Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: High School 2022
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I settled into a spot at the PC café by myself and scrolled through casting calls for actors.
The CF I shot a week ago.
Its impact had been bigger than expected, and comments asking when I'd film my next project kept pouring into my StarTA account nonstop.
And then there were these guys...
Ding!
Yoo Seol-hwa: Hey! What's your next project? And when did you shoot that CF!
Yoo Seol-hwa: Answer if you've seen it!!
Shin Dong-hyun: A famous director's casting leads for a drama here. I'll send the link. (link)
My seniors I'd grown close to while shooting the sitcom, along with Shin Dong-hyun, were constantly asking in the group chat what my next project would be.
'Why are they asking about my next gig?'
I read the messages that had just come in and replied politely.
Lee Jun-seo: I don't know either. I set my phone down and stared back at the computer screen. I scrolled down looking for something eye-catching, but nothing really grabbed me. 'They're all meh...' I was slowly scrolling with a sense of resignation when...
"...Huh?"
My eyes widened. My instincts made my hand freeze. My heart was pounding hard, and cold sweat was dripping down. It felt just like the thrill I got in my past life whenever I stumbled on a massive hit. I straightened up and carefully read the casting notice title. 'Why is this out now?' The title was [High School 2022]. The High School series came out every year. Casting at this time felt a bit late. 'It's only mid-March now...' As expected, when I clicked for details, there was a red "Urgent Hiring" label at the bottom.
"Hmm, should I go for it?"
In my past life, I'd focused solely on acting and never gone to high school. I worried if I could pull it off properly.
"Hmm..."
I clicked the notice and scrolled through the details. Experience: None required. Education: None required. Role: High school teacher (with lines) Filming location: Ace High School Filming date: April 15, 2022 Important!! Those with outstanding looks that would be popular with students are especially welcome. Making my next role a high school teacher didn't sound bad. It was just what I needed to shake off my doting thug dad image. And as stated there, I was confident in my looks. In my past life, maybe not. But now, I could proudly say I outshone even idols. That was my favorite perk of this life. '...Should I apply?' After a moment's hesitation, I moved my hand and filled out the application form. Then I sent it to the email at the bottom, attaching a photo of myself in place of a headshot.
"Whew, now for some research."
These days, YouTube's overflowing with info—you can find anything with a quick search. No need to head to a high school and make a scene. -Students here tend to fall for this. So, plug in this formula... The teacher on screen kept spouting hard-to-follow jargon, and drowsiness started creeping in, my eyelids growing heavy. Here I was, someone who'd avoided studying, sitting alone in a PC café like this. Pathetic... A chuckle escaped me. Studying... 'Come to think of it, Mom and Dad never nagged me to study, did they?' Because they weren't interested in me. Back then, as long as I made money, that was it. The first online lecture ended before I knew it. I pushed aside the stray thoughts. As I reached for the mouse to find another lecture... A familiar ad popped up. -Waaah! Beep beep! Yu-na's coming through! Yu-na zooming across a pleasant, beautiful little park. And there I was, walking calmly beside her. Was I smiling like that? The way I looked at Yu-na was pure worried dad, anxious she might get hurt. Then a woman's voice came on. -Low noise and a smooth ride. -With the remote, safely... Suddenly, I thought of that rude lady who'd manhandled Ha-yul. I'd heard from the team leader what happened after we left—it had worked out okay. 'They canceled the contract with Planning Team 1 and refused to film, even paying the penalty?' And then. She'd called my personal number, apologizing and thanking me. 'Glad it turned out well for her.' Honestly, I'd felt uneasy leaving without resolving what Yu-na had asked. -...Join us now. The ad ended, and a balding middle-aged man in his 50s appeared on screen, head gleaming. I'd zoned out again, missing the start of the next lecture. This ad was hugely popular right now. There were even YouTube videos made just to loop it. And. Team Leader Gu Min-hyuk had contacted me. Recent sales had skyrocketed, and now they needed a reservation system for the new product. Plus, acquaintances kept bugging him to introduce us. -Now, focus! Look here! I jolted at the teacher's voice from the screen. I shook off my thoughts and focused on the teacher. Gestures, tone, breathing. I took it all in without missing a beat.
The homeroom teacher for the sturdy class kept watching the situation unfold. She loved kids, but dealing with uncontrollable ones wasn't easy.
But then.
Ever since Yu-na arrived, there was no need to control them. A group had formed around Yu-na.
"Y-Yu-na. Take this. It'll be better if you stack this on top."
"Mm. Thanks."
"Hee hee hee. No problem."
"This one too. It'll be good."
The little ones blushed and fidgeted shyly as they handed blocks to Yu-na, who was building a tower with brick toys.
It was cute enough to warrant that.
