It took but a moment to realize the greatness of her opponent.
Son Ji-ah’s mind was just blank, but even so, her instincts were telling her something. They were whispering that the entity standing before her was none other than Wi Ji-hye, the undisputed best in the world.
“Wha…”
Those words slipped out unknowingly.
Yuhwan’s reaction would have fit the situation in the drama, so it didn’t result in an NG, but the one who had just dumbly gasped wasn’t Yuhwan—it was Son Ji-ah herself, who had blurted out her unfiltered feelings.
‘This can’t be real…’
Life’s curveballs always come unexpectedly, but this twist was particularly jarring. The shock was immense.
…How? Wasn’t she just incompetent before?
Did she deliberately hide her abilities? Was this free-spirited acting a cover for some deep scheme? Or had the fact that Son Ji-ah was a mole for CT Entertainment leaked out?
Additionally, Seo Yeon-joo and Kim Sun-il’s attitudes finally made sense.
Showing such acting prowess—it was understandable why they were hooked. It made sense that they managed to secure the funding. However, the more she acknowledged Lee Su-a’s brilliance, the more questions arose.
It was odd that someone of such caliber wasn’t already a subject of discussion. She wasn’t some mysterious falling star; CT Entertainment has always been known for its intelligence-gathering, so it was inconceivable that they missed her.
In the end, what Son Ji-ah was most concerned with now was…
‘My plan is completely in shambles. What do I do now?’
She felt uneasy.
The reason Son Ji-ah had put everything into her role was simple: after delivering a performance surpassing the leading actress Wi Ji-hye, she intended to make the atmosphere on set frosty.
But the situation had changed.
…Won’t the scene with both of them delivering exceptional performances be unforgettable?
No matter how confused she was, she realized that she couldn’t simply leave it as it was. This scene must not be okayed. A great scene was definitely in the making.
‘I absolutely must claim every cent CT Entertainment promised me.’
Her plan was not allowed to fail. Absolutely.
Meanwhile, Wi Ji-hye was still gazing at Son Ji-ah, her poise unyieldingly strong, prepared to handle anything Son Ji-ah might attempt.
Her piercing glare alone could freeze a heart. The cameras surrounding the field in a circle were still rolling.
“…?”
Son Ji-ah’s mind raced, and soon, a conclusion came to her.
‘Let’s do nothing. This is the way.’
This new plan of hers was formulated after quickly acknowledging Lee Su-a’s prowess.
Which was to put on no performance at all. It wouldn’t matter how intensely her counterpart acted; her role as a lifeless scarecrow named Yuhwan would guarantee an NG.
Excuses? She had plenty. Forgetting lines, missing actions—no one would find anything odd about such claims.
But reality defied Son Ji-ah’s expectation.
“…?”
No matter how she waited, no NG call came.
Silence reigned everywhere. Her image was still being captured by the camera, and in front of her stood Wi Ji-hye, her firm feet planted on the ground, her atmosphere decisively influencing the surroundings.
‘What is this? This can’t be…’
Yuhwan.
The character who begged for his life after losing to Wi Ji-hye, tried to stab her in the back after she showed mercy, and then ultimately died in the most disgraceful way.
…But wasn’t she just standing there silently now?
And yet no one announced an NG.
The reason was simple.
Everyone including director Park Jun, staff members, and other actors were fully absorbed in the unfolding scene.
‘To the untrained eye, she might seem detached observing Yuhwan, but a slight ripple exists. Her mood is clearly disturbed.’
‘Even though she drew her sword, the level of battle she showed is clearly unsatisfactory. Such thinking aligns with her as the best in the world. She conveyed this so vividly…’
Which explained why she was entirely focused on Lee Su-a.
Of course, Su-a did have an unspoken question bubbling in her mind. After all, her formidable opponent suddenly ceased acting.
‘Just like during the mock filming, and with this person too. Why do actions not written in the script happen? Is this more common than I thought?’
Despite the lack of any NG call, the actor’s duty was clear: the scene must proceed.
Actually, compared to the mock shooting when her arm was twisted, the current situation was far better. Su-a quietly decided…
Swoosh.
To make the image even darker and more immersed in Ji-hye.
