Chapter 15
*
After that, Cheong-yeon continued to fail every audition he attended. He had been away from broadcasting for a long time, and while he could handle the prepared lines well, most feedback said his improvised acting during auditions was lacking.
Looking at actors who passed auditions, the overwhelming majority had already signed with agencies. It was natural that Cheong-yeon fell behind when competing against actors who received basic preparation and styling support through their agencies. Cheong-yeon felt that learning at an academy alone had its limitations.
Moreover, one of the problems preventing him from being cast was that the range of roles he could secure wasn’t very broad. Tall Alphas with rough appearances could quickly be cast even as Thug #43 in gang filming, but the roles Cheong-yeon could take were closer to pretty supporting characters with considerable importance.
It’s a crime to have a good-looking face. This industry is filthy.
Lamenting his situation, Cheong-yeon left the audition venue. After consecutive rejections, his stomach felt bitter.
As he trudged toward the bus stop, his phone suddenly rang in his pocket. Checking the caller, it was an unsaved number.
Thinking it might be related to casting, Cheong-yeon quickly answered.
“Hello?”
—Cheong-yeon! How have you been? It’s me, Kyung-seop!
A familiar voice came through the earpiece.
“…Manager Kim Kyung-seop?”
—Yes, it’s me. What have you been up to? I heard you started acting.
The voice he hadn’t heard in a long time immediately brought the person’s face to mind. Although they didn’t get along as well as he did with Ji-han, he had been Cheong-yeon’s manager during DEX’s active days, sticking together almost daily, so the contact after a long time was welcome.
“Yes. Somehow it turned out that way. I heard you established your own agency. You’re the CEO now.”
—After always running around after other people, I thought I should try something myself. As you know, the company isn’t big. It’s modest. Anyway, I called after hearing from Ji-han.
“Actually, I’ve been desperately feeling the importance of having an agency right now.”
—Are you interested in signing with me? Though we’re a small fish among small fish.
“Ha… If the CEO himself calls it a small fish, how bad is it?”
Cheong-yeon sighed while shaking his head. Kyung-seop’s laughter was heard through the receiver.
—Even if I can’t give you a signing bonus, I think I can get you into small independent films or short films. As you know, I have more connections in the acting field than in the singing world.
“Right. That’s how it was. That’s why you weren’t helpful to DEX…”
—Hey. What do you mean I wasn’t helpful? I worked hard in my own way. Anyway, what do you think? Want to join our company? Believe it or not, I have several scripts on hand right now.
Cheong-yeon pondered for a moment. To find a new agency at this point, he would need to take new profile photos to distribute, go through auditions, and pass camera tests before a contract would be possible. This industry was an endless succession of auditions.
Going through each process sequentially, following the standard steps, seemed impossible given his circumstances.
“Hyung. Just to be sure… These independent films don’t involve nudity or anything like that, right?”
—What do you take me for? You’re a funny bastard.
“No, I’m just asking to be sure.”
Judging by his aghast reaction, it seems there’s no nudity involved.
—Because you’re a Recessive, if you do something like that wrong, your image will plummet. Resist the urge to strip, even if you want to.
“Are you crazy? Who said I want to strip?”
—If not, then that’s good.
Kyung-seop giggled, saying it was a joke.
—But are you really okay with acting? I heard about you and Moon Do-heon… With things as they are, isn’t JT Group trying to block your activities or anything?
At this far-fetched comment, it was Cheong-yeon’s turn to laugh dryly. Whether this should be considered rich imagination… The very thought that Do-heon would have significant interest in him was fascinating.
“He’s not so idle that he’d check my schedule one by one to interfere. It doesn’t matter.”
—Anyway, if you want to contract, drop by the office. And I’ll send you a script, so come to the filming location and shoot while you’re at it. Get familiar with the set at the same time.
This quickly? As the conversation progressed at lightning speed, Cheong-yeon blinked, brightening up.
“What kind of script? The independent film you mentioned earlier?”
—Yes. It’s really just a brief supporting role, but it’s a character that suits you well.
“When is the filming?”
—Hmm, let me see… The day after tomorrow?
“Okay. So the day after tomorrow… Oh, wait.”
Desperately trying to recall his schedule for this week, Cheong-yeon doubted his ears.
“The filming is in two days?”
*
“Hey, where are you going again?”
