episode_0197

[Crescendo From Tomorrow]

001 ─ Kim Sohee (Lee Sua)

002 ─ Park Minseo (Ham Ayoon)

003 ─ Kim Yoonkyung (Lee Joo Hyun → Yang Harin)

“Yang Harin is the right person for the Kim Yoonkyung role?”

Sua murmured blankly.

Special Assignment designated Yang Harin as the actress for Kim Yoonkyung. That alone is shocking, but the problem is what comes next.

What surprised Sua even more.

[Yeon Cheon-kyung Records]

[4. Yang Harin: Scheduled to die, cannot be unlocked]

Scheduled to die.

It was clearly written like that. Only four letters, but the shock Sua received to her head was considerable. Yang Harin? The Yang Harin that Sua knows is suddenly scheduled to die?

‘What kind of accident will she get into?’

─I don’t think it’s an accident.

At this time, the inner Yoo Han-Sua intervened.

─The photo shown by the monkey is a clue.

‘Photo?’

─Yes. If the post was really written by Yang Harin herself, it means that Yang Harin has been constantly considering suicide. Could it be death by suicide?

‘Suicide, you say….’

Suicide. Those two words were frighteningly scary to Sua.

A death chosen by oneself, how spine-chilling is that?

She wondered why Yang Harin, who was so proud, had decided to commit suicide, but soon dismissed the thought. It’s not a problem that Sua can know right away, and it’s urgent to stop it first.

‘I must stop it. But how do I stop it?’

Then Thug-Sua rolled up her sleeves.

─Wouldn’t the most sure way be to just hold her? So that she can’t commit suicide even if she wants to?

─That won’t do.

But Wise-Ji Hye-Sua shakes her head.

─There’s no point in saving her that way. If her spirit dies, Yang Harin won’t be able to play Kim Yoonkyung in “Crescendo From Tomorrow.” It’s not an ideal success strategy.

─I agree with Old Lady Wi. If she has decided to commit suicide, it means she has been cornered mentally that much, so we need to provide a fundamental solution. That way, she won’t commit suicide, and “Crescendo From Tomorrow” will be saved as well.

‘An ideal success strategy….’

I thought about it several times, but there was only one thing.

‘Fan meeting.’

As scheduled, Yang Harin will appear at Sua’s fan meeting. The only option is to make a move then somehow.

◈◈◈◈◈

Later, at the Mystic headquarters.

A meeting between CEO Kim Yiseo and Sua was held.

Kim Yiseo canceled all of her existing schedules to listen to Sua’s story, but she didn’t seem to regret it. That’s because the reason is Sua.

‘Sua wouldn’t be talking nonsense.’

Kim Yiseo believes in Sua. That’s why she willingly made time. Yes, but….

“Hoo.”

She took a deep breath. Because she was a little nervous.

Because the story Sua brought up was so shocking. In fact, she was still confused as to whether she had heard it wrong.

“Are you saying that Kang Hak-man sexually harassed Sua?”

Sua wore the most serious expression possible. Since it was true in the first place, there was no need to try to act.

“Yes. It’s exactly as I told you.”

Seeing that expression, Kim Yiseo was convinced.

‘At least Sua is sincere right now.’

Meanwhile, Sua was extremely nervous. It was the first time she had experienced something like this, and it was also the first time she had confided in someone.

She was worried that things would go wrong for no reason, but….

“…Kang Hak-man? The guy who got married and even had a daughter?”

Fortunately, Kim Yiseo didn’t doubt Sua’s words, and even more, she didn’t blame Sua. Rather, the fact that she was full of concern and anger was the proof.

Kim Yiseo asked Sua.

“Sua, why didn’t you tell me right away?”

“I had an additional concern.”

“An additional concern? Ah, Kang Hak-man’s reputation is too good, so you thought I wouldn’t believe you? It’s okay. I trust Sua’s words completely.”

“That was also uncomfortable, but there’s one more thing.”

Sua shook her head.

“Kang Hak-man and Lee Joo Hyun seem to be having an affair. To the extent that it could ruin the entire production.”

“….”

At this point, Kim Yiseo couldn’t help but reveal her surprised expression. Sua being sexually harassed was enough to make her faint, but what is this again?

“Two people having an affair? How did you find out?”

She doesn’t ask if it’s true, but how she found out. Kim Yiseo was already showing trust in Sua. However, the problem is that the information is too shocking.

‘How did I find out, you ask….’

There’s no way I can tell her about Maid-Sua.

