135: Chapter 135 Use whoever understands the character best.

The intensity of this episode of 《Running Man》 was greater than Song Tianhao had anticipated.

From hair and makeup at six in the morning to the end of the final game recording at ten in the evening, a full sixteen hours were spent moving between various locations in downtown Seoul.

Running, chasing, mud pits, water guns...

Even for someone like Song Tianhao, who maintained a high-intensity workout routine, his calf muscles felt sore when he sat in the van after filming ended.

"If the ratings don't explode, it won't be worth the sweat I shed today," he said, unbuttoning the top button of his collar and speaking to Jang Se-hoon, who was sitting in the passenger seat.

Jang Se-hoon looked at him through the rearview mirror and smiled: "The PD said the result was very good, especially the segment where you carried Jessica Jung on your back to complete the 'Carry a Teammate Through the Mud Pit' mission; it will be a highlight in the edit. Also, Tiffany Hwang's 'I Hate Mondays' joke should go viral."

Song Tianhao closed his eyes and rubbed his temples: "How are Jessica's feet? Her expression seemed off halfway through."

"I asked the accompanying doctor, and they said it's fine, just a bit tired. It will be better after a hot compress when she gets back," Jang Se-hoon said, handing him a bottle of water. "It's you, President, pushing yourself so hard on your first variety show appearance; your muscles will be sore tomorrow."

"I'm used to it," Song Tianhao said, taking a sip of water. Just then, his phone vibrated.

It was a message from Park So-yeon: "Oppa, is the recording finished? Are you tired? Hyomin made samgyetang; do you want to come over and have some?"

Song Tianhao looked at the screen, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, and replied: "Just finished, very tired. But I need to go back to the company to handle some things, I'll come over later."

"Okay, then we'll wait for you. We'll wait no matter how late it is."

As soon as the message was sent, another call came in. The caller ID showed Son Ye-jin.

Song Tianhao raised an eyebrow and answered: "Son Ye-jin?"

"President Song, I hope I'm not disturbing your rest?" Son Ye-jin's voice sounded on the other end of the line, gentle and slightly apologetic. "I heard you recorded a variety show all day today, you must be very tired."

"I'm fine. Is there something, Son Ye-jin?"

"It's like this," Son Ye-jin paused, seemingly choosing her words carefully, "A director friend of mine, Director Lee Chang-dong, is preparing a new movie called dark light》. It's a suspense art film, the subject matter... is a bit sensitive, and the investment required is quite large, so he has encountered some difficulties.

Through me, he wants to ask if you would be interested in looking at the script?"

Director Lee Chang-dong. Information about this name flashed quickly through Song Tianhao's mind. One of South Korea's top directors, his works were known for profound social criticism and humanistic concern. He had won Best Screenplay at Cannes and was a true auteur director. However, movies by such directors usually didn't have strong commercial appeal, and the investment risk was high.

"What kind of subject matter is so sensitive that even Director Lee can't pull in investment?" Song Tianhao asked.

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the line, then Son Ye-jin's voice lowered: "The movie is about a nurse at a psychiatric hospital, but the core involves... corruption in the medical system, power-for-money deals, and the plight of women. The script is excellent, but it's too dark. Several large companies saw it and said, 'The artistry is very high, but the box office is not guaranteed,' and politely declined. Director Lee covered a portion of the money himself, but there is still a large gap."

Song Tianhao tapped his fingers lightly on his knee: "Do you have the script?"

"I have it here. Director Lee said if you are interested, we can meet to talk anytime. He said..." Son Ye-jin paused again, a hint of complex emotion in her voice, "He said this movie needs an investor who can carry the box office and has guts. Not just money, but the courage to take on this hot potato."

"Time, place."

"Can it be tonight? Director Lee said he will wait for you no matter how late."

Song Tianhao glanced at his watch; it was 10:40 PM. He was indeed very tired today, but...

"One hour from now, at the 'Songwol' traditional teahouse in Cheongdam-dong. You know the place, right?"

"I know it. I will accompany Director Lee there."

"Good."

