Chapter 74
Chapter 74
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 74
Chapter Title: In the Sea of CFs
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Busy with commercials, huh.
I blinked as I ate breakfast. These past few days, Zenith had been living in a flood of ads. They squeezed in events here and there, but they kept filming CFs nonstop.
Yoo Hajin muttered listlessly.
“Now our faces are everywhere we go?”
So, are you happy about that or not?
Kang Minje grinned.
“We’ve really been busy lately.”
Ki Jaeyun kept grumbling.
“What’s with all these ads pouring in like a tidal wave?”
The manager asked with a laugh.
“You guys tired?”
“Yeah.”
“But what can you do?”
The plump manager did a little Roomba dance and pointed at me with his face.
“What?”
“Dowon, you’ve got even more to film separately.”
Ki Jaeyun shook his head and snarked.
“Doesn’t he ever get tired?”
“Why would I?”
I smiled brightly.
“You’ve gotta row when the tide comes in.”
I kept flipping through the script. For *Flower’s Choice*, the child lead role was already mine.
Ki Jaeyun kept chattering beside me.
“Hey, people aren’t made of steel.”
“Yeah? Then do you wanna go back to having no schedule, Jaeyun?”
He shook his head right away, clearly not wanting that. Brat, then why complain?
*Well, it’s about time for some griping.*
They must be worn out.
I quietly pulled out my smartphone.
[Zenith Stamina Recovery.]
[Change applied.]
[Side effect: Hunger strikes in 5 seconds.]
[Cheat mode 1/3]
Oh no. Had to fix that side effect quick.
I hurriedly scooped more rice and soup. Right on cue, hunger hit five seconds later. I shoveled it down busily to kill the empty stomach.
“Huh?”
Kang Minje rolled his shoulders and tilted his head.
“Feels like my body’s lighter all of a sudden?”
Yoo Hajin handed me a cup of water and said.
“You too? Same here. Weird. It happens sometimes.”
Sometimes, huh?
“Dowon, eat slower. I get it’s tough, but you’re right. Better to have schedules than none. Especially CFs. Means we’re doing well.”
As expected from the leader. Good call putting him there.
Then Kang Minje said with a smile.
“Most of the CFs are thanks to Dowon.”
Yeah, you know it, Minje. Of course it’s because of me.
*But gotta play humble sometimes.*
I shook my head while eating.
“I’m just the spark.”
Gotta boost their confidence a bit.
“The advertisers aren’t idiots. They wouldn’t use us if we weren’t hot.”
Ki Jaeyun asked again.
“So we’re hot stuff?”
“What, you doubt it?”
Pleased with my answer, Ki Jaeyun ducked his head and laughed.
*Simple guy.*
That’s when the manager, oblivious as ever, slapped a rolled-up poster flat against the wall.
*Oh, that…*
It was the public service poster we’d shot a few days ago. Under my police uniform pic was the school violence hotline number.
*Making that face was tricky.*
They said it needed an expression that made kids suffering from bullying feel safe calling. I ended up with a half-smile and outstretched hand.
*It’s out already.*
The angle was spot-on—perfectly subtle.
“They say it’s popular.”
“A government poster? Popular how?”
“They gave them to schools nationwide, but they kept getting taken, so they had to redistribute.”
Better than people trashing it, I guess.
*But I didn’t notice when we shot it…*
Police uniform reminded me of the police chief’s grandson.
*Did he pull strings to get me in it?*
Having it in every school was great exposure. I just messaged him.
-Lee Taejin. That school violence poster I did—was that thanks to you?
-Yeah, you caught me.
Damn.
*Good friend to have.*
Should I say thanks?
-I never asked for that. I just helped you out, and Grandpa did it as payback.
A man of clear debts and favors. But one thing to clarify.
-I didn’t step up for this.
-I know, Dowon. Oh, Cheolwoong transferred out. The rest too.
-Good. All sorted.
-Yeah. When you coming back to school?
I asked the manager.
“What’s next on the schedule?”
“Script reading, then mobile game ad. You solo. Rest of Zenith gets a break.”
Damn. I tapped back on the screen.
-Dying of busy. No school.
Yeah, no time. I focused on eating again. Schedule was packed, but thinking of it as money made me smile.
*Pretty good at picking CFs, surprisingly.*
Executive Director Joo went all out, landing solid ones at top dollar. Even fine-tuned the image.
I recalled the CFs Zenith and I had done.
*Kitchen Fixer* Light Cook
“We’ll help you out.” Daewon Fire Insurance
“Anywhere, freely.” SY (clothing)
I set down my spoon and drank the water Yoo Hajin gave me.
*If these are the picks, I can trust her.*
Really drove home why Joo was a powerhouse in this industry. Negotiating with advertisers is a hassle, but she handled it effortlessly.
I caught my breath and stood. The big meal chased off the side effect fast.
“Manager, script reading ends at what time?”
“One hour, Myeongdong.”
“Got it. Brush teeth and go.”
I stood. Kang Minje smiled at me.
*What’s with the grin?*
Ignore? Nah, something was up when he did that. I asked.
“What’s up?”
“*Flower’s Choice*. What kind of drama is it?”
“Dunno. Frustrating but you can’t change the channel? Why?”
