“….”
The filming site was quiet.
It wasn’t so much that everyone had lost something to say, but rather that it was a mood where no one could muster the courage to speak. Time seemed to have paused.
Winter had arrived prematurely, as if mistaking the season.
The atmosphere was created by a woman with a frost-like expression. Her attire, fitting for a fusion historical drama and somewhat resembling a martial arts setting, gave her the appearance of a ghost or a sword spirit.
Was she an emotionless icicle transformed into human form? Ominous and chilling, yet oddly fitting. It was almost as if this was one of the ways beauty was expressed.
Extras standing nearby began whispering to one another.
“Did a ghost really appear in the forest?”
“…Is this supposed to be a horror genre?”
Sharp. Piercingly and acutely so. Terrifying.
Sua finally spoke after a long pause.
“You all need to do your best today.”
The faces of the extras turned pale. To them, her words sounded like a warning: “You absolutely must do well today.”
Sua.
Her face, icy and full of resentment, seemed like it could transform into a vengeful spirit if the filming went awry. It felt as though she might haunt everyone for the rest of their lives if things went wrong.
Frightened, the extras quickly bowed their heads.
“Of course, we’ll work hard!”
“Absolutely, we’re putting in maximum effort!”
“We’ll commit fully today!”
Though the extras had planned to approach the filming casually, Sua’s mere presence compelled them to muster their full enthusiasm. Park Jun, realizing the changed atmosphere around him, couldn’t help but tilt his head.
“…Feels different from this morning, doesn’t it? The atmosphere has improved, hasn’t it?”
Sua merely nodded silently.
“Everyone seems to be quite diligent. Full of passion.”
“No, this wasn’t the atmosphere earlier… was it?”
“It’s probably because the main shoot is approaching.”
Sua dismissed it as if it were nothing.
This confident and composed attitude of hers!
It came from some self-awareness Sua had gained. Through the experience of the last rehearsal, she’d gained a measure of objectivity about how her actions influenced those around her.
Thinking about herself void of emotion, she realized she must appear quite intimidating to others. Yes, she thought of herself as the fierce Sua Lee Soo-a. To the timid rabbits around her, she was someone to fear, respect, and celebrate.
And thus, the finishing touch—four seconds of acting.
Sua pretending to be angry.
Even among newcomers, Sua had realized that appearing angry conveyed no disadvantage.
Plus, among all acting techniques, this four-second technique was the simplest. All she had to do was imagine someone touching her beloved bunny plush and voilà.
“Who would have thought I’d grow fond of my sharp face?”
Even just avoiding disrespect made her happy.
Sua was slowly developing an affection for her sharp features, and the extras were working with renewed vigor.
They were like new recruits at a training camp.
On the other hand, Park Jun, the director of the short film “Sword,” was thinking:
“The atmosphere this morning was truly unproductive. Clearly, this has to be…”
Whose influence was behind this sudden change? His mind didn’t have to wander far for the answer—it was obvious.
“It’s Ms. Sua’s impact. I was struggling with how to liven up the deflated vibe, but she solved it for me.”
Why had Park Jun exaggerated his voice when he entered?
He had wanted to encourage the extras in the face of challenging circumstances, hoping that his energy would rub off on them.
It was a complete failure earlier, but Sua was different.
She accomplished this just by showing up.
Her unique affection for “Sword” and the confidence she carried were all reflected in her face. Encouraging those around her, she inspired Park Jun to even consider bowing in gratitude.
Of course, this was all from Park Jun’s perspective.
“…Fine. I, as a director, also need to try harder!”
With much higher spirits, he began commanding the staff.
“Ensure the actors’ movement paths are clearly checked! No one should get injured in the forest!”
“Yes! It’s taken care of!”
“Make-up team! Please put in extra effort so there’s no dissonance!”
“Actors, we need to make final adjustments to the costumes over here!”
Though the filming might be underfunded compared to other short films, all the essential elements were in place. This too, was thanks to the financial support from Mystic Entertainment, secured by Sua.
Overwhelmed with determination, Park Jun shouted.
“In one hour, we move into the main shoot! The weather’s great today! Let’s wrap this up quickly and head back to the hotel!”
