Inside the van, PD Song Man-woo, who had just recited the protagonist’s occupation as a chef, added more explanation.
“If you read the synopsis a bit more, you’ll understand, but is it- precisely, a chef who used to be successful in the past but is now fallen?”
“Is it about him making a comeback?”
“It seems likely to go that way. Of course, there could be some deviations.”
Kang Woojin slowly nodded his head and refocused his attention on the synopsis. Initially uncertain when he saw cooking mentioned from the first line, hearing PD Song Man-woo’s words just now had convinced Woojin.
‘A chef, huh- I can’t remember the title, but wasn’t there a hit chef drama before?’
Usually, a synopsis includes a simple overall plot, outline, planning, writing intentions, and characters. The synopsis Woojin was looking at now was no different.
‘Chefs are indeed cool, especially when they’re chopping.’
Kang Woojin secretly recalled a video he had watched on Youtube. It was a chef YouTuber with a hidden face, but Woojin had watched several of his videos, mesmerized by his brilliant knife skills. He had even tried some of the recipes shown in those videos.
Anyway.
-Flip.
Kang Woojin cynically flipped to the next page of the synopsis and let out a short sigh internally.
The reason was simple.
‘Well, there’s a lot in it, but to be honest, to me, a synopsis is just a piece of paper.’
Unfortunately, unlike drama or movie scripts, synopses didn’t have black squares appearing on them. There were no portals to the void space. The two project synopses in Woojin’s hand had nothing attached to them. They were just ordinary thin stacks of paper.
It had always been like that.
A few pages of a script would trigger a portal to the void space, but no matter how long, a synopsis never had a black square attached. Well, that’s to be expected, right? After all, a synopsis is just a condensed PPT of the project.
It was full of explanations with not a single line of dialogue.
While other actors usually read synopses thoroughly for selecting their works, Kang Woojin didn’t find much excitement in them. However, he pretended to read anyway.
Out of the blue.
‘…But if I check the script of this chef-centered drama, could I gain chef abilities?’
A faint sense of expectation rose in Kang Woojin. It seemed quite possible with the void space. After all, it had instantly granted him vocal skills and various languages in an instant.
‘Cooking skills? Or knowledge? I’m not sure what abilities will be imprinted. But isn’t anything possible?’
The always unpredictable void space could have a twist, but the possibility was very high. At this moment, if he gained chef-related abilities, he thought of several uses.
‘The first thing that comes to mind is ‘Our Dining Table’.’
A mega-variety show prepared by PD Yoon Byung-seon, a big name in the entertainment industry, where many top stars including Kang Woojin were expected to participate. ‘Our Dining Table’ was also essentially about ‘cooking’. Besides, such skills would be handy in real life too.
Meanwhile, PD Song Man-woo, observing Woojin’s silent face, swallowed nervously.
‘Gosh, it’s nerve-wracking just watching him read silently.’
Kang Woojin. Or rather, he was a fervent believer in Kang Totem. Despite the drama being a hit, he was so nervous that his hands were sweating. In a way, it was like being evaluated by Kang Totem.
Currently, PD Song Man-woo had resigned from the broadcasting station.
Although things related to ‘Hanryang’ were not completely wrapped up yet, they were mostly handled through handovers and occasional participation if needed. In other words,
PD Song Man-woo was now independent. He had taken the position of president at a new production company. Officially, that was the case, but he was more of a figurehead president.
There were two representatives.
PD Song Man-woo had to be seen as the face and chief director, and he first brought this drama synopsis to Kang Woojin for his first independent work. It was related to the promise made during the wrap-up party of Hanryang. Naturally knowing Woojin would be busy, PD Song Man-woo personally came all the way to this commercial shoot. Big shot or not, he maintained his manners.
‘I’m grateful that he even made time in his insane schedule.’
Naturally, his devotion towards Kang Totem was also a part of it.
At this point.
-Swish.
Kang Woojin, who had been pretending to read through the second synopsis, opened his mouth with an indifferent expression.
“PD-nim.”
“Yes yes, I’m listening, Woojin-ssi.”
“These two works, their scripts haven’t been released yet?”
Responding to the question, PD Song Man-woo with the goatee shook his head.
“They do exist, but they’re not complete yet. Both projects have only the first episode written. But since we haven’t decided which project to proceed with, we’re holding off on further development.”
“Is that so? Hmm-”
After a short hum, Woojin neatly stacked the two synopses and lowered his voice.
“Then, can I take a look at those incomplete scripts?”
“That’s no problem at all. But are you sure? I’m okay with just a hint. I was worried it might be a hassle for you.”
“It’s fine, please send them to me.”