As Cheong-yeon rustled about in the early dawn, Ji-han, who had woken up, rolled his blanket and poked his head out of the room.
“I’m going to a film shoot.”
“What? This quickly?”
“Somehow it was decided urgently.”
“Where is it? Is this what Manager Hyung introduced?”
“Yes. I’ve decided to sign with Kyung-seop Hyung’s agency for now. By the way, what’s wrong with your voice? Should I get you some water?”
Ji-han scratched his head as he removed the eye mask he had placed on his forehead.
“Yeah. My throat’s dry. Well, having an agency is definitely better. Getting a filming gig right away.”
“Right. Since I’m up early, I made beef seaweed soup for breakfast, so eat that later.”
“Oooh. What’s the occasion? I’ve been getting tired of delivery food lately.”
“My stomach hasn’t been feeling good from eating delivery food every day.”
Fully dressed, Cheong-yeon double-checked his backpack filled with belongings.
“Hey, Yoo Cheong-yeon. But if it’s beef seaweed soup… where did you get the beef?”
“There was beef in the freezer.”
“…What? That’s the Korean beef my mom sent us.”
Ji-han, who had been gulping down water, widened his eyes in shock. Cheong-yeon blinked, as if not understanding what the problem was.
“Isn’t beef seaweed soup normally made with Korean beef? That’s how they always ate it at Moon Do-heon’s house.”
“That’s because they have money to spare! Who in their right mind would use Korean beef for seaweed soup!”
Ji-han shouted with a fully awake expression. His voice cracked severely due to his morning throat.
At that, Cheong-yeon’s busy movements suddenly halted. A few seconds later, he quickly zipped up his bag and dashed to the entrance.
“I, I need to go now. I’ll buy and replace the same Korean beef. I’m leaving!”
“Hey, Yoo Cheong-yeon! Where are you going! Oh, that crazy bastard.”
“It’s an out-of-town shoot, so I’ll be back tomorrow morning. Bye!”
Although he barely escaped being caught and cuffed on the head by Ji-han, Cheong-yeon looked back several times, fearing he might be chased.
Fortunately, Ji-han didn’t seem inclined to pursue so diligently, as the alley remained quiet.
“I might be late if I don’t hurry…?”
Checking the time belatedly, Cheong-yeon quickened his pace in surprise. Since he had to go to the filming location in the province by himself, it would be a disaster if he couldn’t reach the station in time for the KTX’s departure.
As he hurried along, Cheong-yeon flinched when he spotted a familiar car.
By now, he’d be disappointed if that car wasn’t in front of the alley.
“Mr. Cheong-yeon.”
As expected, Secretary Shim emerged from the driver’s seat. Cheong-yeon was dumbfounded.
Seriously, do these company people have nothing to do? Why are the Director and his secretary appearing so frequently these days? Surely Do-heon hasn’t come too?
“…Secretary Shim. What a coincidence meeting you this morning. But I’m in a hurry and need to go quickly.”
Cheong-yeon explained the situation as quickly as possible in order to pass by Secretary Shim.
“You left your clothes in the car that day, so I came to return them.”
“Ah.”
Secretary Shim held out a shopping bag containing the black jacket and pants Cheong-yeon had taken off and left in the car on the day he visited the grandmother’s house. They must have been dry-cleaned, as the clothes were crisp and wrinkle-free.
“A button on the jacket was loose, so returning it was delayed due to repairs.”
“I appreciate it, but… I might miss my train, so I can’t take them now. Please just leave them by the door over there.”
Cheong-yeon impatiently tapped his foot as he checked the time again. Only then did Secretary Shim notice the backpack Cheong-yeon was carrying.
“Where are you going?”
“To a shoot. So the clothes, please just…”
“A shoot? You mean you’re appearing on broadcast?”
“Something similar to that.”
“But your luggage looks heavy to be carrying alone without an escort.”
“I’m not a famous actor who merits staff assistance. I’m supposed to meet the staff at the shooting location.”
“Which station are you headed to? I’ll drive you.”
Secretary Shim said this without hesitation while opening the car door. Cheong-yeon shook his head at the overwhelmingly kind gesture.
“No. The subway would be faster.”
“It seems inconvenient for you to carry that luggage yourself. If you don’t mind, I’ll take you to the station.”
