Chapter 141: A Fresh Start
Before the meal began,
Kang Ok-kyung gestured to the staff once the seats were almost filled. They took out thick script binders from their bags and distributed them to everyone.
“Still, it’s our first meeting, so we should at least go over the work lightly, right? The script came out a few days ago. It’s finalized, but if there are any problematic parts, please let me know. I’ll pass it on to the writer.”
For example, action scenes that couldn’t be performed due to injury or illness. What say do actors have over the script anyway?
Flip—
Muyoung turned to the first page of the script.
Behind the cover titled
[Lead role Kim Kido - Ha Muyoung]
Muyoung smiled proudly and turned the page.
A simple synopsis was bundled with the script.
All in all, about six episodes.
Considering other dramas are 16 episodes, it was highly efficient in terms of time and effort. They’d gauge the reaction and decide on a Season 2.
‘Things go crazy right from the start of Episode 1?’
It began with the world ending.
Monsters swarmed the suddenly overturned world, and only the clueless lead was leisurely eating ramen.
The building itself had turned into a fortress, so how would he know? Amid the ongoing chaos, he spotted a group of fleeing college students outside.
‘They’re my colleagues.’
Kim Jinseo was one of them. They’d been ambushed during a club meeting, so various majors were mixed in.
Cooking, veterinary science, athletics, and even business.
It was a new concept apocalypse story where they worked together to manage the building.
“But who’s voicing the Mori role?”
Mori was the name of the system built into the building itself.
Also one of the key figures helping the lead upgrade the building and trigger various events. It seemed to be processed as a mechanical voice……
“We haven’t cast that role yet. Since it’ll be dubbed with a mechanical voice anyway, the actual voice doesn’t matter. We’re looking at announcers, but it’s not urgent.”
Since it was just a voice with no physical presence, there was time until the later sound editing stage. Muyoung turned his head left and right and asked,
“Then, should I go first?”
“Would you like to? I was wondering when to bring it up.”
Muyoung stood up and bowed politely.
Kim Jinseo and the other actors put down their scripts and focused on him.
“Hello, I’m Ha Muyoung, playing the lead Kim Kido. I’ll do my best. I’d appreciate your help.”
The atmosphere was light, so everyone laughed and responded.
“You’re the Blue Dragon Award winner.”
“Oh. I’m embarrassed when you say it like that.”
“What are you talking about? The articles all said so.”
“Congratulations. Let’s do well together.”
And then Kim Jinseo. He played Garem, who managed and ran the building. He definitely looked sharp and capable, fitting the image well.
“Nice to meet you all!”
“Likewise.”
The other actors naturally greeted each other and exchanged names.
Jin Hye, the youngest daughter of a Chinese restaurant owner, was a chef and the neighborhood’s dominant rider.
Cheolmin, a national athletic meet prospect as a baseball player.
Noeul, a rich girl and veterinary student who loved animals.
And Jun Gyeong, who was skilled in programming.
All colleagues with unique abilities who’d help the lead manage the building.
Among them, the actress playing Jin Hye, Song Da-gyeong, suggested,
“Maybe, when we call each other, we could use our in-drama names? I find it more immersive when preparing, and it helps with character warm-up.”
If there had been a middle-aged actor present, it might’ve been an awkward suggestion, but everyone gathered was around the same age. They were all playing college students. Kim Jinseo nodded.
“I’m fine with it. If you’d like, I’ll call you Jin Hye. Call me Garem.”
“I’ve heard some actors change names before starting, but Song Da—I mean, Jin Hye, you’re that type, huh?”
It wasn’t a big deal.
The actors agreed, using Jin Hye instead of Song Da-gyeong. Muyoung did the same.
“I’m okay with it too.”
After exchanging greetings, the staff set up the grill. Since it was daytime, they skipped alcohol, engaging in trivial but relationship-building small talk.
“Ugh. I’m stuffed.”
Muyoung patted his full stomach, yawning repeatedly. His clothes were soaked in meat smell.
Ko Gyeongmin smoothly drove the car into the alley.
“The road here is too narrow and inconvenient, right?”
“Yeah. Still, since we’re the only tenants in the building, at least there’s no parking issue.”
“Huh? Looks like everyone’s arrived.”
Muyoung recognized the president and Taeseok’s cars parked in front of the building and muttered. Climbing the stairs, he found the office door half-open, messier than usual.
“We’re here—”
“Yeah. Come in. Sit down.”
“You’ve been eating meat, huh? I can smell it.”
Bora closed her book and sniffed. Muyoung laughed awkwardly and sat beside her. Taeseok sat across from them, fiddling with his phone.
Ko Gyeongmin placed the car keys on the table.
“But what did you want to say?”
“Umm……”
Muyoung’s direct question made Bora and Taeseok look up simultaneously, though they continued what they were doing.
“Well, you see……”
Na Geumdong, sitting on the sofa, struggled to find the right words. The three waited patiently. Ko Gyeongmin just boiled water in the kettle.
“Ah, really!”
Unable to wait any longer, Bora slammed her book down.
“Just spit it out, President!”
“Bo, Bora. Don’t get mad.”
“I’m not mad, I’m frustrated. Just say it—yes or no. What are you hesitating for? Huh?”
As Bora blurted it out, Muyoung grabbed her arm and whispered,
“Hey, you’re being too pushy. Bora, the more you do this, the quieter the President gets.”
Bora huffed, flipping her hair with a ‘Really?’ expression. She calmly picked up her book again.
