Dazed. No thoughts came to mind.
“….”
She was experiencing firsthand that shouting requires an appropriate level of shock, and right now, her body was frozen like a statue after encountering a strange miracle.
It felt as though time had stopped.
Only after some time had passed was Sua finally able to carefully reflect on what had happened, her mind filled with an overwhelming amount of unfamiliarity.
“Again, again… Just one more time….”
Sua placed her hands on the keyboard once more.
Do, Mi, Sol. Her fingers pressed the keys awkwardly and slowly due to the unfamiliarity.
But the sounds that emerged were each strikingly clear.
It was a strange occurrence. Sua knew she was tone-deaf.
But if she couldn’t hear, how did she know the sound was clear?
Dara-lan—
The music continued. She didn’t need any sheet music.
As long as she wanted to express her feelings through the melody, her fingers moved smoothly, accompanied by a comforting sensation in her ears.
Sua had never properly studied an instrument.
To be precise, she had visited a piano academy to find her talent but quickly quit because her fingers felt stiff like a robot’s.
But now, things were different.
It felt like each of her ten fingers had its own personality. Ten little rabbits appeared under her nails on the keyboard, hopping around joyfully.
“….”
A bead of sweat rolled down her cheek.
It would be a lie to say she wasn’t thrilled.
She had some expectations in mind.
However, the results she now possessed far exceeded all her expectations. It was what people would call a miracle. Sua’s chest swelled with overwhelming emotion.
“This sound, it’s truly beautiful…”
Sua muttered as if entranced.
In her hands lay the culmination of someone else’s life work. Her heightened senses kept whispering to her, telling her that she could easily blend in with music majors.
So, the special ability wasn’t a mere gimmick after all.
Soon, after stopping her playing, Sua checked the new information.
“Ah, wait, there’s so much in my head…”
Sonatas, Hanon, Czerny 30—sheet music to hone her keyboard skills already resided perfectly in Sua’s mind.
Was that all?
Sua, captivated, grabbed a blank piece of paper and a pen lying nearby. There was too much welling up inside her, so she had to jot it down.
The staff lines, ledger lines, treble and bass clefs, note names, accidentals, barlines, measures—all of them formed with almost perfect precision, as if measured with a ruler.
She had unknowingly become an expert in theory as well.
“….”
Sua’s entire body was soaked in sweat.
Her joints trembled, but it wasn’t out of fear. It was a kind of thrill.
“…This is unreal.”
It started as a simple question.
How much impact would script immersion have on her body?
Now she knew the answer.
It had an immense impact. A perfect manifestation.
“So this is what infusion means.”
Of course, Sua hadn’t obtained this result for free. To achieve this, she had to experience the life of the prodigy Ryu Hyun-a hundreds of times—essentially an eternity.
But that was all right. After all, the experience would feel fleeting once it was over. It was worth enduring for the outcome.
“….”
Sua’s hands no longer trembled.
Instead, her lips curved into a faint smile.
“I can challenge various genres. It feels like the road ahead is wide open.”
Moreover, Sua’s purpose became clearer.
She would meet even better collaborators and utilize those connections to acquire better scripts, serving as a stepping stone to elevate her.
Imagining her appearance a few years from now, Sua…
“….”
quietly licked her dry lips.
“Is there any other script around?”
She felt eager to find another script right away.
Action, comedy, cyberpunk, fantasy… so many genres in the world. She wanted to inject each into herself.
At that moment.
─♩♪♬
Sua’s cellphone rang.
The caller was writer Lee Geum-sook. In the past, the mere sight of the name might have startled her, but the current Sua found herself bothered by something else.
‘This is irritating.’
The phone’s chime, resonating through the speaker, sounded to Sua like unrefined noise. It was annoying enough to make her furrow her brow—an indication that even her hearing had improved significantly.
With various thoughts in mind, Sua answered the call.
“Hello.”
“Ms. Artic Fox, did the script turn out all right?” Ms. Lee Geum-sook asked with an anticipatory tone.
“It’s time for Ms. Sua to showcase her interpretation. It’s in a week.”
Finally, it was time to begin the main shoot.
◈◈◈◈◈
Director Kim Jun-ki’s production room was always red.
It started with the red lighting and was punctuated by posters of Kim Jun-ki, all of them provocative. Each one featured female actors, all of them dressed provocatively with revealing outfits, even striking suggestive poses.
Yet, despite the room’s usually stifling heat, it was now icy cold. This was due to Seo Jae-woo, the manager, who had just finished a call with Kim I-seo, the CEO of Mystic.
The conversation content was, of course, a rejection. Mystic’s newcomer, Sua, refused the casting audition for the role of the youngest daughter in a rich family.
“So,”
Kim Jun-ki, who had been ogling the poster’s buttocks, asked.
“A newcomer rejected my work after reading the script?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Just answer my question. Is it true that she refused?”
“…Yes, that’s correct.”
Manager Seo Jae-woo felt like he was standing barefoot on a frozen road.
