The video call between Kim I-seo and Sua continued.
“…It’s excellent, isn’t it?”
This was Kim I-seo’s immediate reaction upon confirming Sua’s appearance. Despite the distance, they faced each other on the screen and conversed.
“Sua, are you saying that this was filmed exactly as it is now?”
“Yes.”
“And all of this is Sua’s idea, correct?”
Sua nodded, and Kim I-seo couldn’t help but be impressed.
‘Excellent. Very excellent.’
Although it was so different from the style Kim I-seo had originally anticipated, one couldn’t say the result was poor. In fact, the outcome far exceeded expectations, leaving her astonished.
‘I like it because it doesn’t feel artificially arranged. It’s not excessive, and above all, it’s natural. This way, any initial resistance is sure to decrease.’
Kim I-seo thought this and examined Sua again.
Since the styling was hastily removed, some strands of her hair floated, and her white hair felt coarse overall. However, even amidst this, her features remained strikingly clear.
‘The sensation of potential in an unfinished state… I almost feel like experimenting with it. Was that on purpose?’
People marvel at already completed works, but when they see the potential in an unfinished state, they dream. They inevitably develop the thought of wanting to be part of its journey to completion.
In Kim I-seo’s view, Sua’s current appearance penetrated that point beautifully. Given how perceptive she considered herself, it was certain to resonate with others as well.
“Sua, good job. Thank you for your hard work.”
Therefore, this was the best Kim I-seo could say.
Cheered by this, the representative continued.
“By the way, I’ve already let it be known that you won’t be auditioning for Director Kim Jun-ki’s project. I hear Director Seo Jae-woo has been really pushing hard. He pressured endlessly to at least make an appearance.”
Sua then recalled Director Kim Jun-ki’s movie, “Life is All About Money.” Ah, yes. There was such a film.
…Isn’t it common sense to forget about Grade 6 movies like that?
“Thank you.”
Sua responded briefly.
She was grateful to the efficient Kim I-seo and even to the Grade 6 script of “Life is All About Money.”
Anyway, thanks to them, she became more aware of the potential of her special abilities and even acquired piano skills and music theory.
‘Is my personality changing bit by bit due to this special ability…?’
Lately, Sua had sensed herself becoming more mature somehow. Kim I-seo’s words continued at that moment.
“Anyway, I declined as best as I could. Sua is a newcomer, so focus solely on ‘Special Mobile Squad 808’ for now.”
“That’s fine.”
“More than fine. Sua, it’s the story that your heart doesn’t race for this opportunity… If I had said it directly, they would’ve really freaked out.”
Kim I-seo shuddered even imagining it.
“Of course, even now with softened delivery, the person might be stirring up a fuss. Director Kim Jun-ki’s resentment runs deep. There was friction even when we discussed Yeon-joo’s appearance.”
“In many ways, he’s a tiresome person.”
“It’s because he prioritizes face over logic. He thinks newcomers like Sua must stamp their appearance on his auditions at all costs. In young people’s terms, a rigid old-timer, right?”
Sua just nodded.
The so-called penalty of resentment? Honestly, it doesn’t even feel like a penalty.
Isn’t it a hundred times better to bear with the resentment than to dive entirely into a Grade 6 movie?
Yeah, smart Sua.
“Stamp appearances are kind of… It feels like they’re giving importance to the act of visiting rather than the actual performance. I want to give my best every time.”
Sua inwardly marveled. See this, see this, I’ve changed a bit, haven’t I? I’m effortlessly giving such a different response now.
“I like Sua’s attitude too. Plus, if you accidentally passed, it would become even harder to step back. We can only deal with getting awkward with the Kim Jun-ki line going forward.”
“Yes.”
At that moment, Kim I-seo, observing Sua’s reaction, thought.
‘She doesn’t seem scared even when it’s mentioned that she’s crossed swords with a renowned director? Is it because she’s bold, or does she have a plan?’
For some reason, Kim I-seo felt Sua belonged to the latter.
Kim I-seo momentarily imagined Sua even gathering her own troupe and achieving various things but soon dismissed the thought. It was too far-fetched to consider for now.
There is one conclusion. The spilled water is already gone.
Kim I-seo trusted this Sua.
“Sua, do you remember what you told me before?”
“Which statement are you referring to?”
“Instead of turning down Director Kim Jun-ki’s piece, find works that make Sua’s heart race and try really hard.”
“I remember.”
“Yes. You only need to prove it gradually from now on. Someday, I want the judgment of completely trusting you to be vindicated.”
At that moment, a text message arrived on Kim I-seo’s mobile phone.
One advantage of video calling with wireless earphones is you don’t have to put the phone to your ear. Thanks to this, Kim I-seo could check texts while talking to Sua.
