NOVEL NEXT Chapter 263
“Writer, you really need to go out for this.”
A meeting with the editor before the drama production began.
She spoke with a rare, firm tone.
“They say it’s unusual for the lead actors to be confirmed this quickly.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Usually, it takes some time to send the script to other actors. But you know, recently, the Beol advertisement became a hot topic, right?”
“Ah… yes.”
The woman hesitated in response to the editor’s words.
But there was no helping it.
As a web novel writer with 10 years of experience, Jung Ha-ran found this situation extremely awkward.
‘The two actors from the trending Beol advertisement.’
Even the production company didn’t expect the actors to give the okay so quickly.
And both of them at that.
“Writer, do you know ‘The Moon That Hid the Sun’? The two child actors from there are going to work together on your project this time. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep.”
She could relate to the editor’s words.
She couldn’t sleep either.
‘I know. Very well.’
Ten years ago.
When she was still thinking about making something out of regular novels.
And when she first challenged herself with web novels.
It was a drama she watched during a tough time.
The child actors there were truly amazing, and their acting was far beyond what you’d expect from kids.
At the same time, she couldn’t help but recognize one thing.
That it was his daughter.
She thought it might be her imagination, but after seeing the name, she was sure.
When she asked Kang Tae-jin, he nodded in confirmation.
It was a drama she really loved, and she loved the actors too.
But separately, they were also a bit… dangerous actors.
“Ah, I really wanted to see the young Princess Yeonhwa and Yoon Seoil from back then reunite in a historical drama.”
‘Isn’t that the topic that keeps causing fights in Park Jung-woo’s fan community lately?’
Of course, Seo-yeon and Park Jung-woo only have a three-year age gap.
So there’s no issue age-wise, but neither of them is that old.
In fact, their fanbase tends to view them more like idols.
So, pairing them romantically naturally causes backlash.
Of course, there are plenty of people like the editor in front of her, so the topic keeps sparking arguments.
“That’s why you absolutely must go. The adaptation writer and director will be there too, so you should at least show your face.”
“Okay…”
Anyway, it’s a really rare opportunity.
She’s already had her work adapted into webtoons a few times, but lately, the number of readers who can be drawn in through webtoon adaptations isn’t that high.
Of course, it’s great if it happens, but webtoon adaptations don’t bring in as much success as they used to.
First, since the lead actors were confirmed so quickly, the production team seems to want to hear their opinions too.
After all, production won’t start until the second half of next year.
So there’s plenty of time until then.
And so, today.
“I didn’t expect actors Park Jung-woo and Joo Seo-yeon to give the okay so quickly.”
Shin Jung-yeon, the adaptation writer sitting next to her, said with a sparkle in her eyes.
Of course, her gaze was fixed on Park Jung-woo.
She must be a huge fan of his.
“This is the most talked-about lead actor of the year and the hitmaker Park Jung-woo working together, so the pressure is on.”
And the director is Do Jae-hyuk, who has created several hit shows on public broadcast.
This time, <The Flower of the Imperial Palace> is a cable drama for YTBC, but lately, the gap between cable and public broadcast dramas has been narrowing.
By next year, that gap will likely shrink even more.
Caught between the two, Jung Ha-ran just sat quietly, sipping her iced Americano.
Occasionally, they’d ask, “Are you okay, original author?” but what could she say?
She just nodded slowly.
‘Adaptation, huh.’
Jung Ha-ran was truly moved by this drama adaptation.
Among web novel writers, having your work adapted into a drama is really rare.
Even if it happens, it’s usually for web dramas, and getting a cable drama adaptation is even rarer.
But since she’s someone who once looked into various writing-related jobs, she knew a bit about the adaptation process.
So, there’s a slightly bitter feeling too.
Of course, it’s a bit of a spoiled complaint.
In the midst of the lively conversation, Seo-yeon didn’t say much.
Most of the talking was done by Park Jung-woo, while Seo-yeon just quietly stared at Jung Ha-ran.
Naturally, Jung Ha-ran’s hand holding the cup trembled.
‘It’s already a nerve-wracking meeting, why is she staring at me like that?’
Does she know?
That I knew Young-bin?
But it’s been so long since we’ve met.
Even if it’s for Suah’s sake, not answering calls is a bit much.
It’s disappointing, but I understand.
Suah knows Yeo-hee and me.
It’s understandable that Young-bin wouldn’t want to keep in touch with a woman who has feelings for his husband.
So, Young-bin hasn’t been in touch for a long time.
Jung Ha-ran thinks that’s natural.
She’d want the same if it were her.
Especially since they’re close.
