Chapter 18

“Kuhaa…!”

Director Park Jun, he drank the wine as if it were soju.

His behavior was not at all fitting for an upscale restaurant, yet no one pointed it out. The reason was the deep anguish reflected on his face.

“…Gosh, if I’d known this would happen, I should have just come to a sushi place instead, right? It seems like you need soju more than wine.”

Seo Yeon-joo continued with a look of concern.

“Don’t drink too much. It may taste sweet, but the alcohol content is really high. Your head will definitely be pounding tomorrow.”

Park Jun shook his head.

“Rather, it’d be better if my body ached too. This feeling of only my heart being crushed is like a form of torture. It’s unbearably painful.”

“Neither of those thoughts should be entertained.”

The moment Seo Yeon-joo and Kim Sun-il’s gazes met,

“…”

They both nodded at the same time. It seemed their impressions at this moment were indeed the same.

“If Director Park is struggling, we don’t feel good either.”

The movie that elevated Seo Yeon-joo and Kim Sun-il to their current status was none other than Director Park Jun’s work. At the time, their positions were completely different.

Back when Park Jun, with a commanding presence, was leading the then-budding actors, the situation was now reversed.

Writer Lee Geum-sook also paused her laptop briefly.

“Are you experiencing burnout? I’ll vouch for it. Director Park is truly an excellent director. Don’t fall into self-loathing. However….”

She trailed off. There was a significant difference between Director Park, Writer Lee Geum-sook, and PD Choi Hee-won…

“…It’s just that, Director Park’s preferences differ considerably from the tastes of the audience. The directions don’t align.”

The reason the special mobility unit 808 has not been produced until now.

No matter how much enthusiasm there was for its creation, both Lee Geum-sook and Choi Hee-won held it back. They persistently pursued populism, and when the budget didn’t work out, they knew how to give up.

However, Park Jun was a man who pressed on with the artistic spirit. While there was no definitive answer, this direction did not resonate well with the audience.

Park Jun could only bitterly swallow.

“How about the special mobility unit 808? Is it proceeding smoothly?”

“There’s no smoother progression than this. The writer mentioned she’s feeling so good that her wrist hurts. It’s understandable. Since the script had been stagnant, it now finally seems tangible.”

At PD Choi Hee-won’s words, Park Jun quietly nodded.

“Indeed, I saw the news. The staff gathered in no time, didn’t they? It makes me pretty envious how many people were dying to work on this project.”

“It’s a drama that left many personnel frustrated. Now that there’s an opportunity to make it, naturally, everyone flocked.”

“Rather.”

That was when Kim Sun-il, who was washing the dishes, spoke up.

“There’s no need to just ask about our well-being. What on earth is making you this stressed? I need to know.”

“My current project… it’s about the sword…”

After drinking another sip of wine, Park Jun continued.

“Writer Lee’s right. I know that I’m a director who can’t compromise with populism. So, I’ve changed the goal.”

“Goal?”

“What else but awards.”

Park Jun’s voice grew darker as he continued.

“Awards aren’t given based on box office performance. Victory can be achieved with artistry alone. Hence, I’ve invested my all this time. Thinking this would be my last work, I devoted every bit of strength to it…”

The backstory of the creation of the short historical drama, “The Sword.”

This was Director Park Jun’s direct confrontation with his cherished artistry. He was determined to affirm that his pursued path so far was not wrong, and hence, winning an award became even more fervently desired.

“Uh?”

That was when Seo Yeon-joo tilted her head in understanding.

“Isn’t Director Park’s film proceeding smoothly right now? I think I saw a news article about acquiring excellent funding?”

“The funding is abundant, but the coverage isn’t good. They’ve essentially put a leash on me in front of everyone.”

Seo Yeon-joo nodded as if understanding.

“Ah, meaning don’t do reckless things since we’ve secured funding from your side? The primary purpose of investment articles is indeed related to that, but…”

“Even the funding and the public leash are fine. But the problem is the conditions! Those terrible conditions…!”

Due to his extreme mental strain, he was even pulling out his hair, leaving the gathered crowd with no choice but to be perplexed.

“…What conditions? Is it alright for me to ask?”

“Yang Ha-rin.”

And finally, the three syllables were divulged.

Just a mere name caused an invisible exclamation mark to appear over the onlookers’ heads. The expressions on their faces instantly registered why Director Park was so troubled.

Those seated began exchanging glances and muttered words.

“If it’s Ha-rin Yang….”

“Hmm, I can already guess what the conditions are.”

“He’s going to have difficult times.”

“It’s going to be very problematic.”

Director Park nodded to all these reactions.

“Having a co-lead in the project. Finding a promising rookie actor who can inspire Yang Ha-rin. That’s it.”

“Are they trying to eat us up as well? That’s insane.”

Seo Yeon-joo shook her head repeatedly.

Using another actor as a stepping stone to grow? It sounds very good, but in Yang Ha-rin’s case, it’s a problem. That’s the issue.