I had to gloss over this part appropriately. Sua seemed plausible.

“I don’t have any physical evidence, but my gut feeling tells me so.”

“Then when did that gut feeling start?”

“At the script reading…. To be exact, after Kang Hak-man sexually harassed me. Lee Joo Hyun’s behavior was strange.”

“Hmm.”

Kim Yiseo thought for a moment.

“Sua, there’s a part I don’t understand.”

“Please feel free to speak.”

“Sexual harassment is a crime, right?”

“Yes.”

“It’s something that should be punished without hesitation, but Sua said she temporarily hid the fact that she was harassed because she was worried about Kang Hak-man and Lee Joo Hyun’s affair. I can’t understand the connection between the two pieces of information at all.”

“Ah.”

Sua nodded.

‘I guess it’s understandable from CEO-nim’s perspective.’

Kang Hak-man is the one who harmed Sua. If I only focus on punishing Kang Hak-man without looking back, it would be easy, but “Crescendo From Tomorrow” will be completely ruined. I didn’t want that. It’s like I want a bad tooth to fall out.

“….”

“So I watched to see if they were having an affair. If the two of them are really having an affair, I can cleanly kick them out of “Crescendo From Tomorrow,” and there will be legal punishment as well.”

Then Kim Yiseo’s eyes widened.

‘You’re thinking that far even while being sexually harassed?’

That’s because Sua felt like a superhuman who had transcended humans.

Even though she was sexually harassed, she doesn’t seem particularly shocked. Rather, she only calmly examined the situation even more for the sake of the production she’s involved in. What kind of human can do this?

‘The calmness is unbelievable. Is she even human? Moreover, Sua’s words make sense. If the affair is true, I can punish the guy who touched Sua and save the production at the same time.’

However, there was one problem.

‘Sua doesn’t have any physical evidence of the affair itself either.’

There’s no concrete evidence that Kang Hak-man and Lee Joo Hyun had an affair.

Ask to proceed with removing Kang Hak-man and Lee Joo Hyun from “Crescendo From Tomorrow” just by trusting Sua’s gut feeling?

It was actually an absurd story. If she had told this story to someone other than Kim Yiseo, she might have only received a lot of ridicule. Because Kang Hak-man has a good reputation.

However, Kim Yiseo’s concerns didn’t last long.

‘But Sua knows that too, so she must have only told me. As the CEO, I have to repay that trust.’

Working with Sua until now, Kim Yiseo felt one thing greatly. That is, it’s better to believe in what Sua says than to hesitate whether to believe it or not.

Why? Because Sua believes in Kim Yiseo in return.

Eventually, Kim Yiseo nodded.

I want to kill Kang Hak-man, who touched Sua, a precious member of Mystic, right away, but in the end, what I have to respect the most is the intention of Sua herself.

Sua said she wanted to save “Crescendo From Tomorrow,” so it’s right for Kim Yiseo to move in that direction as well.

“Okay. I’ll secure the physical evidence somehow. Sua, just focus on work as usual.”

“….”

Sua was slightly touched. To trust her this much.

In the meantime, Kim Yiseo stroked her chin.

“If, this time too, things turn out as Sua said….”

Kim Yiseo couldn’t finish her sentence.

Because it was amazing even just imagining it. In that case, Sua would have saved “Crescendo From Tomorrow,” and Sua’s gut feeling would become something close to divine magic.

◈◈◈◈◈

The next day. Director Ko Taemin’s studio.

Now that Mystic has started moving quickly behind the scenes, Director Ko Taemin is dealing with an unexpected guest.

Just looking at how much effort he put into the seating arrangement, you could tell that he wasn’t an ordinary guest. On the desk between the two, there were a lot of luxurious refreshments.

However.

“Wow, Director Ko, you still play the piano?”

The male guest actually only stroked the grand piano with his fingertips. As if he had no interest in the refreshments at all.

His lower face was entirely covered with well-groomed beard, giving him a strong Western impression, as well as his height and physique. It was impossible to believe he was Asian.

Director Ko Taemin nodded.

“Yeah. I still play these days. David Park, you’ve never been interested in this kind of thing, have you? You like using your body so much.”

David Park. That was his name.

At Ko Taemin’s words, David Park smiled. Still stroking the grand piano with his fingertips.

“I used to be like that, but these days I suddenly became interested in music. Am I just getting old?”

“If a person does something they don’t usually do, they’ll get hurt. Be careful.”

“Your ruthless jokes are still the same. I wanted to hear Director Ko’s jokes when I returned to Korea from Hollywood.”

