Former Warrior Turns Into A Million-Dollar Actor [EN]: Chapter 29

Drama and Movie Adaptations (2)

* * *

After Park Geon left, CEO Noh Jung-man poured himself a drink, the lightly diluted pear blossom wine sliding down his throat.

‘An interesting fellow.’

The audacity to say everything he wanted when asked, the attitude that it was okay even if the conditions were rejected.

‘He even said it was fine not to sign if it was difficult on my end.’

Agency heads can see through such rookie bluffs with their eyes closed.

It wasn’t clumsy bravado. That rookie wasn’t even attached to the success or failure of the work he chose.

‘Is he confident he can make it work, or is he truly detached from everything?’

Perhaps it’s both. Noh Jung-man closed his eyes, recalling the conversation they’d just had.

“I’ll sign with Roman if you agree to the conditions I mentioned.”

“Of course. Anything else you need?”

“That’s all.”

“Then it’s settled. I look forward to working with you.”

They shook hands. Releasing his grip, Noh Jung-man asked,

“This is just personal curiosity, but will you continue acting? Even years from now?”

Park Geon responded with an unexpected question.

“CEO, do you believe in reincarnation?”

“Reincarnation?”

“Yes. That everyone is reincarnated, and memories of past lives remain in our subconscious.”

Many old Hollywood actors, famous for method acting, were eccentric.

It wouldn’t be strange if a talent with that level of acting ability believed in reincarnation.

“I’ll continue acting for the time being. As you said, there’s something I’m looking for.”

“And after you find it…?”

“I’ll have to see when the time comes.”

He was definitely twenty-six years old. He might be more mature than his peers, but those eyes weren’t those of a young man barely thirty.

Rather, they were closer to those of a forty or fifty-year-old who had experienced the ups and downs of life. Or perhaps even more…

Park Geon slowly looked around the table covered with a white tablecloth. In front of him was an empty plate, while empty bottles were scattered in front of Noh Jung-man.

“I have a certain thirst. I believe you also have such a thirst, or desire. In this vulgar, ugly, and glamorous world.”

Noh Jung-man felt goosebumps rising along his neck.

This wasn’t the stoic, indifferent shell of a retired soldier he had been wearing.

‘Was that the real him?’

The hairs stood on end wherever his intense gaze landed. It felt like putting his neck in front of the impeller of a factory, an industrial rotary blade, like he used to deal with when he was younger.

A presence in the form of Park Geon continued.

“However, if the direction is the same… there’s no reason we can’t go together. Allies and helpers are always needed. I hope we can be good partners, sincerely.”

A silence fell as if even the air had stopped. After a moment, Noh Jung-man shook his head a few times and said,

“It’s okay to release the article whenever?”

“Yes. Please make it as sensational as possible.”

“You’ve changed a lot since then.”

“I’ve adapted in my own way.”

A frank answer. A chameleon who changes survives longer than someone who sticks to their initial intentions.

Noh Jung-man drained the remaining wine and smiled.

“Adapted, to this world?”

Park Geon smiled back.

“Perhaps. To this world.”

Buzz—

A short vibration broke the reverie.

Noh Jung-man took out his phone from his suit pocket. It was a text from the head of department.

[Lee Sang-cheol, Head of Department]

Baek Ha-ni renewed contract.

Term 1 year, rates and conditions same as before.

Expected results. With two big fish in the net, all that’s left is to tidy up the remaining fish.

‘No, are they sharks instead of big fish?’

Noh Jung-man opened his schedule and checked the contract periods of other celebrities.

Jin Ji-yu remained. Baek Ha-ni will also stay. The downside is that handling them, which was already difficult, is becoming increasingly challenging, but she’s still an angel compared to others.

Much better than actresses who insult actors and staff from other agencies on set, or famous male actors who are involved in sex bribery and drugs, even secretly committing crimes without the agency’s knowledge.

‘From the beginning, I only tried to gather such gems.’

