Chapter 100: Together
Muyoung looked at Cheolmin and then silently turned his eyes back to the script. Street Sunlight, huh. I really like that name.
“So, you want to cast me in this vampire role?”
At his words, Cheolmin nodded vigorously.
“Yes! There aren’t many actors who have both a female and a male face at the same time. I saw the fan meeting video and thought, ’This is it.’”
Muyoung’s atmosphere changed dramatically with just clothes and props—from a sultry and charming woman to a rough man from the backstreets.
The skill to express polar opposite moods in one tone was impressive. No, was it a skill? It was essentially a talent—an innate one.
“Your age is perfect, too.”
“It is. It really is perfect.”
“The only problem is that this is also an adult-only movie……”
Although there was a drama in between, looking at his film credits, his previous work, The Plague, was also rated for adults. It could be an unappealing choice for an actor who prefers a mainstream image. But Muyoung drew a firm line.
“That doesn’t matter. What’s important is the work and the character I’ll be playing.”
At his words, Bae Cheolmin’s face brightened.
His face was red from the cold, but his eyes sparkled with hope. And cautiously, very slowly, he continued speaking.
“And there’s the matter of the appearance fee, too.”
“Appearance fee? Why?”
“I’ll have to meet with the agency, but since it’s a low-budget film, I’m not sure if we can match your guarantee. Of course, the production company will do its best, but your value has been rising so much lately……”
Most of the film’s setting was a small seminar where an insomnia club met. The story progressed through mutual conversations and recollections of the past, so no special set was needed.
“The budget will be pretty low, I guess.”
At Muyoung’s words, Cheolmin just smiled awkwardly.
Not only was the content of the film like that, but who would put up a lot of money for a director’s debut work with no previous films? If it had been any other script, production would have been impossible.
Cheolmin was grateful that the script he wrote and wanted to turn into a film was Street Sunlight. Otherwise, it would have been hopeless.
“What about casting for the other roles?”
“We’re discussing it. Once the casting is done, we can start filming right away.”
“How long do you expect the filming period to be?”
“It won’t take long either. We’ll have to coordinate the actors’ schedules, but it should take no more than two months. I think everyone except Muyoung will be free, so… haha.”
Saying that, Cheolmin glanced at Muyoung. For some reason, his reaction seemed very positive. As if responding to his intuition, Muyoung nodded.
“I see. I’ll read this and contact you right away. Can I have your number?”
“My number? You mean my number?”
“If you have an agency, should I contact them instead?”
“No! No! Give it to me!”
“Okay. I’ll read it and contact you within three days. Thank you.”
“Th-thank you?”
Muyoung stood up from his chair, smiling.
And he gently shook the script papers.
“Thank you for appreciating my image, and thank you for bringing this to me.”
Look. Flower petals fall with every shake, scattering like a shower.
The light was more brilliant and warmer than anything he had ever seen before—so much so that he couldn’t feel the cold winter wind.
“No way! I’m absolutely against it! Against it!”
Na Geumdong shouted, making an X sign with both hands.
In front of him sat Muyoung, digging his ears, and Ko Gyeongmin, checking the script between them.
“Muyoung, have you actually seen the script that came to you?”
“Yes! I saw it. Everyone liked it.”
“Yeah! It’s good, right? But why this one, of all things?”
I understand not wanting to do a drama. That’s okay.
Then, if it’s a movie, you should choose a good one.
A movie with a director who has a great career, a production company with a lot of money, a writer who writes well, and co-stars with high recognition—that kind of movie!
“Director Gyeongcheon sent a love call, didn’t he? And that’s not all. I heard that
Contrary to his grandiose words, his expression and gestures were pitiful. This is a really important time, he said. A time that some people can’t get even once in their lifetime.
“You have to strike when the momentum is right. If you miss it, it’ll be really hard. Muyoung, this is all for you, so let’s think about it again. If you want something artistic, let’s see. Hmm! This one’s good, too!”