As he said, he was an actor who had experienced Hollywood.

“Hollywood, huh…. So, how was Hollywood?”

“Hollywood. It’s cruel.”

David Park dreamed of becoming an actor who dominated Hollywood, but he couldn’t even get close. He was just an Asian actor who occasionally showed his face in supporting roles.

“In Korea, they praise me just for the fact that I went to Hollywood, right? If they knew how I was treated over there, they wouldn’t say that. I was nothing.”

“That’s because Korea is a country thirsty for things to brag about. It’s important that its people are active in Hollywood, but they don’t care what kind of day they’re having.”

“Calling it something to brag about is a joke in itself. I was a complete nobody. About the size of a rolling stone.”

David Park smiled bitterly.

When he first went to Hollywood, he was full of all kinds of ambitions, but now none of that remained.

Even though he had built a solid position in Korea, he felt miserable as soon as he went there. That’s how reality is.

“Anyway, I don’t want to go back now. I felt a wall, and it was like hell. I need a break for the time being.”

Director Ko Taemin poured tea as if comforting him.

“Yeah, now that you’re in Korea, take it easy and rest.”

“But I don’t want to just play around.”

“Then?”

“Come on, you know why I came to see Director Ko, right? I didn’t just come to say hello.”

David Park, who was stroking the piano, finally sat across from Director Ko Taemin. With a smile.

“Tell me about Director Ko’s next work.”

“What are you going to do if I tell you? The casting is all done.”

“To be exact, about the fact that you chose a rookie for the lead role.”

Ko Taemin understood who David Park was referring to. He must be talking about Lee Sua, not Ham Ayoon.

“That’s right. I chose Sua-ssi for the lead role.”

“Is that okay? You have a lot to lose.”

“That’s why I chose Sua-ssi. I had the conviction that if I chose Sua-ssi, I wouldn’t lose anything.”

Director Ko Taemin’s tone was quite serious, and David Park carefully observed those aspects and said.

“If you say that, Director-nim, then she must be a special rookie. Then, is there really a possibility of going abroad, like the reporters are talking about?”

“…Before that, there’s something I want to ask. You came to see me because you wanted to talk about Sua-ssi? What reason do you have to be interested in this kind of thing?”

“There’s a good enough reason. Because you talked about going abroad.”

The Hollywood that David Park experienced was like hell, and in the end, he couldn’t stand it. So he was curious.

“Although I couldn’t stand it, I hope that at least another Korean will be recognized in Hollywood instead of me. Recently, it’s been all noisy with stories about that rookie. Is she really that good?”

Director Ko Taemin nodded without hesitation.

“She’s good. Very good.”

“How good is she?”

“If I had to say, she’s like water.”

“Water?”

David Park narrowed his brow, but Director Ko Taemin continued without paying attention.

“Water changes its shape depending on the container it’s placed in, right? Sua-ssi’s acting has that kind of feeling.”

“Are you saying that her spectrum is very wide?”

“Yeah. The greatest person in the world, a male detective, a piano prodigy with Savant Syndrome…. She digests these roles that are so different without any aftereffects. It’s amazing.”

“Hmm.”

David Park nodded silently, but soon shrugged his shoulders. A gesture that is unique to the West.

“I admit that she’s great for a rookie. But there are many actors who do that as a basic in Hollywood. If that’s the end, it seems like she’ll end up being colorless and odorless like water.”

“My words aren’t over yet.”

Ko Taemin chuckled.

“Sua-ssi is a liquid with her own color and scent. If you put Sua-ssi in any aquarium, it will take on that light. That’s the most important point. I can’t help but look forward to the future.”

“You’re saying she also has her own unique character, right? Hmm….”

Soon David Park smiled.

“…After hearing this far, I’m getting too curious. I want to experience what kind of acting she does myself.”

“Didn’t you say you wanted to rest for the time being?”

“Come on, acting in Korea is resting. Can’t I join Director Ko’s next work?”

“You little rascal, I told you the casting for my work is over. Are you even saying that knowing your schedule?”

“I have no schedule problems. I ran away from Hollywood like I was escaping? I’m planning to stay in Korea for a while.”

“Well, anyway, it’s not possible. The casting is all done.”

Then David Park sighed deeply. But his disappointed expression is only fleeting. Soon he smiled and made a phone with his hand.

“Then let me watch on the filming day. You know? I’m really curious to see if she’s good enough to go abroad.”

“Okay. That’s not difficult.”

The two burst into laughter at the same time.