“Got an OST offer. But this only works if the drama blows up mainstream.”
No need to agonize. I answered right away.
“Do it.”
“It’ll succeed?”
“Ratings might hit 40%. Plot sticks like glue. I recommend it.”
Kang Minje wiped the smile from his lips.
“If Dowon recommends it that strong, tempting.”
“Your call, Minje hyung. You doing OST too?”
I tilted my head. Had he done OSTs before?
*Not in my past life?*
Wasn’t he swamped writing hits?
“Yeah, after hearing about your college thing, I thought I’d try something new. Was thinking of other instruments when this opportunity dropped.”
“It’s fusion historical. Fictional Joseon, though.”
“Heard it’s fusion, so they said go wild.”
I tilted my head.
“What’s the vibe?”
“Heartbreaking.”
“Then avoid monotone fade-out. Build to a connect. Throw in haegeum and danso.”
What?
“Decided. I’m in.”
I stared at Kang Minje.
*Something’s different about this guy.*
Not his usual apathetic ‘the world won’t leave me alone’ vibe.
*Good change, I guess.*
I finally got up for real. Overthinking Kang Minje was a losing game.
***
The script reading was in an office near Namsan Arts Center. I grabbed my script and stood. Myeongdong after so long.
*Same as ever.*
Ten years ago, buildings looked brand new. Maybe ’cause I did theater here pre-regression. Left a bitter taste.
“Dowon, let’s go.”
“Yes, Manager.”
“Be polite. Fusion historical, but lots of veteran teachers.”
I chuckled.
“You ever seen me skip greetings?”
“I know you’re good at it, but…”
The manager glanced around, saw no one, and whispered.
“Lee Gapjae’s kinda old-school.”
Oh.
*Old guy acting superior…*
He’ll live long.
“Watch out for him?”
“Yeah.”
I opened the door to the room. Early, so empty.
*Nameplates already here.*
I sat at Cha Dowon’s spot. Door opened, elderly man entered.
I stood and bowed.
Lee Gapjae.
“Nice to meet you.”
Polite as could be. But he frowned, displeased.
“Idol?”
Wow.
*Hearing that a lot lately.*
Makes sense for his age.
“Zenith’s Cha Dowon.”
I smiled at him.
*Why’s this dear elder picking a fight outta nowhere?*
Pleased with my manners? He piled on.
“Never seen an idol act well. Stick to idol stuff, kid. Don’t strut into acting.”
Oh.
“Well, idols fumble at first.”
Not me.
“I’ll work to shatter prejudices, sir.”
I smiled wide as my annoyance.
As Lee Gapjae opened his mouth for more, a big guy strode in.
Knew him.
*Sa Hyeok.*
Weird. Pre-regression, he wasn’t the lead.
*Decent actor, but…*
Dragging the heroine by the collar? Hope it works.
“Hello.”
Polite bow, but Sa Hyeok ignored me and went to Lee Gapjae.
“Hey, who’s this! Sa Hyeok!”
“Sir, still spry as ever!”
“You’re the lead, huh? Good, I’m relieved.”
“There was an original pick, but I pushed for it. First historical for me. Please take care.”
Hmm.
*Drama gonna flop?*
Genuinely worried.
Sa Hyeok glanced at me, then back to Lee Gapjae.
“But I’m worried. Got an idol in the mix.”
Wow.
*Sa Hyeok, weren’t you an idol once?*
Oh, actor-idol now.
*Always these types.*
Spit up, lands on your face, senior.
I smiled wider through the bullshit.
“I’ll work to shatter prejudices.”
Bothered him? Sa Hyeok glared.
*What, make me?*
Sa Hyeok and I wouldn’t overlap shoots anyway. No seeing him after this.
Then he said.
“You’ve got connections, huh?”
What nonsense. Where would I get connections?
“Police promo was always mine, but this year it’s you?”
Ah.
Got it.
*Lost that gig to me.*
Poor senior, heart full of soy sauce jars.
I smiled brightly.
“No connections. Just, this year’s was ‘school violence,’ right? I’m still a student.”
Great excuse, but his face twisted more.
“Bullshit! Two years ago it was school violence, and I did it!”
Wanna do police promos forever, huh?
“What’s your connection? Who?”
“None, senior.”
Of course there is.
*Grandpa loves his grandson.*
But no other beans to spill.
Sa Hyeok advanced like he’d hit me. I smiled to greet him.
Then door opened again.
*Too bad.*
People poured in. I ignored Sa Hyeok and bowed politely to the newcomers.
“Zenith’s Cha Dowon.”
“Oh, I know! You’re blowing up. So pretty.”
Middle-aged actresses gave blessings and sat. Then child actors entered.
“Oppa!”
Huh.
I said carefully.
“Ayeon?”
Wow.
The crybaby lady had grown so much. Time for her real acting breakout.
“Oppa! Still so pretty.”
“Can’t you say handsome instead?”
“Nope. You’re still pretty. But did you think about it?”
About what?
“I said I’d make you my husband. Feed you without working.”
I shook my head with a sigh. What’s with kids these days?
“Told you no back then.”
“Playing hard to get. Oppa, how much? What’ll it take to have you?”