“I don’t want to.”
“Why not?”
But Muyoung refused outright.
Did he even understand the boss’s feelings? He just smiled and remained stubborn.
“I want to do Street Sunlight!”
“If you do everything you want to do—”
“That would be really nice, right?”
Oh no! Na Geumdong dramatically grabbed his neck and gestured to Ko Gyeongmin for help, as if to say, “Look at him! Let’s try to persuade him together.”
“The script is actually pretty good.”
But Ko Gyeongmin, who had been quietly reading the script, also gave up.
No matter what you say about production costs or the cast, the most important thing was still the script. He seemed to be really into it, smiling in admiration.
“If I were an actor, I’d want to try this.”
“Huh? Do you want to give it a shot, too, Hyung? They haven’t cast the other roles yet. For you, let’s see—a thief would be perfect. Yeah! Perfect.”
“I’m just kidding, man. How could I do it?”
“You guys—are you really going to do this?”
President Na Geumdong cried out.
I don’t like the movie genre either! A drama? Why are you trying to go down such an independent path when there’s a proven success formula? It’s a story about police and gangsters, with plenty of corporate money poured into CG and melodrama—and not even a single action scene! It’s a static story!
“Looking at the production company, it’s Loreeong? Totally small-scale. Only Monet, I guess. No, Monet has history and color. That one’s completely new! They won’t even be able to match the appearance fee.”
At the president’s words, Muyoung hesitated for a moment.
He had something in mind, but if he said it, the president might really collapse backward.
“Money is fine. I’m doing a lot of commercials, you know.”
“No—”
“The moment I saw this, I was hooked. I won’t do anything else but this, boss.”
“Aaaah……”
He lost. It was over. Oh, my goodness.
When an artist is so determined, there’s no way to change their mind.
Na Geumdong took out a handkerchief and sniffled.
“So, when negotiating, is there no limit to the appearance fee?”
Since the actor was willing, the agency and the production company would now meet to adjust the contract details. He was asking if there was a minimum amount he wouldn’t accept.
“There’s nothing like that, but I’d like to get a higher running guarantee ratio instead.”
“Huh? A running guarantee?”
“Yes. That’s less of a burden for the company, too.”
“That’s true, but……”
He would accept a significant cut in his appearance fee in exchange for a higher percentage of what’s called a “bonus” paid out later, depending on the film’s success. Since the contract was based on the premise of success, the production company would be very welcoming.
“Since you’re the lead and your value is high these days, I think we can raise the percentage. Even then, it’ll only be about 2-3%, though.”
“Yes. Please prioritize the percentage over an immediate drop.”
Muyoung shook the Street Sunlight script he had at Big Win Entertainment. He hadn’t known about it at all because it had just been sitting in a cabinet in the office, and he hadn’t dropped by.
‘It’s definitely going to work out.’
There’s always a reason why flower petals scatter.
Muyoung decided to expect a huge reward later rather than a small profit right now.
Ko Gyeongmin nodded, saying he understood, and scribbled something in his notebook.
“Then what about other conditions?”
“Well, I don’t think there’s anything else.”
Since the vampire protagonist was the most important, it seemed like they were confirming that first and then proceeding.
Muyoung quietly looked at the script, smiled, and asked,
“But what about the entertainment worker who appears here?”
“A host?”
“Doesn’t Taeseok fit that role well?”
At Muyoung’s words, Ko Gyeongmin’s eyes widened.
A ruggedly handsome physique. A man whose face wasn’t anything special but who became the store’s ace just because of that. The image……
“Not bad.”
“Right? Show the script to Taeseok, too. I hope he’ll do it if he’s interested.”
“Oh. Sure. Taeseok just finished his drama, so he’s wondering what to do next. This is perfect timing.”
If it’s the same company, scheduling would be easier, too. Unlike Muyoung, who received an offer, it would be an audition where they choose him……
“There’s quite a bit of dialogue, isn’t there?”
