"I'm sorry, but I think it will be difficult." The moment I said that, silence fell over the room. Shin Jong-Ki, who had arranged this meeting; Richard Kane, the executive director who offered a staggering three million dollars for Lee Tae-Poong's appearance fee; James King, who was excited about casting Lee Tae-Poong; and even Jin Sung-Joon, who was curiously watching to see if Lee Tae-Poong would advance to Hollywood, all looked shocked. It was because I had flatly rejected an offer of three million dollars for a supporting role when even the lead actors in blockbuster Korean films struggled to command ten billion won. Richard Kane blinked and asked again. "Did you go deaf at such a young age or something? Listen carefully! It's not three hundred thousand dollars, it's three million dollars. And not in Hong Kong dollars, but in U.S. dollars!" Since Richard Kane's main office was in Hong Kong, he even suspected I might have misunderstood. The exchange rate for the Hong Kong dollar was roughly 140 won per dollar in Korean currency, so three million Hong Kong dollars would be about 420 million won. Because the amount was missing a zero compared to U.S. dollars, he clearly specified it was in U.S. dollars. Follow current novels on NovєlFіre.net However, I shook my head again. "It's not about the money. Tae-Poong is an actor who won the Grand Prize at Korea's top film festival, the Hwangryong Film Association. We have no intention of lowering Tae-Poong's status just to enter Hollywood." Among top-tier actors, quite a few dreamt of breaking into Hollywood. That was the reason they often accepted minor supporting roles with paltry fees to appear in Hollywood films. I respected their choices, but that was out of the question for me. Three years from now, N.FLIX, a global content streaming service, would realize the power of Korean content that captivated not just Asia but the world and would launch a massive project starring Korean actors. When that becomes a huge success, Hollywood studios would start producing blockbuster films starring Korean leads two years later. Before the regression, Yoo-Jin rode that wave to become the lead in a Hollywood film, so I planned to wait for that time and send Lee Tae-Poong and other leading actors under my care overseas with the best treatment. When that time came, Korea's top stars would naturally become the world's top stars—though they would need to know some English. Richard Kane, who couldn't know the future, looked dumbfounded and asked, "You won't lower his status? Don't tell me you're asking for a lead role?" "I sure am. Tae-Poong has no intention of taking anything less than a lead." "Hah! Hey, Mr. Jung. Aren't you mistaken about something? Do you think Hollywood will just hand a lead role to an Asian that easily? Unless the producer wants the film to flop, there are no lead roles for Asians outside of Hong Kong kung fu movie stars." "I know it will be difficult." "Then why? If you're worried about the quality of the film, don't be. This project comes with my guarantee." Richard Kane, who had joined 21st Century Wolf as a part-timer and became a legend of success, had a sharper eye for projects than anyone else. It was even half-jokingly rumored that he had a success detector in his eyes. Nevertheless, I shook my head again. "I'm sorry. I know getting offered a Hollywood lead is tough, but I don't think it's impossible." Even aside from N.FLIX and Hollywood's move into Asia, I had another reason for rejecting Richard Kane's offer for Lee Tae-Poong. It was because in Forgotten War, the well-written Korean character Second Lieutenant Choi Ill-Seon was going to be turned into an Asian stereotype by producer Richard Kane. Unlike Korea where the director was the king, directors were just staff hired by the studio in the major studios of Hollywood where enormous capital is invested. So it was common for producers to slash through scripts with red lines and revise them as they pleased. There was even a saying that in major Hollywood productions, the studio executives were the top priority, followed by producers, then star actors, with directors ranked only fourth. That was why I could never allow Lee Tae-Poong to take such a role. Afterall, my actors were precious. When I rejected the offer outright, Richard Kane stared at me and then looked at Shin Jong-Ki with an expression that showed he couldn't comprehend what was happening. "Mr. Shin. Is this perhaps some kind of Korean-style playing hard to get?" "No. I don't think that's the case." Richard Kane raised his voice, looking like he just couldn't understand. "Then I'll need to talk to Lee Tae-Poong himself since I've come all this way. I heard he's here too." Shin Jong-Ki turned to me with an embarrassed expression. That was because asking to meet the actor directly instead of going through the talent agent was a complete sign