Chapter 60
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: The Elizabeth Effect
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[Scene.60 The Elizabeth Effect.]
Scene.60
The Elizabeth Effect.
Yu-hyeon, out for his usual morning workout, headed to the actors' dorms to pick up Seong-hyeon.
He found Lee Ha-na and Seong Ye-rim waiting for him in workout clothes alongside Seong-hyeon.
“Why are the two of you here?”
“We heard you were helping Seong-hyeon with his physical training.”
Yu-hyeon gave Seong-hyeon a sidelong glance.
As if interpreting Yu-hyeon's gaze as an interrogation—'Why did you tell other people about this?'—the two women once again appealed that they also needed physical training.
“It'll be harder than you think. Are you sure you'll be okay?”
“Yes! We heard the drama shoot will be a grueling march. Please help us!”
“Well, if you say so. Let's go.”
As Yu-hyeon took the lead and started running, the two women shot Seong-hyeon grateful looks. Thanks to him, they now had a chance to work out with Yu-hyeon and get closer to him.
Seong-hyeon grinned as if it were nothing.
“We're all in this together.”
“Anyway, thank you.”
“Don't mention it.”
After a light jog around the farm's perimeter as usual, Yu-hyeon ducked into a warehouse. The two women, who had caught up late, stared at the warehouse with puzzled expressions.
“Where... is this?”
Seong-hyeon, looking proud, revealed the warehouse's identity.
“It's a physical training center. The space we'll be sharing from now on.”
“The farm has a facility like this?”
“It puts most gyms to shame.”
At Seong-hyeon's words, the two women's faces filled with anticipation.
“Shall we go in?”
“Yes.”
Entering the warehouse with Seong-hyeon, the two women were taken aback by the strong smell of sweat that hit their noses and a scene that defied their expectations.
Owner Kang Man-dong and dozens of men they had never seen before were pumping iron with intimidating faces.
As the two women stood there bewildered, as if asking 'What is this?', Seong-hyeon darted inside as if he had urgent business.
“Owner-nim. I'm here.”
Kang Man-dong, who was hitting a punching bag, greeted Seong-hyeon with a welcoming face.
“Oh, Seong-hyeon, you're here. Marcos, your disciple has arrived!”
He called for Seong-hyeon's dedicated trainer, but Seong-hyeon pointed to the warehouse entrance as if he had more to say.
“Um. Owner-nim. Over there.”
“Huh? Why are those two here?”
“They're new members who volunteered for physical training.”
“Ho, is that so? Volunteered?”
"Yes!"
When Kang Man-dong nodded as if proud of them, Seong-hyeon bowed a full ninety degrees, shouted, "Just like me! Please take good care of them!", and then was dragged inside by Marcos.
*
After breakfast, during a brief tea time, Kim Seong-hui and Yu Han-seong came to see Yu-hyeon with haggard faces.
“What's wrong now? Your faces...”
Kim Seong-hui, with dark circles reaching her chin, appeared clutching a manuscript.
“Revisions?”
“Yes... But it's more than a simple revision. It's a new adaptation...”
Yu-hyeon's expression turned to one of disbelief.
“I warned you yesterday. Don't tell me you let Annie into the room?”
“...”
Seong-hui nodded with an expression that said, 'What's the point in even saying it?'
Yu-hyeon sighed and turned his gaze to Yu Han-seong.
Yu Han-seong, looking just as worn out as Kim Seong-hui, collapsed into a seat as if he didn't have the strength to stand.
“Surely, CP-nim, you weren't there with them?”
Yu Han-seong just nodded silently.
“How much did she adapt?”
“Well. The character settings changed a bit. Some action was added. A chase scene was added. And a small explosion scene...”
“You're crazy, Seong-hui-ssi. Is this a story we can even film in time? Wasn't this supposed to be a romance?”
Yu Han-seong answered Yu-hyeon's question.
“I asked the same question. She retorted by asking if there was a rule that romance couldn't have action. Then, right in front of me, she hired and summoned a Hollywood action film crew on the spot.”
