Translator: Dreamscribe
Kang Rojun, whose brain malfunctioned as he looked at the top actress Choi Rina sitting across from him.
'...What did she just say?'
Although his face was partially hidden by a mask and a cap, had it not been for those, his dumbfounded expression would have been clearly visible. Naturally so, because Choi Rina had just dropped a bombshell.
'D-Did she just say she'd play the female lead in my trashy script??! That Choi Rina-nim???'
It wasn't just anyone, it was Choi Rina, who dominated the acting scene. And she had volunteered to be the female lead in 'Rental Lover'.
'Why on earth??? What? Why??'
For Rojun, it was utterly incomprehensible.
Wasn't someone of Choi Rina's caliber able to just waltz into any major project by the biggest names in the industry?
But 'Rental Lover' was nothing more than a one-act play, and even the writer of that one-act was a complete rookie, Kang Rojun. In that instant, the days he had carelessly scribbled away at 'Rental Lover' flashed before him. He had even muttered to himself with a chuckle, "Why am I writing this kind of crap?"
Is this a joke? It must be a joke.
But from the other side of the table, Choi Rina's smiling lips didn't utter a single joke. Instead, she hammered it home properly.
"For the record, I'm not joking. I mean it."
That's exactly what made it weird, because she was serious.
Rojun's eyes were filled with question marks, but PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who was seated to his right, looked completely relaxed. As if she had expected this bombshell from Choi Rina all along.
"Really? You want to do 'Rental Lover'? Hmm- why all of a sudden?"
To PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who asked the question with a smile, Choi Rina responded.
"As I mentioned, I really enjoyed 'Rental Lover'. Ever since I read it, it hasn't left my head, the story. And this is a one-act you're directing, PD-nim. How could I resist?"
"What part of 'Rental Lover' did you find entertaining?"
"The theme is unique. The characters have depth. The female lead, who has zero self-esteem and is a total shut-in, and the rental lovers who approach her. At first glance, it feels like a romcom, but the twist involving lovers with serious flaws gives it a thriller-like variation. That twist is only possible in a one-act format, which made me want to do it even more, and then-"
For several minutes, Choi Rina recited a detailed breakdown of 'Rental Lover'. Kang Rojun, who listened quietly, found it incredibly fascinating. She had clearly read it thoroughly. Then PD Jung Soo-ryeong crossed her arms.
"You must've read it just yesterday, yet you analyzed it so fast?"
"Oh my? Even if I don't look like it, you know I'm actually quite the hard worker."
"I didn't know that."
"There you go again."
As the two exchanged what seemed like a playful banter, PD Jung Soo-ryeong shrugged her shoulders.
"But since this is a one-act, we can't match your fee, Star Choi. If we try to meet your rate, we'd have to shut down before the cameras even roll."
That was true. Choi Rina, currently one of the Top 5 actresses in the country, had an appearance fee that was off the charts. Considering her recognition and influence, the production budget of 'Rental Lover' wouldn't even come close. But Choi Rina, seemingly well aware of this, responded without concern.
"I know, but I've saved up a lot of money. I don't have big demands. Just pay the original fee you had in mind for the female lead. Then there's no issue, right?"
Is she serious? Rojun's eyes widened slightly as he looked at PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who answered right away.
"No issue. But have you talked about this with your agency's CEO?"
"No. But I'm currently taking a break anyway, and the shooting schedule for a one-act would only be one or two months max. Even if the pay is low for now, 'Rental Lover' has artistic merit, right? A bigger project might come along, too. I can persuade my CEO. It won't be hard."
"Well, CEO Kim is kind of powerless against you. Still, hmm-"
"Why? Were you planning to cast someone else?"
"I'm Jung Soo-ryeong, so of course I was keeping an eye out. It's hard to explain the full context, but even though it's just a one-act, I was planning to scale things up a bit. But to be fair, not with S-Class stars like you, more like with some decent A-Class ones?"
That wasn't true. PD Jung Soo-ryeong had intended to reach out to even S-Class top actresses like Choi Rina. In the entertainment industry, connections were a cost-effective weapon, and PD Jung Soo-ryeong wielded that weapon well. It was just that Choi Rina had bitten the bait before it was even cast. Unaware of this, Choi Rina gave a small smile.
"Then I'll do it. S-Class is better than A-Class, isn't it?"
"Let's go with that, then."
Even though he didn't fully understand what was going on, major decisions were being made right in front of Kang Rojun's eyes. Now somewhat calmed down, he decided it was best to just keep his mouth shut. As PD Jung Soo-ryeong continued to steer the situation according to the blueprint she had crafted, she changed the topic.
"I really enjoyed your recent movie, Star Choi, but since 'Rental Lover' is a little different in tone, we'll still need to see you act, right?"
"Of course. I didn't take this lightly. In fact, after reading 'Rental Lover' yesterday, I did a bit of character analysis. I'll perform a few lines."
