Chapter 198
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 198
Chapter Title: The Secret Star
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The day came for Evan Block and Richel Hill to leave.
Seojun had wanted to see them off at the airport, but since it would be crowded, they decided to say their goodbyes at the hotel.
After handing over the food they had packed and the gifts they had prepared, Seojun gave Evan Block a tight hug, and then Richel Hill a tight hug.
The two of them also hugged Seojun back tightly, who, despite having grown quite a bit, still looked like a young child.
“See you on the set of *Shadowman 3*.”
“Take care, Jun.”
“Travel safely. I had a really great time.”
Evan Block and Richel Hill also said their goodbyes to Lee Minjun and Seo Eunhye and shook hands with An Daho and Seo Eunchan, who must have had a tough time.
“We had a very comfortable stay.”
“You worked hard.”
“It’s all thanks to our well-connected nephew.”
Everyone burst into laughter at Seo Eunchan’s words. They never imagined that something started by Seojun’s recommendation would grow this big.
But an even bigger event was still to come. The real storm would hit after the movie’s release.
Just thinking about the flood of calls and messages they would receive made An Daho and Seo Eunchan laugh with a sense of resignation.
Now that their support for the two Hollywood actors was over, Cocoa Entertainment’s Team 2 was scheduled to return to their original duties after the Blue Dragon Film Awards, then enjoy a long, paid vacation in shifts until the release of *Escape*.
As Seo Eunchan chuckled, Evan Block said with a smile.
“We’ll be in your care next time as well.”
“……Pardon?”
Watching the backs of Evan Block and Richel Hill as they got into the heavily tinted car, Seo Eunchan tilted his head in confusion.
[Title: Saw some foreigners who look like Evan Block and Richel Hill.]
I work part-time at a convenience store in a residential area, and I saw some foreigners who looked a lot like Evan Block and Richel Hill.
I was surprised at first since we rarely get foreigners here (I can't speak English lol), but they both spoke Korean really well. If it was just the guy, I might have thought it was Evan Block, but the woman was fluent too… so I guess not.
They came by for a few days, but now they've stopped. I wonder who they were?
-What were they wearing?
=OP: A baseball cap with a hoodie pulled over it, a mask, and just regular sweatpants. I never got a clear look at their faces.
=…Both of them?
=OP: Yep.
=That outfit is so… that’s what I wear when I go to the convenience store near my house lol.
=Same here. Doesn't seem like them. Aren't they just foreigners who live in the neighborhood?
-Since they don't come anymore, maybe they were working in another region and just visiting Seoul for a bit? Like an Airbnb or something.
=Sounds plausible. All foreigners kind of look the same lol.
-What did they buy?
=OP: All sorts of things. It was like they were exploring the convenience store every time they came, buying different stuff.
The post had initially garnered a crazy number of views because of the title “Evan Block and Richel Hill,” but it soon faded from people’s interest due to the “casually dressed” and “fluent Korean” descriptions.
And so, the sighting of the two Hollywood actors, a post that would become the stuff of legend a few months later, was buried and forgotten.
* * *
Rumble, rumble.
The car rattled along the unpaved road.
“They’re filming in the middle of a mountain like this.”
“Isn’t it too far?”
“They say it’s actually on the closer side for an outdoor set.”
Joohee chattered away as she headed to the *Escape* film set with her parents. The location entered into the navigation system was getting closer. Joohee’s dad, holding the steering wheel, tapped his fingers against it.
“I wonder if they have a proper parking lot here.”
“I know… Huh? Is this a new road from here?”
The unpaved road ended, and a clean, paved one appeared. The still-vibrant color of the asphalt showed that the construction had been recent.
Following the pristine road, Joohee’s family’s car headed toward the set. Not only was the road immaculate, but the parking lot was just as impressive. It was spacious and clean, and although several large vehicles were already parked, there were still plenty of empty spots.
“Feels like we’ve come to a tourist attraction. It’s so clean and well-maintained.”
“It does feel like we should be buying an entrance ticket.”
It would have, if not for the staff members moving equipment around. Getting out of the car, Joohee looked around and spotted her friend taking shelter from the sun under a tree.
“Jaehan!”
“Joohee! You’re here.”
“What are you doing outside instead of going in?”
“I’m so nervous, it felt a little stuffy inside.”
“I see. This is my mom and dad. And this is my classmate, Kang Jaehan!”
“So you’re the friend she’s filming with. Did you come alone?”
“No, my mom dropped me off. She had to leave right away for work, though.”
“Then do you want to ride back with us?”
