Chapter 90
Chapter 90
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 090
Chapter Title: Three Meals a Day, Absolutely! (1)
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The shoot was going smoothly. So smoothly that Ji Director suddenly said out of nowhere,
“Something’s off……”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s too uneventful……”
“Aigoo, Director Ji. Don’t jinx it like that. What if words become seeds?”
The assistant director monitoring the footage scolded Ji Director, but he stood firm.
“But it really is weird……”
In his entire filmmaking career, this was the first project that had flowed without a single hitch.
“Because it’s commercial……?”
No, his debut commercial film hadn’t gone like this. Ji Director fidgeted his legs restlessly. No matter how he thought about it, the film progressing this well was just too suspicious. At first, investors had been hard to come by, and even the production company had turned it down with, “Director Ji, this project is a bit…… It might be better for your career to try something else.”
Yet strangely, things had started falling into place. Ji Director glanced toward Yeonwoo, who was running lines with Yeon Do-hee.
‘Is it thanks to Mr. Yeonwoo……?’
It was a script tailored specifically for Yeonwoo, whom he’d handpicked. And from the moment Yeonwoo actually joined, everything had started smoothing out. The prime example was the massive last-minute investor who poured in a fortune. Thanks to them, the shoot had been luxurious, with no worries of anyone going hungry. He’d always felt guilty squeezing the family-like staff, but now he could splurge on extra bonuses without a second thought.
And even……
“We’ll handle distribution and promotion, so no need to worry. We’ll take care of everything.”
The business card handed over by Woo Do-gyeom’s secretary seemed to gleam with golden light. Arrogant words at first glance. But whether they came off as arrogance or confidence depended on who said them. Woo Do-gyeom was undoubtedly the latter.
This was a film rejected by multiple investors, major distributors, and even talked down by the production company. Yet he’d dumped tens of billions into it in one go. Ji Director had racked his brain for reasons, but there was only one.
‘He seemed really close to Mr. Yeonwoo……’
To be precise, not close so much as……
‘Like he was getting one-sidedly bossed around……?’
But that was only possible between close friends. Once rumors spread about Cheongwang’s huge investment, opportunists suddenly swarmed, but Ji Director turned them all down despite the awkwardness. Luckily, they took one look at him and backed off quietly. A silver lining in the mess.
‘No money worries……!’
Only those who’d never been strapped for cash could understand. Thinking back to his previous project brought tears to his eyes.
“Assistant Director…… We’re not jinxing ourselves, right……?”
“Aigoo, Director Ji, you worry over nothing way too much. What’s got you so anxious?”
“N-No…… I’m not anxious at all……”
“Then do something about those jiggling legs before you say that.”
“It’s true…… Really……”
It wasn’t a lie. Budget plentiful, production company giving him free rein. And the actors delivering perfect performances.
‘It was the right call……’
Casting Kang Yeonwoo had been a stroke of genius. A rookie holding his own against veteran Yeon Do-hee without missing a beat. Emotions on point, dialogue sharp, eye lines flawless. And the atmosphere?
“Ahh, Director Ji. Where’d you find this kid? I almost fell for him mid-scene after all this time.”
Yeon Do-hee had laughed, saying she forgot her age and got lost in the character whenever Yeonwoo looked at her. Ji Director wholeheartedly agreed. Every solo shot confirmed it—Yeonwoo’s gaze had this oddly intoxicating quality that left you lightheaded.
‘This has blockbuster written all over it.’
So this anxiety? Just Ji Director flailing because he wasn’t used to things going this right.
*
“Cut! Let’s take a break!”
The staff slammed the slate and called for rest on Ji Director’s orders. The scorching lights that had been blazing like they’d roast you dimmed.
“Without NG takes, the schedule’s gotten tighter than expected. Do-hee, you look a bit tired—go rest up.”
Ji Director cut the scene at the perfect moment. The assistant director took his seat at the monitor and echoed the break call. No NGs, no mistakes. Everything perfect. So why the break?
Yeon Do-hee’s cheeks were flushed pink.
The moment rest was called, her stylist rushed over to touch up her makeup.
“Yeonwoo, you seeing anyone right now?”
Out-of-the-blue question.
“Huh?”
Yeon Do-hee pressed a palm to her cheek.
“My cheeks can’t go red here, but your eyes keep making my face heat up. I know it’s not real, but it feels like you’ve actually fallen for me.”
“Ah……”
“You don’t get eyes like that unless you’re in love. That’s why I asked. Not that you’ve fallen for me…… But are you dating someone?”
“No. Too busy with acting to have time for that yet.”
Yeonwoo smiled brightly, immediately recalling one stat.