Hanging up the phone, Song Tianhao said to Jang Se-hoon: "Sehun, we're not going to the company. Go to the 'Songwol' teahouse in Cheongdam-dong."

Jang Se-hoon looked at him through the rearview mirror: "President, is it that Director Lee Chang-dong? His movies..."

"I know," Song Tianhao said, leaning back in his seat and closing his eyes. "High risk, polarized reviews, uncertain box office. But he came to me not because I'm foolish with money, but because Son Ye-jin connected us, and he thinks Sky Entertainment might be different from others."

"Do you want to take it?"

"Let's look at the script first," Song Tianhao opened his eyes. Outside the car window, the dazzling night view of Seoul flashed by rapidly. "To make a director of his level come out personally and wait for an investor in the middle of the night, this script... should be interesting."

The 'Songwol' teahouse was located deep in a quiet alley in Cheongdam-dong. It was a traditional hanok building, and there were no customers at this hour. Paper lanterns swayed gently under the eaves, and warm, dim light shone from inside the sliding doors.

Song Tianhao told Jang Se-hoon to wait in the car and pushed the door open to enter.

A middle-aged hostess wearing a hanbok came up to greet him, bowing respectfully: "President Song, Director Lee and Son Ye-jin are already waiting for you in the 'Plum Room'."

"Thank you."

Following the hostess through a small courtyard, there was the sound of trickling water from bamboo tubes on both sides of the pebble path. Pushing open the sliding door of the 'Plum Room', the scent of tea mixed with a faint sandalwood fragrance wafted towards him.

The room was not large, with standard Korean-style ondol heating and a low table in the middle. Director Lee Chang-dong sat in the main seat, his hair graying, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a simple dark gray sweater; his demeanor was elegant and calm.

Son Ye-jin sat on his right, wearing no makeup, her hair loosely tied behind her head, dressed in an off-white knitted sweater and a long skirt, looking softer than she did on camera.

Seeing Song Tianhao enter, both stood up.

"Director Lee, Son Ye-jin, sorry for the wait," Song Tianhao bowed slightly.

"President Song, it is our intrusion to bother you so late," Director Lee Chang-dong returned the bow. His tone was calm, but his eyes were very sharp—the kind of look unique to directors who have spent years observing people and society.

Son Ye-jin also bowed: "President Song, thank you for coming."

The three of them sat down. The hostess quietly served tea, then exited and closed the door.

The tea was warm, high-quality pre-rain green tea, with an elegant aroma. But no one touched it.

Director Lee Chang-dong took a thick script directly from his old canvas bag and pushed it in front of Song Tianhao. On the cover were two handwritten characters: dark light》.

"President Song, I won't waste time with pleasantries. It's late, and you've had a tiring day," Director Lee Chang-dong got straight to the point, pointing a finger at the script. "This is the script; please take a look first. The investment needed is 12 billion won. Currently, I have raised 3 billion won myself, and there is still a gap of 9 billion won.

The movie is a suspense art film. The estimated shooting period is four months, with three months for post-production, aiming for Cannes next year. As for the box office... honestly, I can't guarantee it. The subject matter is sensitive, screenings might be restricted, and the commercial return rate is highly likely to be negative."

Director Lee Chang-dong was very direct. No sugarcoating, no misleading, just laying the worst-case scenario out on the table.

Song Tianhao didn't speak; he picked up the script and opened it.

The first page was a character profile. Female lead: Yoon Soo-ah, 28 years old, a nurse at a private psychiatric hospital in Seoul. Personality: Gentle, patient, meticulous, deeply trusted by patients. Background: Grew up in an orphanage, finished nursing school on scholarships, and is struggling on her own in Seoul.

He continued flipping through. The main plotline involved a series of "accidental deaths" of patients at the psychiatric hospital. After an investigation, the police ruled them as suicides, but a new intern doctor felt something was wrong and began investigating in secret.

As the investigation deepened, all clues subtly pointed to the person who seemed the least likely: the nurse Yoon Soo-ah, who was deeply loved by patients and was serious and responsible in her work.

The script was written extremely well. The dialogue was concise, the scene descriptions were cinematic, and the character development was solid.

