Episode 124
Director McKenney’s brow furrowed like an old man who had lost his magnifying glasses. He stared at me intently, as if his thorough observation wasn’t enough.
“If I had known you were such an amazing actor, I wouldn’t have even suggested making a movie together.”
While Director Hugo told me not to be arrogant, Director McKenney called me an amazing actor. My reputation varied depending on the person.
“If you hadn’t suggested it, I would have, Director. I really liked the ‘Mirror Match’ script. Now that we have a production company, we’ll be making the movie… But why aren’t you answering? I’m Nathan, right?”
I waited for his confirmation with a big grin. I needed to be assigned the role of Nathan before the auditions began. Although Director McKenney said he would cast me, the situation had suddenly changed with a production company coming on board, so his mind might have changed.
“Of course. I cast you, didn’t I? That’s still valid. By the way, it’s an honor to have such a successful actor from Korea participate in my film.”
The director chuckled with a bewildered expression. He watched the video clip again, nodding his head and letting out low exclamations here and there.
“Whether Seimon produces it or not, I was planning to use you. I may be a poor director, but I’m not a despicable person who goes back on his word because of money.”
My ears perked up at the word that suddenly came out. An even more surprising story flowed from the director’s mouth than the fact that my pitch had worked.
“Wait, Director. Where did you say?”
“Huh? What… Seimon?”
“You mean Seimon from the Cronenwirth family is producing ‘Mirror Match’?”
“Yeah. They contacted us saying they’d take on the production. Isn’t it great? I sent the entire ‘Mirror Match’ script to Seimon’s side, and they loved it. I was expecting good things, but they praised it so much, saying it was even better than they expected.”
It really was Seimon.
It was surprising and ridiculous at the same time. I wonder if Mitchell knows about this. It was quite amusing to feel an inner closeness just because I had a conversation with Brandon once.
“I heard Seimon was producing movies, but I never imagined the offer would come to me. You learn something new every day.”
This was the conversation Mitchell and Thompson had on my phone before. Back then, I thought they were just acquiring the platform, but it seems they’ve officially stepped into the film industry.
“Looks like they’ve invested in other movies too. What was it… a big SF production, I think. The director is Hugo Turner. Tsk.”
Hugo Turner.
He was the director I met at the audition who didn’t even give me a chance to act. The movie Seimon was investing in must be “Space 9”. It was the movie where I was instantly rejected from the main and supporting role auditions!
“Hugo is my senior by two years. He always says things like I’m a failure in life, and that just looking at my face makes him sigh. I can’t stand him, but I have to admit his skills and sense are good. He’s lucky too. Still, I never want to work with someone like that. What good are skills if you’re not a decent human being? You know, one time…”
Director McKenney went on a long rant about Hugo, only changing the subject when I felt relieved. I had a hard time holding back from joining in on the criticism.
“Anyway, things will get busy as we start preparing now. We need to find good actors through auditions. The role of Logan is the biggest problem. There’s one actor I have in mind, but I heard he’s not accepting scripts right now. He said he’s taking a break from activities after finishing the movie he’s currently filming. Of course, he probably wouldn’t accept a script from an unknown director like me, but it’s a shame I can’t even try. Still, I should be grateful that I can make a movie at all. I have to think positively.”
Director McKenney shared stories he didn’t need to tell me. I listened attentively to every word he said, enthusiastically agreeing with him.
Not only was the story itself interesting, but he seemed excited as if he had met someone after wandering alone in the desert for years. It felt like he had been lonely, spending time alone, and now that he found someone to talk to, he was eagerly spilling out his words.
That’s exactly how I was when I came to America last year. Mitchell was the one who appeared before me then.
It was exciting to have a Hollywood star living next door, but more than anything, I was grateful to have someone to chat with about trivial things. Of course, it goes without saying now.
“Thank you for listening to my story. I’ve been in the film industry for so long, but I don’t have any friends in the business. Not that I have many friends elsewhere.”
His laughing expression looked so excited that I couldn’t help but laugh along.
The director seemed to want to talk more, but he started preparing to leave, probably because he had to meet with the film production company.
“I’ll contact you again when we open auditions to decide on the cast and things start moving forward in earnest. We need to sign an official contract and there’s a lot to do. Anyway, let’s do our best.”
“Of course. I’ll be the best Nathan!”
When I spoke confidently, the director, who had been laughing, suddenly turned serious.
“I think you can be the best Nathan, but Logan is the problem. Where do we find Logan… Hmm, I’ll go first. See you later.”