The sensation of the brain plunging into something profound, various scenarios of what Ji-hye would do in such a situation popped up in her mind, yet the feeling quickly saturated her emotions.
A speed incomparable to the first time she unlocked her talent. Su-a’s proficiency was developing even in this moment.
And Ji-hye’s emotions were profoundly deep.
─Once I start, I can’t stop. Until the end.
Her words at the start accurately described her current state. She had completely integrated with the invincible figure of Ji-hye.
Swoosh.
The slow motion of raising the sword tip.
The camera, which had been focused solely on Ji-hye’s face, retreated along the rail allowing the vast expanse of the scenery to be captured on the monitor.
Thanks to this, the scene of Ji-hye gently placing the blade on Son Ji-ah’s shoulder and the two standing in confrontation became much clearer.
No other sounds existed. Thus, the tension was palpable.
Seo Yeon-joo watched the monitor, holding her breath. At this moment, she was simultaneously in awe and inspired by Su-a’s acting.
‘Killing her would be fine at any time. Instead of taking her life, listening to her thoughts is more important. Therefore, there’s no need to rush. She basically oozes with confidence. Very befitting of Ji-Hye.’
At that moment.
Wi Ji-hye slowly tilted her head to the side. Her eyes revealed the final discovery of something from Son Ji-ah.
As Ji-hye’s lips parted, director Park Jun instinctively understood.
‘Is she going to deliver her lines? Already this scene has deviated vastly from the script. But there is absolutely no thought of cutting it yet. Let’s just shoot till the end.’
On the other side, Son Ji-ah couldn’t help but find the situation absurd.
What are you up to, Su-a? What can you do when I’m just standing here, resisting? No matter how good your improvisation, it won’t work. No matter what, an NG is unavoidable…
But…
『Trivial.』
At that moment, Ji-hye emitted a particularly frosty tone. The eyes that were previously devoid of emotions now carried a distinct contempt.
『Why not give your all? It’s not that hard, is it?』
Actions not written in the script. Lines not written in the script.
She understood improvisation.
But still, it caused a dissonance.
『Merely swayed by a trivial reality.』
The dialogue that Ji-hye threw at Yuhwan wasn’t merely what it seemed. Was Su-a speaking to Son Ji-ah through Ji-hye’s mouth?
『A sword is no different from a brush.』
Strange.
『When unsheathed, it must be wielded until the end.』
Su-a’s word—why did it feel like it was speaking about Son Ji-ah’s ‘acting’?
『Even if it is difficult, even if you yourself foresee failure…』
It is confirmed.
『You should be able to put your own mark somewhere, somehow.』
Su-a was, through Ji-hye’s lips, speaking to Son Ji-ah.
『Even if the solution isn’t visible. Even if great temptations approach…』
Ji-hye continued steadily.
『…You, at least, should have trusted in your sword.』
Son Ji-ah’s body shivered slightly.
Remembering the days when she wasn’t seen, feeling frustrated and tired of the injustice, dedicating her efforts to CT Entertainment’s backstage operations…
All these thoughts came to her in that moment, staring at the person in front of her.
Ji-hye remained composed.
『Your sword cuts nothing.』
Son Ji-ah gripped the hilt of the sword tightly.
Though still standing motionless, a new thought began forming within her mind.
The initial motivation. The time when she began acting, before she was tainted by reality—back then. A desire to go back to those days, to focus solely on acting.
『Unable to cut, hence unable to protect.』
Son Ji-ah no longer needed to act.
And soon…
She was simply listening to Ji-hye’s words attentively.
『Your initial aspiration, the beliefs you had, also cannot be defended.』
Ji-hye withdrew the sword from Son Ji-ah’s shoulder.
She tossed it to the ground at her feet.
『So, die.』
The camera zoomed in on Son Ji-ah’s face, capturing her trembling, sweating visage—a genuine reaction to her own shock.
Because, you see, Ji-hye’s voice carried such force and persuasion. It almost felt like the real thing. Self-inflicted death was what needed to happen, perhaps.
Simultaneously, a thought occurred—if her acting career was already so corrupted, was it too late to turn back? Thus, was this self-destruction?
