“Director, is there any particular problem?”
At Sua’s question, Director Park Mu-ryong furrowed his brow. It seems that just recalling it brings back unpleasant memories.
“This role was originally supposed to be played by Jung Seung-hwan, a male actor. The problem is that this guy loves to boast on social media. And this time, sure enough, an incident has occurred.”
“I saw it too. It was terrible.”
Kim I-seo shook her head from side to side.
“Wasn’t it related to Liberation Day?”
At Park Mu-ryong’s nod, an adjacent production team member showed him a news article on his phone. Soon Sua’s eyes widened.
[What’s so special about Liberation Day? It’s just a holiday. Stop forcing patriotism on me. I’ll live my life as I see fit.]
“…Is it true that he posted this on social media?”
Sua’s rule: If you don’t know, stay quiet.
Ignorance and rudeness are different things, right? Moreover, his tone was defiant. There’s no possible way it would be taken well.
Park Mu-ryong sighed.
“Half of this industry requires just staying quiet, yet there are so many people who can’t even do that. Why can’t they hide their underbelly? Why do they kick their own rice bowl so hard?”
“This might get controversial. So much so that it’s hard to handle.”
“You’re right. But there’s no one who fits the role as well as Jung Seung-hwan. The issue was that there was no one suitable to replace him.”
At that moment, Park Mu-ryong’s gaze turned to Sua.
“Eventually, I discovered Sua from ‘Sword’. I thought it would be worth trying, but I had to give up simultaneously. There was no viable way to bring you on board. But look at how things turned out.”
Meanwhile, Sua became deep in thought.
‘…Just a moment.’
Her mind was suddenly filled with question marks.
‘The actor who caused the controversy leaving means all issues have been resolved, right? So why did the rating only barely improve?’
Then, what exactly is the problem?
While Sua was growing more contemplative.
“Has the story been explained sufficiently? The role Sua has taken is of an extremely loyal gang member. While Yeon-joo is deceiving people loaded with designer goods, you’ll be cleaning up the bodies from behind.”
“Yes, I understand what kind of role it is.”
But she hasn’t experienced yet.
You know, the experience of killing people is somewhat terrifying.
“Don’t picture neighborhood thugs or Yakuza. This role requires subtlety. Properly dressed in a suit during filming – with a quiet yet stylish presence while handling the business.”
“Hmm.”
“By saying this, I’m starting to wonder if I’m giving you a bit too much. The role itself is difficult, and you’ve already agreed to participate in a Ko Tae-min director’s project, right? You’ll have to manage that…”
Fact is, time is tight. Kim I-seo asked.
“Is the shooting schedule determined?”
“Truthfully, I’d like to start shooting right away, but that’s impossible. Our realistic target is two weeks from now.”
Kim I-seo slightly furrowed her brows.
“That’s going to be tough.”
She sighed deeply and said,
“Yeon-joo has been preparing for this piece nearly from last year, but Sua just received the script. It really is too rushed.”
“Hmm, is that so? Well, there’s nothing to be done. It’s alright. The fact that Sua showed interest in my work is pleasing enough.”
Despite the warm tone, neither Kim I-seo nor Park Mu-ryong erased the tinge of regret on their faces.
After all, it was a tremendous opportunity for both of them.
“Then, let’s enjoy a delicious meal.”
Substantial dining commenced thereafter, and Sua silently handled her chopsticks. Only fishing the fish off the sushi she ate.
──Odd. Isn’t that how one’s supposed to eat this?
──She hasn’t learned better.
‘…’
Sua finally, quietly, picked up some rice to eat. Even when full, how can you resist something you still want to eat when it’ll be thrown out anyway?
Conversations were mostly among the production team’s discussions.
“Director, even if Sua doesn’t work, using Jung Seung-hwan would be problematic. Let’s recast the role entirely.”
“Yes. I will confirm Yeon-joo’s intentions as well. After all, the character needs to blend well with Yeon-joo in many ways.”
Then, at some point,
Sua’s thoughts solidified.
“There’s no need to find someone new.”
Everyone immediately turned to Sua.
“I believe I can handle it.”
A composed declaration, yet to those who heard Sua, everyone froze instantly, their eyes widening.
Kim I-seo, pausing with her chopsticks, asked.
“…Sua, it’s a two-week shoot, right?”
“Possible.”
Not in two weeks, but even in two days! Sua, strong and confident!
To Sua, there’s no such thing as a ‘preparation period’. Just experiencing the script is all it takes, right?
What Sua was concerned about was something else entirely:
The Grade. The piece’s grade is only a 4.
Thus she’d been worrying about it, and finally reached a decision.
[Lies, Lies, Lies.]
▶ Sufficient elements included
▶ …4-grade…
Zap!
This is why the grade section kept wavering like a mirage.
As if it could change anytime. Ever since Sua made up her mind, it had been like this.
The possibility for the grade to change.
Sua decided to bet on the side of it improving.
“Anyway, I heard my portion is minimal.”
“That’s true. Compared to Yeon-joo’s, it’s very small.”
“I’ll do it. Please entrust it to me.”
Director Park Mu-ryong revealed a face of surprise for the first time.
“If Sua is willing to step up, I am indeed grateful, but are you certain? Given how tight the schedule is?”
A mix of concern about whether Sua will be ready in time, and the joy of having hired her. The production team felt similarly, all showing clear signs of astonishment.
As for Kim I-seo, she remained calm.
‘Although surprising, Sua must have her own thoughts. Sua knows best. If it’s incomprehensible, I’ll accept it for now.’
Soon, Kim I-seo also nodded.
“Sua usually succeeds if she says she will.”
The representative put down her chopsticks with a faint smile.
“Then, let’s move on to the next topic.”
“What’s next? Is it that, by any chance?”
