Chapter 42: Stepping Stone (1)
Chapter 42: Stepping Stone (1)
It wasn't that Seo-yeon avoided deep emotional acting—like method acting—out of dislike when she played Hong Jeong-hee.
She simply lacked the information.
Ultimately, Seo-yeon’s standard emotional acting was akin to that of a veteran performer. In other words, she acted based on information she had either personally experienced or observed.
Conversely, it took her time to understand the emotions of a situation she hadn't experienced or a unique character who strayed from the "norm."
In her past life, emotions were something Seo-yeon had to learn academically. Although that disadvantage had vanished in her current reincarnation, it remained difficult for her to grasp emotions she hadn't consciously felt or experienced.
To Seo-yeon, the character "Hong Jeong-hee" existed strictly within the confines of the script. There were many parts of the character's speech and behavior that she couldn't quite wrap her head around.
Thus, Seo-yeon’s "Hong Jeong-hee" was merely her own interpretation of the emotions written in the script.
Naturally, that alone isn't enough to beat Pyo Ji-woo, who understands the character perfectly.
The answer key was right in front of her.
So, she watched Pyo Ji-woo’s every move.
In theater, a character's psychology is expressed through movement. Those aggressive actions helped Seo-yeon understand who Hong Jeong-hee really was.
Alright, let’s do this.
She took a single breath.
Opening her closed eyes, she looked toward the judges.
「Song Min-seo.」
Hong Jeong-hee calls out to Song Min-seo.
If one stops to think about it, this is strange behavior. Song Min-seo has a hearing impairment; she cannot hear even if someone speaks to her. Yet, Hong Jeong-hee speaks to her using only words, without any sign language.
One could argue it’s because it’s a play, and the dialogue needs to be conveyed to the audience. However, the other characters in the play use simple sign language when speaking to Song Min-seo.
In other words, Hong Jeong-hee’s words and actions are entirely a monologue. It means she doesn't care whether Song Min-seo hears her or not.
「You’re nothing but a deaf girl anyway.」
It isn't a sarcastic remark. Surprisingly, the emotion embedded in this line is an inferiority complex.
That was Hong Jeong-hee.
Watching Seo-yeon’s performance, Jo Do-yul thought to himself.
It’s different from her previous performance. But it’s not entirely different, either.
At first, he wondered if she was simply imitating Pyo Ji-woo. But it didn't feel like a mere copy. It was as if she had gained a profound understanding of the character after seeing Pyo Ji-woo; her emotional range had become significantly deeper.
Jo Do-yul likely wasn't the only one who felt this way. The other judges were also watching Seo-yeon’s performance as if possessed, scribbling notes as they watched.
「Hm? Think about it. Do you really think he actually liked you?」
Because she feels inferior to the hearing-impaired Song Min-seo, Hong Jeong-hee denounces her even more harshly. She resorts to violence and ensures the girl cannot hear her words.
「He was just playing along with your despicable tricks.」
The sense of superiority she gains from that.
Understanding that base, lowly heart, Seo-yeon spat out the lines.
「A vile bitch who uses her disability to exploit the kindness of others.」
Ultimately, Hong Jeong-hee’s lines are nothing more than an attempt to tear Song Min-seo down. And at the same time...
「Pathetic.」
Those words were also directed at herself.
She is pathetic. Hong Jeong-hee knows she is pathetic. But she doesn't care. If she can just get rid of Song Min-seo and somehow drive her away from Bae Seong-hak, she might be able to take her place.
While hiding that murky intent, she continues her verbal assault, but Song Min-seo responds with dignity. Seeing this, Hong Jeong-hee’s actions grow even more violent.
Her voice rises, and she resorts to physical force. Seo-yeon followed Pyo Ji-woo’s blocking, mimicking the movements while correcting certain actions on the fly.
This part belongs to Pyo Ji-woo. If it were Hong Jeong-hee... it would be a little different.
Of course, this was entirely Seo-yeon’s interpretation. However, unlike before, this interpretation was born from true understanding. The foundation was the same, but Seo-yeon was painting her own colors over Pyo Ji-woo’s canvas.
She was refining a sketch made of wild ocean currents so that it could be grandly displayed in an aquarium.
The newly understood emotion.
The new "Hong Jeong-hee," performed through that emotion, was finally painted to perfection.
"I'm finished."
