Rookie but One-in-a-Million Actor - Chapter 114: The Accident
"What's this?"
A luxurious gold-foil design. Inside, only the date, time, and location were written, stamped with the SJ logo. It was so simple it bordered on minimalist.
At Ha Moo-young's question, Yoo Sa-ha smiled and took a sip of his coffee.
"I'm hosting my first official charity gala at the end of the month under my name. I'd love for you to come and make it shine, Moo-young."
"Under your name? Why?"
Usually, companies just held these events on their own behalf, right? He was talking like it was some society debut.
Haha.
"...You don't know me?"
The unexpected words seemed to catch him off guard. How was Moo-young supposed to know him? They weren't actor seniors or juniors, and if he weren't an investor, they'd never have crossed paths in a lifetime.
Moo-young flashed a bright smile and nodded.
"You're my investor."
"Haha, right you are. Yeah."
Yoo Sa-ha laughed as if amused. A young guy heading SJ Enter's investment division had to have some serious edge—either insanely talented or blood-related to the chairman's family. Usually the latter, and the odds favored it.
"Anyway, it'll be fun if you come. Plenty of familiar faces, and celebs like you have to show up to draw a crowd, right? Word is you're the busiest guy in the industry these days."
"Ah, not that much."
"Make some time if you can. It's all for a good cause."
On the surface, sure. But underneath the grand ideals, it was just a networking schmooze-fest. If they really cared about charity, donating the party budget directly would be way more efficient and clean.
"Sure, a good cause. Got it. I'll make time if I can. Thanks for the invite."
But Moo-young didn't overthink it. He just folded the invitation neatly and slipped it into his pocket, figuring that was that.
Watching him, Yoo Sa-ha stood up.
"Great seeing you today. Best of luck with the movie. You're even more handsome in person. Let's make it a blockbuster, yeah?"
"Yes, I'll do my best. Thank you."
"Alright, carry on. I'll get out of your hair. Haha."
Yoo Sa-ha flashed a bright, straightforward smile, scanning the staff before nodding to the director and producers.
"I'm off then. Cool set. Good luck."
Click.
As he left, the subtle tension among the crew seemed to melt away.
"Didn't expect Yoo Sa-ha to show."
"Yeah."
"You all know him?"
"No way? He's the SJ chairman's youngest son."
"Handsome guy, always in the news. Modern-day prince. Not even thirty yet, I bet."
"Ah."
Golden parachute, alright. Ignoring the buzzing staff, Moo-young grabbed his script. As everyone hustled for the next shoot, Bae Cheol-min approached him.
"Moo-young, got a sec?"
"Sure, Director."
"It's about the second half. Script-wise, it'd be great if the protagonist looked a bit thinner. What do you think?"
The protagonist, increasingly attuned to the insomniacs around him. In inverse proportion, his blood-drinking sessions dwindled.
Moo-young nodded.
"Makes sense for the story."
"You look perfect and healthy right now. Sorry about this."
"No worries. My metabolism's fast anyway."
"Something dehydrated, skin a little parched. You get me?"
"Yeah, got it."
"Week after next?"
Upper-body exposure scene coming up.
"Two weeks from now. Just that fortnight."
"Fortnight it is!"
Long if you thought about it, but a blink for anyone dieting. He'd have to ask Tae-seok hyung for tips—the guy was the pro at body management.
"Back to shooting. Everyone ready?"
"Yes! Just checking lights!"
Bae Cheol-min inspected the set while Moo-young focused on his script until they were good to go. Go Kyung-min sidled up quietly.
"What was that invite earlier?"
"Charity gala. Check the date for me? Might go if it fits."
"Gala? Hmm. Let's see."
Go Kyung-min scrolled his phone calendar and nodded.
"Clear so far that day. Prep for it?"
* * *
Moon River Hotel. One of Korea's top luxury spots, its towering structure pierced the sky like a monument.
The usually serene lobby buzzed noisily that night.
Screech.
"Hyung, where'd you even get this car?"
A sleek foreign luxury sedan pulled up to the main entrance. In the rearview, Moo-young checked his face.
"Boss's favor. Gotta for occasions like this—car matters too."
"Feel bad now."
"Nah. There's perks. Go kill it. I can't go in, but seize the chance. Who knows? Might snag another investor."
Hearing rumors of big shots didn't make it real.
"No clue what to do there. Charity gala—do they have a donation booth or something?"
Go Kyung-min stifled a laugh at the innocent question. Can I really let this kid go alone?
"Promos like you get invites, but donors are the core—people who gave or donated to attend. Money goes to good causes."
"Ah, gotcha. Makes sense."
"Here we are."
Reporters clustered ahead amid the event throng. Security blocked the car, tapping the driver's window.
Knock knock.
"Invitation, please."
"Here. We'll pull out right away."
"Checked. Left's blocked—loop around the bypass."
Under escort, the car moved, halting at the photo zone as the guard signaled.
