Chapter 552
Chapter 552
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 552
Chapter Title: Common Sense Alteration (3)
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She's just an idol, after all.
Lee Ye-ji harbored a deep complex about that phrase.
No matter how well she sang, it was "pretty good for an idol." No matter how well she acted, it was "pretty good for an idol." Whatever she did, the label "idol" always followed her. Resenting that, Lee Ye-ji wanted to be recognized not as an idol, but as "Lee Ye-ji" herself. That was why she'd abandoned her stage name "Yeji" and debuted as an actress. Lee Ye-ji craved respect.
[Idol-turned-actress Lee Ye-ji: "My acting's pretty solid, right?" at stage greeting]
[Yeji: "Call me an actress now."]
[Drama over Lee Ye-ji's acting skills? Viewer reactions]
But the public still saw her as an idol.
It wasn't just the reporters' fault.
Her drama ended without fanfare, and her movie failed to break even. Despite her bold decision to become an actress, she left no mark in that field. Her idol image overshadowed any acting talent she might have had, holding her back. Trying to show the complete opposite of her "Yeji" days had been a mistake.
"Isn't that the girl from variety shows? She seems a bit awkward here."
"Was Yeji supposed to be such a fragile character? Something feels off."
That's why Lee Ye-ji saw this as her last chance.
The role of an artist suited her perfectly, and set in the Japanese colonial era, it minimized any idol associations. It was a spot her manager, Kim Siwoo, had fought hard to secure. The film risked controversy, but that meant people would actually watch it. She vowed to deliver real acting this time. Lee Ye-ji was confident.
That is, until she saw the revised script.
"Yeji, I think you should quit."
"……"
"Even if they cover everything, it's a bed scene. Too risky. It's a waste to burn your image here. It's not just exposure—it's a passionate bed scene. No way."
"...Oppa."
"And the co-star's Gam Deok-bae. You know his reputation. If some weird scandal breaks out... I can't handle that. We have to avoid it at all costs."
"But..."
"And Yeji... above all, I don't like it."
"……Oppa."
"Can't you reconsider for my sake, just once?"
"……Sorry."
But even so, Lee Ye-ji didn't give up.
An idol-turned-actress would never film a bed scene—so she had to. It was the only way to prove she was serious about acting. She felt truly sorry to Kim Siwoo... Sorry, oppa. But you know how desperate I am. Her first lead role. Lee Ye-ji dug in her heels. Kim Siwoo couldn't stop her.
"A-Are you insane?! Strip naked? Are you in your right mind?!"
"Hey! You gonna film with clothes on?!"
"Wh-What?!"
Looking back, it was the worst choice imaginable.
The set turned into chaos from day one.
The director demanded she go fully nude.
There was a reason they insisted on scene 17 right away.
Suspiciously many staff from the production company everywhere. Clearly there to ogle Lee Ye-ji's naked body under the excuse of "first day on set." No other explanation for demanding nudity without screens. Bullying her for being an ex-idol. Furious, Kim Siwoo confronted the director.
Even if investors demanded it, this was outright coercion—borderline sexual assault. No way he'd stand for it. If they pushed harder, he'd sue the director and everyone. At the script reading, they'd said it'd just be simulated. Changing terms now was a breach of verbal contract.
"Manager, aren't you being overprotective?"
"Nudity happens in shoots. Why make a fuss?"
"Next you'll say fake it for the bed scene too."
But the atmosphere felt off.
Instead of support, the actors criticized Lee Ye-ji and Kim Siwoo. Shockingly, to them, "actually doing it" during bed scenes was common sense in film. Not just actors—the director, investors, staff, even agency folks... everyone scolded them. To them, Lee Ye-ji and Kim Siwoo were the weird ones.
[Whaaat?! That's ridiculous! Where's the logic?!]
"Good... You're normal, Yu-eun."
[S-So they're making Yeji strip?]
"Yeah, and per the script... touch her..."
[N-No way?! That's a lie, right?!]
"It gets worse. Later... they'll even 'insert'..."
[Whaaaat?! Th-Then... with me too...?]
"That's why I'm freaking out."
[Nooo wayyy!]
