Episode 73

“…Oh, hello there!”

“Hmph. Hahaha. So, my daughter went in there to put on makeup before coming out?”

“Oh, I didn’t even bother with makeup today because of the exam! Why didn’t oppa say anything?”

Yeon-woo scratched his head, sweating profusely.

“Well… Isn’t it better to personally bring someone instead of just getting their autograph?”

“So-hyeon, I’ll owe you one for today.”

“What…? Are you going to sleep? At our house? With Jin Yu-han? This is insane.”

So-hyeon went into the room, making a call somewhere.

“Hey hey, it’s a big deal. Do you know who’s at my house right now?”

– Bang. –

Looking at So-hyeon’s closed door, Yeon-woo shrugged his shoulders.

“Sorry. She’s a high school student.”

“No, it’s okay. She’s lively and cute.”

After that, So-hyeon, who came out of her room to eat dinner, ate while stealing glances at Jin Yu-han, not even realizing if the food was going in her mouth.

After the meal, Yeon-woo and Jin Yu-han put aside the script and studied, exchanging acting techniques and practicing until late at night to improve the quality of their performance.

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Scenes shot in special sets were well-prepared, with the staff sharpening their skills, and the lead actors, thanks to staying together not just for rehearsal but also for lodging, delivered their lines smoothly, producing excellent scenes.

“Wow, very nice, please keep the quality high these days.”

“Haha. Of course, Director Hwang.”

Thanks to ‘The Star Beyond the River’, which has been soaring the ratings of KBC Channel 1, which had been struggling with changing times, Director Hwang was in high spirits these days.

‘The Star Beyond the River’ has aired up to episode 6, continuously increasing its ratings and now catching up to the brink of its competitor, ‘Valdor’, causing ups and downs.

The drama has progressed significantly, with the trio chasing an arson incident in Gaegyeong, meanwhile, Lee Ji-baek’s feelings for Hong Ui-yeon have grown, and a fluttering atmosphere has been added between Seo Hee and Hong Ui-yeon.

In episode 6 aired yesterday, it depicted Seo Hee ranked first in the past exams and Lee Ji-baek ranked second, and the internet response to their roles and acting skills, which perfectly matched their visuals, was explosive.

Of course, in terms of production costs, comparing pure profits, ‘The Star Beyond the River’ is dominating its competition.

“Isn’t Ryu Yeon-woo starring in a movie premiering this week as well? It’ll surely give our drama a boost. Definitely.”

“Oh, right. Wasn’t that directed by Park Chan-hong? Then it’s guaranteed to attract at least 4 million viewers.”

As he is a top-notch filmmaker in domestic commercial films, it was certain that he would also contribute to the drama to some extent.

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Meanwhile, Yeon-woo is getting his makeup done today for the VIP premier ahead of tomorrow’s premiere.

“Yeon-woo, you’ve been enjoying the drama a lot lately.”

“It’s so much fun!”

As Director Jeong, who was swiftly moving the brush, spoke, the assistant staff behind him chimed in.

“Thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

At that moment, the shop door opened, and Yeon-woo’s stylist, Lee Ye-eun, entered carrying a bundle of clothes.

“Ye-eun noona.”

“Yeon-woo, how long has it been?”

Since there were no other schedules or costumes to coordinate in historical dramas, Ye-eun, who had nothing much to do lately, had been managing other entertainers under the same agency.

“Yes, it’s been over a month since the movie premiere.”

“Many sponsored outfits arrived for you to try on. Let’s try them on later.”

Yeon-woo’s back broke out in a sweat at the sight of the numerous suitcases stacked next to Ye-eun.

After setting everything up, Ye-eun, who was trying on clothes on Yeon-woo like playing with dolls, had a thoughtful expression on her face.

“This is driving me crazy. It’s the first time everything fits so perfectly.”

“I’m okay with everything. Should I go with this?”

Yeon-woo casually grabbed one of the clothes in front of him, and Ye-eun nodded, then shook her head again.

“Yeah, that was okay. But was this one better? Ah, I don’t know.”

“How about capturing the confident and mischievous personality of a problem solver from the movie?”

Ye-eun’s eyes lit up at Yeon-woo’s suggestion.

“Good idea. Let’s align it with the movie concept. Then this is it!”

As Ye-eun emerged in the reselected outfit, Director Jeong and the assistant staff applauded.

“It’s perfect. Perfect. Let’s make some adjustments too. Come here, sit again.”

Director Jeong adjusted the makeup to a more intense and sharp style, fitting the style of a cool and sharp male lead.

“Perfect…!”

At that moment, the shop door opened again, and Min-soo entered.

“It’s about time we should leave. Is everything ready?”

“Go ahead. Our kid is perfect.”

Director Jeong passed Yeon-woo to Min-soo as if handing over his own masterpiece.

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Seong-sik, Junsoo, and Yuri now entered the premiere venue with a somewhat relaxed pace, as it was their second time.

Already, many actors and celebrities, including Son Jin-yuk, had finished entering.

When they looked at the front row seats, they saw Jeong Soo-yeon sitting there.

“Oh? There’s Soo-yeon.”

Upon hearing her name, Soo-yeon turned around, spotted the kids, and waved with a smile.

Then she stood up and moved to sit next to the kids.

