Chapter 48
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: Oh, My Cat
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“Are you really going with this?”
Team Leader 1 looked back and forth between the script and Min-ha's face, his voice laced with bewilderment.
But despite his reaction, Park Min-ha nodded brightly, her face beaming.
“Yes, you told me to pick what I wanted to do.”
“I did. I did say that...”
He gave an awkward laugh as he stared at the script sitting in front of him.
The one titled Oh, My Cat.
It wasn't a bad choice, of course. The lead actress already cast was a bona fide star in her own right, and now Lee Do-jun—the hot topic du jour—had joined the lineup.
Team Leader 1 himself had thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to tag along on a project with Do-jun after the CBK drama fell through.
And Lee Do-jun's even more famous now than back then.
Of course, all that aside, the name Seo Ji-hye alone was worth any risk.
If it weren't for Park Min-ha.
Seo Ji-hye was infamous for dropping actors like hot potatoes if they didn't fit her vision, regardless of their careers or influence.
In fact, there were actors who'd taken years off after working on one of her dramas.
She was notorious for her hyper-detailed directing, and any deviation from the character image she had in mind would bring down her wrath.
But since that “character image as set by the writer” was so subjective, clashes were inevitable.
Her reputation was built on unbelievable anecdotes like those, but the career she'd forged as a writer made it all possible.
If an actor's footing wasn't solid or they were trying an image overhaul, it would've been the opportunity of a lifetime.
But did Park Min-ha—super popular, no acting controversies, perfect image—really need to take this grueling path...?
As Team Leader 1 agonized, Park Min-ha spoke up again.
“Honestly, out of all the scripts that came my way, this one's the most fun. That's a fact, right?”
“True, but fun doesn't guarantee success...”
But he trailed off, letting out a deep sigh instead.
This was Seo Ji-hye, after all.
If her work didn't guarantee success, you couldn't expect it from any other writer.
I could really go for a smoke right now.
Even his cigarettes came to mind—the ones he'd promised his wife he'd quit. But dodging the issue now wouldn't make it go away.
Team Leader 1 struggled to keep a calm expression.
“You don't have to jump into this one right away. You could take a longer break.”
“I've already rested for almost a year. You know that.”
“Other actors take two or three years off.”
“But I'm not other actors. I'm Park Min-ha.”
“Urgh...”
How did she argue so persistently yet politely? He had no real comeback.
If she were a rookie, I could just forbid it.
No, wait. There'd be no reason to block a rookie from a Seo Ji-hye project.
That idol kid, Lee Do-jun...
...Huh?
A chill ran down Team Leader 1's neck.
No way?
“Min-ha, you...”
Should he even ask? Would she be honest? Still, he had to check.
He swallowed dryly and carefully opened his mouth.
“You're not doing this because of that Lee Do-jun kid, are you?”
“Oh my, what are you thinking?”
Park Min-ha waved her pale hand dismissively and continued with a clear laugh.
“I do love his songs, but that's beside the point. This is my career, after all.”
“Sure, but...”
“It just happens to be the most interesting project that came my way. And hey, it's a bonus that we can help out a fellow from the same company.”
“Mess it up, and people will say you're just riding his coattails.”
“Oh, come on. These days, he's outshining even me.”
Team Leader 1 stared intently, trying to read her intentions. But her bright smile seemed utterly genuine.
Right—who was he kidding? No way he could see through the expressions of an actress top-tier in skill and fame.
He finally raised both hands in surrender and nodded.
“Fine, you win. I'll reach out and get the script for you.”
“The script? I already have it.”
“Seo Ji-hye's doing a full rewrite. Happened right after Do-jun's audition, I guess she really liked him.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, talk after you've seen the revised version.”
Team Leader 1 spoke with a sliver of hope for some slim chance.
Maybe—just maybe—the rewrite would bore Park Min-ha.
“Of course, Team Leader.”
Then, after a moment's thought, Park Min-ha made her request clearly but softly.
“Please set up a meeting with Byeokjo-mok Pictures right away.”
“Today? With Byeokjo-mok? Why?”
He asked again, unable to believe his ears despite hearing it clearly. Park Min-ha's firm response came back.
“Yes. Today.”
She smiled brightly as she added,
“We need to discuss the shooting schedule once the script's revised.”
I'd slept as long as possible, but it still wasn't noon yet.
“...Was a day always this long?”
The first three days weren't bad. I slept in, and checking comments from my growing Goodstar followers was fun.
But after a week cooped up in this hospital room with a perfectly healthy body, I was itching like crazy.
“Should I practice?”
I got out of bed and did some light stretches.
The hospital and company had told me to rest absolutely, but staying like this would probably make me sick for real.
“No one's coming, right?”
After glancing around, I started choreography practice. It'd been too long; if I didn't, I'd mess up on stage for sure.
I'm just doing what needs doing. A few more days like this, and I'd dry up like jerky.
That's when it happened.
The door opened without a knock.
“Do-jun.”
“Nek?”
Ah! Scared me. I bit my tongue.
A sharp, numbing pain hit, making me wince. Through watering eyes, I saw Kim Han-soo—supposed to be in his own room.
“Team Leader?”
Standing there with a terrifying scowl.
“If you're hospitalized, stay put. What are you doing? I told you a hundred times—traffic accidents can have delayed aftereffects even if you feel fine now.”
