Chapter 86
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 086
Chapter Title: The Wish
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The next morning, by the time everyone had opened their eyes.
'Oh my, oh my! Is that heaven?!'
The daycare director's daughter had arrived.
She offered her thanks, saying she'd been deeply moved by the drama Brilliant Sky.
"Oh dear. I must have been such a fuss. I'm so sorry."
"You took her straight to the hospital and even looked after the kids...! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm so grateful, I don't even know what to do with myself."
Fortunately, the director's condition had improved even more overnight.
And the daughter said she'd take care of the children while the director recovered.
"Come on, everyone, say hello."
"Yes!"
"Yeees!"
Since she visited every weekend to look after the kids, they all seemed quite familiar with her.
Thanks to that, Shin Yi-han and Kwak Hoon could head back to Seoul without a worry.
"Do-ha, we'll see each other again real soon, okay?"
"Just sleep five nights, and it'll be script reading time. Got it?"
Before leaving, the two shared one last goodbye with Do-ha.
"Yeah..."
Do-ha replied, his eyes full of reluctance as he subtly tugged at Shin Yi-han's pant leg.
Shin Yi-han couldn't help but smile at him. He gently stroked the boy's head.
It was a shame, but they'd be seeing plenty of each other from now on.
Truly just a brief parting.
And it was right then, as they were descending the steep stairs of the hillside neighborhood.
"Director!"
Do-ha's voice rang out.
"Yi-han hyung!"
Do-ha had come running all the way down.
Do-ha waved his hand enthusiastically.
'He's calling me by name now.'
Shin Yi-han waved back with a bright smile.
Do-ha, who seemed to have grown so attached overnight, was just too adorable.
Of course, there had been a few incidents and accidents.
But that's exactly why coming here felt like the right choice.
Yes.
Do-ha applying for the child role in Tamra, and Shin Yi-han discovering him.
Getting Grandma Director to the hospital in time.
All of it was fortunate.
Shin Yi-han felt relieved by all these coincidences.
Thanks to them, he could head to Seoul with a light heart.
Upon arriving in Seoul, Shin Yi-han didn't waste a moment.
"Yi-han, heading straight home then?"
Shin Yi-han shook his head at Kwak Hoon's question.
"No, I'm going to Winter Entertainment."
"No rest, straight to work?"
"Yeah. Got something to take care of."
"......?"
After yesterday's events, there was something urgent he needed to do for Do-ha.
The boy needed a really good manager.
Shin Yi-han headed straight to Winter Entertainment.
It was a place he could trust, especially.
He'd already planned to recommend Do-ha there anyway. Things had just sped up a bit.
Especially with the director in the hospital and the upcoming script reading for Tamra weighing on his mind.
Do-ha shouldn't have to come to Seoul alone.
"Yi-han! Come on in!"
Even with the sudden visit, Choo Gyeo-ul welcomed him warmly.
"But what's up? You said you had something to talk about."
In front of her, Shin Yi-han handed over a card he'd been holding onto for a while.
"CEO, you said you'd grant me one wish before."
"......?"
"Can you grant it now?"
It might be a bit late to use it—she could've forgotten.
"A wish? You don't mean the one from Brilliant Sky?"
Back during the premiere of Brilliant Sky episode 1, they'd all gathered to bet on the ratings.
By chance, Shin Yi-han had nailed it exactly.
As a result, CEO Choo Gyeo-ul had promised to grant him a wish.
"Yes."
Shin Yi-han nodded.
He planned to use that wish now.
He hoped there'd be a manager to accompany Do-ha to Seoul for the Tamra script reading.
"Ah...!"
Choo Gyeo-ul beamed and welcomed his words.
"Of course! Whose wish is it? I'll make it happen no matter what!"
Honestly, it was Shin Yi-han—not just any actor. She'd grant anything!
"So, what wish?"
Without hesitation, Shin Yi-han spoke up.
"There's a great actor I want to introduce you to. Lives a bit far away, though."
Shin Yi-han sent her the address via text as he continued.
"My wish is for you to sign a contract with him as soon as possible."
Shin Yi-han smiled, lifting the corner of his mouth. He waited quietly for her reaction.
At the same time, Choo Gyeo-ul could only look baffled.
