The actor, Kim Sun-il, who had diligently performed and finally earned the nickname “magnificent trash” from the public.
“…It’s excellent.”
He stared at Sua without blinking.
“…Senior, you’re the one who runs. Aren’t you familiar with the path?”
As all distractions faded, he found himself fully engrossed solely in Sua’s acting—a natural occurrence.
‘Kim Yu-han… this writer’s early creation of Kim Yu-han is similar. Still, before any revisions, it’s the original Kim Yu-han… a role no actor could handle!’
Kim Sun-il was the one who yearned for the script’s completion more than anyone else.
He couldn’t help but know every detail of how the role of Kim Yu-han had been crafted and the revisions it went through. Now, the final piece stood before him.
‘It fits perfectly. Just right, even though she’s a woman.’
Kim Yu-han is a male role.
Since gender is something determined by heaven, failing to overcome its limits isn’t an issue of skill. It’s inherently impossible for humans to defy fate.
But then, what stands before Kim Sun-il now?
Kim Yu-han. No matter how many times he looks, it’s Kim Yu-han.
‘I… I couldn’t break free from my own image.’
Kim Sun-il, who desired to surpass his self-imposed limitations as the “magnificent trash,” actually wanted to take on the role of Kim Yu-han.
Wanting to escape the stereotype of a villain and challenge the illustrious genius role of Kim Yu-han, he failed repeatedly due to its difficulty.
That failure was something the rookie had now proven by example.
‘That rookie… surpasses their own limits so effortlessly…’
Gender, facial impressions. Sua transcends them all.
Was that all?
‘Of course, it’s natural for interpretations to differ regarding a character, but I can’t see any fault in hers. There’s not a single gap in her interpretation.’
There’s no discord. Her understanding of the script is impeccable.
Reaching a conclusion wasn’t difficult.
Sua Lee. The role of Kim Yu-han must be Sua’s; she’s the final piece to complete this script.
Suddenly, catching eyes with Seo Yeon-ju, whose elegant hair was adorned with a hairband, they shared identical expressions, like mirrors reflecting each other.
“…”
Without any words, they nodded simultaneously.
It could only mean one thing.
Cast Sua Lee for the role of Kim Yu-han.
“…Sua-ya, please take on the role of Kim Yu-han. It’s absolutely necessary that you do. No one else can. Only Sua-ya’s interpretation of Kim Yu-han will suffice. Let’s give the viewers a real shock.”
Seeing Writer Lee Geum-sook so excited was a first for them, yet no one viewed it as exaggerated. The fact that coffee cups were scattered on the floor was unnoticed.
Only then did Sua carefully ask a question.
“I have a question. Why is the cross-dressing required?”
“Oh, well, let me explain.”
PD Choi Hee-won, Seo Yeon-ju, and Kim Sun-il, as though they had been waiting, gathered around Writer Lee Geum-sook. They intensely stared at her laptop and swiftly started a meeting.
“Since Sua-ya is the only one who can portray Kim Yu-han, if we clearly pair male and female detectives, there’s a strong possibility the story might veer into a romantic comedy. That’s undesirable.”
PD Choi Hei-won also nodded.
“Cross-dressing. This could actually be a good touch. Kim Yu-han is the kind who would do anything to catch the criminal, including deceiving his own teammates to investigate. Brilliant.”
“Right? Besides, Sua is so beautiful anyway. Just thinking about the reactions after revealing her gender in the latter half of the story… wow, I’m practically losing it already.”
“So, how do we have her cross-dress? I hugged her from behind earlier.”
Seo Yeon-ju awkwardly moved her arms, as if trying to express a huge full moon.
“So, um, it’s a bit envious, but it seems like something makeup can’t solve alone…”
“Wrap with bandages, wear loose-fitting costumes, and if that doesn’t work, we’ll need special processing. The editing team will have to work hard on this one. We’re making a grand piece after all, right? Surely they can manage this?”
Too many helms can steer a boat to the mountains, they say.
Not today, though.
Thanks to Sua’s excellent guidance as a compass, the meeting around one laptop proceeded smoothly, the correct answers for the role of Kim Yu-han unfolding effortlessly.
