Chapter 187
Chapter 187
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 187
Chapter Title: Family Comes First
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Yoon Joo-yeon brought a chair from the front row and sat down, crossing her legs and propping her chin on her hand.
"Um, I have a question. Actor Lee Yu-na... I mean, did you accept our casting request for your daughter's sake?"
What kind of question is this now?
She just flashed a bright smile.
She said nothing more.
"...For Yu-na's sake?"
When I quietly asked back, her mouth opened.
"With your current level of fame, Mr. Jun-seo, there must be plenty of places offering better terms than our company, right? And yet, you've only shot three CFs despite your massive popularity."
She folded her fingers one by one, firing off her words like a machine gun.
"First, the sports drink. Then, the latest Byeolsam smartphone. And finally, Bull Bear Stir-Fried Ramen. Honestly, even those three are a lot, but..."
"......"
"Oh, and variety shows too. You should be appearing on them left and right to solidify your fame. Isn't it a waste? Everyone's acknowledged your acting skills."
Finally, her mouth stopped.
'Was she really a fan?'
Her face was filled with genuine regret.
In that case.
I had no choice but to answer honestly...
I looked straight at Yoon Joo-yeon and gave her a bright smile.
"Do I really need to shoot a lot?"
"Yes?"
"If I get too busy... I'll have less time with Yu-na. No matter how much money I make, I can't buy time with her. That's why I don't want to do a ton of variety shows and ads."
"......"
"Does that answer your question?"
"...Ahaha!"
She suddenly burst out laughing.
"Mr. Jun-seo, you're really 28? The way you're talking sounds just like my age-mates."
Age-mates...
Isn't that a bit much?
Right then.
Bzzz! Bzzz!
My body shivered.
I reached into my pocket, pulled out my phone, and saw it was a call from the CEO.
"I'll take this call for a sec."
"Sure, go ahead. In the meantime, I'll chat with Yu-na."
As attention shifted to Yu-na, I let out a quiet sigh, adjusted my grip on the phone, and answered.
"Hello?"
-Hey, Jun-seo. CF shoot not done yet? Can you talk now?
"Yeah, we're on a break... Shooting should wrap up soon."
-Ah, good, then I can tell you now. It's not urgent, but starting tomorrow, you need to get into body prep mode, so hit the gym with In-cheol like before.
What? Has that time come already?
I'd been steadily working out since winter break started, but I'd taken a break for a while.
But, strangely enough...
While on the phone, I gently rubbed my bumpy stomach.
My solid abs were still there.
I don't know if it's my constitution, but even after quite a break, the muscles haven't budged.
"Ah... So, PT with In-cheol again this time?"
-Yeah, I just asked him, and he said—unfortunately—not as tough as last year.
Huh, did I hear that wrong?
"...Unfortunately?"
-Ah! Another call coming in. Jun-seo, wrap up the CF shoot well. Take one day to rest fully.
Click!
The call ended abruptly.
I stared at the black screen, my hand trembling. Lately, the CEO's been treating me too much like a buddy.
Not that I mind.
"Haa."
I set the phone down on the table with a clunk, and Yoon Joo-yeon, who had been playing with Yu-na, asked,
"I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but sounds like you're starting body prep?"
I nodded slightly.
"Daddy! What's body prep?"
"...It means making a big body like Uncle In-cheol's. Though not quite that big."
"Oh, I see. So we're eating that weird meat again?"
Weird meat.
Probably means chicken breast.
I'd completely forgotten...
If we're going into body prep, that means until shooting fully ends, I'll be stuck eating that tasteless stuff.
I'd only been thinking about the workouts.
My mood plummeted.
"...Yeah, looks like it."
At my listless reply, Yoon Joo-yeon glanced at me and offered some comfort.
"That must be tough..."
"Yeah, it really will be."
Finally, the shoot started—with just the last line left to deliver.
Bull Bear Stir-Fried Ramen sat in front of us.
I shook off the heavy feeling and picked up the bagged ramen.
"Director, is there a set line?"
"First, try whatever line you want, Actor Lee Jun-seo."
"Really? Is that okay?"
He nodded slightly and continued in his gruff expression.
"I've shot you two a few times and realized—Actor Lee Yu-na's purity is her biggest charm. Same for you, Actor Lee Jun-seo. Watching you eat with your daughter was really heartwarming."
Tug! Tug!
Yu-na suddenly tugged at my clothes and looked up.
"Daddy, Daddy. What's 'charming' mean?"
"It means pretty or cool."
"Hehehe. Really?"
Giggling, Yu-na turned to the front, raised her hand high, and waved.
"Director! Thank you! You're charming too, Director!"
Right then, the gruff director's face softened in an instant.
The corners of his mouth slowly rose.
At the director's warm smile, the staff around us widened their eyes in unison.
Oblivious to it all.
The director opened his mouth.
"Maybe I shouldn't have given you two any instructions at first. Honestly regretting it a bit now. Do whatever feels natural."
"...Yes. Got it."
"Alright, let's start."
His face returned to its original state, as if he'd never smiled.