of disrespect. However, I told him it was fine and even called Lee Tae-Poong myself first. It was better to reject something firmly so they wouldn't keep pestering us. -Yes, hyung, I'm coming now. A moment later, Lee Tae-Poong, surrounded by bodyguards, greeted the fans gathered at the scene and walked toward us. Beside him were Lee Eun-Joo and Go Jae-Soo. After greeting Richard Kane and James King, Lee Tae-Poong stood next to me. When Richard Kane asked him the same question, Lee Tae-Poong looked at me instead of answering. "Hyung. You rejected it, right?" "Then why did they call me? Don't they know I just go along with whatever you say?" Even with the offer of an enormous three million dollars for an appearance fee, Lee Tae-Poong didn't even bat an eye. "I told them, but they said they couldn't believe it. They wanted to hear it directly from you." Lee Tae-Poong nodded like he understood, then looked Richard Kane straight in the eyes and said firmly, "No!" Hearing the strong and concise answer, Richard Kane's face went blank for a moment. But then he asked, looking completely unconvinced, "Why?" "His opinion is my opinion! Same same. Okay?" For someone who wasn't good at English, that was a surprisingly apt choice of words. Richard Kane's face twisted. "If you have no intention of advancing to Hollywood, then it can't be helped. Understood." He turned around abruptly with an expression that seemed to say we will regret this someday. "Idiots... they don't even realize what a big opportunity this is..." Richard Kane muttered to himself as he turned his body. "Garcia! We're leaving right now." His Latina secretary named Garcia, who had been standing at a distance, pressed the elevator button. As Richard Kane stormed off, Shin Jong-Ki hurried after him. "Richard! Richard!" The three of them got in the elevator and went down. Then James King, who was left alone, turned to Lee Tae-Poong and apologized. "I'm sorry for upsetting you, Mr. Lee Tae-Poong." Lee Tae-Poong shook his head upon hearing my translation. "No, it's all right." After repeatedly apologizing to Lee Tae-Poong, James King carefully asked me, "Mr. Jung. I attended the Jiri Mountain premiere last week, and I saw your name listed as the casting director. Did you really handle that?" "Yes. It just happened that way." James King's face lit up as he spoke. "Um, I feel awkward saying this right after getting rejected by Mr. Tae-Poong, but... do you happen to know any actors who'd be suitable for the Korean supporting role of Second Lieutenant Choi Ill-Seon in Forgotten War? Someone around their 30s, preferably with a fairly masculine appearance. I don't know Korean actors very well." If it were James King's original script, that might have been one thing. Yet with Richard Kane as the producer, there was no one I could recommend because he would end up changing the character. "I'm not sure... no one comes to mind right now." Then, James King then handed me his business card. "If you do think of someone later, please give me a call." I handed him my card as well and nodded. "Of course." "Oh, and I'll send the script to the email on your card. Please review it and definitely get back to me." After bowing and thanking me two or three more times, James King followed after Richard Kane. A little while later, Shin Jong-Ki, who had chased after Richard Kane, returned. "I'm sorry, Chief Jung. I made the offer thinking that Lee Tae-Poong might want to break into Hollywood, but it looks like I was mistaken." "It's all right. You were just trying to help Tae-Poong." "Thank you for understanding. But is he really not going to try for Hollywood? Even for a supporting role, three million dollars is an enormous amount." I shrugged my shoulders as I answered. "He's already making plenty of money, isn't he? So there's no rush." Shin Jong-Ki tilted his head. "But... Do you really think the day will come when an Asian actor can land a lead role? Those arrogant people in Hollywood would never accept an Asian as the main character, right? Honestly, even though things have improved, racial discrimination still definitely exists." However, Shin Jong-Ki was wrong about that. Before the regression, I personally saw Yoo-Jin become the lead in a Hollywood film and be treated well. Besides, in the world I saw before coming back, the Asian market grew to become an even larger cultural industry. So I could answer confidently. "It will come! And when the time comes, Tae-Poong will be the lead in a Hollywood movie and become a global top star." The moment I said that with confidence, Go Jae-Soo, who was standing beside us, started whispering to Lee Tae-Poong. -Tae-Poong, you're going to have to work hard. Mr. Jung believes in you this much, so you have to live up to it. -Yeah, I know. It's thanks to Yoon-Ho hyung that I've come this far. -Then I guess I'd better step up too. -Don't