In the film industry, the term "team" referred to the group of staff and actors who frequently worked with a famous director. Bound together by the tight bonds forged while making films, they often looked after one another's interests. In the case of well-known directors, they sometimes even pushed the staff under them to debut as directors.

Yoo Sang-Jin had also helped two of the staff he had taken under his wing debut as directors, so there were filmmakers known as the Yoo Sang-Jin team.

However, that Yoo Sang-Jin team was nothing compared to the currently hottest group in the industry, the Jung Yoon-Ho team. Of course, it was not a typical situation for someone like me, who was not even a director, to have a term like the Jung Yoon-Ho team attached to my name.

However, once people in the film industry realized that I had helped several directors, they began collectively referring to the directors and actors who had received my help as the Jung Yoon-Ho team.

There were currently three directors in the Jung Yoon-Ho team, and among them was Director Park Sun-Jae of Jiri Mountain who had been anxiously struggling after being cheated out of 100 million won in directing fees. However, he recovered his payment with my help and even reached ten million moviegoers.

There was also Director Ahn Jung-Hae of Missing – The Lost Ones who had been able to make his film after I helped him reclaim the film adaptation rights.

Lastly, Director Yeo Ik-Hwan of She Was Beautiful who had ruined himself after consecutive flops, only to revive his career with my help and was now producing a film starring Yoo-Jin.

As a result, there were even jokes going around that if you could join the Jung Yoon-Ho team, your success was practically guaranteed. So I moved beyond the simple position of a talent agent trying to make a film starring Haru and declared that I would recruit Writer Jung Na-Mi as a member of that very Jung Yoon-Ho team.

At that, Jung Na-Mi blinked and asked back. "Are you asking me to join the Jung Yoon-Ho team? Are you serious?"

"Yes. I will offer you better terms than everything Mr. Yoo Sang-Jin has proposed."

Gulp.

Jung Na-Mi swallowed and asked again. "When you say better terms... what exactly do you mean?"

"As I said before, I want to bring you on not as an assistant director but as a director. However, if directing alone feels burdensome, I will help arrange a co-directing opportunity with Mr. Park Sun-Jae, who has drawn ten million viewers."

"Wow, jackpot! Oh. S-sorry..."

As Jung Na-Mi covered her mouth in surprise, I continued speaking. "And the film investment will be handled directly by LT Entertainment. You will communicate directly with Managing Director Lee Eun-Joo as you proceed, and I will set up the key actors as the casting director. Simply put, I mean to help you make this the next Jiri Mountain."

Jung Na-Mi seemed so elated that she began stamping her feet.

At that moment, Yoo Sang-Jin, who had been looking triumphant just moments ago, flared up and shouted, "Chief Jung! A-are you joking right now? Even if I accept that you're helping, do you have any idea how strong directors' pride is? You're saying a ten-million-viewer director would help with this person's directing? No matter how much you covet Writer Jung's script, you shouldn't tell such lies!"

As Yoo Sang-Jin said, the pride of Korean directors was no small thing. Compared to any other major country, directors in Korea held exceptionally strong power within the film production system. On top of that, a director who had drawn ten million viewers, not just achieved a simple box office hit, carried a nose so high it nearly pierced the sky.

However, Park Sun-Jae of Jiri Mountain was different. He had already said that he would respond whenever I asked for help. Of course, the other directors in the Jung Yoon-Ho team were the same.

So without even blinking, I replied, "If you doubt it, shall I prove it to you right now?"

"You must be talking about Director Park Sun-Jae. Go ahead and try. Ever since Jiri Mountain became a hit, he's been summoned here and there nonstop. Let's see if he really does it."

Jung Na-Mi's heart had already tilted, and I found Yoo Sang-Jin's lingering attachment a little pitiful. But once I started something, I always saw it through to the end. So I immediately put Park Sun-Jae on speakerphone.

After several rings, he answered.

-Yes, Mr. Jung.

"Is this a good time to talk?"

-Of course it is.

"Mr. Park, I will ask you directly. Would you be willing to co-direct a project I recommend? It's a teen romance with Haru as the male lead. The director who wrote the screenplay is about to make their debut and may need some help. Would co-directing be possible for you?"

Park Sun-Jae answered readily.

-If it's your proposal, I should accept unconditionally. I was already feeling restless after wrapping up Jiri Mountain, so this works out well.

"Is that so? Then I'll confirm everything and contact you again."

-Okay. Then I should tell our cinematographer Oh Dong-Ho to stand by as well. Actually, I'll have the art director, lighting director, and sound director all prepared too, so just give me a call anytime.

