The gap between night and dawn.
The people gathered at the outdoor set were just starting to really get into the swing of things. Now that the conversation had finally opened up, and with plenty of alcohol and meat on the table, the atmosphere couldn’t have been better.
However, there were those who had opted out of such festivities.
“Yes, Sua, see you tomorrow.”
This was said by Kim I-seo, the head of Mystic, as she ended the call.
Of course, Kim I-seo wasn’t alone. Right beside her, author Lee Geum-sook and Producer Choi Hee-won were clinking their glasses together.
Producer Choi Hee-won spoke up.
“Sua was successful as well. She’s already receiving calls from the top.”
At this, author Lee Geum-sook smiled.
“Maybe it’s Kim Representative who’s successful. Did you know that a lot of talent managers were here today? Everyone was chasing after Sua. They were desperate to hand over their business cards.”
“True, with Kim’s acting skills, it was bound to happen…”
The three of them were holding a small drinking gathering, laying out their own table separately. They knew it would be more comfortable for themselves and less awkward for their subordinates if they didn’t join the larger afterparty.
Author Lee Geum-sook lowered her glass and spoke.
“Anyway, I don’t know which agency Sua will end up signing with, but the conditions must be incredible. Sua is an adept negotiator as well, after all.”
“…Is the newbie really good at negotiating?”
This wasn’t a question meant to belittle Sua. It was more a statement of surprise, wondering how a rookie could possibly have much experience in negotiating.
However, the two beside Kim I-seo nodded.
“That’s right. Just look at this drama. Even though Sua’s a newbie, she managed to secure a per-episode fee.”
“How could she?”
“And today? With all those managers around, she delivered an improvisation that blew them away and simply left. I wonder what that means.”
Author Lee Geum-sook smirked.
“…All the agencies out there, trying to pull her under their wings.”
…
…
…
…
…
…
Afterward, Kim I-seo returned to her office.
Even though the early morning hours had deepened, the lights were still on.
The broad, white board was filled with photos of actors and entertainment companies, arrows connecting various names, and memo pads covering the walls, creating a criminal investigatory diagram-like shape.
In the middle was [Sua].
Just three letters written on a piece of paper.
Kim I-seo was diligently trying to analyze everything.
Which entertainment companies were after Sua, their current situation, the advantages they held, the actors they represented… It was all about information, and Kim I-seo knew that only information was crucial at this moment.
She was deeply focused, occasionally checking the recent rates of other rookies and meticulously considering what she could offer versus what she couldn’t compromise on.
“…”
After some time…
“Still, it seems…”
Kim I-seo sat back on her sofa with a peculiar expression.
“If we want to hold on to her, we’re going to need more than just standard conditions.”
◈◈◈◈◈
Meanwhile, the party at the outdoor set was still in full swing.
The spacious area had been transformed into a giant camping site, lined with tables and chairs, the sizzling meat filling the air with the smell of roasted food.
Of course, alcohol was never far behind.
“Hey, is there enough meat?”
“The meat’s fine, but we need more drinks!”
It was a warm ambiance. The mock filming had concluded successfully, and the weather, as if understanding the occasion, was cooperating perfectly.
That said, the crowd wasn’t enormous. Considering how late it was and everyone’s individual schedules, the headcount had dwindled to about one-third of the original.
By now, it had become more like a small diner setting.
“Speaking of the actor who played Kim Yu-han…”
“…Didn’t he give you the chills?”
And amidst the chatter, one person’s thoughts on Sua were particularly deep. Actor Hwang Myung-pil was contemplating something.
Of course, what was on his mind was Sua.
‘The completion level of that improvisation was sky-high…’
Hwang Myung-pil, a supporting actor known for his smile-inducing improvisations. Limited to secondary roles, he had no choice but to rely on improvisation to make himself known, and as a result, his career had thrived because of his unique comedic ad-libs.
He loved improvisation, and this was his weapon to remain relevant in the acting industry.
But…
“…What kind of improvisations can I pull when it’s face-to-face with Sua?”
He couldn’t find his footing when thinking about improvising opposite Sua.
Not that she wouldn’t be able to handle whatever performance he delivered; that wasn’t the issue. What troubled him was the inability to envision any ad-libs that wouldn’t get overshadowed by her overwhelming presence.
He didn’t understand her character at all. Not at all.
Her voice was cool like that of the winter sea, her expression unyielding, her inner thoughts hidden beneath a thick shell. Yet, despite all this confusion, one thing was certain.
‘Her talent is insane. She’ll surely rise rapidly in no time, and if I’m lucky, I might ride her wave too.’
