Rookie but One-in-a-Million Actor - Chapter 30: Rui!
"Hi-jun. We're almost there, so wake up."
The manager, who had been driving quietly, glanced back at the rear seat.
Yi Hi-jun was drooling all over his neck pillow in his sleep. He rubbed his eyes and grimaced.
"Ugh. How much longer?"
"About five minutes. Pull yourself together and depuff that face."
"Yaaawn—"
In his hand was the Plague script. Yi Hi-jun stared blankly out the window before mumbling.
"Who's coming to the meeting today?"
"Director Jin Kyung-moon and the production company folks, plus the screenwriter. And Yu Yu-na."
"Ah. Damn it."
A low curse. Yi Hi-jun scratched his head irritably, as if annoyed.
He hated kids at the best of times. And now he had to act opposite the lead child actor?
"What a pain."
He'd have to pretend to be nice, act all gentle with the kid, perform everyday life scenes—every damn day throughout filming.
"Have you seen the guy, hyung?"
"Who? Yu Yu-na? No."
"Word is the kid's got a temper like nobody's business."
'Like you're any better?' The words rose in the manager's throat. But what could he do? He swallowed them back down.
"Still, the kid's got acting chops."
"For her age, sure. Hyung, can't you just ask them to switch my role?"
"Wasn't it already settled with the team leader?"
"I don't care! Park Mun-cheol's so damn stubborn."
"Watch your mouth. You could get in real trouble."
"Why? You gonna snitch?"
"That's not what I meant."
Yi Hi-jun pulled out a cigarette and stuck it in his mouth. It was Director Jin Kyung-moon's project, so he'd do it no matter what. But roles often changed during casting, right?
"Why's he so inflexible?"
"The production company's being hardline about it. Director too. I don't know the details, but sounds like the screenwriter pushed hard for you. For the Rui role."
"Wow. I'm touched."
It was Jin Kyung-moon's film, but the offer was for a supporting role. Tricky position. His filmography had graduated from supporting parts three years ago.
Couldn't turn it down, but couldn't be thrilled either.
"So, any role you'd actually want?"
"Jin."
The script itself was excellent. Well-crafted. That's why he wanted a meatier part—especially that alluring villain.
"Sleazy and sexy? Plus, second biggest role after the lead. Basically co-lead, won't look bad on the resume."
Seemed minor, but crucial for actors. One misstep into supporting after endless leads, and the "washed-up" label stuck.
'Even the cast billing order causes fits in this industry. Tsk.'
The manager smacked his lips and replied.
"...I'll bring it up with the team leader again."
"Yeah. Please. He doesn't listen to a word I say."
"Just wrap up today's meeting smoothly first. Feel out the vibe. Screw up and you'll hear it from Park Mun-cheol."
Yi Hi-jun stuck out his tongue and fixed his gaze outside. First time back in Chungmuro in ages for work.
The Mongnett sign came into view, and the van pulled into the parking lot.
Screech—
"Let's head up."
"Check my outfit. How's it look?"
"Good. You're fine."
Yi Hi-jun straightened his sleeves and stepped inside. Staff recognized his face and led him to the conference room.
Click.
"Actor Yi Hi-jun is here."
"Aigoo, hello there."
"Hello. Long time no see."
"Getting taller every time? Haha!"
"Yi Hi-jun, fifth year already? Still looks rookie-fresh!"
The director, production company president, and Yu Yu-na were already there. Everyone rose to greet him—except two stone-faced holdouts.
"This is..."
"Screenwriter A-ok."
A-ok and Yu-na. Yi Hi-jun plastered on a fake friendly smile and extended his hand.
A-ok, hat pulled low, exuded a gloomy aura.
"Hello, writer. Loved the script."
"Y... yeah. Nice to meet you."
'What the fuck?'
A chill brushed past the serene smile. Was this guy okay?
Next, Yu-na.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Yu-na. This is Yi Hi-jun."
"I'm Yoo Yu-na."
The kid slurped her chocolate milk, her compact features sharp like a cat's. Cheeks like rice cakes. Cute, sure, but...
"You got something on your face?"
She tapped her chin pointedly. Thinking drool, he frantically wiped with his sleeve.
The kid giggled.
"Just kidding."
"...Hilarious. Haha!"
Hi-jun swallowed his rising irritation and forced a laugh.
Director Jin Kyung-moon sipped his tea, then pulled out the script.
"Alright, everyone's here. Shall we start?"
Casting meeting: character analyses, acting approaches, tone down the intensity since it'd be restricted rating—discuss levels upfront.
"—So I think when Rui gives Jenny the chocolate, it's pity. Too harsh for a kid, so comforting her."