Oh Dong-Ho, now twenty-six this year, was the staff member who had taken the main camera position on Jiri Mountain through my recommendation. He had once been the youngest member of the cinematography team, but now he had the career credit of being the main cinematographer of the ten-million-viewer film Jiri Mountain, one of the staff members in the Jung Yoon-Ho team.

"Thank you."

-I should be the one thanking you. The settlement LT Entertainment transferred to my account came in five percent higher than expected. I heard from Directing Manager Lee Eun-Joo that you were the one who made sure of that.

"Hahaha. You didn't have to mention that..."

-Come on, how could I not? Anyway, once it's decided, contact me right away. I'll line up crew members with experience in similar genres. I did my time as an assistant director, so I've got connections.

"Sounds good."

After exchanging farewells, I finally ended the call and looked at everyone. A film director who had drawn ten million viewers had spoken as if he were my junior staff member, so everyone wore expressions of pure bewilderment.

Yoo Sang-Jin, having confirmed that I had been telling the truth, had the flesh under his chin trembling. Park Han-Yi stood there with his mouth wide open in disbelief. And lastly, Jung Na-Mi was looking at me with tears welling in her eyes.

I waited until the three of them came back to their senses, then spoke to Yoo Sang-Jin. "You heard him, didn't you?"

At that moment, Yoo Sang-Jin suddenly exploded in anger.

"Damn it! Do whatever you want! Do you think I won't have work if I'm not with some shabby production company like this? There are plenty of places lining up to work with me!"

With that, Yoo Sang-Jin stormed out of the president's office. In that instant, Production Chief Lee Dae-Joon, who had come with him, grabbed his tailbone and waddled after him.

"Mr. Yoo! Mr. Yoo! Please wait a moment!"

As Lee Dae-Joon left, he slammed the door hard behind him.

Bang!

It sounded as though the hinges of the president's office door might snap off.

Now the only ones left in the president's office were me, Haru, Park Han-Yi, and Jung Na-Mi.

That's when Park Han-Yi suddenly put on a servile smile and began speaking to me. "Chief Jung, hahaha. If things were like this, you should have told me in advance. Hahaha."

He had changed his attitude so quickly that I was too dumbfounded to respond.

Then Park Han-Yi began bustling about as if nothing had happened. "Ahem. Then Writer Jung and Mr. Park Sun-Jae can just co-direct together, right? Let's see... what should I prepare..."

I looked at him in disbelief and said, "Didn't you hear? I said I was bringing Ms. Jung into the Jung Yoon-Ho team."

"What do you mean by that..."

"I didn't intend to go this far because it's not proper to interfere with someone else's livelihood, but now that I've stepped in, there's no place for you here, Mr. Park Han-Yi."

"W-what are you talking about? Why wouldn't you need me?"

"When we already have the director, the investor, and the production staff, why would we need a production company? Actually, no. A production company? We can just create one."

I immediately turned my gaze to Jung Na-Mi.

"Ms. Jung Na-Mi. If you want to establish your own production, I'll set it up for you. If that feels burdensome, you can use a space at the Park Sun-Jae Production. I'll arrange it however you prefer, so there's no need for you to remain at this company any longer."

Jung Na-Mi clenched her teeth and asked me, "Then does that mean I become the fourth director of the Jung Yoon-Ho team?"

"Welcome aboard, Ms. Writer, or rather, Ms. Director."

At that moment, Jung Na-Mi gave a slight shiver, then shot a voice full of pent-up resentment toward Park Han-Yi. "Mr. Park. Since I'm such a blind idiot, I'll gladly get out of your sight. So try managing on your own for once."

It seemed she had heard those words too, the ones I had overheard beneath the stairs.

Park Han-Yi stammered in shock. "Y-you... what did you just..."

While Park Han-Yi merely opened and closed his mouth like a fish, Haru, Jung Na-Mi, and I quickly gathered our laptops and walked out of the president's office.

At that moment, left alone inside, Park Han-Yi shouted at the top of his lungs, "I-I'll be watching closely to see just how well you all do!"

Jung Na-Mi turned her head and shot back coolly. "It's Jung Yoon-Ho's pick, so of course it'll do well. Oh, and I'll send you a pair of reading glasses when the movie comes out so you can see it properly. I heard presbyopia's been kicking in lately?"

Standing beside Jung Na-Mi, I waved and added, "Mr. Park, we'll reserve you a front-row seat at the premiere. Stay strong, you got this!"

