First Broadcast
"Mr. Jung. I heard you were in the first year of your career."
"Yes, It's been a year."
"But how do you know about things like writer's recommendations?"
I silently answered Kim Soll-Ip's question in my mind.
'Because I went back in time.'
The truth was, a writer's recommendation wasn't anything special. Casting in a drama was decided by the production company, the PD, and the writer. Though lead roles were usually influenced by the investors and broadcasting companies, a writer could, at the very least, decide who to cast for a role or two for supporting characters without auditions.
Someone as influential as Lee Ji-Yeon could even push to cast a certain actor for the lead role, but she was an exception.
In any case, that was what a writer's recommendation meant.
Kim Soll-Ip, with her round face and large gold-framed glasses, stared at me for a moment before speaking.
"I can't make any promises. But once I get into production, I'll…I'll try my best. How does that sound?"
"That sounds great. Thank you so much."
It was best to stop pushing Kim Soll-Ip any further.
Given Yoo-Jin's acting skills, having the writer express interest in her would be enough to get her casted. Moreover, expecting a firm commitment from Kim Soll-Ip was unrealistic considering her character.
When I answered, Kim Soll-Ip began to pressure me this time.
"Now, tell me. You're making me crazy! How did you find out I'm Bluebird?"
Facing an impatient Kim Soll-Ip, I shared with her a fact that I had learned from the 'Celebrity Everywhere' news before I went back in time.
"You disclosed your email when you had a magazine interview with Ms. Lee, right? I noticed how it matched Bluebird's email."
Kim Soll-Ip's jaw dropped in surprise.
"Wow. You are really observant. You noticed that? But it would have been printed in such a tiny font in the magazine!"
Looking dumbfounded, Kim Soll-Ip let out a sigh.
"This is unbelievable. Please, never mention that work anywhere else! I might just lose my sanity if that gets out."
The moment Kim Soll-Ip glared at me with folded arms, I instinctively nodded in agreement. After all, writers were known to be very stubborn people.
"Oh, of course, Ms. Kim."
Her warning held more dread than the possibility of her not casting Yoo-Jin in her drama. She might even end up casting Yoo-Jin and then working her to the bone if I ever disclosed her identity as Bluebird.
'Or perhaps, she might even have Yoo-Jin's character go bald.'
In fact, there was one such writer who did that to one of the actors, and that writer would be Lee Ji-Yeon.
With an awkward smile, I bid farewell to Kim Soll-Ip.
Then, I opened the page of the planner containing the revelation that Kim Soll-Ip was Bluebird.
[Everyday V10]
[Date: July 3rd, 2020]
-10:00 PM
(Deleted Schedule: , unveiling the actual first work of the popular writer, Kim Soll-Ip.)
'Ah. She must have deleted her email.'
In any case, the odds of Yoo-Jin getting into Kim Soll-Ip's debut drama increased.
Then, I picked up my phone once again as there was still another issue left to be addressed on the site.
***
"Mr. Ma. Are you really going to just stand by and watch? We need to do something!"
Park Eun-Bin trembled angrily as she watched Jung Yoo-Jin engrossed in her acting.
Park Eun-Bin, the leader of the top-tier girl group Petite More who attained the top spot right after their debut, had enjoyed an impeccable career till now. It was only natural for her to take this situation as an insult.
Even after a tearful display in front of her fans, things had not gone her way.
She was embarrassed that Kim Myung-Hak did not even acknowledge her greetings.
"Hey! Just wait a moment. I'm on the phone with the president right now."
Ma Dong-Pal frowned as he relayed the on-site situation to Kim Tae-Kwon, the president of TK Entertainment.
Static.
Ma Dong-Pal's expression remained serious after ending the call.
"The president said he spoke with the president of the MBS Drama Department."
"So? Is there a chance of things reverting back to normal?"
A glimmer of hope was evident on Park Eun-Bin's face, but Ma Dong-Pal vigorously shook his head.
"It's over. Lee Ji-Yeon submitted an extended two-episode script and Kim Gyuk-Shik drew a hard line, refusing any negotiations.
"What!? How can this be, considering the amount we've invested!"
"When I mentioned the production support funds to him, he said he'd return the money. What else could I say?"
Park Eun-Bin shuddered at Ma Dong-Pal's bitter response.
"So you're saying I should just bow down to that dough face? Me? The renowned Park Eun-Bin?"
"Well, in exchange, he gave us the lead role in another writer's upcoming work. He told me not to upset Lee Ji-Yeon because the other actors might get affected as well."
Finding it hard to accept reality, Park Eun-Bin began to glare at Ma Dong-Pal.
"Mr. Ma. You realize I have only one year left on my contract, right?"
"Yes, I know."
"If you know… please take better care of me."
Ma Dong-Pal's face twitched. His ego was as equally bruised as that of Park Eun-Bin.
"When has the company ever been neglectful of you, Eun-Bin?"
Park Eun-Bin didn't respond.
"Don't worry. I won't let this go easily. Just watch."
Park Eun-Bin knew better than anyone that Ma Dong-Pal always stood by his word.
Only then did Park Eun-Bin smile in satisfaction.
"Okay, Mr. Ma."
***
"Good job."
Upon reporting the on-site situation, Kang Ji-Yung rushed over to the set herself.
Today, she wore not Channy, but a black line suit from Labelle, a boutique French brand. The suit was made of black silk with a faintly embroidered lilac azalea flower in bloom.
'Damn. That must've been very expensive.'
As expected, Kang Ji-Yung was rich.
"Great work, both of you."
Gu Seong-Cheol came along with Kang Ji-Yung, wearing a proud fatherly smile as he patted our shoulders.
"Team Lead Oh, Star Jung. Both of you did great."
He thanked Oh Duk-Gu and me for our efficient on-site response which allowed the issue to be resolved quickly. He even praised us for handling the situation neatly.
At that moment, Oh Duk-Gu seemed to have remembered something and praised Yoo-Jin's acting.
'Right. Come to think of it, Yoo-Jin's training issue was also on the line here.'
"Mr. Gu, what Yoon-Ho saw in Yoo-Jin was right. Yoo-Jin is better off practicing her acting alone without lessons. Frankly, I wonder if the coach has anything to teach her. It was like watching the golden days of renowned actress Choi Eun-Jin."