The Crazy Mercenary Commander Goes to Work in the Entertainment Industry

Translator: Dreamscribe

At Lee Chan-hoo's calm remark from across the phone.

"Because it's a matter that could very easily ruin your new film, Director-nim."

Director Yu Gil-tae, already deep into preparing his new film, immediately knit his brow.

"...What did you say?"

Setting aside how unpleasant it was, the sheer audacity of it. A call out of the blue, claiming this could ruin his new film? Under normal circumstances, Master Director Yu Gil-tae would have hung up right around here.

He'd at least have told the man to stop talking nonsense.

But for some reason, he...

"......"

couldn't bring himself to hang up. It was bothering him. To put it more precisely, it nagged at him. And there was more than one reason for it.

First, the caller himself.

Lee Chan-hoo of 'MEG'. He'd been mentioned quite a bit at BIFF, and you could fairly call him the very person who'd set off this 'Condensation' Triple Crown bomb. After all, films could only get made when the money was flowing.

'Director Kwon Sung-min said in his acceptance speech, that 'MEG' was the first to recognize 'Condensation'.'

That meant their eye for talent was nothing ordinary. Not an Investment firm familiar or famous to Director Yu Gil-tae, but enough to be hard to ignore. And on top of that, the man calls out of the blue, and instead of talking Investment, leads with "a matter that might ruin your new film."

A film, by its nature, took heavy damage later from even the smallest gust of wind.

Especially in the works of Master-class directors like Yu Gil-tae.

There were plenty of real-world precedents.

Which was why directors, Yu Gil-tae included, did everything they could during Pre-production to head off any potential trouble. Perhaps it was thanks to that unknown trouble that Director Yu Gil-tae spoke into the phone.

"...You're saying you know of some matter serious enough to ruin my new film?"

Lee Chan-hoo's reply came quickly through the phone.

"That is correct."

"What is it, then?"

"It's a bit much to discuss over the phone. I'd like this to be a win-win for both Director-nim and myself, so I'd prefer to meet in person."

"......"

Director Yu Gil-tae sensed that ignoring this man would gnaw at him indefinitely.

'Better to meet briefly than let it sit.'

If the man started spouting nonsense, he could just storm out. If it turned out to be insulting, he could spread word among his circle to steer clear of 'MEG'. In the end, Director Yu Gil-tae caved.

"Fine. Let's meet up."

A short while later.

Kang Jae-ha and Yoon Da-yeon got onto the elevator. At the same time, Yoon Da-yeon took a small, deep breath.

"Whew, is it because it's been so long? Why am I this nervous?"

After murmuring this, she asked Kang Jae-ha.

"How do I look?"

Jae-ha replied flatly.

"Ugly."

"Ha. Unbelievable. You wanna fight?"

"Bring it."

"You've gotta be the only person in the world who'd call his own actress ugly... No, I mean, am I obviously nervous!"

"Doesn't look like you're nervous at all right now."

"Huh? Oh."

In that instant, Yoon Da-yeon caught on, that whether through irritation or whatever else, Kang Jae-ha had blown her nerves clean away. She snorted.

"Did you do that on purpose?"

"Who knows."

"Lifting people up and dropping them just like that. Hmph...."

When the elevator doors opened, Kang Jae-ha murmured in a low voice.

"What's there to be nervous about. Yoon Da-yeon-ssi just has to act like Yoon Da-yeon-ssi."

"And what exactly does that mean?"

"You know perfectly well."

In other words: be yourself, act like the 'crazy psycho' you are. Yoon Da-yeon stuck her lips out in a pout and grumbled.

"Would the world end if you spoke a little more nicely?"

He heard her, but Kang Jae-ha ignored it and opened the door of the conference room they'd been led to. Movie posters lined the walls. Soon, a familiar face greeted Yoon Da-yeon.

"Da-yeon-ssi, welcome."

It was Director Yu Gil-tae. Taking the hand he offered, Yoon Da-yeon answered with surprising poise.

"Hello, Director-nim."

It was at this point that Jae-ha greeted Director Yu Gil-tae.

"I'm Kang Jae-ha. I came with Yoon Da-yeon-ssi."

"Yes, I know exactly who you are. The one who became famous overnight at BIFF."

Director Yu Gil-tae was hardly unaware of Kang Jae-ha's sudden surge in name recognition.

"The production story behind 'Condensation' really impressed me. Just my instinct, but, I have a feeling Manager Kang-nim is going to climb to a pretty high position someday."

Replying that this was high praise, Jae-ha gauged Director Yu Gil-tae's smile.

'Strangely forced smile. Well, if he got Lee Chan-hoo's call, that's only natural, isn't it?'

Of course, neither Yoon Da-yeon nor Director Yu Gil-tae had any way of knowing that Kang Jae-ha was Lee Chan-hoo's Commander, the real power behind 'MEG'. In any case, the three of them sat down. After exchanging some appropriate small talk, Director Yu Gil-tae got to the point.

"The reason I asked to see Da-yeon-ssi isn't anything else, I wanted to show you my Screenplay."

"...Really?"

"Mm. I've had it decided ever since I saw 'Condensation'. There's a Role I'd like to give Da-yeon-ssi."

