Chapter 115
Chapter 115
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: A Star's Life
‘To have a face like that and not be an actor is a sin against the world.’ This was Choi Seong-min's first impression upon seeing Lee Chang-woo. That impression had now evolved. ‘Not bringing a face like that into the film industry would be a sin I commit against the world.’ How could it be an angel's sin to be idling on Earth? The sin belongs to the gatekeepers who neglect their duty to bring that angel back to the heavens. After a beloved junior colleague committed suicide due to depression, Choi Seong-min had been leading several groups dedicated to the mental care of fellow celebrities. He would periodically invite small groups of like-minded acquaintances for healing sessions. Perhaps this meeting... was a destiny sent to him from the heavens by that junior who had taken his own life so long ago. But despite all his persuasion, the other man was unmovable. A nonchalant attitude, pretending to listen intently on the surface. That wasn't playing hard to get. He had absolutely no interest in the entertainment industry. At that age, with those visuals. He should have had some fantasy about the entertainment world. Yet, like someone who had seen it all, he showed not even a flicker of interest. Although his ears did perk up a little when they talked about pretty female celebrities. That was a reaction any normal man would have. But that bait wasn't much help in actually luring him into the industry. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After the owner, the director, and the representative, I now had an actor-hyung.
But from the very first day, this actor-hyung was saying some crazy things.
Me, an actor? A celebrity?
Why would I choose a job with such terrible cost-effectiveness?
I'm already short on time for sex.
On weekdays, I can only do it for about eight hours a day.
On weekends, the women's stamina runs out, so I can't go all out, but it's still a bit better than weekdays.
The goal of my second life is to expand my harem of female party members and enjoy a satisfying sex life.
"I have no talent or confidence in acting. But can you just stick me in a minor role like that? Wouldn't people call it an abuse of power or something these days?"
The actor-hyung grinned.
"Who cares? It's my movie."
"Well, you're the lead, so I guess it is your movie. Still, a movie is..."
"No, I mean it's my movie that I'm investing in, producing, and directing."
"Oh, really?"
"Why? Now that I say this, do you suddenly see me in a new light?"
"It's like a flash of light just went off behind you."
I'd heard that top stars in Hollywood eventually move toward producing and starring in the movies they want.
My actor-hyung was also moving beyond being an artist and into the world of production.
I felt a bit bad, so I decided I should at least watch a few of his recent hit films later.
"What are you two guys talking about so excitedly?"
Han Ji-hyo approached, wrapped in a thick shawl and holding a bottle of beer.
I hoped she would sit next to me, but she sat at a 90-degree angle to my side. A little disappointing.
"You know that movie that's about to start filming? I offered him a minor role, but he won't budge. I thought his image was a perfect fit."
"Oppa, it's not like there's only one or two minor roles."
"The role of the first victim."
"Ah, now that you mention it, the image does seem to fit our Chang-woo."
Our Chang-woo...
An actress is truly an actress.
She can make a man's heart flutter with such simple words.
"But Chang-woo. Don't take the role."
"I wasn't planning to anyway."
"Ah, why are you saying that?"
"If you button the first button wrong, it'll hold you back for a long time. If you're not going to be a celebrity at all, that's one thing. But if you're going to do it, you should start with a lead role and hit ten million viewers with your first project."
Hearing that, it made sense.
Though I wasn't going to do it anyway.
"You know investors have a fit these days if you cast an unproven rookie in a lead role. My plan was to have him create a sensation as a scene-stealer in a minor role, then immediately give him a big part."
"Then a drama would be better. With Chang-woo's face, if he just charms the writer, a lead role is guaranteed."
"No matter how much they pay for a drama, a rookie gets 1.5 million won per episode at best. And you suffer through hell with last-minute scripts."
"But after suffering for a couple of months for peanuts, you get hundred-million-won commercial deals, don't you?"
"Aish. You never let me win an argument."
Come to think of it, Choi Seong-min had said he left the drama scene a long time ago.
Han Ji-hyo, on the other hand, was active in both dramas and films.
"Chang-woo is a free spirit."
Han Ji-hyo reached out and gently stroked my hair.
This makes us seem less like lovers and more like a sister and her younger brother.
Is this the warmth of an older woman...?
"When he wants to do it, he'll do it. Right?"
"There's something I want to do but can't."
"Really? You have something like that, Chang-woo?"
Playing dumb when you know everything.
I'm telling you, I want to play human Tetris with you as soon as possible.
And with Im Chae-seul as a bonus, I want to happily take turns giving both naked actresses a semen shower in their pussies.
Someday, with the entire first party... though that might be impossible with Han Ji-hyo.
"You know what?"
The actor-hyung, Choi Seong-min, changed the subject.
"When I first saw this guy's face, I thought you brought him here to introduce him as your boyfriend, Ji-hyo. I bet everyone else thought the same thing."
"If he were my boyfriend, why would I bring him here? I'd show his face for the first time when I'm handing out wedding invitations."
"I thought you were finally dating, Ji-hyo. It's a bit of a shame."
"Look at Chang-woo's face. Would a guy with a face like that date a washed-up actress who's six years older?"
"How is 28 washed-up? I'm almost fifty, so should I be used as compost?"