worry, hyung. Soon you'll be getting offers from Hollywood just like me. You did a great job in Jiri Mountain this time. -Come on~ I'm still not good enough. And besides, I'd rather take my time and get Mr. Jung's full support. My hearing was good, so I could hear every word they whispered. Even though I just said he wouldn't go to Hollywood, Lee Tae-Poong trusted me completely. A warm sense of gratitude and pride welled up inside me, sending a light shiver through my body. Prioritizing the character of the actors in my second life had truly been the right choice. Then, a staff member shouted from the direction of the theater. "The movie will start in ten minutes. You may head in now." "All right, everyone. Let's go together." At Shin Jong-Ki's words, we all began walking toward the theater. We had reserved seats right in the front row today unlike the premier, so I could finally watch comfortably. At that moment, Shin Jong-Ki carefully asked as we were all walking toward the theater, "Chief Jung. Earlier, I saw you talking with Director James. Was that something I shouldn't know about?" "Oh, it's nothing like that. He just asked if I could introduce another actor. I also received the script." "But even if it's not Lee Tae-Poong, wouldn't it be easy to find someone willing to take a supporting role? With a major Hollywood studio project, any actor would jump at the chance." "Isn't Richard Kane notorious for meddling excessively in production? He's also famous for recklessly rewriting scripts." "Well, sure. But all executives at major U.S. studios do that, don't they?" "I know. But he's particularly extreme." "Hmm... then let me ask you this since we're talking about it: have you checked the script? Wait, you just said you received it." Shin Jong-Ki seemed to be thinking of something, so I replied that I had already looked it over. "I just got it now, but I read the circulating version in the industry last week." Shin Jong-Ki's face brightened. "Oh~ really? Then what did you think? Was the script good?" "The script was excellent with nothing to criticize. I think it could be a big success if they cast it properly." That's when Shin Jong-Ki lowered his voice as he spoke. "In that case... What if, hypothetically... we removed Richard Kane from the project? In other words, what if we invested directly with James King?" James King made his debut in the film industry last year with a short film called Budelli. Budelli was about two sides of the Italian mafia cartel who ended up on an uninhabited island called Budelli while transporting drugs, and it earned a surprisingly large sum for a short film. Shin Jong-Ki was bringing this up with that in mind. However, Forgotten War was a project planned for investment and distribution by 21st Century Wolf, one of Hollywood's major studios. I couldn't understand why he was asking. "If we pay the penalty fee and cancel the contract, making the film wouldn't be a problem. But wouldn't the real issue be U.S. distribution? If the film can't get distributed, I don't think Director James would agree to any deal." In Hollywood, the six major studios controlled distribution like a cartel. And going against Richard Kane, the Vice President of one of those studios, could make distribution nearly impossible. Shin Jong-Ki asked, "What if I had a card that could solve the North American distribution issue?" At that moment, I realized what Shin Jong-Ki was planning. Three years from now, LT Entertainment would partner with Universe Pictures, one of Hollywood's six major studios, to break into the American market. It seemed they were trying to move that plan up. "Are you thinking of officially expanding overseas with this opportunity?" "Haha, you really are sharp. Yes, I'm thinking of using this chance to attempt a North American launch. I've already made some preparations, but I've been agonizing over not having a director for the first project. Now, it feels like the perfect opportunity has come." "Oh, and can you believe it? That bastard cursed me out when I was seeing him off just now. He said I wasted his time. Hahaha." "Anyway, with that happening, I can't just let it go, can I? I should give him a taste of his own medicine. Since we were planning to enter the U.S. market anyway, I might as well move forward with it now." "If you can solve the distribution issue in the U.S., it could lead to a great result. It would be even better if you could guarantee James King as much creative freedom as possible." "Okay!" Shin Jong-Ki immediately gave an order to Lee Eun-Joo, who was walking ahead. "Director Lee, set up a meeting at the conference tomorrow. Make sure we have the same table with Director James." Then, Shin Jong-Ki turned to me. "Chief Jung, could you attend the meeting tomorrow as well? It seems Director James likes you. Let's go meet him together. I'll make sure you're well rewarded." "In