Chapter 101
Chapter 101
He Wouldn’t Dare Be Rude to Me
“Yeah?”
(Yeon-seo, long time no see.)
“I’ve been enjoying your new album.”
(You have? Thanks. Are you busy these days? You don’t have a new project lined up?)
The person on the phone was Choi Jun-yeong, who had been on the island with him for ‘Welcome to the Guest House’. An actor and singer, he had recently released an album and was actively promoting it. True to his nickname as a chart-topper, his songs were playing on every street corner, and the album itself was a massive success.
“Aren’t you busier than I am right now?”
(I am. But if you’re not busy, do you want to go on a talk show with me?)
“A talk show?”
(Yeah, it’s called ‘Life Bar’… It’s definitely not a sensationalist program, and since there’s a script, we can block any rude questions beforehand.)
Yu Yeon-seo, sinking into his chair, searched for ‘Life Bar’.
-Life Bar was hilarious. He’s so charming lol
-I was watching Life Bar with a smile and then ended up sobbingㅠㅠ
-I wish my favorite actor would go on Life Bar.
The reviews were all positive. It rarely caused controversy by asking provocative questions. There were even many posts in Yu Yeon-seo’s fan club, ‘Love Letter’, wishing for him to appear on the show.
‘It would be something new…’
But still… what would I even talk about? Even if the producers handled the entertainment aspect, the program’s purpose seemed to be getting friendly with the MC over a meal and sharing sincere, hidden stories.
‘I am a little bored…’
After ‘Demon’, Yu Yeon-seo had been resting at home, slowly synchronizing his memories. He was gathering news about the next projects of great directors like Director Cheon and growing his assets to pay the taxes on the shares Choi Yu-jin would give him.
-Yeon-seo, what are you doingㅠㅠ Post something on social media at least
-It feels so empty now that the flood of content is overㅠㅠ
-Isn’t the next trailer for Death Squad out yet?
-Gonna go rewatch Demon
-No news about his next project yet, right?
To be honest, it seemed like there wasn’t a day when they didn’t want to see him, but his fans were currently looking for the reclusive Yu Yeon-seo.
“Well, I have been taking a break lately.”
(Perfect. Then let’s go together.)
“Hmm… I don’t know.”
(Yeon-seo, you’re my only hope. The others and Yun-jeong are all filming, and I-jun is busy preparing for his comeback.)
“Don’t you have any friends besides the Guest House members?”
Choi Jun-yeong laughed at Yu Yeon-seo’s heartfelt joke. They had spent enough time together on the island to be comfortable with this level of banter.
(Nope. The Guest House members are the people I trust the most.)
“Should I be honored?”
(So? Let’s go together.)
Choi Jun-yeong pleaded with him to go. Something about this was suspicious…
“Did you, by any chance, promise the PD or someone there that you’d definitely be on the show?”
(Whoa.)
“And you promised to bring another guest with you?”
(Wow…)
“I knew it.”
He could hear Choi Jun-yeong muttering that he was a psychic.
(Someone who helped me when I debuted works there…)
“Really?”
(There’s that, but I’m also not great with variety and talk shows, so I always bring someone I know.)
“Ah, I feel like I’m being used.”
(No! How could I ever use you!)
Still, he didn’t want to agree for nothing. Teasing Choi Jun-yeong was fun.
“What will you do for me if I go?”
(Hey, you have so much already. What more are you trying to get?)
“Forget that. What will you do for me?”
(Hmm… Should I do the OST for your next project? Or… do you want to release a song? I can write you a really good one.)
“So, you can do anything for me within the scope of your abilities?”
(Yeah! I’ll do anything!)
An OST… Would having a chart-topper like Choi Jun-yeong be good for promoting a drama? He hadn’t really thought about releasing a song, but having a favor owed to him could be useful somewhere. For now, Yu Yeon-seo didn’t agree right away, telling him he’d call back later before ending the call.
“Hey, do you know a show called ‘Life Bar’?”
“I do.”
“What’s it like?”
Lee Tae-gyeom, who had a moment to spare at a red light, rolled his eyes.
