First, Heavenly Yuah’s participation in the drama ultimately ended up being rejected.
It seems that even Heavenly Yuah herself concluded that it would be difficult for her to take on such a role.
It’s a bit disappointing, though.
If Heavenly Yuah were to join this drama, it would undoubtedly be a big help not only for production but also for scheduling.
Plus, it would make it easier to recruit other actors.
Even if I were in charge of casting, the presence of Heavenly Yuah in the drama would make it tempting.
Of course, I’m in a slightly different position compared to other actors, but since joining Flame, I’ve already cut ties, so there’s no longer any reason to avoid appearing in the same drama as her.
Well, nowadays, I’ve kind of reached the point where I don’t really care.
On the other hand, it seems that Heavenly Yuah’s favorable evaluation of this drama wasn’t just idle talk.
They’ve even scheduled a meeting with the writer to urgently meet at the company after they finished reviewing the script.
“Even though the production hasn’t been decided yet, is this already a casting meeting?”
However, this meeting doesn’t seem to be just about confirming my role.
It’s illogical to start casting before the production is finalized.
The normal process would be to first deal with production and scheduling issues before thinking about casting.
When I asked why they were meeting with the writer, a completely unexpected response came.
“We’re thinking about signing a contract if the potential seems good after the meeting.”
“What kind of contract?”
“An exclusive contract? We don’t have many plans for the production side yet, but the writer could still be a good asset to secure.”
“Oh, an exclusive contract…”
An exclusive contract with the writer.
It’s not impossible for an entertainment agency to sign a contract with a writer.
However, once a writer becomes well-known, they often don’t need the support of a management company, so it’s not very common.
On the other hand, writers tend to have closer ties with production companies or large entertainment agencies that also handle production.
Regardless, inviting a writer into Flame, which currently only has two actors, is quite unusual.
Did Heavenly Yuah find the script for Joseon Gold Rush more interesting than expected?
Of course, this contract decision needs to take into account the writer’s intentions as well.
As for this part, I don’t have much advice to give.
I don’t know what trajectory this writer has taken since Joseon Gold Rush either, because soon after the drama ended, I was kidnapped by Martial Forest.
Also, I wonder what our company, which doesn’t double as a production company, can really offer to a writer.
“Then what’s the point of bringing the writer on board? It’s not really tied to production, right? As an actor, it could be advantageous to have a good writer at the company, but from the writer’s perspective, there’s not much to gain.”
“We don’t have a production company, but we do have investors. And we can provide a good writing environment.”
Investors, huh? Are they talking about ‘Sunny Investment’ or ‘Heavenly Financial’ holding shares in Flame?
I’m not well-versed in this area, but seeing how confident Heavenly Yuah is, it seems like they have quite strong funding capabilities.
It also looks like they have significant experience investing in dramas and movies.
If that’s the case, the investment part makes sense, but what do they mean by ‘good writing environment’?
“Are you thinking of setting up a separate studio for the writer?”
“Separate? Isn’t there already plenty of spare rooms in the accommodation?”
“Oh, the accommodations…”
“And by the way, I’m here. If the script is good, I’ll definitely be cast. It’s that simple.”
“That’s… not bad.”
“And don’t forget the practice room we used together? There’s a perfect spot next to it for writing.”
“You mean… the soundproof room?”
“Soundproof room? It’s actually modeled after a private study room. I made it thinking I could use it for meditation, but now it’s perfect as a writing room.”
That doesn’t sound quite right.
Actually, being able to directly engage with Heavenly Yuah and cast her is a nice advantage for writers.
And our company’s accommodations are objectively of high quality too.
They’re definitely the type of room that a struggling rookie writer would want.
But the “secret spot” Heavenly Yuah mentioned doesn’t sound good.
It’s a closed space where only one person can sit at a desk.
What they call a private study?
What kind of learning environment do Korean students have, anyway?
“Surely… not a can?”
This company might look decent on the surface for the writer.
When I think about it, it’s actually a quite ruthless working environment.
They provide food and lodging, but they also have a swimming pool and gym to enforce exercise.
The writing room they call a ‘studio’ is an isolated space where you can only work on the script.
Even the entrance is guarded by security, making it impossible to escape.
Is there a better environment to exploit writers than this?
“…I don’t know who you are, but run. This place is hell.”
For some reason, I couldn’t help but sigh, thinking that the New Religion might end up being the New Religion again.
Anyway, it seems that it might be necessary for me to attend this meeting and give some hints to the other party.
Watching someone unrelated to the New Religion suffer under the New Religion’s influence feels wrong, even to me.
Especially since the writer who gave us the final script is someone I’m grateful to.
*
Until now, I’ve prided myself on being a fairly reasonable and sensible person.
It’s ironic that I’ve experienced inexplicable events like being kidnapped by Martial Forest and being sent back.
And now, I’ve returned to find that there’s a top star who looks exactly like Heavenly Demon, and that the mysterious agency that reminds me of the New Religion is involved. But despite all that, I’ve still believed that common sense does exist in the world.
