Chapter 1
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 1
Chapter Title: A Man in the Sunset
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Scene 1. Opening
The deadline was fast approaching. But ideas for the new drama were completely out of reach.
I'm only like this because I've been cooped up in my studio. I need a change of scenery, a new atmosphere!
I gave a plausible excuse to those around me and took off on a trip. It was mostly a desperate escape from my frustration, but you never know.
A brilliant idea, a compelling character, could pop into my head at any moment.
After a journey through southern Italy, I arrived in the Mediterranean island nation of Malta.
A picturesque bed-and-breakfast nestled among sprawling vineyards.
I'd shown up without a reservation, wondering if they'd have a room, but luck was on my side.
Turns out, they had a room free from a cancellation.
As I unpacked and sat on the terrace with a cup of tea, I felt the weariness in my heart begin to wash away.
With a view like this... Surely, something—anything—could spark a story, right?
Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!
The laptop screen remained blank, the cursor mocking me with its incessant blinking. Not a single word, not a single sentence, would form. A change of scenery, a new atmosphere—none of it could unblock my frozen mind.
If this next project bombs, it'll be a fatal blow to my career. I had to somehow deliver the ultimate new series and reclaim my title as the Queen of Rom-Coms.
But...
No matter how hard I wracked my brain, the words wouldn't come. Instead, I found myself downing wine every night.
At this rate, I was on my way to becoming a drunk, not a screenwriter.
I drank myself into a stupor, and when I woke up, I was a complete mess.
Aaaah! Wh-what is this!
I'm only thirty, still just thirty! And I'm losing my hair! A woman, losing her hair!
Waking up to a pillow covered in my own hair only made the stress worse, and the stress, in turn, made the hair loss even worse.
It was a vicious cycle, with one disaster feeding the next.
Maybe I should just... end it all right here. Hang myself.
Better than being laughed at by that damn bitch, being humiliated in front of everyone...
Yes. I'll just die.
At least I'll keep my pride!
Just as I was cornered, contemplating the unthinkable, considering the end...
Through the crimson sunset casting its glow over the vineyard...
Just like an outlaw from the wasteland.
The man appeared.
.
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