Chapter 15
Chapter 15
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: The Director's Temptation
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Not just Seonwoo was harboring such thoughts.
"If we pull this off today......"
"If we can just join Yoo Chanwoo's crew, that'd be a dream come true."
"I'm not even asking for Director Yoo Chanwoo himself. Han Heejung's team would be enough......!"
The other troupe members were buzzing too, their eyes gleaming with ambition.
Of course, those not cast in Confession felt just as envious.
"Ah, damn it. I really should've been the one doing this......"
Seo Jinwook was right there, tearing at his hair in frustration.
When his eyes met Seonwoo's amid all that, he stormed out of the theater in a huff.
Seonwoo chuckled inwardly.
This feels pretty satisfying.
Seeing Seo Jinwook's reaction really drove home how massive this opportunity was.
He would've given it his all regardless, but now it felt like he had to pour every ounce of himself into the performance—burn it all up.
That was when Doyoung spoke up.
"Everyone, calm down."
The murmurs died instantly as all eyes turned to him.
Doyoung swept his heavy gaze over the group.
"I get the excitement, but don't let it distract you. We're actors. Our job is simple: perform properly. Forget Yoo Chanwoo or anyone else. Got it?"
"......Yes, sir."
Classic Doyoung.
It helped settle Seonwoo's own racing thoughts too.
Right. Stick to what matters. No matter what, there's only one thing to do: deliver a great performance.
For the audience's sake, if nothing else...... He couldn't afford to get too caught up in the glamour.
That said......
Seonwoo looked at Doyoung with renewed curiosity.
He knew Doyoung paid no mind to the film world, but staying this composed with a heavyweight like Yoo Chanwoo in the audience? That was unexpected.
The guy had probably come here for Doyoung specifically.
At this point, Seonwoo couldn't help but wonder.
Is Senior Doyoung planning to turn it down again this time?
Even from someone like Yoo Chanwoo?
* * * "Whoa, the house is packed."
Yoo Chanwoo, a sturdy man built like a bear, wiped his glasses and scanned the room.
"I hear theater's been tough lately, but this place seems immune to the slump."
"Cheongsong's always had a solid fanbase. Great plays, great cast."
"Yeah, that's why the writer dragged me here."
Yoo Chanwoo nodded.
"Curious what kind of actor it is, though. I know better than anyone how picky our Han Heejung is."
"......Heh, one look and you'll want to kidnap him."
Han Heejung flashed a confident smile.
Yoo Chanwoo looked skeptical despite her words. She got it.
They were here to scout a lead actor for their upcoming film.
Lead, not supporting.
Frankly, using a total newbie with zero screen experience was a stretch.
Her convincing him to even show up was the real miracle.
But Han Heejung was certain.
One look and the director's mind will change.
Cheongsong had a gem.
Not a rough one—a fully polished jewel, massive and flawless.
Yoo Chanwoo would salivate the moment he saw it.
All she had to do today was show him.
He'd get it instantly—why she'd dragged him all the way here.
Can't wait.
Han Heejung licked her lips.
What face would Yoo Chanwoo make upon seeing Cha Doyoung, that monster?
He probably never imagined such a beast had been hidden away all this time.
Of course, there was a reason.
The actor himself shunned the film world.
Rare case.
Even actors devoted to theater usually couldn't turn down a movie offer.
Inevitable.
Movies outclassed theater in money, fame, popularity—everything.
But Doyoung had rejected every film offer to date.
A unicorn of a man.
Quite a few directors had quietly tried to recruit him over the years.
Word of Cheongsong's monster had spread through the grapevine.
Yet no one succeeded.
Doyoung's resolve to stay in theater was ironclad.
Still, Han Heejung had come this far because...
Maybe our Director Yoo can sway him?
Faith in Yoo Chanwoo.
His fame, skill, charisma—surely enough to capture Cha Doyoung.
Like Xiang Yu taming the wild horse.
Assuming Doyoung took a liking to him first, but she wasn't worried there.
Director Yoo will fall for him too.
Her focus for today's show: Yoo Chanwoo's reaction to actor Cha Doyoung.
And then,
"Confess your sins."
"......!"
It was quite the spectacle.
The moment the Priest took the stage.
Yoo Chanwoo's expression shifted.
His slouched posture straightened in an instant, lazy half-lidded eyes igniting with fire.
And for good reason.
The Priest's sheer presence was overwhelming.
Voice, expression, acting—nothing failed to grip the soul.
As the performance unfolded, a blissful smile crept across Yoo Chanwoo's lips.
Inevitable.
It was acting so transcendent, merely watching was ecstasy.
Gotta thank the writer for this......
As Han Heejung predicted, Yoo Chanwoo hadn't expected much from this Cha Doyoung.
If he was truly phenomenal, someone would've snatched him up already.
But now he saw.
......Who knew a talent like this was hiding here.