All stood attentively, unmindful of the melting ice on the floor, seemingly forgetting everything else.
Seo Yeon-ju let out a sigh of admiration.
“Wow, with Kim Yu-han’s character solidified, I find it good too. The role of Ha Yoon-jin also becomes clearer.”
“This solves that scene as well.”
“…Insanity. Why is this fitting together like a perfect puzzle?”
Everyone showed signs of excitement except for Sua, who seemed left slightly out after asking the question.
“…”
She quietly scratched the back of her neck.
‘Is everything going well anyway? Still, this special ability is finding answers even in an incomplete script. This is on a whole new level.’
With the overwhelming passion of those around her, interrupting was difficult. Sua started picking up the fallen ice on the floor instead.
Then her eyes met Choi Hee-won’s.
“Oh, looks like we’ve left our lead actor out of the picture.”
“Uh? That’s right! Eeeh! Sua-ya, don’t clean that!”
Seo Yeon-ju rushed over and quickly transferred the ice from Sua’s hands to her own.
A sunny smile was an added bonus.
“Sua-ya, you seemed really intimidating, but turns out you have a good personality?”
“Huh?”
Sua thought, ‘Since we spilled it, shouldn’t we clean it up? Or is this how they see me as trash?’
“To such chores, we delegate to Sun-il types. He has a bit of Obsessive-Compulsive tendencies too.”
“…Is that okay?”
Can such things be done to someone with Obsessive-Compulsive tendencies? Despite his confused state, Kim Sun-il showed no particular reaction.
Seo Yeon-ju puckered her lips in amusement.
“Typically, they’d throw a tantrum when we say this kind of thing, but today, it’s quiet? Must be because Sua-ya’s acting left too much of an impression.”
Right then, Writer Lee Geum-sook closed her laptop.
“Sua-ya, I apologize. Each inspiration must be written down immediately, and you’ve given me so much.”
“I’m fine.”
Even then, that moment came.
“…I don’t understand.”
A low voice interjected. It was Kim Sun-il.
Looking straight into Sua, he continued talking,
“Sua Lee, do you remember the role of Kim Hyo-jin?”
“Yes. I remember it.”
Naturally, she remembered the name even though she had not experienced it.
“Kim Hyo-jin is an easy role with stable lines, while Kim Yu-han is a role that’s still incomplete. I’m curious about your reasons for choosing.”
He continued in an unusually calm voice.
“Because most rookies think like this: pass the audition by taking on a safe role. Prioritize being a part of the drama no matter what. Just somehow.”
At this point, Seo Yeon-ju also sparkled with interest.
“Come to think of it, I’m curious too. Sua-ya’s a rookie, right? Doesn’t it scare you to challenge Kim Yu-han and risk losing the chance to participate?”
“This is an interesting topic.”
Even PD Choi Hee-won joined in, waiting for Sua’s response, but to the actual person, it was only bafflement.
‘…Is that really how much they think highly of me?’
Because the role was simply available for experience. Still, Sua wasn’t foolish enough to reveal such details.
“Um, didn’t I already say? I only do the lead role.”
Her voice faltered slightly, but did it go unnoticed? Sua was trying to muster courage. Have confidence!
In any case, the reaction to Sua’s words was incredible.
“Wow…”
“I could never have matched that kind of nerve when I was a rookie.”
At that moment, Writer Lee Geum-sook gripped Sua’s hand.
“Sua-ya, I have something serious to say.”
“Yes?”
“Fact is, Kim Yu-han involves rewriting almost all the scenes. The script might arrive just a few days before filming begins. It may even get modified again. Are you okay with that?”
Sua first checked her Special Talent Space instead of replying.
[Special Mobile Unit 808]
▶ Ample Elements Rendered
▶ Fully Experienced / Grade 1
Kim Yu-han ─ 001…
Kim Yu-han was still available for experience. She nodded.
“Yes. I’m okay with it.”
“Sua-ya… why would you…”
Writer Lee Geum-sook’s eyes began to water. Why?
Then, Lee Geum-sook seemed entranced by something and pulled out several sheets of paper from a file, which at a glance were contract forms.
“Sua-ya, let’s start drafting the contract today.”
