Episode 8

“In an audition for a supporting role, why did you prepare a scene for a sub-lead character with free acting?”

“Because it’s the character that resonated with me the most in the script you sent. While it’s not a role being auditioned for, I wanted to take this opportunity to try acting it out.”

The production team had only found out about the casting gap for the role of ‘Cha Woo-joo’ this morning, so the applicants couldn’t have known beforehand. Assistant Director Jun thought, pondering if this was fate.

“Well, good job, Yeon-woo. I wonder what kind of alcohol I should buy for Cheol-min. You did well. We’ll contact you later, so you can leave.”

The tired expressions of the production team, who had been conducting auditions since lunch, brightened after seeing Yeon-woo.

“Yes. Ryu Yeon-woo an aspiring actor! Thank you.”

After giving a spirited bow, Yeon-woo exited the room.

The door opened again as staff came in.

“The next participant is ready to come in.”

“Oh no, wait a moment. Let’s take about a 10-minute break.”

“Yes, Director.”

 

Kim Han-soo, the director, closed the door again and looked around.

The other members of the production team exchanged glances.

“Are we all thinking the same thing?”

“Director, could this be a ‘phone call from heaven’?”

” Yeon-woo…”

The staff from the production company exchanged glances, nodding their heads, and there was the still dazed writer, Choi Mi-hyu.

That is how Yeon-woo’s first audition in life came to an end.

Yeon-woo descended to the first floor, as it was his first time experiencing a casting audition, he wasn’t sure whether he did well or not.

Still, he had executed what he had prepared without any mistakes, so he didn’t have any regrets.

He took out his smartphone and called Jung Cheol-min, who was waiting for him outside the building.

[Oh, did it finish?]

“Yes, I’m at the place where you dropped me off.”

[Okay. I’ll be there soon. Since it’s dangerous to talk on the phone while driving, let’s chat after you get in the car.]

“Sure, I’ll wait.”

A little while later, Cheol-min’s car arrived, and he picked up Yeon-woo.

 

Cheol-min shifted the gear lever and turned the car while asking, “So, did you do well? Anything strange?”

“I didn’t make any mistakes, but something felt off.”

“Something felt off? What was it?”

“After the free acting, I also did the designated scene for Cha Woo-joo.”

Cheol-min raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Wasn’t it Hwang Jaeil or Choi Hyeok?”

“Yes, should I have prepared Hwang Jaeil’s role for the free acting?”

Scratching his chin, Cheol-min replied, “No, in free acting, you just need to showcase your acting skills. In other auditions, you might imitate acting from different movies or dramas.”

Cheol-min shook his head and asked again, “Was there anything else?”

“Um, before the acting, they complimented my appearance. Oh, and the director mentioned that he should buy an alcohol for you teacher?”

“Senior Kim? Buy alcohol for me?”

Discussing various aspects of the audition, they traveled to Daejeon. Feeling a bit hungry after the early morning journey, they stopped at a rest area.

“Give a Ramen ma’am. Yeon-woo, what would you like to eat?”

“I’ll have fish stew.”

 

Yeon-woo’s answer made Cheol-min contemplate changing his order as well.

“Look at this guy’s taste. It suits the old man’s preference.”

“It’s soul food.”

They exchanged playful banter and took their seats.

“Yeon-woo, look at the attention you’re getting from people around. Anyone who sees you might think you’re already a celebrity.”

As Cheol-min spoke, people passing by the rest area’s restaurant were looking at Yeon-woo’s face with curiosity, regardless of age or gender. Some even stared at him intensely as if trying to see through him.

“But people might recognize you. You’re an actor after all.”

“Hey, who’s going to recognize me? Industry insiders might, but…”

Although Yeon-woo’s response was shy, he could sense the piercing gazes from those around him.

“Yeon-woo, it’s number 157. Get the food with the youngest.”

“Haha, we’re only two people, so who’s the youngest? Obviously, you’re going too teacher.”

While holding the number ticket, they headed to collect their food, and they could hear murmurs around them.

“Seems like an idol!”

“He looks a bit young, could he be a trainee?”

“Anyway, his face is amazing.”

“Hey, ask for his number!”

 

One of the people in the group who had been murmuring among themselves approached Yeon-woo due to their friends’ urging and spoke to him.

“Um, excuse me, could you give me your number?”

“… Yes?”

Taken aback by the sudden approach of the woman, Yeon-woo extended the number ticket he held in his hand.

“Uh, but this is for our food…”

“Not this number… Uh, no. I’m sorry!”

She gave a polite nod and then hurriedly retreated. Yeon-woo chuckled as he watched her run away.

Heading back to the food area, Yeon-woo presented the number ticket again, and the lady at the counter handed him a tray of food with a smile.

“Oh my. You’re so handsome. I’ve packed you a lot of food, so enjoy it.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Could they give more food than the standard portion even at a highway rest area…? Anyway, Yeon-woo, who was now living a different life with a different appearance from his past, was amazed each time by the kindness of the world.

Even as he walked to his seat, the gazes and whispers from the people around him didn’t diminish. As Yeon-woo arrived at the table and set the food down before sitting, Cheol-min smiled and spoke.

 

“Look at you. You haven’t even debuted, but you’re already a celebrity.”

“I was embarrassed because it was my first experience like this.”

“It’ll become your daily routine soon.”

