Chapter 123: Grace Kim

Grace Kim’s mansion was located in Beverly Hills.

As a top star who had already achieved great success and commanded a massive guarantee, Grace’s residence wasn't just a single house; it was divided into several annexes.

Arriving at the annex visible deeper in from the main building, I couldn't help but gape at the sight of a house far too luxurious to simply be called an "annex."

'She mentioned an annex, so I thought at most it would be an extra room or something like a warehouse.'

But I was wrong. It was a two-story house with its own private garden and a terrace.

"Make yourself at home. Use it as if it's your own," Grace said.

Each annex had a different interior concept. Unlike the clean and modern atmosphere of the main building, the annex Grace provided was filled with modern Oriental interior design. It felt as though this annex was where Grace’s personal tastes were most deeply reflected.

"This should be comfortable enough for you to rest."

"Comfortable? It's actually a bit too luxurious..."

There were about five rooms in total across both floors, and there were even three bathrooms. It was impressive to see a lion statue spouting a small stream of water inside the bathroom attached to the first-floor living room.

"Well, I have a schedule today, so I have to head out. Tommy will pick you up later for dinner."

"See you this evening. Good luck with your work."

I saw her off politely, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the hospitable treatment. A happy smile hung on Grace’s face as she watched me.

"Seeing you send me off like that, it makes us feel like a married couple."

"A married couple is a bit of a stretch."

"You really never let me win a single word, do you? See you later."

After Grace left, I immediately went into the master bedroom on the second floor. I laid myself down on a massive bed that could easily fit five or six people. Even though I had slept throughout the flight in first class, the fatigue from the trip must have remained, as I fell asleep in no time.

***

Meanwhile, inside Im Seong-hee’s studio.

Recently, as Lee Junghyuk’s Gatflix rank was upgraded to Platinum, he had distributed some of the unlocked project lists to Im Seong-hee and Jeong Tae-mi.

Among them, the one Im Seong-hee took charge of was *Your Time and Mine*, a romance drama with a 3.1-star rating that incorporated time-slip elements.

Of course, since it was a three-star work, Junghyuk intended to add his own touch to the core scenes and narrative to more precisely incorporate the Gatflix directing style. However, excluding that main storyline, the rest of the parts had to be handled entirely by Im Seong-hee and her assistant writers.

Being a romance, it required those fluttering scenes where feelings sprout between characters or the heart-pounding parts where they fall in love at first sight.

Unfortunately, Im Seong-hee, who had been busier than ever recently after rising as a main writer, was not currently dating. Moreover, the relationships she had experienced weren't exactly beautiful memories worth keeping.

'When was my last relationship... was it four years ago... no, has it been five?'

Im Seong-hee’s worries deepened as she wondered if she, who had been away from romance for so long that her memories were fading, could properly implement the romantic sensibilities of a story that shouted of love across time.

In contrast, the youngest writer on her team, a woman named Seong, seemed busy every day chatting with her boyfriend and sending him photos of every meal.

Thinking she might lean on the romantic feelings of a hot young couple this time, Im Seong-hee cautiously threw a question to the junior writer.

"Hey, Hui-yeon."

"Yes, Writer?"

Seong Hui-yeon, the youngest writer who had pinned up her bun with a cute green sprout-shaped hairpin, looked at Im Seong-hee with bright eyes.

"What kind of person do people find attractive these days?"

"Hmm... I don't know. Someone handsome?"

"Being handsome is important, of course. Is there anything else you look for besides looks, Hui-yeon?"

"Well, if they're handsome, kind, and pay a lot of attention to me, that's all great."

It was such a cliché, empty answer that Im Seong-hee was left speechless. She decided to change the direction of her questioning.

"Then, when you first met your current boyfriend, what attracted you to him?"

"I was attracted because he was handsome. Do you want to see a picture of my boyfriend? He looks really cute."

"No, that's okay. Never mind."

Ending with a weak response, Im Seong-hee sighed listlessly, having gained nothing. She was too soft-hearted to scold her for not coming up with a single good idea. Above all, having spent a long time as an assistant writer herself, she understood the situation to some extent.

No matter how much better the treatment of assistant writers at Gat Media was compared to other production companies, their pay was still not very high compared to general office workers.

'It's disappointing that they only want to work as much as they're paid, but it's not like I can force them.'

If she had the same ability as Lee Junghyuk, she would have used carrots and sticks, confidently promising, 'Trust me and follow me, and I'll get you your debut!'

But in her current position — where she had essentially debuted thanks to Junghyuk’s influence — it felt frustrating that she couldn't make such irresponsible promises.

'Still, we're slowly getting in sync, and the kids are gaining experience. It'll get better over time.'

Whether they knew her frustrated feelings or not, the assistant writers left exactly on time. Watching their retreating backs, Im Seong-hee shook her head.

"Ah... I miss him. The great Junghyuk."