…An utter declaration to quit acting? That was the meaning.
However,
『Break your weak self, and we will meet again someday.』
The self-destruction Ji-hye had commanded was different from her interpretation.
Letting go of her weak form, meaning to meet once more as an actress. To show her full potential.
At least that was how it was interpreted by Son Ji-ah.
“…”
Lost for words.
Though Son Ji-ah did nothing, and Ji-hye performed actions not included in the script, there were no flaws in the progression. Everything unfolded naturally and was fully captured by the camera.
Even if her counterpart refused to act?
She simply brought the scene to its conclusion on her own.
When Ji-hye finally turned her back.
“All right, all right, a moment!” Son Ji-ah, extending her hand, exclaimed.
Though stunned by Su-a’s response abilities, there was something else troubling her. Too much of a coincidence. She was curious.
Was what Su-a displayed just acting? Or a deep-seated insight into Son Ji-ah’s struggles, offered as advice?
“…Did you know it all along? When? Exactly when did you begin?”
No delay in the reply:
『From the start.』
…
…
…
…
…
Near the monitor,
“…”
Complete silence.
It was unavoidable.
Having changed the scene based on an understanding of Ji-hye’s character but ensuring the theme of ‘the art of the sword’ was highlighted. She showed restraint, avoiding focusing on swordplay despite displaying an extraordinary mastery.
No one could articulate their thoughts easily. The improvisation of an actor performing beyond the script to craft a narrative that fits wasn’t just a mere skill—it was art.
“…”
Extra actors were especially lost for words. Being debuts just like Su-a, yet she was in a different league. They weren’t confident that they could reach the same level even if they acted for decades.
The silence was eventually broken by Seo Yeon-joo.
“Did we mention that we booked a hotel for a week?”
Watching the monitor, she continued.
“Cancel it. Three days will suffice.”
“Where on earth did such a monster come from….”
Amidst various comments, Park Jun had only one thing to say.
“…This can win. It’s definitely possible.”
◈◈◈◈◈
Meantime, in Lee Geumsuk’s writer room.
As always, Choi Hee-won PD, junior writers, and others gathered in the living room. The production of Special Squad 808 was progressing smoothly, and they were currently in a serious meeting.
—Actors judged unsuitable after simulated rehearsals will be excluded.
A precedent-breaking condition.
It wasn’t just to intimidate the actors; it was going to happen. The reason was simple: Special Squad 808 was to be treated with utmost importance.
The process of reviewing simulated rehearsals continued on the big wall TV. As they watched carefully, someone spoke.
“Thinking back, it strikes me again.”
Choi Hee-won PD, with arms crossed, said,
“Because Su-a’s adlib was so powerful that day, it was truly a feast of improvisation. Not a single scene without adlibs. Some actors pushed it a bit too much.”
Lee Geumsuk nodded.
“That’s right. Trying to attempt new things is good, but some were indeed over the top. However, did you know? I didn’t need to contact the actors first.”
“Why not?”
“Because they contacted me first. One after another. Look at this.”
Lee Geumsuk held out her phone.
[Sender: Park Do-hee]
▪ Hello Ms. Lee, it’s actor Park Do-hee. I suddenly feel like giving it my all. This message isn’t about the contract. Just after the simulated rehearsal, Su-a’s performance—
And Park Do-hee wasn’t alone. Other notable actors like Hwang Myung-pil all had a message waiting.
“Isn’t this strange? This never happens.”
“Yes. It’s strange.”
Choi Hee-won PD nodded.
“It feels more like pure determination rather than fear of losing the contract. Moreover…”
“Everyone refers to Su-a. Without fail.”
“Yes. They all seem aware of Su-a, but it isn’t negative—in fact, positive.”
Thus, the two opened a previously closed door.
A screening room greeted them. The stylists were watching Su-a’s clips repeatedly.
Already several views for Choi Hee-won PD and Lee Geumsuk, yet they remained captivated—proof of Su-a’s excellence.
The stylists were chatting.
“Every time I watch the footage, Su-a’s voice changes subtly in Kim You-han’s scenes. She speaks in a neutral tone, yet her articulation never falters.”
“That’s right. Thanks to that, the sound team’s job has been easier.”