Yu-na was the cutest kid she'd ever seen, hands down.
'I was watching a drama recently and got a shock when Yu-na popped up in the ad break.'
Innocent smile.
Charming eye smile.
Overwhelming cuteness.
Boys from the next class kept coming over to see Yu-na.
Breaks were a nightmare, stopping fights between boys who'd come to see her.
Still.
'Luckily, Yu-na's well-behaved...'
She thought that because of what Yu-na had done before—building a toy castle up to adult height here.
From the CCTV footage.
She'd climbed precariously onto shelves to stack the bricks.
Heart-stopping moments, over and over.
If she'd fallen...
Unthinkable.
She loved kids more than anything—that's why she'd worked to become a kindergarten teacher, achieving her dream.
'Was it because Dad was around then?'
Against her expectations, Yu-na wasn't stacking as high anymore.
Just playing nicely with friends these past few days.
Even now.
She was building up to five blocks, at eye level for the kids.
Wait...
But could a six-year-old perfectly build a castle to adult height?
She'd never seen it before.
"Genius..."
She held back.
You couldn't judge hastily. Giving parents false hope could lead to excessive pressure—she knew that.
'Kids suit lively energy.'
When opinions clashed among the kids, she narrowed her eyes and slowly approached what was turning into a fight.
"Yu-na, let's put this one on this time. It's a sparkly shining brick."
"No. Not that—this one's better. Black is the best!"
"No, this one!"
"Kids, if you fight like that, Yu-na will be sad. Good kids know how to share."
Her way of breaking up fights had changed a bit. Mention Yu-na lightly, and most stopped.
Look at them now.
The kids peeked at Yu-na timidly and held hands.
"Sorry."
"Me too."
"Hee hee hee. Good job. No fighting."
Smiles spread across the faces of the kids who'd been bickering, thanks to Yu-na's praise.
I got home early, opened the fridge, and pondered carefully.
In my past life, I'd thrown together whatever.
But since getting a daughter.
No, since our finances improved, I'd started cooking myself, thinking of Yu-na's health.
"Hmm..."
Rustle. Rustle.
Rummaging aimlessly, I pulled out a black plastic bag.
Peas—the ones I'd failed to get her to eat recently.
She'd eaten them fine at first, but now she was picky and refused.
I'd grown up fine without being picky...
Why was Yu-na like this?
Of course, she wasn't my biological daughter, so differences were inevitable, but I was thinking it without realizing.
"I'll make her eat them this time."
Determined to cure her pickiness once and for all, I grabbed a kitchen knife.
On the counter: pork she liked, assorted veggies.
And the peas.
'Hide the peas in the pork, and place the fresh veggies where they camouflage.'
Perfect plan set, I got to work.
Chop chop chop!
The peas were diced beyond recognition.
'Now, mince the pork...'
Bzzz!
My phone in my pocket buzzed loudly, startling me.
What now? I washed my hands clean and checked it.
Unknown number.
'Who?'
I tilted my head slightly and answered.
"Hello?"
-Is this actor Lee Jun-seo?
A gruff woman's voice.
I answered her question hesitantly.
"Yes, that's me."
-Hello. This is PD Ha Ji-won.
"Ah, yes."
-I just finished reviewing the application you sent this afternoon and am calling about it. For the teacher role in [High School 2022]... Actually, there was talk here about reaching out to you. So...
Her voice came rapid-fire, nonstop, hurting my ears.
-I've talked too long. Anyway, let's schedule to see your acting next time.
Was she telling me the audition date over the phone? I hadn't expected them to go out of their way for a rookie like me.
I cleared my throat and asked cautiously.
"I see. When's the audition...?"
-It's just a formality, so come relaxed.
My jaw dropped at her words.
Meaning: I'd gotten the role with just one application.
No need to check my acting.
This was starting to feel suspicious.
-Oh! I almost forgot. Um...
She cut off abruptly, and I tilted my head.
"Something wrong?"
-It's about a plan I'm pushing. When you appear, Jun-seo, can I incorporate your doting dad image into [High School 2022]? By having your daughter cameo...
"...Pardon?"
Yu-na had just started proper kindergarten classes.
Late for her age in studies.
Acting was secondary now—studying mattered more, and even if she wanted to film with me, a parent's instinct was to discourage it.
"Sorry, that might be difficult."
-I'm not forcing it at all. We can use a child actor.
Her tone dropped.
It felt insincere suddenly, and even just listening soured my mood.
My imagination?
-Got it then. We'll talk more when we meet tomorrow.
"Yes, sure..."
Click!
She hung up before I finished.
"What the? That person."
Then a text came.
Telling me to come to JJ Media tomorrow.
Just the time and location. Zero effort in that message.
"Ha... What's with the treatment?"