Chapter 92
Chapter 92
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 92
Chapter Title: Ad-lib Triumph
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The entire cast gathered on set.
"Alright! Is everyone ready?"
Even without a megaphone, the director's voice boomed across the space.
In an instant, everyone moved to their positions and began acting as if they were busy with work.
Filming soon commenced.
This time, they were shooting the scene that had been halted last time when the set wall collapsed.
The scene where I join the company.
Step. Step.
As I entered the office and followed behind my boss, I scanned the man in front of me from head to toe, sizing him up.
A slight curl of my lips was a bonus.
This action wasn't in the script, but even the smallest details needed to convey emotion.
That way, the immersion hits hard.
An extra suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned his head, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"It's a huge relief we have a new hire this time. We've been short-staffed. Mind introducing him to the team now?"
"Go ahead."
"Attention, everyone!"
The extra boss drew all eyes.
Those who had been immersed in their tasks paused and looked back and forth between me and the boss.
I opened my mouth slowly, keeping an air of arrogance without overdoing it.
"I'm Lee Jun-seo, the new guy. Looking forward to working with you all."
The devil doesn't bow his head.
I kept my chin high, adjusting my tie with a confident posture.
At this point, the section chief was supposed to appear and offer a handshake... but no one reacted.
They just stared at me blankly.
'How long do I have to wait?'
I furrowed my brow.
Just as I cleared my throat with a fake cough to snap them out of it, Director Han Mun-jin shot to his feet, narrowing his eyes.
"Cut! What are you all doing? Give a warm welcome, not that lukewarm response."
Only then did they come to their senses and start speaking one by one.
"Sorry."
"S-sorry, Director."
"Haa, alright. Let's go again."
As soon as the director sat back down, I stepped out of camera range.
Filming restarted shortly after.
I adjusted my tie again and calmly said the line the same as before.
"I'm Lee Jun-seo, the new guy. Looking forward to working with you all."
"Alright! Everyone, clap!"
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Amid the half-hearted response, a man who looked ambitious strode forward.
He reached out with a smile.
"Ahaha! I heard you're young and talented. Let's get along starting today."
I stared at his hand impassively. It was to indirectly show my disgust for humans.
"......"
At my off-script action, he looked embarrassed.
Two more seconds...
Yes, now.
I composed my expression, flashed a gentle smile, and spoke.
"Yes. Looking forward to it."
As our hands met, his face brightened.
The moment the section chief actor stepped back, I narrowed my eyes and pulled out a prepared handkerchief.
Then I quickly wiped my hand.
"Um, excuse me..."
The supporting actor who saw my ad-lib had his eyes widen in shock.
No, this is ad-lib...
'Can't he just roll with it?'
Thanks to the supporting actor's poor improvisation, an NG seemed imminent.
Before filming could stop, I hurriedly flashed a grin and spoke.
"Is something wrong?"
"Ahaha... No, nothing."
"Cut! Ahaha! Jun-seo! That ad-lib was gold. Can you do that disgusted-like-you-touched-shit expression again?"
"Yes. I can."
"Ahaha! Let's keep rolling like this!"
The director's face was unusually bright. He seemed thrilled with my ad-lib.
When I moved to the next filming set, the staff were frantically preparing while glancing around nervously.
"Were you all just slacking off? You should've prepped earlier! Think the actors have time to waste? Move it!"
While the director took charge, checking equipment and set safety,
The cast got an unexpected break.
The supporting and extra actors huddled together, chatting away.
"Hey, let's grab some coffee and chill. Come on."
"Okay. You're buying, right?"
"What? There's free coffee. Why would I buy?"
"Can we come too?"
"Yeah, yeah. Join us."
One group formed, and there was no room to squeeze in.
No one even asked me to come along...
Soon, everyone scattered, leaving me alone.
"Haa, should I wait in the manager's car for a bit?"
I told a staff member I was heading to the manager's car, then strode outside.
Scorching heat.
Heat haze rising from the ground.
I quickened my pace and finally reached the manager's car parked behind the set.
Even that short distance left my back and chest soaked in sweat.
Whoosh!
"Hey, turn on the AC quick..."
I opened the passenger door, and a blast of cold air hit me, making me shiver.
This guy... good instincts.
"Jun-seo, close the door already. The cold air's escaping."
"I was about to."
I sat in the passenger seat, reclined the backrest, and closed my eyes gently.
If heaven exists, this must be it.
"Already done filming?"
"Just a bit left."
"By the way... did something happen with Yoon So-hee? I meant to ask earlier but forgot."