At that very moment—
Thud… Thud…
From the makeshift dressing tent set up by the makeup team emerged someone in a training robe. An extra who had glanced over froze in shock, reacting as if encountering something truly surprising.
“Huh, huh? Seriously?”
Without much thought, a name escaped his lips.
“Seo Yon-joo? Isn’t that Ms. Seo Yon-joo?”
Her neatly styled hair adorned with a headband became an iconic symbol. Though her hairstyle was different today due to the fusion period drama, there was no one who couldn’t recognize her. Her face was her calling card, truly a sight to behold.
Extras quickly gathered around.
“Crazy, crazy, crazy!”
“Seo Yon-joo… Seo Yon-joo herself….”
“Wait, it’s not just Seo Yon-joo… Look over there!”
Kim Sun-il followed, also ready in his costume.
Everyone stood with their mouths agape, frozen in shock. Director Park, on the other hand, opened his mouth with supreme satisfaction at their reactions.
“Amid negative press and various unfavorable situations, these two actors kindly decided to participate. Thank you all!”
The two gave light nods in response. Kim Sun-il merely gave a slight nod, while Seo Yon-joo waved cheerfully with a bright smile.
It was nothing short of a shock to the extras.
Seo Yon-joo was already a lot, but Kim Sun-il was here too? Then this short film was definitely worth investing in. There was no way they could slack off now.
In the midst of it all, someone was frantically fiddling with their phone.
[CT Entertainment CEO]
✔ Kim Sun-il and Seo Yon-joo are participating.
✔ Both rated 7 points.
That was Son Ji-ah, CT Entertainment’s spy, still meticulously reporting on everything happening at the filming site. On Son Ji-ah’s scale, a 7 was an incredibly high score.
Seo Yon-joo quietly observed Sua.
‘Today, she looks especially resolute. Is it a sense of responsibility? Not only taking up the leading role, but also obtaining the budget with her own strength. That determination to certainly see it through until its completion…’
Kim Sun-il had similar thoughts as Seo Yon-joo.
‘Sua Lee, you are truly the real deal.’
Finally, Seo Yon-joo said, brushing her bangs with the back of her hand.
“Well, I only decided to join because of Ms. Sua.”
It was a subtle probe, but Sua’s response was plain.
“Confirmed.”
Just two seconds of Sua recognition.
And that was the end of it. A mere two seconds.
Of course, the extras, who couldn’t fathom Sua’s thoughts, were startled. The fact that Seo Yon-joo had come to such a remote place for a newcomer was already shocking, but the newcomer’s casual response—what was that about?
…What exactly is going on here? Why does she react like it’s nothing?
‘Does she not even feel grateful? Really? Really?’
‘Does she think it’s normal that Seo Yon-joo joined because of her?’
‘Is she really a rookie? What kind of confidence is that?’
As everyone’s confusion swirled in the air—
“Ms. Sua.”
Seo Yon-joo spoke again.
“Do you remember what I mentioned before? That you need to be prepared if you don’t want to be eaten by me. How about it? Did you prepare well?”
Sua thought. How can I win against her when she’s so beautiful, has such a great personality, and is a wonderful actor? The only confidence Sua had was in her derrière.
Still, she couldn’t respond brashly or rudely to Seo Yon-joo. She needed to make a good impression.
The result? A zero-second response, Sua’s humility.
“I’m not at all confident.”
Her brief answer was accompanied by a faint smile.
“…”
A brief silence.
Then Seo Yon-joo, who had been chewing thoughtfully, started to laugh.
“…Not at all confident, huh? This is interesting.”
A bolt of lightning struck the extras’ heads.
“Not at all confident? Against Seo Yon-joo?”
“Does that tone mean she’s thinking of severing Seo Yon-joo’s head today?”
“Does she have five livers and five hearts…?”
To them, it was already clear—
Sua Lee Soo-a no longer looked like a novice.
◈◈◈
Meanwhile, at CT Entertainment,
In the representative’s office, filled with antique furniture, the CEO sat while employees stood in a line in front of him.
Of course, Yang Ha-rin was also present. She lay reclined on a cushioned sofa, so enveloped by its plushness that it looked like the sofa was hugging her from behind.
“Harin’s project, this is the final decision, right?”