Right then, Park Han-Yi seemed to have a spike in blood pressure and grabbed the back of his neck before collapsing onto the sofa.

"Ugh... ngh..."

***

Thud.

After leaving Production Company Fireworks, Yoo Sang-Jin, unable to contain his anger, punched the headrest of the car seat.

"Damn it! Son of a bitch!"

Startled, Lee Dae-Joon, who was driving, asked, "M-Mr. Yoo. Why were you so determined to take on that project?"

Yoo Sang-Jin glared at him with fierce eyes. "Hah, you're that slow with the news? Hey! Haven't you heard what people are saying these days? That if it's Jung Yoon-Ho's pick, it's guaranteed to succeed?"

Lee Dae-Joon swallowed hard. "Then..."

"Yeah. That bastard said he was putting in his own actor, so I tried to snatch it first. Why? Because once that film comes out, it could dominate the screens again."

Lee Dae-Joon asked with a dissatisfied expression, "Sir, but aren't you overestimating Chief Jung a bit?"

"Hey, don't you know that every time a film he's touched hits the screens, the audience numbers of competing films plummet? And my film overlapped with Jiri Mountain and stalled at seven million viewers! Hah, and you call yourself a production chief and you don't even know that?"

"I-I'm sorry."

"Forget it. Just be quiet for a second. I need to make a call."

When Lee Dae-Joon fell silent, Yoo Sang-Jin made a call. "Hey, Director Jo. It's Yoo Sang-Jin."

The person who answered was Director Jo Jae-Kyung, the nephew of the president of CK Entertainment.

-How did it go?

"It fell through. That ruthless bastard wouldn't let go."

The one who had first informed Yoo Sang-Jin that Jung Yoon-Ho had taken an interest in Happy & Happy was not Park Han-Yi, but Jo Jae-Kyung.

Originally, Park Han-Yi had contacted Jo Jae-Kyung to secure investment from CK Entertainment. However, Jo Jae-Kyung had made it a condition that he would invest only if Yoo Sang-Jin was attached as director. That was why Park Han-Yi had been so eager to push for Yoo Sang-Jin today. And Yoo Sang-Jin, upon hearing that it was a project Jung Yoon-Ho coveted, had stepped in aggressively as well.

-I understand. Then I'll call a directors' meeting now. Let's all gather.

"Where?"

-Let's meet at the basement level two office of CK Entertainment. We can't just leave Jung Yoon-Ho alone like this. You saw for yourself how that talent agent looks down on directors, didn't you, sunbae-nim?

"Yeah. I saw it. Anyway, see you there."

Click.

After ending the call, Yoo Sang-Jin growled at Lee Dae-Joon. "Turn the car around. We're heading to CK Entertainment."

"Yes, sir."

Lee Dae-Joon checked the side mirror and changed lanes.

Leaning back against the car seat, Yoo Sang-Jin continued to fume. "Jung Yoon-Ho, you little punk. Do you think I'll let you be the only one thriving?"

Jung Yoon-Ho's success was beginning to stir jealousy among the directors who envied him.

***

Park Sun-Jae Production, located in Samseong-dong on the same block as LT Entertainment, occupied the third floor of a neat newly built building.

When we entered the conference room, Park Sun-Jae, his wife and the production chief Ahn Yoo-Joo, Cinematographer Oh Dong-Ho, and even President Shin Jong-Ki and Lee Eun-Joo of LT Entertainment were already gathered.

As I bowed my head slightly, Park Sun-Jae sprang to his feet and greeted us brightly. "Mr. Jung. It's been a while."

"Yes. And let me introduce you. This is Ms. Jung Na-Mi, who has joined Hoop Entertainment as a director."

Saying she needed support, Jung Na-Mi had chosen to join Hoop Entertainment rather than establish an independent production. So on the way here, she had finalized her contract with Hoop Entertainment.

Jung Na-Mi greeted them in a trembling voice. "H-hello. I'm Jung Na-Mi. I look forward to working with you."

With a ten-million-viewer director like Park Sun-Jae and Shin Jong-Ki of LT Entertainment waiting, Jung Na-Mi could not hide her nerves.

At that moment, Park Sun-Jae stepped forward first and took her hand. "Ms. Jung. I read your screenplay well. And even if it's a co-directing credit, I'll only serve as support, so don't worry. I look forward to working with you, Ms. Director."

"D-Director? I haven't even officially debuted yet."

"Hmm. But you are a director. The production has already been decided, and I've agreed to co-direct, haven't I?"

