Chapter 109
Chapter 109
To the Limit.
(Director, are you sure you won’t intervene?)
“Hey, come on. Don’t you trust me?”
(Of course, I know you have a good eye for people.)
The person on the phone with Director Cheon Seong-min was the script adapter he had worked with for a long time. While writers held significant power in dramas, the same wasn’t true for films.
It was common for directors to write their own screenplays. In the film industry, a writer’s influence was so weak that a script adapter personally brought along by a famous director held more sway than a writer with original creative abilities.
(But I heard he hasn’t been answering your calls for days.)
“A busy person can miss a few calls. It’s nothing.”
(Wow, it seems you really like him, Director.)
Yu Yeon-seo was still a hot topic in the industry. The guy who was only thought to be good for throwing money at production companies now held distribution rights as well. No matter how hard you worked to make a film, it would be a failure if theaters refused to screen it. Distribution rights were the ultimate power.
Everyone was watching Yu Yeon-seo’s next move, wondering whether this would have a positive impact or if he’d revert to his old ways, banishing films he disliked to early morning and late-night slots in provincial theaters with small audiences.
“He seemed like a good kid when I met him in person.”
The incident where Yu Yeon-seo clashed with the director during Emergency had been quite a shock to people in the industry, so Director Cheon hadn’t been particularly fond of him either.
Yu Yeon-seo was well-versed not only in domestic films but also in foreign ones. If you asked, Have you seen this? he’d reply, Of course, and then rattle off memorable or disappointing scenes with an impressive depth of knowledge.
[Especially that director’s film, Howling...]
[That’s not a familiar title. Is it a recent work?]
[Ah, no, it’s not.]
That’s not supposed to be out yet... He would sometimes mutter strange things, but wasn’t it better to have someone knowledgeable in power than a complete amateur?
Besides, his mother, Choi Yu-jin, though known as a market-shaking bullfrog, was famous for her deep love for the film industry. She was also renowned for her meticulous work ethic; surely she wouldn’t have been negligent in educating her successor.
[You have a foot in the distribution company now. What are your plans?]
[Me... well.]
And there was something Director Cheon particularly liked about him.
[The title ‘Hope of Rookies’ attached to me might be a bit cringey, but it’s a positive image, right?]
[It is. So?]
[I plan to keep it that way. It’s great to pour endless money into works by proven directors like you, who are guaranteed box office success and awards... but I think it would also be fun to nurture someone like you from the very beginning...]
Well-known directors already had their preferred actors. So, it would be nice to become a director’s muse by cultivating them from the start.
It was a less-than-pure thought, but Director Cheon, unaware of his intentions, was left with a good impression. In any case, it seemed he would have a positive influence on the film industry.
[I knew my choice wasn’t wrong.]
[Thank you.]
Their tastes aligned, they worked well together, and JSENM was the largest investment, production, and distribution company in the country. There was no reason to refuse based on rumors alone.
(Hearing you say that makes me curious too.)
“Then let’s all grab a meal together sometime.”
(Yes, Director.)
After hanging up with the script adapter, Director Cheon was thinking about the film when his phone rang again. The caller was Yu Yeon-seo.
“Yeon-seo.”
(Director, hello. Have you been well?)
“Did something happen? You haven’t been in touch...”
(I haven’t been feeling well.)
“Oh no. Are you alright now?”
(Yes. But don’t worry, I’m handling everything related to your film without any issues.)
Perhaps because he mentioned being unwell, Yu Yeon-seo’s voice sounded strained with fatigue.
(I’ll be seeing you soon. I’m sure many talented actors will show up, right?)
“At this rate, you’ll be starting your own agency.”
(That’s not a bad idea.)
He had even left the casting authority for the auditions in Director Cheon’s hands. Yu Yeon-seo could offer his opinion, but he wasn’t there to judge the actors. He wanted to be stimulated by watching the performances of undiscovered talents. He was also curious about how Director Cheon viewed actors.
After ending the call with Director Cheon, Yu Yeon-seo sank into the sofa. He had seen another hallucination during the New Year’s family dinner and had to leave early, claiming something urgent had come up.
‘I think I can handle it now...’
For a while, he had to struggle relentlessly not to be swayed by the haunting visions and auditory hallucinations. Now, he was getting a little used to them. He might cough up blood, but he could keep his mind from breaking.
“Ah...”
The vibration in his hand made him lift his heavy body. It was a message from Im Seung-hyeon, saying he had arrived in the parking lot. Today was the JSENM “Film Night” that Choi Yu-jin had arranged.
“Young Master.”
Im Seung-hyeon looked like he had a lot to say, but he kept his mouth shut for now. He knew from experience that if he asked about his health or commented on his weight loss, the Young Master would just dismiss it as nonsense.
The “Film Night” was being held in grand style at the JS Hotel. His eldest aunt, Yu Min-jeong, had become interested after hearing about it from Choi Yu-jin and had gladly offered the hotel’s largest hall. The entrance was already bustling with people.
Choi Yu-jin, the host of “Film Night,” was nowhere to be seen. It seemed the high-ranking Vice Chairman had stayed away, likely because her presence would make many people uncomfortable. Having become the host by default, he also planned to slip out midway after assessing the situation.
“Director Yu, you’ve arrived.”
“I’ll be in your care today.”
A secretary from JSENM fell in behind him. A JSENM employee was also stationed on-site and would compile a report on everything that happened at “Film Night” after he left.
“Yeon-seo, hello.”
As he was about to enter the venue, he turned his head at the sound of a woman’s voice. Looking closer, he saw Halo Media written on her name tag.
“We’re from the same agency, but this is our first time meeting. I’m Han Na-gyeong from the production team.”
“Hello.”