“Yang Ha-rin, doesn’t she relentlessly torment her co-stars? Squeezing them like a washing machine until she extracts everything possible, and swallowing up only the advantages entirely for herself…”

“True. It’s not like there hasn’t been a number of rookies who couldn’t stand it and quit. While improving their acting skills is commendable, it’s wrong to use others as sacrifices.”

“Hmm.”

PD Choi Hee-won crossed his arms pondering.

“The situation is difficult. Since the news has already been released, there’s nothing we can do now, thus we can’t be the ones to fund it either.”

“Exactly. Even if we rescue this project somehow, do you think anyone would want to invest in Director Park’s projects afterward?”

Seo Yeon-joo readily agreed.

“If this were a regular project, I would have contacted a bunch of my juniors. There are plenty of eager ones yearning to stand in front of the camera.”

“…No. It’s better not to give them unnecessary trauma.”

“I worry about that too, so I can’t go ahead with it. I’m afraid of them getting deeply hurt by acting alongside Yang Ha-rin.”

At that moment,

“A rookie who doesn’t fall prey to Yang Ha-rin.”

Kim Sun-il set down the dishes he had finished cleaning and spoke.

“There’s someone.”

“…Is there really a rookie actor who can stand up to Yang Ha-rin?”

While Park Jun expressed significant doubt, the surrounding people widened their eyes, acknowledging the truth in Kim Sun-il’s words late.

“Ah, indeed? Definitely….”

“Yes. That person seems capable of standing up to Yang Ha-rin.”

Director Park could only stare blankly, blinking.

“…Uh, you say there’s such a rookie? Who is it?”

“What else than the kid who snagged the Kim Yu-han role?”

Writer Lee Geum-sook smirked while speaking.

“Since it’s confidential, I can’t reveal who exactly he is, but…”

“Aha, indeed. I won’t ask either since I understand the situation. So, the actor playing the Kim Yu-han role… hmm?”

Director Park couldn’t continue his thought.

Because suddenly he was struck by an overwhelming surprise.

“What did you say just now? That a rookie actor snagged the role of Kim Yu-han? No other role, but the Kim Yu-han part?”

“That’s right.”

“…Are you teasing me?”

But Director Park couldn’t help but be astonished even further. No matter how he looked, none of the faces around him seemed to be faking it.

“Unbelievable… someone snagged that role… that role…”

“He’s quite elusive and difficult to approach, but precisely because of that, he might find Director Park’s piece intriguing. Should I subtly mention it to him?”

It was a story hard not to be tempted by.

However, Director Park shook his head again.

“It’s out of the question from the start. I need a female actor for a co-lead role in my piece, meaning Kim Yu-han’s role must be for a male.”

“Hmm, there’s some situation behind that too, but…”

“No, I appreciate the offer just by the word of it. I made a promise with myself before coming here today: ‘Behave with dignity. Whining is enough without asking for favors.’ Therefore…”

Clang.

Director Park weakly set down his wine glass.

“…I’m scrapping this project. Thank you for everything during the filming years. As such, I’m retiring here.”

A once-renowned director mentioned his rather pitiful retirement.

Surprisingly, it was a common occurrence in this industry. Sad as it was.

◈◈◈◈◈

A week later.

[Deer: Let’s play a game. Just three rounds.]

[Monkeying: I’m quite busy today.]

[Deer: You don’t have any reason to be.]

[Deer: Your whole life revolves around gaming, dramas, movies, and browsing galleries.]

[Monkeying: Yeah, precisely because I want to do all four, I’m busy.]

Monkeying had been busy ever since the morning.

Of course, his busyness wasn’t due to any reasons that others would consider solid.

Clattering sounds came from his fingers dancing over the keyboard.

Loving entertainment like games, movies, dramas more than anyone, Monkeying had a set agenda for today.

[Special Mobility Unit 808 Gallery]

*Here, we freely talk, exchange, and share information about the drama ‘Special Mobility Unit 808.’ Feel free to leave comments.

“Wow, finally, it’s here.”

With the recent flood of articles, a community dedicated solely to discussing ‘Special Mobility Unit 808′ had been born. Monkeying was going to have fun here today.

But first, he was astonished by the speed at which posts were being uploaded. Almost an entire page scrolled by each time he refreshed.

“…Whoa, why is it so bustling? First place in the trending galleries? So many people were anticipating this?”

[Title: The leading actors’ posters]

[(Picture of Seo Yeon-joo and Kim Sun-il)]

Both visuals are insane…. How could I overlook this?

-Seo Yeon-joo in uniform, uhh….

-Kim Sun-il looks like a murderer, not a cop…

-Kim Sun-il’s gaze is terrifying lol…

[Title: Discovered the identity of actor Kim Yu-han lol]

[(Picture of someone pointing a g*n at the monitor)]

Hey, everyone.

An older guy checked it out for you.

