SCT-Novel Chapter 181: Opportunity (2)
Chapter 181: Opportunity (2)
The sudden visit from Writer Han Seo-ryeong. It was an unexpected situation, and Kang Rojun was slightly surprised.‘Writer Han Seo-ryeong came here herself at this hour? I’m flattered.’
He quickly smiled. The co-CEOs of Culture Drawer and two of the entertainment industry’s powerhouses had moved according to Rojun’s schedule. At this late hour, no less. Rojun felt a certain pleasure from it, and as Writer Han Seo-ryeong moved next to Heo Ki-tae, she scanned Kang Rojun from face to toe.
“Oh my- But.”
She let out a genuinely impressed remark.
“Writer-nim, your looks get more amazing by the day? Feels like you break your own record every time I see you. You don’t look tired at all. I saw you coming in and thought you looked a bit taller, too.”
“I think so too.”
“That’s fascinating.”
In fact, Kang Rojun had grown a bit taller, reaching 187cm. It was enough to be noticeable, hence why Writer Han Seo-ryeong pointed it out. A woman who had seen truckloads of handsome male actors couldn’t take her eyes off Rojun. Even the bear-sized CEO Heo Ki-tae strongly agreed.
“Your eyes just keep going to him, right? It’s like the force that draws people in has increased by several folds? His aura is outrageous! Every time I see him, it’s astonishing, Rojun writer-nim’s visuals, I mean.”
The praise poured in. Kang Rojun inwardly thought, ‘It must be the Overwhelm effect too'. By then, Writer Han Seo-ryeong lowered her gaze to the desk. Two stacks of paper could be seen.
One slightly thin and the other thick.
The synopsis and Episode 1 script of 'Tale of the Strange Moon'. The character sheets were included in the synopsis. CEO Heo Ki-tae, picking up both stacks like they were some kind of unique items, marveled.
“Really... it’s out, not just the synopsis but Episode 1 too.”
Star writer Han Seo-ryeong also nodded as she fixed her gaze on the script and synopsis.
“My goodness. You wrote a script too, amidst that hellish schedule??”
Rojun scratched his head slightly with a smile in his eyes.
“Yes. It came out a bit late because of all the schedules.”
CEO Heo Ki-tae got excited.
“What?! What do you mean! You completed the synopsis and Episode 1 in under a month! That’s suuuuper fast. And as Writer Han said, you’ve been pulling off every part of your very intense schedule!”
Kang Rojun’s lips curved slightly at the bear’s roar, and he tapped the Episode 1 script with his index finger.
“I decided on the title ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’.”
“...‘Tale of the Strange Moon'. That’s good. It already feels like it’s going to be fascinating. Right? Writer Han?”
“Mm-hmm. It’s overflowing with intrigue.”
It wasn’t just lip service, CEO Heo Ki-tae and Writer Han Seo-ryeong’s eyes were genuinely sparkling.
“Just from the title ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’... sounds like it involves monsters and the moon.”
“You mentioned the historical genre, so I went with a fusion historical fantasy and added in exorcists and demon slaying. There’s also a whiff of the occult. You’ll know what I mean once you read it.”
“Yes! I’ll read it right away!”
Then Rojun posed a question.
“So now, will you take the synopsis and Episode 1 script and meet with Netflix Korea?”
The answer came from CEO Heo Ki-tae.
“That’s right. First, I’ll review the synopsis and script myself, then arrange a meeting. By the way, they’re probably quite desperate by now, we already dropped a teaser that we pitched the project to Rojun writer-nim.”
“Oh.”
“By any chance, could you also join the meeting with Netflix Korea, with the ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ synopsis and Episode 1 script? It’d definitely be better if you were there. It’d make it easier to explain the story and all. Since it’s such a big project, I’m sure Netflix Korea would want you there too.”
“I’m not sure. If it’s really important, Manager Ki-baek might be able to adjust my schedule.”
“Hahaha, understood! I’ll speak with Manager Kim separately about that!”
Then Writer Han Seo-ryeong chimed in.
“It’d be good to share the core details related to the Netflix Korea project with GN as well.”
“Yes, understood. That’ll ensure everything runs smoothly.”
Since both co-CEOs of Culture Drawer were present, everything progressed quickly. Afterward, they exchanged some moderate conversation for a few dozen minutes before wrapping up the meeting. The time was already past 11 o'clock and heading toward midnight, and among the two CEOs, Writer Han Seo-ryeong made eye contact with Rojun as she left the meeting room.
“Where’s Manager Ki-baek?”
“He’s gone home.”
Next was CEO Heo Ki-tae.
“Ah! Then let us take you to your dorm.”