"T-the production has been decided?"

Then Lee Eun-Joo said with a smile, "Ms. Jung Na-Mi. LT Entertainment produces any project Mr. Jung brings in without question, so please relax and have a seat. Since we're all here, let's start discussing the project."

The moment Jung Na-Mi grabbed my hand and heard that production, investment, and distribution had all been decided, she sat down in a daze.

"O-oh. Yes."

After greeting Shin Jong-Ki as well, Haru and I took our seats.

The script meeting began immediately.

Lee Eun-Joo spoke while glancing at her tablet without pause. "The issue is that both dogs are named Happy, and they're even both Golden Retrievers. How do we distinguish them? If we rely on CG, it might lose realism."

Ahn Yoo-Joo answered at once. "Oh, we could get support from the guide dog association and use dogs with slightly different coat colors. Or make one an adult dog and the other a puppy, giving them different ages."

Park Sun-Jae shook his head. "No, the male lead's dog is supposed to be a retired guide dog, so we'll have to differentiate mainly by coat color. If necessary, we can make one a Labrador Retriever instead. That should work."

As they went into detail even about the dogs' coat colors and breeds, the atmosphere heated up. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Then Park Sun-Jae came to his senses and looked at Jung Na-Mi. "Ah, Director Jung Na-Mi. Sorry. We've been talking among ourselves. Please jump in. This is your project."

Jung Na-Mi shook her head. "No. Just listening is already helpful. Since you all have production experience, you're pointing out aspects I hadn't even considered. And there's something I should tell you in advance..."

After hesitating for a moment, Jung Na-Mi confessed her disability to everyone.

"I... actually have low vision, so I can't clearly make out your facial expressions right now. When directing, I'll probably make many mistakes. Is that still okay?"

Silence briefly settled over the conference room. They had heard it from me before, but they had not expected her to reveal her disability so openly upon first meeting.

Just then, Park Sun-Jae made an awkward expression and suddenly said something unexpected.

"Director, Jung Na-Mi. I have hemorrhoids."

Then Ahn Yoo-Joo smiled brightly and added, "I grind my teeth when I sleep."

Lee Eun-Joo chimed in cheerfully, "I have irritable bowel syndrome. When I'm not feeling well, I keep running to the restroom nonstop."

The people I cherished each revealed one of their own flaws, as if to say that Jung Na-Mi's disability was simply one small imperfection among many.

Then Shin Jong-Ki spoke with a satisfied expression. "Director Jung Na-Mi. You wrote the screenplay yourself and have even tried directing, right? So what are you worried about? That level of weakness is nothing. Instead, if there are difficulties we don't understand, tell us you need help. We'll help with anything. And if we're struggling with something, we'll tell you too. Let's help each other and make this film together. A film isn't made alone, is it?"

When even Shin Jong-Ki referred to her disability as just another flaw, tears began streaming down Jung Na-Mi's face.

My heart tightened at the sight of the people I cherished seeing her not as a disabled person, but simply as a director.

'Thank you.'

After offering my gratitude to everyone in my heart, I took out a handkerchief and held it out to Jung Na-Mi.

"Ms. Jung. Now it's time for you to believe in yourself."

Jung Na-Mi nodded, wiped away her tears, and shouted with a refreshed expression, "I won't let you regret giving me this opportunity to direct!"

Only now had the fourth director of the Jung Yoon-Ho team truly been born.

***

Having regained her composure, Jung Na-Mi began actively sharing her ideas.

"Ah, then in scene 13, when the male lead meets her for the first time, what if the female lead is singing?"

Park Sun-Jae chimed in. "Oh, then we'll have to cast someone who can actually sing for the female lead."

While the staff immersed themselves in discussion about the film, Shin Jong-Ki caught my eye and signaled silently.

'Step outside for a moment.'

The two of us stepped into the hallway and moved to an empty corner.

"Is something the matter?" I asked.

"I'll start with the good news."

"Start? Don't tell me there's bad news too?"

"You're quick. Anyway, hear the good news first."

"Yes, sir."

"Thanks to you, LT Entertainment ranked first in distributor revenue for March. It's the first time since the company was founded."

"Really? Congratulations."

I felt like breaking into a dance, but I was more curious about what came next.

"Now for the bad news."

Gulp.

"It's about She Was Beautiful. I think we'll need to wrap filming by the end of next month. By the end of May."

"Pardon me?"

The end of May was barely a month and a half away.

'And we have to finish filming by then? What on earth had happened?'