Free Web Novel“To get straight to the point, NetHolics intends to properly build IP.”
At those words from Andrea Shark, everyone’s attention snapped toward her.
The once relaxed dining atmosphere had already shifted into a full-fledged meeting. The interpreter calmly relayed her words.
“We’re planning to create works that have never existed in the Korean market before. That’s why we’ve invited only the top representatives from each field today.”
Andrea smiled smoothly.
“I didn’t come all this way just to purchase a few dramas. I want to truly create something. Without PPL, without production cost pressure, without external interference, without forced story changes.”
It was a ruthless industry. A single mistake could generate astronomical losses.
That was precisely why PPL and advertiser influence were absolute.
And now, NetHolics was offering to erase the very thing that had tormented writers and directors for so long.
“We’re going to change the media market. Without any limitations.”
The weight behind the name NetHolics was immense.
A massive new wave. The fastest shortcut to the global market.
The eyes of those watching Andrea lit up.
“So bring me anything. I’ll create an environment where you can focus solely on the [N O V E L I G H T] work.”
At that moment, it was clear—
he was the only one here who wasn’t shaken.
The flow of the room shifted instantly.
Ji Haebeom sat upright, listening without a flicker of movement.
“We’ve received countless scripts at NetHolics, but I trust the judgment of the people in this room. Please, speak freely.”
If the directors and writers here brought their works to NetHolics, the actors would immediately decide to join.
‘They want to move fast.’
Just before the atmosphere reached its peak, Andrea met Ji Haebeom’s gaze directly.
“So... wouldn’t you consider revisiting the discussion about selling the broadcasting rights?”
〈The Great Garland〉 was currently negotiating a licensing deal with NetHolics.
But the investors were only willing to agree to a short-term contract. NetHolics wanted three years, while the production side insisted on one.
The IP belonged to KBC—but Andrea knew exactly where this stance originated.
When the Korean content ban nearly caused the project to collapse, it was Ji Haebeom who invested a massive amount to save it.
From anonymous investors to major firms, all the way to KBC—the reason their opinions had aligned was because of his influence.
Even if KBC pushed for one year, if Ji Haebeom and the investors opposed it, the deal would fall apart.
And yet, there had been no friction at all.
Because of the weight he carried.
Ji Haebeom blinked slowly. The blue eyes looking at him were polite—but only on the surface.
“Perhaps this isn’t the most appropriate thing to say....”
He could easily become the one who ruined the atmosphere.
But he didn’t care.
Without waiting for the interpreter, he spoke directly.
“I thought we could sell it under better conditions later.”
A drama that had already finished airing in Korea a year ago. One that had already been sold and completed across Asia.
And after one year on NetHolics—
by then, even the hottest drama would have lost its heat.
Fans interested in K-dramas would have already seen it.
So where did that confidence come from?
Did he have a trump card, or was it just recklessness?
Andrea calculated his intentions while maintaining her businesslike smile.
“If it’s about price, we can negotiate. You should have said so earlier.”
“It’s fine. I want to sell it at a very high price.”
At his repeated refusal, a quiet, incredulous laugh escaped.
It was understandable.
Even the data didn’t support this kind of calculation.
Whatever picture Ji Haebeom was painting—
Andrea was certain it was wrong.
But Ji Haebeom had already made his decision.
Rather than selling exclusive rights to NetHolics for three years at one hundred billion per year, it would be more profitable to sell broadcasting rights to multiple platforms at the same price annually.
Because after the contract ended—
NetHolics would come back.
Not for exclusivity.
But for simultaneous streaming.
Because—
“You must care deeply about this project. I understand.”
He had certainty.
“Yes. So for now, I’ll just accept the sentiment. But later... I’d appreciate it if you’d value my film highly and purchase that instead.”
“A film?”
“It’s still in preparation... but it will be an interesting piece.”
Ji Haebeom mirrored Andrea’s smile.
Perfectly.
* * *
“Honestly, I thought that was insane.”
After Andrea left, Hong Suryeon, who had been sitting next to Ji Haebeom, finally spoke what she’d been holding back.
“Why? What part?”