PD Song Man-woo’s expression brightened instantly.
“Got it! So, you want both scripts, right?”
That would be the natural course. Kang Woojin solemnly nodded.
“Yes, both of them.”
“Okay! Haha, I’m at a loss with how busy Kang Totem-nim is. Then, I’ll organize and send the scripts to Woojin-ssi’s company.”
“No, if possible, please send them to my home.”
“Your home? Oh, okay, then I’ll send them to your house. Your schedule today – it ends at night, right?”
“Yes.”
At that moment.
-Knock knock.
There was a knock on the window of the van. Soon after, the back door of the van opened, and Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, appeared with a smiling face.
“PD-nim. Sorry, but it’s about time for Woojin-ssi’s shoot to start.”
“Oh! Right, right, thank you so much for your time, Woojin-ssi. You should go now!”
After a brief farewell, PD Song Man-woo hurried to his car parked nearby, and Woojin moved to the advertisement shooting site with Choi Sung-gun. It was then Choi Sung-gun spoke.
“What did Song PD say?”
“He gave me the synopses.”
“Ah, right, that man has gone independent, hasn’t he? I heard he’s become quite a big shot and got a hefty investment after the success of ‘Hanryang’. Phew, we also need to secure our investments properly.”
Choi Sung-gun, or rather bw Entertainment, was currently busy preparing for expansion, selecting various investors and assessing the future value of bw Entertainment. At the mention of ‘investment,’ Woojin thought of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.’
“How is the situation with ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ in Japan?”
“We’re in constant contact and monitoring the situation.”
Choi Sung-gun paused for a moment, scratching his chin with a troubled expression.
“To be honest, the situation has worsened. There’s been a significant blow to the image. It’s unlikely that public opinion will turn around completely. Are you thinking of pulling out now? No one will blame you, so feel free to make a comfortable decision.”
“No, I will wait.”
“······Since you’re always clear about work and personal matters, I know it’s not about loyalty or manners. Is there a reason?”
‘I can’t say that ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ is going to be S+ rated.’ So Woojin vaguely dodged the question.
“I just want to do ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.'”
However, from this comment, Choi Sung-gun thought.
‘As expected, something about ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ must have really struck a chord with him. Otherwise, there’s no reason to hold on in this situation. If that crazy intuition of his is kicking in···’
He was swallowing a spoonful of misconception all on his own.
Meanwhile, in Japan, at the same time.
The ‘Toega’ film company, involved with ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ in Tokyo, was bustling with chaos. The situation hadn’t calmed down yet. In fact, since the first news broke out about a week ago, it had worsened.
『The investment leak in ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, will Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi collapse like this?』
Put simply, the recognition of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was at its peak, but conversely, a flood of various nonsensical and absurd rumors was pouring out. In response, the ‘Toega’ film company quickly took action and released clarification articles, but.
『Toega states, ‘It’s true that the investment has been reduced, but other articles are groundless.’』
The flames of controversy refused to die down. Rumors began to swirl among the actors cast in ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, and throughout the Japanese entertainment industry.
“Director! There’s talk of reconsidering the investment coming in continuously!”
“······Oh no. Which investor is it this time?”
Even those investors who had stayed on were now starting to waver. Already about 60% of the investment had been withdrawn. Of course, Director Kyotaro and the film company were scrambling to secure new investments, but the results were not promising.
It was an expected course of events.
Who would want to invest when it was clear that the situation was dire? The pool of potential investors was shrinking. At this point, the only decision left for Director Kyotaro and the film company was obvious.
“Director··· What about reducing the scale of the movie with the current remaining production budget?”
This meant significantly downsizing. However, Director Kyotaro was firmly against that idea.
“No. If it comes to that, it’s better to just give up on production. Besides, it’s uncertain if the remaining investment will even last.”
“···Hmm. But we need to make some decision. Unfounded rumors keep attaching themselves to our film and Woojin-ssi. The rest of the cast, excluding Woojin-ssi, are also showing unusual movements. We need to do something while there’s still some investment left.”
“······”
“How about we proceed with the crank-in hastily and then gradually cover the investment?”
Every option was extreme. Director Kyotaro was beginning to wonder if his stubbornness had been a mistake. Was Japan not ready for change? Either way, if things continued like this, everyone involved, including Kang Woojin, would suffer.
Director Kyotaro, his mind in turmoil.
Despite struggling for more than a week, no solution was in sight.
‘It’s time to decide whether to push forward or stop.’
It was the moment to make a definitive decision between GO and STOP.
Just then.
-♬♪
Director Kyotaro’s phone, lying on his desk, rang. The caller ID showed an unsaved number. He was tempted to ignore it, considering the numerous indiscriminate calls from the press recently.
