Director Choi Sung-Moon had once again proven himself as Korea's top box office director by drawing 13 million viewers with Beyond the Boundary. He was currently preparing his next project, Hyeonjong: The King of the Original Text.

However, before my regression, that project had never been completed. The Hyeonjong: The King of the Original Text trilogy that Choi Sung-Moon was planning required the Battle of Gwiju scene as its grand finale. Yet, fierce conflict had erupted with investors over the scale of funding required for that scene.

The Battle of Gwiju was a massive confrontation that went down in Northeast Asian history, where 200,000 Goryeo soldiers led by General Kang Gam-Chan faced off against 100,000 elite Khitan troops on the plains of Gwiju, with the fate of both nations at stake.

Because of that, Choi Sung-Moon wanted to film that climactic scene properly. He demanded that investors pre-fund a production budget of 100 billion won so he could mobilize an enormous number of extras and horses and build a full-scale Gwiju Plains set.

However, shocked by the scale of the budget, the investors proposed reducing the scope of the Battle of Gwiju and replacing as much as possible with CGI. Choi Sung-Moon refused to back down, arguing that doing so would ultimately cost more and diminish the scale of the battle. He even took a hard stance, saying that if he could not properly portray the Battle of Gwiju, which marked the golden age of Goryeo history, there was no point in making the film at all.

After deliberating, the investment firms sought advice from Hollywood producers experienced in large-scale war films. However, contrary to Choi Sung-Moon's claims, the consultants submitted a report stating that including the Battle of Gwiju, the total production budget would require at least 200 billion won.

In the end, the production companies delivered a final notice: unless he reduced the scale of the Battle of Gwiju, they could not invest. His pride wounded, Choi Sung-Moon scrapped everything and halted the project at the investment stage. As a result, the Hyeonjong: The King of the Original Text trilogy was abandoned entirely.

Fortunately, I had a solution to that fatal problem. So I set my condition. If he helped me, I would resolve the critical flaw in Hyeonjong: The King of the Original Text.

At that moment, Choi Sung-Moon's agitated voice burst through the phone.

-There's a problem with my film? What problem?

I could hear the urgency in his voice, but I answered calmly. "Send your staff to help us for just two weeks. Then I'll tell you the problem and the solution."

There was a brief silence. Beside me, President Shin Jong-Ki, Managing Director Lee Eun-Joo, and Director Yeo Ik-Hwan all looked stunned. They clearly had not expected me to make what sounded like a near threat to Choi Sung-Moon.

Yet, Choi Sung-Moon was a perfectionist. There was no way he could ignore what I had just said.

After a moment of contemplation, Choi Sung-Moon grumbled.

-If anyone else had spouted that nonsense, I would've cursed them out and hung up. But since it's you, Chief Jung, I can't just brush it off... Damn it... Two weeks, you said?

"Yes. In two weeks, another LT Entertainment production will wrap, and their production team can step in. We only need your help until then."

-Fine. I'll call the boys, put them in cars, and send them down.

If they drove from Seoul to Gyeongju, today's shoot would be lost.

I immediately looked at Shin Jong-Ki and mouthed, "Can we get helicopters?"

Shin Jong-Ki nodded and joined the call. "Mr. Choi. This is Shin Jong-Ki. I'll mobilize every helicopter available in Korea and send them over. Just put your staff on board."

-Oh, Mr. Shin was there as well. Understood. I'll gather everyone within two hours. Call me again then.

"Okay. And our entire action stunt team is absent today, so please pay special attention to that. We have a vehicle rollover scene to shoot, but no one to perform it."

-Understood. Our stunt team lead Chae Ill-Bok specializes in that. There's no need to worry.

Choi Sung-Moon's stunt team was the best in Korea. And the man leading them, Chae Ill-Bok, held a combined 20-dan ranking across kendo, judo, and taekwondo. Before my regression, he had also been the racer who taught me car racing. I had learned racing techniques at his driving school and even trained in car stunts under him.

If the best in the country was coming, then the vehicle rollover scene I had been worried about was no longer something I needed to fear.

"Thank you, Mr. Choi."

-More importantly, if you don't properly tell me what that problem is in two weeks, you won't get so much as a drop of broth from me. Understood?

"Don't worry. Why would I toy with a project that Tae-Poong might even lead?"

-He hasn't been confirmed as the lead yet!

Choi Sung-Moon bristled out of stubborn pride, but Lee Tae-Poong was practically locked in for the role.

