Suddenly, I Became Crazy Handsome, and the World Became Easy
Chapter 77: Name (1)

Production presentation. In a fleeting moment, a hazy memory passed through Kang Rojun's mind. When was it? He couldn’t remember clearly. It seemed like he had seen it on TV when he came back exhausted from construction work during his miserable days.

It was some kind of drama production presentation.

Dozens of reporters with cameras and laptops in front of them, celebrities on stage watched by those reporters, and the PD like a commander.

At least over a hundred people gathered to introduce what kind of work it was, and the reporters asked questions about what they were curious about. The atmosphere was cheerful and light-hearted.

However, Rojun at that time was indifferent while watching it.

It wasn’t fun or touching.

It was just a way to kill time before falling asleep. But just before closing his eyes, he had a thought, what if I stood in that dazzling place? That kind of imagination. A fantasy filled with envy, feeding his desire.

But that fantasy.

"...Production presentation for ‘Rental Lover’?"

Had come true. The source of the news was PD Jung Soo-ryeong beyond the phone. He had heard that there would be a production presentation before 'Rental Lover' was produced, and when Rojun was selected as the actor for 'Lover No. 4', he had been told about it.

'The fact that you are the writer can be revealed first, but the fact that you’re the actor for ‘Lover No. 4’ will be unveiled at the production presentation.'

Kang Rojun recalled PD Jung Soo-ryeong’s voice from the past for a moment. His heart began to beat powerfully. Especially because he had just seen that the viewership rating of 'Produce That 100!' had reached 30%.

Me. Am I going to a production presentation as an actor?

He had imagined it in the past, but now that it was reality, he couldn’t quite picture it. A strange feeling of elation and nervousness surged within him. Yes, it was like the feeling right before getting on an extreme amusement ride.

At that moment, PD Jung Soo-ryeong asked a question through the phone.

“Why are you so quiet? You don’t want to do it?”

Even though PD Jung Soo-ryeong wasn’t in front of him, Rojun shook his head.

“No, it’s not that- It just doesn’t feel real. That I’m going to a production presentation.”

“Usually, actors who were unknown and just debuted feel that way. In a way, a production presentation is their first experience rising above the surface. It’s kind of overwhelming with dozens of reporters and live broadcasts, but it’ll be fun.”

“Live broadcast?”

“Ah- didn’t you know? Not all, but these days, production presentations often include live streaming. You’ve seen it, right? On YouTube or portal sites.”

Rojun scratched his chin, thinking he might have glimpsed something like that on YouTube.

“I see.”

“I personally don’t like putting too much emphasis on production presentations, but ‘Rental Lover’ is kind of special, right? Writer-nim too, and the stuff involving Star Choi has been causing quite a few issues. At times like this, going all out is the right move. Also.”

PD Jung Soo-ryeong, after a short pause, pointed at Rojun.

“It’s writer-nim’s first public appearance, so we need at least that level of visual presence, right? Reporters are already drooling saying the writer of ‘Rental Lover’ is No. 1, so if we reveal the actor too, boom. An earthquake. For both reporters and the fans watching the live broadcast.”

PD Jung Soo-ryeong laughed. Slightly like a pervert.

"This is my suggestion, how about appearing with proper hair and makeup like 'Lover No. 4' on the production presentation day? Other actors also usually dress up for production presentations."

“I don’t mind.”

“Hehe, I can already picture the reporters falling for writer-nim’s visuals. Ah, anyway, I’ll separately inform PD Woo Han-suk. The production presentation day is Tuesday, September 29. The time might change, but the date is fixed.”

September 29. Today was the 19th, so excluding the weekend, there were less than ten days left. In a way, it was right around the corner. PD Jung Soo-ryeong then added more information.

“Which also means all the filming for ‘Rental Lover’ will be completed before the 29th.”

Later.

Just before finishing the call with PD Jung Soo-ryeong, she too found out that the viewership rating of 'Produce That 100!' had surpassed 30%.

“Wow- it really went over 30%??! That’s amazing, seriously. To think that kind of rating is still possible in this era... Congratulations. Ah, should PD Woo Han-suk be the one hearing this?”

Additionally, PD Jung Soo-ryeong said that getting a 30% rating as a director felt like a miracle. It was true. Kang Rojun and PD Woo Han-suk had created a miracle. Around this time, No. 58 and No. 37 rushed in room 105 with their eyes wide with shock.

