Chapter 71: Always Sincere (1)
Chapter 71: Always Sincere (1)
A brief hiatus followed the filming of the highlight scenes for The Chaser.
They had filmed a large portion in one go, and the remaining scenes were ones that could be taken a bit more slowly. Director Bae Jin-hwan decided to take a break rather than jumping straight into the next shoot.
"Miss Seo-yeon, you’ve been far too immersed in your acting lately. Let’s take it easy for a bit."
It was a gesture of consideration from Director Bae. Having judged Seo-yeon’s acting to be method, he was concerned about her mental fatigue. Since there were no scenes that required urgent filming, there was no reason to push the actress too hard.
I’m not actually that tired, though.
The thought crossed her mind, but honestly, she was grateful. She had plenty of other things to do besides filming the movie.
And she quite liked that those she had become close with now called her "Miss Seo-yeon" instead of the more formal "Seo-yeon-ssi." She often thought about how adults with a significant age gap seemed to really adore her.
...It was just, strangely, only with people her own age that things felt awkward.
But that’s only a matter of time.
Seo-yeon nodded to herself. Once she started playing the ghost for the school festival preparations, she would have plenty of chances to talk to the other kids. Through casual conversation, they would naturally become friends—joking around and even trading lighthearted jabs.
It was a perfect plan. Then, Lee Ji-yeon wouldn't be able to mock her for having no friends anymore.
Yes, Lee Ji-yeon...
"..."
Seo-yeon clutched her head.
Ah, she had forgotten. She had meant to ask her what was going on with the VTubing and how she ended up doing it. And what was the deal with that wizard?
I’ve been so focused on the role of Cha Seo-ah lately...
There was still about a week left until Ramiel’s first official broadcast. It was a monumental occasion, in its own way. Part of her didn't want to go poking around before then. It felt like she might unnecessarily stir up trouble.
Besides, it involved a "Red Pill"—the person's real identity.
Should she watch the broadcast with the mindset of 'I don't know anyone named Lee Ji-yeon'?
No, that was the right way to do it, but...
<Ramiel’s Channel>
Subscribers: 325.
Seo-yeon narrowed her eyes at the screen. It was still a small number, but considering she hadn't even done a proper broadcast yet, it was an absurdly high figure. It was likely because the modeling was so good, and because of the wizard she had streamed with.
"..."
Seo-yeon felt a strange sense of disappointment. Ji-yeon had told the wizard, but not her.
...As I thought. I need to visit that voice acting academy.
But only after the first broadcast was over. Of course, she didn't plan on doing anything specific. She just felt that if she went to the academy, she might find out why Lee Ji-yeon had suddenly started VTubing.
That was all.
*
The commercial film set for éclat Étoile.
In truth, there wasn't much to the set itself. Most of it was going to be handled with CGI anyway. It was enough to just ensure the lighting and the green screen background were in order.
"I hope Miss Hee-bin isn't late today."
"Tell me about it. She’s been making it crystal clear since the last ad that she doesn't want to be here."
The actress in question had gained massive popularity through a recently aired Monday-Tuesday drama. When she filmed the previous commercial, that drama hadn't started yet. Even then, Song Hee-bin had looked down on this advertisement.
It was as if her face was screaming: 'I want to stop doing ads for a washed-up brand like this!'
Of course, she never said those words out loud. However, humans have a way of sensing another's thoughts through their attitude and expressions. If she was like that before, how would she be now that her fame had skyrocketed? Some of the staff were already dreading the shoot.
"Ah, haven't you heard? The model was changed this time," a young staff member chimed in.
"What?"
"I heard Song Hee-bin stepped down and they're filming fresh with a different actress."
"Who? Wow, they said they had no intention of using anyone else and no resources to spare. Was that all a lie?"
"From what I heard... it’s Ju Seo-yeon. Ju Seo-yeon. That child actress from Taesumdal."
"A child actress?"
"Well, she’s grown up now, obviously. How long ago was Taesumdal...?"
"Right. That was ten years ago already, wasn't it?"
"Ten years? Wow, has it really been that long?"
Ju Seo-yeon.
The moment they heard the name, several staff members let out gasps of recognition. She was the child actress who had made a brilliant return through Looking at the Past and Memories. Those familiar with online communities also knew her from the Play Until the King: Ju Seo-yeon Special.
"Ah, right, there were several articles about her comeback. ...But is there anything else?"
"I saw her play, and she was seriously incredible," a female staff member said, raising her hand with a grin. Staff members who enjoyed plays and musicals knew her from that side of the industry.
She’s already done quite a lot.
It hadn't been long since she announced her return by becoming a hot topic on Looking at the Past and Memories. Yet, the staff members all knew Seo-yeon through different avenues. They found it fascinating.
The director in charge of this commercial, Do Hyeong-tae, felt the same way.
A play, two variety shows. And now a commercial.
She was living a busy life. Her public recognition didn't seem quite at that level yet—was this also a talent? Or did she have someone backing her?
To Do Hyeong-tae, a young director in his late twenties, it certainly seemed that way. Even if Song Hee-bin had walked away, éclat Étoile was not a small company. This commercial was by no means a minor gig. There were likely plenty of actresses who would have jumped at the chance.
The fact that Ju Seo-yeon got the part over them meant she either had a powerful sponsor... or something that transcended mere popularity.
Maybe an investment in her future potential? No way, commercials aren't child's play.
Occasionally, people would bet on someone they were certain would blow up, investing with the "heart of a beast." But that was easier said than done. A commercial model becomes the face of a brand for at least several months. Using an actress with low recognition meant a potential loss for the brand, so one couldn't just use "investment" as an excuse to pick a model.
