Chapter 83: From Page to Screen

[How about trying the movie business?]

I looked straight at Min Do-yoon's face. As always, he wore a relaxed expression.

For a moment, my mind went blank as I gazed at the subtle curve of his lips and his crescent-moon eyes.

I did think he was a bit unusual the first time I saw him, but I never imagined he would suddenly make such an important proposal.

"...What makes you trust me?"

It was a question mixed with sincerity. How much did he even know about me to make such an offer?

Besides, I'm a high school senior.

I had never done anything related to movies.

"Ah, I forgot to clarify. I meant 'You Are the Star Inside Me.' I want to try making it into a film."

"What?!"

My jaw dropped open at the voice correcting itself and ringing out again.

My heart started to race.

Thump, thump.

You Are the Star Inside Me.

That novel means a great deal to me.

"You Are the Star Inside Me" is the novel in which I poured all my love for my younger sibling.

And now, he wants to make that story into a movie.

"Some of the people gathered here today have read it too. While talking with them, the idea of a film adaptation came up. That's how it happened."

"Heh..."

Min Do-yoon pointed to the side. Following his finger, I saw a few people approaching us.

"You Are the Star Inside Me—what a moving read. The story of a brother loving his younger sibling. I enjoyed it a lot. The humor in the calmness made me laugh, and the way he cared for his sibling put a smile on my face."

"I think it's a story that's needed in today's era. Even some people internally recommended it. I don't think it's a bad idea."

They each introduced themselves in turn.

Each gave their impressions of my novel in their own way, and explained why they decided to go for a film adaptation.

I paused to collect my thoughts.

'Are they really thinking of making it into a movie?'

I was surprised when 'Living on Rent in the Chairman's House' was broadcast as a drama, but this was a whole different level of astonishment.

"Really? Into a movie?"

Unable to believe it, I asked again.

Did I hear wrong, maybe? Or was this all just a joke?

But Min Do-yoon didn't laugh.

Instead, he nodded with a serious expression.

"Of course it's real. Do you think I'd joke about something like this? In fact, that's the real reason I called you here. We barely overcame the foreign exchange crisis, but society is still harsh. So I thought about it, and I think this would be a good idea. Plus, the response on the community has been excellent."

I looked at Min Do-yoon's face in silence. Not only was he touched by my story, but he had also considered its market potential.

Emotion and possibility.

"The warmth of the story is great. It's gentle, but it leaves ripples in your heart. Content ultimately comes down to the depth of empathy it creates."

Another person nodded and continued.

"In these times, we need content that can make people cry. Everyone's enduring these days. In such times, family stories can be a powerful weapon. Exciting action is good, but I think this fits the emotions of the era."

"......"

"Even by the numbers, the chances of success are high."

Someone handed me a sheet of paper. On it were detailed figures—people's reactions, sales rates, and more.

Just from this, I could tell they weren't just saying this.

"Right now, the theaters are all about blockbusters or thrillers, nothing else. I think 'You Are the Star Inside Me' can fill that gap."

"We spent days researching and putting together this data, you know? Of course, I had someone do it. What do you think?"

I could feel the sincerity in Min Do-yoon's voice. His tone was playful, but the feelings behind it were anything but a joke.

"Hoo, hoo."

I took a deep breath.

This is a story no one else knows.

The fact that my story could come out into the world made me feel even more fired up.

"I have a condition."

After much thought, I finally spoke.

"Please let me participate in the script work. And don't make too many changes in the adaptation."

I've seen web novels adapted for the screen before. Some were well made, but some ignored the original and were so altered that it made me uncomfortable.

Even if you adapt it, I think the important narratives and famous lines should be preserved.

I don't want my novel ruined by a bad adaptation.

I want my thoughts and feelings to be conveyed just as they are.

"Of course. Did you think you could just sit back and relax?"

"What?!"

I made a dazed face at Min Do-yoon's words.

"How could an adaptation writer know what the original author felt? The movie will only come alive if you take part."

Min Do-yoon looked at me and smiled.

That smile made my lips twitch.

"Of course."

I nodded.

"One of the works I invested in before was a story of brothers at war. Reading your writing reminded me of that time. The key to moving people's hearts is humanity. 'You Are the Star Inside Me' gets that exactly right. Let's make it great."

"Thank you."

No other words came to mind.

To have my writing recognized is a very grateful thing for any author.

"No need to thank me."

Min Do-yoon wrinkled his nose and poured wine into his empty glass.

"Shall we have a drink?"

"I'm a minor, though?"

"Of course you'll have juice."

"May I have a glass?"

"Hehe, here you go."

Min Do-yoon chuckled at my cute(!?) remark and poured juice into my glass.

I clinked glasses with Min Do-yoon and enjoyed this moment.

I look forward to seeing 'You Are the Star Inside Me' become a movie.

---

It's already been fifteen days since summer vacation began.

Time flew by before I even realized it.

Now, waking up at dawn feels natural, and chatting in gatherings with everyone has become easy.

Sometimes, when there were external meetings or interviews, I would accompany them, and if time allowed, I'd also attend meetings with the staff related to the film adaptation.

"You seem like a chaebol these days."

"Ahem, people are adaptable, you know."

I chuckled and replied to Min Do-yoon's teasing remark.

Indeed, a lot had changed since I first woke up here.

The Chairman now felt like a familiar uncle, and Madam was no more than a friend's mother to me.

I became much closer with the staff, and my daily routine flowed naturally.

Meanwhile, sales of 'You Are the Star Inside Me' kept increasing.

"You've been blending in well, haven't you? Even at home, you talk more these days. The ladies keep saying how pretty you are."

"Ha, haha. That's a bit embarrassing."

"Hehe."

Min Do-yoon burst out laughing at my awkward expression. I took a sip of water. Now that I was more relaxed, I felt thirsty.

Min Do-yoon lightly twirled the teacup in his hand and tilted his head slightly.

"You keep up with the morning routine, and you follow along surprisingly well. It's not too hard, is it?"

"It's not hard. Waking up early is a bit tough, but the routine itself is regular, and I get daily exercise and massages, so I'm less tired, actually."

Part of it is the regular routine, but maybe it's because I'm a teenager—I never feel particularly exhausted.

Youth really is a blessing.

"You do everything without complaining, too. I think that's why everyone likes you so much."

"That's because everyone here looks after me so well."

The conversation was as mild as the meal.

"Don't you have a meeting today?"

Min Do-yoon glanced at his watch and got up from his seat.

"Yes, I have a meeting scheduled with the staff, so I have to go."

"Do your best, since it's a rare opportunity. We're all looking forward to it."

"Understood."

"Well then, time's flown by. Let's get ready and head out. I need to go to work, too."

Min Do-yoon put on his jacket and stood up.

I stood as well and picked up my bag.

Today seemed like it would be even busier than usual.

"The driver should be here by now."

"Yes, I heard he's waiting down in the lobby."

"Good. It's your first meeting with the staff, so try not to be too nervous."

"Okay."

Min Do-yoon checked his watch once more and gave a slight smile. Even in this busy morning, his unique calmness never faded.

Still, it didn't annoy me at all.

Min Do-yoon encouraged me once more before leaving the mansion.

"Guess I should head out too."

I waited about ten minutes after Min Do-yoon left, then walked down the corridor to the entrance. I felt the concrete floor under my feet as I moved to where the car was waiting.

After adjusting my shirt collar once, I got into the car.

"I never thought my novel would get made into a movie... but let's do my best."

I don't know how today's meeting will go, but I'm determined to give it everything I have.

The car soon rolled out of the mansion.

I steeled myself as I watched the scenery recede behind me.