“Did you see, did you see??!! The ratings??!”

Not only the two of them, but all the participants showed excessive excitement.

And it wasn’t just the campus.

The internet was utter chaos.

《[TV Ratings] ‘Produce That 100!’ massive hit! Surpasses 30% viewership rating, setting a new legend》

《‘Produce That 100!’ creates an overwhelming boom, finally breaks 30% viewership rating!》

It was all completely covered with 'Produce That 100!'

《From participants’ rap performances to No. 1’s lyrics writing, countless hot topics swirling in ‘Produce That 100!’... How high will the viewership rating go?》

From the legendary 30% viewership rating to the lyrics and rap skills shown by No. 1 in episode 10, plus the hot topics involving entertainment officials and the 'Rental Lover' team, everything was fueling the craze.

《[Issue Pick] Entertainment industry officials featured in ‘Produce That 100!’ episode 10 / Photos》

《“We came to support our writer-nim", From s-class top actress Choi Rina to Rental Lover team watching No. 1’s performance / Photos》

In this tremendous situation, various domestic broadcasting companies were also stirred.

“This is insane!! ‘Produce That 100!’ really went over 30% viewership rating??!!”

“They really pulled it off...... I mean, was 30% even possible?? Even watching it, I can't believe it."

“Isn’t that an error?? It makes no sense!”

No one knew better than the broadcasting industry how absurd a 30% rating was.

“What do you mean impossible. Last time it was around 26%, so it’s doable. They drew in the audience with the 4th round evaluation, likely calculated and spread media buzz in case spoilers leaked. Didn’t they bring in the ‘Rental Lover’ team and entertainment figures too? PD Woo Han-suk’s strategy worked this time.”

“Still, 30% is just... wow.”

“Whatever else, those participants' were off the charts with their energy, especially No. 1. I didn’t even watch ‘Produce That 100!’ but I heard he also wrote lyrics this time??"

“He rapped well too.”

“Whew- seriously, he’s a treasure, a real treasure. That No. 1 probably accounted for a big chunk of that 30%.”

Only JTVM of 'Produce That 100!' celebrated with fireworks, while all other broadcasters wore frowns or showed jealousy. Numerous domestic entertainment companies focused less on the ratings and more on the participants shown in episode 10, while among the public, 'Produce That 100!' spread like a massive meme.

With things erupting like a volcanic explosion, Netflix Korea added fuel to the fire. Around the afternoon, they uploaded episode 10 of 'Produce That 100!' The buzz and hype swelled even further.

In addition.

《Riding on 30% viewership rating, 'Produce That 100!' 4th evaluation voting begins!》

Voting was more heated than ever.

Several hours passed.

By late afternoon, Rojun and the other participants at the Paju Campus were gathered in the large practice room. Everyone looked somewhat excited. It was obvious they had spent the whole day browsing the internet. Soon, PD Woo Han-suk walked into the room, looking exhausted.

Even as he wore a weary smile.

“As you’ve probably seen, our ‘Produce That 100!’ surpassed 30% viewership rating.”

He bowed to the 24 participants.

“This is all thanks to you. Thank you.”

The participants were flustered by the respectful gesture, and PD Woo Han-suk took a few minutes to explain just how incredible a 30% rating was. Then he got to the point.

“After discussions among the production staff, we’ve made a decision. We plan to reveal your names to the world.”

At that moment, participants like No. 58 and No. 26 opened their mouths wide. Rojun’s eyes widened considerably as well. PD Woo Han-suk continued the briefing, seemingly having expected this reaction.

“Your names will appear on the broadcast starting from episode 11, and there will be a filming session before that. From the 5th evaluation onward, voting will proceed using your names instead of numbers.”

Murmurs spread. Until now, the participants had only been referred to by numbers, so this felt surreal. At that moment, No. 26 raised a hand and asked in a lifeless tone.

“Are we revealing our names right now?”

PD Woo Han-suk shook his head.

“No, like I said, there will be filming related to it, and your names will be revealed then. Even if you’re curious, just wait a few more days.”

“Understood.”

“From now on, your name will be your stage name within ‘Produce That 100!’ However, to keep things interesting, we’ll reveal only your first names without surnames. Later, when you officially debut, you can change your stage name as much as you like.”

The next question came from No. 58.

“Uh, excuse me. The name reveal happens after the 4th evaluation results are out, right? So only the survivors will have their names revealed?”