At Joohee’s mom’s offer, Jaehan smiled and replied.
“It’s okay. A friend offered to give me a ride.”
“You have another friend filming with you?”
“There’s Han Jiho from the class next door.”
*And one more person…*
Imagining her parents’ shocked faces, Joohee grinned mischievously.
Unaware of their daughter’s thoughts, Joohee’s parents looked around the set. They had been to film sets a few times thanks to Joohee, but it always felt like a new experience. And since this was the set of a zombie movie, it felt even more so.
Just then, someone approached them.
“Hello. I’m child actor Han Jiho’s mother.”
“Oh, hello.”
“I heard you’re a student at the same school as Jiho.”
Starting with Han Jiho’s mother, the guardians of the child actors gathered in one place. They quickly bonded over articles about *Escape*, the lack of promotion, and the trustworthy lead actors.
“You’re here? These are the kids I filmed a commercial with before.”
“Nice to meet you.”
The five child actors also introduced themselves to one another.
Ping!
Just then, the phones of Jaehan, Joohee, and Jiho all went off at the same time. The three children’s eyes sparkled as they looked at their phones.
“He’s here!”
“Huh? Who’s here?”
It seemed word had gotten inside as well, as people from inside the building began to trickle out into the parking lot one by one.
When Director Choi Daeman and Assistant Director Park Jaemin came out, the gazes of the staff moving equipment were drawn to them. The guardians started to fuss.
“Jiho! That’s the director, right? I think I’ve seen him in articles.”
“Joohee, shouldn’t you go say hello?”
“In a little bit.”
“Huh?”
“He’s coming!”
While everyone else was focused on Director Choi Daeman, some people were looking toward the entrance of the road. They were the ones who knew who was about to appear.
Just then, a black car appeared at the entrance. The large vehicle was heavily tinted, and it was obvious at a glance that it was more expensive than most cars.
The kind of car often used by people in a certain profession.
“Isn’t that a celebrity’s car? Is someone coming today?”
“I know, right? It looks super expensive.”
While the staff and guardians were whispering, the car came to a smooth stop on one side of the parking lot.
Director Choi Daeman and Assistant Director Park Jaemin headed toward it. As everyone watched with puzzled expressions, Director Choi Daeman spoke up.
“First, let me make an introduction.”
The car door opened, and someone emerged.
Seeing their friend, Joohee and Jaehan smiled brightly and waved. Jiho, who had only heard about Seojun’s appearance yesterday, smiled and explained the situation to the other dazed child actors.
The staff who had been moving equipment, the staff who had been looking out the window wondering what was going on, and Joohee’s parents and the other guardians all stared blankly at the actor getting out of the car.
Director Choi Daeman opened his mouth with a smile.
“This is the lead actor of *Escape*, Lee Seojun.”
“Hello, I’m Lee Seojun. I look forward to working with you all!”
!!!
A wave of silent astonishment swept through the set.
Lead actor of *Escape*? Lee Seojun?
“……Joohee. There was another lead actor?”
“Yeah. There’s a role called Go Joowon, and Seojun is playing him.”
“My daughter… you knew!”
The resentment toward their daughter for hiding such a fact lasted only a moment.
The guardians, who had been staring blankly at the superstar who appeared in the most unexpected place, finally seemed to grasp the reality of the situation at Joohee’s words and let out silent cheers.
Just moments ago, they had been grumbling about the lack of promotion due to a tight budget, saying they should spread rumors themselves, and wondering if they should quit even now. But as if none of that had ever happened, every single one of them was visibly excited.
“Should I post about it now? If we just post that Lee Seojun is in it, this movie will be a huge hit, right?”
“Should we? I think just one post in the cafe would do it!”
“Pictures. Let’s take pictures, too!”
Seeing the guardians eager to start promoting, Director Choi Daeman briefly explained the publicity plan and urged them to be careful not to let any information about Seojun leak. He said the same to the still-stunned staff.
Though the guardians were filled with disappointment at the director’s words, they no longer had any worries about the movie’s success. Instead, they scanned their surroundings with sharp eyes, worried someone might leak the secret.
“Let’s be sure to keep it a secret. It’ll be a bigger hit that way!”
“Yes! That’s why the play *Spring* was such a blockbuster.”
The guardians of the child actors knew the story of the children’s play *Spring* all too well. And they also knew how sweet the reward for keeping a secret could be.
“I’d be happy if they just became like actress Lee Dajin!”