But Kang Rojun shook his head with a smile.
“It’s fine. I still have some work to do at the company.”
The bear- no, both CEO Heo Ki-tae and Writer Han Seo-ryeong couldn’t help but open their eyes wide in disbelief.
“...Whhaaaat??! You’re going to work more?!!”
About an hour later, at Culture Drawer.
It was past midnight. Writer Han Seo-ryeong and CEO Heo Ki-tae had arrived at Culture Drawer, where not a single employee was present. Before they knew it, the synopsis and Episode 1 script of 'Tale of the Strange Moon' they had received from Kang Rojun had become a total of four copies. They had each made duplicates.
Then CEO Heo Ki-tae yawned and stretched out with a big motion.
“Ugh, it’s been a while since I’ve worked this late. Reminds me of when we first started Culture Drawer.”
Writer Han Seo-ryeong gave a small laugh and suddenly spoke, recalling Kang Rojun’s face.
“About Writer Rojun. The fact that he’s going back to work at this hour after finishing his entire schedule… I hope he’s not doing it by pushing himself too hard.”
“Mmm. Of course, it’s common for writers, including you, to stay up all night writing, but Writer Rojun just powered through an intense idol schedule, so I do worry.”
Then Writer Han Seo-ryeong, who let out a small breath, recalled the past. The image of Kang Rojun who had outright rebuked the team leader from WW Creative during the writer contract meeting.
“Still, he’s someone with clear boundaries. I don’t think he’s the type to push himself just because of his surroundings.”
“I hope you’re right.”
CEO Heo Ki-tae, who had briefly gone quiet, turned toward Writer Han Seo-ryeong, who was holding the synopsis and script in one hand.
“But Writer-nim, you’re working on a new piece right now. Do you have time to read a script?”
With a faint smile and an assured air, Writer Han Seo-ryeong lightly shrugged her shoulders.
“I’ll just look over it for about an hour, then get back to my writing.”
At the same time, back at GN Entertainment.
Kang Rojun was currently in the practice room. He was moving his body and then checked the time.
“Looks like I’ll need to wrap up the missions soon.”
He had no thought of sleeping, and had no problem even if he didn’t. Kang Rojun continued his practice in the order of vocals, rap, and dance. Including the currently active 'GreenBee', he went through other title tracks, even the Japanese versions. He also wrapped up acting practice for an upcoming shoot, which brought the time to around 2 a.m.
Then Rojun headed straight to the gym and launched into an intense workout for over an hour.
His breath became heavy, but
‘Still not tired at all.’
Only his dopamine levels were rising, and there was no sign of sleepiness. Whatever the case, he completed the daily missions. Leaving the gym, Rojun walked down a quiet hallway. By now, he had gotten used to the silent atmosphere of the company. As he walked to the studio, he pulled out his phone. He hadn’t had time to check the 'AI Simulation' app often these days, but now he opened it.
-[User: Kang Rojun / Age: 24 / Height: 187 / Desired Occupation: World-Class Idol / Coins Owned: 1,938]
-[Passive: Overwhelm / Limit Break / Vitality Booster]
.
.
.
The most noticeable recent changes were his increased height and the significant rise in coins. As soon as Kang Rojun arrived at his familiar studio, where keyboards and guitars were set up.
-Swish.
He resumed stat enhancement.
-[Appearance (150/150)│Singing Ability (100.2/150)│Rap (98.4/150)│Dance (90.2/150)│Eloquence (55/150)│Acting (69/150)│Lyrics Writing (150/150)│Composition (80.1/150)│Arrangement (0/150)]
In fact, a few days ago, 'AI Simulation' had sent him a notification related to stats. First, about breaking the 100-point mark in a stat.
-[You’ve achieved the Hidden Mission ‘First Stat Over 100 Points!’ A reward of 50 coins has been granted.]
-[From now on, the reward range for Hidden Missions will increase!]
The gifts had arrived. At the time, Rojun had felt a strong jolt in his wrist. In addition, 'AI Simulation' had sent another alert.
-[From 100 points onward, more coins are required for enhancement.]
Of course, Kang Rojun had tested it. The result was that where it used to be 10 coins for 1 point, now above 100 points, it took 20 coins to raise 1 point. It had gotten a bit pricey, but considering it was the threshold to the legendary tier in terms of skill, it was reasonable.
Lately, Kang Rojun was fully feeling the experience of 100-point stats.
His learned skills combined with a significant boost in basic abilities, and even the benefits of 'Vitality Booster' were mixing in to create an immense synergy.
Vocals, dance, rap.
In all these areas, Kang Rojun was already comfortably competing at the top tier of the idol world.