“Soo-yeon!”

“Hey, guys! Yuri unni!”

After traveling together, Soo-yeon greeted her newfound friends with a smile on her face, feeling delighted to see the faces of these new friends she had become close to since she didn’t have any close friends before. As she exchanged warm greetings, Yuri’s eyes turned away.

“Oh? There’s Jin Yu-han. Kyaa~!”

Seeing Yuri like that, Junsoo poked her side.

“Oh, why?”

“No matter how much of a fan you are, it’s okay for Yeon-woo, but not for Jin Yu-han.”

Yuri chuckled at Junsoo’s jealousy.

Later, when Yeon-woo’s family arrived and sat down, Jin Yu-han approached them, greeting them warmly with a smile.

“Oh? It seems like Yeon-woo’s parents know Jin Yu-han.”

“They must have met while filming with Yeon-woo.”

“But Yeon-woo’s younger sister So-hyeon has grown a lot. The genes didn’t go anywhere. She’s beautiful.”

This time, when Junsoo spoke, Yuri jabbed her side.

“Why are you like this? She’s a high school student. She’s still a kid.”

“Amusing. Weren’t you a high school student when you contacted me too?”

Watching their playful bickering, Jung Soo-yeon smiled slightly enviously, and Woo Seong-sik covered his mouth, stifling a laugh, playfully shaking his head.

Meanwhile, Lee Jin-ah, who uses the nickname ‘YeonuJin-ah’ as a café manager, had met with the members at the café an hour earlier and was now on her way to the VIP premier venue, leading the members under the guidance of the entertainment staff.

“This is amazing. My hands are trembling.”

“I don’t think any of us members have seen a real actor before.”

“Except for the senior from school, Yuri Rabbit, that you mentioned, right?”

“I saw them once at the Korea Arts Awards ceremony from a distance.”

“We need to remember everything we see and hear today except for the movie’s content and convey it all to the fan café members! The mission is heavy.”

The excited fan café Wooz members chattered away as they entered, sitting in the designated seats in the front row, and soon the signal from the on-site staff announcing the start of the premier echoed.

Soon, the lights dimmed, and the main trailer for ‘Master Plan’ began playing on the screen.

[Well, you understand. There’s no other choice. I’ll cover for you. Some will have to carry the burden, won’t they?]

[I can’t live like this. Money can be earned again, so as long as the problem is solved, I’ll take care of everything.]

[Are you Pierre Choi?]

[Should we make a big bet this time?]

Fans had watched the trailer dozens of times on YouTube, so they were already memorizing the lines and sound effects from the trailer.

As the trailer ended and the lights brightened again, the door next to the stage of the premier venue opened.

Director Park Chan-hong led the way, followed by actors Ma Seok-do, Ryu Yeon-woo, Han So-hyeon, and Jung Ha-kyun.

“Oh, no, what do we do? It’s our actors.”

“My heart is about to burst.”

At that moment, the announcer’s voice rang through the speakers in the premier venue.

“Please welcome them with a big round of applause.”

– Wooaah! –

There was already a thunderous applause and cheers that didn’t even need to be prompted by the announcer.

Following the announcer’s instructions, they greeted Director Park Chan-hong and passed by Ma Seok-do, approaching Ryu Yeon-woo’s turn.

When Yeon-woo took the microphone, everyone quieted down.

At that moment, like the roar of a lioness written by a martial arts master, the enthusiastic shout of a female fan resounded throughout the venue.

“He’s so handsome~!”

– Hahaha. –

With that shout, the venue turned into a sea of laughter, and the audience tried to figure out who the owner of the voice was.

Even café manager Lee Jin-ah, who was surprised by the sudden roar of the lioness next to her, had been a shy fan since they first met at the café, unable to speak properly.

Wondering where such courage came from, she wrote something in her notepad app.

Coming to a strange conclusion, she nodded and thought she’d learn a thing or two.

As the laughter in the venue subsided, Yeon-woo took the microphone again with a smile and began his greetings.

“Thank you so much for cheering loudly.”

Looking at the blushing girl fan with a smile in his eyes, Yeon-woo made a heart shape with his fingers, causing her to blush again and bury her head. Meanwhile, the Wooz members next to her were clapping their arms wildly.

‘Indeed, courage brings rewards.’

Seeing that, Lee Jin-ah nodded her head and opened her notepad app again.

Then Yeon-woo spoke.

“With our entire staff and actors putting all their efforts, we’ve prepared a comprehensive gift of fun for you, like a complete set. Please enjoy the movie and thank you so much for spending your valuable time with us today.”

Finishing his speech gracefully, Yeon-woo bowed his head and greeted the audience, who erupted into cheers from the audience.

Jin Yu-han also nodded at his friend on stage.

‘I should also show such a fitting appearance for a leading actor during stage greetings or interviews in the future.’

Reflecting on his past self, who was usually reserved and gave short answers when holding a microphone, Jin Yu-han looked at his friend and internally reflected.

After So-hyeon and Ha-kyun finished their greetings, the actors descended from the stage amid loud cheers.

The theater started to darken gradually.

The title of the movie appeared on the screen against a black background.

[Master Plan]

Deceivers and the deceived.

And finally, Ryu Yeon-woo’s first movie as the lead began.