“The production will start in the second half of next year. Honestly, I’m a bit flustered because the lead actors were confirmed so quickly.”
YTBC’s PD Kwak Jae-yeol wrapped up the meeting with an excited voice.
For him, this is a jackpot within a jackpot.
Seo-yeon, who achieved unbelievable success this year, is one thing, but who would’ve thought Park Jung-woo would join too?
“It was really great meeting you today.”
“Same here.”
It felt more like an explanation of how the drama would proceed.
Probably because Park Jung-woo and Seo-yeon accepted the lead roles so easily, they wanted to show a solid plan to ensure they wouldn’t back out.
Park Jung-woo nodded, stroking his chin.
‘The investors are solid. I thought they might take the web novel adaptation lightly, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.’
In fact, it feels like they’re investing as much as they would in a regular historical drama.
A truly unusual case.
‘But, that’s why.’
Park Jung-woo glanced at the web novel writer sitting quietly.
Today, she didn’t say a single word.
She just smiled and nodded whenever the adaptation writer or PD spoke to her.
‘She’s quiet too.’
Honestly, Park Jung-woo was a bit worried that Seo-yeon might say something strange.
But Seo-yeon didn’t say much.
She left most of the talking to Park Jung-woo.
‘It’s unsettling.’
That’s why he felt even more uneasy.
Joo Seo-yeon just kept staring at the web novel writer.
And then.
“Then, let’s wrap it up for today…”
Just as the PD was about to get up and end the meeting.
“Can I ask one thing?”
“Huh? Oh, sure! Go ahead!”
The PD answered confidently.
But.
“How much of the original author’s input will be reflected in the drama production?”
That was a truly unexpected question.
The PD was so surprised, his eyes widened.
“Well, we plan to respect the original work as much as possible. Of course, dramas and web novels are different, right? So there will be some adaptation. Web novel readers and drama viewers want different things, after all.”
He said this while patting the adaptation writer’s shoulder.
“That’s why Jung-yeon here will be handling the adaptation. This is her third time, and she’s a reliable adaptation writer with good results, so there’s no need to worry too much.”
In fact, Shin Jung-yeon, who’s handling the adaptation for <The Flower of the Imperial Palace>, is a decent adaptation writer.
As he said, her previous adaptations have received decent reviews.
‘Well, decent.’
She hasn’t been part of any major hits.
Seo-yeon narrowed her eyes.
Under her gaze, Shin Jung-yeon flinched slightly.
It was such an indifferent gaze that it was hard to read any emotion.
“…I see.”
“Alright, any other questions?”
“No.”
Seo-yeon immediately…
It wasn’t something to talk about in that seat, so I quietly stepped back.
Anyway, production is in the second half of next year.
Even if I say something here to change the adaptation writer, nothing will change.
‘More importantly, there’s too much time left until production, so it’s not certain if that person will continue to handle the adaptation.’
So, if I were to do something, it would be when the drama goes into production.
When the drama airs and the initial ratings come out.
‘Shin Jung-yeon is an adaptation writer with decent results, but no mega hits.’
And the time when adaptation writers get greedy is when a work becomes a huge hit.
Until then, they stick as closely as possible to the original.
That way, even if it fails, they bear the least responsibility.
But what if it becomes a huge hit?
‘The greed starts from then.’
Seo-yeon knew very well what that ending would be like.
***
Why did it turn out like this?
Jeong Ha-ran thought, looking at the two actors walking beside her.
Both wearing hats and masks covering their faces.
Of course, their proportions were so good that it was clear they weren’t ordinary people.
‘Didn’t it end there?’
Jeong Ha-ran’s stomach hurt.
She had been in a burdensome position all day.
She rarely goes out for such a long time.
Except when she goes to a cafe to write, she’s practically a homebody.
But.
“Um, I’d like to have a more personal conversation with the original author.”
“……Huh?”
“Is that okay?”
She suddenly said that when everyone was about to leave.
Of course, the PD and director were shocked.
What if there’s a problem with the original author and Seo-yeon refuses to appear? That can’t happen!
“Uh, we should also join…….”
“Ah, I’m a fan of the original author and just wanted to ask a few things. The meeting…… is over, right?”
“……You’re a fan of the original author?”
“Yes. So I just wanted to meet personally.”
It’s strange to interfere when someone wants a personal meeting.
Thanks to that, the PD and director had no choice but to exchange glances and nod.
Only Park Jung-woo was beside her.
He also didn’t know why Seo-yeon said that.
So, Jeong Ha-ran couldn’t possibly understand Seo-yeon’s feelings and was just trembling in fear.