“I think it’ll be fine. Han Tae-hyung is famous as the ‘Nation’s MC,’ and the show itself isn’t provocative, it’s pretty mellow.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, there’s no harm in going. It’s on Manager Park’s list, too…”
“Hmm…”
Fiddling with his phone, Yu Yeon-seo was lost in thought for a moment before sending a message to Choi Jun-yeong.
(Choi Jun-yeong) Really?
(Choi Jun-yeong) For real? I’m gonna tell them I’m coming with you, okay?
(Me) Don’t forget your promise
(Choi Jun-yeong) Great, I’ll do anything within my power
What’s with the drama? Yu Yeon-seo screenshotted his conversation with Choi Jun-yeong just in case.
“I’ve decided to go, so take care of it.”
“Alright.”
In fact, Halo Media had once tried to cultivate a more premium image for Yu Yeon-seo. Prioritizing films over dramas, and for variety shows, only brief appearances to promote a movie, nothing too lighthearted. In any case, the agency had its own standards, but…
[What is this, the 90s? A mystique strategy?]
That was shot down by Yu Yeon-seo’s reaction.
[I’m not the kind of person who needs a strategy like that, am I?]
He had added, making a rather conceited but persuasive point. Manager Park Sang-tae had been speechless for a while after that response.
[Still, don’t you think we should manage this sort of thing now?]
[Why are you making a fuss? It’s weird seeing you suddenly so proactive…]
Halo Media was only in charge of simple management. The choice of projects was to be primarily guided by the actor’s decision.
[No, but still, we have to do the basics, don’t we?]
[Manager Park, don’t try to do anything. I’m going to do what I want.]
[Sigh… Fine, do whatever you want.]
In the end, Manager Park had to raise the white flag.
“We’re here.”
As soon as Yu Yeon-seo got out of the car, Lee Tae-gyeom and Im Seung-hyeon scurried to follow him.
“Young master, is there anything uncomfortable?”
“Water, should I get you some water?”
After learning about Yu Yeon-seo’s health condition, they acted as if the slightest movement might cause something to go wrong, volunteering to attend to his every need. When they had first learned his secret, they had looked ready to spoon-feed him.
‘It’s convenient, but… a bit annoying.’
I’m not a child. Yu Yeon-seo gave a dismissive wave of his hand and quickened his pace. Although it was a set, the elaborately built traditional Korean house was impressive.
“Gasp.”
The staff, milling about during what seemed to be a break in filming, all inhaled sharply as they recognized his face. They began to murmur, staring at Yu Yeon-seo’s back.
“Hey.”
Jin Su-ho, who was sitting on a folding chair, turned his head.
“You’re here?”
Folding his script, Jin Su-ho shot up from his seat. Yu Yeon-seo had been feeling restless from being cooped up at home when he received a call from Jin Su-ho. If you’re bored, want to come visit our set?
‘This is my first time on a historical drama set…’
He had nothing else to do, and the idea of a historical drama piqued his interest. A considerable amount had been invested in production; the costumes, props, and the set were quite elaborate. The number of staff members was also quite large.
Yu Yeon-seo looked at Jin Su-ho, dressed in a calm, navy robe and a traditional hat, with a strange expression.
“Yeah. But weren’t you filming something else before?”
“That wrapped up a month ago.”
He truly lived up to his nickname, Jin the Workhorse. Yu Yeon-seo was also considered an actor with a short gap between projects, but Jin Su-ho’s was even shorter. He was someone who genuinely enjoyed the act of performing. He had a good eye for projects and never hesitated in his choices. He was already being mentioned as a strong contender for Best Actor and the Grand Prize at the next film festival.
‘I really want to beat him.’
How could he catch up to Jin Su-ho?
“Su-ho, about the next scene… Gasp, Yu Yeon-seo?”
Shin Ye-won, the lead actress of the project, froze on the spot as soon as she saw Yu Yeon-seo’s face. Jin Su-ho smiled as if he had expected it.
“Ah, I invited him over.”
“Hello.”
As Yu Yeon-seo bowed his head slightly, a flustered Shin Ye-won blushed.
“It’s so nice to meet you. Was I being too rude?”
