Managers at War
The corridor nearly shook with the heated argument between the two men who seemed to be quarreling over Suhyeon. A few nearby staff members didn't dare intervene, merely hovering around, murmuring and spectating.
Suhyeon quickly sifted through the organized information in his mind, but forming a precise evaluation of the pair proved difficult. The original owner of this body had shown zero interest in acting-related matters, leaving scant details beyond their names and faces.
Pathetic fool. Knows every detail about halfway-decent girls but zilch on his own company's executives...
Suhyeon whispered to the manager standing there blankly, just watching the fight.
"Hyung. Between those two, who's easier to work with?"
"Hm? Well... I'm hardly qualified to judge."
"Why not, hyung? If it's a burden, just give me a quick rundown of what you know about them. I'll decide."
Only then did the manager speak cautiously, reciting what he knew.
"Well... Actor Team 2's Jo Sil-jang has a rep for scouting talent from all over and handling work efficiently. He's on a hot streak these days. But he's got a reputation for being a bit ruthless... kinda cold, you know."
He paused briefly, as if organizing his thoughts.
"Park Sil-jang's got the experience, knows everyone, and has a good personality... but folks say his sharp instincts from his younger days have dulled. Rumors he's past his prime. That's about all I know."
"Got it. Thanks, hyung."
Whew. Cold types? I got my fill of that in my past life, thanks to Father.
Suhyeon made his snap judgment and strode toward them, calling out loudly.
"Park Sil-jang! Just finished the task like you said—nailed it. Anything else you need?"
He feigned surprise.
"Oh, Jo Sil-jang's here too? How've you been?"
As Suhyeon approached with a deep bow and booming greeting, Jo Sil-jang shot Park a sour look, like he'd bitten into something rotten.
"I'll... let it slide for today. But we need to talk again soon, just us."
Jo turned to Suhyeon.
"Good to hear you got discharged from the hospital safe and sound. I was worried sick. Come by my office soon—we'll grab tea, chat about this and that. See you later."
After a few words, Jo left. Park eyed Suhyeon with puzzled suspicion.
"Well, I'll be... So you weren't faking being dim just to dodge acting? It's not that simple. Come on into my office."
Suhyeon's heart skipped at Park's suspicious tone.
Damn... Did I slip? Old ginger's still spicy, as the saying goes...
Moments later, the three sat in Park's office on the reception sofa, coffee steaming before each.
"Suhyeon, you said that on purpose back there, right?"
"Pardon? What do you mean?"
"Gonna keep pretending in front of me?"
"Pretending? I have no idea what you're talking about, Sil-jang."
"Saying you finished my task and asking if there's more—that was for Jo's ears, wasn't it? Telling him hands off since you're with me. Kid, you've got more snakes in your belly than I thought."
Whew. Sharper than I figured.
"No, Sil-jang... Why accuse me out of nowhere when I just did my job diligently?"
"Still playing dumb? What do you take me for...?"
Park turned to the manager sitting quietly like a rice straw broom.
"Seongcheol, how old are you this year?"
"Twenty-nine."
"Hm. Suhyeon's twenty-two, right?"
"Yes, that's right, Sil-jang."
Park's gaze shifted back to Suhyeon.
"I'm fifty-two this year. A bit old for a sil-jang. Jo's forty-one... But two execs in their forties or fifties going at it—and a twenty-two-year-old punk jumps in fearless, shuts it down with one line, and steers things his way? You think that's easy? Seongcheol here couldn't pull it off in a hundred lifetimes."
"Hm. I didn't think much of it."
"Oh ho~ Really? A feat needing spot-on judgment, quick decisions, and bold execution—and a twenty-two-year-old did it on autopilot? Sure. You've got your reasons you can't spill."
Park leaned back in his chair.
"We'll leave it here for today. I'll treat you right from now on, so drop the hiding act around me."
Suhyeon reflected inwardly at Park's chiding tone.
Whew. Underestimated him. This world's no cakewalk either. No swords in hand is all—just as cutthroat as the old days.
"Anyway, no more hiding that sharp brain... Means you're serious about films and dramas now, right?"
"Yes. I want to rack up all kinds of experiences."
Park nodded, rose from the sofa, fetched a thick stack of papers from his desk, and returned.
"Incoming scenarios to the company. Hundreds come in, but these are the decent ones pre-filtered. Start reading these today."
"Whoa. This is after the first cut? The volume's insane..."
Suhyeon flipped through them lightly, muttering to himself.
"Reading all this would take three days at least..."
"Three days? Not three weeks? Ho ho... Not just smart—speed-reading too, eh?"
Suhyeon looked up, startled. Park stared back knowingly.
Whew. Got too relaxed in this world. No poison in the teahouse brew here... Gotta stay sharp.
"Even skimming titles and synopses takes that long."
"I know the score, so quit shaking. I won't blab. Let's be straight with each other... Any roles you think you'd nail or wanna try?"
"Well, roles I could do well..."
Suhyeon ruffled his hair awkwardly, gathered his thoughts, then spoke with a wry smile.
"Ones where I slice a throat clean with one swing, lop off limbs with two... Trap folks in dire straits with schemes for a massacre, or pit them into bloody traps. Confident there. Haha. Probably no such roles, though."
"Hm. Warrior or strategist types? Perfect for Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but Korea doesn't make much of that."
"Ha. Just a joke."
"Is it? Your eyes say otherwise... No other roles you're eyeing?"
"No. Nothing specific yet. Gotta build experience first."
"Fair enough. Then... Head to an audition tomorrow. A director I know—small supporting role's open. No pressure, just get a feel. Once you review these scenarios properly, we'll talk real roles."
The manager chimed in.
"Sil-jang, for tomorrow's audition—what about Suhyeon's outfit or makeup? Our coordinators and stylists are all tied up with others. Borrowed from another team just for today."
"I'll handle it. Be here by 10 a.m. sharp tomorrow. I'll have it ready... I'm Actor Team 1's sil-jang, after all—the most powerful in YK."
Suhyeon, nodding, had one more question pop up.
"For an audition... Don't I need to prep lines or something beforehand?"
Park grinned meaningfully, amused.
"Just bring your body."