“Come on, what do you mean why? Are you investing in some kind of coin or something these days? What could you possibly need that much money for...? You’re already loaded... did you lose a ton?”
Ji Haebeom just smiled.
“They say people lose their minds when they gamble. Come get some face therapy from me and come back to your senses. Actually... no, you probably can’t. It’s my face, after all.”
“....”
“Wait—did seeing me after so long overwhelm you? What should I do... I’m such a sinful actress....”
Hong Suryeon grabbed his cheeks with both hands and turned his face toward her.
Then, holding him firmly in place, she gave her advice again.
“It’s not too late, you know. You should accept it when they’re offering! And let’s both go into Hwang Boseok’s project. It’s time to show the world this beauty. When I win the Nobel Peace Prize, I’ll mention your name in my speech.”
“...Didn’t you hear me earlier? I said I’m doing a film.”
“A film? What’s that supposed to be? Then do the drama with me too, and take me into the film.”
“It’s not something you can do.”
“Why...? Is the film not beautiful...?”
Hong Suryeon sighed as she watched him lower her hands.
“Writer, you’re going to NetHolics instead of MBS, right?”
Hwang Boseok, the legend of romantic comedies, paused thoughtfully.
“NetHolics... hmm... I haven’t signed with MBS yet.”
“Ahh! Then this is perfect timing! I love it. This is it.”
“But I’m not really feeling anything yet.”
“Writer! Look into my eyes. You feel it now, right?”
Hong Suryeon blinked at him. Her beautiful face filled the veteran writer’s vision.
She smiled sweetly.
‘I knew this would happen!’
Romantic comedy.
Her strongest genre—and the genre through which K-dramas spread most widely across the world.
Her overflowing confidence surged like a wave.
“Let me at least see the synopsis once. Please? That’s fine, right?”
“If it’s just the synopsis, sure. That much isn’t difficult.”
“Ahh! What a beautiful night.”
For Hong Suryeon—
life was far too easy.
A beautiful face. Acting that required no effort. And luck that always came her way.
‘Once on NetHolics—and then again on broadcast!’
She was already planning to push aside that annoying upstart and 〈Seoul Metropolitan City〉 from the NetHolics rankings—
and crush them in real-time ratings too.
‘As expected, the goddess of luck is on my side.’
The undefeated queen of romantic comedy.
‘No... I am the goddess of luck.’
Hong Suryeon had never suffered.
And she never would.
* * *
Back in her room, Andrea erased the faint smile lingering on her lips.
As always, once that pleasant expression disappeared—
what remained was the cold face of the industry’s top power player.
“How arrogant....”
She threw her jacket onto the sofa irritably and brewed coffee.
Even the aroma couldn’t calm her. freёwebnoѵel.com
Swallowing the hot caffeine, she picked up her phone with one hand.
Scanning her packed schedule, she organized her remaining tasks in her head.
From the moment she stepped into the elevator, requests had poured in nonstop.
NetHolics had already made its position clear during the 〈Seoul Metropolitan City〉 script reading.
If you wanted to ride the wave of massive capital—
now was the time.
The script reading had practically been a showcase.
Once it ended, hidden scripts began stacking up at NetHolics.
Even now, the headquarters was selecting candidates for the next original production.
“We’ll take the power of movie stars anyway....”
Andrea let out a quiet scoff as she thought of Ji Haebeom.
“I didn’t expect it, but he’s surprisingly foolish in some ways.”
Soon, both the power of cinema and television—
would weaken.
Because NetHolics would make it happen.
In an era where people couldn’t even tolerate a fifteen-second ad—
where they paid for premium services, watched everything at 1.5x speed, and checked comments before the video—
no one endured inconvenience anymore.
People like that wouldn’t wait week by week for a drama.
They wouldn’t sit still in a theater and focus on a film.
“So eventually, everyone will come to NetHolics.”
Andrea set her empty cup down.
Her eyes belonged to a workaholic who chose work over sleep, even tonight.
She drew the blackout curtains and turned on both her tablet and laptop.
[〈Seoul Metropolitan City〉 On-site Report]
Andrea reviewed the materials prepared by Studio Another under JC ENM once more.
Among them—
one thing stood out above all else.
[On Jihwa: Screen Time Removed]
