Chapter 10
Chapter 10
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 010
Chapter Title: Standing as a Model (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“What? Model? What model?”
Yeonwoo was so baffled he couldn’t even respond, but the man pressed on regardless.
“I know I’ve been rambling on by myself and it’s a bit embarrassing, but don’t get the wrong idea. This isn’t something I just blurted out on a whim.”
*It totally sounds like something you blurted out on a whim.*
“You’re not seriously talking about being a real model or anything, right? I’m not even signed with an agency.”
“......No, not at all.”
“Even better. Debut by working with me—it’d be perfect. You don’t seem totally opposed to the idea, judging by that bird you’ve got there. You’ve thought about modeling before, haven’t you? Oh, it’s nothing grand. I’m just planning a solo photo exhibit, and I think snapping you with that pet bird of yours would fit right in. Maybe Mungi popped into my head after all this time? Inspiration just hit me out of nowhere.”
So all that long-winded chatter was buildup for this.
*What’s with this guy?*
Yeonwoo had only listened because that one loyal dog was gazing at him with sparkling eyes.
*Lady Kang’s been on my mind enough already without this.*
A random modeling offer out of nowhere.
“No, I don’t think......”
Yeonwoo was about to refuse when—
“Hm? Yeonwoo-ssi, you’ve already gotten close to the writer?”
A low, smooth baritone cut in.
[*Gaaasp. Yeonwoo. Am I alive?*]
The Child Spirit clutched his chest, gasping dramatically. The gurgling noise above Yeonwoo’s head grew even more frantic.
“Oh! Kwon Seonghyeon-ssi! As expected of Kwon Seonghyeon class!”
The man, who’d been chattering endlessly about the puppy, clapped in admiration.
There stood Kwon Seonghyeon, impeccably dressed.
“Doesn’t it feel strange? Getting back into activities after so long feels a bit awkward.”
“Awkward? No way! You look amazing. So cool! I heard you were sick—such a shame—but maybe that’s why your jawline’s even sharper, giving you this extra edge. Perfect for an autumn vibe!”
They’d said it was a magazine pictorial shoot, and sure enough, his styled look was stunning. Spring hadn’t even arrived yet, but shoots like this always ran ahead of the seasons, so Seonghyeon wore a deep-toned trench coat—far more suited to fall than spring. He looked like a living pictorial just standing there.
“No need to worry about this shoot at all. If everyone in the world was like Seonghyeon-ssi......”
“Sir. Where in the world would you find another Kwon Seonghyeon? Be serious.”
The assistant photographer who’d come with Seonghyeon shot back at the director.
“Yeonwoo-ssi. Did you know the writer beforehand?”
“No, first time meeting him......?”
“You two looked pretty chummy.”
“No way?”
Yeonwoo had no hobby of being overly friendly with strangers.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen Park Writer talk that much to someone he doesn’t know. He’s usually so standoffish. He barely said a word to me at first.”
“Seonghyeon-ssi. You’re talking like it was ages ago. You’re embarrassing me.”
*What? Standoffish?*
Catching Yeonwoo’s look, Park Writer grinned sheepishly.
“But Seonghyeon-ssi. You two know each other? Someone you brought along?”
“Yeah. We’re close. He’s the one who saved me.”
“Oh man, lucky you. Who is he? Aspiring model? Aspiring actor?”
“Just a regular guy for now.”
“What? For real? Why?”
Park Writer turned to Yeonwoo in disbelief.
“Tell me about it.”
“Wow. Everyone’s eyes must be rotten then? Lucky for me. Anyway, what’s your name?”
“Kang Yeonwoo. Pretty name, right?”
“......?”
Yeonwoo was a bit baffled.
*Why are you casually saying my name like it’s yours?*
“Yeah, it is pretty. I’m Park Daeil. Just call me Park Writer. I don’t like my name much. Sounds too country.”
*Coming from the guy who named his dog Mungi.*
Park Daeil—no, Park Writer—extended his hand. After a light handshake, he slipped Yeonwoo a business card.
“Writer. Time’s ticking, you know? Let’s get the shoot started! We’re not the writer here, but we’re dying under the client’s watchful eyes.”
At the assistant photographer’s interruption, both Seonghyeon and Park Writer looked disappointed.
“Aw. I haven’t even finished reeling him in yet......”
Park Writer smacked his lips regretfully.
Whatever. The shoot soon began.
***
*How fascinating.*
Watching a shoot for the first time in his life was incredibly intriguing.
Park Writer, who’d been a total chatterbox, transformed the moment he picked up the camera—like he’d been possessed.
[*Oh my god. I knew it...... Glad I watched. Glad I’m alive! Seeing our actor work with my own two eyes! My vision’s opening up now—enlightenment!*]
The sudden shift in Seonghyeon’s aura was equally astonishing.
But something even more intriguing caught Yeonwoo’s eye.
-Name: Park Daeil (34/Male)
-Occupation: Photographer
-Disposition: Neutral
-Specialties: Photography [A], Video Shooting [A], Sharp Insight [A+]
-Favorability: Moderately High
-Current Physical Condition: Frail
-Current Emotional State: Desperate, Excited
***Some items are currently unavailable.***
***Detailed information on this individual is hidden.***
***Lifespan can currently be harvested from this individual (15 days)***
***Additional Harvestable Ability: Frame Composition [A]***
The status window that popped up over Park Writer.
A famous photographer indeed—three specialties already.
But what really drew Yeonwoo’s gaze was something else.