“…Contract? Ah, the contract.”
Though confident in her response, her mind was blank.
Well, of course. Sua, who gets dizzy just at the sight of numbers beyond multiplication tables, would find a contract filled with difficult words as good as an alien script…
Moreover, there was a word that had been deeply engraved in Sua’s head, both in her past life and this one. A phrase she had heard countless times.
─Contracts aren’t signed on the spot!
The Special Talent assists in acting, not in analyzing contract terms. Thus, Sua needed time to understand the contract properly.
“Contract terms… uh, can I think about it…?”
Who near me knows about this well? I’ll look it up once I get home.
Writer Lee Geum-sook urged her again.
“Sua-ya, are you worried we might mistreat you? Don’t worry. We won’t leave you discontent.”
“No, um….”
Regardless of whether the contract terms are good or bad, if Sua just stares at the contract papers blankly, she’ll come across as foolish. That’s absolutely unacceptable.
She must maintain her formidable image. Only then will she be treated better in the future, something Sua understood vaguely on her own.
‘Is there any excuse to buy time?’
After a diligent search, she found one.
Right, she realized there was something more she needed to adjust before filming this drama.
“Um, but is it feasible to shoot?”
Sua cautiously extended an index finger to point at someone.
“Kim Sun-il, isn’t this person playing Lee Kang-cheol?”
That was Kim Sun-il, magnificently trashy.
“Seems to really dislike me, so it’s a bit scary to work together.”
Half to stall for time, half genuine fear.
But the message was interpreted differently by the other party. Everyone’s face paled instantly.
“Let’s reconnect later.”
Sua swiftly slipped away.
◈◈◈◈◈
Bathroom of the cafe.
“Whew…”
Only here did Sua finally breathe a sigh of relief. Thankfully, she refrained from punching the mirror, though…
As the tension faded, exhaustion hit, and a realization dawned.
“Contract. Uh? Did I not get a copy of the contract…?”
Sua realized she hadn’t even picked up a copy of the pre-contract.
“…”
Having pledged to consider the contract terms and not even retrieving the contract makes her look like a real idiot. She pulled her hair in distress.
“Damn, I’m going crazy. What should I do? Should I go back and get it? No way. That will look too stupid.”
Moreover, she had already criticized the behavior of the top actor Kim Sun-il and snuck away. How could she return?
“…Whatever. It’s this era; they’ll send it by email.”
Just as she was leaving the bathroom, a familiar baritone called out.
“Sua Lee.”
Surprised, she nearly jumped. Kim Sun-il had been waiting.
“…”
She unconsciously swallowed hard.
‘Is this man going to stab me with a knife since he plays villains so well?’
Struggling to steady her trembling legs, she asked.
“…What is it?”
Kim Sun-il slowly approached, and Sua resisted the urge to step back, using superhuman willpower.
He’s really tall. When Kim Sun-il was practically right in front, he spoke.
“Since you said you didn’t like my attitude.”
Sua hesitantly nodded.
True, Kim Sun-il was a top actor and famous at that, but he indeed hadn’t been kind to Sua.
“…Your behavior wasn’t good, right?”
“…”
‘Sharp enough to pierce an ice block like a villainess, but I keep mumbling.’ Kim Sun-il’s brows furrowed even more. Damn, he’s scary.
Of course, Kim Sun-il was thinking something completely different.
‘Just how much did she get angry?’
Sua’s icy tone, her disheveled hair, Kim Sun-il himself, who had once thought nothing could frighten him, was now genuinely tense after a long time.
‘But, I must get her. This talent is crucial.’
That was Kim Sun-il’s conclusion.
For the sake of the script’s perfection, he could and would do anything, even at the cost of his pride.
As Sua was trying to skirt away, trembling,
“If that were the case…”
Kim Sun-il lowered his head.
Sua’s eyes widened.
Kim Sun-il bowed deeply.
“I sincerely apologize.”
“…”
“I was rude to you.”
Sua quickly glanced around.
Fortunately, the cafe had already closed for the night. In a building meant only for them due to this late-night meeting of big shots,
Her shock was immense. She hadn’t even considered that he’d chase her here and apologize.
