IJLMT 20

Chapter 20….

“No, no. Wait a minute.”

Shin Dong-jae — CEO of Kiki Studio, executive producer, director, and screenwriter — had veins bulging thickly on his neck. He was furious.

“What do you mean it’s impossible to provide additional production funding?”

His face was flushed red, and his chest felt tight. The most frustrating part was that even though his anger was boiling over, he couldn’t raise his voice. Why? Because his opponent was WatchFlex. The investors were always the masters, and the producers were the servants. Shin Dong-jae wasn’t stupid enough to forget that eternal law.

“Isn’t this different from what we agreed upon? We set the default at 1.4 billion won, and WatchFlex promised to provide additional investment depending on casting and direction. That’s how I understood the contract. To come out like this now… I’m truly shocked.”

[ We completely understand how you feel, Director. But we ask that you understand our position as well. Our resources are limited, so we can only approve extra funding after internal review. Chalk and Spear is essentially a classroom story, isn’t it? ]

“No, it’s not! Only the beginning takes place in a classroom. You read the script, didn’t you? There are contrasting devices to highlight the social gap between protagonist and antagonist, and there are scenes with buildings burning and collapsing. With the current budget, even paying the cast is barely manageable! This is just above the line of a low-budget film.”

But no matter how passionately Dong-jae argued, the other party’s tone didn’t change.

[ Surely we can find a compromise. There are many ways to highlight class differences, and many methods of portraying revenge. In terms of casting too, you could find less experienced but promising talents. ]

“So you’re telling me to cut quality to fit the budget?”

[ I’m saying we should find middle ground. ]

“Then what about that recent project? Rebellion of the Sharks! You poured an enormous budget into that. Sharks fusing with aliens and infinitely cloning themselves to conquer Earth! The absurd premise didn’t even succeed at the box office!”

[ We’re sorry, Director. But with our limited resources, we must follow the results of our internal review— ]

The conversation went around in circles before fizzling out.

“Sigh….”

Dong-jae’s mind kept circling the same thought: So that’s how it is. WatchFlex simply didn’t believe his project would succeed. They only supported the director of Shark Typhoon because his previous work had already proven successful.

To WatchFlex, his film was a “nice if it works, oh well if it doesn’t” type of project. They didn’t want to risk much. Rational, yes. But still…

This was supposed to be my last chance.

Seventeen years had passed since he stubbornly pursued success with his own scripts. He’d been told his stories lacked mass appeal, were too gloomy. Yet he had gone so far as to create his own production company.

Even the investors don’t believe in me.

But this time he thought it would work. He hadn’t just clung to stubbornness — he’d carefully considered what the public liked. Though the beginning was gloomy, he’d designed a structure where the audience’s satisfaction at revenge would multiply tenfold precisely because of that gloom. If this didn’t succeed, he had decided to give up on being a writer and stick to outsourcing film shoots. It would be a way to accept the dream as unattainable.

Find a compromise? Fine. There must be talented unknowns out there. I’ll rewrite demanding parts, cut costly scenes, find another way… Yeah. If I’m going down, I’ll thrash till the very end. I still need to pay my staff.

As he stared at the script, tears spilled down. He regretted being so headstrong in his youth. Finally, when he had brought his dream before the public, he no longer had the strength to push the boat forward. No one was rowing with him.

At that moment, his phone rang. He never expected who it was.

“Yes, this is Shin Dong-jae of Kiki Studio. Yes, President JM? Oh—yes, sir!”

Why would the president call him directly? Did actress Lim Yu-ju agree to the role?

A knot of worry formed in his stomach. With the budget issues, should he really be reconsidering casting? Could they afford Lim Yu-ju’s fee?

But then, the caller said something unbelievable.

“…Sorry, what? Lim Yu-ju as On-yu, and Lee Joo-ah as Yoo-jung? You mean that Lee Joo-ah, the ten-million-ticket actress? Is this true? You’re saying they want to do it?”

For a moment, he thought he was dreaming. He pinched his cheek. It hurt. Not a dream. But reality came with practical restraints.

“This is truly… beyond grateful. But honestly, we’re facing budget problems.”

He explained his situation with WatchFlex. JM President Lee Jong-muk responded as if it were a trivial matter.

[ Sounds like grounds to cancel the contract. Cut ties with them and come with us. Our legal team will handle everything. Even if penalties arise, we’ll cover them. JM will take full responsibility for producing Chalk and Spear. ]

“Are you serious? How much are you planning to invest?”