Sua was undeniably talented. And if Hwang Myung-pil didn’t get overshadowed by her, there was confidence that he could benefit from her rising success, a kind of ripple effect.
Of course, that was assuming he wouldn’t lose in his ad-libs. Just contemplating this possibility was exhilarating.
Then, someone spoke out of the blue.
“Still, she’s a rookie, though.”
“True, but that’s separate from her skill. Isn’t acting one thing, and personality another? It would be better if she were more diligent on set.”
The comment was laced with equal parts drunkenness and sharpness, a typical release of built-up grievances empowered by alcohol.
“Speaking frankly because of my worries. What do you mean? Haven’t you seen those types who try to hit their career high with just one role and make everyone around them miserable in the process?”
“…”
“Trying to master her emotions for the role. Locking herself in the van, not coming out, and declaring issues with the equipment today, making everyone pack it up. It’s frustrating. I don’t like that kind of behavior.”
Hearing this, Hwang Myung-pil clicked his tongue.
“Idiot. I don’t use the word ‘diligent’ these days either. So, are you saying Sua should have stayed till the end and grilled the meat?”
“Not exactly, but I just wish she wouldn’t act so high and mighty. That’s all. Let’s get along well.”
“Then you should stop being territorial. What has Sua done wrong anyway? The only thing she did was skip the afterparty, and you know the reason why, don’t you?”
“…Did we have any important reason? I didn’t hear one.”
“I haven’t heard it directly either, but it’s obvious, isn’t it?”
Hwang Myung-pil took a drink of soju and continued.
“Looks like you’ve forgotten, but Kim Yu-han is an incomplete role. This writer hasn’t even written the mid to late scripts yet.”
“Huh…?”
“We have time to play around, sure. Why? We’ve had the scripts for a while now and are familiar with them. Our bodies are relaxed. But what about Kim Yu-han?”
“…”
“What about Kim Yu-han? There’s so much to research, and she hasn’t even received the mid to late scripts. How could she relax? Don’t you realize how selfish you’ve been?”
The people who had previously sympathized with the woman now lowered their heads in understanding.
Of course, Sua would not have enough time dealing with just Kim Yu-han.
“Thinking about it, you’re right.”
“Have you seen Kim Yu-han’s dedicated script? It filled an entire box?”
“…I couldn’t memorize the lines even if I tried.”
“But looking at today’s ad-libs, her comprehension can’t be normal, right? Could she have conquered all of that already? Or, did she even sleep?”
“Time… must have been tight for her…”
The atmosphere had now become solemn.
Hwang Myung-pil spoke up again.
“Think of it like this. Her time is different from ours. In practice, Kim Yu-han is a role that requires the actor to not only play it well but also handle the production from understanding to directing. There’s no room to play. If anything, she deserves sympathy.”
“…Thinking about it, you’re right. I’ve been bothering a blameless person.”
The person who had initiated the conversation now looked quite flustered.
“We don’t have time to relax from here on either.”
Almost for the first time, Kim Sun-il spoke up.
“During our production celebration party, Sua said something. She said no one besides herself would be noticeable.”
“…”
That sentence immediately silenced the room.
She had said that?
No, her image was something that could easily make you expect that kind of statement.
Not to mention her skills. Nothing about her could be overlooked.
Tension spread across everyone’s faces.
Amidst all this misunderstanding about Sua’s image stacking up…
There was someone shaking unusually.
It was none other than Park Do-hee.
She kept typing, deleting, and retyping a text message.
“…”
What to do. This person was beyond normal comprehension.
What should I apologize for? I had no idea…
◈◈◈◈◈
The next day,
Sua visited the hospital early in the morning, practically at opening time.
“Phew, thank goodness…”
She breathed out in relief.
Hearing from the doctor that there was nothing serious, she was deeply relieved. She had been incredibly worried about her acting career starting with a scar on her arm.
Once her biggest concern had been addressed, she finally had time to check other things, like the messages from earlier that morning.
[Unknown Number]
▶ Hello, my name is Park Do-hee…
▶ Ah, sorry, pressed send by accident while practicing.
▶ I’m sorry.
▶ I owe you many apologies, but this one too.
“…What exactly are you practicing?”
Is she practicing biting people?
Sua thought. At any rate, quite a unique person.
[Seo Yeon-joo]
▶ (A selfie taken away from the dinner table.)
▶ Let’s eat together next time!
“…Crazy. How is she so beautiful?”
That was Sua’s impression. She could only see Seo Yeon-joo’s face.
…Could this woman possess some hidden talent? Face talent, perhaps.