Uh, what? A contract?
She would've granted any wish from Shin Yi-han, but she hadn't expected this kind.
"As soon as possible?"
"Within this week, if you can?"
"Wow...?"
Of course, Shin Yi-han knew this might be pushing it.
It was a playful wish from a bet, and a sudden request at that.
But he didn't mind.
Do-ha was an actor Choo Gyeo-ul would love.
She'd like him anyway—he was just making sure of it early.
After a moment of surprise, Choo Gyeo-ul didn't brush it off.
'It's unexpected, but...'
His earnest eyes made her consider it seriously.
'Recommended by Shin Yi-han, and cast in Tamra too.'
Even if contracts weren't made lightly.
'If it's like that, I'd want to meet him even without a wish.'
Assuming there was a good reason, she nodded promptly.
"Alright. I'll make time tomorrow."
She even promised tomorrow.
"Since it's a wish, I'll make it count!"
A bold decision from the CEO.
Winter Entertainment was about to get busy with signing a new actor.
And upon closer look, it was a child actor at that.
If the kid needed proper guardians, there'd be even more to handle.
But that wasn't the end of it.
Just before word spread that Winter Entertainment would be even busier.
Right now, in Hollywood, America.
"Ugh! This is driving me crazy!"
The aftermath of the short film A Haunted House was still rippling.
It was right after the recommendation from Kevin Peters, the film's lead.
"Is this really okay? For real?"
John, the casting director for Hellbound, could only clutch his head.
The problem started with a key supporting role falling through, despite its small part.
And while reviewing the audition list, someone kept popping into his mind—that was an even bigger issue.
"Even so, do I have to?"
John was lost in agony alone.
He'd already contacted all the candidates.
Including rising Hollywood stars, outstanding actors had even sent audition tapes in advance.
All he had to do was pick from them and hold proper auditions.
Except.
The casting director's gaze drifted back to YouTube.
Specifically, to the screen playing the short film A Haunted House.
'...No one here acts like this guy.'
That was the root of it.
No matter the tapes from other actors or their filmographies.
The acting... just didn't sit right.
Sure, some were better than the original actor for the role.
'But they don't fit.'
He tried to ignore it, but no use.
'At least they need to match this Korean actor!'
Shin Yi-han kept nagging at him.
He had no choice. It had been ages since his stance changed from opposing Kevin Peters' initial suggestion.
The short film A Haunted House.
It was driving him insane.
The Korean actor's performance in it... was just.
Perfect for our movie, wasn't it?
No—more like a shocking urge to cast him.
Overwhelming chills.
In the short, that Korean actor had already nailed what was needed for Hellbound.
Ugh.
In the end, casting director John clutched his head again.
Calling in an Asian—no, foreign actor out of nowhere for this role...
It was clearly a burdensome decision for a casting director.
"I know there's really no need for this."
But he'd already fallen for Shin Yi-han.
"Everyone around me's gonna call me crazy."
He'd get an earful from the director too.
Still.
What could he do when his gut kept screaming to call this actor?
Not trying would mean endless regret.
"......"
The casting director squeezed his eyes shut. Reflexively, he grabbed his phone.
'I'm just selecting audition candidates—what am I hesitating for?'
Honestly, auditions... he could do that much.
The rest was up to the director.
Besides, if he were a top-priced Korean star, it'd be daunting.
But Yi-han Shin was just a rising star. Contacting him wasn't too bad.
"Yeah. I can at least make an offer."
They might say no anyway!
Ring-
Screw it now.
In the end, the casting director started dialing someone.
Ring-
Click. The other side picked up soon after.
[What's up? John!]
It was Bobby Park.
[It's been forever? How've you been?]
"Long time, Bobby."
John got straight to the point with Bobby Park, whom he'd befriended through broadcasting.
"Hey, about that."
If it was the director of the short film, he'd surely have Yi-han's contact.
"Mind if I get Yi-han Shin's number?"
[......?]
Once he said it, there was no turning back.
"Got a supporting role that fell through for this movie. Want to call him in for audition."
[Huh? Oh...!]
In the end, the casting director decided on an unprecedented move for Hollywood.
[Whaaat?! Really?!]
