Translator: Marctempest
Editor: Rynfinity
Chapter 126
“Is it really that bad?”
“Yes.”
There was no more to say.
I had read countless scripts and scenarios before, experiencing a wide range of emotions, but this was the first time I felt like this.
‘This must be what people mean when they say they want to unsee something.’
Rubbing my eyes irritably, Jin-bae hyung gently removed my hand.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen you react like this, actor. Since we’re not obligated to give feedback, I’ll just convey your refusal.”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Then, what should we do with this scarf?”
Jin-bae hyung held up the scarf that came with the script.
It was a new, packaged item, different from the scarf I had given to Director Jang as a gift.
Normally, knowing the significance behind it, I would have at least accepted the scarf, but I didn’t want to see it now either.
So, I asked him to return the scarf as well. I felt disgusted.
“Understood. Since there are no more appointments, shall we head home?”
“Oh, then let’s—”
I was about to suggest we go for a drive as Jin-bae hyung was packing up when there was a knock and the meeting room door burst open.
It was Team Leader Woo, looking urgent.
“Thank goodness you’re still here.”
“What’s the matter?”
“The CEO is looking for you.”
“……”
Seeing Team Leader Woo gesture upstairs, I sighed.
Right, today must be one of those days.
* * *
“……”
“……CEO. Please say something.”
It had been quite a while since I last saw CEO Jang.
So, I entered the CEO’s office with a somewhat pleased feeling, but I felt awkward seeing him just silently staring at my face.
Even when I repeatedly asked why he called me, he just kept staring, so I stayed silent.
If someone has something to say, they should speak first.
‘I hope just staring at my face isn’t the reason he called me.’
Hoping he had something else in mind, I waited patiently.
CEO Jang finally spoke after about five minutes.
“You…”
“…?”
“How is that even possible?”
He wasn’t talking to me. It was a monologue.
CEO Jang continued to stare intently at my face, muttering to himself.
“I’ve never seen anyone like you… What should I do with you?”
What was he doing?
I looked at Jin-bae hyung for help, but he also seemed perplexed.
After a long period of muttering, CEO Jang let out a deep sigh and concluded.
“I never thought I’d say this, but I have to be honest to ease my conscience.”
“Yes.”
“Have you ever thought about moving to another agency?”
“……Excuse me?”
What was he talking about now?
“Objectively, our agency is the best for actors. But that’s only within Korea. That’s why I’m asking.”
“CEO, may I ask why you’re saying this?”
I thought he might be joking, but CEO Jang looked serious.
“I met with Director Yoon Kang-yeon this morning. Also stopped by his studio.”
“I didn’t know you were acquainted with Director Yoon.”
“We weren’t. It was my first time meeting him today.”
“…?”
He visited a studio of someone he met for the first time?
My confusion deepened with his next words.
“Since I was there, I watched the final cut of Twins. The editing was well done.”
“…….”
I, the lead actor, hadn’t even seen it yet? I was dumbfounded and simultaneously impressed.
Despite Director Yoon’s whimsical nature, he was meticulous about his work.
Did he threaten him somehow? No, Yoon wasn’t the type to cave under threats.
I remembered what Hyung said when he first introduced CEO Jang.
‘Ha, Yeon-jae. Meet him. He’s a no-nonsense but highly competent CEO.’
He really was competent. I was curious about what he had done.
‘Anyway.’
So what did watching the final cut of Twins have to do with switching agencies?
Reading the question on my face, CEO Jang spoke first.
“I’ve been in this business for 30 years. I’ve seen dozens of kids who act like they’re possessed and hundreds who are stunningly handsome. But I’ve never seen anyone like you.”
“…….”
“Of course, that makes me want you even more. But it also scares me. I feel like the support we provide is too insignificant to handle your talent.”
“So you’re asking if I’m considering changing agencies?”
“Yes. Honestly, I want to take back my words. It’s such a waste, really. Tsk.”
The way he scratched his head showed his frustration.
It was the frustration of someone who couldn’t make things go their way.
Watching him quietly, I calmly asked.
“What agency are you suggesting instead of Woo-yeon?”
“I’d bet my career that you’ll become a major actor within five years. You’ll soar even more when you’re an adult. You’re learning English, right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. With English skills, you could break into Hollywood. Considering that, joining a global agency with international actors would be best for you. I’ve already made some contacts; you can decide from them.”
CEO Jang’s face looked troubled. It was an expression I’d never seen before.
He had always seemed clumsy, haphazard, or like a shrewd businessman.
