Chapter 6
Chapter 6
“Writer Kim, I think we need to make some changes to our script.”
Director Park Tae-ho spoke in a somewhat cautious tone, and a heavy silence flowed over the phone.
“······.”
When Writer Kim Se-hee remained silent, Director Park held his breath and waited.
Fatigue and irritation were already apparent in Kim Se-hee’s voice.
This was the reaction Park Tae-ho had expected.
But he did not waver and continued firmly.
“That’s right. Especially in the flashback scenes, I’d like us to expand the role of the delinquent who tormented the protagonist.”
A deep sigh came from the other side of the phone at Director Park’s firm words.
Writer Kim Se-hee’s voice, finally letting out her long-suppressed feelings, was sharp and agitated.
It wasn’t that she had a grudge against Director Park, but she had plenty of frustrations while working on this project.
Suddenly, he wanted to move up the filming schedule and hurry before the original deadline. He asked her to simplify the script with sensational content. There were plenty of other minor issues too.
Normally, Kim Se-hee would have quit immediately in such a situation.
In fact, she wouldn’t even have taken on a web drama script from the start.
She wasn’t a star writer, but she was an experienced writer with several successful dramas, and writers of her level usually avoided web dramas.
Even her colleagues would warn her, saying, “Do you really need to do a web drama?”
However, Kim Se-hee had received significant help from the web drama production company when she was a rookie.
Thanks to that, she had established herself as a writer and took part in this project to repay that favor.
But just when she thought it was all over, Director Park called out of the blue asking for script revisions, and her accumulated frustration exploded.
“I know it’s tough, Writer Kim. But you know I rarely make requests like this.”
-······That’s true.
Her anger softened a little at Director Park’s gentle tone, and her voice calmed.
But that didn’t mean she had changed her mind.
Kim Se-hee added weakly. She planned to go to Europe to relieve the stress accumulated from this project.
“I know it’s tough. Still, I’ll send you a video now. Watch it and if your thoughts change, give me a call.”
Kim Se-hee responded curtly but was secretly curious. She trusted Director Park’s skill.
“Alright, I’ll send it now.”
Park Tae-ho quickly ended the call before her thoughts could change and sent the video file.
“Done.”
A faint smile spread across Director Park’s face after sending the video.
It was a smile born from the certainty that Kim Se-hee would soon change the script.
“······.”
After hanging up, Kim Se-hee felt an inexplicable unease.
The reason was simple.
She knew Director Park’s abilities well, and if he confidently sent a video, it must contain something that could shake her resolve.
“Ah, I don’t care! I’m definitely going on this trip!”
Kim Se-hee shook her head vigorously to shake off the unease.
This trip was a special journey she had planned long ago.
It was the setting for “77 Days of Love,” the story that inspired her dream of becoming a writer, starting on Montmartre Hill.
There was no way she would give up this trip.
“Kim Se-hee, don’t be swayed! You mustn’t be swayed!”
Determined, Kim Se-hee played the video Director Park had sent.
“He’s definitely handsome.”
As the video began, Kim Se-hee smiled contentedly at Nam Si-woo’s face.
Part of the reason she accepted this project was that she was a fan of Nam Si-woo.
But soon, she sighed.
“But our Si-woo is definitely more talented in singing and dancing than acting······.”
She had been a writer for 12 years. She could gauge acting to a certain degree.
From that perspective, Nam Si-woo’s appearance stood out, but his acting skills left much to be desired.
“This must be the guy.”
At that moment, a new face appeared on the screen.
Baek Seung-chan.
She could tell he was someone Director Park was interested in.
“Well, the mask isn’t bad.”
Fresh out of military service, his skin was slightly tanned, hair short, but still handsome.
If Nam Si-woo gave the impression of a gentle, loyal dog, Baek Seung-chan gave a sharp, cat-like impression.
“Let’s see how he performs.”
Kim Se-hee resumed the paused video, and when she finished watching, she jumped up from her chair.
She was so shocked that she didn’t even notice the chair tipping over behind her.
“······.”
After standing dazed for a moment, Kim Se-hee quickly called Director Park again.
Director Park’s voice came over the phone, as if he had already known her reaction.
“Director, who is this guy?”
Kim Se-hee’s voice was a mix of excitement and astonishment.
Director Park answered slowly, carefully omitting that Baek Seung-chan was a complete novice. He didn’t want to shock Kim Se-hee.
At Park Tae-ho’s provocative question, Kim Se-hee chuckled in disbelief.
“Trip? These days there are so many travel vlogs on YouTube; I’ll just use that as an excuse.”
Her voice completely changed from earlier, and Director Park laughed heartily.
“Hmm, three days······no, two days should be enough. I’ll do it as fast as I can.”
Kim Se-hee’s mind was already overflowing with ideas.