◈◈◈◈◈

Two days later.

An art hall in Gangnam-gu was crowded.

There was a large sign at the entrance.

[Lee Sua Fan Meeting]

That was why this usually quiet place was so crowded today. People couldn’t hide their excited expressions, but they kept order and entered one by one.

“No cutting in line.”

“Those who came now, please stand behind this side!”

While Sua’s fans were moving like penguins, the staff were running around in all directions. That’s because the event can’t be completed simply with Sua and her fans.

“Did the reporters already arrive?”

“A long time ago. More than that, what about the food sponsorship? Hasn’t the snack for the fans arrived yet?”

Reporters, sponsorships, advertising…. Various interests are entangled here. As a result, although there are 300 fans, the actual number of people gathered is almost over 400.

Meanwhile, Sua, the protagonist of today.

“Sua-ssi looks very serious again today….”

“Could it be that she thinks of the fan meeting as one of her works? She seems to be building up some emotion?”

“….”

The staff spouted speculations, but they were all wrong. Sua was trembling with nervousness.

In other words, Sua Nervous! Sua Anxious! Sua Emergency!

‘I’m nervous, I’m so nervous. There’s too much to worry about…!’

Yes, that’s because there was too much to worry about.

First of all, Sua’s precious fans.

Looking back at what happened at the convenience store, only a few people recognized Sua. But now, only 300 people who truly follow Sua have gathered.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call them an elite group of 300 soldiers. They are people who diligently checked attendance, diligently participated in cafe activities, and diligently participated in various promotions.

‘Is it okay to just say hello and sign autographs to these grateful people? I feel sorry now….’

But Sua couldn’t just tremble with this reason alone. There was another factor to worry about.

That second factor is….

Bang!

At that moment, a staff member wearing a headset with a microphone opened the waiting room door.

“Sua-ssi, you can go out now!”

Even if her head feels like it’s about to explode right now, she has to go out. Sua newly realized that time is not kind.

.

.

.

.

.

The fan meeting started with the fans cheering.

“Sua unnieeeee!”

“Wow, her charisma is crazy.”

“So handsome! So cool!”

Her eardrums felt like they were about to burst from the pterodactyl-like sound, and in the meantime, Sua’s eyes also suffered. Camera flashes were exploding everywhere like stun grenades.

Paang─! Paang─!

‘…?’

In the meantime, Sua was a little embarrassed.

‘Huh? Why do I only have female fans?’

In other words, Sua is confused?

It’s not that she expected handsome male fans, of course. It’s just that she was surprised that the gender ratio was so off. There are almost no men?

“Sua unnie! Marry me!”

“Unnie! Take meeee!”

“….”

In the end, Sua had no choice but to realize. Just like she thought she was a fox, but she was actually a wolf, it seems she’s a woman, but she’s popular with women….

Well, let’s put that kind of thinking aside and focus on the first greeting.

Sua bowed her head deeply.

“Hello. I’m actress Lee Sua.”

“No! You’re Kim Yoohan!”

“Unnie is Kim Yoohan!”

“Please greet us as Kim Yoohan too!”

“….”

Ah, so that’s why. The reason why the gender ratio is broken….

Sua decided to comply willingly. They’re people who have worked hard for Sua, so she can at least say hello.

“Hello, my name is Kim Yoohan.”

Then the sound of a pterodactyl flock flying filled the space, and Sua immediately moved on to the next action.

The first order is to walk through the paths between the audience seats and greet them once again at close range. Fans say they’re happy just seeing the actor up close.

“Hello. Hello.”

Sua looked at the faces of the fans up close while greeting them. They all had very happy expressions, so Sua was able to participate without thinking it was difficult.

So, at some point, as she continued to move forward.

“Lee Sua.”

A low tone.

Sua almost stopped walking without realizing it.

It wasn’t a loud voice, but she immediately recognized who it was. Rather, she had been waiting to hear this voice.

First of all, she can’t stop completely. She can’t do anything sudden now that everyone’s attention is on Sua.

So Sua only rolled her eyes.

Then, a gaze that meets in the air.

The other person was wearing a hooded hat and a mask, but seeing the eyes was enough. It’s certain.

The second factor that Sua had to pay attention to, the identity of yhr030, and at the same time, the actress who should play Kim Yoonkyung in “Crescendo From Tomorrow.”

Lastly, the person who will die in the worst case.

‘Yang Harin.’

Yang Harin attended Sua’s fan meeting.

“Congratulations on the fan meeting.”

Along with some unexpected words.