Meanwhile, Shin Yi-han.
Was gearing up for the Hellbound script reading, with good news pouring in.
'Yi-han?!'
'Th-this gem...'
'How did you even find him?!'
The next day, when he went back to Bluebird Daycare with Choo Gyeo-ul.
'I didn't even need to use a wish!'
'A child actor with no experience acting like this? I thought he was another Shin Yi-han!'
Do-ha had completely won Choo Gyeo-ul's heart.
Not only did they sign on the spot with great terms—profit splits, account management, contract length, and more.
'Yi-han hyung. So we're in the same company now?'
'That's right, same place.'
'Wooow!'
Do-ha was thrilled just by the fact they were under the same agency.
Thank goodness he wasn't upset about the sudden contract.
Shin Yi-han smiled in satisfaction.
And for Do-ha's manager, Choo Gyeo-ul had specially selected someone.
'Don't worry, everyone!'
'This little one here makes five for me! Practically raised them all myself!'
A veteran at both childcare and management.
'And I've still got my youngest, around Do-ha's age... cough.'
Shin Yi-han could entrust Do-ha with peace of mind.
Especially since it was someone who unwittingly had petit character stickers plastered all over their back.
Seemed like a great person who took good care of kids.
And the good news didn't end there.
The next morning.
It hadn't been long since the short film A Haunted House went public.
YouTube views were still climbing fast, and on top of that.
[Yi-han! It's all thanks to you!]
Bobby Park called personally.
Shin Yi-han was glad to hear his voice after so long.
[They contacted me today to revise the script for a feature!]
Even news that A Haunted House would be reborn as a feature film.
The film company had decided to produce the contest winner as a full movie.
"Congratulations, Bobby!"
[It's all because of you! Seriously, thank you!]
Shin Yi-han congratulated him sincerely.
It was a short that became a feature in his past life too, but the timeline had advanced. Bobby Park would hit the big time sooner.
[And get this? The Exorcist that placed with it is getting made too!]
The other winner, Exorcist, was getting the feature treatment as well.
Oh. That was a relief.
It would've been a strong contender originally.
Bobby submitting his short had nearly changed that future.
Shin Yi-han smiled in relief and satisfaction.
[I'll send the revised script when it's done! Read it, okay?! I'll make it even better!]
Bobby even hinted he wanted Shin Yi-han in the feature.
[Gonna make it so fun you'll wanna star in it!]
Pretty blatant about it.
But Shin Yi-han knew.
Shorts were fun as shorts.
And even with the same theme and plot, a feature would demand a whole new story.
"Thanks. Looking forward to the feature version."
As he replied, past-life memories made him shrug inwardly.
Bobby would end up writing a completely new tale.
It'd definitely be more fun.
'...The lead even switches to kids and parents.'
But starring would be tough regardless.
Especially with the older setting, hard for an East Asian to fit.
Of course, he'd happily read the finished script.
Shin Yi-han smiled faintly.
[Oh! And there's more good news coming soon.]
"More good news on top of this?"
[You bet!]
But this came out of nowhere.
[Look forward to it, Yi-han!]
With Bobby sounding so excited, Shin Yi-han could only tilt his head.
What?
The only thing that came to mind for Bobby's good news was the contest award party soon.
Who'd show up there?
No clue. Shin Yi-han laughed it off lightly.
His focus was solely on today's Hellbound script reading anyway. That was plenty exciting.
But well...
The news arrived faster than expected, perhaps.
With the reading in the afternoon.
He figured the manager van would show after lunch.
Vroom-! Screech!
But through the window, he saw the manager's van pulling into the officetel early morning.
What? Already?
"Hyung!"
Na Seon-yong came rushing up to the apartment.
"Hyung! Big trouble!"
"......?"
So urgent, Na Seon-yong could barely catch his breath as he spoke.
"J-just heard the news!"
Something huge had happened.
Tensing a bit at "big trouble," Shin Yi-han listened.
"Hollywood called!"
But what came out was utterly unexpected.
"They want you in the Kevin Peters starrer! Hellbound!"
- Hellbound
"W-well, technically asking if you're up for auditioning! But anyway!"
America reaching out first for an audition.
"......!"
Shin Yi-han's eyes widened.