Lee Dajin, who had been active as a talented actress ever since. The most successful child actor from that time, excluding Lee Seojun. At the foundation of her success was the children’s play *Spring*, which had kept its secret tightly under wraps.
Dreaming of becoming the next Lee Dajin, the guardians zipped their lips.
* * *
After the introductions, Seojun headed over to Jaehan and Joohee, who were waving enthusiastically.
“You both came early.”
“I was so nervous I woke up way too early.”
“Me too. My mom and dad said they couldn’t sleep properly either.”
Joohee’s words made Seojun and Jaehan burst into laughter.
“Oh, Jaehan. Daho hyung said he can drop you off right in front of your house on the way back. Want a ride?”
“That would be great, thanks. It’ll be a comfortable ride home.”
“It would’ve been nice if we could have come together, too…”
“Considering all the stares you got when you got out of the car, it was better that we came separately. My heart was pounding.”
“You think so?”
“Didn’t you see? Everyone was staring only at you, Seojun.”
At Joohee’s words, Seojun tilted his head.
“Hmm. It’s always like that, so I don’t really notice.”
This superstar…!
At Seojun’s nonchalant remark, Jaehan and Joohee poked him in the sides. Seojun and the kids burst into laughter.
Watching them, the other two child actors grabbed Jiho’s arm. They were happy to be acting with a Hollywood star like Lee Seojun, but at the same time, they were terrified.
“Jiho.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m so nervous, I think I’ve forgotten all my lines.”
Jiho nodded in understanding. He had been the same way when he first acted with Seojun. In times like these, practice was the best medicine.
“Then should we all go practice together?”
“Is that okay?”
“Seojun, can we practice together for a bit before filming?”
“Sure!”
Seojun readily nodded at Jiho’s suggestion.
“Assistant Director!”
Assistant Director Park Jaemin, who was about to follow Director Choi Daeman into the building, turned his head at Seojun’s call and walked over.
He called the Assistant Director! The children’s eyes widened.
“What is it, Seojun?”
“We’re going to practice our lines with my friends. Is there an empty room we can use?”
After a moment of thought, Park Jaemin told them about an empty room. He also took the opportunity to tell them about the staff’s break room.
“There are snacks and drinks. You can have as much as you want. If you practice hard and the movie does well, that’s even better for us.”
“Thank you.”
Park Jaemin smiled warmly at Seojun’s thanks, and his gaze shifted to the other children. The tense kids swallowed hard.
“Seojun’s friends? I heard there were a few actors from Yeoul Arts Middle School.”
“Yes. I’m Yang Joohee!”
“I’m K-Kang Jaehan!”
“I’m Han Jiho.”
At the mention of Yeoul Arts Middle School, the three children bowed. Seojun also introduced the child actors from other schools. Listening to the children’s energetic introductions, Park Jaemin began to speak.
“If you’re friends with Seojun, your acting must be incredible… Ack!”
“Hello, Director!”
Thanks to Director Choi Daeman, who came looking for the dawdling Park Jaemin, delivering a smack, and Seojun’s perfectly timed loud greeting, the children didn’t hear what the assistant director was about to say.
*Nice timing, Director!*
*Sorry. This guy has no filter.*
The director and the actor, who had a rough conversation with their eyes, laughed and introduced the child actors. Seeing Seojun chatting and laughing so casually with the director, who seemed larger than life, made the kids realize that the Seojun who attended classes and ate lunch with them was truly a top-tier actor.
“Come to think of it, isn’t actor Kim Jukyung your friend too, Seojun?”
“Yes. She auditioned this time but didn’t get the part.”
“I suppose the disaster situation was too similar. Her image was too much like her character in *One Step*.”
Seojun nodded. He had a feeling that might be the case.
“But she’s a good actress, so she’ll pass auditions for other projects.”
“Yes. I’ll tell Jukyung you said that.”
“Alright. Relax until it’s time to shoot.”
After giving the tense child actors a smile, Director Choi Daeman dragged Park Jaemin inside. Park Jaemin, who had been shifting his eyes back and forth, clamped his mouth shut at the sight of the director’s fierce expression.
“You, watch your mouth. Seojun is Seojun, and the kids are the kids. Do you think actors like Seojun are that common?”
The assistant director nodded with a gloomy face. He hadn't thought it through.
“And warn the other staff members, too. Kids this age get hurt by even a casual remark. Do you want them to quit acting for good because of something you said?”
“Ugh. Sorry.”
“It’s not me you should be sorry to. Be good to the kids.”
“I will.”
Assistant Director Park Jaemin nodded at Director Choi Daeman’s words.
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