[Sender: Director Park Jun]
▷ Director of Mystic, I apologize for texting you while you were in a call, but I had to leave this note. Please check later.
▶ I can confirm the text now. Tell me.
▷ How are you lately? I reached out hearing that Sua joined Mystic. Congratulations on the good contract.
▶ Thank you. Is that all regarding congratulation?
▷ No. If you have any time, could you prepare a dress for Sua? There’ll be an occasion to wear it.
▶ …A dress?
Kim I-seo tilted her head slightly.
Whether for filming or real use, dresses handled in the entertainment industry are among the most expensive costumes. It was definitely not an easy request, so a question mark arose.
▷ I’m currently editing ‘Sword,’ and it’s turning out really well. I hesitate to boast, but it seems like we might break into the main stage.
▶ Busan International Short Film Festival?
▷ Yes, that’s correct.
Regardless of whether ‘Sword’ would ultimately break into the main stage or not, Kim I-seo could not help but feel satisfied with such a contact.
‘Until recently, Director Park Jun’s self-esteem had hit bottom due to a series of setbacks. But he’s now making contacts like this? Just how much did he enjoy the filming?’
The one who transformed Director Park Jun into this must be Sua, and Sua is currently under Mystic. So, it was naturally a reason for Kim I-seo to rejoice. And with her mood lifted, there was no reason to refuse.
▶ I’ll pick out a beautiful one just for her.
▷ Thank you! Given I’ve made such a request to the Director, I’ll make my utmost effort, as there’s no going back!
“Director.”
Sua’s voice came then. Kim I-seo quickly shifted her gaze from the phone screen back to the call.
“Ah, Sua. I’m sorry. There was an urgent text.”
“It’s fine. By the way, if there’s any script related to music, could you check for me? The movie’s theme doesn’t necessarily have to be music. Just a role involving music is fine.”
“…Music?”
Kim I-seo tilted her head.
As always, but once again, an unexpected story.
“Where did this music come from suddenly?”
Sua paused briefly to think.
“I always had quite a lot of hobbies, you know.”
◈◈◈◈◈
Meanwhile, at the ‘Special Mobile Squad 808′ shooting studio.
With less than a week until the main shoot, everyone was moving around intensely.
Writer Lee Geum-sook was typing away on her laptop following the on-site atmosphere, the staff were rushing around, and Production Director Choi Hee-won was running around tirelessly, wearing down the soles of his shoes.
“Here, this part… Using a water cannon truck would be better. Given that it’s a crime scene, it seems a lot more effective if it’s soaking wet with drizzling rain.”
“Yes. I think so too. Besides, when the ground is wet, police sirens reflect on it. It feels good, right?”
“Indeed, you already know something when you mention one thing. Anyway, we’ve at least gone around everything once. Could you gather the cinematography team separately, Director? Let’s review it again.”
“Yes, sir!”
This was not just the production team’s passion. Kim Sun-il’s figure, occasionally checking paths here and there, could also be seen.
The staff murmured to each other.
“Sun-il is incredibly diligent.”
“He’s always been passionate about this work, paying special attention to casting. Honestly, I didn’t think he’d give this much effort. But seeing him now, he deserves it. What kind of passion is that?”
Not only Kim Sun-il, but actors like Park Do-hee and Hwang Myung-pil also visited the scene, aiming to adjust their performances.
From the production team’s perspective, it was a delightful but surprising event. After all, a filming location typically isn’t like this—a place that is both dreary and chilly.
“Let’s double-check the status in 30 minutes! I’ll take a small break for now! Please everyone take care not to overdo it, and take breaks in between!”
Production Director Choi Hee-won shouted loudly and approached Writer Lee Geum-sook, who stretched as if signaling her break as well.
“I feel so stiff. I’m going to faint.”
“Is your script work going well?”
“As far as my ability, I’ve done what I could? The rest, I think I’ll have to see the actors’ performances. I’ll likely have to revise that part.”
“You’re saying things that will make the actors cry.”
“Hey, that’s the price to pay for participating in my work.”
For a while, Lee Geum-sook and Choi Hee-won chatted casually but soon ceased any further conversation without awkwardness. Not out of discomfort, but because they simply lacked the energy to speak further. Both were thoroughly exhausted.
But then.
“Hey, Sua…”
“Really? Did she reject Director Kim Jun-ki’s project?”
Lee Geum-sook and Choi Hee-won’s ears perked up. They would naturally be interested in a story about Sua despite any other mundane chatter.
Unable to resist curiosity, the two approached to ask.
“Is this about Sua? I’m listening too.”
“Ah, well…”
Everyone exchanged glances.
“Are you really going to say this? I’m interested in Sua too.”
“Not exactly… or maybe? Do you know about the new piece Director Kim Jun-ki is producing?”