Still, since he was already prickly, I played along. "Yes, yes. I'll keep that in mind. And thank you again for today."

-Feels like I've been played. Damn it. I'm hanging up!

Click.

The call ended.

I shrugged and looked at the others. "So, does that resolve things?"

At that moment, Shin Jong-Ki broke into a wide grin and rushed over to hug me tightly. "That's my Chief Jung!"

Shin Jong-Ki squeezed so hard I nearly lost my breath.

"Keuk! Mr. Shin! I-I can't breathe..."

Even though I asked him to let go, Shin Jong-Ki tightened his arms and whispered in my ear. "But Chief Jung. What exactly is that problem with his film? Can't you at least tell me privately?"

'I really can't let my guard down for even a second.'

However, that was something I absolutely could not reveal. There was a high chance LT Entertainment would attempt to produce Hyeonjong: The King of the Original Text. If Shin Jong-Ki learned from the start that the production cost might exceed 200 billion won, he might abandon it before even trying.

"I can't tell you."

"Oh? Is that how it is between us?"

At Shin Jong-Ki's half-joking and half-serious tone, I answered bluntly. "If you keep this up, I'll tell Mr. Choi that you're secretly trying to get the problem out of me. Should I do that?"

Shin Jong-Ki jolted and immediately let go. "Why are you so vicious with your threats? You want to see me get torn apart by Director Choi?"

I dusted myself off and replied, "Please send the helicopters as soon as possible. And Ms. Lee, send me today's shooting schedule and the script. The storyboards as well."

Lee Eun-Joo gave a thumbs-up. "Got it. And once again, Mr. Jung, that was incredible."

"You're too kind."

With the staffing crisis resolved in an instant, I finally let out a breath of relief.

Just then, my phone vibrated.

Buzz.

For a moment, I wondered if today's Fortune of the Day alert had triggered again or if Yoo-Jin's schedule entry had disappeared. I looked down at the screen, and it was President Son Hyung-Tae calling again.

[Caller ID: CK Entertainment's President Son Hyung-Tae]

I considered ignoring it, but several projects featuring my actors were still being produced with investment from CK Entertainment.

In the end, I answered. The moment I did, his sharp voice burst through the line.

-Chief Jung. Do you really think you can survive in this industry after crossing me? You're not in the same position as President Shin, part of a royal family. So stop being stubborn and stay neutral! Understood?

Instead of apologizing, Son Hyung-Tae was telling me to kneel and not get involved.

"Are you threatening me right now?"

-Call it advice. And I told you, I wasn't the one who pulled your staff.

'Does he think I'm a fool?'

At that moment, Shin Jong-Ki, standing in front of me, thumped his chest as if to say I should trust him.

I nodded once, then spoke into the phone. "Thank you for the advice. And I won't forget what happened today."

That was when Son Hyung-Tae growled.

-Chief Jung. The only reason you've made it this far is because I've looked kindly on you. And now you're saying you'll truly cross CK Entertainment, which holds half of the Korean film industry?

"It won't be easy. It'll be difficult. But if you're already sabotaging She Was Beautiful like this, what makes you think the other projects will be any different? That leaves me with only one choice, doesn't it?"

Before my regression, I would never have even imagined standing up to the head of CK Entertainment. Now, I had the strength to face him and I also had allies.

When I told Son Hyung-Tae I would not kneel, he began to make a real threat.

-Then should I cut off funding immediately for Director Ahn Jung-Hae's Missing – The Lost Ones and Director Na Tae-Yang's Doppelganger, both currently in production?

What made CK Entertainment frightening was that it acted as both investor and distributor. So cutting production funds essentially meant threatening distribution disadvantages as well.

Of course, they could not completely block distribution due to government oversight and public scrutiny. And if a film became a hit, CK Entertainment would have no choice but to expand distribution anyway.

For those reasons, I knew this threat would eventually evaporate. Afer all, both films would succeed.

I did not blink and answered casually, "Yes. Do as you please."

-Are you serious?

"I'll find other investors and connect them myself."

-Hah... You really... What kind of nerve do you have...

That was when Shin Jong-Ki stepped in. "President Son. If you drop those two projects, I'll take them both. You can step aside."

-Mr. Shin... Let me ask you seriously. Are you really willing to go to war with me over someone like Chief Jung?

Shin Jong-Ki scoffed. "Someone like Chief Jung? Don't make me laugh! Tackling Chief Jung is the same as tackling me!"

-Since when did you care so much about someone who isn't even part of a royal family? You never treated people outside that class as equals.

