“Yes. I’ve lost it.”
The reflexive reply.
However, Sua had no other choice. Thinking about how they knew her, there was no way she could admit to directly purchasing the doll.
‘They seem to think I’m someone special. I can’t break that illusion. It would be kicking my own good fortune…!’
Fortunately, the response came back positively.
“Well, in that case, we should first put a stop on the card.”
Sua’s plan appeared to be working quite well. That was until she let out a deep sigh of relief.
“By the way, this is really infuriating, isn’t it?”
“Excuse me?”
“Someone who finds a lost card should report it, not immediately start using it themselves. People like that need to be taught the bitterness of life.”
“…”
What? Bitterness of life?
They don’t even need to teach that; she already knows it well enough.
“Though I thought it might be a naive kid with no worldly experience, someone properly educated wouldn’t misuse a found card like that. We definitely need to report this. It’s a crime, after all.”
“…”
Naive kid… Uneducated naive kid…
And crime…
Sua suddenly felt fortunate that she didn’t confess to buying the doll. She almost got treated like a naive kid. But if they report it, that would be another problem.
Ultimately, Sua made a decision. Quite solemnly.
“Miss Yeon-joo.”
“Yes?”
“That’s not important right now, isn’t it?”
She said it with great determination.
Yes, just like she had been playing a guard moments ago, with a desperate mindset, something that she must protect at all costs, even if it costs her life…
“I naturally assumed that this was about contract matters.”
“Ah, I see what you mean.”
“…?”
Understand? Understand what?
To Sua, there could be no more frightening words at the moment.
“She will contact you directly soon, Author Lee Geum-sook.”
“…”
The first call with Seo Yeon-joo ended like that.
It was brief but very vivid.
.
.
.
.
.
“Hmph.”
Right after hanging up with Sua, Seo Yeon-joo called someone else. Expert Lee Geum-sook, the author.
“It seems that she didn’t buy it herself. She claims she lost it.”
“Well, I figured as much.”
Seo Yeon-joo had multiple reasons for giving Sua her card. Saying she wanted to make a good impression was sincere, but she also wanted to learn more about Sua. Understanding her habits and preferences could help with the contract.
But it’s not easy. It’s who we’re dealing with, after all.
“Normally, people treasure my card like a prized possession. But Sua is different. She seems to treat it with nonchalance.”
“She was unusual from her first appearance.”
“Moreover, the lost card seems intentional.”
“Intentional loss? What do you mean?”
Yeon-joo spoke steadily in response to the author’s question.
“Then when she asked if this was about contract matters, goosebumps ran down my arms. It felt like she already knew my intentions.”
“Indeed, we cannot settle with mere simple conditions.”
Author Lee chuckled.
“Anyway, we already discussed that we should abandon thoughts of saving money in this deal. You’ve worked hard, Yeon-joo.”
“Yes, I’ll hang up now.”
After ending the call, Yeon-joo checked Sua’s messenger profile.
It was simple. Photos, background, status messages… There was nothing written, which suited her well.
Strangely, she reflected on Sua’s attitude. Losing someone else’s card without a word of apology. Actually, it was more like she read Yeon-joo’s intentions and silently said you should apologize first.
…No one treats me this way.
“You’re younger than me and yet you still call me ‘older sister.’ What are you?”
◈◈◈◈◈
Sua continued her acting practice even after the call.
Of course, with the rabbit dolls.
Bounce, bounce.
The rabbit dolls, so soft and fluffy, brought a sense of joy when touched. Combined with acting practice, it wasn’t just lazy time-wasting.
…At least that’s how Sua saw it.
Then the phone rang again.
“These days, my phone is always ringing. Sigh.”
Sua muttered while answering the call.
“Hello?”
“Hello, is this Ms. Sua?”
“Yes? Who is this?”
“Since you inquired about the energy drink CF, I’m calling to confirm.”
“Ah.”
Sua remembered well. She had applied for various things besides the works of this author.
“The original interview date was set for this weekend, but it has been postponed. Please keep next Wednesday in mind.”
“Okay, understood.”
“…Is the content rather unpleasant? Please bear with us.”
“No? I’m not upset.”
After repeating a defense she had made countless times in her life, Sua ended the call. Huff, she had to pass this one too.
She had to steadily build her acting portfolio, but she had no intentions of doing it lazily. She planned to use her time diligently.
“Let’s see, now what’s next….”
Sua scratched the side of her chest while muttering. However, what she needed to do was already decided.
Author Lee Geum-sook said she’d call soon, which meant there was no time to delay. She had to seek advice about the contract.
“But where should I ask? The internet? A forum?”
The internet or a forum would be too specialized. The moment she posted, it would be clear she was Sua. Eventually, it had been a while since she visited a group chat.
[ Sua: Kids! Kids! Kids! ]
[ Sua: Emergency! Emergency! ]
[ Sua: @(All Members Mentioned) ]
[ Deer: ㅇㅇ ]
[ Sua: I’m serious. Help me. ]
[ Deer: Are you pregnant? ]
– The chatroom manager has expelled Mr. Deer.
– Mr. Deer has entered.
[ Monkeying: Sua! It’s been a while.]
[ Black Bear: I’m busy checking the charts. ]
[ Monkeying: I’m busy with forums. ]
[ Saeng-ji: So, what’s the matter?]
[ Sua: Anybody know the entertainment industry well? ]
[ Black Bear: Ask Saeng-ji. She’s a journalist. ]
[ Saeng-ji: Hmmmm? ]
[ Saeng-ji: Yes, I’m a journalist, but I don’t know everything. ]
“Wow, she really became a journalist?”
That meant there was no more room for hesitation. Someone who knows more than me, right? Sua immediately called Saeng-ji.