More importantly, the dark core of this story, just as Son Ye-jin had said, pointed directly at the festering sores beneath the glossy surface of South Korean society: corruption in the medical system, the powerful using psychiatric hospitals to "dispose of" disobedient people, and the alienation and resistance of low-level nurses crushed by the system.

Song Tianhao's page-turning speed became slower and slower.

When he reached the middle of the script, where Yoon Soo-ah had a three-page monologue talking to herself in the mirror in the nurse's lounge late at night, a few lines of system prompts popped up in his mind:

[Invest in this project, expected financial return: -30% to -50%]

[But can obtain: Blue Dragon Film Awards Best Picture probability +40%, Cannes Film Festival competition entry probability +35%, Director/Actor award possibility +60%]

[Social influence gain: Medium-High]

[Note: This film may touch upon certain interest groups, triggering subsequent commercial retaliation, risk level: Medium-High]

Song Tianhao's gaze lingered on the "Social influence gain" line for two seconds, then he continued flipping forward.

About two-thirds of the way through the script, on a blank page, a line of delicate, small handwriting was written in pencil, looking like a reader's note:

"Yoon Soo-ah's madness stems from the ultimate protection. What exactly is it that she wants to protect?"

It was Son Ye-jin's handwriting. Song Tianhao recognized it; he had seen her signature when they signed the contract earlier.

He turned the page calmly and finished reading the last few scenes. He closed the script, picked up the tea that had already gone cold, and took a sip.

Director Lee Chang-dong waited quietly the whole time without rushing him. Son Ye-jin was a bit nervous, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of her teacup.

"Director Lee," Song Tianhao put down the teacup and looked at Director Lee Chang-dong. "The script is very good. It's a script that can win awards."

Director Lee Chang-dong's eyes brightened slightly, but he didn't speak, waiting for what was next.

"I'll invest," Song Tianhao said, his tone as calm as if he were talking about the weather today. "The 9 billion won gap, Sky Entertainment will cover it. However, I have one condition."

"Please say it," Director Lee Chang-dong leaned forward slightly.

"I want to participate in the casting," Song Tianhao looked into Director Lee Chang-dong's eyes. "Especially for the female lead, Yoon Soo-ah. Do you have a preferred candidate for this role?"

The room was quiet for a few seconds.

Director Lee Chang-dong and Son Ye-jin exchanged a glance. Son Ye-jin bit her lower lip, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately didn't open her mouth.

"To tell you the truth, President Song," Director Lee Chang-dong spoke slowly, his voice a bit lower. "Son Ye-jin really wants to play this role. We have talked about it many times in private, and her understanding of Yoon Soo-ah is very profound; the notes on the page you just saw were written by her."

"She even went to a psychiatric hospital to volunteer for a month for this role, observing the work status and mental state of the nursing staff."

Song Tianhao looked at Son Ye-jin. Son Ye-jin raised her head, her eyes holding a near-stubborn gleam. It wasn't the gentle and elegant Son Ye-jin usually seen in front of the camera, but an actor's craving for a good role.

"However," Director Lee Chang-dong shifted the conversation, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness, "the several investors we contacted previously all felt that Ms. Son Ye-jin is 'too expensive,' and her past image is too 'fairy-like.' They feel the audience won't buy it if she plays such a dark and complex role, and the risk is too high. They prefer another actress, Ms. Han Hyo-joo."

Han Hyo-joo, born in 1987, is five years younger than Son Ye-jin. Her upward momentum is very strong; she just won Best Actress in a TV series at the Baeksang Arts Awards last year. Her image is pure and sweet, and she is well-liked by the audience.

"Ms. Han Hyo-joo's management contract is under CJ Entertainment."

Director Lee Chang-dong paused, tapped his fingers on the table twice, and lowered his voice even further. "CJ Entertainment indicated that if the actor they invest in gets this role, they will increase their investment and use their connections to guarantee the film's screening schedule in CJ-affiliated theaters. But the prerequisite is..."

He stopped and looked at Song Tianhao. Song Tianhao raised an eyebrow: "The prerequisite is?"

