episode_0050

“Dohee-ssi’s life performance…”

Choi Heewon PD, deep in thought, rubbed his chin, but Director Go Taemin immediately agreed.

“That’s right. I actually thought Dohee-ssi’s agency might have embellished things a bit for the casting, but other staff members were all praising her. So, I became curious.”

“It’s true that Dohee-ssi did very well that day.”

“If that’s the case, I should see it for myself even more. I can also see Hwang Myungpil-ssi while I’m there. He’s a capable actor, and it would be troublesome if I rejected him. I’d feel bad for him.”

It was very common for a director to visit the set to get inspiration, so Choi Heewon PD was more surprised by something else.

It was Director Go Taemin’s meticulousness.

‘Honestly, someone like Director Go shouldn’t have any regrets.’

Actors wanting to participate in his projects would be lining up, and if there were any changes in Park Dohee, he could just replace her with someone else. Nevertheless, he said he’d check carefully.

‘Actors who have a connection with Director Go are truly blessed. Is there any other maestro as meticulous as him?’

Filled with admiration, Choi Heewon PD said sincerely.

“Director Go is truly amazing. He only judges and selects actors based on their skills for every casting. It’s no wonder the public reveres him as a discoverer of rough diamonds.”

“That’s an excessive title. I haven’t really done anything. I’ve just cast actors that I wanted when they came along.”

“That’s precisely what’s amazing. Usually, people want actors with famous faces and names, and who also command high prices.”

Recalling the past, Choi Heewon PD’s thoughts became clearer.

Director Go Taemin often worked with unfamiliar actors in each project, and the endings were similar. There would always be an emerging rookie or an actor whose face became known later, reversing their popularity.

This must also be thanks to Director Go Taemin’s meticulousness.

“Thank you for saying that. I’ll say hello on the day of principal photography.”

And finally, the moment he hung up the phone.

‘Wait a minute.’

A thought flashed through Choi Heewon PD’s mind.

‘That scene of Park Dohee-ssi, it’s the scene where she’s acting with the person who awakened her. He’s a meticulous person, so there’s no way he’d miss it.’

He was already looking forward to the day of principal photography.

◈◈◈◈◈

Profile photoshoot location.

“Okay, I’ll show you the results of today’s shoot. From the left, in order: Kim Yuhan, a profile dressed as a man, and then Sua-ssi’s natural profile.”

Sua nodded her head profusely after seeing the results.

Sua nods nods.

The reason was simple.

‘The three are completely different, but I like them all very much.’

It felt like facing the character selection screen of an RPG game.

You know, even if the character is the same, the vibe changes depending on which job you choose. The photos in front of Sua were like that. They had the same starting point, but they felt like they were going in different directions.

She liked them. She really liked them a lot.

Of course, the one she liked the most among them was!

“…”

This one right here. Naturally, it was a photo that captured her appearance without pretense.

Then, the photo team leader chuckled as if understanding.

“That one’s really good, right? I’ll admit it. It was the first request I’ve ever received since starting this job, but Sua-ssi, this also suits you. Thanks to you, my perspective has also broadened. Thank you.”

Sua’s natural profile picture to be revealed last.

Honestly, there were many concerns. She was worried that capturing her appearance as it was would be much uglier than she thought. But it was unfounded. The results in her hands were pretty good.

Sua suddenly tilted her head.

‘…Am I continuing to change?’

It was a strange thing. Wasn’t she someone who had difficulty with human relationships and was very shy?

And yet, she strongly expressed her opinion that she would leave behind her natural appearance.

It was something she couldn’t even have imagined in the past.

She probably would have only been watching the team leader’s every move throughout the shoot, trying to please him, and then finishing the job by choosing an adequate photo.

“…”

Looking back on it like this, the difference was truly enormous.

As expected, the perk seems to have affected her personality as well.

At first, it was just a question, but now it’s almost a certainty.

‘That’s right, I really am changing.’

There’s no problem. It’s something that will end if she accepts it.

It’s not like this will put Sua at a disadvantage. Rather, it’s a change that brings benefits, so she should think of it in a good way.

It was then that the photoshoot team leader spoke again.

