expectations buzzed everywhere.
"Uh, yeah! Thanks!"
But Jennifer wasn't hearing them now.
Time for the first trends on Hell of Others.
Feeling and quality were great, but
"Ugh. Too nerve-wracking."
Results were what mattered.
Jennifer Kim hurried to the server room.
"Brian! How's it now? Give me a hint!"
"Uh..."
The moment she rushed to her teammate Brian, already there.
"Just see for yourself, Jennifer."
Brian's tone was peculiar.
"C'mon, a warning at least? Whatever it is, I won't be sa—......"
Jennifer grumbled but froze.
The admin screen showing Newflix stats was in view.
Huh.
"Wait."
Jennifer panicked instantly.
The graph trend was unnatural.
"What the."
To the point of cursing.
"Pfft...?"
I-Is this real?
Jennifer forgot her earlier impatience.
She just traced the viewer graph with her finger.
"......?!"
Mouth agape.
No helping it.
At this rate, Korea #1 was baseline,
and maybe within a day,
even US rankings...?!