At any rate, it must have been fun. But if the clock were turned back, Sua was certain she’d skip the dinner gathering again.
She knew herself well. If put in that situation, she would have felt suffocated, unable to have even a single bite of food. It was certain.
Anyway, the time had come.
“My meeting with the head of Mystic.”
Though it had been arranged rather suddenly, Sua couldn’t bring herself to turn it down. After all, this was the person who had fully funded the short film ‘Sword.’ Naturally, the least she could do was honor the meeting.
Still…
“Could they possibly demand something ridiculous?”
She shook her head almost immediately. No, she hadn’t felt anything particularly sinister during their previous van conversation.
Not long after, Sua arrived by taxi.
“Wow…”
Her reaction upon entering the Mystic building.
The interior was overall white and sleek.
Yet, what truly captivated Sua’s attention were the three massive portraits hanging prominently inside.
Seo Yeon-joo, Kim Sun-il, and in the center, the head, Kim I-seo.
What would it feel like to have your face hanging there on such a monumental scale? Or to enter and exit this building as if it’s your own home? She wondered.
Just then, a voice approached.
“Excuse me, are you Sua? We’ve been waiting for you.”
A woman in a neatly tailored suit approached, her chest holding a perfectly placed name tag.
Sua nodded slightly.
“Yes, you recognized me despite not meeting before?”
“The instructions were clear: if an unusually intimidating person arrives, that’s Sua.”
“Uh?”
“Nothing at all. Please, follow me.”
In a moment, Sua was escorted to the representative’s office. The massive doors creaked open to the sides, and Kim I-seo sat at her desk greeting Sua.
A brief silence.
Kim I-seo, the head of Mystic.
Because of her petite figure, when in the van, Sua hadn’t even seen her back properly. Now, seeing Kim I-seo for the very first time, Sua couldn’t help but be thoroughly surprised.
“…Wow, she’s this small?”
A fist-sized face and wheat field-like light brown bangs held in place by two large hairpins.
But the most striking feature was her size.
Very slender and petite, she looked like someone who could easily be mistaken for not being an adult at all. In fact, even now, she looked quite like a child.
“Isn’t this like something from a comic? This is unbelievable.”
It felt like if you took a picture and published it with the headline “World’s First Junior High Entertainment CEO,” everyone would believe it.
As Sua was lost in such thoughts, the other party began speaking.
“Sua, good to see you again in the Mystic building. You look sharp today, like your presence is becoming more and more polished.”
Sua muttered softly. Was that a compliment?
“Anyway, let me officially introduce myself. I’m Kim I-seo, the representative.”
“And I’m Sua, the actor.”
At that moment, Sua felt a great sense of pride. Introducing oneself with the title of “actor” in front of their name was a special moment. In her mind’s eye, she could see her past self standing tall with great confidence.
“Great. So, today, I’d like to think of this meeting not as Kim Yu-han, but purely as Sua. First off, did you return home safely yesterday? How’s your body holding up?”
“No injuries.”
“…Of course, your unwavering dedication to acting is unmatched.”
“…?”
Isn’t that just my doctor’s opinion?
“Sua, I know your schedule going forward is extremely busy. The short film shooting starts tomorrow, right? And speaking of that short film, I fully funded it. Were you aware?”
“Of course.”
Sua nodded. After all, this was the very reason she couldn’t decline this meeting.
“Ah, definitely. No misunderstandings.”
And with that, Kim I-seo, with her tiny hands, waved dismissively.
“I didn’t invest with any expectations of return. Consider that fare for bringing you here.”
Sua thought. Really?
‘I thought there would definitely be some request, but… not this time?’
Is she extraordinarily generous? Or does she think that much of me?
…Maybe both?
In wonder, Sua asked.
“So what is the purpose of this meeting?”
“Hmm. Let me put it this way. Sua.”
“Yes.”
“What did you see when you entered the building?”
After a moment of recollection, Sua simply answered honestly.
“Honestly, all I saw were some massive portraits.”
“Correct. And there’s still one space left.”
Kim I-seo nodded.
“Wouldn’t your face look great hanging right alongside them?”
“Ur… No…?”
Sua responded without much thought.
My face up there? That sounds like disaster. Wouldn’t all the visitors run away? It’s not like it’s some kind of talisman to repel humans… Besides, hanging next to Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-joo? The levels don’t match at all, right? And why is she even asking this now? Is it some kind of ice breaker?
‘Wait…’
But Sua couldn’t help but tilt her head in confusion when she noticed something.
Kim I-seo was starting to sweat profusely.
