Chapter 16
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: The Theater Owner's Offer
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The day after the final performance.
Kim Sangcheol invited me to his office along with my parents.
I sat side by side with Mom and Dad on the sofa, swinging my legs for a moment.
The door opened, and in walked Kim Sangcheol, the theater owner of Emergency Iron 777, the man we'd been waiting for.
"Here you go, Siu. You like this, right?"
"Uuung! Thank youuu."
I quickly pulled the chamomile tea meant for me toward myself.
I'd almost missed teatime today because of Kim Sangcheol's summons.
Meeting like this was a real relief.
"Hehe."
As I sniffed the fragrant chamomile scent and beamed with joy, my parents took their coffee and chatted with Kim Sangcheol, laughing heartily.
"We really enjoyed the play. Thank you for saving seats for us too..."
"Oh, no need for that. This performance was such a success thanks to Siu. I'm embarrassed I can't do more than this. Haha!"
Kim Sangcheol waved his hand dismissively and laughed heartily.
That's right. There were tons of fans asking for me too.
I nodded in satisfaction, a big smile on my face.
It was great that even the theater owner knew how popular I was.
"Thank you for taking such good care of our Siu. I was worried I'd be a bother, so I left him with Dongwook, but I hope it helped."
"It's fine. Siu participated so well in rehearsals that he actually helped us out."
"That's a relief."
Dad let out a sigh of relief at Kim Sangcheol's response.
Dad.
I was the one helping Uncle.
It was frustrating that I couldn't say it out loud.
"Siu comes home from the theater singing about how great the people here are."
"Really? Siu, do you like the big sisters and brothers here?"
"Uuung! Director, Seonwoo oppa, Isub ajusshi, all the noonaslove 'em all!"
"That's good to hear."
Kim Sangcheol nodded with a pleased smile at my answer.
This is how you do social life.
I flashed a bright smile back and gulped down the chamomile teaslurrrp.
Mmm, it smells especially nice today.
"But calling us here after the show ended... Is there something you want to discuss with us?"
"Ah, yes. We need to settle Siu's pay, and there's something else I wanted to talk about."
"Oh, okay."
"As I mentioned when you first came, we pay new actors 50,000 won per performance. But this play did so well thanks to our Siu, so we've added a bonus."
Kim Sangcheol smoothly handed an envelope to Mom and Dad.
"We know full well that actors don't get paid enough. But as you know, this industry... Other troupes pay half that or less. I want to take better care of our actors, but I can't risk hurting other troupes' operations because of us... It must sound like an excuse. I'm sorry."
Even while handing over the money, Kim Sangcheol bowed his head.
Mom quickly waved her hands at him.
"Oh, no! We knew the situation from the start. And I know a bit about this world myself. I totally understand."
"...Thank you for saying that."
As Kim Sangcheol apologized again, I quickly did the math in my head.
50,000 won per show...
I performed in 12 total, so at least 600,000 won.
I recalled this place's currency unit, the won, and crunched the numbers.
It was confusing at first, but basing it on chicken prices made calculations easier.
Let's see... That's enough for 60 of Dad's chickens.
Not a huge amount.
But it also meant my role in this show wasn't that big, so it made sense.
I wonder how much bonus they added.
I leaned toward Dad, who had picked up the envelope, when Kim Sangcheol continued.
"Ahem, we'd like to keep taking care of Siu here going forward. What do you think?"
"Pardon...?"
Mom and Dad were startled by Kim Sangcheol's sudden proposal.
Oh ho.
More interested in this than the money.
I sat up straight, eyes sparkling.
I'd been wondering how to stick around here longer.
Opportunity just rolled right to me!
"Haha, it's embarrassing to say it myself, but... They say our troupe is one of the most sought-after in Daehangno these days? We pride ourselves on being a decent place. What do you say?"
Embarrassing, my foothe said it smoothly enough.
Most sought-after troupe, huh.
Who knew this weirdly named troupe was that big a deal.
I looked around the office anew.
Hard to believe from the looks of it...
But considering Kang Yonghwi and the other actors' skills, it added up.
And the audience turnout showed real prestige.
Definitely not a bad place to contain a five-year-old me.
I secretly clenched my fist.
Yes!
I'm sticking here no matter what.
"Love it!"
"Siu?"
I answered before my hesitant parents could.
I got lucky and made it on stage this time.
Now I was worried about how to keep acting next.
This worked out perfectly.
Use Kim Sangcheol well to convince my parents!
Reassure them!
And I keep acting!
Perfect.
"Haha, thanks, Siu. Mom and Dad, no pressurejust think it over. 'Taking care' doesn't mean an exclusive contract or anything. Siu can come practice whenever he wants, look at other scripts, gain experience and opportunitiesthat's plenty."
"Ah... True, it's hard for Siu to practice at home."
Mom tilted her head, deep in thought.
Good, not a bad reaction.
"Yes, yes. And since Siu's shown interest in other scripts... Until other chances come, how about letting him build experience here? Of course, no obligation to only perform with us. Realistically, considering Siu's age, he might need to go elsewhere if better opportunities arise."
"So not an exclusive contract? But this isn't an entertainment agency, right? Are you okay taking Siu on like that?"
Entertainment agency? What's that?
One more thing to ask Uncle.
I made a mental note and turned to Kim Sangcheol.
Please... Convince Mom well.
Kim Sangcheol seemed slightly surprised by Mom's words and let out a soft "Huh."
"You really know this industry well, ma'am."