"There was a time I behaved that foolishly. But not anymore. I only regret the times I failed to value people who proved their ability and loyalty."

-...

"So why don't you step outside your narrow fence for once? Talent doesn't exist only within chaebol families."

After delivering that advice, Shin Jong-Ki smiled triumphantly.

"Oh, and by the way, Chief Jung just negotiated with Director Choi Sung-Moon. We're receiving support from his team to fill our staffing gaps. Thanks to your interference, our crew just got upgraded. Should I be thanking you?"

Confusion crept into Son Hyung-Tae's voice.

-What? What are you talking about? How could Director Choi possibly...

"No matter how hard you rack your brain, you can't figure it out, can you? But what can you do? Chief Jung is a capable man. Anyway, you fool. You just made an enemy of someone you shouldn't have."

Son Hyung-Tae fell silent, clearly shaken.

"If you cut those two films, I'll gladly take them in. You go play with your nephew. I'll play with Chief Jung. Let's see who wins in the end!"

Shin Jong-Ki gestured for me to hang up, but I had one more thing to say.

I said nonchalantly, "Oh, and if you want to win the succession war within CK Inc., you might want to cut ties with Director Jo Jae-Kyung's mother. She's playing both sides."

CK Entertainment was also nearing a succession battle. Originally, I had planned to help Son Hyung-Tae. However, he chose to side with Director Jo Jae-Kyung instead of me. That made our relationship effectively over.

'Goodbye, Mr. Son.'

For the first time, Son Hyung-Tae's voice carried real urgency.

-Wait! Chief Jung! Wait a second! What do you mean by playing both sides? Let's meet and talk—

Only now had the fire reached his feet. Nevertheless, I ended the call without hesitation.

[Call ended]

The moment I hung up, Shin Jong-Ki burst into laughter. "Chief Jung, you really know how to leave people sleepless. Director Choi and President Son won't be getting any rest tonight. But what's this about playing both sides? Is that a secret too?"

"No. Mrs. Son Young-Im, Jo Jae-Kyung's mother, is also aligned with Vice Chairman Son Ji-Myung, the second son in CK Entertainment's succession battle."

Since we were already enemies, I handed over Son Hyung-Tae's weakness without a flicker of hesitation. I said it hoping Shin Jong-Ki would land a solid blow on CK Entertainment.

Shin Jong-Ki burst into hearty laughter. "Okay! I'll light a fire between the CK brothers."

"Thank you."

"Then I'll call the directors and Hoop Entertainment myself. Don't worry."

On my behalf, Shin Jong-Ki began calling Hoop Entertainment, Na Tae-Yang of Doppelganger, and Ahn Jung-Hae of Missing – The Lost Ones. He told them not to worry. If CK Entertainment sent a termination notice, LT Entertainment would handle both investment and distribution.

Meanwhile, I checked Everyday again. However, the schedule was still there.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: April 21, 2021]

-06:30 p.m.: [NEW. Jung Yoo-Jin]

The filming of She was Beautiful postponed indefinitely.

We were bringing in Choi Sung-Moon's top-tier staff. Among them was Team Lead Chae Ill-Bok, the best stuntman to handle the dangerous vehicle rollover scene.

'So why is this schedule entry still not disappearing?'

***

After finishing the call with Jung Yoon-Ho, Son Hyung-Tae's expression looked grim inside the president's office of CK Entertainment.

Sitting across from him on the sofa, Jo Jae-Kyung hurriedly defended himself. "Uncle! Absolutely not! Why would my mom betray you? Playing both sides? That bastard Jung Yoon-Ho is framing us!"

Son Hyung-Tae let out a dry laugh. Just as Jung Yoon-Ho had said, the possibility that she had joined hands with his older brothers was more than plausible considering his sister's personality. He suddenly regretted not having suspected it earlier.

"Anyone can say anything with their mouth."

"I-It's true. Uncle."

At that moment, Director Hong Ah-Yoon, who was seated beside Jo Jae-Kyung, quickly cut in. "Mr. Son. Please don't worry. Even if you can't trust Director Jo Jae-Kyung and his mother, you can trust HK. My father promised clearly that HK Inc. would support you in becoming the chairman."

Son Hyung-Tae barely suppressed the anger rising inside him. Jo Jae-Kyung had brought Hong Ah-Yoon as a representative of HK Inc., pledging full support to help him ascend as the chairman of CK Inc. In other words, Jo Jae-Kyung had been the key figure in forming the CK-HK alliance. It was too late to simply cast him aside.