Only Shin Yu-eun was sane, but that just made it two—no, three normals. Internet searches, calls to industry contacts—all confirmed bed scenes meant actual sex. Utter nonsense. But it was their harsh reality—now three people's.
"So you refusing to film?"
"Haa... What a diva."
"Watch it, Deok-bae."
"Senior, can I afford to?"
"Don't worry, Yeji. I'll make sure it doesn't happen."
"But... then..."
Deep down, they wanted to flee this madhouse.
But reality blocked them.
Script reading aside, filming had started. Backing out now? Penalty fees aside, it'd destroy their credibility as actors. Industry folks wouldn't understand quitting over this. One misstep, and no more acting gigs. Kim Siwoo's dilemma deepened.
Especially since Lee Ye-ji was his almost-girlfriend.
From her idol days to now, Kim Siwoo had been with her. They'd recently confessed feelings. But positions made it tricky... One slip, scandal. So he treasured her. Planned to stay manager at least through this shoot.
Who'd guess this nightmare on set...
Frustrated, Kim Siwoo bit his lip.
"Fuck... So what now? Film or not?"
"Yeji, Deok-bae's right. Everyone's here—what's this? I don't get your hang-up, but decide. Film or quit?"
"I-I..."
"Sorry, everyone. We can't..."
"……We'll film!"
"Yeji!"
"No choice! Can't quit now!"
"But still..."
"Sorry, director. We'll do it—just give me time to prepare. That's fair, right? I'm still an actress."
"Fine, let's do that."
In the end, Lee Ye-ji surrendered and resumed filming.
Kim Siwoo couldn't stop her again. As her manager—and crush—all he could do was comfort the quietly sobbing Lee Ye-ji.
The new script filled me with disgust.
Ryuga sexually harassing Ok-bun to soothe his inferiority. Gone was the spirited new woman; now Ok-bun yielding to pathetic Ryuga. I pitied her—and myself, having to play her. Opposite me: infamous jerk Gam Deok-bae. Pretending to fall for him? Pitiful.
"So you refusing to film?"
"Haa... What a diva."
But the nightmare didn't end.
Common sense had flipped.
Director and seniors telling me to go nude... offer my body to Gam Deok-bae. Like a dream. Everyone saw this sleazy filth as normal. Just fussing over nudity... later sex too, agency scolding me. My head spun in confusion.
No time to agonize.
Dozens waiting. Quit, and they'd all hate me. I lacked the strength for that. Film halts because of me? Penalties, reputation... all against me. One choice.
I stood before the camera.
"Good. Everyone ready? Action!"
Scene 17.
Ok-bun offering herself to Ryuga.
Now, before everyone,
before the rolling camera,
I had to strip.
Go naked.
The thought choked me.
A body even Siwoo oppa hadn't seen... to show strangers? Tears welled. But I'm an actress. Now, Ok-bun. Angry, wronged—immerse in role. Deep breath... steady trembling hands, unbutton blouse. Pop, pop—cool air hit.
Blouse and skirt off. Now underwear.
Overcoming revulsion and pain,
I slowly unhooked my bra.
Then gripped panty edges,
slid down... down...
bent waist, lowered them.
Utterly bare,
I glared at Gam Deok-bae.
"Impressive... for a Korean wench."
Gam Deok-bae smirked.
His gaze on there.
Trash nodding in admiration.
Humiliation burned my face.
"Beautiful."
"Offer everything?"
"In return, make me a singer?"
Lounging, admiring my body, spitting lines. Revolting pig. I spat defiance, voice strained.
But to that trash, even that was amusing.
"You know what that means?"
Mocking, eyes ravaging me, approaching. Footsteps. Stopped before me.
Then... there—my pussy...
he caressed it.
"Kkht."
Involuntary cry.
Ad-lib, not in script.
But filming continued.
Gam Deok-bae's thick fingers
stroked my entrance.
Unbearable humiliation shook my heart.
A place untouched by any but me.
What every woman treasures...
That bastard toyed with it.
And everyone watched.
"N-No... hate it... hate iiiit..."
My poker face crumbled...
As tears burst,
"Stop! NG!"
Siwoo oppa rushed, halted Gam Deok-bae.
"Fucking manager's lost it!"
-Slap!
"Oppa!!"
-Crash!
Finally, filming stopped.