Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Farewell Party
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I'm no longer the man Jeong Gyeowol.
I'm the woman Jeong Gyeowol. I'm a woman.
I'm a pretty woman. An actress.
Besides this self-brainwashing, Geum Yu-na also gave me a lecture on an actress's duties.
Maybe that's why.
I burst into tears right in front of everyone.
It was such a fragile sight.
Living as the 'woman' Jeong Gyeowol didn't mean bawling like a child.
A man's tears should flow silently, without a sound.
Sobbing? That's just the cry of the weak.
But... I practically wailed.
At first, tears just trickled down. Then emotions welled up, I started sniffling and sobbing. As others' feelings synced with mine, it turned into a storm of sobs.
Yeah, this could rank as my third black history moment in this life.
Anyway, after crying my eyes out.
We took photos just like that, mid-tears.
I barely made it to the after-party on time for our reservation.
The wrap party wasn't much different from any other gathering.
If anything...
"Gyeowol! Try this."
"Gyeowol-ssi, more meat?"
"...Why won't you take my drink?"
"The gifts, letters, autographs—it's all so touching!"
The attention focused on me was overwhelmingly burdensome?
Otherwise, it was all the same.
Heavy drinkers as always.
Side dish killers as always.
Loud and lively as ever.
I worried it might turn melancholic since it was my last day, but that was just needless concern.
'...You have to try it to know.'
I'd been to plenty of post-wrap after-parties for other dramas...
But this was my first wrap party, so it felt unfamiliar.
Having cried it all out on set, I felt refreshed rather than sad.
Maybe from tomorrow, with my empty schedule, I'll keep thinking about the set.
Like how breakups feel freeing at first, but later leave only regrets.
I might end up sending PD Yun Jong-pil that goodnight triple combo: Sleep well...? You're asleep, huh.... Goodnight....
The main shoot for Sameg is finally over.
Ahead, just Nomen filming, Pocari ad shoot, and Atelier work.
No plans to stop my career here, so time to scout other dramas or movies.
Nomen has a ways to go, but I should start looking now.
To land lead or supporting roles, it's auditions, auditions, and more auditions.
Unless a writer or director insists it has to be me.
Unless I plan breaks after each project.
Otherwise, always prepare ahead.
After tonight's party, ask to check audition schedules.
Hope there's something fun.
"What're you thinking so hard about?"
"Oh, just wondering what my next project should be."
"...Already? It's the wrap party tonight, and you're planning the next one?"
Nearby actors and crew stick out their tongues in disbelief.
...?
How do you succeed without this effort...?
"How about variety shows? You used to skip them to save your image, but now friendly public personas are the trend."
"Variety? I have zero variety sense."
Then Kang Ho-su jumps in from the side.
"...Noona, you didn't subscribe to my channel? That vid we did together hit 3.5 million views. Wouldn't have without you."
"...My screen time was just answering a few quizzes."
"That's variety—all quizzes, chit-chat, do what they say, and it's over."
Kang Ho-su, the minor whose presence here baffles me, tries convincing me.
Variety. I've considered it... but anxiety wins. Can I even be funny?
Variety sense differs from acting.
Acting works thanks to past-life experience...
Variety's mostly innate, I think.
Sure, practice enough and anything's possible...
But will they wait that long?
Showbiz is ruthless.
Even longtime partners get cut overnight.
Often just notified, no discussion.
That Connect show? If the concept was complex or I was the focus, I might've passed.
No, I would've.
Just sit quietly like a plus-one, answer quizzes, done.
Anyway.
Want to try variety, but scared.
Unless a perfect-fit show appears... too soon.
"But... why are you here? Minors can't sit at booze tables. Go to the non-alc one."
Minors can't sit at tables with alcohol.
Some old-school types say 'just don't give them a glass.'
Do that, and controversy train departs.
Even with parents, no booze if a minor's there.
"That's why I'm standing. Technically in the aisle?"
"Blocking the way. That's obstruction of business, right?"
"Harsh! Wait till 20, noona—I'll crash every party."
"...That's stalking. Why does everything you do lead to crime?"
We've gotten close enough for banter like this.
Excluding Sameg, he's the only one I've done other shows with... youngest here, so I dropped formalities to close the gap.
He wagged his tail harder.
We bonded quick.
Downside? Like Kim Ye-rim.
Affection-starved pup with separation anxiety.
Hyper energy needing ten-hour walks daily.
Hanging with him drains my vibe, tires me out.
But he still feels kid-like.
No Yoo Jun-seung overlap, no discomfort approaching.
Even 'stalking' jokes don't dizzy me or cause headaches.
Sorry, Ho-su, but he's like a mental cushion for me.
Droopy beagle heads to non-alc table.
Can't brood at my own party—that's rude.
From now, eat, drink, enjoy.
Let loose tonight.
Tomorrow's worries for tomorrow's me.
Life's like that.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
I want to kill yesterday's me.
"Groooan..."
Feels like boulders on my body.
Film cuts out after round 3.
Did someone carry me in that gap?
Bed sticky like glued; barely hauled myself up.
Took Herculean effort.
Like Sisyphus shoving that rock uphill.
Chugged fridge water, checked phone.
Tons of KakaoTalks...
Geum Yu-na's stands out.
Predicted memory gaps, timeline'd last night.
I tapped out mid-round 4.
Sorry for the bodyguard, but he watched till then.
Vaguely recall.
Post-shift, offered drinks—he refused till end. So sorry.
Said go ahead, many around—he stuck by me steadfastly.
Need a way to spare the bodyguard.
Home drinks with a few? Maybe...
Group parties? No ideas.
Skipping early or no-showing? Never options.
'Hire night shift for rotation...'
Sameg crew, elite few, went to round 6 before dispersing.
Saw sunrise with hair-of-dog? Madmen.
Sisyphus too much; flop back in bed.
Maybe this place has alien gravity.
From bed, reply to hundreds of KakaoTalks.
Mostly 'good work' messages. Then prank pics/vids galore.
Drunken me, flower pose, staring at camera.
Next: half-heart to cheek.
Then wink. Then poking cheek with index finger...
Ugh.
This is insane.
Video: idol-level aegyo parade.
'...But cute.'
Yep. Peak narcissist psycho here.
Gazing at my horrific aegyo pics, cheeks and lips rise uncontrollably.
Unlucky, huh. But... tough for me too.
"I'm not pretending to be pretty—I'm just born pretty."
'...'
Ugh, self-loathing line.
Tried it fitting the vibe—reality check hits.
Cheeks drop.
Curse yesterday's me en route to agency.
Wanted rest post-wrap...
Body management is actress fate.
Detox all-day booze and fat.
Kim Gyu-jin, Managers 1 & 2 rested after last night—summon 3 & 4 on standby, plus bodyguard.
Might seem diva behavior...
But heard they get scolded if I don't.
Gyu-jin says night shifts beat CEO scoldings.
I'm saving them, not exploiting.