But if that’s true, then what exactly is the person standing in front of me now?
She looks to be under 160 cm, with a youthful face. Her hairstyle is a bob cut.
At a glance, it’s hard to tell whether she’s a minor or an adult.
Of course, it’s not just about her age.
I was somewhat surprised by her age as well.
Most actors would probably be shocked or confused if a writer who looks like a high school girl showed up.
However, what truly shocked me was the very existence of this person.
“…Yahui Lee…?”
“No, no. It’s Yang Yuli, Yang Yuli.”
“Ah… Yang Yuli, so you’re the writer?”
The New Religion isn’t just a bunch of brainless muscleheads.
Of course, any organization needs someone who thinks strategically.
While the Orthodoxy has Divine Skill Scholar Zhuge Jun in the Martial Forest Alliance, the Devil Sect has the Devil Brain.
The Devil Brain, Yahui Lee.
In other words, the little girl standing in front of me right now.
It seems that whoever pulled the strings in Korea thought the name ‘Yahui Lee’ might be a bit off, so they sent her as ‘Yang Yuli.’
“KYAA!!! It’s really Heavenly Yuah!!!”
“Oh, are you a fan?”
“Absolutely! Sister, could I possibly get an autograph?”
“Sure! How about a picture instead of just an autograph?”
“Ooooh, I totally love that!”
Yang Yuli, who had briefly introduced herself, immediately lit up upon spotting Heavenly Yuah and rushed toward her.
It seems the Devil Brain, famous for being a die-hard Heavenly Yuah fan in the New Religion, hasn’t lost that trait in this world either.
If this person is this devoted a fan, she must really be the Devil Brain.
How is this all playing out?
“So, you’re saying the script is already complete?”
“Yes, I work quickly. There was a part where I got stuck, but it accidentally worked out, so it finished faster than expected.”
“Could I see it, then?”
“Of course! Naturally!”
“Oh… this is surprisingly good…”
While I was lost in my thoughts, Heavenly Yuah smoothly transitioned to the main topic after wrapping up the fan service.
With her quick production speed, the script was already complete, and Yang Yuli had brought the finished copy, so they were moving on to review it.
And me? I was still acutely aware that Yang Yuli is, in reality, Yahui Lee.
Of course, with the way she gazes at Heavenly Yuah—full of longing and admiration—just like the Devil Brain gazing at Heavenly Demon.
And with the way she completed the script lightning-fast, just like Yahui Lee used to do, handling her tasks flawlessly regardless of personal character.
Or even more tellingly, given that a girl of her description is named Yang Yuli, the coincidences pile up almost to the point of destiny.
“Huh? A contract? You’re… giving me a room too?”
“Is that okay?”
“Yes, it’s wonderful! In fact, I’ve only recently left the orphanage, so I’m currently living in a tiny room with just a computer… Heh heh. So if you could arrange a room for me, it would be great.”
“Then it’s decided. Let me just confirm a few things…”
They are swiftly moving on to the contracting phase.
Ironically, much like Yahui Lee, who lost her family and all her wealth to bandits and was later adopted by Heavenly Demon, Yang Yuli seems to come from unfortunate circumstances.
And with the way she seems reluctant to turn down anything Heavenly Yuah offers…
No, this is really not right.
Flame is already suspiciously New Religion-like, and with the addition of the Devil Brain, it’s starting to feel more and more complete.
Of course, if Yang Yuli joins Flame, her role will likely be limited to writing scripts for Heavenly Yuah.
But even so, the combination of Heavenly Demon and the Devil Brain seems destined to give me a headache.
What can I do about this… ah, right…
“So, Writer…”
“Yes, Actor?”
“I’m just asking in case. You know, Writer will be moving into the building where Senior Yuah is also located, right?”
“Really? That’s amazing. I’ll be living under the same roof as Senior Yuah?”
“Yes, so you’ll be with Senior Yuah 24/7…”
“Ooooh, this is madness, madness!”
Damn.
Anyone with work experience knows how arduous it is to spend 24 hours with your employer.
But this damn girl is blissfully unaware and utterly thrilled.
While Heavenly Yuah stepped out to take a phone call, I tried to explain the situation.
I even thought about helping her find an outside apartment to live in, but she was too excited to hear me out, leaving no way to resolve the matter.
Sigh, whatever. You can just live there like a sardine in a can.
Even in the days of the New Religion, Yahui Lee proudly considered herself a voluntary slave to Heavenly Demon.
And it seems her nature hasn’t changed here, so it’s probably best she just follows her instincts.
“Ah, so about the contract…”
“Yes! It’s absolutely great. Oh, by the way, is Actor White Siu also involved in this project?”
“That’s likely. Mr. Siu also said he liked your work.”
“Ooooh! Got White Siu! You’re my actor now!”
Even this is incredible, and her enthusiasm surpasses even Yahui Lee’s.
Ugh, my head.
How does this world even work?
I thought I’d let go of a lot by accepting Heavenly Yuah as Heavenly Demon, but it seems there’s still more I need to let go of. It’s just frustrating.