[ As much as you need. Fifty billion, one hundred billion, whatever it takes. We’ll also cover actor fees. Just focus on making the most entertaining film possible. ]

“What?!”

[ Forget about budget worries. Just concentrate on making Chalk and Spear a hit. How does that sound? ]

Dong-jae was dumbfounded. It felt surreal. Lee Jong-muk was a man famous for his uncanny business instincts — a born businessman with divine foresight. Could it be that his story had caught that man’s eye?

“To be honest, I can’t believe this. Why are you doing this? What about me or my project convinced you?”

[ Because our internal expert judged that Chalk and Spear is guaranteed to be a hit. ]

“An internal expert… may I ask who?”

Jong-muk replied:

[ A man named Yoo Hyun-jae. ]

“Yoo Hyun-jae.” Dong-jae etched those three syllables into his heart.

This was the one who recognized the value of his script — the script written through sleepless nights and tears of blood.

If the film succeeded, he swore to bow in gratitude. In interviews, the first name he’d mention would be Hyun-jae’s. He would make WatchFlex regret not believing in him.

As he hung up, he thought:

But Hyun-jae? Why does that name sound so familiar? Where have I heard it before…?

[News headlines]

• JM cuts ties with Park Woo-shik, invests exclusively in “Chalk and Spear”! What’s the story behind it?

• “Chalk and Spear” all-star cast! Singer Lim Yu-ju, actress Lee Joo-ah confirmed as leads

• Small studio’s “Chalk and Spear” shakes the market — JM shareholders abuzz

JM’s massive investment into an unknown studio’s film shocked the press. None of them knew the decision came from a new manager who had only been with JM for three weeks: Yoo Hyun-jae. If that got out, how would JM’s stock react?

Inside JM Entertainment’s management headquarters, Team 1 leader Kang Woo-min wasn’t happy.

Is this really how the company should run? Suddenly “Chalk and Spear”? Weren’t we supposed to be a data-driven company?

At 42, Woo-min had worked at JM for 15 years, making him one of the most senior team leaders. He prided himself on understanding JM better than most. But lately, things seemed… strange.

An A-list actress like Lee Joo-ah joining a hipster film from an unknown production company? Was the president losing his edge? He’d been in his early 40s when Woo-min joined, but now he was nearing 60. Could his judgment be slipping?

Why Yoo Hyun-jae?

On top of that, one of the two senior managers (just below division head, above team leaders) had announced retirement. That meant one of the team leaders would get promoted — most likely Woo-min. But then a directive came down: Until problems arise, follow Yoo Hyun-jae’s judgment unconditionally. Even as a senior manager, he wouldn’t be allowed to interfere with Hyun-jae.

That was unacceptable.

It started feeling wrong when singer Lim Yu-ju, originally under Team 1, moved to Team 3 just to “coordinate more smoothly with her sub-manager, Yoo Hyun-jae.” Now even Lee Joo-ah was assigned to Team 3. Sure, the actress had requested Hyun-jae, but shouldn’t they at least have negotiated? Hyun-jae was just a clumsy rookie!

What annoyed him more: apparently, he was the only one who felt this way.

“Who even is this Yoo Hyun-jae? What kind of life did he live to suddenly bring in Lee Joo-ah?”
“Ugh, I swear my alpha-male phobia acts up around him. I run into him in the lounge and my chest locks up.”
“Didn’t you hear? He masterminded the entire success of NovaGirls. If he’s backing Chalk and Spear, I can’t wait to see it.”

Boiling over, Woo-min grabbed a senior manager.

“Kim, you’ve worked with me seven years. Do you really believe Hyun-jae orchestrated all of NovaGirls’ success — from meeting the President to now?”

“Well, the president himself said so. So I assumed it must be true.”

“Does it make sense? A 27-year-old rookie knowing the president’s schedule and planning everything?”

“It’s crazy, right? But apparently he’s just that kind of guy.”

Woo-min groaned.

“And what about Jang Taek-jin? The stalker who kidnapped Lim Yu-ju — how did Hyun-jae know he was hiding there?”

“They say he’s tapped into secret underworld info networks.”

“You really believe that nonsense?”

“Team Leader, weird as it sounds, sometimes the unbelievable turns out true. Like how Hyun-jae, weighing only 71kg, subdued Jang Taek-jin — 97kg — with one hand. It’s on video!”

“Ugh, I can’t….”

Maybe it was because the others were all younger, more open-minded. They accepted everything. But to Woo-min, it was all coincidences. Coincidences the company was now staking its future on.

