Chapter 22
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: Eureka! Found It!
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"Eureka! Found it!"
Jung Woo-jin finally fell asleep around 2 a.m.
He had meticulously allocated his time, managing to have his way with Hong Ye-won exactly twice.
Exhausted as if his body had been wrung dry, but once the switch flipped, strength surged from who-knows-where, making him feel like he could go on forever—though he restrained himself accordingly.
Of course, in his fervor to blow off the shooting stress, he'd handled her a bit roughly, leaving Hong Ye-won clutching between her legs and limping out of the room.
Jung Woo-jin watched her retreating figure for a moment before slipping back into sleep.
A deep slumber.
Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep—!
He woke again at 8 a.m.
Jung Woo-jin hurriedly showered, hopped in his car, and headed to the studio. Breakfast was a quick grab from the convenience store.
The Fixer from Hell shooting studio was buzzing with preparations from early morning.
Despite the chilly morning air, the staff darting about and the lights being tested quickly warmed up the set.
And the site's overseer, chief director Choi Hyun-yong PD, was greeting a guest.
"So, what is it you want to check out?"
"You're shooting Son Sia today, right? You know me—I like to check the actors' form in person."
"Jeez. Can't you drop that habit even after grabbing the mic? Why bother with a caddy then?"
"Gotta keep up appearances. Besides, I can't check everyone, just the leads and supporting cast. Why chew me out over that?"
"Because you're wandering around someone else's set causing disruptions. Fine for mine, but I heard you even chatted up Lee Jung-hoo directly on Director Kim Ki-taek's set. Get your head straight, you lunatic."
"No, that time I really couldn't understand it. In a scene where the male lead needs to assert his presence, hiding it more than any other scene and acting all timid—does that make any sense?"
"Haa... Even so, why's that your problem...? Let's drop it. Seriously, I'm warning you—observe quietly. No talking to our actors on set."
"......"
"If you piss me off for real, you won't set foot in my studio again. Got it?"
The one chatting with Choi Hyun-yong PD was his broadcasting station colleague and fellow alum, Son Jeong-hu.
Director Son Jeong-hu.
Having left the station early to dive into the film industry, he was building a solid filmography and known in the biz as the "eccentric director."
With bold, unique material choices and killer storytelling that could polarize audiences, he was undeniably one of Korea's top promising young directors.
"Tch... Fine, I get it."
Having gotten permission to enter the set from Choi Hyun-yong PD, he strutted in chest puffed, inhaling the studio air deeply.
"Hoo..."
The vibe of the set, the actors melting into it with their performances—when it matched his envisioned character, it sent thrills through Director Son Jeong-hu. Good call coming here, he thought.
'The feel's pretty good...?'
Fixer from Hell had cranked in over a week ago, entering its second week.
By now, shoots without stamina often saw morale tank, but not here.
A sticky, sizzling atmosphere, energy swirling like the shoot had just begun.
Director Son Jeong-hu scanned the staff faces.
Undeniable fatigue on those rushing about, but passion and anticipation shone through too.
This was the vibe of a shoot going well.
'The atmosphere of a smooth production.'
If the leads propping up the project kept NG'ing or their acting slipped, this energy wouldn't exist.
"Hmm. Is Son Sia the one gripping the set's vibe?"
Having seen her act before, Director Son Jeong-hu couldn't think otherwise.
Her co-lead Lee Jae-hoon was solid too, a good actor, but lacked her spark.
B+ at best, generously.
But Son Sia was different. Already A-grade or better, with room to grow further—a young actress with potential.
Director Son Jeong-hu figured she'd rise beyond top star to great actress.
As long as no scandals hit.
Musing on Son Sia as he strolled the set, Director Son Jeong-hu found himself at the studio center.
"Hm?"
Not seeking deliberately. Just following the thicker air naturally...
"Huh...?"
Tall guy. Over 180 cm, mid-180s maybe. Athletic build, clothes draping perfectly.
Relaxed expression, like he'd been around sets a while...
'Wait, n-never seen this face before...?'
Truly a first.
Having scoured media and theater for talent regardless of medium, Director Son Jeong-hu was sure. No face like that in Korea.
"Wha—what...?"
The actor(?) with a face to steal souls gave a light nod and strode past.
As he brushed by, time seemed to slow.
Director Son Jeong-hu instinctively turned, eyes tracking his back.
Natural yet powerful gait. Back screaming handsome too.
Bang—!
Director Son Jeong-hu heard fireworks explode in his head.
'E-Eureka!! Found it!!'
Enchanted, Director Son Jeong-hu followed that actor.
True to Choi Hyun-yong PD's orders, he quietly observed his every move all day.
And when that actor started acting...
Director Son Jeong-hu stared transfixed, lovestruck, devouring his gestures, every tiny motion.
Especially his face.
"Cut!! Okay! That's good. We'll wrap today's shoot here. Everyone, great work! Let's end with applause!"
Clap clap clap clap clap clap—!!
"“Woooh—!! Great work, everyone!”"
Shooting continued, of course. Just the day's wrap, but the set was electric.
Son Sia and Lee Jae-hoon's fiery performances and chemistry, plus Lee Sin-ah, Kim Jae-hyun, Jung Eun-ji's supporting spice—smooth sailing with few NG's.
"Whoa. Think we're hitting it big for real?"
"Right? We've been around sets forever, and even we feel this—imagine the public.... Wow."
"No holes in sight."
"We can hope for bonuses, yeah?"
"Ah.... Bonus vacation, please...."
Staff clapped and clustered, voices flushed with excitement.
And with studio and outdoor shoots done, praise for Jung Woo-jin erupted everywhere.
"I-I think I'm a Woo-jin fan now...."
"Me too. Thought he was just pretty-faced at first, but his acting holds up against Son Sia and Lee Jae-hoon no problem."
"If Woo-jin leads a rom-com, I'm watching for sure."
"Gasp. A whole rom-com with him? Drooling already...."
Meanwhile, after about two weeks bouncing between studio and outdoors in a frenzy, Jung Woo-jin emerged from the studio to applause.
A twinge of regret, but mostly relief.
Stepping out, he stretched his arms wide with a yawn.
"Haaah, ugh?!"
Suddenly, a shadow loomed—he snapped into guard stance, startled.
Woo-jin's manager Jin-woo rushed to block the stranger.
"Woo-jin, Woo-jin! He's not some weirdo, just—hey!"
A bald guy with scruffy, prickly beard thrust out what looked like a business card.
Jin-woo snatched it and passed to Woo-jin, who eyed it calmly.
Slate-shaped design.
- Young Film. Director Son Jeong-hu.
Lifting his gaze, there stood Director Son Jeong-hu, nodding eagerly.
"As it says, I'm film director Son Jeong-hu. Actor Jung Woo-jin, I hear your shoot wraps today—could you spare some time? Got something important to discuss. Movie-related. Oh! Prepping a film called Inner Beauty right now."
Words tumbling out like a machine gun, impatient type.
Only then did Woo-jin recall the man.
'Ah! Director Son Jeong-hu...!'
Knew of him—debuted with the romance Someone's Wedding, solid track record.
And the text hovering beside him.
Absolutely no intention of petting this hedgehog-bearded bald guy's dome.
But judging by the talent visible from the start...
'A big shot.'
Son Jeong-hu was clearly a talented, capable director.