Still admiring the suggestive posters with a lustful gaze, Kim Jun-ki finally turned around and looked at Seo Jae-woo.
“Seo manager. I let you rave about finding a gem, so I put a stop to all other actors lining up for auditions. Right?”
“That’s correct.”
“Then what do you think others will think when I now have to go around contacting them individually? That this role’s still open. ‘Come audition.’ What kind of impression will that give?”
“Hmm?”
“It’s like ‘whoa, luck’s on my side,’ or ‘I can’t believe I’m this lucky.’ Do you think they’ll even think that?”
“…I think they might.”
“See? Thoughts flow naturally from such situations. ‘Wow, Director Kim Jun-ki is so successful, and yet he’s being criticized.’”
“….”
“Even more so, if I check some other casting reports, it seems they’ve been ignoring me entirely. That’s why they’re reaching out now. Do you think they’ll have those kinds of thoughts?”
“Seems that way.”
“That settles it, doesn’t it?”
“CRACK!”
A bundle of scripts exploded against the manager’s head.
“Either you bring me that so-called promising newcomer, or you don’t even bother mentioning the story. Choose one, and do your job properly. How dare you handle things this way?”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry….”
Though Manager Seo Jae-woo bowed his head repeatedly, Kim Jun-ki’s mood was already ruined.
A moment later, wiping his face with his palm to control his anger, Kim Jun-ki said:
“Jae-woo.”
“Yes, Director.”
“Let’s hear the reason for the rejection. What did they say?”
“It’s…”
Seo Jae-woo observed the atmosphere but decided to be honest.
There was no room for lies in this situation.
“The newcomer said they want to focus on the current work…”
“What?”
“The offer was appreciated, and they wished the movie well…”
“This is ridiculous.”
Kim Jun-ki burst out laughing incredulously, as if someone had just told him the moon was hanging in the sky at noon.
“It’s not like I gave them a guaranteed spot in the project, right? I just gave them the chance to audition. And what? She’s claiming she can’t even come for the audition because she’s focusing on something else?”
Kim Jun-ki was a director whose auditions were packed with actors who would fail but still show up just to leave their mark in front of him.
These actors did it to curry favor with him. They would deliberately create an atmosphere that suggested the audition was very popular, with lots of visitors. The more visitors there were, the more elevated the director’s status would be.
But now, this newcomer, this so-called nobody, had dared to reject even the audition?
Citing the need to focus on their current project?
“Arrogance at its peak. Does this newcomer see themselves so high up they overlook everything else?”
“Yes?”
“That’s not it. It’s not that she’s arrogant, but it’s more like she’s so confident that participating would guarantee her an immediate spot. That’s why she thinks that attending the audition is unnecessary.”
Reflecting on a few things, Manager Seo Jae-woo nodded.
“She does have some acting talent. I saw it myself…”
“Is that important now? Are skilled actors rare? What’s important is that she respects my work. What’s her name?”
“Ah, yes. It’s Sua. She’s affiliated with Mystic.”
“Mystic? The company with Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-joo?”
“That’s right.”
Kim Jun-ki rubbed his temples.
“Kim I-seo, I never thought of her that way. I always thought she had a sharp eye. Now, it seems with Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-joo rising lately, her head’s gotten a bit big. Her judgment seems off.”
Kim Jun-ki scoffed.
“Is she trying to boost her new talent above others by stabbing me in the back? Does she plan to create some buzz about the newcomer rejecting my work to elevate their image, using me as a stepping stone?”
“That doesn’t seem to be the case. The rejection itself was quite polite…”
“Politeness isn’t just about words; it’s about actions. If the newcomer was truly polite, they should’ve come by earlier to at least leave an impression.”
Kim Jun-ki’s shout left Seo Jae-woo speechless.
“This is the second time Mystic has disrespected me. Seo Yeon-joo did the same last time. She acted all arrogant…”
“Yes.”
Seo Jae-woo nodded.
In Kim Jun-ki’s previous project, Yeon-joo was supposed to be cast, but she dropped out decisively during discussions about upgrading the film’s rating from age 15 to all-adults.
And Manager Seo Jae-woo knew that Kim Jun-ki had a longer grudge than most directors.
“Arrogant pups. There’s a directors’ gathering coming up. I think I should tell them not to take these guys. What kind of attitude is this supposed to keep their bowl filled?”
Seo bowed deeply at the chilling words.
“I’m sorry. It’s all my mistake…”
“You just focus on your duties for now. Don’t try anything rash. Understand? And find someone famous for the role of the youngest daughter in the rich family.”
“Yes.”
“Someone with enough fame to make it seem like the role was predetermined, making us look like the dominant party in every situation. Because we are the dominant ones, right?”
“Yes!”
Without delay, promotions for Kim Jun-ki’s new work began. With everything prepared except the role of the youngest daughter in the wealthy family, things could move swiftly.
[What’s the release date of Kim Jun-ki and Bae In-sol’s luxurious new work, ‘Money is Everything’?]
[ ‘Money is Everything,’ Kim Jun-ki said, “I’ll show all the pleasures money can buy. The audience should be ready for it.”]