As he fumed, fate played a trick. He bumped into Hyun-jae in the lounge.

The rookie bowed deeply. Outwardly, he was just polite and handsome — the kind of kid Woo-min might have doted on if he’d joined Team 1.

“Oh, Part Manager Yoo Hyun-jae, isn’t it? First time we’ve officially met?”

“I should’ve introduced myself earlier. My apologies.”

“No need to be so stiff. You’re not even in my team. You’re busy enough.”

“Thank you. I’ll do my best.”

Strange. He’s too polite.

Woo-min had imagined Hyun-jae differently: smug, condescending, a “my vision is always right” kind of guy. But the man before him was nervous, eager to please — yet quietly confident.

“So… I heard you picked Chalk and Spear. Is that true?”

“I’m afraid it is.”

“Can I ask on what grounds?”

“Sorry, the president instructed me not to disclose it.”

“But you’re sure it’ll be a hit?”

“Yes. I’m certain.”

Respectful, anxious to be liked, yet unwavering in conviction. An odd combination. He even reminded Woo-min of a gentle country dog.

“Hmm… well, let me ask you this. Hallyu star Jeon Gwang-hwi. My team contacted him. I’m supposed to meet him tonight. But before I do, I’d like your opinion. Some say your eye for talent surpasses even the president’s.”

“You flatter me.”

“What do you think his comeback project should be? Drama? Film?”

At that, Hyun-jae’s expression darkened.

Does he feel pressured? Is he scared of me? This guy — connected to the underworld? Nonsense.

“Never mind, I shouldn’t burden you with questions outside your team’s work.”

But Hyun-jae spoke.

“I don’t think you should contact him.”

“…What?”

“It would be best to postpone. Getting involved with him now would be dangerous.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Because—”

At that moment, someone entered the lounge.

“Part Manager Yoo! The president is asking for you.”

Hyun-jae bowed again.

“Apologies.”

“Ah… of course. Go.”

Left alone, Woo-min mulled over Hyun-jae’s words. Postpone the meeting? If Hyun-jae had confidently declared “That man is trouble, trust me,” it would have been easier to dismiss. But instead, he’d trembled with nervousness, terrified of offending, yet still chose to say it.

Why? Because he believed it.

Woo-min wasn’t the reckless type. He respected President Lee Jong-muk’s judgment — the man had founded JM after all. If Jong-muk trusted Hyun-jae, maybe he should too. Just once.

“Mr. Jeon? I’m sorry, but could we reschedule our meeting? Yes, very sorry….”

The very next morning.

“…What the….”

Woo-min gaped at the TV. On the screen: Jeon Gwang-hwi in handcuffs.

[Beloved Youth Star Jeon Gwang-hwi Arrested for Drug Possession and Distribution]

“If we’d met him yesterday, the mess we’d be in….”

He recalled what Manager Kim had said:

— Even if it sounds impossible, sometimes impossible things turn out true.

Crazy… but it’s real.

Man, it feels good to get out of the office.

I thought to myself. Back in AMD days, I used to believe that as long as no one was bullying me, company life would be easy. But it wasn’t that simple. Everyone’s eyes on me… it felt like preschoolers looking at their teacher. “You know, right? You can do it, right? You’re amazing, aren’t you?”

Teacher Yang… is this really the path fate has laid out for me?

I sat in the passenger seat, with the NovaGirls members in the back. Yes, the passenger seat. Because now I had a junior road manager.

“Part Manager, I’ve confirmed with the costume team. Final fitting will be after tomorrow’s meeting. As for the showcase venue, it’s confirmed with the place you arranged, right? The team leader said you’d handle it.”

“Yes, it’s set.”

His name was Park Hyung-sik. Twenty-nine, two years older than me, with four years of road manager experience. 175cm, 86kg, muscular build, fierce face — he looked intimidating. I’d picked him based on Team Leader Jo Min-su’s shortlist because he “smelled trustworthy.” I hadn’t realized he’d look this scary.

But looks deceived. Hyung-sik was polite, efficient, and quick. Only…

— “Since I’m younger and less experienced than you, will you really be able to follow my lead?”

He had answered:

— “Of course! I respect you, Part Manager! The courage to walk alone into a dark alley and fight off thugs with a hammer! I’m not only a NovaGirls fan — I’m your fan too! I’ll follow your example and work with my life on the line!”

A bit overwhelming. Almost every sentence of his ended with an exclamation mark.

I thought, Uh… well…