But it’s still not enough. Actors are pushed back by DG, idols by Joinus, and in terms of financial power, they can’t beat C&J even if they were to be reborn.

The only way for a latecomer to catch up with the frontrunners is to run like crazy without falling, while hoping the person in front stumbles.

That’s why the rookie who just left is important.

The domestic pie fight has expanded worldwide. Works and actors are expanding their horizons beyond the OTT [Over-The-Top, direct streaming media] market with remakes and re-releases, and Cannes and the Grammys have already created holes in the once solid walls of race.

To fight in that battlefield, even more capable mercenaries will be needed.

If Park Geon meets even half of expectations…

Several enemies to step on and climb over came to mind. Imagining their smug faces contorting, CEO Noh Jung-man smiled faintly.

“Their eyes are lacking. You have to put your name on a shining star in advance.”

In the entertainment industry, a meteorite will fall.

*

The next day, Park Seon and Geon, who went to ‘Keunbeom Entertainment,’ delivered two pieces of news.

He joined Roman.

CEO Noh Jung-man introduced them to an investment company.

Director Kim Ryul, who had been dragged out in the middle of revising the scenario, sincerely congratulated them.

“Did you finally decide on Roman?”

“Yes, and we were also introduced to an investment company to invest in our project. Apart from the investment company, the CEO himself wants to put in some money before filming starts.”

An introduction to an investment company, followed by investment, is a lifeline… no, a lifeline for a poor production company.

CEO Tae Jong-beom was ready to bow down and worship the CEO of another agency.

“Could there be better news than this? Roman! And investment! Director Kim, things are going to work out!”

“We were lucky.”

“It’s not luck, it’s skill! I knew it from the moment I answered the phone. It was the day I binge-watched ‘Dog of Seoul.'”

Tae CEO, who was shamelessly praising himself, suddenly looked pathetic.

“Um, Actor Park. Were you originally with Roman and just teasing me? I, Tae Jong-beom, sincerely apologize once again…”

“No. I didn’t have an agency at the time.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Anyway, we have double the good news, shouldn’t we have a congratulatory party? Hehehe.”

Director Kim Ryul rebuked the excited Tae CEO.

“It’s not time to be happy. Now that we’ve been introduced, we need to prepare for the meeting. Isn’t that right, Manager?”

Park Seon, who was caught off guard, scratched the back of his head.

“Uh… I only received a heads-up from the CEO. He said I’d know when I got there, should we head out together first?”

“Yes. Then I’ll bring some materials. I have something I made yesterday.”

Truly, the dedication of a director who has only been rejected.

After Director Kim Ryul went to the car to get his portfolio, CEO Tae grumbled.

“Director Kim doesn’t know anything. This is a battle of momentum. Who knows? Maybe the CEO of that investment company is a huge fan of our Actor Park Geon, and everything will go smoothly.”

*

“Oh, welcome!”

“Hello. We are Keunbeom Studio, in charge of producing ‘Black Priest’…”.

“I know all about it. These are the production staff, and this is Actor Park Geon, right? I’ve heard a lot about you. Don’t just stand there, come and sit over here.”

The plump president, with a face full of smiles, greeted Park Geon’s party warmly.

At the grand welcome, the visitors looked at each other, bewildered.

‘…Director Kim, is that person really a fan of Actor Park?’

‘I don’t know. He seems like it.’

The company that CEO Noh Jung-man introduced them to was a huge investment company in Teheran-ro [a major business district in Seoul, South Korea, often referred to as “Teheran Valley” due to its high concentration of tech companies].

‘Million Venture Partners.’ They admired the grand scale as they went up, and were immediately guided to the VIP room.

Then coffee came out, and in less than five minutes, the president ran out barefoot. Everyone couldn’t help but have the same thought.

‘Is this CEO Noh Jung-man’s subsidiary?’

Tae Jong-beom, who hid his embarrassment like a pro, began to introduce himself in earnest.

