Chapter 59
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: Fireworks and Ad-Libs
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Want to change clothes, Siu?
I turned around at my uncles call.
My mouth was smeared with bright red chili paste.
Id thought Nam Yeonsu was trying to mess with me, but the paste was genuinely sweet.
After scarfing down three pieces in a row, my tongue felt like it was on fire, so I had to chug some water, but it was still delicious.
Just as Yeonsu and I were quietly devouring the sashimi, my uncle called out.
Mm?
Oh man, youve got it all over your mouth. Whats that? Rockfish? That good, huh?
Yeah.
Heh. Looks like you enjoyed it. Its getting darkfireworks should be starting soon.
Gasp! Lets go!
I hopped up and grabbed my uncles hand, heading back to our lodging.
Arms up for a victory cheer.
Yeah.
With reverence, I changed into the outfit Id picked out with my uncle for this trip.
Even in summer, the seaside nights brought a chilly breeze.
Id hesitated over what to buy, spotting a hoodie with cute animal ears attached.
It felt too childish, even for me, so I almost passed, but the staff gushed over how adorable it was, leaving me no choice but to buy it.
Everyones gonna stare when I wear this, right?
Hmm, good enough.
Ready to head out? Hold onSis said to snap a pic of you in it and send it over.
Yeah, over there?
At my uncles words, I dashed to the wall and struck a pose.
He snapped away seriously, then showed me the best ones.
First and third.
Perfect. Sis is gonna love them.
After sending the photos to Mom, we stepped back outside.
The staff spotted me and froze, staring.
Whoa, Siu whats with the outfit?
One comment sparked it, and soon they were all gawking.
Then,
So cute!
Too cute!
There it was.
Grasping my uncles hand, I flashed a beaming smile, basking in the shower of cutes.
Totally satisfied.
Id have to swing by that shop again.
They knew their stuff.
For fan service, I put on the hood, took it off, posed for pics.
Then we claimed the prime spot for the best fireworks view and sat down.
Eutcha.
Not too cold?
Nope!
Cha Il-nam spotted me sitting and checked in before moving on.
What a great guy.
Id sensed it from Han Yoo-joos script, and his directing style confirmed it.
They wanted to make a drama that smelled like real lifeyou could feel it right away.
No wonder the staff seemed so tight-knit on his set.
Even my uncle, who tagged along to every shoot as manager, told me this vibe was a first.
The director probably wanted to infuse the whole production with this dramas energy.
Maybe thats why he set up tonights gathering.
Yeah, thats why Id bothered packing this outfit and changing into it.
Not for any selfish reason.
I wanted to help foster the atmosphere Cha Il-nam was aiming for.
Kim Sangcheols words echoed: The protagonist has to be the protagonist even off-set.
Really, no ulterior motive.
Promise.
Pew!
Whoa
Awesome.
The beach where the Cactus team lounged.
Dozens watched as fireworks burst over the horizon.
You come to the sea in summer, fireworks are a must.
But you bought a ton earlieris that okay?
Yeah, they said were the only ones on the beach tonight, and we promised the owner wed clean up.
Overhearing the proud fireworks crew, I stared endlessly at the pitch-black sky.
Being short, even sitting
My head craned back endlessly.
How do fireworks even explode in the sky?
What an incredible invention.
And so cool.
Wow. Wooow.
First fireworks everI couldnt shut my mouth.
Haha, that mind-blowing, Siu?
Yeah. First time seeing these.
Moon Heesung sidled up and hoisted me effortlessly.
Nestled comfy in his one-armed hold, I could watch without strain.
My neck hurt way less, thanks to him.
Pew. Pew.
Crimson blooms unfurled endlessly against the inky night sky.
All around, staff cheered, mesmerized.
Some snapping pics, others yelling to light more at once.
Everyone reveling in the fireworks.
The actors were all here toowait, one missing.
Huh?
I scanned around, then glanced toward the lodging.
There sat Kang Soo-jung, alone at the table.
Her face flashed in bursts from distant pops, looking utterly solitary.
Next morning on set.
Lots of natural light heremove the lights that way.
Got it. Hold up! Hey! Careful there. Dont trip the cords!
Audio check again. Winds picking up.
A quaint seaside diner was todays location.
Long setup and shoot meant early morning prep.
Hello.
Good morning. Hard work.