“‘Life is All About Money’? Of course we know.”
“The story circulating is that Sua refused this audition outright.”
“…?”
Lee Geum-sook and Choi Hee-won blinked simultaneously.
“Refused? Refused Director Kim Jun-ki’s project? Where did this story originate?”
“Director Kim Jun-ki has a manager named Seo Jae-woo. He received immense criticism. It started from a drunken ramble during a drinking session. Although he mentioned it was a secret, you know how there are none in this industry. So, the story has been circulating.”
It was not surprising that a drunk person leaks information. Initially, this industry was ruthless anyway. Forcing people to drink to obtain information was commonplace.
Therefore, what shocked Lee Geum-sook and Choi Hee-won was the fact that Sua refused Director Kim Jun-ki’s project.
“The reason Director Kim Jun-ki’s project this time is… Wasn’t it lowered to an age rating of 15? It seemed quite doable, didn’t it? Why not take it?”
“Indeed. Especially given Sua’s schedule; there wouldn’t have been an issue.”
After they turned their heads to understand the reason…
Park Do-hee only shrugged her shoulders.
“Focusing completely on the current work. That’s how she refused.”
She pointed her chin towards the other actors gathered around.
“The reason many actors are here today is because the lead actress with great acting, Sua, has chosen to pass on a veteran director’s work to focus entirely on this one. We need to give our all too.”
Of course, this was a misunderstanding vastly different from Sua’s intent, but it was a sufficient reason to profoundly move Lee Geum-sook and Choi Hee-won.
The two simultaneously thought.
“…Would she give up on a good opportunity for our project?”
Retreating from the continuing conversation among the actors, Lee Geum-sook and Choi Hee-won murmured to each other.
“Really touching. Sua clearly loves our project this much…”
“But isn’t Sua the kind of person who doesn’t just move by emotions? Just reflecting on the contract negotiations shows that. It must have not fit her calculation somewhere…”
Director Choi Hee-won said something that came to mind.
“Maybe she sensed something?”
“Sensed?”
“Yes. ‘Special Mobile Squad 808’ and ‘Sword’ will succeed, but Kim Jun-ki’s new project might encounter some bad situation…”
“…Ah, surely not. That sounds like fortune-telling.”
“Indeed, what am I saying…”
Both shook their heads simultaneously.
If that were truly the case, it would indeed be spine-chilling. But then, why? It felt like something Sua could genuinely do.
At that time,
“PD! Director Choi Hee-won!”
The film sound director came running towards Choi Hee-won.
However, he seemed quite different from usual. Normally, he’d just rush over, but this time, he was sprinting with his phone in hand as if to hand it over. As though the sole purpose of his approach was to deliver the phone.
“What is it?”
Then, the sound director responded breathlessly without even wiping his sweat.
“Director Choi, um…”
“Speak calmly. What’s the matter?”
“Well, I think you should take this call.”
It was the first time Choi Hee-won had seen the sound director act so urgently. Thus, he accepted the phone with a slightly flustered mind.
“Hello. Choi Hee-won.”
“Yes. Who is this?”
“It’s me. Director Ko Tae-min.”
“Yes. Director Ko Tae-min. Please, hold on, Ko Tae-min? Director Ko Tae-min…?”
Director Choi Hee-won’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“Had a chat with the sound director on various matters, and it seemed like this is something I should discuss with PD Choi instead. Might be an inopportune request during such a busy period, but is it bothersome?”
“Absolutely not! Please, go ahead.”
Director Choi Hee-won immediately maintained proper etiquette.
It was natural. Director Ko Tae-min was a top-level veteran director, after all. To Choi Hee-won’s knowledge, he also led the group of directors that included Kim Jun-ki and Park Jun.
“The main shoot begins five days from now, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. We need to rush like crazy from now on. I heard you’re planning a music-related film?”
“Yes. While talking with sound directors, I learned quite a few things. A friend who’s handling the background music for this piece is burning with passion. So, I became curious about the on-set atmosphere. What’s making this team so dedicated?”
“The curiosity about the on-set atmosphere…?”
“Yes. I’d like to visit and take a look.”
“Ah, that’s absolutely not a problem. Please come.”
Director Choi Hee-won gladly accepted. It was extremely common for high-ranking directors and actors to visit other studios after all. If Ko Tae-min came, it was a thank-worthy event.
But at that moment,
“Is Park Do-hee around?”
“Dohee? Yes, she’s here.”
Director Ko Tae-min unexpectedly mentioned something.
“Actually, Dohee auditioned for my project, but her acting felt a bit ambiguous, so I kept her on standby. However, I learned that in the mock shoot of Special Mobile Squad 808, she performed incredibly well, right?”
“Oh? That must have been with Sua…”
“The definitive acting of life, they say. I wish to see it myself.”