What if this was a troll post? What would you do?

What if it was a cruel picture? What if it was gross?

From now on, don’t just click on anything blindly.

– Don’t troll people who are genuinely curious

– Thanks, Elder Sir

– Saved by this, much appreciated

[Title: (Serious) Guessing the identity of actor Kim Yu-han]

[Hey everyone, this is me, usually correct every time in other drama galleries. Since Kim Yu-han is playing a genius detective… (Omitted)… I think it might be one of these actors.]

– This feels so spooky

– I pressed the recommendation button without realizing it

– Jo Il-hyun? That’s actually plausible lol

“Crazy, I feel like time just flew just skimming through these.”

With so many people around, all sorts of personalities had gathered.

There were those cheering, teasing through troll posts, and those deriving joy from deducing unknown facts…

Monkeying, after a brief moment of contemplation, wrote a single post.

[Title: Recommend some chicken places]

[I absolutely have to have chicken on the day this airs!]

Truly, that’s how it was. There was no way to suppress the excitement.

◈◈◈◈◈

Meanwhile, on the day of the short film ‘Sword’ auditions,

“Thank you for your time. We’ll be in touch later.”

Director Park Jun had just bid farewell to an actor who’d just completed his audition and immediately marked the list with a check. Marking failure.

A woman seated beside him chuckled contentedly.

“Unexpectedly, you’ve been so strict in your assessments. I was worried that you would accept subpar ones, but you’ve proven me wrong.”

She, like Park Jun, was also marking her own list with a check. She was the chosen lead actress of the ‘Sword’.

Yang Ha-rin.

She exuded the same elegance as ever. Her black hair, like the darkest hour before dawn, and her placid eyes. Her demeanor even seemed to chill the surroundings.

Director Park nodded.

“…Naturally, we have to be thorough, especially since it concerns the actor who will be standing alongside you, Ha-rin.”

“Director Park seems to have finally come to his senses. I’m glad.”

Yang Ha-rin nodded with apparent satisfaction, while Park Jun, head bowed, frowned. In truth, his thoughts were far from what he showed on the surface.

‘Am I being stringent for your sake? Bullshit.’

Despite a few actors demonstrating considerable talent earlier today, Park Jun marked them all as rejected. The feeling was akin to swallowing their tears.

The reason was only one.

‘…No matter how much I want to complete my movie, I can’t do it at the cost of someone being used. Absolutely not.’

Indeed, Yang Ha-rin would undoubtedly torment the paired actor in various ways, selfishly turning them into personal nutrients and drinking it all.

This could not be allowed. He could not stand to witness such a sight.

At that moment, Yang Ha-rin stretched leisurely. Even in her mundane movements, she remained impeccably poised.

“Just one candidate remains.”

“Er, indeed.”

Park Jun, shaken from his reverie, eagerly nodded.

Yang Ha-rin sent a meaningful smile to Park Jun.

“Isun Ah… that’s the name, right. Let’s hope this one’s good. Otherwise, your movie is ruined, all the efforts for naught.”

“That’s right. All I can do is hope this one is truly exceptional.”

Even as he said that, Park Jun’s inner thoughts were different.

The appearance of a novice actor who could measure up to Yang Ha-rin?

‘I’m not counting on that anymore.’

It was almost impossible to hope for such a thing. Holding onto such expectations would only fester his heart. Instead, Park Jun chose a realistic possibility: he now simply hoped the movie would fail.

That’s when it happened.

“Hello.”

A woman walked through the open door.

As a director, Park Jun instinctively assessed her appearance.

‘Great proportions, and the curves would photograph beautifully. Particularly her legs. And her face… hmm?’

He was instantly surprised.

The interviewee’s face was astonishingly severe and chilling, making Yang Ha-rin sitting beside him appear somewhat gentle in comparison.

“…”

He shook his head rapidly.

‘What on earth am I thinking just by looking at her face!’

He immediately reprimanded himself. It was also a way to shake off the unintended hope creeping into his mind.

He had hoped for a mere moment that perhaps this one could stand shoulder to shoulder with Yang Ha-rin.

Meanwhile, Yang Ha-rin’s eyes also seemed to be somewhat pleased with the interviewee’s looks.

Tilting her head slightly, the interviewee caught Yang Ha-rin’s intense gaze. However, what followed was something Park Jun had not anticipated— the interviewee did not avoid Yang Ha-rin’s eyes.

“…”

The gaze-off persisted for a moment.

Suddenly, Yang Ha-rin raised a hand to her face and swung it up and down, mockingly implying she should open her eyes wider.

“You might need to adjust your gaze sometimes. It could shock you when you glance in a mirror.”

The cold voice was like a frosty dagger.

“Your expression is too arrogant now. Correct it immediately if you please.” That was what Yang Ha-rin was implying, in a more polished phrasing.

However, Yang Ha-rin’s expression soon turned dumbfounded.

“Admitted.”

That was all the reply she got.

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