Was this how artists felt when they met their muse?
She was eager to envision the character Baek Seung-chan would portray.
“Yes, then I’ll hang up now.”
After ending the call, Kim Se-hee tied her hair, put on her thick-rimmed glasses, and sat at her desk.
“What should I do first?”
Holding the keyboard, she couldn’t hide her smile.
In a dark living room, Baek Seung-chan opened his eyes.
[A.M 4:01]
Checking the time, he quickly washed his face and carefully opened the front door so as not to wake his still-sleeping family.
Outside, the sun hadn’t fully risen, and darkness lingered.
The reason Baek Seung-chan was out at this hour was simple.
Internal energy training.
The memories of Cheon Myeon-gwi, the Haomun master from his previous life, were vivid, though his body had not fully returned to its past state.
Hence, training was essential.
Even if he wouldn’t use his body as much as in martial arts, having internal energy greatly helped with acting.
Action scenes, voice modulation, facial expressions.
Once he decided to succeed as an actor, ignoring internal energy training would be foolish.
“This mountain air really is good.”
Soon, he reached the entrance of a mountain not far from home, smiling with satisfaction.
The natural energy, barely felt in the city, flowed faintly here.
It wasn’t comparable to martial arts, but it was enough for his purpose.
“Let’s head to the peak first.”
Places untouched by ordinary people had abundant natural energy.
It was also a perfect opportunity for physical conditioning.
His current body was average—neither bad nor good.
“Phew······.”
Arriving quickly at the peak, Baek Seung-chan caught his breath and surveyed the area.
As expected for early morning, few people were around.
“This spot should do.”
He went deeper into the mountain, sat on a suitable rock, crossed his legs, and began deep breathing.
Cheon-yeong Simbeop (Heavenly Shadow Heart Method).
A martial arts technique specialized in stealth, allowing one to become unseen and unheard like a shadow of the sky.
At its extreme, presence could be completely erased—a skill only a Haomun master could master.
“Feels refreshing!”
“Morning mountain air really is a tonic.”
About an hour later, voices of people passing by the peak prompted Baek Seung-chan to exhale and open his eyes.
“Enough for today.”
He stood up.
Though cold air surrounded him, the technique made his body feel lighter.
“This should develop faster than expected.”
Observing his internal energy, he smiled.
Forming the dantian and reaching Level 1, he had expected at least three months.
Thanks to the rich natural energy, it seemed one month would suffice.
“Time to head down.”
Shaking off his body lightly, he left the mountain to prepare for work.
His steps felt noticeably lighter than before climbing.
At a historical drama filming site in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, lunchtime arrived, and Baek Seung-chan opened his lunchbox with Chief Kim Sung-ho.
Picking up rice with chopsticks, he said,
“Chief, I guess I was lucky on the first day.”
He thought he would quickly pay off his debts by taking minor roles and gaining fame.
But reality wasn’t that simple.
Three days into working as an extra, he was still only doing extra work.
“Competition for minor roles is usually intense.”
Just as Chief Kim said.
Minor roles were limited, and both rookie and experienced actors competed for experience.
Most minor roles were assigned through agencies or connections.
“Don’t worry. I’ve introduced you to some top-notch contacts, so you’ll get a role soon.”
Although Chief Kim tried to help, he mainly managed extras, so his influence was limited.
“And as soon as audition info comes out, I’ll let you know. From what I see, Seung-chan, you’re guaranteed a role once you audition.”
Chief Kim was confident.
He had clearly recognized Baek Seung-chan’s talent.
“Thank you for your support, Chief.”
Baek Seung-chan bowed slightly in gratitude.
“Don’t feel pressured. I just want to see your acting as your number one fan.”
“I know.”
After lunch, the crew’s voice called out.
“All extras playing constables, please gather here!”
The drama was a historical piece, and Baek Seung-chan’s extra role was a constable.
“Done eating, time to work.”
He stood and shook off his seat.
Chief Kim patted his back lightly in encouragement.
“Alright, work hard.”
The extra work wasn’t difficult—mostly running on cue.
“Filming is done. Please wait until the next scene.”
Returning from filming, Baek Seung-chan saw Chief Kim beaming widely.
“Chief, what’s up?”
“Seung-chan, it’s done!”
Suddenly, Chief Kim hugged him tightly. Surprised, Baek Seung-chan asked,
“Huh? What’s going on?”
“You’ve been cast!”
“Cast?”
“Yes! Director Park Tae-ho called personally. He wants you in the project.”
“Really?”
Shocked, Baek Seung-chan’s eyes widened.
“And not just a minor role—you’re a supporting character!”
Chief Kim couldn’t hide his excitement and held Baek Seung-chan’s shoulders.
A natural smile spread across Baek Seung-chan’s face.
He had been grateful just for minor roles, but now he had a supporting role.