“A Hollywood team? Our production budget can't cover that.”
“I said that too. Then... I think his name was Sam? A white-haired old man called FOX Studios right then and there. An additional 30 billion won was added to the production budget in exchange for the U.S. broadcasting rights.”
At Yu Han-seong's words, Yu-hyeon tilted his head. It's not like the folks at FOX had been shot in the head. They just threw in that much money in an instant?
“Setting aside the film crew and investment costs, how are you going to handle the special effects? This is literally a race against time.”
“She said there would be no problem if they ran three professional VFX teams simultaneously. I tried to ask questions and raise issues, but she insisted it could all be resolved by the first broadcast.”
What is this? Is she planning to grind the special effects teams into dust?
Kim Seong-hui continued after Yu Han-seong.
“She cut me off and said, 'The surest way to win a war is with a constant supply line and overwhelming the enemy with sheer numbers.' But... that's a line from Annie in *Urus Club*, right?”
“Is the line really what's important right now?”
“...”
“So you just accepted all of Annie's suggestions? I warned you this might happen.”
At Yu-hyeon's question, the two of them subtly turned their heads away, as if they had something to hide.
“Seong-hui-ssi.”
“Yes...”
“By any chance, an exclusive contract with BIS or something...”
Seong-hui flinched, then spoke in a barely audible voice.
“When she asked if I wanted to become a global writer, without realizing... By the time I came to my senses, I had already signed...”
This time, Yu Han-seong spoke, his voice just as quiet.
“Ahem. BIS is preparing to launch a media production studio in Korea, and they said they needed a local director... I was offered the position of general production manager... and I signed without thinking.”
The story was that they had unknowingly fallen into a trap baited with a huge lure cast by Annie.
“Where is Annie now?”
“I'm not sure...”
“She said she had something to take care of...”
*Something to take care of, my ass. She probably disappeared quickly, afraid I'd try to revert the situation.*
But what to do about this?
‘This is perfect. It'll generate a huge buzz, not just in Korea but internationally. And while we're at it, I could use some exposure myself. I wonder if Annie hasn't touched that part yet.’
Contrary to his inner thoughts, Yu-hyeon put on a gloomy expression. Kim Seong-hui lowered her head, looking guilty.
“I'm sorry. You warned us...”
“I was just greedy... I wanted to film something truly great...”
“What's done is done. With the additional investment and FOX involved, we have to push forward. There are probably massive penalties for breach of contract. Anyway, the action difficulty seems to have gone way up. I'm not sure if Seong-hyeon will be able to handle those scenes.”
“There's something else...”
“...?”
“We were hoping you would appear again as M.”
“What kind of absurd story is that? M appearing in *Lovers in Malta*?”
“Um. The manuscript.”
Seong-hui placed the manuscript she was holding onto the table.
Yu-hyeon picked up the manuscript, checked the cover, and looked dumbfounded.
“*Lovers in Malta: The Birth of the Urus Club*?”
“...”
“How did this strange title, which looks like a side story for *Urus Club*, end up here?”
“...”
“Was this the reason FOX threw money at it without a second thought? An *Urus* side story?”
Yu-hyeon had expected Annie to interfere to some extent, but he never imagined she would bring *Urus* into it.
‘Even so, she created a manuscript like this overnight?’
Feeling strange, Yu-hyeon began to check the manuscript.
‘That damn Annie. Without my permission.’
During the filming of *Urus Club*, Annie had asked him about M's story.
He had told her a suitably adapted version of the character's background, and she had incorporated it wholesale into Kim Seong-hui's manuscript.
When he brought Annie in, he had intended to expand the pie a bit, but this was on a scale far beyond his expectations.
He knew Annie was very interested in producing an *Urus* season, but to think she would insert it into this situation.
“I'm sorry, Yu-hyeon-ssi! Please help us just this once! I really want to do a good job on this!”
CP Yu Han-seong was also sweating profusely, watching Yu-hyeon's reaction.