And just like that, right before Kang Rojun's eyes, top actress Choi Rina began performing. Choi Rina, bringing the female lead of 'Rental Lover' to life. Who in their life would ever experience something like this? Rojun simply sat, utterly captivated, as he watched her performance.
"How's that?"
As soon as she finished, Choi Rina dropped the emotion and returned to her usual tone. PD Jung Soo-ryeong gave a small round of applause.
"Wow- As expected of Star Choi. You probably had little time to analyze the character, but she came out really close to the one I envisioned. Your acting, well, that goes without saying. What do you think, Writer-nim?"
With that, PD Jung Soo-ryeong passed the baton. Choi Rina also turned her gaze toward Kang Rojun, who was wearing a mask. Her eyes were as clear as a doe's. Looking at her, Rojun almost blurted out, "That was amazing." It wasn't flattery, he meant it. But he couldn't respond in a frivolous way.
"I don't think I'm in a position to evaluate you."
Choi Rina's smiling eyes deepened.
"Thank you, Writer-nim."
Then PD Jung Soo-ryeong wrapped things up.
"Okay, then I'm going ahead with preparations assuming Star Choi is the female lead, alright? No backing out later."
After that.
Choi Rina left the room before they had their meal. Once she was gone, Kang Rojun and PD Jung Soo-ryeong ate just enough to settle their stomachs before kicking off the actual meeting. It began with PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who had re-tied her frizzy hair.
"Surprised? Choi Rina showing up like that?"
It wasn't just surprising, his heart nearly burst. But Rojun downplayed his reaction a bit.
"Yes, a little."
"Sorry, Writer-nim, you are always so calm, I wanted to surprise you. But you're more composed than I expected?"
"No. I was really surprised."
"Choi Rina's good, right? As the female lead."
"She's not just good, she's incredible. I didn't even think this was possible."
"Told you, I've been around for a while. This kind of thing is rare, so if it gets out, it'll make a lot of noise."
Pulling out the planner she brought along, PD Jung Soo-ryeong began writing something down as she continued.
"Uh- like I mentioned on the phone, things have changed a bit with 'Rental Lover'. I was already planning to throw some weight behind it because of you, Writer-nim, but now with Choi Rina on board, the scale has upgraded to megaton level."
She explained why she was scaling up 'Rental Lover'. Most of it was because of Kang Rojun. The person behind 'Number 1', the face of 'Produce That 100!', turned out to be the same writer, and that writer would also be appearing in his own work. And the female lead? S-Class top actress Choi Rina.
"If we pull this off right, it's going to be an unprecedented one-act drama. And because it's a one-act, it's actually more likely to stir up buzz."
Just imagining it gave Rojun goosebumps.
'This is going to be huge. Forget about me, the female lead is Choi Rina??'
PD Jung Soo-ryeong added more explanation.
"I read the revised version of 'Rental Lover' you sent over. It feels good overall, but I'd like to see the role of 'Lover Number 4', which you'll be playing, get a bit more screen time. The character setup is fine. Also, let's expand the stories of the other lovers. Right now it's at about a two-part length, but let's stretch it to three. At this scale, it should run at least three weeks."
In short, she was asking him to build it out more. The workload had increased, but Rojun took it lightly.
'It's not hard. I wrote 'Rental Lover' pretty casually to begin with.'
In fact, he had quite a few ideas jotted down that he hadn't developed out of sheer laziness.
"Understood. I'll send it to you by the end of the week."
"That's quick? You sure you can manage? It'd be great for me if you keep up that pace, but there's still 'Produce That 100!' to think about, right?"
"We're in a brief prep period for filming right now, so it's doable. And writing it won't be hard."
"You really are a genius in every way. A visual genius with killer writing skills too. How does it feel to own the world by yourself?"
"Not too bad."
"Haha, and with charm on top of that, what are we even supposed to do with you?"
PD Jung Soo-ryeong mentioned that they would also be scaling up the directing aspects and the abilities of the staff beyond initial expectations. In other words, they were going to put in several times more effort than what was typical for a one-act drama. She also shared an update on the production status of 'Rental Lover'. The staff lineup had already been finalized, and the first production meeting would begin the next day.
"As for the script meetings, it'll just be you and me, Writer-nim. We'll put Choi Rina at the top of the cast list and begin full-scale casting next week. Originally, we were planning to go with rookie actors, but now we're raising the bar. It won't take long, with Choi Rina as the lead."
The meeting wrapped up in about an hour. After tidying up the space, Kang Rojun and PD Jung Soo-ryeong got into the car.
-Vroom!
They headed back to the 'Produce That 100!' campus in Paju. As she drove, PD Jung Soo-ryeong glanced at Rojun in the passenger seat. He had taken off his mask and cap.
'Can't wait to see how he looks on camera. Even on 'Produce That 100!', he looked like CGI. If we style him and start shooting as 'Lover Number 4', it'll be insane. And those two-shots with Choi Rina- hmm, if we frame it right, she might actually be outshone.'
With a small laugh, PD Jung Soo-ryeong spoke.
"It must be hectic? Writing and filming 'Produce That 100!'"
"It's manageable."
