The Crazy Mercenary Commander Goes to Work in the Entertainment Industry

Translator: Dreamscribe

'House of the Daytime Moon', approaching four million in audience count. Cha Chung-hyeon estimated the film's projected revenue at around 10 billion won. He picked up the pen from the open diary in front of him and scratched his head with it.

"Of course, this is pre-tax and nothing's nailed down. I'm just giving you a rough estimate first."

He threw in some line like 'I'll give you the precise report separately' and started writing numbers down in the diary. The finalized figures were already swirling around in Cha Chung-hyeon's head, but he was laying them out neatly in the diary for the Commander to see.

"Let's put House of the Daytime Moon's total revenue so far at around 45 billion won. About 10% gets siphoned off for the Film Development Fund and taxes. So that leaves... about 40 billion."

As Cha Chung-hyeon explained, Kang Jae-ha's mind was also turning quickly. He was well-versed in film revenue calculations himself.

'From that 40 billion, roughly half gets eaten up by the Revenue Share Rate with the theaters. So that's about 20 billion, and after the Distributor's cut, around 16 billion. Split that 16 billion between the Production Company, Cheong-yeon Studio, and the Main Investor MEG... yeah, my share comes out close to 10 billion won.'

Right on cue, Cha Chung-hyeon arrived at a similar conclusion.

"It probably won't be a full 10 billion, but it's close. Hell of a return, isn't it?"

Once they accounted for taxes and various other deductions, the take would shrink a bit more, but turning 1 billion won of investment into this kind of result was nothing short of remarkable.

"And on top of that, once the theatrical run ends and it gets distributed on TV and OTT platforms, there'll be secondary and tertiary revenue streams."

True enough. As Cha Chung-hyeon said, there was still money to be made from House of the Daytime Moon's post-theatrical distribution. With the media still buzzing about how it had set a new record for domestic animated films, the secondary and tertiary distribution rights were sure to sell well too.

Kang Jae-ha smiled faintly.

'Nice.'

Cha Chung-hyeon continued.

"The big thing is that we're the only investor in 'House of the Daytime Moon'. The more people you have to split with, the smaller the profits. Cuhh, how did you even know to pour money into a smash hit animated film like this?"

"Buy the Dip. The potential was there, so I bought in."

"And the kicker is, this 4 million figure isn't where it ends. The audience count will keep climbing."

That was the truth. 'House of the Daytime Moon' had now passed its second week and was heading into its third. The audience count would gradually drop off, but four million was a guaranteed milestone, and it was on track for five.

The more it grew, the bigger Kang Jae-ha's cut would get.

The 10 billion was only the current tally.

"1 billion in, tenfold out. No, looking ahead, even more than that. That's insane. Mm, you're really something, Commander-nim."

"Are you copying Lee Chan-hoo now?"

"That too, but it just hit me all over again, like, 'yep, that's the Commander.'"

Cha Chung-hyeon then put on a languid smile, recalling their time in the Other World.

"Well, it was kind of the same back in the Mercenary Corps days too. Commander-nim was always hauling in Relics, treasures, Magic Stones, the works."

Jae-ha traced through the future he'd already mapped out and answered.

"Still a long way to go, this is just the beginning. Rest up."

It was his way of saying that they'd be making much more money, so get ready.

Morning of the 12th. Oh Jong-man's rented workspace.

Sitting alone in his studio, Oh Jong-man tapped away at his laptop. Maybe it was the focus, but his face looked even more severe than usual. The first production meeting for Netflix Korea's 'One-Act Drama Project' had been held the day before. Director Baek Jeong-ha had made a request during that meeting.

The request was simple.

Then he paused.

"......"

His fingers stopped abruptly on the keyboard. He suddenly recalled what Director Baek Jeong-ha, with her dry, weathered skin, had said during yesterday's meeting.

'How about you participate as an actor in this 'One-Act Drama Project' too?'

Of all the things she'd said, that line had hit Oh Jong-man the hardest.

"...Participate as an actor."

Mumbling to himself, Oh Jong-man replayed his conversation with Director Baek Jeong-ha. It started right after she'd asked if he'd be open to acting in it too.

"Writer Jong-man-nim. Once the 'One-Act Drama Project' launches, you're guaranteed to make headlines."

Director Baek Jeong-ha's tone was a bit blunt, but her words carried sincerity and a cool clarity. Of course they did, she was a deeply pragmatic woman.

Praised by a heavyweight director, Oh Jong-man was at a loss for words.

"Th, thank you."

As if to prove she wasn't flattering him, Director Baek Jeong-ha's lips curved up.

