Chapter 71
I had somewhat prepared myself, but the Saturday morning meeting with the director felt like a second audition.
Before starting a full reading with all the leading and supporting actors, the director wanted to meet Cheong-yeon personally to see how well he could handle the role.
That made sense, as to the director, Cheong-yeon was just some unknown rookie who had fallen from the sky. His profile and video materials were significantly lacking compared to the other actors.
As soon as the customary greetings were over, the director bluntly expressed his dissatisfaction, confessing that Cheong-yeon wasn’t the casting he wanted. He deeply regretted having to hand over a supporting character, which he had meticulously planned with the writer, to an unknown actor like Yoo Cheong-yeon.
Cheong-yeon wasn’t hurt by these words at all. It was natural for the director to view him unfavorably. After all, he was essentially throwing cold water on a project the director had prepared with great care for a long time. Cheong-yeon was in no position to complain even if he was openly criticized.
Fortunately, thanks to Do-heon sending him home early after dinner yesterday, he had been able to memorize the script perfectly until dawn.
Moreover, Cheong-yeon had already taken several acting lessons with a coach from Kwon Hye-na’s team, focusing on this specific script and role. This allowed him to somewhat deliver the character’s feeling that the director demanded on the spot.
The lessons must have been effective, because the director, who had been sitting crookedly with his arms crossed, glaring at Cheong-yeon with a look that said “Let’s see how bad your acting really is,” showed an unexpected reaction.
He soon adopted a serious attitude, pulling his chair closer to the table and pointing out detailed aspects of Cheong-yeon’s delivery, such as how to end lines and breathing techniques. For more than three hours, Cheong-yeon sat face-to-face with the director, taking notes and correcting the specific details he requested.
Finally, after Cheong-yeon had recited all the lines for his character, the director nodded with a relaxed expression, as if to say “good job.”
“Since the casting is already confirmed, and I can’t reverse the decision at my level, I don’t intend to make a fuss over one rookie actor. I’m not that petty, and I’m not that idle either. And honestly… your acting… I thought it would be terrible, but it’s better than I expected.”
To Cheong-yeon, who had been frozen in anticipation of some harsh criticism, those words sounded like the highest praise. He jumped up from his chair, respectfully folded his hands, and bowed to the director.
“Thank you, Director!”
“That doesn’t mean I’m completely satisfied.”
“I understand.”
“But, uh… what was it? Wait, I suddenly can’t remember. What’s your name again?”
The director squinted one eye, waving his hand as if trying to recall.
“Yoo Cheong-yeon.”
“Ah, right. Yoo Cheong-yeon. Listen, I don’t know who’s backing you, but no matter how much someone pushes you, in this industry, you absolutely can’t make it without your own effort.”
He spoke as if he already knew Cheong-yeon was being sponsored by someone.
Cheong-yeon didn’t feel the need to deny it. In fact, it was a circumstance that anyone deeply involved in the drama’s production could deduce. In the entertainment industry, sponsorship was so common that it wasn’t even considered an issue as long as it wasn’t revealed to the public.
“I’ve been around long enough to say this. When you work in production, you see all kinds of things. Don’t think I’m being a nag for saying this.”
“No, I don’t think that at all.”
“In this industry, having a pretty face is a talent too. And using that talent to get a sponsor is also a talent. From that perspective, you’re quite capable. Right? You’ve got skills.”
“……”
“If you work hard, you might be able to develop your acting skills too. You don’t seem to lack potential. But don’t rely too much on whoever’s pushing you. Do you know how rumors about you are spreading in our circle?”
The director stared at Cheong-yeon with a somewhat complicated expression, leaning back against his chair.
“If you’ve managed to get your casting confirmed despite opposition from above, pushing through all that resistance… whoever is taking a liking to you must be really something.”
Cheong-yeon flinched internally and looked up.
“Your past and your current behavior aren’t just noticeable, they’re downright conspicuous, making people not just look but stare with frowns. The public articles might be blocked by those powerful people above, but they can’t cover the eyes of those of us working here. Let’s not make enemies of industry people by relying too much on your backer.”