"Anyway, since your role as 'Lover Number 4' is confirmed too, even if you're busy, start practicing your facial expressions slowly. Since you wrote the script, you know the character settings well. When the time comes, I'll check your performance like an audition. You might even rehearse with Choi Rina. I'll give you advice or point out things to tweak."
Rojun nodded and turned his gaze to the window. Rehearsing lines with Choi Rina-nim? His heart was pounding.
'I seriously have no clue where my life is headed right now.'
It was right at this moment.
-Vrrr...
A short vibration felt on his wrist. Checking his smartwatch, he saw a new notification had arrived. Of course, it was from the 'AI Simulation'.
-[With the addition of a new side job under the title 'Side Job Tycoon', the title has been enhanced by +1. You have received 20 Coins as a gift!]
-[The title 'Side Job Tycoon' has been enhanced to +2, and bonus Coins have increased to 2.]
Seeing the notification, Kang Rojun was slightly surprised and exclaimed internally, Nice!
'Ah- Title Enhancement!'
The next morning, Wednesday the 29th.
The location was the 'Produce That 100!' campus in Paju. Just like yesterday, Kang Rojun was the first among dozens of participants to wake up. The first thing he did was reach for his phone. Before even searching his name online, he launched the 'AI Simulation' app.
There had been some pretty big changes.
-[Title: Side Job Tycoon+2 / Recognition Monster+1]
-[User: Kang Rojun / Age: 24 / Height: 182.8 cm / Desired Occupation: Idol / Coins Owned: 498]
-[Side Job: [1] Screenwriter, [2] Actor]
The title 'Side Job Tycoon' had been enhanced, and 'Actor' had been added as a new side job. On top of that.
-[Title Bonus Coins: +3]
He now had 3 bonus Coins. In other words, starting today, Kang Rojun could earn 8 Coins per day. The corners of his mouth lifted into a grin.
'Eight a day, so sweet.'
He was already approaching 500 Coins. Feeling more secure, Rojun immediately changed into workout clothes to complete his Daily Mission. His dorm mates from Room 105, awakened by the noise, groaned as they stirred.
"Ugh- wait for us, Number 1-nim."
"Ow, I'm dying. My whole body's sore from yesterday's dance training. But I'll go too."
All four of them ended up following Kang Rojun. As he and his Room 105 mates stepped out into the hallway.
"Oh, are you all going to exercise??"
They ran into PD Woo Han-suk, who was walking toward them. To be exact, he had come specifically to see Rojun.
"Number 1 nim, I was stuck in the editing room yesterday afternoon. Sorry."
"It's fine."
"If you're heading out, mind if I walk with you?"
"Sure."
After bidding farewell to the members of Room 105, PD Woo Han-suk left the dormitory together with Rojun. The two walked toward a nearby park, and Kang Rojun glanced at the PD beside him, wondering if he was really okay.
'Looks like his dark circles have gotten even worse.'
PD Woo Han-suk's hair was greasy and unkempt, his eyes lifeless, and his face filled with exhaustion. He took off his glasses and pressed firmly on his eyes before finally speaking.
"I'm dying from overnight meetings and editing."
"Are you alright?"
"Hahaha, I'm fine. With a 15% viewership rating and creating a sensation, I should keep editing even from the grave. A happy death? Something like that? It's all thanks to you, Number 1-nim. I've been monitoring the public response constantly. Just yesterday, tens of thousands of posts were made on our official site's bulletin board. Seventy percent of them were about you."
Even while looking half-dead, PD Woo Han-suk chuckled and patted Rojun's shoulder a couple of times, then changed the subject.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
Kang Rojun calmly began to speak.
"It's about the writer thing I mentioned before."
"Oh right, the one who won the grand prize in the SBC contest. You said you met the director for that yesterday too, right? Is production going well? They must be in pre-production now."
"Yes. For now. But somehow, I ended up being cast in the project."
-Pause.
PD Woo Han-suk came to a sudden halt, his tired eyes growing comically wide.
"...What? Cast? You mean, you're going to appear in that project as an actor??"
"Yes."
"So-so you're the writer of the project, and now you're also acting in it?"
"Yes."
PD Woo Han-suk stared at Rojun for a moment, completely dumbfounded.
'The writer is also acting??! What kind of absurd plot twist is this??'
He quickly looked around. Confirming that no one else was nearby, he stepped in closer to Rojun.
"Hold on a sec. This is too sudden. Mind explaining it to me in detail?"
Kang Rojun explained everything that had happened so far regarding 'Rental Lover'. Of course, he left out the part about Choi Rina, just in case. Soon, PD Woo Han-suk's expression turned serious. He, too, was a seasoned veteran in this field. Running the numbers was no big deal.
'PD Jung Soo-ryeong, she's well-known in the drama scene. From the looks of it, she's building a real setup here... If done right, this could turn into a win-win situation.'
Rubbing his chin, PD Woo Han-suk responded to Kang Rojun.
"I'll arrange to meet with PD Jung Soo-ryeong."
*****
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