The hits keep coming from the renowned director’s new work.
It was more than enough to set the internet ablaze.
◈◈◈◈◈
Inside a secret club party room.
“Girls! It’s been a long time!”
“Wow, how long has it been?”
“Haven’t done a live broadcast together for ages.”
Five women gathered in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
‘Neo Live’ was a corporate virtual YouTuber group that brought together various unique VTubers, earning widespread popularity. All five members boasted a considerable number of subscribers.
Reaping the benefits of the flood of new viewers, they were currently riding a high in terms of their market value. To the point that looping reaction videos—like A watches B, B watches C, C watches D—would generate impressive earnings. Their popularity had flourished without any controversies unlike some other companies, which helped maintain a consistently strong influx of followers, eventually cementing them as a major conglomerate.
Today, all five members gathered for a group break in this private party room to unwind and have some fun.
And among them, none other than Go Eun-bi stood out, as she always did.
“Eun-bi, you’re still wild today.”
“Why does Eun-bi even do VTubing…?”
“Well said, she looks so much prettier in person without the mask….”
The other members, their lower faces covered with masks, chimed in.
Go Eun-bi confidently revealed her face. She had her hair in two braids, was wearing a diorama dress, and had intricate nail art on her long nails. Ribbons adorned her outfit everywhere, embodying the internet stereotype often referred to as “menhera” fashion.
“Eun-bi, why didn’t she hit the red-button scandal? It should’ve been a boon instead.”
“Well, maybe I’ll just let it explode.”
Having heard such comments countless times, Eun-bi’s reaction was indifferent. She briefly scanned her surroundings before finally speaking.
“Enough about me. By the way, you seem to be in a good mood today, sis. You usually looked like you were about to die.”
This prompted a moment of silence from the woman in the black mask. The other members tilted their heads in unison at this observation.
“Hmm, you’re right. Why aren’t you crying today?”
“Every time we met recently, you were crying. Today you smile?”
After contemplating for a moment, the woman in the black mask finally spoke, as if making a decision.
“….”
“I’ve been struggling, but it feels like my issue will finally be resolved. After some thought, I believe I can confide in you girls now.”
Her sober tone made the other members quickly turn off the music. Everyone filled their cups with alcohol and eagerly asked questions.
“What is it? What is it? I’ve been dying of curiosity!”
“First, you know how I mentioned before I aimed to become an actress? I was practicing acting all day…”
“Yes, you said that on-stream too, right?”
“Well, the reason I quit was because of one director. You’ll recognize him when I say this—he’s the guy who makes the most outrageous films…”
“The most outlandish ones? Oh, I know. They’re cruel and explicit!”
The woman in the black mask nodded.
“Yes. At first, the movie was rated for 15 years and older, but they suddenly switched it to adults-only. It turns out that’s the type of director he is, and he always pulls these last-minute changes.”
“So, what changed when it became adults-only?”
“Yes. He told me to undress.”
“Eh?”
A brief silence.
The woman in the black mask calmly continued, despite the wide-eyed stares of her fellow members.
“I didn’t know what else to do but obey. It seemed like such a normal request, and I foolishly thought it was just part of the job.”
Her breathing grew heavier as she went on.
“But the demands escalated. Later on, he would personally ask me to undress outside of filming, claiming it was necessary to see what would ultimately end up in the camera to ensure authenticity.”
“Are you serious? How could anyone dare to ask that?”
“Not just that. Every time after filming, he would insist it was done for my development as an unknown talent, telling me I should be grateful.”
“Wow…”
“In the end, he even requested sexual favors. He’d mention other celebrities’ names, stating that all of them had gone through this process, and suggested I should treat it the same way…”
The horrifying revelations about the director’s reprehensible conduct left her fellow members dumbfounded and their faces contorted with disgust.
“Really, how does this garbage even continue to work?”
“He deserves to be completely wiped out. How could someone like that continue being called a director?”
The woman in the black mask nodded.
“I was always troubled by this, but finally, the issue is about to be resolved.”
“Really? How?”
“There are so many more victims besides me. We’ve already made a report to a current affairs program. It will soon become public, and the facts have already reached the journalists. I’m a little nervous, but…”
“As long as you won’t suffer any backlash…”
“No need to worry. Some of the victims have been collecting thorough evidence alongside the injustices they’ve endured.”
“Phew, that’s good. What’s this trash director’s name?”
“Right. It’s Director Kim Jun-ki. He’s about to pay for his crimes next week.”
Meanwhile, as everyone congratulated the masked woman with pats on her shoulder, Go Eun-bi quietly shook her head, muttering under her breath.
“Really gives me chills. I’m glad I’m a virtual YouTuber.”
Her eyes, however, were glued to her phone, her long nails tapping away.
[Deer: Hey Sua!]
[Deer: Unmute my chat, damn it!]
[Deer: Unmute it, unmute it, unmute it, you hamster!]
[Deer: I’ll beat you until your butt explodes!]
[Deer: Or should I really jump off??…]