that case, could you give the role that was offered to Tae-Poong to Mr. Jae-Soo instead?" Because of the psychopathic serial killer role he played in Jiri Mountain, it would clearly take a long time for Go Jae-Soo to get a lead role in Korea. But if he went overseas first and then returned, he could completely transform both his status and image as an actor. In other words, unlike Lee Tae-Poong, it was better for Jae-Soo to advance abroad early. "That's easily done. Honestly, how many actors these days can match Mr. Jae-Soo's acting skills?" "Thank you. Then I'll help as if it were my own business." "Okay. Once the screening is over, let's look over the script together and talk again." With that plan set, we headed into Theater 1. Lee Tae-Poong, Go Jae-Soo, the staff, and the director stood in front of the stage. I headed to sit next to Shin Jong-Ki. At that moment, Shin Jong-Ki pointed ahead with a smile. "What are you just standing there for? The casting director should stand on stage too, you know?" Now that I looked, the director and actors who were lined up for the stage greeting were all looking at me. "Yoon-Ho hyung. Hurry up~" Lee Tae-Poong and Go Jae-Soo were even rushing me. At that moment, my heart started pounding. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should go, but I eventually stepped up to the stage with everyone's eyes on me. And so, receiving applause from the audience, I had the honor of participating in a stage greeting for the first time in my life. I heard plenty of gratitude from the actors and staff, acknowledging that I had played the biggest part in bringing Jiri Mountain to life. Today was a day I would never forget for the rest of my life. The current time was 12:30 a.m., and the stage greeting ended to enthusiastic cheers from the audience. Feeling exhilarated, I left the theater with the actors and Shin Jong-Ki before the movie started. Back in the waiting room, I immediately handed Go Jae-Soo a tablet with the script of Forgotten War open. "What's this, Mr. Jung?" "This is the script for Forgotten War written by Director James King. I'm thinking of recommending you for the role of Second Lieutenant Choi Ill-Seon." "You want me to take that role?" "It's not confirmed yet, but I'm planning to propose you for the part tomorrow. Given your current situation, I think taking this role could be a major milestone in your career. Are you interested?" Even though it was a great opportunity, Go Jae-Soo hesitated and glanced at Lee Tae-Poong. He seemed to feel bad about accepting a role that Tae-Poong had turned down. However, Lee Tae-Poong encouraged him not to worry and even egged him on. "Wow~ What perfect timing. Jae-Soo hyung, you have to do it! And when you get cast, eat some Out-N-In Burger for me and tell me how it is." Go Jae-Soo let out a small laugh at Lee Tae-Poong's playful comment. "Got it. I'll try it and give you a full report." Only then did Go Jae-Soo accept my proposal. "I'll read the script right now and prepare to record an audition video." Go Jae-Soo said he would film an audition video to show the director, and asked Yang So-Ri, who had come into the waiting room, to do his makeup. "Ms. Yang, could you do my makeup, please?" Yang So-Ri came over carrying her makeup kit. "Of course~" At that moment, Shin Jong-Ki called me again. "Now, we just need to convince Director James tomorrow." "Before that, how do you plan to handle Vice President Richard? He won't just stand by while the director he picked gets taken away." Shin Jong-Ki confidently held out his tablet. "Don't worry about that. Our company's secretary office secured some dirt on that man." [Info: Richard Kane. Embezzlement of slush funds through his private company LK.WOLF] It was information stating that Richard Kane, Vice President overseeing Asian distribution rights, had created a personal company called LK.WOLF to embezzle funds. However, this was information we couldn't use. Although LK.WOLF was technically Richard Kane's private company, its true nature was a firm where Richard Kane managed slush funds for himself, five other vice presidents, and the CEO, generating profits for them. If we touched that, we could end up making the entire 21st Century Wolf our enemy. Before the regression, one executive who didn't know that reported it, but the whistleblowing executive ended up resigning. It was an incident I remember clearly. I quickly shook my head. "LK.WOLF manages the slush funds of the high-ranking executives." Shin Jong-Ki looked flustered. "Is... is that really true?" Rather than wondering how I knew, his expression showed he was now worried about how to stop Richard. At that moment, I spoke right away. "Don't worry. I have a good way." Richard Kane might have been a giant in Hollywood, but to me, who had returned from the future, I had a card that could leave him completely powerless.