“That’s right. Our Sua may have an awe-inspiring talent, but she refuses to do anything unless she receives top-tier treatment. By the way, when we drafted the ‘Crescendo’ contract starting tomorrow, it should be at least this level—”
When she realized, it was already after signing the contract.
[Lies, Lies, Lies.]
▶ Sufficient elements included
▶ Grade 3.8
Sua made a firm decision.
‘I can definitely change this grade.’
Determined to raise it at all costs.
◈◈◈◈◈
Late at night.
The lights at Mystic HQ were still on.
Since the establishment of the entertainment company, there has never been a busier time, and the staff, without exception, continued to move tirelessly without pause. Kim I-seo was no different.
Creak!
Representative Kim I-seo arrived at the meeting room.
“Too busy, too busy. Could I have a glass of water?”
The staff, who were waiting, quickly filled the paper cups with water.
The table was covered in material related to the pet-themed variety show. They were going to start shooting the day after tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Kim I-seo glanced outside the room while sipping water.
“…Why such commotion outside? So many gathered.”
Kim I-seo briefly considered stepping outside the meeting room.
“No. Let’s finish the meeting quickly. Let’s start the meeting.”
The employees immediately adjusted to a correct posture and began briefing.
“We sent invitations to the Sua fans café moderator and the Star Catch team leader. The response was positive as expected.”
“Good. We must align beforehand. It is essential to secure reliable allies while ensuring we can handle them whenever necessary.”
“Yes. Moreover, the attention to the romance rumors continues to be high… This is to maintain the phenomenon as per your instructions. Following that, there’s an item on the agenda regarding Mystics Entertainment’s staff augmentation.”
“Hiring hastily will cause trouble. Conduct thorough interviews and add one solid individual at a time.”
“Understood.”
The employee nodded once.
“By the way, due to ‘Special Mobile Unit 808,’ the calls of love for Lee Su-an are overwhelming. How should we handle them?”
“Reject them as fast as possible. They’ll eventually find out who he really is later, so delayed responses might make us take the blame.”
“Understood, I’ll proceed accordingly.”
“The meeting is over. That’s all.”
Kim I-seo immediately prepared to leave with her coat. There was no time to waste.
However,
“President Kim. There is one item left. An important matter regarding Sua.”
“Sua’s related issue?”
Kim I-seo narrowed her brow.
“Then this should have been mentioned first. This is important.”
“My apologies, but the item was unusual.”
The manager drank a sip of water.
“Netflix is finally arriving in Korea, as you know. The rapidly spreading OTT overseas.”
“Yes, I’ve been closely watching it.”
“There are two camps desiring Netflix’s entry, and interestingly, both have sent love calls to Sua.”
“Love calls? Who?”
“Author Park Yu-mi.”
Since entering the conference room, Kim I-seo’s perpetually furrowed face finally relaxed upon hearing this. Park Yu-mi. She possessed that kind of influence.
“Park Yu-mi? The one who writes excellent chaebol dramas?”
“Yes, the production team is already assembled. You can tell how seriously they’re considering the Netflix entry – everyone involved has vast experience. They’re determined to produce something great.”
“If Sua joins…?”
Kim I-seo’s expression brightened.
“…It’d be perfect. Awards for short films, hits for Wednesday-Thursday dramas, and OTT platform entry? There’s no way to be more perfect. Korea doesn’t have an actress like this.”
“That’s an undeniable great opportunity.”
Kim I-seo, as if something occurred to her, exclaimed with an “Ah!”
“Another one, right? Where’s that?”
“It was from the faction of author Lee Geum-sook.”
“Is it good?”
Kim I-seo’s expression brightened increasingly.
Lee Geum-sook and Park Yu-mi were rivals, and Sua was caught in the middle between these two authors. Was there a situation more filled with pride than this?
Other actors would surely envy her greatly.
However, the staff shook their head.
“It’s not written by Lee Geum-sook herself, but from her faction. That’s why the script seemed odd.”
“That’s why the staff outside has been making noise earlier.”
“Hmm?”
Kim I-seo tilted her head.
The reason for the commotion outside the meeting room was this?
Turning her head, she saw outside; the mood wasn’t ordinary. Everyone was buzzing, discussing something enthusiastically.
Though checking the scripts by the staff wasn’t strange, Mystic often disclosed scripts to the employees. It aimed to expand judgment before any decision, allowing them to weigh their opinions.
The problem was the reaction—the unusual reactions from the employees.
“Slap on the mother-in-law, and then a rap battle?”
“Why is this husband enhancing here? And failing too?”
“If you collect all the fragments, you can restore it.”
“…Why does the gate open? What’s this about returning? And why is there an alien playing cards?”
“The alien says they took only half the planet?”
Completely bizarre noises.
“Ah, I get it.”
Kim I-seo quickly placed her hand on her forehead.
“Since it’s from her faction, I see—it must be a bundle of various works. Likely hoping one might appeal?”
“…No. It’s about one single work.”
“…?”
Kim I-seo’s expression blanked.
“What? What kind of nonsense…?”
But she immediately shook her head.
“A, okay. My head’s starting to spin, so I’ll stop listening. No worries. Since we already have Park Yu-mi, that’s all.”
“…Yes. That seems to be the right decision.”
Then suddenly, Kim I-seo had a bad feeling.
“Don’t show this bizarre script to Sua. Just pretend she didn’t see it. Only send her Park Yu-mi’s.”
“That was my intention anyway. Sua is a vital pillar and precious member of Mystic. We can’t afford to waste her time.”
“Good. Let’s erase all this from our minds, too.”
Just then,
Creak!
Sua appeared at the meeting room with a script in hand.
“…President, I think I should take this.”
It was the bizarre script they were hoping wouldn’t come to this.