‘Hyung and I misunderstood him.’
Could a real miser say such things? It was impossible according to my common sense.
So, after thinking for a moment, I asked.
“Do you really think I have that much talent?”
“After watching the footage, Director Yoon said one thing. That capturing you on camera would be his greatest achievement. I feel the same.”
“…….”
“When the movie comes out, everyone will think the same. Seriously… Ha, it really is so frustratingly wasteful, but what can I do. I’ll have to brag about you being in our agency for at least a year.”
Seeing his expression, I suggested he smoke if he wanted to.
After briefly hesitating, CEO Jang saw Jin-bae hyung’s look and put the cigarette pack back.
“Has our agency never had actors advance overseas?”
“Not a few. These days, Korean actors are often recognized abroad thanks to Netfl✻✻. That’s why we formed a global team last year.”
“Then can’t that team support me—”
“No. You’re beyond our capabilities. Or, we could handle it, but… Ah, I don’t know. I don’t want to take the risk.”
Only then did CEO Jang revert to the face I knew, whining.
“A groundbreaking actor who’s never emerged from Korea will be born. Just the thought of ruining that is horrifying. That’s a crime.”
“Then you should do better than before.”
“…….”
CEO Jang, who had been shaking his legs, stopped.
Regardless of his nickname as a ‘miser,’ he had been honest from the beginning until now.
And I liked honest people.
“To be honest, I don’t think I act well enough to receive such praise. I just do my best each time.”
“That’s what genius is….”
“Yes. Thank you for the compliment. So, you should do your best too.”
I continued calmly.
“Hire more capable staff and utilize human resources as much as you can. Your job is to create an environment where all actors, not just me, can perform well.”
“……Do you believe I can do that?”
No, I didn’t believe.
I believed in nothing.
But if I truly acted as well as he just said.
“Yes, I believe.”
“…….”
“So I want to stay here. I want to keep working with you.”
Then this would sound genuine too.
I quietly faced CEO Jang. After seeing his face, I realized.
‘I really am good at acting.’
CEO Jang’s face was adorned with the deepest, most satisfied smile I’d ever seen, with dimples prominently showing.
* * *
After that day, CEO Jang issued a special directive for my team, Team 1.
‘Review anything Lee Yeon-jae wants to do without rejection.’
He had initially wanted to say, ‘Let Lee Yeon-jae do whatever he wants,’ but I convinced him to change it.
There was no need to dampen the morale of hardworking people.
Just because an actor performs well doesn’t mean the project will succeed. Countless people support an entertainer behind the scenes.
No matter how well I acted, I couldn’t surpass the expertise of those who had worked in this industry for years.
Every time I listened to Team Leader Woo’s words, I realized how much they had to consider.
In other words, I was a rookie who couldn’t do anything alone.
I had to accept all the help I could within my limits.
‘That way, I can keep seeing those lights.’
I recalled the starlight I saw at the fan meeting.
Lately, apart from practicing acting and thinking about Mist, I spent my time reminiscing about the fan meeting. I wanted to go back to that moment.
“Yeon-jae, can we move on to the next chapter?”
“Oh. Yes, sorry.”
I spaced out for a moment. I quickly turned the page.
I was in the middle of an English lesson provided by the agency.
After the test, the teacher had been dissatisfied with my pronunciation, but her expression changed the second time we met after the fan meeting.
‘Suddenly, your pronunciation… It’s only been two weeks. What have you been doing?’
‘I practiced.’
‘…….’
The teacher looked at me as if she was seeing a creature for the first time.
Regardless, the lesson quality was better than expected. So this is why kids go to private academies.
I had never been dissatisfied with school classes before, but the one-on-one lessons progressed quickly.
“Your grammar is perfect now. Next time, we’ll focus on commonly used words and sentences.”
“Yes. Thank you for today.”
“I’ve taught many celebrities, but I’ve never seen anyone improve as quickly as you. I’m more grateful.”
I responded with a casual smile to the courteous compliment.
I knew there wasn’t much meaning behind such words.
It was like a wedding planner telling a bride, ‘You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.’
When I stepped out of the classroom, Jin-bae hyung, who had been sitting in the hallway, quickly stood up.
“Have you finished your lesson, actor?”
“Yes. Thank you for waiting. Let’s go home now.”
I was eager to read the rest of an intriguing script I found yesterday as soon as I got home.
If only Jin-bae hyung hadn’t said this with a troubled expression.
“Actor, someone is waiting for you outside.”