Chapter 138:

Chapter 138:

The meeting room of the distribution company LK E&M. The only thing shining in the dark room was the screen in front.

"2.53 million."

A man in front of the screen spoke.

"That's the first-week performance of this film."

2.53 million viewers. The director of LK E&M said, and everyone in the meeting room swallowed dryly.

"How much was the production cost for this?"

"Net production cost was 5.8 billion. Including P&A, it's 7.5 billion."

"Then is the break-even point roughly 2.53 million viewers?"

"Approximately, yes."

Although the director spoke calmly, other staff couldn't hide their surprise.

"With this kind of performance, it's like a blockbuster overseas."

"Is there finally a domestic film reaching ten million viewers?"

"This film is not a family drama or action, and it wasn't released during the Golden Week. It seems challenging for the current target audience."

Opinions were divided on the success of "Absolute Unlicensed Counseling." However, the positive reactions continued with the expectations for future performance.

As the film succeeded, more money flowed back to the distribution company, benefiting everyone involved. It was a structure where the success returned as bonuses for the employees.

"But, Director"

"Why?"

"Is there something wrong? You seem not in a good mood."

Like the other staff, the director also received bonuses based on the film's performance. As the highest-ranking employee, the director received a substantial bonus.

For someone like him to have such a composed expression, it was somewhat strange.Folloow current novÊls on nov/3lb((in).(co/m)

The employee who asked the question looked at the director and asked cautiously, "Is there something wrong? You seem not in a good mood."

The director looked at the employee for a moment and then said, "Well, even if the in-law buys land, it still hurts the stomach. If the cousin earns a lot, wouldn't your stomach ache or not?"

"Cousin? Does the Director have a cousin among the actors in this film?"

"No. Not among the actors, but among the directors."

"?"

"Yeo Jaeyoon, the director, is my cousin. He's more like a friend than a distant relative."

The director had known him for a long time, but it was the first time he heard this story. The employee was surprised, and just as he was about to ask more questions, the director said with a bitter voice, "Invest if he makes a joke before entering the shoot. If I knew this would happen, I would have borrowed money to invest."

Even as he spoke, the director felt like he had just used the winning lottery ticket as toilet paper and flushed it down the toilet.

Time passed quickly.

Exactly one week after the release.

"Director, I've confirmed the figures for Absolute Unlicensed Counseling' until today, and it's 2.53 million. There will be articles soon."

In a calm voice, Jang Sunho informed me, and I thought I must have misheard.

"What? How many people?"

"2.53 million."

" ."

Misheard, indeed. With a puzzled expression, I looked at Jang Sunho and expressed my regret in a disappointed tone.

"I wish the first week had hit around 5 million, making it an unprecedented success."

"5 million? That's like mobilizing 10% of the entire nation, isn't it?"

Upon hearing that, I couldn't help but burst into laughter involuntarily.

"It doesn't seem that difficult. Let's aim for 5 million for the next film."

"Yes. To unknown actors, Kang Jinseok comes across more as a genius' than a senior.' So, this time, while showing a good connection with other regular students, dilute the image of an unapproachable genius.' The publicity team will write articles with that kind of vibe.

Even though it was just attending a department event, so much preparation was being made behind the scenes. I was grateful for the various considerations for me, but somehow, I felt sorry for the other students.

It felt like using them for my image-making.

Even if it wasn't intentional on my part, the conclusion seemed to be heading in that direction.

"Don't think too hard about it; just enjoy it.

"Yes?"

"Because you seem apologetic to the other students. Weren't you thinking of using them?"

"How did you know?"

"An actor's thoughts are written all over their face.

Jang Sunho finished with a faint smile.

"Just having such thoughts makes you a good person, Jinseok.

***

Near Seoguk University, at a pub named Rest.'

This place, borrowed by the Theater Department for a day, was reaching its closing time.

"Hey, Yeonsoo. Would actor Kang Jinseok really come?"

Student council president Park Dongseop, who was overseeing the scene, asked Seo Yeonsoo.

"Well yes. So, please stop asking. How many times have you asked? It feels like I've heard it more than a hundred times today."

"I only asked six times

Without listening to Park Dongseop's words to the end, Seo Yeonsoo turned around in frustration.

She seemed irritated by the repetitive questions, but, in fact, she felt better than she had in a long time.

"Jinseok Oppa is it after two months?"

She had seen his face and news frequently through internet articles and YouTube, but it had been a long time since she saw him in person.

But she couldn't relax yet. A well-established actor like Jinseok could have a schedule at any time.

"Well actually, even if it's not a schedule, coming to such an event doesn't make sense.

At that moment, someone opened the door to the pub. Since it wasn't yet opening hours, Seo Yeonsoo turned towards the door and said.

"I'm sorry; we start at five, so could you wait outside for about 20 minutes?"

She spoke urgently, so she didn't confirm who it was. She checked the face of the person who entered the pub and was surprised.

"Yeonsoo, it's been a while. I tried to come earlier, but the traffic was jammed.

Jinseok said as he took off his hat and mask. As he did, the busy students turned their attention towards Jinseok.

Even the students who were busy moving around noticed Jinseok and rushed over, each throwing in a word.

"Is it, is it really Kang Jinseok?"

"I wanted to take classes with you, so I gave up on Korea University and came to Seoguk University.

"A precious person like you coming to such a humble place.

Jinseok was dressed in three-line sportswear bottoms commonly seen on the streets, paired with a simple hoodie. Despite that, there seemed to be a radiance emanating from behind him.

"Hello, I'm Kang Jinseok. It feels like I've met some of you a few times, and there seem to be those I'm meeting for the first time today."

As Jinseok approached them, the students involuntarily exclaimed, "Wow" and stepped back accordingly. Smiling lightly at their reaction, Jinseok asked, "I'm sorry, but I have a companion. They're waiting outside. Is it okay if I invite them in for a moment?"

"Companion? Yes, sure."

Park Dongseop replied hastily, and Jinseok opened the door again.

"I apologize. My younger sibling also works at the adjacent store today, so I dropped by while sightseeing."

Opening the door and entering was none other than Kwon Seokhoon, a top-tier actor who, even when compared to Jinseok, showed no signs of falling short.