‘Honestly, even if I stopped training, I doubt anyone would have anything to criticize me for.’
Aside from side jobs like lyrics writing or screenwriting, he still had areas to improve, but as an idol, his main job, he was already among the best in vocals, dance, and rap. Still, Rojun had no intention of giving up on the learning from 'AI Automation'. That would remain the same moving forward.
Cutting long training hours down to under one minute was something Kang Rojun desperately needed at the moment.
And now that his goal had shifted to ‘World-Class Idol’, he couldn’t be satisfied with just being top-tier in Korea.
‘With full stats and learning combined, I’ve got to deliver an impact that goes beyond legendary.’
And just like that, it was already 3 a.m.
Kang Rojun began his work by starting with the OST for 'Like a Kaleidoscope'. Specifically, it was the main theme ending OST. He had been asked to handle composition, lyrics, and vocals. Placing his hands on the keyboard, Rojun began to brainstorm.
However, it didn’t take long for inspiration to strike.
After all, the writer of 'Like a Kaleidoscope' was none other than Kang Rojun himself.
“Medium tempo. Overall with a strange rhythm. But it’d be fun if there were a sudden, unique twist- for example, a kitschy melody bursting in.”
Once the floodgates opened, Rojun’s fingers didn’t stop moving across the keyboard and guitar.
-♬♪
About two hours passed like that.
“Oh, this feels pretty good?”
It still needed some refinement, but the overall framework was complete. Kang Rojun gradually sank deeper into his work. His focus was overwhelming, and before long, he had laid the foundation for the 'Like a Kaleidoscope' OST.
-Swish.
He immediately moved on to the next task. He had too much to do to stay stuck on just the OST for 'Like a Kaleidoscope'.
Next was the personal music he’d been composing and writing lyrics for in his spare time.
Currently, Rojun had finished up to 'Song No. 3', and 'Song No. 4' was also nearing completion in both composition and lyrics. The 'Song No. 4' Rojun was working on now had strong mass appeal with a refreshing rap vibe. After refining the song for several tens of minutes.
-♬♪
He played the rap track 'Song No. 4'. At the same time, he opened his mouth and performed the moderately fast-paced lyrics. As he rapped the lines he had written himself for a few minutes, a satisfied smile spread across his face.
“Not bad.”
His composition stat had also increased quite a bit, and as he moved from 'Song No. 3' to 'Song No. 4', Rojun felt that his skills had grown even more. By now, he had already completed three songs, and he immediately picked up his phone.
“Final step.”
He launched the 'AI Simulation' app and tapped 'AI Automation'. As always, this was the process of applying perfection to 'Song No. 4'. Soon, after using coins, a notification from 'AI Automation' popped up for Kang Rojun.
-[Applying... Application complete!]
With the new knowledge added and the perfectly enhanced 'Song No. 4' delivered to his phone, Kang Rojun listened. He nodded along to the beat and casually muttered, “Good.”
Soon, 'Song No. 4' was saved into the composition files on his laptop. Then, Kang Rojun murmured,
“Now it’s time for ‘Song No. 5'. What kind of song should I make-”
Meanwhile, at CEO Heo Ki-tae’s house.
Heo Ki-tae was dressed exactly the same as when he had met Kang Rojun. A plain black jacket and jeans. He likely hadn’t even changed clothes. He was sitting on the living room sofa, nose buried in a stack of papers.
-Flap, flap.
He was reading the script for 'Tale of the Strange Moon' he’d received from Kang Rojun. He had already completely finished reading the synopsis and character sheets, and he had now been reading Episode 1 of the script for over an hour. It was the middle of the night. For CEO Heo Ki-tae, reading 'Tale of the Strange Moon' was more important than sleep right now.
After reading about 30% of Episode 1, CEO Heo Ki-tae let out a bewildered laugh.
"Is this okay? What is this immersion? I can’t snap out of it.”
At that moment, in her writing room, star writer Han Seo-ryeong was also seated.
“......”
She was reading the copied Episode 1 script of 'Tale of the Strange Moon' by Kang Rojun. Even though she needed to write her own piece, she hadn’t moved a muscle. How much time had passed?
Then Writer Han Seo-ryeong suddenly.
-Swish.
Lifted her head with a strange feeling.
Bright light was pouring into the room through the window. Han Seo-ryeong’s eyes widened.
“Huh? What- I thought only about an hour had passed.”
It was already morning. Having gotten so absorbed in 'Tale of the Strange Moon' that she lost track of time, Han Seo-ryeong let out a disbelieving chuckle.
“Did I... stay up all night? Really??”
It was an experience she had never had before.
*****
For 30 or more extra chapters, you can check out my Patreon here --> /dreamscribe