Still, he could not let this pass unchecked.

Son Hyung-Tae turned to Jo Jae-Kyung and issued a warning. "Jae-Kyung. Go home and tell your mother clearly. If I catch her playing both sides, I won't stay quiet. And you—if you want to keep working as a director in Korea, watch yourself. Do you understand?"

Jo Jae-Kyung nodded with trembling eyes. "Y-yes, Uncle."

"Good. In any case, even though this job failed, I did everything you asked. I told the directors to pull their staff. The rest is on you."

Hong Ah-Yoon quickly asked, "Then you're withdrawing investment from Missing – The Lost Ones and Doppelganger, right?"

She was asking whether he would cut off the projects featuring actors managed by Jung Yoon-Ho.

Son Hyung-Tae shook his head. "Why would I?"

"But... during the call, you said you'd drop those two films."

"Obviously that was a bluff. What fool abandons projects that are going to succeed? And if I drop them, LT will just scoop them up. Why would I hand them over?"

At that moment, Hong Ah-Yoon shot Son Hyung-Tae a cold look. "If we're truly allies, shouldn't you draw a clear line?"

"You want me to drop those two films too?"

Hong Ah-Yoon nodded slightly. "Yes. If you make a firm stand, the film industry will think twice before crossing CK Entertainment."

For a brief moment, Son Hyung-Tae felt his anger surge uncontrollably.

'Damn it. That brat dares to pressure me?'

If Hong Ah-Yoon had not been HK Inc.'s representative, he would have slapped her on the spot. But right now, he had no choice. Still, he could not simply swallow the insult.

"Hong Ah-Yoon. If you glare at me like that again, I'll shatter this alliance, HK or not. Understood?"

"Answer the question first."

Son Hyung-Tae stared Hong Ah-Yoon down and replied, "I'll cut off those two projects as well. But I can't pull them entirely from theaters. If I do that, the government will summon me immediately. Is that enough?"

Only then did Hong Ah-Yoon lower her gaze. "Yes. Understood. And... I'm sorry for being rude."

Annoyed by the audacity of someone young enough to be his daughter, Son Hyung-Tae barked, "Whatever. Do whatever you want with the directors from here on!"

Hong Ah-Yoon and Jo Jae-Kyung stood, bowed, then left the president's office.

Thud.

The door closed behind them. In that instant, regret began creeping in.

'Damn it. Should I have joined hands with Chief Jung instead of those HK bastards?'

If forced to choose between HK Inc. and Jung Yoon-Ho, the answer had seemed obvious—HK Inc. However, seeing how effortlessly Jung Yoon-Ho kept finding solutions, doubt began to gnaw at Son Hyung-Tae.

***

The moment word spread that Choi Sung-Moon's staff were coming to support us, the chaotic atmosphere quickly settled. Shin Jong-Ki announced that while the schedule was too tight for drinks, he would treat everyone to Hanwoo tonight, boosting morale on set.

Nevertheless, I could not join the excitement. On Everyday, the 6:30 p.m. notice—"filming postponed indefinitely"—still remained. So I skipped lunch and headed toward the set entrance road where the rollover scene would be filmed.

On the four-lane access road, a stunt van outfitted with various rigging devices was parked. Before my regression, I had completed both vehicle maintenance and stunt driving courses at a driving school, so I was able to inspect the details myself.

The internal safety harnesses were solid. I even drove the vehicle personally. There was nothing wrong. Since the vehicle was not the issue, I checked the ramp supports designed to flip the car easily.

Tap. Tap.

They were firmly secured as well. Perhaps the action team that had left felt some lingering responsibility, because everything had been prepared meticulously.

'Then why would filming be postponed indefinitely?'

The best stunt team was on its way and the stunt vehicle and equipment were all sound.

'So why is filming still destined to be halted?'

Just then, the sound of helicopters approached overhead.

Thud, thud, thud, thud.

Choi Sung-Moon's staff were arriving.

The time was now 4:00 p.m. Only two and a half hours remained until the scheduled cancellation at 6:30 p.m. If the worst came to worst, I would postpone the shoot myself. With that in mind, I headed back toward the set to meet Choi Sung-Moon.

Whirrrrr.

The helicopter touched down at the landing pad beside the set, its rotors slowing. Moments later, the side door slid open.

Click.

Choi Sung-Moon and his staff began stepping out one by one. And the instant I saw their faces, I understood why the Everyday's schedule entry had not disappeared.

'So that was it?'