"Oh, not really... I once covered an idol contract story, so I know a little."
"Hmm, I get your concerns. I've been in showbiz and seen young rookies go through hell up close."
Kim Sangcheol's expression turned bittersweet as he took a slow sip of tea and continued.
"That's why I'm proposing this. So precious talents like Siu never go through that. I've watched too many fade away pointlessly, and that's why I started and run this troupe."
Mom didn't reply right away but slowly nodded at Kim Sangcheol's words.
This time, Dad stepped in.
"I see. You were a famous actor yourself, right, Theater Owner? I've seen a lot of your movies."
"Oh, really? That's an honor."
"So you really think our Siu has talent?"
Kim Sangcheol smiled deeply and nodded firmly at Dad's concerned question.
"That I can say for sure. Sir, Siu is a born genius. I mean it, and even my directing friend Kang Yonghwi was blown away this time. What I said is sincere, but honestly, part of this is my own greed. I want to watch Siu grow in the right direction with my own eyes."
"Really... That good? Our son?"
"Yes. I stake my 30 years as an actor on it."
Well done!
I clenched both fists, cheering Kim Sangcheol on silently.
Applauding his speech in my mind.
Luckily, it workedDad's hesitant gaze hardened with resolve.
"Oh, and there's someone else who wants to meet Siu besides me."
"Uuung?"
What's this now?
"Who is it?"
"Another director?"
Mom and Dad looked curious too, asking Kim Sangcheol.
He just glanced at me with a meaningful smile.
"That's a secret for now."
"Huuung..."
Curious, but from his eyes, no way he'd spill.
He'll introduce us eventually.
Don't sweat it.
More importantly, I can keep coming to practice.
But the show just ended, and rehearsals are on break for a few days.
No good.
I racked my brain, recalling something from chats with Kang Yonghwi and Kim Seonwoo.
They mentioned filming other plays you can watch on TV every day.
"Theater Owner!"
"Yeah? What is it, Siu?"
"So, I'll come every day. Gimme that, okay?"
"What's that?"
"Video!"
I almost mangled the word but held back.
Last time I scolded Uncle about too much coffee, the actors raved about my English pronunciation.
"Video? Oh, you mean the play recording videos. Sure, I can give you some."
"Yay!"
I clapped in delight, overjoyed.
My best reaction yet.
The three adults smiled warmly at my antics.
Great.
This'll tide me over the no-practice days.
"Show just ended, and you're already this eager. Makes me glad we're taking you on, haha."
Kim Sangcheol beamed proudly at my words.
Now all that's left is my parents' okay.
I gazed at Mom with big, sparkling eyes.
Mom met my eyes, smiled softly, then turned to Kim Sangcheol.
"We'll trust you once, Theater Owner. Dongwook's always saying there aren't enough people like you."
"Haha, really? Guess I owe Dongwook another meal."
Finally, strong approval from Mom.
Way to go, Uncle. Big score after so long.
Gonna give him a good back-pounding at home.
"Please take good care of our Siu from now on."
"We ask you nicely."
My parents stood and bowed together.
"I should be the one asking."
Kim Sangcheol jumped up and bowed too.
Can't leave the star out of this moment.
"We ask you nicely! Theater Owner!"
I shouted in my brightest voice ever.
After deciding to stay with Emergency Iron 777.
I got a bunch of videos from Kim Sangcheol and headed home.
He has official recordings of tons of plays performed over the past few years.
Not just Emergency Iron 777's, but big and small outside shows too.
Sad to miss them live, but videos are great study material.
But,
"Sigh... He sure is handsome."
For some reason, Mom's watching TV even more than me right now.
What caught Mom's eye was the lead actor.
His name: Moon Heesung.
A handsome actor with sharp, European-like features and jawline.
My parents look stunning to my eyes too.
Didn't realize at home, but going to the theater and seeing crowds on the street made it clear.
Guess Moon Heesung looks extra handsome to Mom.
Well... He is good-looking.
To me, his acting stood out more.
The play in this video from about 10 years ago: 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Even in this life, my Shakespeare connection won't quit.
I thought he was great back then, and here he is, 400 years later, still famous.
In Korea, on the opposite side of the planet.
Impressive.
If only I'd talked more with him while alive...
Lost in thought, I refocused on the video.
Moon Heesung as Romeo took the stage for his first meeting with Juliet.
That face looks familiar...
Turned out I'd seen him several times on recent TV.
He's the male lead in my favorite drama, and pops up in movies shorter than plays too.
"Mommy."
"Yeah...?"
I poked Mom, mesmerized by Moon Heesung's face.
"Mommy, how old's that guy?"
"Huh? Oh, Moon Heesung? He's almost 50, I think? Wait, heeek. Late 40s, Siu."
So the Moon Heesung in this video is mid-30s at most.
Even accounting for Koreans looking young, he seems early 30s.
And that insane skill.
Come to think of it...
I pieced it together.
Top actor in current Korea, coincidentally played Romeo.
Plus acting skill even this body respects.
Reminded me of one person.
'Richard Burbage'.
My senior from Oscar Theater Troupe days, sharing joys and hardships.
The lead in the first play I ever saw after birth, Richard III: 'Richard Burbage'.
Seeing him kept bringing that name to mind.
London's top actor, famed for Romeo too.
That's why I trusted and followed him.
Amazing.
Richard's freakish talent and aura.
Didn't expect to find it again.
"Hmm."
Watching Moon Heesung deliver lines with ecstatic expression, hand outstretched, I thought.
I want to meet him in person.