“What’s happening with the company? Are we going into SJ?”
“I was wondering what you guys think.”
“I’m definitely in favor.”
Bora answered without hesitation. But Taeseok seemed to feel differently.
“I’m not so sure.”
“Why not?”
“Being a Big Win original member, it’s a bit sad to see the name go…… I signed with the President, not SJ. Working for a big corporation will change things, and I’m worried there’ll be more restrictions.”
Taeseok’s perspective was understandable.
Their eyes turned to Muyoung, as they were most curious about his opinion as the company’s main pillar.
Muyoung sipped the tea Ko Gyeongmin had given him and spoke slowly,
“Honestly, I don’t really care.”
“You don’t care?”
“Either way—”
Whether it was a field of pollen, what did it matter? Whether it was Big Win or SJ, it was a blessing for Muyoung.
“If anything, I’m more concerned about the President.”
“The President? Me?”
“What happens to you if the company is sold?”
A man who loved acting but couldn’t become an actor.
Now, with the will to grow alongside them, he’d founded the company. But if it disappeared, what would become of him?
At Muyoung’s words, Ko Gyeongmin sighed and urged Na Geumdong,
“President. Speak quickly. They’re so worried.”
“Ah. Right.”
Na Geumdong took a breath and confessed,
“Simply put, the company’s been sold. We’re becoming a subsidiary.”
That meant……
“We’ll get a huge investment, and the management will change a bit, but the Big Win name stays. We’re being handled as an independent corporation. Both me and Manager Ko Gyeongmin will stay, and you’ll all be transferred over. But if anyone wants to terminate their contract beforehand, I’ll allow it.”
“No way! Why terminate? We’re in this till the end. Good decision, President.”
Bora clapped excitedly. Taeseok also seemed satisfied that the name and staff wouldn’t change, nodding along. Only Muyoung, not quite understanding, smiled awkwardly.
“So, what’s actually changing?”
“The office, for one.”
“What? You’re already packing?”
The space was old and messy even on a normal day, so he hadn’t noticed.
Na Geumdong crossed his arms and laughed incredulously.
“You didn’t notice all these boxes lying around?”
“W, where are we moving to?”
“SJ E&M Building, 3rd floor.”
“Gangnam!”
Whoa—Bora’s clapping grew louder, and Muyoung subtly gave a double thumbs-up.
“You don’t need to worry about anything. Just get ready for the big corporation money massage.”
“Squee! This is amazing!”
Bora threw her book aside and jumped up and down.
Whoa—A money massage! Now there’d be a receptionist, professional stylists, and experts to take care of the actors.
Knock, knock—
“The door’s open every time I come here.”
A familiar feeling as Yusah entered.
He stretched out his hand and shook it.
“Is everything settled?”
“Representative! Representative-nim!”
“Oh dear. Bora’s the most excited.”
Bora’s eyes sparkled as she clasped her hands. Yusah greeted her warmly, patting her shoulder.
“Thanks to President Na Geumdong’s good decision, we’re now family. Looking forward to working together. Wholeheartedly—what did you say earlier? Ah, right. The big corporation money massage is coming. Haha.”
Clap! Clap! Clap!
As if there was nothing more to say, Bora clapped in admiration. Acting as if she’d gained everything. Muyoung just sipped his tea. A premium honeycomb set was placed before him.
“What’s this?”
“A small token of appreciation. Honey’s good for energy recovery, right? Go ahead, take one.”
To act like this in the current situation.
Muyoung caught his intent. It was to prevent contract terminations before the transfer, as President Na Geumdong had mentioned.
“You didn’t have to do this.”
Looking at Bora and Taeseok’s reactions, even honey wouldn’t be enough. Muyoung picked up the paper box and laughed.
“For our precious SJ family.”
“When’s the move?”
“Hmm? Today.”
“Today? Right now?”
“In an hour or two, the movers will come. But half of it’s trash, so there’s not much to move.”
Aside from the cabinet full of scripts, there was nothing worth keeping. The furniture, bought secondhand years ago, had already been used for several more years.
“If I have time, can I come by to see?”
“SJ E&M 3rd floor? Didn’t you go there last time?”
You went for the investor meeting, remember? That’s where Joo Jungdan totally dissed Yusah.
“Right, but you didn’t see the 3rd floor.”
Muyoung looked at Bora and Taeseok.
Wanna go? Of course! Let’s check it out!
Silent signals passed between them, and Muyoung grabbed his coat.
The President, moving the box aside, snapped his fingers as if remembering something.
“Ah! Wait a minute!”
“Yes? What is it?”
“Almost forgot something really important.”
A shocked expression.
Na Geumdong counted money with his fingers and said,
“Since the company’s wrapping up, settlements will be paid early. Expect something this quarter.”
“Ah!”
The huge running royalties from
Muyoung’s eyes sparkled as he asked,
“How much is mine? How much?”
Not just movie fees, but also variety shows, ads, and more. There was quite a list to settle this time.
“I’ll know once I properly calculate.”
“I, is it over ten billion?”
“Of course! Just from
Muyoung cheered, running around the small office. Bora and Taeseok congratulated him, curious about their own settlements. Not as much as Muyoung, but definitely record-breaking for them too.
“Congratulations, Muyoung.”
“Thank you!”
Yusah checked his watch and nodded as if to say it was time to go.
“From now on, you’ll earn even more. SJ will make sure of that.”