“You have the feeling of a wild animal that has just stepped out into the world. Anyone who sees this will have the desire to tame you.”

“The desire to tame…”

“That could be someone in the industry, or it could be a viewer. It’s natural to want to change something unfinished into something finished, so this photo will really attract a lot of things to Sua-ssi.”

Out of the many words, Sua only remembered one.

“…An animal that has just stepped out into the world. I like it.”

Sua and the photoshoot team leader nodded at the same time.

Even though the animals that they each had in mind were different.

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Inside the VIP lounge of the profile photoshoot location.

The interior was generally cozy and full of plush chairs. One side was also full of magazines and snacks.

And currently, Kim Seonil and Seo Yeonju were staying here.

“Hey, give me that chair.”

“You should have sat down first.”

“That’s why I’m asking you. Get out of the way.”

When Seo Yeonju, sitting opposite him, placed her socked feet on Kim Seonil’s lap, Kim Seonil’s expression turned serious.

The two people were having ‘very good’ relations, as usual.

In fact, most actors don’t have much interest in people from the same agency.

When they meet at an awards ceremony, they finally think, ‘Oh, there was someone like that in our agency.’

Considering that point, Mystic’s current situation was very special. Kim Seonil and Seo Yeonju were interested in Sua’s profile photoshoot and even came to watch.

Of course, it wasn’t just for the sake of friendship. The three of them were also the leads in Special Task Force 808, so Sua’s makeup and profile photoshoot were also a major event.

“Hoo… Heavy.”

It was then that Kim Iseo appeared, carrying shopping bags full.

Some of the shopping bags were dragging on the floor and getting dirty, but there was no helping it.

Kim Iseo’s physique was originally on the smaller side. She seemed very calm, as if she were used to this kind of thing.

Seo Yeonju’s eyes sparkled when she saw Kim Iseo.

“The CEO is here? CEO CEO, I had a video call with Sua, you know? I took a sneak peek at her makeup. And it was…”

“I’ve already seen it. I had a video call too, if it’s a video call.”

“Ugh, you spoiled it.”

Seo Yeonju’s eyes almost lost their sparkle. It was because she saw Kim Iseo’s hands.

“Huh? More than that, what are you holding in your hands?”

Kim Iseo slightly twitched her eyebrows.

“How about you ask while helping me hold them? They’re heavy.”

“If it’s a gift for me, I’ll hold them. Ah, I understand. You bought them because you filmed a terrible commercial with Seonil these days, right? What is it? A bracelet? A necklace?”

“It’s for Sua.”

“Wow. CEO, are you already only taking care of Sua?”

A feeling of emptiness appeared on Seo Yeonju’s face. It was like her mom had said she bought something, so she was expecting it, but she only bought something for her younger sibling?

To stop her playful whining, Kim Iseo calmly continued.

“Director Park Jun expressed confidence in ‘Sword’ advancing to the finals. That’s why. I tried to get some dresses for Sua to wear.”

“CEO, I’m also a lead in ‘Sword’?”

“Act like Yeonju. Sua is a rookie.”

“Sua isn’t a rookie, she’s a monster. Please take care of me from now on. I’m still a baby, a baby Yeonju.”

Whether the word “baby” had pressed something in Kim Seonil, Kim Seonil, who had been listening quietly all along, shuddered.

“That’s unfortunate at such a young age.”

“…Seonil-ah, what do you mean by that?”

Anyway, Kim Iseo and Seo Yeonju continued their chatter like a daughter and a mother. There were always plenty of topics to discuss.

The commercial shooting schedule to cover Sua’s contract fee, the principal photography of Special Task Force 808, the schedule for the second half of the year, and…

There was a story that they inevitably had to go through, as if it were natural.

That was, of course, the story of Sua rejecting Director Kim Junki.

“Really? She blew off the audition?”

“Yes. She said her heart didn’t boil over. Actually, considering that she would become awkward with Director Kim Junki, it would be good to at least participate in the audition, but what can we do? She said she’s not motivated.”

Kim Iseo sighed deeply.

“Really, looking at it like this, I wonder why Mystique gathered like this.”

“What is that statement? We’re all doing our jobs well, right?”

“That’s true, but…”

Kim Iseo suddenly looked at each and every member of Mystic.