I arrived from lodging, makeup done, with Uncle beside me as always.
Inside, todays scene partner Kang Soo-jung was already there.
Siu, youre here? Preps almost done.
Yeah.
Following Cha Il-nams lead, I headed to her table.
Huh? Yeonsu hyung?
Morning.
Hey, Siu.
Deeper in, Choi Taewoo and Nam Yeonsu waitedno scenes yet.
So quiet I hadnt noticed.
Youre out this early? Your turns not even next.
Shoots right after anyway. Figured Id watch you two act, so came with Yeonsu.
Choi Taewoo grinned easygoingly.
I noddedfair enoughand turned to Kang Soo-jung.
Hello.
Yeah, hi.
Last night over dinner and fireworks? Barely two words.
True to form, she was dead quiet today too.
Hmm, no deep chat before shooting again.
But I had my ways.
I knew exactly how to get people like her talking.
Personal experience.
Not from prying open someone elses mouth.
The oppositeId gone from silent to chatterbox.
Back in my Oscar Theater Troupe days as Noah Battenberg.
That troupe? Couldnt leave a quiet actor be.
Silent meant not working.
Oscar Pitt and his actors creed.
But I didnt start chatty.
Truth is, I couldnt talk, not wouldnt.
Sudden kid actor dragged in by the boss.
Handed a big role right awayactors eyed me warily, barely spoke.
My noble upbringing didnt help me blend with easy charm.
Breaks turned social only after they saw my killer acting.
Hey, newbie. Howd you pull that off?
That gruff line kicked it off.
After, breaks wrecked my throat more than performingnonstop talk.
That endless chatter became fuel to navigate stage crises with the crew.
We were all there for acting.
Even prickly folks wanna talk to great performersthats actor psychology.
Stage or drama, didnt matter.
Kang Soo-jung seemed anti-social, but she loved actingclear as day.
Otherwise, no way shed deliver that raw emotion last time.
Today, Id try talking through hervia acting.
Actors converse in performance anyway.
Seaside diner window seat, ocean view pristine.
Uju (Han Siu) and Han Ji-hye (Kang Soo-jung) face off over tempting dishes.
The seas glare refreshes the eyes.
Weather so perfect, the vista alone lifts spirits.
Prime view, mouthwatering foodyet Ujus face stays dim.
Uju, try this? Super fresh ingredients.
Sudden country move soured Ujuno appetite, bad moods.
Mom Han Ji-hye knows, so she dragged him out today.
To cheer him, she heaps sides onto his plate and spoonhe eats quietly.
Best meal since movingwary, she studies his face.
Heavy heart? She hesitates, peeks at him.
Uju, you okay, right?
No reply.
Hes eating finemaybe okay? But face says no.
Looks normal on surface.
But Kang Soo-jung, playing Han Ji-hye, froze inside.
What?
Ujus line shouldve hit now.
Facing silent Han Siu, she pondered pushing on.
Forgot line? Call NG?
Thats when
Uju spoke.
Mommy?
Uh, wha?
Glancing at Cha Il-nam, she blurted instinctively.
Off-script.
Sudden ad-lib from Han Siuher face nearly crumpled.
Relieved he wasnt flaky, but this curveball?
About to yell NG, he spoke again.
You okay, Mommy?
She halted mid-chopsticks.
Not a flub.
Real ad-lib.
Her fidgety NG panic and startled freeze? Probably caught natural on cam, fitting Han Ji-hye.
Past shock, she clocked it quick, replying slow.
What?
Probe sons heart.
A kid this tuned to Moms feelingswhats he thinking?
Couldnt guess easyshort question all she mustered.
Heart racedwhatd he fire back?
If Mommys okay, Im okay. If you like it, I like it.
Her line, originally.
-Uju okay, Mommy okay. Uju likes, Mommy likes.-
He stole it, made it his.
Context adjusted flawless.
Nerves of a seven-year-old from broken home.
Reading Mom, resigning to fate.
Han Siu nailed pitiful seven-year-old who knew Moms pain inside out.
Absurdshe gaped, and he wrapped it.
Ocean right there, fresh air and we eat together like this. So I like it.
Big smile with it.
First grin since move.
Hearing that, Kang Soo-jung lost words for real.
Well eat together like this every day now, Mommy.
Uju swallows better this way, ends line.
Seeing his face, Kang Soo-jung could only stay silent.