Hi-jun recited his prep. President and director listened stone-faced, but A-ok fidgeted uncomfortably, picking at his fingers.
"Writer A-ok? You okay? Looking pale."
Staff asked; he waved it off, stammering.
"N-no, it's... that interpretation just now..."
"Me? What about it...?"
Yi Hi-jun tilted his head. Yu-na just slurped her straw, eyes rolling.
Then—
Knock knock—
"President? Big Win appointment today?"
Staff peeked in. The president feigned surprise with a gasp. A-ok and Hi-jun froze mid-sentence.
"Aigoo! Forgot. They're here now?"
"Yes. In the reception room."
"Director, it's the friend I mentioned..."
"Ah, the one for a bit part? Let's see."
The director spun his pen agreeably. President signaled staff urgently.
Moment later—
Screech.
"Hello. Big Win Enter manager Go Kyung-min."
"Nice to meet you."
"Sorry to interrupt. Our kid's a huge fan, insisted on meeting you."
"Haha! Flattered. Who's the kid?"
"Ha Moo-young. Moo-young-ah."
Go Kyung-min turned and called. Loose white tee, brown perm. Melancholy eyes. But pale skin, faint smile.
"Hello. Ha Moo-young."
Moo-young appeared—A-ok's eyes nearly bulged. No one noticed amid the surprise.
"Huh?"
Yu-na set down her drink, staring hard.
And blurted what everyone thought but couldn't say.
"It's Rui!"
* * *
Moo-young nearly teared up seeing Yu-na—no, Jenny. Days of emotional immersion, probably.
"Hi."
"It's totally Rui, right? Director?"
Yu-na jumped up and approached. Director eyed Hi-jun's face, silent.
The character profile from A-ok matched eerily, but...
"Don't think we've met?"
"Just shot one web drama recently. No real debut yet. Dying for the honor in your film, Director."
Go Kyung-min bowed deeply. Hi-jun inwardly tsked and looked away.
'Annoying. Tsk.'
That's why big agencies mattered. All this hassle for one extra role.
"Yi Hi-jun, Yu-na. Mind stepping out a sec?"
Director stroked his chin, asking the actors' leave. Yu-na already by his side; Hi-jun nodded with a strained smile.
"Of course. Rookie's dream chance."
"Thanks. Uh, Ha Moo-young?"
"Yes, Director."
"Have a seat?"
Moo-young sat opposite. Director admired his face endlessly. Looks aside—that gaze! Melancholy vibe straight out of his imagination for Rui.
"No real acting experience, then?"
"No. But if you give me the shot, I'll work my ass off. Guarantee results."
"Read the script?"
"Yes."
"Any role in mind...?"
"Rui."
Of course! Actors spot their perfect fit. Director's nostrils flared.
Decades in the game, never a casting match this spot-on. Like Rui leaped from the pages!
"But Rui's already cast. Actor Yi Hi-jun."
Hi-jun's manager interjected from behind, unease bubbling. Don't touch Rui.
"Hyung."
Yi Hi-jun clenched his jaw, silencing him. Stay put. This could work out without lifting a finger!
"Sorry. Just answering."
"No, it's fine."
"Rui would be ideal, but the script's so good, I'd take anything. Just grateful to join."
Moo-young glanced at A-ok in the corner. Writer blushed, embarrassed.
Then bolted up, calling president and director.
"Uh, President. Director."
"Yes? What?"
"Can we talk... privately?"
Voice trembling. They exchanged looks, smiled, stood.
"One sec. Relax."
Thud—they moved to the next room.
A-ok stammered in panic.
"Th-that guy who just came..."
"Matches your character sheet perfectly?"
"Yes! So, maybe him for...?"
"No. Yi Hi-jun's here already. Told you inner decisions are tough early on."
"S-sorry. But seeing Hi-jun, he doesn't match my vision at all."
"Aish! This isn't a game—!"
President flustered, A-ok mortified. Director watched the other room.
"Oppa. Oppa."
Yu-na leaned on the table, calling Moo-young curiously, head tilting.
Moo-young smiled, meeting her eyes.
"What?"
"You got something here?"
She tapped her cheek.
Moo-young didn't flinch.
"You too. Chocolate milk that good?"
"Huh?"
Yu-na wiped her mouth in a fluster. Moo-young whispered.
"Kidding."
A fun smile crossed Yu-na's lips. She dragged her chair over and started chattering.
Yi Hi-jun whispered to his manager.
"That Ha Moo-young kid."
Acting covers a lot, but natural chemistry needs rapport—like Moo-young and Yu-na right now.
"How about a quick reading?"