Seo Yeonju is like a daughter. She complains or acts pouty, but she feels like she does the work she’s assigned. Kim Seonil is like a son who goes out without saying anything and doesn’t come back for a while.

And Sua is…

“…”

Kim Iseo hurriedly shook her head. It was because the word “parricide” came to mind.

Meanwhile, Seo Yeonju continued to speak.

“Hmm, but it might have been better to reject him. Director Kim Junki says he’s doing a 15+ rated project this time, but in my opinion, he’s definitely lying. He’ll change his mind, saying it became rated R while he was making it, right?”

“It’s not impossible that that could happen.”

“Besides, I’ve said it several times, but that director’s gaze is creepy. He kept looking at my chest or butt.”

“I understand why Yeonju would say that.”

“Yeah, it’s better that way. You can’t make Sua do something like that.”

Recalling her unpleasant experience with Kim Junki, Seo Yeonju shuddered.

It wasn’t that it might have been better to reject him, it was that she should have just rejected him.

It was only for a short time, but when she recalls that unpleasant experience, it’s enough for her alone. She didn’t want to make Sua experience something like that.

Ah, but talking about Sua makes me want to see Sua. When is Sua coming?

“I’m here.”

Right then, the door to the VIP lounge opened.

It was Sua.

Then, including Kim Seonil, who was covering his face with a magazine and sleeping, everyone focused their attention on Sua. Sua, who had become much more beautiful than when they first met, was facing them.

“The white hair is a divine move.”

“That black dress is nice.”

“Look at her proportions. How frustrating would it have been if she hadn’t become an actress?”

Sua was very happy with those reactions. Who would dislike compliments in the first place? It felt like the hardship of sitting for a long time had disappeared with just a few words.

‘I definitely have to thank writer Lee Geumsuk later. Everyone seems to like the Arctic fox. Me too.’

Kim Iseo tapped on the lounge table.

“Okay, shall we look at the results of the shoot now?”

Sua immediately took out the three photos and put them up. The Kim Yuhan photo, the profile picture to deceive as a man, and finally the natural photo.

It was a blink of an eye before a strong reaction erupted.

“Wow, what is this.”

“Kim Yuhan looks exactly like Kim Yuhan. Honestly, what detective would think of dyeing their hair white? He’s a unique character.”

“This natural profile, there’s going to be a riot when it’s released. Everyone thought she was a handsome oppa, but if she’s this cool unnie… This is already going to be fun.”

“This male profile’s name is Lee Suan, right? It feels like an idol, not an actor. She has the ending fairy vibe. The type of kid who would sell the most photo cards in the group if they sold them.”

Words were pouring out like a barrage, and every single one was a compliment.

Sua felt awkwardly embarrassed for no reason. It was partly because compliments themselves were unfamiliar, and partly because it was the first time there were people who were more excited for Sua’s future than Sua herself. Sua embarrassed…

But one thing was certain. Sua’s mood improved.

“She’s called the Arctic fox.”

The entire Mystic team ignored those words, but since no denial came back, Sua took it as everyone agreeing. In any case, it was like the completion of a world where no one gets hurt.

But then, Kim Seonil narrowed his brow.

“There’s one problem.”

“Problem?”

“Yeah, her face is really perfect, but…”

Kim Seonil started looking back and forth between the photo and Sua’s body, and the other two soon did the same. Everyone except Sua easily understood what Kim Seonil was worried about.

“Even if we could try wrapping a bandage around her chest…”

“Her hips are too big. CG is the only answer.”

“…She’s even bouncing every time she moves. A lot, too.”

“Similar or on par with me. It must be heavy. I know it well.”

Kim Iseo and Kim Seonil looked at Seo Yeonju as if to say, what are you talking about, but Seo Yeonju pretended not to know.

Anyway, a body that makes it impossible to hide that she’s a woman.

The amount of fat that has to be shaved off is, well, quite enormous.

The three felt a bitter sense of defeat as they looked at different things.

One was about the size she didn’t have.

One was about the acting ability that covered even the limits of the body.

One was… just everything…

Soon, Mystic’s thoughts converged into one.

‘Looking at it now, isn’t it impossible even with CG?’