Seeing this, Seo Yeon-ju quickly approached as well. Her eyes widened upon seeing Kim Sun-il bowing nearly ninety degrees.
“Is he bending his back? His character?”
Her voice was full of surprise.
“Phew, you should have been a bit nicer from the start. I’ve been telling you to fix your attitude….”
Finally, Sua spoke too.
“Please stand up. Don’t do this.”
Kim Sun-il complied only then. Seo Yeon-ju added,
“Sua-ya, bear with him this once. He did make a mistake, but his passion for the drama is real. You’ll be fine during filming. Plus, he has certain circumstances.”
“Seo Yeon-ju.”
Kim Sun-il’s words cut her off.
“…I understand. Please consider it well, Sua-ya.”
As that moment passed, Kim Sun-il opened his wallet, pulled out three notes, and slipped them into Sua’s pocket.
“…Hmm?”
Sua checked it absentmindedly and was shocked. Not hundred-thousand won bills but three hundred-thousand won bills.
“The promised fare and a small gesture of goodwill.”
It didn’t end there.
Seo Yeon-ju then also forced a card into Sua’s hand.
“Card?”
“I didn’t do anything wrong, but this is my gesture. Use as much as you want, and I’ll collect it when we meet next time. In the meantime, please consider participating in the shoot positively.”
“…”
As Sua faltered, her mind going blank.
“Hey, you’re making Sua-ya feel burdened. Let’s head upstairs.”
“…Alright.”
Thankfully, the actors retreated.
Afterward.
Sua hailed a taxi and closed the door, sighing, resting her head against the passenger seat.
“Huuu… I thought I’d die…”
Sua reviewed the events of the day.
Receiving a 1st grade script contract proposal, a top actor bowing and giving three million won as an apology, the quintessence of elegance Seo Yeon-ju hugging her and giving her a card…
…Is this really happening? Is it for real?
She shook her head.
“Ah, who cares… Let me rest a bit…”
I’m exhausted. Not kidding, I really am.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, as Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il returned upstairs,
“What’s going on here? Kim Sun-il bowing his head. To a rookie, no less.”
“For the script I’ve longed for. I would do more for its completion.”
“Still, your passion is insane.”
Seo Yeon-ju gave an exasperated sigh.
“…Anyway, is she really a rookie?”
“A rookie indeed. She has no experience.”
“Maybe overseas experience?”
“Hmm? That’s possible. Shall I ask later?”
Seo Yeon-ju, remembering something late, combed her hair.
“Ah, right. We should also check her agency.”
“Either way, we need her. She must take on the role of Kim Yu-han. No one else will do.”
They weren’t truly close; they were simply discussing Sua, a unique topic that caught their attention.
When they returned upstairs, Writer Lee Geum-sook and PD Choi Hee-won waited anxiously.
Seo Yeon-ju spoke first.
“Don’t worry. Kim Sun-il apologized well for someone like him. Plus, I gave her my card. Just wait for her reply.”
“No, that’s not the issue.”
Choi Hee-won said with a serious face.
“Sua-ya didn’t take the contract.”
“Huh?”
“Regardless of Sun-il’s attitude, it seems the terms didn’t suit her.”
Just then.
“She had good reason not to.”
Having skimmed the preliminary contract, Kim Sun-il added.
“Three million won, Seo Yeon-ju’s card. After receiving all that, she still looked like she barely picked up trash. Such a contract wouldn’t even catch her eye.”
Sua would’ve been utterly astonished if she had heard this conversation.
◈◈◈◈◈
The next day.
“Sua-ya left the contract behind.”
One sentence from Writer Lee Geum-sook.
In the lavish house-like accommodation, including PD Choi Hee-won and assistant writers, the drama production personnel had gathered.
The area was piled high with drinks and delivered lunchboxes, but there was no joy among them.
It wasn’t surprising. They had convened for a crucial matter, indeed—discussion about what conditions to employ for bringing Sua-ya aboard. Rather, worry dominated their expressions.
“Now we’ll begin the production meeting—that is, we’ll discuss how to bring Sua-ya back.”
Writer Lee Geum-sook stated solemnly.
“What does that mean?”
“Until we sign the contract with Sua-ya, no one goes home.”