Chills raced over his skin.
Just imagining framing that man through his lens sent shivers down his spine.
The real deal.
He was convinced: cast this actor, and the results would exceed his wildest dreams.
Even mediocre lines would become art in his hands.
Mid-thought,
Oh?
Yoo Chanwoo's eyes sparkled again.
Not at the Priest this time.
At Seungdo, the man announcing murder before him.
This guy......
Yoo Chanwoo had a nickname in Chungmuro: the Gem Appraiser.
Earned from launching countless rookies to stardom.
His eye for star potential was unmatched.
He didn't see it that way, though.
He just simulated better.
What if this actor played that role?
What if they acted with this vibe?
Through it, he mapped every character he could draw from any actor.
And now, facing Seungdo—Seonwoo,
Interesting.
Yoo Chanwoo's eyes gleamed.
He could already picture it: this dangerous, poignant aura under his direction—what form it would take.
This actor...... Any role would come alive.
His emotional range was delicate, vibrant.
Look—even before that colossal Priest, he seized the spotlight in a heartbeat.
Innate talent no amount of effort could fake.
Polish the basics, and he'd be gold......
Shaking off the thought, Yoo Chanwoo refocused on Doyoung's Priest.
Don't lose priority. Hunt the main prey first.
I'm taking him, no matter what.
Decision made.
Post-curtain, he headed straight for the actors' lounge.
"This way!"
"Over here, Director!"
"An honor to meet you!"
"Haha, yes, thank you."
Not even staff, yet no one stopped him.
They guided him eagerly, thrilled just to cross paths.
Soon, he faced the man: Doyoung.
And marveled anew.
......Damn, he's strikingly handsome.
Yoo Chanwoo had worked with Korea's top heartthrobs.
He could vouch: Doyoung held his own against any.
Yoo Chanwoo swallowed hard.
Forcing calm, he spoke.
"Hello, Cha Doyoung. I'm Director Yoo Chanwoo."
"Yes, hello, Director."
Doyoung eyed him steadily, still in Priest robes.
Facing the director every actor craved—no greed in those eyes.
If anything, mild discomfort.
......Really not interested?
No way to know without trying.
"Great show. Brilliant acting. I'll be direct."
Yoo Chanwoo's gaze sharpened.
"Work with me on a project?"
"......"
The watching Cheongsong members gasped.
They'd expected scouting, but casting?
Yoo Chanwoo continued.
"For reference, I'm offering the lead in my current film."
The whispers cut off.
Dead silence, breaths held.
What did they just hear?
Lead? In a Yoo Chanwoo film?
Scouting, sure—but lead for a camera virgin?
All eyes pleaded with Doyoung.
They knew his theater loyalty was fierce, but this jackpot? He wouldn't refuse. Please.
"......I've loved your films since I was a kid."
Doyoung finally spoke amid the stares.
But...
"Still, I can't join you."
He turned it down flat.
Some sighed knowingly; others clawed their hair in shock.
Yoo Chanwoo fell in the latter camp.
Even A-listers rarely refused his leads.
"......May I ask why?"
"I'm a theater actor. I want to protect this troupe. That's all."
Unsatisfying to most.
But Yoo Chanwoo nodded.
"......I see. Understood. Could I at least get your number?"
"Director...... I truly have no plans for film."
"I know. But you've made me want to convince you. Can't you give me a shot?"
How to refuse that?
Yoo Chanwoo got the number and left. Han Heejung smirked knowingly.
"Not easy, huh?"
"......Yeah. No wonder he hasn't blown up—he's dead set against it."
"What now?"
"What else? Keep knocking. 'Three visits and earnest plea,' right?"
"Strategic retreat, then?"
"Relocating tactically."
Yoo Chanwoo chuckled and walked on.
After a few steps,
He stopped. "Ah," and glanced back.
Troupe members plastered to the glass window scattered in panic. Han Heejung eyed him curiously.
"Something wrong, Director?"
"......Nah. Just realized another guy caught my eye."
"Caught your eye? Hmm...... The one confessing murder?"
She nodded, getting it.
Yoo Chanwoo smiled and nodded back. Thought it was just me.
"Oh, yeah! He was great, right? So charismatic."
"Yeah. Super distinct character. Inspired me while watching. Raw appeal, y'know?"
Han Heejung swallowed.
Then shook her head firmly.
"But no go. No roles left."
"I know. Wasn't planning to cast yet. Needs polishing. Just eye-catching."
"Hm, if that's all, fine. But your eye? That's big. He might be a star someday."
"Aw, not that 'star scout' stuff again. I don't know about stardom. Just......"
Yoo Chanwoo trailed off.
He'd felt it: unpolished gem.
What if time honed him further?
"......Next time, might not look away."
And then, he might not walk away so easily.
As a director, a filmmaker, Yoo Chanwoo hoped deep down.
For that day to come soon.