Chapter 24
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Bridge: Ordinary Daily Life
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U Dayoung's words left me and Won Yuchan exchanging puzzled looks, everyone except Kim Woohyun.
"Really?"
"Yeah, you didn't know?"
Of course we didn't. We'd never heard a thing about it.
"Well, that's a relief at least. Woohyun, what do you think?"
I turned to Kim Woohyun, our CEO and boss.
Whatever the decision, it was his call, not mine.
Kim Woohyun pondered for a moment before nodding in approval.
"Sounds good to me. Dayoung, sorry to ask, but could you check on that for us?"
"Of course. I'll go ask right now."
"Thanks~."
While U Dayoung stepped out, the three of us dove into planning the schedule ahead.
We needed to sketch out the video concepts, scout locations, and draft a budget.
Kim Woohyun was already scribbling away in his notebook.
"Let's keep the synopsis clean and straightforward. Structure it like this."
"...Yeah, alright. I'll handle the scouting then."
It was settled: I'd do the location scout.
"What about me...?"
"You can help Siu with editing later."
"Got it."
Since this was just the first meeting, we kept it simple and outlined the basics.
"Let's do the scout right after the rainy season ends."
We all agreed with Kim Woohyun.
No point going now—nothing to film in this downpour, and dragging half-baked prep out in the rain could ruin our expensive gear.
"Guys~, my sister's overseas right now... She says she'll be back the day after tomorrow. That work?"
"Yeah, perfect. Guess we should rough out the schedule before then."
The meeting wrapped up, and we slipped back into our routine.
Kim Woohyun was glued to his seat, hammering out the schedule, but Won Yuchan and I had piled-up freelance work to finish first.
That was our main income right now, after all.
Just before clocking out,
Kim Woohyun stood and approached me, still buried in work.
"Siu, got a sec?"
"Sure, what's up?"
I followed him outside for a moment.
Shwaaa.
Rain poured down steadily as we stood at the building's ground-floor entrance. I lit a cigarette.
"I've roughed out the schedule... but I might need you to push a bit harder..."
"I'm already pulling overtime most nights. Spill it—what's the ask?"
"Well... with our headcount, we'll have to go minimal crew for shoots... gear and all that..."
We were still sorely short on equipment.
I got it— we weren't a full editing shop for nothing.
"Suck... huff. So I gotta handle rentals and everything?"
"No, no, I'll sort the gear. It's just... I think you'll have to shoot solo."
"...Me, solo? How much gear are we talking?"
He knew exactly what I meant and looked troubled.
"Monitors alone are two, plus lights, batteries, backup laptop. Cables fill a whole box. No way."
You know that."
"True, but..."
I got the bind—if everyone bailed for a shoot, freelance deadlines would tank.
"Ugh, fine, I'll make it work. But give me one more person. Yuchan or someone."
Minimum two. Hell, two was pushing it, but solo was impossible.
"...Not Yuchan—how about Dayoung?"
"Dayoung?"
It'd be grueling work. Dragging her along felt wrong.
But this was big freelance; we had to nail it. I pressed.
"Constantly hauling and setting cables—she'd hate it. Better someone strong."
From his expression, he needed someone to blast through backlog while I shot.
Dayoung was capable, but overtime crunch like that? Seemed awkward.
I scratched my forehead, exhaled smoke, and said,
"Fine, Dayoung it is. Better than nothing. But I'll work her hard."
"That's fine. Sorry, Siu. I'll make it up to you after."
"Suck... Yeah, that's what scammers say."
I joked with a grin, and he patted my shoulder, chuckling back.
"Seriously, sorry. You're the only one I can trust with this..."
"Aww~, whatever. Just pay me fat stacks later."
It was barely ant toenails, but I felt bad for him.
"Man... no choice, huh."
"I'll wrap up quick and join you."
"Right. Got it—I'll figure it out. Head up; I'll smoke one more."
I watched him go, then lit another.
If only the Scenario Book was a hypnosis app—I'd rake in cash for endless debauchery. Sucks it isn't.
"Huff~."
Staring at the thick smoke, I overhauled the next scenario.
Home.
Alone in my chair, twirling a pen, I finalized the last scenario.
"This one's gonna be long..."
The cooldown listed as wait time was a drag, but I planned a slow burn this time.
"Might as well aim past Average while we're at it?"
Easier said than done—I had no clue how.
But stretching the pace meant skimping on points.
"Week-long span..."
Detailing every day felt like my arm might fall off.