◈◈◈◈◈
“Hello? Saeng-ji?”
“Yes, yes! It’s been a while, little bunny!”
The voice is always as bright as the sun.
‘Actually, she suits a squirrel better than a mouse.’
That was what Sua always thought whenever she talked to Saeng-ji. A cute, bright squirrel running around zipping-zapping.
Even Saeng-ji didn’t seem tense or misunderstand upon hearing Sua’s voice. Thanks to the countless group calls they had.
“Our little bunny~ It’s nice to hear your voice after so long.”
“…Hey, when did that name become valid?”
Actually, Sua’s first nickname was “little bunny.” It was taken away immediately after the first call because it didn’t suit her at all.
‘What was I thinking back then?’
…Upon reflection, she had no conscience. Why did she do it?
“Anyway, Saeng-ji, we used to game together, but when did you become a journalist? I feel more pathetic in comparison.”
“I’ve been preparing consistently. But what about you, Sua? You said you had a serious problem. I’m really worried.”
“Ah, it’s nothing serious.”
Sua absentmindedly touched the tip of her nose before asking.
“Saeng-ji, you’re a journalist for the entertainment industry, right? Do you know people like Kim Sun-il, Seo Yeon-joo, author Lee Geum-sook, and Director Choi Hee-won… stuff like that?”
“Of course! It makes sense that I know Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-joo since they’re actors, but how do you know the author or Director Choi Hee-won?”
“Eh? Oh, just randomly.”
She glossed over it for now. It wasn’t like she wanted to make a fuss about being cast right away.
“Oh, by the way, Sua, the people you mentioned have been trying to collaborate for a few years now, but it keeps getting postponed. Casting issues have stalled progress.”
“Stalled… stalled…”
Sua couldn’t help but feel both excited and nervous. Had she been offered such a challenging role?
“Hey, Saeng-ji.”
“Yes!”
“What if this anticipated show starts production again?”
“How could it start production? Sua, if such a show enters production, that itself becomes a big scoop. It’ll even be a breaking story.”
“No-no, just assume it hypothetically.”
“It’s hard to even imagine it, but fine.”
Sua thought. Asking her to imagine was harder than she thought.
“How much does an actor make for such projects?”
“Of course, Seo Yeon-joo or Kim Sun-il make tens of millions?”
“I mean, supporting actors or extras.”
“That varies depending on the situation.”
“Let’s assume a no-career rookie with an undefined appearance count in an unusual role.”
“Hmm…”
After a moment.
“…Why would a rookie get paid?”
“Eh?”
“You see, just being able to dip a toe into such a big project is valuable experience and helps build a portfolio. In fact, some people will even pay to get into such projects.”
“Ah, is that so?”
“Yes! Your question was so unexpected, it kind of surprised me. But how does it relate to your problem, Sua?”
“Uh, oh, actually, it’s someone I know. An acquaintance.”
Sua sidestepped the question with some pleasantries and ended the call. She had come to an important realization.
‘I’m thankful for no payment at all. Willing to give it my all!’
Author Lee Geum-sook’s text was already received.
Now, it was really time to deal with the contract.
◈◈◈◈◈
As agreed upon in the afternoon. Drama production company ‘Art Warehouse’.
“Whoa, it’s intimidating… Look at the atmosphere…”
Sua felt a sense of pressure as soon as she was guided inside. It was an incredibly sophisticated meeting room, and there were quite a number of people waiting.
Author Lee Geum-sook, Director Choi Hee-won… That’s all Sua knew. The rest were simply identified as “personnel.” The problem was that there were about ten of them.
Of course, their perspectives were entirely different. In their eyes, the nervous Sua seemed sharper than usual.
The atmosphere turned chilly, and Author Lee gave a smile.
“Ms. Sua, you’ve come prepared for today, haven’t you?”
“Prepared? Yes, I am prepared.”
Prepared to participate without getting a single penny. Sua nodded with that thought in mind, but…
“…Indeed, you don’t seem interested in making concessions, do you? I, on the other hand, find that attitude appealing.”
“What…?”
What is this author even talking about? Sua quietly swallowed her questions while taking her seat.
Thereafter, Director Choi Hee-won grinned while handing over some documents.
“Ms. Sua, we spent the whole night worrying about your conditions. Please take a moment to review them.”
“Hmm.”
Sua put on a sophisticated pose, chin resting in her hand.
[ Production company ‘Art Warehouse,’ engaging in the production of video content (hereafter referred to as ‘station or studio’) regarding Special Team 808 (24 episodes) ——]
“…”
A hollow laugh escaped Sua’s lips.
‘What is this? What does it even say…?’
She had no idea. What’s this?
Across the table, the group tensed up with her laugh. Choi Hee-won, whose muscles made it seem like his shirt might burst, asked Sua,
“Ms. Sua, are you not satisfied with the conditions presented?”
“No… It’s rather difficult to….”
Sua hedged. No, exactly what does this mean? She skipped over much of it until she found the numbers.
“Difficult to understand?”
Director Choi’s comment.
Sua suddenly realized her mistake, startled.
Swallowing hard, she realized that she was just muttering out her true feelings.
“Ah… What I mean is…”
“Alright then, let’s add one more little extra.”
“Huh?”
“Let’s add one million won. That’s what I mean.”
Sua doubted her ears.
One million? Really?
Small, right? That’s big!
What’s more, the phrase ‘here’ caught her attention. It meant that there was already an agreed-upon amount. As Sua’s gaze followed the finger of Director Choi,
‘Tsk.’
Sua bit her tongue. Hard.
[ 3,000,000 * Per Episode + Meal Fees
▶ Paid after source tax deduction
▶ Payment will be made to the account designated by “Lee Sua” ]
Three million won per episode.
That’s what had already been promised to Sua.