“You’re attending today as a director of JSENM, not as an actor from Halo Media, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll see you inside.”
Invitation tickets had been sent out to all film production companies, so it wasn’t strange to run into a colleague from his own agency. Besides, Halo Media was a well-known production company...
“Yeon-seo.”
“Oh? You’re here too, hyung.”
“The agency gave me a ticket.”
Park Seung-hwan, who had appeared with him in Welcome to the Guest House, was also at “Film Night.” This was possible because some production companies also managed actors. And he wasn’t just any actor; he was a top star who had achieved the triple ten-million-viewer milestone.
“I heard you became a director. Congratulations. Wow, you really look the part of a big corporation director.”
He took a step back and let out an impressed sigh, looking at Yu Yeon-seo’s neat suit and the secretary following him. Passersby glanced at them as they walked past.
“Ah, hyung, don’t joke around.”
“By the way, I heard you helped out Jun-yeong?”
“I just said something because I didn’t like what was happening.”
“Jun-yeong was thrilled.”
Was he that happy that I shut down Park Ju-hyeon? Yu Yeon-seo smiled vacantly and followed Choi Jun-yeong into the venue. As they entered, people nearby stopped their conversations and stared at Yu Yeon-seo.
“...I’ll see you later.”
Sensing the unusual atmosphere, Park Seung-hwan quickly made his exit. The industry insiders, who had been watching cautiously, then flocked to Yu Yeon-seo’s side.
“Hello, Yeon-seo.”
“It’s our first time meeting at an event like this, isn’t it? Hello, I’m...”
“Yeon-seo, hello.”
After exchanging brief greetings, Yu Yeon-seo finally broke free and began to slowly look around the venue.
The atmosphere was relaxed. Industry professionals mingled with champagne glasses, chatting amongst themselves, and there was even a space for dancing later. Besides Park Seung-hwan, a few other actors were present. They were all top-tier stars who were big names in the film world.
Amidst this atmosphere, the pitching sessions from various production companies began.
“Our scenario tackles some of the pressing social issues of our time...”
“Hello, our production company is currently working on a project like this.”
The story of a project that failed to attract investors for six years but finally succeeded after slightly altering its copy line during a pitch was quite famous in the film industry. That’s how important pitching was in this business.
‘What is this?’
Some production companies were blatantly looking his way as they pitched.
“Also, we are still in the casting phase for the actors...”
“The lead actor hasn’t been decided yet, but we plan to cast a handsome individual who fits the script.”
The nuance was clear: Our script is good, right? How about you invest and take the lead role? He let out a small smirk. Hosting an event like this is nice. I don’t even have to look for scripts; they bring them right to me. However, none of the projects from these desperate-looking production companies appealed to him.
There was also a rather interesting pitch.
“We are pleased to announce that Jin Su-ho will be playing the lead role in the project we are planning. Thank you.”
The man, who had sauntered onto the stage as if taking a neighborhood stroll, delivered this short line and then walked back down. A few people clapped and cheered. It was as if to say, ‘With Jin Su-ho as the lead, our movie is a done deal.’ When a top actor is attached, investors flock, and the path to screening becomes smooth.
“We did something similar for White Tiger.”
Han Na-gyeong from Halo Media approached Yu Yeon-seo and said quietly.
“...You announced that I was the lead actor?”
“Yes. We said that since you were participating and investing in our film, we hoped for a lot of interest. We received a lot of calls for the remaining investment slots after that.”
It turned out that White Tiger was famous in the production industry, even being called the “Miracle of White Tiger.” Typically, a film’s production period, from script development onwards, takes three to five years.
White Tiger was a script that had been floating around events like this for a long time. The monster’s special effects required a large budget, and no top actors had shown interest in the synopsis.
But then, Yu Yeon-seo, having recovered from his illness, said, ‘I’ll do this one,’ and the film went from production to screening in less than a few years. On top of that, it had performed well.
“There are probably a lot of people like that looking for you.”
“Thanks for the information.”
“Not at all. CEO Han told me to take good care of you.”
No wonder she seemed so eager to tell me something; CEO Han was behind it. Yu Yeon-seo smiled faintly, listening to the pitches from various production companies and making small talk with industry insiders. A DJ started playing music, and a dance floor opened up in the center.
“It would be fun to cast both you and Seung-hwan in a film.”
“That sounds interesting. But can you handle the production costs?”
“It’d be possible if you invested, Yeon-seo.”
“Then why would I need your company to produce it? I could do it myself.”
“Aww, come on, just do it once for us.”
As he listened to the producer’s playful words, he casually turned his head and saw two legs in a white skirt shimmering behind Park Seung-hwan.
“...”
“Yeon-seo?”
Staring intently at it, Yu Yeon-seo took out his phone and made a call.
“...Im Seung-hyeon. Have the car ready.”
The party was over.
Yu Yeon-seo stumbled into his house as if he had fled, collapsing onto the living room sofa.
“Hah...”
I wish I could stop seeing these things. Would catching the real culprit even put an end to this?
But that was his only lead. He closed his eyes, lost in thought for a long moment, then shot up.
“Beta.”
<Yes, Master.>
Come to think of it, the crucial clue had emerged when he pushed the memory synchronization to its limit before. If so, maybe now...
“Memory synchronization, to the limit.”
<Not recommended.>
“Start.”
<...It is recommended that you call someone. Please have your secretary or manager nearby.>
“I said, start.”
I know from last time that it won’t kill me.
His voice was cracked and menacing. Realizing persuasion wouldn’t work, Beta spoke after a moment of silence.
<Understood. Please be careful.>
<...As a special perk for reaching 45% memory synchronization, you can now access ‘Memories within Memories.’>
<As another perk, ‘Memory Replay’ has been added.>
His vision went black.