He had been aiming for the position of a broadcast station director at best, but if this project succeeded, it was a golden opportunity to leave that paltry goal to his juniors and go independent.
“I have a condition.”
“What is it...”
“The role of general production manager for this project. Give it to me.”
*First, I'll secure the authority to stir up the production as I see fit.*
“What?”
Yu Han-seong looked at Yu-hyeon with a startled expression.
“I'm not asking for directing rights. I mean the general production manager. Of the two of you here, has either of you experienced a shoot of this scale?”
“...”
“Are you really confident you can handle this entire schedule in one month?”
“...”
“If Annie acts out, are you confident you can control her?”
“...”
“Decide. Either we film the original story, or you give me the general production rights.”
“The directing...”
“Why would I touch the directing? I'll just manage things so this drama can air within a month.”
“If... if that's all.”
As Yu Han-seong showed signs of accepting the condition, Yu-hyeon turned to Kim Seong-hui with another one.
“And. This manuscript.”
“Yes, Yu-hyeon-ssi.”
“The rest of it will be filmed in Korea.”
“What?”
“Surely you weren't planning on shooting every single scene in this small country of Malta, were you?”
“Of course not! That's perfectly fine!”
"But will it really be possible? In terms of time and stamina..."
"You don't know what you're talking about! The Korean 'ppalli-ppalli' ability knows no bounds. I'll prove it to you this time!"
Kim Seong-hui declared herself a slave to the script, vowing to complete it even if it meant burning her flesh and grinding her bones.
'A very desirable attitude. I'd be grateful if she does.'
Yu-hyeon nodded repeatedly, as if pleased with Seong-hui's positive mindset.
“You both look exhausted. Rest for now. We can talk again with clear heads. Oh, and.”
“Yes.”
“If you see Annie, tell her there's no need to run and hide. Tell her I want to see her.”
“Yes, Yu-hyeon-ssi. I'll be sure to tell her! Oh, and. The CEO of BIS, Sam, said he wanted to see you separately.”
Uncle Sam?
It seems he wants to hold me responsible for what Annie has done.
The Elizabeth Effect still has plenty of uses, so it would be better to meet him later, slowly.
*
[Algorithm Exclusive!!! *Lovers in Malta* Turns Out to Be an *Urus Club* Side Story?]
-OMG. Wut? What's this all about?
-Wasn't Kim Seong-hui a romance writer? Why is *Urus* suddenly popping up here?
-Did you even read the article? It says the co-writer with Kim Seong-hui is the writer of *Urus Club*.
-I dunno, I dunno, I dunno. So which celebs went to Malta? Why is there no news from any of them? Are their personalities all trash? If anyone knows, please tell me. I'm dying of curiosity!
[*Lovers in Malta*! U.S. FOX Studios Invests 30 Billion Won! Simultaneous Broadcast in Korea, the U.S., and Europe Confirmed!]
[Elizabeth Veil. Was Her Appearance Planned from the Start? HS Group. There Was a Reason for Their Faster Moves Compared to Other Media Groups!]
[*Lovers in Malta* Cast May Appear in *Urus Club* Season 2. Rumors of Additional Roles in *Lovers in Malta*. Who Will Be the Potential Cast for *Urus Club* Season 2?]
-Wow, if this is true, the number of people aiming for a ticket to Malta will skyrocket. Isn't appearing here a direct ticket to Season 2?
-But if this happens, what genre does this drama even become?
-ActionRomanceComedyMysteryThriller?
-What is that? Some weird, unidentifiable hybrid?
-Isn't that a familiar genre in Korea? Mixing everything up like bibimbap. It's surprisingly delicious.
-The problem is that instead of gochujang sauce, they put steak sauce in the bibimbap.
-I've tried that, it's surprisingly edible.
-Yes. People with weird taste buds, please see yourselves out. Next!
[Algorithm Personality Special! Cameo List! To Be Announced in One Week!]
