"Most young actors don’t think about financial security. They see a few paychecks and start spending like crazy, and before they know it, they’re struggling again when the offers stop coming in."
Minjae kept up his usual expression. He nodded along as Donghyun shared about the importance of financial management, though he wasn’t listening.
His mind was definitely elsewhere.
’A skill that could predict the success of a script?’
He could hardly believe it, but then again, hadn’t the system already given him advantages beyond what should be possible?
If he used this wisely, it would change everything.
He’d never have to take a project blindly again. No more guessing whether a drama would flop or turn into a hit. This wasn’t just helpful. It was game-changing.
"Minjae, did you hear me?"
Donghyun’s voice snapped Minjae back to reality.
"Yes, Hyung," Minjae replied smoothly, standing up with the three scripts in hand. "Anyways, I’ll take these back to my dorm and review them tonight. I’ll let you know my decision in the morning."
Donghyun sighed loudly. He knew that Minjae wasn’t listening to him.
"Alright," but he still nodded in approval. "Don’t rush then. Choose wisely."
"I will definitely, hyung."
- - -
Back in his apartment, Minjae locked the door and immediately threw himself onto his bed. He placed the three thick scripts on his side before exhaling deeply.
"This is insane," he muttered. "But if this works…"
Minjae was excited on the inside. He clenched his fist before letting out another deep breath.
It’s time to test it.
Minjae reached for the first script, titled "Youth on the Rooftop". It was a lighthearted coming-of-age romance about a group of friends navigating love and dreams while living in a shared rooftop apartment.
The script seemed safe. It was exactly the kind of role that would appeal to his growing audience.
[Skill activating… ]
The moment Minjae focused on the script, a strange sensation flooded his mind. It was as if he were transported into the future, having a glimpse of the reactions of the audiences about the drama.
In a flash, Minjae saw numerous headlines, review, and social media trends.
"A sweet yet forgettable romance. Though I feel like the production could do more."
"It’s not bad, but nothing special too. It’s just another generic youth drama. It’s nice though if you want to try."
"It did well enough in ratings but was quickly overshadowed by other releases."
[Success initializing…]
[Success rate: 50%]
Minjae’s eyes flickered open, his heart pounding.
"It’s mediocre," he muttered as he slowly nodded. "It’s neither a flop nor a hit."
Minjae thought of it. If he accepted this role, he’d gain some exposure, but it wouldn’t raise his career further. That wouldn’t be good.
Minjae set the script aside and picked up the second one, "The Star’s Secret."
The drama was a rom-com about a top idol who hides his identity and falls in love with an ordinary girl. As Minjae read its synopsis, he couldn’t help but feel that it was cliché, but who knows?
It might have potential.
[Skill activating… ]
Again, Minjae’s mind was filled with glimpses of the future. This time though, the responses were different.
"Woah! It’s a surprise hit! I like the chemistry between the leads."
"Ok guys, I love this drama. I wish I could find someone so handsome, too.My new goal in life is to marry an idol!"
"A lighthearted rom-com that exceeded expectations!"
[Success initializing…]
[Success rate: 90%]
Minjae blinked.
"It’s a hit…?" He tapped his fingers on the script, almost considering it. It seemed like a promising opportunity, but he need to check the last one.
Minjaae reached for the third and last script, "Ashes of the Sun."
Unlike the first two, this was darker. It was a melodrama about betrayal, ambition, and revenge in the business world. It wasn’t the usual "safe" choice for a rookie actor making Minjae also hesitant about it.
"Alright, let’s see." Minjae hesitated for a moment before activating his skill.
[Skill activating… ]
The images that appeared before him were shocking.
Minjae’s breath hitched as the flashes of the future filled his mind once again. Unlike before, the reactions this time were more brutal.
"This drama is a mess. What were they thinking?"
"Too much drama, too much angst, and yet it still manages to be boring."
"I really wanted to like this, but the pacing is all over the place. The main lead’s acting is the only redeeming thing, but even that couldn’t save it."
"Tsk. What a waste of potential."
[Success initializing…][Success rate: 30%]
Minjae exhaled sharply as he came back to reality, his grip tightening on the script.
"30%?"
That was bad. It was worse than he expected.
Minjae flipped through the pages, scanning the dialogue and plot. He wanted to see why it was like that when the synopsis looked good.
On paper, it seemed like it had potential.
As he scanned it, Minjae realized now why it was bound to fail. The script only looked good at the start, but its quality dipped halfway. There was also a problem with the director.
’It’s unfortunate.’ Minjae frowned. He had considered this drama as a way to showcase his acting, but if it would just flop, then what would be the point?
’Alright…’ Sitting up, Minjae stacked the scripts in front of him.
"Ashes of the Sun"
A complete disaster.
"Youth on the Rooftop"
Safe, but forgettable.
"The Star’s Secret"
A surprising hit.
The choice was already obvious.
Minjae picked up the folder of the drama "The Star’s Secret" and tapped his fingers against the cover, a small smirk forming.
"A rom-com, huh?" He wasn’t against it, but it wasn’t the type of role that he played in his older year before he died.
Still, with a 90% success rate, this was a golden opportunity.
He knew that if this drama became a hit, then his popularity would skyrocket too.
"If I take this role and do well, I can use that momentum to choose even better projects in the future."
Minjae leaned back against his pillows and stared at the ceiling. His mind was already strategizing.
With his decision made, Minjae sat up to grab his phone. He sent a quick message to Donghyun. He couldn’t contain his excitement over it.
[Minjae: Hyung, I’ve made my choice. I’ll take "The Star’s Secret."]
Not even a minute had passed when a response was sent back to Minjae.
[Donghyun: Good choice. I’ll inform the agency. Let’s meet tomorrow to discuss the details.]
With a 90% success rate, this drama was practically a guaranteed hit. He wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away.