‘So this is what Yeo-hee was talking about.’
Ha-ran has been keeping in touch with Yeo-hee.
She remembered what Yeo-hee had said at the bar.
“She definitely won’t do it?! Why are you only like this with me!!”
She didn’t understand what that meant, but now she does.
‘Does she know? Right? Or not?’
She hasn’t done anything wrong.
But…… this situation is incredibly burdensome.
First love.
And meeting the daughter of a man she couldn’t let go of.
“It’s nothing serious, I just wanted to have dinner together. I’ll treat.”
“Ah, sure.”
Seo-yeon flinched at Jeong Ha-ran’s nodding attitude.
Anyway, from Seo-yeon’s perspective, she was her parents’ friend.
‘……Anyway, for now, all I can do is show goodwill by saying I’m a fan of the original author.’
That alone won’t make it easy for them to treat Jeong Ha-ran.
If the lead actor says they’ve read the ‘original’, they have to consider the backlash when adapting it.
Anyway, Seo-yeon doesn’t plan to do anything.
Just like Jeong Ha-ran is awkward, Seo-yeon is too!
“I read the original. I really enjoyed it.”
That type is ambiguous like A-seo, who can’t just start a praise relay.
So they just talked about the original novel and had dinner.
“Filming is still a long way off, but I’ll be counting on you then.”
“Me too, of course.”
Fortunately, nothing special happened between the three.
Still, it seemed like she had read the original properly, so Jeong Ha-ran’s favorability towards Seo-yeon rose internally.
Because she brought up the ‘original’ story that wasn’t discussed at all in the earlier meeting.
‘Princess Hwa-ryeon…… is actually based on Princess Yeon-hwa.’
She wrote the character recalling Seo-yeon’s acting in <The Moon That Hid the Sun>.
That was the subtle part.
The person who was the inspiration is now acting in the live-action adaptation of her work.
‘She got all the good points from Su-ah.’
In front of the restaurant after the meal.
Looking at Seo-yeon and Park Jung-woo, Jeong Ha-ran smiled softly for the first time.
Once she shook off the tension, she could see the past in Seo-yeon’s face.
Su-ah’s face.
And, strangely, the confidence she felt from Young-bin.
An aura, you could say.
Of course, Seo-yeon’s is several times stronger.
‘Yeah, there’s no comparison.’
Once she shook off the tension, Jeong Ha-ran only felt longing in Seo-yeon’s face.
Her friend’s daughter.
“Then, take care on your way back.”
“Ah, yes, Actress Joo Seo-yeon, you too……”
Just as they were exchanging their final greetings.
Jeong Ha-ran saw two people crossing the road on the crosswalk behind Seo-yeon.
A child and the child’s mother holding hands.
The restaurant was right in front of the road.
The road wasn’t wide, and the crosswalk signal was just for show, not lit.
And.
A car was coming at a slightly fast speed.
A white Carnival.
‘Danger.’
At that speed, they’ll get hit, Jeong Ha-ran thought.
Then Seo-yeon’s head moved.
As if she saw something reflected in Jeong Ha-ran’s pupils.
Even though the road was right in front, the child was still a distance away.
Even if she wanted to save them, it was too far.
Just as she thought that.
“Huh?”
Seo-yeon was already there.
She pushed the child and the mother outside the lane.
It happened so fast that no one saw it except those involved.
Even Park Jung-woo beside her didn’t notice when Seo-yeon disappeared.
“Th-thank you. Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Watching the Carnival driver get out and apologize repeatedly, Seo-yeon returned to Park Jung-woo and Jeong Ha-ran.
The situation was handled well, but given the circumstances, the child’s mother might take some action.
‘That was a shock.’
If Jeong Ha-ran hadn’t seen the accident, she wouldn’t have known.
Seo-yeon felt a bit embarrassed by Jeong Ha-ran’s dazed look.
Did she get scared because I suddenly ran?
“Well, there was a bit of an incident…… but let’s part ways here.”
“………Status window.”
“Huh?”
Ha-ran thought.
No, does that make sense?
It doesn’t make sense.
Isn’t that an awakened person often seen in hunter stories?
That’s not a speed humans can run at.
Maybe there’s a status window or something I didn’t know about?
‘Ah, it must be a dream.’
Did I fall asleep at the restaurant?
Yeah, it must be a dream.
After all, there’s no way my novel would be adapted into a drama.
And Joo Seo-yeon playing the heroine in my novel?
“St-status window, status window!!!”
“…….”
“Ah, or send me back…… to high school…….”
Muttering things she didn’t even understand, Seo-yeon could say nothing as she watched her.