Now, though.
'What line should I say?'
Nothing good came to mind, which was quite troubling.
He seemed to have expectations.
Suddenly, the camera's red light flicked on.
What? Already started?
I looked at the camera and held up the Bull Bear Stir-Fried Ramen bag clearly.
"Fiery spicy flavor. Bull Bear Stir-Fried Ramen. What do you think, everyone? It's really delicious."
Whoosh! Yu-na's head whipped around.
Her brows furrowed as she stared straight at me.
"Daddy, lying is bad. You left it 'cause it was spicy, and Yu-na ate it all."
"Ahaha. What are you talking about?"
"Earlier, Daddy..."
I quickly covered Yu-na's cute lips with my finger. Tap!
This is a disaster.
It's an ad—saying I left it because it was spicy is a minus point.
No, wait...
'Yu-na ate all of mine too.'
Maybe I can use that?
With that thought, I immediately poked Yu-na's chubby cheeks.
"You didn't leave it—you shared it. It's Yu-na's favorite ramen."
A heavy silence fell.
The staff stood frozen with mouths agape, and the director kept his arms crossed in his gruff expression.
'Should I keep going with the line?'
As I pondered.
The director slowly stood, uncrossed his arms, and started clapping alone.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
"Beyond expectations. Perfect. Great job, you two."
Only then did the frozen staff erupt in cheers.
"Whoa, did you see that?"
"Felt like I just ate a spoonful of honey."
"So sweet, right?"
"I almost snapped a photo without thinking. How much for those cheeks? I'd pay to poke them..."
"Yu-na's lucky to have such a sweet daddy, and Actor Lee Jun-seo's lucky to have such a cute daughter."
Looks like it's finally over.
I let out deep sighs and slowly stood from my seat.
Yu-na stood up following me.
"Yu-na, let's say goodbye and head home. You worked hard on the shoot today... Yeah. Daddy'll play with you all you want at home."
"Yay! Really?"
Patter!
Yu-na dashed straight to the director without hesitation and bowed deeply at the waist.
She really wants to go home.
Time flew by astonishingly fast, and winter's end was now in sight.
Mid-February already.
Soon, Yu-na—who I'd seen as so young—would start elementary school.
'...About three years?'
So much had happened.
As I recalled the fun memories piled up with Yu-na since possessing this body.
"Don't stop—keep raising it steady!"
"Ah, hup-!"
"Don't rush it—focus on precise form! That's most important."
"Hup...! Like this?"
"Good. Hold it there."
Yes.
Since morning, I'd been grunting at In-cheol's house, pulling on the bar.
How many reps was this?
I couldn't even remember anymore.
"Slower! Stretch it out!"
The reason I trained at In-cheol's house instead of the gym was simple.
No telling what accident might happen if I took Yu-na to the gym.
Too many dangerous machines.
And if she fiddled with stuff while I was focused, it'd be a nuisance.
"You can release now. Ten-minute rest."
Clunk-!
I let go of my shaking arms and, still seated, glanced around.
Gym equipment packed the room, making it look like a mini gym.
Turning a whole room into this...
He's serious about fitness.
While I rested, In-cheol started lifting weights on his own. His solid muscles impossible to hide even under thin clothes.
I watched his form as he wiped sweat with the towel around his neck.
'Rising so cleanly.'
Lost in watching In-cheol's workout.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
A small knock sounded.
Yu-na came in, smiling brightly with her hair neatly braided into two pigtails.
"Hehehe. Daddy, is that fun?"
"...No, not fun at all."
Patter.
She ran over in a flash and started acting cute in a way she never did.
"Daaaaddy."
Even though I was drenched in sweat, she burrowed right into my arms.
"Daaaaddy. Yu-na wants to try that too. Pleeease? Can I?"
"You're gonna smell Daddy's sweat if you hug too tight. Yu-na. And it's dangerous here with all this stuff—no."
"But I wanna try. Pleeease?"
Her sparkling eyes weakened my resolve when I met them straight on.
I sighed deeply.
"Fine, but just a little?"
"Hehehe. Yeees!"
She must've gotten bored watching kids' shows alone in the living room.
An exercise Yu-na could do...
I scanned the equipment and spotted the perfect one.
'That'll work.'
I stood slowly and approached the adjustable pull-up bar.
'This height should be safe.'
After adjusting, I slipped my hands under Yu-na's armpits and lifted her up.
Then helped her grab the bar.
"Okay, pull yourself up with your arms."
"Huuuup!"
Yu-na dangling from the bar like a little monkey was so funny, I burst out laughing without realizing.
"Ahaha! A bit more effort."
"Huuuup!"
She grunted, but her body showed no sign of rising.
A while later.
No, about 30 seconds later?
Still hanging from the bar, Yu-na urgently called me.
"Ah, Daddy! Grab Yu-na!"
"Told you it'd be tough, Daddy said."
"Qu-quick! Yu-na's falling!"
I glanced at the floor.
The distance from her cute feet to the ground was barely a handspan... She could drop down easy if she looked.
But Yu-na couldn't.