But since they were grinding me, I'd snag my bonus.
"Real leisurely this time."
Past ones were rushed; this, I'd savor slow.
Scritch, scritch.
I loaded the full scenario onto my monitor and started typing.
"This'll take days to write, fuck."
Complaints nonstop as I typed.
Meeting day.
Skies still overcast, but the rain had eased.
Dayoung's sister was due, so Won Yuchan and I eyed the door eagerly.
"First time seeing this actress."
"Same."
Theater majors popped up now and then, and I'd cast amateurs for in-house promos.
But a pro, even bit parts in film or drama? First time—hype was real.
"Bet she's hot, right, hyung?"
"Duh, she's an actress."
"Married, though..."
I schooled Won Yuchan, the naive kid, with adult wisdom.
"Married's the best..."
"Still."
"It's not married that makes 'em hot— they're hot, so they got married. Remember that."
Won Yuchan still looked lost.
"Other guys' women don't do it for me..."
"I felt that way once."
Scenario Book reshaped my tastes, but no need to broadcast it.
"What're you two gossiping about? Get ready~."
U Dayoung approached mid-chat, handing over a snack box.
"Set it up. She said no slacking."
"Gotcha, gotcha."
Setup done, I glanced up—Kim Woohyun was deep in briefing prep.
Even for his girlfriend's sister, he was all in.
"Oh~! Sis, you're here? One sec!"
Phone buzzed; we took seats, staring at the door.
Wonder if she looks just like Dayoung? Random thoughts as the office door opened.
Ding.
Door swung in—U Dayoung entered.
Casual white tee, blue skirt, sneakers.
Behind her, a woman with a totally different aura stepped in.
Long, wavy brown-dyed hair swayed with glossy shine.
Pink silk blouse hung loose, yet her chest asserted itself—sister vibes strong.
Gray skirt hugged tight below, blouse tucked for mature flair.
Click.
Handbag on wrist, heels clicking—she screamed pro actress.
"Oh my, Woohyun, long time~."
She raised slim white fingers in greeting—elegance Dayoung lacked.
"Hey, noona!"
Kim Woohyun led; we followed suit.
Won Yuchan beside me couldn't peel his eyes off her.
She claimed the head seat gracefully, glancing at us before fixing on the monitor.
"So~, how're you gonna woo me? Hmm~, let's hear it~."
Sisterly resemblance, but slimmer, sleeker—no thick curves.
Diet and workouts showed: waist and arms toned and taut.
Side-by-side with Dayoung, the family likeness hit, but...
"Yes, before we start, let me introduce the team. This is Neulsom Studio's team leader, Nam Siu."
"Hello!"
I greeted brightly; she just smiled faintly.
"Next to him is Won Yuchan from the editing team."
"Pleased to meet you!"
Another faint smile. No words, but her presence overwhelmed.
Then U Dayoung deadpanned,
"She usually rocks tracksuits, so what's with the getup today? Just be normal."
"Hmm~. What's wrong~? Gotta look the part as an actress, right?"
"..."
Dayoung shook her head; Kim Woohyun awkward-laughed.
"Alright, briefing time."
Weeks of prep made it flawless, flowing like clear mountain water.
She sat calmly, nodding along, then,
"So... guarantee?"
"Contract's ready."
"Oh, Woohyun's always so thorough~."
Her voice dripped silk.
"Sign here?"
"Let me explain. Article 1 here..."
We walked through it slowly; she listened intently.
"Traffic accidents, injuries listed—but not shoot injuries?"
"Ah, adding that now."
"Still rough."
She flagged more; we fixed on the spot.
"Good now."
Post-revisions, she signed and stood.
"Shoots start when?"
"Post-scout, week after next."
"Okay, one more meeting before. Gotta hear details clear."
"Yes, ma'am."
As she rose, I snatched the contract, spotting her name.
[U Dahee]
Thursday.
Finished the Scenario Book I'd slaved over for days.
"Whoa, damn."
Even just thumbing the pages, the thickness was no joke.
Flip flip.
Shook out my arm, reread it. Had to memorize every beat to pull it off.
"No points this time..."
Thud.
Closed the book, leaned back, stared at the ceiling.
"Scout ends, then week after next..."
U Dahee. Similar looks, worlds apart in vibe.
More refined, grown-up.
First time with someone older—new thrill.
"Hmm... After this, maybe give her a poke? But first~! Dayoung."
A dark grin crept up, too worthless to recycle.