"Hyung, I'm off."
"Yeah. Call when you're out. I'll be nearby."
The bellboy opened the door. Moo-young stepped out slowly in his tailored suit, hair slicked back.
Cameras flashed wildly.
"Ha Moo-young."
"Prime lineup."
"Third actor?"
"Ha Moo-young! Over here!"
Nighttime fatigue mixed with alertness. He smiled faintly, waving in the photo zone—left, front, right.
"Image shift, huh?"
"Prepping next project, they say."
"Movie, right? What's it about?"
"Vampire flick..."
It suited him perfectly. The sharp frown between his brows, pale skin. Black suit hugging his long, lean frame.
Moo-young smoothed his swept-back hair and bowed to them.
"This way."
First time at this hotel. World's full of places like this. Admiring the massive chandelier, he entered the grand hall.
"Ha Moo-young entering."
Creeeak.
The doors opened to another world. Dresses, gourmet food, servers with wine. Alien to Moo-young, routine to them.
"Huh?"
Some faces he recognized: star athletes, actors, singers, models. Plus, business bigwigs everywhere.
Moo-young took champagne from a passing waiter.
"Oh! Ha Moo-young!"
Yoo Sa-ha, in a white tux, spotted him somehow—bodyguard with earpiece trailing him.
"Hello."
"Thanks for coming. This way."
"Feels like another planet. Kinda overwhelming."
Yoo Sa-ha smiled back at Moo-young's grin.
"Gotta live a little. Da-kyeong! Long time."
"Hey hey."
Amid the crowd, finally—a familiar face. Han Da-kyeong, Dr. Martel's CEO!
They locked eyes, widening in surprise.
"Huh?"
"You two know each other?"
"Our model... something like that."
"Nice. Da-kyeong, take care of him. More guests."
Yoo Sa-ha beamed, dumping Moo-young on her and vanishing.
Da-kyeong chuckled wryly at his back.
"Always stirring things up, past or present..."
She raised her glass to Moo-young. A light clink.
"How've you been?"
"Thanks to you. Business smooth, department stores nationwide this month."
"Whoa, huge. Congrats."
"I should be congratulating you. Rookie award, drama smash. Bet with friends on who it'd go to—lost 'cause I loved the show."
Han Da-kyeong was a chaebol heiress too, but Moo-young didn't know.
Arms slung around both their shoulders.
"Hey! You two!"
"Whoa, Boss?"
"My pretty ones all here?"
Bu-yong, Moo-young's landlord and Da-kyeong's friend. Same flighty voice, curly hair.
"Long time, Boss."
"Aigoo, Moo-young! Killing it lately?"
"Working hard. For your fortune."
"Eek! Hehe, thanks thanks!"
As Moo-young's star rose, so did the officetel's rep—"Ha Moo-young's place," realtors called it.
"But you're overpaying rent-wise. Better as monthly?"
Da-kyeong's words made Bu-yong finger her lips. Skyrocketing value—opportunity cost favored her big time.
"It's fine. I like it there."
"But the ghost? Da-kyeong was clueless."
"Ah, that—"
Lingering questions. The trio chatted standing there awhile. Familiar faces made it comfy for Moo-young.
"Hello."
Someone greeted the three. Sly vibe. Moo-young bowed politely but clueless.
Bu-yong glanced.
"Baekgoon Enter rep's son over there."
"Ah."
"Don't like him."
"Why? Hotter than you?"
"Kid, your taste sucks."
One of entertainment's twin peaks with SJ. Rival to Yoo Sa-ha, technically.
He extended a hand to Moo-young.
"Big fan, Moo-young. Joo Jeong-dan."
"Hello."
Handsome face, but as Moo-young gripped—
Whoosh.
Black smog erupted from the palm, coiling up Jeong-dan's arm like a snake throttling its prey.
Moo-young yanked free in shock.
Pop!
"Huh?"
Click.
Lights out, silence fell. Then lights up, heavy beats pulsing as a famous model strode in from the left entrance.
"Fashion show?"
"SJ owns a few brands."
Spotlights drew eyes. Models worked the bare floor path through the crowd.
Thump thump.
Jeong-dan's attention shifted from Moo-young to the show. Models strutting boldly...
Swoosh.
"Ah!"
One tripped hard, yanking the tablecloth—crash! Her ankle twisted in sky-high heels, over ten centimeters.
"Oh dear, you okay?"
"Oops."
As Da-kyeong rushed over, Jeong-dan just wiped champagne off his lapel.
Weird. Didn't he just trip her? His foot jutted toward her.
"You okay? Can you stand?"
"Ah... yeah. Fine."
She wobbled up, face ashen. A blunder at SJ's big event!
Scanning for staff.
"Ah..."
"Can't walk on that."
"I'm fine. Let go."
Her fawn-like legs trembled pitifully. Moo-young hesitated, then offered his hand instead of Da-kyeong.
"Walk with me."