Eyes brimming with A-rank pathos. Acquired from some European noblewoman. Just by looking, it stirred emotions and bent them to his will.
‘Thought it’d be perfect for this, and it is.’
The effect kicked in instantly. Of course, it was backed by Yeonwoo’s grueling acting training. Memories of endless DVD and Blu-ray marathons flooded back.
‘Good that it works so well.’
Lifelong single…… Too sad to dwell. Point was, zero dating experience, yet eliciting this from Yeon Do-hee meant his training synergized perfectly with the pathos eyes.
“Too bad. Oh, not that I’m disappointed or anything, so don’t worry. Truth is, this fluttery romance stuff isn’t my thing. So no need to look so pale, Manager.”
“Ahaha…… Haha…… No way. Everyone knows Yeon Do-hee’s a total pro. No misunderstandings here!”
Lee Gyu-han’s pupils were earthquake central. Zero credibility.
“Yeonwoo, it’s not like actors never date on romance sets. But you? That’d be trouble. Save me. My back’s about to explode thanks to Seonghyeon.”
Lee Gyu-han dragged Yeonwoo to the van under an awkward laugh, promising a quick break.
“Kwon Seonghyeon? Why’s he involved?”
“Why do you think? He knows showing up would be a nuisance, so he’s holding back. But if a dating scandal with Yeon Do-hee pops up……”
Lee Gyu-han shook his head, unwilling to imagine.
“Yeon Do-hee’s famously ice-cold about this stuff. But this reaction? First time. Makes me nervous.”
“No need to worry.”
“Aigoo, how can I not? It’s Yeon Do-hee. Anyway, Seonghyeon’s strict about this. Dating rumors basically kill an actor’s shelf life.”
“I see.”
“That’s why he’s super careful himself. He begged me about you. Rumors here would stain your career……”
“……?”
Then why greenlight a romance? Recommend it himself, then fret?
“Still, building a varied image is key for longevity. Avoiding typecasting is smart, especially for long-term runs beyond a flash in the pan.”
Having known him a while, Lee Gyu-han defended Kwon Seonghyeon vigorously.
“Don’t worry. Nothing to worry about.”
“……For real?”
“Yes.”
No point lying about this. Yeon Do-hee’s reaction was just a fluke from the stat influence. In reality:
-Favorability: Neutral
Very firm neutral. Strictly colleague level—objective, dry, nothing more or less. Even if it allowed for human warmth, that “neutral” drew a hard line. Pure business.
“No real cause for concern. For me or her.”
“……You’re not one for empty words, so I’ll trust you……”
Yeonwoo shrugged.
Belief was on Lee Gyu-han.
‘Living matters more than dating.’
Better to grind work for lifespan than date. Love didn’t turn minus lives positive.
“Resuming shoot!”
Yeon Do-hee, flush gone, greeted Yeonwoo with a bright smile.
“Can’t let Yeonwoo outshine me! I’ll step it up—let’s nail this.”
“Music to my ears.”
“Scene 48, take 2! Rolling!”
Snap!
The cheerful slate cracked, and shooting resumed. Minor hiccup, but smooth sailing.
*
“Meal break, then back to it!”
The sun dipped low, painting a stunning sunset. The outdoor crew halted at the welcome call, gathering eagerly.
Faces lit with irrepressible anticipation.
“Man, never thought I’d count down to mealtimes like this.”
“And not just that—I never dreamed I’d eat this well every day.”
“Right? When’s the last time work-life balance felt real?”
Shoots often dragged into the night, killing balance elsewhere. But not here. No actor ego clashes or power trips delaying things. No NG fatigue. No budget pinching. Problem-free, with bonuses? Pure bliss.
“You know Song Director’s crank-in?”
“Yeah, Chungmuro’s big hope this time.”
“Friend’s on staff—said it’s hell.”
“Why? Tons of investors, right?”
“More cash, more meddling from above. Do this, do that. Desk jockeys think they know fieldwork?”
“True.”
“So shoot’s brutal? Director’s edgy from exec friction, actors prickly. Total nightmare.”
“Tch. Once it sours, it’s rough.”
“Yeah. Compared to that, this is heaven. Meals on time, snacks and drinks. Job or vacation?”
“For real. Lately, I’d rather eat here than rush home.”
Some staff even grumbled when wraps came early.
“Smells amazing again.”
“Woo, feast time.”
Faces bloomed at the lavish meal truck. Sizzle! Steaks grilled on one side. Whoosh! Seafood sizzling in spicy broth on the other. Plus five-star spreads keeping eyes, mouths, and stomachs happy.
“What’s tomorrow’s?”
“Whose turn?”
“Yeonwoo’s agency today, so Cheongwang tomorrow?”