“No, it’s fine.”
He was used to being called by his full name anyway.
Shin Ye-won was one of the top three actresses, with a long career and the very same premium image Manager Park was always going on about. He remembered enjoying several of her movies in the Archive of the Future.
‘Her personality seems more lively than her image suggests.’
It felt strange to see someone in person whom he had only ever seen on screen. Without a shred of shame, Shin Ye-won spoke to Jin Su-ho, even with Yu Yeon-seo listening.
“Wow, he’s seriously no joke. Why didn’t you invite him sooner?”
“Haha…”
After that, he was greeted by many other actors and staff members. Besides Shin Ye-won and Jin Su-ho, there were many other top-tier actors in the cast.
“We’re starting filming!”
Allowed to sit next to the director, Yu Yeon-seo watched Jin Su-ho and Shin Ye-won on the monitor. The playful atmosphere from before was gone, replaced by sharp-faced expressions as they crossed swords.
Watching them, Yu Yeon-seo suddenly felt a surge of motivation.
‘I should start deciding on my next project soon.’
What should I do next?
“Mr. Yeon-seo!”
As Yu Yeon-seo entered the studio, the writer for ‘Life Bar’ came running up to him, out of breath. The writer had been anxiously pacing, worried he might not show up after saying he would.
“Thank you so much for coming.”
“You should thank Jun-yeong.”
“Still, thank you so much. Our ratings haven’t been great lately…”
‘Life Bar’ had been a thriving program with Han Tae-hyung, known as the Nation’s MC, at its helm. However, as the show grew older and stuck to a calmer route unlike other variety shows, its once-high ratings had been gradually declining.
“Um, but there’s been a slight change of plans.”
“What is it?”
“The wife of our co-MC, Kim Ji-sung, is about to give birth, so he’ll be taking a few weeks of paternity leave.”
“Is that so? Please congratulate him for me.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
The guests for ‘Life Bar’ were just Choi Jun-yeong and Yu Yeon-seo, and there were two MCs.
“So, will someone else be filling in as the co-MC?”
“Park Ju-hyeon. Do you know him? He was the only one available, so we had to cast him in a hurry.”
“Ah… I know him.”
The answer came from Lee Tae-gyeom. Yu Yeon-seo glanced behind him. Not just Lee Tae-gyeom, but Im Seung-hyeon too had a sour expression.
“Why?”
“He’s known for causing trouble. Just a moment.”
Park Ju-hyeon had debuted as a comedian and was now frequently called to be a variety show MC. His hosting skills were acknowledged, but he had no filter and often asked rude questions. There was even a joke that most of the controversies that stirred up the internet came from Park Ju-hyeon’s mouth.
Lee Tae-gyeom scowled and approached the PD.
“PD-nim, this isn’t what we agreed on. There was no mention of Park Ju-hyeon.”
“Circumstances changed. Please understand. We’ll make sure to cut anything inappropriate.”
He confronted the PD, just as Manager Park had taught him.
The news of Yu Yeon-seo’s guest appearance had caused a huge spike in interest for ‘Life Bar’. The head of the variety department at the broadcasting station had even paid a visit. By now, the one with all the power on this set wasn’t the PD or the writer, but Yu Yeon-seo.
“Shall we head to the waiting room for now?”
A staff member guided Yu Yeon-seo to the waiting room with an excessively obsequious attitude. Inside, Choi Jun-yeong had already arrived and was getting his makeup done.
“You’re here?”
Yu Yeon-seo took the hand Choi Jun-yeong offered.
“Did you hear about the MC change?”
“Yeah, I heard. Ah… I don’t like Park Ju-hyeon.”
“Did something happen?”
Yu Yeon-seo narrowed his eyes, seeing Choi Jun-yeong’s expression darken for a rare moment. Choi Jun-yeong muttered with a look of genuine reluctance.
“There was… an incident.”
“Did you also get maliciously edited because of him?”
“Yeah… a little. Ah, I can’t just say I’m not doing it now.”
Watching Choi Jun-yeong’s troubled back, he thought. Surely he wouldn’t be rude to me, too?