"But as someone directing the 'One-Act Drama Project', I think it's a shame to let Writer Jong-man-nim's acting filmography go to waste."

"......"

"We've never worked together, but I was always a fan of Writer Jong-man-nim's acting. Other directors had nothing but praise for you too."

"...But I'm not what I used to be. My acting has gotten rusty. You'd be disappointed if you saw it now."

Director Baek Jeong-ha nodded.

"Probably. But that's fine, I wasn't going to recommend you for a lead role anyway. A scene-stealer part would be more than enough."

Lowering her voice, Director Baek Jeong-ha, who already knew everything about Oh Jong-man's past incident, spoke even more quietly.

"I'll say it again: you're going to become a hot topic. Things will get loud because of you. But I want to stage your return with a bit more flair. Acting career halted by a false accusation. But returns from acting as a talented writer. And then makes his acting comeback in his own work."

"......"

"That's a comeback story that'll grab the public's eyes and ears. I've already discussed it with Executive Director Heo Seong-jin."

"Mm."

"Don't be afraid of the public. There might still be people cursing your name. But the more they do, the more confident you have to be. The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on."

At this point, Oh Jong-man thought of someone else who'd told him something similar. Kang Jae-ha. He, too, had advised Oh Jong-man not to be afraid, to charge straight in.

'I guess exceptional people all think alike.'

While Oh Jong-man was thinking of Jae-ha, Director Baek Jeong-ha continued.

"The 'One-Act Drama Project' already has the public's attention. And the stage is Netflix. But I want to blow it up several times bigger than that, that's the only way you writers will get a proper next opening."

"I think so too."

"Yes, well, it might look like I'm using you. I won't deny it. That's just how directors are. I'm not forcing anything, of course, it's a proposal. The choice is yours."

"I'll think it over."

"Take your time and let me know."

At this point, Oh Jong-man pulled his thoughts back to the present, back to his rented studio. He did still have lingering attachment to acting. But this was uncharted territory for him, and he was wrestling with the decision.

'Will it really be okay?'

The way Director Baek Jeong-ha had laid it out, the writer was the main focus and the acting was more of a side thing. And besides, if the project blew up, what couldn't he do? Even Top Actors went on countless variety shows trying to win over the public.

That was how important promotion and marketing were.

But Oh Jong-man still had a lingering fear, a dread of the public. The feelings and memories from that incident came flooding back. Without meaning to, he laughed.

"Still... hasn't been fully forgotten yet."

The scars ran deep, it seemed. Well, it had been the kind of incident that warranted it. Someone came to visit Oh Jong-man's rented studio late that afternoon.

-Swish.

The moment Oh Jong-man saw who it was, he lit up.

"Manager-nim!"

It was Kang Jae-ha. He returned Oh Jong-man's greeting with his usual indifference.

"Yes, Writer-nim."

Oh Jong-man, looking apologetic, mumbled.

"I'm sorry... reaching out when you must be so busy."

"No. I was planning to drop by soon anyway."

In fact, Kang Jae-ha had been keeping a close eye on Oh Jong-man. He, too, was a key figure in the rapidly expanding 'MEG'. In any case, Kang Jae-ha replied briefly, then studied Oh Jong-man's face.

'He's clearly worried.'

Kang Jae-ha settled into a folding chair nearby and asked.

"How did the first Netflix production meeting go?"

"Ah, that... I was going to tell our Agency 'MEG' too, but I got an offer I'm wrestling with."

"What is it, did Netflix ask you to appear as an actor as well, Writer-nim?"

"!!!"

Oh Jong-man jolted in shock.

"H, how did you?"

"It's just the kind of plan I would've drawn up myself. From Netflix's perspective, it's a mouthwatering story."

"......"

"Don't look at it negatively. The content market these days is saturated, and audiences want stimulation."

"No. I'm not looking at it negatively at all. If anything, I'm grateful for the interest."

"The 'One-Act Drama Project', who's directing?"

Netflix hadn't yet announced Director Baek Jeong-ha's name publicly, but Oh Jong-man figured it was fine to tell Kang Jae-ha.

"Director Baek Jeong-ha-nim."

"Ah, that lady. Don't worry about the NDA. It'll stay between us."

"Yes, yes."

Crossing his legs, Kang Jae-ha rubbed his chin.

'Baek Jeong-ha, huh.'

Not a bad pick.

'Actually, given that the 'One-Act Drama Project' involves directing multiple One-Acts, is there anyone better suited than her?'

To Jae-ha, Director Baek Jeong-ha was a woman possessed by directing. She was so Reckless that the people around her looked at her sideways, but her directorial results were always strong.