Sure enough, Kim Han-soo laid into me relentlessly in a stern voice.
One minute, two, five. The nagging didn't stop until my tongue stopped hurting.
If rest is so important, why'd you come to my room, Team Leader?
I wanted to say it, but barely swallowed the words. Saying it might turn ten minutes of scolding into an hour.
How many minutes of lecturing later?
“Anyway, now there's work to do, so stop and sit on the bed.”
“Huh?”
...Work? After yelling at me for not resting?
I pondered how to retort when Kim Han-soo handed me what he was holding.
“Revised script for Oh, My Cat.”
“Revised script?”
I grabbed it quick. The cover clearly read Oh, My Cat.
“This time, analyze it thoroughly. You've still got time before discharge.”
“No, Team Leader.”
“Your scenes got a big boost, so pay extra attention. You know screwing up here would make Seo Ji-hye think poorly of you.”
Humans should understand words at some point, but this just piled on questions.
I finally shot my hand up and asked loudly,
“Does that mean I have to audition again?”
“Pardon?”
“Uh...?”
Silence fell between us after the question. Kim Han-soo spoke first.
“Did you not get the message?”
“What message?”
I answered without thinking, but his face was impossible to ignore. I could almost hear him muttering, How do you screw up communication this bad? No wonder I can't rest.
Kim Han-soo flashed a perfect smile no one could nitpick and said,
“You passed the audition the day before yesterday. They sent the revised script today because of the major changes.”
Oh, uh. So...
“I'm in Seo Ji-hye's drama?”
I didn't get the full picture, but yeah—I passed the audition.
For real?
I checked the script in my hand again.
What was just a “dream drama” script days ago was now “my drama” script. Felt surreal.
As I basked in the moment, Kim Han-soo's voice cut in.
“I'll send you Seo Ji-hye's number, so contact her ahead of time.”
...Who?
Seo Ji-hye?
I'm just a supporting role—do I call the writer out of the blue? Is that okay?
Hey, Team Leader, could you explain so I can keep up?
“You really have that captivating something that draws the eye. So don't worry—just focus on analysis.”
Huh? No, I mean, what do I even say...?
“Anyway, I've got urgent busi.n.ess to handle, so I'll head out. Definitely call the writer first.”
“W-wait!”
I reached out reflexively, but Kim Han-soo vanished like a bullet.
No...
...At least tell me why I need to call!
This is driving me nuts.
The agonizing didn't last long. No point stewing alone.
Can't ask Team Leader either...
I'd already gone to his room, but he was on a call with someone and I couldn't interrupt.
He'd been fuming for over 30 minutes—whoever was on the other end had my sympathies.
Whatever. Must be something big? Thanks for passing me despite being late, or whatever.
I finally sent the message I'd drafted and redrafted to Seo Ji-hye after agonizing.
Hello, Writer. Sorry to contact you out of the blue. I'm Lee Do-jun from Pida Entertainment, the one who auditioned as Lee Jung-woo. Are you free for a call? Let me know when suits you. Thank you!
This should be fine, right?
Bzzz.
“Hm?”
The reply came almost instantly. Wait, not a reply—a call.
I rushed the phone to my ear.
“H-hello?”
—Yeah, it's me.
Seo Ji-hye. Even without her in front of me, I straightened up and greeted her.
“Hello, Writer! It's Lee Do-jun!”
—I know, that's why I called. You okay?
“Yes! All good!”
—You should've gone to the hospital after that crash, not the audition. No wonder your clothes were rags.
“Pardon?”
—That desperate to be in my drama?
She didn't sound mad—her voice even seemed pleased.
Is this a joke or serious?
I smiled as warmly as possible, even though she couldn't see.
“It's your drama, Writer. Unless I'm carted off to the hospital, I had to go.”
—Flattery? I hear that too much.
She said that, but I could tell—this time, her gruff tone carried genuine excitement.
—Heard you're hospitalized. No issues?
“Nope. Checkup was clean.”
—Good. Rest up proper—don't end up in the hospital mid-shoot with some aftereffect messing things up. I'd kill you.
“Got it!”
—Glad you're fine. Seen the script?
My smooth replies halted. Say I haven't and get chewed out? Her tone implied I should've.
She must've caught my hesitation and pressed sharply.
—You haven't? I quick-shipped it this morning.
No helping it. Apologize first.
“Sorry. Got it right before calling. Checking now.”
—Just now? Pida's hopeless. Should've sent it to the hospital.
Hey, no... What does that make me? Someone from the hospital brought it.
—Fine. Analyze it right. Just like the audition. Got it?
“Yes!”
I answered firmly to inspire trust. For a second, I heard a soft chuckle from Seo Ji-hye on the other end.
—And obviously, save my number. Talk later.
“Ah, yes! See you next ti—!”
Click.
The call cut off before I finished.
“Whew...”
A deep sigh escaped right after. Just a short call, but it felt like I'd run a marathon.
Just like the audition.
Recognition for my prep made me grin uncontrollably.
Life's ups and downs—bad followed by good, huh.
With that thought, I opened the script.
The old one was great, but revised? Wonder how much better...
“...It got?”
I couldn't believe my eyes.
The Lee Jung-woo I auditioned for wasn't even a big supporting role, right?
Yet...
“...Why are there this many pages?”