Well, it wasn't like it never happened, though.
Well, I just hope she’s easy to work with.
Whether she had backing or was an investment for the future, either way, an actress in that position would usually have her head in the clouds. Especially since Ju Seo-yeon was so young.
Seventeen? Wow, she’s young, but she’s certainly working hard.
To be honest, this was also a concern. Seventeen. éclat Étoile was, naturally, a cosmetic brand targeting adult women. A teenage girl would inevitably have a lingering sense of youthfulness. She would likely feel more "cute" than the "beauty" that adult women desired.
Isn't there a saying that there’s a type of makeup suited for teenagers? There was a possibility that the makeup itself wouldn't sit right on such a young face.
I’m sure the client considered that... probably.
Then again, being an expert didn't mean they considered everything. Anyway.
She’s probably full of herself.
If she was already this active, it wouldn't be surprising if she had an ego. She was even a child star who had a massive hit. It was a prejudice, but he couldn't imagine her having a good personality. Considering how Song Hee-bin had let fame go to her head, it was a reasonable assumption.
"We’re starting soon. When is Ju Seo-yeon supposed to arrive?"
"Ah, she’s already here. I heard her makeup is finished too."
"Really? She’s earlier than I thought."
Do Hyeong-tae checked the time. There were still about thirty minutes left before the shoot. Compared to Song Hee-bin, who was frequently late, she was incredibly early. Considering the time for makeup, she must have arrived at least an hour ahead of schedule.
"She said she came early in case the makeup took longer than expected."
"Hmm..."
At the other staff member's words, Do Hyeong-tae crossed his arms. So she was diligent? That was a relief, at least.
Clack.
About ten minutes later, the doors to the set opened. The eyes of the staff, who had just finished their preparations, shifted all at once. They wanted to see the face of the new model—the actress who had landed a cosmetics deal despite her still-growing fame.
"..."
In an instant, the staff froze. Do Hyeong-tae’s hand, which had been fiddling with a pack of cigarettes in his pocket, stopped as well.
The first thing that caught their eyes was her long black hair. Then, her reddish-brown eyes. Her porcelain skin was so fair it was hard to tell where the makeup ended and her skin began. One thing was certain: the colors of the cosmetics popped beautifully on her.
He had heard she was seventeen, but seeing her in makeup, she possessed a beauty equal to any adult actress. That point struck Do Hyeong-tae quite impressively.
"Hello, I am Ju Seo-yeon. I look forward to working with you today."
Then, she bowed deeply. At the sight of her polite greeting...
"Ah."
A short exclamation escaped Do Hyeong-tae’s lips.
This is... I see.
What did they call this? Buying the dip? An investment in the future?
With this look, it’s a bet worth making.
An appearance of this caliber. éclat Étoile—a radiant star. Her luminous beauty perfectly matched the brand name. The actress named Song Hee-bin vanished from his mind instantly.
Wow... she’s the real deal.
It is often said that actors exude an aura different from ordinary people. Do Hyeong-tae had seen many actors, and he had met several who truly made him feel that. Song Hee-bin... well, she had it to some extent.
But Ju Seo-yeon was different. He felt he finally understood why she had been so famous since she was a child.
"Nice to meet you. I’m Do Hyeong-tae, the director for today’s shoot."
Contrary to his usual cynical personality, Do Hyeong-tae was the first to extend his hand. At the same time, he thought to himself:
Most likely, this commercial would become a very impressive line on his resume.
*
Three days until the Yeonhwa High School festival.
The preparations were entering their final stages. In the case of Seo-yeon’s class, the scale of their project was so large that there was literally a mountain of work to do. It had reached the point where even students who initially had no interest were forced to participate. If this were a school solely focused on academics, there surely would have been complaints.
"...Um, so, uh. That..."
A female student looked at the girl in front of her, unable to finish her sentence. In her hand, she held the tools to apply makeup to Seo-yeon’s face. Or rather, special effects makeup. Under Seo-yeon’s blank gaze, the girl was frozen, unable to move her hand.
And for good reason.
"Is it really... okay to wipe off the makeup on your face?"
Seo-yeon currently had makeup on. Or rather, professional "styling" might be more accurate.
A commercial model has to use the cosmetics of the brand they represent.
Seo-yeon was no exception. Of course, it wasn't a rule she absolutely had to follow, but it was a sense of duty she felt as the model for the brand. Seo-yeon was diligent in these matters. Even though makeup felt awkward to her, she had become the model for a commercial paying 400 million won; shouldn't she consistently promote it?
If I walk around with a bare face and someone says, 'I guess she doesn't actually use éclat Étoile products'...
Seo-yeon was already cautious about her image. She had to avoid anything that might cause unnecessary gossip. Anyway.
...What should I say?
The female student looked incredibly apologetic. Seo-yeon pondered deeply. Should she say a cool "Wipe it off," or a gentler "It’s okay"?
Something about this isn't right.
Everywhere else, students were chatting happily while doing each other's makeup. It was strange. She had been able to talk quite naturally with the unnie who did her makeup on set. Was there something wrong with her communication skills?
The thought occurred to her, but she shook her head. At the very least, she had never felt that way while working as an actress. It was just, how should she put it... maybe it was because she hadn't really had the experience of making friends since her previous life...
...I’ll make up for it later when we practice the ghost role.
She thought this as she felt the girl’s trembling hand begin to wipe her face. There was still plenty of time left before the festival.