"So, Director Baek Jeong-ha asked you to appear as an actor too, Writer-nim?"

"Yes."

Oh Jong-man relayed his conversation with Director Baek Jeong-ha. Listening quietly, Kang Jae-ha answered without much inflection.

"As long as it doesn't interfere with your writing life, I'd say it's worth doing."

"R, really?"

"Think of it as having fun with it. Your main job now is writing, not acting, so the pressure's less. And the experience will help."

"......"

As Kang Jae-ha gauged Oh Jong-man, who was slowly nodding.

'He's worried about the public. Afraid of getting torn into again. But if he can't break past that, he'll stay stuck.'

He added another line.

"Think of your wife as the only member of the public in the world."

"Sorry?"

"You write and act for her alone. Throw out the rest. Like it's none of your concern."

"For my wife alone..."

"You have to go straight ahead. You didn't pivot to writing just to hesitate here."

The tone was deeply detached, but somehow Oh Jong-man drew courage from Kang Jae-ha's words.

"You're right. This is only the beginning."

With fire kindled in his eyes, Oh Jong-man answered.

"Yes, I'll do it, Manager-nim."

At this, Kang Jae-ha let a faintly wicked smile cross his face and spoke again.

"But just saying you'll do it would be a waste, so ask Netflix for some things in return too, Writer-nim. Right now, you're the one holding the leverage."

"Huh? Like what?"

"Doubling your Writing Fee and Performance Fee, having your work released first when the project opens, and a contract for your Next Work. For the Next Work, turning your One-Act 'Murder Is a Qualification Too' into a longer piece of around 10 episodes would also be fine."

'Murder Is a Qualification Too' was the title of the One-Act Oh Jong-man had written, and his eyes widened in an instant.

"Would Netflix actually go for all that?!"

"Who knows, you just shoot your shot. Still, I think Netflix will give it serious consideration. Trading favors works in their favor too."

Uncrossing his legs, Kang Jae-ha added.

"Well, you don't have to handle it yourself, Writer-nim. Just leave it to your Agency 'MEG' and they'll take care of it."

"Ah."

It meant 'MEG' and Netflix Korea would be meeting soon.

The next day.

The entertainment press was in an uproar from the moment morning broke. Naturally. The Top Actor Woo Jeong-cheol, embroiled in the drug scandal, had finally made his appearance.

《Top Actor Woo Jeong-cheol, suspected of drug use, reports to police... 'Will cooperate fully with the investigation'/ Photos》

《[Issue Talk] Woo Jeong-cheol's brief apology: 'I'm sorry'... dodges questions about admitting charges》

The Top Actor Woo Jeong-cheol stood before a sea of reporters. He had turned himself in for police questioning.

《Dozens of reporters swarm... Woo Jeong-cheol's appearance site descends into 'chaos'/ Photos》

In the photos, Woo Jeong-cheol's face was deeply stiff. Probably because his downfall was now achingly clear to him. The train to ruin Woo Jeong-cheol had boarded was racing forward like a madman, and what awaited him from here on out was nothing but hell itself.

The public's reaction to the articles was proof enough.

The responses were full of nothing but curses.

Woo Jeong-cheol was no longer a Top Actor, just a common criminal.

In any case, articles about Woo Jeong-cheol set every search portal ablaze all day long, and it was that night that Director Yu Gil-tae, watching the situation unfold, met with Lee Chan-hoo.

The location was the spacious conference room at the film company where they'd met before.

In that wide-open space, Director Yu Gil-tae and Lee Chan-hoo sat facing each other. No one else was present.

"......"

"......"

For the moment, the atmosphere was silent. Director Yu Gil-tae's expression was grave, while across from him, Lee Chan-hoo wore a faint smile. It was Director Yu Gil-tae who spoke first.

"Thank... you."

Thank you for saving me. Lee Chan-hoo shook his head easily in response.

"Not at all. I wasn't simply doing you a favor. It was a deal with clear conditions, after all."

"...There's a lot I want to discuss, but I should ask about those conditions first. Our agreement was that you'd join my new film 'Mask of Murder' as an investor."

"That's right."

"At what scale do you intend to invest? I need to get a rough sense of the size to position myself accordingly."

Lee Chan-hoo nodded as if he understood, then recited the Commander's instructions.

"We'd have no problem cutting out the other investors and having 'MEG' invest as the sole party."

The eyes of the Master Director Yu Gil-tae went wide in an instant.

*****

For more extra chapters, you can check out my Patreon here --> patreon.com/dreamscribe

If you enjoy this novel, please review and rate it at Novelupdates. Thanks! 😊

To receive the latest update notifications or report mistakes, join our Discord server linked below.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!