“Sigh-”
Worried about rumors, he decided to answer the call.
“Yes, this is Kyotaro Tanoguchi.”
The person on the other end of the phone was a woman, and not a reporter.
“Hello, Director. My name is Lili Tetsugawa from the Kashiwa Group.”
Director Kyotaro’s eyes blinked in surprise.
“······The Kashiwa Group? The same Kashiwa Group I know of?”
One of the top ten conglomerates in Japan’s business hierarchy.
“Yes, Director.”
An incredibly astonishing caller.
“There is someone who wishes to meet you, Director.”
“Me? Who is it?”
But the woman on the phone remained utterly calm.
“Someone who will provide all the investment needed for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.”
Night, at Kang Woojin’s officetel.
Just after Kang Woojin got off, the van smoothly exited the underground parking lot. Woojin quietly watched it leave.
“······”
Only after the van had completely disappeared did he relax the façade he had been maintaining.
“Phew- I’m about to die. No, maybe I’m already dead.”
The time was 11:40 PM. Quite late by any standard, but for Kang Woojin, it meant an earlier finish than usual. Therefore, his eyes were filled with fatigue. Soon, he turned and started walking, recalling the day’s schedule.
‘What did I even do today? I seriously can’t remember.’
But he was too mentally exhausted to remember clearly. It had already been three weeks since his return from Japan. Woojin muttered softly to himself as he entered the elevator and pressed the button for the first floor. He had a simple reason for not heading straight home.
‘Was it supposed to be in the mailbox?’
He recalled the conversation from that morning when PD Song Man-woo had mentioned sending over the scripts. As expected, in the mailbox, there was a slightly thick, yellowish envelope. Woojin picked it up and re-entered the elevator. While the elevator ascended with a whirring sound, Woojin tore open the envelope.
– Snap!
Despite his fatigue, a sense of anticipation emerged, mainly due to the anticipation about acquiring new abilities that morning.
“Let’s see-”
Inside the yellow envelope were two scripts. The elevator reached his floor, and Woojin, having just arrived home, casually took off his shoes and pulled out the two scripts from the envelope. Although he needed to check both, there was one in particular he was looking for.
“What was that about the chef?”
It didn’t take long to find. The title of the script he was looking for caught his eye immediately.
-‘The Acclaimed Chef’
Woojin smiled slightly upon confirming the title.
“This is it, this one.”
Then, he placed the yellow envelope on the nearby table and picked up ‘The Acclaimed Chef’ script. Naturally, unlike the synopsis he saw in the morning, there was a familiar black square next to the script. It had a swirling pattern of grey and black.
Kang Woojin nonchalantly tapped it with his index finger.
-Poof!
Before he knew it, Woojin had entered the void space, a place he visited a hundred times more often than his home, filled with endless darkness. Stretching himself out, he walked towards the floating white rectangle at chest level.
The recent script was added as a white rectangle.
First, Woojin looked for something he always checked upon entering the void space.
-[7/Script (Title: The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger), S+ Grade]
The grade of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.
“Yep, still S+ grade.”
The unexpectedly skyrocketed S+ grade of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was maintained. Satisfied, Woojin turned his attention to the last white rectangle.
-[8/Script (Title: ‘The Acclaimed Chef’), C Grade]
Unfortunately, ‘The Acclaimed Chef’ was C grade. In other words, average. Suddenly, Woojin shook his head.
“C grade is not bad, have I become too picky?”
Chiding himself, he touched the white rectangle of ‘The Acclaimed Chef’. The displayed text quickly changed.
-[8/Script (Title: ‘The Acclaimed Chef’) selected.]
-[Listing characters available for reading (experience).]
-[A: Jang Hyun-Jae······]
He didn’t need to worry about the roles in the back. What Woojin needed was solely the protagonist. Without hesitation, he selected the first among the listed roles. At the same time, he silently chanted in his mind.
‘Come on, come on. Show up! Show!’
If the robotic female voice just read the role, it was a bust, but if there was a different nuance in the comment, it was a success.
Then, it happened.
[“Detected abilities beyond the basic specs. Acquiring ‘Chef’s Techniques’ first.”]
A result worth dancing about spread through the entire void space. Instantly, Woojin clapped his hands. It was a success. But ‘Chef’s Technique’? Just as he was curious about the ability he would be imprinted with.
[“······”]
The robotic female voice, which had been quiet for a moment, echoed again.
[“Detected abilities beyond the basic specs. Acquiring ‘Chef’s Recipes’ first.”]
Upon hearing this, Kang Woojin’s eyes slightly widened.
“Two abilities?”
This was the first time such a thing had happened.
*****
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