The manager's words brought back the memory of Senior Yoon So-hee yelling.
Did In-cheol see that?
"...We didn't fight."
"That's a relief then."
A relief my ass...
'You just reminded me of something I forgot, making me worry needlessly...'
I let out a small sigh.
The manager's eyes lit up.
"Oh, almost forgot. Yoon So-hee was looking for you earlier. She's waiting in the car parked right next to this one... Why not ask what it's about?"
"What if staff see us and get the wrong idea? Best to ignore it."
Bzzz!
My phone in my pocket suddenly rang loudly. I pulled it out—kindergarten calling.
...Something up with Yu-na?
I answered quickly.
"Hello?"
-Uh, uh... Can you hear me?
Yu-na's cute little voice came through faintly.
I couldn't help but smile.
-Uh... Daddy! Can you hear me? Daddyyy!
"Yeah, I can hear you. No need to shout; speak softly."
-So... Yu-na has something to brag about. I got 100% on dictation! Good job, right?
Not just Yu-na's voice—others were audible too.
Teacher must be nearby.
'Dictation 100%...'
Just hearing the proud voice made my chest swell unexpectedly.
Studying later than her peers.
Always low scores, rewriting wrong answers countless times.
Finally catching up academically—this wasn't something to brush off with mere praise.
I suppressed the emotions and slowly spoke.
"Hmm, Yu-na?"
-Yes!
Her innocent reply rang out.
My lips curved up.
"Want anything special for dinner today? Daddy'll buy whatever."
-Really? Then come home early and play with Yu-na.
Oh, perfect timing.
Shooting wraps up soon.
"Got it. Daddy'll play with you all night. Need anything else?"
-Waaah! Teacher! Daddy said he'll play all night.
Click!
Call ended.
"You sure it's okay to promise like that? Schedules can change anytime."
I chuckled at the manager's worried tone and shrugged.
"Just finish without mistakes."
After cooling off in the AC and stepping out, I ran into Senior Yoon So-hee.
She stared at me intently with a serious expression, her gaze intense.
"Senior, what is it..."
"Jun-seo."
"Yes?"
She extended her hand palm up, like she was about to snatch something from me.
"Let me hold your hand for a sec."
"Why my hand all of a sudden?"
The weird vibe made me step back, but my back hit the car.
No escape.
"I need to check something. Gimme your hand."
Impatient with my hesitation?
She grabbed my hand anyway.
"So that's it..."
What's that supposed to mean?
The soft, cool sensation made my body freeze like stone.
"Senior...?"
"Huh? Oh. Th-thanks."
She dropped my hand.
Then turned to walk away, stopped abruptly, turned back, and stared.
"...What?"
"Jun-seo, stay here after shooting. I have something to say."
With that, she hid her flushed face and ran off.
"...What the? Did she eat something weird?"
Thud thud thud!
In-ju hyung rushed over, slung an arm around my shoulder with a sleazy grin.
"What was that? Huh? My instincts are spot on, right? You two were holding hands?"
Did In-ju hyung secretly watch?
"She grabbed it."
I sighed deeply.
"Senior seemed off. No way she likes me, right?"
I said it jokingly, but he dropped his arm from my shoulder.
"Looks that way to me too."
"......"
If it looks that way even to In-ju hyung... it's probably true.
I hope it's just our imagination.
"Just look at how Yoon So-hee only babies you."
He shrugged, then eyed me playfully.
"So. What're you gonna do?"
"...Is that even a question?"
"You never know."
"I have zero interest."
Thinking of my late wife who left too soon brought tears...
I mumbled softly, and like during the interview, tears welled up.
I roughly wiped them away and shook my hands.
"...I get it. Sorry."
"What for?"
"Made you relive painful memories... Sorry."
His face darkened.
Hard to believe this was the same guy grinning playfully moments ago.
"I have no plans to date anyone. Keep that in mind."
"Got it. Then... if Senior confesses to you, what'll you do?"
"Reject her, obviously."
"That's why I'm asking how you'll reject her without hurting her."
Hadn't thought that far...
Not like I've rejected confessions before.
"......"
"Think it over."
He slapped my back hard.
I nearly toppled, whipping my head to glare at him.
"Ahaha! My little bro's glare is killer."
"Haa... Let's head back to set. Safety check should be done soon."
"Yeah. Let's go."
We timed it perfectly, entering as preparations wrapped up.
Soon, the supporting actors, extras, and Senior Yoon So-hee arrived on set.
"Alright! Everyone here? This is the last shoot today, so let's power through!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Got it!"