He spoke somewhat arrogantly, tapping the desk with his palm.
“I don’t care if you’re being sponsored or what you’re doing behind the scenes. I don’t even care if you’re an Omega or a Beta. I plan to view you without prejudice. But in return, I hope you’ll take my drama seriously as an actor. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
After listening silently, Cheong-yeon took a deep breath before speaking.
“Director, I have no intention of denying what you’ve said. I think it’s all true, and I understand why you can’t view me favorably. Regardless of my personal circumstances, leaving the set without permission was… wrong. I know all the filming crew dislikes me, and I came prepared for that.”
The director raised his eyebrows with a look that said, “See what I mean?”
“So I’m actually grateful that you called me separately to see my acting. For an unknown like me, this is precious time I couldn’t buy even if I had the money. You said having a pretty face and securing someone’s backing is also a talent, right?”
“……”
“With that talent, I’ll make sure not to ruin the character you and the writer put so much effort into creating, and not to damage the drama. I know you can’t believe me right now, but I’ll show you through results.”
After Cheong-yeon finished speaking, silence fell between them.
…Did I speak too proudly? Even to my own ears, it sounded arrogant for someone with nothing to back it up.
As regret was beginning to wash over him, the director finally spoke after a long pause.
“I like your honesty and audacity. Is that why old men like you?”
“Thank… what?”
Cheong-yeon blinked in confusion. The director shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal.
“Old Alpha grandpas typically go crazy for pretty, brazen young things with a bit of spunk.”
“…Huh?”
“Well, the old geezers control the investment money in this industry, so what can we do?”
What is he talking about? Is he actually mistaking me for someone being sponsored by an elderly grandfather?
For a moment, Cheong-yeon’s mouth gaped open in disbelief, forgetting the serious situation. The director, seeming to consider their business concluded, stood up with his script without even glancing at Cheong-yeon.
“Let’s end here for today. I’ve figured out what kind of person you are. One worry off my mind.”
“Director, about that…”
“Let’s see each other again at the full script reading.”
The director, possibly having another schedule, finished saying his piece and left the meeting room without giving Cheong-yeon a chance to explain.
“No, wait, Director…”
How unfair to be misunderstood so severely without any opportunity to clarify. Cheong-yeon awkwardly shifted his weight as he watched the director’s retreating back.
It’s fortunate that the atmosphere is better than when I entered, but grandpa? I’ve never met any grandpa. Why is he so certain my backer is an old man?
Left alone, Cheong-yeon let out a hollow laugh in disbelief. But soon irritation welled up, bringing heat to his face.
Even if elderly sponsors are common in this position, still. My ex-husband is Moon Do-heon, so what basis does he have for assuming I’d be sponsored by a grandfather?
“Hah… wow, this is really unfair. Grandpa?”
Grandfatherrr?
I can’t even run after him to correct this. Cheong-yeon, continuing to let out hollow laughs, began to violently ruffle his hair.
Humans have an innate aesthetic sense. No matter how desperate my situation or how much I need this acting job, I lived with Moon Do-heon for three years—would I accept a grandfather sponsor? Only because Do-heon’s face and physique are what they are did I reluctantly accept this arrangement despite being pushed by circumstances. Anything less than that, I’d decline even if offered an Oscar for Best Actor.
“He really has some wild imagination.”
Maybe that’s why he’s a director. Cheong-yeon pressed his lips together, cursing the director who had casually insulted him before leaving.
“Ah.”
Suddenly feeling a stinging sensation on his skin, Cheong-yeon opened his mouth again. As he gently rubbed his lips with his hand, he found them more swollen than usual.
Contrary to his expectation that it would subside quickly, yesterday’s aftermath lasted longer than expected. Since Do-heon’s middle part was so large, the corners of his lips were torn and sore.
He had thought that oral would be much easier than penetration, but clearly there’s no easy path in this world.
With a sigh, thinking he should apply some ointment when he goes out, his phone vibrated in his pocket.
Checking the notification, he saw a message from Kim Kyung-seop.
[CEO Kim Kyung-seop: Cheong-yeon. Come to the office briefly after your schedule ends this afternoon.]
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