*Additional harvestable ability?!*
It appeared the moment he shook Park Writer’s hand.
Yeonwoo spotted the unfamiliar phrase for the first time.
“Additional Harvestable Ability.”
He’d seen a similar notification when he first harvested from Han Suhwan.
[Additional Harvested Ability: None]
He’d sensed it then: whatever this was, it screamed jackpot.
And now.
*It’s showing up?*
Jackpot or not, he hadn’t known what it meant—until now.
The chance to find out had arrived.
He was dying to know.
He’d planned to refuse at first, but that phrase flipped his decision instantly.
A 15-day lifespan quest? He barely noticed it.
A renowned photographer with all A-grade abilities was impressive enough, but an additional A-grade ability?
*This is basically them handing it to me on a platter.*
The field was a bit iffy, sure.
*No choice.*
He now had reason to accept Park Writer’s offer.
***
As Seonghyeon had said, the shoot didn’t take long.
Park Writer apparently wrapped things up quickly, and sure enough, the smooth flow ended in just a few hours.
“Good work!”
“Good work!”
Cheers echoed everywhere.
Along with them, a cheerful alert rang in Yeonwoo’s ear.
*-Ding!*
[You have successfully harvested lifespan.]
[Harvested Lifespan: 14 days]
The harvest completed the instant the shoot ended.
“Yeonwoo-ssi. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“No, not really. It ended quicker than I thought.”
The stylist smiled as they exchanged greetings.
“It’s Kwon Seonghyeon, after all.”
“He’s so perfect, no need for tweaks or anything. Things just flow. No post-work needed for Seonghyeon-ssi, so this is basically it. Every shot’s a masterpiece—no need to agonize over selections.”
The staff chimed in too.
“You guys sound like you’re disappointed it ended so fast.”
Park Writer teased them.
But the staff didn’t flinch—instead, they nodded like it was obvious.
“Why say something so true? Half a day with Seonghyeon-ssi is nothing. We could watch him 365 days a year.”
“Exactly. First comeback in ages, and it wrapped too quick......”
They trailed off wistfully, faces faintly flushed as they stole glances at him.
Seonghyeon, at the center, wore a faint smile—slightly awkward.
“Thank you for the kind words. Good work today.”
His greeting felt almost businesslike.
The surrounding staff blushed anyway, waving it off apologetically.
*More straightforward than I expected.*
Surprising. Seonghyeon usually would’ve wagged his tail in delight.
“Yeonwoo-ssi. Wait a sec. I’ll sort out the outfit, hair, and makeup and be right back. Won’t take long.”
“Got it.”
Seonghyeon strode off on his long legs, and the people nearby grew curious.
“Oh right, you came with Seonghyeon-ssi? That bird on your head caught my eye. You two must be close. Debuting this time? Newbie?”
“Earlier it looked like the director was offering modeling. So, model then?”
Park Writer stepped in.
“You lot, go wrap up. Don’t eye the guy I’ve claimed!”
“Hey, if the sir’s claimed him, he’ll end up working with us anyway.”
“True, but I haven’t sealed the deal yet. Scram before you jinx it!”
“Ah, sir. Share the good stuff. Must be a Seonghyeon-ssi connection—same vibe.”
“Yeah. Gentle, mannerly, but draws the line just right.”
Yeonwoo, listening, felt puzzled.
*Draws the line? Seonghyeon?*
Come to think of it, his attitude earlier had been odd. Yeonwoo had thought he had no walls, but he’d shown no real reaction to the staff’s fussing.
“Off with you! Shoo, shoo!”
Park Writer shooed them like animals, and the staff scattered.
“Noisy, right? They’re not bad people. They don’t bat an eye at most folks, but a raw gem like you got them excited. Plus Seonghyeon-ssi hyped them up. Not in a bad way—don’t misunderstand.”
“I won’t.”
*Most of it was goodwill anyway.*
Yeonwoo was more sensitive to gazes than most—especially their warmth. No status window needed. It was innate aura sense, honed over years.
“But Yeonwoo-ssi. Wanna really work with me? Hm?”
Park Writer blurted it out.
“Nothing tough—just hang with that pigeon like usual. I’ll handle the photos. No rigid concept, so it’ll be easy. So, one shoot with me......”
“I’ll do it.”
“......Would be great—wait? You will? Really?”
He’d clearly expected another sharp refusal, asking blankly.
“For real?”
“Yes.”
“Not joking?”
“No.”
“F-for real? You’ll shoot with me? Gasp. *Pant.* Hold on, need to breathe......!”
Color rushed to Park Writer’s pale face.
*It’s just a shoot—why the blushing meltdown?*
*Is it really okay to accept this?*
Yeonwoo wondered just then—
Seonghyeon slipped back quietly.
“You two got really close. When did that happen? Getting too chummy while I was gone?”
“Ah, Seonghyeon-ssi! Listen! Yeonwoo-ssi agreed to model for me!”
“Aha......”
Seonghyeon eyed Yeonwoo steadily.
“Yeonwoo-ssi really shines in everyone’s eyes, huh. A bit disappointing.”
“Shines? What shine?”
“Can’t you see, Writer? Golden light, like haze flowing around him.”
“You’ve gotten funnier, Seonghyeon-ssi. As if.”
“Who knows.”
Seonghyeon flashed an enigmatic smile and asked,
“First time seeing the writer treat someone this nicely. Yeonwoo-ssi must’ve really impressed you.”