"The prerequisite is that the female lead must be Han Hyo-joo," Director Lee Chang-dong said, his tone clearly displeased. "Furthermore, they want to modify the script to make Yoon Soo-ah's 'darkening' motivation more 'reasonable,' weaken the criticism of the social system, and ideally add some... more commercial elements. For example, strengthen the romantic subplot with the intern doctor, and make the ending brighter."

Beside them, a young assistant brought by Director Lee Chang-dong, who looked like the director's student or apprentice, couldn't help but mutter in a low voice: "Doesn't Sky Entertainment mainly do idols and pop music? Film investment... and this kind of movie, will it work..."

The voice wasn't loud, but it was very clear in the quiet teahouse. Director Lee Chang-dong frowned and scolded: "Dong-min!" The assistant named Dong-min immediately lowered his head: "I'm sorry, Director, I spoke out of turn."

Song Tianhao smiled, looked at the young assistant, his tone peaceful, but his words carried great weight: "What Sky does is 'entertainment.' Movies are entertainment, and idols are also entertainment. Good works do not distinguish by form. Any problems?"

Dong-min's face flushed red, and he shook his head repeatedly: "No, no problem, President Song, it was my slip of the tongue."

Song Tianhao stopped looking at him and turned to Director Lee Chang-dong, leaning back, his hands resting on his knees in a relaxed but unquestionable posture: "Director Lee, my conditions are very simple. Casting will be an open, fair audition. Whether it's Ms. Son Ye-jin, Ms. Han Hyo-joo, or any other actor you think is suitable, they can all come to audition."

He paused, and said clearly, word by word: "I have only one requirement: whoever is most suitable to play Yoon Soo-ah, whoever understands this role best, will be the one used. As for the other 'requirements,'" he emphasized the pronunciation of these two words, "I will handle them."

Director Lee Chang-dong looked at Song Tianhao for a long time. This director, known for being picky and stubborn, saw his gaze shift from scrutiny to surprise, and finally, it was tinged with a complex light. He slowly exhaled and extended his hand: "President Song, happy to work with you."

Song Tianhao shook his hand: "Happy to work with you."

The letter of intent for investment was brought by Director Lee Chang-dong. It was a simple two-page document with no major terms filled in, only the project name, director, estimated investment amount, and blank signature spaces.

Song Tianhao took a fountain pen from his inner suit pocket—a Montblanc that looked like it had seen some years, with a deep blue resin barrel and gold trim. He unscrewed the cap and signed his name in the investor signature column. The handwriting was vigorous and powerful, carrying an air of decisiveness and sharp determination.

In the investment amount column, he filled in: 9 billion South Korean Won. Then, in the remarks column, he added a line of text in the same powerful handwriting: [Investor requirement: The final credits of the film must present 'Sky Pictures Presents' as the first-priority production company.]

Director Lee Chang-dong looked at that line of text, then looked at Song Tianhao's calm face, and suddenly laughed—a truly relieved laugh: "President Song, that line of yours is worth more than 9 billion."

Song Tianhao closed the pen cap and pushed the letter of intent back: "I don't care about the returns. I want 'Sky Pictures Presents' to always follow the name of this film. That is enough."

With matters settled, the atmosphere relaxed significantly. They chatted a bit more about shooting plans and scheduling. Director Lee Chang-dong seemed to be in a real rush, saying he still had to meet the art director, so he stood up to take his leave. The assistant named Dong-min hugged his briefcase, bowed respectfully to Song Tianhao, and left with the director.

Only Song Tianhao and Son Ye-jin remained in the teahouse. Son Ye-jin hadn't spoken much, just listening quietly, occasionally refilling their teacups. At this moment, she finally raised her head, looking at Song Tianhao, her eyes shining with a bright light: "President Song, thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?" Song Tianhao poured himself a cup of fresh tea, the steam swirling. "Thank you... for being willing to invest in this film," Son Ye-jin said very seriously. "And thank you for being willing to give me a fair chance to compete. Director Lee said that without investor support, he might have really compromised, used Han Hyo-joo, and then changed the script. Then this script would be ruined."

