After finishing that task, he immediately resumed work on the movie synopsis he had started. He continued on to character development. The actual screenplay writing would begin after this preparation stage.

'Let's not overthink it. Like the old days, just write whatever I want, even if it’s crap.'

How much time had passed like that?

Before he knew it, it was past 8 PM, and the previously quiet lounge began filling with contestants one by one. They had finished their day’s schedule. As they noticed Rojun intently typing away at his laptop, they glanced over curiously. But since everything was already out in the open, Kang Rojun didn’t bother hiding it.

Just then.

“No. 1.”

A staff member called out to Rojun from behind. Slightly surprised, he turned around, and the staff member spoke softly.

“PD-nim wants to see you for a moment.”

“Okay.”

Had PD Woo Han-suk already returned? Nodding, Kang Rojun packed up his laptop. Not long after, he exited the lounge with the staff. A few contestants who had been watching him.

“Did you see that? Just now?”

Let out open admiration.

“He writes too, with that face? The vibe is seriously insane.”

A few dozen minutes later.

The place the staff led Kang Rojun to was a studio on campus. It was the same studio where writer Kim Se-hee had announced the results of the third round while playing 'Produce'. At the door, the staff member bowed and stepped away, and Kang Rojun opened the thick studio door.

Inside stood PD Woo Han-suk with pronounced dark circles under his eyes. And then.

“Oh- you're here??”

A chubby man sitting in front of the equipment. No, Song Min-geun was there too. With a lopsided smile, he waved his hand, and Rojun gave a slight bow in return.

“Hello.”

“Yeah, have a seat.”

As Kang Rojun sat down, PD Woo Han-suk looked at Song Min-geun and asked,

“So, what is it you wanted to let us hear?”

“Haha, just listen first.”

Wearing a smile, Song Min-geun operated the equipment in front of him, and soon, music filled the studio.

-♬♪

A ballad song.

Kang Rojun quickly realized it.

'Oh? This song, it's that demo track.'

The melody was familiar. It was the demo song for which he had written the lyrics. But this time, it was different. There were now full lyrics, and a singer’s voice had been added. Moreover.

'These are the lyrics I wrote??'

The lyrics the singer was singing were the ones Rojun had written. As he looked a bit surprised, Song Min-geun’s smile deepened. On the other hand, PD Woo Han-suk, who didn’t yet know the background, listened to the song intently. About three minutes later, the song ended.

“What do you think?”

PD Woo Han-suk slowly nodded and gave a thumbs-up.

“It’s catchy and brilliant.”

“Right? It’s killer, isn’t it?”

“But why are you playing this for us- ah, could it be…”

As if confirming the guess, Song Min-geun turned to look at Kang Rojun.

“The lyrics you just heard, they were written by No. 1 here.”

PD Woo Han-suk’s eyes widened in an instant.

“Y-you already finished those lyrics and submitted them??”

Kang Rojun cleared his throat, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“Ahem. Yes.”

Song Min-geun interjected.

"After receiving the lyrics, I got inspired and immediately recorded a guide, and listening to it, I really like it."

His eyes sparkled brightly. His look was full of genuine enthusiasm. Even PD Woo Han-suk was inwardly amazed.

‘I’ve never seen Song Min-geun, with all his hit songs, express this much open joy. That means he really liked Rojun-ssi’s lyrics??’

Whether composing or producing, Song Min-geun was known for being a heavyweight. When he got into work mode, he was known to become cold and sharp. So much so that even veteran singers with 30 years of experience would have to redo recordings multiple times. And yet here he was, smiling warmly at the amateur No. 1.

PD Woo Han-suk couldn’t quite wrap his head around it.

Meanwhile, the smile never left chubby Song Min-geun’s face.

“No. 1, to be honest, for the lyrics of that demo track? I received a lot from professionals. I even had a few that were already chosen and was just about to start production. But I scrapped them.”

PD Woo Han-suk asked again.

“You scrapped them?”

“Yeah. The lyrics No. 1 sent were the best.”

“Th-then.”

Turning back to Kang Rojun, Song Min-geun delivered his conclusion.

“The lyricist for this song is officially No. 1.”

PD Woo Han-suk let out something close to a laugh and looked at Rojun.

'This guy is debuting as a writer and lyricist while on his way to becoming an idol. What in the world.'

The situation was both absurd and fascinating.

‘And the ones drawn to him are PD Jung Soo-ryeong and Song Min-geun. They’re top names in the industry, even considered giants.’

Soon, Song Min-geun extended his hand for a handshake.

“What do you say? Deal?”

Rojun gave a small smile.

“I look forward to working with you.”

The next day, Tuesday morning.

The location was the CEO’s office of a major domestic entertainment company. In the spacious office, a group of executives and the CEO who appeared to be in his 50s sat on a five-seater sofa, while the CEO at the head of the table was looking down at a tablet.

An email was displayed on the screen. The subject read:

-['Produce That 100!' invites agencies!]

The email had been distributed to the marketing team, and and judging by the inclusion of 'Produce That 100!', the sender appeared to be PD Woo Han-suk. As he read through the email, the CEO rubbed his chin.

“Agency invitations, looks like Woo Han-suk is finally starting to move.”

The executive sitting next to him replied.

“The timeframe is pretty long too. It seems like PD Woo Han-suk has summoned all the major domestic agencies, including us.”

“Of course. Not just the big five in Korea, probably all the medium-to-large agencies too. This is a big wave, and it can't be handled in just a day or two."

The CEO set down the tablet and chuckled.

“He’s finally laying the groundwork to let his kids go out on their own.”

*****

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