Life is Easier If You're Handsome novel Chapter 40

Lee Jae is very popular.

When he appears, ratings go up;

he brings immense joy to viewers.

But...

'He doesn’t fit in with High Dream.'

At the same time, this could be a double-edged sword for High Dream.

Turning a story about a youth band into a solo classical performance,

it would be strange to anyone watching.

Plus, KBC couldn’t just change things on its own.

The drama was a co-production between the actors' agency and the idol group’s agency.

So, could KBC alone change the story just to boost ratings?

Could they really sideline their own actors and idols?

Who would agree to that?

But at the same time, they couldn’t ignore Lee Jae’s presence entirely.

'If KBC only featured their own actor in a supporting role, it wouldn’t be fair.'

Writer Lee Min-ha had been grappling with this issue for some time.

It started when she first heard Lee Jae’s performance of La Campanella.

Could the existence of Lee Jae truly end with just a supporting role?

Having written countless drama scripts, Lee Min-ha knew.

The character would have to be given more screen time,

as if someone who was supposed to be dead came back to life.

'She must not let herself be swayed by the viewers.'

In the past, she was uncertain, but with time, her resolve had solidified.

The story would not change.

High Dream had to win, and that was what would preserve the title High Dream.

'But Lee Jae would become a lead character too.'

Being a lead means becoming a central character.

But what if she interpreted that central role differently?

'Let’s make them both win.'

She would keep the original actors' screen time and expand Lee Jae’s role.

And then, she would edit out the unnecessary scenes.

Scenes that could be cut,

moments that had been artificially extended to fill time.

If she inserted Lee Jae into those gaps,

It would definitely be challenging.

'But it had to be done.'

To create a higher level of storytelling,

'Because I prefer happy endings.'

Her keyboard clattered as she typed furiously.

+++++

Choi Seok-ho had been extremely busy lately.

The days when dust in the office was his only friend were long gone;

now he was tackling a packed schedule with his team.

"You sent Dong-hoo the revised script, right?"

"Yes, and we postponed the meeting as well. I figured it would be best to have it after the additional shoot."

"Good. And he mentioned wanting to attend the last Endless Frontline shoot, so keep that day open for him."

"Will do."

As soon as Endless Frontline wrapped up, it seemed like a break was finally in sight,

but with Dong-hoo's popularity soaring, the schedule just kept filling up.

'Dong-hoo mentioned only wanting to take on the school uniform ad.'

A few more promising ads had come in after that, but he turned them all down.

With school starting again soon, it was wise to take a more relaxed approach to the schedule.

Who knew what his schedule would look like once the school year started?

'Dong-hoo’s health and condition come first, no matter what.'

Click.

Choi Seok-ho grabbed his car keys.

Today was another shoot day for High Dream.

+++++

A fresh snowfall blanketed the entire art high school in white.

The location for the additional filming felt more welcoming than before.

Maybe it was just familiarity.

Or perhaps...

'Maybe it’s because the story’s changing.'

I glanced at the script in my hand.

I had been moved to tears when I first connected with it.

If things went according to the script, even Lee Jae would be satisfied.

Just as I thought that,

"Dong-hoo, are you going to attend this school too?"

"Huh?"

So-jin, who had stopped by the set, asked casually.

"Attend here?"

"Yeah, this art school. A lot of celebrities go here, especially idol trainees. They’re really flexible with attendance."

"Oh... really?"

I glanced around,

finally taking in the name of the high school.

'Daehan Arts High School.'

The name itself exuded pride.

Now that I thought about it, Principal Edward Park had sent me some materials,

but I had been too busy to properly go over them.

'I’ll have to take a closer look later.'

Soon I would be a second-year middle schooler,

and before I knew it, I’d be a third-year, then choosing my high school.

Going to a school that accommodated celebrities

would certainly make things easier for both the school and myself.

"Our agency also thinks it’s not a bad idea that you’re getting more screen time, since higher ratings benefit everyone."

"Really?"

"Yeah, they’re fine with it. They’re not losing any of their own screen time or spotlight, after all."

"You know a lot, huh?"

I responded to So-jin, who had turned a deep shade of red.

Was it the cold?

"W-w-what, you think I looked into it just because of you? Are you crazy, Kim Dong-hoo? I just heard some things and passed them along, that’s all."

"Yeah? Well, it’s good that there’s no friction."

"And my mom’s around, so I could find out even more."

"Even without asking?"

Whack.

So-jin playfully slapped my shoulder.

"What was that for?"

"Are you seriously asking that because you don’t know?"

"Wouldn’t I only ask if I didn’t?"

Whack.

Another playful slap.

What was that one for?

"From the way you said 'too,' are you attending here as well?"

As Ji Eun-bi prepared to watch Episode 12 of High Dream,