After finishing the meal, Cheol-min got up to smoke a cigarette and went to buy coffee, heading towards the smoking area.

Yeon-woo said he would wait in the car and took the car keys to get in.

At that moment, Cheol-min’s phone rang.

“Hello, senior!”

Seeing the name on the screen, Cheol-min hastily answered the call. Yeon-woo, who had been waiting in the car, pricked up his ears and looked at Cheol-min.

[Cheol-min, did you go to your student’s audition today? Yeon-woo, right? The audition just ended.]

“Yes, senior. I’m on my way to drop him off.”

[Were you together in Seoul? Why aren’t you showing your face?]

Upon expressing his hurt feelings, Cheol-min let out a sigh.

“Oh my, Senior. Audition sites are so chaotic. I’ll have to treat you to a drink separately soon. Oh, it’s definitely not because of the casting. Haha.”

[I’ll buy the drinks.]

“What? What are you saying? you will buy the drink?”

[That’s what I mean.]

“Huh! What?”

 

Continuing their conversation, Cheol-min accidentally spilled the coffee he was drinking while talking on the phone. “Yes, yes, of course. Oh my, thank you so much. Well then, senior. I have a drive ahead of me. Yes, yes.”

Amidst Cheol-min’s intense half-yelling, a sense of curiosity appeared on Yeon-woo’s face. “Yes, please go ahead, senior. I’ll see you soon.”

After ending the call, Cheol-min looked at Yeon-woo. “How did it go, teacher?”

Without a word, Cheol-min stared at Yeon-woo and then suddenly slapped the back of his head with force.

 

Thwack!

Ouch!

“Hey, you little rascal. You got cast.”

“Really? Hahaha. Honestly, I was feeling incredibly passionate inside.”

He pretended to be casual, but inside, Yeon-woo had been fervently hoping to get cast, without even performing the designated acting for the other roles in the audition.

“But don’t be surprised, Yeon-woo.”

“Yes. Why, teacher?”

“You got cast for the role of Cha Woo-joo.”

“Yes?!”

 

According to Director Kim Han-soo, due to some circumstances, the casting for the sub lead male role suddenly fell through. Despite being a new actor, the casting committee unanimously decided to assign the role of Cha Woo-joo to Yeon-woo.

Hearing the explanation, Yeon-woo was so excited that he jumped up and down in his spot, rejoicing like a child.

He felt tens of times more elated than when he passed the national intelligence agency exam in his past life.

Yeon-woo rode in the car with Jung Cheol-min, heading to Daejeon.

“Teacher, thank you so much for giving me a ride today.”

“Thanks? For what? Because you did well, our academy got some credit too.”

Although Cheol-min said this, compared to the efforts he put into helping me prepare for this audition, using Yeon-woo ‘s name for promotion is a small reward.

As if he were his own child, and as if he were the one auditioning, Cheol-min had been helping and staying up late into the night to brainstorm together.

While Yeon-woo already had a foundation in acting, Cheol-min was the one who cultivated it further. With a grateful heart, Yeon-woo bowed his head once again.

“Thank you so much for your guidance, teacher.”

“Son.”

Yeon-woo’s feelings seemed to have reached Cheol-min, as the tip of Cheol-min’s nose slightly reddened.

Feeling awkward, Cheol-min opened the window.

“I’m leaving. Make sure you personally deliver the news to your parents.”

“Yes, please take care!”

After Cheol-min’s car departed, Yeon-woo entered his home with a contented heart.

 

*********

 

A few days later, Cheol-min, accompanied by Yeon-woo’s father, Ryu Cheol-yung, visited a building in Seoul. They were there for a meeting with representatives from LN Media, the external production company for the drama “Summer Promise,” regarding Yeon-woo ‘s contract.

 

“Brother, after careful consideration, it seems they’ve taken great care of him despite being a newcomer.”

“Haha, that’s correct. It’s not that we’re hiring newcomers this time due to a lack of production budget. Our chairman here is investing in the future of Mr. Ryu Yeon-woo.”

In the eyes of Ryu Cheol-yung, an ordinary parent who had lived his whole life as a civil servant, the amount was astonishing enough to leave him surprised.

“Hoho, this is quite overwhelming. We heard a few days ago that our son was going to Seoul for an audition, but I never expected something this big.”

“We firmly believe that Ryu Yeon-woo will grow into a major star. If you’re surprised by this level, it might be difficult for you in the future. Father.”

 

In response to Ryu Cheol-yung’s genuine tone, the staff members from the production company also felt pleased. Isn’t it true that giving feels even better when the recipient truly deserves it?

“Oh, and when this project is over, various agencies might contact Mr. Yeon-woo for potential representation. At that time, please consider IX Entertainment, which we operate by our media company. Father.”

While Ryu Cheol-yung appreciated the proactive attitude of the production company, he passed on discussing such matters to Jung Cheol-min, who accompanied him, as he wasn’t well-versed in these affairs.

“Yes, I understand. However, it might be more convenient for you to discuss these matters with Mr. Jung Cheol-min here. What do I know about these things? Of course, Yeon-woo’s opinion matters the most.”

“We will discuss the contract with you later. Nonetheless, since we will need some management during the filming, as a family member who will be sharing this project, we will take care of it. If you could sign here.”

After a smooth contract negotiation, as Cheol-min returned to Daejeon, he was overcome with emotions reflecting on how his son had earned money for the first time.