Seo-yeon replied calmly.
She brushed back her disheveled hair. As she straightened her collar, which had become wrinkled from the intense movements, she looked forward to see the judges staring at her, lost in thought with their mouths agape.
This is...
...a bit awkward.
Occasionally, this happens. An audition where it’s impossible to decide who to pick.
They both fit Hong Jeong-hee perfectly.
In terms of appearance, Pyo Ji-woo is a better fit, isn't she?
Actress Ju Seo-yeon is too glamorous. But that can be covered with makeup.
Each performance had its own unique charm. No matter who they picked, the role of Hong Jeong-hee would be flawless.
She’s a monster.
Jo Do-yul clicked his tongue inwardly.
Clearly, up until the first performance, Seo-yeon’s immersion in the role of Hong Jeong-hee had been lower than Pyo Ji-woo’s. It was a brilliant performance with a captivating presence, but Pyo Ji-woo had felt more like "Hong Jeong-hee."
The blocking was almost identical. The movements were similar at first, too.
Did she memorize Pyo Ji-woo’s movements instantly? Moreover, the real shock came after that. The "Hong Jeong-hee" that emerged when Seo-yeon layered her own colors on top.
The reason she asked to go later...
The judges recalled what Seo-yeon had said at the beginning.
Since she went first the first time, she wanted to go second for the next performance.
They had assumed she said it simply because she felt pressured, but it seemed that wasn't the case.
How is a regular actor supposed to make a living with people like this around?
One of the two actors participating as judges, Min Seo-ho, let out a hollow laugh. Being an actor himself, he felt it even more clearly—the fact that Seo-yeon had just interpreted the character on the spot after watching Pyo Ji-woo’s performance.
The Genius Child Actor.
That was the nickname given to Ju Seo-yeon ten years ago. Min Seo-ho could now see exactly why she had earned that title.
"Ah, we're out of time. We will... notify you of the results later via text or email."
Jo Do-yul spoke after checking the time. They had wasted too much time, and there were still other actors waiting.
"Thank you for your hard work."
With those words, Seo-yeon’s first audition since her return came to an end.
*
"Phew."
Seo-yeon exhaled the moment she stepped out of the building. Cold sweat was beaded on her forehead.
It’s probably not a good idea to immerse myself too deeply in Hong Jeong-hee’s emotions.
A tingling sensation still lingered in her chest. Inferiority. That base, murky feeling seemed to have left a residue in her heart. Acting by understanding, following, and expressing such emotions was far too stimulating for Seo-yeon.
"You... Youuu!!"
Just then, Pyo Ji-woo, who had followed Seo-yeon out, shouted in a trembling voice.
"How... how could you do that!"
Pyo Ji-woo felt wronged. This was a role she had waited for and practiced for an entire year. And yet, and yet!
I lost.
She felt it. Pyo Ji-woo bit her lower lip and wiped away the tears pooling in her eyes. Their acting had been similar. No, in some parts, Pyo Ji-woo was still better. She was confident enough to say that her own acting suited Hong Jeong-hee best.
But.
Vocalization.
And her proficiency and potential for growth. Not to mention the impact of the name "Ju Seo-yeon."
Conversely, being "a better fit" was the only advantage Pyo Ji-woo could claim. In every other aspect, Seo-yeon was superior. It was only natural. One year—it might have been a long time for Pyo Ji-woo, but Seo-yeon had practiced for much longer than that. It was inevitable that there would be a gap in technical skill.
She should have overwhelmed her in character interpretation, yet she had been caught up to in an instant.
"Ugh, uuuugh!!"
Seeing Pyo Ji-woo stomping toward her, unable to contain her rage, Seo-yeon narrowed her eyes. She scanned Pyo Ji-woo from head to toe.
...She doesn't have a weapon, does she?
Specifically, a knife. Seo-yeon looked at Pyo Ji-woo’s slender legs. If I give her a solid low kick, would that do the trick?
"You."
While Seo-yeon was harboring such turbulent thoughts, the approaching Pyo Ji-woo reached out toward her. Seo-yeon reflexively snatched her hand.
"Huh?"
It wasn't that she had any intention of attacking. For some reason, she had simply reached out to grab Seo-yeon, who seemed to be drifting away.
What the? Why is she so strong?
Pyo Ji-woo was startled and tried to pull her arm back, but she felt a surge of fear when it wouldn't budge. How could a girl be this strong?