In an instant, Yoon Da-yeon's face filled with a mix of emotions: elation, awe, and more. And in this very moment, Kang Jae-ha had already seen the scene through 'Deja Vu'.

'Identical, except for the part where I'm in it.'

Soon Director Yu Gil-tae pushed forward a stack of papers he had prepared in advance. It was a Screenplay, with the following text printed on the cover.

-Title: 'Mask of Murder'

-Director: Yu Gil-tae

The title of Director Yu Gil-tae's new film appeared to be 'Mask of Murder', and Yoon Da-yeon, receiving the Screenplay, had eyes that had grown noticeably wider. Director Yu Gil-tae pushed up his round glasses and spoke to her.

"Honestly, it's a Supporting Role, and the screen time isn't all that much. But I really want Da-yeon-ssi to take it."

To Yoon Da-yeon right now, lead, supporting, or bit part, didn't matter, even if the screen time was barely a crumb. Because this was a situation where a Master director was personally asking her, Yoon Da-yeon, who'd been dismissed as Washed-up, a Nobody, to take a Role.

This sort of thing had only happened a handful of times even at the peak of Yoon Da-yeon's career.

No, having a Master personally hand her a Screenplay was a first.

'This is insane...... is this for real?'

More than during the days she'd been making a name for herself, after becoming Washed-up and barely surviving, a Master director had reached out his hand. It was strange. Yoon Da-yeon stole a glance at Kang Jae-ha sitting beside her. An utterly unfazed face. How could anyone be so calm?

A laugh rose to Yoon Da-yeon's lips for no reason.

'So hitting rock bottom really was the right answer.'

If she just kept walking the path he'd laid out, silently....

'Things even more outlandish than this are going to happen, I'm sure of it.'

Yoon Da-yeon gripped the 'Mask of Murder' Screenplay tight in her hand and answered Director Yu Gil-tae firmly.

"Yes, Director-nim. I'll read the Screenplay carefully."

That was when Kang Jae-ha cut in.

"Director-nim, what's the casting situation for this film?"

"Haha. I was so eager I didn't even share the details. The contracts with the lead actors are already wrapped up."

"So you'd be sorting out the Supporting Roles now."

"That's right."

"Have Investment, distribution, and production all been finalized?"

"The production company's set, but Investment and distribution are still being worked out."

Kang Jae-ha nodded and turned his eyes to the Screenplay in Yoon Da-yeon's hand.

'The timing isn't bad.'

He made a request of Director Yu Gil-tae across the table.

"Director-nim, may I receive a copy of the Screenplay as well?"

Director Yu Gil-tae nodded readily, and not long after, the meeting wrapped up. Once Yoon Da-yeon climbed back into the van where General Manager Kim Dae-yong was waiting, the smile wouldn't leave her face. Even a top actress would react that way, and how much more so for Yoon Da-yeon?

On top of which, Director Yu Gil-tae's 'Mask of Murder' was going to be a smash hit.

Of course, it was destined to fall apart unless Kang Jae-ha intervened.

In the back, while General Manager Kim Dae-yong and Yoon Da-yeon were chatting away, a brief vibration buzzed on Jae-ha's phone. It was Lee Chan-hoo. Sending a report to his Commander. The moment Jae-ha sent a short reply to Lee Chan-hoo,

-Buzz, buzzzz.

this time, a long vibration sounded. A call had come in. The caller was Director Kwon Sung-min. When he picked up, Director Kwon Sung-min spoke through the phone.

"Manager-nim. Um, the Feature Film Screenplay for 'Condensation' is finished, for now. Ah! Of course, it's not 100% yet, it'll need revisions...... but could you take a look?"

Kang Jae-ha smiled faintly and answered.

"Where would you like to meet?"

Late afternoon, same day. A large cafe near Leon Entertainment.

Kang Jae-ha was stepping into the cafe. He quickly spotted the person he was there to meet. It was Director Kwon Sung-min. Director Kwon Sung-min, who'd been looking at his phone, shot up at the sight of Jae-ha.

"Manager-nim!"

Kang Jae-ha approached with a faint smile and sat across from Director Kwon Sung-min. For the record, meeting at this cafe had been Jae-ha's idea. There were too many eyes at Leon.

In any case, Director Kwon Sung-min pushed up his glasses and led with thanks.

"Thank you, Manager-nim. I know you must be busy as it is."

"I'd think Director-nim is busier than I am."

Though Director Kwon Sung-min's clout and recognition had skyrocketed, he still looked youthful in Jae-ha's eyes.

'He transforms once filming starts, though.'

As Jae-ha murmured this internally, Director Kwon Sung-min hesitantly held out a stack of papers.

"The 'Condensation' Feature Film Screenplay I mentioned."

It was something he'd asked Jae-ha for once before. To take a look once the Feature Film Screenplay of 'Condensation' was done. Of course, this whole situation, getting Director Kwon Sung-min to write the Feature Film Screenplay of 'Condensation' in the first place, had been Kang Jae-ha's intent all along.

All seeds Jae-ha had sown in advance.

Those seeds had grown and put out their first sprouts.