-Damn it! Just announce it! Why wait a whole week! These internet news sites will do anything to boost their click counts.
-Says the person who got baited and increased their click count.
-Just how many trash personalities are there that it takes a whole week? I knew that industry was dirty, but isn't this taking too long?
-My acquaintance's younger sibling's friend's brother-in-law works at Algorithm. According to inside info, 'Im Ji-hye' is number one on the list.
-Oh, I can see that for Im Ji-hye.
-I'll vote for Im Ji-hye too!
-I'll vote for Kam Jin-su!
-Who's Kam Jin-su?
-Me. I want to go to Malta too.
-Yeah. Have a nice trip on your own dime. Next.
*
Somewhere, a secret conference room.
“Within the compiled list, there are no suspicious individuals. Everyone's past research is clear and...”
“Can you be certain?”
“Well...”
“According to the intel, the energy hegemony we held is about to crumble like a sandcastle! Are you going to handle this so carelessly?”
“I'm sorry.”
“What's this list?”
“It's a list of just the younger, suspicious individuals.”
The man checking the list wore a troubled expression.
“How should we proceed?”
“What do you mean, how? Put people on them for surveillance. If anything even slightly suspicious is found, secure them. It would be good if they could join us, but if cooperation is impossible...”
“...Elimination?”
"Rather than leaving uncertainty, that would be more certain and clean. Let's take this opportunity to clean house so this never happens again."
The core research data for the energy project was said to have been only partially released.
That meant the lead researcher of this project felt their life was in danger. It also meant they didn't fully trust their existing partners.
They were holding onto the final key that could complete the project like a safety pin.
Before that pin was pulled, they had to find the original creator and either bring them to their side or, if that was impossible, stop the project by eliminating them.
If this wasn't some imaginary research but one already undergoing verification.
It would take more time than the original, but they were confident they could complete it on their own.
The problem was that they needed to buy time until then.
“And the MK shareholder list?”
“We're working on it.”
“Damn it! You can't do a single thing right!”
“It hasn't been long since we confirmed the information. Let's give them some breathing room to work.”
A member who had been watching the conversation from the side told him to calm down, saying that rushing things would only be counterproductive.
“Hah. I'm just frustrated. Frustrated. Research like this doesn't happen overnight. Does it make sense that no one knew about it until now?”
Just then, the man who had told him to calm down looked puzzled as he checked the list.
“This humanities professor here seems unrelated to the energy sector, doesn't he? Why was he added?”
“Humanities?”
The chairman re-examined the list in front of him and also tilted his head, finding it strange.
“He's a professor and a novelist. One of his published novels contains content that predicts a future similar to this incident.”
“What kind of content?”
“It's a story about a future society where everyone uses pollution-free energy wirelessly. It's an SF novel from a humanities perspective, focusing more on analysis and prediction of future society rather than scientific content.”
“Aren't there quite a few novels like that already?”
“Yes. But the existing novelists are all old, or not people who could be called geniuses.”
“True, a research professor in his twenties. This guy is definitely a genius type.”
“Should we remove people like this from the list?”
“No. He's at Stanford, so there might be someone related to this around him. If not, so be it, but right now we have to re-examine even cold embers. He's not in the energy field, but he might have overheard a similar story somewhere and wrote his story based on that. Put someone on him for now. Check every speck of dust. Let's mobilize all the intelligence organizations we can.”
“I agree. We've only been looking at related researchers, but we might be looking in all the wrong places when the answer is right under our noses. For the government to hide it this thoroughly, they might have laundered his identity, or made him look like he's in a completely different line of work. In this situation, we can't be selective; we need to cast a wide net.”
"Speaking of casting a wide net, let's be moderate. Your country doesn't know the meaning of moderation."
"What?"
"Ah, that's enough. This isn't the place for that discussion."
"Let's stop here for today. We seem to be meeting too frequently lately, and that's not good. Excuses only work once or twice. We need to be careful moving back and forth across the ocean. Nominally, we aren't supposed to be on friendly terms, are we."