As we drank while listening to the sound of insects, we ran out of beer.
"We need to get more beer."
"I'll go get it with Chang-woo. We just need the icebox, right?"
"Sounds good."
"Chang-woo, let's go."
"Yes, noona."
Han Ji-hyo led me to the food storage pantry.
After checking that no one was near the entrance, she locked the door firmly from the inside.
I immediately pulled Han Ji-hyo into an embrace and kissed her.
After a brief moment of resistance, Han Ji-hyo soon closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around my neck, and responded.
"If we don't go back soon, they'll get suspicious."
"Three minutes. No, just five."
"...Four minutes."
"Got it."
We kissed our fill for four minutes, then returned with the icebox full of beer.
The actor-hyung didn't notice a thing.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The slightly drunk actor-hyung asked playfully.
"So, there's really nothing between you two?"
"I told you, he's a fan. Think about the age difference."
"Well, I'd love to date you, noona."
Han Ji-hyo did a spit-take with her beer.
Her face was full of shock, as if she'd heard the unthinkable.
Wow, she's responding with the amazing reflexes of a seasoned actress, perfect for an impromptu ad-lib.
Anyone could see that was a genuine reaction.
"Oh, what's this? I thought you said there was nothing between you?"
"There isn't."
"Not yet. But my feelings aren't nothing, so who knows what will happen in the future?"
"Chang-woo, what you're saying right now is..."
"I've told you so many times that I've had a crush on you since you were eighteen, noona."
"No, that's..."
"Han Ji-hyo, you've still got it! The world's most handsome man, as certified by Choi Seong-min, says he likes you!"
"Oppa, you should stop teasing too, shouldn't you?"
"I'm not teasing."
"I'm not joking either."
The actor-hyung and I were in perfect sync, teasing Han Ji-hyo as we drank.
The actor-hyung clapped his hands, playing along with me.
"Ji-hyo, do a love shot with him. He says it's his wish."
"It's my wish, noona."
"Ha, you two are really... alright. Come here."
Thanks to the actor-hyung livening up the mood, the three of us had fun until dawn.
The fun beer party at the villa ended when Han Ji-hyo finally fell asleep, leaning back in her chair.
A top star with several films that drew over ten million viewers, and Han Ji-hyo, whom I had admired for so long.
Having a casual beer party with the two of them... it felt somewhat unbelievable.
I felt like I had become someone truly amazing.
"As a man, it's not a bad thing to become the brightest shining star."
"I suppose so."
"I'm saying this from a woman's perspective."
"A woman's perspective?"
"My man is the brightest star in the world. A top star everyone looks up to. But imagine that man only has eyes for me. How ecstatic would a woman feel?"
"..."
"That's what it means to be a star. You shine on your own, but you also become a being that can illuminate your surroundings with bright happiness."
"There are many unhappy stars, though."
"There are also many who live happily. In the end, it all depends on what you make of it."
"..."
Suddenly, I remembered when I chose my second Fate Enhancement perk.
Excluding Wealth and Intelligence.
I had to choose between Appearance and Sex.
For my own pleasure, choosing Sex would have been the right move.
But I chose Appearance for Jung Hye-na.
So that Jung Hye-na could be happier every time we had sex, seeing me become more handsome and attractive.
"Becoming a star means illuminating your surroundings with happiness..."
The reason I chose to enhance my appearance.
The actor-hyung's words seemed to resonate deeply with that.
"After hearing you say that, hyung, the life of a star doesn't seem so bad."
"Right? Doesn't it sound exciting?"
"But for now, I much prefer living like this. I don't want to make any more changes."
"Agh, I thought I almost had you."
The actor-hyung slapped his forehead in disappointment.
It was such a genuine reaction that I started to feel sorry.
"If I ever want to become a star someday, I'll ask for your help. Is that okay?"
"It's okay, but I'm worried I might retire or die of old age before that happens..."
"You're still in your prime, what are you talking about?"
"There's not a hint of fantasy in your eyes. Guys with eyes like yours always end up letting their God-given talents go to waste."
"I can't sing or dance, and I've never acted before. What makes you so sure I have talent?"
"Your face. I'm talking about your face."
"..."
"But it's not just your face; you have a living presence. An aura that draws people in just by breathing. That's something you have to be born with. You can't get it from plastic surgery."
"..."
"Seriously, with that face and that aura, not becoming an actor is a waste and a sin."
After cleaning up, I carried Han Ji-hyo to the bedroom and laid her down.
I sat alone on the terrace, drinking beer until morning, lost in thought.
A Tok-app notification chimed.
[Im Chae-seul] Are you free next Saturday?
[Me] Even if I'm not, I'll make time.
[Me] Should we just stay put in bed all Saturday?
[Im Chae-seul] Aii, not that.
[Im Chae-seul] I have a gathering with some celebrity friends, let's go together.
[Im Chae-seul] It's at a villa, so it won't be uncomfortable. The atmosphere is great, and there's lots of good food.
Shit.
A sudden chill ran down my spine.
Why, of all times, did the <Memorandum of Understanding for Lee Chang-woo's Fair Treatment> have to pop into my head?
<0. Lee Chang-woo must treat all women fairly.>