Na Geumdong, who had been sulking alone, asked quietly.
Yeah. What can you do? If everyone’s doing it like this, you have to follow along. Muyoung recited the simple character description at the beginning and said,
“This guy has a good body, but he’s the type who ruins it as soon as he opens his mouth. He has no charm in his words. So, at first, he’s quiet in the club. There’s a lot of dialogue later on, so you’ll have to prepare for that, Hyung.”
You can’t play silent roles forever, can you?
“Then I’ll have to ask Taeseok’s opinion, too. Let’s see. For now, I’ll only contact them about yours today.”
“Yes. I understand.”
Muyoung dusted off his hands and gave a thumbs-up.
They had already passed the image casting stage, so once the running guarantee ratio was adjusted, all that was left was to sign the contract. Muyoung laughed, feeling a sense of wonder at how far he’d come.
“But this is really strange. I used to have to go to auditions to get a role. How is this possible after just one year?”
What President Na Geumdong said when Muyoung first signed with Big Win was exactly right. If you want to play the roles you desire, you have to become famous first. Only then can you truly not miss the works you want.
“Do you know how hard it is for a rookie actor to meet Director Jin Gyeongmun for their debut and get over 4 million viewers, or to land their first drama lead role and get a 32% viewership rating?”
How many people disappear without even making it to their debut, let alone stepping over the threshold? Na Geumdong’s reply was bitter yet full of pride for Muyoung.
“Thank you, boss.”
“What are you talking about, man!”
“Everyone worked so hard. Thank you so much.”
“If you know that, let’s read this script, too.”
“I don’t want to!”
He had also considered taking on more than one project at a time. In fact, the company had subtly suggested it.
But the key was to choose and focus! That was the only way to fully digest a role.
“Aaaah—I don’t know why the human body is only one.”
Na Geumdong and Ko Gyeongmin had also been actors, so they understood and respected that.
Then Muyoung’s phone rang.
“Oh. It’s here.”
“What are you doing, tagging along on a kids’ date?”
“Junho said he’d buy me dinner first!”
Junho had called to say he was waiting downstairs at the office. Muyoung picked up his jacket and said goodbye to the two of them.
“Then I’ll go first!”
“Okay, we’ll be in touch!”
Squeak!
It was Junho’s familiar car. As Muyoung left the building, Bora, sitting in the passenger seat, waved at him.
“Muyoung!”
“Oh. What’s this? You’re looking sharp today?”
“Of course. We’re going to cut some meat!”
“Ha Muyoung. What’s with that? I told you to wear the clothes I gave you?”
It was a dinner to celebrate the end of Muyoung and Bora’s drama and BORNTORE’s threefold sales growth. Of course, the card that Junho was using was given to him by his cousin.
Starting with the outfit that Muyoung wore on his way to work at Music Station selling out, they were enjoying the full trickle-down effect of advertising.
“It’s fine. It’s fine.”
“Yeah. Since it’s sweatpants with elastic, it’s probably better. Let’s go eat all the expensive stuff in a row. Eat and take some home!”
“Did you fight with your brother?”
“I don’t know. Working with him, I think my brother’s not going to get married. He’s got such a bad temper.”
Junho grumbled, venting his frustration from work. Sitting next to him, Bora turned around and asked.
Her drama had aired for about a month at the same time as You are a Star, I am a Star. Although the results were relatively poor, it was still Bora’s real debut.
“But what’s that?”
“My next project.”
“You already chose it? I’m still thinking about it. Can I see it?”
“Yeah. Here.”
Bora took the script and flipped through it without much interest.
But she gradually spoke less and showed unwavering concentration, even as the car shook. She stayed focused until they were almost at the restaurant.
“We’re almost there. Let’s get out.”
“Uh, Muyoung.”
“Yeah?”
And she asked quietly, clutching the script tightly, her voice slightly trembling.
“Is this a public audition?”