Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Is the Writer Omnipotent?
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A week had passed since *Otherworld Chef* switched to paid serialization.
Having hit ten thousand views on its first day, the novel's view count had now stabilized around thirty thousand after a week.
It was a massive hit.
But what mattered most to Tae-seong was the readers' reactions.
'Looking good again today.'
He had already scheduled four months' worth of chapters as reserved releases.
Once *The Writer's World* built up enough backlog, it would start serializing on Grape Books and other platforms too.
[Next stop: Sangam, Sangam Station.]
Hearing the subway announcement, Tae-seong turned off his smartphone.
For someone who went back and forth between home and the office every day, heading out was practically an event.
He had come all the way from Incheon, where the office was, to Sangam for a drama deal.
President Kwon had originally offered to pick him up, but Tae-seong had turned him down.
He felt bad making the man—who wasn't even a chauffeur—come fetch him every time.
He got off at Sangam Station, checked the signs, and headed out.
Emerging from the exit, he spotted President Kwon waiting for him.
"Writer!"
"Had to wait long?"
"No, no. I just got here myself. You must be tired from the trip. I could've come pick you up..."
"It's fine. Are we heading straight to the broadcasting station?"
"Yes, we set up a meeting at a café inside the station. Let's go!"
"Right."
He followed President Kwon into the broadcasting station.
The spacious, pristine lobby housed several cafés.
President Kwon, who had visited a few times before, led the way with familiar steps.
There were quite a few customers inside.
"Ah, there she is."
President Kwon spotted someone and quickened his pace.
As they approached, Tae-seong saw a woman seated at a table.
'That must be her.'
One glance was enough to tell she was a PD from the station.
"Ah! President Kwon! Over here!"
"Long time no see, PD Kim!"
"Likewise. And this is...?"
"Yes, Writer Jeong Tae-seong."
"Nice to meet you."
"Great to meet you too! I was dying to know what the author of that super fun novel I read looked like, but I never imagined you'd be such a handsome guy."
"Thanks, even if it's just flattery."
"No flattery— you're seriously good-looking. I've heard young writers these days have a polished image, and seeing you in person, it really checks out."
"Let's sit and talk. Writer, Americano, right?"
"Yes."
President Kwon headed to the counter to order coffee.
Left alone with her, PD Kim stared openly at Tae-seong.
"Do you use BB cream by any chance?"
"No, I don't wear makeup."
"Oh my! So this is your bare face? And your skin is this good?"
Not sure what to say, he just smiled.
Truth be told, Tae-seong's skin hadn't been all that great before—pretty average for a guy his age.
But since coming back, he had taken consistent care of it.
He sweated out toxins through exercise and got plenty of deep sleep.
With balanced nutrition on top of that, his skin had naturally improved.
No wonder she mistook it for makeup.
"I've met tons of male actors, but not many have skin as good as yours... What's your secret?"
"Just eating well, sleeping well. And steady workouts."
"That's what everyone with good skin says."
"What are you two chatting about so animatedly?"
"President Kwon! Isn't the writer's skin amazing? I thought he had makeup on, but it's all natural."
"Haha! I've known the writer for a while now, and I've never seen him wear makeup. It's all natural talent."
"Right?"
PD Kim was an energetic woman.
She was great at making conversation too.
"So, shall we get down to business?"
She shifted gears, pulling out a document.
It was a contract.
"This is our station's standard contract. This is what we typically use for drama rights deals."
He reviewed it as she explained.
It listed the terms President Kwon had first brought over.
"And this is the revised version, updated per our handsome writer's requests."
She pulled out another contract.
It included the modifications Tae-seong had asked for.
"But are you really okay with this?"
"Pardon?"
"Running guarantee can be a win, but it could also be a loss. You need to know that going in."
"You'll make it great, won't you?"
"Hoho! Not just handsome—you've got the charm too. Of course we'll make it great! But you know how tough it is to win over viewers, right?"
"Absolutely. Different medium, but I deal with readers every day myself."
"We can't guarantee success. Even projects we thought were top-notch have bombed with audiences."
"Yes, I'm well aware."
PD Kim stared straight into Tae-seong's eyes.
Seeing his unwavering gaze, she nodded.
"Signing the standard contract is the same as usual."
"Yes."
He filled in his personal info and signed.
It was the most tedious part.
Once all the signatures were done, President Kwon signed too.
"Well then, we're partners now."
"Looking forward to working with you."
"Likewise. Oh, and I heard you want to be involved in the female lead casting."
"Yes, I know it's a big ask, but I'd really like to participate."
"I'll let you know when the schedule's set. Mind sharing your number?"
"It's on the contract..."
"Come on—that's personal info. I can't just peek at it."
She was meticulous about that.
Once Tae-seong gave her his number, she saved it and called him right away.
"That's me. Save it."
"Got it."
"Alright~ Business is done. Since you're here at the station, want a tour?"
"No, thanks. I have another appointment."
"Fair enough. Next time you visit, I'll show you around."
"Thank you."
"I'll contact you once the schedule's set!"
He parted ways with her and left the station.
"So, what's this next appointment?"
"Looking at cars."
"Cars?"
"Yeah. Can't keep relying on you every time, and with trips to the station, I figure I need one."
"Ooh, what kind?"
Tae-seong smiled.
* * *
Before heading to the station.
Tae-seong had picked out a car from the office.
He wanted something practical and comfortable for daily driving.
He also thought about occasional trips with his parents, so it needed to be roomy and safe.
After gathering info, he settled on a Volvo.
It had the highest safety ratings in tests both domestically and abroad.
The dealership staff greeted Tae-seong warmly as he entered.
"Welcome! Looking for a specific model?"
"I'd like to buy an XC40."
"We have it on display over here."
The staff stuck close, explaining the features.
His way of breaking down the technical specs into easy terms was impressive.
It felt less like a sales pitch and more like genuinely providing what the customer wanted to know.
* * *
After the two contracts.
Tae-seong returned to his routine.
Back and forth between office and home, piling up serialization chapters every day.
His days were ordinary.
Up at 4 a.m. for light exercise.
At 6, he prepped breakfast, then got ready for work.
In by 9 a.m., work till 6 p.m., then off.
Gym for two hours after, then home.
Even at work, he divided his time precisely.
Mornings were for his main project, *Otherworld Chef*.
From lunch till 2 p.m., he worked on *Black Knight's Her*.
Afternoons were for *SSS-Class Hunter's Return* Season 2.
During work hours, nothing but the work.
No portal sites, not even a glance at his phone.
With the lead writer so focused, the assistants couldn't do anything else.
Thanks to that, *SSS-Class Hunter's Return* Season 2 was stockpiling chapters at a rapid pace.
But routines didn't always stick.
Especially after the drama deal—variables kept popping up.
[Tae-seong, we have the second round actress auditions next Wednesday. You in?]
A message from PD Kim.
Female lead casting.
A schedule born from Tae-seong's own request.
Five actresses had auditioned in the first round.
But none fit the bill.
'They were attractive, but none matched her image.'
Knowing the real Lee Se-ha made him even pickier.
[Count me in.]
[Okay~ I'll send the details.]
[Thanks.]
An emoticon came back.
Middle-aged, but PD Kim lived young.
'Hope I meet the actress who can play her this time.'
He waited for audition day with a sliver of hope.