It was unfair. It was bad enough that her role was about to be stolen, but now she had to suffer this indignity too. She just wanted to talk a little, just a tiny bit. Maybe she had the intention to threaten her just a little, or maybe she thought about hurting her just a tiny, tiny bit?
Well, she did think, What if I just scare her a little? She had thought that much! But she was a minor, still a kid. It was really just a little. Just a little...
Tears began to stream from Pyo Ji-woo’s eyes.
"Waaaaah!!"
"Ack."
Naturally, Seo-yeon could only look on in disgust at her tears. In many ways.
"Sniff."
And so, after a bit of time had passed.
"...I'm going to report you if you do anything suspicious."
At Seo-yeon’s words, Pyo Ji-woo felt miserable all over again. She hadn't even done anything yet, but Seo-yeon was treating her like a criminal. Of course, this wasn't Seo-yeon’s intention. It was just that her memories of her past life were too vivid.
She’s the person who literally sliced someone up...
As mentioned, Seo-yeon had first encountered this play, Close Your Eyes, on the news. It was a report about an assault case. In that news report, the perpetrator was the Pyo Ji-woo standing before her. The victim was Min Seo-ho.
In a way, it was a situation brought about by Min Seo-ho’s own karma, but the fact that Pyo Ji-woo had stormed into a club with a knife and stabbed Min Seo-ho while he was with his acquaintances had been a hot topic on internet communities for a long time.
Though Min Seo-ho is also impressive for surviving that.
Regardless, Pyo Ji-woo, who had managed to break past the club guards and pull that off, was dubbed "Swordmaster Pyo" on the internet for a while. If she had brought a knife today... even Seo-yeon couldn't have guaranteed the outcome.
Still.
Seo-yeon looked at the sobbing Pyo Ji-woo. At least for now, she wasn't the Pyo Ji-woo from the news. Furthermore, having seen her acting, Seo-yeon didn't want to see such a ruinous future befall her.
"Pyo Ji-woo... Unnie."
"Huh?"
The word "Unnie" still felt a bit awkward. With that thought, Seo-yeon continued.
"If you're okay with it, would you like to go somewhere with me in three days?"
If she knew now, the same incident as the past wouldn't happen. Especially now, before Pyo Ji-woo became involved with Min Seo-ho.
*
"Seo-hee. Don't you think it's about time you did a drama or something?"
Inside a large van, manager Shin Yu-kyung nagged Jo Seo-hee, who was idly playing with her phone. It was something she could say because the two had known each other for over ten years and were like sisters.
Shin Yu-kyung had many grievances regarding Jo Seo-hee’s recent behavior. She had held it in as long as she could before finally speaking up.
"I just don't have the motivation lately."
"...Well, you have been working very hard."
At seventeen, Jo Seo-hee, who rarely attended school and devoted herself to work, was undoubtedly the best among her peers. The only one who could even be compared to her was Park Jung-woo, who was three years older.
No, it's not just her peers. How many actresses are currently more successful than Jo Seo-hee?
She had earned the title of "Box Office Guarantee" a year ago. That was when Jo Seo-hee was in her third year of middle school. Two movies and four dramas—all of them had been phenomenal hits. Only one of them featured her as the lead, but what did that matter? Her name value had skyrocketed regardless.
If she went to school, students would surely flock to her just to get a word in. She had attained that level of popularity and recognition. Yet, Jo Seo-hee’s face looked utterly bored.
"I don't really feel like acting."
"You're burnt out. Why don't you take a few months off instead?"
Rest. It was a word that hadn't been used for Jo Seo-hee for about ten years. Since when had she worked this hard? Jo Seo-hee thought of the person who had been the catalyst.
Did she really retire?
Ju Seo-yeon. She muttered the name over and over. They had only exchanged a few words in person, yet was there anyone else who had influenced her so powerfully?
"Take a break, watch some plays or musicals, and enjoy some culture. Who knows? You might find your motivation again."
Musicals, movies. Shin Yu-kyung’s intentions were transparent. She probably thought that since Jo Seo-hee was an actress by nature, seeing such things would reignite her passion.
Unnie is right. Let's rest for a bit.
A play. It was a somewhat unfamiliar term for Jo Seo-hee, who had focused primarily on dramas and movies. So, she was a little interested.
Yes, just a little.