Kang Jae-ha recalled the key elements of the Feature Film 'Condensation' he'd already seen in his Deja Vu. The words written on the banner.

-Congratulations! Over 5 million viewers! Thank you!

With the smash hit clear in his mind's eye, Kang Jae-ha checked the title of the 'Condensation' Feature Film Screenplay.

-Title 'Condensation: Euphoria'

It seemed he'd upgraded the title alongside the remake from short to feature. Either way, Kang Jae-ha pulled the 'Condensation: Euphoria' Screenplay closer and nodded.

"I'll read it and let you know."

"Yes, thank you! Feel free to tell me straight up if it isn't any good. Knowing Manager-nim's personality, you'll probably cut right to the bone whether I say so or not...."

Trailing off, Director Kwon Sung-min awkwardly steered the conversation in another direction.

"And, um... this is just a question, but, you know CEO Lee Chan-hoo of 'MEG', right?"

"I do."

"If he reads 'Condensation: Euphoria', do you think he'd Invest in the Feature Film too, not just the short? I've gotten quite a few agency offers and Investment offers, but if possible, I'd like to do the 'Condensation' Feature Film with 'MEG' as well."

"I think it'd be faster to just ask him directly."

"R-right?"

He was probably acting like that out of an abundance of caution. No matter that he'd taken the grand prize at BIFF, Director Kwon Sung-min was still a rookie whose entire work so far was a single short film.

Meaning he had a long way to go in terms of experience.

Well aware of this, Kang Jae-ha gave him calm advice.

No, he was also nudging him along.

"The judgment is the other side's to make. Don't be timid, just go for it."

"Ah! Yes!"

"If CEO Lee Chan-hoo likes it, he'll Invest. If not, you've got plenty of other Investment offers to move ahead with."

To Director Kwon Sung-min, who nodded firmly, Kang Jae-ha asked something else.

"Better yet, why not ask about an agency contract with 'MEG'? If you sign with them, you won't have to worry about Investment."

Director Kwon Sung-min's eyes went round.

"Ah, actually, I was planning to ask about that too."

A short while later. Morning of July 28th.

Two men sat across from each other in a conference room. One was Director Yu Gil-tae with his round glasses. The man sitting across from him was....

"......"

a slit-eyed man wearing a faint smile. None other than Lee Chan-hoo.

Naturally, he was seated here as the CEO of 'MEG', and apparently having just finished with pleasantries, Master Director Yu Gil-tae asked Lee Chan-hoo. His voice was slightly cold.

"Shall I hear it now? The matter CEO-nim said could ruin my new film."

Lee Chan-hoo, leisurely crossing his legs, opened his mouth right away.

"Of course, I'll tell you. But before I do, there's a condition for sharing it. Call it a promise."

"...What is it?"

"You'll keep the promise, won't you?"

"Who do you take me for?"

"Director Yu Gil-tae-nim, one of our country's Master Director."

It was a roundabout way of saying, You're one of the leading Master Director, so you wouldn't go back on your word, right? Naturally, Director Yu Gil-tae caught the meaning right away. He gave Lee Chan-hoo across the table a strange look.

'An air full of confidence. An expression where it's hard to read what he's really thinking. The type that puts me on edge, this one.'

Director Yu Gil-tae would have liked nothing more than to walk out, but for the moment he tamped down his feelings.

"Don't worry, I keep my promises. What's the condition?"

Lee Chan-hoo's smile deepened as he answered.

"The condition for telling you is this: bring me in as an Investor on Director-nim's new film."

At that same moment.

It was a movie theater near Leon Entertainment. Despite it being the early slot on a weekday morning, there were quite a lot of patrons in the lobby. Among them, a familiar face entered.

-Slip.

A stoic face, black hair. It was Kang Jae-ha.

"......"

He was alone, and after spending a moment watching various trailers playing on the lobby monitors,

"Hmm."

he checked the time and started moving. Jae-ha bought popcorn first. Not just any popcorn, onion flavor.

'I'm in the mood for this today.'

Holding the popcorn he'd bought, he made his way to the theater room with practiced familiarity. Behind Kang Jae-ha, a few couples also entered the same theater. The spacious theater Jae-ha walked into already had quite a few audience members in their seats.

About thirty or so?

That was a lot for an early weekday slot, and after briefly surveying the room, Kang Jae-ha found his seat and sat down. Roughly the center of all the seating. Before long, the theater lights dimmed further and ads began playing on the large screen.

About ten minutes later.

-Hush.

The theater went completely dark. Soon, the film began playing on the giant screen. A Joseon-era setting. Night. Deep in the mountains. One character abruptly died. What appeared on the screen was an animated film.

Soon, lush, full-bodied film music spread through the entire theater.

The melody of a gayageum.

Chewing his popcorn, Kang Jae-ha gave a small smile.

'Quality really is good, as expected.'

Multiple lines of text appeared on the screen he was watching.

-Investment: MEG

-Director: Hong Man-seop

Soon the title of the animated film stamped itself across the screen, large and bold.

-House of the Daytime Moon

'House of the Daytime Moon', which Kang Jae-ha had Invested in, had officially released.

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