"You recommended the script to me, so if anyone should thank anyone, I should thank you," Song Tianhao said. "However, do you really want to play Yoon Soo-ah?" "I do. In all my years since debut, I've filmed many movies—romance, comedy, action... but this role of Yoon Soo-ah is the most complex, most challenging, and most... heartbreaking one I've ever seen."

Son Ye-jin didn't hesitate, her hands unconsciously gripping her knees. "She isn't a born villain, she just..." She paused, seemingly searching for the right words: "She just chose an extreme way in this rotten system to protect what she thinks is worth protecting. Even if that way makes her a monster herself."

Song Tianhao looked at her. At this moment, Son Ye-jin had shed the halo of a big star and looked more like a pure actress, her eyes burning with desire and devotion for the role. "Then prepare well," Song Tianhao said. "The audition time is set, and I will be there." Son Ye-jin nodded vigorously: "I will."

By the time they left the teahouse, it was past midnight. Jang Se-hoon was waiting in the car. Seeing Song Tianhao come out, he immediately got out and opened the back seat door. "President, back to the apartment or..." "Back to the company first." Song Tianhao sat in the car, rubbing his temples. "Contact Team Leader Kim of the company's legal risk control group. Tell him to go to my office tomorrow morning—no, wait, right now—and wait. I have something to ask him."

"Right now?" Jang Se-hoon checked the time—12:10 AM. "Yes, right now." Song Tianhao closed his eyes. "Also, investigate CJ Entertainment's operations in film investment and artist management over the last two years, especially cases involving 'special clauses' for actresses. The more detailed, the better. Keep it low-key; don't alert them."

Jang Se-hoon's expression became serious: "Yes, President." The car drove toward the building in Cheongdam-dong where Sky Entertainment is located. Seoul in the deep night was still brightly lit, but the streets were much emptier.

Song Tianhao leaned back in his seat, his mind replaying the scenes from the teahouse just now. Director Lee Chang-dong's candor, Son Ye-jin's desire, and that young assistant's remark: "Doesn't Sky only do idols?"... He opened his eyes and took out his phone. The screen lit up with a faint glow in the dim car cabin. He unlocked it; the screen was still on the page of the script where Son Ye-jin had written her notes. "Yoon Soo-ah's madness stems from extreme protection. What exactly is it that she wants to protect?"

Song Tianhao's fingers lightly brushed over that elegant handwriting on the screen. The answer to this question was actually hinted at in the script, but not explicitly stated. What Yoon Soo-ah wanted to protect was the older sister who brought her out of the orphanage, put her through school, and was ultimately driven insane and locked in a mental hospital by powerful figures. But deeper down, perhaps it was the last faint hope in her heart for "goodness" and "justice," the twisted "justice" she tried to maintain in the dark system in her own way. Very dark, very profound, and also... dangerous.

Just as he was thinking this, his phone suddenly vibrated, and a new message popped up. Sender: Son Ye-jin. "President Song, I heard you took on 'dark light'? Thank you. Regarding Yoon Soo-ah, I have some thoughts; would it be possible to discuss them in person?" Almost simultaneously, another message from an unknown number cut in: "Hello, President Song, I am actress Han Hyo-joo. Apologies for the intrusion, regarding the 'dark light' audition, there are some situations... could I invite you for a cup of coffee?"

Two messages, less than three seconds apart. Song Tianhao looked at the two messages displayed side-by-side on the screen, his gaze lingering on the name "Han Hyo-joo" for a few seconds. He recalled the extra prompt that had popped up in his mind earlier at the teahouse: [Detected "potential coerced target": Han Hyo-joo, associated quest "Break the unspoken rules" has been generated.]

He also recalled Director Lee Chang-dong's hesitant remark: "CJ... has some other requirements." The night wind blew in from the half-open car window, carrying the chill of early autumn. Song Tianhao was silent for a few seconds, then looked up and said to the driver: "We aren't going back to the company yet. Go to Cheongdam-dong, to that 24-hour bookstore cafe." "Yes, President."

The black sedan turned at the intersection and drove into another street. The taillights traced two red arcs in the night, quickly disappearing into the depths of the city's neon lights.