Chapter 67
Chapter 67
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 067
Chapter Title: My Handheld TV (1)
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[Still, thanks to that, you've improved enough for even you to understand, so our actor's teaching method worked great!]
The Dongja-ryeong chirped from above his head. Jerry's gaze filled with awe once more.
"They say birds don't land in human hands, but this one really likes you, hyungnim. Should I tip off the DJ...?"
"Cut the nonsense. I'm getting up first."
"Off to watch more videos?"
"Of course."
"Fighting!"
Yeonwoo gave a casual wave and headed back to the cinema room.
[Why? I didn't say anything wrong! Yeonwoo, you're sharp in every way, but you were a bit dense when it came to emotions. Our actor nailed that perfectly!]
"Whose side are you on? Haven't you known me longer?"
[I just judge with cold, clear eyes!]
The tiny thing, smaller than his palm, puffed out its chest and spread its wing feathers wide.
[It's not just because you're a total fanboy that you're oblivious to romance.]
"......Is that how you come at me?"
It hit him right in the bones, leaving him chilled.
[It's not like you're the only one. People with abilities like you or Yeonhwa usually struggle to blend in with others. It's like a one-eyed person in a world of cyclops—it's only natural to have trouble fitting in. You probably have defense mechanisms too. It's normal for you. You knew that to some extent, right?]
"Yeah...... to some extent."
[Exactly. It's not weird. If you were that sensitive and empathetic, you wouldn't have survived this long.]
"That's true, but it sounds kinda creepy."
[It's just facts. In this industry, the weak-hearted get eaten first. If you had the power but a weak heart, you'd have been devoured already. It's not unreasonable to be defensive. Alright, let's get back to practicing hard. Play the next one!]
"......Feels like you're the most excited about this......"
The Dongja-ryeong was already obsessed with TV and now seemed ready to devour every movie out there. Yeonwoo sighed and played the next film in line.
***
The effects of this crash course were remarkable. Combined with Intent Discernment, Yeonwoo absorbed the emotional arcs of the 'romance' genre like a dry sponge soaking up liquid.
-Shouldn't I go to an acting academy? Since I've decided to go pro, maybe learn step by step?
He recalled how Kwon Seonghyeon had firmly shaken his head at his suggestion.
-No. For someone like you, those half-baked places won't help. You might even pick up bad habits.
-But systematic training seems better......
-Your vocalization is already solid, your gaze control is perfected—what's the point? No need. It's a waste of time.
That firm declaration from Kwon had led to this outcome. An astonishing result. And it wasn't even over yet.
'What if I combine it with my other stats...... Romance might actually suit me.'
The Enchanting Voice from Lee Juha. And the tearful eyes from that European noblewoman. After devouring countless romances, their utility hit home.
The role Yeonwoo was taking was the supporting character who pines for the heroine for years. Not quite a dual lead, but with lead-level screen time. Especially since his character's heartfelt love line was central, emotional expression was key.
'Kwon Seonghyeon—could he be a god or something?'
Expanding his image range while perfectly matching him with the role. Yeonwoo almost suspected Kwon had a system like his.
"Hey. You sense anything off Kwon Seonghyeon?"
[What?]
"Like some minor spirit...... no, more like a high-ranking heavenly official?"
[If there was, I'd have noticed ages ago! And so would you.]
"Right?"
[Right.]
"But how does he nail it so perfectly?"
Back then, he'd thought, 'Oh, this guy's full of crap.' Now, it was just astonishing.
[Enough idle thoughts. Keep watching the drama. Good students follow the lessons diligently.]
"Ugh......"
If this was acting class, then it was. Groaning, Yeonwoo refocused on the screen. He still had a ton left to watch.
***
"Variety show?"
The face he hadn't seen in a while brought unexpected news.
"Yes...... Seonghyeon said he mentioned it, but maybe not?"
"I think I heard something."
Truthfully, it was fuzzy. But he didn't want to bully Kwon's manager, who was cowering under the tiny Dongja-ryeong on his head like he might burst into tears if poked. Yeonwoo nodded readily.
"What variety show?"
"Ahaha...... surprised you, huh? Um. Well...... It's a weekend night program. Internet broadcast format where they interact with viewers. Not huge ratings, but strong core among young people. Think of it like radio hosting. Or visible radio."
The manager rattled off the program's strengths.
"All broadcasts stream live to viewers, so no devilish editing. For reruns, there's some editing, but viewer participation keeps it minimal and on-flow. Huge plus: no PD or writer interference."