Today, Im Seong-hee missed Junghyuk’s face more than ever.

***

Near the Los Angeles Museum located in the center of LA.

An old four-story building, sitting alone among skyscrapers built with modern designs, was one of the most famous landmarks in the area.

This was William’s Steak House, a prestigious restaurant that had been passed down through generations for forty-eight years.

William Browner, the owner who was still vigorous despite being nearly sixty, went into the kitchen himself and called the head chef to give special instructions.

"Darren is coming today. I hope you've prepared the perfect meat."

"Of course. Out of the finest Prime grades, I personally selected it myself."

Checking the vivid color and marbling of the meat the chef brought out with his own eyes, Browner patted the chef’s shoulder with a satisfied face.

"Excellent as usual. Oh, and Darren sent a gift for you."

Browner pointed to a garment bag hanging at the entrance of the chefs' break room. The brand name "Florence," a luxury clothing brand that Darren personally invested in and promoted, was subtly embroidered in gold thread on the front.

"Darren heard your son is getting married soon and sent it for you to wear then."

"Oh my god. I'll have to express my gratitude to Darren with the most perfect steak of my life today."

"Good. You remember what Darren always eats, right?"

"Of course. I'll prepare a tenderloin at least 3 cm thick, seared over high heat, and then slowly cooked with residual heat using the carry-away method to a medium-rare."

As a chef who was an old friend and had perfectly captured the fastidious Darren’s palate, he was already thoroughly prepared.

When Browner came out to the hall after checking the kitchen, a calm-looking hall manager approached and whispered to him.

"Mr. Darren has arrived at the first-floor entrance."

"You wait here. I'll go down and greet him myself."

As he hurried down the stairs, Darren greeted Browner with open arms and a welcoming face.

"Browner! You look even better than the last time I saw you."

"Hahaha! Darren, you're the one looking radiant. It's been a long time since your last visit."

Darren frowned and shook his head.

"Don't even mention it. Lately, I haven't been able to find any time at all. But today, I came to eat a special steak with some acquaintances after a long time."

"If you want steak in LA, you have to come to our place. Should I prepare the usual for you?"

"That sounds good. Give me the usual, and I'll order more once my companions arrive."

After the two finished their welcoming embrace, they took the elevator directly connected to the VIP area up to the fourth floor.

Stepping out onto the fourth floor, they saw dozens of old wooden tables lined up under a massive crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. At several tables, actors and singers well-known in Hollywood were sitting, enjoying steak and wine.

The stars, recognizing the face of Darren — a tycoon producer in Hollywood — stood up to shake his hand or greet him whenever he passed by.

Just then, at one table, a handsome man with a slightly short but solid build and a sharp impression approached Darren with a boisterous laugh.

"My god! Darren! How long has it been?"

"Tom! It feels like it's been almost two years since we've seen each other properly."

The man who gave Darren a tight hug with sparkling eyes was Tom Cruso. He was a national treasure-level actor, beyond just being a representative actor for America, having appeared in countless mega-hits.

Since he was an actor synonymous with action blockbusters, he was unique in that he performed high-difficulty stunts himself without a double, such as hanging onto the wing of a flying plane or climbing skyscrapers barehanded, even now that he was well past fifty.

Even Tom Cruso, in his youthful twenties, had caught the eye of Darren — who was a showrunner running around Hollywood at the time — and was cast in his first leading role. Since that work became a huge hit and led him to superstardom, Tom’s affection for Darren was exceptionally special.

"Hey, take it easy on your body. I heard you still like to do your own stunts. You're at an age where you should know how to be careful."

"Darren, you were the one who told me. You said the public recognizes actors who do it themselves, and production companies recognize that value."

"That was a story from when you were young."

"I can still live young enough. Hahahaha!"

Tom suggested Darren join his table for dinner instead of just talking like this. However, Darren shook his head and politely declined, saying he had an important guest today.

"Oh, just in case, you know that if you just ask, I'll set everything aside to appear in your movie, right?"

"Of course. But your fee isn't what it used to be, is it?"

"You're making excuses that aren't like you, Darren."

After discussing more about the movie he was currently filming, Tom gave Darren one last hug, expressing his regret one more time before letting him go.

"It's a shame. I'm planning to hold a charity party this Christmas. You'll come to that, right?"

"How can I miss an event with such a good cause? It's a shame about today, but let's postpone our meeting until then."

"Thank you, Darren. It was great seeing you after so long."

Finally finishing the greetings with his acquaintances and sitting down, Darren took a breather and leaned back calmly in his chair.

A hall manager approached the table where Darren was sitting, accompanied by three men and women.

When Darren confirmed the face of the woman among them, his face brightened.

"Grace!"

The guests whom Darren, the Hollywood tycoon, had personally invited to William’s Steak House today were none other than Grace, her manager Kevin, and the drama writer from Korea, Lee Junghyuk.