One of the stylists turned to Lee Geumsuk.
“This is maddening. Truly maddening.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m delighted. As a stylist, this is the first time I’ve encountered someone as intriguing as Su-a.”
Not an exaggeration, she happily continued.
“Typically, costumes for a defined character are pre-determined and often dull, but not with Su-a’s Kim You-han. It’s like a free pass to experiment with anything.”
Thus, the stylists gleefully used tablets to overlay clothes and wigs on Su-a’s captured face images.
“Would this hairstyle work?”
“Nope. The forehead must be covered. We need a contrast to Lee Kang-cheol’s look, and a touch of debauchery might be nice.”
“…But everything suits her? Which one should we choose?”
Lee Geumsuk and Choi Hee-won exchanged glances before smiling indulgently, shutting the door. The stylists were too engrossed to notice.
“She’s truly the heart of this project.”
“Yes. She motivates everyone to work harder.”
There are many kinds of people, but there is a rare type.
Someone whose diligence in performing their duties alone can motivate others. Choi Hee-won PD and Lee Geumsuk believed Su-a was this type.
Actors were sending messages promising to work harder, and what was once a routine task for stylists was now met with schoolgirl enthusiasm.
“Isn’t it just absurd? A newcomer becoming the heart of the production? Su-a’s a prodigy, a prodigy.”
“Yes. We’ve never had such a set atmosphere.”
“Days of arguing and demanding this or that gave me terrible headaches before.”
Getting motivation from Su-a applied even to Lee Geumsuk and Choi Hee-won.
“I actually have a lot of genres in mind. I want them all to be handled by Su-a. Could she really pull them all off?”
“I’m feeling the same. Wanting to direct them in various genres.”
Action, romance, erotica, comedy… how wide was Su-a’s range? They were pondering when suddenly,
BOOM!
“Writer! Director!”
The stylists rushed out, bursting through the door.
“What about this look on Su-a? How does this work?”
Before they could react, a tablet was thrust in front of their faces.
They instantly understood. The mid-story moment where Kim You-han finally reveals her true identity.
“This…”
“This…”
Choi PD and Lee Writer looked at each other.
There was no need to state the rest. They knew.
This will definitely work.
◈◈◈◈◈
The best shines, no matter how concealed.
The brilliant needle in the pocket will always catch the eye eventually, just as it is in the entertainment world.
There’s an additional trait in this environment: the moment people find the brilliant needle, they cannot help but spread the word ceaselessly.
This was true for Su-a as well.
At a hair salon:
“You look troubled, Brother. What’s wrong?”
“Of course. I went to the simulated shoot recently, and it’s hard to keep quiet. There are so many things.”
“Seo Yeon-joo was impressive too, I imagine?”
“Forget Seo Yeon-joo. There’s a mad new talent. She’s stunningly beautiful. Oh, didn’t you want a model for your hairstyle portfolio?”
“How beautiful? Definitely show me later.”
In a CF meeting room:
“This person, though I can’t name them yet, is unforgettable. They’re colder than this ice cream…”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely! Just sitting there is a perfect shot!”
At a movie production office:
“Director! Director!”
“Yes?”
“I went to the Special Squad 808 simulated shoot. There’s an incredible newcomer! Director, you should check it out!”
“If you can, then show me.”
“Ah? On second thought, I can’t yet because of a confidentiality clause…”
“Are you messing with me?”
“No, no! No matter what, there’s an insanely talented rookie! Director, what kind of role are you searching for now?”
“A rebellious heiress.”
“Perfect! Her presence screams it! Not only does she look the part, but her acting is phenomenal!”
“Stop hyping it up already. It’s giving me a headache.”
Although he seemingly dismissed it with a click of his tongue, he was anything but ordinary. He was a highly acclaimed director who had never tasted failure.
“If they’re that great, bring the real deal to me sometime.”
Su-a’s ripple effects were already transforming into a full-on typhoon.
—-
The best is hard to hide.
Though she aimed to stay concealed, the world discovered her brilliance. And the people who noticed spread her fame tirelessly, as is the norm in the entertainment world.
The ripple Su-a created had grown into something far greater—an unstoppable storm.