The director stood up abruptly and waved his hand broadly. I waved back, and only when the director disappeared from my sight did I quietly mutter.
“I know an actor who’s perfect for the role of Logan. I’ll try casting him myself.”
I, who had gone from being unemployed to an aspiring actor to a rookie actor, decided to become a casting director this time.
***
[DK Agency on the Verge of Bankruptcy Due to Management Deterioration and Default. Countdown to Seimon’s Acquisition and Merger]
DK Agency, which has been a pillar of the American film industry, is heading towards bankruptcy due to management deterioration and default.
They issued bonds to LRZ Bank, City Chasen, and Golden Capital, but struggled with management difficulties as they failed to repay the principal at maturity earlier this year. Despite submitting a debt restructuring plan, they fell into insolvency with accumulated losses reaching $120 million.
…Seimon issued a statement on the 7th, officially declaring, “We will begin the process of acquiring and merging DK Agency’s management rights.” While they are reviewing DK’s bankruptcy protection application documents and financial reports, it doesn’t seem likely that they will withdraw their acquisition decision based on the results.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decided to closely examine whether there were any accounting fraud and resulting unfair profits in the process of pursuing listing earlier this year. They also requested DK’s representative, ‘Inbeom Yoon’, to appear on the 2nd of next month.
The eyes scanning the article closed. Yoon Inbeom dropped his phone on the floor and hid his face between his legs as he pressed his temples. He hadn’t left the house, staying in seclusion.
When he first took over DK from his father, it was a small company with little name recognition. Although he had grown it using bribes and connections, DK collapsed as quickly as it had grown.
While Seimon’s intervention played a part in DK’s bankruptcy, the critical factor was the reckless management in an attempt to expand the business. Yoon Inbeom failed to recognize the growing gaps resulting from the rapid growth. It was also the result of employing abnormal methods.
Now, there seemed to be no way to reverse the massive losses. He had failed in business and in love. To be precise, his attempt to try love had been blocked.
Knowing about Geon-woo and Mitchell’s relationship, he could have shaken them, but he wasn’t in a position to do anything more than that.
In a situation where his own future was precarious, carelessly spreading rumors about Mitchell and Geon-woo’s relationship could harm him as well. If the other side handled it flexibly, Yoon Inbeom might end up being the one attacked instead.
Mitchell also had Seimon, who held money and power, so not only could he not attack, but he might be the one getting attacked instead.
On top of that, Mitchell knew all about the crimes he had committed.
Not content with pushing Geon-woo into the mud in Korea, he had even attacked his legs and made him leave the movie.
While ruining someone else’s life didn’t bother him at all, when his own life was even slightly twisted, he felt miserable and pitiful enough to want to die.
Even if he could somehow drag out a messy fight without giving up, it was clear that he would be the loser in the end. It was obvious that if he tried to drag everyone down with him, he would be the only one to die. Keeping his mouth shut and hiding seemed to be the wise thing to do. Unable to handle the futility of his life crumbling overnight, Yoon Inbeom was sinking into deeper despair while confining himself at home.
The phone rang.
Yoon Inbeom’s hands and feet trembled, too scared even to look at the name that appeared on the screen. He wanted to run away from the ringing phone, but eventually pressed the call button.
“…Hello.”
– Stay quiet, like you’re dead.
How could there be such a gentle voice?
Despite it being an order rather than a suggestion or persuasion, he was secretly relieved that he wasn’t being yelled at. It seemed he could stay quiet as Mitchell said. As the cowardly thought crossed his mind, the sense of defeat he had hidden reared its head.
“Yes…”
– Apologize to Geon-woo too.
This too was an order, not asking for Yoon Inbeom’s opinion.
When Yoon Inbeom said he understood, Mitchell continued softly.
– I’ll arrange for you to talk to Geon-woo soon. But don’t spout any other nonsense.
“Yes.”
– I’ll be watching.
The responses were short, and the conversation didn’t continue. Yoon Inbeom only realized the call had ended after a while.
Ding-.
Startled by the sudden vibration, he checked his phone. He thought Mitchell might have something more to say, but fortunately, that wasn’t the case. A message arrived with a credit card usage notification.
[Web Notification]
XX Card Approved
** Mr. Yoon
$285.8 One-time payment
08/29 13:35
“Fantastica Wine Shop”
Junman was happily using Yoon Inbeom’s card today, as usual. He used someone else’s card as if it were his own, without any hesitation.
Yoon Inbeom pulled the blanket over his head. A sound like crying laughter echoed from under the blanket.