Unlike typical variety with hosts and scripts, this had almost none.
"Of course, we'll discuss the flow and have meetings. But mostly, it's up to the performers' discretion. Familiar territory for you, solid core audience, decent ratings, lets performers shine fully. Should be good."
At that, the Dongja-ryeong perked up.
[Oh! I know that one! Netty!]
"Netty?"
The manager flinched at the sudden chirp from above but nodded quickly.
"Ah, you know it? Yes. Called Netty, full name 'My Handheld TV.' Offer came to the agency, and Seonghyeon filtered everything but this."
"Really?"
"Actually, Seonghyeon was supposed to come, but he has a photoshoot today, so the boss saw it and here I am. Sorry. Could you put in a good word later? He gets super sensitive about your stuff...... Sigh......"
The salaried man's woes poured out unasked, then he dashed off as time was up.
[Gonna go?]
The Dongja-ryeong on his head asked.
"No way Kwon would pick something bad. Gotta check it out."
[Not just avoiding acting practice?]
"......No."
Movie consultant meant acting study. Time for a break. Like alternating sweet and salty for a feast, study needed variety too.
......Unproven brain theory, of course.
***
My Handheld TV. Netty for short.
The Netty shoot schedule came faster than expected. They'd even leaked the news subtly everywhere. Thanks to that, Yeonwoo got real-time trending updates from Jerry constantly.
[Ooh! 'Next ep hype' is already trending!]
"Hype?"
[People curious who's coming next? Your name plus others on search.]
A sparrow surfing the net...... end times.
"Offer came a while back, so they've been waiting."
They'd rearranged to air his episode first, pushing others back. His shoot date got insanely tight.
"No, you don't have to air it that soon......"
"No. They think airing you ASAP benefits them. Know what? Every outlet's dying for you right now."
"Me?"
Yeah, me? Why?
"You barely show your face outside radio. Usually, post-hit, you do CFs and variety everywhere."
Boosted early fame that way. Rookie highway.
"But downside: image burns out, or off-drama sides show, and you're done. Flash interest fades fast."
Not what Yeonwoo wanted.
"But you show no signs, so interest high, no bookings. They panic-accept, rush-air to claim first."
"Ah, that's why the writer said anything goes at the meeting."
Nodding eagerly to any format.
"Unintentionally jacked up your value."
"Not value—proper treatment. What'd I say? No need to peddle cheap. But."
"......?"
"You really going?"
"Huh?"
"Must you do that one?"
You recommended it......
"Thinking now, no need. Plenty alternatives......"
"What the hell?"
Kwon spouted nonsense out of nowhere.
"......Wait. Because they won't let you guest?"
Netty left performers autonomous. Meaning, invite guests if wanted. Key was viewer pull; many booked guests for ratings. Two fans > one.
But Yeonwoo had no plans. Especially not Kwon.
'Broadcast going off-rails? No way.'
But at his suspicion,
"No, not exactly but......"
Super suspicious response.
"You'll invite?"
"No?"
"Then skip it."
Suspicion kills, they say. Nailed again.
'Why's this guy suddenly like this?'
Not sincere—more like......
'He seems sulky?'
Mask made every expression cinematic. The manager next looked baffled too.
'......Why's this grown man look like a movie still?'
Anyone else, 100% apology first. Apology for unknown offense.
"Really better skip?"
Yeonwoo stared at Kwon. Kwon twitched faintly. Kept staring, he averted eyes.
'Hm?'
Intuition hit.
"Really not go?"
"......Yeonwoo. Staring like that makes sulking embarrassing......"
Stare held, Kwon covered eyes with hand, defeated.
https://booktoki469.com/data/file/novel/5688/12549/16548774976727.jpg
Mask was flawless, every expression perfectly handsome. Yeonwoo wondered if he was right; even the manager looked baffled.
'......Why does this guy, at his age, acting like that, still look like a film shot?'
Anyone else would've apologized first, 100%. Apology without knowing why.
"Really better not go?"
Yeonwoo gazed steadily at Kwon Seonghyeon.
He flinched—just a little.
Kept staring intently, and this time Kwon slyly looked away.
'Hm?'
Something clicked.
Intuition tingled.
"Should I really skip it?"
"......Yeonwoo. Staring like that just makes my tantrum more embarrassing......"
Under the steady gaze, Kwon finally gave in, covering his eyes with his hand.