PD Woo Han-suk, holding a faint smile, shook his head.

“No, all 24 of you here will appear on the broadcast. Regardless of the survival results.”

An unexpected answer.

Regardless, PD Woo Han-suk called No. 58 separately. The two exited into the hallway. Then all the participants started chattering noisily. Of course, it was all about what they had just heard.

No. 58 returned after about three minutes.

“No. 1.”

Next was Kang Rojun’s turn. He stepped into the hallway with Woo Han-suk, and PD Woo Han-suk whispered quietly.

“I also asked No. 58, but I thought No. 1 might need some prep work too. Before your name appears on broadcast.”

“Please go ahead.”

“As for your stage name as a writer or lyricist, like we discussed before-”

Sensing what was about to be said, Kang Rojun immediately responded.

“Yes. Please go with ‘Rojun'."

The next day, Sunday.

It was late in the morning. Inside a spacious recording studio, with various instruments mounted on the walls as decoration, people looked busy from early on.

About four people sat in front of the equipment.

Among them, the one sitting in the center directing the recording was Song Min-geun with a protruding belly. Soon, a ballad filled with a lonely emotion echoed through the studio.

-♬♪

A song with female vocals. It was 'Black and White Sound'.

Inside the recording booth, Park Hyun-jung, a veteran singer with over 20 years of debut history, was singing passionately with a cap on. Since they had been recording for several days, they had made decent progress, but because recording itself was no easy task, Song Min-geun’s directing continued.

“Hyun-jung, I want that part to burst out a bit, you know? Let it rip.”

Removing her headphones, Park Hyun-jung nodded.

“Yeah, got it.”

Though they were quite close, both were pros. Work was work, so they got serious when needed. Soon, her emotionally rich melody rang out again. An employee sitting next to Song Min-geun unconsciously admired her.

“Whoa- this is amazing. Just switching the singer, and it sounds so different from the guide?”

Song Min-geun gave a short laugh.

“She’s Park Hyun-jung. It’s not for nothing the media calls her a veteran singer. She’s acknowledged as an artist.”

“You’re close with her, right?”

“Not really, as a friend. I'm tired of her, I've seen her for too long."

“Haha, Hyun-jung-nim says the same thing.”

About two hours passed. Before they knew it, it was past noon. Around then, after greeting someone at the recording studio entrance, Song Min-geun called out to Park Hyun-jung in the booth.

“That’s it for today. I’ve got another appointment.”

Taking off and putting her cap back on, Park Hyun-jung stepped out of the booth and let out a long sigh.

“My throat’s in bad shape. I need to sip some tea."

“You’ve got a lot of recording to do, you know? Take good care of your voice. And stop downing alcohol at company dinners just because the show aired again.”

“What- don’t you know I quit drinking when working on an album?”

As the two bantered, Park Hyun-jung suddenly changed the topic.

“Hey, didn’t you say you were going to show me the lyricist for ‘Black and White Sound’ today?? That was a lie, wasn’t it?”

“What lie.”

Song Min-geun, who snorted, raised his index finger to point behind Park Hyun-jung.

“He’s right behind you, that lyricist.”

“What?”

Frowning, Park Hyun-jung turned her head toward the recording room entrance. A black-haired man was standing there, and the moment she saw his face, she opened her eyes wide and flinched in surprise.

"Oh my!!"

Without realizing it, she flopped face-down on the long sofa. Then, unsure if she had really seen what she saw, she looked again at the black-haired man.

“......”

In that brief moment, captivated by the man’s visuals, Park Hyun-jung blurted out a question without meaning to.

“...W-What. Why are you h-here???”

Anyone could tell that Park Hyun-jung recognized him well, and the answer came from Song Min-geun, who had now stepped beside the man.

“I told you, don’t be shocked and collapse just because he’s ridiculously handsome-”

“N-No! I mean, why is that person here, oppa!”

“You’re the one who asked to see the lyricist.”

“......Huh??”

Song Min-geun, now standing next to the man no, next to Kang Rojun, raised the corner of his lips.

“This guy is the lyricist of ‘Black and White Sound'."

Rojun politely bowed to Park Hyun-jung.

“Hello, sunbae-nim.”

“......”

Park Hyun-jung froze like her brain had shut down.

'S-Scary. He’s too handsome.'

*****

For 30 or more extra chapters, you can check out my Patreon here --> /dreamscribe