“I’m Tae Jong-beom, CEO of Keunbeom. Before the official contract, we have prepared the movie scenario and a rough promotional strategy.”

“I’m Kim Ryul, the movie director. We have both documents and PPT, so if we can use a beam…”

“Ah, it’s okay, it’s okay. Put that away.”

Director Kim Ryul opened his bag, but was stopped before he could even take out his portfolio.

President Wang Jong-gil, who had blocked the production staff, stared at Park Geon with eyes full of affection.

“I’m Wang Jong-gil. I received a call from CEO Noh yesterday. I was wondering what kind of people would come, and as expected, you have a different aura.”

“You flatter me.”

“It’s not flattery, I’m getting into the movie business thanks to you, Actor. Rather, we should be grateful.”

There are welcomes and welcomes, but this was at the level where the investor and the investee had switched places.

Of course, in a big game, there are often cases where people are eager to invest even if they have to bring money.

But to this extent for a small production company’s work that hasn’t even seen the scenario yet?

President Wang Jong-gil looked around at the puzzled expressions, then smiled and spread out his hands.

“Now, tell me what you need.”

The investment contract ended smoothly.

There was nothing to proceed with. Since they would unconditionally agree to whatever was said, the production staff, including Tae Jong-beom and Kim Ryul, felt like they were at a fan meeting rather than a meeting.

Conditions, okay. Amount needed, okay.

Even the 1 billion won [approximately $750,000 USD] that they closed their eyes and asked for was readily approved.

The actor didn’t need to appeal any further, so Park Geon and Park Seon just sat on the sofa and watched blankly.

“Thank you so much. But are you sure you don’t need to see the portfolio? We’ve prepared quite a bit, even though we’re like this.”

They said they wouldn’t participate in the audition or the production environment at all, but is that something to believe? If they coolly say okay in front of you, and then act up later, it’s the beginning of a nightmare.

CEO Tae Jong-beom, who was watching the situation, spoke cautiously, and President Wang burst into a hearty laugh.

“Why, are you afraid I’ll change my mind later?”

“It’s not that…”

“Don’t worry. I may play with money, but I don’t play tricks with money.”

President Wang, who moistened his throat with green tea, continued.

“We are originally a new technology company that mainly invests in venture companies, especially in new technologies. We don’t know much about the entertainment industry and we’re not interested in it.”

Million Venture Partners. Even at a glance, it’s a name that doesn’t seem to have any connection with entertainment.

Director Kim Ryul, with a stiff expression, asked.

“Would it be okay to decide on the investment so readily? You may not even be able to recover the principal, let alone the profit.”

“Director Kim! What are you saying on a good day?”

CEO Tae Jong-beom shouted in horror, but Wang Jong-gil replied nonchalantly.

“CEO Noh introduced you, right?”

“Yes?”

“That’s all I need. It’s not like the company’s foundation is shaking, and investing in a movie production is not a problem. This building is a bit… it’s falling apart, though.”

Everyone except Park Geon laughed in vain.

The prime location of Gangnam [affluent district in Seoul]. It’s a company that uses half of a 25-story building in the middle of Teheran-ro. Of course, its financial power cannot be at the level of an ordinary venture capital firm.

CEO Tae Jong-beom bowed his head deeply.

“Thank you, thank you!”

“I’m just a money lender. The director should film well, the CEO should support well, and the actors should act hard.”

President Wang Jong-gil’s gaze stopped at Park Geon as he looked around at the people.

“I didn’t distrust CEO Noh, but I can see why he sent you. I’m already looking forward to good results.”

“Yes, I will do my best.”

“Then take a good rest and get up. My secretary will take care of the rest of the documents.”

As President Wang got up, saying he had a meeting, a neat man in a suit appeared and handed over the documents.

“Here, please read and sign.”

Director Kim Ryul spoke for everyone’s feelings.

“…That was really fast.”

*